SD Sailor

What I Learned Today

2008-05-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

Or Not

2008-04-19T17:52:00.001-07:00

The house my heart was set on sold...or is in the process of selling at least, so there will be no crazy move at least for now. Probably a good thing, but I'll admit I am disappointed. I had imagined the many trips to Home Depot and lots of fun renovations...

In the meantime, I'm trying to spring clean and get rid of as much as possible. We have too many "things" - a lot of clutter. We also have an obscene amount of books. Not surprising, but annoying to move around. I can get rid of a lot, but probably not many books.

Mike's on duty every third day/night right now, which is a weird rotation for us. I find I get a lot done when he's away and then, when he's here, appreciate our time together much more!

Hope everyone is well.

The Green's Must Be Crazy

2008-04-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Mike is out on a short trip right now and, as you might expect, "when the hubby is away..."

Wait, the end to that sentence is not what you expect, or, it might be to those of you who know me/us.

"...the wife will start planning crazy things!"

So, the crazy? Home buying. Last time Mike was deployed, I unpacked us in a brand new apartment and moved into a new and slightly (sarcasm, here) more rigorous job. This time? Well let's just say I might be packing and unpacking a new home. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE where we live right now and are totally happy here. But, we are renting and are considering the benefits of home ownership. We've looked a couple places, but they've mostly been out of our range. There is one home we are currently looking at that might be just what we are looking for. Mike has only seen pictures so far, but he's given me the thumbs up to look into it and, when he returns shortly, we'll go together to check it out.

I may be crazy for even considering this with the short period of time that Mike has before his next long-term deployment, but I can never say I'm bored!

Back at Sea

2008-04-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Mike is about to leave again for another deployment - a "regular" Navy deployment this time, no IAs in the desert thankfully! With that, we thought it might be nice for us to start posting to the blog again. I'll try and update everyone on what we've been doing in the nice, long year since Mike's re-entry and then keep folks up-to-date on things as they occur over the next 6-7 months.

I hope this first blog back finds everyone healthy and happy. I look forward to reconnecting with everyone over the next several months.

We Should Always Remember

2007-05-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

This day is important because it forces everyone to remember and be thankful for the freedoms we have that have come to us by the service of others. Hopefully, though, these thoughts of thanks and remembrance are never far from our hearts and minds. For many families and friends, everyday is Memorial Day.

Our Jolly Roving Tar

2007-04-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Our favorite sailor is out of Iraq!
That's about all I can/should say at this point
and while he's not home in SD
he will be very soon!

Good News!

2007-04-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has been reading, loyally, this blog and sending happy thoughts our way! The great news is that this long journey is almost over! I can't say too much but I can say that Mike is on his way home and will be back in sunny San Diego, sporting flip flops and baggy shorts (and a hat so that his nearly bald head doesn't get sunburn) very, very soon! I don't have exact details (as is always the case) and couldn't post them if I did (also always the case) but I did want to let everyone know that we have this to look forward to! I'll post more when I know more and when I can!

I love you Mike!

Smarty Pants

2007-04-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

I got Final Jeopardy right tonight. I love it when that happens!

Virginia Tech

2007-04-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our thoughts are with you...

Perspective

2007-04-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

I think I have been pretty good (not perfect) over the course of this deployment, about not putting too much of any one political ideology into my posts. This has been a conscious decision on my part. However, today while I was reading the following AP article on the MSNBC homepage I found my anger welling up over the continued situations that our allied forces are finding themselves in. You can read the article in full here but I have posted an excerpt from it below:

Meanwhile, dozens of Iraqi policemen demonstrated in front of their Baghdad station Sunday, accusing U.S. forces of treating them like “animals” and “slaves.”

The protest took place at Rashad station in Baghdad’s eastern neighborhood of Mashtal.

Officers chanted “No, no to America! Get out occupiers!” while U.S. troops in two humvees and a Bradley fighting vehicle watched from a distance.

My anger came as I got to the last half of the final sentence of this excerpt, knowing that U.S. and coalition forces alike are meeting these sentiments on a daily basis. I think it important to note that these sentiments are often in some way, shape or form, shared by many war opponents in the U.S. and in other countries who have men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I do not pretend to know or understand what the troops are facing in these two countries. Unlike others, I will not pass judgment here over whether I believe "we" should still be involved. What I will say is that the men and women who are on the ground in these regions are not the policy makers; they are bound by rules passed down to them from their 'bosses' just like you and I are here at home. It is, I feel, incumbent upon us - no matter what our feelings are about these wars - to support these troops in any way that we can. I suspect that, if given the choice, many of those "U.S. troops in two humvees and a Bradley fighting vehicle [who] watched from a distance" would much rather be at home with their girlfriends, fiancé’s, wives, children, parents and friends. But they are not. I would suspect that many of those "U.S. troops in two humvees and a Bradley fighting vehicle [who] watched from a distance" do and see good and positive things on a daily basis that all of us at home are not privy to and that they are getting very little, if any, recognition for from the countries for whom they are trying to establish peace and order. I suspect that as they stood there hearing, not gratitude but contempt and scorn from the Iraqi policemen they've trained at their own peril, those "U.S. troops in two humvees and a Bradley fighting vehicle [who] watched from a distance" felt just a little more disheartened about their purpose in these countries.

I'm Back!

2007-04-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Can you see me now? :)

Kidding. But, I'm back, able to type and healing just swimmingly! Mike's mom was kind enough to help nurse me back to health over the first couple of days of my post-op and my good friend Cortney has been my personal chauffeur. THANK YOU both!! But, all is now right (and upright) with the world! The eye is still healing and there is still a little swelling, but things are as they should be. For the first few days after surgery, because my eyeball is now actually sitting straight in the socket - a position it was not used to - whenever I held my head straight I was seeing a crooked world! That has since gotten better and now I've stopped going around my house un-straightening everything that hangs on the walls! :)

I'm hoping you are all watching with bated breath the newly added counter at the top of this blog. It brings with it good, if still uncertain, news that I can't wait to shout out into the blogsphere when I can!

Tomorrow night I'm having dinner with a girl whose fiance' has recently embarked upon his deployment...I think he's been gone 2 months now. She lives here in SD and we have been emailing and talking on the phone, but have yet to meet. It'll be nice to put a face with a name and be able to talk about the ups and downs of our experience. She, like me, has been keeping busy and staying upbeat and optimistic. Also like me, she is planning her wedding! I'm certain we'll have LOTS to talk about! ;)

Well everyone, when school starts back up on Monday I'll be pretty busy. I promise to try and post at least several times during the week and especially when I get any updates from our favorite sailor!

Take care everyone!

I love you Mike!

Pre-Op

2007-04-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I am having outpatient surgery tomorrow on my eye. No big deal, but for kicks I thought I'd post a picture and try and explain what I think it is they are going to do. So, first things first. On the picture above you can see the Superior Oblique muscle, correct? Well, evidently my SO isn't working so well anymore and whenever I'm trying to focus on anything (so pretty much whenever my eyes are open) my eyeball feels like it's bouncing around in the socket. Now, it isn't actually bouncing around, it only feels like it because it's trying so hard to stay focused. Because the SO is so weak, its alternate muscles are pulling harder and the eyeball has a hard time staying straight. You CAN see this when I try and look to my right, without turning my head, when I'm focusing too hard on something, etc. At those moments, the SO loses the battle and my eye rolls pretty much into the top of my head! Nice image, huh? Happily it doesn't happen often and I know how to avoid it so I've not been thrown in a circus side-show yet!

Two things (at least) have come from this. I've adopted this weird head-tilt where I think my head is totally straight and it's actually tilting to the right (opposite the bad eye). This, I guess, is common with this problem. I was talking with a co-worker the other day who said he had noticed it but that he thought it was because I was so interested and engaged in what he was saying! :) Evidently, this tilt has helped my eyes to be able to stay focused...it somehow alleviates pressure on that bad left eye...weird. The second thing that has been happening is my headaches have been getting WAY worse...and I have them all the time (which I am sure is due in part to the head tilt, the strain on my neck AND the strain on my eyeballs!). The kicker came a few weeks back when I realized that as I was reading - anything, at any time of day - I was closing or covering my left eye because I couldn't get it to focus. Red flag, anyone?

Ok, so back to the surgery. They can't make the SO stronger so they have to weaken the muscle that is pulling against it, which in this case is the Inferior Oblique. How do they do that, you might ask? Well, they will cut a little hole in the mucus membrane of my lovely left eye to get to the IO which they will then proceed to snip/cut/sever (whichever term you like best) and reattach closer to the front of my eye. Sounds like fun, eh? Ideally, this will take care of the problem and a few weeks and one bruised, red eye later I will be healed of headaches and a neck tilt (which will take awhile to correct itself because I'm so used to it that when my head IS strait it feels like my left ear is touching my shoulder - call me Quasi Moto)! If this procedure doesn't correct the problem, they will go in and "weaken" another muscle...but let's hope that's not necessary!

Anyway, I may be walking around for a day or so w/an eye patch (too bad this didn't happen during my Pirate project last Fall!) and I'm not sure about posting in the interim.

On WAY better news, we are hearing good things from the Mike-front. I don't want to say anything too particular yet, but we could be seeing him WAY earlier than we had anticipated.

I love you Mike!

Go Green Racer, Go!

2007-03-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

I am not an avid Indy racing fan, but tonight on the news I saw a story worth mentioning. It's not going to solve the world's problems, but I do think that the Indy car program is setting a very good example - they are now racing "eco-responsibly". Evidently, the Indy cars racing the circuit this year are running on 100% ethanol and you can read more here, here and here (all different links).

At the very least what I think this move does is generate conversation and raise awareness about our ecological footprint which in turn will hopefully get more people thinking about changes they can make in their own lives. As our favorite frog famously lamented "It isn't easy being green", but at least now Indy Racing is making it popular!

Re-evaluating

2007-03-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I challenged all you who frequent this blog (or those who just happen by) to take on the "Too Easy" attitude for a week. Now I'm playing the role of your conscience checking in on you to see how you did.

I, myself, lapsed a couple of times BUT as I said, this is just an opportunity to do it better this week.

Here's to another week of positive attitudes!

I love you Mike!

False Advertising

2007-03-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

I know that admitting that I did this is pretty much sealing my fate as a total lunatic, but I'm going to share anyway. A couple days ago when I was sitting around watching what was probably entirely too much television I saw a commercial for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Sadly, as much as I enjoy wonderful recipes from Bon Appetite and the like, I still like this old stand-by. The commercial claimed that it was "now even cheesier" and I went right down to our grocery store and bought a box (no joke, I really did). I even made the choice to buy one of the boxes with the new packaging with "now even cheesier" right on it! I was out of milk (something I didn't realize before I went to the store that day) and so I finally got around to making it tonight.

I am, sadly, very disappointed. Some of you will say, "yeah, it's macaroni and cheese, what did you expect?" Well, I'll tell you...I EXPECTED IT TO BE 'NOW EVEN CHEESIER' and it tastes the exact same as it always has! I won't go so far as to say that I'll never eat this Kraft product again, that's just plain silly because it's too easy to give up on for good. But, I just wanted to put it out there that they, in fact, have not made it "even cheesier" and for that, we can all be a little sad.

I love you Mike!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2007-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

East Coast time, some of us are already started and West Coast time...I'm not far behind! :)

If YOU need any help getting started, here are some of my favorite Irish toasts...

Here's to the land of the shamrock so green,
Here's to each lad and his darlin colleen,
Here's to the ones we love dearest and most.
May God bless old Ireland, that's this Irishman's toast!

There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
the ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
and may they always be.

May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience,
and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!

and of course, the most simply stated...

'Sláinte!'

I love you Mike!

In our thoughts

2007-03-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

In light of some recent conversations about OPSEC (operational security) I can't go into much detail, but I'd like to ask everyone to keep in their thoughts someone in my family who is embarking on a year-long deployment of his own. When and if I can say more on this blog, I will, but for now please keep his wife, his parents and all of his family and friends in your thoughts. I know how difficult this type of deployment can be and I just wanted to put it out there so that we are all keeping him close to our hearts.

I love you Mike!

when it rains, it pours

2007-03-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Two posts from me in one day? No, you aren't dreaming! I just had an after-thought and didn't want to save it as a draft because, knowing my week ahead, I'd forget it was even in there. I was catching up on blog posts this weekend and read one from our friend Stimp over at My Desert Adventure. He was discussing how the Army (or the unit he's with...not sure if he's saying ALL Army in general) has this "can do" attitude that he is finding sparse from the Navy counterparts. While I do beg to differ with his assumption that Navy personnel does not have this same attitude, I do concede that it is likely the case with some of the sea going ranks he's running into.

That got me thinking - such is life, isn't it?

So, this is my challenge to all of you. Start with just this week. Attack all tasks and situations you are faced with this week with the Army's "Too Easy" attitude. After the week is up, reflect on how you did, how it felt and what you could do better. Take those reflections and implement them the following week. I'm hopeful that if we all take on this challenge, and approach our daily lives with this attitude, things just might start to get better - in our immediate spaces and possibly even the world-at-large.

Those of you who went to high school with me (Mike and Kim) might find this ironic as I was voted - I still claim I was just "misunderstood" - class pessimist. I persist, however, that I am an optimistic soul and believe that we make of our lives what we put into them - and we are forever and always beacons to all those with whom we come into contact...let us be beacons of hope and positive, helpful attitudes.

Enjoy the week all!

I love you Mike!

Long Overdue (and I'm not just talking about my library books!)

2007-03-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I promised my sister I would post something this weekend since it has been WAY too long! She said she's sick of looking at a bag of Lays potato chips and I don't blame her.

So, what's new in our split San Diego/Iraq world? Mike said it's getting hot again which he's not enjoying, especially since he's still walking everywhere. We are keeping our fingers crossed that he's home before the 130 degree temps pick up again, so we'll keep everyone posted on that. We are 'long-distance' planning our wedding...which is both fun and frustrating. We can't really "make decisions" very easily because we have to wait to email each other...but it's working out all right. We've got a date, a location and even invitations so we're off to a good start! I'm also branching out and creating another blog (cuz I have SO much spare time) so that Mike and everyone in both our worlds can get more information about the wedding. It has NOTHING posted on it yet, give me a week to get some things up there...but check it out when you get a chance (and try not to make fun of me too much for creating it): Mike and Colleen's Wedding Plans

In my 'vending machine' world, things are more crazy than ever, but I'm enjoying it. So, to clarify, the Lays bag of chips stands for a directorship of one of our new schools. It's like a principal, but we don't have those. We are opening with a ninth grade class in the South Bay area this upcoming fall and we will be adding a new high school grade each year after until we get our full four grades. Our second year we'll also be opening an elementary/middle school which will eventually become a full K-8 program. I can honestly say that I didn't foresee this new job as an option in my vending machine until about 5 years from now, but to mix metaphors, I'm running with it since it's come early! I'm slowly being "replaced" in my classroom so that I can be figuring out teacher hiring, budget, design plans and making the ever-necessary and very exciting community contacts.

We will be operating under a broad environmental theme, where we'll be looking at our "local" environment, including our classrooms and the San Diego area as well as more national and global environments. Our school plans include an ERC (an Environmental Research Center) - like a large greenhouse for research - where our students will be participating in local, national and global research projects and data collection. This program is loosely based off of another program currently operating in Israel. The gentlemen who founded and are running that site have visited our school and have been wonderful contacts for us and a true source of inspiration and excitement about our project.

