Just something I've missed and then some

Well it appears that there has been some turn of events as far as my trip to Pulaski. There is something going on that I can not discuss at this point and time but I will when I am allowed. During my time off, I was awarded some awards. I honestly can't remember who gave them to me but THANK YOU. These awards are: and I do know that the Wonder Woman blog was awarded to me by Sandee over at Comedy Plus. I think she also gave me the Community Blogger Award too ... I am awarding the Community Blogger Award to the following: Bond from The Big Leather Couch Travis from Trav's Thoughts Matt Man from Bag wine Ruminations For the Wonder Woman Award I proudly give this award to: And as the World Turns Turnbaby Julies Jewles & Junque Julie Anndi's Luggage Anndi Angell at Angell'z-Secretz Low Downs from Lois Lois What? Mermaids? Lala Tug Just Tug Queen of Peace Globes Mimi Special K Family - Toni - Air Force Wife Donna - The Ice Box Tisha - Crazy Working Mom Gracie - Amazing Grace Linda - Are We There Yet?? Mrs. Bee - Empress Bee of the High Sea wading through my stream of consciousness Katherine Because they all are truly Wonderful! If I have missed anyone it wasn't intentional. So what are YOU going to be for Halloween?????? a HUGE Thank You to Vinny for my new look. Can't wait to see the finished product. I love it when he does funky things to me.. Oh wait... that DID NOT sound right.... I mean when he does funky things to my blog... ;-) SMOOCHES~

My Devil Dog

Back at work today after being off almost two weeks. My desk is overflowing ... but time well spent at home. I will be traveling to Pulaski tomorrow. I will be taking my cd that has all my pics on it and will be able to load them then. My computer at home was just entirely too slow to load all the pics that I wanted to load on Blogger. So look for pictures from our trip sometime this week. Yes, Julie you can post the picture. Matt said it was ok.. ;-) I am hoping that I will be able to catch up on my blog reading this week. I've missed y'all so ... Back to the grind stone... SMOOCHES~

Still spending time

with My Marine. No, I haven't forgot about y'all. I just know that I'm not going to have many more days with him and have to get in all the time that I can. I have been trying to upload some pictures but Blogger is cooperating with me... all I can say about that is ^%$*()*^%$ BAD WORD!!! ;-) Hopefully I can get them up next week on a faster computer ... I've got the post almost complete just need to add the pictures. I know y'all want to see the pictures. Just looking at the pictues still puts chills down my spine. Because of OSPEC and at the request of my son, my blog will be taking on another look over the weekend. Not only for his safety and the safety of his fellow Marines but mine as well. Posted below is from a Marine support website that I belong to and are the top 10 OSPEC Points. The Department of Defense can shut down websites, message boards, and support forums for violations of Operational Security. Please do not let this site be one of them. Let's be sure we are helping keep our Marines safe by not violating Operational Security. If in doubt, don't post it. Thanks. The Ten OPSEC Points: Don't discuss future destinations or ports of call! Don't discuss future operations or missions! Don't discuss dates and times of when we will be in port or conducting exercises! Don't discuss readiness issues and numbers! Don't discuss specific training equipment! Don't discuss peoples names and billets in conjunction with operations! Don't speculate about future operations! Don't spread rumors about operations! Don't assume the enemy is not trying to collect information on you so he can kill you, he is! Be smart, use your head, and always think OPSEC when using email or phone! Have a GREAT weekend y'all. SMOOCHES~

Very quick post today. We are home. I'm off work this week spending time with My Marine. I haven't had time to download the pictures yet but I will. Oh and I also left Matt's Marine pictures at the hotel. They will be mailing them to me and as soon as I get them I'll scan one and post as well. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments last week. What a surprise I had in my e-mail when I finally checked it. I've been given the Rising Blogger Award. Thank you so very much for this award. Was truly not expecting it. Will post pics as soon as I can. I've got to run... will try to post again tomorrow. SMOOCHES~

