Italian phone's working again. Telecom Italia came and fixed it today - after cussing under his breath in Italian (I assume because of my 3 heathens, who know cuss words in multiple languages). The house was really shittily wired (which we knew), so he had to rewire the phone outlet and place in a new jack. But - it WORKS!! He also said our modem was absolute shit and to return it to the phone store in Pordenone.
I'll take the truck in tomorrow morning for the AC charge. So hopefully, this time tomorrow my lovely 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab will be chillin' us to the bone again.
I'm addicted to endorphins apparently. I miss going to the gym, even if I'm only about 30 minutes late, it feels like I'm jonesin' to lift weights. Which is funny, considering the heaviest I lift is on my abs and that's only about 95lbs. Oh well, there are much worse things to be addicted to than the body's own exercise happy-drug.
I need to go check the mail, so we're out the door. Oh, and I've lost another 2lbs. Woo hoo me!
Posting at the library again, so this will be short but ...
Hubby has to go in to the office tomorrow and Wednesday - why I have no clue. Leave officially started today, but we'll get credited 2 days at the end for them needing him on Tues/Weds. This has a few folks at the office concerned, as the man is ON leave but doesn't seem able TO leave (work at work that is). Oh well, Hubby is a fantastic NCO that works his tail off and demands excelance of his airmen, but being a wonderful NCO makes it sometimes difficult to leave work at the office.
Hubby has just about agreed to go to Naples. I may drop dead soon as he's no longer putting up a fight on the Roman stuff - well, the first visit anyways. Don't ask if he wants to go back, then you get the deer-in-headlights look.
We're thinking of Ramstein for 3-5 days or so. Long enough to "get away" but not spend all our leave there.
I need to get some paperwork at the school in the next few days.
The truck's AC is still NOT charged. Apparently the Italian dude that's contracted to do it split - screwing us over as we've had an appointment for it for over a month. Rhianna is NOT happy about it.
The library's AC is also not working, though it's looking rainy here soon, so the temp isn't as big an issue.
I still need to trim the back, external edge of our yard. I got the front outside fence, the entire in the yard area, and have to finish up with the outside back fence area. No big, but I'm not psycotic enough to do it with a rechargeable batteried hedge trimmer in the rain. As much as I like yard work (and I really do), I have no desire to have my last words on Earth be recorded as "Hey hubby, watch this!". ;)
We've yet to hear yea or nea on his testing out of cycle. I will seriously kick his butt if he doesn't make rank this time. He's perfectly able to do it, it just remains to be seen if his head was in the right place come test time.
It would hurt to kick his butt, but I'd do it. Why? My left hamstring is acting up since Friday. I had to cut in half my knee raises, my full leg raises (the hanging style ab workers), and my squats as I just couldn't manage them all. I wasn't in pain while doing them, but the strain could have become serious and I didn't want to chance it.
In just over 2 weeks, I will turn 29. I'm not depressed as age is nothing but a number, but still that big "30" is made such a stupid deal of sometimes.
Hubby bought an X-box 360 and some zombie games to go with it. Can you guess WHO he bought this system/games for? Yeah, he earns hubby points all the time, though he's yet to cash them in.
I skipped the Roman Chair on Thursday and Friday and today my back was letting me know that was NOT a good thing to do. I did manage 25 of them today - 5 more than last Wednesday.
I need to begin adding more weight to my leg presses. The muscles are working, but it's been 4 weeks, and now the depth of the working is slacking off - tomorrow I'll start with 5lbs, max 10lbs for a few weeks, then up the weight again.
I have 'officially' lost 6lbs - the gym scale actually moved today and stayed that way. I'll have to check it against the scale at home before I change my weight ticker. As my shorts are a bit looser, I think it's right but I want to double-check none the less.
I think that's pretty much all for now. Any comments TIM? ;D
Everywhere, and not a single useful one. ;)
Gina - we have free weights. The room has a glass window that allows you to see into the strength training/machine room however, it's next to impossible to keep your kids in line-of-sight that way. However, our gym has NO issues with taking the free weights into the other rooms as long as they get returned to where they belong. No sweat on the asking questions, if you've got more, let me know and I'll answer them as best I can. I've also seen little kids go into the weights room with their parent and stay in the corner, out of the way, so that may be an option for ya'll as well.
Tim - um, like, grow up man! I had my great-grandfather retire as a CWO (battlefield commission during the siege of Bataan and Corrigedor). He started as a motorcycle messenger (right Padre?) in WWI. He was lost behind enemy lines for a week, then returned. I have no idea what exactly transpired during those missing days, and apparently if anyone knows in the family, they aren't telling me.
