Breathing a sigh of relief ...

I did it! 11 books in 8 days, a nerve-wracking 3 hours drive followed by a 2-hour written exam and a 1-hour oral exam. What did I get out of it ... a visor, T-shirt, pink LSU licence plate cover and ... oh, yeah, my MASTER'S DEGREE!!!

It's still hard to believe, hence the two days to post the news! Whew, is my poor brain tired. I still have to turn in the lat of my classwork, a few papers, but by the end of the month, but the hard part is over! I'm off to celebrate (again!) with a sugar-free fudge bar! (gotta fit in my new T-shirt!)

Until our next cup of tea ...

A Challenge Accepted ...

Today in visiting blogs participating in Pink Saturday I found Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer Reads and she is hosting a Spring Reading Challenge.

"What fun!" I thought as I a stack of books stare down at me in disappointment since I should have been doing homework. Yes, I should not be on the computer playing, when my master's exam is merely days away, but this would make the reading more fun right!?!

So here is the information:

Challenge: Spring Reading Challenge 2009
Start date: March 20, 2009
Finish date: June 20, 2009
Hosted By: A Southern Daydreamer Reads

Rules:
1. Make a list of books you want to read this spring.
2. Write a post with your list on your blog. (You can add to or change this list at any time during the challenge)
3. Please post the direct link to your Spring Reading Challenge 2009 post. (so that other participants can visit and see what you are reading)
4. You can write another post in June to let everyone know how you did.

I will compile a list and update it soon, but for starters, here is what I have to read for school (its a master's in Military History):
1. The American Way of War: A History of United States Military Strategy and Policy (by Russell Weigley)-COMPLETE
2. The Warrior Image: Soldiers in American Culture from the Second World War to Vietnam (by Andrew Huebner)-COMPLETE
3. Passage through Armageddon: The Russians in War and Revolution (by Bruce Lincoln)
4. A Stillness Heard Around the World: The End of the Great War (by Stanley Weintraub)
5. Hitler's Army: Soldiers, Nazis, and War in the Third Reich (by Omer Bartov)- COMPLETE
6. War Without Mercy: Race & Power in the Pacific War (by John W. Dower)
7. Why the Allies Won (by Richard Overy)- COMPLETE
8. After Tet (by Ronald H. Spector)
9. The Limits of Air Power: The American Bombing of North Vietnam (by Mark Clodfelter)-COMPLETE
10. On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society (by Dave Grossman)
11. Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War (by Paul Fussell)



I'll try to post a review as I read them, but the school books will be all at once, as soon as testing is done ... Some are not that bad! Take some time and visit Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer Reads to learn more and to sign up! Off to read some more ...

Until our next cup of tea ...



Editor's note: Original post 3.29.09 @ 5:00 a.m.

My heart is heavy ...

Once again, the time has come as George preps for another training exercise. A month is a long time and I am trying to balance work, studying for a final this weekend and spending time with him. The week before these training exercises always leaves me exhausted at the end.

Today was a long day at work, not common, but not unusual either. We had a staff meeting run late and I almost missed the furniture delivery guys who were bringing a replacement piece. George met them and I got home just as they were taking the torn piece off. Thank God for the warranty!

Today was the day this week that I attended another program/activities for the commentary series I am working on. We got to make jewelry in the craft class and I had a blast, but more on that this weekend after the commentary is published. I'll take pics to post too, but I'm not sure what I'll do for pics for the article becasue I was having WAY TOO MUCH FUN and forgot to take pics.

This week looks to be a full one because Tommy Gunn is out of the office this week and we have the Back to School issue that has to go out this week. Well, I gotta go ... if I don't get a chance to stop by your blogs this week, I will definitely check them out this weekend after my final. Speaking of finals, any Cold War experts out there?

My life is not like a box of chocolates (but I sure could use some!)

Well this week has truly been "one of those weeks." I have had so much to do that my head is spinning. The weekend was a blur because my husband was called into work BOTH day because of stupid decisions made by Soldiers (related to alcohol of course.) So I think the leadership are trying to figure out a way to stop the Soldiers from hurting themselves or others because, let face it, their lives are already in enough danger without adding to it with stupid decisions.

In the past month I have lost nearly all of my friends to PCS moves: “My Dear Watson”, Mezz, my date when hubby is gone, Staci, “Dixie’s Mom”, and a few others. These gals were my rock, sounding board, shoulder to cry on and in the case of Mezz, a little sister who needed constant care, which kept my mind off of the last deployment. Now, I am months away from another deployment and ... well it looks like it’ll be a quiet one, but I have plenty to keep me busy.

