Tammi is so freaking awesome. She wrote and told me what needed to be done to get Insight to read mu.nu blogs. She rules. And now I can blog. But first...Olive Garden.

Posted by: Sarah at 06:22 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I've been fighting a cold for a few days, but keeping "bachelor hours" with our friend this weekend did me in. On the way home from Des Moines, I wanted to stop at Walmart to get some DayQuil. What I didn't count on was the asinine rules that are in place now for flippin' meth labs. Even though the Walmart is 24 hours, you can't buy DayQuil at 9 AM on a Sunday because you have to get it from the pharmacist and the pharmacy doesn't open until 11. Of all the annoying things! Luckily I could get Robitussin; apparently it doesn't make good meth. But I still had to get permission from a Walmart employee with braces to buy the stuff! If I were trucking out a cart load, maybe someone could raise an eyebrow, but I wanted one bottle and I was coughing my fool head off at the time. What has the world come to when we can't even buy normal over-the-counter medicines without suspicion?

Posted by: Sarah at 07:01 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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OK, so here's the deal. We got to my parents' house on Tuesday, only to find that their internet provider can't read mu.nu blogs. My mom has been telling me for months that she can't access my site, and I've been rolling my eyes and thinking that she just doesn't know how to use a computer. But it's actually true! I contacted Pixy Misa and he said that for whatever reason, Insight Broadband can't read anything mu.nu. So I can't post anything or read any of my comments. Needless to say, it's been frustrating. And I'm at my parents' for another ten days...

But right now we're in Des Moines visiting an old friend from college. He was my husband's friend first and mine by default, but he's a really great guy. He's Indian, and it's been interesting hearing the way the pending immigration bill affects his life. He's in the last stages of getting his green card, and if anyone deserves it, it's this guy. Last night my husband threw out some random joke about John Snow, and our buddy not only knew he was the Secretary of Treasury, but also knew who the previous one was! It's wonderful to watch my husband meet his match in global awareness. I wish these two could spend more time together.

Nothing else as exciting as cockfighting to report. I've been spending my time buying yarn and cookbooks. Both stashes have doubled since we arrived. Now I'm starting to panic because we have to fit everything in the car and we've wasted so much space buying warm clothes! Luckily the weather has turned in the Midwest (knock on wood) and we can at least venture into short sleeves.

Forgive me if I can't blog for a while. It's not that I'm holding back! Maybe if something good comes up I can have Erin post it for me again. I think I'll try to call Insight's tech support and see if I can get to the bottom of this mess.

Posted by: Sarah at 02:28 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Hi, this is Erin. Sarah can't blog right now because Insight Broadband is crap.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:04 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 I thought she decided to get a few roosters and start fighting them . . . you know her own Chicken Fight Club . . . can't wait til you are back blogging . . . I need some "smart people" stuff to read! LOL!

Posted by: Heidi at May 19, 2006 09:28 AM (dkOoa)

2 Well, at least in America you have the option of more than one internet provider Just make sure you pick a good one once you get settled! I do miss reading the blog, though!

Posted by: The Girl at May 19, 2006 09:19 PM (p4NRc)

3 Hmm. I'm sure she said more than that. Share the wealth!!

Posted by: Oda Mae at May 19, 2006 10:37 PM (FmIVz)

4 I need your blog to survive here, hurry up and return to us sarah....Miss you

Posted by: Kelly at May 20, 2006 11:16 PM (jUJVT)

5 I don't know if it's Insight's fault, but the problem seems to be happening almost entirely to Insight users. As soon as Sarah told me she couldn't reach her blog, I said "Is your mom on Insight Broadband?" Still working on getting the other 0.5% of the internet connected back to mu.nu.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at May 21, 2006 08:48 PM (FRalS)

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Last night we got an education. My father-in-law knows a guy at work who raises gamecocks. We went out to his house and learned all about cockfighting. It was extremely interesting, but also sad. You can tell this man loves these roosters, so I can't imagine how he could risk their lives. But he's been fighting roosters since he was six years old and is really knowledgeable about every aspect of their diet and breeding. I've never really thought of roosters as beautiful animals, but they really were. It was an interesting evening.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:40 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 Ok, you know I'm going to comment on this one... Is cockfighting even legal in the states? Maybe I'm totally oblivious, but I thought there was basically a country-wide ban on fighting animals. Hmm...I don't like it. But I'm sure you knew I would say that. But yeah, roosters really are beautiful. They can be such vile creatures (I had one that attacked my dad every time he saw him), but they are so pretty.

