November 09, 2006
FUTURE IN FLUX
I wanted to wait and write this post when we know for sure whatÂ’s going on. But as the weeks rolled by, I realized that this is the Army, and weÂ’re never going to know for sure whatÂ’s going on. So I will tell you what I know today, and weÂ’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Last spring I wrote a proud post about my husband answering the call for active duty Civil Affairs. We had begun to plan our life around this decision, because we considered it a done deal: they were desperate for people, my husbandÂ’s language proficiency score was forty points higher than they were looking for, and he had recommendations and award citations all stating that, yes, he does in fact walk on water and should be considered for the job. That made the two-line form-letter rejection email he got in May a crushing blow.
We had just been back in the US for a couple of days, and my husband was completely depressed. He tried to find out why he had been rejected, but just ended up with more form letters. And he didnÂ’t want me to post anything about it because he was embarrassed. I was just angry. I couldnÂ’t understand why the Army would make such a stupid decision: they had someone who was begging to learn Arabic and deploy as much as they needed, and they turned their back on him. We figured the only thing that made sense was that Finance wouldnÂ’t release him from their grasp, which just made me madder. Which is more important, winning this war or running a cash cage? Neither of us could understand. He started talking about getting out of the Army, which naturally threw me into a panic. Our homecoming from Germany was not what we expected.
Fast forward to September, when my husbandÂ’s branch manager came to speak to the captains course. She explained that the Finance branch is dwindling fast, and since theyÂ’re overflowing with extra captains, maybe some of them might consider the new and exciting field ofÂ…Civil Affairs. My husband was stunned and outraged. When he finally sat down with his branch manager, he explained that he had already tried to leave for Civil Affairs. And she explained that Finance had blocked him; his packet never even made it onto a Civil AffairÂ’s desk. Information that wouldÂ’ve been nice to know in May, before he tore himself into knots thinking that maybe he couldÂ’ve used one more recommendation letter! So he asked if he could have another shot at Civil Affairs. As of yesterday, this looks promising. WeÂ’re still trying to figure out the exact schedule, but it looks like it might finally happen.
But in the meantimeÂ…
Since there are far more Finance captains than jobs, everyone in his course is getting farmed out to random taskings. He and another soldier were assigned jobs at the same post, but my husband got a Finance job and this other guy was assigned to a unit thatÂ’s deploying to Iraq in December.
My husband came home and asked me if he could trade assignments with the guy.
Every time I think I couldn't be prouder of my husband, he does something to amaze me. This other soldier just returned from a deployment, and my husband doesn't think it's fair that this guy should do another so soon when my husband hasn't been since OIF II. But there's more to his decision than just equality of downrangedness: my husband thinks that the War on Terror is important, and he has an emotional investment in the future of Iraq.
Our old neighbor in Germany was all set to get out of the Army when he got stop-lossed and deployed. He could’ve been quite bitter about it, but instead he sent out an email that really grabbed me by the heart. In it he said, “In Texas, people thank you for serving in the Armed Forces all of the time. I know they do not mean thanks ‘for living in Germany, drinking beer, and eating bratwurst.’ When it is all said and done I will be able to look them straight in the eye and know I have done my part.”
My husband also doesnÂ’t think that people are thanking him for cashing social security checks for German widows so they can hide the income from their government, which was what he spent a lot of time doing in Germany. He wants his service to mean more than that. He wants to do anything he can to help our country win this war. He gets personal satisfaction and meaning from doing a job that matters in the world, and right now he thinks he could matter more on a deployment.
So he asked my permission. And I granted it.
Most people IÂ’ve told this story to think weÂ’re certifiably insane. But the truth is, everyone reading this knows how we feel about this War on Terror. And if we feel that way, we canÂ’t let some other family fight it for us. Morally, I canÂ’t support the war but hope someone elseÂ’s husband will go fight it. And I think we need the best and brightest soldiers out there doing the job if weÂ’re going to winÂ…and you all know I think my soldier is the absolute best and brightest!
So my husband traded assignments with this guy, in exchange for a case of Budweiser Select. I told him IÂ’m contacting Anheuser-Busch, because they should know that a man agreed to spend a year in Iraq for a case of their beer.
And then he got an email yesterday saying that heÂ’s going to Afghanistan, not Iraq.
At this point, IÂ’m throwing my hands in the air and giving up. He may or may not switch from Finance to Civil Affairs. He may or may not go to either Iraq or Afghanistan at the end of this year or beginning of next year. He got another email saying he could start Civil Affairs training in May, which is smackdab in the middle of when heÂ’s supposed to be in Iraq. Or Afghanistan.
WeÂ’re going house-hunting this weekend. Hopefully weÂ’ll find something and move me into it before my husband goes wherever heÂ’s going to do whatever it is heÂ’s doing. IÂ’m getting the hang of this Army thing and just taking it as it comes.
More when we know it, faithful readers.
