Tuesday's Ten: Things I See Differently

I actually look forward to pulling out the garbage can.

There are a lot of things that are "givens" about any time our Soldier is "away". Something will break, someone will get sick, on and on. But there are a few things that I hold onto, that give me a little bit of pleasure, when he's gone.

1. Trash Day. Since I measure extra-long "away" by the number of trash days, every time I'm out at the curb it gives me a little bit of joy.

2. Counter space. This was a real issue in previous homes, where there was precious little real estate in the bathroom. In our current home, we have double sinks. When he's away? I use 'em both.

3. Shaving in the winter. Why bother?

4. Pillows. I have LOTS of them, all over the bed. Granted, the reason I do this is so I don't stretch out across the bed at an angle that is guaranteed to kill my back, but...

5. Dinnertime. Especially with just me and Little G, dinner time is really, really simple. Meal planning? I might get a handle on it in a few months.

6. Mail time! Sometimes there is a card or a note or a simple "hello". I LOVE getting mail but during long "aways" this is extra special.

7. Hugs. Growing up, I was never that physically demonstrative with people, especially those I didn't know very well. Family, sure - but friends? People I had just met? The Army has made me a hugger. Not only does it help me when My G is away, to have that human touch, but I have noticed it helps other people.

8. Technology. I have always liked new technology. I don't necessarily need to know how something works, but I will learn how to use it when it is available to me. And when My G is gone, I enjoy how technology makes so many things easier than any previous military generation has ever had it.

9. Church. As Pastor Franks would say, "Glory!!"

10. The simple things. Stuff that works the way it should, medicine that makes us feel better, a kind word, a bright sunshiny day, the buds on the trees or the first little stabs of green coming (too soon) through the mulch. When something big is difficult, the small things become so much more important.

Tuesday's Ten - When to Ask For Help

1. Yes, I did open my orange Crush with a wrench. I nearly asked a neighbor, but I decided I didn't want the soda that much. Plus I thought they might laugh at me but, seriously, the darn thing was stuck tight.

2. The bowl in the background was made by Little G in art class. It's a lovely, colorful, lightweight bowl made from papier mache. The flower painted inside it makes me smile.

3. I hit an emotional wall today, about a week into this thing. But it was a little bitty wall, and I stepped over it rather than tripping over or smashing into it. I consider that a "win".

4. I spent a good portion of my morning watching tiny children chase each other around my classroom while their mothers chatted, ignoring the children. This irritates me.

5. The children then gave me hugs before they left. This helps make it better.

6. I am thoroughly enjoying blogging again. It may be a huge saving grace this year.

7. During any extended "away," I am like that poor dog in "Up" - SQUIRREL!!. My thoughts jump around like drops of oil on a hot skillet.

8. All yesterday I thought it was Tuesday. I woke up thinking it was Wednesday. By Friday, I'll assume it's time for summer vacation.

9. It's getting late, but....

10. This Orange Crush tastes really good.

Tuesday's Ten: Why I Am So Tired

I had last week all planned.  Lots of writing, then pack my stuff and head off to bring Big G back for summer classes.  It was going to be a whirlwind trip, but fun, too, and not a big deal.

Whew.

At the other side of it, I am wiped out.  Big G slept reallllly late today (but in her own room...so nice) and I crashed for a nap this morning after Little G went to school.

So why am I so tired?

1.  I managed to smash my right big toe not once, but twice last week.  Limping makes everything harder.

2. At the last minute, Little G and I realized that she had an after-school presentation thingy Thursday.

3.  On Friday, Little G had to be at school an hour early to head off on an all-day field trip.  Then it was time to fly...that was the smoothest part of the whole trip, I must say.  Yay, American Airlines!

4.  Friday afternoon, I helped Big G sort out the rest of her packing.

5.  Friday night, I got to watch a (schmaltzy) movie with my Mom.  That was a neat treat, and well worth the fatigue from staying up too late.

