Soooooo tired of being stuck living on this island! Im so ready to move on! We have 10 more months until we get orders. 10 more...I can do it. WE can do it.
Its so small here. This island is 4 miles wide and 30 miles long. Imagine being stuck in that small of a space to live for FOUR years. Some people even travel more than this island is long just to work!
Im so tired of having nothing to do with our children for whatever reason. This island should not be a four year tour for families with children. Im not kidding when I say there is nothing to do here. We have one VERY small zoo. We have one VERY small water park. We have 2 VERY small malls. And these 'malls' are not like the mall you are picturing. Trust me. I want to be able to take Kayla to a real zoo and to childrens museums to learn and grow.
The weather never changes. Except during the rainy season we get downpours out of nowhere for days, weeks, on end. Its so.freaking.hot.out I barely go outside to play.
I just want to move.
I considered going back home to PA for a visit. Its just too much for the budget to handle. I can hop to Hawaii free and then buy a ticket for myself and the babies from there, but even then its between $700-$1,000. *sigh*
I just want to move.
Showing posts with label Military Stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military Stuff. Show all posts
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Playing war
Well, here it is....the week we been dreading for 2 weeks. Or 5 weeks? Dada left home at 2 am Sunday morning to go camp out in Guam's jungles to play/practice war for a BIG inspection. The base has prepped for this inspection for MONTHS. If this inspection fails....well, then the General gets fired. Dada will not be home until Friday.
Poor guy. I couldn't imagine having to do this.
Back to being a single Mom to these 2 little ones.
Pictures below are of last week at the base "Tumbling For Tots" program. At the same time, in the same gym, there was an exercise for a military style funeral. It was very strange sitting there watching my full of life, energetic babies run amok, while right behind them there was a 'funeral' going on.
Poor guy. I couldn't imagine having to do this.
Back to being a single Mom to these 2 little ones.
Pictures below are of last week at the base "Tumbling For Tots" program. At the same time, in the same gym, there was an exercise for a military style funeral. It was very strange sitting there watching my full of life, energetic babies run amok, while right behind them there was a 'funeral' going on.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Scary moments! Thank you Face.Book for the warnings!
I wanted to blog about lots of random updates but instead Im going to tell you about a few scary moments yesterday. Scary moments that I am thankful for because it was a reality check for me.
Caden went down for a nap a little early yesterday. I happened to be in the dining room for some reason or another when I noticed that the main road behind our house was backed up with dead stopped cars as far as I could see. The back entrance/exit gate for the base was shut down. Nothing unusual when the base is about to start an exercise and play war. I thought nothing of it but, "Sucks to be them. I know how that feels." This was before 12:30.
12:30 rolls around and I take Kayla back to my room and lay with her to take a nap. I hear the loud voice (speaker) outside and I cant understand it. All I can make out is, "This is NOT an exercise." I still dont think anything of it and 5 minutes later both and I were knocked out.
I wake up at around 2:30, and wanting to be quiet as to not wake the babies I just head to my computer. On face book I see everyone's status updates and they are all pretty much all mentioning how this base wide lock down sucks and some are stuck off base with nowhere to go, nothing to do. So, I ask what the heck is going on. I just woke from a nap and am clueless. Again, Im not panicking. I thought exercise stuff. Then I see this status update from the base Chaplin's wife:
*REAL WORLD THREAT: SECURITY FORCES LOOKING FOR SUSPECT: 65 YR INDIVIDUAL, BALD, NO TEETH, WEARING BROWN PANTS, RED SHIRT, DRIVING RED VEHICLE. REPORT TO 366-1872.
Ok, my heart starts racing a little more.
I am suddenly bombarded with things like:
*crazy man loose on base, threated the gas station
lock your doors/windows
*bomb threat and apparently they found a car bomb at the commissary...
Then I get a call from one of Nick's higher ranking supervisor's wife and she tells me all this and says just go lock windows/doors, close all the blinds and dont answer the door and if I see this man to call the cops.
Now I freak out a bit. I think all this while I was asleep with my babies and I had no clue?! 1 of windows is unlocked, my front door is ALWAYS unlocked. ALWAYS. Even when Im not home. And for a few seconds the Ft. Hood incident that took place enters my mind.
I go around and double check everything and by the time I get back to the computer, cars are finally moving into and out of the back gate right out back of our house and I see everyone's status on face book as the base is ALL CLEAR.
