Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

I hope the new year brings you health, wealth, and happiness!

Hubby - I pray for your safety there in the desert. I hate that you have to be so far away, but I love you and know that you'd be home if you could. I am so proud of you for what you do.
I miss you.

Saddam Executed

Saddam Hussein executed, state-run TV reports

BAGHDAD — Saddam Hussein, the brutal dictator who ruled Iraq for nearly a quarter-century before being toppled by a United States-led coalition in 2003, was executed by hanging Saturday for crimes against humanity, state-run Iraqi television reported.

Al-Iraqiya, a government-backed network in Baghdad, said Hussein was executed by hanging at dawn Saturday.

I got goosebumps when I heard about this today.
I've always been for capital punishment for murderers.
I'm glad he is no longer in a position where he can terrorize and murder the people of Iraq. I don't feel sorry for him one bit.
So I'm not sure why the goosebumps...
Death by hanging, maybe?

How do you feel about this?

Worrying...

Waiting and worrying...

Hubby is out of the loop for a bit and so there is no communication right now.
I can't help but worry. I just can't.

We've gotten so spoiled these days with email and chat. So, I get to hear from him somewhat regularly that way, even if he's only able to call about once a month.

It doesn't seem like that long ago when he deployed for Desert Shield/Storm. Communication then was almost non-existent.

He wrote me letters (SNAIL MAIL! Gasp!) when he could - I wrote him at least once a day. Long, detailed letters of daily life at home. Letters that would take weeks and weeks to find him.

I stayed glued to the TV watching the news. It was not healthy. But it seemed like my only link to him next to the occasional letters that would arrive in my mail box after a month (or more) long transit across the Atlantic. I read those letters over and over until I had memorized every word and every punctuation mark he wrote.

He called home whenever he could - I think there were a total of 2 or 3 middle of the night phone calls during the 8 months he was gone. The 2 minute phone calls that were so staticky I had to guess what he was saying and got disconnected before I could tell him how much I loved him.

I sent him dozens of snapshots.

I wrote "I love you" notes and had them published in the "Stars & Stripes" newspaper's personal ads, hoping he would somehow manage to get a copy there and see it. They didn't get the newspaper on anything near a regular basis. In fact, one day, on a bus in the middle of the desert, he reached down and picked up a piece of a newspaper... Just a random piece of trash on the floor... And there was the ad I had submitted. He still has that clipping today.

I sent lots of care packages full of his favorite snacks and things I hoped would make his life a little easier. Things I hoped that would remind him of how much I loved and supported him.

And I worried.

If you could keep him in your thoughts and say a prayer for his safety, it would mean a lot to us right now.

158 Days Ago Today...

This photo...
Hubby is waving "goodbye."

Taken just before he got onto the bus.

Just before I broke down and lost it.

I was going to be so strong and not cry, too.

It just didn't happen.


One hundred and fifty-eight days (or three thousand, seven hundred, ninety three hours) ago.

And, YES, I AM COUNTING!!

"When Are You Coming Home?" Video

"When Are You Coming Home?"

6 year old Heather Martin sings a beautiful song, written by her mother, for her brother, Shaun, who is in the Army and deployed to Iraq.
This is the first year Shaun will not be home for Christmas.

"When Are You Coming Home?"
by Cindy Martin

You were almost sixteen when I came into the world.
Mom and Dad had you first then 3 more boys I'm the baby girl.
I sure have a lot to look up to in you, you're really smart and funny with a big heart too.
After one year of college you knew what you had to do.
It's just like you wanting to help with the war.
So you joined the army when I was only 4.
This time of year we talk of big plans but you're over seas in some distant land.
You can't be here for Christmas, I don't understand.

Chorus:
When are you coming home, Shaun?
When are you coming home?!
We lit up the house like we always do but it doesn't seem bright 'cause we can't have you.
In my prayers I ask God to keep you safe.
And I'm trying to be really brave.
Tell me that the fighting's through.
Come home!
I really miss you.

It's hard to enjoy the holidays without you.
But we're so proud of you and all the red white and blue.
Remember that Jesus is your best friend,
And someday our families will be together again.
Wow! You know we'll have a great big party then.

Chorus

I want to show you how tall I've grown and introduce you to my new friends at school.
Maybe we could go and get some ice cream together but I really don't care what we do.

