A new bumper sticker on my car

And it's one I never wanted to put on there. It describes me more than all the others, even the "Proud Liberal" , the "Army with Pride", the Texas village missing it's idiot. When you see it on a car, think about what it means. The family separated, the hours spent waiting for phone calls, for emails, for a letter full of dust and sand. The cell phone carried everywhere, email account checked and rechecked 30 times a day. The sleep that doesn't come, the lying in that big bed all alone and the long sleepless nights. Running to look at the TV screen if there's a report about where they are, taping the report and going through it as slow as possible... is he there? Is that him? "the one in the green suit and the hat...." in a sea of uniforms and helmets, in the rain.

Tell me, since when do I cry at stupid songs? For heaven's sake, I bawled my eyes out listening to the radio playing Angry American (Toby Keith's jingoistic, idiotic ode to knee jerk reactions) Since when does a stupid telemarketer asking for him make me stop short. Since when do I leave his slippers in the bathroom.. for the past two months? Since when do I sit clutching his shirt just to smell him.....

Since the day he called and told me he was deploying. Since last Friday, when I drove to the airport in Jackson, crying so hard I scared myself. Since I landed here at home, to the empty house, the empty bed, the empty life I fill up with work, and books.

The Bumper Sticker: Half my heart is in Iraq. It might as well say my life is in Iraq. and it is. So I'll keep going, going to work, baking and making for him and others deployed, taking the dog out and to the vet, combing the cat, cleaning the house. but remember,

Half my heart is in Iraq.

Can't write

It's been such a week and a bit... and I just can't write. There's too much to say, and the words are just all jammed up. The wonderful trip, the very "southern experience" we had with shades of Faulkner and Tenneseee Williams, the fun, great food, silly little things.. and the goodbye. Maybe I can write more during the week. For right now, let's just say I'm a little fragile right now.

~LAW~

Just a mish mash of stuff!

Now tell the truth... isn't that the cutest baby you ever saw? Husband says she's solemn, but then babies don't smile when they are this little (except when they have gas!)

Getting ready for my trip South. Have to get out summer clothes, here it's snowing right now, and down there, it's in the 70s. Yeah, ask me again why we moved here. I'm STILL trying to figure that out!

Made all sorts of reservations for fun B&B's . I think they'll be fun... Don't know about Husband. I thought he'd like them, but reactions so far to the websites has been tepid. Lots of "if you like it, dear" type comments. Oh well, maybe he'll come round. Looking forward to some decent food as well. Unfortunately, there are "festivities" scheduled, instead of just allowing us to be alone and have some fun by ourselves. Instead, lots of marching about, ceremonies, forced frivolity and a picnic. This type of thing is NOT for the families, or the troops. It's for the stay behinds, the politicians and the media. And can you believe, one of the wives actually posted on a website that it is a privilege and honour for us to be "allowed" to go down and see our husbands/wives/kids/brothers etc... hmmm. I'd say that wife is well indoctrinated, what about you? I'm sure she thinks that this whole thing is a righteous crusade against EEEEvl. Makes my skin crawl. Won't it be so fun to spend some "quality"time with these types. I will need to blog alot... just to vent.

Work is great. Lots of work, and spending a day and a half reviewing documents on the computer for redactin, was a real pain in the neck.... My massage therapist says I need to relax!! So I got one of those corn bags that you heat up and put over the neck. Now that the inflammation of the cartilage between my ribs is healed, some yoga would help too. But the work itself is good, and I like the people there. Not a lot of forced frivolity, but if you find a few minutes to chat with someone, that isn't frowned on. They seem to realize that we are adults, we get our jobs done on time and do it well, and don't need babysitters. Firms that do try to babysit their staff, really make me nuts. I resent being made to feel guilty if I spend a couple of minutes on the phone with a repairman. I agree, there are those who spend HOURS on the phone with friends/kids whatever. But there has to be a happy medium!

