tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33866890031669247152012-02-08T07:11:36.715-05:00This is my life in a nutshell. Fast-paced and busy one minute. Slow and boring the next. Complete with the daily dramas of the Dennis-the-Menace style Kid, the husband who wants to be in the Armed Forces again after years as a civilian, with me in the middle hanging on for dear life! DISCLAIMER: These are my views and do not represent the views of any organization mentioned. These are my words, unless otherwise noted, but the images are not necessarily mine.Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-61340540110154598982008-08-26T11:26:00.003-04:002008-08-26T12:31:10.036-04:00

So much has happened. A brain tumor resulting a lost job and a lot of turmoil. Financial ruin. 3 crashed computers. And we almost lost it all. So what happened to me? Why did I disappear? Well, after the 3rd crash, I could not get a new system due to financial resources. I applied for every job I could and got the same response." Why should we hire you? You got fired from the only RT job you

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-33675466012373080402008-05-31T09:00:00.003-04:002008-05-31T09:02:19.465-04:00

My husband returned to me yesterday afternoon with a big smile on his face and some very interesting stories to tell about MEPS. I'll save those for a later date. For now, I'll just say he passed. He made tape. He passed the physical. He is good to go.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-3321618138396131862008-05-30T13:03:00.003-04:002008-05-30T13:13:39.350-04:00

Last night, as a van pulled away with my husband in it, I was more concerned with how I was going to handle it than I was my son's reaction. Evan is a very resilient little boy, adn most of the time, if one does not make a fuss over the issue, he may not even notice something is amiss. Yesterday was no exception for my baby boy. I allowed him to play outside until 2100, as those lovely summer

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-18976042559357927522008-05-29T10:42:00.002-04:002008-05-29T10:55:01.313-04:00

This is the 101st post here on my little blog. Wow! Really? I closed my eyes, typing blindly and made it the 100-post mark. Not such a big deal, right? Well, not so fast. I'm a bit flaky. Pretty persistent in all other aspects of my life. But I get these little short-lived urges to keep journals or memoirs, and I will go to a store somewhere and find these beautiful little journals, and start

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-2530939004241938002008-05-29T05:38:00.002-04:002008-05-29T05:40:27.661-04:00

...At MEPS. He called his recruiter yesterday and asked when he was going to be picked up to go, and the recruiter said that there was some sort of problem with paperwork and he wouldn't be going until tonight. So here we go again.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-80877709553028382412008-05-27T19:30:00.002-04:002008-05-27T19:39:35.983-04:00

Blee-blee-Do-da Blah-blah-blah...... Guess what? I have done nothing today other than the crying jag just completed about 2 minutes ago. I am not even cooking dinner, as our neighbors have decided that tonight is a communal taco night. So when they get home from their daughter's soccer practice, I am going to be consuming other people's food. I have not cleaned. I have not done laundry. I

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-19363504276064273352008-05-27T07:00:00.006-04:002008-05-27T19:06:11.919-04:00

Okay, so it is quiet, The alarm has not gone off yet, and I am doing some research into what my husband will be asked to do over the course of the next months/ days/ years/ whatever. Some interesting stuff on Warrior Transition Course: http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/warrior_transition_course_information/warrior-transition-course.shtml http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-38071298830325472172008-05-27T05:24:00.004-04:002008-05-27T05:43:47.969-04:00

I was awakened by two different things this morning, both of which are extremely aggravating. The first was this awful dream I had about John and the military. He had reenlisted, gone through the Warrior Transition Course, as planned, and was almost finished with AIT when he called me and said he had gotten orders to ship to Afghanistan. So I was going to have to go without seeing him for two

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-55406293551728610352008-05-27T04:45:00.004-04:002008-05-27T04:50:03.907-04:00

"Your life is an occasion. Live up to it!" This is from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. My son has made us watch it over and over, and I must admit, it is my favorite children's movie. I loved this quote.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-90740990003565260112008-05-25T07:53:00.010-04:002008-05-27T19:04:44.523-04:00

Memorial Day is not about Barbecues, drinking, pool openings, or long weekends. Those things have become habit for almost all of us, I am sure. The intent of this weekend is to remember those we have lost, to visit their memories and remember that they died so that all of us could enjoy the freedoms we do each and every day. I was walking into Wal-Mart the other day to purchase something (milk,

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-46000438321899877502008-05-25T07:32:00.004-04:002008-05-25T07:40:11.864-04:00

John's recruiter called a few days ago. He is picking John up and taking him to MEPS for his physical on Wednesday night of this coming week. He'll spend the night in a hotel and come home on Thursday evening after a day there This is normally where the swearing in takes place, and the official contract is signed. John's waiver is still in the process of being approved, so I don't know if he

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-45145842398636437022008-05-24T08:40:00.001-04:002008-05-24T08:49:48.437-04:00

