Too tired to do a damned thing:-D Just made 8 out of 10 on one of my midterm exams though, not so bad, though I still can't punctuate properly:)
June 28, 2005
This is me on any given night.
Too tired to do a damned thing:-D Just made 8 out of 10 on one of my midterm exams though, not so bad, though I still can't punctuate properly:)
June 27, 2005
I have a Mission!
Ok, EVERYONE who reads this blog MUST visit TC Override. Things just went boom for him, and I want you all to go visit, leave a comment, and do the same thing for him you all did for me, cause I know that I appreciated it more then I can ever express!
June 25, 2005
Donations Now Being Accepted (JUST KIDDING!:-D)
Ladies and Gents, due to unfortunate neccessities created the last few weeks, I have had to give up my beloved Honda Accord, Leilu. However, I have replaced her with Miss AllieCat:
:-D
:-D
June 24, 2005
Yeah, I RULE! ( Again)
Yep, scored perfect on my essay, again! And this one was rather tough, due to the amount of research materials I compiled. But, I did it:-D
New thing
Since I really couldn't say it better myself, I am going to let the story do the talking. In addition, I am going to permanently link both sites on my sidebar. My thanks to Stephanie Holbrook for sending me this information and allowing me to share it with you.
Army’s 230th birthday inspires Lycos.com and Tripod.com to Salutes Troops
By Sarah RyanJune 14, 2005WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 14, 2004) -- In addition to the traditional wreath-laying and cake-cutting ceremonies to mark the Army’s 230th birthday, the week-long celebration includes an unlikely character – a dog named Lycos. Technology company Lycos, Inc., has undertaken several initiatives to salute Soldiers. The corporate mascot — Lycos the Dog — has dressed up for the occasion and will appear on the Lycos Web site in Army-issued camouflage at www.lycos.com.
n addition, Lycos has launched “Tripod for Troops,” a new program on Tripod.com designed to help Soldiers feel one step closer to home and serve as a destination where Soldiers returning from war can continue to tell their stories. With this tool, military families can create online journals and post photos from digital cameras and camera phones. Families can even invite friends and other members of their communities to contribute and update content on a regular basis.
“It’s very common for Soldiers stationed thousands of miles away to feel out of touch with what’s happening at home. Often times, it can be the little things that matter most — like a picture of a child’s birthday party or even a short story about an everyday event,” said Eric Wanta, senior director of marketing for Lycos, Inc. “Likewise, it’s just as important for Soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan to receive a hero’s welcome. Our online tools at Tripod.com make it easier to do both.”
“We’re excited that Lycos chose to take this initiative on the Army’s birthday,” said Col. Richard Breen, director of Operation Tribute to Freedom, the Army’s outreach program that honors returning Soldiers and gives them opportunities to thank the American people for their support. “We recognize that every Soldier has a story to tell, and online communities and recognition events are a great way for Soldiers and family members to share their stories of both sacrifice and heroism.”
Army’s 230th birthday inspires Lycos.com and Tripod.com to Salutes Troops
By Sarah RyanJune 14, 2005WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 14, 2004) -- In addition to the traditional wreath-laying and cake-cutting ceremonies to mark the Army’s 230th birthday, the week-long celebration includes an unlikely character – a dog named Lycos. Technology company Lycos, Inc., has undertaken several initiatives to salute Soldiers. The corporate mascot — Lycos the Dog — has dressed up for the occasion and will appear on the Lycos Web site in Army-issued camouflage at www.lycos.com.
n addition, Lycos has launched “Tripod for Troops,” a new program on Tripod.com designed to help Soldiers feel one step closer to home and serve as a destination where Soldiers returning from war can continue to tell their stories. With this tool, military families can create online journals and post photos from digital cameras and camera phones. Families can even invite friends and other members of their communities to contribute and update content on a regular basis.
“It’s very common for Soldiers stationed thousands of miles away to feel out of touch with what’s happening at home. Often times, it can be the little things that matter most — like a picture of a child’s birthday party or even a short story about an everyday event,” said Eric Wanta, senior director of marketing for Lycos, Inc. “Likewise, it’s just as important for Soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan to receive a hero’s welcome. Our online tools at Tripod.com make it easier to do both.”
