WHEEL!!

Well. . .it's done. I was on Wheel of Fortune. If you want to know when my show airs, email me and I'll give you the date. I did really well--I didn't get to the bonus round, but not because I didn't play well. . .it was one of those luck of the spin things. . .you'll see when you watch it.

The whole experience was really really fun. We were there all day (they taped 5 shows!) and I thought I would be exhausted, but the day went by so fast! I was in the very last show! S., N., my mom, my friend L, and my friends/neighbors C, C, and P came. P is close to N's age, so that was good--they got antsy having to be there for 7 hours, but it probably would have been worse if they didn't have each other!

For me. . .the day flew by. We did some rehearsal stuff, some legal stuff, etc. We got to know each other pretty well, which was nice, because we were all really excited for each other to win. My group (of course I'm biased) was so great! We all did well and we were all so happy for each other. I think that really helped with the nerves, because you didn't have to worry about someone trying to kill you!

They have all these great coaches (I'm not sure what their title is--we called them "Life Coaches") that really get you prepared for what is going to happen. Although, I can tell you that there is a good reason that the people on the show don't solve it as fast as you do at home! You have SO many things to think about. . .don't look at the wheel, only look at the puzzle. Clap for everyone, but don't clap loud, and don't clap near your chest or your face, be excited, be moving all the time--don't stand still. Talk with a loud, clear voice, but don't shout. Ennunciate your words, so they hear you correctly, wait for Pat to say the dollar amount before you talk. Don't say "please" or "I'd like a. . ." just say the letter, don't say you want to spin--just spin. Don't take too long, use vowels, think about "logical letters" and "letter groups," don't look at the crowd, keep things moving. . .etc. etc. etc. It's a lot of pressure for people who are not used to being on TV.

I did screw one thing up. It added about 30 minutes to the taping time. I knew I would embarrass myself, but fortunately, they can edit it together and fix it, so instead of being an idiot on national television, I'm just an idiot in front of the 3000 people in the studio audience. The other two contestants were so nice about it, and so were the producers and Pat. (The Executive Producer came out to explain to us what was going to happen--I was so scared. I just KNEW they were going to kick me off the show!) I will explain more after the show airs--I don't want to give anything away! The other two contestants kept telling me it was OK, and Pat said "Don't worry--in the list of screwups--you're WAY down at the bottom." That actually made me feel a lot better!

All in all, I had a GREAT time. I won some great stuff and I can't wait 'til it airs, because I want to see it--I'm not sure what all happened! I am glad that I didn't get the bonus round, because none of the letters I would have called would have been up there. The girl who went called good letters, and she won it. The only thing that made me sad was that S. and N. didn't get to be on TV. But, then I would have had to explain that to R. when we watched the show, so maybe it was for the best!

So, watch for me on TV, and look for me to be traveling soon--that's all the hint I'll give ya!

Post #100

I noticed on the "Dashboard" that this is my 100th post. It seems as though it should be something profound. I can't come up with anything. So, I'm going to try to get onto "paper" a sort of jumble of thoughts about my kids that I've been processing since a few months after J was born.

Here's what I think. Three boys is just perfect for me. There is no comparison between the sexes. I'm sure that there will eventually be comparisons between the three of them--that makes sense because they are all boys, so you'd think they'd be similar. But, so far, they are so DIFFERENT that it is almost impossible to make comparisions--other than to point out the differences!

There are pros and cons to being the oldest, youngest, or middle child. But, from a mom's perspective, here's how I feel about it. Or about them. Like I said, it is a jumble of thoughts. . .kind of a list of adjectives of my feelings for each of them. Or events that surround each of them, or something. I'm not sure.

N. First child. Everything, starting with the pregnancy, brings excitment, fear, enthusiasm, and a constant desire to see and do whatever is coming next. A constant sense of wonder that this child is, everyday, an older child than I've ever parented. That sounds stupid, I know, but it means something in my heart. I'm in awe of him all the time. He tries things, and is suddenly an expert. He thinks of things and suddenly creates them. He is amazing. Constant wonder.

R. Second child. I am able to relax. Knowing things will not end in tragedy or injury (most of the time) I am able to enjoy them more quickly, since I don't have to conquer the nerves! Instant joy, because before he starts something, or sees something, or knows it is going to happen--I know how much he is going to love it. Or how much he will hate it--and even that is joyful to me. . .just seeing him be his own person and develop what that means. He feels things so deeply, this boy. He is reflective and intense. He thinks much deeper than other children his age--much deeper than many people much older than him. Because of that, there is very little in his world that is "so-so." He loves things extremely, and he dislikes other things completely. And, I love seeing him decide which is which! Constant joy.

