Corner of my eye . . .

Saturday was a "me" day out with no Colin . . . so I was at Target at 8:10am . . . I take full advantage of a day alone. I was getting ready to check out when this cover of Texas Monthly caught my attention . . .

At the time I picked it up and flipped through the pages. The first article I came to was about a high school near Fort Hood and how they have handled the war with so many deployed parents. It had a nice photograph of a teen girl . . . I recognized her name because her mom is on the widow chat room that I am . . . I continued to flip through and found another article about the protestors at the President's Ranch . . . turned me off and I placed it back in the rack. I came home and emailed the family of the daughter. Mrs. B mentioned the photographs of all the soldiers from Texas who have been killed. I did not see that! On Sunday, I went to Wal-Mart and bought a copy . . . I found Sean's picture . . . the one taken on the day he came to Texas for R&R . . . he was holding Colin and looking so proud.

The one thing that I noticed was the fallen soldiers had a photo about 1 inch by 1 inch while the protestors got a full page photo . . . go figure.

Texas has lost over 200 men and women . . . that is about 10% of all deaths in this war. Wow, that seems like a lot for one state, but I guess it shows that Texans are ready and willing to to serve their country. I still have not read all the articles but will someday . . .

Sean's Best Friend

Murphy, Murphy, Murphy! Yes, it is not doubt that Murphy was Sean's true best friend. I tired for year after year to persuade him that we did not need a dog, because I just did not have the time a puppy/dog required . . . and that he worked long hours if he was even home at all. We were making a visit to the Super PX in Wurzberg when I decided I needed to pay Kathe Wolfart a little visit so Sean tagged along. He was at the cash register for a long time and as we left I would discover why. Someone had put an ad in there about lab puppies so he took the number. A week later I noticed it on the computer desk and quickly threw it away (I know that is evil) but Sean somehow found out the number. He called to go look at the puppies so I agreed to go visit . . . bad mistake. . . never go look at puppies because they are so cute and you will not be able to say NO! So, we reserved the only yellow one . . . I did not think Sean was going to leave but he finally did . . .

Next became the struggle to name this new addition . . . I mean it took weeks! We picked up the dog in mid-August of 2001 and had a list of names a mile long! Any name that could be used for a kid was marked off first. Sean finally narrowed it down to ten and would "practice" calling his dog . . . he said the name needed to end with a vowel sound so he could be stern when he was training him . . . are you laughing yet? Sean was a super huge fan of the X-Files so just about all the character names were on the dog name list as well as some good Irish sounding names. I liked Hank but he said, "Hank, I don't think so!" So as we pulled out of the driveway with puppy in my lap, he still did not have a name . . . by the time we got to Nurnberg we decided he was a Murphy . . . at that point all I knew was this baby had been crying for an hour . . . what had I gotten myself into?

Murphy quickly adjusted into our lives but as you can see he had a favorite parent. He loved to destroy just about anything I owned or cared for especially my vegetable and flower garden. I had come home from OBI with some potting soil . . . went inside to get garden clothes on to find this . . .
. . . he knew he was in trouble and would not even look at me. The ladies at the cemetery were standing at the gate laughing so hard. No matter what Murphy and Sean always loved each other and that got on my nerves. He treated Murphy like he was a human which was a little over the top to me.

While I too loved Murphy he became a protector and a great sense of security when Sean was deployed. Granted he was a huge responsibility and after Colin was born he became too much for me. The Sims family offered to take care of Murphy until we PCSed back to the US after the Iraq deployment. Of course Sean and I agreed this was the best place for Murphy . . . so Murphy got "orders" to be ARODed (advance return of dependents) back to Texas. It became a joke and so many laughed about it and I admit it was pretty funny. Of course, our lives changed and he never got to live with Sean again but he did see him on his R&R . . .

