As I headed from little ole' Fort Sill, OK for Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on Tuesday May 7, 2013, I had no idea the adventure that lie ahead. I had my bags packed per my packing list and the Military Spouse of the Year 2013 itinerary in hand but my expectations were, for once in my life, a blank slate. I arrived at the airport and began my journey to the east coast - destination: Washington, DC.
I arrived DC late that night and could not wait to meet up with my Battle Buddy, Carla. I checked in to the hotel and did my hotel ritual of laying out all of my things. Then I met another online friend, Lori, down at the hotel bar. While we waited for Carla we chatted over a nice glass of wine about all of the things that we had Read more [...]
 I. AM. A. PLANNER.
There, I said it. I admit it. I'm guilty. The way I figure there are way worse things to be. I seem to think of this as one of my more endearing qualities.
My family and friends tend to think I have an obsessive compulsive disorder. They're probably right.
Apparently, I've provide hours of laughter in my family. They find me hilarious. Note I said hilarious, not super-awesome Tara who always has something going on and scheduled for us. Not Tara, the one we always count on to have structure. Not, we are so thankful for the many hours that Tara spends pre-emptive striking the next project/hurdle.
They laugh, and I let them. Because I know that if left to their own devices they wouldn't have food, money, fun activities, Read more [...]
Posted inCrooks Family,Favorite Recipes,Military Life,WeRCrooksTags: Calendar,Cozi,Grocery Shopping,Menu Planning,OCD,Organized,Planning,Recipes
 For the past two years - in my spare time (ya right) - I've written for the USAA Military Spouse Community. It is a "job" I truly treasure. In the back of my mind I have a tiny little plan to execute upon Kevin's retirement from the military. It involves submitting my application to what I believe one of the best military friendly employers out there and packing my bags to head to San Antonio, TX. We all know life may not go the way we have planned (even though I can execute some serious op-orders), but I am absolutely enjoying my time and relationship with USAA along this journey.
I often joke that I am forgetful, just yesterday I told my Facebook friends that I could hide my own Easter eggs because I'm just that dense sometimes. I had Read more [...]
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
 Negative Nellie - Definitions include: a word used to describe someone who is a total downer to be around.
I'm going to write about what's on my mind this month - negativity. I know! You're probably thinking to yourself, "is this the Tara I know?"
I am a generally positive person. My mama taught me early how to find my rose-colored glasses.
I was raised in a family where we were taught to appreciate what we had. We didn't always have a lot but we had enough. I didn't have the prettiest and most amazing childhood but I had so much love surrounding me that even when I look back on the hard times I wouldn't change them because they made me who I am today.
We weren't taught to hate. We were taught to love. We were taught to be friendly Read more [...]
Thursday, January 24, 2013
 Isn't it funny how life repeats itself? Sometimes it is for a reason - like a lesson you need to learn. Then sometimes it just qualifies as "life" and life is just a cyclic little booger that keeps on moving, isn't it? Back in 2006 I wrote this blog below for the first blog on my then monthly column on Military.com. It was a very emotional time for me. I had just "survived" deployment number one and was gearing up for number two (with baby on board). It was a time when it seemed everything and everyone (well, what felt like everyone) around us was buzzing with movement while we stood still.
Last week, I stood in my living room at 9:30 at night staring at the plant shelves, lack of wall space, and cluttered floors. I've never considered myself Read more [...]
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by tara