Dear FH, ...You may owe back stupid taxes (which you may pay to Chris...)

Dear FH,

While I completely acknowledge that the military does not have to, by any law, provide housing for it's members' dependents AND that I do not HAVE to reside on post in your housing units, I have several grievences. And I'm about to air them. So DEAL!

1) Resident neglect of units is only resident neglect if the resident doesn't call maintainence to file a work order twice and no one shows to fix the problem. Nice that it took 2 seperate housing employees to see the problem with the ceiling in my bathroom before anyone would fix it. (And "we have no record of you calling to get a work order" may be true, but I did. To solve this problem, see #9) Very nice. And then you try to tell me that I am at fault? I don't think so.

2) I shouldn't have call in a work order for a rubber stopper for my bathtub. That's just stupid. I should be able to walk into self-help and pick it up! Especially since the water here is so full of calcium that it basically eats through the rubber.

3) And while I am on problems with the bathroom...I shouldn't have to dump draino down my shower drain every other week to allow the free flow of water so that I am not standing in a lake at the end of a 5 minute shower! There's a problem, and it's not my hair shedding that's causing the clog.

4) On the water subject, when you don't leave me a shut off valve for my kitchen pipes and they break and ruin my kitchen cabinets, you should think about replacing the cabinets...not just throwing a piece of plywood over the water-damaged and molding/mildewing bottom. EW..and stinky. But hey, it's not rotted out yet, so what do you care?

5) By the way, it's nice to now have a smoke detector that works...although I might be the only unit in my building that does. Who knows, right? You're doing safety upgrades as you have time.

6) As for upgrades, if you are replacing all horizontal blinds with vertical as people move out, even though you have 2 years to implement the change installation wide, you should be doing it to ALL UNITS AS PEOPLE MOVE OUT REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OF MOST OF THE BLINDS! Seriously. It's not fair to charge people for blinds that are going to be replaced within the next two years just because "most" of the rest of the home's blinds are in good shape and therefore you can't justify it because of the blinds' condition, don't have time, or don't have the money to do all the units as folks move out. That's lazy. And if it's a money issue, see #8 for a money saving tip. (If you are so concerned about the horizontal ones posing a stranglization hazard for children, then be concerned with every unit NOW! or quit using that as an excuse to spend more money.) Better yet, just change them out all ready and be done with it. This is especially true when it's YOUR door handles on the patio doors that are causing the damage to your blinds!

7) If the gutters on the 2nd floor are blocked and flooding MY first floor patio, I should be able to call in a work order for the 2nd floor gutters. This is just common sense. But of course I can't because I am not the 2nd floor resident.

8) Hiring contractors to mow the units' lawns -fenced in or not- was just a stupid idea and a waste of money. They do a lousy job. Period. Don't even get me started! If they are going to be able to drive heavy machinery on my lawn the day after a soaking rain and create ruts in the yard: a) don't even THINK about telling me that I have to have the yard back to what it was when I moved in. It's not going to happen. b) I should be allowed to drive a u-haul on my lawn to move in or out of my unit. It's not going to be any worse than what the contractors are doing. I'm not even going to START on what you COULD be allocating that money for!

9) I am sick and tired of dealing with people who are rude or don't know what they are talking about or lose paperwork. Hire decent people. Teach them customer service and secretary skills. Oh, and if I'm going to have to be transfered or on hold constantly, please consider investing in some hold music.

10) Yearly routine maintence is only "yearly" and "routine" if you are routinely doing it yearly. I bet that I won't see or hear of this program again for at LEAST two years!

11) Work with the MPs and figure out who rules what. I am sick of getting citations for stupid stuff that a) I didn't do. and b) isn't actually a violation of regulations. However, the ones that are parked on their lawns or the sidewalks, or violate other regulations get NOTHING because you say "it's an MP issue" and the MPs say "that's a housing issue". Get together, make up your minds and stick to it! And by-the-way, quit sticking notifications in my mailbox. If it doesn't have a post mark, or isn't outgoing, it's illegal to do so. Besides, one good wind and the notice is down the road!