J. Third child. Last child. Smiles with tears. Fascinating that the third of three boys could still find a way to be TOTALLY different. He surprises me with his speed, his strength, his total disregard for any rule whatsoever! I watch everything he does, every milestone he reaches, knowing it will be the last time there is a "first time." If I think of it long enough, it makes me cry. Not because I want another one, just because they are all growing up. I'm fascinated that at 2, I can already look back at things that are never to be again. I know this sentimental side of myself, and refuse to let it impede him. He'll never feel from me a sense of holding on, wishing him still a baby--but it will be in the back of my head! There is such a sense of contentment in me with J. When he was 3 hours old, I knew my family was complete. Just looking in his eyes--I knew it. He is such a tangible force! He is expressive without restraint. Laughing, crying, being an irritation to his brothers--he does it all with total abandon! I hope he never loses that. I am fascinated by people who are so completely comfortable with themselves that they have no need to hide. I think J is that way. Constant fascination.

Soccer

For some reason, N. never seemed too young to me when he played sports. He started playing soccer at 3, and it seemed like he was big enough. Yesterday was R's first day of soccer practice. He seemed so tiny!! He had a good time, but boy, is his team nuts! It truly was, as S. says, "like herding cats."

The practice went well, and at the end they sort of had a scrimmage. Keep in mind that they have no concept of the fact that there are boundary lines of any sort--they aren't drawn on the field, and how could they imagine them? They don't even know they are supposed to be there! Anyway--several of the kids (including R) would kick the ball several times, get frustrated that it wasn't going the direction that they wanted, and either pick it up and turn it around or just give it a shove with their fist. That was funny.

When the scrimmage was over, R came off the field and I could see the tears coming. I knew it was going to happen. "Mommy! They wouldn't let me score a goal!" Then, sobs. It was horrible. But, I did have a moment of feeling like a good parent. I sat down on the grass with him and explained that when you're on a team, if one person gets a goal, the whole team gets a goal. It is just as important to be the one who kicks the ball to the guy who scores, as it is to be the one who scores.

I reminded him that he kicked the ball into the game from the goal line and took the ball all the way down the field all by himself (really--he had 5 or 6 great kicks--no one could catch him, and he went straight for his goal!). When he got to his goal, no one stole the ball from him. He "passed" the ball to his teammate and he scored! So, really, he and R both scored. It's called teamwork. He loved that idea.

I made a big deal of how he is a great ball handler and you have to be very brave and very fast and have really good coordination to go all the way down the field. I told him that Daddy and N can't do it. (That's stretching it a bit, but it made him feel better!) In the car, I called S. and told him all about it while R could hear me. When we got home, I started telling N how great R played and by that time, R was so excited and proud of himself that he finished the story for me. So, his love of soccer is still intact for now.
He really is a good ball handler. He has good hand/eye coordination. It is interesting that already he has different skills and abilities than N. It's only the first practice, but it is the first time he's ever played an "organized" (term used loosely!) sport. And, he looks totally different than N. does when he plays something.

It was a strange feeling to watch R play. A feeling I get in a lot of situations with him. It is not nerve racking for me, like it is when N does something new, because I have been through it before with the older brother. I just have this amazing sense of excitment for him. I have that for N too, but it takes a while to get through the nerves and get to the excitement. With R, I can just smile and enjoy the beauty of seeing him go through a new experience. I wonder if it will be that way when he does something that N hasn't ever done. . .always something to ponder. . .

Baseball Video

This is a video from N's baseball game yesterday. I don't know how to shorten it to just the part of him, so you have to watch for a little while. We are the team in the white jersies. You'll see several of our batters, then a couple of blue jersey batters. After that, he is the next batter in white. Anyway--at the beginning, it sounds like they are calling the first batter by N's name. That's not him. It is a kid with the same name with a K instead of N.

Baseball Player

N's first game was yesterday. This is his first season to play out of Tball (we missed last year because of the moving process--we were too late for signups!) Anyway--I have been pretty nervous about it. . .what if he didn't hit (they use a pitching machine), what if he struck out, what if he couldn't catch the ball, blah blah. Can you believe that? I can just hear him when he's playing ball in high school "Mom, you're going to have to settle down. You're making me nervous. Maybe you shouldn't come to the game. . ."

I didn't actually SAY any of that stuff. I just thought it. I want him to LOVE sports. I don't particularly care if he's GREAT at it, I just want him to love it enough to keep playing. I think you learn so much from participating in team sports. Ok, so--

As with soccer, we have wonderful coaches (actually, the head soccer coach is one of the assistant baseball coaches--that's the only reason we agreed to let him play. . .remember the fiasco with soccer all stars?) So, they are so great. They have this amazing system so that each kid truly is a star. No one is better or worse than anyone else. I suppose a kid could get down on himself if he never got a hit, but they have even got that pretty much handled. They do strike out once in a while, it is baseball after all, but they are great at setting the machine for each kid, and they have taught them well.

