Things I Love About St. Marys

You may not be aware of this, but I live in the coolest town in North America. It's full of history, being the second oldest city in America. It has a ton of fun things to do if you're an outdoorsy person, and you should be. Plus, it has the greatest people in the world. Here are some more fun things about St. Marys* that make it home sweet home:

1. It's practically paradise- I wish I had an amazing picture to show you just how beautiful it is. Every time we head downtown, whether to sit on a swing by the water, play on a playground, or get ice cream at the general store, I think, "Why didn't I have my wedding here?" Downtown is also where you can catch the ferry to Cumberland Island, which is an awesome day trip. Also, don't tell Rick Perry, but Christmas is very openly celebrated in St. Marys. There's Christmas lights on all the buildings along with a holiday tour of homes and a Christmas celebration in the park where even Santa comes to party. It's not just Christmas either. During the fall, the street leading to the waterfront is lined with scarecrows made by local businesses. It's basically the most festive town anywhere.
2. The church at St. Marys- Want to know the most fun fact about St. Marys? I have lived here nearly a year and a half, and I have NEVER heard a member of the church say something bad about another member of the church. Never. The St. Marys congregation is the friendliest and kindest group of people with which you will ever interact. We're involved in a number of efforts to evangelize, but the best example comes from the people. Each day they inspire me to be more friendly, more compassionate, and more Christ-like. Of all the things that make living here great, none of them compare to the blessing of being part of such a great church family. It's a huge part of why St. Marys is my home and where I want to raise my children (when we have them in several years). 
3. All the things to do- As I mentioned, we're a short ferry ride away from Cumberland Island, where you can camp, hike, watch for wildlife, or hang out on a practically empty beachfront. We're also an easy 45 minute drive from Fernandina Beach, another neat, historical town with a much-less-crowded-than-Jacksonville beach. You can be in most places in Jacksonville within an hour, and Jacksonville is packed with shopping, culture, and Adventure Landing, the single greatest place to spend a date night. St. Augustine, the oldest settlement in the United States, can be reached in an hour and a half, and if you haven't vacationed in St. Augustine, you're really missing out. (Especially if you're a military family, because they have the best military discounts around!) Just don't do the Ripley's ghost tour unless you want to die a certain death, but that's a different story for a different time. Moving on, you can also stay right here in the 31558 and find plenty to do. There's antique stores to explore, tons of parks to play ball or picnic, a campground with easy hiking trails, a movie theatre, a skating rink, a cheap bowling alley (on base), and a water park. What more can you ask for?
4. It's the perfect mix of city and country- Let me explain. I work in Jacksonville, Florida. It takes me about 45 minutes to get there, but I am so glad that I have St. Marys to escape to when I get off. My job is really stressful, but I love it, and I love being able to live close enough to work there. But I would hate living in Jacksonville. I live close enough to the city to enjoy its benefits while living far enough away to avoid its disadvantages. Plus, there's a college here that I will be attending next semester (blog to come on that) that allows me to get my education degree in math AND history, which is perfect for someone who can't decide what she wants to teach. Aaannnddd...just as a warning, you should have seen the next one coming!
5. My best friend and the cutest boy in the world is stationed here!

Isn't he just so cute?! 

So there you have it. We're currently in the quasi-process of buying a house, so if you're ready to move, I know a great real estate agent.

*St. Marys is actually the correct spelling. Apparently, our founders weren't too keen on the function of an apostrophe. 

The 25 Days of Christmas!

Believe it or not, tomorrow is the first day of December! (It is also, coincidentally, a week before my birthday. Just a reminder to all my family and friends that may want to buy me a present call/text and say, "Happy birthday.") So tomorrow means 25 days until Christmas! Where did the year go?