Last week was chaotic at work and this week is a little better, but we start on the Back-to-School edition that comes out the week school starts and I have to be honest. I have been stuck with this for the past four years and I HATE it. I don’t have kids so it’s wasted info on me. The bus schedule is always provided last minute so the day before we layout the paper I spend 8-10 hours typing it up because they send it in an spreadsheet format by street and school and I have to convert it to paragraph format by bus number. UGH!!!! Oh, the bad words that spew from my mouth. I have actually cried from so much frustration. On top of that it is an 8-page layout so I have to do a plethora of other articles and projects to fill it up. I beg you this one time of year, don’t edit your newspaper and complain –– some days it takes all we journalists have to get it together, especially when you get the project two week ahead of print time instead of two-months like previously. I know bus safety in my sleep, I could recite to you the lunch schedule and give you the damn immunizations myself. On top of it I have my regular assignments which this week include (but is not limited to:) a deploying unit and Dining Facility that won national recognition (It’s not all glamorous!) But on to other topics ...

The end of the semester is approaching fast and I have 11, that right not 10 but 11, papers to write including a 15-20 page research paper. While the hell did i go to sleep last night. I have class the first two weekends of Aug. and I gotta have SOMETHING to turn in.

On the home front, we have come to realize that Sgt. Major’s potty training has gone out the window since military housing changed our fences from wooden to the chain-link. That’s right people, my “I’ll bite your head off if you knock on the door or touch my mommy” guard dog is scared to potty outside by himself, so he has redesignated the floor beside the kitchen table as his new “hot spot.” George is going to try to find some sort of privacy fencing, but we cannot attach anything to the fences per the new regs. I say let’s drop Sgt. Major off at the housing office for a few days and see if they don’t change things ‘cause ol’ boy has some strong stuff coming out of his little body.

Speaking of george he leaves for four-weeks of training soon and it’s gonna be hard. Sgt. Major tends to get needy, I go on a house-cleaning binge and I hate the lonely night. A king-size bed is HUGE when you’re in it alone (even with a 60-plus pound bulldog.)

This Friday we are having his Bn XO over for dinner and while I absolutely ADORE the man because he is so funny (at least I think so!) I have got to remember to take the roast out of the freezer, bake some cookies (and not eat them) and get salad making stuff. Hopefully the produce gods will smile on me and the red potatoes in the pantry will not go bad Thursday night, like they usually do when planning a dinner party. I’m also hoping that a fellow Cpt. can make it for dinner too, ‘cause i want to grill him on his new fiancé before we get to the weeding in Sept.

On top of all that I voluteered to take on another position in the Family Readiness Group ... but more on that later.

All in all ... I probably had a lot better things to do than write this post, but I’ll chance it. I must get back to work. Life as an Army wife is NEVER dull!

Class notes ...

Well it's that time again. I got to get busy finishing some of the projects for my master's program if i want to graduate on time. I got a phone call on Thursday and an e-mail today that left me in better spirits and definitely inspired o get back to the books ... but let me start at the beginning.

My mom had my brother and I at an early age, and being the oldest her sibling were still in school and college. While I don't remember too much from my earlier years, there is one thing that stood out for me and set me on a mission when I reached college.

My oldest aunt, Laura, was in college when my brother and I were early elementary school. Actually she has a doctorate, so she was in school for a while. I remember spending time with her and her sorority sisters of Phi Mu in Houston. Their friendships seemed unbreakable and no matter what they did – activities, charities, etc. – they always seemed to have fun.

Now my grandmother, an educator, was set on my brother and i attending college to get quality education. I wanted to attend college to be a Phi Mu sister. It was my driving force. I studied hard in elementary school, worked to be ahead of my peers in junior high and began volunteering and other extracurricular activities. It wasn't the popularity I wanted, it was the prestige, camaraderie and dedication that I saw as a young girl that I wanted desperately to be a part of.

When I attended college at sam houston State University, there was no Phi Mu. I tried a second option, but when that sorority was temporarily closed by the University, I saw it as a sign that I shouldn't settle for second choices. When I started my master's at Louisiana State University, I approached my aunt who is still highly actively involved in Phi Mu. She said I should give it a try, although my circumstances were nontraditional. She said if that is what i wanted, then I shouldn't walk away and she would help if she could.

For the past year i have been trying to get in contact with the LSU chapter, but have met roadblocks, mainly my situation being unique – I am a campus student, but the professors come to the military base and that is where my classes are. The e-mail today, merely said that they would look into the issue and get back to me, but that is more than I had in the last year and with only one year remaining of school, I was worried that my chances were slipping away. It may happen, it may not. I have always managed to reach the goals I set for myself, but maybe this one is a lesson in not giving up on a dream.

The other good news is my niece, Stephanie, called to say she registered for her first semester of college classes and said she requested information about Greek Life. I know it's hard for her because she lives with the "middle child" syndrome and may often feel as if she is ignored. I have tried to be supportive and at times I find myself throwing around phrases like "Oh, my God!" and No, way!" or "That is really cool!" when talking to her. I guess I'm reverting back to my earlier college years, but it is so exciting to view college through the eyes of someone starting out. The optimism and excitement is catching on. I am excitedly getting stuff together that "every college girl should have."

