Thursday Thoughts

Hmmmm, lots and lots of decisions made this past week, my oh my this is fun...well, sort of. Actually it's a little scary too! But we are rolling on and rolling out. Life is going to be different soon. That BIG R word is not just a thought it's reality. How exciting, but how, I don't know, I don't have words for what I am thinking.

So here are my Thursday thoughts:

• I think I'm doing a new blog...
• I'm outta space on this blog for pics :(
• Beautiful bright shiny moon lately is smile material

So, I am out of pictorial space on this blog and I'm very sad. However, since I was already considering starting a new blog this being out of space pretty much seals the deal there will indeed be a new blog. Just trying to sort it all out and make a few administrative decisions. May buy some space to finish out, we'll see, too many decisions coming all at once!

Marine Corps Ball

What an honor and a pleasure to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball with our Marine Corps neighbors! There were 10 of us in all and oh what a time we had! It was so much fun, we all got rooms for the night and enjoyed the entire event. There was a pre-party in 711 and then there was the social hour with the fancy boys along with a stellar cake cutting ceremony then dinner, dancing, clubbing, post party, post, post party and then we called it a night! Some went on back down to the casino floor and brought in the dawn, I wasn't a party pooper but I did need some sleep, and I'm good with that! I was happy to wake early, check out and hit a new to us breakfast spot. 

Guys

 Girls

 The "fancy boys" in the really cool uniforms!

 
Posting the colors

They had a big birthday cake and it was extremely tasty...I might or might not have had two pieces...but in my defense that first piece was a corner piece, a very tiny corner piece that was very little cake and a lot of fondant at that. I did not feel bad wanting another and was delighted when the head Marine guy got me another piece :)

 The bringing in of the birthday cake was quite a ceremonial event, then cutting it was even more so with the big sword serving as the knife and the oldest and youngest present shared the first piece. Pretty neato! 
Happy 237th Birthday Marine Corps! 
Semper Fi!

 MiB & me

It's now three different service balls we have been to and what great memories of them all! Again, such an honor to get to participate in this event with awesome good friends!

Veteran's Day is today. I hope you pause to remember those who have given and continue to give so much for our nation. I hope you are thankful to your United States of America servicemen and women; they are the ones who afford us the freedoms we often take for granted, they are the hero's, they are the moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers who do so much more then just a job! Thank a veteran daily, it does the body good!

For us it's a low key day and would have been even lower key had MiB not had a parade detail; but duty calls, in questionable weather and all. First it was supposed to rain, which for him and the others I am glad that at least the rain stayed to the west; however, we do have some major wind and just a little bit after he left they put us under a tornado watch. Let's just pray it's all good because what a great honor it is to be apart of these events that pay homage to our veteran's.

Oh what a day!

It started early and ended late. I have pictures to share of the most interesting part of the day...

Let me set the stage. The email said in part:

The activity will be "no skills required, no tools required" but may involve glitter.

It went on to say:

We will meet at XXX to assemble centerpieces - no expertise required just willing hands.

Riiiiiight...

I'm telling you I am NOT the crafty one. I am a good worker bee with the right visual aid to follow! But creative, crafty talent  I do not really possess; anyway, I showed up to do my part! So TEAM DB was formed for the morning. We set out on the mission we were given... painting "bulbs", then we moved on to pine cones, and lastly sticks. We did end up doing our share of bottles since a few boxes were found undone towards the end and we non bottle painters pitched in so we could wrap this work group up for the day!

And personally, I think the email was a little bit misleading you DID need skill! But I think I was a quick learner and much was accomplished and we are looking good for the centerpieces for the holiday party.

 The BWBs

 

 Team DB painted pine cones! FYI the silver ones were classy!

 Our bottle stash!

 There were also wine glasses that got an Epsom rim dip.

 

 

 LODE takes us through the bottle blinging process

• Spray the adhesive on the bottle
• Roll the bottle in Epsom salts
• Spray again

 

 After spraying the second time you can add glitter!

