So Many things

There are so many things going on in the world right now. So many bad things for the US; it's been a horrible week in the news, hasn't it? I couldn't decide where to start. I mean seriously there's just so much. Beginning of the week our country was saved by the hairs on your chinny-chin-chin with pretty craptastic legislation to extend the debt ceiling. Proof of the unsubstantial changes included word of the S&P lowering Americas AAA rating and China's reaction.

Or I could talk about military news. Army announces a move to 9 month deployments. Then tragically our small military community lost 30 Americans on August 5th.

Thus my dilemma: do I comment on all the recent news, or do I babble about "what I did today"?

Incase you've been really curious. I've been hitting the pool with my sis and nephews, working on my tan! Hashing out semi-last minute R&R plans. Being jerked around that R&R would get axed altogether and looking futher into New Years plans in Paris. Also been contemplating attempting to make homemade croissants. Have you done it? Is it worth it to make the dough or just use frozen, pre-made puff pastry?

Can't I just skip it...?

or AT LEAST postpone/reschedule until for another day. You see yesterday (May 1st) was the 26th anniversary of my birth. It was sucky and rather great all the same time. My husband knows I love birthdays. So, even though he's half a world away in Afghanistan he's been plotting and planning for about 2 weeks to make this day special for me. He sent me gorgeous flowers:

And was planning a surprise party for me with the assistance of my sister and mother. However, the problem with a surprise party is that the person you're surprising doesn't know about it. So, trying to now completely skip my birthday this year I sent out a request to get some friends together at The Melting Pot. Kinda ruined the surprise shin-dig. Boo. After I "ruined" (more like rescheduled, unknowingly) my surprise I had to work on Saturday night. Usually Saturdays are kind of heavy at work. I figured "why bother taking it off though, I'll be home around 230 and press on with my day. Nope! It was "label night" we had to change over 5000 labels in the commissary. I left at 4... I was like people "it's 4.. and it's my Birthday and I really don't want to sleep the entire thing away." they were like "ok homie... beat it". So basically my day consisted off homework and sleep. Thank God for my Momma though! She got some goodies and her and my sis gave me some gifts so I had a lil birthday celebration! I tried to make the best out of the day I was dealt and my husband helped me out a lot with that. :) 

(I'm a lucky girl)

Another bit of news I wish I could skip is the fact that Osama bin Laden is dead. I mean, great job troops ! But forgive me for being concerned for those still in Afghanistan. It amazes me that people "forgot" or simply "don't care" that there are still 1000's of troops there. I guess it just doesn't occur to people that there could be retaliation. hmmm. 

I'll be sitting here thinking happy thought- trying to convince myself that everything will be ok. 

I'm watching!

{source}

They're gorgeous! And Royal. The Royals have always fascinated me, there's so much pomp and so many years of tradition. Fascinating!

Just so everyone knows I'm not staying awake waiting for it. This new job has my schedule all flipped upside down. I'm usually up until 2-3 AM. So the timing just worked out. Ha!

Joining Forces

Did you catch The View today? First Lady, Michelle Obama and Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden were on with the other ladies of The View to discuss their new initiative to gain support from the other 98% of Americans for our service members and their families. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden created this new initiative called Joining Forces.

"Joining Forces is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned." 

I'm down for spreading awareness about what we military families experience and encouraging more more American's support. But honestly I have my doubts about this program. The website for Joining Forces is great, it's user friendly and easy to navigate. It provides links for people to share their messages of support and (my favorite part) to the Serve.gov website. Serve.gov is great as well, you can type in your zip code and find out what the opportunities in your area are to get involved with supporting the military within your own community. You can initiate your own project to help support the military and gain support within your community. I love the options that are available.... I can only hope that people will take advantage of these sites and find ways to get involved.

I have my doubts because we all too often here "well, they volunteered" which, obviously I know... but I hate the meaning behind it. They volunteered, so why should I care... so why should they get special treatment... so why should I pay for their healthcare...! I think each of us military spouses have complained about the same topic in one way or another. All the same... this attitude is the same reason why I'm apprehensive about Joining Forces. Still, I'll remain hopeful that these program will inspire someone to get involved that wasn't so moved before.

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.

Things to come

Have you been reading the news lately? Bad things are on the horizon.