Posted by: Erin at May 11, 2006 09:13 AM (5tInL)

2 http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/cockfighting_fact_sheet/ Cockfighting is legal in some states. Not the good ones though.

Posted by: Will at May 11, 2006 01:42 PM (eIQfa)

3 I nearly lost my eye to a rooster attacking me. Wait a second let me clarify that: two roosters attacking me. Smart f*ckers. They both flew at my face. And I was totally innocent. I was just walking to the garage and they came at me. I was screaming and my mother came out of the house and ran them off. Suffice to say that my brothers rounded them up later that day, and were thrilled that my mother let them use their "Back to the Basics" book to figure out how to build a chicken slaughtering device, and actually be able to use it. We never had any problems with our hens, we even let one of them into the house...she was pretty friendly and would go eat out of the catfood bowl. And I painted the toenails of another. Okay...somehow my childhood in Hawaii is starting to look like I grew up in West Virginia. It's great to hear your stories about home!

Posted by: calivalleygirl at May 11, 2006 08:23 PM (S+dD7)

4 Will, are you Canadian?

Posted by: Erin at May 13, 2006 01:26 AM (JI+tN)

5 Erin, I'm currently American - Born and raised in Memphis (actually Bartlett, which is a suburb), but I went to school in Vancouver, Canada, and now I live here, and I'm in the process of becoming a Canadian. (dual citizenship.)

Posted by: Will at May 13, 2006 08:38 AM (eIQfa)

6 Sarah... what's going on?

Posted by: Will at May 17, 2006 09:00 AM (eIQfa)

7 Sarah... I want you to freakin' blog! I click on your link at least 14 times a day, hoping I'll find something new. But instead, I just see little robots commenting on your site. I MISS YOU!!!! I want to know what you're doing!!

Posted by: Erin at May 17, 2006 09:23 AM (5aFPk)

8 I am not a robot. Really.

Posted by: Will at May 17, 2006 01:06 PM (eIQfa)

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Right before we left Germany, we ate at a new Chinese restaurant near post. The food was really good, but two entrees and drinks was $30. We just got to Kirksville and ate at our favorite all-you-can-eat buffet for ten bucks. Man, I love this country.

Our college looks pretty much the same. The students all look like they did before, except they're all talking on cell phones. Husband and I never owned a cell until we got married! But everyone here is gabbing up a storm while they walk through campus.

It's good to hear that the local ROTC program is going strong. We got to say hi to our favorite Major. And now we're off to see our old Iranian neighbors. It'll be interesting to hear what they think of old crazy pants.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:35 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Last night we went to a very exciting KC Royals baseball game. They have a fabulous military deal: free admission for the soldier and three family members. We had great seats and a heck of a game.

We've been back to Walmart too.

My mother-in-law also told a good story. My husband and I were out yesterday and she ran out to the drugstore. She was chatting in line when she suddenly remembered that she hadn't put Charlie in his crate. She said out loud, "Oh no, I left Charlie in the backyard! He's only one, but he should be OK since I haven't been gone very long." The store manager almost called the cops until she realized that Charlie was a puppy and not a kid!

Tomorrow we're traveling to Kirksville for the day to visit our alma mater. It'll be interesting to see how it's changed.

And I'm dying to buy a cell phone. This ringtone thing is out of control. I've already got my sights on the Dallas theme song...

Posted by: Sarah at 03:33 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Isn't being home just great! The first thing we did before we even had a house was buy 2 cell phones! I don't even know why I have one. I never use it. I guess I just feel cool since everyone else has one.

Posted by: Angie at May 10, 2006 04:37 AM (ec43W)

2 LOL!! I love the story about Charlie!

Posted by: Erin at May 10, 2006 07:52 AM (OEHKU)

3 We did the same thing after one week on the ground. We were walking in the mall in Dallas and wandered into Sprint and walked out with two phones. I use mine, but D rarely uses his. Soon his won't be used at all until 2007. Why are we drawn to cell phones? BTW, I went old school with the ringtone, Planet Rock. Makes me wanna break dance everytime it rings!

Posted by: Vonn at May 10, 2006 05:01 PM (aiiwQ)

4 If you take I-70 out there, overshoot your exit a little bit and run by Kingdom City. There is a truck stop restaurant out there called Gasper's that is really good, or used to be.

Posted by: Pericles at May 10, 2006 11:50 PM (eKf5G)

5 I'm laughing at Angie's comment...I think owning a cell phone is a pre-requisite for "being cool" in the US. Sometimes I wonder how I survived for almost 3 years in Germany without one...then again, I don't remember missing it that much!