The building itself is being constructed with as much "green" thinking as possible including as much natural light and passive ventilation systems as we can muster. Our website is not fully updated yet, but you can check it out and check back often to see our progress (the new campus we will be at will be Chula Vista).

I think that is about all I have for now. I will try and post more often (a promise I've made a lot during this deployment and have often failed at keeping...but I'm an optimist...so I'm still going to try!). Please keep Mike in your thoughts as this deployment is winding down. I know that he would love emails because sometimes the last few months are just as hard as the first few! I'd also like to have everyone keep my friend Kym and "her" Mike in their thoughts as he's about to be stateside again very soon! She mentioned me in her latest blog and I need to ditto her comment back at her - this type of deployment is hard on the "significant other" who is left behind, no matter how busy, strong or "ready" they are. I have found Kym to be a source of support, strength and humor for me during this deployment and I KNOW that we will meet someday and we'll look back on this year as one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, times of our lives! Thanks Kym!!

I love you Mike!

My decision...

2007-02-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

candy bar update

2007-02-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

So, a new option has been added to my vending machine of life and that's all it currently is - an option. I don't actually even have any control over whether this one drops into the bottom of the machine or not. I should clarify though that this option is not even a candy bar - it's like one of those extra big bags of chips! Once I know more, I promise I'll post 'real' details about all this and we'll be done with the cryptic comparisons! In the meantime, I'll be plugging away at a dissertation prospectus that still needs a lot of work, grading sixty-something short stories and writing a conference paper that I am presenting in April...it's not like I don't have enough other stuff to keep me busy and my mind occupied!!

Mike is on-board with this bag-o-chips option though and has somehow been able to make some unique sports comparisons to the situation, particularly one to Joe Montana, which has been fun. I'm now signing off my emails "JM" as a joke...I thought about signing "Joe" but then thought if "the man" was reading through emails and noticed that someone named "Joe" was telling "military Mike" that they loved him, someone might raise an eyebrow or two! ;) So, I'm sticking with JM so as not to alarm the government about things since they obviously have nothing better to occupy their time with! No, that isn't a soap box you see me heading toward, no worries!

Speaking of Mike, I've made him promise to write a post or two so you all can hear more about him from him. Things are still going well over there and he's still anxious as ever to come home. He's planned our vacations for about the next 15 years I think; I keep getting email itineraries. Most exciting: tubing through the jungles of Belize. Most romantic: returning to Paris and actually climbing the Eiffel tower together! Most "like us": tours of central and northern California coast wineries (yay!).

Anyway, I'm off to work on that pesky dissertation some more. I have four pages of notes on things to address from a 15 page section - gee fun! I hope this post finds everyone happy, healthy and warm (especially those of you getting hit by that blizzard-weather!).

I love you Mike!

FLOSS!

2007-02-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long for a real post. Things have gotten kinda busy at work and I've been beat once I've gotten home (still no word on what I'll be doing next year...but hopefully soon...). Today, however, before I get into recent happenings, I must get on my soap box and reaffirm what our mothers (yes, that's you Barb...) have always told us - floss your teeth! As I spent the last 2 1/2 hours in the dentist chair with my mouth wide open and my face so numb I couldn't even smile, I must say, I wish I had followed through with that motherly advice. I've been bad at flossing. I don't like to do it....it's not fun. But, what healthy stuff (besides yoga) is fun? Anyway, as a graduate student I didn't have dental insurance and I didn't go to the dentist for my first two years out here (yes, you can all gasp at the horror). I thought I was taking pretty darn good care of my chops. I flossed sporadically BUT I bought one of those fancy-smancy power toothbrushes. I keep a brush at school. I gargle with that awful mouthwash. That, I'm afraid, has not been enough. Three weeks ago I finally went to the dentist...I've had insurance coverage for some time, I just hadn't picked a dental provider. They found two friggin' cavities and said since it had been so long since I'd been to the dentist (I should have lied, was my first thought) that I needed a "deep cleaning". Sounds good right? Well, it hurts and it wouldn't have been necessary at all had I gone earlier and in the meantime, flossed my teeth!!! The fillings were equally as much fun and boy, now that some of the painkillers are wearing off, my face itches!!! What a grand afternoon!! I will floss twice a day from now on because I swear that if I ever have to have needles that big stuck into my gums again (and more than one, and more than once too) I better not be awake to know it!

Ok, so floss - that's basically all I'm saying here...sorry for the rant.

What's new? Other than my newly enhanced pearly whites? Well, Mike is still doing really well, albeit a little more homesick than I think he's been in the past. They've had a few days that he said has reminded him of San Diego, but minus the smell of the ocean. I also think doing the same thing over and over every day is getting to him. You know what the definition of insanity is right? "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." I guess that's kinda how he's feeling. Though, he is saying that his "results" are great. He's helping lots of folks, so that's gotta feel good. He's also recently had the largest bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream he's ever had...so that's one positive - free ice cream!

On the home-front, not a whole lot going on. Mike's mom, Mary Lou, and I went out to an awesome dinner the other night at a place called Spread in North Park. We ordered three items and you share each of them. We started with a salad of chopped lettuces and rose petals, fresh mozzarella, strawberries, maple croutons and an avocado vinaigrette. Next we had this awesome lavender guacamole with roasted Roma tomatoes (Mary Lou LOVED those) and homemade pita chips. As if we weren't full enough by this point we tried one of their most popular items, the Thai veggie pizza with aged cheddar and peanut coulis. All I can say is WOW! It was amazing. The place itself is also a pretty unique space - very modern looking. They make everything fresh and change up their menu daily because they buy all their ingredients from local farmers markets. We also both had a glass of an edible silver infused sparkling wine - pretty tasty. I can't wait to go back!!

Well, I suppose that should be it for now. Oh, I had my first violin lesson tonight. It went pretty well considering I have no idea what I'm doing. I have homework so I hope my neighbors are tolerant! I hope you all are doing well! Take care of yourselves and for God's sake, FLOSS YOUR TEETH!!

I love you Mike (are you flossing?!?)

Go Colts!

2007-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Being a Boilermaker I am also a Colts fan and so I must say (even though I'd love to be saying it about the Chargers...):

Go Colts!!

and

WE LOVE YOU PEYTON!

I love you Mike!

Good Day Sunshine

2007-01-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't explain exactly why, but I am LOVING this day. The sun is out and it is gorgeous. I've gotten several errands accomplished and I'm looking forward (yep, I said it) to cleaning my house in just a little bit! I got to talk to Mike this morning and he's doing well. He was having some computer problems, but overall he's still doing well and staying positive. I sent him a care package a bit ago and it only took 5 days to get there - isn't that crazy!

I also know that one fellow JCCS1 person is home on R&R and I'm so happy for his girlfriend, Kym, that just the thought of her enjoying time with "her Mike" as we've come to call him puts a smile on my face. It seems like forever ago that "my Mike" was home on his R&R, but the up-side to that is that it makes his eventual homecoming feel closer! One of my other favorite Navy bloggers at The Desert Periscope is getting ready for his homecoming, which I couldn't be happier for him about. This small, unique community of JCCS1 sailors, families and friends has been invaluable to me during this deployment and I feel like their good news is "our" good news as well!

I still haven't chosen my candy bar yet. If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can read my last post , though it might not help clarify things. I am leaning toward the Kit Kat however and the 'powers-that-be' are really making it as an enticing of offer an as possible...throwing in a lot of options so it's looking like the KING SIZE version! I told them I'd give them a decision this week, so I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, I just wanted to post and let everyone know Mike is doing well. I hope you all enjoy the remainder of the weekend! If you need a little song to help you, take a verse from The Beatles...

I need to laugh, and when the sun is out

I've got something I can laugh about
I feel good, in a special way
I'm in love and it's a sunny day...

I love you Mike!!

decision making time - hungry anyone?

2007-01-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

At my school we are on yearly contracts, so there is no tenure and you just don't necessarily stay in the same position forever. This, I have always thought, is a great thing. It alleviates complacence and allows us to follow our "passions" and remain interested, engaged and up-to-date. This is the time of year when everyone starts thinking about what they will be doing next year. It's a crazy time and brings a lot of stress that I am finding it hard to deal with. I know that my current problem isn't really a "problem" but I'm just having a hard time deciding what to do. I know there are people out there with no options, and I have several and I really do know how lucky I am, but you know how when there are too many options in the vending machine you sometimes just can't decide if you want a Snickers, a Kit Kat or a Butterfinger (yes, Mike, I know you always opt for the Butterfinger...) - well, that's what I'm facing right now.

I could stick with what I'm doing - the Snickers, in this case. It's always good, I always enjoy it and I know what I'm doing. I could opt for the Kit Kat which would have me doing something new and doing several things and not just in my one classroom. Or, I could go with the Butterfinger and take a position I know a lot about and while it's maybe not as "involved" as the Snickers, it still involves significant planning time. My conundrum is this: I have been apart from Mike for a year (or will have been) and I am interested in taking on a position that might offer me more "outside" (quality time, if you will) time to spend with him- so like this weekend that just passed, I would spend it with Mike instead of spending 6 hours planning on Saturday and another 6 on Sunday. The Kit Kat option is new and I fear that, while it would be fun, it would be just as much work and I might miss out on all the extras that come with teaching in a classroom (i.e. peer interaction, working with kids, etc.). There is one layer of the Snickers option that I'm just unhappy with, but it is something I could live with. The Butterfinger option would allow me to teach in my passion area, an area I'm really comfortable with and knowledgeable and excited about, but it comes with a lot of outside work - which is probably less than what the Snickers option has, but still...The other thing is I REALLY need to finish my flippin' dissertation and I think that I'm just going to have to deal with the fact that it is going to take me twice as long working full time (and I don't want to work part-time, but still).

Ok, so maybe I've taken the candy analogy a bit too far, but I'm clearly obsessing and stressing about this and on top of that, now I'm hungry!!!

I love you Mike!

Lest we never forget...

2007-01-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

I return to posting today with the somber news that today in Iraq was a particularly harsh one, reaffirming the realities of war that I'm sure have hit home for all who have loved ones serving. I do not have much to say, other than that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has a family member or friend serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and my unending gratitude goes out to each and every service member who is risking so much for so many.

I love you Mike.

Happy Birthday!

2007-01-17T15:34:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish Mike's mom, Mary Lou, a very happy birthday today!

Or, as her students might have said to her today (I think): Bon Anniversaire!!

I hope you enjoy your day!

I love you Mike!

For my Virginia Beach Blogger Friend :)

2007-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Kym,

Right back at ya! ;) You're the best!

Go Chargers!!!

I love you Mike!

Yay!

2007-01-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

This might seem like an insignificant milestone, but if you look at the counters at the top of the blog you'll notice that now the "Time Left" counter is now LESS THAN the "Time in Sandbox" counter --- we have passed the halfway marker and I couldn't be happier!

We had a staff/planning day today to get ready for our respective intersession courses and our coming semester. My team-teacher/friend Amy and I are holding "High Tech High Iron Chef" as our intersession course. I went over to her house in Coronado last night and her husband taught us both knife skills...and we made homemade pasta and wonderful salads. I learned to brunoise, chiffanode, julienne, chop, mince and dice and I didn't cut myself once! I must say, learning to cook and cooking excellent, beautiful dishes is fantastic fun. I can't wait until Mike comes home and we can cook together!! This week our students will be making sushi (california rolls and such), risotto and homemade breakfast dishes (pancakes from scratch, etc.). Next week they'll be decorating cakes, working on their own knife skills with salads, making homemade ravioli and sauces and having an Iron Chef competition. The downside to this is that we have 40 kids, all day long, with no breaks and no prep periods...so it's going to be a crazy 8 days!!

Our first project of the coming semester is a HTH CSI project where our students will be acting as crime scene investigators, studying fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood spatter patterns, paint and fiber analysis and criminal psychology. In my class they'll be studying major court cases in the U.S. and the history of detective fiction. We'll be reading several Poe short stories, some Stevenson, Dickens and some current works of mystery and detective fiction. They'll also be writing their own short stories and submitting them to a few writing magazines/journals. This is only and 8 week project and we'll end before spring break, so that'll make it a bit more manageable than our entire semester-long project from the Fall - ugh! Anyway, I'm sure I'll post more on both these things as they proceed.

I've heard from Mike in emails lately and he is doing just great, but still really looking forward to being home. I don't have a whole lot to share about what he's doing...other than the fact that he's had to give up his truck and is now on-foot for the remainder of his time there. I guess they needed it for training of some sort...or someone else needed it whose truck was used for the training, I'm not sure. Anyway, it's about a 1/2 hour walk to and from work every morning...and about a 15 minute walk to where he eats lunch...so he figures he's got a lot of walking ahead of him! He was talking about wanting to work out more while he was there - I guess he got his wish! :) He certainly doesn't need to lose any weight and he looks great, but I think the "fresh air" might be good...maybe? I am sure he'll be wishing for the truck back soon enough!

Well, I hope this post finds everyone doing well.

I love you Mike!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone all the best for 2007!

I love you Mike!!

Day of rest?

2006-12-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

Today was certainly not a day of rest, by any stretch of the imagination - though I'm not complaining at all. I am still trying to get laundry done and the house cleaned before heading off to Chicago tomorrow. I'm looking forward to spending a day or so with my best friend from high school and beyond, Kim Mitchell (Begerow) who lives with her husband and daughter in a Chicago suburb. We are going to do some shopping and then Tuesday I'm getting up and heading into Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's about a three hour drive and I'm hoping to leave early enough to miss rush hour in both states...wish me luck! When I was still at Purdue Mike would fly into Chicago and we'd meet up downtown. I've promised him to go and have a drink at Ralph, one of his favorite spots there...it's a little bar inside the Polo store on Michigan Avenue. It has a wonderful hardwood bar and pictures of all the old Rat Packers - it's just tucked in there so it's not busy, but it's a fun place to stop in for. It just won't be the same without him!

Anyway, I'm sure I'll get to post some while I am away, but wanted to make sure I posted at least once before leaving. News on Mike: he's doing well, besides getting a little bit of a cold that he has dubbed "consumption" in one of his latest emails (I'm sure he's exaggerating, just a tad). He's keeping busy with work, trainings and catching up on many, many emails that he got while he was away. He has said that the weather has been colder and rainier since he's gotten back. It seems like maybe that in between stage we call Fall totally missed him and it's gone from blazing hot to really, really chilly. He did bring back a Navy sweatshirt so he'll have that on top of his warm-weather gear. He is, as always, remaining upbeat and positive, but I know that being away from home, family and friends during the holiday is just as hard on him as it is on all of us. If anyone wants and has a free a moment I know he'd love to hear what everyone is/has been up to - he may not have time to reply (he still doesn't have a regular computer on his desk), but I'm sure he'll enjoy hearing from everyone.

Well, I think that's about it for now. My taxi is coming at 5:00 am - yikes! I wish the best to everyone else braving the holiday travel in the next few days!

I love you Mike!

