Let's not REALLY get up
Good morning … it’s me. We’re just checkin in … it’s about 5:50 am on a Monday morning and we’ve already taken our shower so we have a few minutes. We checked the Marineparents.com sites and figured we’re still on top of that … and often the last one to have posted. I also checked our weight and it’s holding good at 276, so we’re thinking that’s ok considering. We’ve got a bit of errands to be running today because just when we had signed off, we looked out the window and it had started to rain. We ended up canceling our plans to go out. At first we thought we’d catch up on some sleep, but then we decided to simply go read. We finished the book on McCoy’s Marines, and then later started the picture book for real. I think
it’s titled, “To be a Marine.”
We had some trouble falling asleep because we didn’t get the medicines including the one we take at night that helps us sleep. We woke up quite a few times during the night – which was a good thing considering it turned out we left Missy outside on the porch when we shut the door and turned on the air conditioning. Felt pretty bad about that and gave her a really good pet. She of course was insulted that we hadn’t thought about her. I give Chief half the blame. He could have stood by the window or something to give me a clue what had happened, but instead he hopped into bed and promptly forgot he had a sister in peril. Shees … some loyalty that cat!
That’s almost about all we did. We did go to the Marine Parent chat … and we said a few things, but mostly just watched. We didn’t feel real involved, or think that too much was going on. It must have been a slow night. And, I don’t think the moderators – there were 5 or 6 – were showing too much pizazze. It could reasonably be argued that’s not their job, but I’ve been in the room when it was better. Since I could not do anything to get it that way … I’m equally to blame. Guess it was one of those days.
I’m feeling more of the same this morning. More blasé. Think we’re just tired. I keep yawning big yawns, and my eyes are weepy from the effort. It’s hard waking up ALL these mornings and not having Sweetie Pie here. Normally by now I would have been in and designated him a half dozen kisses. I miss him. He called last night about 9:30, but it sounded like he had just gotten in from fishing. He hadn’t eaten a proper dinner and it was already time for bed. While we talked other guys came in so the conversation was limited. I think he was really too tired to think constructively. I don’t think he’d caught too many fish yesterday too – weather conditions, so he was a little frumpy. I guess it was like that with all the guys yesterday. Poor fishermen!
If I didn’t know myself better, I would go back to bed for 45 minutes. Just think I’d not wake up. Wouldn’t that be sweet though!??
Lazying through a late Sunday Morning
Good morning. This is me. I’m getting a late start today. It is already about 11 am. I’ve been up since about 6:30, but I’ve spent the last 4 ½ hours going over things I’ve missed at Marineparents.com. I’ve only gone through though the topics that are in my known areas. It takes a while to process. But, by now I’m ready for some free writing.
We’ve had a very busy 24 hours. I was really impressed with myself – not being real modest here, but I out did my normal performance. The basics are that I went to the zoo and walked/read, I went to the Marineparents.com “Cheesybear” dinner, and then I came home and read into the night. It was a great day – and it was backed-up by a short call to wonderman who is off fishing and then again a very quick call this morning. I also had gotten a call from Thom last night and he sounded really good, but tired.
As to the zoo – first on the list – We had done something a little different and it seemed to make a big difference. I would like to try it again today … yup, yup going out two-days in a row. Now see aren’t I making a big impression? Yesterday, like the last time, I stopped and got a 36 ounce Cherry Icee in those need tube-like containers. That was a great idea – and it satisfied my urge to get more containers, because they are so handy. It really helps having a handle in the middle (balance) of the container which is a little narrower and very eacy to carry while pushing the wheel chair. I could probably get by not using the chair because there are so many benches, but I am loving the part where we can pull-up in a nice quiet shady area away from people – well as far away as you can get in a very busy zoo. I really wish they’d open for more hours, so not everyone is trying to cram in during the several hours open. That’s a pet-peave.
The thing I did different though is – I figured since I had two and a half hours to get through with my walk, that we’d take it at a very leisurely pace. I took about the same walk I had done last time, but I spaced it out with only 4 stops. We stopped by the camels, in front of rhino, over by the polar bear, and then near the merry-go-round on the way out. That’s better than I’ve ever done before. Usually I take twice as many breaks. The thing was though that this time the breaks were much longer. In between each effort, I stopped to read a chapter in the book on learning how to read books. I figured since it was still earlier in the day, I should be reading more seriously than what I’m getting from my evening reading where it’s more casual and story orientated.
I felt much more comfortable blending in with the whole zoo experience when I sat down a little out of the way to be doing my reading. I was hearing the sounds of the zoo – particularly people – but, it was getting blended into the background as my real concentration was into the reading. So, in effect … I was at the zoo crowded with people, but in reality “on my own Island.” That made everything a lot more pleasurable. I sat in the shaded areas for the most part, but then on the last break I sat directly in the sun. I figured that I should reflect some part of being in the wild outdoors. When I took the pressure off of walking with little breaks, I add to the good feelings immensely. I got to thinking how nice it would be to just think of a good majority of my afternoon reading being done in this environment. I think the secret is in going soon enough so you don’t have to worry about time on the other end.
I probably look a little stranger than most, but I find that comforting toward the portions of me who have always dreamed of being eccentric. The first thing is that I dressed in one of the newer skirts. I think of this as casual wear, but nicer. A lot of people at the zoo dress in poorly fitting clothes or shorts with much expressed from the breast area. I think that all looks tacky. Another difference is that I am traveling by myself. The majority of people travel in caravans with kids and old folk in tow. There’s a bit of freedom if you can maneuver around groups stopping in the middle of the sidewalk and cutting through shortcuts. If I’m going to walk in a circle, I’m going to take the inner track. Another difference is with the wheelchair … I haven’t seen anyone yet doing what I am in pushing her own wheel chair and then sitting in the middle of wherever when I need a break. I’ve heard quite a few times passing people and hearing them say things like, “I’d like to have a wheelchair,” or “why don’t you push me!” Naw, naw … private enterprise.
Lastly, is the difference in reading a book instead of milling about just looking at the animals. I think it takes a lot of pressure off the situation when you don’t have to be automatically moving on to the next display and the next. The look in peoples faces after a while – is “who cares if there is an elephant around the corner, which way is the exit? Damm, I’d like a beer!”
I was running close to time when I finished an I was hot and tired. I didn’t want to stop in the zoo bathroom, because its usually a ZOO! I got to the car, pulled in my chair and then stopped in a nice big, clean McDonalds. I didn’t have to share the bathroom with anyone! I washed up and brushed the wind out of my hair and in the process of that and air conditioning, we cooled down a lot. I wanted to look my best in going to the next event. The nicest part was that just about the time I pulled my car onto the main street going west … it had started to rain. Man that’s great timing!
AHH! Thom has just IM’d … cool! That’s my boy. He really wants to be gone from this MCT deal. He was saying that this liberty sucked. I think he’s still in the squad bay … so hasn’t done much. That was the deal last night. Just as we were pulling out of the dinner, Thom called and we talked the entire half hour drive home. It made me very happy. He didn’t talk too much about his activities during the week, but did mention the 10K hike. Apparently, he got in 5 minutes over time and because of it lost 2 hours of liberty. I think that part is still bothering him this morning. He said the hike was harder than the crucible’s “reaper” – that’s the last leg of the hike where he had to go straight up. I’m debating whether I should tell him that a week from Tuesday there is another hike and this one is 1 ½ times the last. Man … they sure do have to work hard.
This next week is a lot of weapons. And if I could remember what M203’s, AT-4’s, and M240B’s were, I’d be telling you what he’s up against. We’re going to be learning, but it’s definitely a process. I hear that next week they are going to be without running water for the entire week. There’s going to be some stinky Marines I think. They would bring their deodorant though, right?
We talked to Thom a bit about our day too. We told him we had gone to the zoo and the dinner. That was kind of cool thinking that if it weren’t for Thom being a Marine, I would not be getting to know this group, but now I fit in as much as they. The meeting went really well. I was one of the first three there – I had gotten their 5 minutes early, so I got a really good seat. One of the head people had come in just afterward, so I felt like I was with a group who was comfortable talking and included me as well. There was a lot of picture showing. People were just passing pictures like crazy. I think it’s a normal part of the procedure.
And, there seems to be another normal part – an that is in wearing t-shirts with Marine sayings on them. I felt a little out of place after someone mentioned it, and I thought ugh! I gotta fit into something and a t-shirt?? It’s not exactly my style. Maybe next time I’ll just where my Marine hat. One other lady there who seemed to have equally troublesome time in getting into a t-shirt made a point of wearing Marine pins. I guess that be another way of doing it.
There were about 20 people by the end of it – during the middle people kept drifting in and filling more and more of the table. It had been raining so the restaurant set up tables in side for us. I was really happy the place – Claim Jumper turned out to be a fairly classy place – not real ritzy, but large and impressive size wise. The table was the best I’d seen as to sharing with a group. They were so big you didn’t have to sit on top the person across from you wondering where to put your butter dish. I had a couple of drinks, but that seemed less than some others. I skipped the drink at around the time of dinner and just took sips of water. I tried the crab cake again, but this time I lost it. I had skipped bread, but had eaten half a cup of steak-chili. I’m pretty sure that was the upsetting factor. I also didn’t get dessert, but that was a really funny situation. I guess people knew how good the desserts were and most had ordered them. Man o man! One of the ladies had ordered an Éclair. They were the size of a small cake – about 1’ x 8.” I’m not slighting the measurements. She ate it with her husband and between the two of them – they got through about 1/3 of it and had left most of the whip cream. It was the size to have fed about 6-7 people. We just laughed and laughed at that.
Another lady had gotten ribs and it reminded us of the order of ribs that Fred got at the beginning of the Flintstone’s show. Argh! And, the lady ate every bit – AND, it was only a half order. I guess the full order comes on two plates. People made a big deal of collecting pictures.