Murphy still lives in McKinney with the Sims family. I hope someday he can come live with us but not sure if they are willing to turn him over. He meant so much to Sean and has a special place in their hearts for him. Every time we go visit, Murphy meets us at the door and goes crazy. I always wonder if he is looking for Sean and it breaks my heart.

Green Chair

Today I have not been able to pull myself out of the green chair. I am in a slump so to speak. I don't know if I will ever be able to get rid of this chair . . . is has such history and memories.

When we first married in 1998 we had limited furniture and limited money. Our first big purchase was a washer and dryer . . . I had my fill of going to the laundry mat to do our washing so I insisted that be the first "big" purchase. Sean decided he needed a recliner . . . not just any recliner but a big huge chair that would fill the entire living room . . . you know one that had everything built in! He probably wanted it to have a ice cooler in the arm rest and a built in massager. I said NO WAY! I wanted a nice winged back recliner. We settled that I could choose the chair if he could select the fabric . . . pretty good start to the marriage and compromising! So it was the winged back recliner in moss green corduroy (not the best choice but it worked). We bought it in Clarksville, Tennessee at Ellington's (think that is the name) and it sure is comfortable.

It is the chair that we let our first "born" sit in . . . no not Colin but Murphy! . . . the same chair that we spent hours in because it was the only place Colin would sleep . . . the same chair that Sean discovered how much he loved our little boy . . . the same chair that I immediately sat in when the notification team arrived at my door . . . the same chair that I continued to sit in for days trying to grasp what I had been told . . . the same chair that many of you have sat in while you visited in Eddy and played with Colin . . . the same chair that Colin sits in while I snap hundreds of pictures . . . the same chair that Colin loves to sit in and watch a movie . . . I know Sean misses it!

Love at first sight . . .


Just the beginning of posing for photos at 3 weeks old.


Naptime! Why am I not sleeping?

Funny

I can't remember where I found this link, but if you like The Bachelor on ABC, you will want to read jb speaks . . . it is a hilarious summary of each show.

Our Flag

I have always respected our flag but my image of the American flag changed on November 26, 2004. It was the first time I was able to see Sean . . . my first sight was the neatly folded flag placed on top of his casket. It was the moment of truth and the hope that this had all been a huge mistake . . . but it was not. I have never really thought much about the flag that was presented to me but now when I see it so neatly folded, this is the image that immediately pops into my mind . . .

I get upset at the disrespect that people show our flag . . . but know that it is just ignorance. A friend emailed me the article below titled, what the flag draped coffin means? I had never really thought about it but wonder how true this is and who wrote it?

What the flag draped coffin means?

I hope you take the time to read this . . . to understand what the flag draped coffin really means . . . here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

UPDATE: I knew when I read the above something did not seem right . . . why had I not heard this before now? Thanks to Anonymous for the "truth" . . . if you want to read some flag etiquette then go here . . . http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.htm

Budapest or Bust, Part 3

Each trip we took always had to involve some sort of military aspect. The boys found them a "toy" to play on for a bit but had to push a kid off.

Happy Anniversary to the Drakes . . . they spent their first anniversary with us in Budapest . . .
Funny thing about their anniversary dinner . . . Sean and Jon saw a Pizza Hut/KFC and just had to eat there. Of course the girls weren't too impressed with their selection for the special day, but we ate there . . . no photo. Everyone needs a little taste of America when you can! Sean decided we needed to find an Irish Pub or at least a pint of Guinness. We searched high and low but no luck.

Marilyn continues the story of the Guinness . . . we finally popped into a small store 500 meters from the Kempinski and they had Guinness. These were not your normal cans of Guinness, but to the amazement of Sean it was in a tiny little can - he bought 2 six packs. And you were very embarrassed. Here is the kicker - straight form the Drake:Guinness makes 2 kinds of beer in a can - one with no or little foam due to the fact it is not carbonated with CO2 and in Europe (usually only in Ireland) they make a can with a "nitrogen ball" which when the can is opened it froths as if it is poured from a tap....our Budapest Cans had the said nitrogen balls and this is a very RARE find . . . thus the excitement of Sean and tasting a REAL Guinness in the eastern block.