They bat in jersey number order. This game, player #1 was the first batter. Next game, #2 (N.) will lead off. Going on and on through the season. Everyone gets a chance to be first. Everyone's first at bat, they get 9 pitches--even if they don't hit, they still get to take first base. Everyone gets a chance to run the bases at least once.

Each inning they rotate positions on the field. You play 2 infield positions, 2 outfield positions, and sit on the bench for 2 innings. They bat straight through the lineup. Three outs or 9 batters. Even if you were on the bench that inning, you bat in the regular number order. Doesn't matter who you are or how you play. You will play every position--including bench warmer. I love it!! I think that as they get toward the end of the season, they start having more "assigned" positions, but for now, they are all equal. Fabulous!!

They have one more year in this league, and then they move up to regular kid pitch. Things get to be more like "normal" baseball then, but for now--they are teaching them to love the sport!!!

So, how did it go? GREAT! He hit every time he got up to bat (three times) and he played great at first base. He caught every ball thrown to him. He also did great at bench warmer. I can't really comment on his outfield play, because no one hit the ball to the outfield. However, he did not sit on the ground and play in the dirt or pick flowers, so I guess that is success out there too! He was also the first player to cross home plate, but I managed to get my hair in front of the camera lens, so that photo will have to wait until the next game (by the next time he went around, I was busy keeping J. off the field and couldn't get to the camera!)

He definitely seems to be a natural athelete. He loves everything outdoors (the newest thing is skateboarding--I just bought him a ramp--what's wrong with me????) He has that long, lean body that seems so comfortable running and throwing. Soccer and baseball are definite successes for him. I'm hoping he chooses to stick with them and blow off basketball and football. We'll see. . .we'll let him try whatever he wants, but these two seem to be really comfortable for him!

I'm a Wheel Watcher!!!

I am a Wheel Watcher. . .since childhood I have loved Wheel of Fortune--and guess what! Now I am a Wheel Contestant!!! That's right. . .I'm going to hang out with Pat and Vanna. I auditioned last month, got called back for a second audition, and they called me yesterday to say I AM GOING TO BE ON THE SHOW!! They are shooting a "Sunny San Diego" week! They will shoot all 5 shows on the 24th of this month here in San Diego! 2 weeks from today. I don't know when it will air, but I am so excited! Watch for me on NBC!!!!

Oh--also, N.'s first baseball game was today. He did fabulous. He got a hit everytime he got to the plate, and he did GREAT at first base! More info on that tomorrow when I have downloaded the photos!!

Pops

Pops died last night about about 8:15 Texas time. What a strange feeling to say "That's good." about something that is sad.

At least now he isn't in pain. At least now his wife, children, and their families can begin to mourn his death. At least now no one has to debate what is the best thing to do. At least now, his wife and C. can get some rest, after living at the hospital for a month. And yet. . .he's still gone.

It's still sad. No matter what age you are, and how much you were expecting it, it still has to be awful to lose a parent. My parents and grandparents are young, compared to those of most people my age. None of my biological grandparents have died, much less my parents. I have no idea what it would be like.

I think it must be really painful for C in her heart, even if her head knew it was best. No matter how old you are, when both of your parents have died, you must have a feeling inside of being an orphan. Even with your own spouse, siblings, children, grandchildren, etc. around you. A little bit of you has to be a little bit broken when they're gone.

What if we treated our PETS this way?

My stepmother's father is very ill. He has been sick for a very long time, with emphysema and (I think) diabetes. He had to have a leg amputated several years ago. Anyway, for the last couple of months it has been really bad. He has been in the hospital in a lot of pain. My stepmom went there (he lives about 2 hours from her) and hasn't left in 3 weeks. She can barely stand to leave to take a shower.

He is on a lot of medication to ease his pain and anxiety. My dad says that he looks like the most awful pictures you have ever seen of the victims of Auschwitz. He says that he takes abour 4 or 5 breaths per minute. Each breath is terribly painful. He can only get his lungs to expand for about 1/4 of a breath.

I know that God has a plan, and when it is our time to go, we go. But, this is just awful. He is in such agony. His wife suffers watching him suffer. His children can't help him, and they are having to watch him slowly die. He can't swallow, so he hasn't had anything to eat or drink in 2 weeks. At one point, they considered sending him home on hospice. I am not sure why they haven't done that yet.

So--here's the thing. I haven't ever been sure how I felt about "euthenasia" (I probably spelled that wrong). I know that I would not want to suffer, and I have told my family on multiple ocassions that if something bad happens to me, let me go. Don't put yourselves through having to take care of me. But, I believe it is against the law to "help" someone die. Isn't that what Dr. Kevorkian was put in jail for? Anyway, I'm pretty sure it is illegal. Understand, Pops has not ever told anyone that he wanted to go ahead and die, so this doesn't really pertain to him. It has just made me think. If someone is suffering so badly and they want it to end. . .why do we make that illegal? If I had a dog that was in the same condition that Pops is in, and someone reported me--I would go to jail for animal cruelty. With animals we are told that it is the "humane" thing to do because "they have no quality or dignity to their lives anymore."

