Sunday, December 22, 2013

Santa Claus Came on a Fire Truck

Santa came on his fire truck last night, courtesy of the Quaker Hill Fire Department.  There were lights all over the truck and Santa was dressed in his suit and came and knocked on our door! My four year old was beside herself with excitement! There were candy canes for the kiddies, such a great time had by the kiddos.  

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Ahh

Finally... a day of mostly relaxing. 

Visiting Santa

Went to the base tree lighting the other night. It was fun! Free Christmas flicks, those older claymation ones from before Rozzy was born. Boy, she was sucked in! Proof again that TV & movies were better before 1990. 
She got to decorate a gingerbread man... and eat it too, since I didn't want any more mess in the car! MWR also provided some nice DIY foam snowman ornaments. Rozzy's favorite part of which was applying the sparkly 'snow'. 
Next came the line for Santa... Now, that line made me think we we're almost there about 4 times! It was trickery I tell you! The line wound through the p-way in front if ITT, through the library, out through the vestibule and down into a room that was somewhat basement-y only it was HOT! I thought I had been shoved onto a room that didn't have a thermostat, just never ending heat pumping in! 
Half way through I dreamed of standing outside in the cold and pouring rain! Two-thirds of the way in and I was wondering why we came? and why did I leave my anxiety meds at home? Rozzy had written her note to Santa and had been whining like every other kid inside there for the last 90 minutes! I, like many of the moms and dads there, was itching to get 'er done! 
Finally we get inside and Rozzy is suddenly taken aback. Not our of a sudden fear of actually seeing Santa, but because Mrs. Claus was there too. As soon as Rozzy noticed her, she stopped dead in her tracks! I finally managed to convince her that Mrs. Claus was ok, so she hopped up in Santas lap, smiled her awesome big smile and SNAP! it was done. All that waiting in line, for less than 5 minutes with Santa!! 
Don't get me wrong I'm very grateful that MWR did this, but next year we are going straight to the Santa line!!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Thanksgiving

It's been an interesting Thanksgiving this year. I did the Adopt-A-Sailor thing again this year, but it didn't turn out as I hoped. Instead I ended up with one sailor who worked nights coming and two sailors deciding to neither come nor tell me. I really hope they don't sign up for Christmas because they most assuredly are not welcome to come to my house. I would also feel poorly if someone else drew the short stick do to speak by having them assigned. 
I don't remember who said it and frankly after all the overtime I'm too lazy to look it up... but, MANNERS MATTER! 
I don't care who you are or what you do, manners are important. It is important to consider the feelings and plans of others. If you sign up saying that you want to come to someone else's house for Thanksgiving, then be sure to contact them back to confirm. After you've confirmed that you're coming, do it. Especially when you need a ride! If you're not going to come, at least call or e-mail to say you're not coming. Don't just wait until they call you to find out where you are!
On the other hand. We had a great visit with my oldest son. We played games and talked and I obtained a list of a few more things that he wants. It was a sad good-bye, but only good-bye until Saturday. I got off of work early, so I actually got to relax. Picked up some things he oldest needed then headed back out for another visit. 

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Long Time No Blog

It's been such a long time. What to write about? 

I find often that I turned my blog when I feel sad or slightly depressed. Whenever there's some kind of worry or trouble in my life. 

To some degree the countdown has begun. The Machinist is nearing the end of his tour were in Guam. I began working again. My son no longer lives at home. My oldest daughter is starting cheerleading. And my youngest daughter misses her daddy so much every day that she just doesn't know what to do with herself. I guess you could say the same goes for me. Sometimes I miss my husband so much that I don't want to do anything. But I've got the kids I can't hole up. 

I often wonder what things will be like when he comes back. Will they be remotely the same? Will things be strained? These are the things I military wife worries about when her husband returns from a deployment. Not to be little post appointments but this is three years. Three years of having almost all communication be through email. Three years of often barely speaking. Barely being able to speak because the connection and Guam sucks. Three years and living life as completely separate people. How do you reintegrate after all that time?

Family has passed away. Friends have moved away. So much as happened. I'm excited for him to come home but the same time I'm also scared. I guess I'll just have to take it one day at a time. 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Not Your Average Mother's Day

For those of you that have been under a rock, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, three women who were kidnapped 9, 10 and 13 years ago escaped with the assistance of a neighbor, Charles Ramsey who heard her screams for help while eating his McDonald's.

Today I saw a picture that reminded me of these three wonderfully courageous women; in particular, Amanda Berry who started to escape through a door and screamed for help catching the attention of a neighbor, who eventually kicked the door in and took her to call 911.


