Last week, a teacher at the high school in our district passed away from cancer. She was diagnosed when she was pregnant with her daughter, and immediately started treatment after the baby was delivered. She fought for almost two years but unfortunately lost her battle.
I feel horrible for the family and her baby girl. I can't imagine having to go through that and I am praying for their family. I would never wish this on any family.
That being said, I was not a close friend, and frankly, didn't like her when she was one of my coach's in high school. She was active in the field hockey community but only coached at our high school for four years. She left the team abruptly, two weeks before the season started, leaving the team with no coach, because she had a disagreement with the administration that happened the year before.
Now, there is talk, of all places, on Facebook, to try and get our new field hockey field dedicated to her. To me, the field should be dedicated to a coach who was there for a long time, dedicated a large portion of their life and was successful. There is a past coach who was there forever AND won a state championship.
Sorry for being the bad guy here, but I just don't agree with everyone else. Does this post make me sound horrible? Oh well, I really had to vent and feel much better about it.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Ticking Away
Well the days are going by, even if they do seem to be taking forever. We are now way under 50 days until his return, and the Donut of Misery is already at 91% complete. I can't believe next week will be September. I have been praying for that month since LAST September!
Work is still busy. My new class is good, I still miss last year's though :( They were amazing and I think I have a soft spot for them since they got me through the majority of the deployment. I have another student coming in tomorrow which completely drives me nuts because everything is already set, I have started grading and we are in the groove of things. Parents know when school starts, why do they wait to register? SO ANNOYING.
I have to remember it's not the students fault and I am sure he will be a great addition to our class. (Saying this as I pull a beer out of the refrigerator!)
Hope everyone else's year is starting off good!
Work is still busy. My new class is good, I still miss last year's though :( They were amazing and I think I have a soft spot for them since they got me through the majority of the deployment. I have another student coming in tomorrow which completely drives me nuts because everything is already set, I have started grading and we are in the groove of things. Parents know when school starts, why do they wait to register? SO ANNOYING.
I have to remember it's not the students fault and I am sure he will be a great addition to our class. (Saying this as I pull a beer out of the refrigerator!)
Hope everyone else's year is starting off good!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Back to the Grind
Well, school and hockey are officially in full swing, and my classes are about to be as well. Things are picking up around here as they always do this time of year. I have been waiting for this for what feels like forever. I remember this time last year being so sad and trying to cherish every moment I had with my husband. I can't believe it has been almost a year.
I am so happy that the year is almost over, but so sad because that means my husband and I have been apart for that long, and our life has just been on hold.
I was hoping that with things picking back up around here the days would start to go a little faster. I still feel like they aren't, but maybe when classes start and I start to have due dates with assignments it will be faster. (You know how due dates always creep up faster then you want).
I am also still working at the restaurant (because apparently I am crazy). I figure a little extra money couldn't hurt, and that way I really won't have any down time to think about how much I miss Michael. I am sure in two weeks I will come to regret this decision when I am completely exhausted. But for now, life is good.
I am so happy that the year is almost over, but so sad because that means my husband and I have been apart for that long, and our life has just been on hold.
I was hoping that with things picking back up around here the days would start to go a little faster. I still feel like they aren't, but maybe when classes start and I start to have due dates with assignments it will be faster. (You know how due dates always creep up faster then you want).
I am also still working at the restaurant (because apparently I am crazy). I figure a little extra money couldn't hurt, and that way I really won't have any down time to think about how much I miss Michael. I am sure in two weeks I will come to regret this decision when I am completely exhausted. But for now, life is good.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Panic
Ok, so it is August and that means hurricane season is in full swing. Hurricane Bill is churning in the Atlantic as I type this. And then it hit me...what if a hurricane hits right when Michael is due to return home and they can't?
Yes, I know, the chances of this are VERY slim, but it could happen, and with this deployment I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Especially after what happened last time he tried to get out of that damn country.
Tonight, I will pray for no hurricanes.
Yes, I know, the chances of this are VERY slim, but it could happen, and with this deployment I wouldn't be surprised if it did. Especially after what happened last time he tried to get out of that damn country.
Tonight, I will pray for no hurricanes.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Planning a Getaway
Now that we have a 'tentative' date of his homecoming (no I can't tell you, and I am still not happy it's not a FINAL DATE, or more concrete, but I digress) it is time to plan a day with my husband. The first weekend he is home, we have planned for a mini-getaway. I need a day alone with my husband. I need the time to spend with just him, eating dinner together, walking down the street holding hands, and just being husband and wife again. An uninterrupted by phones ringing, TV blaring or internet searching day.