Well, just in case shopping, preparing for family, cooking, decorating, and all of the other wonderful traditions associated with this glorious holiday do not keep you busy enough, here are 25 things to do on the 25 days of Christmas:

1. Decorate- I'm sure most of you have already done this, but if you're like me, holiday travels kept you away from your home and you're just getting back. Of course, if you have already decorated, you can always add more. I personally don't plan to stop until I'm literally walking in a winter wonderland. Need ideas? Check out Pinterest and get addicted. Need an invite? Just let me know.
2. Go ice-skating- Is anything more fun?
3. Build a gingerbread house!
4. Volunteer somewhere- If you live in the St. Marys area, follow this link to find out more about helping the Children's Home Society of Florida. Not your thing? No problem. There's soup kitchens, humane societies, USOs, and United Ways accessible just about everywhere that could use your talents.
5. Take a holiday tour of homes- For other St. Mary-ians (???), this event takes place in downtown St. Marys on December 10th and in Amelia Island on December 2 and 3 from 10-4. 
6. Send an USO holiday box to a troop overseas-Details here.
7. Bundle up in your peacoat and scarf and head out to a Christmas play.
8. Watch Elf, A Christmas Story, and It's A Wonderful Life over and over again.
9. Make hot chocolate- Yummm!!!
10. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister- It's a one-year commitment that takes away a minimum of 8 hours of your month. Most of us can sacrifice that, and you'll make a huge difference in a child's life. 
11. Send homemade Christmas cards-All you need is some card stock paper, stickers or a stamping kit, and a little bit of creativity. (Some postage necessary.)
12. Make reading your Bible part of your daily routine. That way, when the new year is upon us and we start once again the "Read Your Bible In A Year" plan, it won't seem like such a daunting task.
13. Send flowers to someone you think might like them.
14. Host (or participate in) a gag-gift swap.
15. Finish up your scrapbook from four years ago this year- I know there seems like no time with everything else you've got going on, but most people have some extra time off in the month of December; take an afternoon and see what you get accomplished.
16. Take a lot of family photos!
17. Read a classic book snuggled under a warm blanket. I recommend To Kill A Mockingbird.
18. Put together a Christmas puzzle.
19. Give a book to everyone on your list-Me=nerd! But seriously, there's a book out there for everyone.
20. Make your bowl predictions, and participate in a friendly competition (i.e. one that involves NO gambling).
21. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.
22. Get away for a weekend and go skiing! Before Christmas is considered off-peak season, so the prices are usually lower. Can't afford it now or just can't get away? Plan a family ski trip for a little later in the winter season, then start an adventure fund of spare change. You can even plan ahead for next year!
23. For the die-hard football fans, find which bowl game is played closest to you and go! Last year, Ryan and I went to the Gator Bowl (the one where Mississippi State demolished Michigan) and we paid $80 for two can't-beat seats. Plus, we had a fantastic time!
24. Adopt a puppy! Everybody needs a home for Christmas, including our four-legged friends! And while we're on that subject, if you've ever even considered adopting a child or becoming a foster parent, you definitely should! What could be a better Christmas present than to save a child from a lost childhood and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Ok, enough for that soapbox.
25. Thank God daily for every blessing in your life!

The Case for Derek Dooley

Defendant: Derek Dooley, Head Football Coach at the University of Tennessee

Charges:

• Ruining the reputation/spirit of the University of Tennessee Volunteers-1 count
• Poor coaching decisions-5 counts
• Poor hires-2 counts

Prosecutor: People of Vol Nation

Evidence: Prosecution

• Defendant led his team to a loss against the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the first loss to this team in 26 years.
• Defendant failed to reach a bowl in his second year as head coach.
• Defendant hired Jim Chaney, an offensive coordinator with experience at the ever-so unsuccessful St. Louis Rams and the much less than prestigious schools Wyoming, Purdue, and Cal State Fullerton. 
• Defendant hired Eric Russell as Special Teams Coach, a coach that failed to teach his special teams how to tackle, block, or basically do anything one does on special teams.
• Defendant failed to replace Michael Palardy, a kicker for whom the adage "couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat" was made. 
• Defendant failed to bench an obviously tired/injured/lethargic Tyler Bray during the loss to Kentucky.
• Defendant forfeited Justin Worley's red shirt in the fourth quarter of the Alabama game only to hand the ball off five times.