This picture of Rapunzel returning home to her mother after being kidnapped by Mother Gothel 17 years prior made me think of these wonderful women. Sadly, unlike Rapunzel, these women were not 'rescued' by Flynn Rider, though I'm sure in the years to come a bond will form between them and Charles.

Gina returned home under police escort, and has remained within her childhood home. Her party threw a rather large party to celebrate her return home. Amanda and her daughter now reside within the cocoon created by her family at her sister's house; sadly her own mother passed just a few years after her disappearance always believing that Amanda was the victim of human trafficking. Michelle's story breaks my heart just a little more; 20 when she went missing her family wasn't even sure that she was kidnapped and thought that she had simply chosen to take off after loosing custody of her son. She spent most of the week in the hospital, leading myself to believe that he physical condition was worse off that that of Amanda and Gina. Though she has also thanked the public for their support, she remains in a place of her choosing, keeping distance between herself and her family.

Right now, these ladies are trying to recover mentally and physically from wounds that we as a public cannot begin to comprehend. Today they released statements via a spokesperson thanking the world for their outpouring of support, but begging to be left in privacy.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I understand that military wives want their spouses to appreciate them, but honestly, as a military spouse I don't understand the need to be recognized by the entire population. That's it... not a long post tonight, just a slight musing.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Pray for Boston... Call to Support! UPDATED with Resources to find your loved one!

If you're here in New England, then you know about the tragic events today in Boston. For those of you that do not know, or live under a rock. Approximately an hour after the first person crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon, 2 bombs went off injuring many with two confirmed fatalities. Another two bombs (so far) have been located and were safely detonated. Another bomb exploded at the JFK Library in Boston.

For those of you that may not be aware, the last mile of this years Boston Marathon was dedicated to the victims of the shooting earlier this year at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut.

Please pray or send healing thoughts if you're not religious, and if you can spare the money for a card and stamp, please send one to:

PO Box 185083
Hamden, CT 06518


RESOURCES:
Safe&Well is run by the Red Cross. If your loved one has reported as Safe&Well they can be searched for on the below site; additionally, your loved one has the option to leave a brief message.

https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php


Google.com has set up a resource and checkin on their main page just below the search box. Or you can click on the link below to access their people finder, which is currently has information on over 4,600 people as of 10:20pm EST on April 15, 2013:

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions

Friday, April 12, 2013

Update on Auschwitz Surviving Twins... A7734

The following update is a direct quote from the A7734 Facebook Page. Keep looking and keep sharing.

'A side story to our search: the exposure brought in another pair of Mengele twins. They too were separated just before liberation but managed to reunite... I am going to interview the twin who remained in Auschwitz after liberation. He was with Jolli and I hope that he remembers something. Keep your expectations low, most survivors do not remember those chaotic stressful days. But at least we know now that there are more of them living amongst us, and reaching Jolli is just a matter of time.

I would like to thank you all on behalf or Menachem for your incredible constant support. He is deeply touched with every day that passes. As his researcher I thank all amateur and professional researchers as well as you who keep sharing - this search keeps moving forward thanks to you. 
Ayana KimRon FamilyRoots2000@gmail.com'




Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Hellllllloooooo Spring! (FINALLY!!)

I may have just given away my prized secret location. I've decided that we finally have spring weather! I'm excited to plant! I had the Sister Missionaries over for dinner Friday night after they and the girls weeded one of the flower beds. I must say that it was nice to see it all cleaned up!

I've decided that the flower beds will be used for planting the flower of my home state, California, the California Poppy. Oh, how I miss those beautiful orange, silky beauties. I haven't seen one other than in pictures in about 16 years! I miss seeing them carpet the rolling hills of northern California. I bought about 5 packs of seeds per bed! It's my secret wish that they take root and over populate the yard, then the block, the town, and then the entire state! I know it's never going to happen like that, but I plan to plant, plant, plant!

The next mission is to clean out the other flower bed and plant, you guessed it! MORE POPPY'S!! I figure by then it will be time to dig up and till out some of the yard for the actual planting of our beloved fruits and veggies just in time for local planting season! Pictures and updates to come!

This picture was taken from the Graham Owen Gallery

Monday, April 8, 2013

Feel Good & GO HUSKERS!!!

First... go to the link, or watch it here if the link works right! LOL But be sure you're either alone, or as one comment would lead us to believe that he was cutting a bowl of onions...


