Cheeseburgers in Paradise

Sadly Neglected

2008-06-24T18:54:00.002-10:00

Poor, sadly neglected blog! I've let life get in the way and have just been too busy to post!
I'm still here, somewhere...

So much to say, so few words to describe everything.

I've got some great photos to post soon!

Taxed?!

2008-01-27T21:09:00.000-10:00

From The Honolulu Advertiser bright and early this morning:

Hawaii soldiers taxed with repeat Iraq duty

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

At least 4,500 Schofield Barracks soldiers who returned from Iraq in October are scheduled to go back around November of this year, the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division said.

The quick turnaround — 15 months in Iraq followed by just more than a year back home — is an indication of the demands the Army faces five years into the Iraq war and with more than six years of commitment in Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, who will gain a third star and take over U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter on Friday, said frequent combat deployments are resulting in strains on soldiers and their families, increased suicides and lowered standards for new recruits.

Something's got to give.

Mixon, who led 23,000 U.S. troops in northern Iraq on the recent deployment, including 7,000 from Schofield, advocates a change in policy to one emphasizing training, special operations missions and air and logistics support.

About 3,500 of those Hawai'i soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, and 1,000 soldiers from the division headquarters, are expected to return to Iraq late this year.

"We are going to have to change our strategy in Iraq to reduce the numbers of troops, and thereby reduce the rotations and increase the dwell time that we get back here at home," Mixon said.

Defense officials are struggling with the question of how much to reduce the U.S. troop presence beyond the 30,000 from last year's "surge," which is expected to drop the total to 130,000 by July.

Mixon, 54, made the comments as he prepares to leave the Tropic Lightning division, which he has led for the past 2 1/2 years, to take command of a growing force at Fort Shafter.

A policy change needs to be made that will alter the U.S. strategy from "kinetic" day-to-day offensive operations to one primarily of training and oversight, Mixon said.

The turnover of responsibility to Iraqi security forces in the north needs to be accelerated, he said.

British troops were reduced in the south, and the number of U.S. Marines may be scaled back in the west.

There is a risk with such a policy in the north, Mixon said, and the violence will likely continue to occur with a reduction.

". . . political decisions have to be made," Mixon said. "What is realistic for us to be able to achieve in Iraq and Afghanistan, given the current size, capabilities and strain that's being placed on the Army?"

Mixon said in Mosul, a city of 1.5 million, the U.S. presence was reduced to one battalion, or about 600 soldiers, along with special operations forces.

At least 37 Iraqis were killed in two bombings in Mosul last week, and the government said it was dispatching several thousand Iraqi security forces to the city.

Mixon said it's necessary to weigh the risks of a mission change and significant drawdown of troops against the degradation of America's all-volunteer force, and possible need for those troops elsewhere.

Sgt. Junior Ioane, 24, from American Samoa, has been on the frontlines of the Iraq war and the strain that comes with it.

The Schofield soldier spent a year at Kirkuk Air Base in 2004, returned to Iraq in the summer of 2006 for 15 months and now is contemplating the likelihood he'll have to go back later this year.

"It's very hard," he said. "It's put a lot of strain (on my family), especially my wife. We haven't even been back six months yet and we hear rumors about us going back. There's always preparation and training before, so it's going to be more time taken away from us and our families."

The Stryker brigade of 4,000 soldiers recently arrived in the Taji area north of Baghdad. The same brigade deployed to Iraq in 2004 before it was converted to one of the fast-strike units.

Most U.S. soldiers are on a deployment rotation of 15 months in a combat zone and 12 months at home, although Army planners are trying to reduce deployment time to a year by summer.

Mixon, who in the past criticized the Iraqi central government as ineffective, advocates drawing down U.S. forces from about 23,000 in the north to about half that over the next year or so.

He foresees 50,000 to 60,000 U.S. troops total in Iraq "for a long period of time."

How quickly the U.S. gets to that point is something the planners need to figure out, he said. But there needs to be a timeline.

"I think this is something that you eyeball to eyeball tell the Iraqi government what you intend on doing," Mixon said.

Although U.S. troop deaths this year are at historic lows, Iraq remains a deadly place.

Spc. Jon "Mike" Schoolcraft, a Schofield soldier, was killed on Jan. 19 when his 20-ton Stryker armored vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Several other soldiers were wounded, some seriously enough to be flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, officials said.