All good things must end . . . the train ride back was not too bad . . . we had a nice couple from South America in our car so no more shady characters to worry about! The bad part was it was back to the real world and work the next day!

So Drake family, when are we going on another adventure? I say we ditch the kids and meet the Petkoseks' on an island or maybe a cruise!

Budapest or Bust, part 2

While walking in a park we spotted a cotton candy vendor . . . I love that stuff . . . pure sugar! Sean always found some way to be funny . . . hey, he was wasting my sugar high.

Sean really wanted to buy Murphy a surprise from our trip. He found a monkey puppet but it was $18 and I said NO WAY because that is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a toy he will destroy in five minutes. Well, Marilyn and I continued shopping and the boys disappeared. We finally found each other and we were posing for this picture when Sean pulled out the monkey puppet. He went back and bought it without my knowledge. It was a funny moment . . . this thing just popped up on my shoulder and started talking to me. It was the best $18 Sean spent and always put a smile on my face. It turned out to be a good toy . . . it took Murphy over a year to destroy it by pulling all the stuffing out, but he still continued to play with it and carry it around like it was his baby.

The Gang at the highest point overlooking the city . . . we all look happy but it sure was cold!

The Parliament Building . . . probably the prettiest building with the best location . . . I think I could live in a place like this.

Sean continued to enjoy Murphy's prize. He sure could be funny and knew when to be silly. I sure miss his sense of humor during my travels. He always knew what to say after a long day of sight seeing. I wish I would have kept that monkey now.

The journey continues tomorrow . . .

Budapest or Bust, part 1

I promised there would be more adventures with the Drakes' . . . so here is the run down of the trip that still has us laughing!

Who had the bright idea of traveling on the overnight train to Budapest? Oh, that was me. It was the highlight of the trip. Not really, but it is the part that provided the most drama and we all still laugh about that part of the trip. Sorry Marilyn but you were just too darn funny. The boys were up top playing their games while Marilyn was in the middle "bed", and I was wedged on the bottom across from Marilyn. We had two total strangers in our car. . . one guy was from Budapest who worked in Munich and the other guy . . . oh my! He was from Columbia and full of crazy stories! He wanted Marilyn to put his bag under her bed . . . I can only imagine what was in there. He told many stories about being kicked off trains for is passport . . . so glad the guys were able to sleep . . . I was too worried about what he might do or hide in our stuff. He was across from me and was always staring . . . he really made me feel uncomfortable. I am sure Marilyn will have a few comments to add.

So we are checking into our five star hotel, the Kempinski Budapest . . . how could I forget the nightmare experience of being in a train overnight . . . hey, it wasn't that bad but Marilyn swore never again! I just loved when Sean took these type of photos . . . he always told me I looked mad at the world but he made it his mission to capture those moments.



A view from above the city . . . it was a great city with beautiful sites to see. Sean always loved to imitate statues . . . I have forgotten the story of this one. I know this lady did something but can't remember.

More to come tomorrow . . .

Little Cupid

I wish our Valentine was here with us, but Colin will do . . . even though Love Stinks he sure is a sweetie . . . well, maybe he is my sweet-tart!

Here is the Valentine's Day photo I sent out in 2004 . . .

. . . he was only 4 weeks old in this photo. I can't believe he is already two!

Article about Widow Benefits

Dan Shea, who lost his brother in Iraq, has written an article in the editorial section on the New York Times today. He writes about the unfair SBP/DIC offset. It is good to know there are others out there writing about this unfair law. We will see if it catches the attention of our lawmakers. Thanks, Mr. Shea for writing this and thanks to Monique for sending me the link.

