The Sarge's 28th Birthday

Many of you know my sweet husband just celebrated a birthday. Unfortunately, it had to be while we were apart. So, of course, a care package was required! I'm sorry for the terrible photos, but they were taken by my cell phone in awful lighting. But you will get the idea.

Sergeant J loves opening presents, so even though MOST of the package was composed of various kinds of candy, I wrapped most of them up in tissue paper. This was a party in a box! I included: 

- Cards from me, our neighbors and his mom
- Cake in a jar (strawberry), complete with icing (cream cheese) and candles (a 2 and an 8)
- Noise makers
- Snacks (some of his favorites)
- A set of military devotional books
- Yes... a Buzz Lightyear toy. That's from our neighbors lol!
- I didn't include it in this one because he had one, but I suggest a camera to capture the party fun!

The cake in a jar was really easy. If you have ever though about doing it, don't hesitate! If you are shipping it, don't add any icing or toppings, just leave them out to the side. Also, the directions say fill it halfway... really ONLY fill it halfway! It will bake up a bit, but the sarge said that when he opened it, it expanded even more. (Weird.)

Here's how to do it.You'll need...

Well, July managed to sneak up on me.

It has been a while since I posted, mainly because the Sarge was home for two weeks before heading off, and also because once he left I was pathetic and boring with nothing to write about! I didn't want to get all mopey online, so I just stayed away for a little bit. I'm sure that everyone noticed lol. But I'm back and I have a few fun things to share!

First of all...maybe a day (or two) late and a dollar short, but it's the thought that counts right? So happy Independence, America! I made the famous wreath floating around Pinterest and I think it came out great! Plus, it cost me about $12 so that's awesome. 

I hope everyone's holiday was and is fun and safe. As for me, I went to my neighbor's house and hung out with the family. They are still pretty much the only people I know in this whole state. Pretty much. We had a great time with grilled burgers, veggies, and plenty of desserts!

Secondly, what have y'all been up to? I haven't had a chance to read many of my favorites but don't worry, I will be around shortly. I have a post ready for next week.. Sergeant J's birthday was last month so I made him a care package. It was my first and I'm pretty pleased with myself. So I will share that later. Also, while I was gone, I killed the largest spider I have ever seen indoors... no joke... managed to save up a quick $1000 (which is already spent for an upcoming rendezvous in Texas), dropped the laptop (it survived) and played through an entire video game. Fun June, huh? I certainly hope yours was better than mine haha!!

I'll be back early next week with the Sarge's birthday box. Until then, stay safe and live happy!

Overload

Does anyone else have sensory overload in this age of technology?

Most recently I stumbled upon the Black Women's Empowerment movement and some confusing blogs about supporting (or not supporting) modern feminism or civil rights (black) activism. I had to read several (long) blog entries to even figure out what one of ladies even believed -- it was so complex that she couldn't or wouldn't summarize her beliefs into an "about me" section. At least not concisely. And, in her defense, being a black girl is HARD. I mean seriously, at least for me. We struggle with being too white or to black (ghetto), any number of stereo types, very real issues of gender and race inequality, and a myriad of relationship issues between both sexes. 

(This isn't the point but come with me on this journey, won't you? :)

My goodness. I read these blogs because what they were saying interested me... and these women are passionate about their cause and in some ways play into shame for those who aren't familiar with topics or people that they hold near and dear. 

And the whole time I'm reading, I'm thinking, "I should know this. I agree with her. Why haven't I noticed these popular culture issues? Why don't I know this name? Why aren't I familiar with this issue?" 

Um, because I don't have to be an expert on everything. 

You're passionate, I get that. I suppose we're all passionate about something. BUT the internet has created a place where EVERYONE has a forum. My dad has said that there have always been radical people, but the problem with the Web is that you can't always tell when someone is just a obsessed fanatic or a balanced informant. I have that problem. 

There are many worthy causes out there, and I realize those who are most passionate wish that everyone could be well informed and move to action. And crazy me feels the need to soak up all this information. Because it is useful... sort of... for some people. But, does my general ignorance of the Black Women's Empowerment Movement make me not truly a believer in the empowerment of black women? No. I guess not. I just can't write a discourse on it. And I suppose that's okay. 

Which leads me to another point. I think I am a jack of many trades (and disciplines) but really a master at none. Do any of you feel that way? Do you think that is legitimate, or do you think it's a side effect of the "personal PR" nature of social media? Does one need to master something in life? 

I don't think so. 

I think I can live simply, without doing anything fascinating. I don't want to be a master at anything unless the Lord wills it so. I just want to love my soldier, and to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.

I need to back off the media. Especially in the middle of the night. Seriously.