A Photographic Summary Part II

Today's photographic summary shares some moments with a couple of my best friends...they were and continue to be such a significant part of my life that I consider them sister soul mates. I'm sure I've shared this before, but just to remind y'all, Anna was my first friend after leaving Oklahoma to join my Sailor in Great Lakes, Illinois. We lived there 6 months, and during that time, I didn't have any friends. I made acquaintances walking Kakashi daily and enjoyed some nice conversations, but that was the extent of those relationships. Tom was a night student and had duty every 4 days, and I barely ever saw him. It was a very lonely time; definitely one of the lowest points in my battle with depression. Before moving to Virginia, I used Facebook to try and make some new friends so I wouldn't have to experience that loneliness again! When you're moving around in the military life, making friends is like dating...I, and I'm sure many others, will basically post personal adds on military Facebook pages describing the best qualities about myself and what I would like to do with potential friends. You know, like, "I enjoy eating out! I love wings and beer nights!" With all of that being said, Anna and I have always talked about our friendship like a couple reminiscing on how we met and how influential we've been in each others lives...it's kind of a weird description, but it really is the best and most accurate haha! Anna is my Itty Bitty (nickname), and she has truly been my saving grace...I wouldn't have handled the military spouse lifestyle as well as I have without her support, strength, love, and friendship! Here's a photo of us on the first night we met face to face!

Itty Bitty's cousin, Clairessa, moved in with her a little more than a year later, and she and I instantly clicked! I was so relieved that I liked her so much because I knew she was such an important part of Anna's life! Anna and I were destined to become friends, and with Clairessa's arrival, it became apparent that she was a part of that destiny as well! I call her my like minded weird friend because we both share a kooky kind of thinking. She brought a new kind of silliness and charm to my life, and she's helped me to smile and laugh during my saddest moments. There have been too many times to count how often the three of us have embraced each other all at once for strength, comfort, and love! Here's a first photo of the three of us together followed by just a few of the many similar photos we share!

 

The news about moving to Florida was exciting because I was looking forward to living in a warmer state, and I actually enjoy the experience of living in new places! But, I left a lot behind in Virginia...Anna and Clairessa were the hardest goodbyes of my life. And actually, I don't like to call it a goodbye...so long for now, and farewell until we meet again, were the phrases I wanted to use, so it didn't sound so final! The night before I drove down to Florida to stay, was spent with my girls. They showered me with farewell gifts and photos to remember them by to have around my new home. We cried and cried and cried, but we laughed and laughed as well! The three of us have matching tattoos, a double infinity symbol, and my parting gift to each of them was an infinity bracelet..I haven't taken mine off once! We've been through some really tough times together, through shattering heartbreak We've been through too many happy moments to count! We live 10 hours apart now...but these girls will always always always be two of my very best friends. And guess what? I'm going to visit them next month! Too excited for words!

Before I wrap this up, I have to shout out some love for Anna's husband, Eric! He's a Marine, and I'm so proud to know him! He and Anna have a beautiful relationship and are a great example of how marriages in the military absolutely do work! Eric has been a big brother to me and has encouraged and supported me through so many tough moments in my life, and I'm so grateful for him in my life. And I'm grateful for the friendship he and my husband have...it's always nice when the husbands get along! I love him as much as I love my Itty Bitty and Cee...I'm truly blessed to have these three in my life! It's like having more siblings! :)

 I'll leave y'all with a simple little collage of what my last night with these gals looked like, dear readers! And remember, depression is a tough battle, but having the presence of friends instead of loneliness, is the very best kind of medicine and pick me up! Hugs and love, my lovelies!

Love,
Amy

Brown Sugar...How Come Ya Taste So Good?!

Just like I knew you would!!! Haha! Does anyone else remember the commercial with the ant singing? I'm not even sure what the commercial was for...maybe a soda? Well anywho, I always sing those little lines anytime I cook with brown sugar :) Ah...brown sugar...yum.

Anyway! I don't have anything else to say about brown sugar at this time...I just wanted to grab your attention! Tomorrow I'm going to (hopefully) whip up some pecan brittle and maybe those "skinny chunky monkey cookies" everybody keeps "liking" on facebook. I'll take pictures along the way and share with you all of course. The brittle recipe is actually one that my grandma has had for as long as I can remember...I'm not sure who gave it to her. But it's awesome...all done in the microwave!

It's only been a few years since I really developed any kind of affection for cooking, but it's been a fun journey! I believe maybe one of my proudest accomplishments is making gravy from scratch...my grandma tried time and time again to teach me, but I was always intimated by the lack of exact measurements. I'm cool with eye balling measurements now...I'm not sure if I'm good at it, but so far, everything I've cooked has been edible :)

I feel like I'm rambling. That happens. Anywho! I have 3 aprons that were all especially altered for me...a "kiss the cook" one stitched by Betty (church family and person who wed Tom and me); a "mrs. carrell" one by one of my besties, Nicole; and a pink frilly one with "amy" stitched on it by my other bestie, Michelle :) I love all three! I'll have to make sure I get some photos of me rockin' the "housewife in an apron in the kitchen" look to go along with my show and tell of recipes on here.

I do have a half pic of the one Michelle made for me, and that is how I shall wrap this up. It's a few months old, but please ignore the bags under my eyes (that I can't seem to get rid of) and my messy hair. Stay tuned for recipes cooked and confirmed by me! Hugs and love, my lovelies!