Again, Pops hasn't asked anyone to help him die, but when he finally takes his last breath, that old cliche will certainly be true--he will be in a better place, he will no longer be in pain, and he will be with God. It just makes me think about how and why we make the decisions we do.

I realize that this is totally rambling and not tied together. I am just so sad for C. and her dad and his wife and everyone else. They are in this horrible in between thing of having to take care of his body, while they watch it waste away. They can't yet grieve his death, because he's still alive, but his life is misery. It is just too awful.

Strength, Stability, and Flexability

So. . .I have been thinking over my workout plan a lot lately. I have been trying to increase my running, but I decided the other day--what for? I hate running. I don't think it is fun. I don't get a runner's high, and I don't feel proud that I can do something other people can't. The only thing I get out of it is weight loss. I can run 4 miles and lose about 1/2 a pound a day. So, that is enough to keep me doing it. I thought about working my way up to some races (they have great ones year round here) but I just don't want to.

Two things that I saw recently have redirected my plan. First, I saw a photo of a woman, about my age (a year old, actually) standing on one foot, with her other leg extended straight up in the air (shin next to ear) holding that foot with her hands above her head. Second, I saw a woman at my gym who is 67 years old who, I swear, is a human pretzel. She could bend her body into some crazy contortions, just to try to stretch! That's how flexible she is. So. . .here's my thoughts. In the long run, I will not be able to run forever. It just isn't a smart choice, when you consider the impact on your knees and the rest of your body. What I DO need to have forever is strength, stability, and flexability. (I think I have spelled that wrong, but it is late and I am too tired to figure it out.) Anyway--my trainer and I have been working on the stability. Some of the simplest exercises are very difficult for me. I am pretty clumsy anyway, so the fact that I have not done a lot of work on that area doesn't help. Eventually, as I grow older, and my bones are not as strong, I will need my muscles and joints to be in good condition to keep my body safe and healthy. As for the flexability, I think that will help with those "aches and pains" of age that are the result of lack of muscle use. Also, I just thought that picture of that lady's foot over her head was really cool.
So. . .I will keep up the running, just for the weight loss. Not try to push for more constantly. I will continue weight training, because I like being able to wear tank tops and not be embarrassed of my arms, but now I will add in pilates and yoga to work toward the new goal. I am not sure that the goal will be to hold my foot above my head, but I'd like to be able to extend one leg straight out at a 90 degree angle to the floor and hold it there for 10 seconds (try it--it's much harder than it sounds!)

Happy Birthday to the Babies!

I have to stop referring to the two youngest children as babies. It makes R. very angry with me, but I just can't help it. I feel like they are babies. Anyway--in the last 5 days, they both had a birthday. R. turned 4 on Thursday, and J. turned 2 today. They had a joint party on Saturday. I swore I would never do that, but at this point, J. is so young that he doesn't really have his own friends. . .just those that I have forced on him because they are children of my friends or siblings of the other two boys' friends. So, I figured one (or maybe two or three) joint parties won't hurt anybody!

It was a great time. My friend, L. bought a bounce house a few days ago, so we borrowed that. She also made their cakes. This woman is talented. She does SUCH a great job. And, she makes this wonderful chocolate icing with cinnamon in it. I don't even like cinnamon that much, and I love this icing. The night of the party, at about 2 am, I ate some of the cake without even cutting it--just straight from the cake! I used to fork though!

Anyway--I had to leave the party early to go to my Weight Watchers employment interview, so L. and a couple of other friends stayed and helped clean up. I think, overall, I was the big winner when it came to this party. Little planning (hot dogs to eat, and L. provided the entertainment) fancy beautiful cakes for free, and I didn't have to clean anything! AND--I only had to do one party! AND I got HIRED BY WEIGHT WATCHERS!

All in all, a great day. For me. Not for the kids. They got sick later that afternoon--back to croup coughs and fever. We've all been passing these germs back and forth for about 5 weeks now. It seems to be mutating between each kid (and me) so that we get it again and again. That sucks, but other than that. . .a good weekend.