6.  Saturday, I woke up at 6.  Really?!  Nothing woke me up...just BLINK and I was awake.

7.  More packing....But we got almost everything in and only had to ship one big item.

8.  Dinner with My G's parents and his Grandma and cousin...I am so incredibly blessed to have married into this family!

9.  Another movie...this one was MUCH better.  We laughed and talked a lot.

10.  The drive here took at least 2 1/2 hours longer than it should have.  I'm still not sure what happened.   We didn't take lunch, other than eating in the car, and dinner took half an hour.  We did stretch our legs to gas up but it still shouldn't have taken us that long...It was earrrrllllyyy the next morning when we got in.

Bonus:  Adjusting to having two kids again instead of one, adjusting to having an adult child in the house, adjusting to schedules and end of school for Little G, still in deployment/independent mode, healing toes, confused cats, weird weather and trying to do a job hunt...  Nah, those wouldn't be part of it now, would they?

Tuesday's Ten: Books I Have Never Actually Read

There are many "must-read" books that I have never actually gotten all the way through.  Many of them were assigned in school, so I know the basic idea, but I got very good, very young, at figuring out what was needed without actually, erm, READING the book.  I spent some serious time on Goodreads today, filling in books I would like to read, and updating my "oh gosh I couldn't even finish this book" shelf.

Just for fun, here are ten books I'm rather embarrassed to not have read:

1.  1984.  As an adult, I'd like to try this one again.  But in a high school class where we read book after depressing, dark, horrible book-- I couldn't do it.

2.  Moby Dick.  We were supposed to have finished it.  Mmm...No.

3.  The Bible.  I will admit I read this more as a collection of stories or poems or truths than a full-fledged, all-the-way-through book.

4.  Heart of Darkness.  This was just awful.  See above about the dark books.  I wonder sometimes if that teacher had issues with depression?

5.  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  This one may stun more of my friends than the Bible.  What can I say?  I have interesting friends.

6.  The Shining.  It's been on my list for a long time.  I just have never picked it up.

7.  Gone With the Wind.

8. Brave New World.  Like 1984, it is possible to know quite a lot about a book without actually ever READING it.

9.  Uncle Tom's Cabin.  How is it I've never read this?

10.  Catch-22.  Any book that creates a phrase and sums up a situation with its title deserves to be at least skimmed...but, no. Not yet.

So what's on your list?

My favorite bookstore.

Tuesday's Ten: 20

Yesterday, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

Two decades have gone by since we said "I do".

It's a long time.

We were all the things we shouldn't have been.  Young.  Not fully independent; heck I still lived at home.  Unprepared.

But we were also many of the things that a couple should be:  Friends, similar in values, determined to learn about each other, accepting.  

That friendship thing goes a long way when you have a disagreement.

This week, we celebrate all the important stuff.  Twenty years of laughter, of support, of hugs, of shared joy, of shared pain.  It's pretty amazing.  Glenn's family has a long tradition of "keepers"-- his grandparents celebrated 61 years together before his Grandpa passed, and his parents have been married more than 45.  We've learned from the best.

What happens in 20 years?

1.  We've had 5 elections and are heading into number 6.

2.  We've had 3 Presidents.  We might get a fourth this fall.

3.  Oklahoma City, Columbine High School, and both World Trade Center attacks, as well as the attack on the Pentagon-- they all happened.

4.  Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Irene, Ike and more have all wreaked untold damage.

5.  Nearly 80 million babies were born in the US.  Two of those were ours.

6.  The US military has fought in Somalia, Bosnia/Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.  (Those were the big newsmakers; we know other military members have been assigned elsewhere when it wasn't exactly peaceful.)

7.  We have lost pets, and gained new loves.

8.  We have moved 5 times, which for a military family is a pretty small number.

9.  Together, our children have attended 9 schools, not including after-school or day care/preschool programs.

10.  Three deployments, three years of recruiting, one tour in Korea and untold NTC/gunnery/STX/field trainings later-- Yeah, I'd still do it again.

