There's no place like home

Finally home from San Diego.. brought the cold and flu home with me, this just sucks, I can't seem to shake it. Also who ordered the frigid weather in San Diego. It was not above 50 the whole time, and poured rain on Friday... Glad to be home and in my own bed.

The graduation was very nice... When they pinned that SWCC pin on him I was so proud... What an accomplishment, you just don't realize what he did until you see it first hand. The Navy Special Warfare division is wonderful.. They were really educational in helping us understand what our son will be going through, types of deployment, what to expect, what not to expect. He still has months of training before the word deployment enters our vocabulary, so I have some time to adjust. I am amazed that they swim in that nasty San Diego Bay, I am surprised they all don't catch something extremely nasty from that water.... It's the nurse/mom thing...

I met some wonderful parents of some great men. It will be nice to stay in touch.. Maybe between all of us we will get a full story...I thought my son doesn't talk, I seem to have more info the most parents...

It's funny, I was more emotional when he finished boot camp. I see how happy and adjusted he is, and so excited to get started... Maybe it will hit me later, but right now I am just glad he has graduated and in his car headed to his new base...

AGHHHHH!!!!

I survived the holiday barely... I swear it brings out the worst in people.... If I do say so myself the meal was great, the company on the other hand was stressful to say the least... My cousins were of course 2 hours late, my mother nagged me all day, my Aunt brought her own food (concerned that I didn't cook for her allergies), my sister and I are not speaking at this moment (we weren't on the best of terms anyway), my uncle got drunk, The Kid was great, but I saw him for maybe 4 hours during the 4 days... Other then that it was a great time had by all..A little sarcasm...

We did go shopping on Black Friday for a few hours, did quite a bit of shopping, it was very cold here so I didn't last long... 

Christmas: Mmmm, I will be finding a quiet place to hibernate until it is all over.. 

Leaving for The Kid's Graduation today.. WOOHOO he did it.  He will receive his SWCC Pin on Thursday.. I am so very proud of him... I have a wonderful cold.  I hate to travel with a cold, a present The Kid left me on his visit... 

Will post later, hopefully from San Diego..

Hope every one's holiday was wonderful... Give me hope please....

Family

Nothing like a good holiday to bring out the worst in a family. Can we say dysfunctional. I know they are family, but I am ready to head to a warm beach somewhere.

This person isn't speaking to this person, trying to please both sides of the family, why are you making that, don't you know so and so is allergic, why didn't you ask her second cousin on her mother's side, how come you invited him before you called me, I don't think you are making enough for everyone, why did you get a fresh turkey they are not at as good, she's not making the pies is she, and the worst, we will try and stop by, we are just waiting to hear from our friends before we decide where we are going.... These are all the conversations and issues I have had with family since I agreed to have Thanksgiving at my house, and only agreed due to The Kid being home. I was all set to just have a small dinner.

Is it allowed to use the phrase, Bah Humbug for Thanksgiving?

Can you say Ouch

So The Kid has been training in hand to hand combat. So needless to say he is pretty much black and blue from head to toe... Although he said it was scary, an adrenalin rush, coolest thing he has done so far, hurts like hell, and oh yeah mom we do it again tomorrow.. What do you say to that? I just listen and every few sentences gasp and say wow. I hear in his voice how confident he is, and listen to him talk about everything he is learning, and how far he is pushing himself. It is a weird sort of relieve to know that he is so capable of taking care of himself and his fellow soldier... He is all grown up and I couldn't be prouder..

Black Friday

So how many of you go shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving? Do you think you get great bargains? What is your best deal?

I must confess, my husband and I both go out (he loves me what can I say)... If you go not expecting anything and you get a deal, great, if not then who cares. Last year we did very well, and that is the only shopping I had to do. I usually do most on the Internet. It was great since we had just bought our house and we got some great items for our home. I have had numerous family and friends join us, but usually that don't come the next year..

I just wish Starbucks opened up earlier..

Overheard conversation

My neighbors have a 5 year old little girl, I will call her NG. She was sitting on the trampoline with the neighbor boy, I will call him NB, who is the same age... I overheard this conversation..

NG "It is too called a virgin, and I have one and you don't."
NB "That isn't what it is called, that is Jesus's wife, it is called V-Gina."
NG "Whatever, I still have one and you don't, and my mom said you will have to pay lots of money to ever see one."

I so had to laugh, I think I would have stepped in if she decided to start show and tell!!!

Blogging rules

So I have been reading some new blogs, and I have found it interesting to see different points of view, comments, and how individuals write about them. Bag Blog and I were commenting on the use of bad language, which I have also commented on concerning the mouth of my own child. It doesn't bother me, but I guess I made a decision early on to try and not use it in my own blog. I do sometimes swear like a sailor( I wonder where my son gets it), but it is weird, I feel uncomfortable putting it in print. It won't discourage me from reading it in another blog, just doesn't work for me. I love Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper, but it is funny coming from her blog. Some people can get away with it and some can't.. I do believe the blog world gives you a forum to write what you feel, and express it in a written form that works for you. Keep expressing yourself and we will either read it....... or not.....

Where did the year go

I swear I feel like this year has just passed me by. I can't believe it is November. Where did September and October go. I love the fall here, the leaves changing, crisp cooler weather... I missed it. My closet still has all the shorts and flip flops at the front. I know you people that can wear them all year probably don't do this, but we have all 4 seasons and I usually put away the summer clothes, and move the winter ones forward, nope not done, my closet is a pit with everything just thrown in it.

We have already had 7 inches of snow, although it has been 70 degree's lately. Maybe that is why I feel that fall just decided to not stop by here.

Also what is with the CHRISTMAS MUSIC already, I walked into Walgreen's and it was playing. I AM NOT READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Although, The Kid by some miracle gets to come home for Thanksgiving... Don't ask how much that plane ticket cost.

I was talking to my good friend the other day and told her that my domestication diva skills have been truly lacking lately, an example, my poor other mother-in-law who is staying with us has had Stouffers 3 days in a row, I ran out of toilet paper, and we are using Kleenex, and I only have water to drink. Anyway she jokingly said I needed a wife, I laughed, but she is right. Maybe that is what my next job will be, a company that rents out wife's. Ok, I'm not pimping them, this isn't select a bride, just someone that will help us women and men who can't find the time to take care of all the domestic stuff...

I need to tell The Geek it's time to get the Christmas lights up. Yep I start now so by the time he gets around to it they aren't being put up at Easter. Hey maybe I need to add rent a Husband!

Microsoft Above and Beyond Award Winners

Very Cool...