Chorus

General Claus' Visit

General Claus' Visit

To: All Personnel

_1._ An official visit by MG Santa (NMI) Claus is expected at this headquarters 25 December 2006. The following instructions will be in effect and govern the activities of all personnel during the visit:

_a._ Not a creature will stir without official permission. This will include indigenous mice. Special stirring permits for necessary administrative actions will be obtained through normal command channels. Mice stirring permits will be obtained through the office of OSURG, Veterinary Services.

_b._ Personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap prior to 2200 hours, 24 December 2006. Uniform for the nap will be: Pajamas, cotton, light, drowsing, with kerchief, general purpose, camouflage; and Cap, camouflage w/ear flaps. Equipment will be drawn from CIF prior to 1900 hours, 24 December 2006.

_c._ Personnel will utilize standard ration sugar plums for visions to dance through their heads. This item will be drawn from the servicing dining facility.

_d._ Stockings, wool, cushion sole, will be hung by the chimney with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid fire hazards caused by carelessly hung stockings. Unit Safety Officers will submit stocking hanging plans to this headquarters prior to 0800 hours, 24 December 2006, ATTN: AEAGA-S, for approval.

_e._ At the first sign of clatter from the lawn, all troops will spring from their beds to evaluate noise and cause. Immediate action will be taken to tear open the shutters and throw open the window sashes. ODCSOPS Plan (Saint Nick), Reference LO No. 3, paragraph 6c, this headquarters, 2 February 1995, will be in effect to facilitate shutter tearing and sash throwing. Division chiefs will familiarize all personnel with procedures and are responsible for ensuring that no shutters are torn open nor window sashes thrown prior to start of official clatter.

_f._ Prior to 2400, 24 December 2006, all personnel will be assigned "Wondering Eye" stations. After shutters are thrown and sashes are torn, these stations will be manned.

_g. _ODCSLOG will assign one each Sleigh, miniature, M-66, and eight (8) deer, rein, tiny, for use of MG Claus' driver who, in accordance with current directives and other applicable regulations, must have a valid SF 56 properly annotated by Driver Testing; be authorized rooftop parking and be able to shout "On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen, up Comet, up Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen."

_2._ MG Claus will enter quarters through standard chimneys. All units without chimneys will draw Chimney Simulator, M-6, for use during ceremonies. Chimney simulator units will be requested on Engineer Job Order Request Form submitted to the Furniture Warehouse prior to 19 December 2006, and issued on DA Form 3161, Request for Issue or Turn-In.

_3._ Personnel will be rehearsed on shouting "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night." This shout will be given on termination of General Claus' visit. Uniformity of shouting is the responsibility of division chiefs.

__CHRISTOPHER K. RINGLE__

Colonel, US

OIC, Special Services

h/t: Yeah, Right, Whatever

Merry Christmas

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, no matter where you are.

Ours was quiet. Too quiet, I guess.

Thing1 and Thing2 both got cell phones for Christmas this year... (what has this world come to?)

Overheard while Thing 1 was helping Thing 2 set up her new phone...

"What's the date today?"

Honest. I couldn't make that stuff up!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

The girls and I went to a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at the Chapel here.

#1 -- I was shocked at how FEW turned out at this service. There weren't more than 15 families in the entire church.

#2 -- I was surprised at how very casual the service was. I guess I was a little disappointed, too. The Chaplain wore a Hawaiian print shirt for the service. I guess that is all part of the "Aloha Mentality" that I've come to LOVE like recognize here on the island.

Don't get me wrong.
I'm glad we went.

The message is the most important tonight of all nights.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope your day is special.

Merry Christmas, honey. I'm sorry you have to work all day and be where you are. Just know that we love you and miss you and we couldn't be prouder of you.

Thank you for your service and for your loyalty and your hard work. Thank you for taking such good care of us - even from the other side of the world.

Be safe.

Beautiful

"Beautiful" is not a word that is normally used to describe a man, but this song reminds me of him. He is beautiful.

Weight Loss

I do not recommend this method of weight loss (sending your husband/best friend off to a war zone), but I'm so glad I'm losing the weight instead of gaining it. I was pretty miserable with myself just 10 months ago.