“We’re excited that Lycos chose to take this initiative on the Army’s birthday,” said Col. Richard Breen, director of Operation Tribute to Freedom, the Army’s outreach program that honors returning Soldiers and gives them opportunities to thank the American people for their support. “We recognize that every Soldier has a story to tell, and online communities and recognition events are a great way for Soldiers and family members to share their stories of both sacrifice and heroism.”
June 22, 2005
Eyes hurt
To prepare my persuasive essay properly, I need to provide at least one opposing view to my topic, Home Schooling is better. You would not believe just how hard it is to find reliable sources, online, quoting their opposition. I have plenty of blogs, and biased news articles quoting from the reliable source, but to use the biased source is not what I am looking for. I want the actual organization to be able to quote directly from their materials. As the title of my blog suggests, my eyes hurt now LOL.
In the meantime, I thought you all might enjoy reading my first ever college essay (warning, this was a 2 1/2 page report, and I scored perfectly):
Goals in life and education have always been clear for me since I was young. I don’t believe that any of my goals are out of reach, using the proper tools that are at my disposal. I want to be as knowledgeable as I can be about history, as that is my first love. I also want to become a prosecutor, to help society as a whole, and to help individuals.
I have been an avid reader from the time I could read, and have loved history in particular. Because of that, I wanted to be a history teacher. Sharing my passion with others made sense to me. As I grew older I also discovered a passion for the law, and decided then that I wanted to be a prosecutor someday. Not only would my love of history be applicable, but I would also be helping society. I decided then to be a history major, and minor in pre-law to make that happen.
My education and desired career go hand in hand. I will not be able to become a prosecutor without a specific degree. To get the degree, I need to start classes. Motivation for starting classes is for me a recent change. While I have always wanted to attend college, prior to registration, my primary focus had been on my military career. Recent events changed how I had planned life, and there fore required a change in plans.
While what I have done in the military and what I desire to do in the future have nothing to do with each other, my military life has prepared me in ways that I don’t feel I would have learned had I gone straight to college from high school. The military has taught me how to prepare thoroughly and to plan ahead for all eventualities. This will help me both in schoolwork and in my career later on.
Weaknesses are a hard thing to admit to, but a person needs to evaluate just what those weaknesses are to be successful people. Starting out in classes is a very new experience for me and my fears are a weakness. I am afraid that I will not be able to keep up with both my work and studies, and that I will be overwhelmed.
My fears were the reason I chose to start small, and focus on getting an associate of arts (AA) degree first. Planning for success, I wanted to start my stepping stones small, and work my way up. After I earn my AA, my next stone will be a Bachelor of Arts, possibly through American Military University, or elsewhere. Then it is on to law school, though just where, I don’t know yet.
But I count among my strengths the ability to face up to my fears, and focus on my goals, and where conquering my fears can lead me. I love to learn, and it is this love for learning that keeps me pushing forward in my education.
I consider myself to be very fortunate in having the full support of my entire family. They have always pushed me to start classes, and to reach for my full potential. No matter what I am learning, I know that they will be there for me to lean on as support when I need it.
Living in the barracks on post as I do presented some problems when it came to establishing a specific area that was solely for studying. However, I came to a compromise, and have my time set aside for having the television on, and doing what I like. Then I keep a schedule for times when I need to sit down, and complete my assignments for the week.
College is a challenge to be overcome. I enjoy new challenges, although they may scare me, and I enjoy the chance to prove myself in this new challenge.
In the meantime, I thought you all might enjoy reading my first ever college essay (warning, this was a 2 1/2 page report, and I scored perfectly):
Goals in life and education have always been clear for me since I was young. I don’t believe that any of my goals are out of reach, using the proper tools that are at my disposal. I want to be as knowledgeable as I can be about history, as that is my first love. I also want to become a prosecutor, to help society as a whole, and to help individuals.
I have been an avid reader from the time I could read, and have loved history in particular. Because of that, I wanted to be a history teacher. Sharing my passion with others made sense to me. As I grew older I also discovered a passion for the law, and decided then that I wanted to be a prosecutor someday. Not only would my love of history be applicable, but I would also be helping society. I decided then to be a history major, and minor in pre-law to make that happen.
My education and desired career go hand in hand. I will not be able to become a prosecutor without a specific degree. To get the degree, I need to start classes. Motivation for starting classes is for me a recent change. While I have always wanted to attend college, prior to registration, my primary focus had been on my military career. Recent events changed how I had planned life, and there fore required a change in plans.