"It will be a pretty rough fight for (the Stryker brigade soldiers) over the next several months, I'm sure," Mixon said.

Soldiers like Ioane face tough decisions.

"The Army's been really good to my family. It pays the bills," Ioane said. "But if it keeps on going at this pace of deployment, I'm really not seeing myself in it."

I just wish they really understood what these rotations are doing to the families. I wish they could see it with their own eyes and really understand what is happening and what the cost is... and just who is paying that cost.

~cdw

I {heart} long weekends!

2008-01-21T18:56:00.000-10:00

On an Army post, a Federal Holiday that falls on a Monday usually means we get to enjoy a 4-day weekend, the Friday being referred to as a "Training Holiday," or an "ADONSA." (A Day of No Scheduled Activities) (I swear if the Army could give me an acronym, they would.) Whatever. It's a day off. I am not going to argue it. If the holiday falls on a Tuesday, I guess it depends on the command as to whether they will schedule the Monday as the training holiday or not.

Anyhoo...

This past weekend was a long weekend. And I lurve long weekends. Don't you?

For us, it means sleeping late, and (this year) having hubby home. YAY!

3-D Puzzles are kewl. Thing 2 made this one. It's almost big enough to fit her inside of it. Almost, but not quite. (Not that I tried to fit her in it or anything...) [ahem!]

We also took a little time for this...
Because a long weekend wouldn't be complete otherwise.

How did you spend your long weekend?

~cdw

Stay Off the Sidewalks...

2008-01-20T20:14:00.000-10:00

Camera Shy
But then, who wouldn't be...
After a 45-minute car ride with...

Thing 1 and her brand new driver's license?
{gack!}

Consider yourself warned! ;)

Baby's Got a Brand New Bag

2008-01-19T12:54:00.001-10:00

Or a new look to her blog...
I decided I needed a makeover around here.
What do you think?
~cdw

Stop-Loss

2008-01-18T17:59:00.000-10:00

The movie, Stop-Loss, from the director of Boys Don't Cry, will in theaters on March 28th, 2008.

It looks like a good one! Check out the preview.

2008 - A New Beginning

2008-01-02T00:18:00.000-10:00

(a card I made for hubs - what do you think?)

Did you make any New Year's Resolutions for 2008?

I'm not much of a Resolution maker, but I did decide to come up with one word that would be an inspiration for me for the entire year.... One word that would help to motivate me, help me to grow, and help me to stay focused.

My word for 2008 is L O V E.

There are many different definitions of love, and I won't go into all of them. My focus this year will be on love of others and all things, as well as myself, just as we are or just as God had wanted us to be. It encompasses everyone and everything and includes understanding and patience, growth and encouragement, sacrifice and honesty. It is mental and it is physical. It is everywhere around us in everything we do.

So much of this world could be different if we all showed each other a little more understanding and love. It's just baffling to me.

Do YOU have a word for 2008?

I'd love to hear about it!

~cdw

2007

2007-12-31T12:03:00.000-10:00

What a year its been, 2007!

Have a SAFE and happy New Year's Eve and I wish all the best to you in the coming New Year!

Hau'oli Makahiki Ho'u!

~cdw

State Champs!

2007-12-01T01:39:00.000-10:00

Leilehua High School football team, The Mighty Mules, won the State Championship tonight, beating an undefeated St. Louis Crusaders in the final 36 seconds of the game... 20 - 16!

GO MULES!

Great game! Great season!

We're proud of you!

CDW

Home.

2007-10-08T22:43:00.000-10:00

My hero is FINALLY home!

"Home"
Katharine McPhee

You are the world within the world that I exist
You are the touch that just won't fade
You are the end and beginning of each and every day
You are the reason I stay sane

It's hard to see beautiful
Oh, it's hard to see beautiful
In your own eyes
But you make me beautiful
For the very first time

Does anybody know what it's like
To feel larger than life
To look deep in your soul
And know you're not alone
Does anybody know how it feels
To find something that's real
And make it your own
That's when you know that you found home
Home
You found home
Home

And when the strings inside me
Unravel to the ground
You are the hand that gathers me up
And when I'm laughing so hard
That I can hardly breathe
How do you know just when enough's enough