Evidence: Defense

• Defendant suffered the loss of Justin Hunter in the third game of the season, followed soon by the temporary loss of Tyler Bray, losing possibly the best, albeit youngest, quarterback-receiver combo in the nation.
• Defendant endured the toughest schedule in nation, playing two national championship contenders and a very strong Arkansas team.
• Defendant assembled a team from the youngest group of football players in the FBS, only 68 of which on scholarship.
• Defendant's 2011 recruiting class ranked 13th in the nation.
• When the devil himself vacated his coaching position at the University of Tennessee two weeks before national signing day, the defendant managed to salvage a recruiting class ranked 9th in the nation. 
• Defendant has excellent hair and fashion sense.

Verdict:

• Guilty of 5 counts poor coaching decisions.
• Guilty of 2 counts poor hires.
• Not guilty of 1 count ruining the reputation/spirit of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Jury recommends Dooley be placed on one year probation, during which he must win all four out-of-conference games and a minimum of three SEC games, followed by a bowl victory. Defendant must also produce another top 15 recruiting class. Defendant must also fire Offensive Coordinator Jim Chaney and vigorously pursue David Cutcliffe and/or Peyton Manning. 

Things I Think That I Think

Randomly throughout the day I have thoughts...ok hopefully that's obvious, but as anyone who knows me well knows, I have this running commentary I keep on life in general (hence the name of the blog). And sometimes I want to blog about these thoughts, but some require further research or just a significant time commitment I'm not willing to forfeit. But, just so the world does not go without knowing the depths of Angie's brain, I have compiled these thoughts together for you in a short list. This list is not comprehensive, just the recurring thoughts.

1. I think... I need to blog more. You may disagree.

2. I think... I want to buy a house, but for all the wrong reasons. Here's the reasons I told Ryan: The mortgage would probably be significantly cheaper than our rent (good reason), I could decorate however I wanted (not a good reason), and we could have like five dogs and all the pets we wanted (bad reason). Nevertheless, I can dream, and one day, when these military days are behind us, we can buy our little dream home in...well, that remains to be seen.

3. I think...that college football should definitely have a playoff.

4. I am think...-ing about a career/school change. What's the world record for college transfers?

5. I think...I cannot wait until Thanksgiving because the day after I can decorate for CHRISTMAS!!! We watched Elf last night, and now I am totally in the holiday spirit! Plus, I'm getting all these neat decorating ideas, and I cannot wait to put them to good use.

6. I think...Elf is Will Ferrell's best movie.

7. I think...it's amazing how man spends so much time and energy (not to mention money) trying to figure out how to live a happy life, and study after study continuously shows that the life outlined in the Bible is by far the best. I will blog about this soon.

8. I think...I am ecstatic my hometown is going to be employing Teach for America members soon, and I cannot wait to graduate and apply myself (though I would NOT request the Huntsville placement).

9. I think... I am going to run the Marine Corps Marathon next year, which probably means I should stop blogging and get to training!

10. I think...I am married to greatest guy in the world...wait, nope, I KNOW that one!

Picking a Halloween Horror

Happy Halloween everyone! October 31 is here, so it's time that we start seriously thinking about what scary movies we all want to watch to get us in the spirit (no pun intended...ok pun intended). If you're like me, you're a horror movie junkie, and it's often hard to narrow down which frightful flicks you'll enjoy this year. Ryan and I planned to make a list of the ten scariest movies of all time, then work our way through. However, it's really hard to comprise a concise list because each horror movie is unique in its thrill and chill factor. Therefore, I've divided them up into 13 categories and given my recommendations for each. Hopefully this will assist you in your quest for scary.


The Not-as-scary-as-you-thought Movies
These movies weren't flops, but they just didn't live up to the hype.


