So Long, 2005!

Well, I hope 2005 was a good year for you. I'd like to think it's one of the best one's so far, lots of good things happened...
My Boyfriend came home from Iraq safely in March, we got engaged in April, Married in October, bought our first home, my sister moved up from Florida, and I learned important life lessons, like beware of anything promised by the Military. "We won't be sending Rob back to Iraq" never said anything about not sending him anywhere else. "Helloooo Africa". Oh, also never buy seafood on sale.
So yeah, good year and all, but those lessons smart a little. I've been working on New Year's resolutions. I have two that I'm really shooting for. One of them being "learn to cook". (yes, again..."if at first you don't succeed" and what not). Last night I bought some lobster tail on sale (hey that rhymes!) And I decided to do it up. I actually made vegetables, mashed potatos, poured a glass of wine, and steamed my lobster tail. (This is a HUGE step up. Normally I eat cheerios and maybe a slice of cheese.) It was awesome... two hours later though "awesome" was not the word I would use. All of a sudden I'm sick to my stomach and everything that touches my skin feels like sandpaper.
Rob said that when they put seafood on sale for 50% off, there's a reason.
Thanks Safeway. Happy New Year to you too.

We should have gotten a cat

Well I'm glad the stupid eye thing made everyone's day...Meanwhile back at the ranch, my dog is smarter than me and it sucks. I'm trying to figure out a way to sway him from lounging on the furniture while I'm at work. I feel like my wisdom is being shipped in parts that must be assembled slowly. It's finally dawned on me to close my bedroom door while I'm at work. Then I came home and the couch had mysteriously aquired a patch of fur... so before I left for the gym (bonus points- THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, I WORK OUT), I put the box our Christmas tree came in on the couch. I just got home. The only chair left in the house feels rather warm... Scout was innocently walking around the kitchen with that "I don't know nothin'" attitude but he somehow also aquired yet another pair of my socks.
Anyone know a good taxodermist?

My Eyes...

Okay I tried this thing that tells you what color your eyes SHOULD be. Honestly, I think it's pretty stupid. But hey, you be the judge- the link is there in case you want to check it out. For the record, my eyes aren't brown- they're hazel.

Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Christmas.

Hey folks...so it's Rob again. Once more, the Christmas holiday passes on a bittersweet note for the Townley family. Though it's not the Norman Rockwell setting I'd like (i.e. Rob, Danielle and Scout opening presents with a crackling fire in the background), I have to admit I'm continually amazed by the efforts of my fellow servicemen and women in their endeavor to make this incredibly unhospitable place feel a little more like Times Square on Christmas day. The tinsel, cheesy plastic ornaments and miniature fake trees have come in droves, as have innumerable stockings and candy canes that adorn nearly everyone's tent entrances. Some brave soul even hung a huge "Merry Christmas" sign from the barrel of the artillery piece guarding the entrance to the base headquarters, and a roving party of well-wishers wrapped many of the doors around here in some sort of sparkly wrapping paper. There was actually caroling last night (yes, those boys and girls the government pays to fight our wars added their voices to the resounding chorus of "Silent Night" that echoed off the bomb bunker walls here on base). The display of goodwill that has temporarily pervaded this military installation at the edge of the civilized world will be short lived, but it has strengthened in me the sense that though I am away from my wife for the holidays, I am still incredibly thankful for the blessings she and I enjoy though we cannot be together. Had I not you, my love, I would have given up on myself a long time ago. You are my most precious blessing, Danielle, thank you for marrying me.

My warmest holiday wishes to all of you out there...Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!

Well my parents are on their way up to our house for Christmas. I pretty sure we'll all be busy driving eachother nuts, so there won't be much time for me to post updates this weekend. (I know I know, boo. hiss. Please try to put on a brave face) So, here's our Kukich Family e-card that we took for ROB- I LOVE YOU HONEY! Merry Christmas!!! The rest of you can suck it up...and Merry Christmas and stuff to you too!



The First Townley Christmas!

The Sock Monster Lives

Dogs show frustration with their humans in a myriad of ways. Scout enjoys the fine art of chewing socks. In fact Scout's been known to actually take Rob's socks out of his shoes, chew holes in them and then put them BACK. Rob used to get mad and I would tell him that if he maybe put his socks somewhere Scout couldn't reach them (i.e. THE SOCK DRAWER) instead of leaving them on the floor this wouldn't be a problem. Lately I have been doing laundry (translation: like three loads in the last year) and I have been losing socks left and right. Today I was lamenting this problem to Rob on the phone when it dawned on me to check under the bed. It was like sock heaven. So of course, here I am, FURIOUS with our dog and yelling at him, meanwhile in Africa and my husband is LAUGHING at me. When I "scolded" him (husband) for not being more supportive he said "Sorry honey, I was just wondering when Scout learned how to open the sock drawer". Touche, Sgt. Townley. Touche.

Get Lit...Mission: Accomplished

Well, another holiday party is done. The Kim's annual "Get Lit" party was a hit! I think it's safe to say everyone had a great time and never has a Christmas apron looked so good on so many people. SO, that said - I've uploaded the majority of the pictures onto Snapfish (if you want 'em, just say so) but here are a few teasers for you party animals who showed up.

Proof that I really did have friends in high school! Shari and Tara (respectively) came out to the Kim household to meet the Maryland crew.
One of many alchohol induced "I love you, man" shots. For instance, almost no one in this picture knew eachother an hour before it was taken. BUT for those of you keeping track- that's Saul (Rob's Africa buddy) standing next to me!
The flip cup Olympians. You can't tell who won can you? That's probably because at this point no one remembers.
Soooo tempted to start singing the "sisters" song from White Christmas.... but I'll spare you. I Love how as we get older, Laura gets more cool while I...I'm the one wearing the Home Goods apron and this time I can't use the excuse "Yeah...my MOM made me wear this".