He served before it was the DOD - when it was still the War Department. That's how he meet my ever-ladylike, steel magnolia great-grandmother (she was a typist during the war). He served roughly 35 years in the USA. His son joined the USMC to get to the Pacific to fight the Japs for taking him prisoner. His son (my uncle) joined the USN, and I had a few great-uncles in the USN as well. That's just on my dad's side. My grandfather was actually in during Korea as a doctor trainee in the USA.
However, as I've told you before, I know what an enlisted paycheck is. The grass being greener and all ... Seriously though, I know career enlisted don't want officers but O's get the $$, while the E's get the work. (Not that I'm saying I'd shirk or skate.) If they'd take me as is, I'd join up tomorrow and volunteer for a tour in the Stan or Iraq. So far, however, I am not within the bounds of enlistment though I'm workin' that issue.
Now that I went and twisted that knife in your back really good, any other comments? ;)
Okay, gotta check my e-mail right quick then out the door again.
Hahaha, Tim. You're a funny man, but don't quit your day job! Also, do go gettin' a big ol' head that you now have your own catagory. I gave it, I can take it away. ;)
I do the yard work, always have always will. No matter what the gossipy hen-whores in our neighborhood have to say, he's a good husband - who's smart enough not to tick his wife off by treating her as though she's a damsel in distress. Besides, it's fun to make their fat asses look lazy! That, and incompetent butts - twit next door watched as her kid (maybe 3ish) picked up salt from my driveway, then she totally freaked out! I mean, full on freak, and boy was it funny to watch! If I didn't dislike the lying, house breakin' into witch so much, I'd have told her it was just plain ol' Sicilian Sea Salt - nothing poisonous but, well, where's the fun in that?
And, for all my neighbors going to chapel and church on a regular basis, they sure nuff do know ALOT about black magik. For the record, casting a salt barrier is NOT black magik, it's purely white, can't even go grey but the fact they're so stressed by me continuing to kill the grass in my driveway in an eco-friendly, non deadly to children and animals way (and wanting to cast the worst possible light on me doing it) proves their charecters - and are they ever lacking!
As for the keyboard, his lazy butt made the mess, he can clean it up as it's HIS laptop, not mine and not joint property. I'm getting ready to go on strike, so he can clean up his own messes or clean up everyone's - his choice.
And if you think WE don't take leave you're nuts, bud. I've been demanding a vacation from brat children since before he got back off this latest deployment. The man WILL find a way to give me time off, or so help him he'll have to live with me! ;)
Oh, and for the record, I have no degree thus I can not become an Officer. I'm also above the maximum weight allowed by the Army and the USAF - I have seriously looked into it. Until I'm able to get to "fighting fit", I will be unable to join up. I still harbor a strong desire to do so, and hubby has said he'll follow me around the globe like I follow him. I have no illusions of cutting it in the Marines - they scare the crap out of me. I do have a strong family connection to the USA (and USMC, and USN and now through hubby USAF), though I'm afraid I wouldn't function well in the USA. Besides, the DOD refuses to recognize pagans and allow paganic chaplains - I keep asking they keep sayin' NO.
Here are some photos from the gym. I did ask permission before taking them, so there should be no issues. Sorry they aren't the greatest but well, Rhianna isn't a professional photographer and has no desire to become one. But, I hope they help none the less.
**Dear god if the library ever lets them upload, or Blogger ever accepts them! - 18 minutes, 23 seconds and counting. Oh, look, almost 30 minutes later, they uploaded - the FIRST set!**
Crayons, colorbooks, building blocks (Lego style), kid chairs and table, tv/dvd combo - both areas have these items, with more available via the office. This is the one in the cardio room, by the way.
The baby toy - I have no idea how many parents use this thing, though I've only seen one kid of the age to use it so far. Most kids are toddlers or still in carriers.
Some of the cardio equipment. You can just make out the fence area of the kid zone at the far right of the pic.
Some of the weight machines - where I spend most of my time at the gym. Far left of the pic shows the edge of the kid zone.
And here we go on the 3rd time trying to upload the last 2 photos. How slow is the library's connection?? If they don't upload this time, we're going to split anyway. My kids have been quiet, and well behaved for an hour and a half here at hte library - they may explode soon! Although I am terribly impressed they've managed it for this long - with other kids to play/misbehave with.
1. Since when did Blogger add a damn word verification to posting? This is annoying the crap out of me.
2. Why do most guys sound like they're having really aggressive sex when they're working out? Seriously, at times the gym sounds like a bad porno, but without the chickabowwow music in the background.
3. It's really sad when the 3 year-old is sporting a better tan than I am. Mind, she went to the pool once a week with her class, so I have an excuse (not really, but ...).
4. Hopefully we'll get up to Germany in the next couple of weeks. Hubby was in use-or-lose status and had to take leave so maybe, maybe, hope, hope we'll get up Ramstein way.
5. I'm trying - really hard, to get hubby to take me down to Naples while we're on leave. I'll also accept Sicily as a valid destination, but the 23 hour (non-stop) driving might even stretch a Texan's desire to drive that far.
