I Hate it when.... 2nd Edition

Check out the 1st Edition here.

I hate it when... I'm dealing with a business over the phone and they need some kind of document from me and assume I have a fax machine. Why would I have a fax machine? I know some printers have that capability but that's a business function not a personal function. It's irritating.

I hate it when... I'm on the phone with my husband and hear multiple explosions. Cue flip-flopping of stomach. *

I hate it when... I'm tired and ready for bed at 630 in the evening. What am I 80 years old?

I hate it when... people act superior to others. It's ugly.

I hate it when... the laundry is cleaned and needs to be folded then put away. Any volunteers? haaa

I hate it when... people fancy themselves a photographer just because they picked up a DSLR. Yes, I have one. Yes, I like to share pictures but I don't assume I'm a photographer just because I have a semi-fancy camera. C'mon people!!

*I heard from Kevin about 15 minutes later so he's doing ok! Cue relief... a friend told me Xanax was invented for the military spouse. Raise your hand if you agree! (I agree)

I Want it Wednesday...

A few months ago I was at JCPenney and just had to have this:

I love it. It's ridiculously soft and more of a slate/bluish color. I bought it. Had it sent to Germany and a friend picked it up for me.

Now I Want...

{JCP Source}

Have to have the matching curtains and pillows! Right?

I Want... 

{source}

I Want...
people to learn how to merge. We all do it, everyday but if I had a nickel for every time I was cut off because some jerk didn't know that he/she needed to yield to me versus the other way around- I'd be completely loaded!

What do you find yourself wanting today?

Gripes

If you're not feeling like you're in the mood for gripes today than forego this post:

Gripe #2: Richard Spencer, former Marine Corp pilot. You may be wondering why Sam's upset with Mr. Spencer. Well here's why. Mr. Spencer told ArmyTimes that the current retirement system is "unfair, unaffordable and inflexible." Mr. Spencer led a DoD panel recommending a "corporate-style 401(k)" retirement plan versus the current pension based plan. Please visit the ArmyTimes story here to see how this would effect your soldier, their retirement and your future.

Removing the 50% retirement, which lets face it, isn't that great for us enlisted folk considering it's based off base pay only and averaged off of  rank held the last 3 years of service is unfair Mr. Spencer. The majority of career (at least 20 year) soldiers I know today are planning to stay in based on the retirement benefit. To remove or drastically diminish that option because you couldn't hang in for 20 years is unfair. You, Mr. Spencer had the same options as those who chose to stay in and earn the retirement and chose not to. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is available to today's military. Invest in it and press on with your life. Don't take away from those who earned more than you based on their service.

One portion of Mr. Spencer's plan I actually agree with is the options to "increase contributions to give more money to troops who deploy frequently, accept hardship assignments or serve in high-demand jobs."

Gripe #2: People who act superior to others. Guess what you're no better than me and vice versa. Wise up.

Gripe #3: People who act like the Army is beneath them. Get over yourself. It's honorable and involves more sacrifice than most other careers.

Gripe #4: Carbs. I love them. They are my arch nemesis.

Gripe #5: Family. At the end of the day Family is life's greatest blessing-- bottom line. However, sometimes they are a burden. Don't lie, you know it's true. Whether you're pressured to show up very Sunday for a 6 hour Dinner at Gramma's or constantly loaning a long lost cousin money or racing to beat your siblings to the best baby names... sometimes it's just easier to throw your hands up.

Let me reiterate I'm simply frustrated I'd never turn my back on any member of my family.

Gripe #6: Disrespectful people. Check it:



Well, there's my Friday afternoon gripes.

Something bugging you today? Where do you stand on the retirement debate?

Somethin' somethin'

I have a few somethin's to share with you all. First: Since arriving in the States I've lost 16 pounds!! Woot woot. Which is definitely a good thing. I was getting uncomfortable. I don't get how people can say they didn't know they were gaining weight. Well, good lord clothes don't fit and I felt like a big tub-o-goo, sluggish you know?? I was eating larger portions than I girl should have and really the stress of the move caused a lot of it (along with my larger-than-neccesary-portions). But I'm back on the ridiculously low-carb bandwagon and it's working well for me.

Second: Please for the love of God and all that is good in the world don't ever give your money to Zales!  Here's why: it all began June of 2007 when Kevin and I purchased my Bridal set.