The people we met were really nice. We couldn’t hear some of the others down further at the table, but we had a good time with the one’s we met. Even though they’d been meeting for a while, they made us feel very included. I didn’t feel I stuck out so much, because there were a few other women who cam in uncoupled, but the majority were husband and wife teams. I couldn’t imagine the other bills. The place was really expensive. I paid $13 something for my meal, which was actually an appetizer, the drinks were about $8 and they took automatically a 17% gratuity tip, so I walked out on my own with a $40 bill. Can’t imagine two people eating full dinners ($25 average), several drinks AND dessert. Man … costly. Now it seems next time the group is getting together it will be in Brookfield, WI. It’s about 100 miles straight north and the drive should take about 2 hours. It be really nice if Rich could do the driving with me, but I don’t think this is his kind of crowd.
He’s really not a major talker and he’s not been too exposed to the MP.com type people. It makes a difference when you don’t have a son who is a Marine. That won’t keep me though from trying to get him involved.
There are a couple more things coming up that I’d like to try. They have one day about August 23rd where they pack up about 1000 care packages to go to Iraq and Afghanistan. I guess just to mail these babies it costs about $10,000. They are pulling together fundraising efforts for it right now. They send individual big boxes about the size of a box of a dozen reams of paper. I think one lady said there will be about 80 volunteers there. Many of them stay overnight in hotels.
I’m guessing that a lot of those folks are couples. I’d just have to ask for a job sitting down. I guess its supposed to be real organized and with all those people the job gets taken care of in about ¾ a day. It’s in Columbia, MO. It be a big trip – 6 hours or about 375 miles. Hmm, a really big trip … I’d really want to take Rich along … and stay overnight.
Yeeks the next trip is worse not better … might have to reevaluate. The second trip would be to Kansas City, MO and its’ on the far western side of the state next to Topeka, Kansas. If I were going that far, I would like to see if there was anything open to visitors from the Menniger clinic where Dr. Woollcott learned to practice.
The second trip is due 2 hours west of the first one and would be on August 9th. It cover about 515 miles. That be like going up to Minneapolis. The event is a regional one day conference for Marineparents.com. Rich had said something before about taking little trips, but I don’t think he would think this trip so little. It be like a 3 day investment, but I can’t imagine the information would be that valuable yet. A good part of it is scheduled around deployment. It will come in handy, but I’m not worried about Thom being deployed for another 5-6 months if not a little longer. We’d have to really talk to Rich and see what he says. I’m not sure if that is going to be a part of his busy season or if there will be games scheduled those weekends, plus we’ll want to be saving up for a trip to Pensacola, FL to see Thom graduate his MOS school.
Oh the plans of mice and men.
We’ll see.
Hmm, what else was there? Hmm, there is the part of fishyman calling. He said that Bob caught a 51” muskie and that’s 3” longer than the one he caught last year, which was the biggest one at that point. I guess that might have been bragging a bit.
Rich said he caught a few fish, but not as big as Bob’s. Damn that competitive guy nature! He said he was still enjoying the trip. At the time he called though it was getting dark and the mosquitoes were out. He said he still needed to line his reel. That’s what fishymen do to pass their time I guess. He took a few moments to listen to our day, but he’d gotten bit about 8 times by then and I knew he had to be scadadaling. Hmm speaking of … we had a noisy fly in here. Think one would learn to shut the door … just I like letting the outdoors breath into my living room. HMPF!
I’m doing pretty good without Rich so far. It’s like stepping back into an old familiar pattern that we’d lived before. We had a hard time putting ourselves to sleep last night because we were reading and we didn’t have one of our pills that makes us sleepy. That’s another reason to get out today. Need to pick up some medicine. I’m out 2 of the 6 and its going to get worse before better.
The book that we’re reading on McCoy’s Marines is progressing nicely. We’re at about page 150 – half way through. I’ll go back into that again tonight. I’m a little worried about the next part of this book on learning to read. It suggests that the best way to do it is to keep a little journal. I’m going to need finding some paper and then I’m going to need writing without a table if I take it to the zoo. I guess we could go over to a beer garden or something, but we don’t really want to get into the habit that the zoo costs extra money. Hmm, forgot about the bank too. Rents going to come due … and I won’t be prepared. I guess this time we should do the bank and pharmacy BEFORE going to the zoo. It’s about 12:30 pm now though … and I can’t say I’m yet in the mood. You have to remember the years and years gone by … where we NEVER left our apartment after we got off work Friday night. We’re just built against going out the door.
Ahh … got it! Turns out the white binders that can open with the cover in back of itself will be perfect. We have loose lined paper, and the folders already contain see through pockets so we can easily group the books we are working with. That leaves the top paper always blank and ready for the next page written. I think we’re still going to want to pick out the table opportunities at the park. I think they are primarily located on the north, south and east sides. That is where the food places are. So what if we had to get a beer while waiting? Umm, that would lessen the impact of cost and walking don’t you think? Well, maybe … we’d have to see if we could freely use the tables when they are meant for people eating. We could still hold the notebook on our laps now that it has a firm back, but it be hard to reference things directly out of the book, because the left hand you need to hold the notebook. Man – are we obsessive. Little things become large in our world. Probably, be a good idea to take a shower pretty soon. Don’t you think?
I know, I know … we’ve already had our power drink. That’s not a good excuse … thing is … it’s hard for us to move. Oh … that part was covered already, hmm? Ok, shower and then come back. It’s about 12:30 pm now … so we’d be looking at a 1:30 pm departure. Errands are going to take 30-45 minutes so that puts getting to the park at 2:30 – 6 … what’s that 3 ½ hours? Plenty of time – right? OK< OK … but ONLY if you get going! Yes ma’am … time for a shower.
Pswhoo. That’s done … and we have the deposit slip made out. No, nothing much past there.
Hmm, I’ve been studying the zoo map. I think that I’m going to try going into the zoo a bit deeper to the west today. I want to check out my endurance by walking alongside the Indian Lake Trail by the Salt Creek Wilderness, dragonfly marsh and Regenstein Wolf Woods. I didn’t know this before, but they’re building a new exibit that should be open next year they are calling “Great Bear Wilderness.” That’ll be nice … maybe they’ll take the bears out of their grottos, but then maybe they are bringing in more bear. That would be nice. Everyone likes bears! I think if I go past the more woodsy part with less animals, I will run into a quieter time at the zoo. It was way too stacked with people yesterday. I will look forward to the day they start building on the opposite side of first avenue. It’s called zoo woods, and they then must lay some claim to it. I think the whole thing is owned by the park district. Surely with all those people coming in – they could afford to open more AND open the hours a little more 10am – 6 pm is the hours they are MOST open. 8 hours is just not enough time. It feels like a mall.
Shhh, let’s remember the part of absorbing into the background watching or not watching people graze past. That was ok, right? Why don’t we think good things like just being out of doors on a nice day. Very nice! Ok, you … let’s not get too drowsy. Maybe we better get dressed, hmm?
You'll Never Guess!
Good morning. This is me. We’re just getting done waking up and figure we’re almost ready to officially start the day by blogging. I say almost, because we haven’t taken the medicine yet, but soon. I know that when we go out there we’re going to have to call the pharmacy for an update. Hm… I suppose that be the way to go, HMM? Shoot … just gotten comfortable here … It’s about 7 am and we got up about an hour ago ANDDDDDD our FISHY FRIEND called! Yup, yup … first thing of the morning.
It turns out that he’s about an hour and a half from camp. It was about time they ate. He seems to be in a good mood, though he says its raining so that doesn’t make it ideal to be fishing. He did say his rainsuit will come in handy, so I think they’ll go out anyway. I think God must really love fisherman to have given them so much spirit. WooHOO FISHYMAN!
Ok, I know on that note … he’d probably be reminding me to get the medicine AND it would mean getting my first cup of coffee … that seems like a doubly good idea.
Ok … good good we’re all good to go. Things got done.
So where are we here … maybe let’s go back to thinking about Rich for a minute … anything else here? Well, I could say that we were giddy in listening to him. That was cool. When we first picked up the phone we didn’t realize it was him – it was on a “private” line. I should have thought … who else would call at that time in the morning, right? He says that he spent about 9 of his hours on the computer. He bought a little gizmo that allows him to plug in to the battery charger. That was a good mood, though I’m sorry that he didn’t let go of work. I knew he had to write some contracts that he had due. So maybe that helped him take away some pressure.
He said he drove for 2-3 hours too. AND, I know that Bob had gotten a new used van, but one that came with a DVD player, so the guys had a handful of movies to watch.
Rich said there weren’t any bad ones, and I don’t have any reason not to believe him. He’s a good Rich.
Gives me a nice glow to be thinking of him.
There’s other exciting stuff going on too. Thom’s got McMap this morning from his 7:30 9:30, Then they get an hour to review for a test … and then they get the test from 12:15 – 1:45 .. So, we’ll be thinking good thoughts of him from 2:15-3:45 our time. At 4 pm our time he’s got liberty until our 11 pm. That’s a good thing. We might want to consider writing a note before then … Maybe I should be writing in between, but there’s nothing worth saying really. Most of the time … just want to hear how he’s doing. This was the week with a bunch of stuff before he gets to some of the big weapons. We’ll try to hear from him direct.
One of the other big deal stuff is that we went out with Joe last night. That seems to be going well. He says that things are going pretty well with Maury and that if he wanted to stay until the end of the year that would be fine with him. To Maury it means having family AND it means clearing an extra $400 a month. For Joe it means the same, but only having to pay $400. Joe said though that the place he wants is supposed to be freeing up in August. He got a chance to look at the place and he says that its real nice. He says it’s pretty basic though. I think it’s got a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom and that’s about it. I think it’s going for $750, so the price is good AND the location is excellent. It’s right over the Karate school. Man you just can’t beat that for convenience. Joe will be able to go down anytime he wants to work on his moves or a little business. I’m pretty excited for him. I know he’s looking forward to it.
