weekend plans...

right before closing time tonight, one of the little hottie yard fellas (who at this point, i have socks older than, but 20 years younger would be all over) is chit chattin' with me. he's helped me move, hook up my washer, and liberate my quesadilla from my oven. i've known him a couple years - he's almost done with college and will be heading back home in a couple weeks. nice kid.

lhyf: you workin' all weekend again?
me: actually, i have tonight and tomorrow off.
lhyf: cool. what are you doing?
me: hopefully someone tall and rich.

buahahahahaha

thankfully he is old enough to appreciate my sense of humor... ;) the hr guy in the next room, however, just shakes his head at me.

have a great weekend ya'll... don't forget why we're celebrating. hug a vet, thank a soldier, and put your damn hand over your heart when the flag passes by this weekend. oh, and you better not even THINK about keeping that hat on.

- Happy Memorial Day
*hugs*

miss b

A Veteran's Day letter to my Heroes...

I sit in the comfort of my home, watching the leaves fall outside with the rain. I am plotting my next batch of homemade bread and crockpot chili. I get caught up in the noise of the game on the tv. I watch my candles flicker and throw off comforting lights and scents. I am yet surrounded by boxes and an oven that still holds my quesadilla hostage, but I am safe and warm. I am at peace for a moment in the chaos that has been my life the last six weeks.

In this moment, as many others throughout my days and weeks, you are in my thoughts and prayers. The comforts of MRE's; the safety of makeshift housing, the scent of close quarters with many others fill my thoughts. I can only imagine from the stories passed on to me. The long flights in moving home; the chats with co-workers getting ready for deployment to relieve those who have stood fast for a year or more. To those stateside who are standing fast; for those who are home; for those who are still overseas; for those who are transitioning, I send my heartfelt thanks for your services. Words cannot convey my true appreciation for all of you and all you do.

Be safe; be well. You are loved.

*hugs*

miss b

Here's one for the fellas...

and the women who love them *wink*

Support our wounded vets... get your pin-up girls Calendar for 2008...

Do it. Now.

That's an order!

Medal of Honor - Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy

Read about him here...

*salute*
*cries*

There are no words...

miss b

Weekend Guests and Acts of Random Kindness...

Ok, so G calls me last Friday afternoon. Left a message: He needs a place to stay for the weekend. He and his girlfriend of 9 1/2 years split up last week. We worked together for nearly 6 years. I was good friends to both. I hadn't seen her in a couple years; I had coffee with him about a year ago when we were driving for the same place. The kids used to hang out at their farm with the horses.

So he tells me he needs a place to crash, get out of the truck while it's in the shop. No problem. They let me stay there for a few weeks when I first moved back to the area and was living in my car. No brainer. We used to joke around about stuff, but never did anything happen. I wouldn't do anything like that to her in her own home, and I never was one to chase after someone else's man.

G was a fun guy. Sense of humor - amazing. When I was dispatching, he'd come in for his run every morning 415. By 419, everyone in the office was rolling. He was truly entertaining and we always looked forward to him coming in.

So, I call my best friend (who I totally forgot was working at the restaurant) and leave a message. "G called me, wants to crash at my place, broke up with J. Freakin' out here, wtf? Call me back."

So I'm on my way home, get the message and call him back. "'Sup?" (I'm so totally cool. heh) Catch up on a couple things. No problem. Give him directions, and hang up.

Driving home, I pass this truck sitting in the middle of the other lane. *sigh* Turn around. Roll up, put my passenger window down, ask him if he's ok. Yep. Broke down. No phone with him. Offer him the use of mine. Older guy about 60. He calls a friend to come get him. I check with him again before taking off... he's good. Cool.

Race home. To a disaster of a house. Junior's at work. Do a power clean for an hour. Curl my hair. (Hey, I can't let an old friend see me looking like a hag.) Finishing up as he calls to tell me he's at the end of the road. Meet him outside and show him up. Catch up on some of the old workplace gossip. He grabs a shower and we decide to go to Pizza Hut and terrorize my daughter. (Last time he saw her was about 7 years ago). He is amazed. Wants to know where the switch is that I flipped to make her turn out so well. Heh, yea. The hickory switch. While we're there the bf calls, wants details, figures out we're at dinner and I can't talk. We hang up with girl code for "I'll give you details tomorrow at the bar."