Oh, it's hard to feel beautiful
Oh, it's hard to feel beautiful in your own skin
But you make me
You make me beautiful
Over and over again

Does anybody know what it's like
To feel larger than life
To look deep in your soul
And know you're not alone
Does anybody know how it feels
To find something that's real
And make it your own
That's when you know that you found home
Home
You found home
Home

Don't let me down
'Cause I've waited all my life
To find, yeah

Does anybody know what it's like
To feel larger than life
To look deep in your soul
And know you're not alone
Does anybody know how it feels
To find something that's real
And make it your own
That's when you know that you found home
Home
You found home
That's when you know that you found home
Home
You found home
Home

Honey, I have missed you so much and I am so glad you've found your way home.
I am so proud of all you have done, I just can't even begin to explain it to you. Let me just say this... You are my hero in so many ways! Thank you for everything you have sacrificed and accomplished for this country, for this community, and for our family. You are such a wonderful human being and I am so lucky to be your wife and your best friend. All of the hard work you've put in has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. We are so very blessed to have you.
Welcome Home.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2007-09-30T13:25:00.000-10:00

I Miss My Friend

2007-09-26T21:19:00.000-10:00

"I Miss My Friend"
by Darryl Worley

I miss the look of surrender in your eyes
The way your soft brown hair would fall
I miss the power of your kiss when we made love
But baby most of all

Chorus:
I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I miss the colors that you brought into my life
Your golden smile, those blue-green eyes
I miss your gentle voice in lonely times like now
Saying it'll be alright

Chorus

I miss those times
I even miss the silly fights
The making up
The morning talks
And those late afternoon walks
I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with.

I Miss My Friend

Here By Me...

2007-09-03T09:40:00.000-10:00

"Here By Me"

I hope you’re doing fine out there without me
‘Cause I’m not doing so good without you
The things I thought you’d never know about me
Were the things I guess you always understood

So how could I have been so blind for all these years?
Guess I only see the truth through all this fear,
And living without you…

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me.
Just as long as I have you,
Right here by me.

I can’t take another day without you
‘Cause baby, I could never make it on my own
I’ve been waiting so long, just to hold you
And to be back in your arms where I belong

Sorry I can’t always find the words to say
But everything I’ve ever known gets swept away
Inside of your love…

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me.
Just as long as I have you,
Right here by me.

As the days grow long I see
That time is standing still for me
When you’re not here

Sorry I can’t always find the words to say
Everything I’ve ever known gets swept away
Inside of your love

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me.
Just as long as I have you,
Right here by me.

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me.
Just as long as I have you,
Right here by me.

August

2007-08-07T23:34:00.001-10:00

August...
It really is August!
Before too long it will be September.
Shortly after that it will be October.
That's all I have to say about that! :)

Proud

2007-07-22T15:11:00.000-10:00

"Do I Make You Proud"
Taylor Hicks

"Do I Make You Proud"

I've never been
The one to raise my hand
That was not me
And now that's who I am
Because of you
I am standing tall
My heart is full
Of endless gratitude
You were the one
The one to guide me through
Now I can see
And I believe
It's only just beginning

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I've ever been now
Never been afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud

I guess I’ve learned
To question is to grow,
That you still have faith,
Is all I need to know,
I’ve learned to love,
Myself in spite of me,
And I’ve learned to
Walk on the road I believe.

Everybody needs to rise up
Everybody needs to be loved
To be loved
Everybody need to rise on
Everybody needs to be loved, to be loved

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you, do I make you proud
This is what we dream about
Never been afraid of standing out
Do I make you proud
Stronger than I've ever been
Never been afraid of standing out

Do I make you proud
Do I make you proud

**************************

YOU MAKE ME SO PROUD, HONEY! I LOVE YOU!

Home

2007-05-13T12:42:00.000-10:00

Chris Daughtry Lyrics

"Home"
by Chris Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.

I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.

The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love, remains true.
And I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.

So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
[ Lyrics found on http://www.metrolyrics.com ]

And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.

Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.

Oh, well I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from.
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old.
I said these places and these faces are getting old.
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.

Done! Weight Loss Goal Reached

2007-05-01T01:39:00.000-10:00

Happy Easter!

2007-04-07T21:02:00.000-10:00

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

Easy as pie... NOT

2007-03-21T23:05:00.000-10:00

Well Said...