Joe says the karate business is going well too. He says that there’s now enough to be pulling a little paycheck out of it. Plus, he says he just got done paying off the old business partner. He says the guy wants some time at the Dojo to be giving private business, but Joe explained he couldn’t have the peek hour when he’s supposed to be bringing in money. I think that was a good thing. I think it was unfair to add in extra stuff after money was being put down. But, hey I’m not a business person. Joe looked happy … I don’t know which of us between the two was the most smiley.
Joe let me talk about a few things too. He didn’t say anything about the weight change, but I think he got a kick out of how little I could eat. I had a small corner from the bread and one small crab cake.
Mmm, I forgot I had another one left in the fridge. That was very good! And, there were a few pieces of pumpernickel bread … it was great … almost sweet. I guess that’s breakfast then. Good, good. It’s about 7:45 am so … we’ll try and remember to get like a V8 about 10 am and then lunch about noon. That should be ok. Now if we were really on schedule we’d hit the zoo at about 1-2 pm. Then we could stop by and pick up our medicine on our way home. That be a good idea. Hmm, and I think we need to stop at the bank. We got our check last night and I have some cash from Rich’s rent money to put in the bank too – that’s the stuff to pay school loans.
I will want to finish up with Joe, but I wanted to say something toward school … we got a call from a counselor from Capella this week. He wanted to tell us that we should apply for the next semester or we would have to reregister to start up classes again. It gave me something to think about … I’m still not ready, but it gave us a good feeling knowing that we could try again if we wanted. Right now though there are too many books and writing ops that I don’t want to restrict my thinking. I have to be careful too, because it’s an expensive proposition. As it is we’re already paying $400 a month. I do have to say that some of that was from still paying for school costs back 97-99. I’m glad to have gone through the school experience. Right now though I really want to get to some reading.
I think we told you that we’d gotten the books for the Marines. Wait though … let’s think anything else with Joe? I suppose not too much. It was a short visit, but very nice. I told him that I’d like to do more of it. Plus, he’s just not that expensive. Between the two of us PLUS tip, we only paid $20. We ate at Outback, but one of Joe’s old friends was there working and he gave us a $10 coupon.
SWEEET! We had to order something extra to bring our portion up to the right amount to claim it, so Joe ordered a cheese cake for Maury. I thought that was really sweet. I’m so proud of my kids … It think they are doing great!
Ok, now as to the books. We got the first of the nine books on Wednesday night, but found it in our mail at the center Thursday morning. It was on PTSD and only about 150 pages, so we read it before the end of the work day. Ok, I can’t claim a lot got done that day, but we really enjoyed reading again. I didn’t read everything about the books being ordered just knew they were on the top of the suggested reading for Marineparents.com. The PSTD book turned out to be one written by Dr. Cantrell. She’s affiliated herself with MP.com. She’s the one that talks to people once a month at the chat site. We had talked to her that once … and wasn’t sure what to make of her. She seemed tightly woven, but I think that’s because she’s a pretty important person with obvious priorities. She’s got quite a name for herself amongst the Marines.
I liked the book good enough. It gave me some background on what the PTSD is like on the military people, especially Marines. There were no big revelations, but the book was solid and easy to read. It appeared like a review. I liked that it gave examples of people being affected. I wasn’t sure I liked the tense of the book. In that … sometimes she appeared to be talking to the combat warriors and sometimes she appeared to be talking to those who loved those guys. I was ok at the latter level of the two, but did not like the “encouragement-tone” she’d used on the guys … kind of an over ceding tone like talking down to them. Like if your having problems she said a thousand times seek help, but I would have rather heard more on what you could do for yourself than JUST going to someone. Believe me I know how important seeing someone is, but she kept what goes on their between the doctor or therapist a mystery. Kind of gives me a sense of frustration.
I’ll give you the chapter names so that you get a sense of what she was writing about.
Journey from War to Peace
Mortaritaville
Driving Fast in the Slow Lane
Some Wounds are Not Visible
First Aid for PTSD
You’re Not Alone
Down Range Was Different
Going From One World to the Next
Home, But Not Really
Asleep at the Wheel
Guilt … The Self-Imposed Prison
Stringing up the Wire
Vet-to-vet
Turning Hearts toward Home
Self-Care for leaders
Prologue: A View of the Combat Community by Chuck Dean
Preparing Families for the Homecoming
Much of her work seemed to be in re-integration. She said often that you can’t ever return to square one. Like the rules are different after the warrior comes back.
Basically, everything is better if you can talk about the experience – though often it will be with a professional or other veterans. I’m not saying that’s not true, just saying that when I’m reading a book, I want a little more information. She does give an example of being in the group – so she is giving information. I guess in summary the book could be a primer, nothing profound. Easy reading level – about 10th grade reading material. It was as good a place to start as any.
Then after work last night … I checked the mail slot and found that there were two more packages containing a total of four books. While waiting for Joe in the parking lot I started to look through the one that has all the colored pictures … It’s called, “To be a US Marine.” I will have to go back and now read everything else. I was reading picture labels, but there are too many gaps. Everything is on its own – like in a sketch book with little framing – so, like when they tell me this is a M40A1 rifle used by snipers, it’s not synching in what exactly that means. It doesn’t seem to help knowing they are using 7.62 mm ammunition. They try to explain it’s 173-grain boat-tail bullet with a velocity of 2,550 feet per second, but I’m still left with “What the hell does that mean?” I can assume it’s big and fast – get the job done, but not in comparison with what else. And, I’m not holding onto the information somewhere I can remember where I put it. I knew this because I’ve got the book propped open, but given a test – I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t figure it out.
One of the things these books hopefully will give me over time is a sense of what all these things are. If you are non-military, everything is new. How the hell would I have known that the old amphibious vehicles hold 22 troops? But, that’s why I’m reading right? Just need to figure stuff out. There were these things along the way – text boxes where they gave things like “sayings Marines use.” I think they are saying things for real. Like shoot first ask questions later. That’s still very intimidating to me. Or, that a Marine is your best friend worst enemy.
I’m just not adapting well that my son is being turned into a killing machine. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all. Just not sure where that is coming from. Ok, enough of that part for now.
The other books are “Table in the Presence,” which is supposed to be a religious awakening out on the battle field – in general. Then there is one called, “The Marine Book. It is also a picture book, but the pictures aren’t colored … It’ has more of Marine history, traditions and training. And, the last book, which I got about 70 pages into last night is McCoy’s Marines. This one is the story of an embedded writer – California paper going into Iraq for the first time - these are the guys that took down the first statue of Hussein. He traveled with the 3rd battalion, 4th regiment. So far it too has been an easy read. He’s been talking about his personal life and how he got into the business, his previous Marine experience and so forth. Where we are right now – he’s up to the part of traveling to Iraq to go in – so, we’re basically done with background and getting into the grit of the story.
These are the titles to the chapters in this book:
Growing up
Journalism
Preparation for War
Leaving Home
Invasion
On the March
The road to Diwaniyah
The compound
Baghdad
Going Home
Back to Iraq
Hearts and Minds
A totally different war
Images of IRAQ
I like the easiness of reading a autobiography like this. I’ve read so many textbooks that its nice to have a book where your just sailing through. I like the guy reading the story. I don’t think he does details like expressions of feelings or thoughts real in-depth like. He’s a newspaper journalist so there is a lot of quickly getting to the point – Just a lot of small points from one end of the book to another.
It’s about a 300 page book so I should finish it this weekend yet. I still have to fit it around my writing – and MAYBE go to the zoo time. That would be really good for me, remember? I know about here I should just commit … I’m going at such and such time. BUT, I like the feeling of having time to write and read, PLUS I gotta do some work this weekend. I really have to finish up the annual report. I’m just stalling there now. I should have done it Thursday or Friday. Hmm, and then too I wanted to progress the next staffing a little more. We’ll see. It complicates things that Candice is coming back on Monday. I don’t know how long she’ll stay, because Sr. is pretty adamant of having her leave. She just doesn’t feel empowered to do so. She’s asking me – what grounds could I use to fire her. I’m not sure.
I’m not real good about that stuff. There is a in-service coming up from somewhere in about September on how to deal with difficult employees. It’s about $100. I’ll ask Sr. if she or I should be going to it. I know she’s pretty tight with budget money, but it would make things like this a lot clearer. Sr. was the one who put it in my mail, so I’m not sure, but thinking that might have been a hint that I should go. Seemed like a well-organized meeting and sets of thoughts. The brochure had great structure.
I’m really tied up in meetings In the beginning of August. There are six and I’m not really “I love meetings” kind of person. But, the majority of the meetings were going to teach me how to use other mediums on computers so there is some fun involved. I might have to reschedule the calendar though unless Candice is going to be here … and then she can do her own staffings. That would free me up, but keep her here for another month and a half … blah! That set of meetings though were very minimal in cost and put out by the school districts … not high-end thinking.
Ok, enough there.
I’m now getting a little ancy to present something else very exciting. Over the last day or two, I made an attempt to get ahold of Dr. Woollcott. For any who may not have heard over the years, Dr. Woollcott is my former psychiatrist. He’s about one of the most wonderful people you could ever know. He started to retire in 1997 about the time I had to leave the sessions to go back to school, but he didn’t officially retire until 6-7 years afterward. The first thoughts I have with Dr. Woollcott is to shake my head. We really gave him a lot of trouble I think. It was back in the days that there were a lot of interaction with real young parts. So he had his share of hiding, pouting, and even tree climbing. I think that’s one of our favorite memories and Dr. Woolcott’s too. He had to go through one of his peer’s razzing. I guess the peer had seen me up in the tree and then gone to Dr. Woolcott’s and said, I think she must be one of yours. I guess at the time, that Dr. Woollcott used to get the difficult cases. It pleases me now to know that I could be such a challenge. I think Dr. Marvin has it much easier in comparison.