I am about to reach a breaking point in my life. We all have these, and we find them out eventually. What is our limit? Do any of us truly know? Or can we just pile it on until we feel our spines snap? This leads me to think. I have been in some stressful situations in my life, and I keep thinking I am going to reach the point mentioned above. Funny thing is, I never have. It makes me wonder if

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-23959805104468945802008-05-21T10:12:00.003-04:002008-05-21T10:37:10.439-04:00

John's waiver was submitted, but we spoke to the recruiter yesterday about getting less specific documentation to ensure it will go through. She also said it will be "highly likely" that he will get the 64W MOS. Combat Medic. He really wanted to do x-ray, but she said it isn't likely with his prior service status. He is sort of disappointed about that, but other than that, things are looking

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-63095689126436706692008-05-20T15:51:00.004-04:002008-05-20T15:56:40.222-04:00

John and I were arguing earlier about his lack of productivity. I have been doing laundry all day while he lays on the sofa. Well I was getting ready to get up and cook dinner when he said "No, you worked on the house all day! I'll cook dinner!" So now, instead of cooking, I am sitting here updating my blog. Sweet.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-40515498080206781852008-05-19T17:59:00.004-04:002008-05-19T18:06:17.487-04:00

We're back home after a trip to Kentucky. We took John's car, and I had not realized how accustomed I had become to my own car until I took the 4 hour ride in his. So uncomfortable! Thank goodness Evan slept most of the way, each way, or the trip would have been even more intolerable. I interviewed for a position while down there, and it seems favorable. It would have a very nice schedule

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-29789237081941125202008-05-16T09:46:00.004-04:002008-05-16T09:59:20.061-04:00

We got a call this past Monday that the commanding officer for the company needed to meet with John regarding his waiver, and that afternoon was the only day he had free. So as soon as Evan was home from school, all three of us rushed to Indianapolis to meet with him. It was very intimidating. We ended up on this old military installation filled to the brim with beautiful old buildings, all

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-78454675820178280682008-05-15T01:55:00.004-04:002008-05-15T02:01:57.575-04:00

Okay, so why the cupcakes? Because I am hungry, slightly intoxicated, and have food on the brain. I am also very tired, as it is 2 AM and I am sitting here on the computer for the first time in about a week. So.... I felt like I should blog something, even when I have nothing to say. It would seem that my son and husband, through their downloading without abandon, managed to destroy a laptop. I

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-53475994404733453702008-05-08T13:36:00.003-04:002008-05-08T13:46:05.066-04:00

John got a call from the recruiter yesterday. He said he will be calling on Monday morning at 0900 to set up an meeting between John and the Batallion Commander regarding the waiver. I was completely unaware that the Batallion cammander would be the one to approve the waiver. Apparently all that is between John now is a physical and a signature from this man he is to meet. It's very exciting and

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-74157861935777720062008-05-08T12:20:00.003-04:002008-05-08T13:33:15.622-04:00

The other day, someone in an online community to which I belong asked this question: What makes your relationship so great? I made a reply immediatel, of course. The same superficial answer everyone gives: We love each other. Ever since the question was asked, however, I have been contemplatin what my answer should have been. It is not easy to sum up a relationship that has consumed the better

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-53105642226080219592008-05-05T14:28:00.001-04:002008-05-05T14:30:26.951-04:00

There is absolutely no excuse for this. I should not have to go into detail on this one. Completely disgusting.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-72263741377935202502008-05-05T12:46:00.003-04:002008-05-05T12:57:16.838-04:00

OKay, last night, it was a little later than I normally allow Evan to stay up. But he seemed to be having trouble winding down for bed, and since it was not a school night... I decided we were going to play for a while. Well here is the thing. Evan has been collecting those die-cast Cars movie cars. He almost has all of them, except that they came out with more. Let me just say that his

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-57499989605665931622008-05-05T12:41:00.004-04:002008-05-08T13:47:29.968-04:00

Grrrrr. Stupid Waiver! We are still waiting for word on whether John's waiver has gone through. It is driving me crazy waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is he going in? Is he staying home? Do I need to really start a new job around here, or are we moving to God-Knows-Where, USA? And he is losing his motivation, so I am having to fight the daily struggle of keeping him on task. I am drained. I

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-9260865495895630282008-05-04T12:05:00.004-04:002008-05-04T12:29:30.578-04:00

Is there any wonder why I have a problem with these morons? This is kind of old news, but John and I stumbled upon this video on You Tube yesterday afternoon, and I have not been able to get it out of my head. I thought about blogging about this long and hard, because I do not want to give tham any more of an audience for their idiotic ideas and notions. But apparently, my husband is a war

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-38226025837074847302008-04-29T00:01:00.003-04:002008-04-29T00:10:20.162-04:00

I have had a very long day. Most of it was handling random business...running errands. I am exhausted and just gorged myself on pizza. The kitchen is a mess because there are little piles of sorted laundry scattered around like islands in a sea of tile. And there is this awful odor because I go the bright idea that I would attempt to rescue the compromised coffeemaker before buying a new one.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-88437769604868381102008-04-27T09:13:00.003-04:002008-04-27T09:42:20.213-04:00