Just a few of my thoughts

As this will be my final post for the week, I thought that I would give you a few of my thoughts over these past 13 weeks. We are off the Parris Island Wednesday morning around 3:00 am ... Thirteen weeks ago I sent my only son off to boot camp. I wasn't sure who was more afraid, me or him. I've cried many days, from loneliness, worry, fear, pride, anticipation, heartache and love. They say a recruit goes through a transformation, from young child, to young adult. They are stripped to the core and rebuilt, with confidence, courage, dedication, strength, commitment and honor. All the things a parent spent their lives teaching, the DIs just fine tune them. As a mother, the strings are pulled taunt and stretched to the limit by forces of life. Do we really ever let go of our children? I think not. The bonds of love are strong! During these 13 weeks, I also have gone through a transformation, even if it was involuntary. I have learned I do not have control over all my son chooses in life. I have learned that I will have to step back and let him soar. I have learned I can hide my fear well, and that there is no end to the pride I can feel. I have learned that the future is God's, and though I may not always understand it, I accept it. I can’t imagine what Matt has gone through in his head in the past 13 weeks; how he felt, what he thought. The loneliness, despair, deprivation that he must have felt in the beginning. Matt could have chosen many paths; keg parties, football games, technical school or just working with no future plans or worries about tomorrow. He chose the most difficult route of all and this says volumes about his character. It is a testament to the positive factors that have affected his life and his ability to shun the negative and accentuate the positive. He is an extraordinary young man. I am so proud of him. Matt, like all of the other men of Echo Co., is of a generation that has been privileged, given a great deal, exposed to so many secular influences, not known for their study of American history or their appreciation of what this country represents, how it has survived and the sacrifices men and women have made to make it the greatest country on earth. I use to be afraid that Matt would never understand his heritage. I now know that something clicked in him and he did understand that some must wear the uniform, face whatever they must in order to insure our way of life. The Marine Corps will leave an indelible mark on him that will last until the day he dies. He will pass that along to the next generation. Matt will someday look at his son and wonder the same thing I did; does he understand the meaning of this country, its’ history, how special the USA is in the history of western civilization. I believe his children will. He will pass it along. Matt will be different when he returns. The changes may be subtle, quiet, and hard to define. He will be even more introspective than he was before he left. He will think about what he went through and wonder about his fellow Marines that shared his time in Hell and believe me that is exactly what he went thorough. It will be hard in the beginning for him to adjust to his old life while he is home. He now has a second family that means a great deal to him; that can share what he went through and with whom he can identify. My son is now a United States Marine. My cup is overflowing with joy and pride. Matt has taught me a very valuable lesson in patriotism. When he first told me of his plans to be a Marine, I questioned him; “Why would you want to do that. We are in a terrible conflict right now, plus the military is for people that can't afford an education on their own." I now understand why Drill Instructors refer to some civilians as "ignorant" civilians. I prayed a prayer of ignorance and ask God to forgive me for being so blind to the calling of a warrior. I am so proud of Matt. His commitment and follow through with this plan is incredible to me. . He was born to be a Marine. OOH RAH