There were a lot of communication problems due to age or shyness back in Dr. W’s time. We had a container just for our younger parts to play with him. I seem to remember there was a furry ball – stuffed that we used to roll between us and there were books and crayons and such.
Dr. Marvin will infrequently get someone who talks about little kid stuff, but it’s rare that he will meet someone under 5-6. With Dr. Woollcott it was all the time meeting parts younger than that. I give Dr. Woollcott a lot of credit … he had a lot of patience. One of the other memories I have of that time is that for a couple 2-3 years, we didn’t talk to Dr. Woollcott at all. I don’t know why, but I think it had something to do with the parts switching back and forth. It was a very confusing time. So, I would come in and he would let me sit at his computer and he would ask questions and we would write out the responses. When I think of it now it seems like it just happened once or twice, but I know it was years. All the times have kind of blended into one. I also remember that we were going through real hard stuff, because we were going through the divorce. I saw Dr. Woollcott from 1990-1997. I won’t go into the meeting now, because we’ve done that in the past a few times, but we figure it was divine intervention that let him be such an important person in my life.
Dr. Woollcott now lives in northern Michigan, but I think he comes down for periodic monthly meetings. We met his family – at least his wife and son long time ago … Trisha – his wife was real patient with us when we’d call in the middle of whenever to talk to Dr. Woollcott. We had a real problem disconnecting from him. It was a lot worse then than it is now with Dr. Marvin. And, we used to call Dr. Woollcott from terrible places or situations in our head … Like after we’d been out drinking and carousing. Another thing I remember about that time was how many times we’d end up in the hospital. The deal was that if you couldn’t take care of yourself, than someone else would have to do it for us. Yeeks. I don’t want to go back into those thoughts right now too. It’s been since my father’s and step-mother’s death 5 years ago now since I’ve been in the hospital. That’s a good thing. I can still too clearly remember that set of events. BRrrrrr… let’s not go there.
I remember another thought – and that was that Dr. Woollcott treated us like a human being. That seems to be very different than our experiences before. I know we used to write to him and even sent him postcards when he went away on vacation. He used to take one month outings once a year up to their Michigan place. Once we went to visit him there and it was very magical. I talked to Joe and he even remembered that though he was about 10-12 years old at the time – he said, didn’t we go see him? Yup, yup. I can still remember the sense of sitting at the table in the restaurant eating breakfast with him and the boys and of falling into a sleepy slumber at the back of the boat while he entertained the boys. Funny how things so long ago could seem so clear now.
Now both he and his wife are retired, even though she seems to be doing a lot of volunteer work. She was a midwife. Now she is working for Planned Parenthood. His son was about the same age as one of my boys, don’t remember which. He’s teaching now in Los Angeles. He’s an English teacher. That thrills me to pieces because writing was something that was important between Dr. Woollcott and us. Another thing that seemed pretty cool was that Dr. Woollcott and his son had gone through Tae-kwon-do and they had both become black belts. I told that to Joe last night … I know he was impressed. He seemed to think that would be in kind to having the psychology background. He says he’s heard of other father/son teams and he knew what a close situation that was. I think there has to be some kind of natural longing to be tied to a parent in such a way - pretty much life giving.
Dr. Woollcott continues to see the guys that were in a “writing discussion group.”
I think that’s what’s bringing him back to the city. He still meets with them. I think that was a very creative element of his life that was terribly important to him. I think that after so many years of being tied down as the head of UIC psychiatry department – that the freedom must be very liberating. Dr. Woollcott also said that he misses seeing patients and that he’s thought of me over the years. I felt like I disappointed him a little … I keep forgetting that I can contact him. He made that clear this time … and I’m going to try appreciating that a bit more. It takes some time to build-up though that you’ve done enough important things that it’s a good time to be in touch. I think that’s a trend with us. We connect when things are better, not worse. I know that we have to be talking to Dr. Marvin about most things, but shoot … how I do miss Dr. Woollcott. Now as an afterthought ... I'm remembering what we've called in the past our "dead zone."
Could it be possible that we're still holding on to that? I know that part of it was in doing so, the person would never escape into worrisome thoughts. The mental relationship has been held in warm storage and treasured.
Dr. Woollcott let me do some writing for the book he had been working on several years ago. I think he got disappointed with several rejections when it came time to publish so he’s put it to the side. He did say that his son has helped him and added perspective as a smart young man. That’s pretty cool. I think he’s going to write a couple of individuals he’s seen in smaller articles for professional journals. I sure would like to see him writing again. I loved to see anything that he’d done. Another thing that he’s doing is working through the issues to start his own web page. It sounds like he has some assistance, but he’s going to be heavily depended on for its creative content. He didn’t say that, but that’s our figurerers working overtime! I hope that I’ll get a chance to look at that. I also gave him permission to read our blogs. I’m not sure if he will do that … I think he will – and might be reading this now. That gets me a little giggly, but I’ve tried to maintain my regular cadence. He’d be sweetening to the pie.
We told him small things like how the boys and Rich were coming along. We reminded him of what we do for work and he seemed to appreciate that we were doing something that would require us being a teacher. That makes me feel really proud. I was really glad that one of his old staff stepped up when the message went out from me to the psychiatry department that I was looking for his phone number. Her name is Juanita and she seems to have remembered me. She connected us up. Wow! That was fantastic. I knew the instant I heard his first words that it was him. It was like balm to a wound. If I’m using the expression right, I mean to say that he gave me a feeling of warmth that seems older than the oldest sycamore tree.
There was this one other thing that was kinda funny. We told him about Dr. Marvin and his new office … well actually it’s been several years, but apparently, Dr. Woollcott knows the office well and the person who used to inhabit it. He had high marks as to it being the best office in the building. I think it made him feel happy to know that Dr. Marvin had taken it over. He says he hears some of the old gossip, but not a lot. I don’t know if office location is something to gossip over, but if it were it make a nice tidbit. I’m glad that we have the videos of Dr. Marvin’s place in-between the writing segments. Maybe he’d get a chance to see one and appreciate that Dr. Marvin’s made it such a warm-friendly place. I bet it warms up some of his memories of how time has changed. There’s a lot to be said of Dr. Woollcott having passed me onto Dr. Marvin. He made a amazingly impressionable estimation of how well we’d work together. It's really an incredible feeling to know that someone could care for you to that degree. I don’t know if he could have predicted the relationship would have lasted for so long, nor for that matter that Rich and I were together finally after 15 years of “dating.”
We still give Dr. Woollcott full credit for the relationship I began and held with Rich. For some reason he seemed to be on Rich’s side from the very start. And, I remember talking to Dr. Woollcott when we got to the 10 year mark with Rich. We’d set an arbitrary time-line saying that if he hadn’t made a major move by this time – the time his son would have graduated high school – that we should break things up.
I had gotten an impression of being scolded by Dr. Woollcott. I’m sure he wasn’t mean or anything he never was … But, I really knew what a terrible thing it would have been to break things up at that point. He seems always to have impressed me with the “miracle” of being able to hold such a loving relationship – especially toward sexual “Embracement.” Wow … he sure called that one too.
I think somehow he’s going to bed a little happier last night. He said something once about thinking that I’d never settle for #2 spot on Rich’s dance card. I still think of the amazement of that day April 2, 2007 when Rich walked into my living room with news. I’d been on the computer and he went through the paces, but the bottom line was he was saying, I sure hope you meant it all those years of saying you wanted to live with me, because basically … here he was … he’d arrived. Oh man! What a day that was. I remember crying until he finally got it through my head that I didn’t have to worry anymore that he’d made the choice to be with us.
It was the most incredible journey and now here we are … 14 months later down the road … and it seems like something of a dream. I still treasure his time with me and even the part where I have to say goodnight. He’s just the most incredible person I know. There’s absolutely not one iota of a chance that sticking it out with him wasn’t the right thing to do.
We told Dr. Woollcott sincerely, I’m wonderfully happy. I hoped he could sense that. From Dr. Woollcott I had the sense that he’s still a worrier. I think he does an extremely good job at putting things in perspective. He seems to hold when he talks the whole of the problem/solution in the palm of his hand so that everything he says is integrated with a reality of a broader truth. It’s ok to be. I’m an important person, and I’m worthy of great things. That’s what I feel when I talk or think of him. We’re trying to hold back the hope in that it seems like he’s given us more opportunity to meet with him. I would love more than anything a chance to be in relationship to him in some way. I would love to see something especially become of the writing both of us have conquered over the last how many years. He gives me a sense of being on equal ground. I crave for his insights.
Ok, shhhh. Let’s not build up too much hope. Just a pleasant buzz, k? I don’t want to wreck anything. Still have problems with not wanting to bother him. Just saying though that if he has some space for me in his life … I’d take it up in a heartbeat! Ok, shhhh shhhh. Calm down, calm down girls. It’ll be ok, shhhhh … let’s not go overboard here. Better slidddddde into another subject. I know, I know what could be more important? But, we need to let this sit for a bit. I think though that we’ll copy this part to Dr. Marvin … It’s been a very long time since we’ve written to him too. It’s another situation that he’s always remained open to writing to him whenever, but we never think of it until some special thing or another comes up – or we’re doing horrible and really need some help. I think he’s going to be tickled pink about this one … Ok, Dr. Marvin – what do you think?
Pretty damn cool?!!!