Most recently the Koreas began their hostilities once again. Did you know that the Korean war never really ended; they're still technically at war with each other, technically there has been a "cease fire" since 1953. Click here to read CNN's coverage.
Hubs: Holy expletive!
Me: Huh, what's going on?
Hubs: We're going to War with Korea.
Me: (saying nothing out loud, think to myself: O.... how wonderful........... I'm sure they'll work it out on their own.. HA.... unlikely.)
True story, which took place less than 30 mins ago.

Have you been following the recent recommendations on Military benefits, concerning retirement, pay-freezes (for three years including BAH, Base Pay and COLA) and raising Tricare out-of-pocket costs? Well I hope you have. It's completely asinine. I mean need we really get into the strain the military has been under or the past 9 (almost 10) years? Beyond that can we all just agree up until now folks joined the military under the assumption that they'd serve but be rewarded with GI Bill Bene's and a pretty rockin' awesome pension plan. I love how this "Presidential "Blue Ribbon" Debt Panel, aka Debt Reduction Panel is co-chaired by Former Republican Sen, Pete Domenici (funny, I thought those Repub's were "usually pro-military"... allegedly) couldn't find any other way to reconcile our national debt than to tell our hardworking military to yet again- PAY UP! As if the military community haven't done enough. I suppose we haven't according to them. Some changes include possible retirement after 10 years of service- yet not collecting retirement checks until the age 60. After 20+ years of service checks wouldn't be available until age 57 (vs. the current way of doing things, retirement checks are available immediately upon separation). Also, retirement is currently computed based on the active duty members most recent 3 years of pay, the committee recommends changing it to the most recent 5 years of pay. Which in theory you've attainted a higher rank between years 15, 18 and 20 (at that) so the average would now be lower. Great. Additional recommendations can be found here, and here.

If you do nothing else please click here, to contact your local reps and tell them how you feel about these changes. It's the beauty of our country you have the ability to speak up and voice your opinion but doing nothing will likely get you an outcome your aren't in favor of.

A big thank you to Military.com for keep our community informed and making it easy to contact our representatives in Washington.

Click here to read more from Military.com.

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. 

Mil-News

I don't know about all of you guys but I pay extra attention to the news about all things military; and Army, more specifically.
Did you hear that July is now recorded as the deadliest month since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, 8 years ago? Total reported US casualties for July is 66.

Photos like these break my heart:

{source: LA Times}

{source: MSN}

{source: AolNews}

It's just heart-wrenching to see. It's reality, obviously but so moving when you're smacked in the face with the headlines on just about every major news website out there. On the flip side I'm happy to see this making headlines versus Season 2 of the Jersey Shore (in Miami... yea, doesn't make sense to be either).

In other Mil-related-news, the deadline is approaching for your stipend if you or your solder were "stop lossed". Military.com reports that "an estimated 145,000 service members are eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, a stipend of $500 for each full or partial month served in stop-loss status." 
Click Here to find out more information.

The DOD reports that, "The rate of soldier suicides has risen in each of the past five years. In fiscal 2009, 160 soldiers took their own lives, while there more than 1,700 attempts. Meanwhile, soldiers without deployment experience or with one deployment account for 79 percent of Army suicides." What's the Army doing about this, you ask? A few notable changes are: the creation of 72 additional positions for chaplains, and "the number of recruiting waivers in 2009 is down almost 50 percent from 2007. Such waivers allow recruits with certain medical conditions and minor criminal offenses to enlist, helping the Army to meet recruiting goals. Some of these soldiers, Chiarelli acknowledged, are considered a higher risk for suicide than others" These are all good signs that the powers-at-be are taking note of this difficult and troubling issue. For some, it is too little, too late. I know that change takes time and especially within the Army culture, change is always difficult. So I am happy to see this being given more attention than once again revamping the various service uniforms. To MultiCam, or not to MultiCam? To beret, or not to beret?

In non-military related news, you MUST enter my giveaway, like NOW-ish. I know you like free stuff as much as I do. So just do it already! :)

It's BaaaaCCKk!

Hey MilSpouses, I received the following email from MYCAA this morning:

MyCAA Update

DoD will resume the MyCAA program. The Department of Defense has completed the program review and will be making the necessary adjustments to resume the MyCAA program beginning in October 2010.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource career and education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD's financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state, and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

New financial assistance guidelines. With a focus on the original intent of the program, the Defense Department's financial assistance program will:

Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2

Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000

Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course

Be limited to associate degrees, certifications, and licensures

These new guidelines reflect a return to the original purpose of the program - to assist spouses of service members in achieving portable careers. These changes also align the program with responsible fiscal planning by the Defense Department to help sustain the program. Additional program details will be posted on the Military OneSource Web site when they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.

Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. Beginning September 1, 2010, spouses may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to January 15, 2011. To ensure adequate time to plan for courses, no career plans will be accepted after August 31, 2010. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

Additionally, the review revealed that National Guard and Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit. Spouses may no longer use the MyCAA benefit when the service member is in an alert or demobilization period. The new eligibility rule takes effect immediately.

The program will be closed from Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25, 2010, so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

Military spouses are the backbone for military families, displaying strength of character to be admired by this nation. The Department of Defense remains committed to investing in military families, and appreciates the sacrifice of those who also serve.

~~~

So, it's less than it once was, but it's progress and a step in the right direction. Lets just try to see the best in it before we all go off and tear "them" (the decision makers and such) to shreds. Let us also remember we do have the Post 9-11 GI Bill as an option also!

 

Thanks to everyone who entered my GIVEAWAY so far. I love all the ideas!

Anyone who is still interested in $15 gift card to CSN Stores please pop over and enter!

BREAKING NEWS!

BIG HUGE News coming your way people!

So remember wayyy back in the 8th when I first told you all about the possibility of going to Germany?

And I teased on Wednesday about off-post housing in Germany. Well its official we're headed here:

 Baumholder, Germany!

Wait... that's not ALL the news. Some of my long-time followers know that my sister, Katie also married a soldier (her high school sweetheart actually) and they are currently stationed at Fort Carson. Well yesterday she calls me on my cell, while I'm at work. I text her back because I can't be on my cell phone at work and ask her what's up? She replies "CALL ASAP." Ummm ok... My first thought was what about the kids? eeek!

So I call IMEDIATELY.

She says, "So we're going to Germany too."

I said, "SHUT UP. No you're not."

You see my sis and her family have/had no desire to go to Europe. She was excited for us to have the opportunity to travel and see more of the world but please believe she laid the guilt trip on THICK when I told her we had orders (but at the time didn't know to which post in Germany).

She says, "No, seriously we do have orders. Levi called branch to see what his options were and they told him he has to report February 2011.

She also was able to tell me which post they were going to.

I was puzzled, as Kevin and I actually tried and pursued our orders and were told they didn't know specifically, to which post we were headed.

Well, as I'm on the phone with my sister and Levi is on the phone with Kevin, telling him the exciting news!

Kevin found out at that same time that we were headed to Baumholder!

Oh did I forget to mention where my sister and her family are going?

Yes, you probably guessed it: BAUMHOLDER!

Kevin and I were looking forward to being just "Samantha and Kevin" for a while but I know that my sister and my nephews and even Levi being there will make the transition a 1000 times easer.

It was really just crazy how the whole thing worked out! But I couldn't be more excited.

Wait... I have approximately a million things to accomplish before 10 December:

SELL HOUSE

SELL a car (can't decide which one)

SHIP a Car

PACK and SHIP our household possesions

Get Brody Squared away to take him with us

Germany drivers license

Living on or off-post???

(kevin insists that we have to live off-post... because on-post they have apartments. Evidently he's beneath apartment living at this stage of his life. I tried to remind him that it's Europe and it's not like we'll find a single-family home with a huge yard. But what do I know?!)

That's just to name a few.

I have to get everything organized and ready to roll in a mere 5 months. I'll be contacting a real estate agent this weekend! Hopefully we can get the ball rolling on that FIRST!

So that's the BIGGEST news. But I also VERY excited to announce I won a bloggy make-over from Mrs. Muffins, via Shepdogg: One P, Double G!

It will probably be a week or two in the making.. since I'm fickle and indecisive.

Stay tuned for all the exciting changes to come...!

HAPPY FRIDAY Readers!

NEWSS!!!

Ok, so I have some news. When I said this to my mother she thought I was going to tell her I was pregnant with a baby girl! But well, that's not the news. The news is that Kevin has temporary/conditional orders!!! To where, you ask? GERMANY!!!! 

I am thrilled with this prospect and couldn't be more hopeful. 

The orders are conditional on Kevin's chain of command all signing off on lifting his fence. We can't figure out why he's fenced into his current unit... No one can figure it out. All the same we're waiting for about another two weeks for the final answer! Keep your fingers crossed people. If all works out we'd PCS in November. Wowzas!

So you all know I started a job 3 weeks ago, right? Evidently I found a job with the only company in town with no military affiliated people! I swear this is the least military-savy group of people I have ever met. The other day one of my co-workers was shocked when I told them that my husband is up and out of the house by 430 everyday. "WHY?!" he asks. "PT" I said. "What's that?" He says. "Seriously?" I say. 

It only gets worse from there. 

I explain to my *ignorant co-worker that there's a war going on and they have practice their running so that they're conditioned if they should have to run to and fro to ensure their personal safety. 

Duh. 

Just saying. 

Have you heard about what Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran's of America (IAVA) is doing with Miller High Life? 

They're teaming up for the sole purpose of giving back to Vets. Head over to their website and take a look in the Rucksack to search for events in your area. They're giving away tickets to events such as MLB games, NFL games and Nascar events. Head over to the website for more details on how to participate.

I know I'm really cramming a lot into this one post but I HAVE to share with everyone that my Best Friend, Amanda had her first baby last Friday the 25th!! I can't believe it but she's really somebody's mother! It's intense and I'm happy for her and her family.
Baby Matthew Alan was born at 836 PM EST. Weighing in at 7.36 LBS and 18" long.
I love you Manda... and my new Godson Matthew!
Go check out my guest blogging the day Matthew was born.

1 more day of work before a week off for vacation. (less than) 2 days until ECLIPSE! Yes I'm mother-effing excited about that. And 3 days until our vacation to SAN DIEGO!
woooooo
I'm one excited girl.
but I'm headed to bed.
G'night!

I love that people hate Health Care Reform...

... you know because it was working soooo great before. 

Fact: The health care system was/is broken.

Fact: It needs change-- desperately. 

It seems to me: this "new" health care legislation is a lot like our beloved TriCare system. We all pay (even though a pretty minuscule amount) into it... doesn't mean we go to the doctor all the time and have tons of prescriptions. Take me for example... Money is taken out of the hubs' pay EVERY MONTH like clock work for coverage and I rarely go to the doc; I'm hardly ever sick. But doesn't mean I shouldn't have coverage. Doesn't mean I shouldn't pay for coverage. At some point *knock on wood* I may use my fair share of the money being paid to TriCare. I could get hit by a bus later today and be in the ICU for weeks... lucky for me I have health care coverage. huh? Otherwise paying for all of that care, out-of-pocket would really suck. 

I don't have any issues with Health Care reform... I think our lil' TriCare system works. :) 

