Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Time won't give me time

I found this on one of my email groups. And some of it applies to us kids of the 80's as well.

Back In The Day
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms, and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes nor did the worms live in us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

You know what I mean, Frances

Found in today's paper:
Apparently TV Land has put out a list of the 100 greatest TV catchphrases, compiled by them, so no idea who actually decided who picked them. These were printed in alphabetical order, which doesn't make sense, but...
"Aay"--Fonzie, "happy Days"
"And that's the way it is" - Wlater Cronkite, "CBS vening News"
"Ask not what your country can do for you..." - John F. Kennedy
"Baby, you're the greatest" - Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, "The Honeymooners"
"Bam!" - Emeril Lagasse, "Emeril Live"
“Book 'em, Danno” – Steve McGarret, "Hawaii Five-o"
"Come on Down" – Johnny Olson, "The Price is right”
"Danger, Will Robinson, "Robot, Lost In Space"
"De plane! De plane!" - Tattoo, "Fantasy Island"
“Denny Crane” – Denny Crane, “Boston Legal”
“Do you believe in miracles?” – Al Michaels, 1980 Winter Olympics
“D’oh!” – Homer Simpson, “The Simpsons”
“Don’t make me angry…” – David Banner, “The Incredible Hulk”
“Dyn-o-mite” – J.J., “Good Times”
“Elizabeth, I’m coming!” – Fred Sanford, “Sanford and Son”
“Gee, Mrs. Cleaver…” – Eddie Haskell, “Leave It To Beaver
“God’ll get you for that” – Maude, “Maude”
“Good grief” – Charlie Brown, “Peanuts” specials
“Good night, and good luck” – Edward R. Murrow, “See It Now”
“Good night, John Boy” – “The Waltons”
“Have you no sense of decency?” – Joseph Welch to Sen. McCarthy
“Heh heh” – Beavis and Butthead, “Beavis and Butthead”
“Here it is, your moment of ‘Zen’” – Jon Stewart, “The Daily Show”
“Here’s Johnny” – Ed McMahon, “The Tonight Show”
“Hey now!” – Hank Kingsley, “The Larry Sanders Show”
“Hey hey hey!” – Dwayne Nelson, “What’s Happening”
“Hey hey hey!” – Fat Albert, “Fat Albert”
“Holy (whatever), Batman!” – Robin, “Batman”
“Holy Crap!” – Frank Barone, “Everybody Loves Raymond”
“Homey don’t play that!” – Homey the Clown, “In Living Color”
“How sweet it is!” – Jackie Gleason, “The Jackie Gleason Show”
“How you doin’?” – Joey Tribbiani, “Friends”
“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” – Alka Seltzer ad
“I know nothing!” – Sgt. Schultz, “Hogan’s Heroes”
“I love it when a plan comes together” – Hannibal, “The A-Team”
“I want my MTV!” – MTV ad
“I’m Larry, this is my brother Darryl…” – Larry, “Newhart”
“I’m not a crook…” – Richard Nixon
“I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV” – Vicks Formula 44 ad
“I’m Rick James, bitch!” – Dave Chappelle as Rick James, “Chappelle’s Show”
“Is that your final answer?” – Regis Philbin, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
“It keeps going and going and going…” – Energizer Batteries ad
“It takes a licking…” – Timex ad
“Jane, you ignorant slut” – Dan Aykroyd to Jane Curtin, “Saturday Night Live”
“Just one more thing…” – Columbo, “Columbo”
“Let’s be careful out there” – Sgt. Esterhaus, “Hill Street Blues”
“Let’s get ready to rumble!” – Michael Buffer, various sports events
“Live long and prosper” – Spock, “Star Trek”
“Makin’ whoopee” – Bob Eubanks, “The Newlywed Game”
“Mom always like you best” – Tommy Smothers, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”
“Never assume…” – Felix Unger, “The Odd Couple”
“Nip it” – Barney Fife, “The Andy Griffith Show”
“No soup for you!” – The Soup Nazi, “Seinfeld”
“Norm!” – “Cheers”
“Now cut that out!” – Jack Benny, “The Jack Benny Show”
“Oh, my God! They killed Kenny” – Stan and Kyle, “South Park”
“Oh, my nose!” – Marcia Brady, “The Brady Bunch”
“One small step for man…” – Neil Armstrong”
“Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?” – Grey Poupon ad
“Read my lips: No new tazes!” – George H.W. Bush
“Resistance is futile” – Picard as Borg, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”
“Say good night, Gracie” – George Allen, “The Burns & Allen Show”
“Schwing!” – Mike Myes and Dana Carvey, “Saturday Night Live”
“Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy” – Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle
“Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids” – Trix cereal ad
“Smile, you’re on ‘Candid Camera’” – “Candid Camera”
“Sock it to me” – Rowan & Martina’s Laugh”
“Space, the final frontier…” – Capt. Kirk, “Star Trek”
“Stifle” – Archie Bunker, “All In The Family”
“Suit up” – Barney Stinson, “How I Met Your Mother”
“Tastes great! Less filling!” – Miller Lite beer ad
“Tell me what you don’t like about yourself” – Dr. McNamara and Dr. Troy, “Nip/Tuck”
“That’s hot” – Paris Hilton, “The Simple Life”
“The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat” – Jim McKay, “ABC’s Wide World Of Sports”
“The tribe has spoken” – Jeff Probst, “Survivor”
“The truth is out there” – Fox Mulder, “The X-Files”
“This is the city…” – Sgt. Joe Friday, “Dragnet”
“Time to make the donuts” – Dunkin’ Donuts ad
“Two thumbs up” – Siskel & Ebert, “Siskel & Ebert”
“Up your nose with a rubber hose” – Vinnie Barbarino, “Welcome Back, Kotter”
“We are two wild and crazy guys!” – Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd as Czech playboys, “Saturday Night Live”
“Welcome to the O.C., bitch” – Luke, “The O.C.”
“Well, isn’t that special?” – Dana Carvey as the Church Lady, “Saturday Night Live”
“We’ve got a really big show!” – Ed Sullivan, “The Ed Sullivan Show”
“Whassup?” – Budweiser ad
“What you see is what you get!” – Geraldine, “The Flip Wilson Show”
“Whatchoo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” – Arnold Drummond, “Diff’rent Strokes”
“Where’s the beef?” – Wendy’s ad
“Who loves you, baby?” – Kojak, “Kojak
“Would you believe?” – Maxwell Smart, “Get Smart”
“Yabba dabba do!” – Fred Flintstone, “The Flintstones”
“Yada, yada, yada” – “Seinfeld”
“Yeah, that’s the ticket” – John Lovitz as the pathological liar, “Saturday Night Live”
“You eeeediot!” – Ren, “Ren & Stimpy”
“You look mahvelous!” – Billy Crystal as Fernando, “Saturday Night Live”
“You rang?” – Lurch, “The Addams Family”
“You’re fired!” – Donald Trump, “The Apprentice”
“You’ve got spunk…” – Lou Grant, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”

Monday, November 27, 2006

Put your head on my shoulder

Sorry, more stuff for you all. But fun at the end.

Found this in my email group. Apparently thieves are recording numbers of gift cards, the ones that are just sitting in displays in stores, waiting a few days and then calling to see what THEY have for a balance. Then if you have activated it, they go online and use up the balance.
Here's the snopes address, if you wanna read more detail.

Welcome to the 2006 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate, I'm a very big fan of the French Vanilla
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? It generally depends on how big they are. The big ones usually don't get wrapped, but smaller ones have shown up with gift tags from Santa.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I'd have to say multicolored, but I do love those icicle ones in white. And we've come to decorating our house with white ones in garland, our tree has switched to white as well, but I still love the multi.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, no one here is gonna kiss me anyway
5. When do you put your decorations up? Lately, it's been the Fri after Thanksgiving, because that's when my brother is in town, and we still have the tradition of decorating the tree, and putting out mother's Santa collection together. But aside from those, it just depends on when we get to it, outside lights are hung when it's still semi warm out. My decorations are already up, but that's just cause they're all snowmen, being as that's what I collect.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Oh, sure take out the best one LOL. I'd have to say the cheesy potatoes my cousin makes, I love those. I could fill up a plate with equal portions of those, green bean casserole, and creamed corn. But, the potatoes, I really love.
7.Favorite Holiday memory as a child:
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I have no idea. I'd say sometime before the end of elementary school, but I really don't know
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We used to. When my dad's parents were still alive, his whole family used to go over there on Christmas eve, have a nice supper, and then Grandpa and Grandma would open presents, and hand out envelopes with money in them to the kids and grandkids.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Our tree has white lights in it, then we hang mostly Santas on it, we still have a few other ornaments that always get put on it, like the red construction paper bell picture frames of me and my brother when we were little.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow. As I've gotten older, I've noticed I wanna play in it more often. And then how it looks in the mornings right after it snows, before the sun is warm enough to melt it and people have walked in it. The only thing I hate is I have to shovel.
12. Can you ice skate? I haven't in a long while, but I probably could if I tried, I had rollerblades, and when the Univ opened their new ice rink a few years (wow, actually it's been about 7 or so, cause it was when I was still in HS) ago, my friends and I all went and skated, but it's been awhile.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family. It's usually the only time the whole family gets together and gets to see each other
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? My uncle's cheesecake, of course that's not only for the holidays, but it's so rich, it's very hard to eat a lot of it.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Between visiting the Santa House down the road (with over a thousand Santas), going on the annual holiday home tour, and going to see the Christmas light displays in the neighborhood, I couldn't pick
17. What tops your tree? A Santa. Can you see a theme here? It's actually an ornament that looks like the old blown glass ones, but it's plastic and we basically tie it right on the tree.
18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Giving, always. Esp since I usually make my gifts. I remember the altered book I made my friend Karli last year, I loved making that, it took lots of hours, but when it was done...
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, and on a more serious note, O Holy Night
20. Candy Canes...Yuck or Yum? Yuck. I don't like the original peppermint ones, and I'm sick of the different flavors they've comeup with.

