...and I'm not just talking about the caramel corn.
Because I made a delicious batch of caramel corn. It's light and fluffy and crispy and buttery and sweet. I'm wondering how the second half ziploc bag is going to make it to Colorado. It will have to be by sheer will power. Anyway, if interested, I found the recipe on allrecipes.com. It's called My Amish Friends Caramel Corn. It calls for 7 quarts of popped corn...and I had no idea how to get exactly 7 quarts. So I popped up two batches of corn using 1/2 cup of unpopped corn each batch. Perfect. Also, we got a non stick roasting pan for chickens and the like. As it turns out, it works great for caramel corn as well.
Anyway, we leave in 2 days! I still have to make more snacks and some shortbread for dad. It looks like today will be a baking day. I'm not complaining as it's cold outside.
I wandered around most of November wondering when it was going to snow in the QCA and enjoying 60 and 70 degree weather. Now I remember Midwest winters....boo. BUT, if we are still considering Alaska, then I best get used to COLD. I can not WAIT until that job list comes out!!
In other ponderings...in all my free time fritting about the house and being a housewife (which will end at the end of the year, I just know it), I have been thinking about kids. In my head, I planned to get preggers about 18 months after we got married to give us lots of newlywed time. Lately, I have been thinking it would be OK if we moved that up a bit. John and I have been talking about what new car to get after my car is paid off (and, honestly, I'm fine with keeping a paid-off car for a while) and timing kidlets with his career (which is always difficult when you have monkey wrenches thrown in your plans from all angles), and I had been thinking sooner would be OK. I wonder if this is a newlywed side effect? "You're married! Go have babies!"
Until the past couple of days when I thought I was pregnant. I had no real basis for these thoughts other than paranoia. And I was interpreting my PMS as early pregnancy symptoms. Although I had weird nausea at night before I went to sleep. Anyway, I was more uneasy and scared than joyous. I'm not sure exactly why or if this is an ingrained response from those years when I was not married and did NOT want to be pregnant. Or if it was just the fact that John and I have not discussed that now is a good time to be not trying to not get pregnant. (Ha! Make sense of that sentence! We're so passive aggressive. I predict we won't "try" to have kids, we'll "not try" to be safe anymore. There is so much pressure once you've declared that you're "trying".)
Anyway, the relief I felt this morning, when it was confirmed that I was NOT pregnant, was just a sign that we have more newlywed time to enjoy. More discussions to have. More monkey wrenches to work out. Before we decide to not try.
In the meantime, I'm going to bake and clean the house. And get a job.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Fa La La La La Laaa, La La La Laaaaaa
10 days until Christmas!
Today I am wrapping presents and shipping gifts. I'm also dumping (OK, "placing") the Christmas cards in the mail. Don't get all excited, they're pretty generic standard picture cards. But they have a wedding pic on them which makes them BE-YOO-TI-FUL! teehee. I'm also pretty sure I'm done shopping.
So, after today, we concentrate on the making-tasty-goodies portion of our holiday season. We have decided to drive to my folks house in Colorado. Essentially, we stopped looking at airfare. This is how I determined we decided to drive. John has been using his time researching living in Alaska instead. From past experience, I would tell you this means that we are NOT moving there. Because whatever John thinks is going to happen, does NOT happen.
But that's just from past experience. The Army is full of surprises.
Back to treats!
I am making:
English Toffee
Graham cracker toffee
Caramel corn (which, using the same basic ingredients of butter and sugar, tastes like toffee...on popcorn)
(do you see a pattern here?)
Shortbread. For my dad. My grandma always makes shortbread for him, but she doesn't bake much anymore. Her balance is not good. If she happens to make him some, I'm sure he will appreciate getting even more.
If I don't screw it up that is.
How can I screw it up though? It's butter, sugar and flour.
(I went out and bought 4 lbs of butter this baking season.)
Almond bark covered pretzels.
And, because I decided we needed chocolate, I'm making PWs life by chocolate cupcakes. They have a kiss in the middle of them. I'm going to put a cherry cordial kiss inside.
My aunt is making snowballs.
If I decide we don't have enough sweets, I may make yet another batch of mint chocolate chip cookies.
They're Christmas-y.
But we really should have enough.
And we'll all be SUPA FAT by the time we return from CO!
Fa La La La La Laaaa, La La La LAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Today I am wrapping presents and shipping gifts. I'm also dumping (OK, "placing") the Christmas cards in the mail. Don't get all excited, they're pretty generic standard picture cards. But they have a wedding pic on them which makes them BE-YOO-TI-FUL! teehee. I'm also pretty sure I'm done shopping.
So, after today, we concentrate on the making-tasty-goodies portion of our holiday season. We have decided to drive to my folks house in Colorado. Essentially, we stopped looking at airfare. This is how I determined we decided to drive. John has been using his time researching living in Alaska instead. From past experience, I would tell you this means that we are NOT moving there. Because whatever John thinks is going to happen, does NOT happen.
But that's just from past experience. The Army is full of surprises.
Back to treats!
I am making:
English Toffee
Graham cracker toffee
Caramel corn (which, using the same basic ingredients of butter and sugar, tastes like toffee...on popcorn)
(do you see a pattern here?)
Shortbread. For my dad. My grandma always makes shortbread for him, but she doesn't bake much anymore. Her balance is not good. If she happens to make him some, I'm sure he will appreciate getting even more.
If I don't screw it up that is.
How can I screw it up though? It's butter, sugar and flour.
(I went out and bought 4 lbs of butter this baking season.)
Almond bark covered pretzels.
And, because I decided we needed chocolate, I'm making PWs life by chocolate cupcakes. They have a kiss in the middle of them. I'm going to put a cherry cordial kiss inside.
My aunt is making snowballs.
If I decide we don't have enough sweets, I may make yet another batch of mint chocolate chip cookies.
They're Christmas-y.
But we really should have enough.
And we'll all be SUPA FAT by the time we return from CO!
Fa La La La La Laaaa, La La La LAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Options
As it turned out, John wasn't all that ticked.
Apparently he is way more acclimated to the Army and it's shenanigans than I am. Oh well, I will learn.
There was a list of those selected for ILE, and he didn't know many of them. This is encouraging because it really just means they have to take care of an existing backlog and it's not like he didn't get selected because he's a slug. (I reminded him that slugs don't get promoted double below the zone and all that.) It is curious however, because he has been "penciled in" for this program for 3 class start times now. I guess it's all the more evident how much they do not know how many more people need to get in as well.
(I did have a lengthier explanation typed out here about the backlog and why it exists. Then I deleted it because I decided that no one *really* cares anyway.)
The important thing is that he did the math and, provided there are good job openings coming up, he will still finish his objectives at the Major level and be promotable to Lieutenant Colonel in a preferred time frame. (I am SO proud that I spelled "lieutenant" correctly the first time. Not that you could know that I'm telling the truth.)
So we had one of those discussions last night. The one that starts with
"If you could live anywhere in the US, where would you want to live?"
I thought about it a bit, and decided I could be happy a lot of places. My two biggest considerations (for myself) is climate and job market. My knee jerk reaction is always "Colorado", but then I remember that a) I lived there a great number of years and maybe it's time to try a new place and b) the chiropractic laws there kind of....well, suck suck suckity suck.
First and foremost, however, is going to be desirability of the position for John's career. Location is second. He is looking to have a key job somewhere for about 2 years. The locations of these jobs range from Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle area, El Paso, TX, Ft. Hood, Texas, Ft. Carson (CO), Kentucky, Georgia, wayyyy upstate NY (where, as John says, it's "non winter" 4 months of the year), the Carolinas, or even within a program that could put us in another country such as the UK, Australia or Korea. Germany is actually not very likely for what he is looking for.
I'm really really OK with a lot of these options! Hawaii, Alaska, Ft. Hood, TX (preferrably NOT Bliss in El Paso), Ft. Bragg...these are all not bad options.
John also clarified what Branch said. The automated email said he was eligible for PCS soon. Not necessarily deployment. Is deployment still on the table as a possibility? Yes. But less likely that I thought.
Less likely in John's mind anyway. We have no idea what the Army actually has in store.
And we will have no idea about the job openings coming up until January. So I guess it's best not to stress about anything until we know more.
Right? Right.
(HA!)
Apparently he is way more acclimated to the Army and it's shenanigans than I am. Oh well, I will learn.
There was a list of those selected for ILE, and he didn't know many of them. This is encouraging because it really just means they have to take care of an existing backlog and it's not like he didn't get selected because he's a slug. (I reminded him that slugs don't get promoted double below the zone and all that.) It is curious however, because he has been "penciled in" for this program for 3 class start times now. I guess it's all the more evident how much they do not know how many more people need to get in as well.
(I did have a lengthier explanation typed out here about the backlog and why it exists. Then I deleted it because I decided that no one *really* cares anyway.)
The important thing is that he did the math and, provided there are good job openings coming up, he will still finish his objectives at the Major level and be promotable to Lieutenant Colonel in a preferred time frame. (I am SO proud that I spelled "lieutenant" correctly the first time. Not that you could know that I'm telling the truth.)
So we had one of those discussions last night. The one that starts with
"If you could live anywhere in the US, where would you want to live?"
I thought about it a bit, and decided I could be happy a lot of places. My two biggest considerations (for myself) is climate and job market. My knee jerk reaction is always "Colorado", but then I remember that a) I lived there a great number of years and maybe it's time to try a new place and b) the chiropractic laws there kind of....well, suck suck suckity suck.
First and foremost, however, is going to be desirability of the position for John's career. Location is second. He is looking to have a key job somewhere for about 2 years. The locations of these jobs range from Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle area, El Paso, TX, Ft. Hood, Texas, Ft. Carson (CO), Kentucky, Georgia, wayyyy upstate NY (where, as John says, it's "non winter" 4 months of the year), the Carolinas, or even within a program that could put us in another country such as the UK, Australia or Korea. Germany is actually not very likely for what he is looking for.
I'm really really OK with a lot of these options! Hawaii, Alaska, Ft. Hood, TX (preferrably NOT Bliss in El Paso), Ft. Bragg...these are all not bad options.
John also clarified what Branch said. The automated email said he was eligible for PCS soon. Not necessarily deployment. Is deployment still on the table as a possibility? Yes. But less likely that I thought.
Less likely in John's mind anyway. We have no idea what the Army actually has in store.
And we will have no idea about the job openings coming up until January. So I guess it's best not to stress about anything until we know more.
Right? Right.
(HA!)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Ah, Army. You always know how to piss me off.
Again. A minor setback.
I think.
As it stands right now, John has not been selected for ILE. (the reason we would move to Kansas.) There are just too many applicants. Now, this happened to our neighbor last year (they tried to delay him twice) and they are there now, doing the coursework, and getting it done. They had to get a GO involved, as well as jump through numerous hoops. (ie, they pulled some strings.)
I don't know if now is the time to do that or if now if the time to let it go and see what else there is to do.
John said he will be looking at his assignment options when they come up in January.
* yay *
So, I could be staying in the lovely quad cities for a bit longer. Or we could be moving.
Of course, Branch let him know that he is eligible for deployment again come March, I think. So not only is this an option, it's a heavy possibility.
* yay *
I should be used to this, but I'm still ticked. I haven't actually talked to John yet. I imagine he is more ticked than I am, so I've decided it's the time to do my best to put on a supportive front and not act like as if this is a betrayal of sorts. Since it's not his fault.
Lesson relearned: Every time John thinks he has a plan mapped out for himself, the Army shoves him in a different direction. It's not always bad. But I'm just along for the ride.
