Spoke too soon ...

Yesterday when George and I took the puppy to the mailbox there was a package waiting for me. Dee, an online cross stitching buddy (and enabler) had sent me a cross stitch book with tea samplers and other stuff. The LOVE sampler in the upper left corner (click on pic for larger view) is my favorite. I think I am going to redo the colors and make it for the kitchen (which is rose and burgandy).

Me too! Me too!

I came to a realization today. Really I've always known this fact about military spouses, but it was voiced by another in my training class, thus confirming my suspisions. During deployments spouses like to get care packages too!

That's right. As much as I love gathering meaningful (and delicious) treats for my husband, my heart skips a beat when I open the mailbox and there is a package for ME!

It doesn't have to be something grand, heck I get excited when a magazine arrives and I PAID for them. So when there is an unexpected surprise waiting for me, it makes life a little brighter if only for a day. I feel special for a moment knowing someone took the time to think about me. It end's better than emails and blog comments becasue I can drag it around and make my friends (like dear ol' Tommy Gunn) endure my stories about going to the mailbox and opening up a surprise package. (I think he likes the fabric swatches and craft books the best!) Best of all they HAVE to listen because I am in a fragile state and could burst into tears at any moment.

So, with that said, I'm off to check the mail ... hopefully there are no bills. That's a real treat!

Until our next cup of tea ...

Welcome to our family ... run while you can still get out!

I am no longer the only granddaughter ... Gabriella Grace was born today. I'n not worried, if I have to fight for the family jewelry I can take her for a good twenty years yet. I wonder if I should teach her the fine are of younger sister torture. Poor big brother Benjamin will never be the same. I must pass on the family secrets ya know!

Memories are what you make of them ...

O.k. so I know Tommy Gunn is totally gonna make fun of me here, being all mushy and all, but I have the share this story ...

Remember two weeks ago when I said that George and I bought a fondue set? Well the next day when we went grocery shoppping and got some extra stuff to have a "fondue party" that night. I got some steaks, chicken, bell peppers, onions, "crusty" bread (soft in the middle like french bread) and cheese. For dinner (which was a little earlier than usual because we were so excited) we make spicy "mexican" fondue dip with a little Corona and jalapeno peppers. I cooked the beef and chicken, then threw in chunks of onion and bell peppers. Next George helped me make the cheese mixture with the beer and jalapenos.

We sat down to dinner as the sun was setting with the sounds of Sinatra and others playing in the background. Later we danced in the kitchen to more blues and jazz. It was one of those memories that will be even more precious when he is deployed.

Until our next cup of tea ...

Helping families, Building stronger communities

Well I can't wait to get back into the groove of milblogging. I never realized how much therapy it was to write about "the life" and have feedback.

As part of my new job of working with families I have attend various training classes to learn more about the programs available through the Army for them. Two that I have taken this week.

One was the Care Team training. Care Team members are people who, after a family has been notified of a lost Soldier, volunteer to work - round the clock if needed - to assist the family with everything from picking up groeries to fielding calls to taking care of pets and/or children so the spouse can grieve in a process that is best for them. It takes tremendous strength and personal fortitude to put yourself in a place where you face the harsh realities of war.

The second class was a seminar on Domestic Violence. It was disheartening to learn about how close DV is to my own home, but it is a problem nationawide. It is just more "advertised" in the military world because it is so easy to pick on the negatives. But I was amazed at the many program put into service by the Army and Dept. of Defense to help the families. It made me feel better about helping families because there are so many others out there focused on helping families.

I am constantly amazed at the support that is provided by the military for the families. I can see how much has changed over the history of the military. Where it once was concern for the Soldier on a professional level it has moved more towards ensure the families are cared for as well. The moral of the Soldier and health of the family are equally as important as the training and professional aspect of the Soldier. It's great to know that we are important too.

Until our next cup of tea ...

I'm back ...

Hi all! I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. Our Internet was down last week and George was upgrading my computer on the weekend. Blogger is blocked on my work computer so I haven't been able to to check pages or post. I miss it so much, but on the plus side, my new job is amazing. I love working with the families, the command team is amazing and I am learning everyone's names. I was a bit overwhelmed with all the information at first, but I've gotten in the groove of things, so I am excited I about what is yet to come.

There has been a lot of training over the past two weeks, but I think that'll end this week for the most part. There are classes and programs that I am looking into that willl help me learn more about program for military families so I am looking forward to that too.