Ok, we’ve taken a little break … It’s about 10:20 am. now. We read and reread the part about Dr. Woollcott … we sent it to Dr. Marvin. Then we read the first part over again. We like to do that to see through how it comes out. I like the cogency of thought going from one thought to another and I will never stop loving the feeling I get from having parts of my life “Down.” I think that also has to go to Dr. Woollcott’s credit. He talked long ago about writing your own mythology.
That’s like life turns out to be like your memory of it. With the blogging I get a little closer to my own truths, in that usually I try to get thoughts down within a few days to up to a week from being in perspective. I’m very proud of the five years put into it. I’m coming up to that anniversary August 21rst. I don’t know how many entries I made in the first 2 years over AOL, but there have been about 750 entries in the Blogger version of blogging since November 2005. Let’s see then … that’s about 25 entries a month. Hmm, if that’s right … I’d think its pretty dam cool. That’s a lot of writing, hmm?
Ok, so here we are then. We’ve pretty much covered our hot button activities.
Lot’s been going on. Nothing much happened with the Thinking Group yesterday. It was a very excitable time … I’d found a book I haven’t read yet on my shelves called, “The Well-educated Mind.” I read a couple chapters into it. I had marked off on my chart that yesterday’s session was going to be crossed between education and self-empowerment. The book talks primarily about learning how to read … and amazingly enough it discusses several times Mortimer Adler and his Great Books. I guess this book is a primer after perhaps having read Adler’s, “How to read.” Don’t think that’s the exact title, but it’s close. I was thinking about that book before
I started reading so was really happy it affirmed my thoughts and build from them.
So, in a nutshell, we converted this author’s, Bauer’s, thoughts on comparing reading to “tasting, swallowing, and digesting food.” I knew it would be hard to do it with the group through the medium of books, so we chose instead the television medium.
We copied out the schedules for Friday night and Saturday TV viewing. We established our comparison and then started walking through it. We figured out what the favorite shows were going to be on TV by calling out the names and hearing the applause excitement for the popular shows. The first one was the Baseball game with the Cubs last night … it got high acclaim. So we asked them the tasting part – which was give me some of the facts about the Cubs – what do you know of them. The group decided that the Cubs were the best because they had great coaching - and, then the Sox fans added that the Sox would win, because they are great at home runs. There were other small observations too, but then we talked about the swallowing part – basically, are these real truths. The story came out a little more in-depth as they supported their arguments. They were very excited to be thinking of the games. Then, we went through the digesting part – which was basically what difference did it make to “you?” How were you going to be affected by the favored team winning or losing. The affect was good. The group still has trouble thinking too much in-depth, mostly they just want to feel “in the moment.”
I could see them envisioning their team – and just radiating happiness.
We did the same process through the shows “Judge Judy,” “Smackdown Wrestling,” and the “Bernie Mac show.” Those were their favorites during the time slots mentioned.
They made interesting observations and we compared what their interests were in either watching sports or learning something. I was a bit distraught with their interest in “violence.” They liked to see guys getting beat-up and the blood and gore afterward, and when they recalled Bernie Mac – they took great interest in him bringing out a belt for the father to smack his kids. I’m not sure what that’s all about, but it might be worth some further down the road investigation. I hate to think of actually watching one of those shows to see what their looking at, but it might be a good idea. I gave them one insight into the wrestling. I asked them, “You know Mr. Rich don’t you?” Of course, we were talking about our hunney bunney. They don’t know any of that of course, but they do get excited hearing his name. He’s St Roses consultant and as a near staff member the only male authority figure in the bunch. The group knows him as the guy who controls their workload in the workshop. So, anyway I told them that Rich’s son was a wrestler. I didn’t know enough to fill in the details, but they did get the gist that he performed in the rink and threw people around and up in the air. I told them next time you see Mr. Rich ask him about the wrestling son. I like to jump on Rich sometimes like this.
It gives me pleasure to think of his quiet soft presence confronted by their obvious interests in a blood-curdling event such as wrestling. They are still wrestling with is it real or not. I think intellectually they think not, but in the heat of the moment in watching the show – they are fully invested. It’s a good tie-in too to Rich other than – do we have work?
The last 15 minutes of the session, after a good portion had dwindled out the door in going home, we got onto the subject of Oprah. She remains a favorite of many.
We had a couple different individuals act out the part of being a moderator and then we called members of the group up to be interviewed. They quickly ran out of questions, but enjoyed giving their answers – so, I took over the role of moderator to give them good stuff to talk about. I know they have a good time with this group and there were times during the meeting that I looked nervously over at Sister’s office across the hall wondering if she was going to come in and tell me to quiet them down. It was a very excitable meeting. I guess one of the gist’s was that I wanted them to take something they are in control of – their own interests on television and make a learning experience of it. I wanted them to come out with insight shared with others of what’s important. The group is an opportunity to speak out loud priorities. The bunch of talkers carries over for the non-talkers group excitement and spirit and everyone laughs uproariously without really realizing they are learning something. If I were to name one of the most important parts, I would think … it was very empowering for them to be in control and exercising the fulfillment of pleasure in making the decisions what to watch and then tie into there are different processes – 3 deep in exploring those interests.
To do it as a large group – is the frosting on the cake. They feed on each other’s titillation.
It was a very good place to leave them on a Friday afternoon. Sr. Was right. I came in for something as she was watching the lunch group. She said, “I don’t know what’s gotten into them, but they are a live bunch today!” I personally credit one of the trainers who’d gone from room to room pushing that Cubs were better than Sox … Sheesh I could hear their excitement all the way back to my office. From that point, they just stayed, “UP!”
Hmm, next?
What else do I want to cover before I get back into reading. I wanted to open more time to that … but, seems like giving prime Saturday morning time to such a sedating activity – would be like cheating. It looks like a nice day out there. I don’t have the door open, but seems to be blue sky, puffy clouds and a breeze. It be nice if it weren’t too hot … Hmm, thermometer says 79. Hmm, two of my favorite people are up on stages. Carolyn Kennedy and Bill Gates – two giants! Brrrr gives me the goose bumps to think of that much power and influence in one sentence. They gottit going on! Carolyn is thinking of putting more time into the political process and Bill finally retires his full time role with Microsoft. He is going to remain chairman of the Board, but in most cases going to be working through his philanthropy. He’s sooo cooll. Microsoft’s a cheat though … Don’t think much of it … You are trapped with their products being the best of what’s out there, but they don’t make it easy to like them. All along Bill Gates was the best thing going for them. But, then if you think he made himself the wealthiest person in the world … that came on the backs of a lot of us little people getting raked over the coals.
Still gotta love the guy! He’s a marvel.
Hmm, maybe I better take a few moments and check out MP.com. Hold up, brb.
Wow … I forgot about that. Shoot … it’s today! We had arranged to meet up with the Wisconsin/Chicago people from Marineparents.com in Lombard at 4:30 pm. The are meeting at Claim Jumpers. Apparently, I could take 31st Street all the way out to Highland One major intersection past Meyers Road just past 83rd at Yorktown Center.
Seems easy enough … it says it’s about 10 miles west. Hmm, I think I’m going to guts up and give it a try. The person who responded to my note said they are meeting out on the porch. Cool, cool … how hard could it be to find that? Just have to worry about being a new face and not knowing anyone. But, we know of them.
They are the biggest group of Marine Parents in the neighborhood. Thinking that
Thom has the majority of 5 years into it … it sure be a good time to get to know some of them now than later. Better count backward. Let’s see give it 45 – 1 hour before hand that make it 3:30-3:45 pm leaving. That means shower by at least 2:30 pm. Let’s see 11:45 am now … If we were going to the zoo … we’d have to shower now and get out by 12:30 – 3:30 pm.
Oh sheesh … that really puts a crimp into my day. I don’t think I can do both. Ok, courage check here. Rich would say no reason in the world we could do both. But, we still have the writing and the reading. Is that always going to be the excuse?
Ok, this is the hard part … we get scared of the walking … Haven’t been building our minds up to it. Thoughts on failure, breaking down after we get out … usually it doesn’t happen that way? But, it tires us out and hurts? Umm, that be the nature of hard work? I don’t want to hear … “I don’t wanna hurt!” Shoot, tough call.
Maybe we should give ourselves some time to think about it. How about we just get as far as taking the shower now and then we’ll think about it afterward. Maybe stick our head outside and see what 80 degrees feels like. Hmm?
Man … it’s gorgeous out there. We just took our shower and there is good and bad to that. The bad part is that we had one of those women’s things. BUT, we haven’t had one for one year! We thought we were in menopause … all we had to do was hold out one month … and then we were ready to kiss it good-bye for ever. This is a terrible turn of events. I’m going to need boostering my confidence that I can still go out and process life with it. DAMN! Why’d this have to happen. I was never a very sure woman. What’s going to happen if I do a lot of walking … will things get worse? Lordy.
Ok, let’s skip to the good part. Before I knew that … I had thought … maybe we could bring one or two of our books to the zoo. Then we could make part of the three hours available to us to be just sitting and enjoying being outdoors. That be a good idea, right? With the wheelchair we could sit anywhere … just need to find a quiet corner by a lonely animal. I think also on the positive side it would lend more to conversation. People could be like so where are you coming from … then I wouldn’t be so embarrassed about only crawling out of the house. Hmm it’s 12:10 pm now. To get a full 3 hours I’d leave in 20 minutes, but that seems like high pressure why don’t we tone that down some … why don’t we just say that … we’ll wait on the decision until after lunch. Remember we have those raspberries in the fridge … we were going to make a nice protein drink … better to see how we feel after that. The only down part is I don’t think its going to taste great after tooth paste. Hmm, Ok, ok … that’s not part of the plan! Go!
Wow! That’s some great stuff … protein mix, non-fat chocolate powder, fresh raspberries and milk – put through the magic bullet. That ought to perk us right up.