Holiday Spirit

2006-12-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today has been an interesting day already and I thought I'd share. I had another one of those crazy all-night LAN (local area network) fundraisers to chaperone last night. This all-nighter is after a long week of long days and nights, so needless to say, I'm exhausted! However, I got home this morning at 4:30 and couldn't fall asleep for about a half hour. Mike called at about 6:00am and I honestly have little recollection of speaking to him...and I'm sure he was laughing at me (I have a vague memory that he was) because I was totally incoherent. But, after he called I couldn't really fall back asleep and so, after about 2 hours of sleep I got up. I did some work around the house and then decided it was time to run errands. I went to the store and got a few things and by the time I returned, OB merchants were open. I've spent the last couple of hours walking from the post office, to FedEX, to the bank and several cute shops in my neighborhood...feeling as if I'm getting reacquainted with an old friend. The thing I find most pleasing about this morning is how incredibly nice and happy and cheerful everyone has been - and I mean everyone, everywhere...even those places with long, long lines! It's just nice when things that should always happen, but don't always happen, actually DO happen (does that make sense?). It's crisp in Ocean Beach this morning, and overcast...I guess rain is on the way. The waves are pretty intense and there is a great brisk breeze...and I know it's not a Michigan Christmas, but I think the weather has helped people feel "spirity" - at least it has for me! Anyway, I'm off to run more errands so I hope you all have a great day.

I love you Mike!

I'm back

2006-12-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been way too long since I've posted. Having Mike home on R&R and then jumping back into a very crazy schedule at work (we are building a museum exhibit...in a museum!!!) has left me little time to write. I have tons to say and want to include lots of detail, so that might have to take place over several blog posts. Right now, I just wanted to say hello to everyone and promise that I will start to blog again more regularly. Mike and I spent a little time in Arizona during his R&R, which was fun but pretty cold, actually. Pictures are on his camera, so I'll post some as soon as sends them to me!

I'll admit that having to say good-bye to Mike again has pretty much been one huge bummer (and that's an understatement!). It was, however, so good to have him here and spend time with him and our families. I hated dropping him off at the airport - totally sucked! I got back in the car and was, honestly, crying really hard. But then something on the radio actually helped. It's a weird coincidence, actually - or at least I think it's maybe karma?? I listen to NPR (something Mike is constantly making fun of me for, by the way) and they were playing a segment with Ben Taylor, James Taylor's son. The song that was on was "Nothing I Can Do" and the words just really, really struck me. The next song, "Digest" also had words that really sunk in and helped calm me down. I started feeling better...not good, but better. Then, after these two songs finished the local radio guy broke in and said he apologized, they had accidentally replayed a show from last week...and took us to the regularly scheduled programming of All Things Considered. I sat there amazed that their mistake was actually a blessing in disguise for me because it honestly calmed me down so much and just lifted all that sadness just enough. I promptly went home and bought those songs on i-tunes. I've shared this silly story with Mike, as well as the two songs. Now, each time I listen to these two songs (which I do daily) I think of Mike and a little smile creeps over my face...and I feel just a little bit better inside. Sorry if that's too cheesy for my blog-return, but it's the truth!

On a totally different note, I've just finished watching an excellent movie that I am going to recommend to everyone out there! It's called Joyeux Noel and was an Academy Award & Golden Globe Nominee for best foreign film...which really doesn't matter because it's just a darn fantastic movie - especially for the time of year we are approaching and all that is going on in our world today. The story is of a 1914 Christmas Eve truce between French, German and Scottish troops during WWI. I can't say enough good things about this film - and the soundtrack is equally powerful. It's a must see and is out on DVD right now.

Anyway, I hope this entry finds everyone doing well.

I love you Mike!

Mike's home on R&R

2006-11-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know Mike made it home safe and sound for his R&R. I was still out on the boat when he came in, but his parents and brother picked him up from the airport...and he's already rearranging the wine refrigerators! :)

I may not post much these next couple of weeks as Mike is home, but will try and update the blog at least a couple of times!

I hope all is well with everyone!

Happy Sunday!

2006-11-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

I just walked back from the store where I scored more quarters so that, by the end of the night tonight, I will offically be LAUNDRY FREE!! Yes, that's right, even the beach towels are downy fresh now! Pretty excited about that. I've been cleaning pretty much all weekend. It's like spring cleaning, but in the fall...so, fall cleaning, I guess. I spent most of yesterday organizing and had half of that done before I went to bed last night. I know that normal people probably just clean...but for some reason I can't do that, I must organize first and then clean. It's almost like cleaning twice, but for me, it's way less crazy because I get rid of stuff before cleaning and then really, really clean! Crazy? Probably, but the house looks nice. I go back and forth between loving the fact that we rent and hating it. Today I actually love it, I think mostly because after nearly 6 months, it's finally looking like a house - just in time for Mike to come home! :) There are a few, last minute cleaning things that I'll postpone until just before Mike arrives so that I don't undo what's been done...but other than that, it's down to laundry! Sadly, I don't have much else to talk about. I'm going to start grading now - I think I'd actually continue cleaning but I don't have a choice.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and has a wonderful start to the work week!

I love you Mike!

I'm a bad blogger

2006-11-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

I'm really sorry that I haven't kept up my end of this blogging bargain - blogging every day has gotten a little away from me.

Anyway, just a few more days until Mike is home on R&R and I can't wait! Over the holiday we have a few "busy" days, but the remainder of the time it will be nice to just relax together! I know he's looking forward to being home too...and I know that his family is super excited as well - just a whole lot of excitement going around! :)

I have half of the house ready for Mike's return...the other half is supposed to get done tonight...we'll see about that! I bought a track light system that I want to put up in the kitchen and I bought a dimmer switch (thanks to a helpful phone call to my Dad) for it too, which will be nice I think.

Two big football wins today - ND won and so did Purdue, finally! My sister and her family (hubby Nate and son Curran) were tailgating at the Purdue/MSU game. She called me from the tailgating festivities to rub in how much fun they were having. I got them back though when I reported that at 10:00 in the morning it was about 70 degrees here...she was freezing! :)

This is kinda old news by now, but I thought I'd post the picture Mike sent because he knows a few of these people...kinda cool, even though Mike's not in the picture! He thought it was pretty funny at any rate. We all saw it, I'm sure, before he did because it hit the presses while he was asleep...but anyway, he got a kick out of it!

Well, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend. Take care!

I love you Mike!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post on this spookie holiday evening! I just got a hilarious card from Mike's parents that made me laugh out loud (thanks, guys!). It wouldn't be as funny if I just told you about it, so I've scanned it in below.

and then when you open the card up and....

Isn't that hilarious? I seriously laughed out loud when I opened it up! :)

Things are getting a bit crazy. I'm expecting Mike home for his leave soon (SO excited) and then my parents are also coming out to visit, which will be great, especially over the holiday! I'm trying to get the house ready for both. I can't remember if I mentioned our roof and back porch problem in an earlier blog, but that is still under major construction. I'm hoping it's done within the next week. I'm also trying to organize other parts of the house...lots of work (fun, but work)! We are also getting ready for two exhibitions at school, one for our students' internship and one for our semester-long project. Needless to say, the days aren't long enough to get everything done. Last week I took my car in for an oil change and $400 later, had it back. Today something else went wrong, so now it's back in the shop...go figure! On top of that, I've been dealing with the smog check on Mike's Jeep...totally a pain in the ass (sorry, but it is!). Because I haven't been able to drive both cars as often as I'd like, the Jeep had a dead battery. So, I put my neighbor put a new one in so I could get to the smog check place and evidently you have to drive it around for a couple weeks before a Smog Check...which I learned when our car failed one portion of it...so I bought a new battery, spent an hour and a half in the DMV to get an extension for our plates and will be taking it back to pay for yet another smog check at the end of this week!

Anyway, I'm not really complaining even though it might seem like it. Things are really going well around here...I've got nothing to complain about!! I hope everyone is keeping busy, enjoying the awesome Fall season and taking care.

Also, for those of you who know my Grandma, please keep her in a special place in your thoughts. She's going through a move right now and isn't really feeling her usual, spunky self (she's got a better golf game than most of us!). I wish I could be there to help cheer her up...but maybe sending some happy thoughts her way will help! Love you Grandma!

I love you Mike!

ND v Navy

2006-10-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a fun game day for college football! Penn State plays at Purdue but I'm not holding my breath for a Boilermaker win there. Sadly, I'm not going to be able to watch the whole ND vs. Navy game but, once again, I am taping it for Mike, so maybe I'll watch it later (depends on the outcome, I suppose). I didn't realize that Navy hasn't beat ND since 1963! My allegiances are torn today but I hope it's a great game! Enjoy the Saturday everyone!

I love you Mike!

Go Irish...errr...Anchors Away...

Mike's Fun Day

2006-10-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we held our one and only battalion Fun Day. It was essentially a sports day geared towards taking a break from work, convoys and the caves everyone migrates to after their days are done. I played on our command staff dodgeball team. We got our asses kicked. Apparently I need to dodge more wrenches. Actually dodging wasn’t my problem. I was put out three times because I got lazy and threw floaters which the other team caught. Otherwise I was zinging them in pretty good, although I didn’t hit anyone in the face, which I was kind of hoping too. I’m glad Dad taught me how to throw a ball, both baseball and football, because some people really look ridiculous throwing anything. So in that sense I made out ok, but my team still got crushed. We were 1-4, but at least we didn’t get shut out completely. That was the only sport I played, which was a good thing because my arm was falling off afterwards. Thank God for Advil. I watched a little bit of volleyball and floor hockey, ate a cheeseburger, and was going to play basketball but a couple of rockets hit somewhere on the other side of base, so as you can imagine the fun was over. At least I got the cheeseburger in beforehand!

The Ziggurat of Ur (from Mike)

2006-10-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve last posted anything, but I guess I’ve been engrossed in work and really haven’t had much to write about. But, last week I took a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur, which is right outside one of our gates. A ziggurat is a temple, and Ur is the ancient town where Abraham and his family lived for a bit. The ziggurat itself is still standing, but most of the city is in ruins, although much of is has been excavated throughout the years. Our tour guide, who is also the site curator, is a third generation archeologist of Ur. He learned to speak English, as well as a few other languages, from reading the dictionary. Pretty impressive! We got to climb to the top of the ziggurat, which afforded us views of the surrounding countryside. A lot of sand and rocks, as you can imagine. Just beyond visual range is the Euphrates River running north-south down to the Arabian Gulf. Apparently in ancient times the Gulf came up to the shores of Ur. Anyway, after the climb up and down, we walked into the city ruins, stopping first at a small building which contains the oldest standing arch in the world. As far as you know. Inside the city we walked down into a couple of tombs, and also checked out some of the earliest forms of hieroglyphic writing on various bricks throughout the city. That didn’t take too long, as much of the city still lays unearthed. We continued our walk through the back gates of the city out to what was once an area of land in between the city’s inner and outer gates, where Abraham’s house was. Actually his father has built it (can’t remember the name, but I’m sure it’s in the bible) and after he died Abraham and Sarah lived there for awhile. The house and surrounding area has been rebuilt, which is cool in a way that you get to see what it was like, but kind of uncool in a way because it sticks out amongst the other ruins. Ah well. It was rebuilt in anticipation of the Pope visit in 1999, which was subsequently cancelled when Saddam couldn’t guarantee the Pope’s safety. After walking through the house, which was actually more like a large compound, we circled back towards the ziggurat, stopping at the palace which had once stood beside it. The square footage was as big if not bigger than the temple, but unfortunately it hasn’t survived intact like the ziggurat.

So that’s Ur and its ziggurat. I imagine one day Western archeologists will flock to the area once the country is stabilized, as they had in the 20s and 30s, but for now excavation will be slow and of course it will go unheard of while the violence continues.

Thanks for the post Mike. I love you!

Couldn't Resist

2006-10-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so darn long since I've posted. I was away for a while and then I've been super busy at work. I don't have much to say/post, but couldn't resist sharing this picture with everyone! I'm waiting for more pictures and a couple posts from Mike, but I thought this just could not wait!
Take care everyone!

I love you Mike!

Quick post

2006-10-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to write a quick post to say I won't be posting for several days. I am going on a boat trip, sailing from Long Beach to Catalina in preparation for the same trip we'll be taking the students on in November. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll write more when I return either Sunday or Monday!

I love you Mike!

Apple Cider

2006-10-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is market day here in Ocean Beach, I'm not sure if I've posted that before. When Mike is home, one of our favorite things to do is walk up to the market, nibble on some humus samples and generally just walk around and look at what all the vendors are selling. You can get great fresh fruits and vegetables at the market, and we've done that once or twice too. While Mike's been gone, I don't spend as much time up there as we used to, but I still try and go. I try and pick up a little "treat" for myself (a little piece of homemade cheesecake is usually top on my list). I also like to get fresh flowers to liven up the house. Lately, this one stand has had the best selection and so I've gone there for the past few times. However, because of my birthday last week, I had flowers from Mike and my parents and my students so I didn't go to the market. Tonight I went back and the little old vendor was so sweet, he welcomed me back, thanked me for coming and gave me a big hug! It was cute! It's not like I'm his only customer, but it felt like it...and it was nice to be remembered, you know? Anyway, I bought a beautiful bouquet of fall colors, the oranges, yellows, dark reds...they are really pretty!

Tonight I also bought a 1/2 gallon of apple cider. I LOVE apple cider. It might be my favorite thing to drink (other than wine, of course). This cider isn't bad, but it makes me miss home (Grand Rapids), where you can find the BEST apple cider of all time at Robinettes Apple Orchard. Bold statement, I know, but I think it's true. I've tasted cider from several different places and states and have yet to find one that compares to Robinettes - honestly! So, as I am sitting here tonight sipping cider and waiting for the new episode of LOST to air, I find that I am looking forward to my trip home to GR in December during which I will spend some quality time at Robinettes drinking as much cider as I can!

My own version of While You Were Out

2006-10-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

When Mike gets home for his leave, I'm hoping he's going to feel like he's been on that TLC show, While You Were Out....an extended version! Today I had yet another great day of house work. Yesterday, on my Aunt Pat and Aunt Theresa's advice I went to one of the OB antique shops and asked them where I could find the bistro table I was looking to put on our newly carpeted (clear throat) back porch. I have been looking for weeks now and couldn't seem to find anything that was relatively inexpensive or the right size or even nice looking. Anyway, this store had a wood table that was very cute, but I wasn't really looking for wood since it was for outdoors. So, she sent me to this place called Classic Consignments that, for those of you who live in San Diego, is off the Washington Street exit on the 5 (if you are heading south, it's the exit after Old Town). This place is amazing...they pretty much have everything! And yes, they had the exact thing I was looking for. I found a little wrought iron table and two chairs, all the perfect size. The set was painted white and pretty old but I got it home, sanded it, primed it and painted it black and it looks PERFECT on the porch. I also found some garden lights and hung those up around the porch. In talking with my mom tonight, I think one of the final things I'd like to do out there is get some small planters to put along the wall, just to add a bit of color. I will need to get glass to put on top of the table and some seat cushions as well, but now that I've actually gotten the table, I'm happy!

Also on my list today: towels and a new shelf for the "guest" bathroom! I had one little shelf for in there, but actually did not like it at all, and this new one is much nicer and was actually the same exact price as the other one! That is pretty much all I did today. Sadly, I did not get enough school work done, but I did get some...so I guess I can't expect to get it all in on one weekend! I submitted a proposal for a conference in Boston for the spring of next year, which would be cool. I've never been to Boston, but my cousin Mike is there right now for graduate school so hopefully he'll be there and can show me around...or at least tell me some cool places to visit!

Well, that's about all I've got for now. I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a good week coming up!

I love you Mike!

4 more hours

2006-10-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

We are 8 hours into this LAN party and I'm ready for it to end so I can get some sleep. The kids have been great and we've had a good night (and morning) so far, but I am just not cut out for staying up for a whole day! I really thought my all-nighters were over at this stage in my life! I have four more hours to go until we start the clean-up and I'm feeling very zombie-like. I'm actually only posting this in an effort to stay awake! I'll try and post more when I've gotten some sleep and am more coherent...