I think.
As it stands right now, John has not been selected for ILE. (the reason we would move to Kansas.) There are just too many applicants. Now, this happened to our neighbor last year (they tried to delay him twice) and they are there now, doing the coursework, and getting it done. They had to get a GO involved, as well as jump through numerous hoops. (ie, they pulled some strings.)
I don't know if now is the time to do that or if now if the time to let it go and see what else there is to do.
John said he will be looking at his assignment options when they come up in January.
* yay *
So, I could be staying in the lovely quad cities for a bit longer. Or we could be moving.
Of course, Branch let him know that he is eligible for deployment again come March, I think. So not only is this an option, it's a heavy possibility.
* yay *
I should be used to this, but I'm still ticked. I haven't actually talked to John yet. I imagine he is more ticked than I am, so I've decided it's the time to do my best to put on a supportive front and not act like as if this is a betrayal of sorts. Since it's not his fault.
Lesson relearned: Every time John thinks he has a plan mapped out for himself, the Army shoves him in a different direction. It's not always bad. But I'm just along for the ride.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Cookies
I like holiday baking. I like finding new things and can't wait to make them. I'm definitely more of a baker than a cooker, although cooking is growing on me now that I'm doing more of it.
I figured John had a bit of a sweet tooth, so I wouldn't have to eat ALL of my creations myself.
Because that just leads to bigger clothes in the long run.
And that can get expensive.
And now I've come to find out, with ALL the possibilities for cookies and baked desserts out there, John's absolute favorite is....
Chocolate chip cookies.
This is the one thing that he will eat more than a couple of and save me the ultimate pain of having to eat or throw away what I have created.
So simple! So boring! Chocolate chip cookies!
Gah!
I figured John had a bit of a sweet tooth, so I wouldn't have to eat ALL of my creations myself.
Because that just leads to bigger clothes in the long run.
And that can get expensive.
And now I've come to find out, with ALL the possibilities for cookies and baked desserts out there, John's absolute favorite is....
Chocolate chip cookies.
This is the one thing that he will eat more than a couple of and save me the ultimate pain of having to eat or throw away what I have created.
So simple! So boring! Chocolate chip cookies!
Gah!
Other small details
I almost forgot to mention one of the best parts about my South Dakota getaway. Being a hunting family, John's aunt and uncle have 2 (very well trained and behaved) black labs. Being in a conservative, retired military family, they have the craziest names I can imagine for black labs. (But, I suppose they also go with the hunting theme.)
Recon and Gitmo.
I swear I'm not making this up.
Recon is older and they think at one time in the not so distant past, she was kicked by a deer because her back legs aren't as strong as they used to be and have actually completely failed her at one time or another. She does sit a bit weird too...like she doesn't like pressure on her low back. So she's more of a pet now even though you even mention the word "bird" she gets so excited she starts turning circles so fast you can barely make out heads or tails of her. At one time Cathy (cousin) offered her to us. I'm actually surprised we don't have her now. ("Heeeeere Recon Recon Recon!" I can't really imagine myself saying that...but I would still take this dog as she was the sweetest pup ever.)
I even tried to adjust her as I felt 2 pretty major subluxations that could be affecting the innervation to her hind legs. It was hard though as she didn't know what I was doing and would shy away from sustained pressure. I also didn't bring my activator as I had no idea I would use it. I got something to move, but it didn't fully remove the subluxation. I hope she's at least more comfortable.
Gitmo was a puppy who was just learning to hunt 3 years ago the last time John went hunting with his family. Now she's full grown, but still smaller than Recon. She actually got to go with the boys hunting as she was strong and could handle all the walking.
Matt (cousin) also brought his chocolate lab puppy, 4 month old Oakley. She was so cute, but SO very much a puppy and not completely trained. She was also completely wearing out Gitmo.
I really can't wait until John and I are more settled and can adopt a puppy too! This might be a while.
I'm also fired for not getting ANY pictures of these sweet dogs!
Recon and Gitmo.
I swear I'm not making this up.
Recon is older and they think at one time in the not so distant past, she was kicked by a deer because her back legs aren't as strong as they used to be and have actually completely failed her at one time or another. She does sit a bit weird too...like she doesn't like pressure on her low back. So she's more of a pet now even though you even mention the word "bird" she gets so excited she starts turning circles so fast you can barely make out heads or tails of her. At one time Cathy (cousin) offered her to us. I'm actually surprised we don't have her now. ("Heeeeere Recon Recon Recon!" I can't really imagine myself saying that...but I would still take this dog as she was the sweetest pup ever.)
I even tried to adjust her as I felt 2 pretty major subluxations that could be affecting the innervation to her hind legs. It was hard though as she didn't know what I was doing and would shy away from sustained pressure. I also didn't bring my activator as I had no idea I would use it. I got something to move, but it didn't fully remove the subluxation. I hope she's at least more comfortable.
Gitmo was a puppy who was just learning to hunt 3 years ago the last time John went hunting with his family. Now she's full grown, but still smaller than Recon. She actually got to go with the boys hunting as she was strong and could handle all the walking.
Matt (cousin) also brought his chocolate lab puppy, 4 month old Oakley. She was so cute, but SO very much a puppy and not completely trained. She was also completely wearing out Gitmo.
I really can't wait until John and I are more settled and can adopt a puppy too! This might be a while.
I'm also fired for not getting ANY pictures of these sweet dogs!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Christmas season again
I can hardly believe it. This time of year makes me all nostalgic, and this year is no exception. My first year as a married woman. Our first Christmas tree. The first time decorating our house. The list goes on and on.
Well, I finally got the tree from storage. (A task that took me three attempts.) John has never seen this tree put up. He bought it on sale at an after Christmas sale in 2003. Then he was either out of town or deployed so he hasn't used it. Ever. It's never been out of the box. He thought it was a small to moderate sized tree. Well, I got to put it together.
The sucker is 7 1/2 feet tall. It barely fits in our freakin house. Oh, and since it has been moved a half dozen times and never opened, there were several lights that were broken leaving sections of the pre-lit tree dark. Which means I had to find them and replace them in order to have the tree fully lit. I thought this project would take a couple of hours and it took all day.
Oh well.
It was worth it.
A lot of my ornaments have never seen a tree either. I have been collecting them, waiting for a time to have my very own tree. It was fate, I tell you.
And then I had a hot cocoa spiked with peppermint mocha kahlua.
Well, I finally got the tree from storage. (A task that took me three attempts.) John has never seen this tree put up. He bought it on sale at an after Christmas sale in 2003. Then he was either out of town or deployed so he hasn't used it. Ever. It's never been out of the box. He thought it was a small to moderate sized tree. Well, I got to put it together.
The sucker is 7 1/2 feet tall. It barely fits in our freakin house. Oh, and since it has been moved a half dozen times and never opened, there were several lights that were broken leaving sections of the pre-lit tree dark. Which means I had to find them and replace them in order to have the tree fully lit. I thought this project would take a couple of hours and it took all day.
Oh well.
It was worth it.
A lot of my ornaments have never seen a tree either. I have been collecting them, waiting for a time to have my very own tree. It was fate, I tell you.
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| A gift from Sarah. 2004. |
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| I have no idea where I got this. But I love it. |
 |
| I have no idea where I got this either!! But it works well. |
 |
| I also just like the simple glass ornaments. |
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| The tree topper that came with our tree. It's sparkly, so I automatically like it. |
 |
| Another fave. I also have a green one and blue one. |
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| Ta-daaaaahhhhhhhhh. |
In-laws and wild turkeys
I met John's family at the wedding. Most of them, anyway. But I didn't know them. It was a "hi, nice to meet you" event and then I was swooshed to the next table and eventually to the cake table to proceed with the evening. So, last week was my first chance to really talk to them and get to know them. And also have them get to know me! Luckily for me, they are great, hospitable, laid back, down to earth people. These are the aunts, uncles and cousins I am talking about...as I do sort of know his parents already.
John's aunt and uncle live outside of Hot Springs, SD. It's a quiet town and their house is kind of a middle of nowhere place. It's very close to touristy things, so I did a lot of sightseeing with John's aunts while he was out hunting. And I did finally learn important knit stitches. It was a productive week.
Plus, I saw all kinds of animals. Buffalo, wild turkeys, mountain goats, big horn sheep, and elk to name a few. Then there are John's cousins...which I can see us becoming close to. They are close in age to us and have similar values. Plus they are easy to make laugh, and really, that's all it takes to be my friend. :)
I did take issue with one thing, however. Pat and Doris gave us 4 lbs of venison hamburger as well as venison steaks. I have tried venison before, at a restaurant, and it was fairly tasty. (although I like elk better.) Doris said the hamburger is good in spaghetti or chili.
She lied.
Or maybe she really likes it, but I will have you know that I do not! I tried to make it and took a taste and shuddered. John also gave it a big thumbs down. Too game-y. I should have known when I was cooking it and the smell made me want to vomit. We went out on Tuesday night. Lord help me when I try to cook the pheasant John brought back.
John's aunt and uncle live outside of Hot Springs, SD. It's a quiet town and their house is kind of a middle of nowhere place. It's very close to touristy things, so I did a lot of sightseeing with John's aunts while he was out hunting. And I did finally learn important knit stitches. It was a productive week.
 |
| And this is what I worked on in down times. I ripped it out 3 times, so don't let me fool you, I had to practice a bit to get it looking right. The yarn is variegated so it automatically makes stripes without switching out colors. Anyhow...cool, no? |
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| My 2nd attempt. Not quite right. I had found a way to add 19 extra stitches. |
 |
| The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. Apparently this was once a sinkhole that filled up with warm ground water and trapped tons of mammoths inside thousands of years ago. |
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| This is Pat and Doris's view out the front door. With wild turkeys. But that is as close as they would let me get. |
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| Buffalo on the side of the road in Wind Cave National Park. Lickin his top lip. And possibly snot from his nose. I didn't get that close...I was in a car and had zoom. |
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| Unfinished Crazy Horse |
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| Mountain goat near Mt. Rushmore |
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| Doris and Charlene (to the bottom right) at Mt. Rushmore. Being so chilly it was dead there. It was so nice to not have crowds! |
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| Hello Gentlemen. |
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| We had lunch at this place in Hill City. It was decorated SO cutely for Christmas and had awesome Bavarian food to boot. Om nom nom. |
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| Thanksgiving day, John gets tasked to carve the 24 lb. turkey! |
She lied.
Or maybe she really likes it, but I will have you know that I do not! I tried to make it and took a taste and shuddered. John also gave it a big thumbs down. Too game-y. I should have known when I was cooking it and the smell made me want to vomit. We went out on Tuesday night. Lord help me when I try to cook the pheasant John brought back.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
One thing I learned today
Change (or in this case, Assumption) of Command ceremonies are a touch more elaborate at the General Officer level.
Complete with bands and canons and lots of sub commanders, not to mention several tents.
I got to sit under one of them - in the reserved section even.
I probably shouldn't have worn jeans.
Complete with bands and canons and lots of sub commanders, not to mention several tents.
I got to sit under one of them - in the reserved section even.
I probably shouldn't have worn jeans.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Oh and FYI
I am in love with Hobby Lobby today.
I found a free how-to-knit flyer, everything I needed to start to learn to knit that was clearly marked. (Not sure why, but I could NOT for the life of me figure out what I was looking for at Michael's.) I also picked up a little birthday gifty for a friend, 2 cards, and a hostess gift for John's aunt for Thanksgiving. The hostess gift was 80% off!!
I got everything for under $25!!