Microsoft Corp., in collaboration with the United Service Organizations (USO), is proud to announce the winners of the Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards. The awards recognize the contributions of citizens across the country who brighten the lives of U.S. troops throughout the world.
"These winners are remarkable examples of how everyday people can do extraordinary things," said Curt Kolcun, Vice President of Microsoft Federal.
"Their actions showcase the best of American citizenship, selflessness, and support for our service members and their families - they are true testaments of how to salute our troops."
Chosen through a public online vote, the following winners will be honored for their service in these categories:

Effort Award: Patti Patton-Bader, Pasadena, Calif. Soon after Patton-Bader began sending care packages to her son in Iraq, she started a group of volunteers to "adopt" soldiers. Since then, the group's 100,000 members have sent tens of thousands of care packages and hundreds of thousands of letters to make sure no soldier is forgotten while serving. Its motto: "May no soldier go unloved."

Medical Attention Award: Walter Fricke, St. Louis Park, Minn. Fricke, a helicopter pilot wounded in the Vietnam War, knows firsthand that family can be the key to a soldier's recovery. One year ago, Walt founded The Veterans Airlift Command, not only volunteering his own aircraft and fuel, but creating a national network of over 500 volunteer aircraft owners and pilots who have joined in the effort to reunite wounded service members with families. The group has already flown over 180,000 miles to help bring wounded troops back together with their loved ones.

USO Promotion and Success Award: Paulette Nelson, Savannah, GA. Before her son's best friend's father was deployed to Iraq, Paulette didn't even know what deployment meant. But after noticing the tearful goodbyes, Paulette decided she wanted to help make a difference. Now she operates the Savannah airport's USO station, and from Hunter Army Airfield she makes sure every soldier gets a warm welcome, and a warm send off, even lending her cell phone so they can make that one last phone call home.

Everyday Difference Award: Todd Schmidt, Burke, Va. While on patrol in Afghanistan, Maj. Schmidt came up with an idea to provide school supplies for local kids. Thanks to him, donors and volunteers have sent hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of textbooks, school supplies and secondhand clothes to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. Under Schmidt's leadership, Operation Dreamseed has even helped build a school outside Kandahar City by raising more than $80,000 for the cause.

Youth Leadership Award: Brittany and Robbie Bergquist, Norwell, Mass. Just 13 and 12 years old, these siblings heard about a soldier who had run up an $8,000 phone bill calling home. With two cousins deployed overseas, Brittany and Robbie know how important phone calls could be, so they committed themselves to helping soldiers call home. To date, they have raised nearly $1 million and donated over 450,000 phone cards, equaling 2.5 million minutes of talk time
After announcing the awards in mid-September, Microsoft and the USO received hundreds of nominations, narrowed down the list to finalists in each of the five categories, and facilitated a public online vote to choose the winners.
The awards will be presented on Veterans Day (observed), Nov. 12 at a ceremony in New York City's Rainbow Room.
"We knew we were on to something special when we first discussed with Microsoft how we could honor those who serve our troops," said Elaine Rogers, President, USO of Metropolitan Washington. "Now, seeing how these winners embody the principles of service and community should inspire each of us towards greater contribution."
Kolcun added, "All of our nominees, finalists, and many others out there who support our troops everyday should all be commended for their great work to support our services members and their families. We hope this handful of wonderful examples helps further everyone's efforts and inspires others to get involved."

More information:
Microsoft, in Partnership With the USO, Announces "Salute to Our Troops"
Microsoft and the USO Announce the Microsoft Above and Beyond Awards for Those Who Brighten Lives of Service Members and Their Families
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and EPOP International Launch Above & Beyond
Above & Beyond, co-created by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and EPOP International is the first time all of the living Medal of Honor recipients have bonded together to create a national platform to promote "Service before Self." At the heart of the initiative is the Above & Beyond Citizen Honors, which recognize and honor those ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their selflessness.
Microsoft and the USO are pleased that our award winners will have the opportunity to enter their stories and be considered for the Above & Beyond Citizen Awards. To learn more about Above & Beyond, please follow this link: http://www.aboveandbeyond365.com/.

Military Mom Thoughts

I am having those Military Mom thoughts lately. I know, "get a life lady!!" I'm trying, see the blog title....

I'm sure the thoughts are brought on by The Kid's graduation from SWCC at the end of the month. They are of course the Oh Shi* thoughts, and the crying jag thoughts, and the proud moment thoughts.

The Kid is now talking about where he will be stationed (not my first choice, but it has the best boats, and the job he wants), so then my thoughts are those deployment thoughts... See what I mean about the thoughts...

I was watching a video on SWCC training that The Kid sent me, and it stated that he will have traveled 3,200 nautical miles, 900 of them at night, shot 10,700 rounds of ammunition, ran 400 miles, swam 100 miles, and will have done 20,000 push-ups. I am exhausted just writing it. I asked him about it, and his comment was, "how F*** cool is that Mom and I got paid to do it!". I then said, hey your still talking to your Mom, watch the mouth..

I was also talking to him about the Holidays, and his Birthday is in December.. Before he would want the typical stuff, clothes, video games.. Nope not this year, he wants a gun. Can you say Visa gift card anyone!!! As I have said before life with him will never be the same..

Well here is wishing all you other Military Parents and Spouses HAPPY THOUGHTS!!

Also note some new favorite clicks, the very cute USO Girls, the Navy Dad Requiem, and another Military Dad, This War and Me

I Love this Commercial

Everytime this commercial comes on I have to laugh.

New Shoes Always Make Everything Better

As some of you may know I am a shoeaholic and I don't have a problem confessing it. Well I also love EBay, Craigslist etc... Well I met a women a while back that had on the coolest pair of Tennis Shoes, I asked her where she got them and she said New York. The shoe brand is from a Tattoo Artist "ED Hardy" that has put his tattoo's on shirts, shoe's, etc... I loved them til I saw the price. Ok, $90.00-$150 for shoes that I'm not going to run in, maybe wear a couple times a year, I think not. But hey when I want something I figure out a way. I went on EBay, and low and behold they had them and I was a bid away from having some very cool footwear. Well they just arrived and I LOVE THEM... I know a little funky, but they are me, it says "Love Kills Slowly"... I am so easily pleased...

Happy Halloween

DON'T DRINK AND FLY TONIGHT...

Everyone have a safe Halloween.. I miss having little ones this time of year. I plan to have a nice glass of wine and enjoy our trick or treater's... No flying for this witch...

So blogging it is

I had some time to finally get caught up at home. Sitting here watching the Rockies get swept.... Bummer, but hey they made it to the big show, so not bad. Of course we have tickets for game 5...

I hope to find time and read some of my blogging buddies, I sure miss it..