2007-03-21T22:35:00.000-10:00

Well said, Jack Army!...

You leave me speechless... and a more than a little teary-eyed.

Thank you for your service to our country!

If not for Soldiers such as yourself and my husband, where would the rest of us be? What would we have? We have so much because of your selflessness... because of your bravery... because of your willingness to go and stand up and fight for what is good and right...

Thank you.

How can we ever thank you enough?

The Forecast

2007-01-30T08:30:00.000-10:00

FORECAST

Today's forecast: Breezy, south winds up to 25 mph. Partly sunny day turning into partly cloudy night. Scattered windward and mountain showers.
Tomorrow: Breezy and mostly cloudy. Scattered showers, with southwest winds up to 25 mph.

Which, of course, is just what I need (insert sarcasm, since that is what I'm best at these days) since half of my roof is laying in my front yard.

I'm just sayin...

Because yesterday?...

It was almost like hurricane weather here. Well, not quite, but you know what I mean...

Oh... and of course, roofers don't work in the rain...

Go figure.

What Next?

2007-01-29T13:45:00.000-10:00

Lesson learned...

Don't EVER ask: "What could possibly happen next?"

Because SURELY! You will find out!

Tenfold!

It will start out innocently enough, with maybe a bit of drama here or there... little fires that can be put out quickly before they spread and wipe out the village, such as rumors that need to be squashed regarding the deployment... bored, frustrated, deployed military spouses who have nothing better to do than start trouble in the neighborhood... kids who are tired of the deployment and are ready for their deployed parent to come home... whatever.

Before you know it, though, as soon as those words leave your mouth... You can count on it.

There will be Emergency Room visits... (that's PLURAL - meaning more than one...) several trips to the hospital... Extended hospital stays... Frantic Red Cross messages being sent across the ocean to the desert... Soldiers scrambling to get home as quickly as possible to be near a loved one during this emergency...

Ah... At least we had electricity, right? ;-)

Kerry Bows Out of 08' Race

2007-01-24T19:53:00.000-10:00

Well that's good news!

Hawaii's Public Schools

2007-01-22T21:52:00.000-10:00

$$$

I just don't get it.

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle gave her "State of the State" address today. She said,

"It is important for us to have a concrete, shared understanding of where we want to go...

We all want a higher standard of living for ourselves and our children...and we want to preserve everything that makes Hawai'i unique...especially our cultural and natural resources...and our sense of 'ohana (family).

We want Hawai'i's young people to have first-rate educational opportunities... we want affordable housing...state-of-the-art health care that is accessible to all...and good-paying jobs...

Our $732 million budget surplus can enable us to dramatically re-shape our destiny, if we make wise choices."

$732 MILLION SURPLUS???

SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO MILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS???

Let me illustrate how many zeros that is... $732,000,000.00

The State has that much of a surplus and they still cannot afford to have textbooks for all of their public school students?

Or air conditioning in the school buildings? (Mind you, this is Hawaii, so the temperature is in the 80's or higher year 'round.)

My daughter's math "book" is a stapled-together stack of copied pages from a textbook. Seriously. The other classes do not allow students to remove textbooks from the classroom because there are only one set of books per room.

How does she study? How does she do make-up work? Good question!

She has to take careful notes (which she doesn't) and 'get with another student' to copy their notes when she's absent and then do a lot of after-school time in all of her classes to make up for one missed day.

And the school bus? It's operated by a commercial bus company and we have to pay for that "privilege!" It doesn't matter if she rides the bus to and from school every single day or if she only rides the bus one day a week due to extra-curricular activities. We have to pay the same amount.

I won't even mention the fact that so many of the public schools here FAILED the benchmark tests last year. Failed! They spent weeks on those tests... Doing NOTHING BUT those tests! Regular schoolwork was not a priority during that time.

As an Army family, my children have attended DoDDS schools abroad as well as public and private schools in five different states. We've seen great schools. We've seen schools that were "okay." I'm sorry, Hawaii Department of Education... I am simply NOT impressed at all.

You beg for the Federal funding and then call yourself a public school system. I look around and am not the least bit surprised at the number of private schools flourishing on the little island of O'ahu. I'm not at all shocked at the number of families I meet these days who have started homeschooling their children.

I pray that there is a bright future for the education of Hawaii's children. Gov. Lingle, you have your work cut out for you!