Do I feel better? Sure. There are tons...er... lots of problems associated with the weight gain that I was dealing with this time last year that are now gone.

But the best part is being able to fit into my old clothes again. The cute jeans and tops fit again! Which means I'll actually be able to wear something I like when I get to pick hubby up from the airport when he returns for R&R! (This is my motivator!)

I'm not quite "there" yet, but I'm close.

If I could just get up off my arse and exercise, I'm sure this would be a breeze.

Charlie Brown Christmas

Firefox

Because I ***LOVED*** the new and "improved" Internet Explorer 7.0 ***SO*** much (rolling eyes), I decided to switch to Firefox as my new browser.


Anyone else use Firefox? (prolly shoulda' asked that BEFORE I downloaded and installed it on my own system)

Do you like it? What are the pros and cons?

My frustration tolerance level is very low these days and I was just fed up with IE 7. The switch was easy and painless... so far. I can actually see my title bar on my blog with Firefox, instead of the top half being hidden with IE 7.

So (looking around)... what else can I "switch" around here to ease the frustration and stress?

Anyone want a couple of daughters? They are both potty trained!

31 More Fridays!

Wow.
THAT is a LONG time!



I miss you, honey.

Christmas In The Desert

The tree I sent hasn't made it to the Desert yet. (It'll probably show up around the first of the year, knowing my luck!) Thankfully, there was another tree they could use to hang the 300 or so ornaments we made for them (one for each soldier in the company at that FOB).

I'm glad they have a tree and decorations.

They have stockings and care packages sent from very generous folks back home.

They will have a hot meal on Christmas Day.

They are supported 1000% by their families and friends all over the world.

They are loved and missed more than they will ever know.

Merry Christmas, honey. We love you.

Remember Me

Christmas Survey

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Both!

2.Real tree or artificial?
Usually artificial... However, this year our 10 year old artificial tree is in the possession of the USPS, lost somewhere between here and the Desert.

3.When do you put up the tree?
Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving... However, this year, I didn't get around to it until this past weekend. (BAD Mommy! I know!)

4.When do you take the tree down?
Usually the weekend after New Years Day... However, this year, I just might save it for hubby to take down during R&R... In February! LOL!

5. Do you like eggnog?
Never had it, but the thought of drinking something made with raw eggs does not appeal to me in the tiniest bit.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we do. However (boy, I use that word a lot this year!), it is still in a box of Christmas decorations that did not get opened this year.

9.Easiest person to buy for?
Thing 1.
Without a doubt.
Every other phrase out of her mouth these days is, "I want..."

10.Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail. Just ask the mailman. He hates me.

12.Favorite Christmas movie?
"Elf"

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Sure, once or twice.

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Turkey and stuffing

16.Clear lights or colored on the tree?
This year they are colored lights.

17.Favorite Christmas song?
Frosty the Snowman

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay home this year... Wish I could travel to the desert to spend it with hubby!

19.Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeers?
I think so...
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Vixen, & Rudolph

20.Angel on the tree top or a star?
Angel... A suicidal angel who insists on doing double backflip dives off the top of the tree whenever we aren't looking.

21.Open the presents on Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning.

22.Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The consumerism of it all.

23.Do you have Jebus in your heart this Christmas?
No but I have Jesus in my heart.

24.What would you like for Christmas?
Hubby to come home safe and sound. Period.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...

I can't believe Christmas is just a few short days away.

In a sense, time is dragging by as we wait for this deployment to be over.

But in another way, I can't believe it's already Christmas!

I hope you've been good this year!

Redneck Time Out

I am a firm believer in the power of duct tape! (Or, as we military folk like to call it, "100-mile-an-hour tape!")

BTW... This is NOT my child in the photo, I promise.

(As if I would take pictures!... I know better than to leave behind such incriminating evidence!)

Kidstoned Chewable Valium

Where do I buy this stuff?
Do they sell it by the case?
Do they ship overnight? FedEx?

Tuesday Chuckles

I SO wish the Santa Threats still worked in our house!!

Christmas Vacation (or as some now prefer to call it, "Winter Holidays") has not even started yet and Thing 1 and Thing 2 are already at it! Fighting over the TV, screaming at each other, calling each other names...

Calgon! Take me away!