Posted by: Nicole at May 11, 2006 05:17 PM (ot21y)

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Whenever my friends and I would talk about how much we missed Walmart, I always thought that that talk was mostly symbolic. Walmart became a symbol for everything that I missed about the United States: convenience, consumer choice, customer service, and buying a football at three in the morning. When we raved on and on about Walmart, I knew I missed the actual store, but I didn't realize quite how much until yesterday.

When we walked over to the food aisle, and I saw the whole left wall of Walmart (you know the one I mean: the meats and dairy), I honestly got a lump in my throat. I am not making that up for dramatic effect. All of a sudden I saw thirty feet of cheeses. And forty feet of yogurt. There was shelf after shelf of ground turkey, something my friends and I recently rejoiced to find tucked away in our commissary. And when I turned the corner and ran into pomegranate syrup, an ingredient that Erin swore she'd never see in her lifetime, I was overwhelmed.

Dozens of customers ignored the crazy girl wiping her eyes by the pineapple cream cheese and went about getting their items. I kept staring at them thinking how much they took it for granted that they could buy so many items for such low prices. I hope I don't soon forget the magic feeling I got yesterday when I reached for a gallon of sour cream.

When my husband woke up and rolled over this morning at 0600, he joked, "Wanna go to Walmart right now?" Yes, yes I do.

Posted by: Sarah at 11:23 AM | Comments (27) | Add Comment
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1 Hehehehe! I'm giddy just reading about WalMart! I've definitely been in Germany too long...I never knew there was a such thing as a gallon of sour cream! Yummy!

Posted by: Erin at May 05, 2006 04:51 AM (jsUpE)

2 You didn't mention how long it took you to actually complete your shopping. The first couple of months it took me forever. I couldn't stop looking at all of the new items I had never heard of or things I had missed having access to. Walmart is the best! Next you'll have to stroll through Sam's Club or Costco.

Posted by: Vonn at May 05, 2006 05:57 AM (dEgRi)

3 Remember the days when Wamart only sold products made in the U.S.? Boy, that seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? They are helpful, though. They put information right up on their breakroom walls about how their employees can apply for Medicaid, food stamps, etc.

Posted by: Pericles at May 05, 2006 06:44 AM (eKf5G)

4 Okay, since I LOVE WALMART, I tend to get a lump in my throat everytime I walk through the doors! :-) Glad you and yours are back in the States. Take care and God Bless.

Posted by: cheesyknitwit at May 05, 2006 06:54 AM (/l6sd)

5 Sarah - Welcome home! I just wish that so many who live here every day did so with the enthusiasm you exhibit upon your return. If I learn to knit can we get together when I get to SC? Glad you and your husband are here. Getting together is a must. Love to you both - Tim (and Patti says welcome home too!)

Posted by: Tim at May 05, 2006 08:21 AM (kJq32)

6 China owns you.

Posted by: Will at May 05, 2006 02:51 PM (eIQfa)

7 LOL - well I wouldn't miss Walmart because the ones I've lived near have always been about the worst stores around (management issues? don't know). Anyhow, there are things I can't get out here on the East Coast that were easily obtainable in the Midwest... very weird. All in all, we're lucky in the US to have such plentiful supplies of nearly everything. My son is home on leave and was very bummed out because he'd love to move back to the states from Germany, but thinks he'll be over there for at least another year.

Posted by: Teresa at May 05, 2006 06:19 PM (FZwDL)

8 Well, it's good to see that Pericles is still as snarky as ever. Isn't it a good thing that Walmart does exist...especially when a stack of food stamps or "Lone Star Card" (or whatever dole mechanism might be offered for payment that doesn't come from a patron's own pocket) can buy more than the average Mom/Pop store. With all the garbage the Walmart takes...they still provide the average American tremendous savings...and I'd stand on the local Walmart parapets with a broken Jack Daniels bottle to protect them! Welcome home, Sarah and Hubby! MajorDad1984

Posted by: MajorDad1984 at May 05, 2006 11:16 PM (j7S/Q)

9 Major Dad makes a fair point; WalMart's low prices definitely benefit the poor. In fact, I recently made the same point myself to some people who were very critical of the place. The proper attitude for us all to have toward WalMart is probably ambivalence; it combines some real positives with some real negatives. It was literally less than a week ago that I was pointing out some positives to folks who only saw the negatives, and so I was only trying to restore the balance to the universe by pointing out some of the negatives here. It does surprise me, though, that the same people who used to favor WalMart for its Made in the USA policy don't seem to be at all bothered by the fact that it now buys a huge percentage of its products from China. I'm a free trader, so I'm not saying that this bothers me terribly either, but where did the peopel who used to look for Made in the USA stickers go?