Pictures of Rob!

I thought you guys would like to see some pictures that Rob sent last night. I stuck one in here of the guys he's been playing soccer with, the other two are cheetah pics. I think one of them is Rob giving eye drops to Patch... good times.
We love you Honey!

Impossible, Ethiopia

Hi folks! So, 40 days and 40 nights later, I've finally made it back to some sort of civilization, also known as my office in Djibouti. What a trip! From reading her prior posts I gather that Danielle kept you all informed about how the whole affair with Scout and Patch came about...I think that's going to be my and Danielle's 15 minutes of fame. Anyhow, the kitties are doing just fine in their new home. If anyone ever makes it over to Ethiopia, just stop by the National Zoo in Addis Ababa and say "Yeah, I know Danielle and Rob, now lemme see the cheetahs!" and they'll let you right in. Better than being on the VIP list at a night club, I'm tellin' ya.
Hmm...in other news, my crew and I took a trip a couple weeks ago to a place called Mustahil. Translated literally, the name means 'Impossible' in the local dialect. Fitting name for the town, since for 3 months out of the year the whole place is under 5 feet of water and the townpeople have to evacuate to high ground and live in tents. Why anyone would ever try to build a village there, I have no idea, but the people were themselves were amazing. No water, no power, yet they figured out how to build a camel-powered (think hamster wheel) sesame seed press to make sesame oil. Totally bizarre. The local tribe there adopted me, and gave me a new Somali name, "Santoori." I'm told it means "Senator" in the local dialect...who knows. On day two of the trip, we distributed some soccer balls to the local childrens' teams...those kids can play ball! They might have been running around barefoot, but a few of them had a mean penalty shot.
Hmm...in other news, I've traded in eating goat for dining on camel and wild boar, not bad! Camel kinda tastes like lamb, and boar is like incredibly tender pork (Only setback is that you have to shoot and roast the boar yourself...most people here are Muslim and have an aversion to pork in general). But, we split a 55 gallon fuel drum in half, welded some metal bars on it, and voila! Instant charcoal grille. So at least we have some variety in the cuisine now...it's alot better than goat scraps every night. African barbeque!!!
Spent a lot of time providing medical assistance to local doctors, helping out kids with malaria or flu, etc. I guess it's the cold season over here now (south of the equator and what not), so the locals are a bit under the weather. Oh, and before I forget...the coffee here is unbelievable. They have a whole ceremony surrounding morning coffee here; they literally roast the raw beans in front of you, grind them up, and make this incredibly thick, sweet coffee poured into little tiny cups. And a little tiny cup is all you need, that stuff is strong!
Other than that, I've spent the decidedly lonely nights (read: half the globe apart from my wife) sleeping under the stars...which are brilliant like you would not believe out here. The safari's nice, but I'd trade it all in a minute for an evening at home curled up on the couch with the Mrs. This deployment crap is for the birds. Anyone have a desk job open for me?

My name is Danielle, and I'm a scrapbooker

Okay I hate to admit this; I have started scrapbooking. What a moneypit hobby THIS is! I was looking through Heather and Clayton's wedding album recently and I'm not sure what came over me. The next thing I knew I was staying up late gluing stickers and punching holes into our new honeymoon album. Just for the record, this is the SECOND hobby I've picked up since Rob left. (The first one being the glass beads class). They seem to be getting more expensive. Notice how I never seem to talk about going to the gym anymore. (Which we have a MEMBERSHIP to)... hmmm.
Moving on - I have good news for those of you who continue commenting that my blog is more interesting when ROB writes. Tomorrow Rob SHOULD have internet access for a few days, so hopefully he'll get a chance to post some updates.
OH, AND (how could I forget!?) OUR WEDDING PICTURES ARE UP! If you want to see them, just go to www.pictage.com and create your own password. Then just type in one of our last names and the "code" (the date of the wedding 100805) and SHA-ZAM! You're in.
...it doesn't actually make the "sha-zam" noise

Let there be light

So. I had a professional electrician come and work on my kitchen lights this evening and I am happy to report that once again I can actually see dinner as I'm burning it! (pause) On second thought...maybe I was better off with the light out....
Rob is doing really well out in Africa. No more endangered animals to save and he's managed to sidestep eating bad goat. It really doesn't take much to keep him happy. A few more days and he *should* have internet access for a little while again. You'll be able to tell if he does because I'll probably have something like 500 pictures of him posted up here. I don't think any of us are prepared for another war between the internet version of the Greasers and the Soc's, so I'll leave the "military wife" updates at that. (If you didn't get that, you need to read more. Like A LOT more).
In other news, I took a Yoga class tonight. I hurt like an 80 year old man. Yoga people be crazy.

Ahh, the Christmas Spirit

This cracks me up. Laura, Scout, and I look like part of the Christmas Mafia. I think that this should be on our family's Christmas card this year...

Food, Folks, and Fun

Okay, sorry it's been a few days. What a wild weekend -
My mom came up to spend the weekend with me and I took her to a cocktail party in Baltimore. It was awesome. These people are fascinating - we met everyone from artists to insurance salesmen.

I never thought I'd see the day that I'd come stumbling into the house after 2 in the morning WITH MY MOM. I'm not really sure what that says about either of us... Anyway, this was the Baltimore crowd sans me (someone has to take the picture)


On top of all that excitement, the Renders came to visit this weekend. For those of you who don't know - Liz and I went to middle school and high school together - and our moms are friends. (I know I know "awwwww" - shaddup). So Laura came over to hang out and the five of us had a little mom/daughter thing going this weekend.