While what I have done in the military and what I desire to do in the future have nothing to do with each other, my military life has prepared me in ways that I don’t feel I would have learned had I gone straight to college from high school. The military has taught me how to prepare thoroughly and to plan ahead for all eventualities. This will help me both in schoolwork and in my career later on.
Weaknesses are a hard thing to admit to, but a person needs to evaluate just what those weaknesses are to be successful people. Starting out in classes is a very new experience for me and my fears are a weakness. I am afraid that I will not be able to keep up with both my work and studies, and that I will be overwhelmed.
My fears were the reason I chose to start small, and focus on getting an associate of arts (AA) degree first. Planning for success, I wanted to start my stepping stones small, and work my way up. After I earn my AA, my next stone will be a Bachelor of Arts, possibly through American Military University, or elsewhere. Then it is on to law school, though just where, I don’t know yet.
But I count among my strengths the ability to face up to my fears, and focus on my goals, and where conquering my fears can lead me. I love to learn, and it is this love for learning that keeps me pushing forward in my education.
I consider myself to be very fortunate in having the full support of my entire family. They have always pushed me to start classes, and to reach for my full potential. No matter what I am learning, I know that they will be there for me to lean on as support when I need it.
Living in the barracks on post as I do presented some problems when it came to establishing a specific area that was solely for studying. However, I came to a compromise, and have my time set aside for having the television on, and doing what I like. Then I keep a schedule for times when I need to sit down, and complete my assignments for the week.
College is a challenge to be overcome. I enjoy new challenges, although they may scare me, and I enjoy the chance to prove myself in this new challenge.
June 20, 2005
Still here
I just returned last night from another trip to NC to visit family:-D Upon my return I then had to sit down and catch up on my schoolwork. I love my job, and I love my school, but both together? Sheeesh am I one busy little girl:) It has been wonderful though, even though I know I haven't written. But I will start posting more entries from the early days in Iraq, and I do have a few more stories on tap (if I can ever sit down and finish them ROFL) .
You know that feeling you get, when you get off a hard day's work, and you just want to go home and cuddle with your loved one? But then you can't because they are far away? THAT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for all this mess to be complete, and for me to get control of my life back. ( I am a control freak in case you couldn't tell:-D )
Well, I need to get back to work. 1SG likes to keep me busy:-D I do love my job.
Oh and on that sort of side note, I took a look at Monster.com and discovered that I really needn't be so anxious about finding a job in the outside world. Most of the jobs I looked at that I was interested in, I was perfectly qualified for with my years of experience in the Administrative/operational field. Made me feel a bit better.
You know that feeling you get, when you get off a hard day's work, and you just want to go home and cuddle with your loved one? But then you can't because they are far away? THAT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait for all this mess to be complete, and for me to get control of my life back. ( I am a control freak in case you couldn't tell:-D )
Well, I need to get back to work. 1SG likes to keep me busy:-D I do love my job.
Oh and on that sort of side note, I took a look at Monster.com and discovered that I really needn't be so anxious about finding a job in the outside world. Most of the jobs I looked at that I was interested in, I was perfectly qualified for with my years of experience in the Administrative/operational field. Made me feel a bit better.
June 13, 2005
Oh yeah, I rock, I rule
It was kind of a rocky start to my first week of school. It was just my luck to be starting both school and my new job all at the same time, but I think I did just fine. My days last week consisted of me being at work early, leaving late, and then the minute I got home, started straight in on school. I told myself that I was taking Friday night off, to talk to my boyfriend and to relax a bit, but what was I doing that night? You guessed it, schoolwork ROFL. BUT, I turned in all assignments on time, and so far am doing great!
I am still working on my newest story, and will post it as soon as I finish it.
I am still working on my newest story, and will post it as soon as I finish it.
June 08, 2005
I started school!
I began online classes on Monday, so if I don't blog as often, it is because I have assignments to finish (like tonight:-D) It is a little intimidating, but thus far I am enjoying it.
