.......grown men playing dodgeball! Awesome!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Braveheart's Adventures
Braveheart's (formerly Ranger) departure to Afghanistan is right around the corner. I can't help but be touched by his bravery even though I don't think he fully realizes how brave he is. He is well trained and ready. I, on the other hand, have not really prepared myself.
It's very hard to let go of him. He's a man but he's still fairly innocent and naive. I know after this experience he will no longer be either. He will have gone through things that I have only read about or seen in the news or movies. He will be stronger and tougher. He will be changed.
I hope and pray that he will come home whole, both physically and emotionally. I hope he will hold to his faith and stay true to his moral conscience. I hope he will be a leader.
I guess all parents have to let go some time but in my mind I always see my little boy. My little Braveheart who has always dreamed of military service. My sweet boy who set his alarm clock one Mother's Day morning to make me breakfast in bed. My sweet boy who told me he loves me more than all the sand in the world, the grass on the ground and all trees.
Deep inside that soldier I see standing before me is my sweet little boy. And I think that, maybe, no matter what that soldiers sees and experiences, when he sees his Mommy, a little bit of that sweet boy will always be there.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Welcome Home Sgt Dad
Sgt Dad made it safely home from Thailand last night. We elected to enjoy a night to ourselves and abandoned our children to stay downtown. We enjoyed a long, relaxing dinner, spent some time chatting and playing pool, stayed up late watching TV, slept in, and, finally, enjoyed a relaxing breakfast. It was great. No messy house or arguing teenagers to interrupt us!
Unfortunately, we had to come home to reality all too soon.
When, we came home this morning, we couldn't find the remote for the TV, discovered the boys had taken over the living room with their video games and accessories, and, worst of all, young Strummer had slept right through his alarm and is not in school! I guess it's time to take away his computer privileges so that he gets himself to bed at a decent hour. Despite these setbacks, it was worth it to have some uninterrupted time to visit with Sgt Dad after his long absence.
Now it's time for a hotel review. Last night we stayed at the Marriott in downtown Anchorage. It was pretty pricey but did have a great view of the water and downtown buildings. I also liked the heavy down comforter on the bed. Big plus, it was nice and clean. The room, lobby, hallways and elevators all smelled clean and fresh. Still, it was basically just an ordinary hotel room with upgraded bedding and quality staff. The negatives were the price, lack of on site parking, and the shower didn't have very good pressure or a good shower head. Personally, I don't think I'd spend the money to stay there again. I could have spent half that for a hotel just a nice if we were just looking for a place to lay our heads.
On the other had, before Sgt Dad left for Thailand, we stayed at the Dimond Center Hotel. It almost looks like a warehouse from the outside but inside is a very nice hotel. It was more expensive than the Marriott but when you factor in the cost of parking and breakfast (no complimentary breakfast at the Marriott) the two hotels cost about the same. The Dimond Center Hotel is not downtown but is in a major shopping center and has everything that one could want right nearby. This hotel has all the amenities that make for a luxurious stay. The room has very high ceilings and feels very spacious. Every room features an enormous bathtub (big enough for two) and a separate shower. It also has a nice heavy down comforter, quality linens and big, fluffy bathrobes. Our room had a small refrigerator and Krups coffee maker. The room is designed with large windows separating the bathtub from the main room that can be opened so that one could watch TV while soaking in the tub (which I did and LOVED!).
Needless to say, that is my hotel of choice for a special weekend. When traveling and I just need a place to sleep for the night, then Motel6 will be just fine but if the intent is for something special- then I want Dimond Center Hotel!
Unfortunately, we had to come home to reality all too soon.
When, we came home this morning, we couldn't find the remote for the TV, discovered the boys had taken over the living room with their video games and accessories, and, worst of all, young Strummer had slept right through his alarm and is not in school! I guess it's time to take away his computer privileges so that he gets himself to bed at a decent hour. Despite these setbacks, it was worth it to have some uninterrupted time to visit with Sgt Dad after his long absence.