It was the largest Hobby Lobby I have ever been in. It's like the stores that I visited in Denver were smooshed into a smaller space (and if you've ever been into these stores you know that they aren't small!) but this one was huge! It didn't feel as cramped as other stores. And they had loads of crap. I mean, loads of stuff that I wanted to purchase! (John would roll his eyes and ask why we need these things. So I didn't buy everything....but it was tempting.)
Yay Hobby Lobby!
I found a free how-to-knit flyer, everything I needed to start to learn to knit that was clearly marked. (Not sure why, but I could NOT for the life of me figure out what I was looking for at Michael's.) I also picked up a little birthday gifty for a friend, 2 cards, and a hostess gift for John's aunt for Thanksgiving. The hostess gift was 80% off!!
I got everything for under $25!!
It was the largest Hobby Lobby I have ever been in. It's like the stores that I visited in Denver were smooshed into a smaller space (and if you've ever been into these stores you know that they aren't small!) but this one was huge! It didn't feel as cramped as other stores. And they had loads of crap. I mean, loads of stuff that I wanted to purchase! (John would roll his eyes and ask why we need these things. So I didn't buy everything....but it was tempting.)
Yay Hobby Lobby!
Humph
Army life.
They say things are always changing and you never know what's going to happen next. (John likes to point out that we have no idea where we'll be two years from now.)
The latest example of this is that there will NO LONGER be a Holiday Ball!
Boo!!!
I won't be able to look fantastic in my bee-yoo-ti-ful dress!
Ah, but I will have way more time to work off aforementioned back fat.
Instead, they are having a holiday party on post, complete with ugly sweater contest. Sooo, I'm thinking it's safe to say that it's more casual than the dress code.
(As an aside, I do very much realize that *this* small change of events is a 1 on the scale of 1-10 of inconveniences that Army life can provide, and is in no way meant to be a valid complaint. I do, after all, still get to sleep next to my husband for a while in the foreseeable future.)
I just kind of wanted to wear that dress. Oh well. There is always the Army ball in June. That one never gets cancelled!
Another cool perk they are offering this week is free family portraits for Active Duty Members. I think John and I are going to have our picture taken this week. Yay!
You can carry on with your day now.
They say things are always changing and you never know what's going to happen next. (John likes to point out that we have no idea where we'll be two years from now.)
The latest example of this is that there will NO LONGER be a Holiday Ball!
Boo!!!
I won't be able to look fantastic in my bee-yoo-ti-ful dress!
Ah, but I will have way more time to work off aforementioned back fat.
Instead, they are having a holiday party on post, complete with ugly sweater contest. Sooo, I'm thinking it's safe to say that it's more casual than the dress code.
(As an aside, I do very much realize that *this* small change of events is a 1 on the scale of 1-10 of inconveniences that Army life can provide, and is in no way meant to be a valid complaint. I do, after all, still get to sleep next to my husband for a while in the foreseeable future.)
I just kind of wanted to wear that dress. Oh well. There is always the Army ball in June. That one never gets cancelled!
Another cool perk they are offering this week is free family portraits for Active Duty Members. I think John and I are going to have our picture taken this week. Yay!
You can carry on with your day now.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The closet situation
Our master closet is full. Mostly with my clothes. John has his side, and I have my side, but my side is better utilized as I fully employ the use of the shelf above the closet rod for jeans, sweatshirts, and sweaters. I think John has a shoe box and some shoes and a hat box on his shelf.
Our guest closet looks like this.
Our guest closet looks like this.
Head to toe Army gear. The hangers on the left are reserved for Army Uniforms (ACUs) currently in the wash. The floor and the area behind the door is stacked with gear he may need if he has to be sent somewhere in a hurry. The rest (and there is TONS) is in storage down the street.
Our linen closet is totally full. In fact, it was overstuffed and unusable until I broke out the space bags John bought and compressed several blankets and pillows.
Which leaves only one space available to hang our diving wet suits. John has 2 wet suits, a 3 ml, and and a 7 ml. I have a 3 ml and a skin. They are currently hanging in our entry way closet.
Which makes all of of other outer wear smell like neoprene.
Just some useless facts for your Sunday night.
Wifey things
It has been 5 months (ish) of wedded bliss. (And I promise I will stop talking about our wedding eventually. But I still watch wedding shows. I'm turning into a wedding lover. In fact, I'm turning into a girly girl! But more on that later.)
Five months, and there are a lot of wifey things I hadn't really anticipated. Some of them Army related, some, not so much. First of all, with the holidays coming up, I have had to urge to make all kinds of holiday related goodies. Probably too much. Good thing we are headed out of town next week to share them with other people! Secondly, on the holiday note, my MIL has asked me to give her a heads up about what we might want for Christmas. She asked about things we hadn't received on our registries (which we kind of closed up ourselves with the exception of a few towels), any linen requests, the dimensions of our dining table (which we don't use at the moment, but it would be good to have something nice), my sizes (yikes), and my colors.
What?
That's right, the color scheme I've settled on for the master bed and bathrooms.
Um. I haven't really. We live in government housing with white walls and brown carpet. Our duvet is a blue/gray with brown stitching (and not very much of it). And our bathroom? Well, it has sunset pictures in it. And a Disney lithograph of Aladin that I've had for freakin' 17 years. Give or take...whenever that movie came out on VHS. Yes. Pre-DVD.
The bottom line is, it was hard to move into John's house with all my stuff when he had already "decorated" with all his stuff, trying to meld all our stuff especially knowing we would be moving again soon. The theme equates to filling in the blanks. And finding places for random crap. Nothing is really uniform except for a wall in the living room that has a bunch of wedding stuff on it.
So, what do I tell my well meaning MIL? That I absolutely have no clue how to properly set up a traditional household? I have no idea what kind of gifts to ask for from anyone, actually. We've been so "gifted" this year...almost overly so between showers, weddings, and birthdays! I just don't have an answer for her right now. What kind of gifts go on your list as a married couple?
Along with the holidays, we have the holiday ball. Yay! Since I lost weight before the wedding, I decided my two dresses from previous balls would not fit. I know one of them wouldn't fit since it was HUGE on me for the St. Bab's Ball and I had safety pinned the back. Honestly, I bet the black one I had would have worked fine. BUT, I had an excuse to go dress shopping. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of social dress stores in the QC. We have a David's Bridal (which I have since sworn off) and a Von Maur, which is nice. Fortunately, Nordstrom's has online ordering. And so I got this.
My size, pretty and on SALE! Lovely. I got it last week and I LOVE IT! It works magnificently. There was just one thing I noticed on this dress more than other dresses I have worn due to the fabric..and that...
was back fat.
Right in that space between the top of the Spanx and the bottom of the strapless bra. Oy.
You see, the reason that other black dress probably would have worked was because I have actually gained back 10 of those pre wedding pounds previously lost. I blame The Pioneer Woman. And the thought that sprang up somewhere that a good wife has to cook lots and bake lots and eat lots of goodies.
(I just included that last part because it made me feel better.)
Honestly, with the lighting, and the duration of the event (and the fact that the dress happens to come with it's own scarf which I can place strategically around my back at the bra line), I doubt anyone will notice but me.
In light of that, I have stepped up the workout routine. Which led me to a fascinating discovery on Friday. I have used running in my workout repertoire for a while, but for the past few years, I have been shuffling more than running. Trying not to push myself too far too fast. Friday I actually ran. And found out how far I should have been pushing myself all along. It was an eye opener. Time to get back into it. Especially since I felt like a rock star all day Friday and yesterday.
(Disclaimer: I am still in no way fast or graceful while running.)
Another wifey thing relates to Army life. We have a commissary on post, although it's frickin tiny. (compared to other posts) It has fairly good brands, although a weird selection of things. In the produce aisle I can't find fresh herbs, but I can find Kim Chi. I'm assuming it's for those folks who were stationed in Korea, found they liked Kim Chi, and the commissary has an overwhelming number of requests to carry it for when these people got a hankering for it. They also don't have a large selection of meats, but do carry the best bacon I've ever tasted. It comes right out of Davenport, and I can't find it anywhere else.
However, I like to shop there. It's convenient, and I don't have to leave the island, and is wayyyy less expensive than your typical grocery store. (You'd be amazed at how much I enjoy bridges, but hate having to use them unless I am leaving the island for more than one thing or destination. I will plan out errands to get them all done at once because I will be leaving the island anyway.)
The thing I can't get used to is the fact that since the commissary is open to vets and active duty members, and since a lot of the senior officers also live on post, I will FREQUENTLY run into someone I know there. I can't get used to it though. I always tell myself it's OK to run to the commissary real quick looking like crap...I doubt I'll run into anyone I know. And it happens EVERY TIME! Usually the Command Sergent Major's wife, Karen.
It's really a minor thing, but I'm amazed that I haven't learned yet.
The last wifey thing? I want to learn to knit. My mother scolded me saying that I had her (a seasoned knitter) at my disposal for years and now that I've moved away, I want to learn. However, I had a business to run then. Now, I just have time on my hands. And a fourteen hour drive to South Dakota coming up. She said she'd call today to get me started with some simple pointers. Like, needle size, yarn type, etc.
It should also give me something to do when bumming around John's relative's house. I am going to SD for a week. We leave on Saturday. John leaves me with his aunts (and possibly a cousin) on Sunday. He, along with his uncles and his dad, are going pheasant hunting and not coming back until Wednesday. His mom has decided that the drive is too far for her and she won't be coming at all. I have met these ladies, his aunts, once at the wedding. I think I said hi once. So it should be a great time to get to know them all, right? I hear Charlene knits too. Maybe I can pick up some pointers from her. We may also do some touring of the area, but I honestly do not know what to expect. I'm kind of nervous. It's like a little indoctrination to his extended family. I kind of wish he was going to be there for it.
The best thing to look forward to? Hot stone pedicures with Sarah on the Friday after Turkey Day! Woot!
(Note: I edited this 5 times because of my substandard grammar. I also decided I want to write a book with all of my spare time. I'm trying to figure out how to do that with my substandard grammar, lack of fleshed out story, and the fact that sometimes my story telling skills....suck. More later on that as well.)
Five months, and there are a lot of wifey things I hadn't really anticipated. Some of them Army related, some, not so much. First of all, with the holidays coming up, I have had to urge to make all kinds of holiday related goodies. Probably too much. Good thing we are headed out of town next week to share them with other people! Secondly, on the holiday note, my MIL has asked me to give her a heads up about what we might want for Christmas. She asked about things we hadn't received on our registries (which we kind of closed up ourselves with the exception of a few towels), any linen requests, the dimensions of our dining table (which we don't use at the moment, but it would be good to have something nice), my sizes (yikes), and my colors.
What?
That's right, the color scheme I've settled on for the master bed and bathrooms.
Um. I haven't really. We live in government housing with white walls and brown carpet. Our duvet is a blue/gray with brown stitching (and not very much of it). And our bathroom? Well, it has sunset pictures in it. And a Disney lithograph of Aladin that I've had for freakin' 17 years. Give or take...whenever that movie came out on VHS. Yes. Pre-DVD.
The bottom line is, it was hard to move into John's house with all my stuff when he had already "decorated" with all his stuff, trying to meld all our stuff especially knowing we would be moving again soon. The theme equates to filling in the blanks. And finding places for random crap. Nothing is really uniform except for a wall in the living room that has a bunch of wedding stuff on it.