12) And on the topic of the yard-nazis...I bet you that some of my hubby's BAH is going to fuel those little golf carts. Novel idea, get off your butt and walk! Oh wait, we haven't allocated money for sidewalks. Or people are parked on the sidewalks. Deal with it. A little exercise won't hurt anyone.

13) Oh yeah. My Christmas lights, which were down on the 13th of January thank you very much. I bet you weren't citing people who put them up November 1st, were you? What's the deal? Be consistant!

14) The Mayoral program. That's pretty much a joke in itself. Would have been nice to have had a job description and an idea of what the program was. Now that I am NOT involved, I get a phone call asking me if I want to be. Seriously? I'd love to, but....well, the last time I was involved (for almost a year), I did NOTHING, because there was no direction, job description, or communication. Have you fixed those problems?

15) Get in touch with DPW and get the street lights fixed! It's constantly dark on the resident streets. Isn't that a safety and security issue?

16) Provide the proper materials to residents upon move in. Most of us don't get a resident's guide, CAM PAM 500-1 (Emergency preparedness...which is SUPPOSED TO be in each residence), or a self-service center item replacement schedule.

17) Return emails and phone calls. It's just a common courtesy. You'd probably have a lot fewer pissed off residents if there was communication AND/OR the people on the lower end of the food chain who answer the phones were authorized to assist residents.

18) Who wallpapers a bathroom? Who puts beige-ish carpet in a home that will have multi-tenants over 10 years? Really? REALLY?!?!?!? C'mon now....

That all being said, I WILL continue to reside on post. Mostly because I enjoy a challenge...this one being: Work Reform On the Way Privatized Housing Is Being Run While Making The Housing Company Think It Was All Their Idea To Change Things And Improve.

Let's see how well this works.

Sincerely,
-N

Normalacy Is SO Overrated!

Welcome to my Thursday.  I think I may be becoming a closet morning person.  Oh no!  What is the world coming too?!?!?!

So today is another full day.  I forgot how all-consuming PowerPoint presentation creation can be.  In my defense, I do tend to go a bit overboard.  But I am firmly against death by PowerPoint.  So bring on the color and animation.

So what else is going on in my life?  Not much.  Still am working on unpacking the house.  Still watching the news in the morning.  Today's feel good story...the VTC between a Marine in Afghanastan and this wife and daughter on the daughter's first day.  Today's "really?" story...movie tickets going up to $15.00 per person on Friday...what?!?!?!?  Okay, look.  There's a bunch of news about Obamacare and that crap, but I'm SO sick of hearing it that it's not even worth mentioning right now.

So, I actually made it to bed by 2230hrs last night...of course, I woke up a few minutes before midnight and stayed up for an hour.  But who's counting, really?  However, before I went to sleep last night, I downloaded an app for my iPod with a to-do list.  I got a LOT on there for today.  11 items listed.  2 that are multi step (one that's pretty much a book!).  Let's see if I can get things accomplished.  I usually have a good start, then it fizzles.  Hmmmm....

How's the FRG workshop going?  Well.  It's probably going well.  I think I'm still behind, but I am my own worst critic.  Sincerely hoping to complete 75% of it today.  It's going to be a LOT of work, but it'll be worth it.

Oh, more complaints from me about the government this morning.  Seriously?!?!?!  A 10% tax on tanning beds?  What are these guys' problem?  Can they not find time to hit the tanning bed? If I want to tan, then the government does NOT need to care about it!  Oh, wait.  "Tax and spend.  Tax and spend."  ....NOW I remember why I am in favor a an all-women take over of the world.

*sigh....

-N

Delicious Updates!

Being the end of the week, or close enough to it!, I've updated my delicious bookmarks...10 new sites/pages added (mostly Army Spouse & FRG).  Browse at your leisure. 


http://delicious.com/nanabopeep

More next week!
-N

I'm Gettin' Me Some Skills...

Organization is a skill.  A learned skill.  One that I haven't quite mastered in my 29 years on this earth.  Yet.

But I'd better soon.  My life has EXPLODED.  Which is great!  I love to be involved in things that I believe are worthy and need support.  So, please remember that I am not complaining about the actual activity or that time that I am giving...just the organization that is required to function.