 J-Vet shows off the finished bottle masterpiece!

Miss LODE and J-Vet were bottle masterpiece creators extraordinaire. We have over 60 bottles done; I think that's about half way to our needed number. I can forsesee another workday in our future and I can tell you two things: I will wear older shoes and bring gloves! I will also pray for a non windy day.

 RR on bottle duty!

 

 There was a lot of washing up going on!!!

 Casualties of the day...

Thankfully, MiB was at home getting a change of clothes and was able to being me a pair of black shoes since I was on my way to meet him at the CCAF graduation. Thankful also that RR had goo-gone and I was able to clean up my hands to be able to at least be a little more public ready. 

The day ended well with dinner at a new Mexican place for us, Tito's. MiB did enjoy it, I had been there a few weeks ago and liked it just fine as well, so far we gave it the only thumbs up for a Mexican restaurant in this area.

I am hoping for a pretty great weekend, we will be attending the Marine Corps Ball tomorrow night with the ENA crew. Pretty excited about that. Pics will follow :) Have a great weekend.  

Day 30 - the BIG R

I have alluded it to it time and time again over the past several months and we knew it was coming but the reality is in front of us. The decision has been made, set into motion and it's all just a dating game at this point. We will be R.E.T.I.R.I.N.G from Life in the Blue in 2013.

I know I knew this time would come however it seems an untruth to me at this point...

When I say it's been shared I don't mean we have broadcast it, and we won't. Some have known for a while this was coming as the signs have been there. Others have asked straight out and since we aren't one to hide things we might have answered vaguely or put it out there, usually it depended on the person, the venue and individual circumstances; many have no idea. So what I really mean by shared is that MiBs boss knows, he had to approve it after all and honestly, I think he was relieved to get that task over, telling the boss...but most are not in the know. However, this type information will start to get around quickly  and many will know in the weeks/months to come. It sounds funny but I have been working on my answer, you know when I get the question "are you really retiring?" or "why are you retiring?"...it's not easy but I hope I get it down pat and soon with that gracious smile. I want it to be positive, I want it to be unemotional, I want it to be easy, in my mind it will be, in my heart I know differently.

There is no better way to do this then on your own terms, That's the way it should be in MiBs opinion and not hanging around for the next better job, paycheck or even a solid civilian job offer (which he doesn't have, but am I worried, no...okay, maybe a little). It's bittersweet. Should we stay or should we go? That's a song and it's been the 64 million dollar question rolling around in my head for several months. GO, MiBs says, it's time to start a new chapter for us outside the Blue. I am not without reservations, this has been our life for over 26 years. I am not without disappointment, I thought this would be our life for a few more years with new opportunities still to come but MiB says no, it's time; it's been time, we need to go. I am not without satisfaction, this has been a great ride, I feel truly blessed by all that has been and those we have met. I'm just not sure what's to be on the outside, it's a little daunting to think of life not in the Blue and as many years as I have had to deal with the great unknown this time it is different. I'm anxious.

Let's be honest our time here in LA has been exhausting and rewarding and extremely challenging. We came in under less then ideal circumstances both at the base and personally. I think, I hope, we are leaving the Deuce better then we found her. My hope is that we have made some sort of difference and helped; that they knew we truly cared, that we were trying, doing what needed to be done and yet keeping balance. It was not and has never been a job for us. And us, well, we are leaving with some battle wounds, but never fear we have made it through much worse. It's honestly, been a real wild ride but I think it was worth it, I hope it was.

Our 2013 is shaping up to be quite a year...retirement, LilBlue's graduation and then her wedding. Course the retirement I'm not concerned with there will be no hoopla, thankyouverymuch. The graduation will be celebratory for sure but extremely low key. Then the wedding that's the biggie! With so many unknowns added into the mix it's going to be, well, I'm not sure what it's going to be but it's gotta be what she wants it to be so we will be concentrating on that.