Doing a bunch of BIO blogging. I actually had someone appreciate one of my comments and copy it to something they are writing. That's a hell of compliment! Those who write a lot of posts on BIO are very good writers, some do it for a living, and they have been kind enough to tell me they like my writing too. Wow. Maybe I could do it too? There's so much to say. Between SoDak making abortion illegal in that state, POTUS making all sorts of an ass of himself and deciding that he is above the law when it comes to eavesdropping without a warrant, Deadeye Dick Deferment Cheney... and some of the commentors on BIO could drive you nuts! A 16 year old conservative (the child needs a life) who babbles about a lot of things he doesn't understand, one nasty type who, when he can't come up with a response, condemns us all to the fiery pits of hell.. etc. etc... But the discussions are great, and most of the commentators are thoughtful men and women who will make points and enjoy a good discussion.

Time to get on with more trip preparations. Talk to you later.

~LAW~

Good week!!

Yeah, it was a good week. The new job is working out really well. I get to do what I am good at, without someone watching over my shoulder every second, and micromanaging. This group understands that I do know what I'm doing, I have been doing this stuff for a lot of years now.

Getting on the bus was interesting, seeing some of my prior aquaintances and renewing conversations was fun. It was so surprising how I got right back into the groove. The morning rush of getting the dog out/fed, making my lunch and finding the lunch bag, then a fast breakfast, get dressed (damn, having to wear hose and heels again, takes a lot more time than throwing on jeans!) and get out the door around 6:50. The cat was so pissed off, he decided to hide. I thought he had zipped out the door, so ran around outside until I realized I was going to be late on my first day. When I got home, he was still not responding to me. Then JJ decided to saunter up from the basement, demanding his dinner... stupid cat, just trying to drive me nuts.

Went to lunch with folks from the former firm. It was so good to see them all again. And then today went to lunch with my friends up here... and we really should have done what we keep threatening to do. One pie, 4 forks... Forget the balanced meal crap!

The Phelps slime have crawled up here to Minnesota. These pathetic excuses for human beings dare to picket the funeral of a young soldier, calling his mother names and spouting their bigoted rubbish to those coming to remember a fine young man. The only good side to this, is the appearance of some very brave and honourable men and women in the Patriot Guard, who go to the funerals to protect the families.

Been emailing with a news anchor on a local channel. His daughter graduated with Son. We've had some decent discussions, and last night his opinion piece was on the Phelps group. He equated them with the KKK. I think he got THAT right. Then of course, our neighbour to the west (So.Dak) decided to put women's choice to a vote... not a referendum, that would mean that everyone would have a say. No, the cowards decided that they had the stacked votes in their legislature and could take a woman's choice away from her, even if she had been raped or was a victim of incest. Sanctimonious assholes! Next thing to be outlawed.... well? what do you think? Some of these idiots have decided that birth control pills are a form of abortion... so that's next. These are the same jackasses who will vote FOR a war and FOR the death penalty. The only life they seem to care about is the unborn one. The born folks... nah... they don't need affordable health care, or decent food, or affordable housing... The rich need their tax rebates, don't forget!

Sorry, got on my soap box there.... but hey, it's MY blog! So I get to say what I want!!! HA!

Talk to you later.

~LAW~

Another picture of the loveliest child in the world. She is, isn't she???

I got a real job! working at a plaintiff's firm, doing some real paralegal work, for LARGE litigation medical device mass tort stuff.. they came up with my $$. So I'm a happy camper. It's downtown, so it's back on the bus. I drive about 35 -40 minutes to the park and ride, then get on a bus for another 30 minutes or so. That's the fun part, that's my time. I get to read, crochet (cross stitching is NOT possible... too bumpy) and chat with fellow worker bees. I'll be back to walking the skyways for lunch (maybe I'll see about getting a YMCA membership) and I hope this will also help me stop eating... constantly!

