Just My Musings

New Camera

2010-04-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

So I got a new camera day before Easter. It was on sale, and I just couldn't resist the awesome price! Well today I finally downloaded a few programs to edit the pictures on, Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 and Lightroom 2. I have to admit, I LOVE Lightroom! So today, before Dillon had to catch the bus to school, we went to the park, and while they played on the equipment, I played with the camera. We will have to get Donnie in the next "photo shoot". Anyway, here are a few pictures that I have played with and edited.

Prayers

2010-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Please pray for this Marine Wife..she needs all the support she can get. Rachel; her husband was killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago.

Personality Type

2009-12-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

It seems like a lot more here lately I am being completely misunderstood in my intentions when I try to talk to someone or hand out what I consider useful advice.

Two years ago, I took the Myers Briggs personality test for a class that I was taking. My personality falls into a category that makes up less then 1% of the WORLD population. So it would go to show that I am misunderstood, because my personality type is so rare. I thought I would post what it says about my personality to give people a little insight into how I REALLY think. I am different, I cannot help that! I am who I am, and I love who I am!!

I pulled this from two different websites. First one HERE.

Second one HERE.

Rational Portrait of the Mastermind (INTJ)

All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds are head and shoulders above all the rest in contingency planning. Complex operations involve many steps or stages, one following another in a necessary progression, and Masterminds are naturally able to grasp how each one leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise any step of the way. Trying to anticipate every contingency, Masterminds never set off on their current project without a Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B or C or D if need be.
Masterminds are rare, comprising no more than, say, one percent of the population, and they are rarely encountered outside their office, factory, school, or laboratory. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists. Masterminds are certain that efficiency is indispensable in a well-run organization, and if they encounter inefficiency-any waste of human and material resources-they are quick to realign operations and reassign personnel. Masterminds do not feel bound by established rules and procedures, and traditional authority does not impress them, nor do slogans or catchwords. Only ideas that make sense to them are adopted; those that don't, aren't, no matter who thought of them. Remember, their aim is always maximum efficiency.

In their careers, Masterminds usually rise to positions of responsibility, for they work long and hard and are dedicated in their pursuit of goals, sparing neither their own time and effort nor that of their colleagues and employees. Problem-solving is highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to tangled systems that require careful sorting out. Ordinarily, they verbalize the positive and avoid comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past.

Masterminds tend to be much more definite and self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will. Decisions come easily to them; in fact, they can hardly rest until they have things settled and decided. But before they decide anything, they must do the research. Masterminds are highly theoretical, but they insist on looking at all available data before they embrace an idea, and they are suspicious of any statement that is based on shoddy research, or that is not checked against reality.

Alan Greenspan, Ben Bernanke, Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Ulysses S. Grant, Frideriche Nietsche, Niels Bohr, Peter the Great, Stephen Hawking, John Maynard Keynes, Lise Meitner, Ayn Rand and Sir Isaac Newton are examples of Rational Masterminds.

And this is the second article, each has a little different explaination, but all in all, it describes ME!

Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know.

INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. This in turn produces an unusual independence of mind, freeing the INTJ from the constraints of authority, convention, or sentiment for its own sake.

INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ; both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play, as INTJs can be unsparing of both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be "slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally be made aware of this; INTJs have also been known to take it upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing opportunities which others might not even notice.

In the broadest terms, what INTJs "do" tends to be what they "know". Typical INTJ career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). INTJs can rise to management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their inherent unconventionality.

Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations.

This happens in part because many INTJs do not readily grasp the social rituals; for instance, they tend to have little patience and less understanding of such things as small talk and flirtation (which most types consider half the fun of a relationship). To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete', paralleling that of many Fs -- only instead of expecting inexhaustible affection and empathy from a romantic relationship, the INTJ will expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.

Probably the strongest INTJ assets in the interpersonal area are their intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship. Although as Ts they do not always have the kind of natural empathy that many Fs do, the Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice, turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do become established with an INTJ tend to be characterized by their robustness, stability, and good communications.

Functional Analysis
by Joe Butt
Introverted iNtuition
INTJs are idea people. Anything is possible; everything is negotiable. Whatever the outer circumstances, INTJs are ever perceiving inner pattern-forms and using real-world materials to operationalize them. Others may see what is and wonder why; INTJs see what might be and say "Why not?!" Paradoxes, antinomies, and other contradictory phenomena aptly express these intuitors' amusement at those whom they feel may be taking a particular view of reality too seriously. INTJs enjoy developing unique solutions to complex problems.
Extraverted Thinking
Thinking in this auxiliary role is a workhorse. Closure is the payoff for efforts expended. Evaluation begs diagnosis; product drives process. As they come to light, Thinking tends, protects, affirms and directs iNtuition's offspring, fully equipping them for fulfilling and useful lives. A faithful pedagogue, Thinking argues not so much on its own behalf, but in defense of its charges. And through this process these impressionable ideas take on the likeness of their master.
Introverted Feeling
Feeling has a modest inner room, two doors down from the Most Imminent iNtuition. It doesn't get out much, but lends its influence on behalf of causes which are Good and Worthy and Humane. We may catch a glimpse of it in the unspoken attitude of good will, or the gracious smile or nod. Some question the existence of Feeling in this type, yet its unseen balance to Thinking is a cardinal dimension in the full measure of the INTJ's soul.
Extraverted Sensing
Sensing serves with a good will, or not at all. As other inferior functions, it has only a rudimentary awareness of context, amount or degree. Thus INTJs sweat the details or, at times, omit them. "I've made up my mind, don't confuse me with the facts" could well have been said by an INTJ on a mission. Sensing's extraverted attitude is evident in this type's bent to savor sensations rather than to merely categorize them. Indiscretions of indulgence are likely an expression of the unconscious vengeance of the inferior.