Wide Eyed

Last night was one of those nights that I just could not go to sleep. I put Colin to bed at 9, after DH of course, and the last time I looked at the clock it was 2:48am. I could not figure out why I was having such a problem falling asleep . . . was it Colin's snoring? I then realized why . . . it was 2 years ago yesterday that Sean left our house for his flight to Iraq. We had our last meal together at the Vilseck Food Court, Greek Gyro and Baskin Robbins. I then drove across post and left him at his company area. He went early because he had so much he needed to do before he left. He was to assume command when the flight touched soil in Kuwait. It wasn't you typical change of command, but Sean probably would not have had it any other way . . . no ceremony, no speech, and no food! He exits the plane and takes command. He had waited a very long time, and I am sure the buttons on his top were bursting at the seams.

I finally turned on the TV to watch a little of the Olympics but changed it to the Game Show Network . . . it was a rerun of The Amazing Race but I watched it anyway . . . have I mentioned that I love this show? I tried to fall asleep again but no luck so this time got the iPod out to listen to a little music . . .
1. Love of My Life by Sammy Kershaw (the first song we dance to at our wedding reception)
2. One Day Left to Live by Sammy Kershaw
3. Home by Michael Buble
4. Something That We Do by Clint Black
5. Angel by Sarah McLachlan
6. Just To See You Smile by Tim McGraw
7. This Old Town by Nancy Griffith
8. Only Time by Enya
9. Building a Mystery by Sarah McLachlan
10. Can't Help But Wonder by Nancy Griffith
Well, these aren't the most uplifting songs, but I like them. I think I need to buy some new songs.

Today, is the 13th . . . it seems so long ago that it was January 13th . . . hard to believe that 24 months ago Sean boarded a plane for Iraq, and 15 months ago I got that dreaded knock at my door, sigh . . . guess it will be a low key day for us today. I dreaded him making a flight on the February 13th . . . it was weird that exactly 9 months after he arrived in Iraq; he was killed. I hate the 13th! At least on the next 13th, I will be "home", sigh . . .

Baby Pictures

Someone asked to see baby pictures . . . I grabbed my camera and went searching around the house . . . thank goodness we now have digital cameras . . . I only found two of me in this entire house . . . guess who now hangs in my place?

I also thought I would post a couple of Sean . . . before Christmas I only had a few of him but that is what I asked the Sims family to make my present . . . I now have about 25 . . . I really appreciate them letting go of them and letting me have them for Colin. Colin looked a lot like me when he was a baby and he still favors me the most, but when I looked at the photo on the left I could see more of Sean in Colin! I think it is the dark brown eyes that throw it off a little but he is starting to look more and more like both of us.

Wake Up Call

Today was the day I was to call The Lady and follow up on my continuing saga with the Fort Hood Casualty Office and the tax form . . . she beat me to it and called me back at 7:45 this morning to tell me she still did not have an answer but DA was researching the matter. I thanked her for following up and told her I expected to hear from her when she had an answer from DA. She promised. Good Lord! Today is my day to sleep late . . . we were up but never expected a 7:45 wake up call . . . I am NOT complaining at all.

Pride & Joy

I took Colin to have his 2 year portrait made last week. Needless to say I left in tears and was so stressed. He was not interested to participate at all. After 15 minutes of wrestling and fighting with him I told the photographer, WE ARE DONE! My mom could tell how embarrassed and upset I was with his behavior but we continued on. One of my biggest regrets is that our family; Sean, Colin, and myself, never had a family portrait together . . . it really causes me a great deal of heartache. I hardly ever take photos with Colin so I decided to jump into the pictures this year. Here is a picture of the portrait that I picked up today . . . can you tell I have a death squeeze on him? Do I look stressed or what . . .

So when I look at my little stinker, I realize how much I just love him and how thankful I am to have him in my life. I also forget about the stress of the photo session because the end results were so beautiful. Again, a picture of the portrait . . . I just love black backgrounds!

I know his daddy is looking down on us with a huge smile on his face, a tear in his eye (I too have them as I write this), and a great deal of pride for his little boy . . . oh how I wish he was here with us.