Instead of spending money, I suggested we just have that day here. By the time he comes home, it will have been three months since he's been home. I thought perhaps he would want to sleep in his own bed or sit in his recliner. He said it would be too hard to escape from everyone, so we need to go away. Why would I argue?
I love his family. Seriously, I do. They have been so helpful since Michael has been gone. I complain to Michael that we didn't spend time together ALONE on his R & R. I made him feel bad about it, but didn't mean to. I understand he only had 15 days and wanted to see everyone, and we should be so lucky that our families care for us that much. But I need that time with my husband.
It will have been one year, I don't think it's too much to ask for. My wonderful husband has agreed and so we are going away, if only for one day. We are going to stay in the city, hit the zoo maybe, go to the Melting Pot for dinner, and enjoy our time together. I can't wait. Now if I can just be patient enough to wait for that day. Hurry up October!!!
Instead of spending money, I suggested we just have that day here. By the time he comes home, it will have been three months since he's been home. I thought perhaps he would want to sleep in his own bed or sit in his recliner. He said it would be too hard to escape from everyone, so we need to go away. Why would I argue?
I love his family. Seriously, I do. They have been so helpful since Michael has been gone. I complain to Michael that we didn't spend time together ALONE on his R & R. I made him feel bad about it, but didn't mean to. I understand he only had 15 days and wanted to see everyone, and we should be so lucky that our families care for us that much. But I need that time with my husband.
It will have been one year, I don't think it's too much to ask for. My wonderful husband has agreed and so we are going away, if only for one day. We are going to stay in the city, hit the zoo maybe, go to the Melting Pot for dinner, and enjoy our time together. I can't wait. Now if I can just be patient enough to wait for that day. Hurry up October!!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A GREAT DAY
There were two reasons why today was great:
1. I sent my LAST piece of mail to Iraq. July 30 was the cut off for packages sent, and today was the last day for letters. I have sent Michael a piece of mail every week since he has been gone. Either a package or letter has made its way overseas every week for the last 10 1/2 months. I hope that it gave him something to look forward to at least.
2. I discovered that his replacement unit not only has their torch party on the ground already (the people that go ahead of the full brigade) but the brigade had their deployment ceremony and left THREE DAYS AGO. I still don't have an exact date of return, but this is a start! It is finally real. People are replacing them and they can come home SOON. Michael and I were talking about their replacements, and I mentioned they just HAD to be deploying soon. I decided to search it, and there it was...a news announcement about it. I was so excited I couldn't stand it. My dogs and Michael (on the video) looked at me like I was insane as I danced on the couch.
I almost hate celebrating someone else's deployment ceremony. Every ceremony means more families have to be torn apart for 12 months at a time, if not more. I feel so badly for these families and hope their year flies by and they come out of it stronger, but I am still celebrating because I miss and need my husband.
1. I sent my LAST piece of mail to Iraq. July 30 was the cut off for packages sent, and today was the last day for letters. I have sent Michael a piece of mail every week since he has been gone. Either a package or letter has made its way overseas every week for the last 10 1/2 months. I hope that it gave him something to look forward to at least.
2. I discovered that his replacement unit not only has their torch party on the ground already (the people that go ahead of the full brigade) but the brigade had their deployment ceremony and left THREE DAYS AGO. I still don't have an exact date of return, but this is a start! It is finally real. People are replacing them and they can come home SOON. Michael and I were talking about their replacements, and I mentioned they just HAD to be deploying soon. I decided to search it, and there it was...a news announcement about it. I was so excited I couldn't stand it. My dogs and Michael (on the video) looked at me like I was insane as I danced on the couch.
I almost hate celebrating someone else's deployment ceremony. Every ceremony means more families have to be torn apart for 12 months at a time, if not more. I feel so badly for these families and hope their year flies by and they come out of it stronger, but I am still celebrating because I miss and need my husband.
We're Running Where?
Today was the first day of hockey! Preseason is always fun. HA, not for the players, but for the coaches. You get to see just how in shape your team is, and whether or not they actually listened when you told them they better be in shape!
We only had one player throw up...about three times! Yay for preseason!
We only had one player throw up...about three times! Yay for preseason!
Friday, August 14, 2009
And Another One Bites the Dust
Let's add to the list of things that have broken while Michael is gone, shall we?