Yes I celebrate Christmas, and I will be using Merry Christmas, if you don't like it, tough shit

O Night devine

A couple things that were passed on to me through one of my email groups:

Newspapers simply won't publish letters to the editor which they either deem politically incorrect (read below) or which don't agree with the philosophy they're pushing on the public. This woman wrote a great letter to the editor that should have been published - but with your help it will get published via cyberspace!
New Immigrants From: David LaBonte
My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the OC Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to print it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined.
Dave LaBonte
(signed)

Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:
Dear Editor: So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. And here we are in 2006 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.
(signed)
Rosemary LaBonte

P. S. Pass this on to everyone you know!!! KEEP THIS LETTER MOVING!! I hope this letter gets read by millions of people all across the nation!!

Perhaps this could help save one of us!!
STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.. S.T.R.
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word.
I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
*STROKE IDENTIFICATION:*
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had theyknown how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
*It only takes a minute to read this...*
**A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
*RECOGNIZING A STROKE*
**Remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!**
**Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately,the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severebrain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.**
**Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by *asking three simplequestions:
***S***Ask the individual to **SMILE**.
***T***Ask the person to **TALK** to **SPEAK A SIMPLE** **SENTENCE**(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today.)**
***R***Ask him or her to **RAISE BOTH ARMS.**
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this:
Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue.
If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that isalso an indication of a stroke.If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately!! and describe the* symptoms to the dispatcher.** **

Sunday, November 26, 2006

it's not somebody who's seen the light

So, new cops tonight, and I like Officer Cutie Cook in the opening sequence.
And the hotties are:
Hillsborough County, Florida: Deputy James Ennis, Deputy Gerald Stewart
Chattanooga, TN: Officer David Frye
Spokane, WA: Officer Jake Jensen, and whoever the other officer was that showed up 2nd (after Officer Jensen) and helped move the chick
Martin County, FL:
Don't the COPS crew know they're supposed to name every single officer if they are seen in the segment? Sigh.
Now, am I the only one that loves hearing the sound the cuffs make when the cops stick them on people?
And why do guys think it's so cool to wear their pants so damn low you can see at least half their underwear?
Rather wierd today, I watched a movie on Lifetime (yeah, yeah, make your jokes) earlier about a chick who became a prostitute and then was killed by her pimp. And as I was watching the last segment in Las Vegas, in the first episode and some of the stuff that chick was saying was exactly what was said in this movie. I think the movie was based on a true story but I have no idea.
I guarantee I've never seen this Chattanooga, TN segment, Goddess, I would have remembered it.
I'm so glad I'm not special enough to have money that comes with white crap on it.
The lady in the last segment used that line "It's not mine, I swear to God" I believed her, I don't know why the cop didn't. And I suppose the thing in her pants wasn't hers either.
And the hott cop statuette goes to:
Derrick Pendergrass of the Chattanooga, TN PD
No surprise there, huh? Unlike Goddess my statuette will be awarded to the same person multiple times, if I believe they are the hottest person for the hour.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

every time I hear your name

So, I think Goddess is right. I think the reason I'm so obnoxiously bummed about not having a boyfriend is because I'm freaked/scared about the future/the unknown. And it kinda hit me tonight (about 20 minutes ago, actually), I spent the whole day with my family (and now knowing how much effort that took, there's no way I could go on vacation with them, even for a few days) My mom asked if I had scheduled my physical so I could have one before my insurance ran out, and that upset me so much. Maybe, it’s just cause I thought with it being Thanksgiving and all we could not talk about that. But, I should have known better, my mom figures out somehow to bother me with questions about shit after graduation. Well I got pissed a little while after (actually I was fighting back tears cause I was pissed then), cause I didn’t wanna watch all the normal shit they usually watch. Cause apparently we can’t tape this crap and watch something else, no we have to watch the same boring stuff as always. Anyway, I got pissed left, and of course slammed the door (cause it’s not a good exit if you can’t), then I collapsed on my stairs and just cried.
And I just wish I had someone to run to that would give me a hug. I know I’m freaked about the future, as much as I try to hide it. And I think the one thing that would help (I don’t really know, cause I’ve never had one) is a boyfriend, or just a guy that I could run to who would give me a hug. That’s all I want, someone to wrap me up in his arms and tell me everything’s going to be OK. I don’t care if it’s a lie. I just want loving arms around me. I’ve never had that. Like right now, I’m mad and I’m sad, and I’m typing this through tears, and it would just be nice to have someone wrap their arms around me and tell me it’s going to be ok. You'd think it was a hard request.

You got a problem but don't come asking me for help

This was passed along to me in one of my many groups. It's really good, if you don't have a tightening in your chest and are not crying (whether inwardly or outwardly) by the time you get to the end, then I feel sorry for you.

A WIFE'S REQUEST"I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters. Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military:" clean shaven, cropped hair cut, and that"squared away" look that comes with pride. Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election." I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills. Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmmm! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know."My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "coffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it. "You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity.That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense ofour social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it." Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is? I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking. Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military." Professional baby-killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again. That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known. Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smilingly said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him." "Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the "freedom" to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it." I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. "Yes, thank you," I replied. Then, turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal." As I returned to my booth applause broke out I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak.The women picked up their check and scurried away. After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler a la mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys." With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did." As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day. Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom. As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the basewhere I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!" To those who fought for our Nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. GOD BLESS AMERICA! Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders. "Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior."There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Do not stop this prayer chain, please.... Of all the gifts you could give to anyone in the US Military, be it Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or National Guard, Prayer is the very best one.. ..Amen!

Think of the troops today, some of them aren't getting a turkey and all the fixings, but be sure they are thinking about it, and their meal will taste like a grand Thanksgiving meal today. Have A Happy Thanksgiving all.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

There's no sign of life

So, it's been an interesting end of the week. I have a nasty ass scratch on my leg, that no one believes is a scratch. I swear it is, It looks like I scraped off my skin, it's really nasty looking, but my legs are dry (have been for awhile), and so I had an itch and I start maniacally (sp?) scratching, and well I scratched enough to get a nasty looking scrape, but not enough for blood. OK, the reason I'm saying this is cause I know what to do if something bleeds, but I got pus instead, I don't know what to do with pus. So I slapped a couple bandaids on, and went along with life. Friday after I got home, I let it dry out, I'm not sure if that was a good idea or not. And then yesterday, I worked a 'concert' at the center, and asked the paramedics if they had any neosporine, cause I don't have any, so I got some of that gooped on it. And today after working the game, I went and bought me some bandaids, neosporene (yeah, I know its spelled wrong), and some anti-itch cream today, so I should be ok.
Also yesterday, I was pissed cause I couldn't find my shirt. (Sidebar here, if you know me, when I get pissed, I have a tendency to hit stuff, now most of the time, I hit a wall with the side of my hand), so I was pissed and annoyed and I hit a door, with my fist, and developed this huge ass blood blister, which I pushed back down on my knuckle, and I have a bruised knuckle now. My cop friend just laughed at me, when I told him why I had a bruised knuckle. Hopefully there's never a brick wall or a glass window around when I get pissed.
And today, was a nice day (guy watching anyway). I was working a basketball game, and I was at the door where all the cops and paramedics come in. So, my neighbor (a campus police officer) and dream guy (a city cop) were working, plus one of my other cop friends. And someone I've been chatting with nicely (I'll explain below), and I ran into one of my cop friends as he was going to work as well. It was great.
Ok, this person I've been chatting nicely with. As we all know I work the college basketball games here, and the campus as well as city cops work the games as well. Well I don't know a lot of the campus cops, but I know quite a few of the city cops. Anywho, there's been a certain campus cop, S, that has been working quite a bit lately, so I've been chatting with him when he walks by whereever I happen to be working that night. Yesterday we chatted a bit. And today I saw him out of uniform, and told him I liked his uniform better. I hope to get a nice friendship out of this.

And I've decided I'm a boring person. If anyone has any thoughts against that, please comment.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

If you win this case, justice will prevail, and if you lose, justice will also prevail. Now that is a strange case.