I have a United States Marine - OOH-RAH

When I got home from work on Friday I had a letter in the mailbox from Matt. One that I was NOT expecting. This is what he said ... Hey Momma, This is my last Sunday as a recrit. We got the Crucible this week and after that we are Marines. Then I come home. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm gettin an extra 7 days leave but after my given 10 days I gotta be on Recruiters Assistance where I help recruit people. But I'll still be home longer than 10 days. Don't worry I'll spend time with the family. I passed all my swim quals and rifle range and Final PFT (physical fitness test). My platoon took 1st place in the PFT so we got a nice shiney trophy on the Senior Drill Instructor MOT table. We also took 1st place in the Practical Applications part of testing. So we are still in the run for Honor Platoon. It's come down to us and 1 other platoon. We took 2nd place at the rifle range but boogered initial drill. But our senior said all he cares about is the PFT and Rifle Range. So basically everyone can kill an Iraqi from 500 yards no problem. I improved all my times on the PFT the 1st PFT I had 4 pull ups, 50 crunches and a 28 minutes run time 1 month later I got 8 pull up, 75 crunches and a 25 minute runtime, it's still not the greatest but I still have 6 months till the next one so I'll be fine on that aspect. I gotta go for now though I gotta IRON my cloths for Final Drill. Yes I said I'm ironing. HA! Will write again maybe. Or maybe the next time I'll call ya. Yesterday was Recruit Liberty Sunday.... not only did I get ONE call... I got TWO... His first words to me where, "Mom, what are you doing?" "I'm sitting here waiting for you to call son" ... (laughter) "Mom, I made it... I'm a Marine!" "Yes son, I'm so very proud of you" "Thank you Mom" then there was much more conversation ... He sounded soooooo good. I'm so ready to leave... will be leaving tomorrow night/Wednesday morning around 3:00 am ... Yes now I can officially say that I am a Marine Mom.... OOH RAH!!!!

It's Friday!!!!

And that once again means several things... but the most important thing is... IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE Oh yes it is.... The University of Tennessee Volunteers will travel to Starkville to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs... GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next week they will play the Crimson Tide of Alabama... GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please continue to remember Echo Co. and Oscar Co. as they continue with their Crucible today. At the time of this posting they will have 31 hours in 23 to go...... this time tomorrow morning they will be UNITED STATES MARINES!!!!! Just saw on Yahoo that Al Gore and the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change jointly won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Friday. So what will he do now? Invent the Internet? Oh wait, he has already done that... Will he run for President again in 2008? It's possible. Now it's bad enough that all these toys from China are being recalled for lead ... now lipstick? Some of the mor popular brands like Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others. It was reported on the news this morning that Banquet Pot Pies and some other frozen dinners may contain salmonella. What next???? Oh yeah.... Britney Spears was awarded to have her boys for overnight sleep once a week. Who really gives a flying frogs rear end??????? Here are a few ways to turn down unwanted men .... HE : Can I buy you a drink? SHE : Actually I'd rather have the money. HE : I'm a photographer. I've been looking for a face like yours. SHE : I'm a plastic surgeon. I've been looking for a face like yours. HE : Hi. Didn't we go on a date once? Or was it twice? SHE : Must've been once. I never make the same mistake twice. HE : How did you get to be so beautiful? SHE : I must've been given your share. HE : Will you go out with me this Saturday? SHE : Sorry. I'm having a headache this weekend. HE : Your face must turn a few heads. SHE : And your face must turn a few stomachs. HE : Go on, don't be shy. Ask me out SHE : Okay, get out. HE : I think I could make you very happy. SHE : Why? Are you leaving? HE : What would you say if I asked you to marry me? SHE : Nothing. I can't talk and laugh at the same time. HE : Can I have your name? SHE : Why? Don't you already have one? HE : Shall we go see a movie? SHE : I've already seen it. HE : Where have you been all my life? SHE : Hiding from you. HE : Haven't I seen you some place before? SHE : Yes. That's why I don't go there anymore. HE : Is this seat empty? S HE : Yes, and this one will be if you sit down. HE : So, what do you do for a living? SHE : I'm a female impersonator. HE : Hey baby, what's your sign? SHE : Do not enter. HE : Your body is like a temple. SHE : Sorry, there are no services today. HE : If I could see you naked, I'd die happy. SHE : If I saw you naked, I'd probably die laughing. Ok I think I'm finished with my ramblings today. I've got some work to do. Have a great weekend all!!! SMOOCHES~