And folks, IT'S COLD. MINUS 6 was our high. and that didn't count the windchill! that was about minus 20. One of my co-bloggers on BIO tells me he loves Minnesota.... hm... makes ya wonder, don't it? I can't wait to get outta here. Even the dog was not happy to be outside today. She loves to play outside, but we've cancelled BALL today. Tomorrow morning's windchills... - 50!!!! oy, gevalt.

If you have been following the saga, you'll know I disconnected the outside wood boiler and have been relying on the electric boiler to provide my heat. The electric company called today, to find out if everything was ok, was I using an electric space heater (well, in the bathroom yes...) but it seems my bill is quite a bit bigger. Well, yeah, I'm not on dual fuel, which really cut my bill by more than half, anymore, and the electric boiler is on duty full time. But I was really impressed with them calling me!

This means I have to start doing everything on weekends. grocery shopping on Sunday mornings, whilst everyone else is in church.. and then laundry and make some real dinners, so I can have left unders for during the week. My neighbour is going to be my dogsitter. Because of Lexi's medical problems, she can't wait for more than 7 hours without going outside to do what she has to do. I usually use the vet tech from my vet's office, but my neighbour could use the money, and she's nice and close. If I'm going to be late, or need to shop, I can ask her to do it again without worrying.

Another chapter starts. Wish me luck!

Talk to you later.

Where DOES one begin? Dickie (gimme another Deferment)VEEP shoots a lawyer.. and for a while it was funny. I mean, lawyer jokes, texass hunting jokes, Cheney jokes, as my husband says "too easy"! but now it's serious. The poor man had a heart attack. But for some reason, the neo cons have decided it isn't anything that should be discussed, it's not important. The Imperial Presidency continues. Tomorrow's hearings with Chertoff could be very interesting as well. I am hoping to read something about the Veteran's Affairs Committee hearings from today. The VA is so overwhelmed, underfunded, and cannot keep up with all the new cases they are getting from this insane war. Rumblings of trying to make PTSD harder to file for and trying to say it was a Pre existing condition triggered by stress or something equally ridiculous make me nervous.

As for here at home. The "kids" are doing fine, may already be looking at buying a house! Son got a raise/new job at same company, which is great after less than a year. DiL is job hunting, may be thinking about doing home day care, which makes an awful lot of economic sense, if you think about it. The price of daycare is so high for a baby, that it may not make sense for her to go back to work at her previous job and get day care for Little Princess, and getting to stay home with LP and making some $$ at the same time, would be so wonderful. They are also thinking about and looking at going into the National Guard. I am nervous...scared...but understand why they would think about it. The $$ is decent, the training that son could get to change careers would be great, and they miss the Army stuff as well.... Not all of it, of course, but there are good things about being in the service. But Mom here is of course seeing the worst. What if they are deployed? What would happen to LP? Would they be deployed at the same time as husband? That would be truly f**king awful.

Getting quotes from carpenters/contractors for my basement and cupola work. One is a neighbour, but I'm not sure who I am going to have do it.

Job hunting also continues, one possibility is a Case Assistant job I will interview for some time this week. I took a Case Assistant job at this firm a year or so ago, only because I was taking a class at the time and needed some flexibility, and therefore accepted less $$. But now I don't need that flexibility and won't take less than I want. Sorry... ain't happening.

Continuing to make reservations for the South trip. I'd like to find another fun place, got us into a Plantation style B&B on the River Road for one night, maybe we'll try a casino type place another night. Husband just says: I drive the car, and we are "going thataway". And I really really want some decent down home barbeque, for a little roadside dive. The food up here in the midwest is truly awful. They seem to be scared of taste up here. Pepper is the "spice" of choice... erk.

Sorry, don't have new pictures, kids sent two camera's but my local Target's machine is out of commission until Thursday. Think I'll run down to another one and get them done tomorrow.

That's about it for me this time.... Talk to you later.

Let it snow, let it snow... etc etc. and it is, quite nicely. It's pretty too, covers up the Snert and the yellow snow... Don't think we'll get more than a couple of inches today.