I am also not in this picture, cameraman obligations being what they are.
I think my most memorable moment this weekend was the 2 hours four of us spent on Sunday morning trying to put that stupid lamp up in the kitchen (which I've been working on for about a week now). My husband will be pleased to know I am keeping up the Townley tradition of making every task take more time and more money than it was intended to. So far I have made THREE trips to Home Depot, electrocuted myself (read: not "shocked" - ELECTROCUTED), and managed to BREAK the wiring inside the walls..... Right now I'm waiting for the electrician to call me back.

Truce! Truce!

Well, it's been an interesting few days on here, eh? I feel like we're all one big happy internet family. Everyone has struck nerves, put in their two cents, and now I feel like everone is reading this going "......and?" As if this is the season finale of the web page and I should either have a link to an episode of Oprah titled "Soldiers and the girls that love them" or one to tomorrow's front page with a story titled "That Girl That Snapped'" all about how I was found walking up and down I95 with a sharp object pointed at my wrist screaming "I'LL DO IT, I SWEAR I WILL!"
I have neither.
Tim Jenkins, you have been a worthy opponent. I look forward to reaking havoc on your blog someday soon. Your unknown sidekick is a wuss ;-)
So let's move on. In doing so I would like to share that Saul, Rob's buddy in Africa, is HOME! He came over for dinner earlier this week and I noticed that he was eyeing the meal warily. He finally admitted that Rob MIGHT have mentioned something about me being ...."unfamiliar" with the kitchen.
Rob, sweetheart, you have some explaining to do!

You Dunn Struck A Nerve.

So. I've pondered the best way to respond to a recent comment and here's what I've got.
"Tim Jenkins"....You can shove it. Let's review some facts:
1. Rob has spent Christmas in some dangerous armpit of the world for at LEAST the past three years (as long as I've known him) and yeah, we're both tired of it. He's currently on his 7th deployment, we're newlyweds and this is my web page, not yours.
2.If I want to take a minute and express that I'm having a rough day missing my husband of 8 weeks (2 of which we actually spent in the same country) don't get on my ass about how I'm being insensetive to those of you who are single. I'm not saying I'm the ONLY person who is, was, or ever will be lonely. Just expressing that I'm having a rough day.
3. Ask a Marine sometime what it's like when they are on these "trips". It's not like it's just a few months away and then they're home and "Oh, stop your whining Danielle. I'm ACTUALLY single and whah whah whah." Check the stats on how many of these soldiers don't make it back. And then shut your damn mouth.
4. Don't insult me with your bumper sticker "I complained about not having shoes until I met a man with no feet" bull crap. The first time that you spend Christmas in Afghanistan, Iraq, Africa, or somewhere that you have to worry about more than just holiday traffic - we'll talk. Until then, since you're so insistent on the shoe proverbs, why don't you walk a mile in ours?

P.S. I find it interesting that you feel bold enough to blast me on a topic you truly do not understand, yet you sign your comments with a fake name.
This is one topic you shouldn't check me on.
Comments?

Keeping up with the Townleys!

So apparently when the cat's away, the mice buy ELECTRONICS! This evening I was settling down for a night of dvd's and gift wrapping when our dvd player decided to cash in its chips. I've known this day was coming for a while now and I've been preparing for it. (Preparing = sucking up to my friend's husband that knows about electronics).
Clayton is the electronics king. I swear, Sony probably calls him for advice. He dropped everything and met me at Best Buy (THAT'S a good friend!). I should note here *in case Santa reads my web page, that Clay also fixed the air pressure in my car tires last week* ("nice" list).
Anyway, Clay and I found a niiiiice little system for a reasonable price. I headed home, AND ASSEMBLED IT MYSELF!!! (cue the applause)That was a very proud moment(aka three hours). Hooking up surround sound speakers, fixing the wires and finding out the blue/yellow/red/white cords that never have corresponding colors on the machine. It works though! ...ish.
Clayton is coming over tomorrow to fix it.

Seriously Santa, hook that boy up.

Cue the fantastic husband...

Okay, as if on cue, not even an hour after my last posting these flowers were delivered to my front door from Rob. The lady who brought them was really nice, and even went on and on about how much she liked our tile floors. I really didn't expect to smile today.
Thanks Honey!

Bahumbug

So, I'm having somewhat of a "feel sorry for me" day. I know it's pathetic but hey, don't act like you never had one yourself. I'm tired of Rob being gone during the holidays. Make that EVERY Holiday. We have been together since January of 2004 and have yet to even have a Halloween or Valentines Day together- let alone Christmas/Thanksgiving. Last year sucked, but I dealt (Hoo Rah and what not). This year it's not even December yet and I'm already tired of putting on the brave face at the holiday parties alone with my big, stupid "no really, I'm fine" smile. I swear, if one more person puts their hand on my shoulder and shares in their infinate wisdom; "Don't worry, the next 4 months will fly by"(and then grabs their husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/family cat/whatever to go home for the evening) I will be forced to break their fingers. (Hey, originally it said "face"...I like to think I've calmed down considerably)

Picture of Cheetahs

There has been another story on the cheetahs, It's pretty much the same story, but they included a picture this time that I thought you guys might be interested in; THIS is how those two cubs have been living for the past 5 months. 8 inches of rope between them and the ground.
People Suck.

We made two cheetahs smile!

Okay you guys- The Cheetahs are under rescue! - HOW COOL IS THIS??? This was published yesterday. It's kinda long- but I thought you'd like it anyway...
(Rob is my super hero!)