~~~*** something I forgot to mention: This Bill was only passed in the House of Reps (220-215).. Senate still needs to pass their version and then the two bills need to be reconciled- then signed into law. Interesting people are TRIPPIN' over this still unfinished process. Take a look here. 
Let it ride people. 

In over news...

Army Wives comes back April 11th! 

Woot Woot. 

:) 

Here we go!!

I've decided that I'm DONE with my post-holiday funk! I'm just over it. I'm sick of being down in the dumps for no good reason... So, screw you post-holiday-funk. See ya. I'm moving on to bigger and better things; brighter days.

Here's what you may have missed/What I failed to report:

Kevin finally unpacked from deployment.

(yeah... only took 5 months, but it's finally happened)

We got a surprise visit from the "New Bed Fairy"

(we've moved up in the world of mattresses. Hello, Ultra-Plush Serta Mattress!)

I've been lending my hand to my very pregnant sisters nesting habits! We've successfully painted baby Caden's room. I'll really need to get some pictures. She made me choose the paint colors and I think it looks fantastic! Just yesterday we put the bedding on/in (whatevs) the crib, hung valance and two pictures. Now the room just needs a few finishing touches.

I am in the running for a NAF position at Schriever AFB.

(I know I know... I'm Army (hooah and all that) and this is AF. But hey, it pays and that's truly what I need out of a job. Lets not forget my Pops was AF for 21 years. So... umm I was expecting to insert an AF alternative to "Hooah". I'm at a loss. Ooops.)

Oh, we also 86'd all of the Christmas decor. That was a sad day. :(

I got over it.

I really crave order so it was a good thing.

Here's what's to come:

Get back to my bloggy!

((it's really missed me))

Get motivated.... in every way.

((weight loss, here I come. chores, reluctantly necessary. job.... ugh -rolling eyes-.))

Visit my best friend in DC! We'll be finding out the sex of her baby (to be named Samantha, because I'm fantastic).

Start a job.

((fingers crossed... I'll do everything I can on my end))

Have carpets steam cleaned.

((oh-so-necessary))

Sell stuff on Craigslist.

((damn recession))

My favorite Brother-in-law returns from A-stan!!

((Wooooo))

My second nephew graces us with his presence in March!

My ONE YEAR blogger-versary!