Posted by: Pericles at May 06, 2006 01:57 AM (eKf5G)

10 Soon as I saw it was you, Periclese, oh, excuse me, Pericles, I didn't bother reading past that, You seem to think that government is the source of all that is good, and private enterprise is the source of all that is bad. You are a moron.

Posted by: Bill Smith at May 06, 2006 10:48 PM (+b/5N)

11 As usual, Sarah, a post that was supposed to be fun and happy turned into a political debate. Love when that happens. Will, as usual, you are a total drama queen. "China owns you." Ooh, diss. And Bill, I think it's harsh to call Pericles a moron simply because you don't agree with him (and from your comment, I'm not quite sure why you disagree with him in the first place). I would rather debate with someone who can back up their beliefs with reasons, as opposed to people that just name call (even though name calling can be quite fun too). But whatever. I'm still stuck on the gallon of sour cream. I don't care if it comes from China. That's the first thing I'm buying when I get to Walmart. We can have taco night every day of the week! Yay!

Posted by: Erin at May 07, 2006 05:07 AM (JChOm)

12 Sarah, Welcome back! I think the people that have never left this country for an extended period have really missed out. They've never experienced that wonderful feeling of coming back to a place like no other on this world.

Posted by: Randy at May 07, 2006 07:38 AM (N1rEE)

13 Bill- If you think that I think that everything the government does is good, then you're obviously very new here...

Posted by: Pericles at May 07, 2006 02:49 PM (eKf5G)

14 Hey welcome back to the states. The land of the giant PX is not a bad place to be. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. Life is short enjoy it while youse can.

Posted by: tommy in nyc at May 08, 2006 05:16 AM (NMK3S)

15 I come from a different generation of overseas military brats. We used to have the same reactions to McDonald's that you have having for Wal Mart. (of course this was pre Wal mart and before McDonald's began springing up all over europe.

Posted by: Gahrie at May 08, 2006 06:23 AM (rgzgt)

16 I cried in the Atlanta airport when we got back from Germany. No one bumped into me. People smiled back. And I asked someone if there was an internet cafe so I could e-mail my sponsor with my flight info and instead of giving me directions, they walked me to it. When we went to Walmart for the first time, I think we spent about four hours there. We didn't buy too much, but just tenderly picked up every item and oogled like looking at a newborn baby! I miss that feeling. We've been back for exactly one year (Holy COW!!!) and that feeling has worn away. Now I hate Walmart. It's such a hassle. But seriously? Sunday night at 10pm. Ahhhh. Chicken and tennis shoes, DvDs and cat food. Hair dye. Wine! I still, STILL love knowing that I don't have to go to the Esso for late-night-before-10-on-a-Sunday shopping.... Welcome home! Non-smoking restaurants. Air conditioning. Ice. Baby, I feel ya!

Posted by: allicadem at May 08, 2006 07:28 AM (i0gQ1)

17 I'm not a drama queen. P.S., me and erin are sleeping together.

Posted by: Will at May 08, 2006 07:51 AM (eIQfa)

18 Spend some time in Walmart for ok...I miss you

Posted by: Kelly at May 08, 2006 05:47 PM (EeFNn)

19 I meant spend some time there for ME!!!!

Posted by: Kelly at May 08, 2006 05:48 PM (EeFNn)

20 Sarah, Can't wait for shopping. I've already decided that June 24th I am waking up and having starbucks and Krispy Kreme! June 23rd, we land in O'Hare at noon and I am going straight to any restaurant and ordering a soda and will love knowing that it will come with ICE! We miss you on Pine Court but are certainly glad you are enjoying the U.S.

Posted by: Stephanie at May 08, 2006 09:38 PM (dkhpi)

21 I agree with Randy. There are LOTS of Americans who would learn alot about appreciation for this country if they spent some time overseas. Two of my favorites: Go to any neighborhood restaraunt and be able to order breakfast any time of day. How would you like your eggs cooked (5 choices), meat (5 choices), potatoes (2 or 3 choices), bread (3 or more choices)! Plus they don't pour baked beans all over the top! The Bar Burger and fries. You know what I mean. Sans the slice of beet on top and soaking into the bun (Australia). Again, welcome Home!