However, I wouldn't say I'm really a "color scheme" kind of person. I went for neutrals in guest bathroom - for simplicity really. And only was motivated to "decorate" (throw some things on the wall and get a grown up shower curtain) after I learned my folks were going to visit. I found some sepia toned hydrangea prints on canvas at Kohl's for half off. So maybe our theme is "discount." I tend to drift toward items that have a personal story behind it like photos or things that were made for us, or canvas paintings we pick up in Aruba 2 for $35.
 |
| This is a crappy picture of them, I admit. The light in our house sucks. The tree on the right is a Divi tree and is sideways due to the trade winds that blow CONSTANTLY. They're pretty cool. |
So, what do I tell my well meaning MIL? That I absolutely have no clue how to properly set up a traditional household? I have no idea what kind of gifts to ask for from anyone, actually. We've been so "gifted" this year...almost overly so between showers, weddings, and birthdays! I just don't have an answer for her right now. What kind of gifts go on your list as a married couple?
Along with the holidays, we have the holiday ball. Yay! Since I lost weight before the wedding, I decided my two dresses from previous balls would not fit. I know one of them wouldn't fit since it was HUGE on me for the St. Bab's Ball and I had safety pinned the back. Honestly, I bet the black one I had would have worked fine. BUT, I had an excuse to go dress shopping. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of social dress stores in the QC. We have a David's Bridal (which I have since sworn off) and a Von Maur, which is nice. Fortunately, Nordstrom's has online ordering. And so I got this.
My size, pretty and on SALE! Lovely. I got it last week and I LOVE IT! It works magnificently. There was just one thing I noticed on this dress more than other dresses I have worn due to the fabric..and that...
was back fat.
Right in that space between the top of the Spanx and the bottom of the strapless bra. Oy.
You see, the reason that other black dress probably would have worked was because I have actually gained back 10 of those pre wedding pounds previously lost. I blame The Pioneer Woman. And the thought that sprang up somewhere that a good wife has to cook lots and bake lots and eat lots of goodies.
(I just included that last part because it made me feel better.)
Honestly, with the lighting, and the duration of the event (and the fact that the dress happens to come with it's own scarf which I can place strategically around my back at the bra line), I doubt anyone will notice but me.
In light of that, I have stepped up the workout routine. Which led me to a fascinating discovery on Friday. I have used running in my workout repertoire for a while, but for the past few years, I have been shuffling more than running. Trying not to push myself too far too fast. Friday I actually ran. And found out how far I should have been pushing myself all along. It was an eye opener. Time to get back into it. Especially since I felt like a rock star all day Friday and yesterday.
(Disclaimer: I am still in no way fast or graceful while running.)
Another wifey thing relates to Army life. We have a commissary on post, although it's frickin tiny. (compared to other posts) It has fairly good brands, although a weird selection of things. In the produce aisle I can't find fresh herbs, but I can find Kim Chi. I'm assuming it's for those folks who were stationed in Korea, found they liked Kim Chi, and the commissary has an overwhelming number of requests to carry it for when these people got a hankering for it. They also don't have a large selection of meats, but do carry the best bacon I've ever tasted. It comes right out of Davenport, and I can't find it anywhere else.
However, I like to shop there. It's convenient, and I don't have to leave the island, and is wayyyy less expensive than your typical grocery store. (You'd be amazed at how much I enjoy bridges, but hate having to use them unless I am leaving the island for more than one thing or destination. I will plan out errands to get them all done at once because I will be leaving the island anyway.)
The thing I can't get used to is the fact that since the commissary is open to vets and active duty members, and since a lot of the senior officers also live on post, I will FREQUENTLY run into someone I know there. I can't get used to it though. I always tell myself it's OK to run to the commissary real quick looking like crap...I doubt I'll run into anyone I know. And it happens EVERY TIME! Usually the Command Sergent Major's wife, Karen.
It's really a minor thing, but I'm amazed that I haven't learned yet.
The last wifey thing? I want to learn to knit. My mother scolded me saying that I had her (a seasoned knitter) at my disposal for years and now that I've moved away, I want to learn. However, I had a business to run then. Now, I just have time on my hands. And a fourteen hour drive to South Dakota coming up. She said she'd call today to get me started with some simple pointers. Like, needle size, yarn type, etc.
It should also give me something to do when bumming around John's relative's house. I am going to SD for a week. We leave on Saturday. John leaves me with his aunts (and possibly a cousin) on Sunday. He, along with his uncles and his dad, are going pheasant hunting and not coming back until Wednesday. His mom has decided that the drive is too far for her and she won't be coming at all. I have met these ladies, his aunts, once at the wedding. I think I said hi once. So it should be a great time to get to know them all, right? I hear Charlene knits too. Maybe I can pick up some pointers from her. We may also do some touring of the area, but I honestly do not know what to expect. I'm kind of nervous. It's like a little indoctrination to his extended family. I kind of wish he was going to be there for it.
The best thing to look forward to? Hot stone pedicures with Sarah on the Friday after Turkey Day! Woot!
(Note: I edited this 5 times because of my substandard grammar. I also decided I want to write a book with all of my spare time. I'm trying to figure out how to do that with my substandard grammar, lack of fleshed out story, and the fact that sometimes my story telling skills....suck. More later on that as well.)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
More wedding details.
When Mom and Dad came to visit, it was really the first time we had had a chance to chat (in person) since the wedding. After the wedding was the wedding brunch. And Father's Day. And my birthday. The day after that we packed. The day after that, John and I left. It was quite a whirlwind, now that I think about it.
Well, Mom mentioned something interesting. We were talking about my bridesmaids and how great they were. Specifically, I think we were talking about Sarah's toast and how great it was. Sarah - Mom said she got *so* many comments from her friends about how great your toast was and how original, funny and sweet they thought it was.
Anyway, I was a lucky bride to have such great attendants. Mom even mentioned the super glue incident. And how I didn't know about the glue on my dress.
But I knew. The beading (whether from frequent handling or the cleaning process) had come unstitched from my custom made cap sleeves that my alterations lady did for me. My maids were ever on the ball, requesting super glue (from Mom, but eventually getting it from the venue) and fixing the bead incident before I even had a chance to freak out. Apparently, it was mentioned to Mom to not tell me because I didn't need to know. I even recall Jenna telling me something about "nothing's wrong, we're taking care of it" in a way that I wasn't to realize what was going on. Diffusing a problem before there was a problem.
But I knew. I refused to freak out about much that day. I was too ... I dunno. Focused? In the zone? Waiting for it all to happen? I may have been so stressed I refused to let anyone see how stressed I was. I believe Alana calls that a "good game face."
Thinking back on the day and the pics, I remembered there was a pic of me messing with this stupid string.
And here it is. So see, bridesmaids? I knew it had broken. But I also knew I didn't need to worry. I had great friends helping me out.
And making funny crazy toasts. Sarah recapped our IM conversation the night that John and I had our first date. Which. was. hilarious. Lots of "OMG he's so cute!"s from me and "awwwww"s from Sarah.
He's still pretty cute you know.
Awwwwwww.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Stormy
It's a cool, windy, sometimes rainy, gloomy, dark, grey day after a windy, cold, rainy, thunderous, snuggly and fall night....
I'm going to claim I didn't sleep well. I was afraid that our new bird feeder would be swept off it's hook and we would wake up to a mess of bird seed and broken glass.
But, it's also dark and stormy.
And I have a belly full of thai food.
That should be enough to warrant a nap, yes?
I'm going to claim I didn't sleep well. I was afraid that our new bird feeder would be swept off it's hook and we would wake up to a mess of bird seed and broken glass.
But, it's also dark and stormy.
And I have a belly full of thai food.
That should be enough to warrant a nap, yes?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wedding stuff
Yes. More wedding stuff. Tidbits just come back to me at odd times during random days.
Joel - my big brother - was very sweet in his big brother way during wedding weekend. But we'll start his story earlier in the year when he came up for Grandma's 90th birthday party while we were looking at old childhood photos when we were growing up. Some from way before I was born. I commented that it was weird to glimpse into a family before I was a part of it. I had only known one family while Joel got to experience the entire family growth process in all its stages. First he had a brother, then he had a sister. He commented that he didn't really remember Jason's birth, but he very clearly remembered when I came home and how cool it was watching me grow up as a kid. (insert "awe" here)
During the family/Sunday/post-wedding/Father's Day/birthday brunch, he made some mental notes. While my brothers and I each got married in a different month and year (October 2002, November 2005 and June 2010) we all got married one week apart. The 5th, the 12th and the 19th. He also mentioned we all got married at the same age, although I just barely made it at 6 hours before my birthday.
But the thing I recall most from time to time was my dad. My dad and I, like a lot of fathers and daughters, have a very special and close bond. I know he was happy for me and my marriage, and I knew there would be emotion in him on my wedding day, but I was not prepared for how much. And I was not prepared for him to display it. He kept himself together well, considering. I even told him as much.
I said "You're doing very well, you know." He replied "No, I'm not. I'm barely keeping it together. I had to leave the room during that damn 'I Loved Her First' song."
I knew it was going to be OK. He knew it was going to be OK. But we were both startled by the process of it being OK. He literally let me go and I walked away. It was a poignant moment that lasted all evening, culminating in his toast to us.
I discussed the toast with my SIL (Joel's wife) and while most people were paying attention to Dad, or looking at my reaction to Dad, Jennifer was looking at Joel. Joel was looking at his daughter Shea. He had watched me grow up, but didn't have to give me away like he would have to give her away. For they have a special dad and daughter bond too.
I just feel lucky to experience so much love. That's what I take away most from my wedding day was all the love in the room. It was such a great day! Although...I still can't figure out who requested "Gold Digger". It was funny, yes...but really? Honestly, I didn't mind it as much as I minded "The Chicken Dance"! I couldn't argue too much though as it was my niece who requested it.
At least everyone had fun.
:)
Joel - my big brother - was very sweet in his big brother way during wedding weekend. But we'll start his story earlier in the year when he came up for Grandma's 90th birthday party while we were looking at old childhood photos when we were growing up. Some from way before I was born. I commented that it was weird to glimpse into a family before I was a part of it. I had only known one family while Joel got to experience the entire family growth process in all its stages. First he had a brother, then he had a sister. He commented that he didn't really remember Jason's birth, but he very clearly remembered when I came home and how cool it was watching me grow up as a kid. (insert "awe" here)
During the family/Sunday/post-wedding/Father's Day/birthday brunch, he made some mental notes. While my brothers and I each got married in a different month and year (October 2002, November 2005 and June 2010) we all got married one week apart. The 5th, the 12th and the 19th. He also mentioned we all got married at the same age, although I just barely made it at 6 hours before my birthday.
But the thing I recall most from time to time was my dad. My dad and I, like a lot of fathers and daughters, have a very special and close bond. I know he was happy for me and my marriage, and I knew there would be emotion in him on my wedding day, but I was not prepared for how much. And I was not prepared for him to display it. He kept himself together well, considering. I even told him as much.
I said "You're doing very well, you know." He replied "No, I'm not. I'm barely keeping it together. I had to leave the room during that damn 'I Loved Her First' song."
I knew it was going to be OK. He knew it was going to be OK. But we were both startled by the process of it being OK. He literally let me go and I walked away. It was a poignant moment that lasted all evening, culminating in his toast to us.
I discussed the toast with my SIL (Joel's wife) and while most people were paying attention to Dad, or looking at my reaction to Dad, Jennifer was looking at Joel. Joel was looking at his daughter Shea. He had watched me grow up, but didn't have to give me away like he would have to give her away. For they have a special dad and daughter bond too.
I just feel lucky to experience so much love. That's what I take away most from my wedding day was all the love in the room. It was such a great day! Although...I still can't figure out who requested "Gold Digger". It was funny, yes...but really? Honestly, I didn't mind it as much as I minded "The Chicken Dance"! I couldn't argue too much though as it was my niece who requested it.
