Last Minute Shopping

Mark and I braved the shops yesterday - gheesh - the traffic was almost worse than the stores . . . we had fun though and stopped at Cheers in the Sandusky mall for a frosty beverage before returning to Port Clinton. Today we are vegging out at the house and boy does it feel good . . . . it's thundering outside and the wind sounds like it might blow the condo over, but it's warm inside and we just finished up some leftovers and are now contemplating watching some of the Browns game - then my Bears play. I hate to watch because I swear that each time I do, I jinx the team, so right now we're watching a Court TV program about a spoiled rotten teenage girl that had someone kill her stepmom - very Christmas-sy - haha.

Don't have to go back to work 'til Thursday - yee ha - gonna post again soon to tell about my surprise . . . .

UXO XO'd

Here's my umpteenth attempt to upload a video. Went to You Tube so we'll see if this works . . . .



Found this video from back in 2005. This occurred at what we called Motel 6 - some of our dorms in Iraq. The incoming mortar did not explode on impact - God was on our side thankfully. No one was hit or hurt when they lobbed it in. The EOD - Explosive Ordinance Demolition guys - did a great job of safely detonating this and used plenty of explosives to do it. It did break a window and blow open a few steel doors. You can see some of our guys in physical training gear with their steel pots and flak vests on and you can hear them commenting on the event ---- too funny!

Pic

I love this shot - Mark's brother, family and friends taking a killer ride on Lake Erie.

TGIF

Literally - been a helluva week! Come on snow - I want to be snowed in with a good book for a day or two! Walked the dog down by the river and about froze my booty off - it wore us both out. I've gotta do something though - I was in denial about any possible weight gain until I tried to put on my military dress blues for our Christmas drill last Saturday - those suckers must've shrunk a few sizes in my closet this year. Then, to add insult to injury, I put a pair of jeans on that I thought were my "usual" size. They were pretty tight but I thought it's all good - I'll just exercise a little and work off a few pounds. When I took them off I realized that they were my "fat pants" - ugh - my fat pants are tight (SIGH).

Happy Day and the Flute

Yesterday we had the nicest time - it was Mom's birthday and we celebrated it in town at the Irish Pub. We had appetizers, drinks and excellent conversation. I won't say how old Mom is but she sure doesn't look her age - not that that age is old to begin with . . . . I'll quit while I'm ahead on that one :-)

Today as I was changing out of my well-loved but too well worn combat boots and uniform and into my large comfy sweater and too tight pants (sigh) I noticed my flute up on the shelf in my closet. I've not had that out in quite a long time so I put it together to see if I could still carry a tune (but really to see if it would mess with the dog - no wonder he's so ornery). I couldn't tell you where any sheet music is - what I once had would probably be too old and yellow to even read anymore - but I belted out a few Christmas tunes on it and the flute part from "Nights in White Satin" - probably the flutists answer to "Stairway to Heaven" for rockers. The dog's ears perked up and down, he barked once, but he never cried. He was more curious than anything. So after I'd had my fun I took my flute apart and cleaned it and the strangest thought occurred to me. I realized that never in a million years when I would clean my flute in 5th and 6th grade did I ever imagine that over 25 years later I'd clean my rifle in much the same way. It was really the most surreal feeling. Cleaning the flute involves running a metal "stick" - for lack of a better word - with a cloth attached through a loop in the end of the stick - down the length of the inside to soak up all the spit. In much the same way, we use "sticks" with barrel cleaning cloths to pick up the carbon in the barrel of our M16s - well now M4s. I was repeating the same routine I'd done all those years ago, although the "instruments" are used for widely different things. One is used to make beautiful music and the other to protect me and kill the enemy if the need ever arose. It probably sounds corny and stupid, but both of those instruments mean very much to me in a way I can't quite explain and cleaning them is a labor of love. I cannot believe it took me until today to make that connection after all these years.