Posted by: MargeinMI at May 09, 2006 12:28 AM (znuEf)

22 Sarah, Welcome home and thank you for everything you and your husband do for the rest of us! God Bless. Chadd

Posted by: Chadd at May 09, 2006 01:54 AM (roGJq)

23 I'm in agreement with Stephanie! Of all the things I love about the US, Krispy Kreme and Starbucks are right up there on my list! I don't shop at Wal-Mart (I got to the other mart, Target) but boy do I LOVE grabbing a Starbucks every now and then...good stuff! Have fun!

Posted by: Nicole at May 09, 2006 06:28 AM (ot21y)

24 Sarah, Where are you? I want to hear more! Have you been to the Bell yet? Chili's? Yum. Well, I don't even care much about that stuff...I just want to read about YOU...I miss you so freakin' bad! Erin PS Will, you aren't my type. Trust me on this one.

Posted by: Erin at May 09, 2006 08:09 AM (6gmhN)

25 On an unrelated note: I'm pretty much everyone's type. I know. It's a pretty hard thing to deal with, but I do my best. Also, I'm getting a expenses paid trip to Honolulu for work - I'm going to be filming a travelogue there - and so I must declare that I am so awesome it hurts.

Posted by: Will at May 09, 2006 07:51 PM (eIQfa)

26 It does seem that the word Modesty is not a known word in Will's dictionary. In fact if I was to describe Will in a word, that word would be Conceited.

Posted by: Night Rider at May 10, 2006 12:42 PM (jR4Uu)

27 In truth though, I'm pretty lame.

Posted by: Will at May 10, 2006 07:20 PM (eIQfa)

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We made it!

Our flight was long, but it was impossible to feel bummed when we knew we were on a one-way ticket! Even when our little headrest TV screens didn't work, nothing could get us down. I managed to knit most of a sock on the way back. At one point I thought the stewardess was going to reprimand me, and I was all set to pull out the FAA regs and then narc on the lady crocheting behind me, but then I realized all the stewardess had said was "Is that a sock or a glove?"

Within 24 hours of being on the ground, we bought a car. My husband had been doing months of research, and we knew exactly what we wanted. As long as it was close to what we imagined it would be, we knew we'd be happy. A test drive later, my husband was ready to talk business. And now we're the proud owners of a Mazda5.

I've adjusted my sleeping schedule fairly well, but my husband is still waking up at an ungodly hour. Light switches seem weird and I keep forgetting how to dial the phone. Charlie is having the time of his life chasing squirrels and birds in my in-laws' backyard. He barely missed us.

I'll try to write more soon. However, my in-laws only have dial-up, so I don't imagine I'll be online much for a while. And having more than eight TV channels is still too overwhelming for me at this point.

Life is good.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:28 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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1 Welcome home, Sarah. To you and your husband. We appreciate the sacrifices you have made for this nation, and hope that you settle in nice and comfy like!

Posted by: Dave at May 04, 2006 09:36 AM (6GFTi)

2 Welcome back to America! Home of the brave and the free!

Posted by: Vonn at May 04, 2006 10:16 AM (dEgRi)

3 Glad you had a safe and uneventful trip. It's nice to "hear" your voice again. TheJewelryLady

Posted by: Sue at May 04, 2006 10:50 AM (g8xza)

4 Glad you had a safe trip, I will look forward to keeping up to date with you through your blog!

Posted by: Stephanie at May 04, 2006 03:01 PM (hEdhS)

5 I am so glad that you guys got the car and that it lived up to everything that you thought! I forgat about the knitting on the plane and I am glad that all went well considering your screens were broken...Well think of me while you are in Walmart. I miss you tons already Love ya , Kelly

Posted by: Kelly at May 04, 2006 04:18 PM (fydBf)

6 Yay. I already knew all that (lucky me!), but it was fun to read it anyway. I still look for your car when I drive by your house. Sad.

