State Champs!

Last night, our high school football team won the state championship by a score of 20 - 0! The team had not been to the playoffs since 1974, and made national headlines and broke records with a 0 - 40 losing streak. They have come a long way! My Dad is one of the coaches, and was ecstatic last night! I am very proud of the coaches the team. What a great win! I e-mailed Michael and he called me and said he was excited. I know he is sad because he couldn't see it though. My parents are surprising him with a DVD of the two playoff games in the package they are sending him for Christmas. He will be excited - it won't be the same, but I am sure it will help! Congratulations Bucs!

I am a Master!!

Ok, so it isn't official yet, BUT I have FINISHED! I turned in my LAST final paper for my class, which means I am finished all of my work. All I have to wait for now is for my professor to post the final grade, which won't happen until after our class is finished, but oh well. I do have one more night of class to attend, so I guess I am not done, but I am done all of the work which counts for something!

That means tonight I am celebrating! Probably by myself, but who cares. I know Michael is happy for me half a world away! Michael is doing well, I know yesterday was hard because it was a holiday, but we made it through and today he sent me a list of DVD's to send him for Christmas (Because the PS3 wasn't enough!) That is ok, I would buy him the world if it would help him get through this next year. I am not one of the brave ones who takes on Black Friday, so I internet shopped instead. I did get some great deals actually! At least I saved gas money and being pushed around by others! Happy shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another year has passed, and the holidays are upon us once again. The crazy last minute shopping, checking our bank accounts to make sure we have enough money, baking cookies, trying to get out Christmas cards in time, and trying to untangle those Christmas lights. With all of this going on, it is very easy to forget to take time out and be thankful for everything you have. I have decided to make a list of the things I am most thankful for this year :

• My marriage - I am married to the most wonderful man. He is my best friend and I love him more than he knows (Well maybe not, since I tell him constantly)
• My friends - This deployment has been hard, but when I get phone calls, and cards in the mail I realize just how lucky I am. Thank you guys!
• My family - They have been a wonderful support throughout my life and I love them very much.
• Our house - We can afford the mortgage and it is perfect for us.
  
• My job - With today's economy, I am very lucky to be one of the ones who has a job. Last year, due to budget cuts, I almost lost it, and although the kids sometimes drive me crazy, I love my job!
• Finishing my Master's! Only 2 weeks to go....
  

I am sure there is more, and I may have to come back and add, but these are the ones that stuck out. Michael and I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

Wonderful Week!

Only two days of school! What more could a teacher ask for? The kids were crazy, of course, but they did a great job of getting through it and presenting their projects before they left for break. A five day week - what in the world will I do with myself?

I got a lot accomplished today - grading all my papers, planned for next week so I don't have to do anything on vacation, stopped at the base to pick up my new ID (AND got there as a plane was landing!! I thought of you Michael...yes I'm a dork!), and am finished one more class. ONLY 1 MORE NIGHT OF CLASS TO GO!

I have to finish this week's class work, and then my last big paper. I am hoping I will be finished by Thursday! That means I have to summarize 14 chapters in two days, think I can do it?

Milestones

So of you may know I joined Weight Watchers last year in the Spring along with the rest of my staff at the school. I am not one who is very good with diets, as I LOVE to eat. This plan is great for me because I can still eat what I want, I just need to WATCH what I eat for a change, and monitor my portions, which is always my downfall. I successfully lost 13 pounds in just six weeks! Unfortunately, with summer came the laziness and back to bad eating. I didn't gain back everything, but half was more than enough. With a friends wedding coming up shortly, and Michael coming home in June for a few days, I figured now is as good as time as any to jump back on the wagon. I am proud to say that in the first week of really monitoring my points I lost 5 pounds! This is a lot for me, so I'm still not convinced that my scale is just wacky, but I'll take it! I promise to be HOT and TAN for my husband in June for his 30th, my 25th and our 2nd anniversary!!

Today was also the first day that I didn't actually speak with Michael. In the years that we have been together, I don't think there is a day that has gone by that we haven't at least spoken on the phone. He is my best friend, who I tell everything to, even mundane everyday occurrences. Not being able to talk to him is killing me worse than not touching him. I am a constant worrier (HELLO, type A personality!) and am the type of person who needs to know everything in order to be ok with a situation. Not knowing anything besides where he is doesn't make me feel any better. He is so good at what he does, and I know that, but I will always worry about him!

On a good note - today is Monday which means I can watch Jon and Kate plus 8, AND there is only one more day of school left this week!

New Goodies!

Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find my laptop already on my doorstep! It only took two days and I didn't pay ANY extra! I guess with the economy no one else is buying a computer - HA. It is very nice to become even more lazy, and watch T.V. while on the computer! I spoke with Michael yesterday and he is insanely jealous! I am sure when he comes home in June I won't be able to use it! On a side note, the internet on out other computer is, of course, still working!

