Things I Learned Celebrating Black History Month

Today I went by Sam's school to drop off the black-eyed peas. I got them there early and decided to stick around until Sam's class got there so I could see my cutie. I learned a few things...

1. I should volunteer to organize an event or two. Then I would have the right to be annoyed when I go to these things and no one seems to know what they're doing or what's going on. I can't really complain if I don't step up to the plate though.

2. I need to pack Sammy's lunch. I stopped by his table when he sat down and saw he had some sort of flauta or egg roll looking thing (it was rolled up and fried) as the entree, peaches, milk, green beans, and chocolate pudding. I stopped by again when he was getting ready to take his tray up to the clipper. Peaches and beans were perfectly in tact and only half the milk was gone. I can't complain about that either until I start making his lunch for him again.

3. Principals should be mean and feared. Not ladies that can be easily ignored. It was complete chaos in the lunch room because even with a microphone she couldn't get anyone to hear/listen to her. I probably would have lost it and started screaming. Not really the desired approach either but at least the initial surprise would have quieted the cafeteria down.

4. Sam isn't as victimized at school as he likes me to believe. When he entered the cafeteria he was using his coat sleeves to smack the doopy of the girl in front of him. As we were parting DeJuan gave me a big hug when I reached to hug an oblivious Sam. I guess DeJuan didn't want to leave me hangin'. I stood outside waving good-bye to Sam who wasn't paying me the least bit of attention. DeJuan waved good-bye to me twice. Again, I guess he didn't want to leave a sister hangin'.

Soul Food

Tonight I'm making a dish celebrating Black History Month for Sam to take to school tomorrow. I chose black-eyed peas and I'm going to use Yagopuchae's Dad's recipe. He made them for New Year's and I loved 'em, I even ate all their leftovers. You know, part of making a good impression is stuffing yourself like a pig and eating everything you can find. I've got a certain charm about me.

Sam's spider costume didn't go as well as I had hoped. I guess the kids liked it but were messing with his legs and stepping on them. They pulled a couple of them off. He was so cute and excited in the morning but he looked defeated when I picked him up in the afternoon when asked how it went. It's hard because I see so many great qualities in him and get really upset thinking someone at school hurt his feelings. I forget that's what school is, sometimes it's not easy. Even when you're only five...

Little Miss Muffet...

Today is costume day at Patch Elementary, the kids have to dress like their favorite storybook or nursery rhyme character. What do you want to be, Sam? Spider-man. No. The Hulk. No, they are superheroes, not storybook characters. Hmmm. How about the spider from Little Miss Muffet that chased her away? Okay.

I'm not the most creative person and I had to think of how to make him spider. I really have to post a picture. I bought him a black outfit and pinned long black socks stuffed with fabric to his sides. He looks funny but adorable too.

Fun trips to the commissary

Last night I went to the commissary because I was in desperate need of milk. I bought a cart full of crap, including polenta that I have no idea how to make and have never eaten. Guess what I forgot... Guess where I get to go tonight (again).

I'm mad about what's going on in SD but at least it'll finally be out there and we all knew it was coming. I love how pro-lifers are super fanatical but are willing to make exceptions for when the life of the mother is at stake or when rape/incest is involved. If we're all living by what they see as God's plan or blessing why the exceptions? Wouldn't it still be "God's plan" or a "divine blessing" if you're impregnated by a rapist? Or if you're going to die because of the pregnancy? It doesn't make sense. When they stick that little exception in there it sounds more like punishing the wicked fornicators than living by God's this or that.

I really feel like leaving for the day, I didn't even take a lunch break to buy a cell phone like I wanted. I ate nothing but junk today though, stupid Cinnabon fundraiser. Stupid Girlscouts wanting to go to Switzerland. Maybe tomorrow will be better...

Yo Yo

My RRF was rejected by AFPC because of what the General wrote on there. I was afraid that would happen. Now I'm back to my slightly better than 50/50 shot and I'm stratified as 1 of 1. I'm not going to stress about it though.