I loved it. It was everything I could have ever wanted. Allow me to clarify, I still LOVE my set. However, since June 2007 I've had many, many problems. When I initially got my engagement ring I was just so over the moon, I was engaged and just didn't pay that much attention. The next thing I know I'm admiring my new ring and see a black speck inside the center stone. COAL! Yes, coal! I took it back and swapped it out for the same exact one. Yes I know all stones have "natural imperfections" well I was not prepared to spend what I spent at the time (which is not the price on the website currently) on a ring with "beeping" coal! So they swap it and I press on with life. About a year later one of the side stones that hug the center stone pops out. Had that replaced. Then last December as soon as we got to Germany (go figure) I lost another one of those side stones. When I returned to Colorado, first thing I did was drop that off and have that fixed. 

Oh I should also mention I purchased this Tungsten ring for my husband. 

Tungsten, you know one of the strongest metals on the earth, yeah well the gold incased in the tungsten busted twice. Yes, NOT once but TWICE! So we traded that in for a standard white gold band with some diamonds. 

Now you're caught up. Well today I stopped into Kay Jewelers to have my rings cleaned while my mom picked up something. So, my sister, mom and I figured why not get our rings all shined up! So we did. Remember I just got my ring back about 3 or 4 weeks ago from having a stone replaced. Kay inspected the ring and found that a stone on the band was crushed. Oh yes, crushed. I only wear my ring when I leave the house which isn't much these days since I'm on this jacked up sleeping schedule. So I didn't do it. Zales sent it back to me busted!! 

The icing on the cake: Kay appraised my ring and said they could only offer me $750 for it! 

I was completely devastated. My wedding set, my ring that I LOVE is a lemon!

PS: I miss my husband.

A message from Deputy Secretary of Defense

I know there is a lot of division and misinformation out there in regards to the impending government shutdown- well, hopefully Congress will do what the hell they're supposed to and reach an agreement on their (WAY) overdue budget. We can't count on that because they get paid out of emergency funds (just as the President would) if there is a shutdown. Anyway... back to the message from the Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III. You can find it in it's entirety here. Basically the Deputy lays out what can be expected for both active duty and civilian personnel if there is a shutdown:

“Operations and activities that are essential to safety, protection of human life, and protection of our national security, are ‘excepted’ from shutting down.  The DoD will continue to conduct activities in support of our national security, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan; Libya-related support operations; and other operations and activities essential to the security of our nation.  The department must also continue to provide for the safety of human life and protection of property."

Which means the operations themselves will be financed. The personnel are a different story:


“Military personnel are not subject to furlough and will report for duty as normal during the shutdown.  Reserve component personnel should refer to the DoD Contingency Guidance document and to their chain of command for more specific information. 


“If the government shuts down due to the absence of funding, the DoD will have no funds to pay military members or civilian employees for the days during which the government is shut down.  However, both military and civilian personnel will receive pay for the period worked prior to the shutdown.  Military personnel, and civilians occupying excepted status positions and required to work, are entitled to be paid for work performed during the shutdown, and will be paid retroactively once the department receives additional funding.  Congress would have to provide authority in order for the department to retroactively pay non-excepted employees for the furloughed period.  

I hope this is helpful to my milspouses out there. It appears grim to me but if the posturing continues in Washington and a shutdown takes place we can all hope that it'll be short-lived and have a relatively low impact on all those effected; lets not forget this is a Government wide shutdown affecting not only the Department of Defense but all others as well, families who rely on pay from their positions in the Department of Energy, or Transportation (for example) will also be affect.

I just keep reminding myself to count my blessings: I have a warm place to sleep and food in my belly. When the food runs out I have a savings (what's it for after all?) and a credit card. My pops always told me "Failure to plan is planning to Fail." Sometimes it sucks being a grownup because you have to be prepared with contingencies for the worst case scenario. Lucky for me I had great advice from my father. :)

We'll suck it up and drive on like we always do, right? I would remind everyone to get your news from reliable sources, as well as verify and research what you do find.

PS: I got an email from the FRG in Baumholder that some services on post would be affected by the shutdown, check with your FRG to see if services in your area are also going to be canceled/delayed or otherwise affected.

Troops work without PAY...?

First reaction to this story: O.M.G!!