Well, this is a year of firsts... Thing 2's first Christmas without her Dad, first year in Paradise, first time we've ever gotten a fresh cut Christmas tree, first time the kids will be grounded on Christmas Day...

Hey! Does this mean I can return all those gifts?

Dear, sweet baby Jesus, please let us survive these next 3 1/2 weeks without school...

Quiz: What rank are you?

morality score 85%

 

85-95% SFC MSG/1SG Command level decisions are in your court. THIS is where the medal meets the meat 95-100% SGM
You Are the ultimate in NCOs lower enlisted than your own rank all look to you for guidance.

Enlisted Army Rank Quiz
See All Our Quizzes

O' Christmas Tree...

Yeah, yeah.

Finally got the tree put up.

Thing 2 helped decorate.

Thing 1 sat in the recliner and tried to supervise.

Oh well. It's up.

Christmas without hubby sucks.

This is the first year we've ever gotten a fresh cut tree. I mean, ever. I mean, we walked through the forest and chose this tree and the guy cut it down for us.

(Yeah - the guy cut it down. Come on! Didja' really think I was gonna cut it down myself? Sheesh! Get real!)

It was a pretty neat thing to find here on "The Rock." I think the tree farm is a pretty well kept secret even though it's just a couple of miles outside of town.

Where else on earth would we have our Christmas tree cut down by a guy in shorts and slippas? (Flip Flops)

Wish you were here, honey. Wish you were here.

"Thank You, Dad!"

Thing 2 says,

"It's so pretty!"

"I'm going to eat it anyway!"

"Thank you, Dad!"

She has now been gazing at the pretty lollipop for 20 minutes without so much as a single lick.

And to think "SANTA" just dropped $$$ on this kid for Christmas. Whoda' thunk a simple rainbow lollipop would've amused her so easily.

Funny Stuff

Check it out.

North Shore

It really is beautiful here in Paradise.

You know when you see postcards and photos in magazines of the beaches here and you think that surely the color of the water has been enhanced or something...

No. It really is that amazing.

And the various beaches on opposite sides of the island are even different. The water is different shades of blue and the sand is a different texture even. But the colors are just amazing.

It's nearly Christmas now and look how GREEN it still is. It was about 80 degrees today with a good breeze. This evening it rained a little bit and the wind picked up even more. Many people were complaining because they were SO COLD. It couldn't have been cooler than 70 degrees outside. I swear.

I was out in search of a unique Christmas gift and decided to go ahead and drive the couple extra miles out to the beach... Just for the view. I'm glad I did because it was a nice reminder (that I sorely needed) of how blessed we are to be here.

I'm still not in the Christmas spirit. I'm going to try and take Thing 1 and Thing 2 out this weekend to buy a Christmas tree. We'll see how that goes.

I've got to tell you - I'm about Christmas Partied out now... If I never see another sugar cookie again, it will be too soon. (Don't worry, honey - my parties are very G-rated... lots of kids, lots of cookies, lots of punch, and lots of "fun Christmas crafts.")

So... Tell me again...

Exactly how many popsicle stick reindeer do I need for this non-existent Christmas tree I have???

Must... Stay... Awake!

Ever have one of those weeks where no matter HOW much sleep you think you get, you spend the whole time walking around like a zombie?

Yeah. Havin one of those weeks now...

No time for being LAZY around here, though!

Must. Stay. AWAKE!

Sick

Is everyone on this island sick???

I don't know what it is about this place, but people are always sick!

Colds, viruses, bronchitis, pneumonia!!!

I've met four people here in the last couple of weeks who have recently been diagnosed with pneumonia! That's more than I've known in my entire life!

I had pneumonia last summer and it hit me like a ton of bricks... Out of nowhere. I went from perfectly fine when I went to bed one night to full-blown pneumonia the next morning. I was out of commission for 3 weeks with a 104 degree fever that wouldn't budge, coughing, and sweating like there was no tomorrow. It was miserable.

Thing 2 has been home from school for 2 days with this sore throat and tummy ache.

I just pray I'm not next... though the headache I've had has been getting a little worse and my throat is a little scratchy.

New Phone

Well, I was very kind of good this year.
I asked Santa to bring Hubby home.

Since I don't see that happening...

My Christmas present to myself this year is a new phone.

I was so excited to be replacing my RAZR, but now I'm not so sure I like this phone any better.