1. Salem's Lot (1979, 2004)- It is my general opinion that vampire movies rarely are all they're cracked up to be.
2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)- Normally, I am terrified of movies that have the word "exorcism" in the title, but this one's previews turned out to be much scarier than the actual film.


Just Say No
Just don't watch them. Period.


1. The Girl Next Door (2007)- This movie is based on a novel by Jack Ketchum, and is absolutely the most shocking and gruesome movies I have ever seen. It's not scary; it's disturbing. Ketchum should be arrested for even thinking of something this terrible.
2. Quarantine (2008)- I've never seen it, but Ryan says its just no good.



The Zombie Movies 
What's more classic Halloween than zombies? Basically, nothing. Anything that ends with "of the Dead" is solid gold. Most zombie movies offer something unique, but I definitely recommend 


1. Night of the Living Dead (1968). It's in black and white, so it has to be classic. 
2. The Crazies (2010)- Though the zombies were not your traditional limping, brain dead monsters, this was still an edge-of-your-seater. 


The Laugh-the-whole-time-but-not-be-scared-at-all Movies
These movies really belonged in the comedy section.


1. Killer Clowns from Outer Space (1988)- I mean, did you not laugh when you read the title?
2. Blair Witch Project (1999)- The only thing scary about this movie was when my dad and I looked up the distance from Huntsville, AL, to Blair, MD, and it was 666 miles.
3. Jaws (1975)- Here's a tip townsfolk: Don't swim if there's a shark.


The Stephen Kings
In my humble opinion, Stephen King flicks fall short on the scary meter, but nonetheless he is considered an expert in the area. His classics like "The Shining" and "Children of the Corn" aren't really that scary. But here are some that aren't too bad.


1. 1408 (2007)- truly scary
2. Pet Sematary (1989) -I haven't actually seen this one is a long time, but it has to be better than Shining or the little corn cobs.
3. Secret Window (2004) - another movie you never knew Johnny Depp was in.


The Wish-this-wasn't-based-on-a-true-story Movies
 You know those movies that are a little too based in reality? The kind that keep you up knowing that that COULD happen to you? Yeah, you gotta watch at least one.


1. The Strangers (2008)- Do NOT watch this if you spend a lot of time alone after dark. The victims in it are just stupid enough to make you a little more confident, but you may not answer the doorbell for a month or so.
2. The Last House on the Left (1972, 2009)- Make sure you watch the 2009 version and not the 1972 one. I'm not sure which one is more based on reality, but the old version is just sickening.


The Classics
These are the ones that make all the countdowns, the ones everyone has heard of. Titles like "Halloween," "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Friday the 13th," and "Psycho." You should watch any classic because of its novelty, but here are my top recommendations:


1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - This is one of the top movies in general of all time, and it ranks among the best in horror flicks as well.
2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, 2010)- If you're really an overachiever, watch the new one and the old one. I have a hard time deciding which one is best.
3. The Omen (1976, 2006)- Again, watch the old one AND the new one. You won't regret it (unless you're a big Gregory Peck fan).


The Series
Let's be honest, horror movies typically prove the theory, "The new ones are never as good as the original," painfully true. But some aren't so bad.


1. Paranormal Activity 1-3 (2007, 2010, 2011)- If the camera work in 1 makes you nauseous, 2 is way better (and probably scarier too), and 3 is just...well go watch it!
2. Halloween series- Not awesome, but better than most. That silly Michael just won't die!


The Made in the 2000s
A lot of times, modern scary movies rely too much on blood, guts, and special effects and not enough on true scare tactics. These movies though are the exception: 



1. When A Stranger Calls (2006)- Apparently, this is a remake, but I've never seen the original. If you hate when you scream at the television because the people in the movie are acting so stupidly, then you'll love this one. This girl does all the right things and...well, you'll have to watch and see.
2. Mirrors (2008)- I think this one is a must-watch for an true horror junkie.
3. The Rite (2011)- Does Anthony Hopkins make a bad movie? This is one of the best movies I've seen. Not incredibly scary, but a definite good watch. 