Journalist and the IED

It sounds like the beginning of a joke but it is definitely no joking matter. The story of Bob Woodruff has been all in the news and has caused some controversy. Our military suffers these types of accidents too but those deaths do not get the same media coverage. I know that the jobs soldiers and journalist do is very different. A journalist has a choice to be in Iraq and takes the risk of what might happen. I am not saying journalist should not be allowed in Iraq, because I think there job is important. In my opinion, the media provides mostly the bad going on in Iraq, but they also provide that brief picture of our soldiers deployed. The glimpse of a soldier by a family member is priceless . . . I have seen friends (yes, you Jack) on the news and it reassures me they are okay. While it was also a journalist who provided me the most painful details of Sean's death. If it were not for his article and email correspondence I would have had no clue about the intense battle Alpha Company endured during the Battle of Fallujah. I am very appreciative that the Knight Ridder guy was there and so brutally honest. And on the flip side, I am absolutely disgusted by an independent journalist, not exactly a professional in my book, and his behavior surrounding Sean's death. I have read several articles about the recent media coverage about the camera man and journalist . . . mainly the news covers the news anchor . . . it seems that he is a pretty good guy but why is the media overly reporting about him. Here are a few things I found about him . . .

Mr. Woodruff requested to come home early from his assignment in Iraq to attend the funeral of Mr. Bloom, a fellow journalist who died of a pulmonary embolism in Iraq . . . wish some of our friends in Iraq would have been this lucky at attend Sean's funeral.

Mrs. Woodruff rushed to the Bloom house to be there when Mrs. Bloom had just heard the terrible news of her husband . . . just like my friends rushed to my side to help me.

And now, Mrs. Bloom is with Mrs. Woodruff as her husband begins his long road to recovery. Apparently through these terrible events the two families have become closer . . . while I was close with my friends; we became closer and stronger.

It was Mr. Woodruff who attended a father-daughter dance with one of the Bloom daughters . . . just like our friends who have been there for us and promise to be there for Colin . . . Mark S. I still remember the offer to take Colin camping someday!

I guess I have realized that even though these journalist had a choice to be in Iraq; they went to report on something . . . probably not the good our soldiers are doing, but they too suffer tragedy. I still think they are crazy for going but that too is my opinion.

A Dose of Reality TV

Anyone that knows me knows that I love reality television shows . . . The Amazing Race being my absolute favorite and Survivor also at the top of my list. Sean always gave me a hard time for watching such "stupid" shows that were not in touch with reality. Of course that did not stop me from watching. I remember watching The Bachelor when the NFL quarterback was picking his future wife . . . hey, have any of them actually lasted more than a few months . . . the boys were in Kosovo so my wife would come over to watch since she did not have AFN. I told Sean about our weekly get together, and he could not believe we wasted our time watching that show.

When some of the 2-2 soldiers returned from Iraq, I spent a lot of time just talking to them about what life was like and what Sean did when he was at Camp Normandy. I wanted to know anything about his life when he was away from home. I was shocked to hear from two different people about some of the shows Sean watched . . . The Bachelor . . . do what? Are you serious? I double checked to make sure my ears were hearing correctly. I thought it was hilarious that a show he told me was so stupid became a weekly viewing party for him! They told me that he knew all the people on the show, where they were from, and what they did. I found it hilarious! He never told me about him watching this show . . . not that I cared but I just found it strange. Apparently he became a real reality TV watcher . . . maybe I rubbed off on him . . . and would have get togethers in his room . . . sort of a Sean Sims Reality TV Night . . . so funny that a bunch of men in a war zone are together watching a man select a woman!

