Sunday, March 23, 2008
No Suprise
Ronnie's birthday is on Easter. I decided last weekend to throw him a suprise pary on Saturday. The suprise was ruined. Everyone still came over. The birthday cake had to be the only cake Ronnie would eat.....yellow with chocolete frosting. One of the guys decided to make it an 'off road' cake. The plan was to use hot wheels. Great idea.....it turned out the be the best and worst cake I have ever seen!
Detour
Last weekend, we were invited to a wedding. I had duty and could not go but Ronnie and some friends went. As they were driving across the island on Cross Island Road, someone (who will not be named) decided it would be a good idea to check out a mud pit. So they did and got stuck! Here is a picture of the place about 7 months ago.
Here is what Ronnie's jeep looked like after last weekend.
They were obviously late for the wedding, but they did make it!
Here is what Ronnie's jeep looked like after last weekend.
They were obviously late for the wedding, but they did make it!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Damage is Done
Our desk top computer decided to stop working last week, kinda. We could log on to it and work for about 10 minutes. Then, our screen would go blank and the computer would shut off.....all by it's self.
We decided to get a new one. We spoke to several friends to get advice on what we should get and look for. I built a laptop on line and had a few people look over it see if it was a good system for the things that we were planning on using it for. A few minor adjustmets were made and it was discovered that this particular laptop would take about 6 weeks to get here (yet another company that does not ship to military addresses). So I meet Ronnie at the store and we looked. The only laptop they had that compared to the one I built was the same price. It had some features we did not need and was lacking quite a few that we did need. Needless to say, we had a disagreement in the store and left.
This last Saturday we decided to go back. A friend met us there and helped us compare what was available. The one Ronnie wanted was the only one that was a real option for us. I was stil upset about the missing programs. I decided to go ahead and get it. So, we have a new laptop (it is more like a portable CPU...it is big)!
Later Saturday afternoon, we found out what might be the problem with our CPU. The fan on the processor had stopped working. Yesterday Ronnie and I went to a local computer company and they had the part and were able to install it right away! We spend a signigicant amount on the laptop and the cost to fix the CPU that is now working fine.......$35!
We decided to get a new one. We spoke to several friends to get advice on what we should get and look for. I built a laptop on line and had a few people look over it see if it was a good system for the things that we were planning on using it for. A few minor adjustmets were made and it was discovered that this particular laptop would take about 6 weeks to get here (yet another company that does not ship to military addresses). So I meet Ronnie at the store and we looked. The only laptop they had that compared to the one I built was the same price. It had some features we did not need and was lacking quite a few that we did need. Needless to say, we had a disagreement in the store and left.
This last Saturday we decided to go back. A friend met us there and helped us compare what was available. The one Ronnie wanted was the only one that was a real option for us. I was stil upset about the missing programs. I decided to go ahead and get it. So, we have a new laptop (it is more like a portable CPU...it is big)!
Later Saturday afternoon, we found out what might be the problem with our CPU. The fan on the processor had stopped working. Yesterday Ronnie and I went to a local computer company and they had the part and were able to install it right away! We spend a signigicant amount on the laptop and the cost to fix the CPU that is now working fine.......$35!
Better Left Unsaid
Many times in life we are faced with tough obsticles. Some times we make the right choice and sometimes we make one that is not soo good. No matter what, when you explain these choices, somethings are better left unsaid, or do we really want to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
A popular military movie stated that, "You can't handle the truth". I have always been one to put all of the cards on the table and expected others to do the same. Sometimes this is hard to dish out and hard to swallow. It is said that you should not ask the question if you are not willing to accept the answer.
I struggle very frequently with my occupation. I often ask myself if I can really do this for another 10 years, 10 months and 24 days. Things are ofter not done in the way that I like or appove of and that makes it difficult at times.
This month our annual evaluations were perfomed. These evaluations are used for everything from promotions so further education opertunities, to duty station assignments. I have been in a leadership position for a long time so I understand very well how this process is suppose to work. Everyone provides imput on the last 12 months, this imput is put into a specified format, and everyone who is being evaluated gets 'compared' to each other and is ranked 1-whatever. This is where the problem comes it. I feel and interpret the manuals for this process to be: He who is the best IS THE BEST. Not everyone feels this way. Many people take other things in concideration that are really not relevent to job performance and the many other standards that military members are held to. One example is time in location. I don't care if someone has been in a job for 3 years or 1. Who is the best performer? Who gets the most done and gets it done correctly.
We also get an annual evaluation halfway through the year that tells us what we need to work on as an individual. This is not ranked and is just guidance. When we get our annual evaluation, questions often follow. When you are getting debriefed on your evaluation sometimes things are brought to light that are not located on your evaluation. Way to often I hear of people being told, "You are the number one at this command, but Joe Smo has been here longer. I lost hours of sleep over this choice and it was debated and revisited several times. Sorry". WHAT THE HELL.
I have seen this situation and many very close to it and it discusts me that we are expected to die for our country but can not get the credit we deserve for the hard work and dedication that we provide. I can not decide if I would rather hear the truth in this situation, of if it is something that truly is better left unsaid.