20 Years, 20 Roses

Tuesday's Ten: So Much Bigger

So today, for reasons I may write about later, I am thinking about some pretty deep things.  But they are manageable at this point, so I am going to focus instead on things that are much bigger than I am, much bigger and scarier than even what we are facing this week.

1.  The doctor, who came here from another country so his children would have a better chance for freedom.  He calls his mother every day he can, for she is still in a war-torn region that erupts with daily, unimaginable violence.

2.  The woman, earning pennies above the poverty line, who lives in fear that something will break, or fail, or need fixes she knows she cannot afford.

3.  The Soldier, coming home, unsure if he will still have a job or even the services he has earned.

4.  The child, frightened of her parents.

5.  The Mom, watching her hair fall to the floor and knowing that it's just a baby step in her fight for her life.

6.  The college graduate, thousands of dollars in debt, searching for a job and unable to even flip burgers because they are overqualified.

7.  Soldiers/Airmen/Marines/Sailors, away from their families and wanting so badly to hold hands and give hugs during Murphy's visits.

8.  A school is reeling today after a shooting left one student in critical care and an officer on administrative leave.

9.  The teacher, doing the best they can but stuck between school districts that are top-heavy and inefficient and parents who never told their children "no".

10.  I'll leave this one blank for you to fill in for yourself-- I'm sure you get the idea.

The fact is, every day, even as we are in our own small little sections of the world and wrapped up in whatever crisis is affecting us right then, there are the foes of fear, waste, sloth, apathy and anger affecting others, too.  How can we be anything less than understanding of others' battles?

How can we be less than kind?

Tuesday's Ten: WANT To-Do

I'm a list maker.  That's why the Tuesday blog is fun for me, because I think in bullets and in lists and line-by-line anyway.

Hmm...I hope it's fun for you, too.  Anyway.

I am always making to-do lists.  Errands to run, places to go, things to look up next time the laptop is powered on, items to clean...  Things that, in all reality, MUST get done.  It's part of running a house and having kids and really, just living.

But what about those things I want to do?  Where is the list for that?

Things I WANT to do:

1.  Make some cards.  I got all the paper cut and prepped yesterday for some freehand simple card making.  Now to put them together and actually make (and mail) the cards.

2.  Go for a walk. It is a really nice day out today and I will kick myself later this summer if I have not fully enjoyed the spring.

3.  Have a bowl of peanut M&Ms.  

4.  Write.  I have a story idea that has been kicking in my head for years now, and I have a friend who is helping me stay accountable and get some writing goals set for this next year.  Getting started is the hard part.

5.  Get the photos off the camera and see if Mama bird and her babies look as awesome as I think they do.  I love My G's camera.

6.  Go for a drive.  No particular destination, just drive for a while and enjoy the gorgeous day.

7.  Send a random note to someone who could use it.

8.  Learn to bake bread.  I have a good recipe and good instructions...I just haven't tried it.

9.  Go roller-skating.  Even if Little G doesn't go with me this weekend, I may go anyway.  I'm not particularly good but I love to skate.

10. Go see a movie.  I try to go when the theater isn't going to be packed, but I LOVE the whole theater experience.  There's nothing like it at home, even when the couch is comfy and the sound is good.

So what is your list?  What do you WANT to do? And what, really, is stopping you from doing at least one item on your list?   Even if it's something that takes help (like redoing a bathroom), baby steps towards that goal can give you the feeling that you are moving forward and taking care of yourself.

Tuesday's 10: Short People

I call my youngest "Little G" because she's the youngest, but she's also the one who is built most like her mother.

We are...petite.

Okay, fine.  I'm short.  Proportionate, not round, just short.

I know there are a lot of people like us out there, so the following "10" is for us.  Tall people just won't get it.  :)

Tuesday's 10: Things That Make a Short Person Happy

1.  When I stand on the new couch to reach something, it doesn't sag under my feet.

2.  A really good stepladder is a cherished belonging.

3.  Tall shelves are for putting things I never intend to use again.

4.  The bottom shelf is for climbing.

5.  I love to watch people have to duck when going past tree branches.

6.  A good stick is a valuable tool.  Creative problem-solving = fetching the yardstick and using it to turn on a high switch.  Or pulling something down.