Picabo Adsit

Yagopuchae, Sam and I all had a really nice weekend in Austria. I learned to snowplow and went up the chair lift a couple times. A real chair lift, not just a tow rope. I wish we could have stayed a little longer, I was really starting to enjoy myself and felt like I could do something out there. It makes me want to head to the mountians every weekend. I get a kick out of watching Sam too, although I didn't really get to see too much of him this time since we were in separate lessons.

Yagopuchae even spent last night at my house and got up at 4:30 am to spend another night with us. That meant an afternoon of shirtless man wrestling, Sam loves it. He's so good to us.

Can't wait until Friday when we get to be together again.

My Bliss

I'm so happy today, Yagopuchae will be here in a few hours and we'll be off on our little adventure. I'm not even going to tell him that I'm not done packing yet, he'd be annoyed. The thing is, I'm busy at night. I rarely am done, ready for bed and on the phone at 9:00 as I like to be. Really, I watch a little tv while I eat dinner but I'm not lounging on the couch procrastinating. I'm changing out of my uniform, cooking, eating, cleaning, nagging Sam to get ready for bed, reading to him and then getting myself ready for bed. Anyway, enough whining. I'll make a quicky trip home for lunch and finish the packing and it'll all be good.

I sent in the money for the Sock Hop at Sam's school in a couple weeks. I marked the "family" category and included an extra $2 for pictures. I think I'm more excited about marking the form than about the Sock Hop. I don't have 50's clothes for me OR Sam but it's just a fundraiser. I'm sure I'll see some poodle skirts and saddle shoes but I'll get by with jeans and my brown shoes. :^)

Clean Water

Sam and I met with an old acquaintance for dinner last night. It was interesting. I haven't met a single person that I worked with (as an enlisted person) that finds being an officer as fun or as rewarding. The ONLY good thing we all agree on is the pay is better. Other than that, it's pretty disappointing. It's too bad. I got the distinct impression last night that Steve isn't very happy and I felt like he was lonely. Not that he was hitting on me or anything but I just sensed he was lonely. I guess everyone is sometimes, but maybe it was the nostalgia of talking about old friends and jobs.

On a much more exciting note (or hand... or whatever), Yagopuchae told me he picked out a water filter last night and I'm VERY EXCITED!! I can't believe he really might do it.

I've got a ton to do today and, as usual, lacking motivation. I'd better get started...

So Close

I actually left the office today and went to the gym. Now, I didn't work out or anything but I did indeed arrive at the gym.

I've had my gym bag packed and waiting in my car since last Thurs but if you recall I was very busy with the Ambassador last week. Yesterday, it was cold and I didn't want to go outside, so walking to the gym was out of the question. Today, I had the motivation to go do it, to go and move my butt for about half an hour. I got to gym, and started changing clothes when I realized I didn't bring a sports bra to change in to because I wore one to work last Thursday. I packed a regular bra to wear after I was done. Now for you all who know me, you know a sports bra shouldn't have been a "deal breaker" (that's for you Mickity) for my workout. But I was just low enough on motivation that it was a good excuse. I put my uniform back on and got me some chicken man for lunch.

I stopped by the sports store and got Sam an insulated lunch bag with a flaming skull on it. Nothing says, "Happy Valentine's Day," like a flaming skull!

Special Delivery

Last night I picked up part two of Sam's Christmas presents that were shipped from FL. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my wine glasses in the Legos container. They've been at my parents house since I left TX because I haven't had room for them in a suitcase.

So last night I got to have some white wine in a glass that Mickity hand painted for me. They are the grooviest glasses ever and I was only sad that she wasn't there to share a bottle with me.

Sam has slept in his own bed all night for the last two nights. He usually creeps down in wee hours and crawls in bed with me while I'm sleeping. I'm glad he's sleeping in his room all night but I like to roll over and give him a snuggle before I get out of bed. So while happy about this accomplishment I wake a little sad every morning when he's not there.