Posted by: Sarah at
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1
Good luck, thanks for sharing and people like you & your husband are simply amazing.
Posted by: tim at November 09, 2006 03:24 AM (nno0f)
2
Sarah, you and your husband may or may not realize how amazing you are to those of us here who appreciate the life you live, the sacrifice you make on behalf of our country, for our families and our future. I don't have words to say how I feel about this post other than, having read your blog now for two years or so, I knew when you wrote 'he asked if he could trade' that you would say yes. And it doesn't surprise me at all that he would ask, or that you would say yes. Because the two of you are what make America the greatest country on Earth. You believe in something greater than yourselves. You serve people through your hard work and sacrifice. And although I may never meet you in person or cross your paths, I can honestly say that I am humbled by the life you live and proud to say you're Americans. Bless you both. Wherever you may or may not be going. I'm glad you're here at least.
Posted by: Kathleen A at November 09, 2006 09:09 AM (7qm8p)
3
It's a wacky life sometimes, but thank God we have men like your husband willing to live it, and thank God we have spouses like you to support him.
Both of you make me very proud.
Posted by: Andi at November 09, 2006 11:55 AM (EWp6N)
4
Never a dull moment, eh? Both of you are outstanding. I'm not the least bit surprised you would both be first in line to do this.
I hope Anheuser-Bush pays attention... although lately their commercials have been all about the Rap and Hip-Hop crap.
Sometimes it's better just to go with the flow... but it can be so frustrating waiting for the flow to get going!
Posted by: Teresa at November 09, 2006 01:28 PM (o4pJS)
5
Aaahhhh, the life of a soldier's wife. This sounds all too familiar. My husband would go back in a minute if he had the chance. And I would support it. Every time he gets frustrated in his current job (which is almost daily...lol) he tells me he wants to just tell his branch manager to send him back to the line where he belongs, which would almost certainly mean another trip back to the sandbox in the not-to-distant future. Best wishes to your husband, whatever comes of all this uncertainty, and God Speed.
Posted by: Robin at November 09, 2006 04:53 PM (6G8cC)
6
You're right! The best and the brightest need to be there so they can ALL do the job right.
As for knowing the future.....eh! Part of what makes military life so fun and exciting is never knowing what tomorrow brings. You never know what paperwork is lurking around the corner for you. What matters is what you make of it!
Posted by: Vonn at November 09, 2006 04:59 PM (/VoEr)
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Wow, I don't know what to say, but you both make me so proud to be American.
Posted by: annika at November 09, 2006 05:10 PM (qQD4Q)
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You both are absolutely, positively, stark raving mad!! You're nuts!! You both have done your duty, yet you offer more.
Thank you, thank you from the bottom of this too-old-to-reenlist-ex-sailor's heart. Where do people--no, heroes--like you two come from? You make us all proud.
Gratefully,
Jim
Posted by: Jim Shawley at November 09, 2006 06:51 PM (Hq+AC)
9
Sarah, I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you and your husband for all you are doing for us and our country. May God bless you both wherever you go and whatever you do. I wish you all the best.
Posted by: Pat at November 09, 2006 07:20 PM (Slm2V)
10
Hey there. I actually came to promote a USO show for the troops on RightLinx blog, but your post on hubby and your ordeals has left me emotionally drained. So sure, join our USO show on Friday night, but I would love a note from you to see what more exactly we can do to support our trooops and their families. You guys rock. Hope you like dancing!
RightLinx USO Show
Posted by: McCain at November 09, 2006 11:40 PM (ZN5DE)
Posted by: Eric at November 10, 2006 03:47 AM (uAK0V)
12
Again, I'm at a loss for what to say. You already know it takes an incredible ammount of courage to let go and give permission for another tour overseas. (We've had this same conversation many times at our house. Usually ends up in me crying my eyes out and say NO!) I'm more than proud to call you my friends. I'm even more than pround that our Army is filled with soldiers like Russ who will go and fight the fight until it's done. Thank you both for what you do every day.
Posted by: Angie at November 10, 2006 05:54 AM (ec43W)
13
Speechless. Thank you both for your service to
our country.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at November 10, 2006 10:55 AM (mso6W)
14
Hey, whatever happened to Pericles? That guy was my hero.
Posted by: Will at November 10, 2006 01:29 PM (QRBGL)
Posted by: Don at November 10, 2006 03:08 PM (6VFW4)
16
Thanks- to both of you for your service. We are a better nation because of people like you.
My family are in debt to you guys!
God Speed and God Bless,
Jim
Posted by: Jim at November 10, 2006 04:14 PM (IHxDy)
17
Sarah - thank you and your husband. You're just amazing...
Posted by: Agnieszka O. at November 11, 2006 02:27 PM (QalgR)
18
Thank you for being who you are, for having such and honorable man for a husband and for making me so proud to be an American!
God bless you and your family!
