Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013

To say 2012 was a crazy year would be an understatement. It was full of so many exciting and interesting events, that I was almost a little sad for it to end. Here's a recap of our year and a glimpse into our 2013.

In January, I temporarily moved from Maryland back to Florence to work on a political campaign. It was so much fun diving back into politics. Those 3 months were full of plenty of early mornings, late nights, and interesting people. And although the voters didn't swing our way (boo), I still loved every minute of it.

March was full of wedding showers, my bachelorette party, and last minute wedding plans. After planning a wedding for over a year, I was super thankful to see the month of April arrive. We were married on a sunny April Saturday in Alabama. We had friends and family make the trip from Alaska, Wisconsin, Texas, DC, and several other distant places. The ceremony went off without a hitch, the food was great and everyone really seemed to enjoy the reception. It all went by so fast and sometimes I cannot believe it really happened. I can tell you that it was one of the best days of my life and I'm so thankful for everyone that shared in our special day.

After our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, I was officially a resident of Maryland...again. The Summer held many exciting things: the hubby had a HUGE work event, we celebrated Independence Day at the White House, and met the President in the Oval Office. When August finally rolled around, we packed up our house and moved to Georgia. During our time in Georgia, we've attended several Auburn games, the hubby has picked up golf, and I've joined the Junior League. We spent Thanksgiving in Wisconsin and Christmas in Alabama; a great end to a great year.

After such a busy year, I'd like to say that 2013 will be slower paced, but it won't. Here's what's on the horizon:

• turning 27 (ahhh)
• moving to NC and hopefully a new job
• a deployment
• becoming an aunt

Hope you and yours have a happy, healthy, and blessed 2013!

Goodbye Wedding Season

Wedding season is finally over! This year was full of weddings. In addition to our wedding, we had four more MBW weddings, a Florence wedding, and my DC roommates wedding. We made it to all but two of them and think going 5-2 on the season isn't too shabby, especially when you move during the year. We attended one wedding in the Commandant of the Marine Corps' backyard, one at the Biltmore, and another at the US Naval Academy. Each wedding was so beautiful. After planning my own, its even more fun to see each brides' unique taste and style on their big day. After wrapping up this wedding season, its nice to reflect on the good friends we have made over the years and the memories we continue to make with them. Next year is shaping up to be another year full of celebrating. We have one final MBW wedding (officially changing the name of our group from WAGs to just Ws), 2 Marquette weddings, a DC wedding, and a family wedding in WI. I'll be flying solo at a few thanks to Uncle Sam, but it should be a fun year! Enjoy a few pictures from this wedding season!

MBW ladies in Ashville, NC

MBW ladies at Crawford Hall in DC

Me and the hubby with the Thigpens at RTJ in Florence

Lauren, Me, Kerri at the USNA Officers' Club in Annapolis

Home Sweet (temporary) Home

I'm finally back! I've had a draft post saved since August about our last few weeks in Maryland, moving South, and our first few weeks in Georgia. As I procrastinated on posting it, the post got longer and longer. Now its at the point that I'm just going to delete the entire thing and give you bullet points of what has been going on in the life of the Reiffs...

• During our last few weeks in DC, we were lucky enough to visit the White House 3 times: July 4th Military Family BBQ with Brad Paisley, lunch in the White House Mess, and our departure photo with the President in the Oval Office. While I may not agree with Mr. Obama's policies, it was an honor to be invited to the White House and it will remain a cherished memory for years to come.
• I played in my fourth and final CAN softball tournament. We didn't do as well as we have in the past but we had a great time. There is absolutely no way to describe how lucky I am to have these people in my life. This tournament, and a missing glove (#SGRsGlove) prompted my joining Twitter.
• The movers came and packed up our house in Thurmont; after a few false starts. Once the moving truck drove away, I put my Romney sticker on my car and headed South. Steve followed me with Archie in tow.
• After visiting a few sketchy houses in less than desirable neighborhoods in Alabama, we settled on living in Georgia near Fort Benning. We had an interesting time trying to cram all the stuff from our 3 bedroom/2.5 bath house with garage and under the stair storage into a 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment. 
• Steve's busy with school and I'm spending my time hanging out with Archie, volunteering with the JL of Columbus, taking day trips to God's country (Auburn), taking a few exercise classes, and working on some DIY projects. Once Steve's new orders come through I'll start the housing/job search all over again!

Sorry, that was a lot of information coming at you all at once. Now that we're all settled, I'll update more frequently; with shorter posts.