Take my Hand, Precious Lord, lyrics by Thomas Andrew Dorsey, 1932

Precious Lord, take my hand.
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, and worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, lead me near,
When my life is almost gone.
Hear my cry, hear my call.
Hold my hand, lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand.
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Every time I want to say

I found this on one of the many blogs I read, he says it's funnier if you've served in the military, though I found it very funny anyway.
Once upon a time, there was a SPC Schwarz stationed with the Army in the Balkans. SPC Schwarz was either very clever or very bored; but probably both, since he managed to attempt or be warned about 213 things he wasn't allowed to do. He collected those things into a hilarious list and posted them to the web.
1. Not allowed to watch South Park when I'm supposed to be working.
2. My proper military title is 'Specialist Schwarz' not 'Princess Anastasia'.
3. Not allowed to threaten anyone with black magic.
4. Not allowed to challenge anyone's disbelief of black magic by asking for hair.
5. Not allowed to get silicone breast implants.
6. Not allowed to play 'Pulp Fiction' with a suction-cup dart pistol and any officer.
7. Not allowed to add 'In accordance with the prophesy' to the end of answers I give to a question an officer asks me.
8. Not allowed to add pictures of officers I don't like to War Criminal posters.
9. Not allowed to title any product 'Get Over it'.
10. Not allowed to purchase anyone's soul on Government time.
11. Not allowed to join the communist party.
12. Not allowed to join any militia.
13. Not allowed to form any militia.
14. Not allowed out of my office when the president visited Sarajevo.
15. Not allowed to train adopted stray dogs to 'Sic Brass!'
16. Must get a haircut even if it tampers with my 'Sampson like powers'.
17. God may not contradict any of my orders.
18. May no longer perform my now (in)famous 'Barbie Girl Dance' while on duty.
19. May not call any officers immoral, untrustworthy, lying, slime, even if I'm right.
20. Must not taunt the French any more.
21. Must attempt to not antagonize SAS.
22. Must never call an SAS a 'Wanker'.
23. Must never ask anyone who outranks me if they've been smoking crack.
24. Must not tell any officer that I am smarter than they are, especially if it's true.
25. Never confuse a Dutch soldier for a French one.
26. Never tell a German soldier that 'We kicked your ass in World War 2!'
27. Don't tell Princess Di jokes in front of the paras (British Airborne).
28. Don't take the batteries out of the other soldiers alarm clocks (Even if they do hit snooze about forty times).
29. The Irish MPs are not after 'Me frosted lucky charms'.
30. Not allowed to wake an Non-Commissioned Officer by repeatedly banging on the head with a bag of trash.
31. Not allowed to let sock puppets take responsibility for any of my actions.
32. Not allowed to let sock puppets take command of my post.
33. Not allowed to chew gum at formation, unless I brought enough for everybody.
34. (Next day) Not allowed to chew gum at formation even if I *did* bring enough for everybody.35.
Not allowed to sing 'High Speed Dirt' by Megadeth during airborne operations. ('See the earth below/Soon to make a crater/Blue sky, black death, I'm off to meet my maker')
36. Can't have flashbacks to wars I was not in. (The Spanish-American War isn't over).
37. Our medic is called 'Sgt Larwasa', not 'Dr. Feelgood'.
38. Our supply Sgt is 'Sgt Watkins' not 'Sugar Daddy'.
39. Not allowed to ask for the day off due to religious purposes, on the basis that the world is going to end, more than once.
40. I do not have super-powers.
41. 'Keep on Trucking' is *not* a psychological warfare message.
42. Not allowed to attempt to appeal to mankind's baser instincts in recruitment posters.
43. Camouflage body paint is not a uniform.
44. I am not the atheist chaplain.
45. I am not allowed to 'Go to Bragg boulevard and shake daddies little money maker for twenties stuffed into my undies'.
46. I am not authorized to fire officers.
47. I am not a citizen of Texas, and those other, forty-nine, lesser states.
48. I may not use public masturbation as a tool to demonstrate a flaw in a command decision.
49. Not allowed to trade military equipment for 'magic beans'.
50. Not allowed to sell magic beans during duty hours.
51. Not allowed to quote 'Dr Seuss' on military operations.
52. Not allowed to yell 'Take that Cobra' at the rifle range.
53. Not allowed to quote 'Full Metal Jacket ' at the rifle range.
54. 'Napalm sticks to kids' is *not* a motivational phrase.
55. An order to 'Put Kiwi on my boots' does *not* involve fruit.
56. An order to 'Make my Boots black and shiny' does not involve electrical tape.
57. The proper response to a lawful order is not 'Why?'
58. The following words and phrases may not be used in a cadence- Budding sexuality, necrophilia, I hate everyone in this formation and wish they were dead, sexual lubrication, black earth mother, all Marines are latent homosexuals, Tantric yoga, Gotterdammerung, Korean hooker, Eskimo Nell, we've all got jackboots now, slut puppy, or any references to squid.
59. May not make posters depicting the leadership failings of my chain of command.
60. ‘The Giant Space Ants' are not at the top of my chain of command.
61. If one soldier has a 2nd Lt bar on his uniform, and I have an E-4 on mine It means he outranks me. It does not mean ‘I have been promoted three more times than you'.
62. It is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission, no longer applies to Specialist Schwarz.
63. Command decisions do *not* need to be ratified by a 2/3 majority.
64. Inflatable novelties do *not* entitle me to BAQ or Separation pay.
65. There are no evil clowns living under my bed.
66. There is no ‘Anti-Mime' campaign in Bosnia.
67. I am not the Psychological Warfare Mascot.
68. I may not line my helmet with tin foil to ‘Block out the space mind control lasers'.
69. May not pretend to be a facist stormtrooper, while on duty.
70. I am not authorized to prescribe any form of medication.
71. I must not flaunt my deviances in front of my chain of command.
72. May not wear gimp mask while on duty.
73. No military functions are to be performed ‘Skyclad'.
74. Woad is not camouflage makeup.
75. May not conduct psychological experiments on my chain of command.
76. "Teddy Bear, Teddy bear, turn around" is *not* a cadence.
77. The MP checkpoint is not an Imperial Stormtrooper roadblock, so I should not tell them "You don't need to see my identification, these are not the droids you are looking for."
78. I may not call block my chain of command.
79. I am neither the king nor queen of cheese.
80. Not allowed to wear a dress to any army functions.
81. May not bring a drag queen to the battalion formal dance.
82. May not form any press gangs.
83. Must not start any SITREP (Situation Report) with "I recently had an experience I just had to write you about...."
84. Must not use military vehicles to ‘Squish' things.
85. Not allowed to make any Psychological Warfare products depicting the infamous Ft. Bragg sniper incident.
86. May not challenge anyone in my chain of command to the ‘field of honor'.
87. If the thought of something makes me giggle for longer than 15 seconds, I am to assume that I am not allowed to do it.
88. Must not refer to 1st Sgt as ‘Mom'.
89. Must not refer to the Commander as ‘Dad'.
90. Inflatable sheep do *not* need to be displayed during a room inspection.
91. I am not authorized to initiate Jihad.
92. When asked to give a few words at a military ceremony ‘Romper Bomper Stomper Boo' is probably not appropriate.
93. Nerve gas is not funny.
94. Crucifixes do not ward off officers, and I should not test that.
95. I am not in need of a more suitable host body.
96. ‘Redneck Zombies' is not a military training aid.
97. Gozer does not dwell in my refrigerator.
98. The proper response to a chemical weapon attack is not ‘Tell my chain of command what I really think about them, and then poke holes in their masks.'
99. A smiley face is not used to mark a minefield.
100. Claymore mines are not filled with yummy candy, and it is wrong to tell new soldiers that they are.
101. I am not allowed to mount a bayonet on a crew-served weapon.
102. Rodents are not entitled to burial with full military honors, even if they are "casualties of war".
103. My commander is not old enough to have fought in the civil war, and I should stop implying that he did.
104. Vodka, green food coloring, and a ‘Cool Mint’ Listerine® bottle is not a good combination.
105. I am not allowed to bum cigarettes off of anyone under twelve.
106. I may not trade my rifle for any of the following: Cigarettes, booze, sexual favors, Kalishnikovs, Soviet Armored vehicles, small children, or bootleg CD’s.
107. Must not mock command decisions in front of the press.
108. Should not taunt members of the press, even if they are really fat, exceptionally stupid, and working for UPI.
109. I am not authorized to change national policy in Eastern Europe.
110. Never, ever, attempt to correct a Green Beret officer about anything.
111. I am not qualified to operate any US, German, Polish, or Russian Armored vehicles.
112. When saluting a ‘leg’ officer, an appropriate greeting is not "Airborne leads the wa- oh...sorry sir".
113. There is absolutely no need to emulate the people from ‘Full Monty’ every time I hear the song "Hot Stuff".
114. I cannot trade my CO to the Russians.
115. I should not speculate on the penis size of anyone who outranks me.
116. Crucifying mice - bad idea.
117. Must not use government equipment to bootleg pornography.
118. Burn pits for classified material are not revel fires - therefore it is wrong to dance naked around them.
119. I cannot arrest children for being rude.
120. An EO briefing is probably not the best place to unveil my newest off color joke.
121. I should not use government resources to ‘waterproof’ dirty magazines.
122. Radioactive material should not be stored in the barracks.
123. I should not teach other soldiers to say offensive and crude things in Albanian, under the guise of teaching them how to say potentially useful phrases.
124. Two drink limit does not mean first and last.
125. Two drink limit does not mean two kinds of drinks.
126. Two drink limit does not mean the drinks can be as large as I like.
127. ‘No Drinking Of Alcoholic Beverages’ does not imply that a Jack Daniel’s® IV is acceptable.
128. "Shpadoinkle" is not a real word.
129. The Microsoft® ‘Dancing Paperclip’ is not authorized to countermand any orders.
130. ‘I’m drunk’ is a bad answer to any question posed by my commander.
131. No dancing in the turret. This especially applies in conjunction with rule #113.
132. The loudspeaker system is not a forum to voice my ideas.
133. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to replace the radio.
134. The loudspeaker system is not to be used to broadcast the soundtrack to a porno movie.
135. An order to put polish on my boots means the whole boot.
136. Shouting ‘Let’s do the village! Let’s do the whole fucking village!’ while out on a mission is bad.
137. Should not show up at the front gate wearing part of a Russian uniform, messily drunk.
138. Even if my commander did it.
139. Must not teach interpreters how to make "MRE" bombs.
140. I am not authorized to sell mineral rights.
141. Not allowed to use a broadsword to disprove ‘The Pen is Mightier than the sword’.
142. 'Calvin-Ball' is not authorized PT.
143. I do not need to keep a 'range card' by my window.
144. 'K-Pot, LBE, and a thin coat of Break-free' is not an authorized uniform.
145. I should not drink three quarts of blue food coloring before a urine test.
146. Nor should I drink three quarts of red food coloring, and scream during the same.
147. I should not threaten suicide with pop rocks and Coke®.
148. Putting red 'Mike and Ike's'® into a prescription medicine bottle, and then eating them all
in a formation is not funny.
149. Must not create new DOD forms, then insist they be filled out.
150. On Sports Day PT, a wedgie is not considered a legal tackle.
151. The proper way to report to my Commander is 'Specialist Schwarz, reporting as ordered, Sir' not 'You can't prove a thing!'
152. The following items do not exist: Keys to the Drop Zone, A box of grid squares, blinker fluid, winter air for tires, canopy lights, or Chem-Light® batteries.
153. I should not assign new privates to 'guard the flight line'.
154. Shouldn't treat 'piss-bottles' with extra-strength icy hot.
155. Teaching Albanian children to taunt other soldiers is not nice.
156. I will no longer perform 'lap-dances' while in uniform.
157. If I take the uniform off, in the course of the lap-dance, it still counts.
158. The revolution is not now.
159. When detained by MP's, I do not have a right to a strip search.
160. No part of the military uniform is edible.
161. Bodychecking General officers is not a good idea.
162. Past lives have absolutely no effect on the chain of command.
163. Take that hat off.
164. There is no such thing as a were-virgin.
165. I do not get 'that time of month'.
166. No, the pants are not optional.
167. Not allowed to operate a business out of the barracks.
168. Especially not a pornographic movie studio.
169. Not even if they *are* 'especially patriotic films'.
170. Not allowed to 'defect' to OPFOR during training missions.
. On training missions, try not to shoot down the General's helicopter.
172. 'A full magazine and some privacy' is not the way to help a potential suicide.
173. I am not allowed to create new levels of security clearance.
174. Furby ® is not allowed into classified areas. (I swear to the gods, I did not make that up, it's actually DOD policy).
175. We do not 'charge into battle, naked, like the Celts'.
176. Any device that can crawl across the table on medium, does not need to be brought into the office.
177. I am not to refer to a formation as 'the boxy rectangle thingie'.
178. I am not 'A lesbian trapped in a man's body'.
179. On Army documents, my race is not 'Other'.
180. Nor is it 'Secretariat, in the third'.
181. PokĂ©mon® trainer is not an MOS.
182. There is no FM for 'wall-to-wall counseling'.
183. My chain of command has neither the time, nor the inclination to hear about what I did with six boxes of Fruit Roll-Ups®.
184. When operating a military vehicle I may *not* attempt something 'I saw in a cartoon'.
185. My name is not a killing word.
186. I am not the Emperor of anything.
187. Must not taunt officers in the throes of nicotine withdrawal, with cigarettes.
188. May not challenge officers to 'Meet me on the field of honor, at dawn'.
189. Do not dare SERE graduates to eat bugs. They will always do it.
190. Must not make s'mores while on guard duty.
191. Our Humvees cannot be assembled into a giant battle-robot.
192. The proper response to a briefing is not 'That's what you think'.
193. The Masons, and Gray Aliens are not in our chain of command.
194. Shouldn't take incriminating photos of my chain of command.
195. Shouldn't use Photoshop® to create incriminating photos of my chain of command.
196. I am not allowed to give tattoos.
197. I am not allowed to sing 'Henry the VIII I am' until verse 68 ever again.
198. Not allowed to lead a 'Coup' during training missions.
199. I should not confess to crimes that took place before I was born.
200. My chain of command is not interested in why I 'just happen' to have a kilt, an inflatable sheep, and a box of rubber bands in the back of my car.
201. Must not valiantly push officers onto hand grenades to save the squad.
202. Despite the confusing similarity in the names, the "Safety Dance" and the "Safety Briefing" are never to be combined.
203. 'To conquer the earth with an army of flying monkeys" is a bad long term goal to give the re-enlistment NCO.
204. NEVER nail a stuffed bunny to a cross and put it up in front of the Battalion Headquarters sign as an "Easter Desecration."
205. Don't write up false gigs on a HMMWV PMCS. ("Broken clutch pedal", "Number three turbine has frequent flame-outs", "flux capacitor emits loud whine when engaged")
206. Not allowed to get shot.
207. The Chicken and Rice MRE is *not* a personal lubricant. (Skippy wanted this noted for the record that this is not something he has ever attempted or considered! It was something we heard at dinner on 22 September 2001 and it was just so obscene it had to go here.)
208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are "hearing conversations" from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.
209. An airsickness bag is to be used for airsickness *only*. (Also not a Skippy-ism...this was the same dinner.)
210. Must not make T-shirts up depicting a pig with the writing "Eat Pork or Die" in Arabic to bring as civilian attire when preparing to deploy to a primarily Muslim country.
211. Don't ask LTC Steele to sign my copy of Blackhawk Down.
212. Must not go on nine deployments in six years that require a security clearance that I don't have, even if the Army tells me repeatedly that I have one and I have no reason to question them.
213. Do not convince NCO's that their razorbumps are the result of microscopic parasites.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