(Came here via Mary*Ann and "Blog of War")
Posted by: Anna at November 11, 2006 04:45 PM (F1Y34)
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November 08, 2006
MOVING
Please go read
this comment from Chuck Ziegenfuss. He was the inspiration behind Project Valour-IT, which provides voice-activated laptops to wounded troops. The comment he posted was remarkable for its insight into how he deals with his wounds. And then
donate to Valour-IT if you're so moved.
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MORE ADVICE
Varifrank also has some
post-election advice for us.
By the way, my husband is "playing" Sherman in an exercise they're doing on his staff ride today. No one else wanted to touch Sherman with a ten foot pole. My husband, on the other hand, thinks he was a pretty smart guy.
Personally, I've just enjoyed teasing him about the "Civil War reenactment" he's participating in. Hopefully he can work in a game of grab-ass.
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1
and whos my favorite general? Sherman.
Grants one hell of a guy though. After the war, he was visting England with his family and was invited to dine with Queen Victoria. When he was advised that his children would not be allowed to attend, he declined the offer, which simply staggered his hosts.
The Queen changed her mind, and actually had a great time with the kids(He was a devoted father to his kids...)
and thanks for visting.
Posted by: Frank Martin at November 08, 2006 04:12 PM (G+H5e)
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PIGS FLY
I thought of something I really miss about being in USAREUR.

Yes, I actually said that sentence; I can't believe it either. But it came to me in a revelation while I stood in the grocery store with cow blood all over my hands: I really miss the vacuum-packed meat. What is the deal with going to the store and getting covered in chicken and beef juice? This plastic-wrap-over-styrofoam doesn't work, people! It leaks! Which is gross and slightly dangerous. It's not healthy to be walking around covered in raw chicken, right? I hate that. I miss the days of clean packs of meat in the commissary in Germany.
Posted by: Sarah at
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1
I know, I miss those too. And I miss the driving over there. You know how many times I've almost been killed by idiotic drivers since I moved back to the states? I think it's about 54.
Posted by: Erin at November 09, 2006 07:16 AM (023Of)
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MEMORIAL
There's a monument up in Iraq to honor the fallen soldiers from my husband's old brigade. Just take a moment to
look at the pictures and absorb this statement: "This is a very special place on Forward Operating Base Warhorse. No one is allowed to walk on the grass and the grass is watered daily." There are names on there of men I never met but think of all the time: Ludlam, Rosales, Kondor, Kenny, Prewitt, Sims, and Becker.
Posted by: Sarah at
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HEH
Here's an flawlessly-executed
joke, no botching at all.
Posted by: Sarah at
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November 07, 2006
FINGERS CROSSED
Oh lord, here's what we have to look forward to: Democrat constituents screeching for
impeachment.
Posted by: Sarah at
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1
I am seriously sitting here in amazement...
"Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi"...
It is like a nightmare
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 07, 2006 07:06 PM (GrO13)
2
It hurts. It really, really hurts. Ugh!
Posted by: Andi at November 07, 2006 07:48 PM (EWp6N)
3
Talent is conceding now. Another good man goes down. How depressing.
Posted by: annika at November 07, 2006 09:06 PM (qQD4Q)
4
It's 1:30 a.m. and I'm going to bed now--depressed! I was hoping we'd win in MO and was sad to see Santorum lose. It will be interesting to see what the Dems will talk about now.
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at November 07, 2006 09:33 PM (la03/)
5
Reelax. Nothing's going to happen to your precious war of terror.
Posted by: Will at November 07, 2006 11:46 PM (QRBGL)
6
Nancy Pelosi, Italian-American mother of five. Look upon her ye mortals and tremble. Uh... O.K. If you want.
Posted by: Rob Roberts at November 08, 2006 12:43 AM (KYrZO)
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Yes Will, that's it, our “precious war of terror.”
Idiot.
Posted by: tim at November 08, 2006 11:49 AM (nno0f)
8
Well, I suppose the House will wait until after the Christmas (can I use that word?) holidays before convening impeachment/war crimes hearings. (Of course the House will, since the next Congress doesn't convene until next year--just my futile attempt at a joke.)
Keep the faith, y'all
Jim
Posted by: Jim Shawley at November 08, 2006 01:56 PM (pNMXt)
9
RUMSFIELD IS RESIGNING! Oh... wow.. I can't tell you what this feels like. It feels like... I don't quite know... it's definately something I haven't felt in quite some time. National pride maybe? Hey, maybe we won't torture people anymore? OH MAN! This is great!
I feel like.. I feel like dancing! I'm going to go out tonite, and I'm going to get crunked, because this is a great nation where crunking is possible, and I'm going to dance!
Posted by: Will at November 08, 2006 03:01 PM (QRBGL)
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SWEET
Here's something I don't remember noticing in July: Saddam
specifically asked not to be hanged like a common criminal.