Last day at work yesterday, it was wonderful to realize I wouldn't have to put up with that level of crap anymore. Of course, the two pains in the butt were up to their usual shit. Sheer nastiness and juvenile behaviour.

Now, I know I told you before, to go to Bring It On. But this time you HAVE TO! You must read the following post.
http://www.teambio.org/2006/02/a-troop-weighs-in-on-the-debate-of-whether-political-dissention-by-the-left-hurts-the-troops-and-their-war-efforts/#comments
Written by a troop just recently (in the last 2 weeks) returned from the Big Litter Box. If you want to know how a lot of guys think, read that.

Baby news: (well, that's what you come for, so here goes) She's doing well, eating up to 4 ounces at a time and only occasionally spitting it all back up. Just got one of the disposable cameras back from Son and DIL, so I'll get that done tomorrow, and post at least one of them for you.

Having carpenters in, to give me quotes on the work I need done in the cupola and basement. One is my neighbour, one of the others is an older gentleman.. nice man, I think he'd be great. Got a couple more to talk to, I also like the dog to meet them. I trust her opinion too.

On the Job Hunting Front: I have an interview on Monday. I was hoping for two, but one of them is a no no, due to conflicts with a prior job/case. Ah well. It would have been fun. I am, however, going to hold out for a certain amount of $$. No, I won't just take anything (again) for a lesser amount of money. I also am going to be helping whichever carpenter I hire, being "GoFer" again. Did that a lot when we were building the dome originally. After all, changing that basement junk room into a nice bedroom and getting the cupola finished will add a lot to the price of the house when we are ready to sell.

Heard from an old and good friend, who is now at Bagram AB in Afghanistan. Says it's a REAL pit.

"If any are interested, we are living in plywood "hootches", and my living space within that hootch is about 10' x 10' and everything is covered in dust - constantly. Lovely place. There are derelict/destroyed armored vehicles, shot up buildings and large areas of the base are still off-limits due to land mines. And just think, this base is considered to be the place to be."
Sounds awful... so I am off to bake oatmeal raisin/craisin cookies for him. Husband is out of phone contact, so I have no news from him to impart.

Take care of youse. Talk to you later.

I did it. I gave my notice today. It was simply the wrong job. and for so little money, I couldn't handle the stress level. This weekend, I could have made a great deal of $$ if I had been able to do a temp job doing some discovery responses. In fact, I could have made more in those two days, than I will make from the last 2 weeks at the other job. But I was scheduled to work... so had to miss out. That was the last straw.

And some of the staff are showing the lack of class and breeding that I have come to expect. Nasty, sullen and bitchy, and that's in front of other staff and customers... So I just need to get through the next couple of days, then cut loose. I have some plans for what I want to get done in the next couple of weeks, such as getting lots of comic books put on e-bay.

Ok, one stressor out of the way, and hopefully the FRG out of the way... so stress should be less, and my back and migraines will get better.

Whew.

Talk to you later.

There are times I despair, really I do! A person at a higher level of the FRG hierarchy has been sending out generalized emails, including invitations to "Couples" events. I responded to one of the emails saying that my other half was in the South. That is literally all I said. (see below) To which said person sniped back, saying that she had all the FRGs on a general distribution list, and that even those units that are mostly deployed have some stay behinds that could use the information. And then she told me she was offended by my tone. Well, kiss my royal blue behind. Offended? Here's my first message to her, with her name deleted.

"One problem *****.. our other halves are in Louisiana!!!"

What tone? because I was trying to make light of the fact that he's not here?

I got pissy, I'll admit it. Told her that I was offended by being sent information concerning Couples events, which just re-inforces the fact that I am alone, again... Then I told her that She was not permitted to lecture me, ever. Tell me, is it so hard for them to set up a separate email address list for those of us who are alone, and a separate one for those who aren't?