I also started in my new position as Admin NCOIC, so my hours have gotten longer, e.g. I came home tonight at 6PM
Once upon a time I used to enjoy thunderstorms. Now, not so much so. The crack of the thunder startles me frequently, particularily when it cracks over head. But it was amusing today as after work I left my building, and in the less then a minute it took me to walk between the garbage and my car, I was soaked to the bone. When I got home and inside my room, I stripped down, and not one shred of clothing was dry. I could wring out my uniforms, they were that wet ROFL:) So I am not going anywhere this evening, I am sitting in my comfortable room, and doing my schoolwork:)
I also started in my new position as Admin NCOIC, so my hours have gotten longer, e.g. I came home tonight at 6PM
Once upon a time I used to enjoy thunderstorms. Now, not so much so. The crack of the thunder startles me frequently, particularily when it cracks over head. But it was amusing today as after work I left my building, and in the less then a minute it took me to walk between the garbage and my car, I was soaked to the bone. When I got home and inside my room, I stripped down, and not one shred of clothing was dry. I could wring out my uniforms, they were that wet ROFL:) So I am not going anywhere this evening, I am sitting in my comfortable room, and doing my schoolwork:)
June 06, 2005
On this day in History
June 6th, 1944: Operation Overlord was kicked on, marking the largest invasion force that history has ever seen. Thousands of men died on this day, storming the beaches of Normany, but their sacrifices were not in vain, as a little under a year later in 1945, the war was over, and Europe was again free from tyranny (Until the Soviets started showing their true faces). My favorite books are authored by Stephen Ambrose: D-Day, Band Of Brothers, Pegasus Bridge, and many others. I know just about everyone has either seen or heard of the HBO Mini-series based on the book, but I recommend reading the book, as it is just incredibly written.
The author also helped found a tour company, that has tours based on the sites he wrote about in his books. If I could afford the money to go, I want to go on all of them ROFL.
The author also helped found a tour company, that has tours based on the sites he wrote about in his books. If I could afford the money to go, I want to go on all of them ROFL.
June 05, 2005
Things to do while stuck in traffic
Last weekend on my trip down to Miami, I got stuck in a couple of traffic jams. If you are stuck in one, there is no point in stressing, you aren't going to get anywhere faster by doing so, and the only thing you are doing is hurting yourself:)
1. Comb your hair (3 times)
2. Organize the items on your front seat, your CD's
3. Roll down the windows to enjoy a little fresh air (ok, a whole lot of exhaust fumes)
4. Play Solitaire on your cell phone
5. Message people (or your boyfriend)
6. Jot notes for a new blog
Yes I did every one of these, mind you, I was stopped at a standstill and still paying attention to things.
1. Comb your hair (3 times)
2. Organize the items on your front seat, your CD's
3. Roll down the windows to enjoy a little fresh air (ok, a whole lot of exhaust fumes)
4. Play Solitaire on your cell phone
5. Message people (or your boyfriend)
6. Jot notes for a new blog
Yes I did every one of these, mind you, I was stopped at a standstill and still paying attention to things.
June 03, 2005
And now for something completely different
(yes I like Monty Python) I wrote this post about one of my days at the ranges last week. I hope you all enjoy. (Feel free to critique. I am always looking to see how I could improve my writing.)
It was a clear, cool morning, the first light of dawn touching the sky as Cat quickly rushed out of her room in the barracks. Twenty minutes earlier, her alarm and gone off, its shrieks piercing what had been a restful night’s sleep. Cat rolled over and punched the snooze button, groaning as she knew that today of all days she could not afford to lose a minute. A million different things went through her mind as she brushed her teeth and washed her face, most of them along the lines of “I hate being up this early”
Cat hurriedly pulled her uniform on, thinking upon the fact that she quite possibly wouldn’t be doing that for much longer. “No, no time to dwell on that this morning; need to get out the door.” She put the thought from her mind and began to gather up the items she would need for the day ahead. The previous night Cat had cooked up a couple of egg muffins for breakfast this morning, as MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) breakfasts are not so good. As she grabbed her bags, Cat ran down her mental checklist to ensure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Kevlar? Check. Water? A must in the hot GA sun. Books and food? Couldn’t survive without those. Time to grab the keys and go.