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Planning the Party

So... I've been on the fence about letting my DD have a last day or school party. Her Birthday party was  success, a successful MESS! Those dang boys she invited threw all those girls into a tizzy and I spent 3 days puling TP out of and out from under my furniture. I've decided that ALL invitees must be girls next year!

But what about the EOSP? I decided to give it a go... why you may ask? 10 FREE 5x7 cards (yours don't have to be invites, there's hundreds to choose from in different categories!) using code, SPRINGCARDS on Shutterfly.com! This has resulted in her only being allowed to invite 10 guests as well. I've decided for my sanity that SMALLER is BETTER!! If you decide you need more than 10 cards, you can use code SHIP30 to get free shipping on your order of $30 or more!

So let the planning begin! I wonder what kind of activities I'll plan for these screaming 12 and 13 year old girls?? Let the suggestions begin!




Friday, March 22, 2013

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

My Voice Acting Debut!


So several weeks ago a fellow student came into our class and asked if anyone was willing to voice act a few lines for a commercial he was making. He was looking for... a valley girl! WOW! Was this made for me or what!? I grew up in the valley in California when 'valley girl's' like Becky and her friend in the intro of Sir Mix a Lot's Baby Got Back was at it's height!

So here is the finished product... and now you know what my voice sounds like, at least when I'm a valley girl!


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Auschwitz Survivor Seeks Twin Brother Adopted 2 Days Before Camp Liberation

Please know that all of this is taken directly from the Facebook Page: A7734 




Jeno [Jolli], born in 1940, was transported to infamous death camp, Auschwitz together with his twin brother in May 1944, two months prior to their 4th birthday. Being twins, they were objects to criminal medical experiments. Luckily, both survived the war, however their ways separated just 2 days before liberation. 

Jolli's brother was taken out of camp, leaving behind all memory. For the next 67 years he had a different name and no knowledge about his family. Now he knows. We also know that Jolli was very much alive at liberation. Maybe he too changed his name, maybe even changed his religion. Clues lead to possible adoption by a Christian family, then to the USA. Whatever name and location, his tattooed number is A7734. And his brother still hopes to meet him. The only definite link between them is the number tattooed on his arm - A7734.

He may be your neighbour, a friend, or even a relative. if you happen to know anything, please contact FamilyRoots2000@gmail.com

Here is a photo of Jolli's brother. Maybe he resembles his twin enough that you recognize him as someone that you know or have seen. Please, if you share just one thing today let it be this story, make it viral, help reunite these twins and the special bond that only twins share...





Support

I'm SO SICK of miserable, stay at home navy wives, be they mothers or not. There are good ones, EXCELLENT ones even. Like Deb who used to be the OMBUDSMAN for the Machinists command, but not this woman with a little girl mentality that replaced her...

Why do so many wives feel the need to tear each other down? I admit that I am by no means perfect, far from it in fact. I ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness every time that I remember being bitchy or snarky towards anyone else, but especially a fellow military wife. Many wives will say that we have the toughest job in the military, and that might be the perception of that wife, but I can tell you... it's not. I've lived both sides of this coin. For those of you that don't already know, I served my country through the birth of 2 children, through becoming a single mom, through the death of my mother whilst deployed to I don't even remember where, through Desert Fox, through Operations Iraqi & Enduring Freedom, through 3 ships and 2 official deployments, so many underway's, UNREP's, RAS, Flight Ops, Cleaning Stations, ShellBack initiation (YES my certificate has the mermaid without the shells covering her breasts!), Golden ShellBack, DRB, XOI, Good Conduct medals, and so much more than I could ever list here, that being a navy wife is SO much easier. I get to sleep in my own bed every night if I want. I can do whatever I want even if it's against the law and not worry about loosing my job. Though what I do on base will always reflect on my husband, I can pretty much do whatever I want without fear or repercussions like, restriction to the ship for 45 days, extra duty, being put in the brig (navy jail) or going to the brig and only receiving bread and water to eat! I can chose what I eat each day, not some random other person onboard the ship. I can see the light of day, I can call out sick. I CAN CALL OUT SICK.

I digress, I have left the original topic!

I try not to bemoan my troubles to the world to hear. I do my best not to be a bitch to other wives, especially those asking for help unless they're asking how to screw over their deployed spouse, then the gloves are OFF! I would like to think that otherwise I am a good person. I'll watch your kid while you go to the doctor or while you go into labor. I'll help you clean, let you cry on my shoulder because you miss him so much. In return I only ask that you not try to embarrass me or chide me, for I am a 34 year old grown woman, not some 16 year old child. I have things to deal with too, please be there for me and just like your mother should have taught you... If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. So when I ask for help, or post something I have for sale, please just pass me by if you can't say anything nice or supportive to me.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

P. Phil... YOU'RE FIRED!

Oh My GOODNESS!!