When I told the husband about this crap, he agreed that it was insensitive and obviously ridiculous. The friends I have discussed this with are amazed that someone who is supposed to be trained to HELP family members is this dumb. Why is this bothering me so much? It's just the latest little niggly thing, in a pile of niggly things that has been piling up. Between the FRG crap, the crappy job, my back is killing me, the dog is being a real pain, and today is the last day the husband will be able to call, they are going into a "lockdown the phones" part of training. So he'll be out of touch for two weeks, yeah of course over Valentines day... Just another niggly thing to piss me off. AND I need to lose weight over the next month, but when I'm pissed off, or cranky, FOOD is my crutch. And carrot sticks don't cut it. And then I watch the ridiculous reactions to a couple of cartoons.... dumb, dumb, dumb.

Sorry to be so crabby. Talk to you later.

Winter has returned to Minnesota. It is 3 degrees outside this morning. Luckily I had the heat system checked last week, and sure enough, the on demand hot water heater WAS having a problem. Hopefully, it's fixed for the winter. The little wood stove inside is crackling beautifully and the kettle on top is steaming.

Baby news: She's eating well, and sleeping enough that Mom & Dad can get some too. And her grandma has got to stop shopping for her! But I find these cute little outfits.... Crocheting more blankets too.

If you haven't been to Bring It On http://www.teambio.org/ you are missing some great discussions, as well as being able to contribute to the Bake Sale for Body Armor. A great cause, so hop on over and take a look.

I am supposed to be at an FRG meeting, but I have come to realize that I have little in common with the other family members, especially with the little clique that seems to be running things. They have, as always, known each other for a long time, and the rest of us are barely tolerated as interlopers. Plus, I cannot put up with the "rah rah" rightwing attitude any more. My temper is getting shorter, the longer I listen to them, so I think I'll just make a clean break, keep in touch with those family members I would like to, and forget the organized group.

The job is making me nuts! But hopefully there is some improvement in the future. Of course, I am still job hunting, and hoping that some of the applications I have been sending in will be responded to. Lots of hoping here, huh?

Talk to you later.

They are online! Son and Daughter in Law got back online, so now I can get pictures! Here's one... all together now.... awwwwww. I will be kind to my granddaughter, and won't post the bath pictures ;-)) I have the feeling she will keep her blue eyes, but I'll bet that her dark hair will all fall out and she'll end up a light brown/blonde mix.

I am still sniffly, but the cold isn't progressing terribly badly. Trying some herbal remedies, and they do seem to help. At least I'm not hungover the next morning, as I am with that nasty green stuff (gotta be careful, don't want a lawsuit!)

Something wonderful happened today, and it gave me a good feeling about strangers. I mis-booked our stay in the South. I didn't realize that the troops would be allowed "out" on the last evening and when I tried to lengthen the stay at the hotel we are staying in for the first 3 days, I was told they are full up. So I started calling and checking online. When I called a B&B in Laurel, Mississippi (The Laurel Inn B&B, for anyone heading into that area AFTER March) the very nice proprietor told me that they are completely booked, but that she would give us HER room and sleep in the den, and wouldn't care what time we needed breakfast! Now that renews my faith in people.

Everyone is already cogitating about the State of the Union address. Just a couple of things I would want to hear.... I Quit. I'm Sorry for Lying.... oh yeah, laughing all the way around the block. ...

Talk to you later.

Getting a cold is just NOT in my plans. But I am getting one. can't breathe. Work was miserable. When I got to work, I thought I was having an allergy attack, but now I know it's a cold. Trying some herbal teas and echinachea.

I have been on Bring It On, a web blog that I visit just about every day. There are some women on there, wives or mothers of military members who either are in Iraq, or just got back. That makes for some harrowing reading, folks. As an Anglophile, who lived in England for many years, I read the British papers a lot, as well as the washington post, LA times, some small town papers of places we want to go. Anyway, I was glad to see the articles about Prince Harry who has joined the Army, specifically the Blues and Royals, and will be going to Iraq if they are deployed. Isn't it amazing, the 3rd in line to the throne will go to a war zone, but NOT ONE of the children of the administrations highest leaders, The Shrub, Cheney, Rummy, or of the hawks in Congress are in uniform? Does this bother ANYONE else?