When I heard that this season of The Bachelor was being filmed in Paris, I became excited. I just love Paris . . . I knew I would watch so I could see some of the beautiful places. Well, they don't show to many places but they do show a lot of the girls arguing in the huge chateau! I am not sure any of the last three are going to be decent picks . . . one doesn't want to move from Nashville (can't blame her it is a great city), one is trying to advance her acting career (even her parents talked about it), and one is just hard to figure out . . . she happens to be the one that no can stand . . . sure hope he wasn't really looking for a wife. I have to admit he is pretty cute but is this really a good way to meet your future spouse . . . I don't think so but it sure provides some good entertainment!

Give Me A Break!

Well, it has been one week since I called Fort Hood Casualty Office about the 1099 tax form. I think that seven days is way too long to be waiting for an answer so I gave them a little ring this morning. I write down our conversations . . . I know that is funny but I have learned record keeping is very important especially when you go file a complaint . . . this is how it went . . .

Me: Hi, this is Heidi Sims and I called last week about a 1099 form I received for the reimbursement of my husband's funeral. I never heard back from you so thought I would call and see what the problem is?

Lady: Oh, I never called you back! Let me get my thoughts together

You can decide what I was thinking and really wanting to say . . . my little devil took over!

Me: No, you never called back and I really need to find out what I should do. Is there someone higher up that I can contact to help solve my problem? Did you check to make sure that was for the funeral reimbursement and not something else?

Lady: Well, I could go pull the folder and double check but that amount sounds right?

Again, my little devil is taking over!

Me: Well it might save you some work if you just check and make sure before we (like I am doing any work) start calling higher ups.

Lady: That is a good idea . . . I will call DA back and get back to you today.

ring . . . ring . . . the phone is ringing!

So she called back! The check and tax form were for the funeral expenses so now she can proceed to do her job. I hate to complain because this is the first lady who has actually seemed helpful, but when someone tells me they are going to call me back, I expect them to call me back even if they do not have the answer. Let me know that you are working on the situation . . . it might be asking too much but my first casualty assistance officer set the standard VERY high. CPT D came to my house each morning to tell me what he was working on and called or came by each night to tell me what he resolved and what he was still working on. My house was not anywhere near his so he went above and beyond. He deserves the CAO award. That man got so much accomplished in a week! I still think the government needs Casualty Field Representatives . . . people who really know what it is like and probably know just as much about the benefits as the CAOs. I would do it and without pay!

The lady has to call DA on Tuesday so I told her I would call her back on Thursday morning . . . she said, "okay, that will be good and if I haven't called DA; I can do it then!" NO!

Karlovy Vary

Yes, more adventures in the Czech Republic. When we first arrived in Germany, Sean was the Infantry Officer at Range Control in Graf . . . the best job he ever had in the Army. OK, so maybe not to him or on paper but we had so much time to travel and spend together . . . boy how that would change when he moved to 3BDE and 2-2! I remember when Sean got his assignment to Range Control with a welcome letter from someone at Graf and he was furious! He called anyone and everyone that he thought could help him get a "real" job . . . an infantry job. I never laughed so hard because I still did not "get it" . . . we had only been married 2 years. It turned out Sean really enjoyed the jobs. He got to meet all the units training at Graf and it gave him an idea of where he wanted to do his company command. He really liked the Vicenza (SETAF) people and thought long and hard about going there but he decided that he liked Germany too much . . . our house, my good paying job, and the town we lived in . . . I will always wonder if life would have been different if we would have moved . . . probably a little guilt on my part. I mean it was just a job. Anyway, the Range Control crew (Sean, Jason, and Heather) decided we all needed to go experience Karlovy Vary . . . February 2001 . . .

Sean and Jason playing in the snow! Boys will be boys!

The Crew . . . Sean, me, Heather, Levi, and Jason . . . man the food was so good and so cheap! Every time we went to Karlovy Vary we ate at this same restaurant and sat at the same table! They were just so friendly.

Me, Levi, Heather, and Sean checking out the hot springs . . . they were so hot and it was so cold outside. It was beautiful with all the snow. We had a great time with great friends. I wonder where they are now and how they are doing . . . especially Jason and Melinda?