Hopefully bringing my mother-in-law home in a few days. She is going to stay with us for a few weeks to recover. I am very lucky she is such a sweetie, I have heard some mother-in-law horror stories from people..

Making plans for The Kids graduation. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see him in his dress blues getting his SWCC pin...

I really wanted to borrow a life this last month, excuse the language, but mine sucked... Ok, I have my health and it looks like my loved ones are on the mend so I am very grateful.. My mantra now is NO WHINING..

Ok November I'm ready for ya..

State of Flux

Well it has been a rollercoaster ride lately and I was trying to decide if I could keep up with blogging. I really enjoy reading all the blogs and it has been good for me to write.

I decided to take a break when my dear Mother-In-Law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer at the beginning of the month. It has been very difficult for My Geek and with my nursing background, I of course jumped in with both feet. She just had surgery and is still in the hospital, but things are looking up in that area.

Then if things weren't bad enough, My sister had a cancerous tumor on her ovaries. She just had surgery and is recuperating. The say that they got it all... So I have been traveling for a few weeks.

Secondly the business I work for is being sold.... I am trying to decide if I want to stay or go, I suppose I also need to see if they even want me... It has been hectic and stressful. I hate change, but this is what my life was suppose to be about...

The Kid is doing great, he is about a month away from graduation and keeping all fingers and toes crossed he should be graduating at the end of November. Although the nasty fire has been difficult on all the Navy in San Diego not to mention civilians.

So not sure if this is just an update or the restart.. I have never felt so out of touch with myself as I do now....

Long Night

WAY TO GO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!!

We went to the game last night. For those of you that aren't baseball fans we played San Diego for the tie breaker game to see who would get the NL wild card seed. Well 13 innings later we won... It was an incredible game.

Philadelphia here we come...

Rockies

GO COLORADO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!

USO Gals

I found this great site of some wonderful young ladies that work at the USO at the Dallas airport. What a breath of fresh air they seem to be. Way to go ladies...

So I got Memed

Thanks, ASW and Triplee for the meme tag

I had no idea what that was, so I had to look it up. I am so not with the whole blog lingo... I am suppose to reveal 7 things about myself that most people don't know...

1. I dye my hair, it is cut short and people say it looks like Uma Thurman in the movie "Pulp Fiction". I only wish I was as tall as her...( I said hair looks like Uma, not me...)

2. I use to race vintage cars. I had a Triumph Spitfire (Buck it was a 1967)..

3. I am left-handed. Yes I am one of the special people...

4. I love Susie-Q's, you know the hostess snack.. I hide them so no one knows. Sshhh don't tell.

5. I absolutely hate the color pink.

6. I am not ticklish, nope not one bit..

7. I have about 300 pairs of shoes. Yes I am a shoe addict, and no there is not a Shoeaholics Anonymous. I work across the street from DSW, way to easy to get a shoe fix....

Not sure who hasn't been tagged for this, so If you haven't, then I tag you. I know I'm making up my own rules. #8. I don't follow directions very well.

What does a Grenade Launcher and Boneless Buffalo Wings have in common

They were both discussed during my conversation with The Kid the other night. I didn't really think about it until I hung up with him. One minute we are talking about how well he did on the test he just took, and that he improved his 3 mile sand run time, and he went to a movie over the weekend. He then got all excited that he finally had found a Chili's in San Diego, his favorite meal is the boneless buffalo wings, fries and ranch dressing. We then started talking about what he would be doing next week and he said that it was large arms training, and I STUPIDLY asked what kind, his answer "you know Mom, like grenade launchers, and Gatling guns. I have come to the realization that I will no longer be having a normal conversation with him again. I have a feeling it will only get more surreal...

Who am I to Judge Your Life

I have always tried to live by the title to this post. Who am I to judge your life, and for that matter who are you to judge mine. Judging the way I live my life, the way I was raised, what I believe in, religion, politics, I could go on and on but you get the gist. I believe there is a difference between an opinion and a judgement.. It sometimes may not feel that way though. We all have opinion's, and it is a free country and you should be able to voice them, hopefully in a respectable way.. What I don't believe is that you can be judgmental about how people live their lives. Again this is just my opinion.

The reason I have been thinking along these lines is my volunteer work and the choice my son made to join the Navy.

I am working with young teens and their newborns in my volunteer work. None of them are married, 2 are living at home, and 2 are living with their boyfriends. It would be unfair to them if I have already judged them by their circumstances. It wouldn't be helpful if I went in with a closed and judgemental mind. I am not in there shoes, I don't live where they live, I don't have their family life, how could I possibly judge something I have never experienced. Of course I have an opinion, but it is my opinion and I keep it to myself unless asked. What I do is use my experiences to help these young mothers get where they want to go. The only time I use judgement is in the health of both the mother and the child. Sometimes it is a very fine line...

The choice my son made to join the Navy is his choice, not mine. I find it very interesting how people judge him and his family now. Again who are you to judge a decision an individual makes for himself. You don't walk in his boots, think his thoughts, or understand his motives. I am his mother, why would you judge me based on a decision my adult son made.

Who are you to pass judgment?

Catching up on Life

I asked a while back Why do you blog? I never really answered that for myself. I think at first I wanted to find other mothers in the same boat I am. Well I found other mothers with sons and daughters in the military, I even found a mother who's son is training with my son... I have wondered if my son hadn't joined the Navy would I still be blogging? I don't know if I can answer that. I realized that wasn't all I wanted from blogging. I wanted of course to find myself and wasn't really sure how to do that. I do know that after I write I feel a sort of release. I tried forums for Navy Mom's, forums for weight loss... It wasn't right for me. With your own blog you can write what You want, talk about what You want, and when You want to. People that relate will comment, if they don't no harm done... It works for me..

Update on The Kid, he is doing well. Just finished up communications. He has a big test today, please keep him in your thoughts. I think he is ready for some action, I know that weapons training is coming up so he is excited.

Volunteer work.. Well that will be a whole dedicated post.

Body for Life- Doing well, every muscle is aching which is good, only down 1lb this week, total 9lbs, hopefully picking up some muscle. I am absolutely sick of chicken and protein shakes. I need to find another easy source for protein.

Took our first dance lesson, lets just say I have a very swollen left foot and leave it at that.

Have a great week everyone...

Select A Set

We have a radio station that I listen too sometimes that has this great weekend of music, called Select A Set. They let their listeners send in their own 3 song Select A Set, and they play them over the weekend. I have sent mine in the last couple of years and they have been played. Some of the sets are amazing. You can just enter 3 favorite songs, but the best are the creative ones with Themes. They can be about the artist, the lyrics, the title...