The Ones You've Never Heard Of
Ok, I'm not saying that these are the best movies ever, but one does have to wonder why they didn't get more publicity.



1. Ghost Story (1981)-Old rich men with a secret makes for a decent movie.
2. The Hitcher (2007)- You'll never pick up a hitch hiker again. 


The Didn't-really-think-this-was-going-to-be-scary Movies
Sometimes, we scary movie connoisseurs think we can easily distinguish between a flop and a fright. However, some of them take up by surprise.


1. Case 39 (2009)- Should've known freaky little kids can make anything scary.
2. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)- Not your typical haunted house movie. This movie will cause you to get the full history report on the next house you purchase.
 
The Crazed Murderer Movies
Most of us fearful followers don't like these types of movies. We figure, "Hey, keep a gun beside the bed, you'll be fine." But they do comprise a significant portion of the genre.


1. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974, 2003)- Old or new? Doesn't matter. Both weird. Both with a chainsaw.
2. The Hitcher (2007)- I just had to include it again. You really should watch it. 


The Horrifically Horrifying Horror Movies
And finally, the scariest of the scariest. The ones where people pass out in the theatres, jump out of their seats, and cry at even the thought of watching it again. I do NOT recommend these movies, but if you're in the mood for a real scare, you'll find it with these.


1. Insidious (2010)- I cried in the theatre, literally.
2. The Exorcist (1973)- Not necessarily scary while it's on, but once it ended I was paralyzed with fear.


Now, I'm sure you're all wondering which one I would recommend out of them all. I know you're oh so perplexed and thinking, "Just tell us which one to watch." So here are my top three recommendations for a frightful and fun Halloween:


1. Insidious
2. The Rite
3. The Strangers


Let's the scaring begin!!

Ryan and Angie: One Year Later

As you may know by now, Ryan and I just celebrated our one year anniversary. That's right, we've officially transitioned from "newlyweds" to "old married couple." I'm a few days late on blogging, but I have a lot of homework I am trying to avoid, so now is as good of a time as any.

I am quite fascinated by marriage and family relationships. I work with teenage mothers in foster care trying to help them build a successful FAMILY. I am majoring in FAMILY and Human Development. When I graduate, if I still live in Saint Marys, I plan on applying for a job as a FAMILY life educator. So basically I am obsessed with families and how their relationships evolve. Ryan and I are a family now, and one of the things that constantly fascinates me about our relationship is how much we still learn from each other. I mean, we knew each other for around ten years before we even started dating, yet I still learn something new from him or about him all the time.

That is quite a long and exhaustive introduction to get to this point: There is one thing Ryan has taught me about this year that really can define our marriage tenure. That one thing is the greatest television show to ever be made. That one thing is The Office. More specifically, Jim and Pam's relationship on the office. Now, The Office is a goofy show, but Pam and Jim are the (second) greatest couple in the history of the world. (Ryan and I are first...just saying.) They're goofy, they're crazy about each other, and they're best friends! That is Ryan and me all over again. So, to commemorate our one year anniversary, here are some fun things from The Office, and some fun things about Ryan and me. Enjoy! :-)

P.S. If you don't watch The Office, you need to stop everything you are doing right now, get a subscription to Netflix, watch every episode from seasons 1-6, then individually purchase season 7 episodes on iTunes. Then return :)

1. The proposal
Pam and Jim lived away from each other while she was in school and he worked. She left school early to be with Jim because she couldn't stand being apart any longer. Jim drove as quickly as he could to surprise and propose to Pam in the middle of a gas station parking lot because he couldn't wait any longer.
Ryan and Angie lived away from each other while she was in school and he worked. She left school early to be with Ryan because she couldn't stand being apart any longer. Ryan drove as quickly as he could after work one day and proposed to Angie in the middle of a hotel parking lot. He was covered in mud from work that day because he couldn't wait any longer to propose.
Yep, we basically are Jim and Pam, only better. 
Here is a video to highlight their wonderful relationship. Notice three things:
1. Pam drives a Prius, which I really want.
2. Pam says her boyfriend is 12, which is a sentiment I can often agree with.
3. At least watch until half-way through so you can see the real proposal.
 http://youtu.be/V4Ry90sDfnY
Also, here is our goofy video. (I made this for Ryan when he was away for like a bajillion days once.)