Family Visit

My brother (J. calls him "Unc Buggy"), my sister-in-law ("Shelf"), and their beautiful daughter, G (he says her name perfectly) were here this past weekend. It was so much fun. J. and G. are only 6 weeks apart, so they were HILARIOUS!! They are 2 now, so the famous toddler statement "Mine!" was heard throughout the house many many times! Being their first child, it makes UB and Auntie C. a little irritated, but they handled it quite well! I mostly just cracked up about it (I have mellowed SO MUCH since the first child--I amaze myself!) Anyway--we had a great time. We went to the Wild Animal Park, a Super Bowl Party, and to Sea World. It was really fun. Auntie C was a great sport, since she is pregnant and was REALLY not feeling well the entire time. She pretended that she was fine, but she didn't feel great. I always think that I am fine with living far from family, that I have adjusted and I will be ok--and then they come to visit. It makes me so so so so so sad when they leave. Especially UB, Auntie C, and G. I could live next door to them forever and be happy about it! I am hoping that we will get to go home over the summer some time (pray for space A flights!!!!!) and see them and the new baby! Here are some photos from their visit! Auntie C sent me some more, but I have to figure out the Kodak account thing to put them on here. . .hers are a lot better than mine!

Civilian Child vs. Military Child

1. A civilian child sees race or maybe diversity; a military child sees friends as close as family.
2. A civilian child has a best friend in his hometown, a military child has a best friend on every continent.
3. A civilian child sees the planes flying over; a military child knows what type of plane it is, and knows someone who works on them.
4. A civilian child smells something nasty and says "Eeewwww! What's that smell?" A military child smells something nasty and says "M.O.P.P. 4! M.O.P.P. 4!"
5. A civilian child sees someone in uniform; a military child can tell you what branch he's in and what rank he is.
6. A civilian child thinks home is where the heart is; a military child knows that home is where the military sends you.
7. A civilian child kisses mommy and daddy goodnight; a military child often kisses a picture of mommy or daddy goodnight.
8. A civilian child lives for tomorrow and what it might bring; a military child lives for today, because tomorrow might bring orders for daddy to go away again
9. A civilian child talks on the phone for fun; a military child lives for the 15 minute weekly phone call.
10. A civilian child can read and write in English; a military child can read and write acronyms.
11. A civilian child says goodbye; a military child says see you later.
12. A civilian child gets to see things other children would love to see; a military child gets to see things world leaders would love to see.
13. A civilian child often goes to the same school his whole life; a military child will change schools every 2 years.
14. A civilian child leaves his hometown for vacation; a military child only sees his "hometown" for vacation.
15. A civilian child supports our soldiers; a military child IS a soldier.

Pray for our troops. . .including the little ones helping hold down the homefront!

Attitude

I recently read two things that caused me to consider carefully my attitude. I am, in general, very aware of how great my life is. Particularly right now. Everyone in my family (that even includes all 4 of my grandparents) are healthy. My children are wonderful. My husband is not only wonderful, he is in a non-deployable job, so I get to enjoy his wonderfulness, and not just read about it in emails!, we live in an outstanding house that we SO LUCKED OUT in getting and that house is in a beautiful place. . .We're getting a great tax return that should wipe out our financial struggles from moving back from Europe, we have everything we need, and most everything we want. Anyway--I am pretty aware of how lucky I am. But, I read these two things, and it made it more on the forefront of my mind. One is a cute, made up story. One is a sad, real life story. Both are cause to stop, think, and give thanks to God.

Cute, made up:
A woman woke up one morning and found that she had only 3 hairs on her head. She said "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did, and she had a wonderful day.
The next morning, she woke up with only 2 hairs on her head. She said "I think I'll wear my hair parted in the middle today." So she did, and she had a great day.
The next day, she woke up with only one hair. She said "I think I'll put my hair in a ponytail today." So she did, and she had a fabulous day.
The next day, she woke up with no hair at all. She said "I don't have to fix my hair today!!"
It's all about attitude. . .

Sad, real life:
I read this on my friend's blog. I don't know the people, so I am changing their names. Sally and Dave. Dave is in the military. They have a small child. Dave is a typical military guy--healthy, strong, active. One morning, he is playing with his child on the bed before he goes to work. He has a stroke. No warning signs, no family history, nothing. He is moved to Walter Reed to recover. Sally finds out that she is finally pregnant after trying for more than a year. She moves the family to be with Dave.
Good news. . .after months of therapy, Dave recovers almost completely. He can return to active duty. Bad news. . .they find out that they are pregnant with a baby boy with a chromosome defect (I believe it is called trisomy 18). The baby will only live a day or two after his birth.
He is due in February. I just can't imagine. The horror of knowing you must plan for your son's birth and his death at the same time. The anger at the fact that as long as he is in her belly, he is still alive--but there is nothing she can do to keep him there. The fear of completely losing your physical strength, your spiritual faith, and your rational mind all at one time. I honestly cannot imagine the pain they must feel. I can't fathom anything that would make it better. All I can think to do is to everyday say a prayer of thanks for my blessings and a prayer of peace for that family.

Weight Watchers (Again)

Yes--I realize that it has become an obsession for me. Anyway--if you are on Weight Watchers (especially the flex plan) send me an email. I have a GREAT website for you!