Monday Monday

Someone messed with my ULAN machine and I don't know who. All I know is that my email settings are gone, all my favorites are gone and none of my websites remember my passowd anymore. Everyone has denied touching it but when I looked at it this morning half of the stuff was unplugged and I had to reconnect. It's not a HUGE deal but it is irritating.

The weekend went WAY too fast. Friday night Yagopuchae took the train down to Leonberg and we went out to dinner. We had a nice time together and ate some yummy Greek food at a place we went to on one of our early dates. He got me a candle holder with a painting by Gustav Klimt on it, I really like it. Then, Saturday night we all went bowling and the boys beat the girl. We all had a lot of fun and I know Sammy liked being on the boys team.

This weekend we're going skiing at a resort in Austria. I set up the trip but really have no idea what we're going to get. I'm not worried about it though because I look at it as a little adventure. I spend my whole week waiting for the weekend these days, I can't really decide if it's good or bad. It depends on my mood.

Not much else going on right now, kinda sad Michelle Kwan won't get another shot at the gold medal she deserves but that's not really my problem.

Tonight is Valentine's

As silly as it sounds, I'm excited because tonight Yago and I are celebrating Valentine's Day. We are going out alone and leaving Sam at the CDC (Parents Night Out). We rarely go out without Sammy (read back to Aug to reference our first date) but the opportunity is there so why not try it? I think Yago got me a little something too and everyone likes a present. :^)

I think everything will go all right with the Ambassador today. I did a comm check and got a techy guy in there in case something goes wrong. I just finished a mug of hot oatmeal and am feeling pretty relaxed. We'll see how long that lasts...

Insane

Help me! I'm going insane today!! My procrastination has caught up with me and none of my equipment is working properly, only adding to my stress. The Ambassador comes tomorrow and I can't print these stupid briefings, the video phone isn't working and I can't even figure out when the Gen is supposed to make the call so I can coordinate it.

PLUS, I'm supposed to send out a tasking to a component today but I don't have the time. My day is almost half over and I haven't accomplished anything yet. Then why are you blogging, you ask? Because my stuff is spooling in a print queue and I'm waiting waiting WAITING!!!

Help!

Been a While

I have tons going on but a limited amount of time to write. Sam and I gave Yago his gift when he returned, we didn't wait. It's an electronic Soduko game, I always spell it wrong so don't hold it against me. I think he'll like it.

Work is going along but I'm not enjoying it. I feel like I have a decent chance of being able to stay in now and I don't know if that's good or bad news. I know it'll be good in 7 yrs when I retire but I'd rather be home taking care of stuff. I want more kids but hate dropping them off at daycare. It was especially hard when Sam was around two, I'd go to work crying at least once a week. It was heart-wrenching when he cried and clung to my leg, I hated pushing him away. On the other hand, I'd be giving up a lot of security and freedom if I get out now.

I need to find some willpower for a diet but it's difficult. It's really starting to bother me but apparently it's not bothering me enough. We'll see. Maybe if I set a firm goal. Maybe 20 lbs by the end of June... I'd say starting now but I just scarfed down an entire pizza.

What to do?

I feel obliged to post something new for Yagopuchae to look at. Apparently, he's tired of my previous post.

He comes home Saturday, Sam and I can't wait. I bought him something that I hope he'll enjoy, I'm pretty sure he will. I got myself one too because at the last minute I thought I might like it. Dilema: I was going to give it to him whenever we celebrate Valentine's Day but it's not a very romantic gift. It really isn't much of a Valentine's present so I could give it to him as a Welcome Home, I Missed the Crap Out of You gift. Problem there is, then I don't have any idea of what I would give him a week later. Probably nothing. Now that I think about it, maybe I should find out if he even plans on celebrating with anything more than an evening together. I really don't need anything else.

Hmm, what do you think?