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING FOR TWO CHEETAH CUBS IN ETHIOPIA
Cheetah Conservation Fund Collaborates With Ethiopian and US Authorities

Ethiopia- Two orphaned cheetahs tied to the ground by an 8 inch rope were confiscated today, and will be flown to Addis Ababa tomorrow through the combined efforts of various people coordinated by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a not-for profit organization dedicated to helping to save this endangered species for extinction. Dr. Laurie Marker, an American who founded CCF, says that, “Today is truly a great Thanksgiving for all – and in particular for these cheetah cubs. I can’t give enough thanks to all the many people who rallied together to assist these helpless cubs”.
The two cubs were reported to CCF by concerned representative of the US military Civil Affairs unit who is providing humanitarian assistance to the inhabitants of the region as part of the Combined Joint Task Force/Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). CCF representatives then coordinated a group of Ethiopian officials and concerned individuals helped by representatives in the US Embassy in Addis, the US military unit, and the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme to locate and airlift the cubs to Addis, where they will undergo medical treatment by the Ethiopian Wildlife Department.
The cubs were being monitored by and reported to CCF on a daily basis; however the involvement of the Ethiopian WL Dept was needed in order to take the cats into custody for medical care. Both cubs were in critical condition: the male had a severely infected eye that will need surgery and follow up medical treatment. Both cubs were starving and being fed a diet of milk and cheese, not an appropriate diet for young cheetahs. As a carnivore, the cubs needed raw, lean meat, and the milk diet was causing the cubs to be suffering from severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The cubs, estimated at approximately 5 months of age, were believed to be illegally purchased by the hotel owner, probably to be sold to wealthy buyers. There is a lot of illegal catching of young animals in this area, particularly carnivores, said Dr. Zelealem Tefera of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.
According to Marker, “Cheetahs are an endangered species, with less than 15,000 cheetahs left in the world. Regrettable, there is still illegal trade in live wild endangered cats and their fur and body parts. This is not the first instance of cheetah cubs being reported in illegal situations in Africa. Cheetahs, particularly cubs, are easy to capture. Fortunately, this time we were able to intervene before the cubs died or were moved to an untraceable situation.”
Contingent upon a medical check-up and assurances that the cubs are healthy enough for air transport, the cubs will fly aboard a US military plane and will be taken to the Ethiopian National Palace in the capital, where they will housed and given proper care.

Couch Reservations For One, Please

Yes, that is a picture of our Christmas Tree. Hey! I'm a lonely married woman, trust me, there are worse ways I could be spending all this free time! I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon putting that up. The whole time thinking of my adorable husband all alone in Africa with his two cheetahs and how we will be spending our first Christmas apart. (sigh). So Rob called last night and asked how my day was. I told him how much I missed him and about our tree that took me and my sister forever to put together, decorate, etc. and how sorry I was that he wasn't going to be here for Christmas this year. Do you know what he said?
"You put the tree up already??? Danielle, It's not even Thanksgiving!?!?!"
...And then he laughed at me....for like 5 minutes....

Men.

(I have to leave the blinds closed for a few days... apparently I should have read the "Home Owners Association Handbook" first). shaddup.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

I woke up this morning with every intention of going to church. I am not sure what happened...It's 10:30am and here I am in my pajama pants, cup of coffee, and hair in ponytail mindlessly checking my email. I do have a splitting headache though... does that count?
Last night we watched "Mind Hunters". It's a psychological thriller a guy at work recommended. I do not support his recommendation. It was a lot of "You're the killer! No, YOU are! Shut up! No YOU shut up!" I kept waiting for "my dad can beat up your dad". That movie is the poster child for proving that it really is all about who you know and HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH an actual talent for screen writing....or acting.
Rob called this morning to say hello. You know that "butterflies in your stomach" feeling you got in high school when 'Johnny Football Hero' or 'Susie Cheerleader' said hi to you in the hallway? THAT's what his phone calls are like for me. And yes, I know you think that's cheesy and no, I don't care. No progress on the Cheetah's yet except that we've named them. "Spot" didn't make the cut.
Okay, if anyone needs me, I'm probably on my couch watching VH1's "Top 101 Celebrity Oops".

Hoorah.

Okay, so we're working hard on this Cheetah thing. We've contacted a rescue organization that can actually help (thanks Neal!) and Rob is contacting them whenever he can - which is tough with a 12 hour time difference. More on that when I have more.
So it's Friday. I had the afternoon off so of course I went shoe shopping. (Rob, that's slang for "grocery shopping" - I swear). So, a question: Ever have those "Super Friendly" sales people that follow you all around the store making suggestions and offering advice even after you've politely refused their help? I hate those guys. I started to feel like I must strike them as a shoplifter. I used to work retail, I've seen the same training videos. You see a "potential shoplifter" and you follow them around annoyingly and ask them if you can help them...with anything...really....I'll even give you unsolicited advice on an outfit that would look, like, SO good in. Totally.
Yeeeaaaah.
Anyway, now I'm at home and blah blah blah. I think my sister and I are going to go see Jarheads tonight. (Sorry honey. I love you!) Hoo. Rah. Baby.

Cheetahs never win!

I see how it is. No one ever e-mails me... but post a picture of a hot, single guy up and all of a sudden my inbox is packed with girls requesting more information and closer pictures. (Names with-held to protect the predators). Saul, rest assured that when you come back from Africa you will never spend a Friday night alone unless you want to.
Moving on, Rob has befriended two cheetah cubs in Africa. (he's sending pictures soon) They are only 3 months old and their mom is dead. We're looking for a rescue foundation that will take them so they won't die. Customs is pretty difficult to get through though, and a lot of organizations want you to take care of that on your own time - which Rob doesn't have. Any thoughts or ideas anyone? I talked to the San Diego Zoo today and got a lead on a zoo in Africa that I'm going to contact, but other than that... I got nothin'.