7.  Taller people coming along at just the perfect time when it's obvious I can't reach that item that is needlessly placed on the top shelf.

8.  Libraries and bookstores with adequate step stools.

9.  Cars with seats that adjust enough.

10.  People who understand that "short" is different from "small" or even "little".  Somehow small and little have always seemed to denote a lack of strength and presence. "Small" could even be used to describe a character flaw, i.e. "small-minded".


This song should bring back some memories.  Or show my age...  Either is okay.

Tuesday's Ten: Pet Peeves

I've often thought about having an entire blog centered JUST around pet peeves.  People could post pictures, share thoughts, and overall make themselves feel better just by seeing the "omg me too" clicks.

Hmmm...Maybe there is already such a blog.

Just in case there isn't, here we go with this week's Ten.

1.  Lose/loose, allowed/aloud, our/are...  Only one of these is even a homophone, people.

2.  People who come up so close they practically kiss my bumper at a stoplight.  Just your luck my car won't start and you'll be stuck.  Bwahahaha...

3.  Blue headlights.  Really?  You need to blind me to look cooler?

4.  People who say one thing and then do completely the opposite.  "Oh, I'll be so supportive and this is the right thing...let me make this impossible for you to do."

5. My own procrastination.  It's awful.

6.  Babies or toddlers at anything but an animated KIDS' movie.  Double that if they are not quiet or they're allowed out of their seats.  If they aren't old enough to sit still, don't take them.  Let them run around at your house, when it's not affecting others' time/money/enjoyment.

7.  'Who' vs 'That'.   People are always "who".  Saying "People that..." drives me nuts.

8.  Inseams for petite pants are creeping longer and longer...how is a 30" inseam "short" or "petite"??   Even in boots my legs aren't going to be that long.

9.  Not knowing what to say when someone is hurting.  This at-a-loss thing makes my heart ache.

10.  After doing some Googling today...pet peeve lists.  This stirring bit of negativity made me feel a little bit better, but not a whole lot.  I think I'll go clean something and then have a chocolate bar.  :)

Pet Peeves and Dark Moods
Lurk In the Shadows

Tuesday's Ten: Sweetness

There are many things that help me during long periods of "away" and I had many of them happen over the last week.  In no particular order:

1.  Hugs.  A simple touch can make a huge difference in a long day.  This is true for anyone, I think, but for a spouse whose Soldier is absent for a long time?  What a gift.

2.  Random moments of understanding.  When someone says "please tell your Soldier thank you," and they have actually served, it means so much.  When they understand that vast improvements in communication don't make up for having him home, it helps too.

3.  Chocolate.  Hey, I'm a girl.

4.  Anything marked "free" from USPS.  Something about that stampless mail just makes my day.

5.  A chat with a friend.  Over the phone, on Facebook, face-to-face in the middle of a huge shopping expo-- brief or long, conversations make a world of difference.

6.  A run of good songs on the radio.  Even if you have Pandora's amazing app (my personal favorite) or Sirius/XM in your car, sometimes there are a zillion songs in a row that you just can't stand.  Other days, your favorites join you the entire way through a hated chore or down a long highway.  (Today's gift-- Hallelujah.)

7.  Helpful friends.  I try really hard not to ask for a lot of favors, but sometimes I just can't be in two places at once.  When people love my kids and lend a hand?  Bliss.

8.  The sound of mowing.  And it's not me.  While I'd love for it to be My G out there making that buzz-buzz-drooooone sound, it's still pretty darn nice that we found a service that does a good job at a reasonable price.  Hmmm...maybe I'm not in such a hurry to fix that mower, after all.