Staying Busy

2007-01-21T23:09:00.000-10:00

It's been a busy week for us here. Doctor appointments every day, driving Thing 1 and Thing 2 all over creation for their different activities, dealing with issues, filing taxes.

Fun stuff.

We're looking forward to R&R, though who knows when it will actually happen. I have a rough guesstimate, but of course, this is the Army we're dealing with, so I know better than to count my chickens before they hatch... Or, count on my husband being here before the plane lands. :)

Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Tomorrow marks 6 months that he's been deployed. This should be the halfway mark, but again, I'm trying not to expect that. It feels like forever since I've been able to hold him.

They'll Be the Death of Me

2007-01-20T12:54:00.000-10:00

I knew it!

Children can drive parents to an early grave.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-01-18T23:22:00.000-10:00

I've been busy trying to find my way out of this dark place I've found myself in and haven't really been able to blog as I'd like... So I'm tryin' something new.

Thursday Thirteen...

Thirteen Things I Appreciate About Hubby...
(this will be a breeze)

1. Today I was reminded of how well Hubby takes care of me.

I mean, he provides everything I need. And he comes damn close to giving me everything I could ever want. (Ok. I'll admit it. I am spoiled... ROTTEN!)

Yesterday I was whining and complaining about the parking situation for the car. (That's an understatement. I was FUMING about it! And I just happened to get to chat with him as all this was happening. So he got an earful. Or an eyeful.)

My husband is a fixer. That's just his nature. If there's something wrong - especially where his family is concerned - he will do whatever he can to make it right. He will not stop until he makes it right.

By venting about the parking situation to him yesterday, I wasn't thinking about that fixer side of him. I was simply venting. It was a frustrating situation and I was upset.

Well, today my parking problem is solved. HE FIXED IT for me. I won't go into boring details, but I'll just say that I've got good parking and I'm thrilled. He did this from the other side of the world, while sitting in the middle of a desert. Seriously. One email and poof! FIXED. He's good like that.

2. Hubby always, always, always ends every conversation (by phone, email, chat, whatever) telling me that he loves me.

If we somehow get disconnected before he can do this, he will call me back or struggle to get back online until he can.

3. He is so sweet.

Every day (or pretty close to it anyway), there is either an email in my inbox or a letter in the mail from him... FULL of sweet nothings. I will treasure these forever.

4. He is so thoughtful.

He does things like sending me flowers for no reason, buying me big and little gifts just to let me know he was thinking of me, calling me throughout the day (before the deployment) just to hear my voice, doing silly things just to see me smile, he treats my family with such respect (especially my mom - and I swear she loves him more than she does her own daughter!). He picks up the slack ALL the time. If I'm sick, or busy, or justdon'twanna - no matter what the task is - he takes care of it so I don't have to.

5. He puts up with me.

6. He listens to me... and really hears what I say... and all I don't say.

7. He knows me better than anyone else does - and he loves me anyway.

8. He knows when to push me (to strive for something) and when to stand back.

9. He loves his job and is great at what he does - and he never stops trying to better himself.

10. On those days when he hates his job, he doesn't moan and complain and make everyone around him miserable. He puts on the brave face and just does what needs to be done.

11. He really cares about his soldiers. Really.

12. He loves to cook!

13. He loves to shop!

Boy... I could go on and on. The list would be endless.

I'm so blessed to have him in my life!

Thank you, honey. I appreciate all these things about you... and so much more!

Parking Issues

2007-01-17T16:26:00.000-10:00

This used to be where I parked the car... in front of the house.

Some guys showed up and painted it red, indicating a no parking zone, today.

Isn't that wonderful?

The curb across the street is also a designated no-parking zone.

There is literally NO WHERE for me to park the car.

So now what?

Maybe I'll just stay in the car and just keep driving around and around the island until I find a spot to park it.

Insane in the Membrane

2007-01-12T22:10:00.000-10:00

3 1/2 Weeks?

2007-01-12T00:28:00.000-10:00

Ok.

So...

WHOSE BIG IDEA was it to give the kids THREE AND A HALF WEEKS (TWENTY-SEVEN DAYS!!) off from school for "Winter Break????"

I mean, HONESTLY!!!

The Emperor's New Clothes...

2007-01-11T01:46:00.000-10:00

er...