I have absolutely nothing to blog about this morning. Except OHMYGODTHECOFFEEMAKERDIED! The last one I had, my child ruined by filling the water chamber with dark cocoa baking powder. He did this in an effort to make hot chocolate at 3 AM while we were sleeping. So hubby, son and I loaded in the car for an emergency trip to the local department store to buy a new one. (I won't mention said

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-69004296499895454642008-04-26T14:14:00.004-04:002008-04-26T14:30:55.064-04:00

Last night a friend and I were discussing the differences in the Army and the Marine Corps that may give John difficulty when adjusting. We could not help but laugh at some of them. A few could get John into trouble. The Marine Corps does not salute indoors, and the Army does. He is going to have to recondition himself on that one. I am willing to bet he will piss off a few officers before it

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-60502384627829201782008-04-26T14:07:00.002-04:002008-04-26T14:14:17.403-04:00

Lately John has been more and more difficult to motivate. No PT. Or very rarely. For the most part he sits on the sofa, watching movies. He is pretty much eating whatever he wants, and this worries me. I am by no means a shining example of physical fitness or proper nutrition for weight loss. But I am also not the one aiming for reentry to the military. I am afraid. I am afriad that he will e

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-14599037929378978852008-04-26T13:29:00.003-04:002008-04-26T13:42:37.700-04:00

My husband and I, along with our neighbors, went to our local community park with the kids the other day. It was just a little outing...no big deal. The kids played on the playground while we adults watched on. We noticed that there seemed to be quite a few special needs children present. No big deal either. We figured they were on an outing. Evan has never been around children with disabilities

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-1691109611356840222008-04-25T19:03:00.004-04:002008-04-25T19:10:46.394-04:00

I have wanted to see the film Ears Open, Eyeballs Click since I knew it existed. What in the hell is it? It is a documentary filmed during Marine Corps boot camp that really shows what it is like for the recruits. Watching it made me so proud that my husband did it. He made it through that! Of course John insists that boot camp on Parris Island is much tougher than San Diego, and of course the

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-51337789099438609842008-04-23T15:19:00.003-04:002008-04-26T13:53:02.754-04:00

Why is it that John has worked on this reenlistment issue for so long, and now that the time is most likely here, I am flaking out? As I am typing this, an Army recruiter is on the way to the house to pick up some final paperwork for John's waiver, do a final taping, and have John sign his contract. This is it. Now or never. I am scared to death.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-24304041266945205462008-04-20T18:36:00.004-04:002008-04-20T19:22:10.262-04:00

With my husband pursuing entering the Army, we wanted to see this film. I didn't originally think this vey prudent. I am prone to tears as of late, and visual imagery of patriotism and/or war seem to compound this. The day is rapidly approaching when I will no longer be just an observer. This will ultimately impact my life grossly. Unable to obtain a babysitter, we watched the film online (is

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-51593943869693443702008-04-20T16:27:00.004-04:002008-04-20T16:54:43.791-04:00

http://icasualties.org/oif/When I tell people of my husband's intention to reenlist recently, I have heard comments of such ridiculous nature about how things are safe now. In no way is Operation Iraqi Freedom "safe". There are now 4,039 American families who will never be the same because of this war. Please do not get me wrong: this is not an anti-war statement. I won't even speak on that

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-73037543533922969812008-04-20T14:27:00.004-04:002008-04-26T15:57:27.756-04:00

Evan brought home a new school library book the other day because he thought his father would approve. It was called "Alpha Bravo Charlie" and it went through the letters of the military alphabet, using examples from each branch of the service as examples. For example, Lima is for "Leathernecks", which got a hearty "Oorah" from my husband. But the moral of the story is that Evan and I now know

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-32474177591867256732008-04-20T13:42:00.005-04:002008-04-26T15:58:23.775-04:00

John and I have started this habit of staying up extremely late. I have friends who would consider 10 PM late. Nooooo...We aren't referring to such a normal hour here. We are talking about times when there are actually some who are waking up and starting their day....4 AM or so.Neither one of us is sure when this started. He blames me. I am the pepetual night-shifter, even when not at work, and

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-50781446130616454332008-04-16T20:51:00.003-04:002008-04-26T15:59:11.407-04:00

Okay.....My husband is one of those guys who will just throw on anything that is clean and hit the door. Sometimes this results in mismatches, or he will lift his arm in public and see a hole in the underarm or something equally embarrassing. I try to remove these items from circulation while doing his laundry, but am human and sometimes miss things. So we are getting ready to leave to go and

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-24367045088180133502008-04-14T21:43:00.003-04:002008-04-14T21:52:05.932-04:00

Awwww my son! My baby boy. Look at his picture there on the side. So sweet. So angelic! WRONG! That child is far from angelic. Tonight, before his bedtime, he goes upstairs to take a shower. I hear nothing eventful to alarm me. No crashes or splashes or other ominous sound.He comes down the stairs after the shower, and looks all cute with his wet hair and gorgeous smile. Then the smell hits!"