The reception on the RAZR is the pits and the flush buttons make it hard to type text messages while barreling down the highway in my 7,000 lb. SUV sitting in my car in the parking lot.

I can't figure this thing out.


I guess it's time to read the manual.

;-)

You know, when all else fails...

What are you asking Santa for this year?

Uninvited Guests

This one was a relatively small one - compared to the first one anyway. This one was "only" about 6 inches long.

I'm thinking we need to start charging rent or claiming these guys as dependents on our tax return if they don't find somewhere else to call 'home' soon.

What do you think?

Bah Humbug

The Christmas Party we've been planning for 2 months now?
SUCCESS.
DONE.

We had a decent turnout, good food, and a lot of fun activities for the kids, including a special visit from jolly St. Nick.

My ladies REALLY pulled together and put out a great party. I don't know what I'd do without them. They were fantastic.

Now... I wish I could just fast forward to like... say, February, so that we can be past all of the holiday hoopla.

The house is not decorated. There are no lights strung up outside. There is no Christmas tree inside. There are no big plans for turkey dinners with friends. Christmas shopping? Hmph. Notsomuch.

Getting into the holiday spirit has been impossible for me. I just keep thinking of hubby sitting in the desert doing what he's doing and I struggle. I think of the crap he's putting up with and stuff he's dealing with and I just can't find it in me to find the cheer that I need to be festive this year.

BAH HUMBUG.

Schofield mourns loss of five more soldiers

You can read about it here.


Please keep these soldiers' families in your thoughts and prayers.


My heart goes out to them. They have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

God bless you all and Thank You.

Meez

www.meez.com

Go on! Make one of your own!

***UPDATE***
Hubby asks, "Why is there a picture of you standing in front of my Privates?"
LOL!

So True...

Headache!

AARRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!

Migraines SUCK!

Preventive meds are NOT working.
Treatment meds are NOT working.

Going back to neurology in 2 weeks.

Meanwhile...

AARRGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colors

Over There.














Here.

Navy Wins

26 - 14, Navy wins

But this picture was
too funny
not to share!

Ranger Coffee Video

GO ARMY!

Birthday Boy

Happy birthday, honey!
I hope you have a great day!
We love you and miss you so much!

My Favorite Veteran

My Favorite Veteran!
He is also my hero! (I might have mentioned that before.) ;)

Honey:
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your hard work, loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. Because of you, we enjoy freedom, peace, and countless other blessings every moment of every day. Thank you!
I love you, honey!
Be careful "over there!"
We miss you SO much!
Happy Veteran's Day!

In Honor of Election Day

Read this on another blog:

In honor of election day

While walking down the street one day, a US. senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in."

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choosewhere to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy. He has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such agood time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St.Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit Heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have agood time and before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers. "Well, I would never have said it before. I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."

So, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags, as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday, I was here and there was a golf course and a clubhouse and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, danced and had a great time. Now, it's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday, we were campaigning. Today, you voted."

Troops Response to Senator Kerry

Hubby sent me this pic along with the following note:

"hear u gO? i ges we re a hole bunch ov dummies;"

HILARIOUS!!

John Kerry Does it Again!

“You know, education, if you make the most of it, if you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, uh, you, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.”
Sen. John Kerry

Un-freaking-believable. I've never liked this guy, but now? Forget it. What an a$$.

My Soldier is one of the smartest people I've ever met.

Mr. Kerry? Screw the apology; from your mouth it would be meaningless.

Project Valour - IT

What a fantastic cause!

Project Valour-IT
(Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops)
In memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss

Every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of voice-activated laptops for wounded servicemembers. As of October 2006, Valour-IT has distributed nearly 600 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country.

During its initial phase, Valour-IT created "libraries" of laptops equipped with voice-controlled software for the severely wounded staying at major military medical centers. In many cases a laptop was provided to a wounded hero for permanent use.

Valour-IT is continuing to accept donations of any amount to supply the "libraries" of laptops at major medical centers and gifts to individuals, but has also added the option of an individual or organization directly sponsoring a wounded soldier by completely funding the cost of a laptop and continuing to provide him or her with personal support and encouragement throughout recovery. This has proved to be an excellent project for churches, groups of coworkers or friends, and members of community organizations such Boy Scouts.