6. Irreguardless of what Blogger says - Texan's and Ramstein are NOT misspelled.
7. It's not too brutally hot this week. 80's and low 90's. We had been under threat of breaking triple digits, but that has not come to pass. I'm actually pretty sorry it's not bakin', I like hot weather, reminds me of south Texas.
8. We're still waiting on the IRS to redo our refund. Hubby did the stuff online and H&R Block's software allowed him to claim to LITTLE in a refund. It's been 6 months, and not a word from Austin. This is rather annoying.
9. If worst comes to worst and the dog must get put down, I'm torn between replacing him. Well, we can't really replace him, but I don't know how the girls (or even hubby) will do without a pet. I've asked about finding a Chihuahua but hubby has nixed it - he doesn't want "yappy dogs" - um, hello, Chihuahuas don't yap, they talk.
10. I'm making a lot of numbered posts of late. Sorry.
11. My husband REALLY needs to clean this laptop. It's got food in it, sticky stuff (most likely Diet Coke residue), and dust all over it. I did NOT cause any of those items, thank you very much.
12. Hubby e-mailed the suggested guy for Telecom Italia. From what we've been told, he's a good, well trained person so hopefully he'll be able to help us out on the returning the modem (we lease it).
13. I need to mow the law and trim the hedges again. Now, let's see if I can remember that when I get home - we're currently at the library so ...
14. I've added 20lbs (10 per hand) to half my sets of lunges. It's not killing me, but I can feel it making me work.
15. I've added squats with a weight bar and buddy do those NOT like me. I'm a total wuss as well - I can only squat 30lbs before I reach NOGO weight. Oh well, 20 reps at 30lbs is more than none, so I have to remind myself babysteps.
16. We're done with Mary Poppins, and we've read Little House in the Big Woods. Now we're on to Little House on the Prarie. They're geared for 8-12 but the 9 year-old is bored and the 6 year-old loves 'em! Oh well, reading to the kiddos stories one likes more than the others is hopefully showing them the variety of books out there. I think we may do the Spiderwick Chronicles and the Lemony Snickett books as well.
17. Pre-ordering our HP from Amazon.com was pointless. We still do not have our copy - almost a week after it came out.
18. I got my new ice-cream maker in Monday. It's a dual crank/electric. The one hubby bought before had a fried motor - I'm NOT happy about that but if that's the worst thing to happen in my life, I've got it pretty cood.
19. Holy hell, thinking about it last night - hubby and I have been married for almost 11 years, with us being together near to 14. Wow! Time flies when you're having funny annoying each other.
Have we been busy at my house.
1. The dog, beloved by us all though annoying the crap out of me lately, may need to be put down. We've been dealing with issues for over 15 months that are NOT getting better.
2. The 2-3 THOUSAND $$s we've spent on drugs, special food, etc is doing no good for the dog. The vet (new one) took a blood sample to try to find out what's going on. We're STILL waiting for one taken in late January and shipped to Germany - I'm not amused.
3. I've throw every rug we have away because of the dog.
4. I now have to sweep and mop 4 & 5 times a day and that's not doing any good either. It also prevents me doing dishes, clothes, running errands, etc.
5. My obliques (sp?) are not happy with me at the mo. I added a new side exercise to the routine on Monday and well, I'm feelin' it now. Like, going around a traffic circle and it lets me know it's there.
6. Still NO change on the damn scale - at the gym. Home is saying I've lost about 6 lbs total. I'm at a loss as to which one is correct (I have a suspicion both are wrong for different reasons).
7. I'm posting at the library again. Our POS Alice modem took a big, final shit last night and I'm screwed. No internet, no stateside Vonage, no Italian phone, nada! Either it's the library (with restrictions) or the cell but those are the ONLY means of human interaction at the moment. I'm not happy about it in the slightest.
8. Today is our "psudoanniversary". IE, when we had the wedding - about 9 months after we actually got married. I do have some plans for dinner for hubby.
9. I can not manage to get ahold of any of the MSgts at Comm. I shall keep trying.
10. The vet has told hubby she's never seen a dog as bad as our's, and that the ones she though were bad before have never gotten better. That has the 9 year-old freaked.
11. I continue to write at least 2 cards everyday to send to Germany. I will mail them off on Friday.
12. Off to check my e-mail then, out the door I think ....
13. Oh, thanks to MISTY for the cool Swedish candy. I have no idea what they will taste like, but thanks for making sure you didn't send reindeer crap. :D
Tim, hubby has a syatic nerve condition. He can't walk at the best of times, he's damn near immobile when it's acting up - which it is of late. He can't just "work through it". It doesn't work that way.
Gina, well, first I'm sorry I'm the google result for the base gyms. See my previous post for more info on the gyms. I'll get photos up as soon as I'm able.
To answer Gina's comment on my last exercise post...