Things Learned in Texas

This was forwarded to me by my friend, and fellow Texan who also recently moved to this other universe we refer to as Southern California. I have never felt as homesick as I did reading some of these. You may not understand them, but those of you who have been confused by my odd food or vocabulary choices may find it to be some insight into the way my mind works. I have highlighted the ones that specifically apply to my life in a very small east texas town!

Armadillos sleep in the middle of the road with all 4 feet in the air.

There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4, 998 live in Texas.

There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Texas, along with a few no one has identified yet.

Racoons will test your melon crop and let you know when it is ripe.

If it grows, it will stick to you, if it crawls, it will bite you.

Nothing will kill a mesquite tree.

There are valid reasons some people put razor wire around their houses (also referred to as bob wire--barbed wire for those who don't speak Texan.)

A tractor is not an all terrain vehicle. They DO get stuck.

Then wind blows 90 miles an hour from Oct. 2 to June 25, then it stops completely.

Onced and twiced are words. As are reckon, fixinto, and yonder.

Coldbeer is one word. It is pronounced "coalbeer."

People actually grow and eat okra.

Green grass DOES burn.

You can't run across the yard in the summer. The heat has made cracks in the ground so big, your whole foot will fall in and you'll break your ankle.

When you live in the country, you don't have to buy a dog. City people drop them off at your gate at night.

The sound of coyotes howling at night only sounds good for the first few weeks.

When a buzzard sits on the fence and stares at you, it's time to see a doctor.

There ain't no such thing as "lunch." There's breakfast, dinner, and supper.

Ordering "tea" means sweetened iced tea, and it is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you are two.

"Backwards and forwards" means "everything I need to know about you."

"Jeet?" is a phrase meaning "Did you eat?"

You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you are done or until it is to dark to see.

You measure distance in minutes or hours.

You switch from A/C to heat in the same day. And, you don't turn it on--you "cut" it on.

There are many types of fits, the most common of which are hissy and wall eyed--fits are not thrown, they are pitched. As in "Why are you pitchin' such a wall eyed fit?"

Stores don't have bags, they have sacks. And they don't have carts, they have buggies.

You see cars in the parking lots running with nobody in them all year round.

All festivals across the state are named for a fruit or vegetable.

You install security lights on your house and garage, and leave both unlocked.

You know what cow tippin' and snipe huntin' are.

You have 4 spices in your kitchen: salt, pepper, ketchup, and tabasco.

The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but take up six to cover Friday night high school football games.

The first day of deer season is a state holiday.

You know which leaves make good toilet paper.

You find 100 degrees "a tad warm."

The four seasons are summer, almost summer, still summer, and Christmas.

You think everyone from north of Dallas has an accent.

You know if another Texan is from North, South, East, or West Texas as soon as they open their mouth.

Going to WalMart is a favorite pastime referred to as "goin' Walmartin'" or "off to Wally World."

You describe the first cool snap (below 70) "good chili eatin' weather."

Regardless of the brand, all carbonated beverages are Cokes. You ask guests "Do you want a coke?" If they say yes you ask what kind.

If y'all don't understand these. . .I suggest you go to Texas and visit for a spell.

MORE Military Wife Pride

As you may or may not be able to tell, I am simply furious at the chicken person who left the anonymous comment on my last post. The idea that a military wife should not express pride in what she and her husband do is just preposterous! Here's the thing. Some people contribute to the betterment of society. That includes military servicemembers and their families. It also includes police, firefighters, teachers, medical professionals, victims' advocates, watchdog groups, people who rock sick babies in hospitals, people who knit blankets for cancer patients, and countless others. Every one of those people has the right to be proud of themselves. They can say "I did something today to make the world a better place."

There are other people out there who don't necessarily go out of their way to improve society, but are nonetheless grateful for those who do. For example, before I had children, I was a special event planner. I am sure that my job made the world a bit more interesting for a few moments, but it didn't actually HELP anyone or anything. However, I have ALWAYS been very aware of those amazing people who do--and I not only do I appreciate them, I try to go out of my way to tell them.

And finally, there are the third type of people. The ones who not only don't contribute, the don't even realize how good they have it in life. Sipping lattes and cursing at the nightly news does not a humanitarian make. What kind of person even has the TIME to sit on their ass and surf the web, find a blog about a family they've never met (and if I am very lucky--never will) and make rude and offensive comments? I think it is a person who feels quite guilty in the comfortable little sheltered life that they lead. Any reference that might indicate that someone else does MORE than they do embarrasses them, and so they are quick to go on the offensive, as was the anonymous commenter.

So, let me just say this. I have a friend that runs marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If she wore a Tshirt that said "Last week I raised $5,000 for cancer research--how are you helping?" What would be my response? First of all, I would say that anyone who runs a marathon needs to invest in a good car--but, other than that--I would say: Oh my gosh! That is so awesome! You are an amazing person to be willing to do something that difficult to contribute to a cause!