Famous INTJs:
Susan B. Anthony
Lance Armstrong
Arthur Ashe, tennis champion
Augustus Caesar (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus)
Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers)
William J. Bennett, "drug czar"
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Raymond Burr (Perry Mason, Ironsides)
Chevy Chase (Cornelius Crane) (Fletch)
Katie Couric
Phil Donahue
Michael Dukakis, governor of Mass., 1988 U.S. Dem. pres. candidate
Richard Gere (Pretty Woman)
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor
Greg Gumbel, television sportscaster
Hannibal, Carthaginian military leader
Veronica Hamel (Hill Street Blues)
Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote)
Orel Leonard Hershiser, IV
Peter Jennings
Charles Everett Koop
Ivan Lendl
C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Joan Lunden
Edwin Moses, U.S. olympian (hurdles)
Martina Navratilova
Michelle Obama
General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State
Charles Rangel, US Representative, D-N.Y.
Pernell Roberts (Bonanza)
Donald Rumsfeld, former US Secretary of Defense
Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California
Josephine Tey (Elizabeth Mackintosh), mystery writer (Brat Farrar)

U.S. Presidents:
Chester A. Arthur
Calvin Coolidge
Thomas Jefferson
John F. Kennedy
James K. Polk
Woodrow Wilson

New Moon Review

2009-11-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

SPOILERS!!! If you haven't seen the movie, and don't want to know anything about it, turn back now. You have had FAIR warning!!

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First a little back story!

A few months back, I read the entire Twilight series(all 4 books) in less than a week. I resisted reading them for a while. I am not a huge vampire fan, or one that likes to read love stories. I just didn't see how they could hold my interest. I had watched Twilight with my friend, Val, right after it came out on DVD, and it was an okay movie, but not one I was extremely impressed with, which made me even less interested in reading the books. After much prodding from my friends, and sister, I decided I would give it a try. Little did I know that once I started reading them, I wouldn't put them down.

Since I watched Twilight BEFORE I read the books, I thought I would rent the movie, and watch it again. Thinking now that I read the book and understood the story better, I would probably appreciate the movie a lot more.

I am VERY critical about movies that come from books that I have read. Watching that movie again after I read the book made me dislike it EVEN more. First they moved WAY too quick into the love between Bella and Edward...how is it that in one scene, Bella doesn't even know Edward, and thinks he is disgusted by her, to being in love with him in the next?? REALLY?? Did that director NOT read the story. They completely missed the story behind the love, and tried to just jump into it. Secondly, they added parts in there that were not in the movie..not even CLOSE...I cannot stand that. Yes I know you need to change things a bit, but don't rewrite a story that is FINE the way it is. It seemed like the director tried to focus too much on Laurent, James and Victoria, when Twilight is more about the forbidden love building between Edward and Bella. So to say I was disappointed in that movie is quite the understatement!!

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Now on to New Moon...

I have been watching the previews, and listening to all the hype about New Moon. From what I had seen and heard, it appeared it was going to be a good movie, and I really wanted to go see it. I told hubby how badly I wanted to see it, so he decided that he would take me out on a date last night to go watch it. He even set up the babysitter!! **GASP**

So we get to the movies last night about 30-45 min before it started, after getting drink and popcorn, get into the theater about 20 min before the movie starts, and the only seats left are in the very front row. Now as a kid, I ALWAYS wanted to sit up front, but now, I really don't enjoy having to look up the entire movie, and having to turn my head from side to side to watch the thing either!! Oh well, what can you do? I should have know better, it was opening day!!

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Okay, now for my thoughts on the movie, first my negatives...

Too Quick
I thought that they moved rather quickly into the birthday party and the Cullen's leaving, but scanning back through the book, there wasn't much at the beginning of the book to really put into a movie..so that part is understandable.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart's acting gets under my skin. There are a few things that I have noticed about her that REALLY bug me. She stutters a lot. Every time she speaks she looks like she is in pain. Before she talks, whether acting or in an interview she does this thing before she talks. It starts with her jutting her chin out, then she will tuck her chin to her chest and looks down almost the entire time she is talking. She makes this popping/smacking sound with her lips before she talks, and she says "UM" a lot. I know it is really minor..and I don't claim to be an actor and would probably make a HUGE fool of myself if put before a camera, but she is a professional! Someone should really point these things out to her and help her to fix these things!! So watching her throughout the movie is almost painful for me..but I can overlook her for the most part.
Cheesy
There were a few cheesy parts in the film, like when it shows Alice's vision of Bella becoming a Vampire, but the books really play off of your emotions, and I am sure it is hard to show these emotions without appearing cheesy.
Romeo Oh Romeo
The Romeo/Juliet movie scene. In the book this scene takes place on Bella's couch. It is a very personal/touching conversation between Edward and Bella. In the movie this scene is in school, they are watching the movie in class, and this conversation takes place just a few feet away from their classmates. It really took away from how deep this conversation really was.
Too much knowledge
My BIGGEST complaint. The Volturi fight scene. All the previews hyped up this scene more than ANY other in the movie, and rightfully so. This is the climax of the book. With as much footage as they put out there, it gave the impression that there was going to be so much more to it, and I was thinking that this scene was going to be ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!! When it came time for this scene, I was on pins and needles, couldn't WAIT to see what else they were going to do, what other awesome special effects they were going to use. What a let down it was when I realized that they had put pretty much the entire fight scene in the previews. I understand that they wanted to promote the movie, and really wanted to grab peoples attention. Thing is, they didn't need to. This movie already had a HUGE fan base, and they could have shown one or two SMALL clips of the fight sequence and it would have been enough to make everyone want to see more!
Not Long Enough
Last but not least..and this is one of the same complaints I have from Twilight. With the amount of content in each book, these need to be 3 hour movies to truly get all the big points of the book into a movie. I have sat through many 3 hour movies, and these are definitely ones that I would be more than willing to sit through!!

