Starting Over

Begin Again. I do a lot of that. I don't seem to have a lot of will power to stay on task...so I fall off the wagon with whatever I'm working towards and must then begin again.

It's becoming a routine.

So, today -once more- I started over.

My goal, this year, is to get organized and manage my time. It hasn't been working out quite as I had planned. I seem to waste a lot of time on this computer. So, once again I have decided to use the list plan. Hopefully the joy of scratching off what I have done will keep me motivated to keep going and stay on task during the day. We'll see, I suppose.

One of the big deals to me staying on task is getting back to losing weight.  The other one (because there really only are two!) is to be running my Mary Kay business...for which we need a 2nd car, but which I am going to have to really work to earn some money to get the 2nd car.  Some days it's a running circle in my life.

So, the goals are big.  The stakes are high.  I know that I can't do it all in one day...I am just hoping that I can stay tracking for more than one!

Wish me luck!
-N

Confessions of a Shopping & Saving Diva-Wanna-Be

Today we went up to Hopkinsville. It's not that we don't do that very often (well, I guess we don't, really), it's just that we never really do MUCH in Hop-town. So tonight we did more than just buzz through. We actually stopped a couple of places!

First stop: Dairy Queen. Originally the dinner plan -MY dinner plan- was Edelwiess Cafe in Clarksville. I've been, Neil hasn't. And lately he's said that he wants to try it...but I guess tonight wasn't the night. He wanted ice cream, so I caved in. And north to Hopkinsville we went.

From Dairy Queen, we headed north a bit more...Big Lots was the ultimate goal, as the Big Lots in Clarksville on Riverside probably was a little, well, soggy. Remember, the Cumberland crested above 62 feet last week -33 feet ABOVE flood stage!

So, north we headed. Stopped off quickly at Express Tan...ah, the tanning bed! So relaxing! Thanks again Monica, for getting me addicted to the warmth of a tanning salon. Anyway. Paid for "Endless Season" which thankfully begins next week. AWESOME!

Finally, on to Big Lots...which was PERFECT timing for shopping! I spent $38 and SAVED $160! I wound up with 2 prelit Christmas trees for my front porch, 12 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 4 rolls of Christmas transparent paper, 4 sets of red, white and green curling ribbon, 2 Scrappy packs, a set of outdoor deck lights, a silver guest book pen, and a pack of those skinny colored markers that we all wanted in 3rd grade. My hubby was SO happy that I've stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper in the off OFF season...26 cents a roll...WHO can beat that?!?!! (The rest of the stuff he really didn't give a thought to.)

So, now to put stuff away. But I'm already planning to head back up this weekend to pick up more transparent paper and scrappy packs! YEA =D

Who's not happy to get a GREAT DEAL!

...ah, the pleasures of shopping a discount stores...never underestimate what you can find!

Happy Shopping=D

Talking and Walking...AT THE SAME TIME!

You've heard the expression - "Talk the talk and Walk the walk". Did you ever think how hard that can be some days?

Before you ask, I have NO idea where this post comes from. Apparently something deep (I mean WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY deep) inside my conscience, along with all the CRAP I've been reading on a forum that I haven't logged into in like f-o-r-e-v-e-r has just GOT to me tonight.

Look, I'm not the all around perfect person by any means. I fall short of many many many things I want to do and be. It irks me, though, to look around and see just how crappy, awful, self-absorbed, and self-centered we've all become. We all know what's right. And it's hard to live that way, I know. HOWEVER...wouldn't the world just run smoother if we could all talk about the way it should be and then walk towards it? Great idea, let's try it. All together now, because the first step is the hardest...

No, seriously.

So the other day, I'm glancing over a social networking site that I'm on, and one of my friends has posted something about how they are Christian, "but" sometimes the non-Christian side just has to come out when you pushed them too far (or something like that. Definitely NOT word for word there! And if you are reading this and think it may be you, well, deal with it because it's MY opinion in this blog. I am not bashing you. I just have a difficult time with what you wrote.). Look, I'm not trying to start a religious debate here. I'm just saying that I'm pretty sure the hardest part of being a Christian is doing only good, even to those that hurt you.