Posted by: Erin at May 04, 2006 06:41 PM (/vUGb)

7 Welcome home.

Posted by: Kathleen A at May 04, 2006 08:49 PM (7qm8p)

8 Yay! You made it! Welcome back. I'm so glad that the flight went well and the new car was ready to fall in your lap. *grin*

Posted by: Teresa at May 04, 2006 11:54 PM (FZwDL)

9 It sure was nice to hear your voice and know that you were in just another state instead of another country! Looking forward to seeing the new car, but most of all, looking forward to seeing you and Russ in a couple of weeks. Love you both, Mama

Posted by: Nancy at May 05, 2006 12:05 AM (OeioM)

10 Mazda5...awesome car. Enjoy.

Posted by: Curtis at May 05, 2006 07:17 AM (Ws5uG)

11 Welcome Home!

Posted by: MargeinMI at May 05, 2006 07:31 AM (Rx/UC)

12 I'm glad you are home safe. You are already missed by many here at your "old" home.

Posted by: Jennifer at May 07, 2006 03:00 AM (p1jKh)

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Wanted: New best friends

Must love knitting. And talking about knitting. And reading about knitting, swapping patterns, and making knitting jokes. Must get excited about figuring out a ptbl. Knitting ambition is required: applicants must attempt patterns that make me cringe. Also must be a knitting nerd: must think the binary hat and Fibonacci sequence scarf are awesome.

Must love the other domestic arts. Sewing is a definite. Quilting is a bonus. Cooking is required. Must love calling first thing in the morning to rave about what you made for dinner last night. Must love reading cookbooks, cover to cover. Cleaning skills are a must too. Must be able to help me figure out how to get make-up out of a wedding dress or dog pee out of the sofa cushion. Bonus points if every time I call you you're cleaning the oven, or if you clean radiators when you're bored.

However, mere June Cleavers need not apply. Must have a healthy sense of humor. Preference will be given to applicants who use the f-word while discussing antique apron patterns. I'll even accept devout Catholics with a verified sordid past. Must love Alabama Worley and still keep a copy of Emily Post on the shelf.

Must be a fellow right-wing nutjob, preferably heavier on the fiscal than the social. Must want limited government and refuse WIC. Must be accepting of homosexuals, hate al Qaeda, and argue back and forth with me about abortion. Bonus points if your biracial son thinks his heritage is "Irish." Must love George W. Bush but enjoy talking about the ways he's screwing up. Extreme preference given to military wives who nag their husbands about staying in the Army.

Must have freckles, huge boobs, and look great in flannel. Must be a NON-smoker. Cubs fans need only apply if they fit all the other criteria.

Oh, who am I kidding? No one will ever measure up to Erin, Kelly, and The Girl.

Posted by: Sarah at 09:12 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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I guess I want to comment on this rumor about an Atlas Shrugged movie. I'm so not going to see it. I love this horrible synopsis of the book:

The Russian-born author's seminal tome, published in 1957, revolves around the economic collapse of the U.S. sometime in the future and espouses her individualistic philosophy of objectivism.

My husband came home ranting about this, saying that Hollywood types might be surprised to find that the "economic collapse of the U.S." isn't because of global warming or Bushitler's junta. This book is about the triumph of capitalism, so it's ironic that they're considering Miss UN for the lead role. Seriously, Angelina Jolie is a fan of this book? She can read?

And I'd love to see the trainwreck that is Oliver Stone's version of The Fountainhead.

Posted by: Sarah at 11:39 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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1 Those will be good ones to watch after I they are free on cable, and even then only to watch the 'train wreck', as you say! I'm not sure that it could translate to a movie, even when done by people who understand it. Jolie as Dagny Taggert and Brad Pitt as John Galt? .... NOT!

Posted by: Barb at April 29, 2006 12:25 PM (g9qHI)

2 Oops, I meant to add that this description just points out the uselessness of Hollyweird even attempting these two movies : "Rand's individualistic and character-driven stories ..." They obviously don't get Rand or objectivism.

Posted by: Barb at April 29, 2006 12:28 PM (g9qHI)

3 I expect they will play up the romantic angles while downplaying or outright ignoring any of the underlying philosophical motivations. Atlas Shrugged will be reduced to a love story.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at April 29, 2006 05:51 PM (DdRjH)

4 An Atlas Shrugged film could be the greatest fantasy film since Lord of the Rings. I just hope it's not too fantastic - industrialists who are responsible... CEOs who are hardworking and actually know how stuff works... it's a hell of a good yarn though.

Posted by: Will at April 30, 2006 02:32 PM (eIQfa)

5 Why the shot at Jolie's literacy? I thought you were above assuming that everyone who disagrees with your politics is unintelligent. Are you willing to believe that I'm literate? I don't follow her all that closely, but my impression is that she puts her money where her mouth is in a way that a lot of spokes celebrities don't. I would think that you could admire that even if hyou don't completely share her principles. Plus, she's hot.