With Michael being gone, sleep is a hard thing to come by, so at 7:00 this morning, I was up and running errands around town. I am happy to say that I have purchased some goodies to send to Michael, and some other Christmas presents. I have such a hard time shopping for Christmas. I get so worried about whether or not someone is going to like the present I give them, that normally I talk myself out of buying it, and then I am back at square one. I want to make sure that Michael has presents to open on Christmas, even though he was spoiled and got his PS3 on leave. He didn't take it with him so I can't send him games or BluRay's. If you have any ideas, let me know, pleaseeee!

Although it is Sunday, and I hate Sundays, another day has passed right? I am also looking forward to the upcoming week - only two days, and then Thanksgiving break! I have one big paper left to write over break, and then my classwork and my Master's will be pretty much finished. I can't believe it! What are your plans over break?

Go Bucs!

So last night, I wrote that I was taking tickets at the local high school playoff football game. I graduated from the school six years ago, and our football program was decent, but we never made the playoffs. In fact, it had been 34 years since the team had done so. They finished first in the conference, which gave them a first round bye. The semi-final game was last night, when they played an up-state team.

The beginning of the game started with a white-out snow squall that game through. It was insane! My feet were so cold they physically hurt! I don't know how the boys did it. The game ended 45 - 14 Bucs! I know everyone is so excited that the team will be going to a CHAMPIONSHIP game!

Michael would love this if he were here, and I am so sad he can't see it. He e-mailed me this morning and said they were doing well, but it kills me not to be able to just pick up the phone and call him! But another day has passed!

Really?

So last night when I ordered my laptop - which I am excited for now, even though it was way expensive :(, I had to call the credit card company and verify the transaction so they would know it wasn't a fraudulent charge. Upon calling, the women informed me they would have to speak to the primary person on the card, Michael, and I kindly informed her that wouldn't be happening because he was in Iraq. She then asked if he could call. I mean really? I informed her NO, he would not be calling. She went on to ask if I could e-mail him and explain the situation. Still, pretty calm, I told her that would be nice, but since I was ordering a computer, that meant I didn't have the ability to do that because the other one was broken. She then asked again if she could talk to him. Really? What else do I have to say. I told her my name was on the card, I had Power of Attorney, which I had already faxed but miraculously, they didn't have of course. Anyway, I switched the method of payment on the computer, and it is still on it's way, thank goodness.

I was fine with it, until I received a call from Michael today saying that they had declined his credit card when he was trying to buy items on post. Now this is why I lost it. I don't need it, I have another card, but he most certainly does. He doesn't just carry around spares over there! So I call today, calm at first, AND I had faxed the Power of Attorney AGAIN. I inform the lady I sent it, she went to go check and then she said she couldn't help me because it wasn't her department. I informed her that I was told to call this number, and the card needed to be activated immediately because Michael needed it, and he didn't have any other one. (That may be a lie, but I don't care.) At this point I am irate, she asked if I needed to talk to a supervisor. I informed her that would be wonderful since no one else could seem to help me. After freaking on the supervisor, and being told that I had sent the POA to the wrong number (this was the number the COMPANY gave me, but whatever) she fixed the problem. I mean WTF. How hard is it? My name is on the card....I don't get it!

Either way, it's working, Michael is safely at his destination, and it's Friday! Tonight I am taking tickets at our high school football playoff game. It is the first time we have made the playoffs in over 34 years!! I don't know the exact number...maybe 34? Go Bucs!!!

Lagging Behind

Sorry for the lack of posts - Gabe I will do my best to keep you entertained at work, also you haven't commented on my Chuck Norris Fact of the Day. GEEZ. Scroll down and look on the right!

Anyway, I have been keeping busy here and things are going well. Michael called me Wednesday to tell me they were flying out, but they did have a layover in Maine so he would call. After he landed in Maine, we knew that would be the last we talked for awhile, so we said our goodbyes around 7, and I was reduced to waiting patiently for his call. Surprisingly at 9:30, I receive a text message - I never knew you could do that on planes. Needless to say, you can't and they were still sitting on the runway. Turns out the radar was broken? so they were able to stay in a hotel for the night. They left late this morning, and I just heard from him from Europe somewhere. I won't say because a family already ratted out to the newspaper they had a delay in Maine, and that caused a problem! They will be there for about two hours or so and then off to another destination! It is so crazy to me to think he is in another COUNTRY halfway around the world. It's just bizarre.

The lack of blogging hasn't been just because I am an overachiever and never stop to slow down, but because our internet problem has resurfaced! I took the computer up to the store today, and of course it worked fine! But they did say the part I needed was around $800 - $900 to replace since it was no longer under warranty. So as much as it hurt, Michael convinced me to buy a new laptop, because it's almost just as much! It hurt my heart to spend that much. I don't think I am going to buy anything for weeks. Of course, I get home, plug the computer BACK in and it works! Oh well, what are you going to do? Michael said it was just going to go out again, and I can't bear that thought of not having ANY contact with him, or not being able to see him, so I broke down. I guess love is priceless!!!!