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-10801034217354788382008-04-13T09:43:00.005-04:002008-04-26T16:00:28.507-04:00

We started this journey so long ago. First, he was thinking about being a Corpsman because he wanted to be in the medical aspect of things. Then it was the Marine Corps because that is what he knows. Then other things in our life forced his reenlistment to take the back burner while we worked on getting things in order. He lost 80 pounds, then gained some of it back, then lost it, then gained a

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-81718582708902200162008-04-12T18:35:00.007-04:002008-04-26T16:02:17.202-04:00

My favorite movie these days is "Fun with Dick and Jane". If you have lived under a rock lately and have not seen this movie, it is about the perfect All-American family who loses everything when his company goes under. Slowly they sell off all of their posessions one by one, and try any last-ditch effort to get money to cover the bills. When they finally get a foreclosure notice in the mail,

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-69804651857098047082008-04-12T18:11:00.003-04:002008-04-26T16:01:15.763-04:00

Hahaha! This is from the Popeye movie that was out when I was a kid, and this song is sort of an inside joke. The other night, I got it stuck in my head, and was singing it around the house. Keep in mind that I sing a little worse than Shelley Duvall. It was also in Punch-Drunk Love, which had to be the strangest movie I have seen. Anyhow, John was laughing his head off at me singing this song,

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-36871036347193659862008-04-12T17:48:00.002-04:002008-04-12T17:56:21.946-04:00

In case you can't tell, because of the recent events, I have been doubting myself. It's really hard not too when a string of misfortune comes your way, and you are a student of logic. One has to ponder whether the events are a result of one's own actions. Surely it can't all just be bad luck. But I found this Emerson piece, and since I am an idiot, and cannot figure a way to format this where it

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-72202042362487019222008-04-11T21:31:00.003-04:002008-04-12T17:35:30.203-04:00

Our lives have fallen apart. Plain and simple. We try and try to keep a positive outlook, but each step forward is followed by two steps back. I would love to know the secret to keeping one's chin up when there is this much weight on one's shoulders. It is something I am having trouble figuring out at the moment. There are others out there who have the desir eto help but not the means. They

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-1389261620373840212008-04-06T18:00:00.003-04:002008-04-13T10:16:57.766-04:00

Awesome read. Awesome. It isn't something I would normally choose, but the preview for the film looked interesting, and since the book is always better, I rushed to read it so I could see the film without guilt. Of course all hell broke loose (see last post) and the movie was never to be for me.But I loved it. Now I have this fixation with the Tudors....NO--not the cable show. And John hates it

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-70870006103133097222008-04-06T17:54:00.004-04:002008-04-13T10:18:39.681-04:00

This is hard tp write...errrr... type. It's such a long story, but I have been MIA for quite some time now, and this is why. So I am juyst going to cut and paste something I had already written.I am grappling with the decision to reveal this as I type it. It is very personal in nature, but I also know that we are all a family of sorts. And I know you will all laugh when I say that we medical

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-35875904857332758722008-02-21T12:24:00.005-05:002008-04-13T10:20:54.369-04:00

I love this guy. From Project Runway. I have even gotten my husband addicted to the show, and he thinks Christian is hilarious. If you have not watched the show, you can find it on Bravo, and you MUST watch. Seriously.There have been some awesome designs that have come from the show, and I got addicted to it in its third season. Then I started seeing all of the reruns from previous seasons. But

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-75234538955106254802008-02-09T15:29:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:03:03.744-04:00

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-71725942822375577702008-02-09T00:34:00.000-05:002008-02-09T00:38:24.772-05:00

So I am wondering if I could look at this every day. More later as far as explanations go.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-44539750358732827402008-02-03T20:55:00.000-05:002008-02-03T21:05:48.391-05:00

I have had this book for ages. I have heard all of these reviews that the book was so awesome, but everytime I would sit down and attempt to read it, I would get bored with the first chapter, and never finish. Well, I finally forced myself to push through my initial boredom and finish the book. I only had to push so far when I fell into it. The author, Hosseini, truly has a gift, and the story

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-18417835570884581472008-02-02T22:28:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:03:54.994-04:00

Okay, so it has been quite awhile. What is going on? Nothing. Working like crazy, trying to keep the husband motivated. Trying to keep myself motivated. Looking for a new job to supplement the existing job. Or a really sweet fulltime offer that is substantial enough to stand alone. The bossman decided to give my weekend option schedule to someone with more seniority. So I am receiving a hefty

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-86901935404257627142008-01-19T16:48:00.000-05:002008-01-19T16:57:27.824-05:00

I had a nightmare as I was laying on the couch trying to take a nap to get ready for work tonight. I don't remember all of the details, but I remember John was being deployed to Afghanistan. He hugged me and walked away from me, stepping through these big double doors. Once inside, right over the threshold, he turned and made eye contact with me as the doors slid shut. I do remember tha panic I