WHEW...now seriously..I had to find this out 2 hours AFTER the fact, while I sleep with my blinds all over and my front window and door unlocked? And no one called me? And I had to find out on Face.Book? Seriously? Nick did try to call me but he works out in the jungle and his phone does not get reception most times.
Needless to say, my window is now always locked unless I am home and its open, and from now on I will be better with my front door. I just take for granted that we live on a military base where I feel more safe than ever, more than anywhere else.
Here is the article. It doesnt give much detail. I heard all sorts of rumors from the guy was in the gas station with threats, to the commissary with threats, to there being a car bomb in the commissary parking lot, to the guy was found naked in the base chapel. I wonder what the real facts are??
Bomb threat causes brief lockdown at AAFB
Guam - Traffic came to a standstill up north in Yigo, where no one was allowed through the front gate of the Andersen Air Force Base for a couple of hours. Not much is being said about a lockdown at the military installation earlier today.
U.S. Air Force officials implemented the lockdown just before 1pm today after a bomb threat was made on the base. The incident has heightened security for all military personnel, dependents and civilian employees there. Sources do say that military police along with the Guam Police Department were combing the base, looking for a suspect.
Andersen AFB Public Affairs Office officials could only say the lockdown was ordered due to a bomb threat and that "Base personnel were ordered to shelter-in-place while base officials called in explosive ordnance disposal experts who are on island to investigate the threat." USAF Spokesperson Tech Sergeant Michael Andriacco says he could not provide further information as to how the threat was made or the next steps, other than there is an ongoing investigation.
No injuries or damages were reported, and at about 3 this afternoon the all-clear was given, the lockdown was suspended, and the base was reopened.
http://www.kuam.com/global/story.asp?s=12966998&sms_ss=facebook
Caden went down for a nap a little early yesterday. I happened to be in the dining room for some reason or another when I noticed that the main road behind our house was backed up with dead stopped cars as far as I could see. The back entrance/exit gate for the base was shut down. Nothing unusual when the base is about to start an exercise and play war. I thought nothing of it but, "Sucks to be them. I know how that feels." This was before 12:30.
12:30 rolls around and I take Kayla back to my room and lay with her to take a nap. I hear the loud voice (speaker) outside and I cant understand it. All I can make out is, "This is NOT an exercise." I still dont think anything of it and 5 minutes later both and I were knocked out.
I wake up at around 2:30, and wanting to be quiet as to not wake the babies I just head to my computer. On face book I see everyone's status updates and they are all pretty much all mentioning how this base wide lock down sucks and some are stuck off base with nowhere to go, nothing to do. So, I ask what the heck is going on. I just woke from a nap and am clueless. Again, Im not panicking. I thought exercise stuff. Then I see this status update from the base Chaplin's wife:
*REAL WORLD THREAT: SECURITY FORCES LOOKING FOR SUSPECT: 65 YR INDIVIDUAL, BALD, NO TEETH, WEARING BROWN PANTS, RED SHIRT, DRIVING RED VEHICLE. REPORT TO 366-1872.
Ok, my heart starts racing a little more.
I am suddenly bombarded with things like:
*crazy man loose on base, threated the gas station
lock your doors/windows
*bomb threat and apparently they found a car bomb at the commissary...
Then I get a call from one of Nick's higher ranking supervisor's wife and she tells me all this and says just go lock windows/doors, close all the blinds and dont answer the door and if I see this man to call the cops.
Now I freak out a bit. I think all this while I was asleep with my babies and I had no clue?! 1 of windows is unlocked, my front door is ALWAYS unlocked. ALWAYS. Even when Im not home. And for a few seconds the Ft. Hood incident that took place enters my mind.
I go around and double check everything and by the time I get back to the computer, cars are finally moving into and out of the back gate right out back of our house and I see everyone's status on face book as the base is ALL CLEAR.
WHEW...now seriously..I had to find this out 2 hours AFTER the fact, while I sleep with my blinds all over and my front window and door unlocked? And no one called me? And I had to find out on Face.Book? Seriously? Nick did try to call me but he works out in the jungle and his phone does not get reception most times.
Needless to say, my window is now always locked unless I am home and its open, and from now on I will be better with my front door. I just take for granted that we live on a military base where I feel more safe than ever, more than anywhere else.
Here is the article. It doesnt give much detail. I heard all sorts of rumors from the guy was in the gas station with threats, to the commissary with threats, to there being a car bomb in the commissary parking lot, to the guy was found naked in the base chapel. I wonder what the real facts are??
Bomb threat causes brief lockdown at AAFB
Guam - Traffic came to a standstill up north in Yigo, where no one was allowed through the front gate of the Andersen Air Force Base for a couple of hours. Not much is being said about a lockdown at the military installation earlier today.