"I advise you as an Iraqi, if you were in a circumstance in which you have to issue a death penalty, you have to remember that Saddam is a military man and in this case the verdict should be death by shooting not by hanging," [Saddam] told the judge.
Justice, thy name is the gallows.
Posted by: Sarah at
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1
Exactly. I was reading about that and just holding my breath - that he would swing.....
Posted by: Tammi at November 07, 2006 02:16 PM (/Mga0)
2
Actually, it reminds me of Herman Goering.
Hope his guards are keeping a sharp eye on him and he hasn't been developing a friendly relationship with any of them.
Posted by: Patrick Chester at November 08, 2006 02:06 AM (MKaa5)
3
A “military man” my a$$. A dictator is no more a military man than a newspaper boy is a journalist.
“Justice, thy name is the gallows.” Exactly, hope they let his toes just barley touch the floor so it takes awhile for death to relieve his miserable existence.
Posted by: tim at November 08, 2006 11:44 AM (nno0f)
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DANG
Woah...Neil Armstrong didn't say what you think he said!
Posted by: Sarah at
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1
I've always known that what Armstrong said wasn't what he meant (or was supposed) to say. Both 'man' and 'mankind', in the context of his sentence, mean the same thing... which confounds the point of his message.
However, I've always thought that Armstong's 'flub' SOUNDS better. And every listener seems to understand the meaning of the sentence perfectly fine anyway.
Sometimes correct grammer just isn't as profound. I say that they should leave his message, flubbed and distorted and all, exactly as it is. SCREW THE INDEFINITE ARTICLE!
Posted by: Will at November 07, 2006 12:10 PM (QRBGL)
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HAHAHA
BlameBush rallies the voters today:
Today, Americans all across the country, living and dead, will exercise their right and responsibility to vote Democrat. Of all the rights granted to us in the Constitution, the Right to Vote Democrat is one of our most sacred, second only to the Right to Choose. So it is vital that no matter how many times we vote today, we do so with the same courage and conviction we put into having abortions.
Read the whole danged thing.
(And for those who've never been to that site: Psst, it's a joke.)
By the way, this one is good too:
Thrice wounded on the battlefields of Vietnam, Sen. John Kerry would never dream of insulting the intelligence of our babykilling, genital-shocking, cattle razing, women-and-children-terrorizing troops. If they had any brains, theyÂ’d know that.
Posted by: Sarah at
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Why is it that when liberals like Colbert do satire, it's really funny, but when conservatives try to do it it's kind of scary? I don't know.
Anyway, good luck today. May the best party be spared the burden of ruling.
Posted by: Will at November 07, 2006 12:14 PM (QRBGL)
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MSN BLOWS IT AGAIN
I was intrigued by the MSN link called
Women: 20 musts before 40. Geez, I've only got eleven years left! I'd better get in gear.
Uh, what?
All in all, MSN advocates $94,154 worth of consumer goods, plus pricetagless trips to see the Dalai Lama and a haircut from some famous L.A. barber.
Get real.
A Cadillac XLR roadster and Gucci luggage? That's what women need? Doesn't the average American household have something like $8000 in consumer debt? And MSN thinks that suggesting $4000 watches and trips to Mongolia is a good idea?
Seriously, what planet are these people living on? You know what women need by the age of 40? Maturity and self-respect. Then they won't fill that void with fancy suits, watches, haircuts, and cars.
Some of the suggestions were reasonable: a subscription to a smarty-smart magazine, a few jazz CDs, and some classic movies. Get people to broaden their horizons. Even a trip isn't a bad idea, though it's condescending to say that Europe is oh-so-yesterday and now the Third World is where it's at. Maybe MSN can encourage these women to adopt an African baby while they're there; it's all the rage, right?
I'm regularly disgusted and offended by the nonsense MSN prints, but this is just over the top. Who do they think their target audience is, suggesting a $78,000 car? Is Julie Greenwald hanging out on MSN trying to figure out what she should buy with her millions? I imagine most women who click that link are looking for more spiritual advice: find a hobby you really love, teach your children to waltz, volunteer for a charity that empowers you. Not more ways to spend money.
What the hell is wrong with our culture, that this passes as advice for women?
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1
The list rings a bell, and I know why: it is actually from Marie Claire Magazine, and I read that list in disbelief a few weeks ago too. I think there was some mention of super expensive luggage too. And from someone who travels a lot, I just snorted at that. (Oh I see that you mentioned it too...my bad...yeah, Gucci luggage, whatevers).
Some people are so impracticle. Case in point: we are dogsitting this week. My friend dropped off her 8 month old boxer, and the dog has two collars, one that she has on all the time, that is a little tougher, and then one that she puts on the dog when they walk out the door...wanna know what that one is? A Louis Vuitton dog collar. I just snorted and put it in the drawer saying it was so flimsey and useless, and that I certainly wouldn't be trying to restrain the dog with that.
Anyways, I digress. Must-haves really aren't must haves anymore. It seems like the new must have is "massive debt."