you opened up her head with a saw and poked around

UGH! You know what I hate the most about The Unit? That they always leave shit hanging. Like last week, the Col's wife got drunk or passed out on drugs, and one of the guys' wives took the blame and said she was driving. And then the cops tried to get her to admit she was driving erratically that made another vehicle drive off the road and into a ditch, which put the driver in the hospital. And the guy (Mac) was telling his wife, that the Col's wife needed to step up, and they just leave it hanging.
This week it was about one of the guys (Bob) who was lost in the middle of nowhere and had to rely on his survival skills, and of course it leaves off with them being rescued (found) by a truck. I'm guessing next week, it won't even have anything about if Bob was fully recovered or not.

And since, most of you suck when I ask for advice, no, I'm not pissed at you, mostly at my parents, as always. I've decided I'm just going to not go on this vacation. I'd rather earn my money, and I made a commitment, and I very much hate it when people go back on their commitments, if they have the choice. I will be here, "enjoying" the nice winter weather of the midwest, and I will not complain about getting a vacation. At least not to my parents.

And I'm excited to work tonight, I have no idea why. Though I did find out I'm not working as long as I thought I was (cause I'm subbing for someone else, and I thought I was long doors instead of short).

Also, I will complain AGAIN, about how much I hate being single. Goddess asked me why it was getting too me so much lately. And I don't really know. I just know that it's really putting me in the dumps. I think part of it is that I've decided not to stay in contact with my friend in AZ because I'm so sick of him breaking promises. And I know he is one of the few people that knows my deep dark secrets, so it sucks that I'm losing that. But I think it is a good choice, and will help me move along in other ways.
I'm also having a rough time with school and responsibilities and stuff. The past few days I've just wanted to sleep/stay in bed, I have no desire to get out and go to work/class, but I know i have to, so I drag my ass out and do it. Thankfully, I get next week off from classes, yeah I'm working a little more, but I welcome that. I like my job (both of them). And sometimes it seems I can destress from life at my job.
And speaking of my job, I have to run off and get ready.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Help me get her out of my mind

I got this from one of my friend's blogs. He only seems to post once every few months, and this is what I found.

What does your name mean?

A: You like to drink.
B: You like people.
C: You are really silly.
D: You like to drink.
E: Damn good kisser.
F: You are dead sexy.
G: You never let people tell you what to do.
H: You have a very good personality and looks.
I: You Are Great in bed.
J: People Adore yOU
K: You're wild and crazy.
L: Everybody Loves You.
M: best kisser ever.
N: You like to drink.
O: awesome kisser.
P: You are popular with all types of people.
Q: You are a hypocrite.
R: Fuckin crazy.You like to drink.
S: Easy to fall in love with.
T: You're loyal to those you love.
U: You really like to chill.
V: You are not judgemental.
W: You are very broad minded.
X: You never let people tell you what to do.
Y: Best g/f b/f anyone could ever ask for.
Z: Always ready.