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-37174449304734512002008-01-07T17:56:00.000-05:002008-01-07T18:31:00.543-05:00

Sorry, here is yet another Ohio State post. After today, I will get back to my normal life. But on this day, more than any other role I occupy in my daily life, I am a Buckeye. Just like I cannot help but think of my Mom on New Year's Eve, I cannot watch tonight's big game without thinking of my late brother, Dave. Yes I have brothers. We are far-flung around this half of the country, and so I

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-61469137283136840692008-01-07T17:27:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:04:44.283-04:00

Please, please, please Boys! Don't let me down! Once a Buckeye, always a buckeye! Screw LSU. Take 'em out! Your record is better, and they said you don't belong in this championship. Yes you do. Ohio State IS football. Prove it to 'em!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-16880942838036481672008-01-05T13:43:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:05:28.854-04:00

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-80112512899535012792008-01-05T13:32:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:06:05.648-04:00

2 Days! In about 48 hours, my boys take on LSU in New Orleans for the National title! I am off work, the fridge is stocked with game-day foods, and I am ready to go. But I am pissed. It would seem that Ohio State has been labeled the Underdog for this game. I am so, so tired of it. I have heard that we don't belong in the championship again. Why? We have lost one season game in 2 years. And out

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-25115583517246962762008-01-04T14:28:00.000-05:002008-01-04T14:34:29.408-05:00

This song is titled "1 2 3 4 Marine Corps" I think, and was recorded by Marine Corps Hip Hop Cadence. There is a link on the side bar that you can use to buy their CD or just take a listen.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-69113202411730101652008-01-04T13:49:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:07:24.532-04:00

We talked to the recruiters today. There is a document that is needed to get a waiver, so it is back to the paperwork. In the meantime, John fell off the wagon HARD over the holidays. We lived off of junk food while we were moving. After all, it is hard to cook when you can't find your cookware. Ha! But I was successful in getting the YMCA membership transferred yesterday, so there is nothing in

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-12667628194876226272007-12-31T23:26:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:09:47.046-04:00

I always, in my mind, reflect on the previous year's experiences on New Year's Eve. And we sure have had some memories, haven't we? And as the struggles come our way time and time again, and others ponder why I manage to stick it out, I cannot seem to put it into words. But tonight is the night I live for. The chance for us to have a fresh start, remembering the lessons that we have learned as

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-32315799975010432822007-12-31T01:31:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:17:09.070-04:00

I honestly do not know what it is about New Year's that gets me in this mood every year. I get weepy and emotional. At the stroke of midnight with each new year, I cry. When I hear Auld Lang Syne, I cry. I have theories as to why this happens, but no definite answers. I can think of only one person who may read this who actually remembers my mother. All of the others have no idea what they are

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-12330685092516696132007-12-29T03:03:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:18:04.363-04:00

My in-laws are country people. There has been a sort of constant ribbing since they met me, about how I am a city girl. To get a rise out of me, my sister-in-law's husband (does this make him my brother in law, or is that only if he were married to my sister or my was husband's brother?) has always told me he is going to buy the Kid a gun as soon as he was big enough to hold one in his own

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-79568324678283936692007-12-29T03:01:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:19:27.964-04:00

Time has this way of getting away from you, doesn't it? I have so much to write about that it is pathetic. I could not possibly keep it all in one little post, so I guess I will have to break it up by topic. Hopefully after a few days back, I will have covered everything.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-60902894991764627892007-12-16T23:39:00.001-05:002007-12-16T23:50:09.185-05:00

In case you need to know where I will be: December 17th: Work/ PackDecember 18th: PackDecember 19th: Pack/ On-Call 7pm-7amDecember 20th: Move/ On-Call 7pm-7amDecember 21st: Work 7pm-7amDecember 22nd: Work 7pm-7amDecember 23rd: Work 7pm-7amDecember 24th: Work 3pm-11pm, Our Wedding AnniversaryDecember 25th: Travel to Kentucky, Christmas with In-lawsDecember 26th: Return trip from Kentucky, On-Call

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-78645549765140280532007-12-16T15:59:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:20:24.104-04:00

John's boot camp picture. Haha! I know it looks like "Bert joins the Marine Corps", but this is my baby. Trust me, the unibrow is gone! Funny thing is, he looks like this again, without the unibrow and with broader shoulders added!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-10879706019831498922007-12-16T15:55:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:24:29.186-04:00

Sure, he looks innocent. I can assure you he is not! Too close, but look at those brown eyes! He uses them to his advantage like some sort of tool when he is introuble! No, No he was not singing the National Anthem. He was playing in the backyard, and I tried to quickly snap a picture. When I wanted a little boy, this is what I wanted. Rough and Tumble. Little jerseys and Nikes. Football. This

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-20293394671027000192007-12-15T15:03:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:22:16.252-04:00