I love you Mike!

It's been too long..

2006-10-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I know it's been a long time (too long) since I posted last. I was talking to my sister on the phone tonight and she reminded me I hadn't posted in several days...sorry about that. The good thing is I've been keeping busy, the bad thing is...I've been really busy!

I got some beautiful birthday flowers from Mike today and a nice package from my parents too. My mom asked me what I was doing for my birthday and I told her that I was spending a very relaxing evening at home watching some good television. Might not sound too exciting, but it's really nice to just relax for a night!

I just finished watching the season premier of LOST...it was really good, but I hate that I now have to wait until next week to see what happens next. I don't think I'm patient enough for this show even though I love it so much! I'm looking forward to watching Grey's Anatomy tonight too. These are two of my favorite shows (I also love 24 and The Unit and, of course, all the Law and Order shows!).

Mike is doing well even though he hasn't been able to post anything in some time. He's keeping busy and is finally over his cold. He said that it's starting to really cool down at night, but even though it's getting cooler during the day, the temperature recently went back up a bit. He's doing much of the same things at work (sorry, I don't know details) and is reading a lot when he gets "home" at night. I know that he's really looking forward to coming home on leave in just over a month - just in time for Thanksgiving! My parents are coming out to visit during that week too, so it'll be great to have everyone around for this holiday. We'll be eating LOTS of Turkey and hopefully have lots of leftover Turkey sandwiches as well.

Well, that's about it for today. Sorry I don't have more to post. I'll try and take a picture of the flowers Mike sent and post that too...just for fun! I have another all-night LAN party to chaperone tomorrow night so I may not get to post much this weekend (I'll be sleeping most of Saturday). That being said, I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I love you Mike!

San Diego Fleet Week

2006-10-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it until I was driving downtown this morning, but SD Fleet Week is going on. This also means that, once again, the Navy Ball is coming up and once again, we will not be going. Last year I think Mike was in transition, the year before I think we were in San Francisco and I can't recall other times, but some year I will drag him, kicking and screaming, to this event...I can't resist! Anyway, lots of great ships in town right now and tons of people to remind me how much we owe our service men and women and how much we have to honor them for. All this reminded me, of course, of Mike and how proud I am of him and the work he's doing.

I love you Mike!

(next year, no excuses...Navy Ball!) ;)

Time Change

2006-10-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just an update: Until we set our clocks back here in the US, Mike is one less hour ahead of us all...not that late night phone calls are an issue or anything, but I just thought it'd be nice to know. The blog time has been updated to reflect this.

Happy weekend!

I love you Mike!

One Indiana rivalry decided

2006-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

ND 35 Purdue 21

Who am I kidding?!?

2006-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I can't just watch a game and not want someone to win...I'm way too competitive for that! And, having just watched both teams take the field I have to say I'm yelling "Go Boilermakers!" in my living room.

I know the way-more-loyal ND fans (Mike and his parents and probably my brother Tom) are rooting for the Irish...but I gotta go with my alma mater here!

Go Boilermakers!

Go Team!!

2006-09-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

BIG game day for me today...Notre Dame v. Purdue! I am going to watch the game for the pure enjoyment of football today because having a lifelong love of ND and being an alum of Purdue makes it too difficult for me to choose!

Go Team! :)

I love you Mike...and yes, I'm still taping games for you! ;)

Loving SoCal

2006-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Looking at the sky tonight is why I love living in San Diego. These pictures in no way do justice to the reality of it, but I wanted to share...it's beautiful and took my breath away...as it does every night! I wish Mike could be here to see it with me...but soon...and we'll be able to appreciate the sky together at night (and in the morning and in the afternoon for that matter) for the rest of our lives!!

Enjoy the evening everyone and have a wonderful Friday!

Nothing new

2006-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

I don't really have anything new or exciting to post tonight. I skipped out of school early today to come home because I have a killer migraine due to my ever-present muscle knot that shows up in my shoulders. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons this semester are the only time I have free periods during the day because my students are out on internship and after a meeting this afternoon at 2:30, I left to come home to my heating pad. Sadly, it hasn't helped. A friend reminded me on the phone tonight that I am just "getting old" - and even though she's older than I am already, she was quick to remind me that this time next week I'll be one year "closer to my grave" as she so eloquently put it! How nice!! :) Seriously, there are days when I forget altogether that I'm not 18...especially when I am still listening to much of the same music and watching the same television shows as my students! That being said, not much is new. My big plans this upcoming weekend are planning for school, working on the looming dissertation, writing a conference paper (yikes), cleaning my house and doing all the laundry! I was in kinda a bummer mood yesterday because I was just missing Mike more than usual, but it helps knowing he'll be coming home for a "visit" in a little over a month! It'll be hard to say good-bye again, but I can't wait to see him either...and it'll be amazing to spend Thanksgiving with both of our sets of parents together! I am hoping that this short break will help us get through the next long months apart.

I hope everyone is happy and healthy!

I love you Mike!

My weekend

2006-09-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those weekends in which you are constantly doing something and then at the end of it you feel like you haven't accomplished anything? After Friday night, I spent most of the weekend working around our house. I admit I had to call my Dad several times and I made several trips to the hardware store - actually, three hardware stores! I finally laid the carpet on our back porch. I'm pretty excited about that because it now looks great! My next project out there is to fix the lighting and to work on a little corner bistro area. Yes, Dad, I said my next project...just like you, I've always got another one in the works! :) I also worked on fixing that stupid IKEA panel system that I am using for a closet door in our bedroom. It looks looks really nice, but it was the biggest pain in the butt I've ever had to deal with!! I also fixed up the second bathroom (that one I still haven't actually used since we moved in) a bit. I still have some work to do in there, but that'll have to wait. I cleaned, did laundry and organized the garage...and I was feeling pretty good about it all until I realized last night that I had not thought about school since I walked out Friday afternoon! I spent last night working on organizing my week and I think I'm settled in and tomorrow is already Wednesday - it's crazy!!

Anyway, I hope everyone else had an enjoyable and relaxing (or productive) weekend.

I love you Mike!

Message from Mike!

2006-09-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Not much going on lately. Today is Sunday and it’s slow here at the office, as usual. I’m trying to get over a cold so the extra sleep this morning helped. Yes, I have a cold in 105 degree heat. I think going from air conditioning to blazing heat and back finally caught up to me. Ah well. So it looks like everything is all set for me to leave here November 14 for my R&R leave. I’ll get to San Diego sometime on the 16^th or 17^th, depending on how things go. I can’t wait!

Oh, Happy Belated Rosh Hashanah and Happy Ramadan! They both started this week-end. I think that’s funny. So far everything has been calm, and I don’t expect it to change. We may hear celebratory fire, but that’s about it.

On my office wall I have a Notre Dame pennant and a Purdue pennant. I took a bunch of shit last week for the ND loss, but I haven’t heard much from all the Minnesota fans on their loss to Purdue! I met a guy here in our battalion who played for MSU in 2000, and the only game he started was against Purdue. He ended up getting hurt, lost his scholarship, played Division II in Minnesota, got hurt again, lost that scholarship and ended up joining the Guard to finish up school. Unfortunately he’s been deployed so much he hasn’t had much time to take classes! Many of the guys in the battalion deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in 2002/2003 so they’ve been gone quite a bit, or I should say more than normal for the Guard and Reserves.

Anyway, I’m off to dinner - probably another cheeseburger and macaroni salad. Colleen thinks I’m weird for eating macaroni salad every day, especially since I didn’t eat it that much at home, but the four or five varieties of it here are pretty damn good. And consistent! I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger for today...

Operation Homecoming

2006-09-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Encinitas for the book reading event for Operation Homecoming, a new anthology of war writings from sailors, soldiers, marines and airman and their families from during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. It was a pretty powerful night. The San Diego MCRD band played a few songs, my favorite of which was the Armed Forces Salute. There were several active and retired service men and women in the audience and watching them stand at attention as their song was played was pretty intense for me. Being surrounded by members of my community who had served and/or have family members and loved ones currently serving gave me a real sense of belonging. I love being in a room where I know that I am connected with everyone else through my sense of pride in Mike for what he and others are doing, and have done, both currently and in the recent and distant past. I love being in a room where patriotism is the feeling du jour...where's it's normal, natural and even welcomed! It was not a political night. It was not a night where anyone (hardly) spoke of the war as the news syndicates speak of it. Instead, it was a night that emphasized the individual impact of war - how service members and their families deal with the realities of war on a daily basis. The book is filled with emails, letters, poems and stories about life, love and loss and it's both heartbreaking and uplifting at once. I was thinking about a couple things last night as I sat in that auditorium listening to the stories from these newly-made and most well-deserving authors. I was thinking about my Grandfathers who both served and how little I ever heard them say about anything traumatic. I heard many more stories from my Dad's dad (mostly because my Mom's Dad died before I was old enough to really begin asking serious questions) about how he and his buddy Sergent Wiecheck (sp?) from Ohio got in trouble one evening because they were speeding along back roads during WWII to get back to base in time to see the Red Cross movie. He told me of the V-mail he received and how much he enjoyed getting those letters - and sending them. He had lots of stories, but he only shared with me the ones that would bring a smile to my face...not the realities of what he had been through, even the heartache at being away from his family. I thought a lot about both of them last night and how much different things are now that email and Instant Messaging and phone calls have replaced the long-awaited letters arriving by post. It would be good if I could remember how lucky I am to be living and going through this experience now. I was also thinking about Mike and what stories he might have that he isn't, can't or won't share with me about this experience for him. It's hard to get inside someone's head - or dig out from your own head - those instances or memories that might be traumatic or troubling or emotionally intense in some way as they are happening. As I sat there listening to other stories, I wondered what stories Mike might be living at that very moment...it was a sobering thought. This isn't fiction, I reminded myself. In some ways it is so much better than fiction - it's real, it's life.

You can see the schedule of readings across the country if you click here...if it comes anywhere near you, you should check it out.

Is it Friday yet?

2006-09-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

I love that time is going by quickly because that means that each day brings me closer to seeing Mike again, but seriously, I NEED this weekend to catch my breath! I was talking to Mike tonight and it really does seem like it won't be that long until we see each other again, considering how quickly time is going by and how much we have on our plates in the next two months...but being that crazy busy also means that I am crazy busy!

I wanted to write tonight to thank everyone who responded to my last post...kind words are always nice to hear! To everyone who read the post but didn't comment, I hope you at least had a few moments to reflect on all the good in your worlds!

Before I sign off, I want to wish my brother, Tom, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope he had a great day and enjoys his first nights in his NEW apartment!

Take care everyone!

I love you Mike!!

Happiness

2006-09-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

There are so many things going on in our world today that are negative and terrible and that often take a front-seat in the news and in our minds that I thought it might be nice to take a few minutes to think of how much we still have to learn and be amazed about (and happy and thankful for) in our world! I'll start:

I learned today that a new species of shark was found in the waters off Indonesia. This shark evidently walks on its fins across the ocean floor. If that is not cool, I'm not sure what is! If you want to read a short article about this and other discoveries, click here. Last year I went on a sailing trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island (I'm going again twice in the next couple of months) and on this trip I was mesmerized by the huge kelp beds that I swam and snorkeled through. I hate seaweed, so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this at all. However, moving in and out of these huge, flowing walls and being surprised by all kinds of fish at each turn, I couldn't believe I hadn't done this earlier in my life! Happily, I came face to face with several beautiful fish, mostly the Garibaldi, an awesome golden, orange fish that heavily populates this area. I also met a few gorgeous jellyfish that were so beautiful I couldn't stop watching or following them. They move so gracefully in the water! I have always loved the water, but this experience just gave me a whole new appreciation for it and I am always looking forward to my next opportunity!

Another thing I'd like to share is how proud I am to be part of one of the greatest families ever! First, I'd like to share just how darn proud I am of my "little" brother, Tom (Tommy, to me). He has worked so hard to achieve his dreams and last week he finally was able to proudly stand beside my Dad in the same uniform that my Dad and Grandpa wore for the Grand Rapids Police Department. I know this has been a long, tough road for him and I am so proud of him for keeping his eye on the ball and a positive attitude throughout. Way to go Tom! Beside my brother are my parents, two of the most amazing people I've ever met. I am so proud to be their daughter! They work so hard at everything they do and they ALWAYS have time for their family - which no matter what, has always come first. I know a lot of people who cringe when they realize they are turning into their parents, and even though I joke about my quirky sense of humor (thanks Mom) and my growing love of Builder's Square and "measuring 20 times to be sure to cut once" (thanks Dad), I am more than proud to find myself growing up in the image of my parents! My sister Nicky is equally amazing to me. She is an awesome Mom who is also the best sister I could have ever asked for. We didn't always feel this way and we didn't always get along, but as we were growing up we ALWAYS looked to my mom and her sisters and hoped that we too would, one day, have that same wonderful, close relationship. I am happy to say that, even though we live far apart, I feel we do have that relationship now and I couldn't be happier. My nephew, Curran, amazes me daily. He is so happy, honest and helpful and such a great kid to be around that I feel inspired each time I see him or a picture of him and realize he is growing up to me such a magnificent young man. His mother has A LOT to do with this, but so does his Dad, my brother-in-law, Nate. Nate has been such a great role model for Curran and, with his love of life and his easy-going nature, seems to constantly put a smile on both Nicky and Curran's faces, and for that, I am forever grateful! I remember one Christmas when Curran got one of those mini-Jeeps that are so popular for kids. The first thing he did was to take a "tool", climb underneath it, and "fix it"! We have a picture floating around somewhere of Curran's little legs sticking out from under this Jeep and it is so precious! Next to Nate is my Grandma Warwick, my Dad's mom. I can't say enough about what she's done to inspire me over the years. A few years ago we vacationed in Cancun (yes, and we sipped margaritas by the pool together!) and on the plane she told me she once wanted to be an airline attendant. I loved that I learned something new about her that vacation and my respect for her and all she devoted to help keep our family (her kids, grandkids and my Grandpa) a happy and healthy family never ceases to amaze me. I only wish that, someday, I will be half the golfer that she is! :) Also in the picture is Keri, who is as much a part of our family as anyone else. She and Tommy have been - close - for a long time and I know that we all hope that they continue to grow together and lead happy and healthy lives. The only flaw I can find with Keri (but still love about her) is that she kicks all of our butts in the Christmas Craft!!! Anyway, that's my family and I have been thinking a lot about them lately. I love you guys!

I'd like to also say that I am always, always thankful that I have Mike in my life. Even though being apart is difficult (it sucks actually, no matter how you spin it), we try and make each other laugh and smile as often as possible. Sometimes we do this by telling each other (or emailing) silly jokes (A Grasshopper walks up to the bar and the bartender exclaims, "Hey, we have a drink named after you!" To which the grasshopper replies, "No Way!! You have a drink named George?!?"), or sometimes it is remembering old vacations and looking ahead to new ones, or sometimes it is just by calling each other a silly nickname. Regardless, we are constantly trying to make this deployment easier on the other person. I am lucky to have someone so considerate and loving as my boyfriend - seriously, you gotta love that mug, don't you?? Mike's family is also amazing and has pretty much adopted me while he's been gone. It's great because they live only a short way away from here so we get to see each other often and we talk often as well! Actually, I see all but his sister Erin who is following her dreams and working as a guide for tours all across Asia - how amazing is that?? Erin keeps in touch via email, but my blog is banned by the Chinese government - how funny is that?