Tomorrow I have my "farewell" lunch with the staff from my old office, so that means that I'll get to see Tommy Gunn. It sure it quite without that guy around, maybe I'll intice him to create reasons to come visit me ... or I could drop in over there. It's not like I don't where the office is.

Well I'm off to explore other's pages. That's my plan for the next few days - to drop in on all of you, so have some snacks ready!

Until our next cup of tea ...

What a week!!

What an exhausting, yet exhilarating week. I started my new job on Monday and I must say that it is one of the best decisions made in the recent months. Don't get me wrong, I liked working at the newspapers, but I get to interact with so many, and I feel like I am doing something that will help others.

This week I actually spent a lot of time playing catch up. I met so many people that my head is spinning. I am trying to get my office, or at least desk area organized. As I recently posted, I am "freakishly" organized and the battalion command team is quite impressed. In fact, the commander said that if I get too bored I am more than welcome to help the XO turn his "room" into and "office."

At first the command sergeant major scared me a little, but something I did in the last week made me worthy of more than mere grunts in response to my greeting, and I've been told that is rare. He appears to be one of those gruff, no nonsense kinds of Soldiers that thinks we are too soft in today's generation, so I'm waiting for his "approval" to be "revoked."

I want to thank everyone for their attendance at my "tea parties." I had actually planned to write a post a day last week, but I lost Internet one day and yesterday I was sooo tired when I got home, I vegged out on the sofa until my husband dragged me off to bed at 10 p.m. I plan to stop by all of your "tea parties" and see if there are any "leftovers."

Today George and I went to Lake Charles and got a fondue set. We were quite excited, so once we stopped by the store to pick up chocolate and fruit, washed all of the lovebugs off of my truck (wait until I post about that - grrr!) we headed home to test it out.

It was definately not the romantic interlude that we thought it was be, it was more trial and error as we tried to figure it out. But tonight, we'll "Google" it and try to find a good recipe sice we grocery shop on Sunday. We are definately doing chicken and steak, but I want to find a cool cheese dip to go with it versus just plain cheese. If you have any ideas, drop me a note. For now, I am going to rest. I am complete chocolate overload. I know Lime, I'm baffled too. I didn't know it was possible, but at least I had fruit with it ... that makes it healthy!

Until our next cup of tea ...

Would you like sugar in your tea? Virtual Tea pt. 3

Hello everyone. Sorry I missed tea yesterday, our Internet was down. Thank you for all of the comments left on the previous posts. I love them. It makes my day a little better when I am working an they randomly pop up on my email.

Now, today, I want to tell you about my maternal grandmother. She can be tough as nails when needed (and when my brother and I were young we needed it a lot I'm sure), but she is also the most poised, well-mannered and elegant lady. Even when she is elbow deep in her garden after a rain storm, she still seems to have the elegance of a grand lady. I must say she has probably been the largest influence on my life even though as a child we saw her only twice a year when my mother had visitation.

For my pending birthday (Jan. 22) she gave me five tea cups and saucers to add to my collection.

I asked her about her collection and she said that she started collecting them when she was my age. She had no preferences or requirements, just choosing those she was drawn too. She has given some away over the years, but I think secretly she was happy that I was starting my own collection and she could pass her collection along to me.

I told her about how when I was a little girl I would sit at the coffee table in the den and pretend I was a Spanish Queen pouring tea for her visitors. I loved playing with her silver set.

Growing up I loved to look at my Granny's tea cup collection, from afar of course. She kept them on top of the china cabinet, but there was a silver tea set that sat out on the coffee table, probably because it was unbreakable (trust me I dropped them a few times.) My grandmother wasn't a "high class socialite" but she is a firm believer in perfect manners, being polite and getting the most from your education.

Recently, I told you about having to take her to the emergency room. It was scary, but she pulled through and is home resting.

These tea cups are from her personal collection that she passed to me in January for my 29th birthday. They are elegant and beautiful – just like her.

Until our next cup of tea ...

Would you like a cup of tea? Virtual Tea pt. 2

Hello everyone. Thank you for all of the posts at my last "tea party." My husband came home from extended training last Monday and we have a few weeks before he leaves for a 15-month deployment (yuck!)

Now for today's tea party ... pull you chair to the table and pour yourself a cup of tea or fill your plates with sweets - today, I will tell you about a group of people who inspire me.