Remember "BUT" negates everything that comes before it.

So, what am I trying to do, change the world? Maybe. How hard would it be to live our values and ethics, creeds and codes (and I'm NOT just talking about Soldiers, here!). How difficult would it be to be a good citizen; a kind human being? (What's that quote? "Human beings being human") To reach down and pick up that trash (be proud of your community). To volunteer for our youth ("...the children are our future"). To volunteer for each other (a community has a common goal). To care a little less about ourselves -monetarily (you can't take it with you). To come together to celebrate and have fun (where are the picnics and block parties?). To share and preserve memories (the storytelling generation is gone). To support each other and support our Troops (I would bet that there are people who don't even know we are still IN Iraq and Afghanistan). To enjoy fresh food (not just to be healthy either! We complain that there's "nothing to eat", yet there are starving children dying every day). To get out and enjoy the out of doors (there are places in this world that you cannot do that because of the violence). To spend time with our loved ones (we are not immortal, and we cannot get that time back once it is gone).

How am I going to change my corner of the world? Little by little. Step by step. By living the example in my own life and sharing it with others. No longer will I keep my beliefs about living correctly to myself, or just down on paper (more on THAT one in a second). I will not only encourage others; I will help them move towards a more peaceful DRAMA FREE life.

And as for "down on paper": I have a LOT of things that are just that. For example: My HH6 BattleBook. Being a former-FRG Leader, it should be 100% up-to-date. Well, it's close. We're struggling, though, to get those final pieces together. Sometimes I can talk the talk very very well. I know my resources and I am sure that I could handle just about anything that comes my way. I know, though, that it all needs to be together and in my “go bag”. I also know that I need to do more to be prepared for emergencies. I talk the talk on that one, too. And for those of you that know me, I can rattle off LOTS of nutrition and health information. Do I live it? Well not so much. That's going to change, too.

So check back with me. See where I am going.

I encourage you to come along for the journey. After all, what could it hurt?

Big Brass...We have a problem.

I'm pretty sure this is going to get some one into trouble.  And I'm okay with that.  Because it pisses me off!

I realize I'm old fashioned, but...
So tonight, at like half past midnight, I went to the shoppette.  COMPLETELY forgot that they close day and reopen on their computer system at this time.  So I would up standing in line for like 10 minutes.  There were 8 people ahead of me, and like 4 people behind me when I started noticing a few things...

1)  Alcohol.  I am the ONLY person in line without alcohol.  Is it just me, or is this a HUGE demonstration of the alcohol problem we have in the Army?  Seriously, THE ONLY PERSON WITH OUT ALCOHOL.  And the ones that joined the line after me (7 more before the computers came back up and the line started moving) all had alcohol, too.  Not cool.

2)  Dress code...or lack of enforcement.  Now, for those who did NOT see my Facebook post the other night, let me refresh that...and then move on.
"Okay folks, it's called a DRESS CODE! Yes! This installation has one. Abide by it. I don't care WHAT time of night it is, it is INAPPROPRIATE to go to the shoppette in your cotton nighty and slippers! EW!"...and it's not just on Fort Campbell, Lakisha commented: "You must be on schofield tonight. I saw something similar but a man. Out of uniform, PT shirt on, slippahs with white socks, pants on the ground, and a doo rag! Say it aint so! My goodness, if not on the installation, where can we enforce a dress code! I'm with ya this sister!"

Here's the deal, folks.  ON Fort Campbell (and for Soldiers, this actually applies ANYTIME on or off post, on or off duty, and even on leave...read the regs!) THERE IS A DRESS CODE!  Civilians, too, are required to abide by this code while on Fort Campbell.  Need a refresher? Read the "Blue Book".  Haven't seen it?  I can get you a copy!  Civilian friends who never set foot on a military installation- have pride in your appearance- Just because it's "fashionable" does NOT always mean it's appropriate.