I'm not willing to run a marathon. Not for cancer research, not for free chocolate--not even if a bear was chasing me. I have no problem admitting that she can do something I can't, and that I might benefit from it. I am impressed, I am appreciative, and I would never be a rude, insensitive, whiny bitch about it (especially not an anonymous one).

So--to the anonymous poster--if you're feeling guilty, go volunteer at a shelter or build a house with habitat for humanity, or just teach a kid to ride a bike--but stay the hell away from my blog. You're not welcome here as I'm sure several of my Army sisters will attest to (and if you think the Tshirt slogans were rough--you can't IMAGINE what a bunch of military wives are like when we unite behind a common cause, and you can bet your ass every one of them will support me on this!)

Now--here's another cool military wife thing (and another thing that people outside the military will not even be able to understand--much less find funny). I got it from my friend D, who, along with her 1 year old daughter, is anxiously counting down the days until her husband's return from the big sandbox!

Deployments:
1. Deployments = sexual deprivation to the extreme. I'm surprised half those guys haven't gone psycho and castrated themselves to escape the pain. . .

2. Deployments = waiting by the phone 24/7. When they finally do call, it is the best 20 minutes of your life, and mostly consists of "I love you, I miss you, I love you, I miss you, I love you. . .

3. Deployments = expensive packages. Care packages are expensive.

4. Deployments = OH GOD!! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him! I miss him!

5. Deployments = Finding out who your true friends are, when all you talk about is him, and they still stick by your crazy ass!

6. Deployments = The best diet of your life! Half the time, you can't eat because you can't stop thinking of him, and whenever you get stressed, you exercise. . .someone should market the "military wife" diet!

7. Deployments = Pointless. They should just set all the military wives, girlfriends, and moms on any enemy. In 24 hours we would show them who's boss--just to get our men back!

8. Deployments = FOX News. Come on--admit it. You look for him every time it is on!

9. Deployments = Motivation and Pride! This includes wearing the sweatshirts, getting the bumper stickers, telling everyone you meet about the military, etc.

10. Deployments = Proof that our men are the best men alive.

Army Family TShirts

Thanks to an apparently very strong decongestant, I am awake at 11pm, when I normally go to bed by 9pm. I have cleaned my whole house from top to bottom, and even finished all the laundry. I have one thank you note left to write from Christmas, but I am letting that slide 'til tomorrow--so I have not much to do. I have been meaning to post this for a while, so I guess now's a good time!
I found a site with a bunch of great Tshirts and stuff for military family members. Here are some of my favorites:
Sexually Deprived for Your Freedom
Do not confuse your rank with my authority
She Married a Soldier--Proud Army Mother in Law
Army Wives--Holdin' Down the Fort Since 1775
My Dad is a real live GI Joe
Army Wife--Suckin' it up and drivin' on!
Warning--the man who loves me is well trained on his weapon and accurate up to 800 meters
Hug an Army Wife (or buy her liquor)
Army Wife--the hero at home
Army Wife--I put the ooooo in Hooah!
My Daddy is defending your freedom--what did you do today?
I'm my soldier's lucky charm
Some heroes wear capes. . .mine wears combat boots
You live in the land of the free because my soldier is brave
My husband is serving so you won't get drafted
Army wife--I legally mess with government property
Army wives are like diamonds--brilliant and tough
I'm the present my daddy gave my mommy when he was home for R&R
If you can't stand behind our troops, stand in front of one of them
I'm an official morale booster
Real men wear Kevlar
Freedom isn't free--ask the family of a soldier
Half of my heart is in Iraq--enjoy your freedom

Added Elements

So, I am not very computer literate when it comes to designing this stuff. That's why blogspot works for me. I always did well at fill-in-the-blank. Anyway--I decided to try to add one of those things where you can click to other stuff. I added a few of my friends blogs. . .I named some of them what they are really named, and some of them what I feel about those people (I HAD to change some of them--so many people called them "Army wife" or whatever--I couldn't keep them straight!)

The Latest Craziness From Around Here

First. . .a random thought. . .would you agree that a person who lives 10.0 miles from the beach, and will only live there for 2 1/2 years, and has already completed 1 of those 2 1/2 years, should never EVER go an entire week without visiting the beach that is exactly 10.0 miles away? Particularly when that person will most likely NEVER live near the beach again--and it is her professed "dream location." That's what I think. I haven't been to the beach since before Christmas. Criminal.

Now. . .here are some crazy things from around here. First, I don't know if this is a great photo for an advertisement for Christmas presents, or if it is just an excellent future blackmail photo, but either way--have you ever seen a cuter butt on a sit 'n' spin?