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So those are my complaints about the movie. Now for my positives!!

Amazing
This movie was AMAZING!! That right there should say it all!! Yes I had a big list of negatives above, but most were minor little details, that were understandable given the magnitude of special effects and emotions that they had to get into this movie!!
Sparkles
So the movie starts, first thing I notice, Edwards sparkles are MUCH better and far less cheesy than the last film!!
True To Story
The director really stayed true to the story this time around. This is BIGGEST plus about this movie..this alone FAR outweighs any negative I have above!! Yeah there were a few things out of order, and some scene's happened in the wrong place, but he still stayed true to Stephanie Meyer's idea's. Chris Weitz didn't try to add his own idea's in like the last director did. He deserves major kudos for that!! These books are perfect they way they are written and he recognizes that!!
Werewolves
The werewolves were outstanding!! The special effects were pretty much flawless, from phasing to the way they moved, to capturing Jacob's eyes in his wolf. AMAZING!! (Am I overusing that word yet?? HMMM??)
Movement
The way the Vampires move, when moving in their super speed, in this film was far better than they did the last film. In Twilight, their super speed movement was choppy, and it almost seemed like they had just put the movie on fast forward. This time it was a more seamless movement, and with the tracers of their body it made it seem much more realistic..as realistic as super fast vampires can get!! ;)
Special Effects
Overall the special effects made the movie! I cannot say enough how much I really enjoyed this movie, and when you are dealing with fantasy and the super natural, the special effects are what make the movie!!
HAWTNESS
Okay, Okay, I know some of them are minors, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the hard work they put into their bodies, I mean they are putting them up on the big screen to look at!! YUMMY!!
Shut Up
Bella telling Edward to shut up!! I LOVED it!! :D
AWESOMENESS
Did I mention the movie was AWESOME??

I could go on and on in detail about each thing I loved about the movie, but it would take me all night long!! Feel free to add what you liked or didn't like in the comments, or feel free to dispute me on what I think!! These are just my personal opinions, so of course you may feel differently then I did.

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Rocket Man!!

2009-11-12T14:04:00.001-08:00

I really don't think this photo needs much explanation on what it is!

Things my children do to each other when I am not looking!!

I do have to commend my oldest son on great use of his imagination, but probably not the best canvas to use!! Took Dad over 30 minutes to scrub it off, and had a crying boy with a red back.

I got a good laugh out of it, and hope you all do too!!

Writers Workshop!

2009-11-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

So it has been a while since I have been able to do one of these. So I thought I'd do it today. Head on over to Mama Kat's page if you would like to do one yourself!

I chose this topic, while a heart wrenching topic, it is very appropriate for Veteran's day.

The prompt is: I picked up the phone and I could not believe what I was hearing...

It was early in the morning of June 25th, 2008, I was still sleeping. I was living with my sister at the time because my husband was deployed. I figured it was him, because everyone knows not to call me early in the morning. I grabbed my phone and it was my friend Jessica. Why in the world is she calling me this early is all I could think. I almost didn't answer it, but she rarely called, and to call that early..she must need something, or it must be important. Recalling from my memory the best I can, this is how the conversation went.

Me: Hello
Jessica: Chris is dead
Me: (mind you I'm still half asleep) WHAT? WHO? What are you talking about?
Jessica: Chris, Carrie's husband, he's dead.
Me: Jessica, this is one sick joke..it's not even funny.
Jessica: I'm serious, he got killed in Afghanistan this morning.
Me: I know he was in Afghanistan, but I just talked to Carrie on MySpace last night, we were talking about my new haircut, she was fine..and didn't mention anything about Chris.
Jessica: They came to her door at like 5 this morning. I'm serious, I don't know what to do for her.
Me: I'm leaving as soon as I can. I will be there tomorrow. I need to get off of here and call her.

I called Carrie immediately. It was true. Being married to a Marine, I have known guys that have been killed before, but they were only acquaintances. Never had one of my good friends lost their husband, or even had a husband injured. These are people that we invited over to our house for our kids parties, we went to their house for their sons party, and tupperware parties! They came over for Christmas parties and Thanksgiving, and just to have a party period! Chris was always right there with my husband getting drunk and being the life of the party! Chris was that guy, no matter what was going on, he could always bring a smile to your face. I was in shock!

I was in New Mexico living with my sister at the time. Carrie was living at Camp Pendleton. I told her I was coming out. I didn't know what to say, and nothing I did say could make it better, but I needed to be there for her. I felt so helpless being so far away, and not being able to just give her a hug and tell her I loved her. She told me I didn't have to, and I know I didn't, but I know she would do the same if roles were reversed. I spent the rest of that day packing my bags and letting all my family know what was going on. My husband called later that evening, he had seen where I had posted about Chris's death on my MySpace, and he was in just as much shock. I thought he might not want me to drive the 14+ hours by myself with 3 kids to go see her, but he encouraged me.

The next morning I woke up at 3am and headed out. I made it to her house by 7 that evening. All I could do was hug her and tell her I loved her. It is heart wrenching to see someone hurting so bad, and not being able to help.

Carrie is an AMAZINGLY strong woman. She held it together better then I could have ever imagined, and continues to hold it together today! I am so proud to call her my friend. She is a great mother, and wonderful friend. She has her bad days of course, but she trudges on and continues to live her life, which I am positive, Chris wants her to do! I love her and admire her!