At least everyone had fun.
:)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Oh the drama
So. On every post, and usually within every unit, there is an FRG.
Family Readiness Group.
FRG's are good things in theory. They support the family during deployments, although, more and more often are becoming more active in everyday life. To provide community and support and well-being to all.
With community comes drama. Not everyone will get along, and no one expects everyone to get along.
And then you just have annoying people. Unfortunately, the military does not discriminate against the annoying as it would be hard to determine based on individual biases.
But what is annoying to me is an unorganized group attempting to host events. Such as our very own FRG. We had extra planning meetings. We had maps. We lacked communication, shopping lists, orientation to detail, and overall competence.
In my opinion.
I had to giggle at myself this morning because I found this email in my inbox. From me to John.
"Do we have any rings with which to toss, like for a ring toss?"
That is literally all I wrote to him on my blackberry. My game station was a pumpkin ring toss. And no one thought to purchase or acquire rings. Or task me to do it. I checked the PX (Post Exchange = store on post. ours is tiny) for toy rings, or even rope so we could "lasso" the pumpkins. Nada. It was 5 minutes 'til starting time.
John ran home and made rings by cutting out the centers of three paper plates glued together. They still didn't work well, and the kids got bored when they learned they really couldn't win and walked away.
LAME.
There was MUCH more drama involved but this really isn't the place to gossip. I generally like the ladies (and gentleman) I worked with, I just did not enjoy working with all of them.
When I discuss these issues with more "seasoned" army wives, they almost all agree. All FRGs are like this at every post. I was never involved in John's FRG (when he was in command) because I was in Denver. He never even told me about the meetings because (I learn now) that he wanted to shield me from it. Not the FRG perse, but all the accompanying drama.
I'll probably still go to meetings (when I can) but I'm afraid I won't be able to participate any further in this one.
Family Readiness Group.
FRG's are good things in theory. They support the family during deployments, although, more and more often are becoming more active in everyday life. To provide community and support and well-being to all.
With community comes drama. Not everyone will get along, and no one expects everyone to get along.
And then you just have annoying people. Unfortunately, the military does not discriminate against the annoying as it would be hard to determine based on individual biases.
But what is annoying to me is an unorganized group attempting to host events. Such as our very own FRG. We had extra planning meetings. We had maps. We lacked communication, shopping lists, orientation to detail, and overall competence.
In my opinion.
I had to giggle at myself this morning because I found this email in my inbox. From me to John.
"Do we have any rings with which to toss, like for a ring toss?"
That is literally all I wrote to him on my blackberry. My game station was a pumpkin ring toss. And no one thought to purchase or acquire rings. Or task me to do it. I checked the PX (Post Exchange = store on post. ours is tiny) for toy rings, or even rope so we could "lasso" the pumpkins. Nada. It was 5 minutes 'til starting time.
John ran home and made rings by cutting out the centers of three paper plates glued together. They still didn't work well, and the kids got bored when they learned they really couldn't win and walked away.
LAME.
There was MUCH more drama involved but this really isn't the place to gossip. I generally like the ladies (and gentleman) I worked with, I just did not enjoy working with all of them.
When I discuss these issues with more "seasoned" army wives, they almost all agree. All FRGs are like this at every post. I was never involved in John's FRG (when he was in command) because I was in Denver. He never even told me about the meetings because (I learn now) that he wanted to shield me from it. Not the FRG perse, but all the accompanying drama.
I'll probably still go to meetings (when I can) but I'm afraid I won't be able to participate any further in this one.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Now for something completely different!
My ischial tuberosities hurt!!
After years of not riding my bike (it may have been well over 10) John and I went on a 6 mile historic tour put on by the Army Corp of Engineers. For us, since we biked to the visitor center and back, it was probably more like a 10 mile day. Which isn't bad on a bike.
It's just bad for your booty when it isn't used to sitting on a bike seat.
Ouch.
It was also a fun people watching exercise. This was a casual, open to all ages, slow going bike tour. And in our group (does there have to be one in every group?) was "that guy."
The guy who shows up in full out bike gear, with the shoes, and padded bike pants and bike jersey and know it all attitude. He was a douchbag. He was hilarious. (and no, he was not intending to be.)
He wanted to know if this was the second oldest house in the Quad Cities, or he wanted to be the guy who suggested they turn the Le Claire house into a museum, or he wanted to know inane details to prove how thoughtful and insightful he was. He had to be first, riding with the guide.
When the guide asked how the pace was, he says "When you hit 25 (mph?), I'll let you know." ("oooo, I'm so fast!")
An entertaining bit was when he had one shoe locked in his pedal and tried to get on the bike and ended up falling over, claiming (and cursing) that he got stuck in gravel. Okay, it did happen right in front of us, and yes, we asked him if he was okay, and helped him up. But there was no gravel around him. Mr. Expert Cyclist just misjudged something in his balance and fell over.
"That guy" also had to sit down at every stop because his fancy shoes hurt to stand in.
"That guy" also took his shoes off before the tour started (we ran a little late because not everyone was there and the bridge had opened, so we were waiting for people who had been delayed by the bridge), and was on his cell phone. Once we were ready to get started, the guide started talking and he shouts from the nearby bench to hang on a minute as he's still on the phone.
Douche. Bag.
However, there was also a very cute little old man who was familiar with post and the area and offered a great story about his father who had worked on the Arsenal during World War I. This was before they installed the Lock and Dam, so the river depth was shallow and rocky. He said the river would freeze over, and the workers could walk across the Mississippi to work at the Arsenal. He also said during dry summers, the water would be so low you could walk across it on the rocks jutting out!
Now, thanks to the Lock and Dam systems, they keep it at or above 9 ft deep. It keep the barge traffic happy.
Something else I learned was about our spinning bridge. Or as John says: "our bridge that frickin spins!"
There are many ways to allow boat traffic under low bridges.
Drawbridge, where the bridge divides in half (or not) and rises up.
The kind of bridge where an entire span of bridge rises high enough above the water.
And the kind that spins to allow traffic.
There may be other kinds. I'm not doing enough research on it. Mostly because I don't care and I don't need it to make my point. One thing, however, is that all of these methods impede the flow of traffic on the bridge to allow for traffic under the bridge.
Our bridge is special. It spins. It not only spins, but it can spin 360 degrees in both directions. Other spinning bridges can only go a certain number of degrees (some 90, some 180) and some can only open and close in one direction. (they open clockwise and close counter clockwise, but can't do the reverse)
This bridge is one of TWO in the whole WORLD! The other bridge like ours is in Germany.
Cool eh?
So I learned something today. That should be enough to soothe the ache of my booty.
After years of not riding my bike (it may have been well over 10) John and I went on a 6 mile historic tour put on by the Army Corp of Engineers. For us, since we biked to the visitor center and back, it was probably more like a 10 mile day. Which isn't bad on a bike.
It's just bad for your booty when it isn't used to sitting on a bike seat.
Ouch.
It was also a fun people watching exercise. This was a casual, open to all ages, slow going bike tour. And in our group (does there have to be one in every group?) was "that guy."
The guy who shows up in full out bike gear, with the shoes, and padded bike pants and bike jersey and know it all attitude. He was a douchbag. He was hilarious. (and no, he was not intending to be.)
He wanted to know if this was the second oldest house in the Quad Cities, or he wanted to be the guy who suggested they turn the Le Claire house into a museum, or he wanted to know inane details to prove how thoughtful and insightful he was. He had to be first, riding with the guide.
When the guide asked how the pace was, he says "When you hit 25 (mph?), I'll let you know." ("oooo, I'm so fast!")
An entertaining bit was when he had one shoe locked in his pedal and tried to get on the bike and ended up falling over, claiming (and cursing) that he got stuck in gravel. Okay, it did happen right in front of us, and yes, we asked him if he was okay, and helped him up. But there was no gravel around him. Mr. Expert Cyclist just misjudged something in his balance and fell over.
"That guy" also had to sit down at every stop because his fancy shoes hurt to stand in.
"That guy" also took his shoes off before the tour started (we ran a little late because not everyone was there and the bridge had opened, so we were waiting for people who had been delayed by the bridge), and was on his cell phone. Once we were ready to get started, the guide started talking and he shouts from the nearby bench to hang on a minute as he's still on the phone.
Douche. Bag.
However, there was also a very cute little old man who was familiar with post and the area and offered a great story about his father who had worked on the Arsenal during World War I. This was before they installed the Lock and Dam, so the river depth was shallow and rocky. He said the river would freeze over, and the workers could walk across the Mississippi to work at the Arsenal. He also said during dry summers, the water would be so low you could walk across it on the rocks jutting out!
Now, thanks to the Lock and Dam systems, they keep it at or above 9 ft deep. It keep the barge traffic happy.
Something else I learned was about our spinning bridge. Or as John says: "our bridge that frickin spins!"
There are many ways to allow boat traffic under low bridges.
Drawbridge, where the bridge divides in half (or not) and rises up.
 |
| These images are from a google image search. |
 |
| another google image gem. |
And the kind that spins to allow traffic.
 |
| Span closed |
 |
| Span open. These were taken by me with my cell phone while waiting for the span to close again. |
There may be other kinds. I'm not doing enough research on it. Mostly because I don't care and I don't need it to make my point. One thing, however, is that all of these methods impede the flow of traffic on the bridge to allow for traffic under the bridge.
Our bridge is special. It spins. It not only spins, but it can spin 360 degrees in both directions. Other spinning bridges can only go a certain number of degrees (some 90, some 180) and some can only open and close in one direction. (they open clockwise and close counter clockwise, but can't do the reverse)
This bridge is one of TWO in the whole WORLD! The other bridge like ours is in Germany.
Cool eh?
So I learned something today. That should be enough to soothe the ache of my booty.
Struggle struggle struggle breakthrough?
So, I believe things happen for a reason.
I also believe that when you are not in the know of the details that constitute this Universal reason, waiting around to discover it kind of sucks.
Ah, but it's all in the process, no?
So, I was chatting with a few friends. My bridesmaids, as a matter of fact, and quizzing them on what they think I would be well suited to do if I were to change careers.
You see, I've been frustrated. Owning my own practice was traumatizing and humbling, and, in some respects, a knock down on the 'ol self esteem pole. John has been a great support. He reminds me that success is defined in several ways and to remember all the people I helped and the lives I changed.
I helped a 5 week old baby regain her normal functions. Eating, sleeping and pooping. She was doing none of these things well, which turned her into a crying colicky baby. I adjusted her. She was happier. And so were her parents!
I brought a woman to tears after she realized that a) she could turn her head again and b) she didn't have to live in pain that she thought was a result of getting older. She hugged me so tightly, just so relieved to feel back to normal.
I helped a woman who had minor but irritating back pain get back into everything she loved nearly pain free...including camping and riding 4 wheelers.
I've helped people recover from car accidents.
I helped a lady manage (nearly eliminate until she went on meds for osteoporosis) her vertigo.
I helped an elderly woman be able to enjoy her daily walks again. She previously had stopped due to arthritis pain. When she saw me, the pain was lessened, and she wanted to walk again.
I helped a woman who had severe headaches that interfered with her life at least every other week be headache free for years.
I still get emails from patients who write that they miss me.
I'm not a bad doctor. I'm a good doctor in a quirky profession. I'm not going to air out my grievances that I've experienced being a chiropractor or a chiropractor in Colorado. (location does matter.) Without my knowledge that I acquired as a chiropractor, I would not have been able to do these things. And every profession has it's downside.