Case A) My cashier is in pajama pants, a tank top, AND SLIPPERS!  What is this, a slumber party?  What happened to khaki's and a polo?  Really!  Is it too much to ask for the employees at the place that I do business to look semi-professional?  I mean, I understand that since 9/11, the military (who also runs AAFES) has abandon the Class B professional uniform because we are at war (THAT'S another blog entry all together!), but I'm pretty sure that THAT is not what they meant.

Case B) The Soldier in front of me with his boxers showing.  PULL UP YOUR PANTS...YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT!  If the world was meant to see your boxers, they'd be called "outer pants" not "under pants".  If you don't pull them up, I will.  And to make sure they STAY up, I am going to tie them around your neck.

 Case C) While James Dean looked cool in a white t-shirt and jeans, you just look like you forgot your shirt at the mistress' when you jumped out the window because her hubby came home.  Again, it's an UNDER shirt.  It gets worn UNDER a collared shirt, not as a "look".  You don't like it?  Wear a printed t-shirt or a sweatshirt.  And YES, it's actually IN the "Blue Book"...which, by the way, is an actual regulation not just a suggestion.

3)  Cell phones.  Look.  I know that they are convenient.  HOWEVER, I don't want to hear about your plans for later tonight. Or what you did today.  Or ANY other conversation from only your end of the phone, for that matter.  Are you REALLY that important that you HAVE TO have it pressed to your ear while in line?  Don't get me wrong, I have a cell phone, BUT...it's not used in line or in public, for that matter.  I will step outside to have a conversation on it...the world doesn't have to be in on it.  And, here's another BLUE BOOK item for you...YOU DON'T WALK AND TALK OR DRIVE AND TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE.  The walk and talk is AT ALL!  including with a hands-free.  The drive and talk is without a hands-free; with a hands-free, you can drive while talking.  (Don't get me started on the idiots that text and drive!)  Civilians, this goes for YOU TOO!

4) If you're buzzed, you're drunk...and you don't need more alcohol; and you PROBABLY shouldn't be out in public (you run the risk of running into me, and I could put you through a wall for being an idiot).  I understand that the shoppette sells it 24/7, but you need to man up and realize when you've had enough.  And if you are too intoxicated to do so, your friends should stop you -with a cider block if necessary.  You would THINK that shoppette folks wouldn't sell to folks who are already drunk, but I witnessed it tonight.  With out blinking an eye, too.  So much for social and community responsibility.

5) Grammar. 
Okay kids.  Here's the deal.  Now, I haven't been in school in like 10 years, but I'm pretty sure that they still teach grammar.  You know, adjectives and adverbs and conjunctions.  If you didn't learn these in school, we're going to find ourselves some episodes of "Schoolhouse Rock" and learn a little...because when F*** is EVERY.OTHER.WORD. it's more than a little annoying!  There are other words out there!  Lots of great adjectives!  AND I'm pretty sure that the Army actually frowns upon vulgarity....not that you can tell from being in any of the offices I've been in.  But it's a respect thing, too (oh look, those Army Values again).  Respect me enough to use OTHER words in the English language!

And on grammar, I know that bad grammar had become socially acceptable...but there HAS to be a line!  For example "We was gonna..." is incorrect.  It is "We WERE GOING TO..."  You all know who you are!  Clean it up and learn the language!

6) POT IS ILLEGAL!  I don't care how much you think it shouldn't be.  And if I smell it coming from your car (ESPECIALLY ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION!!!!  AND YOU ARE A SOLDIER!!!!)  YES I AM GOING TO CALL THE MP'S!  Deal with it.  "Oh, it's not harmful"  WHATEVER!  I don't buy that!  Anyway, it's still illegal!!!  Just the same way that I, personally believe that a military member between 18 and 21 should be considered old enough to drink because they are old enough to VOLUNTARILY sign up to serve and possibly die for their country.  BUT the law says 21, so I will NOT be serving or purchasing for underage.  It's not about what we personally believe SHOULD be legal or allowed by law or regulation, but what actually is.  Following the law is part of being a good law-abiding citizen, being a "squared away" Soldier, and living the Army Values.





...I mean, am I expecting too much????

Spacial Concepting in Today's Army

Okay folks...this one's a bit of a rant.  So, if you  don't want to hear it, leave now....