U.S. Air Force officials implemented the lockdown just before 1pm today after a bomb threat was made on the base. The incident has heightened security for all military personnel, dependents and civilian employees there. Sources do say that military police along with the Guam Police Department were combing the base, looking for a suspect.
Andersen AFB Public Affairs Office officials could only say the lockdown was ordered due to a bomb threat and that "Base personnel were ordered to shelter-in-place while base officials called in explosive ordnance disposal experts who are on island to investigate the threat." USAF Spokesperson Tech Sergeant Michael Andriacco says he could not provide further information as to how the threat was made or the next steps, other than there is an ongoing investigation.
No injuries or damages were reported, and at about 3 this afternoon the all-clear was given, the lockdown was suspended, and the base was reopened.
http://www.kuam.com/global/story.asp?s=12966998&sms_ss=facebook
Monday, October 05, 2009
Thunderbirds!
Last night as we sat down to eat dinner we heard a very loud rumble over our house. It wasnt the usual fighter jet rumble that we are used to. So we ran outside and to our delight we saw the Air Force Thunderbirds! Every single time I see these planes my heart races...! They are so FREAKING amazing! I want one...with the pilot too!
Kayla was in love! After dinner and first thing this morning she was pointing outside and saying "Airplane Airplane!" Yup...it wasnt too loud or scary for her! My tough girl....
Some pictures I took...but I didnt have time to change the camera's lens to get a closer view. Today I changed it and we are going tonight to check out their practice flying for tomorrow's Airshow. Kayla is going to love it. I cant wait!
Here is a picture of them from the newspaper article.
Here is a clip of the article:
Andersen Air Force Base will open its gates tomorrow so the general public can attend the first military-sponsored air show on Guam in the last five years. The Thunderbirds -- a team of the Air Force's most precise pilots -- will headline.
Chatter about the Thunderbirds' arrival filled the airwaves on local aircraft radio yesterday. According to a press release from the Air Force, the Thunderbirds will fly over Saipan today.
The air show originally was scheduled for last Wednesday, but was canceled because Tropical Storm 18W threatened to bring heavy and damaging winds to Guam. The storm dissipated in the final hours before it was expected to strike Guam, but was quickly followed by Typhoon Melor.
Melor looked like it was going to bring damaging winds to Guam, too, but also didn't.
Now that forecasts are finally clear, the Air Force is bringing the show back.
Here are the pictures I took yesterday from our front yard...sure wish I could've changed the lens on the camera. Dang it.
You can click on the picture to enlarge it. Tonight, I shall have better pictures!
Kayla was in love! After dinner and first thing this morning she was pointing outside and saying "Airplane Airplane!" Yup...it wasnt too loud or scary for her! My tough girl....
Some pictures I took...but I didnt have time to change the camera's lens to get a closer view. Today I changed it and we are going tonight to check out their practice flying for tomorrow's Airshow. Kayla is going to love it. I cant wait!
Here is a picture of them from the newspaper article.
Here is a clip of the article:
Andersen Air Force Base will open its gates tomorrow so the general public can attend the first military-sponsored air show on Guam in the last five years. The Thunderbirds -- a team of the Air Force's most precise pilots -- will headline.
Chatter about the Thunderbirds' arrival filled the airwaves on local aircraft radio yesterday. According to a press release from the Air Force, the Thunderbirds will fly over Saipan today.
The air show originally was scheduled for last Wednesday, but was canceled because Tropical Storm 18W threatened to bring heavy and damaging winds to Guam. The storm dissipated in the final hours before it was expected to strike Guam, but was quickly followed by Typhoon Melor.
Melor looked like it was going to bring damaging winds to Guam, too, but also didn't.
Now that forecasts are finally clear, the Air Force is bringing the show back.
Here are the pictures I took yesterday from our front yard...sure wish I could've changed the lens on the camera. Dang it.
You can click on the picture to enlarge it. Tonight, I shall have better pictures!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
had no idea *UPDATED*
I wanted to go out today and get some Halloween decorations for Kayla. Each time we go to the store she loves pointing to and shouting "witch!, spider!" when she sees them.
Woke up to a nasty storm out side. I had no idea there were warnings of a tropical storm going on. I'm kind if irritated about this.
So many of us have husbands gone right now and no one calls to check on us. We are approximately 10 days out from our husbands coming home and no one has contacted us with information. Our husbands cant exactly give us a whole lot of information over the phone or Internet and in some cases I'm sure some husbands cant get to Internet easily.