Ok your turn now...think of all the things that you are proud of, thankful for and amazed by and enjoy the rest of your week!

I love you Mike!

Today is my day to sleep in (from Mike)

2006-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today is my day to sleep in. It’s Sunday and I don’t use my alarm clock so I usually wake up around 8 and get to work by 9-9:30. This morning the weather was awesome – sunny and around 80 degrees. It felt like 60, and it felt like a perfect fall day to watch football, or at least catch the scores on Sportscenter since we’re half a day ahead. Come to find out Notre Dame lost bad to U of M so my day is pretty much ruined. Whatever, I’ll get over it. Eventually. The Padres won so that’s somewhat comforting. Anyway, enough of sports I can’t watch at a reasonable hour. Like I said, today is Sunday and is pretty quiet around here. It’s a good day to catch up on work and not get bothered by too many people. I think the high is only going to be 109. Second day in a row, and the only two since I’ve been here, it’s been below 110. It’s getting brisk!

So Colleen and I were talking last night about the trench they are building around Baghdad. I think it would be funny if they made a moat around it and stationed archers on the towers while on the lookout for insurgents with catapults. It brings back scenes from Monty Python...and just goes to show you how ridiculous the situation is over here. Ah well, in less than two months I’ll be home on leave!

Sorry

2006-09-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a week! I got pretty busy at work and then got a little cold and so was a bit out of it. On top of this, Mike was "traveling" this week and while I was a bit nervous about that, I didn't (and still don't) have many details and so not much to say. He's back at his FOB now (thankfully) and has even had time to send me a blog post which I'll be posting in a minute.

I'm still fighting a little cold, but this afternoon I am going to the 14th Annual Sea Shanty festival at the San Diego Maritime Museum. I have lots of work to do this afternoon and am going in to school in just a few minutes so that I can work for a few hours before I get to see "Pint and Dale" perform! :)

I love you Mike!

Remembering 9/11

2006-09-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up extra early this morning and tried to post something to commemorate this day. I wrote a few things, erased them, wrote some more and kept erasing. I, like many others, remember exactly where I was that morning as I watched the second plane hit the tower and later as I watched both towers collapse. I was lucky enough not to know anyone lost that day, either in New York, the Pentagon or on any of the planes. However, I still have a hard time seeing those images and thinking about all those people who lost their lives and those survivors who lost loved ones, friends and family.

Today I had to teach 9/11 as a history lesson. I found this challenging and emotionally trying. I can not yet look at the events that unfolded that day as history - they are still too close, too painful, too fresh. Challenging too was that the students I was teaching were a mere 10 and 11 years old on that morning. Those that do have memories have vague ones, others have no memory at all. I was both sad and happy about this. I was glad that these students did not have the same emotional memories that I have from that day. But I was sad because they also were finding it difficult to even sympathize, let alone empathize, with those whose lives were changed forever 5 years ago. They made amazingly mature comments about how sad it was to see people commodify this date, taking advantage of other peoples' pain by selling photos, flags and continuously replaying the harsh images. They noted, poetically, that the great thing about the days, weeks and months after the tragedy was that everyone felt like family and pulled together but that now that closeness seems to have been forgotten. They chastised all of us (me included) who have ever thought that this tragedy has made us appreciate our lives more because, according to these amazing young people, we should all ALWAYS appreciate our lives and it should never take a tragedy for us to recognize how lucky we all are.

With or without detailed memories, each student had a perspective that opened all of our eyes just a bit wider. I admit that I have often thought back on this day and found myself thinking how grateful I am to have a happy, healthy family, a wonderful group of supportive friends and an amazing, brave and dedicated boyfriend. I still thought this today and will continue to think these things every day from here on out. As my students so appropriately pointed out, living each day like this is truly the only way to honor the memory of 9/11. Included in this for me is a continued thank you and show of support for all the men and women serving our country so proudly and all the families that stand by and support those soldiers, sailors and marines.

Thank you Mike and I love you!

p.s. - if you are interested, The Chronicles of Narmya has reposted what I think is a pretty touching memorial on his blog. It's a big file, so you have to let it load, but I think it's worth it. Click here

lazy Sunday

2006-09-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've fully recovered from the all-night LAN party yet so I haven't been very productive today. It's been a very nice day and I took advantage of that by sitting outside and reading Treasure Island, which I just finished a few minutes ago. If you've never read this classic, I'd recommend it. The next book I'm going to start is Two Years Before the Mast. Mike picked up a copy of this at the book "store" on his base and we are going to read it at the same time...just as a fun something we can do together, even while we aren't together. I think he's started it already, and I'll start it tonight.

Anyway, that's about all I have for now. Hope everyone is enjoying this lazy Sunday!

I love you Mike!

A fine SoCal day

2006-09-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I experienced my first LAN (local area network) party. I hosted it as part of a fundraiser for a trip on the Tole Mour we are taking in November with our students. This was the wildest thing I have ever seen - not in terms of "crazy" but just strange and unique. At about 2:30 in the morning (it was from 7p-7a) all the lights were off in the building and all you could see as you walked around was this blue glow coming from all the computers. I didn't actually participate in any games, but watched a few...the graphics on these games are so much better than Super Mario Brothers, which is pretty much the last video game I played. Actually, there was a period in graduate school where I got hooked on the game Silent Hill, mostly because it was scarier than any movie I had seen in a long time (and I LOVE scary movies!) and because it was fun to try and solve the puzzle of the game.

Anyway, the party went off without too much of any trouble and though I tried to get a little sleep, I didn't really succeed in doing so. I was basically a zombie much of the night and morning. I did drink several Mountain Dews, the only thing that would keep me awake as I don't drink coffee or those crazy energy drinks like Bawls.

What helped perk me up is that I got to talk to Mike this morning, which just made my day! He said he's been keeping busy and not much else by way of excitement has happened, so no worries there! I am sure that the early part of our conversation was hilarious to him because I was so out of it. I came around after awhile and started making more sense, so we ended up having an awesome conversation. Each time we talk I still get just a little sad because I just wish so much that we could be having our conversations sitting next to each other on the couch, but I am also so grateful for every phone call that it usually helps get over that sadness. Actually, today I was reading the message board on the BTB website (linked off to the side and here) and one post helped - once again - put this experience in perspective for me. This one woman was writing to her husband about how excited they were to see him...evidently he's taking his leave soon and will be home with his family for 15 days. She told him that their one daughter has her 2 bottom teeth now, that she will be turning 8 months old (Happy birthday little Brooke!) and that she looks more like her daddy every day. She also said that he'll be amazed when he sees their two-year-old daughter who is like "2 going on 20" - an image I think we can all picture in our minds! I don't know these people, but I feel a connection to them: this deployment. However, I am reminded when I read things like this, or hear about other families like them, that there are people making sacrifices that are likely much more difficult than ours. I am not saying that I do not feel Mike's absence every day or that I do not miss him more than ever. I do. I think about him and his safety and how excited I am for him to come home each and every day. But, knowing that there are fathers out there who have missed so much of their kids' lives puts things in perspective for me and helps me get through every "rough spot" that I have. I know how difficult this has been for me and I can only imagine how tough it would be on families with children. A thank you is not truly enough repayment for their sacrifices, but I want to thank them all the same!

After my conversation with Mike, and these ensuing thoughts that I've just let you all in on, I walked up to the post office to mail my weekly letter. The reason I didn't post it on Friday, as usual, was because of that LAN party. I went in to school around 6 a.m. on Friday morning and didn't get a chance to return home prior to the LAN starting...so the letter had to wait. As I was walking home, the marine layer burned off, just in time for the Notre Dame game. And here's my idea of the ideal SoCal day: I rolled the television as near my back porch as I could, set up my chair in the sun and sat outside most of the afternoon watching ND beat Penn State, 41-17. It wasn't entirely a bad game, despite that score. I was, however, hoping for a closer and more exciting game - or even second half. Regardless, it was a great afternoon! Of course, it would have been a perfect afternoon if Mike had been here watching with me. But, I cheered enough for the both of us!!

Well everyone, that's about all I have for now. I hope that everyone is having a great weekend.

I love you Mike!

Mailing packages

2006-09-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I will have more to post later today when ND beats Penn State, but for now and before I forget I wanted to provide a little hint about mailing packages to our sailors, soldiers and marines in Iraq (or, elsewhere, for that matter I think) to anyone reading this blog. So, I might be a little slow on the uptake and you all might already know this, but the post office has "flat rate" boxes in two different sizes (one boxy the other longer and skinnier) that will cost, no matter where you ship or what you put in them, only $8.88. Generally packages aren't all that much to begin with, or at least they aren't from my experience. The last package I sent Mike was the in the medium size "ready-to-post" box and it cost me around $12.00, which I thought was pretty good considering all that I could pack into it. However, my sister and my mom both informed me about this flat rate box and I checked on it when I went in this morning to mail my weekly card (which usually goes out on Friday...more on that in a later post). For those of us who want to send packages often, this flat rate box might be a better, cheaper way to do it. You can't fit as much stuff in each box, but then again, it might be more fun to send several boxes!

Hopefully this is worthwhile news for those of you who didn't already know this!

Go Irish!!

I love you Mike!

Mike's take on the "excitement"

2006-09-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

I experienced my first rocket attack a couple of days ago. It was the third or fourth since being here, but this one I actually heard and felt. A large group of us was sitting in a meeting area discussing some convoy procedures when the first rocket landed across the road from us. It felt like an earthquake, but carried a sonic boom with it. Then we heard debris hitting our roof. A second and third one followed, not as close, but close enough to hear it. And then a few more further away. What sucked is waiting for the “next” one to hit, the one to come through the roof into our meeting. I had a tanker on one side of me and an artillery guy on the other side, and they kept on saying, as we were all ducking, “Here comes another” and “sounds like another one incoming” all the while I couldn’t hear shit. The weird thing is that here is this room full of experienced soldiers and the only thing we could do to defend ourselves was to duck. Kinda funny actually. What was really funny was the chaplain who was there with us was the only one to have his helmet and body armor with him, and he immediately put it all on. The artillery guy next to me made a funny remark about the chaplain’s lack of faith, but I think it might have been divine intervention – he was the only one with the forethought to bring his armor! Ah well, it’s all funny now that it’s over and no one got hurt. Hopefully that’s the last one for awhile though.

Prelim Flowers Part Deux

2006-09-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Mike sent me MORE flowers to help me celebrate passing prelims. It was certainly unnecessary but also a very welcome surprise! He's so sweet! It's nice to know that no matter how far apart we are we are always still thinking of each other. In his card he called me his "brilliant professor" and I just wanted to say that he too is my "brilliant sailor" so we are an even pair (though I'd add brave to his card and I can't take credit for that, so he'll always be one up in my book)!!

I love you Mike!

Politicians...Ugh!

2006-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

I did it to myself again so I really shouldn't complain, but I'm going to. This morning I've been watching Meet the Press and Rick Santorum and Bob Casey are the guests. Poor Tim Russert. Seriously, I don't know how he doesn't just reach over the table and smack both of these guys in the head! To leave my own political bend out of this, I won't tell you which one I think fared better on the show...but I really think one guy did outshine the other! I have a problem with politicians in general because it seems they NEVER directly answer a question. If the question calls for a Yes or a No response, why can't they be like ALL OTHER PEOPLE and give a straight answer. Also, if they are asked questions like: What are a few of the programs you'd cut to help balance the budget? or Would you vote to start removing troops from Iraq by the end of the year? they never actually answer the question. They skirt the issue, or they bash the "other" guy or they direct the question to a totally different topic, but they NEVER actually answer the question. It's infuriating! Another reason why I've nearly lost respect for all politicians is because they really are MEAN. Why is this necessary? These two guys are sitting right next to each other on the show and they are flat out being mean and rude to one another. Why should we vote for them? What kind of role models are they if they acting like this? Why should I entrust these people to make any major decisions that will affect MY life when they are acting like spoiled, bratty little kids? I half expected them to revert to the "Your Ugly" argument - I'm not kidding! I'm actually still watching the show now and they are literally fighting right now...how is this productive?!? As much as I have gotten angry watching them skirt the issues and be mean to one another, it mostly just makes me sad. All I can say today is that I'm glad I'm not voting in Pennsylvania during these midterm elections!

Hail Purdue

2006-09-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

- Chorus -
Hail, Hail to Old Purdue,
All Hail to our Old Gold and Black,
Hail, Hail to Old Purdue,
Our friendship may she never lack,
Ever grateful, ever true,
Thus we raise our song anew,
Of the days we've spent with you,
All Hail, our own Purdue.

- First Stanza -
To your call once more we rally,
Alma Mater, hear our praise!
Where the Wabash spreads its valley,
Filled with joy our voices raise,
From the sky in swelling echoes,
Come the cheers that tell the tale,
Of vic'tries and your heroes,
Hail Purdue! We sing. All Hail!

- Second Stanza -
When in after years we're turning,
Alma Mater, back to you,
May our hearts with love be yearning,
For the scenes of old Purdue.
Back among your pathways winding,
Let us seek what lies before,
Fondest hopes and aim e'er finding,
While we sing of days of yore.

Notre Dame Victory March

2006-09-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Rally sons of Notre Dame:
Sing her glory and sound her fame,
Raise her Gold and Blue
And cheer with voices true:
Rah, rah, for Notre Dame
We will fight in ev-ry game,
Strong of heart and true to her name
We will ne'er forget her
And will cheer her ever
Loyal to Notre Dame

Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory.

Fall and Football!

2006-09-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year...college football season! I love Fall weather (even in San Diego) and I love the excitement of college game days! I really wish Mike were here so that we could enjoy this season together, we always have such a good time watching the games together! But it really doesn't matter where we are, or what we are doing, we always have an awesome time together! When my parents come out in November (yay!) we'll take a trip to Julien and have some awesome apple pie and apple cider - then it'll really feel like Fall! I'll probably even bring a bunch of cider back home with me so that I can light spiced candles, sip cider and watch the games from my living room. If it's not clear, Fall is my absolute favorite time of year!!

I did talk to Mike this morning on the phone and he is doing well. They had a little "excitement" it seems at his base yesterday but luckily everyone is safe and no injuries!! He did say it was little nerve racking just waiting. Afterwards he said he and the other guys he was with were talking about what it might have been like in the trenches during WWII. I think they were all pretty glad to be behind concrete! Anyway, his mind quickly turned to football - and he reminded me to tape the Nortre Dame game for him today. I'm not going to be sending them to him because he doesn't have a way to watch them, but he'll certainly enjoy watching game after game when he gets home...kinda like his very own ESPN Classics series! :)

Well everyone, I'm sorry I haven't been more regular at posting. Things got a little crazy these last couple of weeks. Hopefully now that school has started, things will get back to a more regular schedule!

Hope all is well with everyone. Enjoy the games!!

I love you Mike!!

I passed!

2006-08-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

I found out today I passed my prelims!! Next step...finish that dissertation! :)

I love you Mike!

Mike on wine

2006-08-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

The wine dinner sounds awesome! Normally I can’t check the blog from work (I have to do it from the MWR computers) but Colleen emailed me her posting which contained the menu and wine list. Needless to say I’m jealous and have been craving good food and wine for quite sometime. Cheeseburgers, nameless casseroles and mystery meats aren’t cutting it, and Gatorade and bug juice don’t have much of a kick. Ah well.