My last years list was "Please Take Me Back" songs
1. Breakin Me- Johnny Lang (he is awesome)
2. Always On My Mind- Elvis Presley (The King, nothing else to say)
3. Please Forgive Me- David Gray (very underrated, great voice)

This year I decided to do my set about " Parts of the body I'm attracted to" songs
1. Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison (Ok I like eyes on guys, but it is Van Morrison..So La Te Da..)
2. Smile- Rod Stewart version (I think he's sexy... )
3. I Want To Hold Your Hand- The Beatles (the Geek's favorite, plus I love my husbands hands)


OK NOW IT IS YOUR TURN, THIS IS SHELLY'S SELECT A SET BLOG WEEKEND.. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR SELECT A SET IN THE COMMENTS AND TELL US ABOUT THEM... TELL YOUR FRIENDS... COME ON BE CREATIVE...

Why

Why do we fill the need to use gossip as a form of conversation? Again my motto is if you don't have anything nice to say then please shut your mouth..

I had a very lovely women quit her job due to gossip. I wish people would remember the consequences of those types of actions....

Hugs

This is for some military moms and wife's that are in need of a HUG, ASW, Triplee, Army Mom x3, and Claire. Please visit their sites and spread the support. If you are also in need, here's hugging you...

My new blog friend Sarge Charlie asked if I would add Mel, I went over and read her blog and I agree she needs our support and a hug....

My life lessons

I had to remind myself that my life is a work in progress. It sometimes doesn't feel like it, but I have been learning about myself. Here are a few important lessons that I have learned lately.

1. Remember your job is not your life.
2. Men are not mind readers, tell them EXACTLY what you want and even tell them how you want it done.
3. Your children have their own dreams, let them live them.
4. You are the only one that can make you happy.
5. If someone can prove I get a do-over in this life then I will not make the drastic changes it sometimes takes to get where I want to go.
6. Give back, it is amazing what you get in return..
7. Remember tomorrow is another day, I have messed up many weeks with one bad day..
8. I am a better person when I am exercising and living a healthy lifestyle.
9. Friendship is hard to find, hold on to the good ones and clean out the toxic ones.
10. Smile

Navy Training

My conversations with The Kid are always interesting in that he is learning so much in such a short period of time. I remember the conversations with him while in high school and college and most of them started with, why do I need to know this, I will never use this in real life. He has not said that once concerning the training and classes he is taking for SWCC. He knows everything he is being taught will be used in his job with SWCC. He loves that alot of it is hands on training and learning.

I made him take a CPR course and an sports safety training course during his teen years, and I also taught him to draw blood and put in an IV. I know he was just humoring me when he took these courses. He has been training in combat medical and he had to tell me how much easier it was for him with the training he had already had(no I didn't tell him I told you so). I had to laugh, because last week he was learning about boat engines, my son was not a car-homo(this is what I call anyone who is more interested in what is under the hood) he only cared if the car was cool looking so it was a difficult week for him.

I have always thought that the last couple of years of high school are wasted on most kids. If they are going on to college, then yes let them take advance courses and even college courses. Those that are not planning on college should be given vocational training on what they want to do after high school. Be it a mechanic, hairdresser, IT Tech... It is better then the 2 gym classes, basket weaving 101 that they take to have enough credits to graduate. Then at least most of them would be ready to get a job and be on there own..

The abandoned monkey who has found love with a pigeon

They're an odd couple in every sense but a monkey and a pigeon have become inseparable at an animal sanctuary in China.
The 12-week-old macaque - who was abandoned by his mother - was close to death when it was rescued on Neilingding Island, in Goangdong Province.
After being taken to an animal hospital his health began to improve but he seemed spiritless - until he developed a friendship with a white pigeon.
Scroll down for more...

The macaque nestles his head against his feathered friend

The blossoming relationship helped to revive the macaque who has developed a new lease of life, say staff at the sanctuary.
Now the unlikely duo are never far from each other's side, but they aren't the only ones to strike up an unusual friendship.
Earlier this year a pig adopted a tiger cub and raised him along with her piglets because his mother couldn't feed him.
And in 2005 a baby dear named Mi-Lu befriended lurcher Geoffrey at the Knowsley Animal Park in Merseyside after she was rejected by her mother.

I found this article on stumbleupon, not sure where it came from. I love the story and the concept. Love comes in many shapes, sizes and color. We just need to be tolerant enough to accept it and them..

Dancing

My one claim to fame came when I was just 17. I won a dance contest and the prize was a trip to dance on American Bandstand... It was the coolest.. The guest on the show was Lover Boy and they sang Turn Me Loose. I have the tape of the show. Well anyway I LOVE TO DANCE, my problem being I married a lovely man with 2 left feet and no rhythm. He has agreed to take dance lessons, what a guy. We have finally decided on Ballroom. I am so excited, he is not. What you do for love. Wish us luck..

If your bored

Well it all started because of Claire at Knee deep in the hooah, she had a link to bloggerbuster. It is a great site for help in enhancing your blog. You don't have to be a geek, I was able to add a 3rd column to my blog pretty easy. The problem started in reading this blog she recommended to add StumbleUpon. Well I wasn't sure I wanted another toolbar, but I went ahead and enrolled. Ok it is pretty cool. I stumbledupon some great websites like this calorie counter, photo's like this, and, news like this . You can spend all day just hitting the stumble button and it takes you to websites, photos, people, blogs, and new articles based on your preferences you choose. It can be addicting. You should check it out, you know if your bored....

Why

Why does everything you have to log into, and I mean everything need a user id and password. I usually don't have a problem with that, but it seems that they require longer ones, have to change them every 3 months, and at least 2 symbols. It's not bad enough that I have to remember mine, I have them at work, I have to remember My Geek's and The Kid's. Can't they come up with something better. I have a hard enough time remembering my phone number...

A Mother's Confession

My dreams for you were not your dreams
you dreamed of a different kind of team
how hard your worked to make me see
my eyes finally open it's clearer to me

how did I not know what was inside my boy

a silent warrior waiting to escape
the sea and duty calling your fate
combat boots in place of soccer cleats
Honor, Courage, Commitment you now seek

who is this man that replaced my boy

your quiet ambition will take you far
strength has made you who you are
my worries and fear they are very real
I won't let them overshadow the pride I feel

I now see the man who replaced my boy

Military Spouse

As you all know I am a blog whore. I enjoy reading many different blogs. I seem to gravitate more towards the military blogs recently and it seems that most of the women I am reading lately are Military Spouses. (I don't know why there are not more military mom's or dads that have blogs..MMmmm...) I am always interested in how they cope during deployments, R&R, and least we forget the moving. Before The Kid joined the Navy, to be honest I don't think I really gave it much thought, I don't know anyone personally that has a husband deployed. I have my husband at home every night, he takes out the trash, we are able to eat dinner with each other, he is my companion, I depend on him to be there... I can't put myself in their shoes, I really don't know how they do what they do, add in the mix most of them have children, pets, and homes that a large percent of the time they are in charge of by themselves. I want to thank all of you for opening my eyes to what I have, I stop myself when I am irritated at My Geek, and am thankful that he is here physically to irritate me... To all of you military husbands, you are married to a group of women that are very strong, multitasking, flexible, and forgiving wonder women.. You should be thanking your lucky stars....