One Step Closer

I hate good-byes. They suck. There is no other word to describe them, sorry. Saying good-bye to Michael in the airport was awful. Before he walked to security, a man saw him and wished him good luck. I am so grateful for those random strangers who recognize what Michael is doing for them...there is no other way to thank them, gift cards and packages are nice, but a simply thank you or wishing someone luck is amazing, especially when it's from a total stranger.

I hate prolonging sad moments, thankfully so does my husband. We were a little early, and his flight was delayed, but I think if I sat there for another hour I would have completely lost it. Even though saying good-bye was difficult, actually walking and then driving away was worse. I don't know how to explain it, but somehow, since his flight hadn't taken off yet, I felt as though I were leaving him, instead of the other way around. The next month will be hard, and then I will fall back into my routine. Once he gets to Iraq it will be interesting to see how we can work out the time difference - they are 8 hours ahead. I hate being apart, but at least at the end of every day without him there is a silver lining - we are one day closer to being finished with this deployment.

Dreadful Sundays

Normally I complain about Sunday's because they are the days that Michael and I had the most rituals...we wake up, run to WaWa to get the Sunday papers and breakfast, he reads the paper, while I read the Life section and the ads, then we run up to Target, topped of by dinner at his Grandparents and Sunday night T.V. This Sunday sucks because he is leaving me. When he left the first time, it was sad of course, but I knew he would be back around this time, so I had something to look forward to. June is a long way away, and this is what makes this good-bye so much more difficult.

Of course, to make matters worse, the internet on my computer is also down AGAIN. I just don't get it. Michael was here this time, but he couldn't get it to work, so I am witout the internet after he leaves. Perfect. Once Michael heads back to Texas, he will leave for Kuwait in the next week or so. Please take the time to say an extra prayer for the brigades safe flight!

Home!

I received a very nice surprise on Wednesday, Michael was able to fly stand-by on an earlier flight and was home much sooner than expected! I was able to pick him up in the airport - he did look quite handsome in his uniform of course. It is so nice to be able to do the simple things together - get pizza from Mama Maria's, run to Wal-Mart, Best Buy (even though I hate that store), Target. To simply wake up next to him in the morning is the most amazing thing. I used to take that for granted, but I never will again. The boys were very happy to see him on Wednesday, and I thought poor little Titan wasn't going to be able to get to him fast enough!

We also had the chance to open gifts - he was very pleased with his PS3, and I am proud to say it was actually a SECRET for once! The quality of the Blue Ray is definitely amazing (when we got the right cables, of course!).

I was up early this morning so I could finish some work for my class, and not take time away from being with Michael. I figured I would let everyone know how our weekend was so far. Today we get to go to Happy Hour with some friends. Unfortunately, as I knew it would, Sunday is approaching way to quickly for me. I honestly don't know how I am going to say goodbye to him. Until then, I am going to cherish every moment we have - back down to bed I go to cuddle.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Veteran's Day!

To all of those who are veterans, thank you for everything you have done for our country. Words cannot express our gratitude to you and your families. Since Michael has already been deployed during the Iraq war, he is also a veteran. I love you and am so proud of you LT.

The Soldier

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

1 Day....

Two Days...

Michael will be home in two days! I like to think it's only one day, since it's the day after tomorrow and I shouldn't have to count the day he gets home, but he won't fly in until 10:30 that night. Blah. At least he gets home a day earlier than I thought. I know saying goodbye to him on Sunday is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. We have been about four a month at a time, and now six weeks at a time, but 8 months is just ridiculous to think about. By the end of this, we will have been apart almost as long as we have been married. Insane. But until Sunday, I will enjoy every minute we have together.

Tomorrow we don't have school since it is Veterans day. I will spend the day taking Titan to get handsome for Michael, doctor's appointment, cleaning the house and other nonsense. I also have class, blah (only 3 more to go!). The day will definitely keep me busy and preoccupied so I don't think about Wednesday night ALL day!

Sunday Fun!

So normally I spend Sundays complaining about how much I miss Michael! Well this Sunday, I got to spend the day shopping with one of my good friends. I still missed Michael of course, but I had a great time. I hardly ever go shopping for myself, and Alexis doesn't either, so the afternoon was spent trying to convince each other to actually spend money on ourselves! We got to eat lunch at Olive Garden, and snagged some great deals! Thank God for good friends.

Michael will be home in just two days (Today is already over, and Wednesday doesn't count). I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

Election Results

Well, Michael owes me a 20 minute back rub next week! I am happy for who won, obviously, but I was not prepared for the news this morning. All I saw were people crying and screaming and praising Jesus. At work today, there were many people with Obama shirts on. Here is my question, if McCain had won, would those supporters have shirts on? No I don't think so. It is going to be interesting to say the least.