Anyone still here?  Surprise, surprise.  Okay, here it is.

Duffel bags vs. Army gear.
I don't care WHY you're packing the stuff up: deployment, TDY, school, field training, inspection, or road march...the packing list you have, well, probably has some problems.

For example, I bet you that the packing list you were issued is from the LAST deployment (or older).  Some of the stuff you don't have anymore...or you have it, yet NEVER USE IT...but it's gotta go in.  And THEN, they've issued replacement items...so those have to go in, too. 

I bet you that whomever "made" or pulled this list never tried to get it all in the bag, either.  Um, there's definitely some space constraints in a duffel bag!  If you have never tried to stuff one full, envision stuffing all your household goods into the back of a Geo Metro....it's pretty much the same thing.  Oh yeah, and you're going to have to leave the windows up and the doors closed on the Geo to do it...only allowed to load through the hatch.  ALL your furniture needs to go in...good thing some of it comes apart, right?  Yeah, you've got the idea.

Not only is there not enough space for the stuff ON the list, occasionally the Army likes to issues boat-loads of NEW stuff.  Like the new 4-layer ECW gear (for those NOT military, that's the 8-piece-will-keep-you-warm-in-like-50-below-temperatures-jackets-and--pants-sets).  I mean, really?  When WILL we be deploying troops to Siberia exactly?  I didn't realize we were at war in Antarctica...
And that's just the tip of the ice burg (no pun intended).

Which leads me to another rant, kind of along the same line.  So far, the hubby packed up 1 tuff box, an over stuffed MOLLIE pack, a crammed full duffel bag, a stuffed Assault pack...and now he's packing up a 2nd tuff box.  And we still haven't packed his laptop or his "I Love Me" binder (where those two items are going, I do not know.  He's not high enough up on the food chain for more than his Assault pack as a carry on...).  Okay, seriously folks.  I'm pretty sure that the guys in WWII did not parachute into Normandy with this much CRAP!  Why do we need ALL this stuff?  Don't get me wrong, I understand 1) newer, better gear will protect my Soldier and 2) we are becoming quite wussy (Army "strong" might actually be a myth for most, trust me), but -for example- knee pads?  REALLY?  RRRREEEEAAAALLLLLLLLLYYYY??????  C'MON!  And then there's the 600 items to keep the hubby warm...3 sets of poly-pros, the new EWC set (again, like 8 pieces), 2 sets of tan "ninja wear", 2 sleeping bags and a sleeping mat, Gortex (2 sets...one old, one new), 3 pairs of cold weather gloves PLUS 5 sets of inserts -just in case, maybe?  I don't know-, 2 pairs of cold weather boots (COLD weather boots?  Can't we deal with just one pair...MAYBE 2 tops...but 2 pairs cold weather brings boot totals to 3 pairs PLUS J-List over shoes).  Don't even get me started on J-List!  And then there are the items ON the list that they can't even WEAR/USE...example, boonie caps.  ...C'MON!  There HAS to be an easier way!  UGH!

So, anyone who has any suggestions as to the packing configuration of a semi-load of gear into a duffel bag...I'm open to it.  And big brass, if you're listening, we don't need MORE stuff...we need CIF to take back the old stuff (still have lots of BDU and DCU pattern stuff that CIF WON'T TAKE BACK, but has been replaced with the new patterns or models and is STILL ON THE CLOTHING RECORD!)  and slim down the "fighting load" you're expecting each Soldier to maintain for deployment, etc.

Thank you for your time.

...back to making things fit into duffels.  Wish me luck



-N

...and my cat is jealous...

Tonight, we brought home what will turn out to be a major purchase.  A 1893 Baldwin upright piano in INCREDIBLE condition!  This is my new baby.  And Tommie Cat is PISSED...

Not because there's a new "thing" in the house, but because 1) he's not allowed on the keyboard (when the cover's open) and 2) because I've spent about 3 hours "plunking" it since we've had it moved in.  Oh, and I sing along as I play...which he reminds me that he's not appreciative of.  My ankles have been torn to shreds in protest...time to start wearing socks.