For example, I filed our taxes today.  Could I find the documents necessary to e-file?  Not a chance!  So, I will be one of the 10% that will be mailing my 1040-EZ in this year.  Now, I have learned from this.  And I guarantee that I will be able to find last year's information, oh probably the day after I receive my tax refund checks, but at least next February.  However, I digress.

The one thing that I have learned while the "craziness" of the we-want-to-move stage engulfed our lives earlier this year...organization and procrastination do not mix.  Now, in my own defense I want to state that I HAVE gotten better in the past 2 years.  But no where near what I need.  I am a "fly baby".  (See www.flylady.net)  I have read many of Emilie Barnes books on 'more hours in my day'...and I love them all.  It's not that I don't follow the ideas and tips, I try...I really do.  But somewhere I get off track.  And I just can't seem to get back on.  =(

So, I am trying to change my ways and learn some organization skills.  And hopefully I will be able to constantly use them.  Because part of keeping my head above water is feeling like I am not overwhelmed and overcome.  Feeling as though I am floating instead of drowning, you know.  It's part of taking care of myself.  Apparently being in control of my life and my environment, being organized and on a schedule, and pampering myself are all in the same boat. 

Who woulda thought? 

So, on to learning some organization skills.  Time to crack open a book and gain some knowledge about the tools that I have...look out Microsoft Outlook!  I'm about to take you over and get organized!

...developing myself!
-N

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

I need one!  I'm supposed to be on one!  Where are the complementary drinks with the cute little umbrellas?  Where is the warmer weather and sun, for that matter?  Oh well. 

A few days until we actually LEAVE for leave.  The hubby's on it already (signed out last night), but we're staying put for a bit to get caught up on re-setting the house and paperwork.  So, I haven't been bothering him much today, as he probably does need a vacation.  Although, if he doesn't pick a different video game soon, I'm putting my foot through the television.  There's only so much music for "Mario Golf" that this girl can take!

So, today I have managed to begin reorganizing my office space.  Which is really good news, since I just received a phone call from the hubby's former CO that she wants me to stay on as FRG leader.  Hmmm. 

It's nice to be needed.  It's wonderful to be wanted.  It's exceptional to be considered a subject matter expert.  Let's see what we can accomplish holding 2 tongs in the fire I guess.  I mean, it is completely dependent upon the okay from BN and ACS...apparently the hubby is "technically" off the books at the old unit to deploy with the new unit, but it's 'just a detachment for deployment'.  I don't know how they're going to look at this one.  But I did agree to finish out the April meeting, either way.  So I suppose I'd better get to work on that!

The first question, though....at least in this household, is "what's for dinner"?  I SHOULD make meatloaf.  But I am just not in the mood for it right now.  Hmmm, what AM I hungry for?  We're grilling burgers tomorrow night (it's supposed to be near 70, as opposed to the brisk 41 it is now), so maybe chicken of some sort?  Ooohhh...fried chicken from Wal-Mart sounds good (the hubby likes it better than KFC).  I do know we're having cake for dessert.  I had to make one so I could do some decorating and practice making icing roses.  They actually turned out pretty good!  (I'll post pictures later...PROMISE!)

I could use a good cup of coffee, is what I could go for right now.  Hmmm....the hubby's playing video games (still golf), and I hurt too much to get up and make it, though....oh waiter?  Oh waiter!  Dang it!  That personal waiter is as elusive as the house cleaning fairy!

But....back to vacation.

So, we're headed to GB for 8 days.  I've already got lots of people to see...so much for vacation, right?  I'll be headed in one direction, the hubby in another.  We need to rent a car or something, so we can both go our own ways!  It's not that he doesn't want to hang out with me or visa versa, it's just that who is important for me to see is NOT who it is most important for him to see -ESPECIALLY this trip.  *Sigh*  Well, it's a good thing we can both spend time together, right?  Yup yup, that's part of the reason we haven't left yet...or something like that. 