I've seen it all over Facebook for days now.... Yes, it's scary to think about my mans down range not being funded and volunteering (as in, not getting paid) because I'm pretty sure I'm still unemployed (whole other conversation right there) and I'm pretty JP Morgan/Chase is expecting our mortgage on 1 Apr regardless of whether or not Congress pulls their heads out of their collective ass, and stops with the posturing and pissing contests. It's ridiculous really.... We may be kind of behind on the news over here in Germany (not an excuse with the internet, but silly me I find everything in the world kind of depressing so I don't do much to in the way of searching it out anymore... when I see it on a commercial then I'll watch) but what I gather is the Demo's presented a plan to cut like $8 Billion and the Repub's offered up a plan to cut some $61 Billion from the budget. The commentary on AFN was saying both sides are on complete opposites of the spectrum only to get their political bases fired up then will ultimately come together and compromise.

I say why not cut out the bull-shit and just compromise?? Seems like a much better use of our tax dollars, having them all in Washington and actually doing something constructive.... egh, maybe that's wishful thinking but, hell a girl can dream.

Lets also recall (milfolks) that in the 90's when the government shut down, this effected the civilians our military was still paid and life went on. My mother on the other hand (GS worker for over 20 years) may not be paid, hell may even be furloughed but such is life... right?

Lets remember with all the posturing going on for the Presidential race no one wants to be this close to any election with troops downrange and NOT fund the military. It'll never happen (my prediction). I mean... lets hope not, because I'm pretty sure come the 1st, those JP Morgan/Chase folks are going to want their money regardless.

Personally, I'm not going to bogged down in the politics and banter.

Bad News Bears

March 2nd has turned into one hell of a news day!

Two US service members were killed at the Frankfurt Airport. So many things swirling around. I currently have their families in my thoughts, but I can't help but wonder what effect, if any this'll have my own husband's impending departure to the middle east....?

Today the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptists'; upholding the ruling of appeals court that it violated their Constitutional (First Amendment) Rights to freedom of speech to prohibit their anti-homosexual (asinine) protests outside of funerals of US service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more here.

Personally, I have 2 issues (I know the mind rails, that I could only have 2 issues but for sake of time I've limited myself to 2):
First I should say the rationale behind these protests, including such signs:

{source}

is based upon the fact that God is punishing America for our support of the Homosexual lifestyle.
My issues:
1: If God hates the US (per your signs), and the soldier.... and we're all so immoral for allowing, supporting and otherwise furthering the homosexual lifestyle why don't you leave? Simple logic would show you're outnumbered. We're going to hell anyway. Why wouldn't you want to live your life surrounded by others just like you?
Exercise your Constitutionally protected right to to leave.

2: I'm confused why our freedom to free speech can be limited in movie theaters and airplanes but not under these circumstances. I'm wondering how many more times our military will be failed in these awful ways. I remember back to OIF 1 and the fact that I knew soldiers and Marines deployed without vests and how there wasn't enough water to drink and thinking if we were going to invade Iraq to avenge 9-11, secure weapons of mass destruction, topple Sadam's evil regime (I forget what the other reasons were...) shouldn't the men and women we send into do the job be properly supplied with bare essentials (water, body armor)? Now this?
We can tell people they can't yell "FIRE!" in a theater or "BOMB!" on an airplane, effectively limiting my right to free speech (not that I disagree with this premise) yet there isn't some loop hole or legalese to justify these nut cases not be allowed to protest at funerals!?

In more personal news, today marks the 1 year anniversary of my Grandfather's death. I remember this poem and I remember it helping me to feel better then. Today I thought of my Grampa smoking his cigars and shaking away as he prepared his Martini at the end of our family table and I smiled and was happy because I realized I'd always remember him this way.

Teen Mom

Lets have it out... I'm so confused. I get being sucked into the trashiness because you just can't help but watch- I <3 Jersey Shore not like that's too many steps above Teen Mom right? Well my problem is for the other teens out there having sex (with or without protection) thinking that pregnancy, having babies and raising babies is glamourous. I've gathered from my few experiences actually watching this filthy show that it's all about the drama (the couples)but very little attention* is paid to the responsibility that comes with being a parent, who pays for the birth, the babies food and diapers, clothes, crib, car seat, hell who pays for the car the baby will be carted around in?