STICKY POST We interrupt today's regular schedule post for this very important announcement. This will stay at the top of the blog for at least the next two weeks... About the Marine Graduation Foundation - taken from the website The men and women who choose to serve our country as a United States Marine endure more in one day of boot camp than most of us will ever experience in a lifetime, and they do this every day for 13 weeks so that you and I can sleep at night knowing they are there to protect us. None of these men and women should ever have to be alone on the day they can proudly say, "I am a United States Marine". Sadly though, there are many Marines without their families when this day finally comes. Not every family can afford the trip to Parris Island, SC, or San Diego, CA, to share this day with their new Marine, and that is just not acceptable. The Marine Graduation Foundation became a recognized non-profit organization in May 2005 with the help of people like yourself who chose to make a difference. We are now seeking funds to ensure that NO NEW MARINE is standing alone without the support of his or her family after the Emblem Ceremony on Family Day. No donation is too small and with your help, we can make the Emblem Ceremony, as well as the Graduation, a proud, memorable day for a man or woman who has chosen to serve our country as a United States Marine. Thank you in advance for your kindness. The Marine Graduation Foundation, link below, is this week trying to raise enough monies for the next 2 weeks graduations in order to try to give families more advance notice that they will be attending their new Marines Graduation. I am asking you to please consider contributing via the cause usmcgrad.org/index.php?donationsView=all There are 13 Alpha Families needing assistance, and 7 for the Echo & Oscar Companies graduation on October 19th. This is just not for the next two weeks. These wonderful people help families throughout the entire year. Reminders: Contributions are tax deductible. Please forward to friends & family who may be in a position to help! You may now return to reading today's regularly scheduled post below...

As they embark ...

Good Luck to Second Batallion Echo Co and Fourth Batallion Oscar Co as they embark on the Crucible. Crucible started this morning at 2:00 am EST.... This is the official USMC headquarters definition: The culmination of recruit training is the “Crucible,” an intense field training exercise designed to build unit cohesion, reinforce core values, and complete the transformation from recruit to Marine. The “Crucible” is the defining moment of the recruit training experience. As a right of passage, the 45 Concepts and Issues “Crucible” is a 54-hour ordeal that tests the mettle of every recruit (and DI). The physical and mental challenges are intensified by sleep and food deprivation. The “Crucible” focuses on six major field events and is augmented by eleven challenging “Warrior Stations.” Throughout this rapid paced exercise, emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity and adaptive problem solving. The teams of recruits, under the leadership of their drill instructor, succeed as a team. The experience pushes recruits to their limits and is a poignant culmination to the transformation process. During this time they will be given 4 MRE's and about 8 hours of sleep total (about 4 each night). They will march about 40 miles total in humps and between different stations carrying their packs and rifles. They began this "test" at 2AM (EST) Thursday morning after getting up at 1AM to get ready. After this is complete on early Saturday morning the company of recruits, DIs , corpsman, and officers should complete the last of their march back to Battalion. This is an incredibly emotional time for them (yes even for the guys! ) They realize that really the rest of boot camp is just a walk in the park. They will be issued their emblems (EGA) by their drill instructors in a private and memorable ceremony an are now officially recognized as basically trained Marines for the first time. Then it is time for them to take part in the Warrior's Breakfast! Yummy, bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, grits, oatmeal, pancakes, steak, french toast, hashbrowns, fruit, milk, juice and even soda for the first time since arrival on island. OOH-RAH!