I mean...

The President's New Iraq Plan

Homefront Six is very well spoken and she puts it all out there right here.

As she says, "I don't have to like it, but I'll deal."

Comments

2007-01-10T00:13:00.000-10:00

From hubby...

I am back at the FOB and all is as good as can be expected. Enjoyed a couple of rides in the best aircraft in the inventory. It sucks being a passenger now. I would much rather be back on flight status flying around everywhere any ole' day. Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers.
Love Ya Muchly Babe,
CopterDr

From a great friend
in an email she sent out to family and friends (referring to the "When Are You Coming Home" video posted below)...

We have a very good friend that is in Iraq right now. We sent him a care package for Christmas and we are hoping he will get it soon. His name is CopterDr and he left his wife, and their two daughters at home. One of the things my friend has done on her blog is put on the following video. It is a very moving video.

Would you do me a favor and watch it and then reply to this message with something for our friend? I will post it on their site. I am hoping to get several comments from all of you. I think CopterDr would really like it knowing that we are all supporting him and everyone that is fighting for our country.

Thank you so much,
Love,
Maureen

*********************************

CopterDr, I don't know you personally but I don't need to..to be proud and honored for what you are doing for so many people. I pray for your safe return home to your wife and your two daughters. I give my condolences and my heartfelt deepest sympathies to any of your fallen friends in combat. Fight the good fight and come home safely because you are loved, needed and appreciated. We are all very lucky for you and men and women like yourself who are willing to ly down their lives for the safety and help of another human being, country or area. Thank you for being you.

Love from a Family in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Canada, Damara, Jayda, Devyn and Wyatt

*********************************

This video is very moving. Whether it's a Canadian or American fighting for our freedoms, they must have our full and continued support. I know, I for one, do not think enough of the sacrific these young men and women do to keep us safe on both sides of our borders. Our prayers go out for the safe return of your friend CopterDr.

Your cousin,
Larry

*********************************

Please tell CopterDr, and anyone else who this reaches, that we are SO proud of him, and all the young men and women who are serving our country overseas. We know they are there voluntarily, protecting us here at home. This war is lasting much longer than anyone thought, and we are eternally grateful for their courage, their loyalty, and in too many cases, their lives!

As the wife of a Viet Nam veteran, I know how heartbreaking the separation is, how frightening the tour of duty is, and how joyful the homecoming is! I think about them all the time and pray for their safety and for their families.

We will NEVER forget!!

Love,

Ann

*********************************
Maureen,

Once again, you made me cry.

My nephew was in the Army Reserve and did his time in Iraq. Fortunately, he returned home to us safe and sound and has completed his duty to the US Army. We no longer have to worry that he will be sent over there again. However, I have a godson and a nephew that are both still on active duty in the Navy, so there is a chance that I will once again have immediate family in Iraq. Even though none of my blood family is in Iraq at the moment, I have thousands of extended family members there. You see, I consider each and every soldier that is over there a part of my extended family. My most sincerest and deepest wish is that each and every one of our extended family members makes it home safe and sound. I believe that I have the best family in the world (both blood and extended) and I couldn't be any more proud of any of them!!!! Please let your friends know that they are appreciated and that each and every member of my immediate family is so very proud of everything they do for us. PS ~~ ask that they share my family's best wishes and sincerest gratitude with all of the fellow soldiers.

Toni

*********************************
That was extremely touching! I could not hold back the tears.

Linda

*********************************
It made me very sad. They should all come home yesterday and be in readiness for any war that actually threatens our country, not one started by that idiot and his minions in the white house.

I don't expect you to pass on the comment.

love,
mom
*********************************
Watching the video makes you realize how interwoven we all are. Everyone knows or is related to some one who has or is now serving in the military. For some who do not live near a military base like I do (Fort Drum in New York) I can see how you would not notice all that is done by those in the military. As our guard was once down and we thought that it could not happen "here", we were taught a valuable lesson. Since that time we have come together as a nation and our military has picked up where our politicians had let us down. Do not let the politics of the evening news bring your spirits down! The real people of this great nation are behind your endeavor and pray for you all daily. Give no quarter, never forget those who gave all and keep watch over your brothers in arms. We all are proud of you!

Ordinary, average guy. (Old family friend of Matt's parents)
*********************************

Thank you - for your messages filled with good thoughts and support. You guys are the best!