HBO Special

I wanted to link to the HBO special Alive Day Memories Home From Iraq. Airing September 9th

In a war that has left more than 25,000 wounded, ALIVE DAY MEMORIES: HOME FROM IRAQ looks at a new generation of veterans. Executive Producer James Gandolfini interviews ten Soldiers and Marines who reveal their feelings on their future, their severe disabilities and their devotion to America. The documentary surveys the physical and emotional cost of war through memories of their "alive day," the day they narrowly escaped death in Iraq

One mind at a time

So I had an interesting phone call last week.. My son played competitive soccer and his coach for most of it played pro soccer. Out of the blue he called, and was asking about The Kid. He said he had heard a disturbing rumor and wanted the truth.. I asked "What rumor"? He heard that The Kid had enlisted, was it true? I told him yes, and I explained a little bit about what The Kid was doing.. He knew how The Kid had wanted to join the Navy so it shouldn't have been a surprise.. Well he went on to express his disappointment in The Kid's decision, basically saying that his talent is wasted and what a huge mistake he made. It was difficult to listen to someone that both my son and I respected as a person and a coach. I had a hard time controlling my temper, I jumped on my military mom soapbox and let him have it with both barrels. I ended the conversation with the request that if he continued with the same attitude that I would appreciate if he would not call The Kid, and I hung up the phone. Well I received a letter from the coach apologizing, and thanking me for reminding him of the importance of our Military and asked if he could call The Kid and tell him how proud he was of him.. Just goes to show maybe we can change people one mind at a time..

Under the weather

Sorry for not posting. I've been under the weather a bit. I was stung by a bee and had an Anaphylaxis attack.. I look like a swollen cherry... Hopefully I will be better in a day or so...

Life update

The State Fair was very interesting people watching, and where else can you get a pork chop on a stick, a fried twinkie, fried pickles, funnel cake, see a goat, pig races, mutton busting, ride a Ferris wheel, have your fortune told, all within a block. The concert was good, although note to self, bands that get back together without all the members will never sound the same. Doobie Brothers just didn't sound the same. Los Lonely Boys were very good...

My volunteer work started last Friday. It went pretty well. It is going to be challenging. I will be working with 4 teen mothers and their new babies. I will be doing home visits once a month with each of them. I have done similar type of work before. It does become difficult, at least for me to not get personally involved. I will have to see how it works.. I will be visiting with my first mom on Friday.

Well, even with the funnel cake at the state fair, I have lost 2lbs. I was really tired at first, but I think the exercise endorphins are finally kicking in and I feel like I have more energy..

The Kid is doing well, 1st week of QCT is behind him. He had a 3 day weekend so he was able to get some rest. It seems more like school now, they still have PT, but more class room work at the beginning.

Lets see what this week brings..

State Fair

We are off to our State Fair. I haven't been since I was a kid. I remember how much fun we use to have. We are going to the rodeo, but the best part is we are seeing the Doobie Brothers and Los Lonely Boys in concert. I love the Doobie Brothers, it was one of my first concerts, you know the ones where you are finally driving and go with your friends. Great memories....

Labor Day

Everyone have a save and relaxing Labor Day Weekend.

Why

Why is the Halloween Candy already in the supermarkets???

Forbidden Love

I see you there, hidden way in the back. I try not to look, I coyly walk by and catch a glimpse. I know that I shouldn't want you. I have always craved what I can't have. Why do you make me feel this way. I need to stop thinking of you. I need to be strong, you are wrong for me and nothing good can come from a relationship with you. Why are you tempting me..

















What did you guys think I was talking about!!! I didn't cave, I took the package next door and gave to the neighbor kids. I don't have room in my life for a relationship with an Oreo....

Tattoo's

I was reading my usual blogs and was over at Oh That's Gonna Leave a Mark's blog. In her comments she mention she is thinking about getting a tattoo. (go visit her, she is a crack-up).. Anyhoo, I have a dolphin tattoo on my ankle(what was I thinking putting it on the place that has no fat, it hurt like a you know what). I have had it for about 8 years now. I love my tattoo, everytime I look at it I think of my dear friend Rita who passed away 7 years ago. She had been diagnosed for the 3rd time with cancer, and knew she wasn't long for this world. She decided to make a list of all the things she wanted to do before she left us... We went to Disneyland, some people went sky diving with her (not me, too big of a chicken). On her list was getting a Tattoo. I was thinking, hold her hand, pick out a cool design, I said "Hey Rit's I'll do that with ya." Well we get to the tattoo shop and the artist comes up with a design, Rita looks at me and says "What are you getting". I said, "I'm not getting anything, I'm in a support role here." Well she says, "I'm dying of cancer, your getting a tattoo." Well ok then, I'm getting a tattoo. I ended up with a dolphin (don't ask) Well it's not that small and it is blue and stands out like a sore thumb. Not great in the business world, I sometimes have to cover it with a large bandaid.. I wouldn't change it for anything.. Love ya Rita...

Ok who has tattoo's and where and what are they?

View from my porch

After the bad night and the long day, I decided to sit on the front porch with a nice glass of wine and BREATH.. Much better, watched the sun go down, and reminded myself of all the wonderful things I have in my life. I will not feel sorry for myself, and I will continue to enjoy life. Everyone have a great day..

Flak Jacket

The Kid called last night to let me know how his first day of QCT(Qualified Crewman training) went. He was excited, but nervous. He talked about all the cool gear they had received. The minute he started talking about the numerous Flak Jackets he received, I felt the heart start beating faster and I really couldn't think. He went on telling me how he had to swim in them, buddy tow, etc.. I really had a hard time listening. This invoked the dreaded fear and it took everything I had to not breakdown on the phone. When we hung up I broke down, needless to say no sleep for this Mom. How can something that can save his live, bring out my worst fears. I need to work on this, because I will not let this consume me or have it spill over on to The Kid. Well hopefully writing about it will be a release of sorts. Need to gets some caffeine and try and get through the day..