Radio Happy Hour

And what a crappy hour it was... LOL.... seriously folks... I had such a fun time filling in for Vinny last night in the chat room. What happened to Vinny you may ask... from my understanding he was sitting on the tarmac in Philly. Dang that couch was heavy. My back is hurting today from dragging that big ole' thing over... ;-) Ummmm Vinny you need to clean under the cushions too... lots of popcorn and Milkduds under there. Here is a brief rundown of the topics ... Would you rather have your daughter marry Adolph Hitler or Saddam Hussein? Would you rather drink a pint glass filled with a homeless man's urine or allow a rabid squirrel to gnaw off your pinky toe? Who would you rather meet in a alley Mike Tyson or T-Rex? Just to name a few... Then there was the subject of Poop ... yes folks you heard me right... Poop ... Dave Praeger, "The Duke of Dook", is the creator and editor-in-chief of PoopReport.com This definitely was crappiest segment ever! Yes, every one poops... even the Pope... even our President and even Dave Praeger... LOL There was a movement called "Poop for Peace" ... Not to dare be confused with Mimi's Blog Blast for Peace.... To use toilet paper or not use toilet paper... To have/use a portable Bidet... Dr. Blogstein gave away a copy of the book .... everyone in the chat room agreed to send it to Matt... he hasn't laughed in 13 weeks... this should do the trick.... I don't think I want to go into most of the conversation ... Received an update from Justin the Weatherman from his trip/internet date in Italy ... now that was interesting.... Thank again to Dr. Blogstein ... If Vinny is ever out of pocket again... stuck on a tarmac somewhere just let me know. SMOOCHES~

I had a vist during my sleep

I always have trouble sleeping in a hotel, especially the first night. I toss and turn, lay at the foot of the bed... lay at the head of the bed, lay across the bed... just trying to find the best spot to sleep in. Last night after I finally got to sleep I felt a nudge on my shoulder. I heard this soft voice saying my name. It took me some time to get my eyes opens but once I did I saw this lady standing right beside the bed. She had the most beautiful long black hair with a few streaks of gray in the front. She was smiling and shaking her head. She was telling me that Matt was ok. That everything was going to be ok. Her voice was very smooth and was rather calming I closed my eyes and reopened them only to find her still there. Once again she was smiling and shaking her head and saying ... Momma, it's going to be okay... Matt is going to be okay. I tried to get out of the bed but I felt totally paralyzed ... I could not move. It felt like something or someone was holding me down in the bed. I don't know what or who this was.... this person was not familiar to me at all. Travis commented yesterday saying that I should do the home version of the Crucble. I am going to be doing that as much as I can. Thursday morning at 1:00 am CST which will be 2:00 am EST, I will turing on a light on in Matt's room ... hoping that it will light his way. I will be in prayer during this time as well. I will give up 2 meals a day during these 2 1/2 days. I will be sleeping only 3 hours Thursday night and Friday night ... I will be walking as much of this Crucible as I can. I don't know what this visit meant. I don't know who this person was. But what I do know is that I'll be so very glad when this week is over.

A T-shirt from Mimi, I'm traveling Continuing the Coutdown!!!