My Goal

2007-01-08T17:32:00.000-10:00

This is where I need to be... (wish me luck!)

Then and Now...

2007-01-07T19:55:00.000-10:00

10 months ago... (ugh!)

Almost there!

2007

2007-01-02T18:45:00.000-10:00

I hope you're getting off to a great start in 2007!

This is the year that Hubby comes home! :-D

To be honest, I'm having a hard time getting motivated to do anything lately. My greatest accomplishment was to get that damn tree outta' the house.

I just feel so 'blah!' I'd like to chalk it up to the post-Christmas blues, but since it actually started BEFORE the holidays, I don't think that'll fly.

I have lots to do over the next couple of months... projects that need to be finished (or started, in some cases). What I really feel like doing, though, is just crawling into bed and staying there for 6 1/2 more months.

I made no "resolutions" this New Year. It's taken me this many years, but I've finally realized that I'm just no good with them. If I'm going to make a promise to make some sort of change in my life, then it's something that's going to have to be on-going and not dependent on the calendar, but on something from within myself to make it happen. Are there things I'd like to change about myself this year? Absolutely! But I won't name it a "New Year's Resolution" in order to try to make it happen.

I'd love to say that 2007 will be a better year. I think it's all in the attitude. There are too many things that are out of my control to ensure a better year (I'm an Army wife, I know all about lack of control in my life!) but a positive outlook and hope and a lot of faith will see us through.

Here's to a bright new year with a safe return for our troops!

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T23:32:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-29T22:07:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-12-28T19:21:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-12-27T20:04:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-27T12:18:00.000-10:00

"When Are You Coming Home?"

2006-12-27T12:14:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-25T21:13:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-25T19:59:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-24T21:45:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-24T02:53:00.000-10:00

"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

2006-12-24T02:23:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-24T01:55:00.000-10:00

Firefox

2006-12-23T23:05:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-12-22T17:31:00.000-10:00

Wow.
THAT is a LONG time!

I miss you, honey.

Christmas In The Desert

2006-12-22T12:13:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-21T13:14:00.000-10:00

Christmas Survey

2006-12-21T11:08:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-12-21T09:37:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-20T15:43:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-19T23:43:00.000-10:00

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

Tuesday Chuckles

2006-12-19T08:39:00.000-10:00

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?

2006-12-18T00:06:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-12-17T18:20:00.000-10:00

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!"

2006-12-16T20:48:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-16T20:28:00.000-10:00

Check it out.

North Shore

2006-12-15T23:01:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-12-14T01:28:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-13T01:09:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-12T11:51:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-11T10:40:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-09T23:30:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-08T23:06:00.000-10:00

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

2006-12-07T21:34:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-12-06T22:24:00.000-10:00

Headache!

2006-12-06T20:10:00.000-10:00

AARRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!

Migraines SUCK!

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

Going back to neurology in 2 weeks.

Meanwhile...

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

Colors

2006-12-05T01:30:00.000-10:00

Over There.

Here.

Navy Wins

2006-12-02T13:18:00.000-10:00

26 - 14, Navy wins

But this picture was
too funny
not to share!

Ranger Coffee Video

2006-12-01T22:38:00.000-10:00

GO ARMY!

Birthday Boy

2006-11-28T18:46:00.000-10:00

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

My Favorite Veteran

2006-11-11T23:06:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-08T00:35:00.000-10:00

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

2006-11-01T21:46:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-10-31T20:22:00.000-10:00

“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

2006-10-30T23:03:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-10-28T14:30:00.000-10:00

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

2006-10-27T00:35:00.000-10:00

"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

2006-10-24T16:50:00.000-10:00

It wasn't me...

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

I don't care who you are.

Good Quote

2006-10-24T14:02:00.000-10:00

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

3 Months...

2006-10-23T23:50:00.000-10:00

THREE MONTHS.

Feels like FOREVER.

I miss him.

Oh, I can SO Relate...

2006-10-22T12:37:00.000-10:00

Do you have a Calvin?

I have 2.

Creepy Crawlies

2006-10-22T01:02:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-10-21T00:13:00.000-10:00

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!

2006-10-17T21:10:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-10-10T22:29:00.000-10:00

Ugh!
That about sums it up.