Its frustrating. It's the squadron's First Sargent's job.
WOW...its really crazy outside. I can hear it...
As of 7 p.m. yesterday, Tropical Depression 18W was located 840 miles east-southeast of Guam and 390 miles east-northeast of Chuuk. It was moving west at 17 mph and was expected to turn to the west-northwest with little change in speed through tonight, the National Weather Service said.
The tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. It could become a tropical storm today, the weather service added.
"No tropical cyclone watches or warnings are in effect," NWS said at 7 p.m. last night. "However, people in the Marianas and surrounding waters should closely monitor the development and movement of 18W.
****UPDATED****
We decided to go to the BX for lunch and to play at the indoor playground since it's a nasty rainy day. As we were sitting there eating I was watching the sky get darker and darker. Thats when my neighbor and I decided to load the kids in the car and book it.
Got home and checked the status of the storm and was surprised to find:
Local residents should prepare for 55 mph winds capable or ripping plywood off some structures and downing rotten power poles, said National Weather Service meteorologist Chip Guard this morning.
Tropical Storm 18w threatens to bring heavy rains and damaging winds to Guam within 48 hours, or by Wednesday. As of this morning, the storm was more than 700 miles east-southeast of the island.
Guard said the forecast of dangerous winds was based on this information, but because the storm was actually farther south than predicted, the forecast could change, he said.
More accurate information will be released this afternoon, Guard said.
“This may make a significant difference to the computer models,” Guard said.
Woke up to a nasty storm out side. I had no idea there were warnings of a tropical storm going on. I'm kind if irritated about this.
So many of us have husbands gone right now and no one calls to check on us. We are approximately 10 days out from our husbands coming home and no one has contacted us with information. Our husbands cant exactly give us a whole lot of information over the phone or Internet and in some cases I'm sure some husbands cant get to Internet easily.
Its frustrating. It's the squadron's First Sargent's job.
WOW...its really crazy outside. I can hear it...
As of 7 p.m. yesterday, Tropical Depression 18W was located 840 miles east-southeast of Guam and 390 miles east-northeast of Chuuk. It was moving west at 17 mph and was expected to turn to the west-northwest with little change in speed through tonight, the National Weather Service said.
The tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. It could become a tropical storm today, the weather service added.
"No tropical cyclone watches or warnings are in effect," NWS said at 7 p.m. last night. "However, people in the Marianas and surrounding waters should closely monitor the development and movement of 18W.
****UPDATED****
We decided to go to the BX for lunch and to play at the indoor playground since it's a nasty rainy day. As we were sitting there eating I was watching the sky get darker and darker. Thats when my neighbor and I decided to load the kids in the car and book it.
Got home and checked the status of the storm and was surprised to find:
Local residents should prepare for 55 mph winds capable or ripping plywood off some structures and downing rotten power poles, said National Weather Service meteorologist Chip Guard this morning.
Tropical Storm 18w threatens to bring heavy rains and damaging winds to Guam within 48 hours, or by Wednesday. As of this morning, the storm was more than 700 miles east-southeast of the island.
Guard said the forecast of dangerous winds was based on this information, but because the storm was actually farther south than predicted, the forecast could change, he said.
More accurate information will be released this afternoon, Guard said.
“This may make a significant difference to the computer models,” Guard said.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Nick rapelling, Kayla sitting!
Thanks everyone for the teeth tablets advice. Im going to look for those next time Im at the BX. My neighbor suggested those too. She has a 14 month old.
On Monday Nick had to repel down a 90 foot tower. With nothing to catch his fall. He is part of a team that must have special capabilites 'just in case'. One of those capabilites is to do a 12 mile ruck march with 30 lbs on his back. I wont even show you the pictures of his feet after that march. The other capability is to be able to repel...ya know, 'just in case.' Here is a video of one of his team members doing the repel from the tower at the Navy base not too far from us. Nick is the one recording the video so there is no video of him. But here, you can get the idea.
Also, Kayla had another first yesterday! Sitting by herself for the longest time yet. It as only about 20 seconds...but its longer than usual! We spent some time outside yesterday in the front yard and she got a kick out of the grass and really enjoyed her self. Also, Nick got to come home early from work yesterday so she got to spend some extra time with him. Today is Christmas Eve. We are hoping that after P.T. this morning, he is let go for the day.