Check out this blog

Came across this blog, from Wesley Morgan, a 19 year old from Princeton. He is reporting from Baghdad and his reports are very interesting.

Life Update

Well I feel good today, I have worked out and ran for a full week. Ok my body doesn't feel that great, can we say OUCH!! Let's say mentally I feel great. I have started the Body For Life program officially today...

I volunteered with a non-profit. I will be doing home visits of young mothers on welfare. Should be interesting... I start Friday evening..

You know when you clean your closets, drawers etc... That feeling you get by being organized.. I did that over the weekend, and it felt great waking up this morning. I don't know why a clean closet makes me feel that way.

Should be a great week..

Why

Why do people endanger themselves and others by running a red light? I was behind a car today who turned after the light had changed and they hit another car. Luckily no one was seriously injured.

Why

Why do men either wear a bad toupee or feel that the 4 pieces of hair that they wrap around their head 10 times looks better then just being bald? Hey men bald is beautiful, much rather see the natural then the fake toupee or the wrap around..

Conversations you wish you had

Do you ever have a dress rehearsal conversation in your head with someone before you actually have the real conversation? Well I do this all the time, better then talking out loud to myself. Well I had one on my way home last night with My Geek. I had it all worked out in my head so when I got home I started the conversation...

"Have you decided if we are going or not", I said.
"You don't seem to want to go", he said.
"It's not that I don't want to go, I just don't want to go and hang out with a bunch of people drinking until they are inebriated", I said.
"We will leave if that starts to happen", he said.
"No we won't, we never do. One of us always has to drive someone home", I said.
(here is where the conversation in the head didn't match the real conversation)
"Lets go, I promise we will leave if it starts to head in that direction", he said.

I reluctantly agree to go. It is a group of his college friends and their wife's or girlfriends. We don't see them very often, but it seems when they get together they think they are still in college..
Well this morning, I was right, it went to hell, I spent most of the morning cleaning out my car because one of the women puked in it. Next time I am going to skip the real conversation, and tell him that I already talked to him, and we decided not to go. I would rather him think I'm crazy then do this again.

Congratulations are in order

I talked to THE KID last night and he is graduating from BCT (basic crewman training) today. I am very proud of him and his accomplishment. Poor kid, he had been through hell the last 48 hours, but survived and past. He is now according to the Navy a Petty Officer 3rd Class and has a new rating. His graduation is today, I guess they have a ceremony. No rest for the wicked, he gets handed over the QCT (Qualified Crewman Training) after that. He is excited for the next part of training, due to the fact this is the so called cool part, weapons and such... He has another 12 weeks and if he gets through that the he will get his SWCC pin.

Would you shut up already

I went to a seminar yesterday, talk about a sleepfest.. The subject matter wasn't boring, it was the speaker. Completely monotone, no humor, read from a script, and no audience participation. If you are going to make me sit there for 3 hours, be entertaining at least. This could have been a great seminar, it was on working relationships between the generations... He only opened up for questions at the end, by that time all most of us wanted to do is run for the exit....

Why

Why is it that Customer Service seem to be an oxymoron? I don't know about you, but the term service doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. I know I am still the customer, but I don't see the service very often. I think I'm going to rename it Customer Disservice.

Body For Life

I followed the Body for Life program 5 years ago and I did great. I even maintained my healthy lifestyle. I fell off the wagon about a year ago and and really need to get back on... I went on The Body for Life website and a group soldiers (looks like medical staff) from Camp Fallujah took the challenge, here is the link to the story. http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/2007/iraq/ Well I figure if they can do it in those conditions then what is my excuse. So starting Monday I am going back on the program and hopefully after the 12 weeks I will once again be back on track with my healthy lifestyle. It really is a lifestyle change and not a diet. I know I felt great and really want that feeling again. I will keep you posted on how I'm doing...

My favorite or new finds

I love when Oprah's favorite thing's list comes out, I don't watch her, but I love seeing the stuff she finds. Well I'm no Oprah but I decided to list some of my favorite things or items I have just found. Please let me know your favorite things.. Lets share..

1. My red Ipod- I listen to it running (I did run again this morning), in the car, and at work.

2. My new Mac Lap Top..

3. Bare Escentuals makeup- It is all powder and I love it. All natural, no animal testing..

4. Venus Shaver- It has built in gel, no gel or shaving cream.

5.The Hallmark singing card. They are so fun, I have been sending them to The Kid and he loves them.

6. The new Croc's Scutes, I'm not a fan of the original, but these are comfortable..

7. I started selling Lia Sophia Jewelry about a year ago.. I know I'm one of those. I book about a show a month, I did it because I now have a great jewelry collection, and I have made some extra cash.

8. Pledge mutisurface wipes- They work, I clean the mirror, my wood table, and the fridge..

9. Slingbox- My Geek, the king of gadgets bought this and I laughed, but it is very cool. We are able to load it on any computer and watch our TV on it. I can watch TV on my computer at work, The Kid has it on his laptop and he watches TV on it. It is hooked up to the cable box.. I don't understand how it works..

10. Bing Cherry Energy drink.. Yum, and it is a great pick me up..

Aha Moment

I was talking to The Kid the other night. He asked what was going on with me, usually we talk about him (right now his life is definitely more interesting). I told him that I want to make some changes and we discussed them. He then reminded me of what I would always say to him (hate it when they do that). "Mom, this is all just talk, I won't believe it til I see action." Well he is right, I have been all talk and no action.. That was quite the "AHA Moment" for me.

Well this morning I got my a** out of bed and went for a run...ok maybe it was a jog, and I packed a healthy lunch and snacks. No coffee stop and grabbed my water jug.

I called the number of a non-profit that has called me several times to volunteer my nursing services and I have never called them back. I have an appointment with them on Thursday.

It's a start.. I really need to get motivated, the life I want is not going to come to me, I have to go out and make it happen..

Why

Why is it now that we are empty nesters we still think we need to buy in bulk? I think I just miss going to Sam's and Costco. I have enough toilet paper and paper towels to last a year...

Road Rage

Well I had my first road rage encounter. Very Scary. I was in the right lane and needed to get over to get off at the next off ramp. I needed to merge with the traffic entering the highway, so I turned on my blinker and proceeded to merge. Well I slowed down to get over and all of a sudden a truck pulled up next to me and proceeded to roll down his window and call me every 4 letter word he could come up with. (My windows were up I didn't hear him, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't telling me how cute I was.)