Who knows what tomorrow may bring. But I do know that I will not have any regrets when it comes to trying to reach my dreams. I am so excited to share this with her, both of us college students. Maybe, we'll stay up all night talking about boys and eating ice cream, maybe we'll stress about finals together. Either way, if i can inspire her the way my Aunt Laura and her Phi Mu sisters inspired me, then whether I'm in or not doesn't matter. I'll still THINK PINK!

Excitement overwhelmes me ...

I am so excited. In 48-hours I will be basking in the Texas sun, happily burning to a crisp. Well maybe not burning since I do have the sense to wear sunscreen, but maybe just a little. The past week has been crazy as I try to get my regular week's work done as well as the assignments for next week. Tommy has been in and out of the office the last two weeks fighting broncitis, but I'm sure when the medcine wears off he'll tell us all about it (although it might be more fun to hear about it while he's on meds!)
I turned in the last of my homework and feel as if a weight has been lifted. I am already making a list of the assignments due at the end of next semester, so hopefully it won't be so crazy at the end, but we'll see.
I did some stitching Tuesday night and scrapbooking last night, so I am almost to the point of managing my stress. Two months has definitely been too long. I was stitching a freebie scissor FOB sent to me in an exchange by Donna in Edmonton. I absolutely love it and while I have a small list of stuff that needs to be finished, this one looks to be a quickie. It is a pattern by Ellen Maurer-Stroh Designs.
Other than that I am trying to secretly pack because once Sgt. major sees his bag being packed we have one CRAZY dog on our hands. I am so excited about the vacation, so I'm off to make more lists for our shopping spree ...

I'm back ...

Hello all ... Sorry I have been away so long (hangs head in shame). There has been a lot going on here and I have just been trying to keep my head above the water. Let me recap:

Military Life: As many of you know I am married to an Army officer. He returned from deployment in December, was home for a little over two months before he left for training. He finally returned home last week, so things are getting back to normal. He recently took over a new group of Soldiers so my task is to meet with the families and make sure that they are doing well. This part is both scary and fun because you get to meet so many new people, but at the same time you are worried that they might not like you. (I know what you're thinking Lime, "What? Someone who doesn't like anybody named Michelle must be CRAZY!") We also got new commanders at the two levels above us, so it had been busy going to all of the events and socials associated with that. (Again, Lime is thinking, "Bet they'd love you in tie-dye attire!") For the most part the ups and downs of it all is normal, but for me, a modern day gypsy (and yet, still a princess) I tend to like the fact that it's not the same old thing everyday. I love mentoring younger wives and helping families deal with the military life in general. It somehow makes me feel as if I am contributing in this whole thing.

Career Life: Work has been a bit of a challenge lately. Don't get me wrong, I am still, for the most part, in love with my job, it just seems as if the drama level has intensified and everywhere you turn, if you say the wrong thing it can be taken the wrong way, or be misconstrued and told to someone else and then they are mad and ... well let's just say, this is the high school part of my teen years that I didn't like and thought I was past it. On the positive side, I have applied for a few new jobs and hope (fingers crossed) that I get at least an interview. One is working with military families, but I don't want to jinx it, so I'll fill you in later.

Parenting Life: Ha! Scared some of you huh!?! Nope, still just the puppy, but he has been acting out over the past few months since George comes and goes so much for long periods of time. I'm just trying to stay sane, but it's a struggle. (And some of you think we should have kids! What are you thinking!?!)

Student Life: Well in the last month I have had to finish an 6-page, 8-page and 4-page paper. I was going out of my mind trying to find the time, but YEAH! Yesterday I turned in the last one! One semester closer to that master's!

Craft Life: Ha! What craft life??? I haven't picked up a needle, paintbrush or glue stick in nearly two months. No wonder my stress level is high. I am planning on working on something this week is I'm able to. Probably scrapbooking since we are going to see some friends when we go on vacation next weekend But I gotta clean the house a little. Sad that even that is something I look forward to becasue it means I have some time for me.

But back to that happy note a second ago ... VACATION!!! What a beautiful word. We will leave next weekend to spend about 10 day away from here. We are going back to New Braunfels (Texas) with George's best friend and his fiancee, then we all head back to Houston where they go back to work and we DON'T! I hope to get some good pics of us and will post them as soon as possible.

Well I guess that's it for now. I promise to post more, now that things are settling down ... I don't want to be like Tommy Gunn (We love you dude, but remember when you post ALL THE TIME? It got me out of a lot of work!)

Well, gotta go and do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Ain't life grand!?!

rose_michelle

Words of a generation ... Message for a nation

I am working on a paper about Vietnam for my master's program and came across this quot from President Kennedy's inagural address:

"Let every nation know whether it wished us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Well spoken, sir.