Retirement it's part of ordinary life...I have been blogging everyday about my ordinary life and you can read about it here!  I am trying to decide IF Adventures in Blue will continue after life in the Blue is over...I'm perplexed and not in true decision mode but I am mulling it over. I may or may not continue with this blog, or blogging at all; I may continue to blog but open a new blog since the name of this blog will no longer seem appropriate, hmmmm much to consider in the coming days, much indeed.

EDITED: I did start a new blog, you can now find us HERE!

Day 29 - Death

It's not a part of life that is enjoyable but it's still a part of ordinary life.

A man who played a very significant role in my formative years and remained a close confidant, spiritual mentor, financial adviser,all around be there for me kind of guy has gone on to be with his heavenly Father. He was my own father's best friend and since I was raised by my dad we spent a lot of time together with his family. He was a rare gem and he will be missed.

Some of my favorite memories are meeting for coffee. J.C. had a sweet tooth and he loved his treats. Donuts were definitely a treat and he always made sure he had one and me too! He knew my favorite kind and I knew his. In addition whenever we were at his house there was ALWAYS, always, always candy, usually boxed Russell Stovers. The chocolate with nuts or caramel were my favorite and he always knew which ones those were and would tell me which one to pick. He also always had divinity candy at Christmas too. The kind with walnuts or pecans were my favorite. His sister made it, it was the best! I also remember many a chicken dinner with him, he loved chicken, especially fried. Yep, we shared many a meal over the years.

J.C. was NOT just about food, oh my no. He was about life. He was a real guy who lived through some struggles, he was genuine and honest. He told you like it was but with so much love and compassion. He was truly one of a kind. His wife often said they broke the mold after J was born. He served in WWII, didn't talk about it much, but MiB did some research and helped locate some of his citations and awards, he had the purple heart. He flew over 30 combat missions, he was a belly gunner, that's no easy job and many did not come home! We made him a shadow box with his military items, it hung in his room in the Good Samaritan home! He was very humble about his military service.

When we were in Italy, he would say if you ever get to Foggia look up my laundry lady and tell her hi! He and A had hope to make it to Italy to visit us but their health was declining at that time and it just didn't work out. He was a character for sure! He was also a vocalist. Yes, he could sing and sing well. He was the song leader in my childhood church for many years and no one could lead the song service quite like he did. The two I remember the most that he really brought it for were Victory in Jesus and Up from the Grave He Arose. Those two songs hold incredible memories for me! I know he is singing them still. In fact he was singing still last time we visited him all from memory! Truly a joy to hear!

 R. I. P. my friend...

There is so much more I could say, in fact I could go on and on and on about this man...he was truly a man like no other and we lost a good one when we lost J.C. I'm saddened beyond measure but also rest in the assurance of knowing we will meet again someday and oh what a day that will be!

Day 24 - Military - MiB

As you know, or at least I hope you know by now, MiB is my husband and he serves in the United States Air Force. It's a job that is a lifestyle and certainly not 9-5, it's 24/7/365. It's been that way since I can remember. It's our life not just his, that is just the way it is when you are a military family.

 

MiB at a neighborhood event with the littlest Marine!

I have blogged many of our experiences as a military family but thought I would hit on some of the ordinary things again. We have an opportunity to do many things and many things are just a part of this life. Promotions and retirements are regular occurrences. They are always happening usually weekly.

 Recent Chief retirement...

 Senior Master Sgt Promo from a ways back...

Then there are the community events, mixers, luncheons, dinners. Once you get to know folks those are enjoyable as well, this community as I have said before has some phenomenal folks who bring the support, they don't just give us lip service they back it up! It's incredible and we feel so blessed by these organizations who show up to GIVE and give generously to this base.