WARNING - The Army makes you Miserable

Yes, it's true. When Michael reads this, he may not agree with me, but I swear it's true. Back in the day, when just a weekend apart from him was unbearable (If I only knew....) I always noticed how his attitude would change. I started saying I hated drill weekends because he came home every night miserable and with an attitude. I knew it wasn't my fault, but it was just annoying!

Because of this, I should have known this would happen. Poor Michael is in a bad mood again. Maybe not a bad mood, but at least touchy. I have noticed it more in the past week or so, and it may be because things are much busier down there now, and they are getting ready to leave. Either way, he is grumpy. It makes our phone conversations sad sometimes. I really don't want to argue with him or get in a fight. We only get to talk MAYBE ten minutes a day, so our time is precious. It gets me very upset when we will get in a fight over something so ridiculous.

I know he is stressed, I can't even begin to imagine what he is going through. Whenever I start to get upset I just tell myself that it's not so bad for me, at least I am home. My heart aches for him everyday. But I wish sometimes he would realize how much stress I am under too. For the first time I am doing ALL of the house bills by myself, trying to get some sleep without worrying someone is going to break into the house, spend time with our dogs somewhere in my busy schedule, finish my Master's, and hold it together for the outside world. I know this stress is completely different from his, but the point is, we both have it. I make a point to be happy on the phone so he doesn't worry (It doesn't work all the time, but I try, ok) I just wish we could both do better sometimes. I know seeing him next week will help so much, but I can't rely on that. The next time I see him will be in 8 months. Seeing him will obviously not work during those 8 months since it won't be happening! I know this deployment will bring us closer, but it is hard to see that when you are in the middle of it.

Rock the Vote

I did rock it, this morning. I am feeling very American this morning. I was surprised how many people were actually there! I went around 10 am, when the morning news told me it would be a 'down' time, well, they were wrong! One lady in line behind me actually said, "Way to go America, look at how many people are here!" I laughed, but unfortunately, it's true. There are so many people who complain about the shape America is in, but do nothing about it. Election day is the one day where EVERYONE is the same. No one vote is more important than the next, they are all important.

Michael of course called to make sure I voted for the 'right' person, which, in his opinion, I didn't. We are voting opposite which makes the outcome very interesting. Let's just say we have a bet placed on the winner, and I am not able to tell you the actual bet. ;) I better win! I also got to see one of our friends Michael knows from the Guard. It was nice to catch up with him, since the last time I saw him was at Michael's going away party. Michael actually called while I was there, and they got to say HI to each other, so that was nice. It was wonderful to see so many people, young and old, out casting their vote.

Only 12 more hours or so and we will know! Did you vote today?

I Quit!

Nothing serious, just the FRG. I have never quit anything in my life, so this was a very hard decision for me. I originally joined because I wanted to be involved while Michael left, and get all of the information first! I also thought being a part of this group would be beneficial for Michael in his upcoming promotion. I should have listened to my husband! He was right when he warned me. Although this group of women certainly do mean well, they drive me crazy. I know this is mean to say, but I am a very organized woman, this group is not. I was POC on the phone tree, and received a phone call yesterday telling me they wanted to test it. This would be hard to do considering there are 115 members in the unit, I am the only one making phone calls, and there is no 'tree' set up yet. I schedule events month in advance because I am so busy, but they continuously change dates making it difficult to even attend the Executive Committee Meetings. I will still attend the monthly meetings they provide for the rest of the families, but I am no longer on the Executive Committee. I am actually pretty proud of myself for saying 'No' for once!

Welcome November

If you know anything about me, you should know that this time of year is my absolute favorite! I love watching the trees change color, the air is finally getting cold, and I get to set our all of my fall decorations. This year I am also celebrating because it has already been one month! Only 11 more to go. I really can't believe it. It has flown by - Don't get me wrong, I have had some rough days, but overall not too bad. I really think this is because I do have something to look forward to next week. Michael will be home in 10 days! I am so excited to see him!

Seeing him is going to bring many mixed emotions! On the night he comes home, myself, his best man, and mom are going up to get him. Michael wanted someone to drive with me and he asked our good friend to go with me. He has been great the last month, checking on me and always letting the boys out when I need him too (It's hard by yourself!) I know Michael misses him and is excited to see him. It will be one crowded car! I know there are so many things he wants to do, and I am worried we won't be able to fit them all in, or we will rush around so much it will turn into a stressful weekend. Oh well, I will just be happy to spend time with him.

This coming week is going to be great! We have off for election day on Tuesday, half day on Thursday, then next week, off on Tuesday for Veterans Day and then I have off Thursday and Friday to spend with Michael! What a great two weeks.