Husband just called from the new place, living in a warehouse full of beds. they are supposed to head out to tentville soon. But at least the food is better, says it might be that they use some salt and pepper! For someone who likes TASTE, this army food just sucks.

Weather here is getting wierd. in the 40's (it should be in the 20's) so the snow is melting and we are getting mud everywhere. ick. It should be like this for a couple of days.

Well, you all take care. Talk to you later.

grey skies, but no migraine! as my SIL would say..... yeeeeeehaw. Talked to the husband twice today, he had the nerve to call and say... I'm sitting out in the sun.... As a friend said, Ok, so close your eyes, everyone hate him for a second... ok, all done. they take off for another area sooner than expected, so my last care package won't get to him until they get back.

the new job didn't materialize, the contract was cancelled. So, I keep hunting. something will come up.

Talked to the son, they are all fine, baby is doing great. I need to talk to DIL for any facts... I'm sure she'll give me all the facts and figures. and since I know you are all absolutely DYING to know , I'll make sure to post them here.

JJ the cat (full name, Jay Bertram Felinie) has become fascinated with the laptop computer... he's watching all my posting intently. His picture is above. Looking regal...isn't he?

not much to talk about... talk to you later.

Migraines on your day off really screw up your day! Dog got sick last night, threw up and needed to go out constantly from 10 last night, till around 3. Wind change and high winds, as well as no sleep = migraine. So just sat around, waiting for meds to work, but got some calls made and took care of a few other things. BUT, not the outside plans I had wanted to do.

Yesterday was GREAT! went to lunch with a friend and shopped (Catherine, I did some for the princess!) sales were fantastic. But it was just so great to chat and be with a friend, who I used to work with and is just a gas! Went to Office Max too, for the office and a couple of fun things for us.

Husband called, they had an awards/promotion ceremony. One of his guys got promoted, and then everyone got to go celebrate. He sounded better, tired but resigned to the fact we can't go see the baby this time. We had planned to stay in Europe for his mid tour leave, but that might change, Denver is a thought and maybe plan some trips out west.

Called the electric company, the wood burner is now dead, and they removed the "Dual Fuel" monitor, so the bill will go up. But I just couldn't keep up with putting water in the thing every three days as well as feeding it with wood every day.

I may have a lead on a new job... this new one is just NOT what I was told it was going to be, and I really don't appreciate the switch, and making less than 1/2 of what I usually do. Hell, I would get more on unemployment! And some of the personality problems I can already see, aren't going to get any better. We'll see. Some good news, a friend's husband didn't lose his job to Ford's cuts. I am sure she is very relieved I'll see her tomorrow. A neighbour has quit smoking, 5 days without a cigarette. That takes a LOT of work!!!! Did that, a long time ago, but remember how hard it was. Son quit too, before baby was born. I am so proud of him!

Well, tomorrow must be better! Talk to you later.

Yeah, still pissed off... Husband is angry, disappointed, and feels really let down. But then, what do we expect any more? This National Guard unit is really going to be wondering why no one is going to be staying in. Loyalty IS a two way street, and they don't show any to their troops at all. Can't wait to meet the Brass at the farewell. I may take a picture of the baby down to the farewell ceremony and show it to them... maybe they might feel some shame... naaaaa. never. These are the same officers who have been known to find out information about leave etc., and make their own arrangements BEFORE giving the news to their troops. Pretty lousy, huh?

As for the Family groups... what a waste of time they have been. All we hear is " don't believe CNN, the war was justified because of 9/11 (aw jeeeeez, c'mon, get real, anyone with any sense or who reads/watches more than Fox or Rash Lamebrain knows Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11)"...anyone who thinks for themselves is somehow suspect, blind obedience to the Great Leader is necessary... Folks, this is scary!

I guess I'm just not a happy camper right now. Wish I knew something to make me feel better. Even chocolate isn't working.