9.  A good pros/cons list.  The suckiest thing during any away, for me, is when My G and I have decisions to make and we have to do it long-distance.  Some life decisions are hard enough when we are right here with each other and can just breathe in the silence of our thoughts.   But when those thoughts and worries and questions come in the middle of the night while we're alone?  This is where the list comes in handy, and helps us connect when we can talk again.

10.  Time.  The simple fact is, even as the "away" sometimes seems to last forever, they don't.  Each day, each week, even each hour in the nighttime, brings him closer to home.

Tuesday's Ten: Signs of Spring

Spring is my second-favorite season, and rapidly closing in on Fall for that special spot of love in my heart.  When we lived in Kansas, I loved to see the forsythia burst golden, almost overnight.  In Colorado, the teeny little grape hyacinths and the happy nodding daffodils were my favorites.

I grew up in Arizona, where spring is hard to find sometimes.  You have to look closely and you have to pay attention to the small things.  The cactus may look greener, there may be wildflowers here and there if the monsoons were plentiful enough, and the corner palo verde tree may be awash in yellow pollen.

So here are ten signs that spring is here (early) in Texas:

1.  There are bluebonnets along many roadsides.

2.  The redbud trees are vibrant and pink.

3.  You hear sneezing nearly everywhere you go.  (bless you)

4.  The once-quiet streets are filled with a buzzing sound as everyone finally gives and mows down that first crop of weedy grass.

5.  The rain isn't quiet so cold (when it comes).

6.  Lowes' parking lot is not navigable on a Saturday.

7.  Tractor Supply Store has a sign proclaiming "Chick Season!"

8.  The candy aisle is packed with pastels.

9.  There are birds building in our wall ornament beside the front door.

10. Suddenly the playgrounds are full again, and the sound fills my heart.

What are your signs?

Tuesday's Ten: Moments of Grace

Over the last two weeks, there have been some remarkable moments of grace that have helped make this deployment skitter along a little faster, a little smoother.  There is a lot out there (even on my own blog) about what not to say, what not to do, what makes it difficult, etc...  But here are some little shining moments.

1. The retired Navy couple at Baskin Robbins:  They'd both been in the Navy until full retirement, and had alternated shore duty with being on the ship.  Both of them knew what it was to be away, and both of them knew what it was to be home with the kids.  They asked me to send along a "thank you" to My G, and they thanked me as well.

2.  The promotion ceremony I went to last week: The traditions and patriotism of military honors do well to remind us why we fight, why we stand behind our military.  Duty. Honor. Country. They're not just words.

3.  My friend, the first "best friend" I had so very long ago:  She is in training for a brutal-sounding event that raises money for Wounded Warriors. I didn't realize until today that the event was designed to be a fundraiser.  What touches me most is that I know people who are not seemingly connected to the military, but who want to do what they can to help.

4.  The Hug Lady:  She's been to every homecoming that Fort Hood has, and she hugs each Soldier who comes through.  She's the first one to hug our husbands, fathers, daughters, mothers as they return.  I got to see her in person at the promotion ceremony the other day, and her small stature belies her great strength and commitment.   Grown men, weary and hardened by battle, grow misty-eyed when they talk about her.

5.  A Department of the Army civilian, standing behind me in line to congratulate our newest General Officer:  He simply said he looks forward to the day when our team gets their hugs, too.

6.  The lady at the gardening center:  When My G is away, I try to "keep things up".  I know I'm not going to do as good a job as he does on the yard, but I want to keep the weeds away and keep the yard looking like someone cares.  She helped me figure out what products to use, and she gave me a free product that would help.  Just because.  The fact that she acted out of kindness for my obvious confusion without making a big deal out of it, was what made the difference.

7.  A new friend:  Simply saying "oh, yes, I've done that too" when I confess to not only missing a previous meeting but writing down the wrong date for an upcoming one.  I guess she figured I had probably kicked myself enough times and didn't need to rub salt in it by asking "Are you losing your mind?"