So, what's the schedule look like?  I'll try to update as I can.  So far:
T1-Travel day
VD1-Church service (evening), A's Dockside: Performance by Leala & Ricardo (evening)
VD2-Church service (morning), cake & party preparations (evening)
VD3-Birthday Party!!!!(early-mid afternoon), Dinner with D?(evening)
VD4-Church service (morning), Family day (ALL DAY)
VD5-Coffee & Lunch w/Char (morning/early afternoon)
VD6-Belated B.day outing with Mellisa (evening)
VD7-
VD8-
T2-Travel day


I will have my cell, iPod and laptop.  I will be checking emails and updating as much as I can, but I also intend to enjoy my Family and Friends' company while I am home...so don't be offended if I don't respond or call back right away.  But I WILL be getting back to everyone who needs to talk or needs information. 

Now, the question is what to pack.  It's always difficult not to over pack when we travel, because I want to be prepared for everything.  Maybe this time I won't be, though.  It will be much easier.  *Sigh* The difficulties of being a woman.  ;P 

Well, it's been a nice little break, but I suppose I should get back to work.  I am only a few days behind on things, and I want to keep it that way if possible. 

More later...

HUGS and BLESSINGS...
-N

Updated Information and Bookmarks 21 March 2010

So, I've decided to start organizing sites that I am finding online that I may want to go back to.  Delicious (a Yahoo! family site) not only allows you to save bookmarks, but to add descriptions and tags!  GREAT!  Now I can actually make a note as to WHY I saved the site in the first place...plus I can add tags to search by!  (Trust me.  Could have used THAT one on the old laptop...wow!)

What good is saving my resources, though, if I'm the only one who's seeing them?  So for all of you who are interested...I've added brief descriptions and tags to all my bookmarks from this week.  I currently have them arranged by date added, so you will easily be able to see what I have added.  I will continue to alert everyone weekly when I add new bookmarks...

Hope you find something you can use!

http://delicious.com/nanabopeep

(Yes, NanaBoPeep...it's a nickname from the nieces...deal with it! LOL)

Enjoy!
Blessings!
-N

The First Day of Spring

Shall I welcome spring with a song or a poem?
Uh, no.  Not this year, thanks.

And it's not because spring arrived here with less pomp and circumstance than normal.  Spring arrived in "Tuckessee" with sunshine and warm temperatures on a Saturday.  It was beautiful out.  I just don't feel like singing this year.

This same Saturday brought deployment for some of my friends and their Soldiers.  This same Saturday sees some of my friends and their Soldiers still deployed.  It's a hard road.  I believe in the military and their presence in combat zones unknown to me...but I am not saying that military life is without tears and loneliness about that fact.

Oh there are plenty of us.  Plenty of resources available.  Plenty of online groups and chats.  But there's still nothing like rolling over at night and your Soldier being right there, hogging the covers.  *sigh*

To those who's Soldiers are deployed or TDY, my prayers, thoughts and virtual *hugs*.  Know that I am thinking about you and your Families and praying for even a moment of peace in your day.

You are strong.  You do what the majority of the nation could not.  You love a Soldier.  Thank you for sharing him to preserve our freedoms.

Blessings!
-N

On Fitting In...

You know, for the most part of my life I have felt out of the loop.  I have felt like an outsider.

Grade school was painful. Junior high was excurtiating.  High school...I think I just quit caring.  After that...well, there was the unsure period in life.  The 6 years when we didn't do much of anything in life and I didn't care who thought what about me.

Then my husband became a Soldier and I became an Army wife.  I had a chance to start over.  To be myself every single time.  Every single day.  With everyone I deal with.

I admit that it hasn't exactly gone as nicely and as smoothly as I would like.  I have realized that, given the chance, I could probably be a very vile person.  I do get very very irritated by minor stupidity and idiocy.  And there's A LOT of that being allowed into the ranks of the Army.  And they bring their idiot family and friends with them.  *sigh

But I have also found out that, not only can I be myself relatively easily, I can become who I want very easily, too.  Meaning...I've changed.  Although I still find myself wondering what people really think about me and who I am, I am less likely to give a hoot if they don't agree with my life style.  I've also come to the realization that I am most likely to actually be harder on myself than anyone else is on me.  So, the question is:  is it low self-esteem, thinking I don't measure up, or is it that my standards are higher than my surrounding social contacts and I am continuing to push myself to be the best I be?  To tell the truth, it might depend on the day that you catch me...