Better go. Talk to you later.

a totally crappy day. In fact, it sucked so massively, it has to be one of the worst. Except for the day we found out he was deploying to the Litter Box from Hell, it could qualify as the worst in the past couple of years.

Husband had applied for an "exception to policy" so he could take the pass days and take it as leave, so we could go and visit the kids and he could see the baby. BUT the National Guard decided no, it wasn't right to allow an exception to be made for anyone. So, he now won't see her until she is over a year old. DAMN IT, he has been gone, either on deployments or TDY for two stinking years, has put in more work than anyone in that unit for years, do you think they could occasionally think of saying thanks in some small way? Shit no. And then some cretin spouse on the unit page gives one of those sanctimonious little speeches " Remember it is an honor that the Guard is even letting us have this time with our soldier(s). " Stupid . HONOR??? That they are taking my husband away, AGAIN, for another 1 1/2 years, to a shit hole, to take part in a war started by a lie, continued with more lies, for an Administration full of draft dodgers, liars, cheats and war profiteers... oh yeah, some fucking honour. (sorry, darlin', just not in the mood to be diplomatic tonight)

This on top of a migraine I woke up with and couldn't get rid of all day, no matter the amount of medication, a plumber that didn't show up, call or anything. A carpenter I don't think I will hire came over to look over the job.

Then a ray of sunshine. Husband called the kids to tell them he couldn't come to see them, and after he hung up, my son called to see how I was! How sweet was that? They are disappointed also, but since they are both veterans, they understand how idiotic the Army can be.

D-i-L and I talked a while. Baby is not sleeping well, she gets out of her swaddling blanket even! I got a couple of those Miracle blankets, which helps some. She also is a very gassy baby, I guess all the digestion system is still developing. But she is up to 6 pounds! So I hope they will get her into a good schedule soon.

sorry folks, a crabby cranky LAW today. Tomorrow has to be better, right?

Talk to you later.

One more... Grandma feeding the princess. Boy, I hope the kids send more pictures soon.

Hey, to everyone who left comments and didn't get a response, I'm sorry! I didn't do something right before, so I could see them. I thank you for your responses and comments. And yes, she is soooo cute. As my husband says, "hey, why not talk about the baby some, huh?" D, you just wait, you'll be just the same!

Husband doing well, getting work done and getting ready to move to another training site, where he won't be able to call. this will be good preparation for his moving into the Big Kitty Litter Box.

The flu is beginning to sweep through my workplace. The person scheduled before my shift, and the person scheduled after me, both didn't make it in today. So I will keep hoping it isn't going to get me. BUT, I do have activated charcoal tablets (for the tummy part), crackers, and tea, kleenex, and sparkling water. I should have gotten some Ginger tea... but other than that, I'm all ready..... just in case.

I sure hope the plumber comes tomorrow. I haven't heard from him today, and I don't know if he's still coming.... Don't you hate waiting for workmen? The "we'll be there between 8 and 2", the no calls while you wait, and wait, and then they don't show up. Enough to drive you NUTS! If I could find a handyman type,who could do a little bit of everything, and was dependable and reliable, I would hire him right away! And would be willing to pay well.

Talk to you later.

I didn't shop for her any more today. Just found boxes to mail everything tomorrow! Other than that, not a lot. Plumber came, is ordering parts, and will be back on Friday! Oh, let's cross our fingers that it will all work and I won't be sitting here all day on my day off waiting for him.

Here's another picture of the most gorgeous baby in the entire universe. Oh, yes, I am the most besotted grandma in the world.

I worked at the new job today. It went fine, learning all sorts of new stuff about the stock. Interesting! But I am still not sure I made the right decision. As I told my mother, I will have to give it a good try, and not just jump into decisions. I need to learn everything about the front end, before I become the manager of it! and after that, we'll see what else I get to do. And if it doesn't work, it doesn't.