From what I've seen sex is carefree and fun for the teens (not that it shows that part), babies are a (hopefully) cute accessory to daily life on mom's hip, collar popped and hair spiked. It's sick. Not every teen mom gets paid by MTV; on the contrary I have a nagging feeling that our tax dollars support most of these kids in one or more ways: WIC, Medicaid... This pisses me off. Anyone else? I have a feeling that the trend will only continue because teens are given epidurals so birth doesn't cause discomfort or pain and well, the entire process and new life are free because someone else pays for pre-natal care, birth and hospital stay and formula.

Obviously teen pregnancies were on the rise before MTV dipped their toes in the pool, so don't get me wrong I'm not holding MTV (or show participants) solely responsible for the trend... I'm just saying it's a drain on our already weak economy. Also, I know many military families that partake in government assistance as it pertains to their children, I've even had civilians in my family throw this fact in my face and to that I say: we sacrifice for our country and the fact that these sacrifices warrant so low pay that our service members even qualify for these programs is asinine, nevermind a CHILD who probably hasn't even paid anything into the tax system they're taking full advantage of, by birthing spawn because it's cool it's even more asinine and again a drain on the economy. I'm just saying- it pisses me off!

*with the exception of the one couple who gave up their baby for adoption, seemed to realize what a child costs and would (selfishly) cost them in life experience.

ps: I just don't think all teen or young mothers suck at life or take advantage of our government...

Living Situation..

When we first got our orders to Baumholder I knew that it was all apartment style living and that E6 and below HAD to (unless we had a valid reason for requesting an exception to policy) live on post. So we knew we'd been reverting back to an apartment. Which is a downgrade for us. We gave up a lot in our journey to Germany: our dog, about 500 square feet of living space, a car and other things. We took our lumps and carried on. The past 6 months have had their ups and downs but we're finally settled in here:

Smith Housing Area, Baumholder, GE

Not the best picture but you get the idea. The architecture (and I use that word loosely) reminds me of the projects, minus graffiti. They're just stale looking and all the same. On the upside the unit accommodates our furniture nicely (with the exception of our dining room table, anyone want to buy it?!) and the Master Bedroom is actually bigger than our last one.
But lets get real, the major issue with apartment style living is the other people. Us human folk need interaction from others... we crave it. While this is true I'm not always such a fan of people. There are 4 stories to each building. I live on the 3rd floor of the first stairwell. The only problem (outside of something rotting in the stairwell on the 1st floor) we have is with the people above us. They have a small child (not a problem, in and of itself) who doesn't appear to have any regular bedtime and likes very much to run and jump and scream (and be screamed at) when he or she is awake. Kids will be kids, I understand- truly I do and I know none of us chose this apartment-style living arrangement but since we're all in it I think we should go the extra mile as to not cause the people above, below, and beside us any undue discomfort. Seriously, I'm just looking for a little consideration: Don't blare your music so that I can not only hear the thud-thud of the base but can also clearly make out the words (I don't care if you're into country, rap, r&b or currently really loving Justin Bieber), Don't allow your small child to cause a huge ruckus at 1030 at night during the week (we're married to soldiers for goodness sake- they're up EARLY).
Ok, so I'm the first to admit, I'm no one's mother so I have no idea first hand the stress that comes with being with a child 24-7; dealing with all their wants and needs has to be daunting and extremely stressful. But here's what I do know. If and when I have my babies and they are pushing their Terrible Two's and I'm forced into an apartment style living situation I'm going to do my damnedest not to allow my child to put my business out in the street. Here's what I mean: when your kid throws an un-Godly fit for 20 mins+, daily that reflects on what's going on in the household, especially when the mother screams "SHUT UP!" about 5 minutes into the thing which only prompts Junior to scream louder. (parenting at it's finest)

It's just annoying. Especially (which I think I've said that word like 18 times in this post) when the hubs is coming off CQ. Things may get ugly today... eeeek. Hopefully Junior (upstairs) catches on soon. I know that we try to be considerate of the people around us. When we're watching a movie with the surround sound on we constantly adjust the sound, when there's shooting or explosions and a lot of action we turn it down a few notches, when there's more dialogue we turn it up so we actually have a clue as to what's going on. We TRY, I wish others would too!

I Want it Wednesday...