8.  The person I was supposed to meet:  If I hadn't mentioned that I could have sworn we'd scheduled a meeting but couldn't find it anywhere in my notes, he wouldn't have said a word.  Instead, he called later and arranged for another date.  Grace.

9.  Technology:  I fully realize how blessed I am that I can virtually chat with my husband on a regular basis, occasionally even see his face, and hear his voice like he's right here with me.  I am blessed beyond measure.

10.  A Soldier, wounded beyond words, learning to walk again:  He's home to see his daughter's birth, home to hold her and her Mama.  Even as the rest of his unit begins to arrive home, he continues to fight because for him, this battle is not over.  But he's home, and sometimes that's all the grace we can hope for.

Tuesday's Ten: Happy Birthday

I love birthdays. I really, really love my own birthdays. I don't understand why people fuss about the numbers, or try to forget their birthdays even exist.

Here are ten reasons why:

1. Birthdays mean you are still alive! How many people would love to have that chance?!

2. Birthdays are one time when it is considered okay for you to celebrate YOURSELF. Heck, it's even encouraged!

3. Chocolate cake and/or ice cream. No further explanation needed.

4. It's a chance to be a little retrospective. Was last year less than you had hoped for? Think of birthdays as another chance to make lasting resolutions. But this time, it's all about you. No one else needs to know unless you tell them.

5. Celebrate what you've learned, what you've accomplished, and...

6. Look ahead to where you'd like to be.

7. Gifts. :) Even if you don't receive anything tied up with pretty bows, you can take this day to do something nice for YOURSELF. It doesn't have to cost anything. Get creative with this one-- anything from using that pretty new pen you were saving, to taking the last piece of chocolate.

8. Those years? They are not a burden. They are a gift. Think back to when you were a kid and you not only celebrated years, but half-years as well. Be proud of those numbers! (None of that "over the hill" crap, thankyouverymuch.)

9. Birthdays are also a chance to think about your health. Not as fit as you used to be, or as you'd like to be? Take a few steps on your birthday to treat your body like the gift it is.

10. From my Little G-- birthdays are like when you're playing Smurfs and you level up. It unlocks a whole new series of skills and abilities and lots of new things you can do. (Love this kid.)

So, happy birthday week to me! I intend to make it a good one. Next time it's your day? I hope you'll celebrate like crazy.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KKGkq0SfXk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Tuesday's Ten: Things I'd Rather Not Talk About

I don't buy into the whole flowers/chocolate/romance/undying passion stuff, but a simple hug and a chance to lay next to my husband would be most welcome.  There are so many of us in the same boat, however, that it's sort of a non-issue.  We're even holding a Non-Romantic Valentine's Day outing so at least we can have some human interaction today.  Not bad.

That being said, I'd really rather not talk about certain things today.  It's supposed to be a day to touch base with the person or people who are closest to our hearts.    However, Murphina has other plans.

Topics I'd like to avoid:

1.  Hairballs/cat puke.  In the dark.

2.  Moving violations.  (To include driving school, tickets, payment of fines, and young drivers.)

3.  Bankruptcy.  (Not mine, but still not pleasant.)

4.  Taxes.  For any reason.

5.  Any of a myriad of things they list as side effects of advertised medications.

6.  PMS.

7.  Calories.  I intend to eat pizza and chocolate today.  :)

8.  Family communication issues.

9.  Any kind of kid issue.

10.  Valentine's Day.
(I threw that in as a joke, but Bah Humbug.)

Tuesday's Ten-- Things Worth Being Busy Doing

One of my favorite bloggers wrote this about people being busy doing (what seems like) a whole lot of nothing.

A Facebook friend commented that he wished she had mentioned "what is actually important to be busy doing".

Good idea.

So for Tuesday, I give you ten things that would be worth saying "I'm so busy".  Well, worth it to me.  :)

1.  I spent 45 minutes on Facebook chat with  my husband.   

2.  I made four deliveries to Avon customers, and got to see their smiles.  (And get paid, which is no small thing.)  

3.  I spent an hour talking with my younger daughter about racism and fairness and the way things are, the way things used to be, and the way things could be.