Another Pain the Butt Cold

Seems like I just got over a cold and here came another one. I left work early Thursday and didn't even go in on Friday. And I think I bruised a kidney or something from coughing so hard. We had our military drill weekend party yesterday with 500 people packed into our gym. Actually it was a really nice time - hopefully I didn't spread around my sickness to everyone in the room. I noticed that I wasn't the only one with a bright red nose and nasty cough - tis the season!

And, I've got a major breakout of what the dermatologist insists is contact dermatitis - what the heck did I contact? I've been using the same stuff and doing the same routine as always, but now I've got a rash on my arms and on my legs - joy joy! But other than that, I feel Great!

Time to iron the uniforms and prepare for another week of work - I love the weekends but sure dread Mondays . . . .

Can't believe it

I found a Laurie Doll picture that I'd taken last year but forgotten to post. This is where the name of this blog came from. Grant had named my blog when he got me hooked on blogging back when I was in Iraq. The name came from this creation - yes, a real, not exactly live, Laurie Doll - it truly is a face only a mother could love, but I love it wholeheartedly. Can you believe she was created over 20 years ago? Yep, and she's one of only a few in the entire world. I'm so lucky to have her!

December Already?

and I'm definitely not ready for Christmas yet, although after a trip to Seagate to see Trans Siberian Orchestra I'm beginning to get in the spirit just a little bit. And I was tickled to see the snow last evening - before I almost fell on my butt taking the dog for a walk in the freezing rain. TSO was AWESOME - every bit as good as when we saw them in Cleveland. This time though, we were only about 11 rows back - far right, but still could see them really well. Everything was spectacular - as Mary Beth from the River said when she introduced them - it was Total Sensory Overload . . . . the drum solo ROCKED - had to put my head down a bit though for fear of a seizure from the bright white lights rolling around about a million miles an hour.





Mark's big birthday was a few Mondays ago, but he wasn't feeling well so we kept it pretty low key. I did decorate his office with a few streamers, a sign and some confetti - he was surprised - I totally didn't know what to get him for his birthday, so I got him a year's subscription to the Port Clinton News Herald --- I know, I know, I'm such a romantic devil :-)





Thanksgiving was delicious - Brandon and Heather came over and Mark cooked a big dinner, turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, his awesome sweet potatoes, biscuits, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie - oh, and I made deviled eggs - yep - they turned out pretty good if I may say so myself. It's so cool to have a boyfriend who loves to cook and is so good at it - especially because if it were up to me, we'd have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

Pure Joy

I'm probably a freak for saying this but one of the funniest, most athletic things I do anymore is play hide and seek with my dog. It never ceases to amuse the heck out of me. Again tonite I come home and do as that goofy commercial does and call for my dog - what does that guy say? Mr. Barky Von Schnauzer? or something like that . . . . while I admit Noah's name isn't quite that "obnoxious", I do feel that he's somewhat confused because Noah sounds a lot like NO and then a sigh or something. Anyway, I call for him and then we chase each other around the condo for about 15 minutes (I'm sure the neighbors LOVE US). It just tickles the crap outta me because he's so smart. He'll hide under the bed when I get too close, which is perfect, because he won't come out until he hears me thunder down the hall or down the steps. Well tonite I fooled him. I quietly (which for those who actually know me will find hard to believe - I am not a quiet person in the least) sat on the bed 'til I caught my breath (which took a while cuz I'm so outta shape). Then I ever-so-slowly and stealthily snuck my way to the bathroom. Now I've hidden behind the bathroom door before, but tonite I was truly on a roll ---- I hid behind the shower curtain in the tub (got my socks soaking wet but it was worth it). Then I "pitter patted" with my hand on the wall to lure my 4-legged friend out from under the bed. He took the bait and went galloping down the hall and down the steps. He quickly realized that he'd been outsmarted and came back into the bathroom and looked behind the door ---- I could've perhaps kept the game going, but I laughed so hard when I saw his face peering behind that door, that I unfortunately gave up my hideout when he heard the giggling from behind the curtain. He smiled (I swear he really does) and we rested for a minute or so, and I realized, yes, that is pure joy!

Football, Freedom and Honor

Is today a perfect day for watching the pigskin fly or what? Of course, perfect from the comfort of a nice warm couch with a snugly afghan. I love Sundays!