If you can help me, I'll put in a good word for you with Saul.... :-)

Shameless Danielle....

What is up with that?

Okay, so I leave work every day at 3pm (shaddup, I go in before you're even awake). How is it that it's now 5pm and I am still in my work clothes, having eaten random foods that together I (loosely) call "dinner". (apple, potato chips, peanut butter, milk, and a few ginger snaps)...and my big plans for the evening after I'm done on the internet are that I'm going to watch TV. I think winter has a hibernating mechanism that affects me. All summer I loved being outside and active. Now I just want some stretchy pants and a good movie....and maybe some cookies. WHY AM I SO LAZY?!?! You know what...forget this. I will not become "sloth girl" just because of some crap weather! I'm going to the gym.
Saul!?!? What the heck! You're supposed to be on vacation!
Okay, for those of you just tuning in, Saul is one of Rob's buddies out in Africa. (all together class, "ooooooooh"). He sends me all the "Your man is okay" emails when Rob can't call or write me. Saul Rocks. Anyway, this is the first picture of Rob I've gotten since he left. You guys all know who Rob is...and Saul is the guy second from the right. Hellooooo Ladies.

Baaaaaad Goat (you have to make the goat sound when you read that or you'll just think I can't spell)

Well, here's hoping that this week is better than last week. Rob called me around 5am (Africa time) having been up sick for most of the night after eating "bad goat". When he told me that, I decided that my week was already doing better than his, so I probably shouldn't complain.
Hey, so a question for the dog owners in the crowd... Sometimes during the course of a day does your dog get so much energy that he just can't sit still any more and start tearing around the house like a rabid animal up and down the stairs, in and out of rooms, sliding all over the kitchen floor, etc??
....No??
...oh...mine either...

The day I bet $5

I will bet you $5 that my day today was worse than yours. Before you start planning your strategy, be aware that I wouldn't just put $5 on the table if I didn't have one BAD day to back it up with. I'll even give you a teaser: One of the TAMER incidents today was the news that I will need a root canal. Anyway, my feeling is that if your day was in fact worse than mine, you probably deserve 5 bucks.

One Whole Month!

So, today is our ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY! (Stop rolling your eyes, I won't do this every month!) Anyway, In honor of the Townleys first full month as a married couple, I am posting our first picture we ever took together. Wow. Have you ever seen a picture of you and someone you were dating and thought..."Why are they dating me?" THAT'S what I think when I look at this picture.



And, AND, I'm taking a beads class. I kinda suck now, but who cares how good the beads look- I get to play with a blow torch! (And no, there were no casualties). It may seem like I'm posting a lot of pictures lately. That's because I am.


I think this constitutes as another one of those pictures I was just talking about. But seriously though, I look pretty hot in safety goggles....

Come join Danielle's weight loss program! (No really, it works!)

Okay, without Rob the house has turned into the next season of Survivor: Townley Household. I have GOT to learn to cook! I came home this evening ready to make a baked potato and re-heat a hamburger for dinner. Thirty minutes, a smoking toaster oven, and a very dry disgusting piece of beef later (apparently it doesn't reheat well in a toaster)- on the brink of starvation (slight exaggeration) I ended up eating 4 cookies, a glass of milk, and some cheese. Seriously, I think I need Rob here more than the military needs him there. ...I am so tired of unplugging my fire alarm from the ceiling. Why do we have to have them on BOTH floors?

Eat, Drink, and be Lethargic

I have just wasted an entire weekend. Every night has been spent right here at my computer. Even Scout is bored with me. I just ate a ton of sushi, some ice cream, and a tootsie roll. (no, I'm not pregnant. Shut it). If I keep this up I'm going to need those pants that just have the big elastic band on them. I'm going to wake up tomorrow and it will be Monday. I will probably complain about how much I'd rather be at home or out doing stuff. And now we all know that by "stuff" I mean hanging out on the internet. I think Rob needs to come home....

The First Wedding Picture

OKay, for those of you who have been asking, we don't have our wedding photos back yet- our photographer is getting married this month (Congrats Joe and Beck!) so he's a little busy. But he's doing what he can. Anyway, he likes to 'tease' us occasionally when he gets a chance to work on one or so. So he sent us our very first picture from the wedding... and here it is:


That's Deda (My grandpa) and my cousin Alex. I love my family! We're a classy bunch!
:-)
This is one I managed to steal... :-) I know it's not as fun for you kids at home, but Rob and I like it!

A moment of silence

This week was somewhat sobering. Rob's grandfather passed away last Thursday and I flew to Ohio to be with the family and say good-bye to Bob Larcey. Larcey funerals aren't what I thought they would be though. The whole family gathered to share funny stories about Bob, I got to FINALLY meet Neal- my brother-in-law, and everyone had baby stories (and pictures) of Rob.... that might have been my favorite part. Anyway, this entry isn't so much to entertain or vent, I just wanted to post some pictures up for Rob. Honey, we missed you! I love you!

next year I'm handing out dental floss

Okay, how did I become "uncool" so fast? I'm only 25!!! I still have like 5 years of "cool" left before kids think I'm old because I'm 30. WHAT IS THE DEAL!?
So last night I had my big bowl of candy by the door and was all excited about seeing kids' costumes, etc. (Yeah, I know what you're thinking- no life). Anyway, so the first AND second group of kids that came by were all dressed as the same thing - and they weren't witches or ghosts or butterflies, or whatever. No. They were CRACK ADDICTS. I told them I couldn't endorse drugs so they had to come up with a better title for their outfits. (This is probably where I started the downward spiral to uncool). A few ninjas, spidermans, and Buzz Light Years later an adorable little girl came to the door. I asked her what she was for Halloween. (I don't know, aren't you supposed to ask so that the little kid can tell you? Isn't that part of the fun for them?) She ROLLED HER EYES, sighed empathetically, and was like "I'm a princess. DUH". Responses like that just make me want to take a step back and say "Okay, first of all, you're like 3 feet tall. I WILL CRUSH YOU AND YOUR LITTLE PRINCESS OUTFIT. And "DUH"? WHO SAYS 'DUH' ANYMORE? THAT IS LIKE SOOOO OLD". But I'm 25,not 7 (and her parents were watching) so I had to be like "oh, well you're a beautiful little princess! Here's a snickers bar.