Good Night, Moon

2006-10-09T21:46:00.000-10:00

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...

2006-10-08T16:46:00.000-10:00

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

2006-09-28T21:50:00.000-10:00

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?

2006-09-24T21:25:00.000-10:00

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??

Little Soccer Star

2006-09-21T21:38:00.000-10:00

My youngest loves to play soccer! This season wasn't as much fun for her since Dad didn't get to be there for her games, but what a cool trophy!

I have to say that she's had a hard time adjusting to Dad being away. It's tough on her and she doesn't know how to talk about it. She is Daddy's Girl and now that he's not here to share everything with her, it's hard keeping her from internalizing all of her feelings. Don't get me wrong. She does know how to vocalize when she thinks her sister is doing her wrong! She can vocalize QUITE loudly when it comes to that.

44 more Fridays to go!

::Sigh!:: I miss him so. It doesn't ever get easier, does it?

The picture here: DH showing a "shaka" in a sand storm. He's holding a bottle of "blue glacier Gatorade." I've been searching all over for this powdered drink mix and can't find it anywhere. He LOVES it and wants me to send him some. So if you happen to run across it in your supermarket, let me know, won't you?

My Hero!

2006-09-10T21:01:00.000-10:00

We sit in air conditioned comfort in our little island of Paradise. We enjoy all of the comforts we've grown used to and take for granted: cable TV, high speed internet, king-sized bed, lots of choices at meal time (including the option of dining out), private bathrooms, home phones and cell phones that work, wearing clothes we like to wear (not the same old uniform every single day), long showers or bubble baths, sand that generally stays at the beach where it belongs and doesn't find it's way into our house through cracks and crevices during sandstorms, security, quiet, peace, FREEDOM.

What he has sacrificed just to be where he's at is unimaginable.

He mentions casually that he killed a scorpion on his way to take a shower. A scorpion?! Yes - a scorpion. About 5" long, he says. He killed it with a rock. Me? I would have run screaming in the opposite direction. Of course, that's just an example why he's there and not me. :)

He works long hours. 6 AM to 9:30 or 10 PM. And still has enough energy to get online and send me a message to reassure me that he's still okay, dealing with unbelievably slow internet connections that are slower than dial-up. Slower than dial-up?! Is that possible? Apparently so.

I miss him so much.

CDW

Five Weeks Down...

2006-08-31T19:18:00.000-10:00

Five down, 47 more to go...

So half my heart has been deployed to the desert for more than FIVE WEEKS now. It seems like it's been forever since I've been able to hold his hand. I miss him so much.

We stay busy with school and school activities and volunteer work, but of course it's never the same.

We even moved a week and a half ago. 12,000 lbs - 4 bedrooms worth of furniture and STUFF. Granted, we only moved a block away, but still... We had to do it without my better half to help out and it was tough. We moved from one set of military quarters to another set, so they only gave us 3 days to get out of the old place - and have it cleaned well enough to pass inspection. Fun stuff. M-O-V-E is definitely a four-letter word in my house now.

BTW - The photo shows my 'little green army man.' Not quite the same as having him here, but he sits next to my monitor and every time I see it I think of him. :)

CDW

Saying Goodbye

2006-07-23T17:54:00.000-10:00

Today I had to say "goodbye" to my best friend.

He left today for a one year tour in the desert. ONE YEAR. Besides the fact that he's going to be away at all... He and I are BEST FRIENDS. We talk about everything... and NOTHING. He knows me like the back of his hand - better even! He knows what I'm thinking before I even say anything. So, to be apart for any length of time is hard, but ONE YEAR. It's hard to even imagine. What on earth am I going to do without him for a year? It's not the first time he's had to do this, but it sure doesn't get any easier.

BTW... the photo above... Bellows Beach, Hawaii. Isn't it beautiful? :::::sigh::::::: I'd give up life in paradise just to have him home again.

CDW

North Shore - Sunset Beach

2006-07-12T09:41:00.000-10:00

Hawaii is so beautiful!
This is a photo of Sunset Beach at North Shore on Oahu in July. It is so gorgeous out here!
We enjoyed a few hours on the beach on this weekday (weekday = no crowds = YAY!).

We are so lucky to have a chance to live in Hawaii. We've begged the Army to send us here for the last 17 years. We'd actually given up on it when they finally relented.

CDW