Their dedication and devotion are immeasurable. Despite criticism and disrespect they endure, some even to their faces. I am talking about America's service members. It must be so hard to defend the rights of people who picket the funeral of their fallen comrades and welcome home ceremonies. I can't imagine what it must be like to deal with that kind of hate and continue to fight for their freedom of speech.

They leave their families behind while they fight to help others achieve the freedoms that many take for granted here. They fight for what they believe in, regardless of what others think or say. As Lt. Col. Hal Moore said in the movie We Were Soldiers …, “American soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, the American flag... they fight for one another.”

They are honorable men and women who ask for nothing in return.

In honor of today, Sept. 11, the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, I am also reminded of the countless civil servants such as firefighters, emergency medical personnel and policemen who are dedicated to protecting our home front. With a mother who was a police officer and an uncle who is a firefighter and brother who is a medic, I see the sacrifices and fear their families make each morning as they leave for work.

So raise you cup or tea or whatever you beverage of choice it to the brave men and women who answered the all of duty, both near and far, to protect our lives and freedoms.

My husband brought this marble tea set back from Afghanistan. When his bags arrived in January, a month after he came home, he said he had a surprise that he had been carrying around for a few months. When I opened it up, I was stunned. It was breathe-taking and beautiful. There were two places that pieces broke off during shipping, but you can’t even tell.

Until our next cup of tea ...

Would you like a cup of tea? Virtual Tea pt. 1

Welcome to my virtual tea party. I am really excite to sit down with my cup of tea and share with you stories of people who inspire me as well as stories of tea cups/sets from my collections.

The first person is, of course, my beloved husband George. This is on of my favorite pictures of him that he emailed to me during the last deployment. For those of you who, like me, live life interrupted by deployments and training, understand the importance of something as small as a quick email, hurried phone call or cherished photograph. Life goes on, but there is always an empty spot until your Soldier/service member returns home.

We've been married for 3 years and 3 months, but after calculations during a recent extended training exercise, we have realized that we have only spent about a year and a few months actually together. It makes the time together all the more precious.

We met in college. At first he and a high school friend (female) were looking for another roommate when moving out of the dorms and we worked together in Houston and I said that I was transferring to Sam Houston State University.

Two years later, our senior year, I moved into my own small apartment and he moved in with some of the other ROTC cadets ... two houses down from my apartment. Needless to say, I was over there a lot feeding the "poor" hungry guys and our friendship bloomed into more.

A year after graduation, he proposed at midnight Christmas Eve, while on home from Officer School. The following May we married and arrived here, at our first duty station. Since then, life has been hectic and happy.

One thing has always remained the same he has spoiled me like a princess, but always treated me like an equal.

No matter how much he has to do at work, caring and training his Soldiers. He has always made time for me, even if it is just a quick email or hurried phone call when away.

I can't imagine a life without him, nor remember what it was like before him.



This tea cup and saucer is a set I got when on our honeymoon in Mexico, in December. In the Army it is hard to plan trips in advance. When he got home from deployment in December he surprised me with a trip. We had so much fun.

When we went shopping in Playa del Carman, I found this in a little shop. It was too cute to pass up. There were silver sets and stuff, but I wanted something that was authentic, so I chose this little pottery piece. It is hand painted with the artist's signature on the bottom. I think it is perfect with all of it's imperfections.

Until our next cup of tea ...

Troops injured in battle honored as heroes

Editor's note: I have covered many ceremonies in my time at the Guardian. Many show the harsh realities of military life such as deployment ceremonies, others the happier such as welcome home ceremonies. But none bring the realities of war to light than Purple Heart ceremonies, where Soldiers, injured in battle are honored for their dedication.

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (Sept. 7, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

While on a routine night patrol in southwestern Baghdad Sept. 12, 2006, Private 1st Class Joshua Pettit, D Troop, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, was manning a vehicle-mounted M2 heavy-barrel machine gun when the patrol was ambushed by a squad-sized element of insurgents armed with AK-47s and rocket propelled grenades. Pettit was struck in the chest by AK-47 fire, knocking him from his gunner position.

Disregarding his own safety, he immediately returned to his post and laid down suppressive fire on the enemy, foiling the ambush and causing the insurgents to retreat.

Pettit is one of nine Fort Polk Soldiers awarded a Purple Heart in a ceremony Aug. 31 at the Warrior Community Center. Pettit was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for demonstrating exceptional courage under enemy fire.