Moving on...
2. My husband is 12 years old (as previously noted) but also so cute! He is always picking on me, similar (but definitely not the same) to the way Jim picks on Dwight. If you have no other reason to watch The Office, you should watch it for the epic pranks that occur. Observe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp6BSYSUQek&feature=related
Sorry about the quality, but I almost fell out of my chair laughing.
Moving on again... Here's some pictures of me and my super cute, 12 year old husband:

A little confusion on how golf actually works

I think flying reindeer are definitely what the Marine Corps need.

Yeah...he's just adorable. And here is a picture so you know that my husband is not the only one who typically confuses his shoe size with his age. I was a pirate.

3. As I already said, Jim and Pam are best friends. I won't annoy you with more Office videos, and I may attempt to get serious here. This really is where our relationships mirror so well. Ryan and I are absolutely best friends. We always have fun together. We have so much in common, and what we don't have in common we balance each other so well. We have fun cleaning, driving, packing, etc. Anything we do, we always enjoy it as long as we're together. I am truly blessed and thankful that God gave me my husband in the form of my best friend. This past year has not always been easy (thank you USMC) but we've been able to get through it together, with God's help. And I can honestly say that through the ups and downs, moments of extreme happiness and sadness, and the whole unpredictability of it all, it has truly been the best year of my life. Marrying Ryan and moving here was the best decision I ever made, and I'm looking forward to spending many more years and eternity with my hero, my soul mate, my best friend.

Wedding Day: July 24, 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

Christmas 2010

New Years 2011

July 4, 2011

ANNIVERSARY!!

You Know You're a Military Spouse When...

It's 3:30 in the morning. I have been up working on homework, but I can only take so much of State and Local Politics before I reach my breaking point. So, why am I still up instead of in the bed resting before another day of homework? Because I saw the SCARIEST MOVIE EVER the other night, and Ryan is at work, so I cannot sleep. Period. Plus, I have taken in so much caffeine the past few days because of work and school that I am pretty sure my blood-caffeine level is probably way past the legal or recommended limit. So here is a fun little blog I've been throwing around in my head for a few days.

You know you are a military spouse when...

• You wake up and realize your husband took the toothpaste to work.
• You HATE RAMs. 
• Grocery shopping becomes fun at the commissary because of all the money you are saving.
• You LOVE deserts. The kind your husband wears; not the kind he gets deployed to.
• You do not own a "helmet," "bullet-proof vest," "flashlight," or "water bottle." However, you do own four things that serve those functions, but they have a silly name you can't ever remember.
• Your laundry is sorted into lights, darks, towels, sheets, and green things.
• When your doctor or nurse says, "You'll have to call Tricare..." your first thought is, "Is avoiding serious illness or death really worth the trouble?"
• You have at least three good stories of excuses a clerk has come up with when you ask if a store has a military discount. "No" would have sufficed.
• Your alarm clock regularly goes off at hours in which no human should be awake.
• You never ask why anymore.
• Your husband regularly refers to you as "maam."
• Though you try and try, you never can get someone to comprehend your husband's work schedule.
• You don't find it weird at all there is a gun just propped up beside your bed.
• You sometimes refuse to watch movies depicting the military with your husband because you know you'll get a lesson the whole time about how the "real" military does it.
• You firmly believe your husband's branch is best, but you don't really know why.
• Sometimes your husband speaks a foreign language only people in uniform can understand.

And last, the one that inspired this blog...

• You know you are a military spouse when you have to plan when to watch horror movies so you have your husband home the maximum amount of time after the fact to protect you.

Can my fellow military wives think of any others?