I want... Bristol Palin OFF Dancing With The Stars! It's ridiculous she's on this long. Can we just talk about how she was considered a "star" in the first place? She got knocked up at 16 or something and is the daughter of one of the most radical Republican/ Tea Party politicians ever. hmmm. Star. Right. I get it now. Is nothing sacred anymore? It's Dancing With the Stars for goodness sake! I think people forget it's a dancing competition not a political arena to pass you vote for underage pregnancies. Hello, Teen Mom I'm lookin' at you! If she wins the show, God help me I'll boycott! 

I want... whoever thought up my BF Jesse McCartney's newest music video wiped off the face of the planet. It's awful. But he's still friggin' adorable! 

I want... to get organized. I miss my own space... you know the idea of multiple rooms (living, bed, bath, ect) of my own. I'm kind of over this living in someone else's guest room. It's wearing on me. 

I want... everyone to know that my father has volun-told me to handle this year's Thanksgiving feast for ummm, a measly 16 people. Me and my 22 pound buddy, Turk, got this! Gobble Gobble!

I really want... to know WTF this is about:

Seriously?! ugh... Here's praying to God this is nothing more than a publicity stunt. I'm so sick of Taylor Swift. I'm happy for her success on some level. But, I'm not a fan of hers. I find her voice annoying. She's made a name for herself regardless of my lil' ol' meaningless opinion so good for her. But really Jake... oiy! 

I want... to know when the craziness will stop, Bristol, Jake and Taylor.... This world is a crazy place. haaaHA

I Want it Wednesday...

Just heads up this is going to be a bitchy version of I want it Wednesday. Feel free to stop reading now if you'd like, I promise, I won't be offended.

I want... to know why the miners that found themselves trapped in Chile are "heros"? I'm not seeing what part of their ordeal makes them heroic? Don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to them and their families. I think that they've come through quite the ordeal and I'm so glad and grateful to hear the news reporting that so far everyone is doing well according to the Minister of Health. There are concerns of long-term effects such as claustrophobia, nightmares and anxiety which they'll have to keep an eye out for. But I still don't see how any of this makes them Heros?

PS: the guy who invited his mistress is hilarious!

I want... to know WHY my passport was processed wrong. It was received back on post today but it's wrong-o. It's supposed to be Blue but it's NOT. Swell. We'll find out soon what has to be done to get a new one. I hope it'll be rectified in a timely fashion so that I can still travel with Kevin on-schedule.

I want... some juice. I'm thirsty.

I really want... to have a house when we get to Germany so that we'll be able to celebrate Christmas and New Years like semi-normal people.

I want... my husband to stop being effin-cranky! I'm tired of it.

sorry for today's cranky edition of I Want it Wednesday.... it is what it is. 

Saddened

I'm sad dear readers!

Remember that exciting day when I announced that Kevin and I were PCSing to Germany? I was sooooo excited to learn that my sister and her family would be joining us there also! I know that people do it all the time without their sisters and nephews, but I was just so excited to experience this with them. Sadly, we found out that Levi (my bro-in-law) 's orders were canceled! We aren't exactly sure why, but regardless he isn't going.

I know that it will be exciting for Kevin and I to be just the two of us; have a fresh start; concentrate on our own little family. This will be a really great step for us. I'm just really super sad people! Kevin and I tried for these orders, we wanted them. We also never in our wildest dreams thought that my sister's family would be there at the same time, at the same post. So, in the beginning I knew that it would be hard on me to be that far away from my family, from my nephews. Not for nothing,  I didn't have to think about going to Europe without family, missing birthdays and holidays. But now I'm smacked in the face with that reality.

It sucks.

When Your Husband...

Cooks dinner it makes things allllll better!

Kevin doesn't cook. Period. Well, not quite that "period." He does make macaroni and cheese. Since I started working again I've been pretty beat/exhausted/lazy/useless in the evenings. Somehow I'm also more hungry throughout the day. This using your brain business is no joke. Anywho, today I text Kevin about 4 p.m. and asked him if he would mind starting dinner because I was super hungry. To my surprise Kevin agreed. Once I (finally) made my way home he had the grill heated up, steak on, and rice-a-roni started! All I had to do was make the corn! 

Gotta say I don't think there are too many things that comin' home to that wouldn't fix. 

My friend and her husband are doing okay. Last I heard he's still in Kuwait awaiting transport to Germany. He broke two vertebra near the top of his back. He's up walking around and they don't think he'll need surgery. All in all he seems to have been pretty lucky. Thanks for all the support and prayers! 