Now, this purchase is not quite through, yet.  The piano itself will need a little work...a tuning for one (although it does sound pretty good!) and probably a revoicing, as some of the tones are a little off.  BUT, we only paid $300 for it (plus $35 to move it...you need a mover in the Fort Campbell area?  I HIGHLY recommend "A Man With A Truck"!  He was AWESOME!!!...tipped him in Girl Scout cookies, and I have a difficult time parting with those!).  So, I figure if I have to sink a bit into it to get it sounding perfect, so be it.  It's a full-to-floor console.  Sound board seems good.  Even the strings seem to be in GREAT condition.  The cabinet is BEAUTIFUL!  This was a great investment.

Which brings me to my husband and our latest "fight"...well, not fight as much as disargeement.  And not "latest" as much as completely on going...for all of our married life.  But THIS version may be partially the Army's fault...

So, since we've gotten to Fort Campbell, we have -shall we say?- amassed 'things'...furniture, knick-knacks, dishes, books...a lot of stuff.  Now, some of this is due to free-cycle and "junking" (seriously, junking used to be a HUGE past time).  We have gotten some really great stuff though!  Part of this amassment is my addiction to thrift stores and antique shops and yard sales (and whomever decided it was a brilliant idea to put up a website and essentially run an area wide, 24/7 yardsale...FYI my hubby wants your life!).  Now...before you label me a "shop-a-holic" or a hoarder...please realize that I am a deal hunter!  I am on a search for specific items (although I have been known to purchase something because it's "cute") and specific quality (I don't by aluminum pieces to "supplement" my silver and hollow-ware items).  I have a "master list" of items that I want.  For example: I have about $1500 worth of silver and hollow-ware with FireKing inserts (think "buffet-style" serveware dishes) and I've only paid about $250...you've GOT to love thrift stores!  And, after the work is done on my piano, I'm going to have to up my renter's insurance by like $8000 (after the work, it should appraise as a Grade IV or V, which should value it at near $8000+).  So, it's not like I am buying junk here.  But the problems I face are this...

1)  My husband does not understand that I am on the move to furnish our home with things that will last.  It breaks my heart to see "the pile" when people PCS.  You will not see that here.  We've gotten rid of all our junk this spring.  All that's left in they house are good or best quality.  It will either be refinished and / or taken care of and treasured; traveling with us until AT LEAST retirement OR refinished and / or taken care of and then donated or sold upon PCS.  Now, that being said, I realize that there are pieces in my home that need to be refinish or worked on...and it's on the list for the next 13 months.  I will post pictures of the projects.

2)  The Army only gives us 8800 pounds for House Hold Goods (HHG) on a PCS.  This is only a problem if we're going to let the government move us...which will only happen if the hubby isn't around to help me.  If we do a DITY and are over, we just don't "make" as much.  So it's not too much of a problem (and an OCONUS move will be self move to and store in Green Bay near Mom...just the basics overseas, Alaska or Hawaii).  I mean, the piano weighs probably close to 1000 pounds itself.  I just don't do light furniture!  Apparently the Army feels that anyone who purchases a piano to move with them then doesn't need any dining room furniture or bedroom furniture...I'm pretty sure on a government move, your weight allowance doesn't "afford" you both

On the same note as reason 1 above...the hubby is pissed because yesterday I spent almost $100 on plants.  I want plants outside, what can I say?!?!?  The majority of them are perannuals, so it was money well spent.  AND I will be digging them up for transport at PCS time, so it's not like I'm "gifting" the new residents of my building anything.  He's still not happy though.  He must not have faith in my flower growing abitlities... (NEWSFLASH...neither do I, but I WILL MAKE THIS GROW AND LOOK BEAUTIFUL!).

I'm not sure if I bought the piano because I wanted a beautiful showpiece in my home, or because I miss music that much.  In high school, I lived and breathed music.  And I miss that.  I want to be able to sing and "plunk".  I don't know.  It's in my soul, I suppose.

The cat must have gotten over the jealousy.  He's curled up on the couch purring next to me.  Maybe he's just telling me it's time for bed. 

Music back into my life; that's what it's all about.  Now, to re-teach myself to play...