Anyhow, back to the apartment, watch a movie. He crashes on the couch and me on the loveseat. (He's tall, I'm short.) Seriously. I'm totally comfortable with not having anything go on. Besides, a week and a half? C'mon. Baggage; drama; so not into the ex-friend thing.

Up in the morning. Chit-chat some more. Watch another movie. I get ready for work, he runs up to the yard to check on the truck and do some running around. Says he'll come to the restaurant for dinner later. Cool. Whatever.

I get to work. We're crazy busy with some sort of lakefest bar hopping putt putt golf thing. R (the bf) asks me about it... waggles her eyebrows, (she likes him) and thinks I need to find SOMEONE so that we can all hang out together, play games, go out to eat... blah blah blah. I tell her it's just not there. I do, however, fill her in on the Brickman.

G comes in later. He and R talk for awhile. (We all worked together before.) He eats, and hangs out for awhile. I tease him about the little 24 year old other bartender who keeps chatting him up. He heads back to the apartment; I tell him I'll be done about an hour.

Well, I finish up and head home. Stop at the gas station and one of the other waitresses is there with her daughter. She has a tire that is hissing and losing air as fast as she puts it in. So we get her some fix a flat and work on it. She doesn't realize it doesn't take the whole can. *boom* yep. Blew the fucker. heh.

So she pulls out the spare; I grab my gloves from the Jeep. She teases me... "Yep, you can tell you drive a truck." Just shut your girly ass up and hand me the jack. We work on it, but I can't free the lugnuts. Luckily, a very nice gentleman (with a very cranky wife waiting in the suv) helps us and I'm on my way.

This good samaritan shit is for the birds.

Anyhow, back to the apartment. Tell G the goings-on. Chit chat. Pass out. I'm tellin' ya, nothing happened. Which was cool. Next morning, breakfast out. I haven't been out to eat with someone in years. It was fun. Then we hit Walmart. Did the guy thing (electronics) and the girl thing (groceries). Then back home to get ready for work.

He decided to come out to the restaurant to watch the race. Heh. Gordon almost had it... darn shame. lol. Anyhow. R was givin' me the "uh huh" looks. Knock it the hell off. Putz. Hung out for awhile, then took off to get into Chicago before morning.

Done working, back home. Fighting with my stupid computer to load Shockwave so I can take my Spanish course. Argh. Shower, and I was done. It was weird. I rarely spend time alone with men. It's kinda cool having men friends that don't expect anything. I actually had FUN.

And Brickman ~ on vacation this week with his son. The plan is a movie when he gets back. (If he remembers and calls - we'll see.) *grin* Junior was concerned when she saw me hanging out with G. I had to assure her there was nothing - she gets a bit freaked out by men in the house - and that Brickman was still a viable option. However, since she turned of age, this is the first time she came home fairly early two nights in a row and actually stayed home. *giggle*

So I'm thinkin'... it was a really good weekend. I even had a good day at work today. There will be none of this "things are looking up" bullshit. We know better!

And go wish Miss Steph a happy birthday... she's a beautiful woman who has far more fun than I do (and probably more batteries!) *hugs* babygirl... glad you had much fun!

Peace all...

Movin' Up in the Ranks

As you may know, I work with Soldiers' Angels giving time and efforts to making sure our deployed soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors (Heroes for short) know we care about them and support them wherever they may have to be.

I started out by adopting my first Hero (Allen) who is now home safe. During his deployment, I joined the Letter Writing Team as a writer and wrote many letters to others. They may enjoy getting letters at mail call over there, but we love it just as much back here when we get an envelope that says "Free Mail" on it. That, and stalking my mail carrier is much fun on a boring weekend morning as well!

I remember when I got my first "stripe." I was accepted and promoted to a Team Leader for the LWT, and started my own small command of 6 writers. 8 months later, I have nearly 80 writers I coordinate. Not just satisfied with sending them their names am I; I have "letter-raisers" and special projects where I collect many letters from team members and send them in bulk to large groups as well.

During this time, I have taken on another "adoptee" (Doug) as well as several "unofficial" soldiers with whom I speak on a regular basis. Doug will be home within a few months (God willing) and I will start over again with a new one.

I am also a member of the Wounded TLC team. We send cards and letters to those who have been injured and are recovering back in the States. This is tough. How does one begin to say thank you to someone who lost a limb, or has been burned terribly? This is a tough one.

I then got a second "stripe." I was accepted to help out with the Angels' website in various forms (I have a degree in Computer Programming) and coordinate the data for the leaders so they can get information out to everyone. This was a pretty exciting time.