Ok, looking now at the menu at Claim Jumpers … lunch specials about $15-16 and dinner entrees $24-26. Yeeks they found an expensive place … let’s see what drinks look like? Hmm, doesn’t seem to be drinks. That surprises me. I’d think this group a drinking group. I think then what we’re looking at after seeing the entire menu is either their appetizer cheese potatocakes or the crabcakes again. I never realized how many served them before. But, yesterday like the first time – they stayed down … as long as I don’t eat more than one. Think we’ll just have the crab cakes. Even at that – they are $14 … sheesh! That’s expensive. But, I guess it is crab meat and that’s some pretty good “eatin.” I’m thinking crab has to have protein and probably not as fatty as the three cheeses in the other. Not saying battered and fried is good for you, but at least its soft on the tummy.
Ok, let’s go check the site … see if people are saying anything.
Hmm, ok, got through all of that … there were a few cases where someone seemed to be referring/asking about me. I should be posting more often than I am … maybe today will get me more excited again. But, by now it’s already 1:00 pm. I’m dressed, but need to work myself out of the door. I can do this, right? Ok, you … it’s time to set out … let’s think what we need. I think no camera this time … hmm, maybe though we will come across something that needs recording? Ok, we’re bringing the bag for water and book anyway, right? We’ll need our purse … and I better be sure that ticket is in the purse thing. Ok, other than that? We’re good to go? Well at least after we finish posting, hmm? Ok, girl, go!
A tidbit
Good morning … this is me. We’ve turned into a lady of leisure … we were just telling someone our groceries are got, our clothes and dishes are clean, and the kitty litter box is fresh. Nothin else to do for the week. Well let’s hope that I can think of SOMETHING to do to fill in the time. BUT! I won’t be hardpressed. This morning Rich needs me to drop of a package to the post office. So I can’t do that until 8:30am. That means leaving for work an hour and a half late. That suits me just fine. A day like this you got to reflect on a bit. Not sure about what though.
I’m feeling a little mopey … I’ve got to come out of that. I think I must have tried the eating route, because I’d tried some turkey stuff Rich left and I had a flour tortilla. So far it feels ok, but not sure I should have eaten a whole one. Feeling like I want to go back to bed. Ugh … that would be totally giving in to the mood.
There … we just turned on some music. We don’t usually do that … Maybe that will drown out some of our negative feelings. I want this to be a period that I can consistently write. But, then wouldn’t I feel good if I could just close my eyes and sleep? Only 6 hours last night. Hmm?
Little queezy around the gills this morning
Good morning. This is me. If by chance you try to be getting ahold of me, I think that my email box is eating my mail. I’m not even getting advertisements. Not one … and I usually get a ton of them. Not sure what to do, but I may have to reload AOL. We’ll see.
We just saw Rich off. He was in the shower at 5 am when I woke up. So, we made coffee and then when he got out, we loitered around the room watching him get ready. That’s one of our favorite things to do. We try not to cheer, but Pswhoo.
Steamy! Then by quarter after 5 he was out the door. He’s moving pretty efficiently now days with the new work. I’m proud of him, plus he was setting up all the things he’s got yet to b doing for the trip. This is his last day home. Sure going to miss him, but we’re going to be tough … remind us of that later down the road, k?
Yesterday went pretty good all told. I was with Sr. first thing … and she told me something … hmm, I think Candice is supposed to take her class on Saturday, and come back Monday, but I think Sr. is going to give her a review as soon as she gets here. I’m not sure all of what’s going to happen, but I’m pretty sure its not going to be a good review. Our point is that we’ll do the extra work, if she doesn’t stay. There are other considerations Sr. has to make in that Brandi won’t be coming back and we don’t know how long Sue will be out. She could come back today or 6 weeks from now … It’s all going to depend on how badly she needs money. I don’t know what she’s planning. Also Sr. Patricia leaves on Saturday. I guess we’re getting back Sr. Florine. We’ve had her before … She doesn’t do much of anything, but gossip and spend time on the phone. I like her, but I don’t think a whole lot of her as a business partner. I don’t know if she’s going to be in the group.
Sr. Theresa interviewed one lady last night. I don’t remember her name. She came highly recommended though by one of our volunteers. I can already see Sr.’s mind working and she’s figuring out how to slip her into the rotation. I think she wants to give Brandi the opportunity to come back, but in general I think she liked the woman. I met with them and talked yesterday in Sr.’s office. I like her and would hope she could do the job. There’s a question though on earnings. She already makes $11 an hour and gets benefits like medical paid. Sr. wouldn’t want to offer her more than $11 because of her general scale paid to others. So, it’s iffy if the woman would want a job with us. It be more work, and the woman will be going to school trying to complete her BA. She already has an associate. She’s coming from San Miguel our local parish school where she’s been an aide for 8 years. I think she’s looking for something more or different, but I don’t know if her heart is with adults. She prefers little kids – though she’s been teaching 7th graders. We’ll have to see how Sister negotiates. The woman seems eager to come in and give it a try as early as Monday. But, Sister is not sure if there will be a regular teacher in there, so is hesitant to say ok. I wouldn’t put the woman off for long. She seems like a nice person.
Yesterday, we were all over everywhere. Our basic day went from watching the doors and Group 1 from 7:30 am to 9 am. Then we went to the office and finished up preparing for the Annual meeting. The mother and CSO person Kathy got in 10 minutes before the hour, so they had to wait a moment as I stapled together the literature I pass out. It turned out to be pretty good. I had the agenda, DSP notes, and then her two goals spread out in detail. Sr. only popped her head in because Rosa wasn’t in and she needed to watch the front, and then Holly had taken kids to work and was at the meeting 20 minutes late. We had signed all our papers and Kathy’s papers, and she still wasn’t in so we jumped over to the new goals. Holly came in about half way. We were really taking our time. Not wastefully, but we were slow and covering ALL the bases trying to spread out time until Holly got there. When she did get there, I thought she did a lame job going through all that the client usually does on her two days here. She was shooting off the top of her head and wasn’t very thorough. But, by then I knew the mother was real pleased with the goals and the client had a lot of time to think through them. The mother said at the end that she was happier about the meeting than she ever had been. I’m going to assume since Holly didn’t do much and she’s had Holly for ten years … that I had something to do with her being pleased. I don’t think Holly ever gets around to presenting any paperwork, or specific goals. And, if her hem hawing was any indication of her normal meeting, I feel really sorry for the mother. There was also a casual part of the meeting which seemed to go very well. I thought Holly would lead more, but I got inpatient and took over, which Holly seemed to appreciate. She came in and left both with complaining how much work she had to be doing and wearing 5 hats and some such nonsense. *sigh*
After that we talked to Kathy in our office for a little bit before Sr. came looking for us. I’m not sure why, I don’t remember. I think the next thing we did was try to start cleaning off our desk. It had two days of mess on it. Usually one desk is as bad as the next and yesterday was no exception. Ugh! But, it helps to remind us of things we left undone that need taking care of. At one point we went up to make copies and Sr. grabbed us. She wanted us to take the door because Holly was in her second staff meeting of the day and Sr. had to start interviewing the new person.
So, we spent about a half hour doing that until we joined the interview. Sr. had in mind that she was going to do our 6 month evaluation and I was in the mood for it, but she got too busy. I know she wants to get them out of the way this month yet and she looks to have 4-5 more to go.
After that we went back and finished cleaning our desk. We settled down and turned the music and earphones on and we started to relax. I decided that I was GOING to get the annual and annuals in general done on the first day of the meeting, so I stayed an extra hour and finished that up. It felt great to leave it on Sr. desk for signatures. I made sure to stop by Holly’s desk to make sure that she knew it needed signatures as well. I know it was like showing off a bit, but hey … if the works done, flaunt it! Hehehe oh one more thing I did that took some time. I went through a slow long process of pulling the new cards for the goal through the lamination and cutting process. They turned out real nice. I had the girl reading through Dr. Seuss quotes and then developed it into a “go fish” type matching game so she can bring it to her job as a teacher’s assistance with real little kids next fall. I had made two sets of cards right away, so she could take one of them home or to school. Good Ann!
After that … we went home, and I had a small pork chop and about an inch of soup, but I got sick on the pork chop. Rich had come home and wanted to go to the fireworks down at Navy Pier, but I felt too unstable. So we stayed in and he let me pet him while we watched the Public broadcasting channel. We did news – a couple versions and a show on Chicago, etc. Finally, he was in his bedroom doing something for the trip, so we grabbed one of our juice bars and he was to find us cuddled up in the blanket after a bit waiting to be tucked in. I think he appreciated getting to bed a little early. Good for him to stop worrying about getting things done in time.
Oh, and the plus part!!! I’d been up to again about 281 for the last several days, but this morning … I was down to 277.6 … wooHOOO!!!! We’re working on it! I did a ton of standing and walking in going through all the different things I was doing.
It was the marker though for exactly 30 pounds lost since the surgery 42 days ago. Sweeeet!
AHA! I had lost myself for a bit thinking that I was going to need going to work, because I was watching the clock get to 7-8 minutes before the hour, I almost posted this note, but then realized the marker for time only signified that I need to take a shower at 6 am. Turns out it’s only 5:54 am and I’ve got TIME!!!!! YEAH! Not often you find yourself with an extra hour. I feel famished for it! I think I’ll jump in now 5 minutes so I get ALL that time on the other end waiting to catch up to the next top of the hour.
BRB!
AHHH! We’re back! Now we have gotten ourselves another 35-40 minute spur of time.
WOOHOOO!!!
I’m not sure what we’re going to talk about next though since we’re done with our day yesterday. Ahh, I remember something … Maury showed me a new picture of Thom. Hold on let me get it and ask you what you think. I’ve got definite mixed reviews.