In other Solider/Army related news, all the NCO's met with the new Sergeant Major today. Evidently he's a very family orientated guy and will be contacting the parents of all the soldiers. You know.... just to say Hi. While I think this is great.... I'm wondering why he isn't contacting the spouses of the married soldiers and parents of the unmarried guys? 

Any thoughts??

Oh.... last but not least (although I wish I didn't have to talk about this at all) the hubs will be gearing up for his fourth deployment this fall -- the gearing up part is in the fall. The Deployment part I'm not sure... but my best guess is in the Spring (2011). 

So for "I Want it Wednesday" I want another Wednesday... 

That doesn't include conversations about injured soldiers

or deploying husbands. 

WTF?

What the "eff" is up with TV this past week? 

Lets start with Grey's Anatomy: 

HOLY SHOOTING SPREE BATMAN! 

I was glued to my seat the entire show... automatically (like a robot) shoving popcorn into my face with WIDE eyes! It was so intense. Everything that a finale should be! 

PS: I now have a serious crush on Owen Hunt

Pretty sure it has to do with how he stuck up for Christina. 

Am I totally alone here?

On to the Series Finale of LOST. 

What did you think? Honestly... I wanna know if people liked or hated it. 

Beware: Spoilers ahead!!!

Personally, I think the ending was complete CRAP!!! CRAP, CRAP, CRAP!!!

A BIG 2 thumbs down. 

Dead..? seriously. DEAD? 

What was with the "flash sideways" if they were dead? Did they die in the plane crash or no? I'm leaning toward No... Then how were there flash sideways'?? GRrrR!! 

If the island was real and not a form of purgatory (as some suspect) then what happened to Clair, Sawyer, Kate (and those other people) when they flew away from the island? Did they talk about their crazy experiences? 

This finale was completely ridiculous. It only succeeded in creating more questions than it resolved. It was infuriating. 

....that's all I have to say about that...

WTF?

Today is the FINAL week of my first class?!  BOOP BOOP! Can you believe it?! 

I can't.

I'm super excited about this because, I really don't think I could have dealt with the individuals on my learning team for another week. I more than likely, would have hurt myself. 

It's official... I drank The Bachelorette kool-aid and it tastes yummy! 

I'm a fan. 

I know... stop rolling your eyes asking which rock I've been living under. It doesn't matter, I've crawled out from under it and I am now out and about with civilization. 

My Pick:

Jesse: A General Contractor from Kansas City, MO. 

I don't think he photographs all the well, he was totally cuter during the episode. 

Not only was he my pick, but he was the FIRST to receive a rose from Ali! 

What a difference a day makes

So Monday I was hopeful and confident that I would get a call/email, be contacted in so way informing me that I would receive an offer for the position I was interview for last week. Tuesday I was "broken up with in a email" as a friend put it. I call it "hate mail".... my sad but seemingly inevitable rejection. 

"What are you gonna do?" I thought.

Not out of desperation.... but just to say there isn't anything I can do about it. Remember the end of last month when I blogged about Rev Run's Words of Wisdom? Well something he says repeatedly that stuck with me, "Do your best and forget the rest." and also "Let go and let God." I'm not an overly religious person but the idea of what he's saying resonates with me especially under my current circumstances.... In my eyes these sayings are one in the same. Once you've done everything in your power you have to let go of the rest... it's out of your hands! 

I have to say it wasn't all overwhelming confidence though. I did wonder how I could have been so wrong. I thought I nailed it. I'm currently pursuing a BS in Management, I answered all the questions 'right', I had great questions prepared for the interviewerS, I was over-prepared for the interview, I smiled and shook hands, AND even sent my "Thank You" note!! How could I have been so confident about this interview and been so wrong? Whatever it is, it doesn't matter! I'm doing my best (so what if it takes all of my energy and motivation) to maintain a positive attitude and keep moving forward. 

In other news, my Best Friend is just a few weeks shy of her due date! I've spent some time recently picking up a few things for impending bundle of joy... I am excited for her (and me) to have her family grow! 

And yes, I know it's Wednesday and you're all desperate to know what I want... but I'm sorta just not in the mood today. Other than needing to get to the gym, I want for next Tuesday to arrive. "Why is that?" you ask. Well because Next Tuesday will be girls night (he-man-man-haters-club) at my house. NO BOYS ALLOWED! Next Tuesday also marks the DVD/BluRay release of:

Which obviously I WANT!