Now it's time for a hotel review. Last night we stayed at the Marriott in downtown Anchorage. It was pretty pricey but did have a great view of the water and downtown buildings. I also liked the heavy down comforter on the bed. Big plus, it was nice and clean. The room, lobby, hallways and elevators all smelled clean and fresh. Still, it was basically just an ordinary hotel room with upgraded bedding and quality staff. The negatives were the price, lack of on site parking, and the shower didn't have very good pressure or a good shower head. Personally, I don't think I'd spend the money to stay there again. I could have spent half that for a hotel just a nice if we were just looking for a place to lay our heads.
On the other had, before Sgt Dad left for Thailand, we stayed at the Dimond Center Hotel. It almost looks like a warehouse from the outside but inside is a very nice hotel. It was more expensive than the Marriott but when you factor in the cost of parking and breakfast (no complimentary breakfast at the Marriott) the two hotels cost about the same. The Dimond Center Hotel is not downtown but is in a major shopping center and has everything that one could want right nearby. This hotel has all the amenities that make for a luxurious stay. The room has very high ceilings and feels very spacious. Every room features an enormous bathtub (big enough for two) and a separate shower. It also has a nice heavy down comforter, quality linens and big, fluffy bathrobes. Our room had a small refrigerator and Krups coffee maker. The room is designed with large windows separating the bathtub from the main room that can be opened so that one could watch TV while soaking in the tub (which I did and LOVED!).
Needless to say, that is my hotel of choice for a special weekend. When traveling and I just need a place to sleep for the night, then Motel6 will be just fine but if the intent is for something special- then I want Dimond Center Hotel!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
In younger days, Valentine's Day was a BIG deal to me. I mean, if I didn't get flowers and properly romanced on V-day, there was no possible way my guy "loved" me, right? I was very uptight about it, everything had to be perfect and fit into what I thought was romantic. I couldn't grasp the concept that this was a silly holiday and mainly blown out of proportion by restaurateurs, florists, and other retailers to boost sales. That it truly does take away the romance of spontaneity. In my immature mind I kept thinking, "...but it's VALENTINE'S DAY!"
To Sgt Dad's credit, he has always gone along with the peer pressure and bought flowers and fought the crowds to take me to dinner. I'm not completely jaded to the day. I still like to get flowers and go to dinner but there's not this mental build up to 'prove' anything anymore. Flowers on V-day are nice but much more special and meaningful on some random day in July. Jewelry sparkles on V-day but radiates when it's a special gift after Sgt Dad has been away. I mean, anyone can conform to societal pressure to romance on Valentine's Day but when it truly comes from the heart because he loves me or has missed me- BANG- there's the real romance!
Having said all that, I'm still extra lonely this Valentine's Day. I mean, yes it's a forced day of romance but it is nice that collectively we remember to be romantic and appreciate each other one day a year. I had been feeling a little blue this year because Sgt Dad has been away since January 20th. However, when I got home from work yesterday there was a beautiful bouquet of white roses on my coffee table. My sweet Ranger had bought them for me. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness. How sweet of him to make sure I had flowers on Valentine's Day!
To Sgt Dad's credit, he has always gone along with the peer pressure and bought flowers and fought the crowds to take me to dinner. I'm not completely jaded to the day. I still like to get flowers and go to dinner but there's not this mental build up to 'prove' anything anymore. Flowers on V-day are nice but much more special and meaningful on some random day in July. Jewelry sparkles on V-day but radiates when it's a special gift after Sgt Dad has been away. I mean, anyone can conform to societal pressure to romance on Valentine's Day but when it truly comes from the heart because he loves me or has missed me- BANG- there's the real romance!