Warning: Long, boring post of miscellaneous crap! We started the process of searching for an apartment several days ago. I was very upset by the entire process. Every apartment in a 50 mile radius around our house is based on income. So I would call these places, only to be laughed at because my income is too great. So what do people do? I would think that substantial income would be desirable

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-71507141606005494262007-12-09T14:17:00.000-05:002007-12-09T14:41:14.330-05:00

First of all, this picture is not mine. I found it online with the caption "The worst birthday cake ever", but it seemed appropriate for this post, and made me laugh. I have been off of work for nearly two weeks, barring the 3 hours I was required to go in to the hospital to recertify my basic life support. I have worked the past two nights. Nothing extreme--just my run-of-the-mill twelve hour

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-12535727186687071992007-12-02T20:50:00.000-05:002007-12-02T20:58:48.384-05:00

It has been months. The topic has dropped from conversation in the home. What about the Marine Corps? John has just a few more pounds to lose before he reaches the goal weight the recruiters have set for him. He has worked so diligently. If it were not for the awesome fried chicken available across the street from our home, he would probably already be there. In the meantime, the paperwork has

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-32100279667552591292007-12-02T20:46:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:27:19.978-04:00

Okay, it is now official and my boys will be playing LSU on January 7th. I cannot wait. For tomorrow's to do list, I have to remember to buy a stuffed tiger and rope for a noose. Time to get in the spirit of things. I really hope that they learned their lesson last year against Florida, and this will not result in a repeat of history. We need this. Game On!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-35010718723878670052007-12-02T04:58:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:26:34.420-04:00

I realize i should have named this The Ohio State Chronicles, as that has been the subject of most of my blogging. But I cannot help it. This is my life okay? I'm a Buckeye. Football season has served as a healthy distraction to the crap storm that is my life at times. And my boys just made it to the Dance, so to speak!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-61637248968602702152007-11-29T09:44:00.002-05:002008-04-26T16:28:04.098-04:00

I did as was planned. I went to the pool, and I swam. Let me tell you, it was sad! I cannot swim nearly what I used to be capable of swimming. I won't go into details in order to avoid public humiliation. But I will say that my endurance doubled the very next day. Maybe it will triple today, but who knows? Why must we get fat and old? Not fair!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-50366961083414825142007-11-21T00:37:00.000-05:002007-11-29T09:49:17.812-05:00

I doubt I will be posting anything for a few days, so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The plan looks like this: tomorrow run errands in the morning, then pick Evan up from school, and head to Kentucky for the holiday. I will be back this Friday, as I have to work this weekend. No rest for the wicked!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-34294689654539298442007-11-20T10:22:00.002-05:002008-04-26T16:38:11.389-04:00

This is for me, and only me! It takes some convincing, though, and I don't think that should be the case at all. When John started this whole endeavor of reenlisting, we already had gym memberships. The problem was that the gym we were using had Nautilus equipment and nothing more. So while we are still paying for that membership, we found it justifiable to join our local YMCA. This way, we have

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-75025980594599472092007-11-18T08:37:00.000-05:002007-11-18T08:50:17.148-05:00

Theiving Monkeys Out of Control? Breaking into homes and stealing soft drinks? Maybe they are thirsty! Sorry, folks, I know there are people getting hurt. But monkeys? Really? http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071117/wl_asia_afp/indiawildlifeanimalmonkeysoffbeat;_ylt=Al7FBoXi.bYaDXj2v881ij_9xg8F

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-75640040836336314702007-11-17T15:41:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:37:09.595-04:00

My Buckeyes. Big Ten Champs again. Fourth straight victory in the saga that is Ohio State vs. Michigan. But this year, I am sad. We were robbed of the championship when we lost last week, and it sucks. I still don't understand why we are being denied a chance at the title. Look at all of the other teams that have fallen. Why is LSU number one? Why is their one loss any less significant than

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-83972179621144881572007-11-15T23:06:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:36:24.065-04:00

University of Michigan "The Victors" Now for a cheer they are here, triumphant! Here they come with banners flying, In stalwart step they're nighing, With shouts of vict'ry crying, We hurrah, hurrah, we greet you now, Hail! Far we their praises sing For the glory and fame they've brought us Loud let the bells them ring For here they come with banners flying Far we their praises tell

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-79380894984244962762007-11-15T11:31:00.001-05:002008-04-26T16:35:34.127-04:00

Picture this...You have a very stressful career where very ill people rely on you. You have a child who you swear is a male version of Veruca Salt of "Willy Wonka" fame. You have a husband you have to keep motivated on a daily basis, and just about every responsibility in the home rests on your shoulders. Do you have the mental image? Good!Now picture this...Keeping in mind the above-mentioned

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-46393456083649875422007-11-15T10:50:00.000-05:002007-11-15T10:51:42.417-05:00

Should require no explanation.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-51037246983023629792007-11-13T02:32:00.000-05:002007-11-13T03:26:12.075-05:00