I just wanted to highlight this struggle I have encountered. Things were not as I imagined once I graduated, and for the first time in a long time, I have had to deal with failure. It's not something I do well. But what is a Doctor of Chiropractic to do if not be a chiropractor?
The most desirable thing (to me) is to teach. I'm not even sure how hard it would be to break into teaching at community colleges, but I'm looking into it. At some point, I would like to teach at a chiropractic college. The energy at a chiropractic college is amazing!
More importantly, once I started talking (okay, instant messaging) my girlfriends about what I should do with my life did the real heart of the matter rise to the surface. I was in tears, and thinking of practicing again made my heart hurt. There was an intense fear of further failure. I managed to salvage my practice in some way, but I was in no way successful if you look at it from the business perspective. So I wasn't really anxious about doing it again.
And that's the thing about identifying the mysterious obstacle. It ceases to be an obstacle. This feeling of fear was recognized and acknowledged and put down after months (years?) of carrying it around.
And things started to happen. I found a possible opportunity to practice again, and possibly in a way where I could practice within an establishment and have much of the hairy business details left to someone else. It's an opportunity I thought was not available, but things happened and they lined up differently.
It was like it was waiting for me to be ready for it.
Which I appreciate.
The other, completely zen like quality to this opportunity is that I have no attachment to it. It very well may not work out due to administration details. And that's okay.
I was mostly just shocked that I was looking forward to practicing again when a few months ago I wondered if I would ever practice again. Or, more importantly, ever want to practice again. Which is something I hadn't expected to feel until 20 years into my career. If then.
So, we shall see.
All this worry from me since I haven't worked in 4 1/2 months, and it turns out, I needed the time off.
Apparently it's all about perspective.
I also believe that when you are not in the know of the details that constitute this Universal reason, waiting around to discover it kind of sucks.
Ah, but it's all in the process, no?
So, I was chatting with a few friends. My bridesmaids, as a matter of fact, and quizzing them on what they think I would be well suited to do if I were to change careers.
You see, I've been frustrated. Owning my own practice was traumatizing and humbling, and, in some respects, a knock down on the 'ol self esteem pole. John has been a great support. He reminds me that success is defined in several ways and to remember all the people I helped and the lives I changed.
I helped a 5 week old baby regain her normal functions. Eating, sleeping and pooping. She was doing none of these things well, which turned her into a crying colicky baby. I adjusted her. She was happier. And so were her parents!
I brought a woman to tears after she realized that a) she could turn her head again and b) she didn't have to live in pain that she thought was a result of getting older. She hugged me so tightly, just so relieved to feel back to normal.
I helped a woman who had minor but irritating back pain get back into everything she loved nearly pain free...including camping and riding 4 wheelers.
I've helped people recover from car accidents.
I helped a lady manage (nearly eliminate until she went on meds for osteoporosis) her vertigo.
I helped an elderly woman be able to enjoy her daily walks again. She previously had stopped due to arthritis pain. When she saw me, the pain was lessened, and she wanted to walk again.
I helped a woman who had severe headaches that interfered with her life at least every other week be headache free for years.
I still get emails from patients who write that they miss me.
I'm not a bad doctor. I'm a good doctor in a quirky profession. I'm not going to air out my grievances that I've experienced being a chiropractor or a chiropractor in Colorado. (location does matter.) Without my knowledge that I acquired as a chiropractor, I would not have been able to do these things. And every profession has it's downside.
I just wanted to highlight this struggle I have encountered. Things were not as I imagined once I graduated, and for the first time in a long time, I have had to deal with failure. It's not something I do well. But what is a Doctor of Chiropractic to do if not be a chiropractor?
The most desirable thing (to me) is to teach. I'm not even sure how hard it would be to break into teaching at community colleges, but I'm looking into it. At some point, I would like to teach at a chiropractic college. The energy at a chiropractic college is amazing!
More importantly, once I started talking (okay, instant messaging) my girlfriends about what I should do with my life did the real heart of the matter rise to the surface. I was in tears, and thinking of practicing again made my heart hurt. There was an intense fear of further failure. I managed to salvage my practice in some way, but I was in no way successful if you look at it from the business perspective. So I wasn't really anxious about doing it again.
And that's the thing about identifying the mysterious obstacle. It ceases to be an obstacle. This feeling of fear was recognized and acknowledged and put down after months (years?) of carrying it around.
And things started to happen. I found a possible opportunity to practice again, and possibly in a way where I could practice within an establishment and have much of the hairy business details left to someone else. It's an opportunity I thought was not available, but things happened and they lined up differently.
It was like it was waiting for me to be ready for it.
Which I appreciate.
The other, completely zen like quality to this opportunity is that I have no attachment to it. It very well may not work out due to administration details. And that's okay.
I was mostly just shocked that I was looking forward to practicing again when a few months ago I wondered if I would ever practice again. Or, more importantly, ever want to practice again. Which is something I hadn't expected to feel until 20 years into my career. If then.
So, we shall see.
All this worry from me since I haven't worked in 4 1/2 months, and it turns out, I needed the time off.
Apparently it's all about perspective.
Crushed
So, I'm married, right?
("Right.")
It's a very comfy marriage thus far, about 4 months in. We coexist peacefully and snuggle deeply and enjoy each other's warmth, comfort and company. (Unless one of us ahem is stealing the covers and aforementioned warmth. One of us not being me.)
All cover hogs aside, I love it. I wouldn't trade it. For anything. Not even....
Flirting.
Although I miss flirting. I miss it a great deal. Oh sure, us married fuddy duddies flirt and sweet talk each other, but it's in such an obvious, mushy mushy way. I do love that too...but what I'm referring to here is that flirting experience where you don't know what's going to happen next and you're still trying to read between the lines of a cute boy's niceties, and the "what ifs" are flowing steadily hidden behind shy smiles and uneven heart beats.
I didn't recognize how much I missed it until I dreamed of it last night.
It helps that the cute boy flirting with me was Justin Timberlake. I woke up all atwitter. And with a mild crush on Justin Timberlake that didn't really exist before. (See? Do you see the tricks my mind can play?)
Then I rolled over and snuggled my very own cute boy. Talk about the best of both worlds.
("Right.")
It's a very comfy marriage thus far, about 4 months in. We coexist peacefully and snuggle deeply and enjoy each other's warmth, comfort and company. (Unless one of us ahem is stealing the covers and aforementioned warmth. One of us not being me.)
All cover hogs aside, I love it. I wouldn't trade it. For anything. Not even....
Flirting.
Although I miss flirting. I miss it a great deal. Oh sure, us married fuddy duddies flirt and sweet talk each other, but it's in such an obvious, mushy mushy way. I do love that too...but what I'm referring to here is that flirting experience where you don't know what's going to happen next and you're still trying to read between the lines of a cute boy's niceties, and the "what ifs" are flowing steadily hidden behind shy smiles and uneven heart beats.
I didn't recognize how much I missed it until I dreamed of it last night.
It helps that the cute boy flirting with me was Justin Timberlake. I woke up all atwitter. And with a mild crush on Justin Timberlake that didn't really exist before. (See? Do you see the tricks my mind can play?)
Then I rolled over and snuggled my very own cute boy. Talk about the best of both worlds.
Friday, October 15, 2010
My poor lay friends
I totally judge you when you talk about unhealthy stuff, even though I, myself often partake in unhealthy activities.
I had lunch with my friend today.
(I say that as if she's my only one!)
She was talking about going to a tanning place before her beach vacation. And she *knows* it's bad for her, but she doesn't want to get burned the first day of vacation.
All I can think of is "CANCER! CANCER! CANCER!" and "Just wear some sunscreen! You'll still get tan!"
But I just smile and nod. I don't know her well enough to lecture her with my vast knowledge of health and the human body.
And BTW, most of my unhealthy activities come in the form of sugar and butter.
More later about the folks visit, as well as career choices. Or crises. Depending on your perspective.
I had lunch with my friend today.
(I say that as if she's my only one!)
She was talking about going to a tanning place before her beach vacation. And she *knows* it's bad for her, but she doesn't want to get burned the first day of vacation.
All I can think of is "CANCER! CANCER! CANCER!" and "Just wear some sunscreen! You'll still get tan!"
But I just smile and nod. I don't know her well enough to lecture her with my vast knowledge of health and the human body.
And BTW, most of my unhealthy activities come in the form of sugar and butter.
More later about the folks visit, as well as career choices. Or crises. Depending on your perspective.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Ghost Stories
Remember how I mentioned Quarters One is haunted?
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| Quarters One. In February, 2010. No, it hasn't snowed here in the QC as of yet. |
It's too bad the post historian couldn't make it tonight. He will be there for the Fall Festival on October 20th. He knows all the stories of Quarters One. How one night the smoke alarms all went off at once. With no smoke. How all the windows on the second story opened one night. He corresponded with all the prior Aides to previous Commanders and asked them if they had any experiences in the house. He received 50 responses. All of their experiences matched each others and yet, none of them knew that other people had been contacted for their stories as well (preventing anyone from "synching up" stories). They all matched from individual accounts.
In a nutshell, this place is gorgeous.
And haunted.
This site documents findings from the Mississippi Paranormal Society's visit just last year. I did not experience hardly anything compared to the experiences of these paranormal investigators. I didn't feel anything on the main floor. I didn't feel anything on the second floor.
But the third floor....
There are bedrooms up there, of course, right when you come up the stairs. Then there is a hallway to the right which leads to two more rooms and a bathroom. I looked down the hallway and just DID NOT want to go there. But my curiosity won me over and I walked down the four steps and the hallway into the rooms. I noticed not a whole lot.
But suddenly, it was time to go. And it was time to go NOW. I felt an urge to leave so strong, it was hard to say where it came from. And we started walking back down the hallway toward the stairs. And then there it was. Someone was behind me. I felt nothing. I heard nothing. But I knew someone was behind me. The feeling didn't leave until I was past the second floor on the stairs and headed for the main floor.
That was before dinner.
After dinner, we all decided to go back up and explore the house. Most of the third floor wasn't lit and the light switches weren't working (or the bulbs were burned out). It was lit enough to make our way up to the bell tower where you were four stories up and looking out over the Mississippi which was very cool. The party came up and down in groups. Most of the guests had filed out and left by this time and John and I were talking to some others who worked in his building. We were admiring all the portraits of post commanders that started in the main hallway and weaved all the way up the stairs and lined the walls of the second and third floors. These portraits dated all the way back to General Rodman, even though he never lived there. He died before it was finished. The guests had been discussing a Colonel Baylor who commanded there, along with a few others, in a discussion of the history of the post and how their names also adorned conference rooms in other buildings.
Then, on the middle landing of the stairs from the second to the third floor, with absolutely no other person around it (we were at the foot of the stairs and could see the area, even though no one was looking directly at it), a portrait literally jumped off the wall. We heard a crash, and traveled up the six stairs to the middle landing. The nail and picture hook were still in the wall. The wall wasn't damaged at all. The sawtooth hanger on the back of the portrait was still in tact and sturdy. The back of the paper was ripped, presumably from the impact of the frame to the ground, as the frame itself was damaged and one corner was no longer pieced joined together well. The name plate had completely come off the frame. It was as though the picture was bumped from the bottom of the frame hard enough to cause it to come off of the hook and fall to the floor.
The portrait?
Was Col. Baylor who was in command in 1896.
SO.