So I figured I’d share my thoughts from the wine dinner I didn’t attend. Colleen and I have had a sparkling wine from the Prosecco region before, and I think we may still have some at home, unless we drank it all before I left. Not sure. Actually I think some went into a pitcher of sangria. Anyway, it was very good. I have not had the Nino Fanco though. The first course, the carpacio and sauvignon blanc, sound like an interesting mix. I’m not sure what came over me the last month in San Diego but I actually bought a Rose or two and found a few whites at tastings to be more palatable than usual. Not enough to totally win me over though. The second course sounds even better and I’d like to try that Pinot from Oregon. We haven’t had a bad one from the Willamette region yet. The salad looks unique, as usual for Bacchus, but Colleen said the Rosso was musky and dark so I wonder how that matched up. The main dish sounds amazing, and I bet the Syrah was excellent with it too. I don’t remember seeing Sinor-La Vallee up in Paso, but next time up there we’ll be sure to stop. The dessert sounds a bit fruity for me, but I’m sure I’d handle it with the port.

Now I still encourage Colleen to attend future wine dinners until I get home, even though she said she won’t. I think she should, and buy more wine in the process!

More from Mike

2006-08-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

Pluto getting dumped bull%$@&! How will people adapt now to only 8 planets?! I liked having nine planets. Nine is a more comfortable number than eight. Will the Disney character go away? What happens to the old science books with outdated information about the solar system? I wonder what G.W. thinks about it right now? I have no idea why that idea just popped into my head. I wonder what G.W. is thinking about Iraq? I wonder if someday this will become a permanent forward operating base, much like our bases in Japan, Germany and Italy. We call the naval forces in Japan the Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF). Maybe Iraq will turn out to be the same for the Army and Air Force. What better way to keep an eye on Iran? Or maybe things will turn out just swimmingly over here and Basra will become the Cotes d’Azur of the Arabian Gulf. The cradle of civilization will become the tourist destination for northerners from the US and Europe. Bibleland will open in Baghdad and fine wine will be made from apricots! OK, maybe not...for awhile at least.

bye bye Pluto

2006-08-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's official - Pluto is no longer a planet. It is hereafter to be considered a dwarf planet. I have to admit, I have always been fond of the planet Pluto and I am not sure how I feel about its downgrade. I am curious, however, to see how quickly textbooks change and how much money these changes will cost...not that books aren't already expensive enough! I found myself faced with this problem today actually. I had planned on starting out the year reading Longitude (the book I talked about in an earlier post) but a class set is going to cost me over $650.00! That's WAY over my course budget for the year!! I'm applying for a grant that will hopefully cover a portion of it, but I will not get that for weeks at best, and so I'm now considering other options to begin the year. I have a few ideas and I'm not entirely upset that this one book will have to wait, but I find it really ironic/amusing/annoying that getting books to use in the classroom is remarkably expensive and difficult! On top of this, if I spend my very limited budget money on class sets of books that, once bought, are no longer my property...and then I have spent money that I could use for trips or other classroom supplies! I can't remember exactly what I spent on books and materials last year, but it was close to (and by close, I'm thinking it was over) the cost of this one set of books!! I can't believe it and I know it's even worse for other teachers - crazy!!

So, last night I went to a wine dinner with another teacher and her husband (Amy and Patrick). Actually, Mike and I met them last year at a wine dinner at this same place and then Amy came in an applied for a job at my school - and the rest, as they say, is history! Anyway, I know Mike was really bummed that he couldn't attend this dinner and I've promised not to go to another one until he returns, but the menu was great and I thought I'd share, for lack of anything better to write about! And no, Mike, I did not leave with any bottles of wine, but they have TONS of new stuff and you're going to go crazy when you come home and see it all! :)

We began with finger foods and a NV Nino Fanco Prosecco di Valdobbiaddene from Italy (like a champagne)...then dinner began.

Carpacio Toscano a thinly sliced filet mignon with arugula and shaved parmigiano reggiano paired with a 2005 Honig Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley

Penne Cornelia a penne pasta with mushrooms, peas and fresh basil in a rose cream sauce paired with a 2004 Cardwell Hill Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley Oregon

Insalata di pere mixed baby greens salad with thinly sliced pears, imported cheese and our light house dressing paired with a 1999 Mazza Rosso Toscano from Italy

Rotolo Lombardo a beef roll stuffed with proscuitto, fontina cheese and a tomato caper sauce paired with a 2003 Sinor-La Vallee Syrah from Paso Robles

and then dessert...
Zuppa inglese a pastry cream with fresh fruit paired with Graham's 10 Year Tawny Porto from Portugal.

My thoughts:
As I said, this dinner was great! I was not impressed at all with the Mazza Rosso. It tasted a bit too musky and flat, but other than that each of the wines were excellent and paired with great choices in food. Although I really hate peas, the penne cornelia was very tasty and the cream sauce matched the Pinot perfectly! The rotolo lombardo was, by far, the highlight of the meal and, even though I was pretty full by the time that course came out, I ate nearly the entire thing! My goal is to try and replicate this dish and I might have to butter up Francesco (the owner of Bacchus, where the dinners are held) a bit to get his trade secret! I also loved the dessert, mostly because it had great fresh kiwi and strawberries in a very smooth and light custard cream that complimented the port well. Ah, but this dinner was not nearly as good as it could have been if Mike had been sitting by my side and comparing his tasting notes and thoughts with mine! After a few of these dinners and other tastings, Mike and I decided to host our own wine bonanaza (his word, not mine!). We had the best time planning it all out and creating our food (we kept it pretty light at some really great cheeses and meats and also some fruit and chocolate) and wine lists. Our pours were also a tad too big and pretty much everyone got drunk, which was very fun but not really the point! ;) We were going to do another dinner the day after we moved into this new apartment and just before Mike deployed, (yes, it was a crazy idea) but the timing just wasn't right. So, we're both looking forward to his coming home and kicking the planning back into gear! This time, smaller pours!!

Well everyone, hopefully you've had a great work week and have nice plans for the upcoming weekend. I'll be planning for classes that begin on Monday!

Take care everyone!

I love you Mike!

Thank God for Cloud Cover (from Mike)

2006-08-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Thank God for cloud cover. It was only 100 degrees today, and now that I’m on foot that makes a huge difference! I had to turn my wheels in, and my new one is in the shop getting worked on. No big deal, the walking has been good for me. It’s 32 minutes from my front door to my office. And since I do the walk early in the a.m. and later in the evening I don’t feel the full brunt of the 120 degree midday heat. Plus I usually stop for chow on the way home, so I get a break halfway. Speaking of chow, last night I ate noodles and braised beef, just like on the ship. Weird. I’ve been eating a lot of cheeseburgers and sandwhiches because the quality of food on the “main line” isn’t the best. They do make a good macaroni salad. And they have ice cream every night. 8 flavors to choose from! Friday is steak and lobster night, which is decent, but your wallet with enough A-1 will taste decent, ya know?

Other than the break in weather not much else is new. Colleen sent two books and I’ve started the first called The Warlord’s Son. So far it’s been pretty good and it’s been easy to read. Nothing complex for me right now – my brain won’t handle it. I think I’ve read four books since leaving in June: Paris (a biography of the city), In Cold Blood, The Crocodile and In the Belly of the Green Bird. Thanks to Colleen for helping me to remember the names of the last two! I recommend all of them, but Green Bird is a pretty unique book in the sense that it’s by an American reporter with a Jewish last name who was imbedded with the Iraqi insurgents. Good stuff! Enjoy!

Hump Day

2006-08-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

(fyi, I wrote this Tuesday but have added a couple things and am posting it Wednesday...)

Being back to work I realize just how quickly the weeks go by - tomorrow is mid-week already! Classes officially begin on Monday, but this week has been full of all the planning and getting ready. If it's not as tiring as when classes are in, it runs a close second! Overall, things are going well though and I am looking forward to a couple really cool opportunities for this semester - especially a couple of trips that, once I know more, I'll be sure to post about. I'm also a bit anxious because I should be hearing the results of my exams sometime next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I've passed and can move on to the next phase - writing crunch time! I'll keep you posted on that as well!

I just got off the phone with Mike and it was so good to hear his voice! It always is, but I just can't get enough, you know? Our emails have been sporadic at best because he's been pretty busy at work and, again, doesn't have email access at his desk or at "home" yet. We've also had some connectivity trouble where some of our emails haven't been going through. This is tough because we rely on email so much to keep in touch. Hopefully the bugs are worked out and that stops happening. Mike said he's been walking a lot since they gave away his humvee to some other people who, it sounds like, needed it a bit more. He's hopeful he'll get another mode of transportation soon, but until then, he's hoofing it! In our conversation tonight I was reminded, once again, that I can't take anything the news back here says at face value. We don't usually spend a lot of time rehashing news or current events, but every once in awhile, I'll tell him what I've been hearing on the news circuit here, just to get his perspective - even though he really can't actually share much because most of what he knows or sees falls under that blanket of security he's not allowed to discuss! But, tonight I was telling him that the last couple of days they have been making a big deal about Bush's recent comments that we'll be staying in Iraq through his Presidency, that things are terrible in Baghdad and all over and that we are calling up "thousands" of reserve troops "involuntarily". Mike reminded me, however, that pretty much all reserves are 'involuntary' in the respect that they are not on active duty. But, I don't think this is what the news is talking about. In an email, Mike said this:

I can't access the blog from work but I was talking to Steve (my officemate!) about it and he seemed to think they were IRRs, or Inactive Ready Reserves. IRRs are guys who have just gotten out of the service but remain inactive for a period of usually 4 years in case something happens. Everybody that is active duty has to do it. So when I get out I'll have 4 years of waiting around…[in a later email] If you're in the military, active or reserve or IRR or guard, you shouldn't complain when your number gets called. That's my two cents anyway. :)

As to the other parts of current news speculations, I don't know if you've been reading the other blogs on our Navy Bloggers list, but they also help give a little different perspective on things. For example, this evening I heard someone (can't recall who) on the news say that their turning over any security forces or authority to the Iraqi police or Iraqi military forces is impossible and a long way from happening. However, if you read this articl e and others that have been recently posted on the Desert Periscope blog you'll realize that we really are only hearing the grim details about what's going on in Iraq. I think this is the very unfortunate nature of the American news media "if it bleeds it leads" mentality. It's very hard to gain perspective when you are only hearing one side of a story.

Well everyone, I'm trying to get back in the habit of going to bed early...which is very tough to do! I hope everyone is doing well and has a great day!

I love you Mike!

Sorry!

2006-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not writing in the last couple days. Time just got away from me. I was hoping to have a picture to put up from Mike, of the sandstorm that hit his base a couple days ago, but he hasn't gotten to send one yet. He did not have his camera with him, but others at work did and he said that they got some good photos. Evidently they watched it roll in and it was a pretty cool sight. Luckily he was able to get a ride home from another guy he works with!

Last night I was invited to see an awesome band, Las Rubias del Norte. One of the percussionists is married to the daughter of one of the Green's family friends (Wendy) and so we joined them for dinner and then attended the show later that night in North Park. The music was invigorating and the two vocalists were amazing. They played a lot of Peruvian songs and a couple Cuban songs, along with several others that were excellent. I have to send out another thank you to Neil and Wendy for allowing me to tag along and for giving me a copy of their CD, Rumba Internationale. I'm actually looking forward to getting their new CD and then sending it to Mike so he can listen in as well! I found myself humming a few of the songs during the day today. One of my favorites from last night was a song called "Baby" which was beautiful, and really made me think of Mike. So, also a thanks to the band for a great concert and great memories!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and has a smooth start to this coming week!

I love you Mike!

comments on a day

2006-08-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today was officially "back to school" for me, even though we only had meetings in the morning and classes don't actually begin until the 28th. It feels like summer just began and Fall actually isn't "Fall" anymore, but late summer. I am one of those weird people who get excited about the beginning of each school year - the new students running around, the excitement about classes and best of all, the school supplies!! No kidding, I love school supplies and I make many runs to Staples and Office Depot to stock up on a lot of stuff I could probably live without.

After our meeting today I decided to run a few errands. I finally ordered our platform bed (which we've been just procrastinating on) at West Elm and also went into Borders and walked out with several books. One book I picked up on a whim was Fiasco by Thomas Ricks. I realize that this book is probably filled with biased, unsubstantiated opinions that will annoy and anger me, but I couldn't resist. Who knows, maybe it'll end up being all right. If I actually make it through the book, I'll let everyone know. I did just finish reading Longitude by Dava Sobel, a great little book (175 pgs) about the history behind the quest to find longitude at sea. Sometimes it seems to jump around a bit, but overall, it is a good read that I'd recommend.

When I was leaving OB to head out on these errands, I noticed the first weird thing of the day. My wonderful Jetta was on E and so I pulled into the Shell station to fill up and paid $3.25, relatively inexpensive for SD in recent times. But, as I pulled out I remembered that the local OB Gas station up the street (the way I was headed) had gas for $3.09 and I was a little disappointed I had forgotten this before shelling out more money! So, when I got up to the corner of the OB Gas station I noticed that I had been right about the cost of gas, but also noticed it wasn't a local OB gas station anymore, but was now an Exxon station! In OB? For those who don't know, Ocean Beach is pretty much the "local" of local spots...a place that Mike describes (with love) as "where the ghetto meets the sea". Now, OB is great, and it's not "ghetto" in a bad sense, it's just that it's about as laid back as you can find. In fact, when they had a Starbucks come to Newport Ave (our main street), people protested! Everything is local - the local grocery store, local bars, local food, local flower shops...local! I don't know why this actually strikes me as strange or important, but it's just a little less like OB with another BIG name around I guess!

The second weird (but good) thing I noticed today was while I was at our weekly OB market tonight. I went to pick up some fresh flowers and noticed that on all the street light posts in OB there are now cigarette butt containers sponsored by Surfrider Foundation. I think this is a GREAT idea, but I wonder how much use they will get. These containers aren't as ugly as one would think, but I just hope that they actually work to help clean up our streets!

Other weirdness of the day: JonBenet Ramsey's supposed-killer arrested in Thailand, a guy who is a 2nd grade teacher...where do these sick weirdos come from?!?

A flight coming from London diverted to Boston instead of DC because a woman had a panic attack. On TV they showed all the luggage being checked, bag by bag, on the runway. What are they reporting? That she had hand creme on her...a "no-no" according to recent security upgrades.

On my drive from GR to Chicago I heard an NPR story about how Pluto might lose its planet status...and today they've reported that it will likely NOT lose that status and we might have 3 MORE planets added to the list...if this is true, what will my new mnemonic be?

And, in local news...the U.S. Coastguard arrested one of the Arelanno-Felix drug cartel family members while he was returning from Deep Sea Fishing off Baja. This is could be big for TJ security and a big bust for the war against the drug cartels but I wonder...was he really only fishing out there?

OK, that's all I have for tonight. I hope you've all enjoyed reading Mike's recent posts. He said he's got another one he'll be sending soon, so I'll post that when I get it too. Oh, and after reading another Navy blog (Dried Squid), I'd like to post a link to a game I've wasted many hours playing (in grad school, especially during exam time!). It's Penguin baseball, and I have no idea what the record is...I'm terrible at it! I'm sure animal rights activists would HATE this game, but I assure you, no penguins or yetis were harmed in the making or playing of this game!

That's all for now folks. Hope all is well with all of you!

I love you Mike!