I think as I sit in the comfort of my home of all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the past, present and even future who fought and continue to fight for this freedom I enjoy. Godspeed to those currently in harm's way --- Thank God for all Veterans' sacrifices!

Ride Noah Ride

When my sister was in town a few weeks ago she had a rental car - mustang convertible - and the weather was still really nice. She'd reserved a compact car but they were all out so she got this awesome blue one at the same price - excellent deal. Noah decided he wanted to drive so I had to snap this picture. Isn't he cute?

somethin's gotta give

I keep saying I'm going to update more often and I've got the best of intentions but this has been a helluva spring, summer and fall. Fall really is one of my favorite times of the year and this has been no exception, but I tell ya what - when it rains it pours. I won't be depressing with all of the details but suffice it to say that this past month has once again been challenging with friends and family in the hospital, friends and family passing away suddenly, cold and the flu for me (I know, I'm a whiner - I admit - I don't do "sick" well - hahaha - that's funny sick well) anyway, it's been difficult to post when I've been so down. I know though that I've always got a lot to be thankful for, and even in the midst of all of this, I know, truly know, that that is the case. So, with that said, Happy November - let's enjoy what's left of those beautiful leaves on the trees, and may this be a happy and healthy month for all (and a month of more posts for me) :-)

Talk about Neglect

Whoa - can't believe it's been darn near a month since I've published. Guess I've been preoccupied with a lot of stuff at work and home. Again, so much has happened yet I've been too tired and lazy to post about it I guess. Thanks Kim, for posting on my blog - I just apologize that it's taken me this long to check back in.

I've been meaning to tell the story of the found puppy - Conrad. A little wiener dog - so cute - he'd become lost back where I always walk Noah, down by the old Port-age. I felt so bad for the guy that was looking for him that I said a quick prayer that we'd find him, and lo and behold, we did. Noah didn't know what to think of this tiny black, wet, whimpering puppy, but he treated Conrad well - I think he knew he was scared. The reunion with Conrad's "Daddy" was priceless. It turned out to be a really cool evening.

Another cool thing this past month - my Sister came to visit. Guess where we took her? Yep, Kelley's Island - another wonderful experience - it was a Monday, off-season, quiet, fun and peaceful. Plus I tasted the best lobster chowder I've ever had --- actually it was the only lobster chowder I've ever had, but YUMMY! I'll be back to The Pump to have some more of that in the future. And the World Famous Brandy Alexanders were scrumptious --- we could've gotten ourselves into trouble with a couple of pitchers of those . . . good thing we only had one. Although, it was happy hour at The Casino while we were waiting for the return ferry. A martini and a few beers --- great way to end the day!

September Skies

Where has this month gone? So much has happened - met a lady who knew one of my favorite Great Aunts, found a lost puppy, cooked a lot, worked like crazy, returned to yoga . . . waiting on my Sister to visit - friends getting married this weekend - friend becoming a Grandma for the first time - secured tix to TSO in Toledo . . . . One of these days when I'm not so lazy and tired I'll elaborate. Bring on fall - love that crisp air ---- feels like Indian summer today though. And no Ma, I'm not on drugs - even with all these short blurbs I'm spitting out :-)

Another Cooking Attempt

Salmon - I grilled it beyond recognition the last time so this time I'm going to try to pan poach it so that it will be at least edible. You gotta love google --- I just searched for quick and easy Salmon, and out pops a recipe. The only thing I'm missing is the white wine --- going on a little trip for that . . . better get two bottles . . .

OK I give . . .

It just took me about an hour to get to this page. I have to break down and move from dial up. Don't laugh - I just hate change, but this is getting ridiculous. A two minute you tube video takes an hour to download - I can't take it anymore! By the time I got to this page, I forgot what I was gonna post about - curses - oh, I was going to upload a killer picture but that would take 'til Wednesday so instead I'll just complain about something . . . . I'm so tired now that I'm even too tired to complain - that's bad.