Most recently thanks to the efforts of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Valour-IT is now able to reach personnel in VA hospitals who would benefit from a Valour-IT laptop. Wounded military personnel can request a laptop through the sign-up form if they are recovering at home or in military hospitals, or through the Valour-IT/Soldiers' Angels representatives if they are patients at the following medical centers:

Balboa Naval Hospital
Brooke Army Medical Center
Madigan Regional Medical Center
National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda Naval Hospital)
Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital (29 Palms)
Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Read about the competition here at Blackfive's blog.

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming to Bring You... COOKIE TIME!

Not to worry!
It's that time of year again!
Girl Scout Cookie Pre-Sales!

Thing 2 is a Girl Scout and will be accepting pre-orders for Girl Scout Cookies from Sunday October 29th through Sunday November 26th.

On the menu:

Samoas: "Chewy and rich! Tender vanilla cookies, covered with caramel, rolled in toasted coconut, and striped with a rich, chocolaty coating. 0g trans fat! Count per pkg: 15"

Thin Mints: "Extra thin, extra minty! A thin wafer covered with a smooth chocolaty coating. Made with natural peppermint. 0g trans fat! Approx. count per pkg: 36"

Do-Si-Dos: "Peanutty excitement! Naturally good! Crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with creamy peanut butter filling. No artificial color or flavor. 0g trans fat! Approx count per pkg: 22"

All-Abouts: "The perfect combination. Girl Scouts and values... shortbread and fudge. Some things just go together. Celebrate what Girl Scouting is all about with these newly designed message cookies. Fun new shape! Same great taste! 0g trans fat! Approx. count per pkg: 18"

Trefoils: "Light and delicious! Short, tender, delicate-tasting shortbread that melts in your mouth. 0g trans fat! Approx. count per pkg. 45"

Tagalongs: "Wildly popular! Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with a luscious chocolaty coating. 0g trans fat! Count per pkg: 15"

Sugar-free Little Brownies NEW!: "Made with REAL chocolate chips! An explosion of chocolate flavor in a bite-sized package! You won't believe this luscious treat is sugar-free! 0g trans fat! Approx count per pkg: 20"

Cafe Cookies: "Gourmet-Style Cookies. Caramelized with brown sugar, this charming crisp cookie will delight even cookie connoisseurs. With a hint of cinnamon spice, it's perfect with your favorite warm beverage. 0g trans fat! Approx. count per pkg: 45"

Cookies are $4 per box (plus any postage, if applicable) and will be picked up around January 11th.

The Girl Scout Council of Hawaii is also collecting donations for Hawaii-based military troops deployed overseas. Girl Scouts who collect over $48 in donations during our pre-sell period (Oct 29th through Nov 26th) will earn a special, exclusive patch!

I'll be ordering as many boxes of cookies as I can squeeze into the budget to send over to the desert for hubby and his fellow soldiers.

If you're interested, contact me!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming!

Color Guard & Spurs

"Ho! Ha! Guard! Turn! Perry! Dodge! Spin! Ha! Thrust!"
~ Daffy Duck as Robin Hood

Thing 1 loves the Color Guard...

Even after spending an hour in the orthodontist's chair so he could do this...

"Spurs" is what he lovingly called this torture device.

Not shown: 2 sets of "buttons" and rubber bands to correct her cross bite.

15 minutes after procedure: "Mom! I can't ssspeak!"

1 hour after procedure: "MOM! I can't eat!"

4 hours after procedure: "MO-O-O-M! IT HURTS!"

And to think she was SO looking forward to this appointment for 2 months now!

Tri-Care Dental Program Premium: $26.27

Orthodontic Procedure AFTER Tri-Care: $1,000

Quiet time in our house until Thing 1 masters the art of speech with the new contraption in her mouth: PRICELESS!

Wasn't Me

It wasn't me...

but, damn, that's some funny stuff right there!

I don't care who you are.

Good Quote

"If you're going through Hell, just keep going."
- Winston Churchill

3 Months...

THREE MONTHS.

Feels like FOREVER.

I miss him.

Oh, I can SO Relate...

Do you have a Calvin?

I have 2.

Creepy Crawlies

Hawaii is supposed to be "Paradise" but they don't ever mention all of the wonderful creatures you get to share this island paradise with...