I am most excited to keep myself in check. We all have emotions and they aren't always fun or pleasant. Sometimes we are down in the dumps. But, I'm done with that for the time being. Please forgive my absence, I don't like to broadcast my pity-parties. As I said I'm in to brighter days. I am going to work on laughing more. General Happiness.

Anyone else notice I now have over 100 followers?

Love. It.

:)

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

My sister is having a baby. You all know that because I've told you. Multiple times. I told you here about the day we found out my sister was having a baby girl, then Madisyn Hope. Her name has since been changed to MaKenna. Well that was until today!

Thankfully Since I didn't have to work today I was able to accompany my sister to her 3D Ultrasound. We got a few nice shots of the baby's face in 3D, until I ask Harriet jokingly "We're still having a girl, right?"

HAHaaaHAaa

Right?

Wrong.

Harriet does some looking around and BAM! Clear as day she see's and then I see it. A penis! But girls don't have penis'. Right? Pretty sure. I stand up out of my chair, over Harriet's shoulder and GASP! "Ugh" I say ever-so-eloquently. Then my sister catches on to what's happening and we burst into laughter.

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

I just couldn't believe it. We were both disheveled for hours. There is another baby boy in our future! Wooo hoo! No more baby MaKenna. We must start searching for boy names now.

~***~

Tonight my hubby is at the hospital with two soldiers. They were in a car accident this evening at the end of the day. Hopefully they are okay and Kevin can come home sooner rather than later.

Long days make him grumpy.

You can't get rid of me that easy

So I've been Missing In Action for about two weeks. There has been so much going on in the world lately. First my new bloggy-awards... Which are just ridiculously cool (because I said so). Really I haven't been blogging because I've been told once or twice that if you have nothing nice to say, to say nothing at all. I'm not sure if it was because I was PMSing or if things were really that bad but I in fact had nothing positive to say so I said nothing! Imagine that.

I did want to share a tid-bit of news with my fellow MilSpouses (which will go a looooong way to make our lives a little bit easier): The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) passed! Yes... yes it did. The bill allows military spouses to claim residency in the same state as their active duty service member! Isn't that swell. Now I only have to figure out how to change my residency? hmmm.

Just a short post to keep you interested, this afternoon. I have bills to pay, laundry to fold, dog to walk/brush... BAH! I have things to do that require me to remove myself from the laptop.

~***~

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last week’s events at Fort Hood. Including my fellow military family members there and elsewhere.

Lovers and Haters

Part One: Lovers

I don't know about you, but I definitely give a shit!!! I give a shit that on 3 October 2009, 8 Americans, lost their lives in the mountains of Afghanistan. 8 soldiers assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, CO. lost their lives in over an 8-hour-long gun-fight.

I'm sure you've all heard this storty on the news or read about it. Long story, short: A well organized Taliban lead, Al-Qaeda attack overwhelmed Camp Keating, located in the Nuristan province of Afghanistan. The surviving men and women were forced to abandon the COP and air support was called in to level the base. These men and women left with only the clothes on their backs; nothing else. One soldier wrote to the American Legion saying "most people back home dont even know, no one gives a shit."

The American Legion has since set up a website to donate to these soldiers. They have raised over $50,000. Target has gotten involved. They donated "$30,000 in gift cards and merchandise to help the dozens of troops who lost possessions." I also read in our local paper that you could have went to Target yesterday and purchased items specifically for these men and women; Target matched the amount spent in support of this cause. I'm not sure if that is the $30,000 referenced above, or in addition to. I also heard that one of the major computer manufacturers (HP, Dell, Apple- I can't remember which specifically) is going to replace laptops for members of the units effected in this gun-fight.

{Photo Source: The Battle for COP Keating; Burnpit/ American Legion}

Because I give a shit I assumed based on the nature of my blog that my readers would also.

Please also, if you haven't yet vist Tammy Munson from ArmyHousehold6 and read what her husband, Sgt Daddy had to say of the events that took place on October 3rd.

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Part Two: Haters

My last post triggered hate from the Haters. Odd. Considering it wasn't even offencive in anyway. Hmm. Oh well.

Dear Crap Blog Detective:

If you don't like what I have to say then don't read my blog. I'm thinking my 80-someodd followers would beg to differ with your conclusion that my blog is "crap." In regards to my job search, if you would like to bring your ass from the UK to Colorado Springs, CO and find me a job you can please my guest. In the mean time I would urge you to shut your mouth, because really you know nothing about my life, my choices, my hardships, or my efforts to secure my own job.