I'm proud to say, I've now moved up again. I have been assigned as a mentor, helping new angels as they start their journey with SA. I look forward to the challenge, and hope to guide many more to helping our troops keep up spirits and morale.

So, tell me folks... what's a third stripe mean?

Happy Birthday America...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE NATION UNDER GOD,

INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY

AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be eternally grateful.



I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.


Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_zoom_2.html

Fun facts about July 4... http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/010033.html


I will be taking this day to celebrate our country, our military, and our Flag. Everyone have a safe, happy holiday, and remember to thank a soldier and a veteran for the reason for the season. Enjoy!

~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~~/*\~

Special hugs to Joel, Adam, Brandon, Robert, Doug, Tater, RSM, and Johnson... enjoy your day.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

*hugs*

miss b

"Never Forget"

USS New York
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, "those big, rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up."

"It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

Black Friday

This is the letter I had to send to one of my SA writers today...

Thank you S...

K ~
On 6/5/07, I sent you SPC Winterbottom's name to write for the day. It is with great regret that I inform you this Hero has fallen. I wanted to let you know, in the event the letter came back unopened.

We're so glad to have you on our team, and it is so very important now to keep our soldiers in our hearts and minds. Thank you for the wonderful job you do.

*hugs*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rest In Peace SPC Winterbottom. You are loved.

*tears*
How can one enjoy so much the life I have with my children, and yet be so sad?

Not a Thousand Words...

Staff Sergeant Marcus Golczynski

Always Remember...

Photo courtesy of Russell Lee Klika

History of "Taps"

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something Every American should know.

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps".

It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's landing in Virginia .. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him towards his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" .. used at military funerals, was born.

The words are :

Day is done.. Gone the sun. From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh.

Fading light. Dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright. From afar. Drawing nigh. Falls the night.

Thanks and praise. For our days. Neath the sun. Neath the stars. Neath the sky. As we go. This we know. God is nigh.

I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country. And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Remember the reason for the season, folks.

Support Our Troops

*hugs*

Miss B

GASP-Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets

Find out about Soldiers' Angels awesome Hero companion program here.

Fisher House and Best Buy Connecting Heroes

Go. Buy. Connect.
http://americanheroworship.blogspot.com/2007/05/fisher-house-and-best-buy-connecting.html

Soldiers' Angels Challenges the nation to donate to the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets

In honor of the students and professors who died in this tragic event and the sacrifices made by the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets for our country, Soldiers' Angels is giving $10, 000.00 to the Virginia Tech Army ROTC Alumni Endowment Fund.

Soldiers' Angels challenges the nation todouble this amount by logging onto http://www.armyrotc.vt.edu/ or by sending donations to:

Virginia Tech Army ROTC,
Account # 872289,
226 Military Building,
Blacksburg, VA 24061.

The donation you make will help the Virginia Tech Cadet Corp continue on so that it may live up to its motto of "UT PROSIM" - That I may move Forward.

read the full story here

Fisher House Project

From one of my local ladies who is a tremendous supporter of our troops~

There is going to be a fundraiser for the Wright Patterson Fisher House on April 28th. Information can be found at www.fnhi.org. If anyone is looking for something to do!!

I was thinking for the first project to be.....BOREDOM BUSTERS

Karen, the house manager, was telling me how bored they get. I took up some puzzles that a fellow angel donated and the her eyes lit up and she said, "They are going to enjoy this!"

The only condition of boredom busters are magazines can not be used. The residents being cancer victims are very prone to picking up diseases due to chemo and she requested no books to read. She has an oversupply of books and no storage space.

Ideas:::
Sudoku puzzle books
crosswords
search a word
new magazines
simple craft kits
puzzles
DVDs
Computer games
Stationary kits and pens

I am sure that y'all have some great ideas please share them with us. Please email me if you are interested in helping.

Thanks for being Wright Patterson Angels
Julie

*hugs*
miss b

Spring Fling for Fisher Houses

Come on over to my Hero blog... help out a great cause!

If you donate a gift card in the amount of $20 or more, you will be sent a $20 gift certificate for the Soldiers' Angels Store.

http://americanheroworship.blogspot.com/2007/03/spring-fling-for-fisher-houses.html

Help out the Fisher Houses, who help out our Heroes and their families... They protect us; we need to support them.

*hugs*
Miss B