Just remember on Veterans day and EVERY day: Freedom is not free! Never forgot those who gave all so you can have the freedom to do what you do each day!

Here are a few pictures of Chris I took off of Carrie's profile

Chris

Carrie and Chris Ball 06

All of us at my house for our "dirty" Santa Party

Michael at his Dad's grave

Carrie and Michael at Chris's grave

FINALLY!!!

2009-11-06T15:36:00.000-08:00

WE HAVE INTERNET!!

So at the beginning of the week, I received my college winter course schedule. In order to fit my kids' schedules, I am going to have to take some online classes. So this put me in a panic. I have to get internet before I even THINK about signing up for these classes. So I began a torrid of phone calls! I had called Verizon last month, and they still had no updated our phone lines, but I thought I'd give it another shot and see before I committed to the $60 more a month, plus a two year commitment, on our cell phone bill. I gave the lady my situation, and gave my apologies for bothering her, but if she could PLEASE check if our lines had been updated, and if not, could she please put in a request on my behalf! To my SHOCK, she said they just updated our lines last week. Our EXACT address wasn't showing in their system, but this is a brand new house on a brand new street..so she would send a tech out to check it out. Well yesterday the tech showed up..and 4 hours of him messing with the lines, I HAVE INTERNET!! I'm so excited..although this has put me far behind in my cleaning I needed to accomplish today!!

So on a different note. Tomorrow is our Marine Corps Ball. This year, it just doesn't excite me that much. The days is going to be SUPER hectic..and I am ~~impressed~~ not impressed with this commands ~~ability~~ INABILITY to properly plan things out. The day will be filled with training for both Marines and spouses. I am not complaining about the training. The training makes perfect sense. With everyone being a recruiter all over the state of Washington and Idaho, it would make sense to do the training when they have everyone gathered at the same place. What I AM complaining about is how they have the day planned out. I have to be there at 8 am..mind you it is an hour and a half drive for me..so of course hubby will go with me. I will spend from 8-10:30 in family readiness training, then I will meet the command, whom all i met in July, but I'm sure there are a few spouses that haven't. After the meet and greet, awards will be given to Marines and spouses from 11-12. Then from 12-2 is the Marines training. This right here is what gets me. My husband will be sitting around twirling his thumbs from 8-10:30 while I am in training, and then I will be sitting around twirling my thumbs from 12-2 while he is in training. They have different people training the spouses from who is training the Marines..so tell me why they couldn't do it at the same time? Probably because it is TOO logical to do it that way!! After my husband finishes with his training, we will have to head back the hour and a half to our house, get ready, drive the hour and a half back and make it by 5:30 at the latest. So this gives me 30 min to shower, dress, make-up and hair for a FORMAL...REALLY?? UGH, if I had somewhere to change and shower there, I would just take it all with me!!

Ok, that is my tid bit of complaining..

Kids are doing great in school. They seemed to have adjusted to the move quite well. If my financial aid ever kicks in, I will be starting school in Jan. I go on November 18th and sign up for my classes. I'm excited and nervous all in one. I know once I get started, it'll all be easy, but I have been out of school for almost 10 years now. It is a bit intimidating to start over again! But I am OH SO ready!
I'm ready to start working. I have a LONG road ahead of me to do what I want to do, which is become a midwife, but I just keep reminding myself, BABY steps!!

Ok..so it's going to take me a little bit to get back in the groove of the net!! I will try to get pictures of my house and post them soon. I miss doing Not Me Monday's..so I am going to try to do those next week!

Now off to do some house work that I have been neglecting today, since I have spent all day trying to catch up on 2 months with no net!!

Life with no internet

2009-10-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Sucks!!! Hence the reason for no updates on my blog since July!!! The only access I have is through my iPhone!

We live in a little town called Lake Stevens Washington. It appears that this little town is still living in the stone age!! They have not updated their phone lines to handle DSL. So why not get cable Internet you say??? Well we have Directv. We LOVE our Directv!! When they installed it, they set it up where we can plug each box into the cable outlets, so we don't have a cable running through each window!! Great idea, RIGHT!!??!!?? Well thing is, that means that they can no longer run the cable internet through said outlets, whether or not they are in use. So even our free outlets have Directv running through them, therefore cannot have the cable Internet!! They told us that they can drill a hole through the outside wall and install a new outlet that's soul purpose would be for Internet, another great plan, except this is base housing!!! We are not allowed to drill a hole through the outside wall!!

So here we sit. We are debating our options, and we are pretty much limited to the USB sticks. Which means only one computer can be in use at once, we are limited in the amount of Internet usage each month, which if you know me, you know I am always on the net, and require a two year contract. And ontop of that, it is $60 a month. If they would update the phone line already, it would only cost me $10 a month, so it is REALLY hard for me to commit to paying $60 a month, when I know the day that they update the phone lines I can get it for $10 a month.

So just letting you all know, I have not forgot about my blogging friends!! It is just a pain in my behind to type this all out on my phone. So please forgive any mistakes, and bear with me!! I will be back soon!!

Frustrations..

2009-07-07T01:56:00.000-07:00

So a little background here.

For the last two years, I believe, there has been a reenlistment bonus of around $40,000+ for Donnie when he reenlisted this next time. We have been "looking forward" to this bonus to say the least, because it seemed that his last two reenlistment's he BARELY missed the big bonuses. So like I said this bonus was something we REALLY looked forward to. Well today, I looked up the bonuses for the fiscal year of 2010, which in the military starts on October 1st. Guess what, the bonus is GONE!! Go figure, he will get a bonus of a big fat $0.00.