“America's sons and daughters have answered the call to duty in this Global War on Terrorism, protecting our nation,” said Col. David Sage, Fort Polk garrison commander. “You are heroes of a modern day battle. A battle where terrorism is the accepted method of aggression, both against Soldiers and civilians.

“We are here to pay tribute to nine (service) members. These Soldiers have a great deal in common with the Soldiers of General George Washington's day -- volunteering to defend their country in its hour of need,” he added.

Sage said the warrior ethos of today's Soldiers is what ties them to the Soldiers of history -- their dedication to defend their country at the risk of personal sacrifice. He reminded the Soldiers honored at the ceremony that they now stand alongside other Purple Heart recipients in U. S. history, now considered American heroes.

“American Soldiers throughout the Army's 213 years have been cut from the same cloth. You are warriors. Your sense of warrior ethos and patriotism runs deep. Your country thanks you.”

Other Soldiers honored with a Purple Heart are:

-- Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Brown, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, for wounds sustained Dec. 7, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while conducting convoy operations, resulting in multiple wounds to his right ankle and foot.

-- Sgt. Christopher Fodge, 204th Military Police Company, 519th Military Police Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade (ME), for wounds sustained Nov. 21, 2006, when a mortar detonated near his position at forward operating base Rustimyah, resulting in multiple wounds from shrapnel.

-- Sgt. Jovan Harris, 258th Military Police Company, 519th MP Bn, 1st CSB (ME), for wounds sustained Aug. 9, 2006, when his vehicle received a direct hit from an IED, resulting in shrapnel wounds to his face and left leg.

-- Sgt. 1st Class Mark Mackey, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, for wounds sustained March 7, 2007, when a command-wired IED detonated, resulting in a grade II concussion.

-- Spc. David Miller, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 519th MP Bn, 1st CSB (ME), for wounds sustained July 15, 2006, when his vehicle struck an IED, resulting in shrapnel wounds to his right arm.

-- Spc. Cindy Rosser, 91st Military Police Detachment, 519th MP Bn, 1st CSB (ME), for wounds sustained July 15, 2006, when her vehicle struck an IED, resulting in shrapnel wounds to her right leg.

-- Spc. Harry Thomas, 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, for wounds sustained as a gunner Dec. 18, 2006, when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle-borne IED, resulting in head wounds.

-- Sgt. 1st Class Charles Williams, D Company, 2nd Bn, 30th Inf Reg, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, for wounds sustained Nov. 28, 2006, when his platoon came under heavy enemy fire and his vehicle received two direct rocket propelled grenade hits, resulting in shrapnel wounds to his left hand and right cheek.

For more articles in the Fort Polk Guardian, visit our
web page.

Lounge leads to learning about leisure, laughter

Editor's note: In a previous post I told you that I was working on a commentary about attending various activities on post and writing about my experiences. Last week my boss decided that it was such a good idea that I should make it a series and write a commentary each week. This is the last of that series. As I previously posted, I accepted a new job offer and start tomorrow.

-- Published in Fort Polk Guardian (Sept. 7, 2007) --
By: MICHELLE LINDSEY, Guardian staff writer

In the past few weeks, I have explored a variety of options on post looking for activities to enjoy during my husband's pending deployment. While I enjoyed classes and programs I have participated in, I also wanted to find some places where I could kick back and relax. So when Sgt. First Class James “Jimmy” Coker, a friend I'd met on an assignment when I first arrived at the Guardian, asked if I would be willing to take some pictures of his fantasy football league's draft activities at the Sparetime Lounge, I jumped at the chance.

I don my husband's old Dallas Cowboy's jersey to get into character and head to the Sparetime Lounge.

I instantly feel comfortable when I arrive. There are tables scattered about surrounded by televisions of various sizes, even a few big screen TVs. In the back I notice a collection of pool tables.

“Hey Michelle,” Jimmy greets me as I walk towards the bar. “What do you want to drink? This one's on me.”

“Just a diet coke,” I reply as the bartender adds another drink to the beverages in front of him.

A group of guys walk up to the bar and Jimmy introduces me to the members of the Cajun Cutters, his fantasy football league. As we carry our drinks into a glass partitioned area in back of the lounge, I am introduced to others.

“We set up a table for you over here,” Jimmy says as he motions to a table near the pool tables.

“I don't know much about football, much less fantasy football,” I say as I grab my notebook.

“Let me explain,” he says as we walk over to his computer. After explaining the basics, other players explain their research methods for picking the right players for their teams.