Well, I could complain because it's Monday, but actually it was a kinda nice one. Some of the big wigs were outta town so it was quiet. Plus, I made it to day one of my turning over a new leaf and trying to get up earlier to take more time for myself in the morning. It was great except I forgot my hat - thankfully Mark brought it in with him. The dog was even surprised that I wasn't rushing him through his "business". We'll see what tomorrow brings.

It was a good weekend - plus we had Thursday and Friday off so it was a nice long one. Spent Saturday with the folks and had a nice shopping excursion and an excellent lunch. We all tried red snapper for the first time - Loved It!

Wonder how long it will take this post to actually post???

Killer Camping Trip

I survived the field exercise but basically slept this past weekend away. Twelve days straight in Air Force mode was a bit much, but at least it didn't really rain much. I can handle being hot or cold but I hate working in wet uniforms, sleeping in a wet cot, wearing wet boots etc.

Friday night was fun though. The cops came to the old watering hole. It was kind of ironic, because I had just told friends of mine earlier that evening that even if it looks a bit scary on the outside, the Wharf Lounge is a great place with cold and cheap beer and lots of fun characters - it really is. Well, while my friends were on their way back from Put In Bay to meet us for a drink, I had to text them that if they saw cops to keep on going - too funny. There was just a bit of a squabble but no blood was shed - Thank God - we're lovers, not fighters :-) Had to have a shot of tequila to round the night out - it was a trip!

I'm hoping to take a few days off this weekend if the weather warms up and dries up. The wave runners haven't even been in the water yet - if I don't take a few days off, I'm afraid they won't make it to the water.

All is well for the most part, but my Mom's not been feeling well lately. They're trying to get her blood pressure medicine figured out but it's been making her nauseous and weak - that really worries me, because my Mom never stays sick for long - she always bounces right back. I guess you never realize how much to be thankful for for both your health and the health of those you love until sickness comes into your life. I'm going to go visit in a day or two when her strength is up a bit. I'll take my little four legged friend - he always has a way of cheering the whole family up.

Hey, can you believe it's almost September? Bring on the Bears!!!!!

Gheesh

It's been for-like-ever since I've posted. I didn't even realize just how long until I came up here to pack for our 3 days of war games and walked by the computer. Actually I was looking for an excuse to put off packing - I HATE PACKING - especially when I've got to pack military stuff, civilian toiletries and stuff, flashlights, gerbers, yadayadayada for three days of fun and sun. Actually it looks like it is supposed to be a pretty good weekend. One time we did one of these three day deals in May and we all came out of our tents in the morning and there was snow on the ground - yep - that was a hoot!

Lots of stuff has been going on lately - too much to mention - but all in all things have been chugging right along. The summer has flown by and I haven't done much in the way of vacation type things. We finally have the waverunners here at the condo but still haven't had a chance to put them in the water. Maybe after the end of next week we'll be able to take off a few days and actually get away from work. I feel like I've been eating and sleeping it here lately.

S'pose I should go pack now and get a good night's sleep if possible since the next two will be spent in a big moldy stinky tent with 11 other girls on old cots that are falling apart with extreme cold weather sleeping bags - I swear I don't remember this in the Air Force brochures, but it's a fun bonding time none-the-less. Green eggs for breakfast anyone?

On a Lighter Note

Went to Kelley's Island with Mom and Staci on Monday - too cool - too much fun! How can you be bummed when you see pix like this? Plus we went over on the same ferry that a bunch of (I'm guessing on age here) Jr. High kids went on. They were headed over for a week of Camp - that brought back fond, fond memories of camps I went to at that age. Lutheran Memorial Camp, Stony Lake, and who can forget four awesome years of band camp at Lakeside - I Love Camp!

