Red, White, and Blue

Today is Memorial Day.  I don't have much going on, since I'm sitting here quite immobile.  This has given me an opportunity to think about what this day means to me. 
I'm thankful to have been able to serve in the US Air Force.  Even if it was for just 2 years, I still said the oath and wore the uniform.  I met a lot of incredible people along the way.  I'm quite fortunate to still be in contact with most of those people today.  Almost everyone has been able to remain out of harms way.  I only know of 2 who haven't been so lucky.  There are a few others I knew who died, but only 2 who died over in Afghanistan. 
SGT A.J. Creighton and PO1 Chad Regelin are in my thoughts today.  I knew Creighton through mutual friends while stationed at the Presidio of Monterey and Goodfellow AFB.  Chad's death struck me a bit harder. 
My high school boyfriend was friends with Chad and his older brother, Ryan.  I first met Chad and his family during the 4th of July celebration at the Redding Convention Center.  Travis and I fell out of contact for a couple of years, but began dating again in 2002.  During the time that we dated, or the times we remained good friends, I saw Chad and his family frequently.  His mother is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  Always so nice and friendly.  Through Facebook, I have been able to remain in communication with her and she would always talk about Chad's journeys and accomplishments.  In 2011, Chad was named the USO Sailor of the Year.  This was huge for their family.  Since Chad was deployed, his parents accepted the award on his behalf. 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around his death.  You know it can happen to any service member at any time while deployed.  I just never expected it to happen to anyone I knew, especially Chad or A.J.  It just breaks my heart to see what Chad's mother goes through everyday.  I especially want to thank the families of these service members on days like this.  Chad's family remain in my thoughts and prayers everyday.  
I don't necessarily feel like saying "Happy Memorial Day," so with that I say, enjoy your Memorial Day everyone.  But please, don't forget the reason we have this holiday and others like it.  While you are BBQing or celebrating however you see fit, please think of those who gave their lives for our country.  

5 Question Friday!!

1. Do you make your kids finish all the food on their plates?
- No. If they don't like it, they get a piece of bread with peanut butter.  They don't have to finish everything on their plates.  They usually do if they like what I make.

2. Do you give an allowance?
- They are almost 3 and 6, still pretty young for allowances.  Although I have thought about paying $1/week for good behavior and keeping her room clean.
3. Do you actually park your car in the garage?
- Apartment complex, I park under the carport.
4. What is one food you will NEVER cook?
- Mushrooms.  Won't eat them and certainly don't want to smell them.
5. Do you have anything exciting planned for the summer?
- First day of summer vacation, we are driving to California.  Planned: Family reunion/wedding, Giants game, amusement park (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom), and a trip to the Northern California coast.
The questions for 5QF can be found at: http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

2 day streak

I haven't posted in forever it seems.  And this certainly isn't the first time I've fallen off the "blogging wagon."  I know I've been busy, but not busy enough.  Some pretty cool events have taken place (ie weight loss, husband's Army graduation, our trek to Missouri and back), so I'm not sure why I haven't written.  Last post was from my phone, today I'm on the laptop and they have REALLY changed Blogger around.  I do like the new setup, it will just take some time to get used to it. 
I do know I definitely became discouraged when it seemed like no one was reading the blog.  Yes, call me a big baby.  Now there are page views, I see people really were reading my blog. 
Maybe I'll start thinking of more interesting stuff to write about.  I still have a problem blogging the everyday things.  I feel like it isn't exciting enough.  Or once in a while I can capture a real thought provoking moment for myself. 
I used to write everyday when I was in high school, and not just because I had to either.  I did it because I genuinely loved to write.  I still do, it just doesn't seem to come to me like it used to. 
So, here is day 2 of blogging, let's see how this current streak will pan out.  Gotta log out and run off to Weight Watchers anyway!

Calgon, take me away!