W: You are very broad minded.
E: Damn good kisser.
N: You like to drink.
D: You like to drink.
Y: Best girlfriend/boyfriend anyone could ever ask for.

So, what does yours mean?

Sunday, November 12, 2006

I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights

Alright, my friendly readers, I need some help/advice.
As I've said before my parents want to take a trip after I graduate, well my mom runs into me when I'm coming home today asking if I could get someone to work on the 2 dates I work around Christmas, to which I said I'd rather not because I need the money. She says that maybe her and dad would consider paying me what I would be getting. And that I should try to get someone to work. Now, yes, it would be a bonus to get paid, but I'm not even sure I wanna go on vacation with them. And it's like a bribery.
What do you all think?

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Troubles so hard

Found this in my Sgt Grit newsletter this week. Read the whole letter here.

Here are some of the accomplishments in Iraq that occurred during the month of October, just in-case you missed them... And judging from the media reports you did.
BASRAH, Iraq, Oct. 2, 2006 — One of the greatest threats to the security of Iraq, and a common tactic of terrorists and insurgents, is the use of improvised explosive devices and mines.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 2, 2006 — The Iraqi Air Force is working to gain complete control of support operations from Coalition forces to add to the maintenance operations already under its charge.
AL ASAD, Iraq, Oct. 2, 2006 — Even though he's officially retired after four decades of government service, 72- year-old Jim Ruyak is at work every day serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Oct. 3, 2006 — Iraqi officials and Multi-National Division – Baghdad leaders transferred responsibility of Forward Operating Base Duke to Iraqi Security Forces during a press conference Oct. 1.
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Oct. 4, 2006 — Only months away from completion, the pump tanks at "RT3" are still empty as Iraqi workers put the finishing touches on the high-tech water treatment facility that will distribute clean, fresh water to millions of Baghdad area residents at the astonishing pace of 30 million gallons per day.
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Oct. 5, 2006 —The classroom is not sterile or high-tech, but what is taught there will help enable Iraqi engineers to bring their army's communication systems into the 21st century.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 5, 2006— Senior U.S. officials in Iraq are calling a four-point plan released Oct. 3 by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to halt sectarian violence "a significant step in the right direction."
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2006 —Billy Blanks, fitness guru, martial artist, actor and creator of Tae Bo, a fitness program that combines Tae Kwon Do moves and boxing with dance music, made a stop at the 4th Infantry Division Field House, Oct. 5.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 11, 2006 — Iraqi army soldiers, working in conjunction with Multi-National Division – Baghdad (MND-B) soldiers, executed Operation Half Nelson Oct. 4, which was designed to build trust between Iraqi civilians and MND-B forces and eliminate terrorist threats in Baghdad's Hurriyah neighborhood.
HAMRIN, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2006 — Water can be a scarce resource in many regions of Iraq. However, there are some areas, namely along the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys, that thrive because of the direct access to water.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 12, 2006 — "There is no such thing as a perfect crime, as there are always clues left behind" is a phrase that is often echoed in police circles all around the world. Detectives and analysts say a good forensics investigation will always lead to the perpetrator.
KIRKUK, Iraq, Oct. 13, 2006 —Two schools re-opened here Oct. 12 after being renovated as part of a program in which they will serve as models for other schools in the area.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq, Oct. 16, 2006— Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers delivered an assortment of equipment and goods to the Muehla Agricultural Union, Oct. 9.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Oct. 17, 2006— On a typical day at the Tarmiya Medical Clinic, patients and clinic workers witnessed a not-so-typical grand opening of a new surgical and pregnancy wing, Oct. 10. Ministry of Health personnel, local council members and soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division hosted the event.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Oct. 23, 2006 — After a remarkable year of retaining more than 560 soldiers while serving in Iraq, the 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade Retention office is at it again.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 23, 2006— Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers conducted a humanitarian aid mission Oct. 13 in Baghdad's Karkh district.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 23, 2006 — Everybody knows the bad news: In September, the lights were on in Baghdad for around four hours a day. One study has October's levels so far at 2.4, the lowest since the invasion.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 24, 2006— Three representatives from police and fire departments in Austin, Texas, met with Iraqi emergency services officials, Oct. 18, to discuss ways to better improve existing Iraqi emergency medical systems. The meeting was held at the Adnan Palace in central Baghdad.
RUSHDI MULLA, Iraq, Oct. 25, 2006—The first few were hesitant, coming in by ones and twos, but soon the floodgates opened and the citizens of Rushdi Mullah came from all over town to receive medical care Oct. 19 at a Multi-National Division – Baghdad medical operation.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE BRASSFIELD-MORA, Iraq, Oct. 27, 2006— Iraqi Army soldiers discovered multiple weapons caches during joint patrols with paratroopers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Oct. 21-22, in a village north of Samarra, Iraq.
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq, Oct. 30, 2006 — The arrival of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, to the Multi- National Division – Baghdad area of operation during the second and third week of October marked the beginning of a deployment for a brigade – and the end for another.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Oct. 31, 2006 — As international headlines report sectarian violence across Baghdad and the cities in the surrounding region, Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, are working together to re-establish a level of security that will allow local residents to return safely to Saab al Bour.
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Oct. 31, 2006 — It was a terrible scenario. A suicide bomber attack in Fallujah, Iraq, had injured a 21-year-old Marine. He suffered multiple burns to his face and hands, and blast injuries to his right arm with shrapnel embedded in his leg. But the worst part was shrapnel in his right eye, causing bleeding and a chance of retinal detachment, which would mean loss of sight.
Gunnery Sergeant
Michael W. Davis USMCR
Public Relations
Sgt Grit
Marine Specialties

I want to play with you tonight

Thank a veteran today for keeping our country free.

Friday, November 10, 2006

No matter how much time I have

It's the United States Marine Corps 231st Birthday today. Thank you to all Marines for protecting my Country

And here's a card for the Marines.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

All is calm and the world is still asleep

It's me complaining about being single AGAIN, that and guys.
So there's this guy I like (OK, there's a lot of guys I like), but he's got a girlfriend, so what does it mean that I secretly want them to break up so I can have a shot at him? This is actually very weird, because I used to be able to say to people that I wouldn't do anything to mess up the relationships of the guys I like.
And speaking of guys, there's a friend of mine that I met online awhile ago, well he keeps telling me he's gonna come visit me, he started talking about it last winter, and said he'd come visit before school started back again, that didn't happen. Then he said he'd visit this summer, also didn't happen. Then he kept saying he had to get his vehicle fixed so he could come visit me. Then about 3 weeks ago, he told me I should move on, not that I'm saying no to any other guys that ask me out (as if I'd get lucky and a guy would ask me out, or even be interested in me). And then yesterday, he got online, and we chatted for a few minutes, and he told me he was in NC, and that he just wanted to say hi. No mention of coming here to visit me or anything (and he knows I want him to), last time we chatted he said next time he went on a trip he would come visit me.
So, what do you think I should say to him? And am I just holding on to something that's never gonna happen? Should I get rid of all hope that he'll actually come?
I do wish I had someone to cuddle with, that would be especially nice now cause it's gonna get cold soon, and I'm not really just waiting for him (as I said up there), I don't have any guys that are waiting to see if this guy's gonna come visit me before they can make a move.

Sorry, about complaining about this so much people, but I am really getting sick of being single. I see people with gf's/bf's on campus and I get so jealous. I hate seeing it in my neighborhood, and I really hate seeing the guys I like that have someone. I'm so sick of being single.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

A New M16, Just Doin What He Had To Do

Remember the men and women who died this time of year:

8th Of November by Big & Rich
He said goodbye to his momma
As he left South Dakota
To fight for the Red, White, and Blue
He was 19 in green with a new M-16
Just doin' what he had to do.
He was dropped in the jungle
Where the choppers would rumble
With the smell of napalm in the air
Then the sargeant said, "Look up ahead"
And like a dark, evil cloud
1,200 came downon him and 29 more
They fought for their lives
But most of them died
In the 173rd Airborne

(Chorus)
On the 8th of November,
The angels were cryin'
As they carried his brothers away
With the fire rainin' down
And the Hell all around
There were few men left standin' that day
Saw the eagle fly, Through a clear, blue sky
1965, the 8th of November

Now hes 58A
nd his ponytails grey
But the battle still plays in his head
He limps when he walks,
But hes strong when he talks
About the shrapnel they left in leg
He puts on a grey suit
Over his airborne tattoo
He ties it on one time a year
And remembers the fallen,
As he orders a tall one
And swallows it down with his tears

(Chorus)
On the 8th of November,
The angels were cryin'
As they carried his brothers away
With the fire rainin' down
And the Hell all around
There were few men left standin' that day
Saw the eagle fly,
Through a clear, blue sky
1965, the 8th of November
Saw the eagle fly,
Through a clear, blue sky
1965

(Chorus)
On the 8th of November,
The angels were cryin'
As they carried his brothers away
With the fire rainin' down
And the Hell all around
There were few men left standin' that day