Life goes on

It's been another emotional few weeks. My Dad called last weekend and left a message on my phone. I knew right away something wasn't right. When I called back he told me my Aunt had passed away. It was so sudden that I couldn't grasp the whole thing. She hadn't ever been seriously sick that I could ever remember. She was always the rock that held everyone together. They live in North Dakota and we weren't able to make it to the memorial service, but I'm going to try to go with my folks to visit my Uncle and the rest of the family before the summer is over. I haven't seen them in far too long, but I have wonderful memories. My Aunt would write me often when I was in Iraq, telling stories of what was going on with the kids and grandkids, telling funny stories of the Kruse and Ingram Luck - or lack thereof. She is a woman full of more faith than just about anyone I know - that's a comfort. She would want us to celebrate life and look forward to the time when we'll all be together again. I'm trying very hard to do just that. My niece Staci is in town and I took Monday off of work, so I'm looking forward to spending some time with family this weekend. I love you Aunt Carol - you will be missed more than you could ever know!

Still A Lot to Be Thankful For . . .

. . . Freedom and Family. We had two family reunions over this past week or so. Unfortunately my camera batteries didn't last long enough, but I got a couple of good shots and many good stories :-)

Why

I really haven't felt much like posting lately. The whole blogging thing seems so insignificant when life throws a curve ball. We lost a great friend the other day and it still hasn't sunk in for me. Is it even proper or appropriate to write about such a loss? I don't know, but I do know that I can't think about anything else for a while. It seems so tragic - he was too young. He was one of the good guys. But what I love about him absolutely so much is his sense of humor and love of fun. He wouldn't want us all moping around - he'd want us to have a few drinks and remember the good times. And there were A LOT of good times! I will never forget when we went to the Browns game and he shoved an entire six pack of beer down my coat sleeves - I couldn't put my arms down - just like Randy on A Christmas Story . . . what a blast!

Trying to be ever the optimist is not always easy, especially in a situation like this. But I'm thankful that we had the time we did with him. I'm thankful he is in heaven and at peace. I will never forget you Denny - thank you for your Friendship - I will see you again!

Tick Tock

Why do the weekends fly by so fast? I told Mark yesterday as we hung out watching TV and eating steaks from the grill that I could really handle retirement --- is that pathetic or what? That I'm looking forward to being retired already? It seems that so much happens during the week, that so much of work is rush, rush rush, that by the time the weekend comes, I am physically and mentally exhausted. I spend the entire weekend catching up on rest and home chores and then before I know it, it's time to go back to work again. Especially in the summer with all of its celebrations and events, time whizzes right by. Today on the history channel they are talking about Armageddon, the Antichrist, the possible end of the world in 2012 --- even though I'm a believer, I still get a bit nervous when thinking about the end of the world. I know since time began that people thought the end was near. I know that I am saved, but why does the devil sometimes sneak in and make me wonder if I'll be "Left Behind" - guess that's when faith takes a coffee break or something. If the end really is so very near, then I need to try not to waste this time that flies by so fast . . . and I do waste time a lot ---too much sleep, too much beer, too much worry --- moderation in all things and the awareness of how short life is needs be my focus now. Not only that, but I'm working on a better appreciation of the small things in life - the beauty of the road down by the river where I walk or run with the dog each day -the melodies of the birds as they keep me company on my mile long journey - the warmth of the sun on my face as my breath becomes ragged from pushing my heart and lungs further than they've been pushed in a year or two - and the unexpected gifts that come from situations I'd never expected -a new friendship begun this week as I struggle at work to improve on my efficiency at my job. Before Selina came I was so worried that she would look at all I've got on my plate and tell me there's no way I can bring it all together. Instead she taught me to eat this elephant one bite at a time. She was compassionate to my situation and yet gave me tools to improve and eventually conquer these challenges that are present in my current career. She didn't judge - she encouraged - and that's just what I needed. So I guess my thought of the day is: moderation in all things, look for the simple gifts and never take time for granted . . . wow, that's pretty deep for me :-)

Groovin'

Kelley's turned out great - what a fun time we had! The weather was just about ideal. We drove a golf cart all around the island all day, stopped at the winery for cheese and beverages and ate at the Captain's Corner. We also checked out the Glacier Grooves - didn't even know they were there . . . I know, I know, world famous grooves due to their size and accessibility and I didn't even know they were there. Here are the parental units at the grooves - it was a wee bit hot after the climb so they are looking really thrilled - but seriously, it ended up being very educational and quite interesting. http://www.kelleysislandnature.com/kelleys_island/about_kelleys.htm