4.  I spent an hour reading a book.

5.  I then spent quite a bit of time cleaning out the office and making it ready for tax season and bill-paying.  The poor shredder may never forgive me.

6.  I murdered some weeds, making our home look like someone cares about it.

7.  I fed, cleaned up after, and petted my cats.

8.  I bought a slightly used, awesome steal, little microwave for my older daughter.  I'm beginning to think of her collection of items as "apartment in a box".

9.  I gathered small gifts for care packages, and this week I will be making post office runs.

10.  Not that I usually put this last, nor is it always first, but I prayed.  For my husband, my children, my friends, my family, my home and for anything else that popped into my mind.  

May I always have time to fill, and the wisdom to know how to fill it.

Tuesday's Ten

1. Mother of the Year I'm not.  Wife of the Year, probably not that either.  But we laughed a lot tonight, and that counts for something.

2. I'm not sneezing/snorting/hacking like some people are with the cedar pollen so high, but my head is about to explode.  Allergy pills would work for the sneezing.  They do nothing for the head.  Sigh.

3. We're getting closer and closer to the next deployment.  I had forgotten how yucky the nerves can be, even though I tell a lot of spouses what to expect.

4.  I really need to find the list of "rules" that another Army spouse wrote; they are amazing.

5.  Battle buddies rock.  :)  Who else reminds you that "good enough" is sometimes pretty awesome?

6.  I know another Army wife who is going to help me figure out the gym this year, and actually get an exercise routine and good-food habit going.   (Right, Kat?)

7.  My G got several shots today.  The usual painful ones.  I forgot, and poked him in the shoulder.  Hard.  Nope...no Wife of the Year.

8.  Meanwhile, Little G is asking me to take her to the America's Got Talent auditions.  I think I must be nuts...it almost sounds like fun.

9.  Almost.

10.  In the meantime, tomorrow is another day.  And I am thankful to be blessed by it.

Tuesday's Ten

1.  I really, really dislike fog.  While it looks absolutely cool, when it comes on a day where I have things planned (eg, driving all over), it is highly irritating.

2.  This is because I do not like to drive in fog.  Especially since half of Texas either forgets their lights or never learned to turn them on in the first place.

3.  The high and low points of my day occurred simultaneously-- having lunch with friends, and saying "see you after your next PCS".

4.  PCS season sucks.  Give me your thoughts on friends moving because my heart is sore right now.

5.  The second-highest point was seeing my Little G at her choir performance.  Giggly kids make the cutest choir groups.  (Once they stop running amok...omigoodness.)

6.  In just a little bit, we get new couches.  Yay!  :)

7.  In just over a week, I get my Big G home for a little while!  Even more YAY!

8.  Big G and Little G AND My G all have finals this week.  I think I'll hide away and go to the movies.  The stress level gets to be a bit much and Big G isn't even HERE.

9.  I am learning that there are a great number of things over which I have absolutely zero control.  Mostly I am okay with this.  Other times, I struggle.

10.  But tomorrow is a new day.

 

Tuesday's Ten-- It Costs THAT Much?

Today my head is reeling with dollar signs.  The first few things that happened are all very good things and I am looking forward to some new challenges and experiences.  The others...not so much.

1.  As of today, I'm helping in our local library.  I love books, I love reading, I love helping people.  Great combo.

2.  I have also met the Deputy Commander for My G's group that deploys shortly.  Unless told otherwise by others who haven't weighed in yet, I'm now their newest FRG leader.

3.  What the heck have I gotten myself into...

4.  Funny...throw in some information about ACS, vFRG knowledge, FRG classes I've taken, and it makes me seem very capable.

5.  Still...what the heck have I gotten myself into...

6.  Then I take the car in to have a teeny scratch and dent (about an inch long?) looked at for an estimate.  I'm thinking, at worst, a couple hundred dollars.  The estimate, including our special two-step paint and all labor, is $900.