Well just so happens a unmarked police officer was behind me and he turned on his lights, great why am I getting pulled over? I pulled over, he then proceeded to also pull over the truck. The police officer walked up to my car first, I rolled down the window and asked what I did. The officer said, "Mame I wasn't pulling you over you can leave." I asked if he saw the gentlemen in the truck screaming at me? He said," yes that is why I'm pulling him over". I said "ok, thank you".

As I was pulling away I glanced at the truck, do you know the worst part, he had a young boy about 10 years old with him. Great role model...

Why

Why do we insist on making Mother Nature so angry? I don't have the answer, but I think we should start listening to people who do...

Living Life

I have always tried to live by my motto "No shoulda, Coulda or Woulda". I don't want to look back on life and say I should of done this, I wish I could have done that, or would have done this, But...


So I started a list of things that I don't want to regret...

Show my son what a happy, healthy marriage looks like. (hopefully I am on my way)

Spend quality time with the ones I love. Who wants to look back on life and say, "boy sure am glad I worked 80 hours a week.."

I was a nurse in my other live and I really would like to join a traveling nurse program and try and give back.

I love to travel and want to see as much of the world as I can.

Volunteer more of my time.

More exercise and eating healthier. I need to make it a lifestyle change, and not just when I gain weight or feel like crap.

Take dance lessons with MyGeek. I love to dance, he can't dance. I want to learn ballroom.

Simplify my life and be happy...

Why

Why is it that the lint knows to go into the lint holder thingamajig in the dryer.

Ramblings

I have several posts that I have started writing, but they aren't quite right so I decided to just have a post that I will ramble about everything and anything today.

First I want to thank everyone for stopping by, I really enjoyed your comments and visiting your sites.

I had posted about visiting some churches, I will be going too my first one on Sunday. It seems to be what I am looking for, we will see.

I had or I still have a laptop that is about 5 years old that I use at home, we have several computers at home due to that is the field My Geek is in. I like using the laptop, but mine was a 17 inch Toshiba that weighs about 10lbs and it was uncomfortable on my lap. My Geek made the mistake of buying a new Mac laptop that weighs about 5lbs, he also installed a program that you are able to have windows, vista and the mac programs all on one computer. I'm sure it has some geeky name for it. Being the manipulative woman that I am I started borrowing it EVERY night, adding all my favorites, etc.., Needless to say that lasted about 2 weeks and I got home this week and he bought me MY VERY OWN. WOOHOO, what a wonderful MyGeek. Okay so I manipulated the situation, it worked didn't it.

The Kid called and he is doing well, he is getting excited that BCT is almost over. I am excited for him, it is difficult knowing that he is getting closer to becoming a member of the Navy SWCC's and that whole Special Warfare life. I have to start preparing myself that I won't know where he is most of the time, what he is doing, or when he will return. OH man this is going to kill me!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still very proud of him...

Oh and by the way, I am drinking my Venti, White Mocha, Nonfat coffee right now! I told you I am weak, weak, weak..

If you could be anything or anyone

In my profile I listed the Vampire books by Anne Rice. If I could be anything, of course using my imagination, I would be a Vampire. I have a fascination with this creature. I am truly a night person, I am already lilly white, there is something provocative about sucking blood. I usually wear black (it's slimming). I'm not sure about the eternal damnation, but hey you can't be perfect. What would you be if you could be anything? C'mon use that wild imagination...

Why

Why do we as a society not take care of our own very well? (yes, there is a minority that are truly Angels) We have Veterans, Wounded Soldiers, the Abused, Mentally Ill, Homeless, and the Elderly. It does take a village, and I wish our village was willing to take care of our own.

Office Romance

I have a love/hate relationship with my career. I have wanted a separation for a few months now, but like any relationship I have security issues. I do really believe that this career is not the one for me, it was a rebound job (not a career) that I have kept around for financial security. It does have some great qualities, very reliable, stable, and financially secure. Don't all of us want more in our careers. I want to be passionate, needed, wanted, I want to be in love with my career. I'm your typical woman and I don't want to get rid of this career til I have another one in the wings. So I am on one of those websites looking for a new love....

Why

Why do you Blog? Yes you? Please let me know, I really am interested, remember I'm addicted. Please include a link to your blog.

Why

Why do you have to have a license to drive a car, to sell insurance, to even have a pet, but you don't need one to have a child. Something to ponder...

Waiting and Worrying

I don't really want to write this post because then you will read how really neurotic I am, but hey it's my blog right? The Kid called on Friday concerned that he was having trouble with one of the water evolutions in his SWCC training. He is having trouble with the breast stroke. The are failing him due to his technique. The poor kid has to retake it today and needs to pass... He has been doing so well and has passed everything else on the first try. Of course the controlling, want to make everything ok Mom in me reared her ugly head on the phone with him and pretty much stressed him out even more. Now I am sitting here waiting for him to call and let me know how he did. Will I never learn. See I really need to borrow a life, anybody?

Update: The Kid called and he passed. "No problem Mom, were you worried!" Hopefully I learned my lesson. Eight more days of BCT then he starts QCT for SWCC.

Bad Karma

I must have pissed off someone, I have bad Karma today. (Yes I am a firm believer of Karma). I was late getting up, ripped my pants with my shoe, stepped in dog poo walking the dogs today, fasted for a blood draw this morning and the newbie nurse gave me a hematoma the size of a grapefruit, tried to get in the parking garage and my card key wouldn't work, get to my office and I missed an appointment I forgot to put on my crackberry. It is not even noon and I think I need to go home and pull the covers over my head and start over tomorrow. I hate Mondays....

The Boys

When The Kid left for college, I was lonely and wanted someone to need me. Well I wasn't going to have another child, (what are you on crack) so next best thing a PUPPY!!! We are now the parents of 2 dogs. They are Brussels Griffon's, I know "Brussels WHAT"? When we get asked that Mygeek goes into, "Did you ever see the movie "As Good As it Gets" with Jack Nicholson". I roll my eyes and just say they are expensive mutts, but boy how I love them. I finally have pets that haven't eaten the couch, humped my friends, they don't bark at the neighbors (to often), they don't shed they molt, and don't find it necessary to mark their territory in the house. Here is a picture of "The Boys". Newman and Elroy(huge Seinfeld fans, love the Jetsons). This part of my life I am happy with, no changes necessary.

Why

Why when you are in rush hour traffic going 1 mile an hour, does the traffic all of a suddent break up and you can go 55mph for about 1/2 mile and then you are back going 1 mile an hour?

WHY

Why is it that most adults know how to count to fifteen, but seem to lose this ability when standing in the EXPRESS line at the grocery store. The bright light says 15 items or less, not 16, or you bought 3 cans of green beans so they only count as one. I usually stand behide them and really want to ask them if they know how to count. Do you say something to them? If you do please let me know what you say.. (If it may cause any kind of inflicted pain to me after saying it, I would love to hear it, I just may not use it).