It's been quite the busy week thus far. I've got a Master Sergeant here from the Kansas Air National Guard, Selina, and she's been helping me all week to prepare for this big inspection we're having in July. She's been a Godsend and I wish she could stay for a month to help me get everything in tip top shape - we've been working some long hours, but we're going to try to get out on time tomorrow and I can't decide where to take her out to dinner. We ate at Phil's Inn for lunch yesterday because she loves Italian, but I'm wondering if I should take her to Margaritaville's for something different - that's not a bad idea - "if" she likes Mexican.

Trying to get back into shape again and realizing that the longer I put it off the more it hurts. Ran about a mile after work tonight and it was quite relaxing - I probably won't be able to get out of bed in the am, but it was fun at the time.

Time for some dinner and perhaps a glass of vino . . .

Weird Week

This week was, well, weird. There were some high highs and low lows, but overall it ended up being kinda neat. I was exhausted after drill, overslept and was late on Thursday for work and had a multitude of issues come up at Camp Perry, but other than that I also took a last-minute trip to Put In Bay on Thursday evening and spent a nice few hours with our friends Patrick and Jane at our favorite place, the Ole Wharf Lounge, last night. Mark had to take a quick trip to Montana for work but returned last night around 7pm. Even though he was only gone for a few days, it was nice to have him back.

I'm looking forward to Father's Day tomorrow - hopefully it won't rain because we're going to attempt to head to Kelley's Island. Mom and Dad say they haven't been there, but I swore we went once when I was young and rode bikes around the island, but maybe it was Put In Bay that we did that. At any rate, it's been a long, long time for them - maybe never - so we're going to check it out if the weather holds. I'm taking my camera and hoping to get some good pictures.

I thought I'd post a few from the other night at the Bay - Tracy, Craig, Bob and Greg - all friends from work, went with me and it was great - not too crowded, no cover charge at the Round House, Paradise Island singing awesome jams and ice cold beers and margaritas. Smooth sailing on the Jet Express too - I'm really glad I went!

Mistaken

Well, I hate to admit it, but I was wrong - actually I am wrong so often but this is a cool mistake. I went to the dentist last week, and he looked and looked but said I didn't have a cavity. Here it was only a really embedded popcorn kernel. On one hand I felt like a wussy because I couldn't believe that a popcorn kernel could cause so much pain - on the other hand, I was tickled pink that it wasn't a cavity.

And the other pain in my arse, drill weekend, actually went well too. With a portion of the unit deployed, it was kind of a calm and quiet drill weekend.

The weather has been good, I've been good, and I bought a 1/2 gallon of tofts peanut butter cup ice cream, so I guess I really have nothing to complain about . . . I think this must be a first!

Too Much of a Sweet Tooth

I've got a cavity - I just know it and I don't wanna go to the dentist. I have a really great dentist, Patrick Reineck, and his staff is excellent too; I'm just being a wimp. Thankfully I haven't had a cavity in many years, but I'm being a big wussy because I keep putting off going to have it taken care of. It's getting more and more painful though, so I know I'm going to have to break down and make an appointment. I might as well get it over with this week if I can - I'm already not looking forward to drill weekend this coming weekend - I love seeing everyone, it just makes for a long few weeks without a day off - I know, I know, I've got that government worker mentality going on :-) - if I get the dentist and drill over with this week and weekend, then I can look forward to enjoying another month before I have to drill again. That drill will really be fun - NOT - because we've a Unit Compliance Inspection going on - yippee! I'll really need a beer after that . . .