And this morning....Kayla woke up covered in pee pee. Im so terrible. I forgot to change her diaper last night. Usually I will change it once in the middle of the night during gone of her feedings...and I forgot. And we BOTH paid the price. My poor girl...sleeping in pee. I feel so terrbile. We dont need any pictures of that.
I probably wont be back to blog for a few days, so Im wishing everyone to have a very Merry Christmas! Cant wait to see everyones pictures!
On Monday Nick had to repel down a 90 foot tower. With nothing to catch his fall. He is part of a team that must have special capabilites 'just in case'. One of those capabilites is to do a 12 mile ruck march with 30 lbs on his back. I wont even show you the pictures of his feet after that march. The other capability is to be able to repel...ya know, 'just in case.' Here is a video of one of his team members doing the repel from the tower at the Navy base not too far from us. Nick is the one recording the video so there is no video of him. But here, you can get the idea.
Also, Kayla had another first yesterday! Sitting by herself for the longest time yet. It as only about 20 seconds...but its longer than usual! We spent some time outside yesterday in the front yard and she got a kick out of the grass and really enjoyed her self. Also, Nick got to come home early from work yesterday so she got to spend some extra time with him. Today is Christmas Eve. We are hoping that after P.T. this morning, he is let go for the day.
And this morning....Kayla woke up covered in pee pee. Im so terrible. I forgot to change her diaper last night. Usually I will change it once in the middle of the night during gone of her feedings...and I forgot. And we BOTH paid the price. My poor girl...sleeping in pee. I feel so terrbile. We dont need any pictures of that.
I probably wont be back to blog for a few days, so Im wishing everyone to have a very Merry Christmas! Cant wait to see everyones pictures!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
What is a military wife? Who am I?
Ok, so last night was much better. I got some great advice and lots of opinions. But more on that later. For now, I wanted to post this.
What exactly is a military wife? There is really a person behind all these words you regularly read. A life, a face, a heart, a person. And this is just part of her life is like as a military wife.
What is a MILITARY Wife?
They may look different and each is wonderfully unique
But this they have in common.
They have THIS IN COMMON!
lots of moving---
moving
moving
moving far from home
moving two cars, a baby and 2 cats----all riding with HER of course
moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house or getting rid of that sofa because this house doesnt have a basement or attic due to typhoons
moving curtains that won't fit and buying new ones that do fit for each house
(I have a whole closet shelf of curtains in various sizes)
moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours
(I lost a great job of 2 years as fitness specialist in Italy)
moving away from friends moving toward new friends
(I've said Goodbye to some of nearest and dearest friends and years later I still miss them)
moving her most important luggage; her trunk full of memories
often waiting-
waiting, waiting, waiting for housing; waiting for orders; waiting
for deployment; waiting for reunion; waiting for phones calls;
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 can balance a checkbook
handle the yard work
fix a noisy toilet
carry 10 things at once all while holding the baby
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.
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.
She is fiercely IN-dependent
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 bond like no others.
They connect over coffee, rely on the spouse-network and accept offers of
friendship and favors and 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' he can't
just decide to quit.
He's on-call for his country 24/7 but for you, he's the most...
Unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign: TDY, PCS, OPR, ACC, BDU
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.
Military Wife has her moments--
She wants to wring his neck, dye his uniform pink, and 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, and 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.
What exactly is a military wife? There is really a person behind all these words you regularly read. A life, a face, a heart, a person. And this is just part of her life is like as a military wife.
What is a MILITARY Wife?
They may look different and each is wonderfully unique
But this they have in common.
They have THIS IN COMMON!
lots of moving---
moving
moving
moving far from home
moving two cars, a baby and 2 cats----all riding with HER of course
moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house or getting rid of that sofa because this house doesnt have a basement or attic due to typhoons
moving curtains that won't fit and buying new ones that do fit for each house
(I have a whole closet shelf of curtains in various sizes)
moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours
(I lost a great job of 2 years as fitness specialist in Italy)
moving away from friends moving toward new friends
(I've said Goodbye to some of nearest and dearest friends and years later I still miss them)
moving her most important luggage; her trunk full of memories
often waiting-
waiting, waiting, waiting for housing; waiting for orders; waiting
for deployment; waiting for reunion; waiting for phones calls;
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 can balance a checkbook
handle the yard work
fix a noisy toilet
carry 10 things at once all while holding the baby
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.
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.
She is fiercely IN-dependent
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 bond like no others.
They connect over coffee, rely on the spouse-network and accept offers of
friendship and favors and 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' he can't
just decide to quit.
He's on-call for his country 24/7 but for you, he's the most...
Unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign: TDY, PCS, OPR, ACC, BDU
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.
Military Wife has her moments--
She wants to wring his neck, dye his uniform pink, and 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, and 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.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
9 Jan 2008 **UPDATED**
So, remember the problems we had with trying to get TDY Orders for Nick for us to go up to Walter Reed for our IVF cycle? And remember that we got denied the Orders because it's an elective surgery? And remember then Nick got Permissive TDY Orders which means the trip is not paid for but Nick wont have to use his leave days for the stay?
Well, this morning Nick went to go pick up the paper work for Permissive TDY because in order for us to reserve the hotel in D.C. on a military base for a discounted rate we had to have the paper work.
Upon picking up that paper work, Nick was told that they dont know who told us that the TDY Orders were denied because they were'nt. They asked him who I talked to and of course this was a month ago so I cannot remember. They told him we needed my doctor to put the referral back into the computer so they can get us the orders.
So, I called my doctor to get the refferal put back into the computer and she said that the refferal is still in the computer and she needed to know who and why said it wasnt in the computer.
So TDY orders are a mess right now. Thanks military. Good news is that someone told Nick that the TDY Orders were NOT denied.
So maybe, he can get the TDY Orders and our 2 week stay at Walter Reed can be paid for by the military. Thanks military. The have their perks and downfalls at the same time. I hope Nick gets the orders. Its a financial break on us that we need. It's not my fault that the closest military facility IVF clinic is 3 hours away. They should pay for it.
So we are waiting on news about that. Hopefully we will know something today. I hate the waiting and not knowing whats going to happen. Oh boy..the two week wait after IVF is going to be interesting.
My Lupron injections are going great. Yesterday's dose was the first time I bled a little and this morning I noticed that the injection site is bruised. I dont know what I did wrong, or if it's normal and I didnt do anything wrong. Today Im going to try to wait for Nick to get home to do the shot as long as he gets home pretty close to 4. Does anyone know if I always have to have the shot at 4:00 on the dot every single day. I would like to wait for him to get home to do it. Plus it makes him feel needed. As if it he's helping in some way in this rough process.
**UPDATE**
It was false hope. Who ever spoke to Nick this morning was not aware that the orders were denied. That is why she told us they never were denied. But they were. So because someone lacked communication, we were given false hope today. BLAH! But Nick is still able to get permissive TDY so he wont have to use his leave.
Well, this morning Nick went to go pick up the paper work for Permissive TDY because in order for us to reserve the hotel in D.C. on a military base for a discounted rate we had to have the paper work.
Upon picking up that paper work, Nick was told that they dont know who told us that the TDY Orders were denied because they were'nt. They asked him who I talked to and of course this was a month ago so I cannot remember. They told him we needed my doctor to put the referral back into the computer so they can get us the orders.
So, I called my doctor to get the refferal put back into the computer and she said that the refferal is still in the computer and she needed to know who and why said it wasnt in the computer.
So TDY orders are a mess right now. Thanks military. Good news is that someone told Nick that the TDY Orders were NOT denied.
So maybe, he can get the TDY Orders and our 2 week stay at Walter Reed can be paid for by the military. Thanks military. The have their perks and downfalls at the same time. I hope Nick gets the orders. Its a financial break on us that we need. It's not my fault that the closest military facility IVF clinic is 3 hours away. They should pay for it.
So we are waiting on news about that. Hopefully we will know something today. I hate the waiting and not knowing whats going to happen. Oh boy..the two week wait after IVF is going to be interesting.
My Lupron injections are going great. Yesterday's dose was the first time I bled a little and this morning I noticed that the injection site is bruised. I dont know what I did wrong, or if it's normal and I didnt do anything wrong. Today Im going to try to wait for Nick to get home to do the shot as long as he gets home pretty close to 4. Does anyone know if I always have to have the shot at 4:00 on the dot every single day. I would like to wait for him to get home to do it. Plus it makes him feel needed. As if it he's helping in some way in this rough process.
**UPDATE**
It was false hope. Who ever spoke to Nick this morning was not aware that the orders were denied. That is why she told us they never were denied. But they were. So because someone lacked communication, we were given false hope today. BLAH! But Nick is still able to get permissive TDY so he wont have to use his leave.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
29 Nov 2007 2nd post for today
Most of my very close family, and some friends know that Nick and I made some everlasting friends out of the Williams' family while we were stationed in Aviano Italy from 2002-2005. Over the 3 years we were there...they became our family. In some cases, we love them more than some of our own blood relatives. A bond grew between the 4 of us, along with their children that will never ever be broken. They are our family now for life.