So P. Phil, the groundhog didn't see his shadow so winter is supposed to be over. Wouldn't you know it... we're under a severe weather alert and snow storm. The clouds are BLACK, with nary a speck of blue in sight.  The trees in the church yard that I can see out my window looks like they're about to come out by the roots! Trees that have been there for at least 100 years, I'm sure.

It's cold, the locals are freaking out and raping the bread and milk isles at the grocery stores. Why is it that everyone thinks that if there's a possibility that you might loose power or that there might be some snow falling, mind you we are expecting no more than 5 inches, that you MUST go to the gas station and fill up all your cars and every gas can that you own and that you will not be able to get milk and bread or that you need milk and bread to live? Don't you have food in your cupboards already... is that extra 5 gallons and 5 loaves of bread you just picked up going to feed you for the rest of your life because the world is coming to an end?

Get realistic people! Oh, and this little rant assures you that the weather is cold enough to snow, it's 4pm and almost nighttime outside it's so dark, it's hella windy, I can hear it howling. It's not spring... P. Phil... (in my best Donald Trump voice...) You're fired!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

"A Military Wife Lots of moving... Moving... Moving... Moving far from home. Moving two cars, three kids and one dog... all riding with HER of course. Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house; moving curtains that won't fit; moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours. Moving away from friends; moving toward new friends; moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories. Often waiting... Waiting... Waiting... Waiting for Housing. Waiting for orders. Waiting for deployments. Waiting for phone calls. Waiting for reunions. Waiting for the new curtains to arrive. Waiting for him to come home, for dinner...AGAIN! They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better: She is fiercely In-Dependent. She can balance a check book; handle the yard work; fix a noisy toilet; bury the family pet... She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts. She can file the taxes; sell a house; buy a car; or set up a move... all with ONE Power of Attorney. She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. She reinvents her career with every PCS; locates a house in the desert, the Arctic, or the deep south. And learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home. Military Wives are somewhat hasty... They leap into: Decorating, leadership, volunteering, career alternatives, churches, and friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible. They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them. Military Wives quickly learn to value each other: They connect over coffee, rely on the Spouse Network, accept offers of friendship and favors. Record addresses in pencil... Military Wives have a common bond: The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a 'JOB', he has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit. He's on-call for his country 24/7. But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town! His language is foreign: TDY, PCS, OPR, SOS, ACC, BDU, ACU, BAR, CIB, TAD... And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long-distance link to keep them informed; the glue that holds them together. A Military Wife has her moments: She wants to wring his neck; dye his uniform pink; refuse to move to Siberia; but she pulls herself together. Give her a few days, a travel brochure, a long hot bath, a pledge to the flag, a wedding picture, and she goes. She packs. She moves. She follows. Why? What for? How come? You may think it is because she has lost her mind. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man who puts duty first; who longs to deploy; who salutes the flag; and whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, she will remain his Military Wife. And would have it no other way. --Author Unknown"

Friday, January 25, 2013

Feeling a little reminiscent

I remember when I was a kid, candy bars were only 25 cents. 

I could play outside without my parents having to constantly check on me into the dusk. 

I remember the ice cream truck, riding my bike MILES away without a cell phone, staying home alone for a few hours until mom and dad came home. 

I didn't throw a fit my my mom told me to wash the dishes, by hand since we didn't have the luxury of a dish washer; I wouldn't have been able to sit if I dared to whine or say no! 

I remember going to Thrifty's to the ice cream counter and for 35 cents I could get an ice cream cone while my mom waited for her prescription. 

When it was my birthday I could go to 31 Flavors (now Baskin Robbins) and get a scoop of ice cream for 31 cents. 

I remember taking my $2 allowance for the month, and riding my bike to Grocery Outlet and getting a sack FULL of candy to last me the month! 

I remember when this odd new ice cream came out, no one knew what to make of it and I could buy Ben & Jerry's for $1 at Grocery Outlet! 

I remember the BEST lemon cookies were TruBlu! 

I remember getting slice of Checkerboard vanilla and orange sorbet ice cream, but only after mom decided if we should pry open the glued on top, or open one of the sides. 

I remember running around barefoot on the sidewalk and in the street when it must have been close to 100 degrees outside, yet I couldn't tell. 

It was the 'time of my life.' The time when I didn't have to worry about anything but doing what I was told so I didn't get my ass beat!