SIX RANDOM THINGS...

Some days, the idea of settling down at our next base still feels so far away. Monday was one of those days; we struggled a bit. A few weeks ago, we got to submit our application for base housing. I was excited because it felt like we were finally getting somewhere; it seemed like we were one step closer to being reunited with our household goods. Woo Hoo! Then factors like Mother Nature get in the way and Flyboy's schedule is delayed a tad. It's like we're taking two steps forward and one step back. When the weather's wonky, he doesn't fly. It makes complete sense, but we're both ready to be done with this phase of training. He's ready to knock out his last block of flights, and I'm eager to get the hell out of Dodge and make our next place home. Because FB doesn't have a solid finish date, it's hard for both of us to focus on the prize. All the uncertainty makes it feel like we're just flailing about without any real plan. If you're new around here, that's enough to throw Type-A(shley) into a tizzy. I'm learning to be more patient, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a little overwhelmed by the LACK of details. What can I say, I'm a work in progress. Whenever I DO feel this way, I try to shift my outlook and focus on the positive—details I can look forward to and variables I can control. In this case, I thought about six items I can't wait to unpack in late March. Of course, I'm excited about the basics like our über comfy couch and mattress, but I came up with a handful of random "things" that make me happy. Whenever the time comes and the moving truck arrives in Swell Rio for delivery, it's going to feel like Christmas! Cardboard and packing tape never sounded so good.

SIX RANDOM THINGS I CAN'T WAIT TO UNPACK: 

• EAMES ROCKER // For my 25th birthday, my mom and dad gave me an authentic Eames Rocker—I like to call it my "Prayer Chair" (read more here). No matter where we move, it's where I can sit to find peace and relax. As silly as it sounds, the deep seat pocket feels like a hug from my parents, and that always makes me feel at home.

• BLAIR RITCHEY LULU // I'm almost embarrassed to share this with you, but I don't currently have possession of my trusty Lulu Clutch. I know, the chartreuse color is perfection and I use it ALL the time. Let me explain. I was using it when the Hawaiian movers were packing our stuff up. I had it laying out on the kitchen counter, but they must have taken my Washi tape system a little too seriously because I failed to put a hot pink piece of tape on my clutch to indicate it should NOT be packed. I remember taking it with me to get pizza the first night of our pack out; I didn't want to bother with a bulky purse. Anywho, I had it laying out on day two because it held my hand cream, migraine meds, and lip gloss. I didn't realize this until AFTER I had a situation with the lead packer—I asked him to kindly wrap our bar cart separate from the rusty laundry drying rack. I heard a loud noise and saw what they were doing. I explained that they could not be stored together for the next six months because I was afraid the rust might spread. I didn't think it was too much to ask, but I later heard the gentleman whisper something under his breath. I wasn't sure if he said "rich" or if he said something that rhymes with rich and starts with a "b" instead. Ha Ha! Long story long, I didn't want to be an inconvenience, and I didn't have the nerve to ask about my Lulu's whereabouts. I should have had it stowed away with our luggage. I imagine I'll find it in a box with kitchen knick-knacks (sigh), complete with a Starbucks receipt and a Boston's Pizza punch card.

• "CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD" PRINT BY HELEN FRANKENTHALER // This was also a gift from my parents, and my heart skips a beat every time I see it. The bright colors are enough to fuel my creativity and optimism. If every day I feel as joyful as this painting looks, then I've fulfilled my duty to live color fully. I think that's an easy goal to strive toward. 

• BIG-SHOT DOT SKIRT // This skirt makes me feel like I can conquer anything. It's just SO happy, and I feel invincible when I wear it. It may be a little dressy for the Tractor Supply, but I know it's going to be ready to twirl around the Rio.

• KITCHENAID STAND MIXER // When I have time on my hands, I like to bake. It's just so relaxing and fun to try out different recipes. Can you imagine what a problem we'd have on our hands if I had access to Chick-Fil-A and my stand mixer?

• SPIN BIKE // It's my preferred way to workout, and I'm counting the days until I get to clip into the pedals, listen to inappropriate music, and sweat a little. Aside from blogging and baking, it's the best stress reliever.

I realize all of these things are just "things", but many of them represent memories and bring me delight. Could I do without them? Of course. Do they have the ability to make any sparse base housing unit feel like home? Yes, and that's why I'm excited for our impending reunion. When your home isn't any one location, it's your stuff that gives you a sense of ownership and belonging.