(Chorus)
On the 8th of November,
The angels were cryin'
As they carried his brothers away
With the fire rainin' down
And the Hell all around
There were few men left standin' that day
Saw the eagle fly,
Through a clear, blue sky
1965, the 8th of November
The 8th of November
The 8th of November

He said goodbye to his momma
As he left South Dakota
To fight for the Red, White, and Blue
He was 19 in green with a new M-16
Just doin' what he had to do.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

What else am I gonna do

So here's my commentary and who won what at the CMA awards last night. And if you don't want to read my commentary, scroll down to the bottom where I've listed the winners.
They started out with Brooks & Dunn with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow performing Building Bridges. It was so nice to see Vince perform, I haven't seen him in awhile. But Sheryl and Brooks & Dunn's vocals sucked. I'm gonna say Sheryl was off, cause it's Brooks & Dunn's song.
Brooks & Dunn were the hosts and it was back in Nashville, I don't know who's stupid idea it was to have it in NY last year, but it was really dumb. I can't say I like the location (building wise) this year, it was in a huge entertainment center thingy, I'd rather they had it in the Grand Ole Opry (which is where I believe it's been in the past).
Bon Jovi presented an award with LeAnn Womack, can't say I like the close-up of him, though, he just looks weird. The Single of the Year was Believe by Brooks & Dunn, I love that song. It makes me cry every time I hear it, I'm not a religious song person, but I do like this one, and some of the others that have been out lately, such as Jesus, Take The Wheel and When I Get Where I'm Going, and the Sawyer Brown one, the name of which escapes me at the moment.
Carrie Underwood performed Before He Cheats, I love this song too.
Song of the Year was presented by LeAnn Womack and someone from All My Children (wasn't really important to me). All the songs nominated for this award struck a heart string with me: 8th Of November by Big & Rich, Believe by Brooks & Dunn, Jesus Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood, Tonight I Wanna Cry by Keith Urban (one of the most depressing songs I've heard, actually this one I don't really like, so sorry doesn't strike a heart string), When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton, Believe won. Music video were those minus Keith's and added in Kerosene by Miranda Lambert, Believe also won this.
Alan Jackson performed Like Red on A Rose, this is a beautiful song. A nice love song, and having Alan Jackson perform it, makes it so much better, the way his voice sings it. It's a great song. Little Big Town performed Bones, this was also a new song, but it sounds great. I love how their harmony works together. Plus the brown-haired guitar player's pretty hott.
Vocal Group of the Year was given to Rascal Flatts.
Martina McBride performed a great new song: Anyway. Check it out if you can. I love her, she's got such a great voice, and she can hold a note for a long time. Reba McIntire and Martina are my favorite women singers. This song tells you to do shit even though it can be messed up. It's a great life song.
George Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Way to go, George.
Duo of the Year was Brooks & Dunn, not really a surprise, I believe between the 2 awards shows, they've only not won the award one time (they lost to Montgomery Gentry one year), so we've (me and numerous other people) have joked that it should just be renamed the Brooks & Dunn award.
Oh man, Dierks Bentley got married, guess I can cross him off my list. He performed Every Mile A Memory. I like this song it's got such a great rhythm.
Nice little gap between Dierks Bentley performing and Brooks & Dunn coming back out. Big oops there. Male Vocalist was awarded to Keith Urban, who had recently checked himself into an alcohol treatment center, rumored to be part of the arrangement of his marriage to Nicole Kidman.
Miranda Lambert performed a new song: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (I believe), she's so cute, I love how she knows how to play the guitar and chooses songs that are bitchy, but still cool.
Music Event of the Year was When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton. The Horizon Award (given to newer artists) was awarded to Carrie Underwood.
So, Josh Turner sang Would You Go With Me, I love his song Long Black Train, anyway since then, he's shaved/cut his hair really short, I don't like it.
OOOO!!! Jason Aldean performed Hicktown. HE IS SOOO HOTTTT!!!! I LOVE HIM!!!! He's actually the background picture on my desktop, he's soooo hott. It's a bummer he's married. He's my new crush in country music. He also reminds me of dream guy.
Female Vocalist of the Year was awarded to Carrie Underwood, and that's what the whole Faith Hill thing was about. She was in the camera (because they do that to see the reaction of the winner when the name is called), and she throws up her hands and says "WHAT?!" into the camera and walks off. I say it does look she's acting, it didn't seem to be anger, just acting, I guess, but it was real stupid looking. If you're looking for a video, check out my previous post.
Album of the Year was Time Well Wasted by Brad Paisley, I was kinda hoping for Kenny Chesney's album, oh well.
And Kenny won Entertainer of the Year. It was kinda funny cause, Barbara Mandrell paused before saying it, and you could hear the audience saying "Kenny"

To recap, in case you don't care about the commentary.
Song of the Year-- Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Single of the Year -- Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Music Video of the Year -- Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Vocal Group of the Year -- Rascal Flatts
Duo of the Year -- Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Male Vocalist of the Year -- Keith Urban
Horizon Award -- Carrie Underwood
Music Event of the Year -- When I Get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton
Female Vocalist of the Year -- Carrie Underwood
Album of the Year -- Time Well Wasted by Brad Paisley
Entertainer of the Year -- Kenny Chesney

It's Not Your Fault,

And once again, I'm annoyed with my parents (it's one of those common themes here). My mom's trying to talk me into going on a trip after I graduate, and I keep telling her, I don't have any money. I can either pick to go on this trip, or be home and maybe get some work and of course money comes from that.
Sat when we were out voting, she finally asked me if I was having money troubles, no mother I've just been complaining about money for the last 2 months for the hell of it. And she keeps trying to convince me you can go on a trip and not spend money. Now, I highly doubt they would buy me every single thing I wanted, such as a bottle of pop or a snack or a souvenier (sp?) for me. And if they did do that, at the end I'd be hearing about it: "We spent a lot of money on you, Wendy"
And then my brother calls me yesterday and asks if I have a passport, makes me think if I go on this trip it may be out of the US. So, I'm talking to mom last night, and she says it costs $100 for a passport, did we not learn before that I don't have any money. And then she adds that it lasts 10 years, who fucking cares, I don't have $100 to pay for it anyway.
I really do want to have a vacation, cause I really feel like I need one, I just wanna get away from school (which will be done by then), responsibilities and most of all MY PARENTS. I am so sick of them right now, so yeah I'd love a vacation, but I'd love even more if they went away and I had time without them.

Word Up

OK, I usually post this on my MSN blog, but I found quite a few funny stories in last weeks' newsletter, so I thought I'd pass them on. Read the newsletter in full here.
First, a note about today:
We have Marines and other military fighting and dying attempting to bring democracy to a foreign country. What will you be doing on November 7? In Iraq, even attempting to vote can get you or a relative assassinated. Through two plus centuries, freedom is one of the things Marines have fought, bled and died for. File your absentee ballot or wear your gear to the polls and vote for the candidate of your choice. Don't like any of the choices? Write in your own name. This nation has been well served by Marines and Marine Family. We need more of those people in Washington.
s/f Dennis Benson
Proud Marine Dad

Don't know how funny this is to anyone else, but I get a chuckle every time I think of it. While standing guard late on night at the weapons armory outside the fence and my partner inside the fence at Camp Horno area at Camp Pendleton, I observed a Marine getting kind of close to the armory. In good Marine Corps guard fashion, I yelled "Halt, who goes there? The Marine said 'Officer of the Day.' Being someone who likes to 'rock the boat' sometimes, I decided to play a little game with the obviously a 2nd Lt. I replied, 'Officer of the Day not recognized, Sir, Place your ID on the ground in front of you, take 10 steps back and get into the pushup position, sir.' Officer of the day did as I requested and once in the pushup position, I approached and picked up his ID card and proceeded to question him to verify it was him on the military ID card with the indefinite expiration date. He was able to answer my questions along with looking like the young LT on the ID card. I allowed him to stand up and reported my post as being secure.
Little did I know, he then went to the Sgt of the Guard and gave me an ATTA BOY! Not the response I expected, but as I look back, he was not an officer with a holier than thou attitude as many were and respect him for that. Sir, wherever you are, Thank You.
Cpl Wayne Duprey
Golf 2/1, 1st Mar Div
1977-1981
PS – Love the quote from Albert Einstein, "The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who do not do anything about it."
OOH RAH!