Got this in an e-mail from Mimi... just how did she know that I adore T-Shirts... ;-) Click to get yours! I'm traveling this week too. Will spend the next three days back in Pulaski. Do you know what next week is? Well in case you don't I'm going to tell you. I shouldn't have to though... ;-) We will leave Wednesday 10/17 at 3:00 am traveling to South Carolina!!!!! Should I go on??? hehehehe .... I'm going to see my son ... to spend Thursday with him on Family Day and Friday is GRADUTATION!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO... But first he must get through with this week.... a very busy week for him... not only Matt but the entire Echo Co and Oscar Co will need our prayers ... Oscar Co is the women's platoon ... Here is a breakdown of this weeks activities ... taken from the website ... TD60 Monday Oct 8 Today is a BIG day! There are two of the graduation requirements today!!! - Final PFT is first thing in the morning. - 171 question written test. The 171 question test is combined with the practical application part (which is Tuesday) to make one score -- a recruit must pass both parts as a graduation requirement. They get 2 hours to complete it, but it is multiple choice and they have been going over the information since they got to Parris Island. It will include questions on general military knowledge (like what time is morning colors on base and What color DOD sticker do you salute), first aid (like how to treat a wound or how to cover a chest wound), and also basic Marine Corps History (like who are the only two Marines to win two Marine Corps Medal of Honors and where did the battle of Belleau Wood take place) TD61 Tuesday- PRACAP (which is the practical application of what they have learned in First Aid & customs and courtesies such as how to board a ship and how to report to an officer. They will demonstarte these techinques to the instructors of the course to show that they are efficient in them.) - a haircut - platoon photo TD62 Wednesday I know you don't really need me to reiterate that today is: FINAL DRILL Then the rest of the day will be fairly easy to help them for the crucible... they will have several classes on mentoring, leave and liberty as well as some Corps Values classes. TD63 Thursday Just think, today we are 1 week from Family Day! You certainly don't need me to tell you what the recruits are doing today. It is finally time for the big challenge that we have all been waiting for while biting our nails for the last 11 weeks.... This is the official USMC headquarters definition: The culmination of recruit training is the “Crucible,” an intense field training exercise designed to build unit cohesion, reinforce core values, and complete the transformation from recruit to Marine. The “Crucible” is the defining moment of the recruit training experience. As a right of passage, the 45 Concepts and Issues “Crucible” is a 54-hour ordeal that tests the mettle of every recruit (and DI). The physical and mental challenges are intensified by sleep and food deprivation. The “Crucible” focuses on six major field events and is augmented by eleven challenging “Warrior Stations.” Throughout this rapid paced exercise, emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity and adaptive problem solving. The teams of recruits, under the leadership of their drill instructor, succeed as a team. The experience pushes recruits to their limits and is a poignant culmination to the transformation process. I will post a more detailed schedule of what they do during the crucible a little later on in the week, bu here is an overview: during this time they will be given 4 MRE's and about 8 hours of sleep total (about 4 each night). They will march about 40 miles total in humps and between different stations carrying their packs and rifles. They began this "test" at 2AM (EST) Thursday morning after getting up at 1AM to get ready. TD57 Friday Crucible Continues! Well, according to my not always correct calculations, by the time most of you wake up (if you slept at all that is)... they will be on the DOWNHILL SLIDE!!!! Yippeee! TD58 Saturday The company of recruits, DIs , corpsman, and officers should complete the last of their march back to Battalion. This is an incredibly emotional time for them (yes even for the guys! ) They realize that really the rest of boot camp is just a walk in the park. They will be issued their emblems (EGA) by their drill instructors in a private and memorable ceremony an are now officially recognized as basically trained Marines for the first time. Then it is time for them to take part in the Warrior's Breakfast! Yummy, bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, grits, oatmeal, pancakes, steak, french toast, hashbrowns, fruit, milk, juice and even pop for the first time since arrival on island. In the afternoon they will begin cleaning up their equipment from the crucible and preparing it to get turned in. They will then finally get to go to bed after their regular square away time later in the evening. I am sure basic Marines and DI's, corpsman, and officers alike will have no problem falling asleep tonight. So.... what are YOU doing this week? Me, I'm sitting on pins and needles... will be in much prayer. I'm asking you to please do the same... SMOOCHES~

It's Friday ... just a few ramblings

It's Friday ... and that means many things ... 1. Sleep late tomorrow 2. Sleep late tomorrow 3. Sleep late tomorrow No seriously ... Do you realize that in 14 days... yes that's right 14 DAYS I'll be bringing my son home... At the present time it's 10:00 at Parris Island and that this exact time in two weeks my son will be a UNITED STATES MARINE!!!! But first, he must make the Crucible, which is Thursday 10/11 - Saturday 10/13 ... please pray not only for Matt but for the entire Echo Co. One can NEVER have too much prayer. IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE - Yes my Volunteers take on the Georgia Bulldogs tomorrow in Knoxville. I am NOT going to speculate what the outcome will be. Let's just say that I hope Johnny Majors stays the hell away from Knoxville. Since winter is just right around the corner and since there is not a lot of activity for us during those cold blistery months I found this ... and so we DON'T kill our husbands, boyfriends, Significant Other ... WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN AT THE LEARNING CENTER FOR ADULTS REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 15 ... NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM. Class 1 How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --- Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM Class 2 The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It Change Itself? Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours. Class 3 Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub? --- Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10: 00 PM for 2 hours. Class 4 Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor --- Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks. Class 5 After Dinner Dishes --- Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM Class 6 Loss Of Identity --- Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other. Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM Class 7 Learning How To Find Things --- Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming. Open Forum . Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours. Class 8 Health Watch --- Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health. Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours. Class 9 Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost --- Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined. Class 10 Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks? Driving Simulations. < /B> 4 weeks, Saturday's noon , 2 hours. Class 11 Learning to Live --- Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife. Online Classes and role-playing . Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined Class 12 How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM . Class 13 How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy --- Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late. Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours. Class 14 The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and How It Is Used. Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined. Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors. Have a great weekend all! SMOOCHES~