Having said all that, I'm still extra lonely this Valentine's Day. I mean, yes it's a forced day of romance but it is nice that collectively we remember to be romantic and appreciate each other one day a year. I had been feeling a little blue this year because Sgt Dad has been away since January 20th. However, when I got home from work yesterday there was a beautiful bouquet of white roses on my coffee table. My sweet Ranger had bought them for me. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness. How sweet of him to make sure I had flowers on Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
It's all relative
When Sgt Dad was a drill sergeant he worked very long hours. He was often exhausted. I've never worked the crazy hours he did nor done as much physical labor. I really admired him for all he was able to do. However, during this time I could never complain to him that I was tired or sore. If I was tired and said so, he would respond, "YOU'RE tired?" I would explain, that yes I was tired and that my being tired in no way negated his exhaustion or took away from him being more tired than I was. That always drove me crazy. I was no less compassionate to his need for rest but just because he was MORE tired, didn't mean that I couldn't be tired too.
I was thinking about this today because he's been away for a few weeks and I really miss him. However, I can't really complain about it because I know too many women whose husbands are leaving for an entire year to a war zone. I feel bad complaining because it could be so much worse. I'm really lucky that Sgt dad is just away for a few weeks and not off to the war.
It's like the skinny girl and the fat girl. Skinny girl was sick, gained a few pounds and now feels all fat and miserable. She complains to her fat friend, who needs to lose 80 pounds. Fat friend is frustrated because she's so fat and skinny girl's situation seems so much better. What's 10 pounds compared to 80? Both women need to lose weight and feel bad, but in comparison, skinny girl doesn't have a lot to complain about.
The point is, it's relative. Just because Sgt Dad is only gone for five weeks doesn't lessen the fact that I miss him and want him home, or lessen the fact that I could be tired even when he was more tired or that skinny girl does need to lose 10 pounds when fat friend needs to lose 80. However, less tired me, less lonely me, and skinny friend could remember that, though we do have something to complain about, it could be much, much worse.
I was thinking about this today because he's been away for a few weeks and I really miss him. However, I can't really complain about it because I know too many women whose husbands are leaving for an entire year to a war zone. I feel bad complaining because it could be so much worse. I'm really lucky that Sgt dad is just away for a few weeks and not off to the war.
It's like the skinny girl and the fat girl. Skinny girl was sick, gained a few pounds and now feels all fat and miserable. She complains to her fat friend, who needs to lose 80 pounds. Fat friend is frustrated because she's so fat and skinny girl's situation seems so much better. What's 10 pounds compared to 80? Both women need to lose weight and feel bad, but in comparison, skinny girl doesn't have a lot to complain about.
The point is, it's relative. Just because Sgt Dad is only gone for five weeks doesn't lessen the fact that I miss him and want him home, or lessen the fact that I could be tired even when he was more tired or that skinny girl does need to lose 10 pounds when fat friend needs to lose 80. However, less tired me, less lonely me, and skinny friend could remember that, though we do have something to complain about, it could be much, much worse.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
'Cause I'm a Lady!
For radio shows, the morning rush is the most important time frame of the day. Radio stations around the country all have some kind of show and/or gimmick.
Having lived in many different regions, I have had the opportunity to sample a good deal of morning radio shows.
Anchorage is seriously lacking in quality morning rush entertainment. Most of the shows are, quite simply, insipid. After months of channel surfing, I finally settled on the Woody and Wilcox show for my morning commute.
These two guys are not comic geniuses and recently found themselves in the midst of a scandal for making a stupid, ethnically insensitive joke. There was a lot of talk about it around town. Personally, I think they were less racist and more stupid. However, that is not the point of this post.
Some of the bits these guys do are fun, like Anchorage Craigslist. In this bit, one of the hosts finds odd craigslist items and the other has to guess how much the seller is asking for the item. They find some strange things for sale. Once there was a listing for "lots of skulls"! Every week they manage to find someone attempting to sell a used shower curtain. The hosts think that is just the funniest thing.