7.  I'll repeat-- $900.  Really??

8.  In this same day, perhaps we should not have gone to find out how much it will cost to have carpet put into two bedrooms.  300 or so square feet, total.  We're thinking a couple-few hundred dollars there, too, and it looks like a good bet for a Christmas makeover.

9.  That estimate, including free installation and military discount, is over $900 too.

10.  I'll repeat-- $900.  Really??  For two bedrooms?  Insane.

Tuesday's Ten-- Just Not Feeling Good

1.  I'd almost rather be actually sick than just "not feeling good".  I don't know if anyone else remembers it, but George Carlin had a set that was all about the difference between being sick and "not feeling good".   No one really sympathizes with the "not feeling good"-- in the back of your mind you kind of feel like they're telling you to suck it up.

2. I do feel better than I did yesterday; at least my throat doesn't hurt any more.

3.  However, now Little G's throat hurts.  Again.  If she still feels like garbage tomorrow I'll keep her home all day and take her to the Dr.

4.  Last year she had strep at least three times.  Yay, us.

5.  When you "just don't feel good," it seems like there is something to prove.  See?  I can still get this stuff done!  Zzzzzz....

6.  I have the best husband in the world.  He set up the couch for me, first thing this morning, so I would crash out and sleep.  :)

7.  I am so glad he's home.

8.  Sometimes I think I forget to tell him that.

9.  Okay, I'm back. Husband is properly kissed and thanked.  :)

10.  In the back of my mind I've been thinking about a little boy named Jasper since early Sunday morning.  Saturday evening, they found him floating in the neighbor's pool and his mom (my cousin) gave him CPR until the medics came.  His first CT scan showed minimal swelling and no obvious damage.

Today, they took out the breathing tube and he is TICKED.  There have been a lot of people praying for this little boy with the chocolate drop eyes-- and now there are prayers of thanksgiving.  He just turned three a little over a week ago...we are all hoping that, not only is he okay, he is the same spunky little boy he was last week.

Tuesday's Ten-- YAWN

Weekday Halloweens always leave me feeling like I've left part of my brain back in the bed, curled up with the pillow.  A little sluggish, a little "I-don't-wanna", a little out of sorts.  That being said, we had a lot of fun last night.  A mostly even mix of "love this" and "pet peeve button pushed".

I'll start with the pet peeves and end on a high note.  :)

1.  If the light is turned off, don't let your kids go up to the door.  Teach your kids that the light being off means they aren't ready for trick-or-treaters or they don't have candy.

2.  Alternatively, if you aren't going to be home or don't want to hand out candy, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS.  One family at least put a note on the door saying they'd be back after trick-or-treating...but that doesn't seem particularly safe to me.

3.  Especially considering that I saw one teenager turn the doorknob at a house when no one answered the door.  Yikes!  (It was obviously NOT his house.)

4.  Please don't let your kids run across everyone's yards.  I know there are some here who haven't mowed in a long time and some others who have never cared-- but it's not up to you to decide if the lawn is nice enough for your 6 kids to trek through.

High note:

5.  Halloween costumes have a way of bringing out whimsy in people where you'd never have suspected it.  I saw a Tinkerbell in Walmart who, I'm pretty sure, is probably a non-nonsense front-desk receptionist type the rest of the year.  Her bright green shoes and sparkly wings were delightful.

6.  It was absolutely gorgeous weather.  Lots of families sat outside with their candy bowls.

7.  Little G looked beautiful last night.  She didn't want to smile for the camera but I got some pretty funny expressions on her face.  I also caught one photo of her as the sun blazed onto her hair, and the very grown-up way she held herself.

8.  Little G also got good candy.  :)  And not one single orange- or black-wrapped peanut butter taffy thing.   Yes, I know some people like those.

9.  Big G and I had a pretty nice text conversation last night, too.

10.  And the Chiefs, My G's team, won their game in Overtime.  :)