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at November 07, 2006 06:13 AM (deur4)
2
I've noticed MSN has started to use Marie Clare A LOT lately when making their most wonderful articles. I've also noticed they are moving to articles that tend to link in ads of some sort. I wonder how much they really need the money if they need to use their articles to get money from vendors?
This article, though, does sicken me. Most women who do read this magazine are our age...in our 20s. And we all know the average 20-year old woman is most likely still recovering from their college debt and can no where near afford to buy these kinds of items. As if we should all strive to be able to buy the $3,000 Gucci or Prado. Wow...makes me wonder what the women of the 70s think of this article??
Posted by: Billie at November 07, 2006 07:28 AM (EKmeY)
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Ah, speaking as a man around (*cough*) 40, IMHO one “must before 40” for a single woman would be to ask a man out, any man. Do it once and you may appreciate what we go through.
Posted by: tim at November 07, 2006 10:27 AM (nno0f)
4
Tim -- I was the one who asked my husband out on our first date. And then when I told him I liked him, he said he didn't realize it was a Date-Date, just that he thought that we were hanging out. And that's when he gave his famous "Well, I like you but I'm not going to marry you or anything" line. So, yeah, I've been there with the humiliation. Turned out OK in the end though...
Posted by: Sarah at November 07, 2006 11:04 AM (7Wklx)
5
Sarah,
Good one on yaÂ’. I hope some woman readers learn from your experience.
Posted by: sarah at November 08, 2006 11:36 AM (nno0f)
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November 06, 2006
NOW THAT'S JOURNALISM
Via
RWN: Steve Harrigan from Fox News gets
waterboarded. Wow, that's really amazing journalism. Harrigan wanted to see the fact behind this interrogation technique, so he put himself on the line to find out. That's awesome.
Posted by: Sarah at
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I, too, think it's awesome that a Fox News journalist got tortured.
Posted by: Wil at November 06, 2006 11:21 AM (QRBGL)
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THINGS I LOVE
Alton Brown
speaking Swedish
the Crunchwrap (CaliValley even got a
comment from the creator of the Crunchwrap)
the cast of
The Magnificent Seven
anything that comes out of Butters' mouth
the stupid grin I get when I hear "Burning Love" or "Mmmbop"
Robertson Davies
chocolate iced rings from Dunkin Donuts
opening a jar of new peanut butter
Wes Anderson
Mormons
knitting for babies
Old 97s
Lolita
the very first and very last discs of episodes of
Futurama
Jimmy Stewart
John Doe
When Lileks told Salam Pax "F**k you"
the squirrel in the
Hoodwinked! trailer who says dee-na-meee-tay
buying postage stamps
high and tight haircuts
Most of the time, this blog feels like it's just me and Will. I noticed that AWTM asked her lurking readers to de-lurk and comment once on one post. (She got 25 people to chime in, but she has more readers than I do.) I thought that was such a fun idea that I'd like to do the same. Tell me something you love too.
(This post inspired by trying the opposite of a Piece of Crap List. I'll do one of those one day too.)
Posted by: Sarah at
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Seeing as I JUST de-lurked on the other post, does this count? What timing.
I love leaf piles and cold weather.
Posted by: Sabbrielle at November 06, 2006 08:55 AM (C0EP2)
2
I love Mormons too! Everytime I would see them in Germany I would run up to them and say "hi!" They used to be a bit freaked out, but it was so great seeing someone from home. And man, their mission is hardcore. If you have been sent to mission in a country where they speak a foreign language and the government has pretty much been open about its distaste for all denominations outside of Protestants and Catholics, you are pretty brave in my book.
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at November 06, 2006 08:58 AM (deur4)
3
I love my boys, my soldier, welcome home ceremonies, babies, smiles, reality TV shows and Christmas morning.
I also love your blog...Thank God there is someone on this earth that feels so strongly about the same kind of issues I do. Thank God you have the courage to express your views in such a mature and intelligent venue. You always say exactly the right things and it seems like that's just how I feel too!
Posted by: Angie at November 06, 2006 09:28 AM (ec43W)
4
I never thought I'd see Wes Anderson and Mormons right next to each other on a list. So congratulations - you've blown my mind once again. BTW, have you seen the South Park about Joseph Smith? It's a classic.
Anyway, my Anderson favs in order:
1. The Life Aquatic
2. Rushmore
3. The Royal Tenenbaums
4. Bottle Rocket (this is my girlfriend's Favorite Movie Ever)
Posted by: Will at November 06, 2006 11:17 AM (QRBGL)
5
1) Indiana University Basketball.
2) Popcorn that isn't microwaved.
3) Curbside trash pick up. Seriously,
how amazing is that? Put it out and
someone takes it away forever.
4) Election day. Even if it's just for
the local school board,I love that I
get a say.
5) The Public Library. All sorts of books
on about any topic you wish.