Nothing

I posted a long entry earlier this morning that I've deleted. I don't know what was wrong with me but I feel better now. I guess it was the shower that helped. I really wanted to talk to one of my friends (sister included) earlier but they were all sleeping. Nothing anyone would have said would have helped anyway. I already know what they would say and what I would say but I'll call later, regardless.

I need some relaxation today but I have a lot to do, as is always the case on weekends.

I met someone last week who's going to put me back in the social distro list that the crazy Marine got me kicked out of. It was very funny when I told the story of how it happened. Maybe I should just get out there and make friends with people in my time zone, I'm not working shift work anymore after all. I do need some friends here but think it's unlikely I'll find someone that pops in with wine and chills with me for hours of giggling on the couch. :^)

Why am I so Easily Annoyed?

I got to work a few minutes ago and a major just came in talking about skiing, which we all know I enjoy but don't have much time for. He started arguing with me about how I need to get out and learn. I know, I know... but I really don't have time. "You're only an hour and a half away from skiing. Just leave on a Friday after work... blah blah blah."
"Yeah, I'll just leave on Friday when I get off work around 6:00 and pick up my son. That's easy." Enter sarcasm.
"Just pack on Thursday night, pick him up, shove a hamburger in his mouth and take off."
"Yeah, but I'm also really bad at it."
"Just take lessons, you and your son can take lessons."
It continued on and on, by the end I was so annoyed that he wasn't getting it.

First, I've NEVER been anywhere that'll give lessons to children and adults together. The lesson times ALWAYS conflict and I can't just leave Sam alone on a slope while I'm off with a group for a few hours. HE would have no part of it, trust me on this. I've hung out with him before, I kind of know him.

Now to the taking off after work on a Friday. Sorry, but the last thing I want to do on a Friday night after working all week is drive around lost in snowy, unfamiliar mountains at about 9:00 or 10:00 at night. I'm just lazy like that. There's no way I would be checked in to a hotel before midnight with the way the roads are marked here and my awesome sense of direction. Mentioning this is always met with a big, "OH, you HAVE to buy a navigation system. I got a Tomtom, I love it. I never get lost anymore." So, I guess if I drop a few hundred dollars on a nav system I could go skiing every weekend.

Keep in mind Sam would sleep in the car for several hours and wouldn't want to sleep when we got there. I'd also get to spend a few hundred euro on a hotel, food, rentals, lift passes. I haven't even begun to think about when my floors would be mopped, groceries would be bought or when my laundry would be done.

I guess I'm just being a negative Nancy here. He's right, it's easy to just get away and go skiing all the time while I'm here.

Whaddyaknow

I did it! I went to the gym. I heard someone yell, "Adsit!" after I got downstairs to the weight room. I turned around and saw Oleksa. My heart skipped a beat from fear of what he might yell across the gym. (They're not serving cake anymore...) Turns out he didn't harrass me nearly as bad as I thought he would, thank goodness.

Wednesday

Is it really only Wednesday? Can't it just be the weekend already? I need to go to the gym today but I'm scared... It's been so long since I've been in a gym. Plus, I didn't bring soap or deodorant for a shower afterward. Okay, I really have to go. I'll be disappointed with myself if I don't go today. Today is the day. (I need a little pep talk.)

Rant

This isn't good, it's only Tuesday and my jaw is sore. It means I'm tired, stressed out and chewing too much gum. I've got a bunch of deadlines coming up and getting little cooperation from other people. I don't like being stressed out about work... everything is an emergency but with no real consequence. I have to be humble 24/7 because of my rank even if I'm right and the O-5 is wrong. I'm still expected to be apologetic. People answer the phone with, "MAJ so-and-so. How may I help you, sir?" That ALWAYS annoys me, why put the sir in there? You aren't making brownie points with the guy calling you and if it's a female (yes, there are a few of us out there) it's annoying. It's a reminder that we're not expected to out-rank you, you want me home cooking someone's dinner. Grrr.