The Air Conditioner
Ok, so it's not entirely broken. It is still producing cold air (thank you God), but the noise coming from it is horrendous. It's so bad, I had two neighbors come over yesterday to tell me they think something is wrong with it. Thank you Captain Obvious. (It was nice of them, they know Michael is gone and always look out for me) Michael's dad, who can fix anything, literally, came over to look at it. He knows what is wrong with it but doesn't know if he can get the part. So he is calling the same guy who came to fix our heater this morning, and hopefully it will be fixed in a few days.
Meanwhile, keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't break. I am a miserable person when I'm hot.
Over this deployment and doing everything myself.
The Air Conditioner
Ok, so it's not entirely broken. It is still producing cold air (thank you God), but the noise coming from it is horrendous. It's so bad, I had two neighbors come over yesterday to tell me they think something is wrong with it. Thank you Captain Obvious. (It was nice of them, they know Michael is gone and always look out for me) Michael's dad, who can fix anything, literally, came over to look at it. He knows what is wrong with it but doesn't know if he can get the part. So he is calling the same guy who came to fix our heater this morning, and hopefully it will be fixed in a few days.
Meanwhile, keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't break. I am a miserable person when I'm hot.
Over this deployment and doing everything myself.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Work, Work, Work
Well I finally have a day off today! I have worked the past four days, with a double yesterday. I didn't expect to make any money as it was a Wednesday, but was pleasantly surprised with how much I made! I have to say, although this job is tiring at times, I make A LOT of money.
My sister - in - law has an interview there today and I am praying she gets a job. They really need the money, and it would be a great opportunity for them. Keep your fingers crossed!
On a side note, my brother is going to be building a closet in our third bedroom. Right now, when we sell the house, we can't list it as three bedrooms because the last room doesn't have a closet. This will soon be fixed. Thank goodness my brother is so handy!
My sister - in - law has an interview there today and I am praying she gets a job. They really need the money, and it would be a great opportunity for them. Keep your fingers crossed!
On a side note, my brother is going to be building a closet in our third bedroom. Right now, when we sell the house, we can't list it as three bedrooms because the last room doesn't have a closet. This will soon be fixed. Thank goodness my brother is so handy!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks are going to be so busy. I work almost every night between now and when teachers head back to school, not to mention coaching field hockey starts this Saturday. My classes also start the first week in September. I know, I thought after getting my Master's last December I would be finished for awhile, but that was before I received FREE money as a spouse of a deployed soldier to take classes. This money will allow me to get my +15 credits, which is another jump on the pay scale, and I can't waste that! That means my nights and part of my weekends are consumed for the next two months or so.
Of course, Michael will be coming home in a few weeks, which I can't WAIT for. I can't believe we only have 7 1/2 more weeks to go. I don't know if I have full realized that I won't be ALONE anymore. I have waited for this for a long time. This means I have my husband back! The first weekend he is home, we were going to run the Army Ten Miler, but due to not knowing exactly when he will be home, we decided to transfer our bibs to someone who will definitely be able to run it. Instead, we have decided for a weekend getaway. Just us, no phones, no technology, just a chance to be together again. I couldn't ask for anything more. Location and details to follow once we figure them out!
In November we are heading to our favorite place on Earth... DISNEY! They are offering a ticket special for military personnel. Michael's five day ticket is FREE, and my five day ticket is only $125. How can you beat that? Since we both have Disney credit cards (did I mention we LOVE Disney) we have so many points racked up our trip is basically free. His family is also headed there with us, so it's not just us, but we will still have an amazing time.
Now if I can just get through the month of August, which seems to be dragging.
Of course, Michael will be coming home in a few weeks, which I can't WAIT for. I can't believe we only have 7 1/2 more weeks to go. I don't know if I have full realized that I won't be ALONE anymore. I have waited for this for a long time. This means I have my husband back! The first weekend he is home, we were going to run the Army Ten Miler, but due to not knowing exactly when he will be home, we decided to transfer our bibs to someone who will definitely be able to run it. Instead, we have decided for a weekend getaway. Just us, no phones, no technology, just a chance to be together again. I couldn't ask for anything more. Location and details to follow once we figure them out!
In November we are heading to our favorite place on Earth... DISNEY! They are offering a ticket special for military personnel. Michael's five day ticket is FREE, and my five day ticket is only $125. How can you beat that? Since we both have Disney credit cards (did I mention we LOVE Disney) we have so many points racked up our trip is basically free. His family is also headed there with us, so it's not just us, but we will still have an amazing time.
Now if I can just get through the month of August, which seems to be dragging.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Packing Too!