“We research 364 days a year,” Jimmy said after I comment on how much work goes into preparing their league draft.

As other league members continue to arrive, I explore the lounge.

The bright-colored stools and chairs surrounding the bar area and pool tables give it a “pool hall” feel.

Sharing a building with the Stars and Strikes Bowling Center makes it convenient if you get hungry or competitive.

I head back to the football draft activities just in time to order lunch, a ham poboy. When it arrived, I could hardly wait to try it. I settle back into my seat and enjoy my sandwich as we wait for the remaining league players to arrive.

I continue to explore. I notice people bringing laptops and settling in to work and play. After talking to staff, I learn there are a lot of amenities at the facility, besides pool tables and TVs. Patrons can access the free wireless Internet, test their knowledge with the National Trivia Network system, or compete against others in electronic Texas Hold'em.

After a few hours of feasting on food and finding new friends, I realize that the Sparetime Lounge is a great place to hang out.

I check with staff members to learn about upcoming activities. Stars and Strikes Bowling Center and Sparetime Lounge host the late night Rock and Bowl beginning at 12:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. If bowlers need a “break” from all their strikes, they can head over to the Sparetime Lounge and share their tales and tips with others.

Patrons can cheer on their favorite football team at NFL Sunday Ticket. The Sparetime Lounge will show nine games on 11 TVs.

Staff members also say that upgrades and renovations are planned for the future. I'm excited to see what else is in store for the facility. Maybe I'll see you there!

For more articles in the Fort Polk Guardian, visit our
web page.

So much going on ...

There has been so much going that my head is spinning. So please bear with me as I try to recap the past week or so.

Home and Family:
George came home from a month of training last Tuesday. We're still headed toward deployment preparations so after a few days of work, we headed to Houston to spend time with family. While there we celebrated George’s birthday with his best friend, Gordon, and Gordon’s girlfriend Mindy.

Saturday we spent the early afternoon hanging out and shopping, then that night we had dinner and drinks at a Japanese restaurant. There was even a magician. Sunday we spent a few hours with my family, because my uncle and his wife and children came into town. Unfortunately, a few hours after we left I got a call that my aunt had to take my grandmother to the ER. She had an infected appendix. The next morning they had to perform emergency surgery. I spent Monday at the hospital. She was fine, but it really was scary.

Work:
I got a new job! I start on Monday. Tomorrow is my last day and Tommy Gunn is feeling abandoned and a bit angry, so stop by for visit. Show the man some love … even though he only shows his mug every once and a while. He must have more important things to do …

Anyway, back to me … you can chat to TG later. The new job is working with families. Not quite a social worker, but a bit along the same lines. The Army has created Family Readiness Support Assistants that will assist families during deployments. They act as a liaison between the commanders and the families, making sure they get up-to-date information.

Crafts:
Haven’t done much and am really bummed about it. I am taking this online embroidery class through Crafty Daisies and love it. I am trying to get the “homework” done and will post pics when I can. Other than that, I hadn’t done anything. I didn’t even go to a craft store when we were in Houston.

School:
Ugh! There is so much to do … I couldn’t even begin to tell you.

Well until our next cup of tea …

Blogging to the power of woman

The power of ten doesn’t even count when it comes to my newest group of bloggers. When exploring through friends’ blog links last week, I found a group called Blogging Chicks.

There is quite a collection of blogs be women, from family to faith to fun related. After a little exploring, I joined the group, again in hopes of making new friends. I still get lost when exploring the group’s list of links and don’t think that I have even made a significant impact on getting through all of them yet. Each one is exciting.

As I eagerly anticipated each page uploading, I soon realized how each page was a reflection of it’s author. Regardless of it’s topic, each write puts a piece of themself in each post. It's fun to see what we each want to share with the world ... our hopes, dreams and families daily triumphs and tragedies. This group opens up a world where women can learn, grow and be impowered by each other. Boys ... ya better watch out!

You are cordially invited ...

Recently, when browsing tea-themed blogs and such, I found the Make Mine Pink blog, who is hosting a virtual tea party Sept. 10-15. I decided it would be a great way to make new friends and for old friends to get to know me a little better.
Each day you are invited to join me for tea. It will include a post a day about a person or group of people whom I admire or inspire me. It will also include a picture and brief story about a tea set or cup in my collection and what makes it special to me.
So bring your favorite dessert, pull up a chair and I’ll pour the tea. Hope to see you there!
Until our next cup of tea ...