I have a new friend

2006-08-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have a new friend – his name is Cedric. He’s a gnome. Colleen sent him. He’s a very interesting character. He offered to go out in town to buy beer but I told him that it’s against regulations here so he went out by himself and got drunk. Iraqis aren’t as conservative or strict as one might think. They like their apricot wine just as much as the next fellow. I think that’s what Cedric got into. He’s sleeping now, but I did manage to wake him for a bit and get a few pictures of him in my office. He was a little upset that I woke him, but I offered to take him to the chow hall later and get him potatoes and a salad. I guess gnomes like veggies. He was pleased. I am too. It’s nice to have a gnome in

Iraq

to talk to.

Thanks Colleen! ;)

Mike's trip outside the wire

2006-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

August 13, 2006

So my trip outside the “wire” was rather uneventful, but an eye-opener nonetheless. They told us during our IED training to look for trash and tires and piles of dirt and rocks and things that look out of place, because those are the hiding spots for IEDs. Well, there’s trash and tires and piles of dirt and rocks all over the place! It’s kind of unnerving, but I guess you just go with it and here I am now safe and sound. I give all the credit in the world to the kids who do this day in and day out, in 120 degree heat with 80 pounds of shit on protecting supply convoys for 12 hours at a time in the middle of the night looking for buried IEDs while insurgents, local thugs and others of the sort take shots at them with small arms and rockets. It’s a little ridiculous if you ask me. Anyway, like I said, my trip was uneventful because we went south during the day where not much is going on. The radio relay points are set up sort of like a hunting lodge. They’re very Spartan, with running water in the makeshift kitchen, but not in the outhouses. Laundry is done in a machine but hung up to dry outside. All are equipped with huge grills, and we put them to use. We had chicken wings for lunch and steak, peppers and potatoes for dinner. Better than the Dining Facility back here! After dinner the Iraqi interpreter who works out there brought us flat bread, rice and a sauce that was similar in color and taste to curry but not as thick. We poured the sauce in the rice and then scooped it with the flat bread. Excellent! Afterwards I had to put my 80 pounds of shit back on to return to Tallil and I’m really surprised I fit! So that’s really about it for my trip outside Tallil. Oh, except for the cars going the wrong way on the other side of the highway. Cars are not allowed to pass military convoys, otherwise they meet the wrong end of a .50 caliber round, so what they do is cross into oncoming traffic and speed by in the far left lane (which would be the far right if they were coming at you!) and then cross back ahead of you. It was pretty comical the first time I saw it happen! But like I said I’m back safe and sound so Colleen and mom and dad can stop worrying for a bit. Ah, what’s really funny is that while I was in harm’s way (not really) outside the wire, the base got mortared! Ha!

I love you Colleen!

end of Mike's note, but here's some pictures from him. I realize that they are certainly self-explanatory, but I've added captions anyway:

Mike's bed

Mike's closet

Mike's office

Kudos to our airports!

2006-08-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well, finally back in San Diego after some interesting travel experiences to and from Chicago! If you've seen or read the news from last week, you know of the foiled plot that hit the press the morning I was leaving for Chicago. I'll be honest, I was expecting chaos. However, things ran relatively smoothly and mostly everyone was in good spirits. Lines were long, but people were pleasant and courteous. The airport personnel were excellent and TSA people were very visible. I did get bumped from my original flight out of SD, putting me into Chicago at 11 pm - too late to get any Quonset pizza...such a bummer!!! Kim picked me up at the airport (and that was crazy - major traffic!) and we drove back to her house, but with all the traffic, didn't get into her place until about 1 am, at which point we both were exhausted! The rest of the weekend was great. I spent the weekend up at the cottage with my family, had BBQ ribs for dinner on Saturday night, tried to go to a rodeo (no kidding, but it was closed, but I did get a picture of a bull if anyone cares to see it!) and rode down the river on Sunday with my brother Tom, sister and brother-in-law, Nicky and Nate and my nephew Curran (he's 7) in a raft called The Party Raft which was amazingly stable and lots of fun. The current wasn't as quick as we thought though, so starting late in the afternoon was not our best idea!! Monday I tagged along with my dad at the GRPD and went on a ride-along with one of the forensic techs to print and photograph a handful of cars, apartments and businesses who had fallen victim to some thefts. It was pretty interesting, or at least it was to me! The drive back to Chicago was uneventful (in a great little Ford Focus) and the drive into Chicago this morning had the usual traffic and usual crazy drivers, but other than that, nothing major. I got to the airport this morning extra early, expecting it to be busier than when I left SD. However, once again, I was pleasantly surprised at the way things are being handled. Lines were long but again, people were happy and helpful. Airport security is still high, but they are doing a GREAT job helping people out and keeping them informed. Anyway, I thought that traveling this weekend would have been insane, but it wasn't and that was great!

I have a post from Mike that I'll be putting up in a few minutes. It's far more interesting than this one, and it has pictures! :)

Hope all is well with everyone!

I love you Mike

bon voyage!

2006-08-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - happy Thursday! Mike made it to and from his destinations yesterday without incident, thank goodness! I spoke with him this morning and he seems to be in pretty good spirits (he laughed a lot, which was great to hear), though he is still a bit tired from the trip I think. I think he's working on another post that we'll put up in the next couple of days, as he still doesn't have internet access, it might be a bit. That being said, I'll wait and let Mike fill everyone in on what's been going on in his corner of the world.

I am happy to report that I am officially DONE with my prelim exams, though I won't find out if I passed until the week of the 28th sometime (keep your fingers crossed for me!). With those out of the way, and not having to report back to school until next Wednesday, I'm heading back to Michigan to spend some time with my family. Actually, I'm flying in and out of Chicago and spending a couple nights with my best friend from high school and college, Kim, and her hubby Derek and their little daughter, Mia (oh, and I can't forget Kim's sister Katie who is working the summers in Chicago until she heads back to everyone's favorite college - Notre Dame!!). The rest of the weekend I'll be spending up at my family cottage, on the Muskegon River. It's amazing up there and it's also amazing what my parents have done with the place - especially considering that it was basically a hut when they got it...but a hut w/a great river view! :) Actually, the last time I saw it the entire kitchen and first floor bathroom were gutted and my parents were redoing everything. So, needless to say, it'll be pretty different when I see it this time around! I'll be sure to put up pictures (mostly for you, Mike).

Anyway, the plan was to head to the airport with only an hour to spare (which is pretty typical here in SD), but after the news this morning, I suspect the security lines to be much longer and I'm heading out to the airport shortly...just wanted to post first. I will be able to check email and post if Mike sends me his post, unless it happens to be Saturday afternoon, when I'll be sitting in a tube, floating down the river with a bunch of other crazy people (namely, my brother, sister and brother-in-law!)...hopefully with a beer in my hand!! Sorry, Mike, I'll have two beers, one for me and one for you! :)

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

I love you Mike!

A message from Mike...finally! :)

2006-08-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

August 9, 2006

Greetings from Tallil! I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything, or much less written anyone, but I’m finally settled in and doing about as well as one can in Iraq. As Colleen has posted before, I’ve been assigned to the 1/34 Brigade Troops Battalion, which is a National Guard and Reserve unit out of Minnesota. Needless to say the accents have been funny which makes all of them really hard to take seriously! But they’re all good people and all have been really supportive of my mission and have taken care of the lone sailor in the bunch.

We’re located at Camp Adder, Tallil, which is outside An Nasariyah, about halfway between Baghdad and Basra. That means we’re south, and that means it’s fricking hot! 115 is normal, and the past few days it’s been 120+. I’m really looking forward to winter. Anyway, the base is decent – we have one dining facility with pretty decent food (tons of ice cream and cheeseburgers), an Italian pizza place (lots of Italians on base; Australians and Bosnians too), a good size gym, internet cafes, phone centers and a PX. Oh, almost forgot Burger King, which isn’t very good. Pisses me off. My living “can” is pretty nice though. After ten years in the military I finally have a room to myself, and leave it to the Army to provide me with it! The heads (latrines in the Army) and showers are a 10 second walk, and we even have a laundry service with a 24 hour turn around. No maid service though, but I sleep in my Army issue sleeping bag so it doesn’t take much to straighten my room in the morning. So all in all this place isn’t too shabby. I could definitely be stuck in worse places.

Today I’m going outside the “wire” for the first time, out to visit some of our Radio Relay Points to give those guys training on what I do and on some of the systems that I was called over here to help them out with. Should be an interesting trip. Not sure what to expect really. We’re going south, which has been relatively quiet in terms of asshole insurgents, but you can’t really relax because you never know what to fully expect. Well, I don’t know, this is all new to me, but like I said, it will be interesting for sure.

That’s about it for now. With a little luck I’ll have internet connectivity in my room shortly and will then have zero excuses for writing anyone!

I love you Colleen!

The Fridge

2006-08-07T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I don't have news nearly quite as exciting as say, finding out your are expecting a baby girl like some other bloggers (and congrats again!), but I thought I should post something today regardless. I did get a chance to talk to Mike this morning and he's doing well. He finally got in touch with the computer guy who will be hooking up a line so that he can get online more often, but I'm not sure when that's actually taking place....we'll see. His big news? He's sweeping out his office tomorrow because what he calls the "cockroachgrasshopperlocust thingys" are getting a bit out of control. As much as I LOVE bugs, the thought of these little indestructible critters crawling all over the place is a bit disgusting! He's also looking forward to playing the games that come on his i-pod, which he just learned were there...sounds like lots of fun, huh? As far as work goes, things seem to still be going well. He's fully in the swing of things now, which I know he's happy about because it keeps him busy. And, those of you worried that he's not getting enough to eat...last Saturday when they had their weekly working dinner, he ate an entire pizza! So, no worries there!! However, when he finally can get on a computer, we'll/he'll/I'll post more on work and more about life at the FOB.

At home, we got the fridge today. It's funny because it seems a bit out of place - it's pretty big, but really nice. I had to laugh as I was sitting on the kitchen floor trying to figure out how to put it all together...who knew you had to put a fridge together!?! The only drawback is that you can't hang magnets on the front of it...which really cuts into our clutter collection! They do hang on the side, so I had to go through and put only our favorites up and no more little notes and random stuff up there anymore - this ONE place will be clutter free!
I know, it's totally stupid to put pictures of a refrigerator up on this blog, but how else is Mike going to see it? I mean, I can't very well describe a fridge...it's black and silver and looks like...a fridge. So, you'll have to suffer through these silly pictures for now. So, those are our favorite magnets and a few funny cards and postcards. My favorite cards ever are MikWright. They take old, real photographs and put some of the craziest, funniest captions in them. The most "appropriate" one that we have up right now is the one with the smiling sailor standing next to his bunk and the caption inside reads "If you think I'm gonna spend another six months cooped up with a bunch of half-naked, sweat-drenched, foul-mouthed strangers...you're right!" It's an all-occasion card that probably most people who aren't in the Navy wouldn't find funny...but we did and so we hung it up.

Well folks, that's about all the excitement I have for now. I'm still plugging away at my prelim exam, which ends Thursday, thankfully! I spent most of the morning at the UCSD library reading through books that can't be checked out of the library and that probably nobody has bothered to read in years - lucky me! Anyway, I hope everything is going well for everyone out there and I hope you all enjoy a wonderful week!

I love you Mike!

Happy Friday!

2006-08-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have very little to post tonight but wanted to put up a couple pictures from Mike's disposable camera. There are a whole lot of pictures of tents and palm trees and sand in the bunch, but until he tells me what those things are, I don't want to post those. So for now, here's a couple that we can recognize.

Mike in Saddam's chair in the palace in Baghdad:

If you click on it the picture should get bigger. I don't know if you can tell or not, but his hair is SO short. When I saw this all I could think of is this adorable picture that is on his parents' kitchen counter at home of him, his brother and sister when they are really young - his hair in that picture is long and blonde and curly. It's so cute! Of course, I still think he still looks cute here, but what a difference, huh? Maybe I'll try and get a copy of that picture and put it up too...Mike probably won't like that! :)

This is another picture of Mike inside the palace. It's a bit dark, but I thought I'd put it up anyway. Even though it's dark, it's a pretty cool shot I thought. I am glad that he'll be getting the digital camera soon (hopefully) and so maybe we'll be more pictures that are a bit more clear and zoomed in! Regardless, I'll take what I can get at this point.

Well, I'm off to work on my exams for a couple more hours tonight. It's slow-going at this point but for this portion of the exam I have until next Thursday, so it allows me to work on it several hours every day. Oh, good news from the apartment front - we are getting a BRAND NEW refrigerator! There are many drawbacks to renting, but I really think this is one of the great benefits. Whenever something goes wrong our awesome landlords (Doug and Steve) are right there to help out! It comes on Monday and I can't wait! I joked with Mike in an email earlier because one of the things he always does is leave empty ice cube trays in the freezer and this new one has an automatic ice maker! We'll never have that problem again - how exciting!!

Well, hopefully everyone has/had a great Friday and enjoys the weekend. Oh, by the way, I've put up a "guestbook" off to the side, so if you get a moment and can sign in so we can see everyone who has visited, that would be great!

I love you Mike!

Milestone!

2006-08-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this 1 month mark for some time now (30 days to be precise) and it's finally come and gone! Although Mike has been gone for more than a month, our blog countdown started when the 365th day began. Why? It was just easier that way I guess. Anyway, we've passed the 30 day marker and Mike is getting settled and keeping busy at his FOB and we are 31 days closer to his coming back home!

I finally got the disposable camera he's had and will take that and will post pictures from it soon. In the meantime, Mike was able to send a couple pictures today that he had on his thumb drive...they are big, so he couldn't send many.

Here's one - isn't it weird to see him in all this gear? And, doesn't he look so handsome? :) I have to admit, when he first sent this I had a hard time looking at it without getting a little choked up. He looks so stoic and even though I've seen him in his Navy uniforms often enough, this somehow seems a little different. Also, it is just WAY different than the t-shirt, shorts and flip-flop Mike we all know so well!

The other picture below is what Mike likes to call his GI Joe "action shot" (that's him in front). These are pictures from his training and not of anything he's currently doing.
The last picture is of the Navy group that he spent the first part of his deployment with in Maryland, South Carolina, Kuwait and then Baghdad. I don't know which FOBs everyone went to, but think a couple of them are currently at the same base as Mike, though not working at the same place.

Have a great evening everyone!

I love you Mike!

How Sweet It Is...

2006-08-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

I had a surprise from Mike waiting for me when I returned from my run and it just made the day even better! He sent these beautiful flowers to wish me good luck on my prelims. It was awesome, they are beautiful and it means a lot to me knowing Mike is thinking of me during this experience - espeically when he certainly has his own things to worry about! He is always so supportive and understanding - I am so lucky!! I have been singing that James Taylor song all day today now, you know "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" and really, I can't help feel that way - it's amazing, Mike you are amazing!!

Sorry for the gushing, flowers can do that to a gal, you know?!? :)

I haven't actually spoken to Mike so I do not have an update. I know he's been keeping busy with meetings and inventory. He did tell me that he was still trying to track down the internet guy to see if he can get hooked up - so maybe within the last couple of days he's been able to do that! Other than that, I'm not sure I have anything new to report. I know it's been cooling down here in San Diego, and hopefully will continue to cool around the rest of the coutnry - and maybe soon it'll begin cooling down in Iraq too.

Wishing everyone well!

I love you Mike!

All-nighter

2006-08-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

The subject line of this post is a bit misleading, I did get 3 hours of sleep! Yesterday I began my 24-hour prelim examination and this morning at 6:12 am I finished it! Tomorrow I start the 7-day portion of the exam, which can be much less stressful but is always just as rigourously graded. At one point during the 24-hour exam I realized the bitter irony in the fact that, all through school we've been urged (and I now urge my own students) not to pull all-nighters and save our work for the last minute because very few people are capable of producing their "best" under such circumstances. And so what do our professors then have us do? Try and produce our best work under these same circumstances we've always been warned against! Ah, the beauty of it all!!