As so many of us do, Cat took little notice of her surroundings as she rushed to her car. Her beloved baby had been giving her problems, but this morning she started right up. Cat loved her little car, a two door Honda Accord coupe that had been passed from her Grandmother, to her Mother, and then to her. Cat had promptly named the car Leilu, and took great pride in maintaining her appearance. She checked her CD player to make sure her “morning mix” CD was in there, and then changed the track to her favorite song. As she put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot, she began to sing along, as there was nothing like singing loudly to perk one up.
It was a short drive to work, and she parked her car and unloaded her gear, saying hello to her 1SG as he also pulled in. Cat was a perpetual early bird, often arriving before anyone else did, and usually this led to her sitting in the hallway waiting for someone with keys to open the doors. As she entered the building she located a spot to place her gear while she went upstairs. Cat had left her armored vest in her offices the night before, and well, she rather needed it today. She slowly made her way up the stairs, her knee groaning the whole way up the 2 flights. A few months back, she had injured it in a nasty accident and it still wasn’t quite back to par. She really wished the doctors would figure out what was wrong so that they could fix it. Pain just was not her thing. As Cat retrieved her vest, she noted that quite a few other people had left theirs behind as well. “Good, I don’t feel like such a goof now”, she thought as she headed back downstairs to get ready for formation.
Cat was the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) at today’s range and so she knew she had to leave earlier then the rest of the personnel headed out there. Linking up with her platoon sergeant, Cat loaded her gear into the back of the Humvee she was riding in, and did a last minute check. Yep, they were missing something. They needed a stretcher out there, just in case anything stupid happened and they needed to get someone out quickly. She sincerely hoped not, while yes she was qualified to attend to any casualties that may occur, she really didn’t want to have to. Cat made her way upstairs yet again (she really hated these stairs) and found what she needed and went back down. Finally, all was ready and the crew took off for the range.
The OIC and she left the others at the range as they went to the range control to let them know that all was ready and the necessary steps had been taken. Shortly thereafter the soldiers who were firing weapons that day began to arrive. The days work had just begun.
Cat set up her aid and litter vehicle, and it was here she sat for the rest of the day, trying to stay cool in the shaded back. As Cat relaxed, she quickly shut out the sounds of the rounds being shot. She had her water, snacks and most importantly her books, so she was set.
Periodically she shared her space with her favourite Lieutenant, an affable, kind-hearted, and humourous man, with whom she shared a special rapport. He had been there the day of her accident, and had been a tremendous comfort in what was a rather uncomfortable situation. They laughed and joked about starting college classes for the first time (Cat was about to), things that were happening up on the firing line, and other just plain silliness. Cat had brought her schoolbooks with her as well, classes started in two weeks, and she wanted to be fully prepared. (Cat was something of an overachiever, always expecting the best from herself and nothing less. For her, getting any grade below A- would be considered a failure) She was well known to be an avid bookworm, rarely seen without a book stuck to her pert nose.
During one of these exchanges, the LT turned and asked “So when are you going to stop reading books and start writing them?” “My life isn’t all that interesting” Cat responded, to which the LT scoffed. “You have so much to tell” This of course started a lively bantering that only ended when the LT was called away. She thought about it later, and decided this would be something that she gave thought to. While she loved to sit down and write, and she did keep something of a journal (although she hadn’t updated it in a while) Cat didn’t think her writing all that good. “We shall have to see” she thought as she carried on with her day.
As everyone began to wrap up, Cat put her things together and hopped out of the truck to do what she could to help. It had been a long, hot, and very dusty day, and all Cat could think about was a long relaxing shower that she planned to stay in until her fingers looked like prunes.
Ah, thank goodness it was time to load up into the vehicles and return to the company. She settled down into the middle amongst her compadres, and leaned back for the ride back. They laughed and joked about what had gone wrong, the silly things people said, the black widow in the port-a-pottie (Cat had discovered this while poking at a spider web in there with a stick), and the general feeling of relief that the day was close to finished.
Cat felt well satisfied with how her day had gone. She had pitched in where she could and did all that she was able to ensure that the range safely. So often she felt unneeded, and she didn’t much like that feeling. Any day that she was able to do something productive was good in her eyes.
Shortly before arriving back, Cat’s 1SG received a phone call, during which he turned to her to ask if she had anything going on the next day. Cat sensed that she was needed for something, and so she said that she was free. (The only thing she had was easily done another day) He then informed her that another of the company’s needed her to act as CLS for their range and so she would need to be at work the next morning at 0500. Cat laughingly groaned, and joked that she should have said that she was terribly busy and couldn’t spare a moment. She knew full well though that it didn’t matter the time or place, if she was needed, she would be there.