A Lovely Day Off

I had decided to make it a four day weekend and boy was I glad. This turned out to be a beautiful day. After an already fun weekend, including an awesome family graduation party, today was spent sleeping in and watching chick flicks (Love Actually and Notting Hill). Then I decided to take a dip in the condo pool. Now mind you, the pool is about the size of a postage stamp, (and each of the 30 units spent $50 to get new pool furniture - must be inlaid with gold or something) but it was cool and refreshing and I was the only one in it. I'm reading an enlightening book entitled For the Love of God, Handbook for the Spirit. It includes writings from The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Barbara De Angelis and many others, and it was sent to me while serving in Iraq --- did I mention I procrastinate from time to time? Anyway, I've actually taken the time to do some reading instead of so much TV watching, and this has been delightful. The only fly in the ointment was that I had difficulty actually getting inside the fence of the pool. The key the condo association provided would go into the lock, but it wouldn't turn. Now I was determined not to let this ruin my day, so I did what any red blooded American would do. I hopped the fence. No cops came with guns a blazin' so I think I'll be OK, although in the next newsletter, I'll bet somebody puts a "gentle reminder" in to use the key instead of bounding over the fence. The condos have eyes . . .

Monday Monday

Ugh - glad it's over - just finished watching "The Secret" last night about the Law of Attraction and told myself it'll be a good day. Even after I got a splinter in my finger walking the dog because I took the corner of the steps too fast, even after I got to work 5 minutes late and everyone was waiting on me, even after I got a stain on my uniform . . . then I finally said screw it, I must be attracting negatives today . . . will try again tomorrow :-)

Too Long Gone

Where has the time gone? Can't believe it's been a few weeks already since I posted last. Sure was a lot easier to post while taking a break during work - faster computer there but probably not what I should be doing during the duty day - hehe. Must get DSL here at home - dial up is toooo slow.

May is flying by - Mother's Day was very nice - went to Mel's Crow's Nest- http://www.anchorsawaymarina.com/crowsnest/ - Love that Place - with the folks and then went for a walk on Catawba Island back in some hiking trails on cemetery road. Other than being just a bit muddy, it was a nice and relaxing walk. We did see some poison ivy along the trail but thankfully none of us got any on our skin. I used to get it so bad that it would drive me crazy.

We've also had a few retirement parties at work in the last couple of weeks. While I love the partying part, I'm very sad to see these people go. We've all been through a lot together and it won't be the same there without them. There are so many young kids coming up through the ranks and so many of those (to whom I was a protege) leaving that I'm realizing that I am now becoming one of the old farts in the unit. It doesn't seem possible that I've been in the military for nearly twenty years. I remember stepping on the plane to leave for basic training as if it were just yesterday. April 4th, 1988 - kids in the unit now weren't even born then - oh my gosh - I'm OLD!

Tomorrow is my sister Lisa's birthday - woo who - hope her present gets there on time. I'm such a procrastinator that I'll probably be late for my own funeral . . .

Even a Blind Squirrel . . .

Well I passed the test the other day with an 85%. I should just be happy with it due to the fact that I waited 'til the last minute, but no, I want more than a 90% - note to self - you must at least READ the material ONCE to score above a 90%. I'm a weird bird . . .

Speaking of birds, I was talking today with my buddy Kutch after work out in the parking lot, and an Eagle flew over, low and close - WOW - they are so majestic - I get goose bumps every time - how COOL!

Tomorrow is the Friday before drill weekend - joy joy! What stress - it's great to see all the people you haven't seen in a month or so, but preparing for all the activities can wear a girl out - it's time for some shut eye . . .

Can you say Procrastinator?

Why do I always do this to myself? Each time I have a deadline for something I wait until the absolute last minute to get it done. It's a wonder I survived high school much less college. I am a total crammer when it comes to studying. The only trouble is, I can't cram like I used to. For the first hour or two my mind is still trying to wrap around the fact that I'm actually using it again . . . Tomorrow I have to take my Operations Management Journeyman Career Development Course Exam. It consists of three books containing military and civil engineering "stuff". And God love the Air Force and Air National Guard. The test I take covers information from an Air Force Program IWIMS that we don't even use in the Air Guard. But to be awarded my AFSC - Air Force Speciality Code, I have to take the test on that program. Thankfully they waivered my formal school or I'd have spent six weeks at some Air Force Base learning stuff I'd never be using. It is actually good for my brain, I guess, to try to comprehend new concepts, but I'd much rather be spending the day off doing something more fun. And whose fault is this anyway? Ummmm - let's see - I've had four months to read, study and learn this stuff and I'm doing it the day before the test - hmmm - guess it's my own fault . . .