Probably unemployed after this one...good thing money is overrated

Well it's officially been a week since I last saw my husband...and it's really weird to say "My husband". The only time in my life it felt natural to say that was when I was about 6 and my Barbie was getting married to Ken and I was doing all the talking for her (of course). I've been keeping myself busy with all kinds of fun stuff though...
I think it's safe to say you haven't lived until you've seen your boss dressed as a life-size Raggedy Ann drinking a beer. I love it.
And as the evening goes on, others take an interest in trying on the red hair. Man, we corporate people know how to party like rock stars, huh?


Just in case you can't tell... that last one's my sister. Just want to make sure credit is received where credit is due. (Guess I still have some of that " bratty little sister" left in me!)

Kukich....or Townley

Okay, faithful followers. We are trying to decide if we should leave our blog where it is, or move it to "Townley". Thoughts? Opinions?? In the mean time, Rob I know you asked me to send some pictures via email but I just tried for the third time and I've decided I hate hotmail, so I'm just going to stick some up here and you can pull them off okay honey? I love you! Blog hugs! Let me know if it doesn't work. For the rest of you, happy viewing!

I think you have a screw loose.

I feel like I have just won the Olympics. That's right, the ENTIRE Olympics. I have assembled THREE pieces of furniture in two days. (notice the assemblies went much faster once the other half let me in on the family secret that we have a POWER DRILL.) Rita (crazy old lady downstairs) even rapped on the ceiling a few times to congratulate me. Okay, she was probably trying to get me to shut up. By the way, Andy, good point, I will get some pictures up here of the new stuff ASAP. Everyone needs to appreciate my ability to follow directions. Although this last one made me a little nervous... do they send those kits with extra screws?? Like a LOT of extra screws?...just curious...

Catch some rays down in Aaaafricaaa...

Hi all!Rob here, with greetings from the dark continent! Touched down here at about 6 on Monday morning...the first impression I got of the "exotic" paradise that is Djibouti was the totally wrecked and rusted prop plane they have on display to mark the airport entrance. Nice. After a short ride I hitched from some locals, I checked in with my crew, after which they took off for a couple weeks and leave me here to "settle in." The place isn't too bad, I have a bed, decent food, a shower and a car...so besides being an ocean away from the hottest girl on the planet, I can't complain. Other than some riots today in the city over a gas price hike (The price of gas here is about 4 dollars a LITER, and the cab drivers aren't too happy about that), things are pretty quiet here on the shores of the Red Sea. I'll send updates to everyone as I can on here...but that's it for now. Some guys from my crew said they're going to try to bring me some grilled Gazelle for dinner when they come back...looking forward to that. Laters!

Assembling Furniture...the gift that keeps on giving

I heard from Rob today! He's in Africa and getting settled. I'm sure he'll post when he gets some time.
Why is it that every time Rob deploys, I get furniture shipped that I have to assemble? Plus, what's up with all the screwdrivers in my house? It's like they all ran out and had a "tip change"...now I have like 50 flat tips and no Phillips. (Sidebar: who is this Phillips guy and why does he have his own screwdriver?) so far I have assembled one of those rolling kitchen carts us cheap people buy because we can't afford more actual counter space, and half of an entertainment center. That's right. Half. Laura and I worked on it for almost three hours this evening. You know the fun part about assembling furniture? It comes with a garuntee that you will screw part A into the WRONG SIDE of part B but not realize it, and you'll go on happily attaching parts C through Y....until you reach Z and it doesn't fit. Then you realize it's that (explative) part B that was backwards. And you knew something felt funny when you did it, but you did it anyway. And now you get to unscrew all the (explative) other parts and start over. And you do, because you're a good citizen- and when all the smoke has cleared and the tears have dried- you have a piece of furniture that looks SIMILAR to the one you bought...and there always seems to be that extra stick of wood left over. WHERE DOES THAT GO?!?!

Home Alone!

You guys are punishing me,huh? I leave my blog alone for like 2 weeks so I can GET MARRIED and no one comments anymore? What the?!?! Fine. See if we send you a Christmas Card. Well, Rob left for his deployment yesterday. It was not a happy day for the Townley family. But he called this morning in Germany on his way to his next flight and he's hanging in there. So anyway, I thought I'd add some pictures from our honeymoon so you guys can see how fun it was and how you missed everything. (Don't even whine. You haven't been leaving comments!)

This is the day Rob taught me to sail

This is Rob relaxing in the hammocks

and this is us right before Rob left. Way to go Marines. Hoo.Rah.