I almost had a melt down ...

When Matt first left for boot camp, I was often emotional at the drop of a hat, and never really knew what would trigger them. But after a couple of weeks, I seemed to adjust and the emotions were much more under control. The past few weeks or so, they seem to have flooded back and may be almost as bad as (or even worse than!) they were at the beginning! Yesterday, I was in a sitting in with a third party auditor and my boss. This is the same auditor that I was in with at one of our sister plants the week after Matt left for boot camp. After we had finished all the discussions, he remembered and asked about my son. I started explaining that we will be leaving on October 17 and that he graduates on October 19 … And as I started telling them that....well, I started tearing up! I was mortified, as this was not the "time or place," and I was so concerned that once the floodgates were about open, there would be no stopping the tears! And how unprofessional would this display of emotions be? Yikes! But, I basically pulled it together without the tears rolling down my cheek, and managed to keep myself only teary-eyed. He seemed to understand - as best he can without being a parent of a Marine-to-be...at least he is a parent! I think he may have even been a little touched by the parent pride that caused a showing of emotions neither he nor my boss has ever seen before from me. Third party auditor still here ... will be until tomorrow ... I've gotta run ... SMOOCHES~

Tickle Me Tuesday

I think I'm going to try something a little different today. This will be a Tickle me Tuesday... hey, I may even make this a weekly thing ... with a Mr. Linky and all ... ummmm... let me think on this one ... Anyway ... for my first Tickle Me Tuesday I have found this... THE PERFECT MARRIAGE Well everyone knows who OJ is ... but do you know the woman in the picture? I sure do... it's Mary Winkler ... you know the woman who killed her preacher husband in the small community of Selmer ... the county in which I live. Yes, I only live about 24 miles Northeast from Selmer ... No, I didn't know her, but I know a lot of folks who did. Let me know what you think about a Tickle Me Tuesday ... I think it may be a little fun ...

No more flips of the calendar

Today is Monday, October 1, 2007. 13 more sleeps and I will get to have a phone conversation with my son 16 more sleeps till we leave for Parris Island 17 more sleeps till Family Day 18 more sleeps till Matt will be a United States Marine Will I get another letter from my son? I don't know ... but only 17 more sleeps till I see my young man. Are y'all sick of me talking about this yet? I've been having these dreams ... I don't remember very much of these dreams but what I do remember is seeing my son for the first time, he is in uniform ... there is much waving, crying, and hugging. As I put his face in my hands and I am telling him how very proud of him I am I wake up ... I have also found that when I wake up that I have been crying... my pillow is wet. So what could these dreams mean. This has been happening since about Tuesday or Wednesday of last week. Could this be God's way of assuring me that he is ok? I've always wondered what a persons dreams meant... I would like to share a poem with you ... A Parent's Pride by: kplourde It’s not every day parents can say their son has joined the Corps The pride that’s found inside their hearts swells within them more and more Your choice to serve and to protect along side the proud and few Depicts the character and zeal in all you say and do A few good men can proudly say they are part of such a group Of leathernecks, those devil dogs, and jarheads to name a few It’s not terms like these that make up the man that you and I do see It’s the proud, the few and the brave who are United States Marines!