So yes, I am FRUSTRATED. Am I ungrateful for what the Marine Corps provides for my family, ABSOLUTELY NOT. I am WELL aware that we get GREAT health coverage, job security, ETC, but really, I am FRUSTRATED. When Donnie and I first got married, it was under the Clinton administration, and the condition that the military was in would disgust so many. When we got married Donnie was making LESS then $400 a pay check. LESS, that is just absurd to me!! They did not even have enough GEAR for everyone. Really, it was PATHETIC the condition that the Clinton administration let the military get into.

The Bush administration came in and did their best to bring the military as close to equal to their civilian counterparts as they could, and to make sure that each and everyone of these men and women had the gear necessary to make sure they stayed safe. The military has come a LONG way in the last 8 years, A LONG WAY; but now with the new administration taking over, it seems that the military will be put on the back burner yet again. They are already taking budget cuts, being seen first and foremost with the bonuses.

Is my initial frustration that the money that we had HOPED we would see is gone, YES of course, is it a bit selfish, of course; I don't know many that wouldn't be frustrated with that situation though. My bigger frustration is, I see where this is heading and it seems it will be heading that way rather quickly.

When this administration took office, we knew that there would be changes that we would see on "this side" of it all, just was hoping it wouldn't be this soon. These men and women that sacrifice so much, deserve so much more then they get already. If you look at the overall population, there are very FEW who are willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING, for this entire country to have the freedom's that they have. We all take it for granted, every single day, from getting on the Internet and writing our blogs and e-mails, to driving our OWN vehicles down the street, and yelling at the guy who cut us off, to going shopping at grocery stores, to getting up in the dark to go pee and flipping on a light switch and having power, to being able to say "i don't like this government" whether past or present government. There are many governments that would have you killed on the spot for disagreeing with them. I could go on and on with the freedom's we Americans have that we take for granted every day. I do it myself.

Donnie has lost a few great friends, and my good friend, Carrie, lost her husband. I am lucky to say I knew some of these men..and feel EXTREMELY lucky to say I knew Chris. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Carrie and her son, and all the other men and women who have given everything. So in times like this, when my own selfish motives try to take over, I think about them, and what they have given up, and what we can do to help ourselves in these tough times.

We as Americans are all going through a tough time. Now is the time we all need to stand up for ourselves, and quit letting the government tell us what is best for us. Do we need "change"?? ABSOLUTELY, but that change does not need to come from the top! It needs to start at the bottom with the average American. "The President earns (and this comes from Wikipedia) $400,000 per year, along with a $50,000 monthly expense account, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account and $19,000 for entertainment.", how can he know what the American that is working for minimum wage need? How does he know what it is like to have to live off of a budget that really doesn't get you through the month?? He doesn't. That is why the change needs to start at the bottom. That is why the little guys voice does matter.

There are a lot more "little" guys out there then their are the big ones. Have you seen the movie "Bug's Life"?? I quote "You let one ant stand up to us, and they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one, and if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life! It's not about food, it's about keeping those ants in line!" We as Americans are those puny little ants.

The people in the "government" are no longer "for the people", for the most part, at least not like they use to be. They are out for themselves, and for those that they "owe" a favor to. If this nation is in such a HUGE deficit, why do they get a pay raise every year?? I guarantee you, they don't take that pay raise for a few years, that will take a HUGE chunk out of the deficit. No, they would rather take money from the schools, military, and other NEEDED programs, then take money out of their own pockets.

It is not just this administration that my frustration is with. Are they catching most of my wrath?? Of course, because they are the ones in office, but honestly..whether Republicans or Democrats, they are just a bunch of crooked people, only out for themselves and not the good of the American people in general.

We need to put God back into our country. This country has thrived for 233 years, and was FOUNDED on God, and once people decided that they knew better then God, and took him out, we have started our decline as a country as a whole.

It starts with the "puny little ants"!! Once we realize we outnumber them, and our voices really do matter, is when we will see our "change" that we need!!

Not Me! Monday!

2009-06-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I most certainly DID NOT let my 5 year old get his hair cut into a "cool" Mohawk, against the rest of the families wishes, just because I feel my children's hair, ONLY during summer time, is theirs do with as they please. NOT ME!! Why would I be so lenient with such a thing!!

My husband and I DID NOT buy our two oldest Nintendo DS's because we feel guilty about uprooting them from the only home they have ever really known, and feel that since they have been asking for one for so long, that it is something that might add a little "light" to what seems like a gloomy time for them! NOT US!!

I most certainly DID NOT torture my 5 year old with a dead crab, because he was scared of touching them. He was NOT sitting next to me SCREAMING, with me forcing his hand to touch the shell, with me telling him, "SEE, IT WON'T HURT YOU". NOT ME!!

I DID NOT fall completely in love with the new houses that we will be moving into sometime in the next 6 months, and of course I am NOT jealous of the people that get to move into said houses next month, why would I be..NOT ME!!!

I DO NOT get nervous everytime (2 times round trip, so 4 times total) we have rode the Ferry with the kids. I am NOT afraid that my boys will climb the railings and fall over board. Why would my boys do such things, certainly NOT!!

I have NOT been soooo busy that I haven't had time to call most of my friends or family. I am the type that stays on top of making phone calls to everyone!! So of course, that WASN'T me!!

I really am sorry about the last one...but we ARE super busy!! Pray that we find a house/apartment soon that offers month to month leases...don't know what we will do if we can't find that.

Hope everyone has a GREAT week, with many things they DO NOT want to do filling their time!! :D

Hello Washington

2009-06-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

So we officially made it to Washington on Tuesday, we have just been super busy, and I barely have time to get on the computer and check my emails, facebook, myspace, etc. We REALLY enjoyed our trip up here. Instead of doing a rush trip up, we took our time, and went up highway 1 / 101. The whole family had a blast, minus the few fights, and myself getting car sick a few times from the roads twisting and turning up and down the cliff sides right along the shore! I'll post the pictures at the end of the post!