A popular military movie stated that, "You can't handle the truth". I have always been one to put all of the cards on the table and expected others to do the same. Sometimes this is hard to dish out and hard to swallow. It is said that you should not ask the question if you are not willing to accept the answer.
I struggle very frequently with my occupation. I often ask myself if I can really do this for another 10 years, 10 months and 24 days. Things are ofter not done in the way that I like or appove of and that makes it difficult at times.
This month our annual evaluations were perfomed. These evaluations are used for everything from promotions so further education opertunities, to duty station assignments. I have been in a leadership position for a long time so I understand very well how this process is suppose to work. Everyone provides imput on the last 12 months, this imput is put into a specified format, and everyone who is being evaluated gets 'compared' to each other and is ranked 1-whatever. This is where the problem comes it. I feel and interpret the manuals for this process to be: He who is the best IS THE BEST. Not everyone feels this way. Many people take other things in concideration that are really not relevent to job performance and the many other standards that military members are held to. One example is time in location. I don't care if someone has been in a job for 3 years or 1. Who is the best performer? Who gets the most done and gets it done correctly.
We also get an annual evaluation halfway through the year that tells us what we need to work on as an individual. This is not ranked and is just guidance. When we get our annual evaluation, questions often follow. When you are getting debriefed on your evaluation sometimes things are brought to light that are not located on your evaluation. Way to often I hear of people being told, "You are the number one at this command, but Joe Smo has been here longer. I lost hours of sleep over this choice and it was debated and revisited several times. Sorry". WHAT THE HELL.
I have seen this situation and many very close to it and it discusts me that we are expected to die for our country but can not get the credit we deserve for the hard work and dedication that we provide. I can not decide if I would rather hear the truth in this situation, of if it is something that truly is better left unsaid.
Other Side of the World
With all of the technology the world has today you would think that it is easy to keep up on EVERYTHING and for the most part. Log onto the Internet or turn on CNN. You will see things that are going on right now. You can log in to various messenger services, hook up a web cam and see people 5,000 miles away from you. You can use satellite programs and zoom in on your childhood home. Yet, it is not the same as seeing your newborn nephew or your sister graduate from high school.
I have been in the Navy for nine years and have spent 4 of them out side of the United States and I have missed many things. We planned to go home in October of this year (half way through our tour on a remote island in the Pacific) and participate in some important events. Ronnie's sister had a baby last October and is getting married this October. One of Ronnie's best friends just moved half way across the country. Ronnie has never been to New Orleans nor has he experienced the rich history of the South. We planned on spending 25 days catching up, celebrating, and traveling (something we love to do but really can't on an island that you can drive around in 3 hours).
After careful budget analysis and debates, it is just not feasible. Plane tickets are 2 grand a piece. A rental car and gas for 25 days is about 2 grand and 5 nights in hotels makes a grand total of 7 thousand dollars! This does not include food, shopping, visiting Plantations that line HWY 90 in South-east Louisiana or anything else we come across that we decide to do.
You would think that with the technology that we have, it would not cost this much, but we were both surprised when we realized what we were about to commit ourselves to. I hope that everyone back home anticipating our trip is not too disappointed and realizes that we are both bumbed about this painful decision, but we just can't do it. We will however, take advantage of the technology more. My goal is to make at least one entry a week (instead of 5 in one day once a month). We do plan on taking a much smaller (and affordable) vacation soon and will take lots of pictures for all to enjoy.
For those of you planning or wishing to come visit, our door is open and we would love to share our experiences of the island and culture with you on the other side of the world!
I have been in the Navy for nine years and have spent 4 of them out side of the United States and I have missed many things. We planned to go home in October of this year (half way through our tour on a remote island in the Pacific) and participate in some important events. Ronnie's sister had a baby last October and is getting married this October. One of Ronnie's best friends just moved half way across the country. Ronnie has never been to New Orleans nor has he experienced the rich history of the South. We planned on spending 25 days catching up, celebrating, and traveling (something we love to do but really can't on an island that you can drive around in 3 hours).
After careful budget analysis and debates, it is just not feasible. Plane tickets are 2 grand a piece. A rental car and gas for 25 days is about 2 grand and 5 nights in hotels makes a grand total of 7 thousand dollars! This does not include food, shopping, visiting Plantations that line HWY 90 in South-east Louisiana or anything else we come across that we decide to do.
You would think that with the technology that we have, it would not cost this much, but we were both surprised when we realized what we were about to commit ourselves to. I hope that everyone back home anticipating our trip is not too disappointed and realizes that we are both bumbed about this painful decision, but we just can't do it. We will however, take advantage of the technology more. My goal is to make at least one entry a week (instead of 5 in one day once a month). We do plan on taking a much smaller (and affordable) vacation soon and will take lots of pictures for all to enjoy.
For those of you planning or wishing to come visit, our door is open and we would love to share our experiences of the island and culture with you on the other side of the world!
The Smell
Our home is a frequent for a few of Ronnie's co-workers. They come over, hang out, eat, drink, play video games, play with Ares, and pass out. I get up the next morning (usually about 7), and cook breakfast.