Most people don't realize that I am a traditionalist.  I know that people think that I might single-handedly be setting the standards for the female sex back 60 years.  I think that women, given the opportunity, belong in the home.  We are the heart of the home.  It takes A LOT of energy to keep a home running smoothly.  "But we need the money.  We need to maintain our current level of life-style.  We need more stuff.  We have debt."  Well...living within your means is a GREAT thing.  And a wonderful character trait.  Try it sometime.  You'd be amazed what you can do with one paycheck.

But I digress.  I also believe that we use too many chemicals to clean.  I think more people should grow some of their own food.  I think people should be responsible for their government representives.  I believe that giving of our time and our resources should out-weigh what we take from other people and the world.  I believe that, unless there is abuse (and then the abuser should be nailed to wall!!!), marriage lasts forever.  I believe that EVERYONE should be supporting the troops.  I think crafts and handmade items are slowly disappearing from the world and we will be the worse for it.  I think that there are way too many people who don't understand what holidays and observances should be celebrated or WHY and HOW they should be celebrated.  Traditions are going down the tube.  Family history and ties are falling apart.  Communication, no matter how instant it has become, is becoming a thing of the past.  Letters matter.  For that matter, words in letters matter.  Grammar and spelling are not being taught.  In fact, our entire education system is out of whack!  Faith and religion don't matter to people anymore; therefore values are non-exisitant.  But, maybe it's just me complaining...I don't know.

My belief system doesn't fit with what people today consider 'normal'.  Does that bother me?  Not really.  Does it make relating to other people more difficult?  Sometimes.  But I have been meeting folks here who share some of the same beliefs I do.  And just as strongly.  Which is nice.  However, I have a real problem with myself, living up to my own expectations and the vision that I want people to see. I can make to-do lists, schedules, prioritize...I've tried it all.  A lot of it at the same time.  Maybe that's the problem, who knows?  But I know what it takes to be me.  And that's the best of it, right?  Maybe.

So, as I am staring a new year in the face, a new 'family' to get used to, I find myself wondering 'where do I fit this time?'.  I can't help but wonder if I should just continue on the path of being myself and not answering to anyone for my beliefs and participations or "conform" and play along for the ride...be the one everyone THINKS I should be instead of who and what I want to be.  Hmmm....

It would probably just be easier to be reclusive.  Just not to deal with anyone or anything for the next year.  Is that going to happen?  No.  It would probably easy just to accept the way the Army is and the way society is and blend in.  Is that going to happen?  Are you kidding?!?!?!  As easy as that would be...to take time "off", to relax and not be involved...it won't lead to where I want to be, WHO I want to become.

As much as I know that continued growth is difficult and draining, I know it is necessary.  If I quit moving, I will die.  That's the basics of it.  I can't just put myself on hold for a year.  It won't be relaxing, not for me.  So, I am moving towards becoming me.  Starting today.

I know that I have the tools to do what I must.  Microsoft tools on my computer.  Portablilty on the iPod, laptop and cell phone.  And the all important datebook.  Now, it's all about using the tools.  But more on that later.

For now, I think I have come to the conclusion that I really want to be different. I don't want to blend it.  I don't think society's perception of average is who I want to be.  So forget fitting in!  I will be the one wearing the hot pink polka dots in a black and white world.  You will be able to pick me out of the crowd.  I invite you to choose your bright color and not fit in with me.  We're going to encounter challenges, create new concepts, and make mistakes...but we will forge a new path, create new standards, and generally have a wonderful time!

LET'S GO! YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring Time and the Winds of Change

My life is in a sort of upheaval.  In a good way, I think.  If that's possible.  I'm not sure.

Let me start with a recap:
January 2010.  I decided I am going to work my Mary Kay business and make some money.  I am not sure WHEN I will be fitting this into my life, but I will make it work.  I also decided that we are going to move across post.  Apartment living is NOT for me.  Packing and cleaning of current quarters ensue at record rates.  My sister is pregnant...the hubby and I lost the "we can get pregnant first" bet.