Have I ever mentioned how appalled I am by stupidity? Tonight, John and I were watchibng some documentary on the War, and my heart was breaking for these guys who were telling their stories about how they were treated like heroes for their service, when inside they felt like monsters. I am worried about John going off to war, and that fear is based on the physical danger he will face. But

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-73082072726454268302007-11-08T05:28:00.001-05:002008-04-13T10:13:53.876-04:00

Nothing is really going on here other than the monotonous drone of recruiters' mouths. A while back, we discovered that John will need a waiver to get back in. WAIVER...as in the potential deal-breaker variety. He has continued to lose weight and get into shape to the point that the I need to post an after picture to the after picture I posted before. Haha! So anyhow, we never expected it to be

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-12371456299137160912007-10-25T01:21:00.000-04:002007-10-25T01:35:02.230-04:00

You see everyone in this area knows about Eddie. He's a local kid. Wanted to be a Marine just about all of his life. Eddie went to Ramadi. He was just 21 years old, right between my two boys. He was on a rooftop when a bullet ripped through the frontal lobe of his brain and another through his chin. He was a sniper target in Ramadi. He's one of our own here.Some kids would have just let go and

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-24470331299931132312007-10-23T01:16:00.000-04:002007-10-23T01:18:13.540-04:00

Family Guy Army vs Marines Add to My Profile More Videos Okay, the last part of this is wrong on so many levels, but I love the mother's comment!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-69405814186718677972007-10-19T09:10:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:32:44.255-04:00

On My Watch Tonight Add to My Profile More Videos Finally, a real conversation regarding this decision John is making. It went like this: "John, you have to promise me that nothing is going to happen to you over there. my life cannot take any more tragedy. I will end up in a mental institution." "Then maybe I shouldn't go, because you know I cannot make that promise if I go off to war." "But

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-18623858323129548632007-10-18T09:27:00.003-04:002008-04-26T16:33:32.580-04:00

I attempted to blog about this on two separate occasions yesterday, and everytime I did, I stopped myself. John has gotten tired of the way that Navy recruiters have "handled" his reenlistment. So he has gone back to the Corps. It started as a few harmless calls and emails. It has ended up with his reenlistment to a reserve unit that will be deploying to Iraq in March of 2008. He will serve in a

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-54858727706451555762007-10-14T13:12:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:31:38.573-04:00

My husband and I are in a phase where affected individuals need to be informed of his intentions. Family members, coworkers, and friends. I can wrap up most of the response with this: “Is he CRAZY?” One woman from my work even had some slight leakage from the orbitals when she heard the news. The more I ponder the reactions, the more I question the decision myself. I was raised in an

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-57956714782693469952007-10-14T12:25:00.000-04:002007-10-14T12:48:09.226-04:00

I am sick, sick, sick and tired, tired, tired, tired of the crap! BCS standings are to be released on Monday, and being that my Buckeyes have yet to fall, the consensus is that they will be ranked number one again this year. Numeral Uno. But what does everyone have to say about this? "They haven't played a real schedule yet!" or "They would never make it in the SEC."Whatever! When Ohio State

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-50156098577252051692007-10-12T11:42:00.000-04:002007-10-12T11:59:42.876-04:00

So my kid is in karate, right? We gave him a choice of activities, and this was his choice. We as parents thought "Sure, why not?" It will teach him discipline. So the process started.The first week of class, a parent had to be present throughout the class. John wanted to go for his run, so I was elected by default. I watched, and it was so cute! Evan did well enough, I guess.Fast Forward...One

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-58806593659553572742007-10-12T11:38:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:29:07.970-04:00

Nothing new going on on the homefront. The man is still in the re-enlistment process, and has learned that he needs four waivers. Long story, y'all. (Ha! I DID retain some Kentuckyisms!) The kid is still rotten. I am still busy as all hell. School, work, exams, keeping the man encouraged. And I have been working on care packages for some of our men over there. Sorry, not much to report.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-10352723004593191342007-10-05T22:32:00.002-04:002008-04-26T16:16:12.309-04:00

I-O! Once again I am proud of my boys sporting the scarlet and gray! Just had to throw that in there. So, as anyone knows, TRUE Buckeyes are about as Anti-Michigan as they come. So I have a bet running with a friend from Corpsman.com. If Michigan wins the game this year, I have agreed to purchase and wear a Michigan jersey, paint my face with the Big M, and sport a blue Afro while singing the

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-65941907713682087312007-10-02T08:30:00.000-04:002007-10-12T12:01:21.926-04:00

The pic has nothing to do with anything, other than the fact that I am sustained by caffeine and nicotine at the moment. I'm actually freaking out! The start of October has marked the start of the new fiscal year for the Navy, and John has continued to drop weight like mad! So next week, he is supposed to negotiate the nitty gritty with the recruiter and plan a date for MEPS. As for me, I cannot

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-61620144615829826292007-09-27T19:43:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:15:16.061-04:00

Okay, this was intended to be a before and after comparison of John. I was a little closer on the "before" shot that I was on the "after", and the two pictures were taken with a different camera, but you get the idea! I put them up in the wrong order, and the bottom pic is the "before" shot!