Dawn called me this morning just to tell me that she was thinking of me since we didnt get to talk on Thanksgiving. During the 1 hour conversation she mentioned that they did the military holiday hometown greeting for us. So after we talked I went online to our local news' website and searched all the hometown videos for our area. And..you guessed it...I found the video and even before I opened it and watched it, I was in tears.
I miss that family more than I miss my own family. Yes, you read that right. I havent seen or heard from my own Mother in 2 years. I contine to send her cards and keep the door open for her...but I get nothing in return. It's sad to say, but I miss them more than my own Mother. When I think of them I smile and cry at the same time.
Yes, the military has downsides of moving all the time. But, because of the military we have made our family. Most family members are your family and you dont get a choice in the matter. These 7 people are our family because we chose each other. I truely believe in my heart and soul that God intended for us to meet, and become a "family."
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU Dawn, Chuck, Jacob, Alexandria, Allison, Tiffany and Courtney!!
Friday, November 09, 2007
9 Nov 2007- Black Hawk Down
We were stationed in Aviano, Italy from Sept 2002- Sept 2005. That base has become one of our homes forever in hearts. I just heard on the news this...
It hurts to know of any soliers being killed. Its hurts to know that some wife just like me, somewhere is mourning the loss of her hero husband. But to know the 5 that died in a pointless accident, was from one of our homes. And they died in an amazingly beautiful place that we have many times visited. The deaths just hit the home in our hearts a little harder.
ROME - A U.S. Army helicopter crashed in northern Italy on Thursday, killing at least four people on board and injuring six, a fire department official said.
Four bodies were pulled from the wreckage of the UH-60 Black Hawk and another six people on board were injured and sent to area hospitals, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for the national fire department.
Senior Airman Justin Weaver, a spokesman at the U.S. Air Force base in Aviano, near Venice, said he could not confirm the number of deaths but that the helicopter was an Army Black Hawk that had taken off from Aviano.
Television footage showed the charred, smoldering wreckage of the helicopter, which broke into at least two large pieces, in an uninhabited area about 25 miles southwest of Aviano.
The ANSA and Apcom news agencies said five people were believed to have been killed; Cari said it was possible a fifth may have died at the hospital but that fire officials at the scene had only confirmed four dead.
The UH-60 Black Hawk is the Army's general utility helicopter — used for transporting troops and equipment, air assault, medical evacuations and to support special operations as well as other missions.
An entire 11-person, fully equipped infantry squad can be lifted in a single Black Hawk, according to the Army web site, which says the helicopter has a crew of four.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071108/ap_on_re_eu/italy_us_helicopter_crash_6
Here is a video from youtube of the type of copter that went down. And this video is taken at Aviano Air Force Base. Seeing this video's scenery makes me miss my home away from home more than any place in the world...It was a magical place to live.
Ok Ok Ok, you gonna hate me. But here's another video that just gave me chills. The Air Force Thunderbirds...HOT HOT HOT! Those are some hot guys....lol. Dont tell Nick I said that! Here they are flying in Aviano...gosh I miss it. Did I mention I miss it? lol!!
In other good news, today is one of my friends' birthdays. Happy 24th Birthday Jen!
Friday, October 26, 2007
26 Oct 2007
GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nick's TDY has been cancelled!!! That means Thanksgiving together and Christmas together for sure! WHOO HOO! And more time for us to prepare for our big move to Guam! This is so great!
Other good news, I got 3 donor profiles sent to me today from Jones. Nick and I have chosen one and I will be emailing them back with our choice. I will post the info on him later.
Im off to make hot wings now...
Other good news, I got 3 donor profiles sent to me today from Jones. Nick and I have chosen one and I will be emailing them back with our choice. I will post the info on him later.
Im off to make hot wings now...
Monday, April 30, 2007
April 30 2007
Here are a few pics from the Air Show on Saturday. I didnt have the right zoom lense for the camera but I got some good ones.
The Tunderbirds flew right over top of us!!
The Thunderbirds!
F-22 Raptor
The Tunderbirds flew right over top of us!!
The Thunderbirds!
I LOVE jet noise!!
F-22 Raptor
In other news, that most you of proabaly wont care to know about, but Im posting aways..