May I present, Mr. and Mrs. Townley

Well, the most memorable times are those filled with disaster. If people weren't stuck in traffic because of an 8 car pile up (groomsman Pete) or caught in a car accident which led to an ambulance ride and an ER visit (bridesmaid Katie) or called home for a family emergency two hours into their trip (co worker Angie) or drove 5 hours only to get hopelessly lost, miss the entire wedding, stay in the same hotel as the bride and groom and never see anyone (the Lilac's) then they were flooded out of the church like the rest of us! I especially liked the part where the coast guard guys showed up in bright orange vests to help us all evaccuate. Good times! No seriously we really did have a great time- thanks to everyone who made it! Rob and I are currently staying in Apex, NC with Jon and Katie before he deploys to the middle east (sigh. AGAIN. sigh.) on Saturday. Please join me in a moment of silence and self pity. I will be driving back to Maryland on Saturday after dropping him off. I don't recommend calling for a few days- the deployments are always the worst in the very beginning. But I will be happy to hang out with everyone after about a week. Thanks to all of our friends for all your love, support, and sarcasm. :-) See you in a few days!

Signing off...for now.

To all Danielle's faithful readers (the 3 of you)...this will probably be the last chance I've got to say "so-long" to everyone whom I will not see at the wedding prior to my departure for Africa. So, take care everybody! And, don't cut Danielle any slack for the next 5 months...I won't be around, so all that really means is that her schedule will be clearer for all of you to get penciled in.

I'll check my email now and then while I'm out there, so here it is (should you want to heckle me with taunts about the hot wife I'm missing at home while I'm away doing whatever it is I do.) robintownley@hotmail.com

My best to all of you for a happy holidays, new year, valentines day, and every other day I'll not be around to say it...

Regards,

-Rob

Get your "KUKICH" fix while you still can!

Well, this is it. The final three days until Rob makes an honest woman out of me. Then we're headed off to the Sandals resort for 6 days to feel like we're rich and amazing. I am SO excited about that. Right, so this is probably the last entry until I return from there...at which point Rob will probably be gone to Africa for 5 months. (boo, hiss). Hope to hear from you guys when we get back! Adios Everyone!

Howl at the Moon

Wow.
My voice is gone, my head is pounding, and my hair smells like I spent the night working in the Marlboro plant. All three very important factors in proving you had a good time last night. Last night was our big bachelor/bachelorette party. Three of my bridesmaids, two old roommates, one old friend, one new friend, and a party animal sister gathered to make sure that Rob and I could only remember the parts of last night that we actually had pictures of. Laura fashioned us these incredible shirts that got our entire party in for free - and we got to cut the line and we rocked out at Howl At The Moon until around 2am. It was a night of drinks, bad dancing, and even worse singing. It was awesome. If anyone needs me today, I'll be on the couch...Probably watching TBS. Thanks everyone for an awesome time! ("J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!") ...Don't worry, we hate the Jets, we're still Eagles fans.

If cigarettes were gum, I'd be a chain smoker

Ahh. So we're down to 10 days until the big wedding. They say brides lose an average of 5-7 pounds before a wedding. Yeah. I'd love to know when I'm going to drop those. Anyone? As we all know by now, Rob has hurt himself while bench pressing small circus elephants. So I'm trying to get things straightend up for next weekend while he's hyped up with valium, percoset, and motrin (yep. all of them.) I still have no idea what we're going to do with the dog while we're gone. (Anyone want to dog sit?) Yesterday I ruined a perfectly good door while trying to give Scout a dog's version of the "American Dream" = personal access to the backyard. Dog doors suck. There's definitely a hole big enough for Scout (which is good), but it's too big for the dog door to be bolted on (which is bad), oh and conviniently too high for Scout to go through (which makes the whole project usless). After I finished my crappy job, Rob and I, ever the posterchildren for the glass being half full, dragged Scout down the stairs to see him go through the door. Scout was not impressed. It was a scene comparable to "A Christmas Story" when that kid gets the pink bunny suit and his mother can't wait for him to try it on...Everyone knows it's going to look ridiculous and the kid obviously hates it, but mom is going to make him try it on anyway.
Dogs ain't like people, folks. I'd say Rob and I have a better chance of developing paws and using the door ourselves than Scout does "lowering himself" to using it. The door remains unswung.

All Fitness Enthusiasts Beware.

Hey all...Rob here again. Of all times to have to take a trip to the emergency room, the week before your wedding is not one of them. Yet yesterday, Danielle had to drive me to the ER because I'm an idiot (a.k.a I popped something out of place in my back at the gym). So here I am, doped up on copious amounts of narcotic drugs (no, I didn't go down the corner to get them this time, these are actually from the pharmacy), waiting for this muscle spasm or whatever I have to subside. Cross your fingers folks, if this keeps up you may see your pal Danielle walk down the isle next to some dude in a neck collar.

Anyhow, yesterday was also the day of the dog door from Hades. For any of you who have ever attempted to install one of these, I feel your pain. Danielle (Thinking that since her man is laid up on the couch and can't do much) spent 6 hours trying to bash, cut, pry and drill a hole in our basement door big enough for this dog door to fit over...only to find out that we think the door is too small for our puppy. Needless to say, she is the woman of my dreams (drug induced or otherwise) for attempting such a venture...and now we have a slightly off centered, too-small-for-our-pet dog door in the basement. Hopefully we can get to Petsmart and get the next size up...maybe that one will be a bit easier?

TV is the devil

So. Here it is, the dreaded Sunday night. I know I should go to bed soon but I don't want to because I will wake up and it will be Monday morning. Blah. Rob and I started the day off with church and then promptly came home and spent the ENTIRE DAY on the couch watching TBS. (i.e. movies we've all seen like five million times but you realize it's playing RIGHT NOW and you just can't miss it!) Yeah, we fell asleep somewhere in the middle of "The Breakfast Club" and woke up just in time for the beginning of "Blow" (which we watched in its entirety). Yeah. I'm sure I'll get LOTS of sleep tonight now. So here I sit at my computer with a glass of wine (due to some last minute wedding stress). About two-thirds of the way through my glass I have realized I don't have much tolerance for alcohol. Most of the words you're reading right now have been typed at least twice...and I'm planning on running a spell check just to be sure. Anyway, if I had a reason for writing tonight, I've forgotten it. So. ... Have a good night...and also shaddup. It's not like this never happened to you.