6) Dogs. My dog,my neighbor's dogs,Charlie.
I don't trust people who don't like dogs.
7) I love that I am a citizen and NOT a subject.
I love that if I met the Queen,it would be
wrong to curtsy to her,because TECHNICALLY
she is my peer.

The internet. Big brother isn't watching us,
George Orwell. We're watching him.
9) I love the kindness and decency of the
average American. I love the generosity
and spirit of volunteerism I see coming
from regular folks.
10) I love that yesterday I stopped in to "The
Woodchuck IGA" out in the middle of NOWHERE
and there,over the register,was the photo
of the soldiers with the "HELP US JON CARRY"
sign. The WOODCHUCK IGA people. See #8 for
how this very recent photo happened to be
there.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at November 06, 2006 11:56 AM (YwdKL)
6
I love living in America, the sound of rain, bear hugs, being pregnant, and the Green Bay Packers.
Posted by: Jen D at November 06, 2006 12:05 PM (D4EDG)
7
I am glad you love Mormons, even if they are not "practicing".
I like clean sheets
hot baths
laughing and happy well behave children
smell of new babies
welcome home kisses
good books
a fantastic book
when I find a letter and no bills in the mail
orange leaves
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 06, 2006 12:28 PM (GrO13)
8
I love Wes Anderson, and think he should do a movie about Mormans leaving Utah and moving to Germany
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 06, 2006 12:29 PM (GrO13)
9
First time commenter, long time reader and enjoyer of your blog.
I love being an American
I love that my kids are now officially grown (24 and 21) and the pressure is off me - what they make of their lives is now up to them!
I love the way the internet has brought the whole world right into our homes and destroyed the hold elitists once had on information and how it was disseminated.
Wait- I forgot I did once comment before. So this isn't my official first post!
Posted by: Amy at November 06, 2006 01:41 PM (I9LMv)
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Things I love:
1. My soldier
2. My kids (Frick and Frack)
3. My family
4. My job (it can happen)
5. My friends
6. The rain
7. Fall and Winter
8. ALL babies (the smell too)
9. My life
10. and last but not least.....I love me!
Posted by: Vonn at November 06, 2006 04:14 PM (/VoEr)
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Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage.
Posted by: Eric Chen at November 06, 2006 05:18 PM (ldef+)
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I love:
--my soldier
--my three children
--Texas
--Election Day
--Blue Bell Ice Cream
--artichokes
--that after a BBA and a MBA I am done with school....for now
--my parents for giving me a great start in life that a lot of people don't get. I hope that I am making them proud with what I have done so far. I miss you Dad!
--Love your blog and many others that I read
--I also love being a military wife and I love that my hero is also my husband and my best friend.
Hmmm.....I'm sure there is a lot else, like I would love to have a couple hours of sleep but until DH comes home that is out of the question!
Posted by: Curly26 at November 06, 2006 05:21 PM (kQWmi)
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I love:
1. My family
2. Interesting conversations with my daughter
3. Our dog Toby
4. Flowers
5. Rain at night
6. Genealogy
7. A beautiful snowy day
8. Babies
9. Traveling to new places
10.Dancing
How's that?
Your Mama
Posted by: Nancy at November 06, 2006 06:12 PM (hNLfY)
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A stack of new books and a 2 week vacation.
Freshly mowed grass.
Hugh Hewitts quotations at the beginning of each hour...especially Aragorn's "St Crispin Day" speech..."Stand Men of the West"
Chocolate cake and a good cup of coffee
The Internet...especially blogs...milblogs
Trying to Grok was the first blog I read.
Posted by: Mary*Ann at November 06, 2006 07:04 PM (bdvqO)
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1. God
2. Going to church on regular days
3. My daughters
4. My ex-wife
5. My parents
6. America
7. Cats and dogs
8. Talk radio
9. Trying to Grok
10. Early Heinlein
11. Andre Norton
Posted by: Don at November 06, 2006 07:33 PM (6VFW4)
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Things I love
1. Opening a new can of coffee.
2. Kittens and Puppies
3. Finding a new (or undiscovered by me) book by an old author.
4. Sunrise
5. Having a family & home to come home to.
6. My wife.
7. My cat who come to ME to have his ears scratched.
8. The ability to ignore or pay attention to the world around me and the freedom to do so.
9. Being able to walk into a grocery store and buy food without having to grow it myself.
10. Technology.
Posted by: SciFiJim at November 06, 2006 07:59 PM (tLU1K)
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Delurked, cha cha cha.
Still lovin' yer blog. Thanks for the great posts.
Posted by: JACK ARMY at November 06, 2006 08:25 PM (fuKox)
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An occasional poster, but every day reader:
Opinion Journal
trying to grok
The Bleat
Scrappleface....
I love your positive attitude, your sacrifice, your honor and morals, and how young and enthusiastic you are! (I've got about 20 years on you.) I love how in love you and your husband are. I love how you put yourself out there and say what you believe (not easy these days!).