We don't have actual child care or a "room" per say to stick your kids while you work out. However, we do have places (2) to put your kids IN YOUR LINE OF SIGHT while you work out.
I've attached a basic print of what our gym looks like, and where the kid areas are. I forgot my camera this morning. I'll try to remember it tomorrow so I can show you what they actually look like, instead of from my memory.
Hope this helps answer a few questions for you:
Our kid areas are in the cardio room (elipticals, treadmills, bikes, stair machines, etc), AND in our weight machine room. We do have a small area for ab workouts, and a secondary weight machine room. We have a full-court volleyball/basketball area, and seperate dressing rooms (with showers) for men and women. We do have a coed sauna but it currently is NOT useable - parts issue apparently, it hasn't worked since I started going at the beginning of the year, so take it as what it is.
Oh, and Area 2's gym USED to be a CDC so it's got kid friendly potties and sinks in the main area. Also, many of the walls are glass, versus stone so you can see through much of our gym. I can NOT, however, say anything about the Flight Line Gym. Never been to or in it, can't tell you anything other than what hubby has relayed from PT.
Area 2's gym is open from 0530 to 2000 Monday through Friday. The child areas are limited to up-to 6 years-old. The staff has been known (especially during school's out times) to allow older children with the understanding they must not cause problems with the younger kids. The folks that use the gym are usually the airmen from the dorms, parents with their children, and some high-school aged kids (usually in relation to team sports). It's rather small, but very friendly and with the same basic faces. It's also much quieter than you might expect, but that's a plus imo.
Sorry for being the google result for Aviano's gym community. This is the link for 31st Services, who run the gyms (club, golf corse, chow halls, etc, etc, etc). Note, there are NOT personal trainers, though the gym staff will happily help out if you need anything.
Hopefully that answered your questions. If you have more, or need other info, feel free to let me know via commenting or send me an e-mail.
**Due to Telecom Italia crap beyond my control and the abilities to repair of my resident TechnoGod, there is NO picture attached. Sorry.**
Not out like a lamb, to butcher an old phrase.
Today denotes the changing of the zodiac to my house - Leo. ROAR! ;)
For all my fellow LEOs:
Trivial matters aren't so trivial today -- you would be wise to look at all the issues of the day deeply, no matter how silly they might seem. You might think that the personal dramas going on around you are irrelevant to your life, but that is not the case. When things blow up between two people, the entire group can be negatively affected. Lines are drawn; sides are taken. So if you sense things getting out of control, take them seriously and try to prevent them from growing.
The next time you look up into the summer sky, see if you can't see my ruling constelation rearing it's lovely, fluffy mane.
And, just as a "field guide" of sorts, you can spot us pretty easily in the wild.
Thanks to Kurt (and his lovely wife Karen), he located SOS following my posting on Soldiers' Angels Europe. I thought they'd have something like it, and I'm glad Kurt was able to find it.
So, if you're in the UK you CAN support the troops via a UK address. Just to add another option to the growing list of support the troops websites I list (under Blogroll and Our Military because well, we go nowhere without the British and Aussies, Kiwis, and Maple Leafs so they're pretty much "OUR" military as well).
Thanks Kurt!
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The UK is in full flood! Latest on the flooding rampant in the lower end of England.
RAF Croughton must be floating by now. RAF Fairford - dear God I can't even picture what a beating it must be taking. It's terrible, I know where all those towns and villages are. My youngest child was born at the Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital.
I hail from the flash flood region of Texas but I've never seen flooding like this. I've been to every one of those towns. I know just how devistating this flood really is, and the £ cost they're putting on the recovery is nowhere near what will be needed. There hasn't been flooding like this since just after WWII in England. The mental issues will be long to deal with.
I only hope they can get the clean water running again. Same goes for the electricity, but the water is more time precious than the juice. Most Brits (and Euros in general) are not well prepared for the long haul of extreme weather. They don't keep bottled water, canned foods and backup power methods.
And don't be fooled into thinking it's over. The rain is predictited to continue this week - and Oxford and Abingdon are both DOWN RIVER from where the flooding is the worst. That water has to go somewhere, and it will follow the path of least resistance.
Here is a more viable map of the affected area. **WARNING! PDF link!**
This is one of the times Britain needs hot, dry weather. If you're of a praying mind, say a few for all the folks in the UK. They could really use a break from the rain.
Yeah, I've been forgetting to post about exercising. Oh well, I've been doing the workouts even if I forget to post on them, so it's all good imo.
1. My thighs no longer hate me.
2. Due to my thighs no longer hating me, I no longer hate them.
3. My ass now dislikes me.
4. I actually ENJOY doing lunges at the gym. I think it's because the gym is open compared to the amount of furniture in our house.
5. I managed 58 lunges today. NOT all at once, of course. 4 sets of 12, 1 set of 10 - I just couldn't pull off the added 2 per leg on that last set.