Next, let's talk about crazy hair day. Last year, N. was in afternoon kindergarten. They did not ever get the info about the various "spirit days" that went on at school, and never got to participate. At one point, N. heard something about "crazy hair day." He began planning right that minute. He thought about it and talked about it for a YEAR. And, here we are. Crazy hair day for first grade. Lovely, eh?

Not to be left out, the little brothers got in on the paint--fortunately, I pursuaded them to forget about the spikes!

Other than that, we continue with every day life in this beautiful place. It has been around 75 degrees every day lately. We are outside in shorts working in the yard and playing every afternoon. This weekend my mom is coming to visit and we are going on a whale watching cruise (I've been wanting to do that for about 9 years now. . .I got some tickets for Christmas!) We are also going to the early morning hours at the zoo to go around with the keepers while they feed the animals. . .we are all quite excited. Photos will follow!

My Love of Weight Watchers

At risk of sounding like a fanatic, I am going to explain what I love about Weight Watchers. I just LOVE this program. I strongly encourage ANYONE who wants/needs to lose some weight to go see for yourself how great it is. You can go to a meeting without joining. Stay, listen to the orientation at the end and see if it is for you. I'm telling you. You will not be sorry.

First of all, those commercials for other weight loss places drive me nuts. They say "I don't want to go to embarrassing meetings or get on a scale in front of a bunch of people." That doesn't happen. No one sees what you weigh, so how could the meetings be embarrassing? You don't weigh in "in front" of everyone. . .AND--those places that give you the food--how are you learning? When you are finished losing your weight, do you know anything about preparing healthy, low fat meals? Do you know how to measure your portions? No. You don't. You know nothing except how to put something in the microwave. At Weight Watchers, you lose weight at a healthy rate, so not only do you not gain it back right away, you LEARN in the process how to make LIFESTYLE CHANGES to keep the weight off for good. It just becomes a part of your brain. It totally works!!! It isn't a diet, or a eating plan, or anything of those other buzz words you hear from weight loss "experts." It is simply a way of life. If I, the girl who's only vegetables are iceberg lettuce, green beans, and carrots can learn, lose weight, and enjoy myself in the process, anyone can. So there.

Now. . .here's the real truth about Weight Watchers. I LOVE the meetings. I just figured out yesterday WHY I love them. I used to think it was because of the recipes and tips that I got. And I do like that. Every week I learn some new trick or some product someone found at Costco or a new recipe. That is great. I also like the motivation and inspiration of the fact that other people are on the same path as me. It is crazy how excited everyone gets for anyone who is getting an award for the night (you get an award for every 5 pounds and another award for some of the "bigger" milestones.) And, of course, I love the fact that I can eat anything that I want to. I DO NOT like diets that tell you what to eat and when. For one thing, I am a brat that doesn't like to be told what to do. For another thing, I don't like the majority of foods that are included in diets. All of those things make the Weight Watchers program work for me. But, here's what dawned on me last night.

I bet about 90% of Americans would say "Yes" if you asked them if they wanted to lose weight. But that is not the same as REALLY wanting to lose weight. Most people just want the Magic Fat Snatcher Fairy to come in while they sleep and take 20 pounds away from them. That is not helpful. The other people in my Weight Watchers meeting WANT to lose like I WANT to lose. They have the same frustration when they are stuck at the same weight. Their hearts break like mine does when they go up a pound or two. Whether someone needs to lose 13 pounds or 130 pounds, we are all trying really hard and focusing on the whole process. So, when I've had a bad week, I can go in there, and throw a fit and say "Dammit! I drank all the stupid water, exercised like a maniac all week, and I only lost 1/4 pound." And they get it.

People who have never struggled with weight loss (regardless of the amount) don't REALLY get that. They can be extremely supportive! My husband, for example, is the absolute POSTERBOY for supporting a Weight Watchers member. He finds creative recipes, he encourages me, he cheers me on, he never ever ever sabotages me, not even unintentionally. But, he's never had to lose weight. Sometimes, he weighs more than he wants to, so he just loses it. It is almost like he just wishes it was gone, and it is. That, obviously, is not the case. He does ridiculous amounts of PT every day, and he really likes vegetables, so he doesn't fill up on junk like I do. So, if he gets on the scale and he is up a pound, he says "I gained a pound." That's all he thinks about it. He doesn't freak out and want to throw himself out a window like I do. So, he doesn't really understand how I feel. He appreciates how I feel. He is sensitive to how I feel. But, he's never actually felt it. So, going into a room and talking with other people who have those same feelings gives me the motivation to stay on track for another 6 days. (Then I am definitely in need of another meeting!)

I have applied for a job there. Hopefully, they will hire me and I will be able to share my excitement with lots of folks--but if not--you're stuck with it, because you bothered to read to the bottom of this!! If you decide to go to WW, and you want some info, tips, tricks, or encouragement---let me know!!