Not only did they have a farewell barbecue, Michael was also packing his tough box today! Yes, I know, still quite a few weeks to go but it is so exciting to think he is that much closer to coming home! Yay!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tease
My husband emailed today and said he was going to take a nap before their farewell barbecue. Really? I can't get a date of when they are coming home (best guess, just under two months) and yet they are already having their farewell barbecue? What a tease.
On a side note, I have decided that all spouses of deployed soldiers should be given a person who cuts the grass and landscapes their yard for the duration of the deployment. I don't mind cutting grass, once in a while. Let's say I have reached my limit. And I am about to take All Kill to the entire yard to get rid of the weeds that are invading my once beautiful, grass only yard.
On a side note, I have decided that all spouses of deployed soldiers should be given a person who cuts the grass and landscapes their yard for the duration of the deployment. I don't mind cutting grass, once in a while. Let's say I have reached my limit. And I am about to take All Kill to the entire yard to get rid of the weeds that are invading my once beautiful, grass only yard.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Addition...
Why do we keep doing this to ourselves? Last Thursday, on the way home from work, I found two kittens on the side of the road. I couldn't just leave them there, so I brought them home with the intention of taking them to the SPCA in the morning. Well they had a two week wait because they are so full, so I took them to our local vet, who generously took them in.
I also sent Michael a picture before I took them. I assured him not to worry as I was taking them away and not trying to keep them. My wonderful husband emailed me and said that he liked the all black one. Really? The man who threatened to divorce me if he came back and we had more animals?
Long story short, I brought JRoll (short for Jimmy Rollins, even though the cat is a GIRL) home this morning. So far, the cat (The one we already have) has hissed, made a noise I have never heard and had her hair up. Rocky, as excited as he is, doesn't mean to hurt her, but chased her to a corner, where she hissed at him. Titan, just runs around and doesn't know what to do. Ahhh, what have we done?
I also sent Michael a picture before I took them. I assured him not to worry as I was taking them away and not trying to keep them. My wonderful husband emailed me and said that he liked the all black one. Really? The man who threatened to divorce me if he came back and we had more animals?
Long story short, I brought JRoll (short for Jimmy Rollins, even though the cat is a GIRL) home this morning. So far, the cat (The one we already have) has hissed, made a noise I have never heard and had her hair up. Rocky, as excited as he is, doesn't mean to hurt her, but chased her to a corner, where she hissed at him. Titan, just runs around and doesn't know what to do. Ahhh, what have we done?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
10 Months...
Today marks the 10 month mark of this deployment!
Just this morning, my husband said, "I'll be home next month, doesn't that sound good?" I replied it sounded amazing!
Donut of Misery - 84% complete; 16% to go
Weeks Left - 8 1/2
Days Left - 60
Just this morning, my husband said, "I'll be home next month, doesn't that sound good?" I replied it sounded amazing!
Donut of Misery - 84% complete; 16% to go
Weeks Left - 8 1/2
Days Left - 60
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Welcome August!
Well, 10 months into this deployment, and my day hasn't started so great. Our internet has been going in and out for awhile now, so this past week I had the company send a technician to fix it. Well our modem had been recalled (why they didn't tell me this, I have no idea) but anyway, they replaced it and it worked great....for a day. It went out again yesterday, and was out this morning. I called and they are sending another technician on Tuesday. So annoying.
Then yesterday, our electric bill and tax bill came in. Me, being the on time person that I am, wrote checks for both and put them right back in the mail. While I was talking to Michael today, I lost it when he told me I shouldn't have sent the tax bill in because our mortgage company pays it!!!! I went to the mailbox, but it was already gone. Now I have to figure out what I am going to do about that.
Our hot water heater is leaking again (I don't know if it's the hot water heater, but that's what I call it) Thank goodness Michael's dad is a genius and can fix anything. He should be over in the next few days to take care of it.
It's one thing after another, and I am just so tired.
Then yesterday, our electric bill and tax bill came in. Me, being the on time person that I am, wrote checks for both and put them right back in the mail. While I was talking to Michael today, I lost it when he told me I shouldn't have sent the tax bill in because our mortgage company pays it!!!! I went to the mailbox, but it was already gone. Now I have to figure out what I am going to do about that.
Our hot water heater is leaking again (I don't know if it's the hot water heater, but that's what I call it) Thank goodness Michael's dad is a genius and can fix anything. He should be over in the next few days to take care of it.
It's one thing after another, and I am just so tired.
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