For the last few weeks, one of our friends from the ship has been staying with us because he moved here and had to wait until his house was ready to move in. A few weekends ago one of the guys stayed over and was sitting on the living room couch. Our house guest was upstairs. Ronnie and I were in the kitchen getting breakfast together. We hear this strange noise and some yelling. Ronnie practicaly runs me over getting out of the kitchen and into the hall way. There was this smell that hit me as he ran past. As I got to the hall way I saw I sight that I can not fully remember or describe. Our house guest was standing about 4 steps up from the bottom of the stairs, the couch guy was at the bottom of the stairs, and Ronnie was squatting while holding Ares in his hands.
Ares had apparently walked around our living room table, stepped on a plastic bag, got scared and ran straight. If you assumed that the stairs were straight in front of him, than you are correct! (Keep in mind that the lower level of our house is tile.) As Ares tried to stop on the tile floor he slid. Right in between the rails of our stairs!
Ares is fighting the stair case and Ronnie to get out with no luck. Ronnie gets him to calm down and as I approach them, this smell gets stronger. I tried to turn his head and get him out, but we could not. The two guys tried to but some stress on the rails to help get Ares out but that did not work either. While they tried to do a few more things, I noticed that there were a few deposits on the floor under Ronnie right about the time he put his foot down. His immediate verbal expression of frustration describded the deposits on the floor! I tried to clean this up while the guys continued to free Ares' head from the vicious stairwell. At this point I started looking for something to cut the railing. We have the bread knife, the electric knife, a machete. Nothing seemed like a good idea. Ronnie then told me to grab his Leatherman because it had a saw on it.
This worked and freed Ares. Now, we have burnt biscuts for breakfast and a pile of poop on the floor that Ronnie is trying not to spread. Ares wanted nothing to do with the stairs for about 2 hours. He also had a cut on each side of his face (minor) and a few scratches on his paws and legs from trying to get out.
The thing that amazes me most in all of this is not the wonder of how he fit his head through the bars and we could not get them back out, rather how I am 27 and still gag at the thought of cleaning up poop! It is amazing that I have been in health care for 12 years and it still gets to me. I do not know how people can change baby diapers and not gag. I can tell you that I have smelled two things that I will never forget. Burning flesh and Scared-out-of-you defication.
For the last few weeks, one of our friends from the ship has been staying with us because he moved here and had to wait until his house was ready to move in. A few weekends ago one of the guys stayed over and was sitting on the living room couch. Our house guest was upstairs. Ronnie and I were in the kitchen getting breakfast together. We hear this strange noise and some yelling. Ronnie practicaly runs me over getting out of the kitchen and into the hall way. There was this smell that hit me as he ran past. As I got to the hall way I saw I sight that I can not fully remember or describe. Our house guest was standing about 4 steps up from the bottom of the stairs, the couch guy was at the bottom of the stairs, and Ronnie was squatting while holding Ares in his hands.
Ares had apparently walked around our living room table, stepped on a plastic bag, got scared and ran straight. If you assumed that the stairs were straight in front of him, than you are correct! (Keep in mind that the lower level of our house is tile.) As Ares tried to stop on the tile floor he slid. Right in between the rails of our stairs!
Ares is fighting the stair case and Ronnie to get out with no luck. Ronnie gets him to calm down and as I approach them, this smell gets stronger. I tried to turn his head and get him out, but we could not. The two guys tried to but some stress on the rails to help get Ares out but that did not work either. While they tried to do a few more things, I noticed that there were a few deposits on the floor under Ronnie right about the time he put his foot down. His immediate verbal expression of frustration describded the deposits on the floor! I tried to clean this up while the guys continued to free Ares' head from the vicious stairwell. At this point I started looking for something to cut the railing. We have the bread knife, the electric knife, a machete. Nothing seemed like a good idea. Ronnie then told me to grab his Leatherman because it had a saw on it.
This worked and freed Ares. Now, we have burnt biscuts for breakfast and a pile of poop on the floor that Ronnie is trying not to spread. Ares wanted nothing to do with the stairs for about 2 hours. He also had a cut on each side of his face (minor) and a few scratches on his paws and legs from trying to get out.
The thing that amazes me most in all of this is not the wonder of how he fit his head through the bars and we could not get them back out, rather how I am 27 and still gag at the thought of cleaning up poop! It is amazing that I have been in health care for 12 years and it still gets to me. I do not know how people can change baby diapers and not gag. I can tell you that I have smelled two things that I will never forget. Burning flesh and Scared-out-of-you defication.
What happened to February
It came and it went. I don't even remember what all happened. It was here and it was gone. I am not sure where it went. Ronnie told me that we were not going to do anything except go out to eat. I come home and he has 2 card on the kitchen counter. The first one was from Ronnie that said some thing about giving me jewlrey and it had a button on the inside that said "Worlds Greatest Wife". The second was from Ares. It said, "I lick my feet, I lick your feet. I lick my leg, I lick your leg. I lick my arm, I lick your arm. I lick my butt, I lick your face"! It was really cute.
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