And there are military related functions too, some are unexplainable and you get so much more then you realize out of them. Recently, our base hosted a handful of Wounded Warriors. They came to hunt on the thousands of acreage here. The night before their hunt was a dinner and we met the guys. These were no ordinary guys...they were truly warriors and hero's. I was in awe. I was also a little bit embarrassed that earlier in the day I was complaining about my foot hurting. Yeah, being around these guys made me realize how petty my whining was. I mean I sat with JJ a double amputee who was a very upbeat young man who wasn't complaining or whining about his "feet"! And then there was Thomas our other table mate. I've gotta tell you this guy was a poster child for living life with an attitude of gratitude, he was amazing. I just loved his spirit immediately.

Words cannot convey how touched I was from this event.

Not all events are as enjoyable as the one above. There are times I feel like we are a display, almost like a zoo exhibit. This happens inadvertently I'm sure but it still happens, it's awkward and we just move on. Some folks have never had the experience of knowing people in or affiliated with the military and they just don't think before speaking. It's nothing really but it's something that often leaves me feeling odd. I've probably done the same in some other situation.

Military life to me is as ordinary as the air I breath. I know this is not the case for many. Even some of my young counterparts as they are just entering this blue world and are learning to navigate the waters are soooo lost. I hope they just press on and embrace it, it's not like anything else but it's worth the efforts of learning this world/culture; it really is!

Day + # blogging explanation here.

Day 19 - SBC

Shreveport / Bossier City is the area we are in now. Until we moved here SBC always meant Southern Baptist Convention in my mind! So seeing this reference around town and in emails always messes me up!

Anyway, the SBC area is quite impressive. The BC Chamber of Commerce is fantabulous, they absolutely love the base and treat us so very well and they advocate for us too. It's very nice to be liked! Shreveport also has a lot to offer, they have some museums that are worth a look and there are some impressive landmarks too. We recently went to the Robinson and had a really enjoyable evening there, I want to go back. There was a film showing there right after we moved here that I wanted to see but we didn't make it. Now I will be watching for their schedule so we can make it again soon! We are enjoying our time here. The northern part of the state is so very different then the southern. We have been down to NOLA a couple times and it's an enjoyable destination especially for people watching.

A little know fact is that Shreveport is a really big movie filming area. I mean who knew that? I didn't until we moved here! There are also a few shows that tape or have taped pretty close to here. Ever heard of Billy the Exterminator? Yeah, he's just right up the road and he used to be in the USAF as well, small world isn't it? Duck Dynasty is filmed right over in Monroe, LA which is only 60 or so miles away. Then there is that Bayou Billionaire show that films just outside of the downtown Shreveport area. I've never seen either one of those shows but they are local and the topic of many conversations! Further south you have Swamp People, my father really likes that show and so do the Littles so I know a something about it. We recently had a gator hunt right here on the base and they wanted Jacob to come but he didn't.

The Bossier City area also boasts a nice civic center and the CenturyLink not to mention all the casinos, oh my, are there casinos, LOTS of them. We aren't really casino goers but I have to say the bonus of these places is they provide awesome venues for big events. Their facilities are nice and they always work with the base to get acceptable prices and then they offer awesome room prices so it's a sweet deal! We will be attending another event downtown at the Eldorado and staying the night in early November so it's pretty awesome!

All in all we are enjoying our time in SBC living our ordinary life!

By now you probably get the Day + # post but in case you are late to the party the information is here!

Day 15 - Favorites

I like many things, but there are some things I REALLY like, I guess you could say I have favorites. Truly this is not an all encompassing list. My taste change, I change, my surroundings change and so one. Today these are a few of my current favorites!

Bath & Body Works Body Sprays

Vera bags for travel/meetings

Wine is a favorite and currently Chianti is what I'm enjoying!

Veggies I love them...pretty much anyway you fix them or not fixed at all!

 This is a two-fer, I love, love, love pizza AND the guy holding it :)
 

Chobani yogurt preferably pineapple but apple is nice as well! 

(And I do love whipped cream as well)

Hmmmm, seems I favor food and drink...yeah, no wonder my scales are not my friend :( I seriously cannot even begin to list all the things I love. there are so many. It's almost embarrassing so I think I should stop!