We went across the water to where we are going to be living, and signed up for Navy housing. I am SUPER stoked about it. We saw a few pictures, and tomorrow is the open house that we will be going to. They are currently being built, and will begin to open up the completed houses mid-August, and all houses will be completed by December. We are on the list, but they have no idea where we fall on the list, due to the fact that families that are getting relocated out of the older housing have priority over us. So we ~~patiently~~ impatiently wait! They are all SINGLE houses, two car garages, fenced back yards. We rate a 4 bedroom house. They said the 4 bedrooms are between 1800 and 2000 sq ft! That is a lot of space!! We are currently staying with hubby's grandma until we can find an apartment that does month to month leases...so keep your fingers crossed for us there!!

The kids are LOVING Washington. I think they were a little leary at first, and sad to leave their friends, but now they enjoy spending time and being close to family, and LOVE exploring the woods behind Grandma's house!! They have found so many little critters, and berries, and all sorts of fun things to do since being here!! I think after we get settled into our house, they will adjust to Washington rather quickly. Every now and again they will mention that they miss their friends, or Robin will say "When Bailey comes to see me!", but for the most part, they are taking the move well.

Until we get completely settled, my postings will be sporadic to say the least, but I do try to get on and "quickly" read others as I can!! Hope everyone is doing great, and we miss all of our friends!! :D

Here are a few pictures!!

As soon as we set out on the 101.

Can't go through wine country without stopping for a taste!

Hubby tasting wine.

The GORGEOUS coast line!!

Golden Gate Bridge. My car was FULL of giggles from the kids, they were super excited!

Crappy picture of Alcatraz.

Drive Thru Tree! Our Expedition wouldn't fit!

Kids chasing frogs at the pond at the Drive Thru Tree

The cat's favorite spot to ride on the trip.

The kids first Ferry ride!

The kids on the front of the Ferry, and some random guy that happened to get in the pic..

The under side of the Ferry, walking back to the Truck...

Robin feeding the Bunny in Auntie's front yard.

Not Me Monday!!

2009-06-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Here is a list of things I CERTAINLY DID NOT do this week!! Not me, why would I do such things??

I have NOT let my house get completely trashed this weekend, just because movers will be coming on Tuesday, and I didn't see the point in cleaning until my house was completely empty. NOT ME!!

I have NOT been an emotional wreck for the past week, or stressed out about the upcoming move. NOT ME!!

I have NOT been yelling at my hubby because he always seems to find something more important to do then to get stuff in this house ready for a move. Not him, and certainly NOT ME!!

My children and I have NOT been living off of lunchables, Kid Cuisines and juice boxes for the past week or longer because I do not see the need in going grocery shopping just to ~~give away~~ throw away, what is remaining when we move. I would NEVER feed my children such things! NOT ME!!

I DID NOT put my daughter to bed last night, in her clothes from that day. I would NEVER not change her into PJ's because I didn't want to deal with her waking up, and having to fight to get her back to sleep. NOT ME!!

I most certainly did NOT tell the housing lady ~~that she was retarded~~ to go fuck herself, the second she walked out of my door. Why would such words come out of MY mouth. NEVER, NOT ME!!

I am NOT going to miss ANY of my friends, or California. I am the type of person that DOES NOT get attached to people, or places. I would NEVER do such a thing, NOT ME!!

I am NOT wasting my time on the computer, with this being my last day to pack before the movers come. NO WAY I would do that, NOPE, NOT ME!!

I am sure there are many more things, I DID NOT do this past week. Hope everyone has a GREAT week!!

Writer's Workshop

2009-06-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

A day late, but hey, I am pretty busy, seeing as to how I am moving next week!! :D But thanks to Mama Kat, here is this weeks Writer's Workshop!! Feel free to join in!! :D

Where would you like to be?

Where to begin with this one?

1. Out of my house, WITHOUT paying for my carpet to be replaced. (read post below)

2. Highway 101. I heard it is a beautiful drive!! We shall see next week!

3. In the Redwood Forest. We are PCSing to Seattle, and since we are driving up through CA, my 5 year old has been BEGGING to see the Redwood Forest. I can't wait to see the amazement in his little eyes at those TOWERING trees above him. Shoot, I can't wait to see those towering trees above me!!

4. The Golden Gate Bridge. This was my 7 year old's request since we will be driving through CA. And the same with him, to see the amazement of the bridge, and to hear him giggling with excitement as we drive over it!

5. My new house, wherever that might be.

6. A remote tropical island with some hottie with no shirt on, and rock hard abs serving me drinks out of a coconut with a nifty little umbrella, who offers to rub sunscreen on my back!! It will all be ok with my hubby too, because he will be sitting next to me, with a girl in a tiny bikini doing the same for him!!

When it Rains...

2009-06-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

It POURS...I swear!!

A few days ago, we had our "pre-inspection" to move out of base housing, and it just happened to be on the same day we are dog-sitting for our friends. She walked through the house, said everything looks great. Says carpet looks great, no visible stains or odors. Goes through the checklist of what to do, etc. We are standing in the kitchen finishing up, and she says, "oh, btw, since you have dogs, we are going to black light your carpet to check for urine stains." To which my reply was.."umm, these aren't my dogs, I'm just dog sitting." To which her reply was, "well, they are on your premises, so we have to assume that they are yours." This would all be fine and dandy, EXCEPT for the fact, that my daughter had only been potty trained a few short months before moving here, so she has had a few accidents in the 7 months we have lived here. Urine is urine, whether it be dog or human urine, it will glow under the black light all the same. She lets me know, if there are ANY stains on the carpet, we will be charged to have it replaced...GREAT!! This wouldn't be that big a deal to me, if our carpet looked horrible, or it really stunk..but it doesn't, with a quick carpet clean over the high traffic area, it would look BRAND new. So this really has me pissed at this inspector lady, REALLY PISSED.