February 2010.  I am determined that this will be MY year!  I will get oober organized.  I will lose weight.  I will be involved in all the activities that I want to be and still have time for my hubby and trips to Green Bay.  We have our pre-move inspection to gain approval for an on post move.  We fail.  I am now living out of boxes in my garage with a maintenance list a mile long and a very sterile living home.  Nice.  My computer dies and there is no support group available.

March 2010.  We have decided that moving is NOT worth it and remove our name from the list.  The unpacking begins.  I have not yet begun on my Mary Kay business.  I am not working out.  Sonic is my friend.  Mom comes to visit.  My pregnant sister winds up in the hospital.  My other sister is having issues with the hubby.  I pull a muscle and can barely move. Our unit suffers a very sad issue. My hubby gets shifted to a new unit.  I am now staring deployment in the face.  I am way behind on getting my household organized because I am still living out of boxes in the garage.  My pregnant sister comes home from the hospital.  I am still limping due to a strained muscle.  Mom's flight is delayed overnight.  We purchase a computer.  The former unit we were with is still dealing with the issue that occurred last week.  I lost my wallet and am now waiting on the unit the hubby is with to get back from training so I can get a signature to obtain a new ID card (I don't exist...would someone tell the rest of the world that one, lol).  I have friends that will have Soldiers deploying SOON!  I am trying to figure out who to see and when on block leave.  I am trying to balance bills to allow for money to be able to travel on block leave (nothing like a 2 week notice).  I am trying to figure out what gear my hubby needs yet for deployment.  I am trying to gather all paperwork and materials to turn in to the former unit regarding FRG (have I mentioned I'm still living out of boxes in the garage?).  I am trying to find my place in the new unit FRG.  I am 4 chapters behind on a book that I think I am supposed to be leading a chapter discussion on next week.  I get a phone call from a friend I haven't talked to in 3 years to find out she's getting a divorce from a guy I didn't even know she married (so much for being in the loop, right?). 

I am tired.  I need a nap.  Dear MOS & MFLCs...be prepared.  Here I come.

Now, I suppose that I could take everything listed here and turn it into something positive.  Something about how I am growing and learning and becoming a better person.  But allow me to be honest for a minute.  Right now, I do NOT have the energy needed to do so!  I am WIPED OUT!

*sigh
*HUGE EXHAUSTED SIGH

Yes, I am complaining.  Actually, I prefer to call it blowing off steam.  Because no matter how bad it actually looks on the page, I will post this, walk away, and push forward.  I don't have a choice.  If you are standing still in life, you are quite possibly dead.  And I refuse to just lay down and die.  Not today.

So what do I do?  Especially since I know that I am not a To-Do list completer.  I'm not sure.  But I know that I need to start now.  Because if I don't, I'm not going to ever move.  On anything.  On the same note as the To-Do list, schedules do not seem to work in this household.  So that suggestion is probably out, too...

So the first thing I did WAS to nap.  I am not sleeping well.  Probably due to the pain I am in because of this stupid muscle I stupidly pulled...which is getting better now that I am not talking Pat's dog outside everyday.  But I've screwed up my sacroiliac (for those who don't know, that's lower back area)...so the movement is still painful.  Guess yoga will be my friend tonight.  And maybe a massage...

I am slowly finishing up 372nd FRG stuff and am finding my place in the new FRG. 

Oooohh...a little squirrel.. (Sorry.  A little ADHA/ADD).

I have a couple of friends that will be coming over Saturday morning EARLY for coffee and conversation.  Tuesday I want to have a few of  the girls over for, well more conversation and coffee.

I have a list of paperwork to update for the hubby's record binder and my HH6 book.  Looks like next week won't be as painless as the hubby and I would like it to be.  Oh well, never is, right?  But, after doing this a few times and helping countless others clean up problems, my preparations SHOULD be simple enough.  At least I have an idea on which way to head.

Lots of other thing to work on.  Care Team training is coming up soon.  I have to get my memberships for VFW Ladies & AUSA.  The ESC has a bake sale coming up, so I'm going to be baking and decorating some cakes...