6. My arms don't really seem to be working like my legs. IE, I can feel my legs "burn" during their workout and they're normally a bit sore - NOT painful, just a bit "let me rest"ish after my workouts. My arms do NOT do the same thing, though my shoulders did right after I started 3 weeks ago.
7. Yes, I've managed to go to the gym uninterrupted for 3 weeks.
8. I've been stacking - 5 sets of 10 reps at the lowest weight, then reducing the reps/set and increasing the weight.
9. My flexibility is increasing, though I'm not really working on flexibility.
10. Any suggestions on ass/saddle bagish exercises? I do lunges, and squats in addition to the lower thigh and upper thigh workouts (resistance machines). I also do the big mean machines that make you press against gravity, not just a little cable.
11. Don't ask for what those machines are called - I can't tell you. I just know what part of my body tells me it's being worked.
12. I work my upper and lower Monday, Wednesday, Friday and only my lower on Tuesday & Thursday.
13. I've added hanging ab work to my routine, along wit the "Roman Chair" - for my back. That puppy puts me through my paces, though I do actually enjoy it.
14. I may have to sit and "rest" for a few (10-20 secs) but I will manage all my reps. This includes breaking the last or heaviest of reps into 3 and 5 rep blocks. Either way, I keep going until I reach my mental rep "goal".
15. My scale is doing nada.
16. I don't trust the scale at the gym. It says I gain weight between the time I weigh IN my gym clothes (shoes and all) and get out of the shower stark ravin' naked. Like 8 lbs, not just a few ounces. It's also off by damn near 10 lbs compared to the one at home.
17. I may need to make an appointment with the clinic to get my weight taken - then correlate it to the # at the gym, and the # at home in the exact same conditions. I'd trust the clinic one to be calibrated the most often.
18. I have not done any form of cardio since I started going to the gym.
19. Hubby keeps saying he needs to start getting ready to do his run test (he's on profile, so no running at the mo') because he has the feeling if he comes off profile the Sq. will make him take the run test that day. We may start heading up to the base track in the evenings when it's not boiling hot outside.
20. I don't doubt the Sq. would try to screw him over. They've already threatened to "kick him out" if he goes on profile again. Um, nope, USAF regs state he must be given a hearing at which the med docs are weighed versus the Sq. As the med docs have stated repeatedly he's "world wide deployable" (which some buttmunches in the Sq chain of command (but not the big fishes) claim he's not because he has to take the walking test or the bike test) there should be no concievable way the Sq. could hose his career over him not being able to run around the track in a certain time.
21. Given hubby flat out beats all the requirements for his age and sex bracket for the physical fitness test, I don't get why the damn running is that important. I promise, if you start shooting at the man, he'll run for cover reguardless of the profile.
22. Why the USAF insists on running around a track makes no damn sense to me - you're 'training' them to be battle ready against the enemy, and not look like laughing stocks in the eyes of the USA and USMC. Get away from the oval track concept! Mr. Taliban Man and Abdullah Muhammaed I'mGonnaKillMeSomeAmericanAndIsrealieJoooooScumAlalalalalalaal don't run around a giant oval shooting, or sniping, or laying IEDs so why the hell not train the way you'll fight? Oh, that's right, you'd see just how many airmen can't hack it in the real world but smooth sail across an even, level, cushioned surface not pocked by explosions, bullet marks, debris, etc.
23. The run test is a freakin' joke! The USAF is incapable of fighting the way the USA and the USMC fights. And the airmen are perfectly happy to be the backup guys that do the comm and fly the planes and bring the mail as the "Dawgs" and the "Jar Heads" go out on the 'line' to do the shooting at the bad guys. While some jumped up jackass with too much brass on his collar seems to think the USAF should be competing with the Army or the Marines is beyond me. They each have their speciality, and there is no way in hell the Marines or Army is going to slack up to let the USAF look good for the baby boys at the Joint Chiefs who want to smile for the camera. Put on you big boy undies under you flight suit and GET OVER IT!! Accept you all have your places in defending the US, and stop trying to one-up the other services. You end up lookin' like a pack of spoilt brats, and you loose the respect of those you command.
24. The Area 2 gym rocks! It's small and quiet but it has places for you to put your kids while you work out. That is AWESOME!!!
25. Do not assume that because you're 17 now and think you're hot shit that you always will be. Your little volleyball playing ass will get older, you body will change, you will have children and then it'll be YOUR turn to be the lady getting back in shape. How I wish I could be the fly on the wall when it happens!
26. I do NOT understand the need to snicker and deride women while they're working out. Are they trying? Then leave them the godfuck ALONE! They realize they need to work out, stupid vapid ho-bags in high school are more childish than my 3 year-old and that's a sad statement to the kind of parents they have.