Some of their bits are just stupid and junior high level humor. The one that is the dumbest (and the time when I turn the station) is called, "Fun with Football". In this bit, they take clips from football commentators and take them out of context to make them sound dirty. This bit is something my brother would have literally rolled on the floor laughing over- 15 years ago!
Anyway, as you probably realize, most of these morning shows have some kind of catch phrase that callers are supposed to say at the end of the call. I think Woody and Wilcox had some kind of contest for theirs. They have a catch phrase and reply which is: "Trust your hang" and "Tarp your load". Say what? I HATE these phrases! I'm not really sure what they mean but I guess it's referring to male anatomy or some kind of maleness.....
Which brings me to the point of this post. I will never call that show because I will not use their catchphrases .............
Because I'm a Lady
and I won't say such questionable things- especially on the radio!
Having lived in many different regions, I have had the opportunity to sample a good deal of morning radio shows.
Anchorage is seriously lacking in quality morning rush entertainment. Most of the shows are, quite simply, insipid. After months of channel surfing, I finally settled on the Woody and Wilcox show for my morning commute.
These two guys are not comic geniuses and recently found themselves in the midst of a scandal for making a stupid, ethnically insensitive joke. There was a lot of talk about it around town. Personally, I think they were less racist and more stupid. However, that is not the point of this post.
Some of the bits these guys do are fun, like Anchorage Craigslist. In this bit, one of the hosts finds odd craigslist items and the other has to guess how much the seller is asking for the item. They find some strange things for sale. Once there was a listing for "lots of skulls"! Every week they manage to find someone attempting to sell a used shower curtain. The hosts think that is just the funniest thing.
Some of their bits are just stupid and junior high level humor. The one that is the dumbest (and the time when I turn the station) is called, "Fun with Football". In this bit, they take clips from football commentators and take them out of context to make them sound dirty. This bit is something my brother would have literally rolled on the floor laughing over- 15 years ago!
Anyway, as you probably realize, most of these morning shows have some kind of catch phrase that callers are supposed to say at the end of the call. I think Woody and Wilcox had some kind of contest for theirs. They have a catch phrase and reply which is: "Trust your hang" and "Tarp your load". Say what? I HATE these phrases! I'm not really sure what they mean but I guess it's referring to male anatomy or some kind of maleness.....
Which brings me to the point of this post. I will never call that show because I will not use their catchphrases .............
Because I'm a Lady
and I won't say such questionable things- especially on the radio!
Monday, February 9, 2009
All Eyes on Redoubt
Well, as you've heard, we in Alaska are all anticipating an eruption from Mt. Redoubt.This is an image from a webcam that is focused on the volcano. It's far enough away that we aren't worried about rocks and lava flow, however, the ash fall could be nasty.
Those of you who have known me for any length of time know that I am a world class procrastinator. However, I'm quite pleased to announce that I have already purchased face masks! In case you didn't know, ash from a volcano is nasty stuff if it gets in your lungs. What this really means though is that I do believe this volcano will erupt. I haven't yet purchased air filters for my vehicles but I do plan on it.
The boys and I wonder though- if it erupts, will we lose TV signal? internet? cell phone? If so, whatever will we do?
(Just kidding, the boys are freaked but I'm thinking that I have about a dozen books that I haven't made time to read!)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Ranger News
Well, I'm am still uninspired as to Ranger's new nickname, so, I guess I'll just stick with it.
Ranger got his orders this week for Afghanistan. Wow was that tough for me. It just made me realize that he's not going in some vague future but very soon.
Last Tuesday Fort Richardson hosted a big predeployment ceremony at Sullivan Arena. The governor, Sarah Palin, was the main speaker. I was very impressed that she attended the entire ceremony AND stayed after the ceremony for a couple of hours, shaking hands and posing for countless myspace photos with young soldiers off to fight this war on terror. Whatever your political leanings may be, you have to respect a politician who will take that amount of time to honor the soldiers. I do anyway.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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