Now, by this I don't mean, "Man, I really wanted mac & cheese for dinner, but I guess I'll go ahead and have chicken, since Russell was planning on that." No. You don't give up on your mac & cheese.
Also, I'm talking about bigger, more life-involved, plans. Like the ones I had for jetting off to Spain, Ireland, Germany, etc. to teach on American military bases. To see the world all by myself, like an independent, grown-up girl who does what she wants and travels to exotic places, even though she's a teacher. Man, those plans sound awesome, Right?
But I'm trading those plans...for now. Don't be disappointed in me, people, or think I'm giving up on a dream. Trust me, there is absolutely NO WAY I will be giving up on that dream, I can tell you that. I'm just...pushing them back...
**Point emphasized below with bold, underline, and italics for those who don't want to read all the nonsense. :] For those that do, I thank you for your patience, and caring. :]
For those of you who haven't been following my life like the stalkers the internet turns us into, I've recently made a bold move and moved to Lawton, Oklahoma to be with my boyfriend (of one month, at the time), who happens to be in the army and to have been sent here. Woah, Brandi? Move to be with a boy? Gasp!
I know, I know, skeptical reader, I thought it would never happen. AND NOW, I tell you, I'm planning on moving, again, with him after we leave this...beautiful?...place.
Now, if you're clucking your silly little tongue at me for becoming a pushover woman who conforms to a man's life, I have some choice words for you. And I also thought of that myself before even deciding to follow him. So there. :P
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| And just look how cute we are! |
Basically, what it all boils down to, my friends, who have persevered through the ramblings to this conclusion, is that I will be moving to New York with my boyfriend** starting sometime in December or January, and that we will be stopping by Minnesota (to visit his family) and Arizona (to visit my family and our friends from NAU) in the meantime...after Lawton...in about November. It's hard to pin this guy down to details sometimes.
And I'm changing my life for a dude. But weirder things have happened, right?
Besides, maybe some day I'll get to make him move with me to random places! (Also, I promise I'm not being stupid about this. A lot of thought has gone into my decision, I assure you!)
Stay surprised, my friends. I know I am.
YAY!! I get to visit New York!!!!! I'm so excited! And for those nay sayers...let me tell you...my girl called me to talk it out...so I KNOW a lot of thought went into her decision! She's a truly amazing, independent, not follow a guy kind of girl and you all know it...but sometimes...you just gotta follow your heart rather than your head. And, apparently, Russell has her heart...for now at least...he will have to work hard to keep it as sensible, what the heck are you doing Brandi seems to pop out every now and then, but he's doing a fine job keeping the many sides of my beautiful daughter in check. haha YAY!!! I CANNOT WAIT TO VISIT MY GIRL IN NEW YORK!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mom! I can't wait for you to visit, either! We'll have to check out Niagra Falls sometime. :]
DeleteI married Eric two weeks after I decided to marry him, and four days after I uprooted and moved to New York, so you KNOW I cannot be a naysayer. And I know you're exactly what you said you are--I'd repeat it but it involved a lot of hyphens. :P But most of all, you're smart and you have a supportive family and plenty of supportive friends. I think you and Russell will do great in New York. Life is exciting, isn't it?! It rarely ever goes the way we plan, so all you can do is do what makes you happy!! I'm so excited! It'd be awesome if we could get stationed at the same post one of these days... ;)<3
ReplyDeletehaha You're so right, and I would never expect you to be a naysayer! :] haha I hope someday we get the same post!! That would be awesome! Eric and Russell would hate us! :]
DeleteBrandi, I am so excited for you! <3 Alyssa
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alyssa! :]
DeleteWhen I read this I smiled to myself because I could just imagine you speaking this out loud to me. Its amazing knowing how hard it must have been to push out of your comfort zone and embrace a new life with a new person. Especially for someone who is logical, grounded and proud of being herself! (Just a gathering of thoughts from the time I have spent with you, lol) Love can never be planned, organized, and it sure has funny timing... Just remember that this love inspired 180-degree life change means your growing as an individual, embracing all this worked has to offer and savoring the one delicacy, this universe has ever known... love. I am glad you know who you are and you found a guy who encourages your awesomeness! :) Wake up smiling, seize every moment, Try new things, Be BOLD, Amaze yourself, Take Chances, Be Optimistic, Embrace Change, Be legendary, Life your life with abandon, Have an open mind, be fearless, throw caution to the wind... this is your time and you only live once! Best thoughts and wishes to you and the new beau! Keep us posted on this next crazy chapter of BRANDI :D
ReplyDeleteYour Stepsister-in-law (wow that is a mouthful!)
Char <3
Thanks, Char! You will definitely be informed of my life as it goes on--top of the list! <3
DeleteOkay, here goes.
ReplyDelete1: I am TOTALLY cheering for you guys. I think it's awesome that you have found someone. Army guys are (usually) good guys, so hopefully he is epic (he should be, cause he is going to drag you all over). I would love to hear the whole background and hear details about him! Put me on the distro list!
2: As to Fort Drum... Look, to be honest, it sucks. If you can get a job teaching there or help out, *DO IT*. Do not be stuck in the house all day. There is not much to do unless you like hunting, Watertown is not fun, and since you grew up in the southwest it is going to be a culture shock. Some people move there and love it... some people (me) will burn the post down if they ever have to go there again. Just find a routine, make sure you guys stay close, and roll with the punches.
3: I am In No Way telling you how to live your life. But if you have a bf/gf in the military (I know you know this but I am saying it anyway) it requires a HUGE commitment. Like... As in you will probably not just stay bf/gf for long. I know you don't like to hear it, but there are going to be long hours, lots of suck, lots of issues, lots of nights when he is not home, lots of last-minute-this-just-got-thrown-at-me things. Make a budget and a meal plan and stick to it. Make sure you both know your responsibilities and Share Them as much as possible. Let little things roll under the bridge. And please, please go easy on him. At Drum, he is going to have a lot of stress at work. I got so lucky and am blessed to have a loving wife who lets me get away with murder... but I know a lot of spouses/bfs/gfs that cannot grasp that if you are in the army, you don't know what you are doing the next minute, much less the next day. Just make the most of every second you have with him.
4: I really am very excited for you guys. Just make sure you do not give up on those dreams. You have a good profession to be in if you are with an army guy, and trust me, you will want a profession. You are doing the right thing, and do not let ANYONE (NO MATTER HO THEY ARE) tell you different. Just be safe, stay in love, and don't let life get you down.
Also, you are invited for Thanksgiving. If you can make it, we would love to have you both!
Much love... Please keep me informed of how you guys are doing!!
Thank you, Eric!
Delete1. You're absolutely on the list and I'll have to tell you all the gory details sometime!
2. Yikes, I'll try to stay positive. Good thing I adapt easily and have a pretty universal profession.
3. I totally appreciate the words of wisdom and I promise you I can be a real good army girlfriend and roll with punches and let things slide. You can ask Russell--I'm a real easy girlfriend, though he says I'm too easygoing sometimes. I swear I'm the man in this relationship. ;] Budget and meal plan--check. We could probably already use that anyway.
4. Thank you, again! Times a million.
And I would LOVE to be with you guys for Thanksgiving! I have no idea what our plans are, but I will put that in as one of the options, for sure!! I want to see you guys! You and your wife are simply amazing, and I love you guys!!