Sean and I took his parents to visit Karlovy Vary two days before I went into labor with Colin . . . maybe there was something in the water.

Home Sweet Home

I always think about where I was one year ago on each day. It was one year ago that I was home to pack out the household goods and say good-bye to my life connected to the Army. It was a busy three weeks and of course very emotional. It was hard for me to leave under such horrible circumstances and to close the book on this chapter of my life. I still think of Germany as home but know that my real home is in Texas. So it was one year ago today that I boarded a plane for Texas . . . forever.


Our house as I left it on February 5, 2005. It sure was an big house for two people but I used ever square inch it had . . . I will always remember how darn cold it got in the winter but how "cheap" the rent was until I got the bill for the heating oil of course. It was a great house with amazing memories. The top two windows were the attic, middle left was our bedroom, middle right was the computer room and Sean's guitar "studio", bottom left was the dining room, and bottom right the kitchen. I can even see all my rose bushes I planted . . . I loved my yard and the 20 roses I planted. I wonder if all my bulbs are starting to peak through the ground yet?
The view from our bedroom window . . . a little morbid but the Germans sure did respect their deceased loved ones . . . taken when we moved in September 2000.

Sticker Shock

A few weeks ago I wrote about Colin's first ear infection. I got the bill last week . . . ouch! It was a reminder that medical insurance is a must and without it I would have a ton of debt. I just don't understand why Tricare doesn't cover a visit to the minor emergency clinic instead of the real emergency room. We were unable to be seen by his regular doctor so my only option for the insurance to pay was to go to the nearest ER. That we did . . . the bill to find out he had an ear infection was $842! Wow, that sure seems expensive but that is what we had to do. Our first visit the the ER was in February 2005 and that bill was over $3,000 . . . granted he was a little sicker but for 17 hours in the ER that seems unbelievable too. I always wonder if hospitals pad the bills a little to cover the expenses of patients without insurance and there are many. During our first ER visit, three patients came and went and the first question the nurse asked was, "do you have insurance?" and all three said NO! They received the same care as Colin and I wonder if any of them ever paid.

I know that I complain often about our "free" medical coverage but I truly am grateful to have it. And on November 14, 2007, I will be at the local service center to sign on the dotted line to enroll us in Tricare Retiree and of course give them a check for the enrollment fee but that is another story.

video

A few months ago I wrote the lyrics to a song that I heard on the radio. Today I was scanning the channels . . . CMT came on and that song was playing . . . on the television was a soldier and it flashed to an American flag being folded. I had lump in my throat and swallowed hard . . . it was an oh my, wow moment. I will have to see the entire video someday.

I've been tagged!

Thanks to Itzy Bitzy Me for the tag . . . I guess this is my tagged "coming out". I usually don't do these but decided why not? I probably will not tag anyone because everyone that I know has already been tagged.

4 Jobs you have had in your life
1. Teacher/Substitute Teacher
2. Intern for Texas Farm Bureau
3. Data Entry for Texas Engineering Extension Service (college)
4. Babysitter

4 Movies you would watch over and over
1. The Polar Express (thanks to Colin)
2. Pretty in Pink
3. Grease
4. The Breakfast Club
. . . do you see a pattern?

4 TV shows you love to watch
1. The Amazing Race
2. Law and Order
3. Survivor
4. HGTV
Can you say addicted to reality TV?

4 Places you have been on vacation
1. Ireland
2. Paris times 3 with my students
3. Spain
4. Czech Republic
Only 4?

4 Favorite Foods
1. any pasta with Alfredo Sauce
2. fresh fruit
3. Sandwiches
4. Mexican . . . yummy!

4 Websites you visit daily
1. blogs
2. USAA
3. Fox News
4. a shopping site because I can not break the habit of internet shopping

4 Places you would rather be right now
1. living my old life
2.
3.
4.