Our neighbors are actually carpet cleaners for the housing office, so they let us know to go to Home Depot, buy this certain kind of cleaner, and that we could get a black light there, and check the house ourselves. So finally yesterday evening we get to Home Depot, get everything we need and get back home. Of course I am curious to see what my carpet actually looks like under black light, and it is late in the evening, so we go around, close all blinds, and turn off all lights. Flip on the black light, and HOLY SHIT...my carpet is glowing, EVERYWHERE. Not BRIGHTLY glowing, but you can see every spot we have EVER scrubbed on my carpet, and I am talking EVERY. We start in the living room, and work our way to the hallway, where I know we are going to see pee spots, and sure enough, there is a puddle right in my daughters doorway with drip marks leading all the way to the bathroom!! We go into her room, and find two more brightly glowing spots next to her bed! The boys room AMAZINGLY, only has one spot in it. The play room...OH the playroom...yeah..we found 5 brightly glowing spots in there, and three more in our room in the path that leads to our bathroom. So all night last night we spent treating our "glowing" carpet in the living room and toy room. Today at around 3, since that is the time that our inspection will be on next Friday, I closed all blinds in the house and got it as dark as I could, to see what these "treated" areas looked like under the light. The treated areas looked GREAT, barely noticeable, and I am sure once our neighbor cleans our carpet next Thursday, you will never know it had even been there. So I was pretty stoked about that...but of course it couldn't end there....

Do you ever have those days, that start off great, and something just has to come along, and knock you down?? Well today was that day!! UGH.

First thing this morning, get on the computer and check our pay. We got our travel money today! WOO HOO!! We got DOUBLE what we were expecting, so I was super excited. That means rather then staying at my hubby's grandmothers for 4 weeks to get a full months of BAH saved up to get a place, we would just have to stay there about two weeks! I was super stoked and on cloud nine ALL morning. Well, hubby calls around noonish, and says his car is sorta acting funny, that we should probably tow it to Washington, rather then him driving it. I thought no biggy, we can swing that one. It was the kids last day of school today, and it went GREAT. I went and had a picnic with both of the boys, and got to play with them at school this afternoon. Then the carpet thing happened..I thought WHAT A GREAT DAY. Well hubby called me at around 4ish, to tell me he was on his way, then called back about half an hour later, saying I was going to have to come get him. The transmission just went out on the car, it won't shift any higher then second gear. GREAT. So I'm thinking, OK, this is going to cost us between $500 and a thousand to get fixed, just a little set back, but we should still be ok...hmmm...guess again. On my way down to get him, sitting in DEAD STOP traffic on the 5, he calls to say he just got off the phone with a transmission shop. It is going to cost anywhere from $1600-$2000. Just what I wanted to hear. I swear, we are destined to have only one vehicle. We bought the car for $1200, it is worth roughly 2400, so if we have to put 2 grand into it to fix it..we will have spent more then what it is worth...what to do what to do. Guess first things first..tow it to Washington..try to find a place that is cheaper up there, because anywhere up there has to be cheaper then Cali!! We have roughly a month to figure this out, and I am hoping in that time, something GREAT happens. Not holding my breath though.

Writers Workshop: Giving this a try...

2009-06-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

So my sister follows this blog called Mama's Losin' It. It is actually pretty interesting, and she has these "writer workshop's" she posts, and you are suppose to do it every Thursday. Well, it is Friday, but I am a "newbie", and she says it is never too late to jump in..so I'm jumpin' in on a Friday! Thought I would give it a try, and If I like it, would continue to do so! For my first time, I posted instructions and all, but after that, I will only post the Prompt I choose to write about!

Your Assignment, Should You Choose To Accept

Directions:
For you newbies it's never to late to jump in!! Here is what you must do. Choose a prompt that inspires you most. Write. Come back Thursday and paste your blog URL into the Mister Linky that will be up...this way anyone can click on your name and head over to your place to see what you wrote.

Feel free to write on more than one prompt if you so desire. I do it all the time, but it's my game...and I don't know how to shut-up...so it should be expected. And remember the more comment love you give, the more comment love you get so comment comment away.

The Prompts:

1.) If you could cut back on something in your life that takes up your time what would it be? And what would you prefer to spend that time doing?
(inspired by Lady Isra)

2.) Share a recent adventure you had with a friend.
(inspired by Amy)

3.) Describe a memorable gift. Why was it important to you?
(Inspired by Kit Kat)

4.) If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be...what would you be and why?
(inspired by Lauren)

5.) Kim's email:

In the St. Louis News-Dispatch paper, they had an article of a man who wrote his own obituary before his death, and gave it to his sister to post when he died. He summed life up in 45 words:

(Click here to read his words).

I know it's a morbid subject, but what about a prompt about what would one's obit say, with a word limit. You could stipulate that everyone died at 100, so we'd all be predicting what our future would be like.

So there you have it. Sum up life in 45 words. :) Happy happy.
(Inspired by Kim)

If you would like to join in on the fun visit her blog at Mama's Losin' It

So I chose to write about number 4. If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be...what would you be and why?

Well this is actually a really simple one for me! I have been a stay at home Mommy for the past 8 years. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids to death, but I don't feel that I am SAHM material. The first few years I loved every single moment of it, but now I have got to the point, that I feel I just am stuck in a rut. I want more out of my life. I want to feel like I go out in the world and make a difference. Well this fall with be my chance.