27. To the said ho-bags - you're not that hot, you're just jail bait to the airmen from the dorms. They don't wat to date you, marry you or father your children. You're just demonstrating you're a ho-bag they can screw and move on from. Karma's a bitch, especially when you piss it off. It will come back to bite you in the ass for all the stupid ho-bag shit you're pulling now.
28. I actually enjoy the gym. I thought when I started I'd be bored, or feel like I was punishing myself. I don't. I look forward to going and working out. Must be the endorphins.
29. My diet needs to improve, but baby steps at the mo. Doing the workouts is but one step on a path.
30. I've stoped drinking anything soda-wise except Diet Coke. I don't know what's come over me, I'm sorry. I used to think that was nasty stuff, and then one day we were out of Dr Pepper and Diet Coke suddently tasted good. It's scary, I know.
31. I've uped my water intake, though I'm sure I could stand to drink more of it every day. Again, baby steps.
32. I used to ride the bike in England, but it's too damn hot here. Maybe in Oct. when it starts to cool off again I'll get back on my bike and ride. Even if not, I will continue to go to the gym so I'll slowly work off the weight of 3 kiddos and no exersize.
34. The littlest one enjoys going to the gym with me. She gets to color, watch a DVD, or play with the blocks they keep at the gym. I really do appreciate that I can take her with me, kuddos to 31st Services!
35. The folks at the gym aren't steroid poppin' Arnie wannabes. They're happy, poliet folks that are great helps when you need to find out what something does, how you use a machine or just pass some pleasentries with.
36. I didn't expect them to be pill poppin' roid junkies. That's just the common picture of a gym employee and the Services folks here are so much more down-to-earth than that picture.
How can anyone justify this? Beating an 18 month-old child's head in because he isn't potty training?
This kind of human filth is why I support the Death Penalty. This is also why I don't believe in "cruel and unusual" punishment as a means to avoid execution. I want a convicted killer to suffer, as long as humanly possible, to cry out for mercy and be refused as they refused their victims. If it's the elderly, mentally unstable or handicapped, or a child as the victim - hell hath no fury ... If I had my way, he'd be grabbed by the lapels and have his head bashed into the wall - repeatedly. I'd even make his 'parents' watch as they 'raised' a filth magnet that would MURDER a child for not using a toilet, at an age when no child is truly ready to potty-train.
I know how frustration potty-training can be, I've done it 3 times and have no desire to repeat the experiance, but WTF was that vile monster doing 'caring' for the child in the first place? And then his mother admits to watching her "boyfriend" grab the boy and slam his head into the wall - AGAIN!!! And she didn't kill him with her bare hands? I'd have beat the bastard to death - if he was lucky! No one will lay a hand on my child other than their Daddy or so help me God and Goddess I'll gut 'em. Let alone slam a child's head into the wall, break the drywall, and then repeat it as the 'mother' of the kid looks on. I don't fucking think so! I don't believe it my place to tell a parent how to raise their offspring, but I'd be damned if I would stand by and watch something like that go down and not do everything in my power to kill the person responsible. The only thing that could possibly save them would be the cops and a gun.
The only good to come of this, so far, is that the poor baby can no longer be abused. And that is one of the shining examples of why I believe in an afterlife, and in a deity - that baby is safe from that kind of horror. No one else can hurt him, and as brutal as that is, it's a blessing at the same time. I'm just sorry he had to suffer like that in the first place.
As much as I yell at my kids, they very rarely get spanked, and even then it's usually a quick swat. What could possibly posses someone to bash an toddler's head in? No accident during potty-traning is worth that, especially when the child isn't related to the MURDERER!!
And the Aussies, and the Kosovans, and the Canadians too! I happened by Soldiers' Angels Germany today and shortly down the page is an article linking to Soldiers' Angels Europe, which supports our allies in the WOT.
Specifically, the Soldiers' Angels Germany post is a letter from a currently serving Lt. in Iraq. This just breaks my heart:
If there is anything at all you could send to keep moral high it would be much appreciated as we have no organisation within the UK who offers the support you do.
How on Earth are the Brits not taking care of their own? I've met many a supporter of British forces - both Yank and Brit and I'm seriously heartbroken we've got UK troops (and Aussies, Canadians, Kosovans - and I'm sure others who haven't complained yet) without a support network. Worse still, that they're looking at our's and going "we want one, why don't we have one". It's a terrible thing they think we don't love 'em, and worse still if they think their own don't love them.
I go out of my way to adopt airmen when hubby is deployed. And apparently I'm not that mean ol' horrible ogre some around Aviano feel I am. I send out a box every 2 weeks (minimum), and letters and cards and goofy stuff in general to keep their spirits up (see my birthday box post for just how goofy I can get). I go out of my way to adopt troops when hubby is NOT deployed - usually from the Army or Marines because even when mine is home (blessidly), not everyone is. It appears to be time to spread the love!