I'll post more later on and with an update from Mike (hopefully) but for now, I'm off for a run down the cliffs and beach to make up for my lack of fresh air from the last 24 hours!

Take care everyone!

I love you Mike!

Blogger meltdown

2006-07-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

My apologies but as I was adding a post tonight (with Mike's mailing address in it) I had a total blogger meltdown and lost everything that was on our blog. I'm not entirely sure how I did it or what happened, but all that was left on the page was my profile and the title of the blog! That being said, I think I've salvaged some stuff and "rebuilt" to the best of my recollection. What I am not sure is if I was able to recover all of the comments so I'm sorry if you commented and it's no longer there. I did get to add his address in the margin, so it's there to stay.

Take care everyone and have a great day!

I'm back

2006-07-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, sorry it's been so long since I've posted! Things have been a bit crazy lately. I was in St. Louis for four days at a Forensic Science conference hosted by AAFS. Now I can either study and catch criminals or become one! Just kidding Dad (for those who don't know, my dad is lieutenant of the major case squad). Other than the conference, the only other really neat thing I did was go up in the Arch, which I wasn't even aware you could do. You go up in these really tiny little windowless elevators, the size of a large screen TV box (no joke) and with 5 other people. The ride up takes 4 minutes and the ride down takes 3 minutes, and there really isn't much to do once you get up there except look out these really small windows - out to one side is the Mississippi and the other is "downtown" where you can see their courthouse building and a pretty cool view of the Cardinals stadium. When you are looking out the windows you can stand up on this ledge, so you are literally hanging over the outermost edge of the Arch. When I got back in to San Diego I started studying for my upcoming exams again and just got done with my first 24-hour "test run" this morning. I tried to go back to sleep this morning after I was finished, but couldn't so instead I cleaned the house. This is good because now I have no excuses next week when the testing starts back up! One of the reasons we decided to move back into this apartment, besides the parking spaces, is because it has two bathrooms. Now, it's not that either of us takes longer than 10 minutes to get ready each day...they just so happen to always be the same 10 minutes, so having that extra space is really helpful. However, since Mike deployed immediately after we moved, I realized as I was cleaning that precious second bathroom that I haven't even stepped foot in there since we've moved in! I was cleaning a bathroom that I've never even used! How's that for irony, Mike? :)

Speaking of Mike, he seems to be settling in well. He is working on getting internet in his "living area". Right now the unclassified computer isn't at his desk, so it makes it a bit difficult for him to spend extended time online. I'm hoping that eventually he'll be able to send me some stuff to post, or start posting himself. It sounds like the people he's working with on a daily basis are great, which I'm sure makes this whole process a bit easier for him. According to Mike, the Navy gang usually eats dinner together, a social/working dinner of sorts. And although he can't find a carne asada burrito anywhere, they do go out on Saturday evenings for real Italian pizza. He's working with a Master Chief from up north right now, who may or may not be there on a long-term basis. They drive around in a Humvee and, today, Mike drove it around a bit himself. It's diesel, so it's not like he's racing around base or anything, but I suppose it's way better than walking around! He's checking on equipment, doing a lot of inventory and even some training so he's really jumping in with both feet! He did make sure to mention that he noticed a driving range on base that he thinks he might try and check out sometime, which would be another very unique experience, of course! I still haven't gotten his disposable camera in the mail yet, but he did send a little package with some stickers in it to add to my collection. I've now got a camouflage "Don't Tread on Me" sticker and one for the Multi-National Corps but the one I've included here is my favorite! He only sent one of these, so I won't actually be sticking this one anywhere, but I just think it's hilarious! Somebody really should make t-shirts out of this one!

Well folks, I think that's about all for now. I will try and post more regularly but will be testing still for the next two weeks, so it might be a bit more sporadic than I'd like. On the other hand, posting will give me a way to procrastinate...so maybe I'll post more often! :)

Hope all is well with everyone out there!

I love you Mike!

"It's hot. Damn hot."

2006-07-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

It's hot in San Diego today. Yes, I do realize that it's not nearly as hot as it is in Iraq and I am certainly not complaining, but it's hot none-the-less. I think we are on record for the hottest July ever! Tomorrow I am flying out to a conference in St. Louis where, evidently, they've also had a hot month and have lost power in much of the city because of recent storms. I'm sure it'll be a fun trip! Regardless, all this fun talk of hot weather had me thinking of one of those all-time great movies...you got it, Good Morning Vietnam. What would the skit look like coming from Iraq do you think?

I heard from Mike today that he'll be heading soon to his assigned FOB, which is Tallil Air Base, and with the 1-34 BTB at Camp Adder. You can check out their web page here. I don't know much else at this point, like about who in particular he'll be working with, his living/working spaces, what the base is like or what his daily routine will be like, but I thought I should post what I do know. Sorry it's not more information - I'll post it as I get it! :)

Love you Mike. Be safe!

Keep trying

2006-07-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was watching the news and was struck by a comment made by an Israeli General. The reporter asked some question about meeting/not meeting the level of success they had hoped for and his reply was "We'll keep trying, it's only Thursday". I chuckled at the response at first, because of course he was being asked to give a time frame on something which I suspect is nearly impossible to do and he gave the only reasonable response. But then I started thinking about how much that comment is reflective of our own troops in Iraq. They do always keep trying - no matter what day of the week it happens to be. I might be a bit biased, but I really am proud to know that this is an attitude that our troops have. And I think our support for them - as a country - should take the same attitude...it might be difficult, it might be taxing, it might be scary and lonely and in fact it probably will be all of those things, but we need to all keep trying too!

And, stepping off the soap box...we still haven't heard for sure where Mike will be heading though it's looking like South of Baghdad is the likely place. Also, he's sent that silly disposable camera home so within a few weeks I should have some pictures to post. Also within a few weeks, he should have the digital camera I sent him, so when he's finally in place he can post some pictures too! Won't that be more fun that all this gibberish? :)

I love you Mike!

One of those days...

2006-07-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens after you leave your house for the first time in days - karma kicks you with everything it missed while you were away! Today I went in to work and noticed a strange odor coming from someplace but couldn't pinpoint it. So, I worked for a bit and then finally noticed a dead mouse on the table just a few inches from me. Just a little gross! Went to a meeting in downtown, came out and had two tickets - one for an expired meter (deserved that one) and one for expired tags (don't deserve this one because they haven't come yet and the DMV won't let me go in for "extras" until after 30 days!!). Oh, but my day doesn't end there! Even after all this I went to Lowe's in my car to pick up a new wine fridge (yes, for Mike!) and after an hour there realized it wouldn't fit in my car. Battled the afternoon traffic and finally returned with the Jeep, got all the way back home and realized I had left my wallet at Lowes! If it weren't so funny I think I'd be pretty upset. I think this means that, no matter how much work I have to do, I MUST leave the house at least once per day!

I did talk to Mike a bit this morning. He sounded pretty tired, but all right all the same. He still hasn't heard which FOB he'll be going to, but did say that they were told today that "things are changing by the hour" so he may not even end up at one of the places he requested. I guess we'll hear soon though. I think I am looking forward to Mike getting someplace more permanent as much as he is. I know he'd like to be able to "unpack" a bit and I can't wait to send him his first package!!

Oh, by the way, Dan, The Desert Periscope blogger posted today that tomorrow is World Jump Day and, even though it is totally silly (nicest word I could think of) I WILL be getting up and jumping at 4:39.13. How can I not? I live in California, where we LIVE to do crazy stuff like this. Plus, I figure I'm usually up around then anyway, so I might as well and maybe it'll offset all the bad karma from today!

If you too would like to participate and help "stop global warming, extend daytime hours and create a more homogenous climate" check it out: http://www.worldjumpday.org/

Happy jumping everyone!

I love you Mike!

Untitled

2006-07-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

I promise that this blog will not always be mundane and will actually have daily posts - eventually! The problem is now I have nothing new to report as Mike still doesn't know where he's going yet and I literally haven't done anything exciting in the last two days! Some of you know, I'm prepping for a big test in August, which means that there are days that I do not leave the house and I sit in front of a computer surrounded by books for hours on end. These last two days have been just that. And sadly (or not, really I guess it depends on how you look at it) Mike's days haven't been much more exciting. Evidently today he found the post office, after walking clear around the base only to find out it was actually right behind his tent (who said sailors can't navigate in the desert?). Other exciting news - he's been enjoying Cookies-n-Cream ice cream! Seriously folks, that's all we've got! They did get a brief from one of the top ranking officials (Mike will have to fill in his name because I don't recall) today which he said was pretty neat - more that the guy took time out of his schedule to meet with them than anything else. And, of course, it's been hot there! :) It has actually been pretty hot here too, but I have lost my rights to complain about heat, humidity and pretty much everything else for the next year, so I guess I'll stick with that.

Hopefully we'll know more about where Mike will be heading in the next day or so. And, I promise to leave the house tomorrow so that I at least I might have something to post about as well!

I love you Mike!

A message from Mike!

2006-07-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Iraq! This is my first posting to our soon to be named blog. Colleen and I figured this would be a good forum to let everyone know what's going on over here in my little corner of the Middle East. I'm in Baghdad right now, living in a tent with 20 other guys on Camp Victory, going to a week long course right around the corner from Saddam's former palace. I pass by it every day, and am amazed by the shoddy workmanship! I would have thought stealing oil money from your own people would make for better digs. Ah well. So it's been about six weeks since I left San Diego. I met up with 40 other Navy guys in Norfolk, VA and have been with them ever since. We were in Noroflk for a week of admin and medical processing, then headed to Indian Head, MD for a week of training followed by two weeks of GI Joe training in Fort Jackson, SC. After being indoctrinated into the Army way of life, we all hopped on a flight to Kuwait via Rota, Spain for a 30 hour stop. Last call for alcohol for the next 365 days! We arrived in Kuwait July 3, and the counter started rolling down from there. We had a few days to get used to the heat and sand before heading out to the desert for 4 showerless days of more GI Joe training. The following day after a shower and a doublecheeseburger meal (yes, we had McDonald's in Kuwait!) we flew up north to Baghdad. That was July 12. Thoughts on Iraq to follow...have to eat!

Albino bugs

2006-07-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I just finished cleaning out the garage, which I do not think has been cleaned out for at least 5 years. As many of you know, just before Mike deployed we moved back into the big apartment on Saratoga. After Mike left I moved our stuff out of storage and just put it in the garage. I haven't had time to get in there, organize and clean until now. What many of you may not know is that when I decided to move to San Diego one of the selling points that Mike highlighted (other than him, of course) was that San Diego has no bugs, knowing that I just hate bugs (they are sneaky and you don't hear them coming!). And, until today, I have found this to be true - and have loved the years of bug free living! This garage, however, is filled with bugs!! And what's interesting is, because they have been without sunlight for so long, they are all albino! No kidding!! I found stuff in this garage that has probably been there for years, through several tenants...and everything was bug infested. However, I think I have prevailed over the bugs and have, in my own OCD way, organized our garage so that it can fit "stuff" plus one of our cars.

Now that I've vented about my bug phobia, I will move on to the important information...what's Mike been up to? The other night he mentioned that they heard the "booms" from a firefight someplace nearby which he said was pretty crazy, but didn't sound too worried about it. They did their check in with JCCS1 the other day as well, so they are pretty much ready to go. He started his class today and said that, while interesting, it was basically a refresher of what they did/learned in Indian Head, MD. He thought that tomorrow would be more hands on, which I think they are all ready for. He did get to request which FOB he'd like to go to, and he requested to either go up north or with COSCOM. It sounded like each area had its perks and its drawbacks...and he may not even get one of the places he requested, so we'll just wait and see. Class ends next Friday so he should hear sometime between now and then.

I love you Mike!

An important Thank You!

2006-07-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Before too many posts get in here I wanted to call everyone's attention to three people that I owe a big, important THANKS to. I've posted their blogs on our link list off to the side there. When Mike first deployed, neither of us really knew what to expect which made this whole process even more difficult. One day, while searching aimlessly for information on the internet, I happened upon the blog "My boyfriend, the Sailor, is in Iraq!". Kym's posts and our later email conversations about her early days - and current dealings - with her Mike's (also a Navy Chief) deployment really helped me through the early days when Mike first left SC. From her blog I found Dan's, The Desert Periscope and from Dan's I found another Mike's, The Chronicles of Narmya. I've read through both blogs and have also emailed both Dan and Mike directly about questions and concerns I've had. Let me just say that all three of these people have helped me in ways that they will never know and I am very grateful to them! Even though they are inevitably doing different, but very important jobs in 'the sandbox', Dan and the three Mike's (as they are all now affectionately known to me) are all part of the JCCS1, which also has a link on this blog.

I just wanted to make sure that I give credit where credit is due and thank these people who have helped save my sanity over the last couple of weeks.

"It's too hot to walk"

2006-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Another day in Baghdad for Mike, another day in San Diego for me! When we spoke earlier today Mike said that the high was about 117 and the low was 84. I had to laugh...the HIGH here at the beach today is forecasted to be 83! Crazy. Evidently it "cooled down" enough last night so as to be comfortable, which I'm sure was nice. Mike's living quarters right now are a tent and a cot with a mattress. I don't know exactly how many guys are in each tent, but it sounded like a lot. The tents have two air conditioners, one at each end, which helps to keep it cool which I am sure is nice for sleeping. The week of training or classes Mike is taking begin on Saturday, but they may not have enough room for all the people, so some might have to hang around Baghdad for an extra week (and then start their week of classes). Not sure if Mike will be waiting or not, should maybe find that out soon. He has tomorrow off again, with the exception of some possible admin. stuff. I told him he could walk around and just relax, and get the lay of the land, so to speak and he told me that it's too hot to walk! They have little trams or shuttles for them to get around base, which is huge evidently. Today they visited the Palace and Mike has taken some pictures he'll send along soon. He made an interesting observation about the Palace...that it was neat, beautiful, etc. but all a marble facade. I thought that was an interesting correlation to the old regime there - everything may have looked good on the outside, but underneath...not so much! Anyway, he saw and sat in Saddam's big chair and I'm pretty sure he got a picture of that. Oh, and I did buy a digital camera for him that I'll be sending as soon as we have an address - that way he'll be able to upload pictures a lot more quickly.

That's about all for now. We're still not exactly sure how this blogging is going to work out. I may be posting information Mike sends me, or he may post himself - or, it might switch back and forth and we'll all post - who knows?!? Regardless, we both hope this will help everyone keep in touch. One of us will be posting on a daily basis (and if your lucky, maybe both of us!), so check back often to see what's going on.

The Journey Begins

2006-07-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, this is it, the first "official" entry into Mike's blog, which still doesn't have a name or any other detailed information yet! Mike returned from Kuwait today and is heading off to Baghdad tomorrow morning. The training in the desert went well, though high winds and bad weather caused some delays. Evidently at least one day the winds were about 45 miles an hour. Needless to say, a shower was a priority when they returned to camp in Kuwait - though I'm sure they haven't even begun to get rid of all the sand! No camel or bedouin sitings to speak of though - bummer! As far as I know Mike will be in Baghdad for about a week. As soon as we learn more about where he'll be heading on a more permanent basis - and when - we'll post that as well.

That's about all the information I have for now.

I love you Mike!