Posted by: Pericles at April 30, 2006 08:16 PM (eKf5G)

6 Is she hot? Really? I'm told she is, but I've seen her picture everywhere, and I think I'm missing something. I assume I'm wrong on the matter, and I'll try harder to see her hotness in the future, but I just hope TV and People Magazine aren't lying to me again.

Posted by: Will at May 01, 2006 03:33 PM (eIQfa)

7 I didn't see it at first either. And I do feel awfully bad for Jennifer Aniston. Still, yeah.

Posted by: Pericles at May 02, 2006 05:56 AM (eKf5G)

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Note to those who are moving: When they say that your unaccompanied baggage will be picked up any time between 0700 and 2100, they ain't lyin'. Nothing like giving you a 14 hour time window to sit in an empty house. Our guys showed up at 1800.

Second note to those who are moving: The vehicle registration office closes at noon the last business day of the month for inventory. That info would've been nice to know when we set up our car shipping appointment for the last business day of the month. They're also closed on German holidays (Monday's Communism Day, I mean May Day), so if we hadn't raced to get there at 1120, we would've been out of luck for clearing.

Third note to those who are moving: Don't get a billeting room with a kitchen when you're outprocessing. Your TLA is double! Woo-hoo. That will offset the money my husband had to shell out to CIF.

Thank goodness this week is over.

Posted by: Sarah at 11:35 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Well, the house is packed. The movers said they had never spent four hours packing a kitchen before. I guess fourteen boxes of dishes and kitchen stuff is a bit much. Our household goods are mostly dishes, yarn, and books.

I noticed one thing today. You'd think that people who design military housing would make it conducive to moving. Since people are always moving in and out, maybe twisty staircases and right angles in the hallways are not a good idea. I watched the movers bang my stuff a million times while they were trying to maneuver out the front door and down the huge step. These houses should have ramps!

Posted by: Sarah at 11:59 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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Charlie Puppy made it off OK this morning. I think. He was crying up a storm when we had to leave him, but I think he was only crying slightly harder than I was. He still has another 11 hours until he gets to the Midwest.

We're getting ready to take apart the computer. It goes in unaccompanied baggage, along with ma games and trophies. (There's a little AFN humor for ya.) We're staying with Erin for two nights, so I might find the time to hop online at some point before we go.

Now I'm off to organize our school clothes, and maybe a winter coat.

Posted by: Sarah at 10:52 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 We got a big kick out of this

Posted by: The Girl at April 24, 2006 01:55 PM (HqRyY)

2 I remember our last night in our on-post housing. We were only qualified to have four nights in the Krystall Inn so we "roughed" it for two nights on our own...only the army bed in the guest bedroom with one blanket and pillows...thank goodness it was the beginning of August and we didn't have to worry about staying warm! We caved in through and eventually went across the street to the Boggianos...yeah, we're babies!

Posted by: Nicole at April 24, 2006 07:49 PM (CpOyu)

3 Safe travels Charlie Boy! (oh and happy belated birthday..)

Posted by: MaryIndiana at April 25, 2006 12:50 AM (YwdKL)

4 Godspeed on your travels Sarah! Oh and for Charlie too! I am sure he arrived in style and complete comtempt from being stuck in the belly of a plane, I'm mean come on according to him he should have been lounging in first class! We just sent our puppy Bella back two weeks ago and I cried while the dog gave me this pathetic look. Bella arrived fine and I am sure Charlie will too! HH6

Posted by: Household6 at April 25, 2006 01:14 AM (Gj0PV)

5 I'm guessing my grandpuppy should be in Kansas City by now. I'm sure the airlines took good care of him, even though he probably was wondering what in the world was going on and where are my Mommy and Daddy? Good luck with the movers on Tues. and I will talk to you soon. Love you both, Mama

Posted by: Nancy at April 25, 2006 03:01 AM (5taAd)

6 Less than a week! LESS THAN A WEEK! That last night goes on forever. You can't sleep. I sure couldn't. The tacos, they are calling your name.

Posted by: Jason at April 25, 2006 10:04 AM (vPhtz)

7 Just a note. Charlie is doing fine and loves the backyard. He can not decide which animal to chase or smell. The only bad thing is that he brought cold and rainy weather with him from Germany. I guess it might help with the transition. Love, KC Mom

Posted by: ME at April 25, 2006 06:44 PM (g1qn0)

8 Maryellen, I've been thinking about Charlie and wondering how he did with the flight and adjusting to new surroundings. He's probably in heaven with his new playmates and the backyard. Have fun! Nancy

Posted by: Nancy at April 27, 2006 02:09 AM (OeioM)

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Charlie just loves that big bear that his friend Lewis gave him. He drags it around everywhere with him, apparently even when he has to pee. Just a minute ago I heard my husband downstairs say, "Charlie, you cannot take that thing outside."