Uh huh, see what I mean? Believe it or not … I was one of those mothers who tried to get her kids not to play with guns - AND, certainly not in the house. This picture leaves me feeling a little nervous. He’s got to do this, I know …. To keep people safe. But, I really abhor the idea of Thom killing someone. Seems that’s what the Marines are teaching him to do though. I know I have to get over this, but it’s uncharted territory. Last week though Thom’s favorite day was when he got to through hand grenades. Ok, we’re going to just skip ahead here. I’m sure there isn’t anything more important, but this one is leaving me pretty uncomfortable. Oh man … got to get out of this place in my mind. I don’t want to write what I’m thinking it’s too threatening.
Ok, whistle, right? Whistle when you’re scared. What did we learn from the King and I?
Let’s see … next?
I didn’t get a chance to visit the message board yesterday. I think I’m behind in my posts. Maybe I’ll get to that next, but I’m not sure when. I still have to plan for today’s staff training meeting. And, I haven’t got a clue where I’m going with that. We haven’t had a meeting for quite a while. Sr. had been covering while I was gone, so I’m thinking that anything I do now is going to be pretty boring. We left off on doing Policies and procedures. I’m not sure where we left off, but it’s a pretty dry subject. I wish I had some big master plan … but that just might be one of the things I’ve got to do today. PLUS, I’ve really got to finish off the annual report. Hmm, I’ve also going to want to formalize the goals for the staffing yesterday. We wrote the annual report, but we haven’t gotten the long goals written out or the goals and objectives. That was too much for yesterday. It should have been done before the meeting, but we’d gotten behind due to teaching.
Hmm, another thing on the agenda today, is that it is a Dr. Marvin meeting. I’m not sure where we left off there. I think last time we were just catching up on stuff, but I don’t remember any of the specifics. Maybe we wrote about it, but I’m not motivated to checking that out at this moment.
Hmm, my tummy isn’t feeling real good … I just had some string cheese and a few pickles this morning. Nothing real bad. But, we’d had that tummy upset last night. I want to make sure I keep things down, because I just took my medicine and don’t want to lose anything important. What to do … what to do. I’m sorry we’ve slid over to the gross side. That’s not such a good idea. Hmm, we seem to be doing a lotta back-peddling. Not real focused just kind of drifting through our thoughts.
Ok, got that over with … I got dressed a little early … but I wasn’t able to settle my stomach without being sick. This is always an iffy thing, because if you lose it once, there could be more and we’re going to be on the road within 20 minutes. Ok, time for a mantra … It’s going to be ok, it’s going to be ok. Calm down girls. We can do this. Just one moment at a time. Stomach is still feeling bad though. :)
This is no fun. Just had a little something to eat. What I do wrong? Hmm, just glanced over to the pictures on the blog page. I left up one picture where we used to smoke. It’s coming up on two years now without smoking. Just looking at the picture made my stomach feel a little more gaggy. I just can’t imagine what it would be like now as to enjoyment of it. The whole thing seems sick. Damm … that seems to have made me sick too. Oh please … let this go away. I’ve done real good at not being sick at work. I don’t want to start now. Seems like we’re worrying up a storm now. How do I make myself feel happier? What can I think of that is relaxing?
Damn. I’m not going to cry, right? Hmm, maybe it’s time I just post and finish getting ready for work. Still have to put up our hair. Hmm, that was something that makes me feel better. Some days I feel prettier than others. Yesterday was one of those days. But, the nice thing? It seems to radiate outward, because a couple of clients commented too on how pretty I looked. I don’t want to seem boastful here, but that always makes me feel good when someone says something nice to you … especially in an area that counts. If nothing else the clients are always on the tip-top of expressing their thoughts and feelings. OohRAH to them!!!
Good Morning Dear ...
*Sigh* How goes your morning so far? For general concern - this is a reprint of a letter I'd sent out earlier today that had too much information I didn't want to repeat ... The majority of it was written about midnight when we were up and sleepless. It's 5:30 am now and I'm going to giving undivided attention to you for the next half hour. WOOHOOO!!! I've been so neglectful ... we're facing terrible stuff at work. Nothing more important in putting work in perspective than by giving you MORE work. That helps me appreciate I am busier than before hehehe. We had a big staff shortage so I was given one of the groups. It's actually kind of a fun switch-up, but it leaves everything on your desk a muck.
The Sister who has been filling in is going back to her other convent and Brandy one of the Direct Support People (DSP) who's been gone a month on "injury" faxed a note saying that she was quitting after 5 years. I guess she decided she had enough. She stated "dramas" as the cause. She was my best work buddy as to chattering between us. I know what had frustrated her, but it doesn't seem to make it better at this point. Sister had switched up groups, which she didn't like and she's been having problem with the Q no one wants. Brandi is a bit wishy-washy , so I won't want to be unfair to her by calling right away knowing I can push her. If she wants not to work, then that's got to be her decision. In the meantime two other staff are on vacation and one broke her arm on Monday in three places. Plus, the one who has been suspended. Really puts a hole in the system all together. 6 people missing - that's 50% of our staff.
I'm coverin for the Q gone, but got the other Q yesterday through Sr. Theresa to co-do the meeting with me today. Both DSPs who could give me information on her are gone, and the Q that left botched up by not doing her case file notes before she left and then Holly was the one who had her before, but who hadn't done her original work proper. This client is new to me, but Holly the other Q had her for 10 years before this. She agreed to do the most talking, and then I agreed to do the paperwork making goals, filing a report, and summarizing the meeting. I'm like Sister's efficiency expert. It's a good deal all considering ... Really took a lot of pressure off of me not to be thinking of how to verbally fill-up the meeting. Sister is saying that Holly and I are going to need splitting the work of groups 1 and Leadership for the missing DSPs. ARRGHH!
Oh Lordy, we're just babbling now. I ended up working for the second day in the first group - they are counting beads (stringing them). Then after I stayed to help a bit with some that had gotten messed up the day before. And then, on Monday I had the Leadership group. Usually, the Q's don't run the groups. But, I teach the staff how to do it so we certainly now how ... just stuff on our desk didn't get done. Do I keep mentioning that? Sr. had to realize yesterday that the annual report isn't done yet and in the process of yesterday's desk work, we went through the missing Q's work and discovered that 40% of her paperwork is missing from the files. Literally, 60 documents out of 150 are not there where they are supposed to be. Oh Blah! Sr. shook her head stating she knew she shouldn't trust the woman who was saying she had all her work done and then she does what she normally does. She looks at me and says "Just fix it." I nod my head, not whimpering out loud thinking Lordy ... did I have a vacancy of time??
Oh man I gotta quit complaining. Rich was out doing a ball game last night so I guess I didn't unwind normally ... my buddy Rich is going on vacation on Friday for a week in Canada. You knew that though right? We're repeating? Ok, now we're whimpering. DRAT!
Ok, slowing work down...
I hadn't thought through the position on being or not being part of our son's adventures, but I think Betsy was right. I felt much more apart of Thom's first duty, then the one now. I don't feel I have my heart invested even in the Boards though I try. I am caught up in my reading of them, but I'm not as likely to respond right away as I had before nor have I been going to the chat's. 8-10 pm seems like very late in the evening. I have done something toward all that that I'm looking forward to. I'd been over at the message board for Marine Parents and there was some conversation on one of the topics about Reading lists. I had gotten Thom about 7-8 books for graduation, which went well, but it hadn't occurred to me until seeing this topic that parents were getting books for themselves as well.
Tracy Del Vecchio the founder of Marineparents.com has a list of books that she's saying are good, and then she has more of a list on-line under Amazon.com. So we looked at the favored ones on the first page and ordered them. I'm embarrassed to say there were 9 books. I use their used books marketplace though so the books weren't costing nearly as much as they should. I got one book for a penny, but they still get you for delivery charges - that's $4. I'm going to try filling in some of my free time I have now in the evenings and weekends to become a bit of an expert in Marines - through the reading. I'm probably like you in thinking being a parent at this time is a little lonely. I figure this will get me back in the game. I'm really motivated by Thom going into "secrets" work. I'm so afraid of missing out on knowing ANYthing ... and that be a very hard thing to tolerate over the next 5 years. In his line he had to agree on doing the extra year.
I'm glad Thom would or should be going to Florida - Pensacola. I think it's going to be a good place to visit. Hmm, made me go look up Pensacola on a map. Hadn't done that before. I hadn't realized that it was so close to Alabama. I had figured though it be on the Golf. Oh no ... now we're thinking hurricanes! But, he'd be out of there before that season, right? Hmm, end of 4 1/2 months leads right INTO hurricane season. Oh Lordy! Damn ... this not cool. But, like the Marines would have safety plans, right? Oh you say they ARE the safety plan. Hmm, going to have to refigure this. Double Damn.
...
Ok, better get going ... someone needs to be taking a shower, right? Best to get this day under our belt. Besides I figure I about done blabbered your ear right off so it dropped off your head, ran away and is now hiding under the couch!
Hmm, well back again. We got about 15 minutes now that we're after the shower, taking medicine, getting lunch ready etc. I think writing sections of letters is probably pretty impersonal, but we took out the one on one stuff and figure that the rest is generic news. We should probably not do that, but it seems that when we write ... a big part of it is just getting off my chest whatever is happening that gives it pressure. We're definitely in a work - worrisome mood. But, we're getting better.
I'm going to have a tight schedule though when I get into work. We're going to need doing a small report and starting the final report for the meeting that will be held today. We've also got to formalize goals and I think that we should be doing some laminating for one of the goals too. We made some cards 1/4 paper size that have a generic cat picture on one side and Dr. Seuss quotes on the other. There are 2 sets of 8 cards. It's going to be for a goal of helping one of our individuals read - we're setting up a match game so she can teach it to the pre-school kids she works with. I think it's going to be a great goal. She'll also have a goal to go through all the processes getting to an Internet site. She wants to do the Internet and we see know reason not to give her a chance at it. In her group, the Leadership group, they have access to the Internet. WooHOO!!!