Such as gargantuan, flying cockroaches, geckos by the truckloads, and these NASTY poisonous centipedes that sting the crap out of you. I'm scared to death of them!!

Last month, I found one in my dining room by sheer accident. It was about 2 inches from my bare foot when I spotted it and my kids nearly had to peel me off the ceiling when they came running into the room at midnight to find out why their mother was screaming at the top of her lungs. I couldn't speak or think. I could only point. At. The. Twelve. Inch. Long. Centipede. Of course, then they started screaming and were climbing the walls right along with me.

Quite a scene.

You can be sure that bright and early the next morning, I was on the phone scheduling an appointment with an exterminator.

Tonight? Folding laundry... Minding my own business... I pull out the last item of clothing from the dryer and what do I see there in the bottom, dried up and dead? ANOTHER CENTIPEDE!

Where did he come from? Did he find his way into the dryer and die there? Or was he in the washer and I [BLECH!] transferred him to the dryer when I put my clothes in there? OR... Was he in the pile of dirty laundry that I [SHIVER] picked up and carried from the bathroom and then put into the washer?

Either way you look at it... I'm freaked out now. It looks like I'll be making another appointment with the exterminators.

FYI... Centipedes do not respond to RAID. You can douse them with it. You can create a virtual swimming pool around them with it. It will not faze them.

Oh. And yes, they are very fast.

And... they can climb walls.

I know this now.

Honey? Can you come home now?

Tired...

What a LONG week!

I just can't even begin to write about it. I'm so glad it's done!

That makes 12 weeks down!

I'm tired. I think I'll hibernate for the rest of the deployment.

All Shook Up!

From theHawaiiChannel.com

Earthquake 6.5 Shakes Islands; Knocks Out Power

HONOLULU -- An earthquake measuring 6.5 shook the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday morning, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The U.S. Geological Society is reporting the quake was 6.3.
It happened at 7:07 a.m. off the Waikoloa coast on the Big Island, according to scientists at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The quake did not generate a tsunami, officials said. Aftershocks as strong as 5.8 have been reported.

Okay, Okay! I slept through the whole thing. I admit it!

After living in Japan and Alaska, even a 6.5 on the Richter Scale can't rouse me these days. It was nuttin'.

Nuttin' that is, until 10 year old Thing 2 came screaming into the bedroom like Henny Penny as if the sky was falling!

No shit, there we were!...

Just kidding.

We are fine. The house is fine. We lived without power [GASP!] and internet [GASP!] for about 11 hours and we are fine!

I grew up with Hurricanes... Moved here from the Gulf Coast after Katrina and Ivan the Terrible and Dennis the Menace and all of those other horrible destructive hurricanes.

We know all about disaster preparedness, evacuation, yadda yadda yadda.

With no warning for the earthquake, though... No time to prepare ourselves mentally for it...

I'll take Hurricanes for $100, please, Alex!

One thing we've learned after Sunday's rocking experience...

When hubby deploys, not only is every possible worst-case scenario GOING to happen, but we will NOT be prepared for it, since he's packed up and taken all his "camping" gear with him. ;)

(Did you know you can make coffee on a gas grill?)

Ever Have One of Those Days...

Ugh!
That about sums it up.

Good Night, Moon

One of the things I miss most about Alaska is the beautiful starry skies at night. On a clear night, you could find yourself surrounded by hundreds of stars and ribbons of Northern Lights. It was just amazing. And breathtaking.

I'm not sure why, but we don't always get to see the stars at night here in Paradise. Even on beautiful, clear nights... they just aren't there. I love to see the moon in its different colors and phases, though. And it's somehow reassuring to know that hubby is looking up at that same ole' moon on the other side of the world.

Good night, Moon.

Good night, Hubby.

Be safe over there. I love you.

October...

Okay. I have not fallen off the face of the earth!

I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog in a little while. I just haven't been able to write. It's been busy and stressful and hard to string two coherent sentences together for the purpose of this blog. The kids are fine. Mom is doing ok. The 'volunteer work' is tough. If you know me, you know what I do, so you can imagine at least a tiny bit of what I'm dealing with right now. I'm not getting a lot of sleep and this headache I've had since hubby left... well, I'm going to the doctor again this week, I promise. A positive side effect? I've lost a lot of weight since July! :) Please bear with me while I try to get through this time.