The CG and his wife hosted Oktoberfest here tonight! They do not live in Quarters One. It *used* to be used for Commanding Generals' living quarters and now it's used for parties and weddings and such. But families used to live here. I couldn't believe it. The place is absolutely HUMONGOUS. (which makes sense since it is the second largest single family home that the USG owns - the first being the White House.)
I got a nice tour from John and met a lot of people who seemed to know who I was. Or at least knew who John was. Or didn't know John was married. Teehee. I met a lot of people. I was actually flattered as General Fontaine and his wife remembered who I was. I only met them once. (back in February.)
But it was good food. Brats, brotsch (bread), goulash (and not the American version which consists of elbow macaroni, hamburger and tomato sauce. this was like a beef stew. Delish!), soft pretzels, German beer, and sweet mustard. Om nom nom! Anyway, here is more on Quarters One....then I'll let you know my experience.
(taken from http://eul.army.mil/rockisland/Docs/quarteronehistory.pdf) (added tidbits from me. of course)
Quarters One
Quarters One was designed by General Thomas Jefferson Rodman (Rodman Ave is the main road on Post) and constructed during 1870-1871. It is situated on the north central shore of Rock Island Arsenal. It has traditionally been the home of the most senior officer stationed on Rock Island
Arsenal. General Rodman who during his tenure as commandant from 1865-1871,
devised a master construction plan for the arsenal that was implemented by his 19th
century successors. Quarters One is a superior example of High Victorian Italianate
style architecture. A massive, lavishly detailed Italianate building, the Commanding
Officer’s Quarters symbolized the importance of Rock Island Arsenal as a major
government installation and it set an architectural standard for three neighboring
officers’ quarters constructed during 1871-1874.
General Rodman never lived in the completed quarters. Unfortunately, he died on 7
June 1871 before the completion of Quarters One. He did reside for a time in a two
story wooden structure, a part of the old Confederate Prison, located near the site of
Quarters One. This and other prison buildings were razed when Quarters Two,
Three, and Four were constructed. (all housing for senior and general officers. I think, technically, our quarters are called Quarters 92 or something like that.) Rodman’s funeral took place on the lawn of
Quarters One and he is buried at the National Cemetery on Rock Island Arsenal along
with his wife Martha Ann.
Quarters One is the second largest single-family government residence next to the
White House. It contains 51 rooms and is approximately 22,000 square feet. (!!!!) The
single gabled, hipped roof with flat deck and skylights, plus its tall, square
observation tower (I went up to the top tonight. Nice view!) are prominent architectural features of Quarters One. The main block and wings are three stories tall and the tower is four stories, with an extremely tall third story. The basement contains sixteen rooms; the old butlery has limestone
counters for rolling dough, special ovens for baking bread, and niches of the butter
churns. The rooms are basically unfinished, with the exception of the trunk room
located at the southeast corner of the main section of the house.
The first floor plan revolves around a central hall in the main block of the quarters.
Opening on to the main floor is a pair of parlors, each having its own rectangular bay
windows. One twin parlors was designed for the cigar smoking men and one was
designed for the ladies to gather after dinner. The door can be drawn shut between
the two rooms when needed. There are sixteen foot ceilings in these rooms. The
parlors’ fireplaces have elaborate cut and polished light gray marble mantelpieces and
hearths. The dining room has a beautiful octagonal bay window. The original walnut
shutters still cover these windows. Also on the first floor, there is a library, a study, a
powder room, a large pantry, and a kitchen. There is a small office at the rear
entrance behind the kitchen.
The second floor corresponds closely with the first floor plan. It currently has five
bathrooms on the second floor. There are six bedrooms, two of these rooms are guest
bedrooms, and there is a seventh room in the tower at the front of the house, which
was used as a sewing room. The two guest rooms are very unique. One is called the
“Rose Room” because of the color used in the room. The other is called the
Lindbergh Room in honor of Charles Lindbergh. In 1927 Charles Lindbergh, on a
flight across the U.S. to promote commercial aviation, landed in Moline, IL. His visit
caused such rivalry between Iowa and Illinois that he stayed in Quarters One on
Arsenal Island and spoke to an overflowing crowd of local citizens in the Arsenal
Cafeteria. The Lindbergh bed, made of walnut with burl inlays, contains a plague
commemorating this historic visit. (this is actually in the Arsenal museum now, and not in the house any longer.)
There are seven rooms and two baths on the third floor. The rooms that are facing the
north to the Mississippi River have an astonishing view. The wood work on this floor
is simply amazing. The third floor has a stairwell that leads to the tower. The tower
room contains a staircase leading up to the fourth floor. The Quad City area can be
seen from the tower exit to the roof of the house. Quarters One has 10 fireplaces;
four on the first floor and six on the second floor.
One of the great features of Quarters One is the north porch facing the Mississippi
River. This is a very tranquil and relaxing place to enjoy during the spring and
summer months. It is indeed a writer’s paradise. Many eagles can be seen perched
on the trees during the winter and early spring months. A full porch extends across
the main entrance of the quarters. Cut limestone piers support elaborate, cast-iron
columns typically grouped in pairs or in sets of three at corner piers. The deck and
ceiling are tongue-and-groove board constructions. Between the columns bases are
sets of ornate, cast-iron railings. At the column tops are elaborate, filigree, cast-iron
brackets. The entire porch is screened from floor to ceiling. Mr. D. C. Thompson,
master molder, supervised the foundry’s recycling of Civil War relicts (mainly
horseshoes) for iron used in the porch grillwork columns, and fencing.
The main double doorway, centered in the tower bay is walnut with a leaf pattern.
The exterior knobs have a dog’s face cast into them and the interior knobs have a
silhouette of a Renaissance solider in them. The dog motif is found on the knob
adjacent to the pantry doors from the dining room and the soldier motif is also used
on the vestibule and central hall doors on the first floor and the exterior door into the
stairway north of the main stair.
Beautiful and ornate ceiling moldings are featured all throughout Quarters One. The
main hallway, the library, and the dining room have particularly elaborate ceiling
moldings and bay windows. Additional running plaster moldings are found on the
ceilings of the parlors and the dining rooms. The third floor ceiling of the main hall
has steeply curving sides with plaster panels framed with plaster waterleaf molding.
Elaborate painted plaster ceiling rosettes are located in pairs on the ceilings of all
three main halls.
A surprising amount of original furniture, mostly walnut, remains in Quarters One.
Between the window and library doorway in the north hall is a built in walnut coat
tree with a cabinet base which is flanked by two umbrella stands. In the wall
opposite is a freestanding walnut chest with a white marble top, above which is a
walnut clock built into the wall. There is a long walnut bench in the center hallway
that was built by craftsmen at the Arsenal’s Woodshop.
The dining room retains a built in china cabinet. This china closet, which
compliments a freestanding walnut sideboard having a dark gray marble top, is set in
a shallow niche in the masonry wall. The flat-walled niche has a semicircular arch at
its top. The base contains two sets of three drawers above a larger bottom drawer.
Above the base is a shallow china case with a pair of glazed doors set in the semicircular
opening. The base contains two sets of three drawers above a larger bottom
drawer.
In a nutshell, this place is gorgeous.
And haunted.
This site documents findings from the Mississippi Paranormal Society's visit just last year. I did not experience hardly anything compared to the experiences of these paranormal investigators. I didn't feel anything on the main floor. I didn't feel anything on the second floor.
But the third floor....
There are bedrooms up there, of course, right when you come up the stairs. Then there is a hallway to the right which leads to two more rooms and a bathroom. I looked down the hallway and just DID NOT want to go there. But my curiosity won me over and I walked down the four steps and the hallway into the rooms. I noticed not a whole lot.
But suddenly, it was time to go. And it was time to go NOW. I felt an urge to leave so strong, it was hard to say where it came from. And we started walking back down the hallway toward the stairs. And then there it was. Someone was behind me. I felt nothing. I heard nothing. But I knew someone was behind me. The feeling didn't leave until I was past the second floor on the stairs and headed for the main floor.
That was before dinner.
After dinner, we all decided to go back up and explore the house. Most of the third floor wasn't lit and the light switches weren't working (or the bulbs were burned out). It was lit enough to make our way up to the bell tower where you were four stories up and looking out over the Mississippi which was very cool. The party came up and down in groups. Most of the guests had filed out and left by this time and John and I were talking to some others who worked in his building. We were admiring all the portraits of post commanders that started in the main hallway and weaved all the way up the stairs and lined the walls of the second and third floors. These portraits dated all the way back to General Rodman, even though he never lived there. He died before it was finished. The guests had been discussing a Colonel Baylor who commanded there, along with a few others, in a discussion of the history of the post and how their names also adorned conference rooms in other buildings.
Then, on the middle landing of the stairs from the second to the third floor, with absolutely no other person around it (we were at the foot of the stairs and could see the area, even though no one was looking directly at it), a portrait literally jumped off the wall. We heard a crash, and traveled up the six stairs to the middle landing. The nail and picture hook were still in the wall. The wall wasn't damaged at all. The sawtooth hanger on the back of the portrait was still in tact and sturdy. The back of the paper was ripped, presumably from the impact of the frame to the ground, as the frame itself was damaged and one corner was no longer pieced joined together well. The name plate had completely come off the frame. It was as though the picture was bumped from the bottom of the frame hard enough to cause it to come off of the hook and fall to the floor.
The portrait?
Was Col. Baylor who was in command in 1896.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
oh no
I just fried up my very own cheese curds. It's official...I'm a midwesterner.
Oh, and by the way....they are tasty!!
I'm pretty sure my belly is going to revolt against all the oil, but I didn't make a whole lot (since they are better fresh) and I think, just this once, I'm going to have to just deal with it.
It's not like I make these every day!
(Damn, should have thought to take a picture. But there are only two left now....)
Oh, and by the way....they are tasty!!
I'm pretty sure my belly is going to revolt against all the oil, but I didn't make a whole lot (since they are better fresh) and I think, just this once, I'm going to have to just deal with it.
It's not like I make these every day!
(Damn, should have thought to take a picture. But there are only two left now....)
Coins!
Remember my post...on my other blog...about Army coins?
I was supposed to get one from the Commanding General and he forgot?
Well, John got one for me a few days ago. YAY!
I took pictures! First with my cell phone. And they turned out horrible. So I went with my camera on the macro setting and they aren't too shabby! Check them out....
I was supposed to get one from the Commanding General and he forgot?
Well, John got one for me a few days ago. YAY!
I took pictures! First with my cell phone. And they turned out horrible. So I went with my camera on the macro setting and they aren't too shabby! Check them out....
 |
| Front of the coin. Notice it says "Commanding General" on there with 2 stars on either side. Apparently there is a game at Army events, where you come prepared with your highest ranking coin. You put them on the bar and whoever is the lowest buys the next round. I've actually never seen it played, but John usually carries one or two of his high rankers to balls. :) |
 |
| The back. I'm excited I got one. John has a bunch. But I never knew I could get one. Yay! |
Time
I am horrible with time management when I don't have anything concrete filling up my day. Like, say, a job. It's amazing how much I get done when I have so much more to do. However, I am enjoying my time where I get to take things a little bit slower these days.
Today, I got up, went for a run (I use the term "run" loosely. I walked the last half. but I did push myself...you know, before the walking. And I did get my pulse up. So it counts.), called my new friend, and made myself some coffee in my new french press.
Can I tell you how much I love my french press? It may just be the coffee I purchased (bold, not X-BOLD like espresso), but it doesn't seem to have a bitter aftertaste like home brew coffee I have had before. I still add way too much sugar and creamer, but I really enjoy the taste of the *coffee* as well as the extra flavors I add.