However, I will leave you with the RW&B...because I do love my country and am so blessed to be an American and military spouse. Life doesn't get much better then this in my world! Maybe it's not so ordinary after all this life I lead, in fact truth be told I know it's not...this life I am allowed to live is anything but ordinary but I tend to try and believe it is.
 
The Day + # posting thing going on is explained here.

Day 4 - Calendaring

I have the opportunity to add things to my calendar daily. It can be a little bit overwhelming at times. Most days it is a joy to attend the myriad of events that are available. Honestly, as with most things in ordinary life I sometimes enjoy certain things more then others. I do not think I have the market cornered on thoughts like that, I'm sure that most people feel that way. I do really enjoy the people I have the opportunity to see at these events for the most part! Sometimes it's like mini reunions because we only see each other at quarterly events. Some of these folks feel more like family since we see them much more often!

 This week's calendar...

Keep in mind I took the picture on Sunday before I looked at my folder from the office...more things could/will/should/can be added at any time :)

The thing I find challenging about all this calendaring is that we can find ourselves coming and going for all the attending we attend. I find that I meet people and gravitate back to them to check in on how they are and don't always get around to meet some of the newcomers. However, I make an effort to meet as many as I can. I do this because I try to never lose the "new girl" feeling. This makes me sad and I try really hard to reach out to the newbies because as life has it I often feel like the newbie or I am the newbie and try to never forget that mindset of what it's like to be the newbie.

Being here in LA we have had the fullest calendar ever I do believe. There are a number of factors that have contributed to that. One is that we are at a BIG base, two the job my husband serves in and three the community here is uber supportive and invites the leadership to lots of things. Again, it's fun, lots of opportunities and we usually enjoy all of it. It's not really ordinary to be this busy, but it's part of this season of our life here, it's all good and I know one day we will miss the people in this business. 

If you are not sure what's going on with the DAY +# postings check here!

Weekend WrapUP

Once again we have had a fun, full weekend! The fun started Friday at neighbor's promo! Congrats MAJOR!

Promo at Hanger2

Then we went on to a function at the club came home to a little round the table time. 


Saturday was rainy but not as much as today. We got out and got our errands done before the neighborhood gathering. That was a Mexican feast complete with The Machine in full operation. We tried our hands at strawberry daiquiri's. IF we do them again there will need to be tweaking but they were acceptable for a first time batch! 

 The Machine is filled and ready!

Good time was had by all! There was even some football watching amongst the eating and visiting! Go Game Cocks. Would you believe that until last night I NEVER new there was a team that had such a name? We had a very faithful avid Game Cock fan in the house I learned much!

 Game Cock fan!

 Football fans!

 Today has been a lazy day as the rain has continued to fall and it is steady unlike yesterday where it was sprinkling mostly. On and off for most of the day with smatterings of steady falling rain coming late in the evening. Today we woke up to semi wetness and then pretty much steady falling rain has commenced. We toyed with the idea of a movie but did not follow through. It's just been one of those nice, slow, relaxing days, though I had thoughts of being productive I pretty much just stayed right next to MiB in our favorite chair all the day long! Watched a little golf and a little football and did a lot of snuggling! Life is good :)

NOTE: The opening of the 31 day challenge will open tonight...so I'm really trying to get my act together and get linked up. I am not going with my with Day 1 posting. I'm just going to link up the one I talked about the challenge a few days back! I sure hope I can figure it all out as I do not want to be late to the party...

Thursday Thoughts!

Howdy! Thursday has crept up on me again...ack!

So it's been a normal week, going to and fro and living life in between. It hit me yesterday in a meeting that OCTOBER is almost here! Wow, I am in a wee bit of shock. I have much that I would like to do and had intended to have some of it done before October 1. We'll see.

I also think I want to do the 31 Days again...but I had thought I would do better planning this time. Guess not...