Husband didn't call today, I know he's busy and I'm trying hard not to say anything. But I sure wish he'd call. Maybe tomorrow? Heard from an old friend today, he's getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. He was in Iraq the year before last... and he's in the Reserves! Yeah, I know, they both knew what they were signing up for. But this Iraq bit, is INSANE!!!! ok.. I promise, I'll stop for now. but you might want to drop by http://www.teambio.org/ Bring It On! We have some fun there!

Take care. Talk to you later.

So I did more shopping for the baby... ok, ok. I said I wasn't going to. So, I'm a grandma, I get to do these things. Talked to D-i-L and she told me that they got lots of clothes at the shower, but not the other stuff. Like the monitor, the lamp, the diaper pail! Gramma Deb is going to get the pail and the lamp, I got the monitor and a bottle warmer/cooler. and some other stuff too... yeah yeah, I know, I know.... If she gets more clothes, we may need another dresser! She is turning into a clotheshorse! She is so tiny, she doesn't fill out any of the tiny newborn clothes at all. But I am sure she will fill out everything soon. See, isn't she adorable?????

Husband called today, he is sounding pretty tired but upbeat. the briefings are going well, Generals and Colonels are pleased and the team seems to be really starting to work together. that is such a good thing to hear, now that they have been training for 4 months. When a team starts to work together properly, it's really great. And knowing that he is going to be in the Sand with these people, it's somehow comforting to know that he will be working with good people.

Course I cried when I hung up the phone. Just really emotional this week. Today was especially bad. then I cried again when my daughter in law and I talked, because I could hear the baby in the background. This is silly, I don't usually turn into a faucet! But I think it's the weather too, this unending grey dreary weather. yesterday the sun came out for a few hours, and when the dog and I tried to get out and play, the ice made everything so slippery we couldn't really do much ball playing. And... it was muddy, and madame Doesn't Like mud, her paws are just tooooooo dainty. Watching her "tip toe" around is hysterical... she and the cat are the only thing that make me laugh lately.

And, believe it or not, a miracle has happened! A plumber returned my phone call and will come out tomorrow to look at the leak in the outdoor wood boiler piping in the basement. This may not be the ONLY leak in the system, but it's the one I can find. I'm tired of having to refill the thing every week. Especially when it's really cold out. This outdoor wood boiler is a giant pain in the butt. I don't know if I am saving any money using it, but it is a hell of a lot of work. I need to fill it with wood every day or every other day if it's warmer than 34, and because of the leak, having to fill it with water every week. Next year, I am going to drain it, and just let it sit. It's not worth the little bit of savings. IF husband was home, and we were able to cut our own wood, it would be a good savings method, but since we have to buy wood and I have to load it, it's not saving us much if anything.

The small woodstove in the house on the otherhand, is really doing it's job. Keeps the house nice and warm, and besides, it's cheerful!



Talk to you later.

Migraine. What a way to spend a day off. Crap. But I did get the grocery shopping done. But that's about all I got done! When I get one, and while I wait for the Maxalt to kick in, I just sit. That's all I can do. I had a lot of things on my list for today, but the migraine took over instead.

Today was D-i-L's baby shower, I am so tempted to call and find out what she got (and what she still needs). But I know she's bound to be awfully tired, and the last thing she wants is to talk to anyone. So I'll wait till tomorrow. I even stayed out of Target today, so I wouldn't be tempted! But I do need to go to town tomorrow for dog food, and it would be great to take care of everything all together. Besides, I just love buying baby stuff!!

I was hoping husband would call today. He didn't call yesterday either. I guess I am getting spoiled by his daily calls and when he can't, it bothers me. Stupid huh? I know how busy he is, and working his butt off, but I still could use a call. Better get over that, they are going to be heading somewhere else soon, and we have been warned that we are not going to hear from them at all during that portion of training. Right now, the timing sucks. I need to bounce a couple of things off him, but I suppose I better make my own decisions without the usual discussions. It just helps me to step back and look at things differently.

Talk to you later.