Don
My name is Paul Laskodi, Capt (Ret) U.S.M.C. I was wondering if ya could help in any way. I live in a sub-division called Remington Point, in Fort Worth, TX. The sales rep for KHovaininan homes is a young lady who thinks she is a commanding general. All of 24 years old. In the past they would fly our flag outside the sales office 24-7. Prior to her arrival I had the same issue with other reps. I explained the proper etiquette for flying the flag at night. They didn't listen and the flags came down. Yes! I took them. I had quite a collection and gave them to military friends. Two weeks ago they had another lapse and 2 more flags came down. The young lady came to my house and proceeded to give my wife the 3rd degree. I naturally stopped off at the sales office to give the young general a safety lecture as well as an education on how to display the flag. She asked that in the future, a simple reminder would sure help, if the lights were out. I agreed. Well............Today while going to work at O dark thirty, I notice the lights were out again. While on my way home I stopped off and kindly informed the young lady that the lights were out. She became upset and said that it was impossible. I said I wasn't there to argue. Just to inform as instructed. I was walking out to inform the other builder sales rep that their lights were out as well.......... The young lady followed behind and said "There is nothing that says we have to take that flag down". I stopped, turned around, and said "Don't take it down", and walked away. I had finished with the other builder sales rep, when the young general came walking across the street and in a loud voice said "How dare you disrespect me" (there were now two vehicles with people outside them in ear-shot of all that was being said) I asked her not to shout at me and please get away. She said "I'll have you arrested, and I'll call the police right now. I informed her that I spent 20 years defending MY flag and knew that at some point I might have to lay down my life for it, and if she thought that calling the police would intimidate me.......she was dead wrong I went home and then attended to some customers (I own a Blinds business) . My wife called to inform me that there were two police cars in front of our house at different times. I drove by the sales office on my way home and notice that the flag was still flying and it was dark. I intend to take the flag down on my way to work in the AM...so this might be the last bit of correspondence for a while. Take care and God Bless.......Semper Fi paul_44253 @ yahoo .com Paul S. LaskodiU.S.M.C. RetiredSemper Fi

Sgt. Grit, You were looking for a humorous story. This is something that happened to me a few years ago while I was visiting Parris Island. I was going through training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at what was once NAS Glynco, GA. One weekend I drove up to Parris Island. I'm a Hollywood Marine, having gone through training at MCRD San Diego in 1974 and I was curious on what type of sunglasses the recruits at MCRD Parris Island were issued.I was in the PX stocking up on Marine Corps logo gear. Unlike the days when I was a recruit, the recruits these days are allowed to go to the PX a few days before their graduation. On this day there were several female recruits in the PX. I got into the check out line behind several of the female recruits and was wondering if the line was reserved just for the recruits. I said to the young lady in front of me, "Excuse me, miss. Is this check out line just for the recruits or can I also be in line?" She turned around and snapped to attention and in a louder than normal voice replied, "Sir. No sir. This line is for anyone, sir." She had so much snap and pop in her reply. I said to her in a very easygoing tone, "Miss, you don't have to address me as sir. I'm just a retired Marine first sergeant" at which time her eyes got bigger, she snapped back to attention, and in a louder voice replied "Sir! Yes, Sir!" I realized that during her training she might not have even met a first sergeant. The highest ranking enlisted may have been her senior drill instructor, possibly a staff sergeant. I said to her, "You're going to make a good Marine. My best wishes for you." I then decided to find another line. I didn't want to be responsible for undoing weeks of training by her DI's. Besides, her motivation, bearing, and enthusiasm intimidated the heck out of me. They don't make recruits like they use to. Nope. They make them better. Semper FidelisHenry Miyashita1stSgt, USMC 1974-1994

A Col. and a LCpl are sitting in the barber shop both getting a haircut. The Barber finishes the Col hair and asks if the Col would like some after shave lotion. The Col replies "H#ll no, If I came home smelling like that my wife will think I've been hanging out in a French Whorehouse". The second Barber asks the LCpl if he'd like any aftershave lotion. The LCpl replies "Yes please, MY WIFE doesn't know what a French Whorehouse smells like".-God Bless the Lcpl's

I appreciate your newsletter so much! I entered the USMC, (or as I liked to call us: Uncle Sam's Misguided Children!) on April 21, 1975, and was discharged on July 2, 1982. Those were seven great years that I would not change for anything. I too have tried to get back in, but like so many, at 52 I'm too old. I have fond and humorous memories of my time in the Corps. One of the strangest was while at Parris Island during boot camp. I was in platoon 342. I entered the Corps just six months after I was ordained as a Baptist minister. I prayed a lot during boot camp. After a particularly trying day, I had gotten in my rack and was doing some talking to the Lord when I realized I really needed to make a head call....bad! As most of you remember, in order to make a head call, you had to have the DI's permission. I got up, went to the DI's door, slapped the red square with my hand and shouted: "LORD!, private Harrell requests permission to make a head call sir!". For some reason, the DI had a very strange look on his face when the door opened, and then the smile as he saw this red faced private standing there in his skivvies. Thank you for the service you are doing for our Corps through your newsletter. I read it from my church office religiously. SincerelySSgt R. S. HarrellAviation Radio Technician1975-1982

Sgt. Grit, Thank you for the newsletter...I get a boost every time I see it in my inbox. I was a recruit at Parris Island in 1983. The big thing at 3rd Bn was 'mountain climbers'. As we all know, these things can wear a recruit out quickly, if done correctly. Our hammer was Sgt. McKnight...Masochist McKnight is what we called him, but I digress. Sgt McKnight was wearing out a recruit on the quarterdeck one afternoon...pushup, sit-up, pushup, sit-up, mountain climb. After a bit, Sgt McKnight walked around a rack to discipline another recruit in the squad bay and apparently forgot about the original recruit on the quarterdeck he left performing mountain climbers. By the time Sgt. McKnight got back to the recruit on the quarterdeck, the recruit had completely stopped and was standing at attention, albeit sweating profusely. Sgt. McKnight charges the recruit, stops, points the infamous index finger in the recruit's face, and at the very top of his lungs, bellows out "I thought I told you to mountain climb?!". The recruit crisply responds back at the top of his lungs, "Sir, this recruit reached the top of the mountain, Sir." A sliver of a smirk appeared on Sgt. McKnight's face and then he barked, "Well, go back down and climb it again." The recruit, "Aye sir." Sgt. John Couturier1983-1988, 3rd Marine Air Wing 1988-1990, Drill Instructor 2nd Bn, MCRD San Diego

In your request for some humor I have a story that I laughed my boots off when it happened. Others as told thought yuck. Here goes. I was attached to HQBN north of DaNang. It was summer of 68 if memory is correct. We were on sandbag detail. Filling bukkoo sandbags and beefing up the bunker around the comm center. There was one guy who always would cop you can of pop (soda) from the fridge in the comm center, always. So this day the big ole boy from Texas decided to spit his chew juice into an open top pop can. About two thirds full, Tex placed this can in the fridge. We all kept working keeping one eye on ole Dick G. waiting,, just knowing he would eventually go for a beverage. Well about a half hour went by and then there goes Dick G. We all positioned ourselves where we could watch. And then as Dick G. grabbed the can from the fridge, turned to walk out of the comm center, took that ever so large gulp of what he thought was thirst quenching pop and as he hit the door we all scattered to avoid the eruption of what was coming out of Dick's mouth. Well after about 5 minutes of watching Dick G. toss everything he had eaten for two days we went back to work. Ever few minutes though there was a few more out loud chuckles. Well, after that you could leave your open can of pop anywhere and it was safe from good ole Dick G. Dick Weber, Veteran Cpl. USMC DaNang RVN67 Nov - 69 JulyIn Remembrance of BOB HOPE. Thank You MR. HOPE

Sgt Grit I was a DI, San Diego MCRD, From 1974 thru 1976. I had a recruit that was really slow and did not seem to be all there. No matter what we did he would foul it up. I finally asked him where he was from and why he join my Marine Corps. His response was. Sir, the Private is from Amarillo Texas and the Private thought it was going to be like Gomer Pyle on TV. Needless to say his time in the Marine Corps was short lived and NOT like Gomer Pyle, if you get my drift! Paul J. DeLaricheliereUSMC 1971 - 1979, SSgtUSMCR 1979 - 1999, CWO3 P.S. Yes they did learn to say and spell my name correctly.

Devil Dogs, Here it is you asked for an amusing story, well here is one of mine. Back in the fist Gulf War, I was stationed at the Port of Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. I was told that the government paid for a cruise ship to be docked at a neighboring country - Bahrain (sp) for some R&R for all the troops. It was in Bahrain because Saudi was a dry country (no alcohol), at least until we got there - that's a totally different story; maybe for another time. Anyway, here we are on this docked cruise ship, just livin' it up. I was there with about 15 other Marines from my Battalion (2nd Supply Bn.), and most wanted to go into this little town near the ship. So here we are, a gaggle of jar heads in some foreign country just wandering about. Idle hands seem to find mischief.... We weren't supposed to bring any alcohol off the ship, but you know how things go. This little town wasn't anything to write home about, but at least we were out of the base for a while, and got to be quasi normal for a few hours. As we were going from little shop to little shop, we walked into a fabric store that had rows of bolts of cloth about 4' tall all standing upright. Well being my wise azz self, I saw a small bolt of black fabric. So I bent down and picked up the corner of this seemingly innocent black fabric. I put it to my face like I was wearing the traditional garment worn by the local women. Just then to my surprise as well as hers, that small black bolt of fabric turned around. It wasn't an innocent bolt of fabric at all, it was actually a short local woman buying fabric to make other garments. She turned to me, her eyes were as big as saucers, and she looked scared. I was pretty well freaked out too. Here I am holding the bottom of this ladies dress to my nose, remembering the stories of how criminals get there hands cut off and crap. For a few seconds we both just froze and stared at each other. I didn't know what to do... I've never been in a situation like that. Then my buddy said, "You might want to give the lady her clothes back!" I promptly apologized and then dropped her dress. Needless to say, we spent the better part of the rest of the trip laughing about that. Even today, I can't go into a fabric store with out a chuckle or two. Thanks for the Newsletter. Semper Fi Marines - keep up the good work! Cpl. Ross P. 1988 - 1992

