I'm Still Here

It has been so long since my last post. Life happens and is hectic. I've had two very dear people go into surgery and recover well so far, my son has deployed and I have yet to see him since he joined the Air Force in May 08 (minus my visit to his graduation), schoo, work....and one child still at home all keep me VERY busy.

I have lost track of time and lost the ability to find time for myself to just sit down and express my thoughts. Somehow, I still need to find time to study for my ITIL exam and continue to learn my job.

Is the holiday season here yet? I need a break...LOL!

What is a military wife?

Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique,
But this they have in common:

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after
them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is
unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military
Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

Holidays

As we move closer to the holidays, I am reminded of all that I have to be thankful for.

Family
A husband who can tolerate my attitude(s)
Great kids
Friends (Old and New)
Reconnecting with some I had lost touch with
My health
A career I love
A job (especially in the current economic environment)
A new President

What are you thankful for this year?

Me and Prop 8

I was shocked that Prop 8 passed, to say the least. I personally don't think the television ads made the difference one way or another, people who are affected by this issue have their stance and those with moral or religious beliefs have theirs.

I do think that this is a Civil Rights issue. Much like interacial marriages between white and black, hispanics or asians were illegal as recently at 1967, these types of marriages remain illegal because a portion of the American population either doesn't know or care to know these people.

If we call it a Civil Union instead of a marriage would many of the religious opponents see it differently? A large part of LOVE is being able to be with and take care of someone you love, in whatever way you feel. Is it right to tell someone you can be together, but you can't provide healthcare or financial benefit? How can any person assume to know what is right for another adult? Religious beliefs are peronal and should not infringe upon the rights of another human being that doesn't believe the same as another. Calling it marriage invites the debate between church and state to be involved, which is part of the problem.

Can we make something a law that is based in religion and descrimination?

Random thoughts about our new leadership

I have heard so many thoughts and comments about our new president. Arguments about everything from; Is he REALLY black? Does it matter that he's black? Is the he the Reagan of the Democrats? Is he taxing people over $250k? $200k? $150k? The questions go on and on.

The media and his critics couldn't wait for his first press conference so they could latch onto anything to create a negative spin. (The Nancy Reagan comment). However, just once could we see an good ol' positive? For instance, he commented about wanting a shelter dog, but most of them are mutts, "like me". Aren't most Americans? Can't most of us unit behind a comment like that, even just for the humor in it.

Or maybe, unit behind the fact that he came out and said the United States has one president at a time and tried to focus the country on continuing to follow their current leader. I for one applaud both John McCain and Barack Obama for being gracious in victory and defeat. John McCain has continue to display the qualities that make him a great American and contender. Admittedly, he may have had my vote were it not for his choice of running mate.

America loves to boast of being a melting pot and how our diversity makes us stronger. Its time to put our money where our mouths are and stand behind our ELECTED winner. If you didn't use your voice to vote when you had a chance.....then SHUT THE F&^% UP and wait until 2012. To those who did vote ....no matter who your candidate.....thank you for voting....thank you for taking the time to execise you right.....people died to give it you.....embrace it.

Is Racism dead in America?

After watching this video it's hard to believe that it's just the "fringe" element that is showing up at McCain/Palin rallies. While I DO NOT think McCain is a racist, I do think people are so afraid of a non-white president that they will go to extremes to feel safe from the unknown.

Question?

Considering the Stock Market and banks filing bankruptcy.

Would you buy a house in the current market?

Gotta Say Something...

Normally, I wouldn't comment on anything political, but these results forced me to. For anyone not voting or unsure please consider the following:

War is ugly, but with current technology do we really need to continue to sacrifice our soldiers. Until leadership makes it their mission to get someone down in the weeds assigning deployments equally across the board and not abusing a select few excessive for deployments, we need to consider a change. Yes, I know nothing is 100% equal, but don't try to tell me it is OK for soldiers who have been in for 5+ years and not have deployed by now, while I see family and friends taking trip 3, 4, and 5.

Please keep in mind while, I appreciate John McCain for his duty to this country, he know wants to disband the VA and push veterans into civilian care. Rather than correct the issues with the VA and continue to give veterans a safe haven with Dr. and others who understand their ailments and demons. I have been the with military my whole life and I have slowly watched REPUBLICANS strip away the few benefits we have, while trying to appease every one with a slightly larger pay raise that what the DEMOCRATS provide.

I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I am an Army wife and child and an Air Force Mother. I am a woman with career who values her family, her home and her rights.

Please Vote!

Wordle and me

My aching feet

So we had a whirlwind vacation last week, but was great. I actually got to see my husband smile, relax and have some real fun.

We started the week off in San Diego and spent time at Sea world. The kids had a blast petting and feeding the Bat Rays and so did I. I love anything to do with ocean life.

Went to see Wanted....Awesome!

While in San Diego I had the best Mexican food I have ever had in my life. There guacamole was to die for. I had guacamole enchiladas and a side a of guacamole. Needless to say, I was beyond stuffed.