The trip ended well, and the company downloaded the equipment they had used that day, and headed up to the offices for an after action review, something they did after every training event. It established what had gone right, and what could be fixed for the next time. As everyone had their own different views on how things had gone, it was a lengthy session, but soon it was over. It was now time to go home and prepare for the next morning.
Cat loaded her gear into her car, and prepared to drive home. It was now 1830, and it seemed as though this morning was so far away.
It was a clear, cool morning, the first light of dawn touching the sky as Cat quickly rushed out of her room in the barracks. Twenty minutes earlier, her alarm and gone off, its shrieks piercing what had been a restful night’s sleep. Cat rolled over and punched the snooze button, groaning as she knew that today of all days she could not afford to lose a minute. A million different things went through her mind as she brushed her teeth and washed her face, most of them along the lines of “I hate being up this early”
Cat hurriedly pulled her uniform on, thinking upon the fact that she quite possibly wouldn’t be doing that for much longer. “No, no time to dwell on that this morning; need to get out the door.” She put the thought from her mind and began to gather up the items she would need for the day ahead. The previous night Cat had cooked up a couple of egg muffins for breakfast this morning, as MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) breakfasts are not so good. As she grabbed her bags, Cat ran down her mental checklist to ensure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Kevlar? Check. Water? A must in the hot GA sun. Books and food? Couldn’t survive without those. Time to grab the keys and go.
As so many of us do, Cat took little notice of her surroundings as she rushed to her car. Her beloved baby had been giving her problems, but this morning she started right up. Cat loved her little car, a two door Honda Accord coupe that had been passed from her Grandmother, to her Mother, and then to her. Cat had promptly named the car Leilu, and took great pride in maintaining her appearance. She checked her CD player to make sure her “morning mix” CD was in there, and then changed the track to her favorite song. As she put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking lot, she began to sing along, as there was nothing like singing loudly to perk one up.
It was a short drive to work, and she parked her car and unloaded her gear, saying hello to her 1SG as he also pulled in. Cat was a perpetual early bird, often arriving before anyone else did, and usually this led to her sitting in the hallway waiting for someone with keys to open the doors. As she entered the building she located a spot to place her gear while she went upstairs. Cat had left her armored vest in her offices the night before, and well, she rather needed it today. She slowly made her way up the stairs, her knee groaning the whole way up the 2 flights. A few months back, she had injured it in a nasty accident and it still wasn’t quite back to par. She really wished the doctors would figure out what was wrong so that they could fix it. Pain just was not her thing. As Cat retrieved her vest, she noted that quite a few other people had left theirs behind as well. “Good, I don’t feel like such a goof now”, she thought as she headed back downstairs to get ready for formation.
Cat was the Combat Lifesaver (CLS) at today’s range and so she knew she had to leave earlier then the rest of the personnel headed out there. Linking up with her platoon sergeant, Cat loaded her gear into the back of the Humvee she was riding in, and did a last minute check. Yep, they were missing something. They needed a stretcher out there, just in case anything stupid happened and they needed to get someone out quickly. She sincerely hoped not, while yes she was qualified to attend to any casualties that may occur, she really didn’t want to have to. Cat made her way upstairs yet again (she really hated these stairs) and found what she needed and went back down. Finally, all was ready and the crew took off for the range.
The OIC and she left the others at the range as they went to the range control to let them know that all was ready and the necessary steps had been taken. Shortly thereafter the soldiers who were firing weapons that day began to arrive. The days work had just begun.
Cat set up her aid and litter vehicle, and it was here she sat for the rest of the day, trying to stay cool in the shaded back. As Cat relaxed, she quickly shut out the sounds of the rounds being shot. She had her water, snacks and most importantly her books, so she was set.
Periodically she shared her space with her favourite Lieutenant, an affable, kind-hearted, and humourous man, with whom she shared a special rapport. He had been there the day of her accident, and had been a tremendous comfort in what was a rather uncomfortable situation. They laughed and joked about starting college classes for the first time (Cat was about to), things that were happening up on the firing line, and other just plain silliness. Cat had brought her schoolbooks with her as well, classes started in two weeks, and she wanted to be fully prepared. (Cat was something of an overachiever, always expecting the best from herself and nothing less. For her, getting any grade below A- would be considered a failure) She was well known to be an avid bookworm, rarely seen without a book stuck to her pert nose.