Not to mention Caitlin's birthday is coming up and I will be making her doll cake.  Pictures after the party, I promise.

On a completely different note (or two)...We're going to have a booyah party in May!  YEAH!!!!  And I cannot WAIT!

Oh, and I am branching out and using Delicious for bookmarks.  Let's see if I can actually get something organized.  Not that I can keep up with MySpace, Facebook, or even this blog.  *sigh

So, I suppose I should do some reading for this book.  I read the preface weeks ago...it was wonderful.  Now, to get into the meat of the book!...

I will get on top of everything in life!  This will STILL be my year...I will remain green and growing.  Moving forward with the push of the wind...

See you on top of the world!
~N

Today I Feel Alone...

Utterly alone.  And you know what's causing it?  Lack of email.

Last week Wednesday, my hubby switched units.  He's now a 'Fuel Hog'...and I'm kosher, but that's another story all together.  So, anyway.  Switching units means switching FRGs.  So for the first time in 2 1/2 years, I'm not an FRG Leader.  Which means today I didn't get my daily email.  And I feel that empty feeling inside.  Alone.  So utterly alone.  *pout pout*

But, switching units is a nice new starting point for me.  It will allow me to do a lot of things that I wanted to do last time.  Plus, I get to do some fun stuff with the new FRG.  I will probably wind up as a POC.  I think I want to work with the kid's program.  And I will remain a resource as long as I can.  The big things I will miss will be the monthly BN steering meeting and the monthly DIV info exchange.  I am an info junkie...I will have to get my updates elsewhere I guess.  I am resourceful.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I drafted the above last night.  It's now a new day.  Sucky, but that's another story all together (you'll probably hear it later when I'm not so pissy about it).  But, it's time to move on.  I have one long term, minimal effort project that I am working on for Deuce Train yet, but the rest of my life is out in front of me.  What to do?  Well, I'm going to start by calling my new FRG Leader back (she called last week, I just haven't had the chance to return the call yet).  Hello, POC job.  I'm going to start emptying file cabinets and binders.  I want to create a binder of resources for both myself and other FRG Leaders. 

I've also got a book to get reading and caught up with the discussion on line (sorry ladies.  I'm a slacker.)  Let's see how well this works.

I should have time now to get my Mary Kay business up and running.  I will set my goals and get a move on. 

....plus a whole other host of items I want to be involved in.  Let's see how well this really works.  Have I mentioned that I have a 3 page list from 2 1/2 years ago to work on?  ....

You never really leave a military unit.  I have a number of girls I'm still good friends with.  And Facebook is a GREAT way to hang with other military Spouses.  So, ....coffee anyone?

It won't be bad.  It won't be lonely.  I won't let it be.  It's me, folks.  Everything will be alright.

=)

My Wish List

Okay, this is an ongoing and completely fluid list of items/crafts/antiques that I would like to have.  This is pretty much for my knowledge and no one else.  But, if you feel so inclined as to purchase me something, this is a good place to start, lol.

Backyard:
Lattice Arbor with gates, 6 double shepherd hooks, 6 quad shepherd hooks, fence length planter (in 3 foot sections), 8 Large planters, 13 fan trellises, 10 cone plant supporters, 5 bird feeders, 2 suet feeders, 2 hummingbird feeders, 3 park benches, bird bath, grill, patio table & chairs (4), 2 deck chairs

Parlor:
Piano; 2 wing-back chairs; music stand; corner storage tower with drawers for music, workout equipment, etc;  varnished & sealed wood pile for fireplace; rug; re-varnish fireplace; writing desk and chair;

Kitchen:
Counter shelving, full set of pots and pans, knife carrier/sleeve, 18 set matching every-day silverware,


Dining Room:
Bar Cabinets, Bar Glassware rack, Silverware chest, tri-mirror set for above bar, runners for buffet and sideboard, refinish sideboard, refinish buffet, refinish table, 2 standing lamps, flower planters for vines,

....it's not a job in the "real" world...