Off to the Attic this morning and then ALS graduation this evening.

Thoughts:

• Running & walking :)
• Good to talk to family this week!
• Looking forward to neighbor gathering :)
• We are still having nice and warm temps!!

Happy 65th BIG Blue!

It's the 65th birthday of the USAF...

Weekend WrapUp

The weekend was once again waaaay too short! Friday evening was spent with the neighbors enjoying THE machine, we had the proper supplies so it was a good mixture.

 Neighborhood Crew minus a few...

Then Saturday we took in the Dragon Boat races where I did not take one single picture...hmmm. And one of our very own 2d wing teams took 3rd OVERALL. Way to go AMXS :) In between boat racing MiB took me to lunch at Jersey Mike's, which I do enjoy, this time we tried a hot sub. It did not disappoint, the Philly cheese steak is way good but can only be a treat as it is very high in the caloric intake and we know I am trying to watch that :/ Then we had another evening of desserts where we took a lovely cheesecake with sweet strawberries on top. Again, sorry no picture :( I was just not in picture taking mode that day I guess...

Today was a nice relaxing start, then it was airport shuttle time.

 

 Smiling, before being stuck in Dallas for over three hours...

For some reason I did have an odd feeling about today's journey.Not a BAD feeling I just thought hmmm, I hope it goes smooth but I had that gut feeling it wouldn't, turns out my gut was right. There was a delay with the plane coming into Dallas and once it was finally there they still had plane part issues. After over three hours in delays they were finally off the ground. What's even worse is once he was in Dallas turns out he could of "caught a ride" with the higher up guy on the installation who was going to the same location. Gotta love communication and coordination or lack thereof. Such is life, he will be much later, hungry and tired but he will be. He will make the most of it and will have a great week as there will be reunions and celebrations for one of our own being named a TOP 10 :) It's all good. He has just safely landed in our nation's capital and hopefully he will make it to the hotel without any issues and sleep well! Though I know he is hungry so there may be a Mickey D's or some other food stop first!

Have a great week, I plan to. And while I had hoped it would be a little slower and quieter while MiB is gone looking at my calendar that is not the case. Oh, well, welcome to the third week of September. Can you believe that? There are only three FULL months left of this year...oh my, I feel time is passing too quickly.

Thursday Thoughts and TOES :)

Great day to you, temps are still warm but not so HOT, makes this girl smile. Love the coolness of the mornings as I am for my morning run/walk, it's sooooo nice! Today was Attic day, I was so excited to see the girls as it's been two weeks since I have been able to go. Life has been full as of late. Going to the Attic is something that I so totally enjoy. Even when I hear grumblings. But really I don't hear many, seriously. I mean there are somedays when you hear more then others about not so great things. And sometimes I happen upon circumstances that I can assist with and that always makes for a good day. Amazing, what a phone call can do when someone has been trying for weeks to get a pay issue straightened out or a housing maintenance issue that seems beyond ridiculous has been going on for weeks, it's good to be able to help out, I like that :) 

I also enjoy hearing about experiences by way of conversation. Today a young Airmen met an Airmen of the Month board for the very first time. Hearing about his experience was awesome, he was so proud and excited and was very complimentary of his supervisor who had walked him through the process "took care of him" so to speak. He actually felt sorry for the other two candidates as their supervisors had not given them insights into the process and they were nervous and ill-prepared, he was gracious enough to share with them what he could as they were waiting. THAT is a GREAT WINGMAN, This young man will go far!

Another perk of being at the Attic is seeing all the babies. Today there were many, some with painted toes, it was adorable!

. These are pretty toes :)

Those toes belong to New York...isn't she adorable!

More adorable toes!!!

Those belong to Wyoming :)

Thoughts:

• I'm gonna miss this...
• Fall is coming, I know it!
• Proper supplies have been secured :)

Happy day to you, I'm fixing dinner, black bean soup, yummy!

9-11-01 no words...