Yes, please, take me away to the Pacific Northwest. It's been so long since I've been back there. I miss the weather, the people, and the culture. I fell in love with the area at a young age Someday I hope to take my own girls back to visit the area.
One of my favorite things about the area is the totems. I loved the carvings in the totems, and the huge Thunderbirds.
Someday I will go back, I'd rather go sooner than later.

Still hanging!

I suppose I was burnt on blogging there for a few weeks. Not a whole lot has changed. Husband is still gone, he's got a little over 4 weeks left. Girls are still growing and miss him terribly. I started Weight Watchers almost 3 weeks ago. In the first 2 weeks, I lost 9.4 pounds. Pretty incredible, I think. But I've been "off the wagon" for most of the weekend. Turning it all around this week though, or I hope to anyway. Anyway, gotta run, but I will blog more later!

Day 1.. again.

Current Relationship

Married.
Signed the certificate on July 22, 2005, even though it says July 23, 2005.
We didn't have a real wedding. We were engaged, talked about getting married. So that Friday we decided, why not? And went and picked up the marriage certificate. Our friend CJ went online and became an ordained minister. That evening it was signed. So this year will be year number 7. Can't believe we're now well on our way to hitting that 10 year mark!

I love him. I miss him. I can't wait to have my husband back home where he belongs. =o)

New 30 day blog challenge, coming soon!

1. Current Relationship
2. Where would I like to be in 10 years
3. Top 5 Pet Peeves
4. Views on Religion
5. Favourite Comfort Foods & Why
6. Zodiac Sign and Does It Fit?
7. Favourite Childhood Toys
8. A moment you felt most satisfied in your life.
9. If you would have any job in the world what would it be?
10. Your guilty pleasures
11. Put your Ipod (in my case iphone) on shuffle and write first 10 songs that pop up.
12. Bullet your whole day
13. Somewhere you would like to move/visit.
14. Earliest Memory
15. Write 15 interesting facts about yourself
16. Your views on mainstream music
17. Your highs and lows this last year
18. A book you could read over and over and never get sick of
19. Your biggest regret in life
20. How important you think education is
21. One of your favourite TV Shows
22. How have you changed the past 2 years
23. Post 3 pics of famous people you find attractive
24. Your favourite Movie & What its about.
25. Someone who fascinates you and why
26. If you had $1,000,000 to spend how would you spend it?
27. A problem you have or have had in the past.
28. Something that you miss
29. List 10 people dead or alive you would invite to dinner , include the menu.
30. Goals for the next 30 days!

Five Question Friday!

1. What do you do when you are really upset to calm yourself down?
~ Cry, play music, write, drive.. all just depends on how upset I am and why I'm upset.

2. Do you go all out for V-day or is it just another day?
~ It's pretty much just another day for us. He'll get me some flowers or chocolates and I just try to cook him a nice dinner and make it a pleasant evening.

3. Are you more or less productive when Hubs is away?
~ Usually I'm more productive, although this time I appear to be less productive. Being sick for nearly 3/4 weeks hasn't really helped either!

4. What is your favorite time of day and why?
~ My me time starts at 8 pm after I put the kids to bed. I usually talk with a friend, catch up on stuff on the DVR, do some housework, read.. whatever I feel like doing!

5. What is your go to karaoke song?
~ Bring On The Rain by Martina Mcbride =o)

http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

Day 30

A picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

This was actually taken Friday, still less than a week ago.

5 good things. Let's see.

1. I'm blogging way more than I was before.
2. Learned a little more about myself.
3. Pretty much sucked at keeping up with anything with almost daily repetition before this. There was a short week where I was not feeling like talking or anything, so I didn't blog.
Running out of ideas..
4. I got our tax return.. that's a good thing, right?
5. I'm writing more, here, letters to my husband, helping my daughter.. It makes me happy.

Day 29

3 Wishes

1. I wish my husband will call tonight. It's Valentine's they should be able to call their ladies.. plus it's been over a week since I talked to him.
2. I wish my mom can come out for my birthday next month. I miss her, and if I can't celebrate with my honey, I'd wanna celebrate with her.
3. I wish for the clening fairy to come and get my house ready for spring...