Hey Sgt Grit, Glad to see a request for some good ol' funny stories. One event in particular comes to mind that I think everyone will be able to relate to a little. This actually happened to a buddy of mine but I get a kick out of it every time I tell it, of course giving him the credit. I'm sure everyone had someone they called "alphabet" as a nickname because the actual name of the person looked like it was spelled from a line in a word hunt puzzle. Well my buddy was acting as scribe marking down discrepancies for the Platoon Sgt during an Alpha's inspection. The Sgt asked the young Marine where he was from, which the Marine answered – Ohio. At the same time the inspecting Sgt asked the question he was looking for the name stamp on the inside of the Marine's cover, which was there and prompted him to say "D*mn, how do you pronounce that?"! The Marine being inspected, completely serious, in exaggerated pronunciation said "O –H –I –O ". My buddy said it took every ounce of concentration he had to keep his bearing. I think the young Marine got a little stronger that day.. Marc Valois Sgt of Marines 92-00 Semper Fi

Don't Seem To Give A Fuck

It was such a quick and short post this morning that I forgot to add the links to those blogs, sorry. I fixed that. You should go complain to Kate, and thank Bobby
So, if any of you watched the CMA Awards last night, apparently Faith Hill got a little upset over not winning the Female Vocalist of the year. Watch the video here. I haven't watched them yet, so when I do, I'm planning to list the winners of everything and my commentary.

Also, Kate didn't do my meme, but as a consolation prize we have Bobby's version of it. Check it out.

This is one of my new favorite songs:

Jetsetter by Morningwood

This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you
This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you

I’m writing from the bedroom, I’m ennui and in my cups.
All the kids are kissing in the bathroom, licking bags to get their ups.
I’ve gotten 3 proposals since I left home, and none have left me impressed
It's getting much harder to say no and even harder to say yes

This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you
This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you

You've had enough annihilator, whose treasure was her trap
And when she wrapped her legs around your head, you knew you wouldn’t get it back.
It’s been 16 days since I've left home, 16 days too long
And what she does feels oh so right, so you know it must be wrong.

This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you
This is a jetsetter music letter from me to you
Whoa

Now I’m writing cause I miss you, and I’m writing cause I’m stuck
All these strangers all around me, they don't seem to give a fuck
And I’m tired of sleeping in strange beds,
And I've done more than you'd allow
I’ve had enough of jetsetting and I wanna come back now.

I wanna come back now
I wanna come back now
I wanna come back now
I wanna come back now

This is a jetsetter music letter
This is a jetsetter music letter
This is a jetsetter music letter

This is a jetsetter music letter (From me to you)
This is a jetsetter music letter (From me to you)
This is a jetsetter music letter (From me to you)
This is a jetsetter music letter (From me to you)
This is a jetsetter music letter (From me to you)

This is a jetsetter music letter

Wow.

Monday, November 06, 2006

These three words

Well I did it, it was hard, but I did it. I ate a piece of cherry pie without getting any of it on me. That's a pretty big feat for me, cause anytime I have white shirt on, I have the tendency to get something on it, so far, nothing, course I probably jinxed myself now.
And why am I wearing a white dress shirt to classes you wonder (or maybe not, but you get to find out anyway), because I didn't really think about my time when I signed up to work the basketball game tonight. Go me, I work on campus until 5, and I have to be at the bball game at 5:30, I hate being rushed (though I love getting money, kind of a trade off). So, it's gonna be a busy day, and I have some shit to finish up when I get home for my CJ class. I hate it when I don't look at my schedule.
And I know I'm usually the one that doesn't like to know who's on COPS ahead of time, but they got a new website, so I was checking it out (you should too), it looks pretty neat, they still have synapses (sp?) of the segments (unfortunately all reruns this week), but when they mention a PD/SD they have a link to that site, pretty cool huh? And Cutie Cook's on this week. YEA!!!
But I have to run (yeah right, in your dreams)/walk to class now, later people.
AND COULD I GET SOME COMMENTS HERE? No, it's not required, but it makes me feel loved.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

So I know everything is gonna be alright

Oh, so getting closer and closer to the realization that I am graduating in a little more than two months. Me and mom went to do satellite voting today (cause our schedules suck on Tuesday) and while we were out, we went over to the University and bought me a cap, gown, and tassle for the ceremony in December. Someone pinch me.
Alright, hottie cops tonight:
Unfortunately, no Officer Pilutik in the Palm Springs epidsodes. :(
From Palm Springs, CA: Officer Cary Carrillo, and the other uniformed unnamed crewcut cops (if anyone knows who they are, please tell) actually me and Goddess were trying to decide if there were 2 more or just one. From Atlanta, GA: Officer B.L. Dolson, and Officer Derrick Alexander. From Oskaloosa County, FL: Deputy Lenny Holloway and Deputy Butch Rockwell. Second episode, from Palm Springs, CA: Officer Mike Goodwin, from Martin County, FL: Detective Chris Conrad, the unknown officer handing the detectives the drug test baggie, crew cut officer standing next to them, and the very short cut hair officer watching the chick leaning on cop car; from Palm Beach County: FL: K9 John Sylvester, and the officer digging in the cop car trunk.
I can't give away a statuette cause I (stupidly) didn't tape it, and there were too many unnamed hotties, sorry guys. But ya gotta give your names to the COPs crew and make them put it on the tape.
Now I don't know about y'all, but I hate it when people wear my jeans, and I really hate it when they leave shit in the pockets, only wish they would leave money.
Oh, and the guy in the last segment in the first episode who said whenever he has extra money he buys drugs, how about you send me your extra money, I guaran-damn-tee, I could spend it on way better and legal shit.
And how the hell would this guy know if there's not anything else in the car when he "didn't know" the gun was in there? And we all know that if he had reached for the gun, the cop could have shot him, and it would have been justified

Friday, November 03, 2006

Watch my words bring sweet tears to your eyes

OK Kids, I found this on one of the online sites I frequent. And I'm tagging Kate (cause I know she'll steal it from me anyway)

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend your cool...

Opening Credits: I'm Moving On - Rascal Flatts
Waking Up: Wrong Side Of Memphis - Trisha Yearwood
First day at school: A Home - Dixie Chicks
Falling In Love: Lil Jack Slade - Dixie Chicks
Fight Song: Rumor Has It - Clint Black
Life: Song For Dad - Keith Urban
Mental Breakdown: Walk On - Reba McIntire
Driving: I Wanna Be Loved Like That - Shenandoah
Wedding: It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference - Todd Rundgren
Birth of Child: Sing Til I Stop Crying - Pat Green
Final Battle: Bad - Micheal Jackson
Death Scene: Another Day In Paradise - Genesis
Funeral Song: Nice Day - Persephone's Bees
End Credit: All I know About Mexico - Montgomery Gentry

Thursday, November 02, 2006

She's As Cold As Ice

I was watching a TV show last night and they mentioned H.H. Holmes. And I knew immediately who he was. Am I totally nuts to know who H.H. Holmes is? And what he did?

Now, don't anyone go and post who is, even if you know.

Pink Cadillac

OK, how many people remember/know the song Pink Cadillac? I'm posting the lyrics below if you want them. But I have a question, who sang the original? I've heard 2 versions, one by Jerry Lee Louis and the other by Bruce Springsteen, I'd have to say, I prefer the Boss' version of it.
Here's a way to know if your car's window tints are too dark: you have to roll down the window to see if cross traffic is coming. I saw someone do that today, that's just wrong.
Another thing not to do in traffic, back out of the turn lane and into another lane. I saw someone do this, and it was a good thing there was no one very close to him (behind him, or in the lane he decided to go into).
I'm so excited Basketball season starts tomorrow. Now if you know me, I don't like/care about sports, but I love basketball season here, cause I work at the coliseum where our games are played. So it's a busy time for me, and I get paid (not a ton) for the games, and I'm very much in need of money this year. I just took out more money from my account today, more money that I don't have. I hate being poor.

You may think I'm foolish
For the foolish things I do
You may wonder how come I love you
When you get on my nerves like you do
Well baby you know you bug me
There ain't no secret 'bout that
Well come on over here and hug me
Baby I'll spill the facts
Well honey it ain't your money
'Cause baby I got plenty of that
I love you for your pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money
On a Saturday night
Honey I just wonder what you do there in back
Of your pink Cadillac
Pink Cadillac

Well now way back in the Bible
Temptations always come along
There's always somebody tempting
Somebody into doing something they know is wrong
Well they tempt you, man, with silver
And they tempt you, sir, with gold
And they tempt you with the pleasures
That the flesh does surely hold
They say Eve tempted Adam with an apple
But man I ain't going for that
I know it was her pink Cadillac
Crushed velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money
On a Saturday night
Honey I just wonder what it feels like in the back
Of your pink Cadillac
Now some folks say it's too big
And uses too much gas
Some folks say it's too old
And that it goes too fast
But my love is bigger than a Honda
It's bigger than a Subaru
Hey man there's only one thing
And one car that will do
Anyway we don't have to drive it
Honey we can park it out in back
And have a party in your pink Cadillac