I am an Army Wife.  There, I said it. My world consists of PT, ACUs, deployments and homecomings.  I know what it looks like outside at 0-dark:30.  Pretty much because I am up then.  I know what 6 loads of laundry a day is.  If it rains in the field, that's what I am doing for a week.  I know that long distance relationships work.   Iraq is a LONG DISTANCE and we've made it work.  Twice.  I know that people change.  I know that people don't understand what my husband does.  I know that folks are not involved in the political process.  I know that folks' political views are fickle and change with the amount of money in their pockets, not what is morally or ethically right.  I know that I am going to get strange looks if I drive into a non-military installation area.  I understand that I must provide Family members and friends a military acronym dictionary if I want to have any conversation with them that deals with the military.


What I need my 'old life' friends and my Family to understand is that I also live in the 'real' world.  Someone once told me that I don't, because I don't work outside my home.  Honey, let me remind you that I am waking up at the crack of whenever-the-alarm-goes-off-or-the-phone-rings, same as my hubby.  I probably accomplish more between that time and when you get up than you do all day.  And THEN I go work as a volunteer for 6-8 hours, paid only in warm fuzzies, because the military cares for it's own...it's what we do.  Programs don't run themselves.  After that, I come home, make dinner, do another load of laundry, locate gear and paperwork for the morning, assemble uniforms, proof read counseling statements, clean boots, check my email, post a few things online, make a few phone calls, ...well, you get the idea...  Only to get to bed 2 hours later than planned to get up at 0dark:30 and do it again tomorrow.

I am NOT complaining.  I'm just saying.  Before you judge me a leach on society and unproductive in your world, come live in mine awhile.  Life as a military Spouse is hard!  It's so not for everyone.  But, like you, we have our up days and our down days.  Unlike civilian society, we know that we need each other to survive...even at 2 in the morning when we have to be up at 5.

There are rouges amongst us.  There are those who don't fit in.  Take my neighbor upstairs, for instance.  It's not that they aren't military...I live on post, they're military.  The problem is that they are snarks.  Their dog craps on my lawn.  They flick cigarettes in my back yard.  They smoke my cigarettes if I leave them on the patio table on my front porch :(.  They SUCK!  And trust me.  It's gonna end.  Not only because it violates the Army values, but because IT PISSES ME OFF!

I will NEVER claim that there are not Idiots Among Us.  Those who haven't yet grown up.  Those who believe the world revolves around them.  Those who think the Army OWES them something.  Those who think they are better than the rest of them.  Those who think drugs miraculously have become legal or that it's okay to drink and drive or beat your Spouse.  Those who think that they know what they are talking about.  Those who think they've got it so bad.  (And my personal favorite...read: is beating them within an inch of their life acceptable yet?) Those who think it's perfectly acceptable to cheat on their Spouse while they are deployed.  ...If had it my way, there would be a howitzer and a cannon involved...use your imagination.

But before you judge me and my life, ask me about it.  Don't assume that you know what I do everyday.  Don't EVER assume that I do nothing.  There are more like me than you think.

Let the Vacation Begin!

Mom is on vacation. Starts the same as it does evey year. She flies out of GRB within an hour after work. Upon arrival at BNA, we make a quick food stop at McD's on Music Valley Dr. Then head back to the fortress.

Day one is me cooking and her and Neil hanging out playing video games.

Let's see what tomorrow brings...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:FTCKY

Good Morning, George, How Are You?

Ah, it's morning. In 45 minutes, I have actually managed to get the halls, the bedroom, and the bathroom picked up. This actually isn't as bad as I thought. I will continue.

I started a new notebook last night. Let's see how long I can keep from losing it...

I'm actually torn between keeping a phsyical journal and a blog here. I have a strong feeling in both direction for both arguments. Hmmm...

I SHOULD be working on the livingroom. But I've decided to sit and watch Numb3rs instead...

...and now it's like 4 hours later. Have I accomplished ANYTHING else? No.

Shit, right? *sigh* Moving on. A new Cri Mi is on tonight. I sent Neil for paint and tacos. ....Don't ask. Must finish painting the livingroom. Tonight. Mom's here in two days. UGH!

So much to do. Always. Let's see how I can fix this...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:FTCKY