Also:
puppy tummies
baby pectoral fat rolls
a good thunderstorm
how my lawn looks after a good mow
community on Scrappleface
The Grace of God
blog on.....
Posted by: MargeinMI at November 07, 2006 02:03 AM (Nf9lC)
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I love:
* Peanut butter and cheese.
* Big machines. DC-3s, earthmovers, whatever.
* Violin solos, whether in Gaelic folk music, bluegrass, whatever.
* Debating ethics and philosophy, as long as we use small words

On a larger scale, I like reasoned debate, not slanging matches.
* Sci-fi, fantasy, and history.
* Zombies, giant robots, pirates, kittens, and ninjas. But hey, who doesn't?
Posted by: Hiraethin at November 07, 2006 02:27 AM (hnFlP)
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I think (But I don't recall now..)I posted on your blog once last week. I love it. So I am not sure if this is officially de-lurking..
Things I Love.
1) my husband and 2 girls
2) the smell of fresh cut grass
3) Laughing
4) the song "When you say nothing at all" (Duet version by Alison Krauss and Keith Whitely)
5) reminiscing with friends
Posted by: Keri at November 07, 2006 04:55 AM (PgLZz)
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I've been reading your blog regularly for a while now and commented a few times. So, you know I love trying to grok.
Other things I love are:
God's mercy and grace.
My wonderful husband of 27 years (so far).
Our two beautiful daughters.
My huge extended family.
America.
Alabama football(Roll Tide) even when we lose.
Seeing Old Glory flying over our embassy when I'm in a foreign country.
Freedom.
The fact that there are still people who understand that there are some things worth fighting for.
A rainy day at home, cuddling with my hubby and watching old movies.
Books and libraries.
The internet.
Traveling.
Christmas.
Thanksgiving.
I could go on and on. But, that's a good start on the things I love.
Posted by: Pamela at November 07, 2006 05:08 AM (xf/WZ)
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I love it when a plan comes together.
Posted by: Bob at November 07, 2006 01:14 PM (WMa4u)
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Jag älskar Amerika.
Och mina barn, min fru, mörk choklad, J&B, pizza med Bud, RHCP, att vara en neocon, Italien, frihet, att blogga, Battlefield 2142, svensk sommar, vara DJ på fester, kräftor, och alla som tjänstgjort i Irak.
Hope you enjoy reading Swedish as much as speaking it, Sarah

Sorry to all for not making sense.
Posted by: Anders at November 08, 2006 06:48 AM (RWjHO)
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De-lurked...
Love:
The USA
My soldiers
Hammock and a good book on a warm day
Fresh laundry
Cat purring
Thanks for the blog and for your and your husband's service keeping the rest of us safe in our beds.
Posted by: Molly at November 08, 2006 03:11 PM (8PL1W)
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Sarah, I love Alton Brown too!!
I love the movie Office Space, and this line in particular:
Peter: I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work.
Posted by: Kate at November 09, 2006 12:37 PM (h/MYc)
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I love...
My husband, friends and family
My dog
Babies when they laugh
Crisp fall mornings
Pumpkin cheesecake
Reading
Learning something new
Taking a great photo
The way the Army has shaped me
Oh and Gluehwein
Posted by: Household6 at November 10, 2006 04:25 PM (40zEu)
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TV BLOGGING AGAIN
I've been ranting about TV
elsewhere because I usually get it with both barrels when I write about TV here. Yes, I know it's not real.
Anyway, Teresa pointed out that Hollywood is not very good at writing realistic marriages. I was shocked recently to see that KFC commercial where the young wife is on the phone and she "signs" what she wants for dinner to her husband. And her husband's buddy doesn't get it, so he explains their secret language. Every time I see that commercial, I keep waiting for it to change. I keep waiting for the punchline to be that the husband is complete dufus who doesn't know anything about his wife. As it stands, that commercial is really stinking cute. It shows married people actually working in harmony, knowing each other on an extremely personal level. You never get that on TV.
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And the de-lurking commences...
Have you heard of the sci-fi TV show Firefly or its movie Serenity? Created by genius (and liberal) Joss Whedon, it's funny, fascinating, and thrilling. Of the crew, the captain is vocally libertarian. Two of the characters are happily married. One character is a "shepherd" or pastor/missionary type who is not a kook, fanatic, or two-faced pervert.
You should try it if you haven't already.
Posted by: Sabbrielle at November 06, 2006 08:52 AM (C0EP2)
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I've seen everyone in the blog world go nutso over Serenity, so I was planning on seeing it soon. My dad used to watch Firefly, but I just tuned in for John Doe afterwards!
Posted by: Sarah at November 06, 2006 09:19 AM (7Wklx)
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I recommend watching Firefly first. There are fourteen total episodes. The Sci-fi channel is showing a Firefly marathon on December 12th. Of course, if your husband already likes the show, the DVD set would be a good investment.