One Last "Oorah"

Last night, the hubby and I attended our last evening parade at MBW. For those of you that don't know that I'm talking about, each Friday during the summer months, the Marines of 8th & I showcase the best the Marine Corps has to offer - The Commandant's Own, The President's Own, and 2 marching companies, one of which includes the amazing Silent Drill Platoon. If you ever plan to be in DC on a Friday night during the summer, it is a MUST see. For the past 4 summers I have had the opportunity to attend at least a dozen or so parades. However, last night was our final parade. Since 2009 I have enjoyed our time at MBW - the history, the parties, and the wonderful friendships we've made. I will always cherish every single memory made over the past 3 years and will continue to look back on them fondly as we continue through the hubby's career. As the parade drew to a close last night and I witnessed my final pass and review on that pristine parade deck, I caught myself tearing up. It was a fitting farewell to a place that means so much.

FOUND: a few extra pounds

Is anyone missing some pounds? If so, please contact me because I've found them. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I'm not one to exercise. I don't know why, I just HATE it...can't get into it. When I was living and working in DC weight was never a huge issue because the 15 block walk to the metro and stomping around the Hill all day (and occasionally being too busy to eat) really helps keep the number down. Once we moved my lifestyle became more sedentary. I got it in gear before the wedding and was at a respectable weight (the dress zipped) on the big day. Well, the 2 months since the wedding have been a little different...I haven't been watching what I eat and will sometimes skip a workout or seven. I knew I had put on a few pounds but didn't really think much about it. Since I don't really go anywhere important, I'm usually in running shorts and a tshirt which makes it easier for the extra inches t go unnoticed. That all changed last night. Today was the change of command at MBW and I needed a dress to wear. All day long I had been thinking about options and had narrowed it down to 3 - I even thought ahead to jewelry, shoes, and a purse. Right before hitting the hay (for the 4:30 wake-up call - damn you DC traffic) I decided to try them on. They didn't fit...not a dang one 'em. I pulled 3 more out...same thing. I could feel the panic starting to set in and my eyes starting to well up and at that moment I lost it. I cried a lot; much to my surprise the good Captain was there with some words of encouragement, which helped a little. Then Maddie called to finish saving the day. I did finally find a dress that worked albeit one I was trying to avoid since the ceremony was outside, in direct sunlight, in DC. The moral of this rambling is, if you have a second, pass on some workout tips, healthy recipes, or words of encouragement (or berate me until I get off my butt) to help me get back into the swing of things!

Delicious Dish: Texas Caviar

Snacking...I LOVE to snack! One of my favorite snacks is a little something my dad always makes, Texas Caviar. Its a salsa of sorts and the best part about it is that it makes a ton and keeps for weeks. I have no idea where my dad got this recipe; I've tasted variations on it and heard it called numerous things, but this is our version. This is VERY popular at our house and among the Marines at work. Obviously any tortilla chips will work, but we prefer using either the lime ones or the new pepper jack kind.

TEXAS CAVIAR

• 1 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper - finely diced
• 1 purple onion - peeled and finely diced
• 4 tomatillos - husked and chopped
• 3 jalapeno peppers - chopped with seeds
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1 Tbsp. of minced garlic
• 1 (28oz) can petite diced tomatoes - drained
• 1 regular size can of black eyed peas - drained
• 1 regular size can of shoepeg corn - drained
• 1 regular size can of whole kernel corn - drained
• 1 regular size can of black beans - drained and rinsed
• 2/3 cup lime juice
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• Garlic salt to taste

Blend cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and spices together in a food processor; the pour over chopped ingredients. Store in refrigerator and salsa will keep for at least 3 weeks.

**I tend to pick around onions and peppers and usually end up with a bowl full of them towards the end. To remedy the situation, I use the chop feature on my food processor to chop the onions, peppers, and tomatillos finer than normal. I also double the beans and corn and throw in a Serrano (or two) for a little extra kick.

The Excellence of the Excellence

After our busy wedding weekend, we left for our honeymoon at the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Surprisingly, its the first actual vacation we had ever been on together. We've traveled together several times, but always for holidays with family or for weddings...never just because! This was a much needed break from the craziness of his work schedule and wedding planning. We mostly lounged around by the pool or on the beach, ate delicious food, drank fruity drinks, and slept. Here's a few pictures from our wonderful honeymoon!

A view of the ocean from our cabana

 Me, relaxing on our beach bed

 We went on a horseback ride along the beach and through the countryside.
Afterwards, we enjoyed fresh coconut milk.

 Dinner at the Lobster House (very tasty snapper)

Every evening there were shows to enjoy.
This photo is from the history of the island show.