The Proclaimers!!

Craig And Charlie Reid (The Proclaimers) And Us!

Our Way Cool Poster (Now Autographed)

The Brichmere Sign (in the middle of the wrong part of Alexandria)

Ok folks, Rob here. I figured that since I'm not going to be home for her 26th birthday, I could at least take Danielle out for an "un-birthday" celebration before I leave for the dark continent. It just so happenned that the Proclaimers (UK band, made famous by their single "500 Miles") was playing at the Birchmere Music Club in Alexandria. So, last night we (Danielle, Laura, Stephanie and I) went out to the concert/dinner festivities there and had A BLAST!

For those of you who don't know what the Birchmere is (I didn't until I bought tickets)...it's a small venue dining/concert hall, so small that our table was maybe ten feet from the performers...what a great concert! Anyhow, aside from a decided lack of food service, a.k.a really bad waitress (which was later remedied by free champagne, compliments of the management), the evening was an un-birthday to end all un-birthdays. And, it didn't hurt that I was there with like the hottest girl ever, so of course we got attention. After the show we got to meet the whole band, get autographs, the works (I think Laura got the bassist's number, well, maybe not)! Take a look at the photos!!

Office Space

Hey, so guess what? We have carpet! Okay, we've always had carpet- but now it's not that disgusting green color. It' s tan! (you know you're getting old when you're ALL ABOUT beige carpet).
We have decided that the "office" in our new home is also going to be the "I love me" room so that we can have a place to hang plaques and awards. (Dr. Phil recommends that everyone have such a room to display your accomplishments). Right...so I started doing that this evening. Rob has like 5 million awards all related to saving the planet. I have one. It's smaller than all of his. And it's for coaching a cheerleading squad of 11 year olds that won the district championship two years ago.

....I'm pretty sure that means that mine needs to be in the center....

hahahaha.

World's Ugliest Dog?!?!

Okay, first of all I'd like to thank all of you for NOT PARTICIPATING in my code the other day. That's right, I noticed. (You can forget a Christmas card this year.)
Moving on, have you guys seen this dog?? It's "Sam" and he has won "the World's Ugliest Dog" competition for 3 years straight.... Check it out! (and then notice how remarkably cute and cuddly your own dog looks suddenly). I'll be back...I'm getting Scout a bone.

OUR DOG (the cute one) UGLY DOG (scares the neighbors)

Cold Feet? Nah...

Woah. Can you believe that one month from today I will be strapping on the old ball and chain?! FOR. EV. ER. dun Dun DUN! :-) Nah, I'm excited! I think I'll celebrate by guilting my sister into helping me paint the guest bedroom tonight. Okay, so random thought not even remotely related to this entry: Today Rob and I were emailing eachother in "secret languages" that everyone used when they were kids. He sent me one in pig latin and I wrote back with one that I learned when I was about 12 years old. He's been to code breaking school and everything and he can't figure it out. (just in case you missed it- I learned it when I was TWELVE. hahaha--sorry honey.) Anyway, see if you know it...

colors are not. young once undone. reality ends and distance. tries hard in surrealism?

Okay, I'm looking forward to your comments....
(*Rob. You don't count. I already gave you too many hints.)

Spam, Smoke, and Deployments...

Okay, first I'd like to thank the Spammers on the internet for wasting my time. Anti-aging chick...yes, I'm so glad you commented. I'm 25 and man are those wrinkles starting to take over! Help me, help me! (ridiculous).
Today I set off the smoke detectors in the house. Hey, at least we know they work. No, they like REALLY work. I forgot that we (ahem ROB) had burned some cheese off of a pizza in the oven last week and you can't clean the cheese out of the oven until the oven cools and by the time it cools you forgot it even happened...which basically means that cheese ain't going nowhere. Yeah, so the whole house had that "Ladder 49" look for about an hour and I had to disconnect all fire detecting devices in order to stop my dog from howling and the neighbors' dogs from howling and the lady from downstairs from beating on the ceiling....etc. Did you know you can cook pizza in a toaster?
Anyway, so Rob's date of deployment is getting closer. Man, I remember this feeling last year. There's no nice way to say it. It sucks. Any of you who have felt slighted by me recently because I've been busy, have no fear. As of October 21, my schedule is WIDE OPEN. Scout and I will be hanging around the house watching reality television, burning pizza, and probably begging the anti-aging spam lady for another comment.

HOUSE PICTURES! (there's a chance I'm consumed with this...)

BEFORE AND AFTER PHASES:


















This is the "Before and After" of the family room... okay, like semi-after. We finished the floor and there is furniture in there now, but I can't find any of those pictures and I'm too lazy to go downstairs and take one for you. ...maybe if you paid me....

This is our before and after kitchen (Yes we painted it orange, yes we like it. shaddup)...again with the sort of after... we're still grouting it, but it still looks better right?
This is the "basement" (AKA-back door with 2 square feet for a washer and dryer). This was the first floor Rob replace, it was all rotting and gross- and now it's way cool! and has bikes...because we have nowhere else to stash them..
This is what the view is right now from the front door...tiny little place, huh? Welcome to Maryland. :-) We are getting ready to start removing the ugly green carpet from upstairs and painting and yada yada...afterwards we will be welcoming guests. Boarding is free for friends, but expect to be shown every detail in person. We're jerks like that.