Maybe you find my blog and therefore my life mundane or wasted. All I have to say is at least my blog serves a positive and (I'd say) necessary purpose. Versus your blog which is designed only to offend and "hate" on everyone else. Find something more positive to do with your time. If you, still feel my blog is crap, OK. No sweat off my balls. But ask yourself really who or what I'm hurting by rambling on? No one. So leave me to do what I do.

Express your hate and nastiness else where.

Good-bye.

Samantha.

Apologies and Help

I have to start by apologizing for yesterday's rant, directed towards Qwest. While they did really ruffle my feathers I felt like no one really appreciates logging onto their blogger dashboard and read a post like that one. UGG!

Moving on. Two days ago I posted about creating my own blog award with new and unique "rules". The more and more I think about this, the more and more I really would like to do it. SOooo, I'm trying to recruit one of you graphic designer types to help me. I want to create some kind of custom button for this award for recipients to post on their sidebars/blogs!

Anyone game? Send me an email if you want to get involved.

Baby....

Baby.... it's cold outside!!

Yesterday it was quite brisk. Overnight it drizzled some snow over everything. I woke up to beautifully frosted trees, and roofs! I love it.

Tomorrow we're expecting a high of 29 degrees. Yea, that's a HIGH! I. Love. It.

So it's officially Fall, and here in Colorado we're moving right on through Fall and into Winter. That's really how we roll. We have Summer and Winter around these parts. But I'm good with that. I much prefer to be cold over hot. I am a happy girl!

One reason I love cold weather: My mom (used to/because she's been SLACKIN') typically cooks heavier/ hearty/ Italian meals in the winter. I'm referring to Lasagna, Manicotti, homemade pasta... YummM!

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Baby... GIRLS are on the way!

Think back a few months folks... I reported that my sister successfully completed a round of IVF. Well today, Mom, Aunt Marie, my sister, and soon-to-be Big Brother, Nathan AND (most importantly) myself went to Katie's first 3D ultrasound! Yes, there was quite the crowd.. ha ha.

Unfortunately, lil' miss thang wasn't cooperating at first. Her back was facing the crowd. I suppose she's shy. After about 15 mins of trying to get a good shot and waiting for Levi (my bro-in-law) to call from Afghanistan to hear the results, Harriett (the Tech) finally tells everyone we're expecting a baby girl!

I am personally VERY excited about this because I really didn't like the name my sister had picked out for a Boy! I am, however, much more approving of Madisyn Hope!

Congrats to my big Sis! They worked very hard through the IVF and everything else, now they'll have a nice-rounded out family! PERFECT!

The Stuff: GI Joe. FR-Useless!. Chick-pea Salad.

Yesterday was a fairly good day: Pool in the AM with Nathan and sister. Then came home to bathe and fix myself for the day. Then my sister forced me to go see GI Joe! You see, her and Mr. Channing Tatum have this 'thing' going. So she had to go support his career. Does anyone else find it completely LAME that there were Army Recruiters set up in the lobby of the movie theater?? I thought that was lame. All the same, the movie was about as corny as you would assume it was going to be. However, there were some legitimately funny parts (Funny- HAHA. Not Funny- "are you kidding me"-funny.)There were also little pot shots at the Air Force through out the movie... which I guess is half-expected I mean the movie is titled "GI Joe" after all. It was all in good fun people. I have to concede looking at Channing Tatum was a great way to spend the afternoon. Although, all of the movie theater snacks didn't set well with my tummy (after dieting and such)! All and all it was enjoyable (but wont be taking home Oscars. What a shocker huh?).

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Today was my final FRG Meeting. WOOO HOO! Right? WRONG! I wish that somebody, anybody would have had more specific information to give. That would be nice right? Instead they provided me with an 8-day window; the 16th-24th!?? Huh- Seriously?? You have got to be kidding! How is that helpful... in anyway? I guess that is helpful for females that don't speak to their husbands (for one reason or another) but that absolutely does not help me in the slightest. When I'm done blogging about my complete and utter disappointment in this FRG I will have to pow-wow with my MIL, as her and my FIL are road-tripping it out here for the Homecoming ceremony!

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Tonight I made the chick-pea salad I blogged about last week. The lemon juice really stole the show here! It is fantastic! Try it folks!! :)

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Who likes give-a-ways?? I DO! Please go check out my friend Jen! I love her blog and I want her free stuff! :) LOL!

I'm sure I'll have more to add later... But at least now you're caught up. ;)