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-90147214024988287522007-09-24T21:50:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:17:31.529-04:00

So I am talking to my son, and somehow the subject of the USA came up. He elaborated by saying that the US portion is for United and States. I replied by saying, "Evan what does the A stand for?" Keep in mind that he is in kindergarten and each letter of the alphabet is associated with a very familiar word. His reply? "Uhhhh.....Apples!" I explained to him that the A stands for America, that

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-26279700518941783902007-09-23T12:27:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:17:09.938-04:00

I have never been very big on teen-bubblegum-pop-crap music. Not big on country either. But I have been listening to some things I would not normally give a second glance lately, and when I stopped and listened to this song, I thought it would apply nicely to the theme of my little blurbs.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-72214197390633637142007-09-22T11:49:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:16:54.642-04:00

Are we ever certain of the choices we make, or those our loved ones make, for that matter? I am so unsure what is going to happen to my family right now.I am worried for all of us: Me, John, Evan.So here you have it. My list of questions right now, some of which do not have answers. My open wondering and pondering. My doubts, plainly put, for all to see.Will my husband, the love of my life, the

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-48038972568778325102007-09-20T06:00:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:25:52.381-04:00

The powers that be in the Navy have given John 2 targets to shoot for when losing weight. He hit the first target over a week ago. This one was the best-case scenario for John. The second target? He only has to lose 0.5 inches off of his waist or gain 0.5 inches on his neck to make it. If he is meeting the strictest guideline, there is no way he is not going to make it. I am starting to panic

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-29295437531151925252007-09-19T17:50:00.001-04:002008-04-26T16:14:25.716-04:00

John started complaining about his knee hurting a couple of weeks ago. He had kneeled down on our son's bedroom floor to pick up some toys and took a Hot Wheel right in the patella with all of his weight. I figured it was just bruised. He kept running 3 miles a day, and I would make him ice it when he got finished. After two weeks of this, with no improvement, he saw a doctor. It turned out that

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-13444355815820255842007-09-18T08:15:00.001-04:002008-04-13T10:15:02.821-04:00

John started his journey to reenlistment almost a month ago. We have been down this route before. I will never forget the sound my heart makes as it drops from my chest after that one night. I was at home with a very small baby. John was working second shift, and thus was not home. The television was constantly tuned to CNN at that point, as the War in Iraq had just started. The telephone rings,

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-70528560995837149912007-09-17T16:41:00.000-04:002007-09-17T16:58:13.511-04:00

I married a Marine! I should not have this duty. My son should have some genetic disposition for toughness. This is a prime piece of evidence for the "nature vs. nurture" debate scientists have argued about forever! Little Evan has taken his toy tanks and trucks outside on the front porch. I am in the living room, perched on the sofa doing some advanced physiology (yay, fun). I have the blinds

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-16536539053410905822007-09-17T07:52:00.001-04:002007-10-02T09:14:47.319-04:00

So we were online looking at the uniforms of various branches of the Armed Forces....John is spoiled after wearing the coveted "Dress Blues" of his beloved Corps. Is there a better-looking, more dashing uniform in the realm of military life anywhere in the world? I highly doubt it! So we get to the picture of the Navy and he exclaimed, "Look, they have Dogbowls on their heads and napkins pinned

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-84511947496526327382007-09-17T07:17:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:14:25.884-04:00

I must say this. What is up with the military and acronyms and abbreviations? I feel so inept! Everything is summed up by what appears to be a series of random letters, and it makes it hard for a girl to figure things out. How do you figure it all out? I have been doing my "homework" now for months, just for myself, and now I am trying to learn all that I can about what my man is getting into.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-88433105904294320572007-09-16T12:01:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:14:00.518-04:00

A day in his life: Breakfast= 1 apple, Lunch= tuna, Dinner= a salad, small piece of baked, boneless, skinless chicken breast. PT.....More PT. Measure. Civilian life and my homemade lasagna have made him soft and squishy in areas that he does NOT think are cute. A month ago, our good ol' Uncle Sam told him that he must lose weight to join the ranks. So he started this regimen. And he kept it up.

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-68918246395297919882007-09-16T01:21:00.001-04:002007-09-16T02:01:26.181-04:00

I have never done this in my life, but for some reason I felt completely compelled to do so. I was online, searching through countless sites that would give me a way to send care packages to the troops overseas. I don't know why, but I am sure that there are some who do not receive anything. Maybe he or she doesn't have a family to speak of, or maybe his or her family is not able to send

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3386689003166924715.post-88479559368875615492007-09-16T00:10:00.000-04:002007-09-16T02:01:45.342-04:00

A perfect song with perfect lyrics. However, I doubt that I will be able to listen to it once he leaves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jeRSkfkjFI

Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189271748230712575noreply@blogger.com0