Tomorrow starts the big moving process. We take Charlie to the airport at the crack of dawn on Monday. Our phone and internet gets shut off on Tuesday, which is when the movers come, so I will probably be out of the blogging loop for a while.

Only nine more days until Dairy Queen.

Posted by: Sarah at 04:58 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
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Pixy saved the day again, it appears. I guess he changed servers for mu.nu and I didn't know to redirect my site. But now it appears to be working! If we ever have this trouble again, know that my site also appears at its home in Munuviana: http://tryingtogrok.mu.nu

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Yesterday was Charlie's first birthday. He invited six of his closest friends over to the house. They had Beef Bacon Cheddar cake and Charlie got lots of toys and treats as gifts. And all his friends went home with party favors as well.

The party went much better than you might expect for inviting multiple dogs into your home. We videotaped the event, and this was the one screen shot where we could get all seven dogs in the picture. So here's Charlie being the center of attention...

And here's Charlie, worn out at the end of the night, playing with his new birthday bear...

Posted by: Sarah at 02:36 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 While my irrational fear of dogs (above knee level) would have sent me through the roof, the party looks like a success. It almost looks as if Charlie is giving everyone his "Thank you for coming" speech.

Posted by: Vonn at April 19, 2006 09:11 AM (dEgRi)

2 You girls are just tooo funny! I love it! As much as I love Toby, I never thought to have a birthday party for him! And party favors too! Wow! Wish I could have been there! Your mama

Posted by: Nancy at April 19, 2006 11:28 AM (6s7Zq)

3 It is so cute to see those "tired eyes" in our dogs. When we keep ours up to late she just looks at us like please, please let me go to sleep. Charlie had a big day!.

Posted by: Ruth H at April 19, 2006 11:35 AM (uZYtv)

4 Sarah, I love how your husband is corralling Lewis while MY husband is just sitting there...

Posted by: Erin at April 20, 2006 04:01 AM (z9os7)

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Look at this bunny's feet! Happy Easter indeed!

And Kelly found the most wonderful project: The Binary Hat

I really enjoyed reading this blog post about teaching other people to knit. I have taught many people, and most of them have continued knitting. I love that. Erin and Kelly were the funniest though. They came to me and said, "We want to learn to knit. Teach us to make socks." Seriously. That was their very first project. No scarves for them. They didn't learn to purl or cast off for ages! Nothing like starting with the hardest project.

I've been thinking a lot lately about branching out. I've knitted English for nine years, and I really want to learn continental. But every time I try, it's so awkward that I just switch back. But all knitting is awkward in the beginning; I just need to push through the pain and learn it.

Then I could knit standing up!

Posted by: Sarah at 01:03 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 Eww! Why would you want to knit standing up? Erin

Posted by: Erin at April 19, 2006 01:25 AM (EKdUA)

2 The binary hat is the coolest!

Posted by: Vonn at April 19, 2006 09:06 AM (dEgRi)

3 Here's one from a Jersey Knitter. http://knitalongwithme.blogspot.com

Posted by: Jim - PRS at April 21, 2006 01:57 AM (njBz/)

4 Just wanted to let you know that I FINALLY picked my knitting back up this week. We are making a long car trip across the U.S. and I am so happy to have something to keep my hands busy! I been feeling so guilty every time you talk about your knitting students - I haven't touched my blanket since Gabi was born - but you'll be happy to know, that I'm back on track. Too bad I didn't work on this more while you were still around to teach me some new stuff! Oh well... guess I'll have to resort to learning on-line like Vonn! Miss you! Good luck with your move!

Posted by: Jen D at May 01, 2006 08:41 PM (RABF3)

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Charlie likes to sit on our bed and look out the window. Here's an old pre-haircut photo of him doing it.

Two minutes ago he was sitting on our bed like this and caught sight of our neighbor going out to her car. He barked once and then leapt towards the window, crashing into the glass, nearly impaling himself on the window handle, and falling to the ground.

Sometimes I think he's brilliant, and other days I'm not so sure.

Posted by: Sarah at 05:31 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Reader Jim sent me a link to a hilarious knitting project. I first thought the link was going to be something more like this. So I had a good laugh when I saw what the Tree Sweater really was.

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