I've submitted my stuff to hopefully get an adopted soldier (or squady as the Brits term them), but I'd like to ask my readers to adopt a soldier. If you can't do that (I understand it's a giant responsiblilty some don't feel ready to make), send a letter of thanks or appreciation. Or, donate some $, €, or £. Donate some goodies to send in care packages. Spread the word - send an e-mail, write a post yourself, word of mouth it ... ANYTHING to get someone to show these guys we're on their side. I know from first-hand just how highly prized US goodies can be, especially in a war zone, and far away from everything familiar that reminds them of home.
Now, I'm off to write some more cards for Soldiers' Angels Germany so I can mail some more off tomorrow.
Anyone here in Italy, present or past, that understands how our Heat Index numbers work? I stepped out of the gym today to get my shower stuff (1015ish) and the BVS was saying we were at "Heat Stress Index 5" - which is NOT a good thing.
I know when we left the house this morning to run up to school it was damn near 90 - at 0830. Considering GURP (built-to-lease miliary housing in the local community) has no AC this can get to be a problem. These houses are like concrete boxes, with gas stoves that just keep crankin' up the heat if you dare to cook anything (when you can get the damn thing to light without a lighter anyways that is). USAFE keeps swearin' we'll get ACs, but the money never comes through. Considering the fiasco that is ongoing up at Ramstein with the 'mall', I doubt we'll EVER get AC.
Now, being from south TEXAS I have no major issues with the heat. It's mainly I'm worried about the damn dog, and my kiddos. They are NOT prepared for the heat, even in shorts and sandals and sleeveless shirts. Not like hubby and I growing up before AC was a regular in lots of houses. We can weather the heat pretty well, though I hate the sweating crappola. And never let anyone woman lie and say "we don't sweat, we glisten" - BULLSHIT!!
Anyway, I'm tryin' to find out where to get a listing of the Heat Stress Index keys. IE, is it tied to humidity, heat without humidity, lack of rain, etc, etc, etc. So far I haven't managed to track one down though I am still looking. If you do know how those there thingies work, leave me a comment please.
Oh, and we're now on water restrictions (until September) that prevents me from watering my yard, washing my truck or apparently filling my kids' wading pool except between 2300 and 0700 the next morning. Guess the Slip'n'Slide is out of commission for the summer.
What's pouring out of my speakers at the mo.
Listen to my song
And if you want to sing along
It's about where I belong
TEXAS
Sometimes far into the night
And until the morning light
I pray with all my might
To be in
TEXAS
It's where I want to be
The only place for me
Where my spirit can be free
TEXAS
It's where I want to be
The only place for me
Where my spirit can be free
TEXAS
Listen to my song
And if you want to sing along
It's about where I belong
TEXAS
Willie sings the heartache all ex-pat TEXANS feel. That is all!
All right. This is the kind of Texan woman you DON'T want to screw with - or get caught hurting a child by.
She skewered the perverted bastard with her BBQ fork, after her son wrestled him when he was caught in the act of raping a child. We have the Death Penalty for a reason - and we're the busiest Death House for a reason.
Leave that Homer alone! D'oh!
Shattap! You've givin' us pagans a bad name as whiney little brats that can't tell joke-ass chaulk figures from the real thing!
Ann Bryn-Evans, joint Wessex district manager for The Pagan Federation, said: "It's very disrespectful and not at all aesthetically pleasing.
"We were hoping for some dry weather but I think I have changed my mind. We'll be doing some rain magic to bring the rain and wash it away."
She added: "I'm amazed they got permission to do something so ridiculous. It's an area of scientific interest."
However, Homer my man is far more "aesthetically pleasing" than that gawdawful phallic joke of a 'paganic' symbol. If you want to work on your fertility, how 'bout you stop screwin' on top of a joke from the 1600s and find some REAL paganic magik. But, that would require understanding paganism, instead of dressing in white flowing robes and chanting at Stonehenge to glorify your own stupid ego. And as for the 'federation' you people represent, let me guess - they smoke more hemp than they weave, right??
Oh, and I'm sure the threat of tornadoes, more hail, floods and the like just make your 'members' expound the Goddess and their supposed control over, and 'understanding' of, her. Especially if they can use it to destroy things rather than bring life and health. I hope all their homes are flooded, hail damaged, or torn up by a funnel cloud!
For those that have no understanding of chaulk figures, or why the Cerne Abbas giant is such a freakin' joke in paganic circles - um, it dates to the mid to late 1600s. It's a joke about Oliver Cromwell, apparently carved by one of king Charles' supporters to denegrate the "English Hercules" during the Civil War. It is NOT paganic in origin, nor is it ancient by any stretch of the imagination.