Maybe after that we should try finishing up the Annual report for the center. We've been putting that off. And, then maybe tomorrow we should get to getting out requests for all those missing documents. Pshwoo. It's a bundle! I'm not sure where we left off with all the other tasks that take up about 40 "to-do" notes on the Outlook schedule. Everything is going to be late from the original dates I assigned to get things done. But, at least at this point ... do to the diversion of tasks - being in the groups ... Sr. knows why we're behind. So, in that respect ... we're covered.
I think beside the generic complaining of work load, I'm actually having a pretty good time at work. I'm feeling like I've got a lot of important things to do and when tasks get accomplished I feel as if I've really done something that mattered.
Hmm ... speaking of ... should probably be getting dressed ... we're down to 14 minutes to departure. Just like a rocket ship we are! Ok, then see you soon!
Sunday was kind of a reflective day ... ok, that meant nothing got done ... lets let that go
Good morning! It’s me. We’re up on schedule, but Rich is ahead of schedule this morning. We saw him off a few moments ago and it’s only 5:30 am. I think he’s going to be leaving at 5:10 am every morning for the next 6 weeks to be at his new consulting job at 6 am. I guess that’s when the birds catch the worms. Hmm, make that Union worms. Yeeks! Today his goal is to hang around and check out people, plus he’s got to clean his office. Hmm, you think that’s something THEY would do before he got there. Eh, I guess its not that way though.
My baby look bushy-tailed this morning … He was up for the task. His immediate new boss will be back tomorrow so he should be more assertive that day. Ahh, not only did the sneaky bum steal my cookies last night, but this morning he turned off the air. We just opened the front door to let inside the morning coolness. Missy said thank you. And, is now contemplating going out. She’s cuing in to her strategic advantages of being out there. Hmm, some kind of work machinery started … maybe they are working on the new shopping development at the other side of our main artery. Just seems like a worker turned on his truck.
Missy is nonchalantly giving herself a bath. I guess that’s one of her morning tasks. I was thinking that if I did the same that I could have a straight through period of time to write. Hmm, that’s a consideration. Anything I need to think out first and immediately? Think we don’t have too many Thom thoughts. Most likely he’ll be up in about 20 minutes. His schedule says
Combat Hunter 0545 – 0715
Day Optical Dev 0715-0930
Night Opt Dev 1130-1330
PT/Combat Cond 1330-1530
Land Nav 1530-1945
I could see breakfast before 5:45, but I’m not reading in their stop and take an hour for lunch and dinner. I’ve heard though that they get more MRE’s, which are their packaged meals. Maybe they are then eating and running. I don’t really know what combat hunter means, but I’m thinking they are going to be chasing down inevitable illusionary bad guys. Seems they’d be taking the aggressor role. Day or Night Optical Development seems like they are going to be looking through some strange lenses. PT is of course physical training and combat conditioning … that seems just hard. And land navigation would mean they’ll be looking at maps, or using compasses or some such thing. All in all it seems like he has kinda a busy day.
Up ahead of him for the week are a few McMap sessions … that’s his hand to hand combat/karate. And, it looks like on Friday he’s got a 10K hike. Those are usually loaded down with all kinds of heavy gear. Hmm, let me see what I can figure there … It appears the red writing might be weapons. There’s a ton of it next week. Looks like M203 is the grenade launcher, AT-4 is the Rocket Launcher, CM then would be probably the basics of combat marksmanship. M240B would be a medium machine gun and IED would of course be an improvised explosive devise and M249 would be a squad automatic weapon. I’m also thinking that BDR is some kind of a briefing, because they hold it most mornings. FT seems to have something to do with assaults … oh good they are teaching defense too! Week 4 starts with tests, and then I think they are into an outdoor experience that’s listed for 3 ½ days as battle skills exercise. Some nights they are not ending until 2000 or 2130, which seems to me to be 8-9:30 pm. I guess bad guys don’t stop at the end of daylight. Those sure are long days to put in.
Ok, that’s good with me … what’s your kids doing this week and next? Gees, I’m sure glad my other boys aren’t putting themselves out there with needs to be learning this kind of stuff. Joe’s Karate includes weapons, but nothing like grenade launcher or anything. More like Numchucks, swords and poles. Well, that could be pretty gruesome too I suppose … let’s concentrate on Maury. AHH … only thing that could happen there is that some crazy Chicagoan driver could hit him, or set their unfriendly dog on him … EEKS what have I done in raising kids? You would of thought they’d just be sitting in a nice air conditioned office? No such luck.
Maybe I better get in that shower. None of this is making me entirely happy.
Ahh that’s better … I took a shower, took my medicine, and got the bag ready to go.
I’ve earned myself 25-30 more minutes. Missy is a little discombobulated, but other than that we’re set to go. Ok, ok … that’s enough of that. We gave her a real good pet.
Let’s see anything happen over the weekend we haven’t written about yet? Hmm, we didn’t spend too much time writing. We did watch a psychiatrist show where he talked about the brain. His name was Daniel Amen. Not sure if you’ve heard of him, but he seems to have capsulated the effect of image scanning the brain – and from there he does a lot on telling you what makes a healthy and an unhealthy brain.
Most of it is like take multi-vitamins, drink water, exercise, do fish oil, green tea, etc. Nothing too startling on that end. He was a good presenter though. You could tell he had the whole thing memorized and had honed it after many previous speeches, but it was informative and interesting.
I didn’t want to hear him the second time they presented the same material. You could guess this was PBS and they are on a fund drive. I bit the temptation to get the cool stuff for $356 dollars. I did look him up on Amazon, but didn’t want to go as far as reading him. I was guessing that I already had his best stuff through the talk.
I did end up spending other time at Amazon though. Actually, I went in through my connection at MarineParents.com. I ordered 9 books for a total of $82 (including shipping. The shipping was the hard part – without it the books would have cost only $50. I was getting books for $.01 and $1.99. There might have been one book that was cheaper through Amazon, but the others we got through their Marketplace people. That seems to be a pretty good deal. I can get a very good price and usually I order books that are like new or new. I’m not disappointed.
The books I got were books on Marines. I took the top layer of Marineparents top choices. I decided that if Thom was going to go into the Marines – and is actually there already, I’m going to learn as much about the war as I can handle. I think its going to get worse as to things that Thom can’t tell me about. So, I’m going to need getting my information from this other source. There are a variety of books.
There are about 70 other books on Marines behind this first set. Whatever they got to say, I’m going to be figuring it out. I’m not sure Rich is going to be real happy about that, but I need more information than I’m getting straight from MP.com. I think actually that Tracy Del Vecchio the founder spends a lot of her time reading war books too. She has a list of them on the site that she gives her personal comments toward. She’s been around the block. I think she must be a terrifically smart person. I think she’s in her 40’s. She has a son who went to war and then came back, so she’s got to be at least that. She seems young. I’m a little frustrated that they haven’t picked me up for a volunteer, but I’m not going to push that for a bit. I think I’m going to do some reading so I have more an idea of what’s going on. There are a lot of military things I don’t know, like I don’t know the difference between a 3/7 or 1/5. I think it has to do with battalion and platoon numbers, but there are a lot of things like this that are mentioned and I feel clueless. It might come after a while.
There’s so much to be learning.
Other than that there wasn’t too much more on the night. I ended up watching some of the gymnastics tryouts and after that watched one of those shows where they spend 2 hours getting to the point of whether the person is guilty or not. Sort of … they try to leave it a big mystery in saying did she get off scot-free or was she innocent. I didn’t like the main interviewer or that they went over the same thing so many times. It was on when Rich came home about 8:30-9:00 pm. He was really tired. I think he had a good time, but he didn’t talk too much because of the tiredness. He lay down on the couch and let me rub his feet while he drifted in and out of sleep. That worked until the end of the show. My poor baby…
That gets us to about now. Nothing much going on here except I need to get myself dressed and to work. *Sigh* It’ll be ok, right?
Yeeks where did I go?
Good afternoon. This is me. It’s about 1:30 pm now so we are starting a little bit late. I can’t say entirely how our morning has gone on to this point. Rich is home now and will be going out in 2-3 hours. He’s going to go to a fishing store and meet a couple friends for BBQ hamburgers. It sounds like fun. Earlier, he finished doing a letter that was hard for him relating to his divorce. After that he worked for a long time on cleaning up his fishing tackle box and getting it ready for the big trip. That pretty much took up the whole day into the afternoon. He looked at every lure in his collection, checked out the hooks and collected worms to a container. He’s got two big bags and things had to be switched up because the fish are so much bigger in Canada then the ones he catches here.
I think he’s had a good time while doing all of this, because it is part of the going to be leaving for vacation principle. It helps time pass and allows you to think of something positive. Periodically, we’ve gone over and sat with him and let him tell us a little more about what he’s doing. I’m not really interested in why he has three sets of pliers, but I know he cares, so I care.
Other time has been spent by me looking at Marineparent.com stuff and writing to Thom. That made me feel a little better. He wrote three small emails yesterday or last night and he text messaged a few times back and forth with us this morning.
Thom turns out to be in the 2nd Platoon. He says he doesn’t really know many there, but they are doing ok. He says they have been finishing tasks sooner than other platoons. There are four all together. I’m not sure how many people are in the platoons, but we know that 380 people graduated – part of them go to the infantry side and part of those go to MCT with Thom.
Hmm, well I haven’t gotten very far today. It’s now about 4 pm and I’ve only covered three paragraphs. It’s ok, I guess that means I’ve got plenty more to say.