Live Altering

I have been living vicariously through The Kid the past month. He is doing some incredible things in his training for SWCC right now. I have to say I am jealous. Ok, not jealous of the treading water in the San Diego Bay with bricks, and almost drowning, but jealous of the life he will lead if he can make it through the hell that is SWCC training. The mother in me is horrified when he calls up and tells me about his week and I can't believe he is still alive. The adventurer in me (it is hidden) thinks "Cool Dude where do I sign up". He still has a positive attitude and I know that he will make it, I raised him, Damn right he will make it....

The whole point to this post (see how I get side tracked by The Kid), was I want a little adventure, nothing to dangerous, I'm 4dmumblemumble something, so I would like to not break anything, I am already trying to borrow a life I don't want to borrow, blood or limbs. What do you guys do for adventure? Any suggestions will be considered.

Religion

My family has never been religious. No we are not athiests! I have a remembrance of Sunday School, my grandparents would take us when we visited. I really do believe in a higher being, I'm just not sure what that is. I have had a strong dose lately and it has made me start thinking...
I belong to a wonderful forum NMOL(navy mom's online)the link is on sidebar, and they have posts that mom's ask for your prayers. I never post since I don't really pray... I have a son in the military and people always say, "I will pray for him", and I thank them. Well shouldn't I be praying for my own son? My brother and sister-in-law just had twins and they made me a godparent, my first words were I'm not Catholic. SIL said well your Christian aren't you,(I was baptized during one of the visits with GP), so technically sure... I had to take a class before they would even let me be a witness, talk about second class citizen. I have no idea what I would say to my niece and nephew if they wanted to talk about religion.

So as part of my need to find a new life I decided to interview some religions, OK not interview, but visit. My wish list is that I don't have to confess anything, that they have plenty of beautiful uplifting music, I can dress casually for services (I have to dress up during the week), that they don't lecture, but inform. I don't think that is much to ask for. Let me know if anyone has a great type of church or a specific religion that I might enjoy.

Why

Why do people think it's okay during a face to face conversation, they can start texting on their phone during the conversation. Can we say "RUDE". I have a crackberry (blackberry), so I fully understand the addiction. It's called manners, we seldom talk to each other face to face, so come-on give a little respect.

WHY

WHY is it when you are in a conversation with an acquaintance and the conversation comes around to asking about the family, when you tell them that someone in your family is in the military they answer by saying "I'M SORRY". What the hell is that? Sorry for what, that you are a complete moron and your mother never taught you that if you can't say anything nice or appropriate that you should just shut up..... That's just my opinion what's yours?

The Kid part 2

I want to start off saying that I believe that we need to set up a system in our high schools that all students must go through boot camp. Maybe, have one in each state, run by retired military!! Let me tell you, that "The Kid" really appreciated, his life, and his family. He came out more respectful, and was it amazing he actually LISTENED...He did feel it wasn't that hard, he called it dress camp. Boot camp was actually harder on me then him. I am what you may call a control freak, so not having control over my child in boot camp was difficult. At the time I was miserable, now that it's over it was good for both of us..

He is now in San Diego, he is in BCT(Basic Crewman Training), for SWCC(Special Warfare Combatant Craft). The Kid first wanted to be a Seal, but after much research and talking to a few SWCC guys, he really wanted fast boats. He is in his 6th week of 8 weeks and then will continue on with QCT(Qualified Crewman Training) which is 12 weeks. I need somebody to create a Dummy Guide for families in the Navy. The Kid starts talking in code and I am so lost...If your interest in seeing more about SWCC I have a link on my blog. He is doing well, it has a high attrition rate, his class started at 40 guys and is down to 23. I will post later about his calls home, for now let me say for the billionth (I love exaggerate numbers) time that I am very proud of my son and all other military personnel.

WHY

I am going to have posts that I will always call WHY.. I have these things come up in my life, or I see them going on and ask WHY? Maybe someone can answer them.

The first WHY is: A $5.00 cup of coffee, WHY do I feel it necessary to spend this on a caffeine fix. I have the same argument with myself on my morning drive. It goes something like this:

Evil side of my brain: "Wow I'm early let's stop at " you fill in the blank" and get a "venti white-mocha, nonfat, no whip(gotta cut the calories somewhere)coffee. You work hard you deserve a treat.

Then the really want to be skinny and rich side of my brain: "No sweetie, you need to cut back on those calories, 1 hour on the treadmill to work it off. Think of all the soldier care packages you can send with all the extra cash you save by not spending the $5.00."

The evil side won this morning..I am so WEAK...

The Kid part 1

I should probably talk about "THE KID" so you understand why I need to get a life. I have a 21yr old son who joined the Navy in March 2007. I knew this was coming, but I wasn't prepared for his leaving. College was a piece of cake compared to this. He had always wanted to join the Navy, but promised me 4 years of college first. He played competitive soccer and had a scholarship to a Division II School, so I thought great, he'll play soccer, get a college education, find a great job, get married, and give me grand kids... Ok so that was my dream. Well he barely gave me 2 years came home at break and said he wasn't going back and was ready to join the Navy. We talked, we argued, I tried to reason with him to no avail..I finally realized that this is what he wanted and I needed to support him in his decision. He also said the most incredible thing to me when I asked him if he really understood what he was getting himself into. He said "Mom, I understand the danger, I know you will be worried, but I need to do this. Don't you think it's time that someone in our family serves our country, we owe it that much." I am in awe of this kid.. So he went to the recruiter, wouldn't let me go, signed up, gave himself a few months to get in shape, and left for boot camp. Stay tuned for part 2

Life

Hello everyone, well I guess no one right now...How sad.. Why a blog? Well I have become what you would call a blog whore.. All I have done lately is read blogs. At first it was blogs about the Navy (son joined this year), then military parents, then the war, then I would just click on random blogs and start reading... I realized that I was addicted. Yes, I have gone to my first meeting and I now have a sponsor.. My husband whom I will call MYGEEK is worried. I'm sure if he finds out that I'm now blogging I will be sent far far away....

I first thought about starting a blog for parents with children in the military. They have a great one for spouses. Nope not ready for that. I am a newbie as a military parent, maybe later. I then thought about my life (sigh). I am your typical parent who centered her life around her child, and now he has a new mother (MOMMA NAVY). I realized when he left, my life left with him... Wow was that hard to write.. So after many boxes of Kleenex and way to much Merlot I have decided to go in search of a new life that I can call my own, or a really great life that I can borrow until I find one that works for me.