The Uffington White Horse, on the other hand, dates to a minimum of 600BCE, though the dates have gone as far back as 1400BCE. It has been there for millenia - 2 1/2 by the yougest date, damn near 3 1/2 by the oldest date. It survives on Iron Age coins bearing it's image. It's noted on a vellum, in French, dated between 1072 and 1084.
It must be cleared regularly or the grass obscures it - it has been visible pretty much it's entire history, which goes a sight to proving how important the chaulk figure is, and was. It takes a lot of man power to hike that hill, and clean-up that horse. It is not a mild, or quick endevour to say the least.
To spend that much man power, and time, on a chaulk outline of a horse (some argue a different animal) indicates it had high status in society. There's a strong undercurrent to link it to the Uffington Castle just above it, on the top of the hill and inside a ring ditch. There is nothing to substantiate this belief of linkage, just rough ages for the horse and the hill fort.
You stay up for 16 hours
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
If you support your troops, repost the bulletin.
If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever.
You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.
Why Rome fell.
A very interesting post by an Oxford scholar, and author of a book that looks quite fascinating. I'll have to see if we can get it in at the library. Our library staff is quite good about getting difficult to procure books, and facilitating inter-library loans with other USAFE bases.
Now, go read and discuss ...
Woo Buddy! Is that a good movie, or what?!? I'm not impressed with hollywierd's need to repackage creations from 10, 20, 30, or more years ago but they did good on Transformers.
They took some serious liberties with what the Decepticons looked like, but they weren't that hideous so I'll tolerate the alterations. Optimus Prime was a sweet truck, but Bumblebee impressed me. Ratchet was pretty cool too, though Jazz was just a bit too sporty for his speciality.
They showed the USAF and USA in a good light. From what I've read of interviews, they had the Pentagon on board, thus gaining access to information most movie creators never get. They were very respectful to the services, and that's a rarity in hollywierd these days.
The special effects are SPECIAL all right. They'll blow you right out of the water! They're smooth when needed, and big and pounding when it's time too.
"Summer Blockbuster" is a very misused label on films - normally in the vain hope to get enough folks to watch to rake in the dough. However, in Transformers' case it is a more than deserved description. I'd highly recommend this movie, especially to those of my generation (and a little before and after) that remember
TRANSFORMERS - More than meets the eye!
Well, we took the heathens and went to see Ratatouille today. It was actually much better than I would have expected. Not nearly as childish as most animated films, it had quite a grown-up appreciative theme.
Although now, I need to learn how to make ratatouille. I know of it vaguely, though I've never cooked it in my life. Oh well, time to put my kitchen muscle to work.
There is sad news from Texas today. Our beloved Lady Bird has passed away.
She was one of our most beautiful flowers to bloom, and always lived up to her nickname. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. She was a great public servant, and did wonders to beautify America and TEXAS. We've lost another great and honorable lady, and we'll miss her beyond measure but we are greatful for the time we had with her, and all the wonders and creation she wrought.
Oh but ma'am, didn't you represent the best of us. Gentility, grace, beauty, poise and all in the swamp of Washington, and the foisting of power onto your husband's shoulders. Then, you retired quietly, and resumed your normal life but always bringing beauty into the world.
I fear we won't see your likes again in this life time. I'm sure the wildflowers will bloom for you one more time. Even today, my Indian Blankets, Mexican Hats and must beautiful of all - Bluebonnets raise up their colorful heads. TEXAS is a beautiful and blessed land, not least of all because of your kind and loving tenderance to us. This is how I will always see you, but much younger - the body to fit the spirit it held for but a little while.
Farewell sweet Lady Bird, First Lady of Texan hearts. I do believe ma'am, that you lived up to David Crockett's words, and I thank you for making our Republic renowned throughout the world for it's natural beauty.
I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here - Alamo hero Davey Crockett
Well, while I'm nowhere NEAR Miss Butterfly Wife, I did get some cards in the mail to LARMC today. 16 to be exact, with 5 from the heathens included. For the record, my kids don't do so well at cards, though they try really hard.
So - as of today my tally is 16. I'm going to shoot to get some in the mail each week, I just need to go buy more cards from the BX - or make some myself. But right now, I gotta go mow the lawn. Back laters!
And to my readers - MAIL THOSE CARDS!!!
And are we any different today?
65 years ago today a young girl went into hiding with her family, and a only a few others. Why? She called God by the 'wrong' name, and she had to wear a yellow star - a Star of David to indicate her racial "impurity".
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Have we learned any lessons from her suffering? Have we taken her words to heart? Can we look back and say "I did something to help"?
I sincerely hope we can live up to your optimism Liber Anne. Though you died a horrible death at a young age, for the mental issues of a stupid little man, you embodied the very best of the human spirit.
In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.
It takes a beauty, and innocence of the human soul to write such words. Especially as you're hunted down, starved and your friends rounded up. Her writings are some of the very few I carry with me, all my life.
You couldn't see the day of liberation, or of the return of