I'm posting when I should be studying - another attempt to fend off the inevitable. I must study! If I keep finding other things to do, I'll be pulling an all-nighter just to squeak by on this test - wonder what the minimum passing score is? Yep, I think I'll be a minimalist on this one.
Speaking of finding anything else to do to keep from studying, I think I just figured out how to actually put a link in a post - let's try . . .

http://www.lauriedoll.blogspot.com


too cool - it works - but now I've noticed it put 7:15am in as the time I posted. It's like thinking I'm on Pacific Time. I need to figure out how to fix that. But no, I've GOT TO STUDY - OK, I'm turning the computer off now . . .

Coach's Autograph

Coach's Autograph
Originally uploaded by kruzer69.

As if the trip weren't perfect enough, I was flying back last evening from Phoenix to Chicago and I had had a few beers at the airport (imagine that). Anyway, there was only about an hour left in the flight and I was sitting towards the front of the airplane. They allowed us to use the first class restrooms and guess who I saw when I returned? Yep, Mike Ditka! I went back to my seat and was all excited. The guy in the row in front of me said he'd been at the gate for a few hours before the flight. That guy got his autograph and a picture with him. See, if I hadn't had that last beer in the bar, I'd have probably been able to "meet" him and get a picture with him. Arghh - I have to pay more attention when I'm traveling. Well, since I'm the HUGEST Bear's fan, I called for the flight attendant and asked if he'd have Coach sign my business card. He DID!!!!!! Too Cool!

I'm a happy girl --- didn't get home 'til 2:15am so I'm very jet-lagged and somewhat "out of it", but I'm a very happy girl!

Sisters Laughing

Sisters Laughing
Originally uploaded by kruzer69.

As if class wasn't fun enough, my Sister was able to come to Phoenix for a few days. We visited with her friends Erin and JD and ate at all ALL the best restaurants. This was in front of Pizzeria Bianco - the BEST pizza place EVER! Oprah has even been there. We also had the absolute BEST Mexican food EVER at Los Dos Molino's - Yummy! And check out this place:

(I linked it this time - I think)

http://thefarmatsouthmountain.com/

It's a working Farm that has the coolest restaurants and gift shop - it's Awesome! Spending the evenings with Lisa and her friends was absolutely the most fun and relaxing time I've had in a long time. What neat people!

I wonder how many more superlatives I can use in these posts???

Phoenix

Group Photo
Originally uploaded by kruzer69.

Wow - what a great trip! This is our crazy class - a wonderful hodge podge of people from Alaska to Florida learning how to navigate the IEMS program. Civilians and military alike learning how to use a computer program to more effectively manage the Civil Engineering arena and having an absolute blast at the same time. It's been forever since I've laughed that long and hard!

This is kinda fun

It's like riding a bike and yet not so much - this blog is a bit different to navigate through, but it's fun to explore the options. And I've gotta say, even though I'm a tomboy, I'm really liking the pink thing. I'm sure I'll tire of it eventually, but it's making me feel all "girly" and for a girl who has to wear combat boots daily, I'm likin' feeling "girly".

Yoga in 23 minutes - woo woo!

Then studying 5-level Career Development Course on Operations Management - there's a snoozer - maybe I'll just have a glass of wine instead :-)

Easter Eggs

Easter Eggs
Originally uploaded by kruzer69.

Happy Easter! Check out the Easter Eggs Mom gave me when we went out for my birthday the other night - the picture doesn't quite do them justice - they're beautiful!

A New Me

A big Thank You goes to Grant for introducing me to the wonderful world of blogging - I never thought I'd stick with it so long (even though I don't post as often as I'd like) and here I am branching out into the great unknown with my very own URL.

This is going to be a hoot!

Oh, and Happy St. Patty's Day a wee bit late!