Why?

I'm curious WHY no one read and/or commented on my PSA post? Maybe it looked longer than my usual updates but there is good information to be found there people. Traumatic Brain Injuries are serious and we should all as MilSpouses know more about them and the warning signs. Please take a minute and read it. Towards the end there is a link for a giveaway courtesy of Jim Beam. 

Check it out.

Have you ever wondered WHY bicyclists are entitled to the road, just the same as motorists are? 

I think about this a lot. 

Usually when they should... have the room to move closer to the curb but don't move over. 

Usually at this point I remember my parents telling me not to play in the street because people don't pay attention and they WILL hit you. The car is BIGGER than you... so stay out of the road.

I don't know something about being on a tiny-lil' bike with 100's of multiple ton cars zooming by- or at least attempting to, doesn't sound like a good time to me. 

I just wonder WHY they don't move out of the way (when available) and then get mad that drivers of cars passing by curse and scream at them while they dodge on-coming traffic in order to pass them.

I was talking with my Dad about this- he's a genius, and he made a great point. Motorists pay taxes that go toward the upkeep of their local roadways... the bikers don't. WHY are they just as entitled to the road as motorists??!

But on the other hand where are the bikers supposed to ride if the "sidewalk" is for "walking"??

Such a confusing issue.

Although it's pretty simple to me- Cars=bigger than bikes/people... get the hell out of their way. 

Easy for me though... I'm not a biker. 

Welcome

Welcome to Spring/Summer on the plains. 

Ugh..

Really it kind of sucks-- and is more or less miserable, with random splatterings of beautiful days mixed in.

I say "Spring/Summer" because, well, Spring doesn't really hang out too long around these parts. The two (spring and summer) get sort of distorted and jumbled together. It's rather annoying actually. 

One of the things I HATE most about living here is the WIND! It sucks in the Winter. You know when it snows it's too busy being windy for the snow to land gracefully on the ground- where it belongs. It sucks in the Spring because it makes an otherwise mild and/or warm day, COLD (because you know a hurricane force gust breeze is always cold- like wind is incapable of being another than cold). 

Moral of the story: Wind is annoying and SUCKS... ruins everything. 

ALSO... another joy of living on the plains is TORNADOES. Wooot woot. Once we really get into the swing of spring you can watch he clouds roll into anywhere from 1-3pm everyday over the mountains. To the average person this may sound breath-taking.... well, let me tell you "Mr-Average-Person" it scares the crap out of me. You see when you mix rain/cold front with WARM/HOT temps you often get this:

Yeah... NO FRIGGIN' THANK YOU! 

Maybe I'm completely off my rocker but the idea of some spiraling gateway to OZ (you know, the Wicked Witch of the West, flying Monkies, clacking red heels....) really doesn't do anything good for me. 

Not really into things coming from the sky with the sole purpose of DESTRUCTION.

Nope!

Not for me. 

Yeah... I'm totally siked for Spring time, then Summer to follow. Ugh huh...

Riiiight.

I Want it.... Wednesday

I want to share a helpful driving tip with you all....

when you're driving near a merge point (which is how I think these areas should be referenced) do you, when possible move to the left lane so that the cars merging can make their way onto the road with ease? If not you SHOULD damn it!

Please consider the following graphic:

Yes, I made this bad boy in Paint. I haven't used paint since I was hmmm... 8 or so. Either way... the point being if you are the Orange box car you need to shift to the left because well it's the courteous thing to do. And BEING NICE IS NICER THAN BEING MEAN! So just get out of the way. 

End result:

You're welcome for the little tid bit of advice.

Happy Wednesday.

Umm... EXCUSE me Blogger????

Can anyone please tell me why all of a sudden Blogger has decided that I no longer follow any (= ZERO) blogs?

URG!

This is just enough to make me drop an "Eff" bomb in the middle of the afternoon.

Maybe it's a kink; will work itself out and all will be magically rectified in a few hours?

We'll see.

(she says unbelievably)

*~~~*

Yes, I know it's Wednesday and you're all dying to know what I WANT....

But you'll have to wait. I have to run an errand. Ha...! Gotcha.

;)