I have become one of those annoying coffee purists. And yet I'm all hypocritical as I don't drink it plain. Which, really, just equates to me being annoying. :) At least I amuse myself.
Back to the jobs subject. I had a meeting with a Family Employment Specialist here on post. I actually had no idea this person existed until recently. John actually gave me his card about 6 weeks ago, but I didn't know what he did, so I never contacted him. He works in the Army Community Service (ACS), which is a part of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). (I just noticed part of the MWR logo on their stickers say "For All of Your Life." Kinda scary.)
He specializes in financial planning and jobs for military families. How convenient! I also learned I was not "in the system." The MWR system. A completely different system than the DEERS system, which allows me to be John's spouse in the government's eyes and get all sorts of benefits. Ah, Army. I learned all this from a new Army Wife friend. She's kind of mentoring me in this new lifestyle. I am very grateful as she is the first one I have met that a) I would like to spend time with AND b) knows a bit about officer life AND c) isn't crazy. I have met many others who fit only one or two of the previous labels. I'm sure I will meet more. I just haven't yet on this small post. ;)
So. It was a learning experience. I have experience with private sector jobs, where you keep your resume to one page. Two pages tops. Who wants to read more than that? I learned the federal government hiring agencies do!! They give you five pages to work with. (12000 characters.) AND, this resume you submit online is much like your first interview! In fact, if it's complete enough, you can get hired without having an interview! I guess that just depends on how many other well trained people apply for your job. I'm guessing with a job so general as "Admin Assistant", there is more competition.
So I've spent the last few days beefing up my resume to tell the federal sector exactly how well I can answer a phone, file and retrieve paperwork, use a computer, and receive visitors. Not to mention book conference rooms. The general consensus is that most things in the federal government are exactly the opposite of what you would do in the private sector.
Even our house on post. The door lock turns the opposite way you would normally turn a lock to lock the door. Everything is counter-intuitive.
So I'm glad I met with this guy. And got "in the system". And found all these other websites to apply for jobs. I'm not hitting the job search as hard as I could be though. Mostly because Mom and Dad are coming into town next week and I want to be free for them. I'll get to show them all around the Quad Cities! Woohoo!!
It should take about 20 minutes. ;) At least the post has some interesting things and historical artifacts.
Today, I got up, went for a run (I use the term "run" loosely. I walked the last half. but I did push myself...you know, before the walking. And I did get my pulse up. So it counts.), called my new friend, and made myself some coffee in my new french press.
Can I tell you how much I love my french press? It may just be the coffee I purchased (bold, not X-BOLD like espresso), but it doesn't seem to have a bitter aftertaste like home brew coffee I have had before. I still add way too much sugar and creamer, but I really enjoy the taste of the *coffee* as well as the extra flavors I add.
I have become one of those annoying coffee purists. And yet I'm all hypocritical as I don't drink it plain. Which, really, just equates to me being annoying. :) At least I amuse myself.
Back to the jobs subject. I had a meeting with a Family Employment Specialist here on post. I actually had no idea this person existed until recently. John actually gave me his card about 6 weeks ago, but I didn't know what he did, so I never contacted him. He works in the Army Community Service (ACS), which is a part of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). (I just noticed part of the MWR logo on their stickers say "For All of Your Life." Kinda scary.)
He specializes in financial planning and jobs for military families. How convenient! I also learned I was not "in the system." The MWR system. A completely different system than the DEERS system, which allows me to be John's spouse in the government's eyes and get all sorts of benefits. Ah, Army. I learned all this from a new Army Wife friend. She's kind of mentoring me in this new lifestyle. I am very grateful as she is the first one I have met that a) I would like to spend time with AND b) knows a bit about officer life AND c) isn't crazy. I have met many others who fit only one or two of the previous labels. I'm sure I will meet more. I just haven't yet on this small post. ;)
So. It was a learning experience. I have experience with private sector jobs, where you keep your resume to one page. Two pages tops. Who wants to read more than that? I learned the federal government hiring agencies do!! They give you five pages to work with. (12000 characters.) AND, this resume you submit online is much like your first interview! In fact, if it's complete enough, you can get hired without having an interview! I guess that just depends on how many other well trained people apply for your job. I'm guessing with a job so general as "Admin Assistant", there is more competition.
So I've spent the last few days beefing up my resume to tell the federal sector exactly how well I can answer a phone, file and retrieve paperwork, use a computer, and receive visitors. Not to mention book conference rooms. The general consensus is that most things in the federal government are exactly the opposite of what you would do in the private sector.
Even our house on post. The door lock turns the opposite way you would normally turn a lock to lock the door. Everything is counter-intuitive.
So I'm glad I met with this guy. And got "in the system". And found all these other websites to apply for jobs. I'm not hitting the job search as hard as I could be though. Mostly because Mom and Dad are coming into town next week and I want to be free for them. I'll get to show them all around the Quad Cities! Woohoo!!
It should take about 20 minutes. ;) At least the post has some interesting things and historical artifacts.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Observations for the day
You know when it's cool in your bedroom early in the morning and you are all tucked in bed under a heavy down comforter except for maybe one arm, and you notice that your arm is starting to get a wee bit chilly, but otherwise you'd never notice because the rest of you is so toasty under the comforter?
And then you decide to bring that rogue arm back under the covers where it belongs and it's all mmmmmmmmmmmmm as it starts to get as toasty warm as the rest of your body as you drift back to sleep?
I like that.
In other news, I went shoe shopping today to replace my black mary janes. For other black mary janes. I also got side tracked by this cute kitchen store in the mall and I also bought a french press.
Does that make me a hipster now?
And then you decide to bring that rogue arm back under the covers where it belongs and it's all mmmmmmmmmmmmm as it starts to get as toasty warm as the rest of your body as you drift back to sleep?
I like that.
In other news, I went shoe shopping today to replace my black mary janes. For other black mary janes. I also got side tracked by this cute kitchen store in the mall and I also bought a french press.
Does that make me a hipster now?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Never say never
OK, I never actually thought I'm never going to have to carry a propane tank across the Confederate Cemetery.
None the less, it was not what I thought I was going to do this morning. However, I was a trooper and fetched the tank from our grill because we thought we didn't have enough. We never needed it, but it was better to be prepared. It was a situation that, rather than driving around (in the midst of construction to resurface the main road), it would be easier to just walk back to our house, fetch the propane tank, and lug it back to the grill area. Which was behind the Confederate Cemetery. It was heavy. I got some exercise.
I also got some confused and amused looks from the construction workers watching me lug it across the road. You can't see the grill area or the training lanes real well from the road. It probably looked like I was carrying the tank *to the cemetery. Not *through it. Oh well. :)
I also thought of something else military families are more prone too. Trying to decide if the big boom you just heard was thunder or artillery. It was dark and cloudy this morning, so I had to really think about it. (This is an easier distinction on sunny days.)
Given the training the soldiers are doing, it was artillery. It was much louder at the grill site, which was the gate to the training lanes. I jumped *every single time* it was shot which gave CPT Leifker (the ASC HHC company commander) a good chuckle.
It was fun though. And rewarding. Seeing dirty soldiers covered in mud and mock blood (medical training) that had been out there for 6 hours come back ravenous and grateful. Well that felt good.
None the less, it was not what I thought I was going to do this morning. However, I was a trooper and fetched the tank from our grill because we thought we didn't have enough. We never needed it, but it was better to be prepared. It was a situation that, rather than driving around (in the midst of construction to resurface the main road), it would be easier to just walk back to our house, fetch the propane tank, and lug it back to the grill area. Which was behind the Confederate Cemetery. It was heavy. I got some exercise.
I also got some confused and amused looks from the construction workers watching me lug it across the road. You can't see the grill area or the training lanes real well from the road. It probably looked like I was carrying the tank *to the cemetery. Not *through it. Oh well. :)
I also thought of something else military families are more prone too. Trying to decide if the big boom you just heard was thunder or artillery. It was dark and cloudy this morning, so I had to really think about it. (This is an easier distinction on sunny days.)
Given the training the soldiers are doing, it was artillery. It was much louder at the grill site, which was the gate to the training lanes. I jumped *every single time* it was shot which gave CPT Leifker (the ASC HHC company commander) a good chuckle.
It was fun though. And rewarding. Seeing dirty soldiers covered in mud and mock blood (medical training) that had been out there for 6 hours come back ravenous and grateful. Well that felt good.
Nuances about army life
I live on post. And yet, you don't have to live on a post to appreciate little things about Army life that you don't encounter (well, at least *I* didn't encounter) in civilian life.
We have another FRG event today. Selling hot dogs to soldiers who have been training in obstacle courses for 2 days and have had nothing to eat but MREs. Apparently they are appreciative. I just hope the rain holds out.
Anyway, they are also resurfacing the main road that runs through post near the housing area, and our meeting area to get to these soldiers. So I got an email this morning and a follow up phone call about 5 minutes ago saying we may have to change where we meet.
To the parking lot behind the tanks. There is a small area with a bunch of tanks on display to the public.
I'm sure there are state or national parks with tanks in them honoring our military, but you almost always see military gear on posts. (You know I am completely making that "statistic" up. I've only even been on 2 posts. RIA barely even counts.)
But in my civilian life, I was never told to go park behind the tanks.
I love that I live near an area full of tanks. Actually, to be fair, there are also Howitzers and/or canons. John can't remember the difference between the two.
We have another FRG event today. Selling hot dogs to soldiers who have been training in obstacle courses for 2 days and have had nothing to eat but MREs. Apparently they are appreciative. I just hope the rain holds out.
Anyway, they are also resurfacing the main road that runs through post near the housing area, and our meeting area to get to these soldiers. So I got an email this morning and a follow up phone call about 5 minutes ago saying we may have to change where we meet.
To the parking lot behind the tanks. There is a small area with a bunch of tanks on display to the public.
I'm sure there are state or national parks with tanks in them honoring our military, but you almost always see military gear on posts. (You know I am completely making that "statistic" up. I've only even been on 2 posts. RIA barely even counts.)
But in my civilian life, I was never told to go park behind the tanks.
I love that I live near an area full of tanks. Actually, to be fair, there are also Howitzers and/or canons. John can't remember the difference between the two.
Monday, September 20, 2010
An assortment for Monday.
After this, I really have to go start dinner. :)
This is the view of the Mississippi River looking toward Rock Island Arsenal. John and I walked (on a GORGEOUS day) down the road and across the bridge on the left to Iowa where I took these pics. NOTE: I forgot to check my camera's battery status. It was dead. I was able to get these pics by turning on the camera really fast and then taking the picture before it died on me. Therefore: no zoom capability.
Yes, I know. I'm a budding professional.
SO. What you are looking at is
The Government bridge on the left. From Davenport (where we are standing) to Rock Island Arsenal. The road then forks off to actually enter the post, or go "around" it (meaning, you don't have to have your ID) and head on to the Rock Island bridge to get to Rock Island. This bridge carries cars, trains, pedestrians and cyclists. (Although you're not supposed to ride your bike on the bridge. You're supposed to dismount. No one ever does.) And, it frickin' spins. The section of the bridge that looks a little bit different than the rest way at the end (toward RIA) is the lock and allows for passage of barges. So it spins to open. And then to close. Sometimes after a long time. Backing up the rest of the car/train/pedestrian traffic. Everyone knows what it means "to catch a barge" or "to hit a barge" if you are late coming on the island or trying to leave it. Especially since the Moline bridge is closed right now, limiting our options.
ANYWAY. To the right, is the Dam.
This is the back end (downstream) of the dam.
And this is looking even further downstream to the Centennial Bridge. It looks cool lit up at night. :)
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