It's "Autumn" for most of the U.S. now. Here in paradise, however, temperatures haven't changed much. Everything is still as green and lush as ever! We could go to the beach almost every day if we wanted to, I'm sure.

It is October, though, and I've been looking forward to putting up the Halloween decorations for weeks! :) I went to the commissary the other day and found racks and racks of pumpkin carving kits... and NO PUMPKINS. Ummm. Oookaaayy? I *almost* bought a pineapple or a watermelon to carve instead... You know, "When in Rome..." Or, should I say, "When in Paradise..."

After the big m-o-v-e in August, when the box of Halloween decorations was moved from the old garage to the new one, I remembered to keep it to the side and not bury it under the boxes of Christmas decorations so it would be accessible when October finally rolled around. (I still can't believe I actually remembered to do this!)

So, the other day, with the help of Thing 1 (17 year old) and Thing 2 (10 year old), we put up a few Halloween decorations.

We've never done this without hubby's help before, so this is a BIG thing.

BRING ON THE TRICK OR TREATERS!

Time Stands Still

Before hubby left for the desert, I wondered how I would ever remember the time difference between here and there.

My guy is so sweet.

He brought home this clock that he kept on his desk at work, set it to Desert Standard Time, and gave it to me to keep on my desk here at home to help me keep track. (He's always doing things like this to 'square me away.')

At 5:17 pm today, my clock stopped.

AS IF TIME WEREN'T MOVING SLOW ENOUGH ALREADY!

Ironic story...

Someone far away asked me today, "What is the worst part of him being gone?"

My first thought was TIME... the days and nights go by too slowly... The calendar seems stuck on the same old month... The months ahead stretch on forever...

But then I realized, no... that's not the worst thing.

Worry.

I worry about him. Constantly.

Don't get me wrong.

I must sound like I spend all day holed up in my house pining away for my husband to return, with nothing to do but stare at the clock and the calendar.

No. I stay busy. My girls keep me busy with their various activities and my volunteer work is like more than a full time job at this point. I have a group of ladies I get together to scrapbook with at least once a month, neighbors who come hang out, and friends I meet for lunch or other outings. My phone rings constantly and there's always someone at the door.

I'm busy.

But no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing, whether I'm with friends or alone, whether I'm awake or sleeping, I worry about him.

I try not to read the newspapers. I try not to watch the news or visit the news sites. I really do. Honest.

But every now and then I'll get word of a story... and I just have to check it out. And then I worry MORE.

Little Treats

Hubby loves Slurpees, especially those gross Mountain Dew flavored ones.

So now, every now and then, the girls and I go out for Slurpees as a little treat... just for him.

Whoever invented these things... Thank you!

Another Monday?

So I'm looking into the face of another Monday...

Only does it really make a difference whether it's Monday or Wednesday or Saturday?

If it weren't for the fact that I have two school-aged kids, it would really all blend together. When hubby is home of course we can't wait for the weekends because that's when we can have him to ourselves! (For the most part anyway!) So for now... well for quite a while actually... we don't have those weekends to look forward to.

So I Googled my name and apparently...

"C... needs to be thanked."
Aww. You're welcome! For whatever.

"C... needs to go."
Um. No... not really. Notsomuch. I actually just "went" a little while ago. AND I washed my hands. thankyouverymuch.

"C... needs help."
Actually... if you want to wash the truck, that'd be awesome. Thanks.

"C... needs to tell her man to start talking."
I KNOW! I wish he would call me!

"C... needs to wear clothes on top of her underwear."
Well, last time I checked...

"C... needs the guidance."
Oh yes, Obi Won....

"C... needs some Frizz Ease."
Most days just a little conditioner will do, but yeah, when it's really rainy outside? Bring on the Frizz Ease!

"C... needs to stop wearing big girl clothes."
Dangit! Why didn't you tell me before the job interview?

"C... needs a brain transplant."
Uh. This is the first I've heard of it. I wish the doctor would have mentioned it at the last appointment. But I'm going to have to pass anyway. I hear those things actually kind of hurt.

:::Sigh::::
Sometimes silliness and sarcasm helps to lighten the mood.




Because DANG that's a LONG time when you look at it like that, isn't it??