My husband got selected to be a recruiter for the Marine Corps. We are going to be stationed up in Washington state, near his family, and it is going to give me the opportunity to go back to college, not that I spent much time there to begin with! I am going to find a great community college that offers a two year nursing program. Since we will only be stationed in WA for 2 and a half years, I figure I need to get my two year degree to begin with. Once I get that degree, I figure I will start working part time, and go to whatever college that happens to be close to our next duty station, part time, to finish up my 4 year nursing degree. After accomplishing that, I will continue to go to school and work part time, and get my masters as a Nurse Midwife. It is a really long term goal, but something that I have had my heart set on for quite a few years now. My husband is looking at retirement from the Marine Corps in just a little over 10 years, so I feel as long as I get my Midwife degree within 10 years, we will be doing great, although planning on having it within 6 years, if all goes how I have planned!

I just feel that as a Midwife, I will be making a difference in these women's lives. I feel that so many doctor's, and some Midwife's that I have encountered through the Naval Hospital, are so wrapped up in what they are doing, that they forget about the women they are treating. I want to be that Midwife that takes the time to explain everything to the woman. Walk her through step by step on what is going on with her changing body, what to expect, and to also take the time to befriend her, and let her know she has someone she can really trust. There are so many pregnant women out there that have no idea WHAT is going on with their body, and when they ask the doctor, they just brush them off, like they are not important enough to take the time to explain it to them, and then some of the women are just too afraid to ask. I want to empower women to realize that it is THEIR bodies, THEIR birth experiences, and that these doctors are not in control, that they are, and to help them understand their choices in these matters. Just ready to make a difference in the world!

Slow to jump on the Bandwagon.

2009-06-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

It appears that everyone around me is getting a blog spot, so I have gave in, and made one. Not quite sure how much, or how often I will post on here. But I will give it a try.

So I finally got TMO all set up yesterday. That was a huge pain!! They have a website now, to where you can just go online and set up your move. Well this website is rather complicated, in my opinion. So I worked on trying to get our move set up online for over a week, when I finally gave up, and drove to TMO. I walk into the office, and there is this LCPL chick sitting behind the window. I tell her, I have been trying to do this online..and I am stuck. She then proceeds to tell me, that I need to go home, and use my home computer to finish setting up the move. Was she not listening to me, did she not just hear me say, I HAVE BEEN TRYING..and I AM STUCK. I tell her again..I have tried, I am stuck. She tells me, she doesn't understand how I am stuck, because the website is pretty self explanatory...REALLY?? REALLY?? Ok lady..it might be self explanatory to you, because you work in TMO..you know what a JEAT is..and you know what a GBLOC is, but I do not. If you want the website to be self explanatory, when you ask the question is your move a JEAT or a JENQ, please have a link to click next to those acronyms that explains those acronyms..that is a self explanatory website. ANYWAY..after arguing with her for a minute, she finally went and talked to her supervisor, who said he would help me, but he was busy until 11. Mind you, it is 9:45. Fine, I will go wait in my car. So Robin and I go back to the truck, where she has snacks and a lunchable..we listen to music, and she eats all of her snacks, plus her lunchable. At 11, I go back in..the lady recognizes me, and goes back to talk to her supervisor. She comes out and tells me that he is with someone, and will come get me in about 10 min. So I walk into the waiting room, which was PACKED FULL of people. They have a banner up on the wall, it says, Your household goods move just became easier, visit our website, I find this banner quite humorous! 45 min after first going into the waiting room, i go back out to the front desk, and ask the lady what is going on. It appears I have been forgotten, so she takes me to the back to her supervisor. FINALLY..so he lets me get on his computer, and asks me to show him where I am stuck. I pull it all up..and literally, it takes him 5 min to walk me through the rest of the process. I waited 2 hours for something that took 5 min! So anyway, after all is said and done, he gives me all my paperwork, tells me the movers will be calling in the next day or two to confirm the date. I leave, load Robin up in the truck, and sit there and look over the paperwork that he gave me..oops, i put in a wrong date. We wanted the packers to come on the 18th and 19th. So when it asked for pickup date, i just assumed that was the first day we wanted them to come, so I put in the 18th, well i guess that is the last day, so it appears the packers will start coming on the 16th, and have all of our stuff packed and loaded on the truck by the 18th. That is the day Donnie graduates from his school, so looks like instead of attending his graduation, I will be at the house with the movers finishing everything up. That is fine I guess, that means that all we have to do is clean the house, and have final inspection on the 19th to turn in our keys, and as soon as keys are turned in, we will hit the road for our long drive up to WA. Dillon has insisted we have to go through the Redwood Forest, so we will be making a small detour so he can see it! They learned about it in school this year, so he is pretty excited about it.

House hunting is slow. We are looking at living about 30 miles north of where Donnie's office is. It is a lot cheaper, and nice houses up there as well. The only thing is, we need to go there and actually drive it, to see what traffic is like, because if it is going to take Donnie over a hour to get to work, is it really worth it? So I have contacted a few Real Estate offices in the area, and told them our situation, and we will meet up with a few of them when we get out there and have them show us around. Good thing his grandmother is going to let us stay with her until we have a place!! It is going to make this process a lot easier on us all!!

So that is where we are for now. Not a thing gone through in our house to prepare for the move, but TMO finally set up. No house to go to, but lots of options. It seems like 15 more days, and we will be leaving California. I'm really gonna miss it. I have grown to love it over the years! I'm going to miss so many people here! We have friendships with people here that will last a lifetime! I really just don't want to think about that part of the move, at all. I will definitely be coming here for visits!! Everyone can count on that!!