*shameless*
Posted by: Sabbrielle at November 06, 2006 10:35 AM (C0EP2)
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MORE THOUGHTS ON SADDAM
I'm reminded again of the absolute horror my Swedish friend felt when she saw me clapping and cheering the day Timothy McVeigh was executed. But I feel the same now about Saddam as I did back then: If someone called me today and said they're short a hangman and could I come give 'em a hand, I'd say, "Give me a second to put my shoes on."
Smash is right:
Unfortunately, the sentence is not to be carried out at daybreak. Appeals and due process will delay the execution for months, if not years. Saddam will get more consideration than any of his victims ever received, and arguably more than he deserves, but that's one of the many differences between freedom and tyranny.
I guess this is enough consolation for today. At least it made our household chuckle:
Thousands of Iraqis sang, danced and unleashed celebratory bursts of gunfire yesterday as Saddam Hussein finally faced the consequences of his tyrannical rule in a Baghdad courtroom.
Oh, the Iraqis and their celebratory gunfire.
The husband's leaving for a field trip tomorrow, or else a cake would be in order. I'll just have to remember the deliciousness of the dragging-him-out-of-a-dirty-hole cake. And dream of the deliciousness of the hanging-by-his-broken-neck cake I'll get to make someday. Yummy.
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Cox and Forkum's reprise of their 2005 cartoon is germane to this topic. And, I have to say - squeamish inoffensive fellow though I am - that the world will be improved by Saddam's absence. The only shame is that it couldn't have been sooner.
Posted by: Hiraethin at November 07, 2006 02:32 AM (hnFlP)
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November 05, 2006
TIM & PATTI

We sold a few books, we signed 'em, but mostly we talked. Non-stop.
If you read his blog way back when, you know what kind of man Tim is. But all you know about Patti is that she is the Sweetest Woman on the Planet. That makes it funny to hear the sweetest woman on the planet say she wants to smack John Kerry! Patti has "rounded out" in my mind since the days of reading Tim's blog, and I just can't get enough of this couple.
My husband and I talked a lot on the way home about what kind of woman Patti is, for she said something we won't soon forget. I asked her in the bookstore how it feels to be a civilian now. And she got a bittersweet look on her face as she glanced towards the Iraq photos she'd brought to display. She's torn up inside that this War on Terror is still going on and she's no longer a part of it. It pains her to know she left the Army while something is still undone.
My husband was touched by her response. We talked about how rare it is to find someone who takes personal responsibility for the fate of our nation. Patti feels guilt that she is not fighting this war, in stark contrast to most people we know who want as little role as possible. Patti feels herself to be part of something much larger than she is, and it was refreshing to hear someone express remorse at not doing more for her country.
We talked on the way home about all the stars that had to be aligned in order for us to have this wonderful afternoon with Tim and Patti. Patti had to be adopted by an American soldier in Korea. She had to come to the US and meet Tim in the Army. We both had to be stationed in Germany, even though Germany was nowhere to be found in our top ten choices of duty stations! We both had to start blogging. And Tim and I both had to overcome cries of Jody to meet each other face to face. Life came a long way to put the four of us in the same room, and my husband, not usually one to enjoy meeting new people, said how nice it felt to sit and talk to adults. Adult is the greatest compliment my husband can bestow.
Luckily, it looks like Tim and Patti might be headed our way in a few weeks. I am anxious to spend more time with them; four hours wasn't nearly enough.
I also wanted to talk to Tim about blogging. I've been at a crossroads lately, and I wanted to talk to someone who'd walked away. He misses it. Maybe we'll get him back...
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It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since Tim stopped blogging - I miss his posts alot. He was one of the most coherent voices out there.
I missed the news about Patti leaving the Army.. I was suprised, figured she was in for good, then again, I didn't know them well
Bryan
Posted by: Bryan Strawser at November 05, 2006 04:25 AM (n19Zl)
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I too enjoyed Tim, and probably found him through you, or Mr. B5, I forget...
but they are missed.
I should have let you take my book, so Tim could sign it...
what was I thinking?
I am glad you enjoyed your day, hope the tea was hot.
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 05, 2006 09:53 AM (IVwWm)
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It is so nice to read about people who take responsibility for America. I used to read Baghdaddy blog while he was deployed but he's back and is trying to get back to his normal life. Blogs are amazing -- especially when used to educate people who only hear the things that people like Kerry say.
Posted by: Nancy French at November 05, 2006 07:15 PM (8i2KG)
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I'm glad to hear that it went well and that you had a good time with Tim and Patti.
Posted by: Andi at November 06, 2006 07:42 AM (OzAse)
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Patti shouldn't feel so guilty. We can all contribute in the ways we can. Some by fighting. Some by writing. By exercising our electoral responsibilities and by participating in debate.
Posted by: hiraethin at November 07, 2006 02:35 AM (hnFlP)
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