I watched The Tyra Show today and she had 4 women take the 4 week Nivea Goodbye Cellulight Challenge and at the end of the 4 weeks, all 4 loved the product and they had signifigant ( sp? ) difference. They took before and after pictures and even video diary'ed the weeks. Nick will be home in 6 weeks so that gives me plenty of time to say Goodbye Cellulight! I dont have a lot, but there is enough and I can see it on my butt and thighs. So, I'm off tomorrow to Walmart to get some and maybe I will even post before and after pictures if I am brave enough.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
16 Nov 2006
Today, I am confused. Today I have been thinking I might want to go home. Main reason being that I might feel closer to Nick having his things around me. I want our bed. I want to look at the teddy bears he bought me, I want to sleep with the same covers as him,I want to cuddle with and smell the pillow he sleeps on. I want to see his shoes and his clothes in the closet. I want to shower in the same shower as him and see his hair on the bathroom floor and look at the same mirror that I once saw his face in. I want to sit at the same computer desk that holds his trophies high that he is so proud of, and look at the disney characters that we collected together in Venice, Italy. I want to see his BDU's in the house, and see his car in the garage. I want to use the washer and drier he bought for me and struggled to bring into the house. I want to sit on teh couch that he sits on after work and see the stains in the coffee table that his laptop burned into it, adn see the marks on the carpet where his feet always are. I want to watch the TV that I begged him to buy even though we really really didnt need it, but he bought it anyway to make me happy. I want to walk through the BX we always walk through together and take the same route around the store that we always take.
I want to hear the jets flying above that allow me stop and think, that is why I am proud of my husband and that is why I support him. I want to see my cats run into the house from the patio because the familair sound of jets above are so loud.
But going home will mean that I will be lonely in the house. I do have a few freinds that would keep me busy sometimes. Jim, Nancy, Jamie would definatly help me. Drena, who is in the same boat as me but she has the added worries of 2 children. I could help her with the babies, and she could help keep my company. Theres Tina who this time last year was in the same boat as me with Izaac so she completely understands how I feel. And if I really get lonely, I could come back to PA for a couple days. It's not a bad drive.
Im just very confused. What am I to do?
About 226 days to go
I want to hear the jets flying above that allow me stop and think, that is why I am proud of my husband and that is why I support him. I want to see my cats run into the house from the patio because the familair sound of jets above are so loud.
But going home will mean that I will be lonely in the house. I do have a few freinds that would keep me busy sometimes. Jim, Nancy, Jamie would definatly help me. Drena, who is in the same boat as me but she has the added worries of 2 children. I could help her with the babies, and she could help keep my company. Theres Tina who this time last year was in the same boat as me with Izaac so she completely understands how I feel. And if I really get lonely, I could come back to PA for a couple days. It's not a bad drive.
Im just very confused. What am I to do?
About 226 days to go
Thursday, November 02, 2006
2 Nov 2006
I can't believe its November. Where did this year go? Plans have changed in the last day. Nick will not be comming home in between training and deployment. So off to PA I go earlier then expected. It's going to be hard leaving home, where him and I belong together with our furry children. But it is for my own good, at least for a while. I can't believe how close the time is comming to the day he leaves and I dont see him for 8 months. I wish all of America could see and understand what I go through for this country even though I am not the one who steps off of American soil. ( Atleast this time I'm not ) Well, enough about that.
I am putting in my 2 weeks notice to work today, so that takes me up to the 16th. I wish I could stop a few days sooner so I can leave right after Nick does. But maybe a few days in between is best for me so I dont have to drive 6 hours being unbearably upset. Even though I will be upset either way.
No signs of a bean snuggling in. Not like the 2 previous times when I thought I had many signs that could relate to a bean. This time, still nothing. I have had a little cough for a few days. I started taking my Vitamin C to help boost my immune system for the winter. I usually get sick atelast once.
Today I am 6 days past IUI. Almost have way there to testing. I will test in 10 days and hopefully, I pray hard, hopefully, we will see a nice 2 lines. If not, we are on for another round in December.
I am putting in my 2 weeks notice to work today, so that takes me up to the 16th. I wish I could stop a few days sooner so I can leave right after Nick does. But maybe a few days in between is best for me so I dont have to drive 6 hours being unbearably upset. Even though I will be upset either way.
No signs of a bean snuggling in. Not like the 2 previous times when I thought I had many signs that could relate to a bean. This time, still nothing. I have had a little cough for a few days. I started taking my Vitamin C to help boost my immune system for the winter. I usually get sick atelast once.
Today I am 6 days past IUI. Almost have way there to testing. I will test in 10 days and hopefully, I pray hard, hopefully, we will see a nice 2 lines. If not, we are on for another round in December.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
Posts