During one of these exchanges, the LT turned and asked “So when are you going to stop reading books and start writing them?” “My life isn’t all that interesting” Cat responded, to which the LT scoffed. “You have so much to tell” This of course started a lively bantering that only ended when the LT was called away. She thought about it later, and decided this would be something that she gave thought to. While she loved to sit down and write, and she did keep something of a journal (although she hadn’t updated it in a while) Cat didn’t think her writing all that good. “We shall have to see” she thought as she carried on with her day.
As everyone began to wrap up, Cat put her things together and hopped out of the truck to do what she could to help. It had been a long, hot, and very dusty day, and all Cat could think about was a long relaxing shower that she planned to stay in until her fingers looked like prunes.
Ah, thank goodness it was time to load up into the vehicles and return to the company. She settled down into the middle amongst her compadres, and leaned back for the ride back. They laughed and joked about what had gone wrong, the silly things people said, the black widow in the port-a-pottie (Cat had discovered this while poking at a spider web in there with a stick), and the general feeling of relief that the day was close to finished.
Cat felt well satisfied with how her day had gone. She had pitched in where she could and did all that she was able to ensure that the range safely. So often she felt unneeded, and she didn’t much like that feeling. Any day that she was able to do something productive was good in her eyes.
Shortly before arriving back, Cat’s 1SG received a phone call, during which he turned to her to ask if she had anything going on the next day. Cat sensed that she was needed for something, and so she said that she was free. (The only thing she had was easily done another day) He then informed her that another of the company’s needed her to act as CLS for their range and so she would need to be at work the next morning at 0500. Cat laughingly groaned, and joked that she should have said that she was terribly busy and couldn’t spare a moment. She knew full well though that it didn’t matter the time or place, if she was needed, she would be there.
The trip ended well, and the company downloaded the equipment they had used that day, and headed up to the offices for an after action review, something they did after every training event. It established what had gone right, and what could be fixed for the next time. As everyone had their own different views on how things had gone, it was a lengthy session, but soon it was over. It was now time to go home and prepare for the next morning.
Cat loaded her gear into her car, and prepared to drive home. It was now 1830, and it seemed as though this morning was so far away.
June 01, 2005
Still around, just living an insane life
The last couple of weeks have been insane for me. Between last week's range week and this weeks prep for a range Thursday, I barely know which end is up. But here for your enjoyment, a few fun things.
I've been tagged by AFSister so here are my responses:
And here are the questions:
How many DVD/VHS’s do you own? 200+ (Hey, it got boring at times in Iraq)
What’s the last film you bought? Princess Diaries 2 (I think)
What’s the last movie you watched? Star Wars Episode III (Duuuuuuuuude)
What are your 5 favorite movies? Spaceballs, My Fair Lady, Secretary, Kiss Me Kate, and the Legally Blonde movies.
Now I am going to tag Redwood13 (Hah, got you baby brat:-D) Oh, and if you haven't been to see my brother lately, he is posting very regularily and has some very funny notes.
I found this exceedingly hilarious, mostly cause I can relate: 5 Dumb Things
Well, still working on that post, right now it is in different stages, part typed up from the handwritten manuscript I scribbled out at the range. I think you will all enjoy.
I've been tagged by AFSister so here are my responses:
And here are the questions:
How many DVD/VHS’s do you own? 200+ (Hey, it got boring at times in Iraq)
What’s the last film you bought? Princess Diaries 2 (I think)
What’s the last movie you watched? Star Wars Episode III (Duuuuuuuuude)
What are your 5 favorite movies? Spaceballs, My Fair Lady, Secretary, Kiss Me Kate, and the Legally Blonde movies.
Now I am going to tag Redwood13 (Hah, got you baby brat:-D) Oh, and if you haven't been to see my brother lately, he is posting very regularily and has some very funny notes.
I found this exceedingly hilarious, mostly cause I can relate: 5 Dumb Things
Well, still working on that post, right now it is in different stages, part typed up from the handwritten manuscript I scribbled out at the range. I think you will all enjoy.
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