We then hustled over to Vegas to take my SIL and her family around town. Took a stab at Priceline and go rooms at Planet Hollywood for 70 bucks per night the day before 4th of July. I couldn't ask for a better room at that price. We walked the kids to death and suffered through The Sirens of TI show (cheesy..in a bad way). The next day we tried the celebrated Bellagio buffet at it's special 4th of July price of $29.95 per person. We were totally let down and not impressed.

We then headed back the other way to spend the day at Universal Studios...HOOOOTTT! Walked everyone to death again, but we did see the Hollywood sign on the way and drove around West Hollywood. Again not impressed.

We ended the day with a meal at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The food was great and the staff sang Happy Birthday to my usually grouchy husband. The man actually got up and danced. Even after the waitress shoved a spoonful of his birthday sundae in his face and up his nose. IT WAS GREAT!!!


Now for the vacation...from the vacation! Sleep.

New look

So, I was inspired by Shanez to update my page. After two plus years I thought I would have a go at it. I would like some feedback from everyone is possible regarding readability, colors, locations...etc..

All opinions are welcome!!

Musuems visited: Ripleys, Madame Toussauds, Guiness World Records.....and last but not least THE ALAMO

This was the entrance to the Horror portion of Madame Toussaud's. If only I had been prepared we would be able to watch a video of Dante' running up the stairs after hearing the screams. Needless to say he decided not to enter. :)


Robert Wadlow was 9 feet tall, let's hope James stops growing before he gets close to that.


An actaual vampire killing kit...believe it or not.


The world's heaviest man weighed in at 1400lbs, I don't know what Dante' was thinking.


Next time on Oprah...Dante'


We thought this was funny. We've been to Berlin and touched pieces of the wall and walked the line that remains in Berlin. However, we had to come to Texas to touch the largest piece that remains of it.


This city has some of the most beautfil old buildings, very gothic.


.....and The Alamo!
As we drove up they both chimed in unison...."that's it". I then had to explain that it was built by hand and without it, we wouldn't have Texas.

This had me laughing so hard...(thanks Julie)

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change!
The chicken wanted change!
JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he
recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the
chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little
chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to
ensure - right from Day One! that every chicken in this country gets the
chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the c chicken crossed the road. We
just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The
chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the
satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your
definition of chicken?
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now
against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the
chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that
he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes
after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help
him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems
before adding new problems.
OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why
he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn
from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give
this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live
his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we
have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see
it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was
going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when
the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider
information.
DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad?
Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.
JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain
truth? That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that
chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay, too. I say
we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal
media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side.'
That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as
that.
GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road.
Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be
listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story
of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish
its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together,
in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross
roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your
checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new
platform is much more stable and will never reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move
beneath the chicken?
COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

Introducing A1 Christian

We spent a whirlwind 4 days in San Antonio, TX for James' graduation from Basic. It was painfully hot and humid (95 degrees or more), but we were so excited to see James that we struggled through.

James appears to have grown during basic and has gained weight (6'6" and about 175lbs now). It is amazing how much someone can mature and change in 6 weeks, but I have seen it for myself. He is now focused on college and his career. I always knew he would do great things and be successful...and it is all just beginning for him. We are TRULY proud of him.

Now for the pics.......

One of the cleanest bathrooms I have EVER seen.



This is the entry to the sleeping area, yes it was polished daily.


One word...... "Cozy"


No, he didn't fit on this...he said his feet hung over the edge or he could ball up on his side.


Dante' is SO proud of his big brother.


Taking the Enlisted Oath


Marching past the families.



More photos come....

Will I ever?

So we have been here now 5 months and I have yet to build any real friendships. I have met two women that have potential, but one leave in 2 months and the other stays as busy as me. As a result, I have resorted to joining Yahoo Groups to meet other wives in the area. It's amazing how many of us are out there, looking for adult conversation, but never really having the time to meet face-to-face.

I love the friendships I already have and cherish them deeply, but its been tough with everyone scattered about in different time zones and no one to talk to when I do have the time to be bored. Oh yes, boredom happens and its happening more and more lately. I could fill my time with learning and self development, but I'm looking for fun and excitement.

Anyone have any ideas?

"Into the Blue"

Well....it's official!

My baby is now wearing Air Force blue. Although I knew the day would come when he would venture out on his own, it was still a shock. While my mind told me he was going off to be his own man and face the world, my heart kept saying "he's my baby and too young to be out there in the big bad world".

I cried on and off all day, but also had moments of pride and happiness because I know how successful he will be. He's a good son and will be a great man.

Here's to you, Airman Christian!

Losing

Well, it's official the weight has begun to fall off. I am now down 9.5 lbs. and feeling great.

I have focused on fruits, vegatables and making the effort to create my meals from scratch. I know have an addiction to smoothies and can't stop experimenting with flavors. Also, if you have never tried shopping at Trader Joe's, you don't know what you are missing. They focus on natural foods with not chemicals. (you can actually understand the ingredients listed on the package).

Hopeully, I'll hit my first goal by Spring break...