October 31, 2007
GHOSTS
Wow. I had no idea I was in such a
minority:
A Gallup poll found that only 7 percent of Americans do not believe in telepathy, déjà vu, ghosts, past lives or other supernatural phenomena, which may have more than a little to do with the soaring popularity of Halloween.
A few years ago, my husband and I were visiting his parents and sleeping in the guest room. I woke up in the middle of the night to a bone-chilling noise, a wailing, moaning, ghostly noise. The hair on the back of my neck stood up straight and my heart began to race. I still have no explanation whatsoever for what the noise was: the wind? the dog? my father-in-law groaning in his sleep?
I realized the next day that, if I believed in ghosts, I would forever tell that story as an encounter with one. I would swear that I had heard a ghost at my in-laws' house. But I don't believe in them. Instead I see that story as proof of how people say they've encountered ghosts.
But the truly interesting part was how I could not stop my body and mind from being frightened. Even though I absolutely don't think there was anything out there, my body went into panic mode.
Interesting stuff. But only 7%? Wow.
Posted by: Sarah at
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Of those they polled, I'd be interested to know how many were scientists and engineers. I think mathematically inclined people are less prone to belief in the supernatural.
I happen to be one of your minority. Although many of my friends are believers.
Posted by: Teresa at October 31, 2007 03:14 PM (rVIv9)
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I love being in the minority & Teresa, I suck at math.
Posted by: tim at November 01, 2007 03:34 AM (nno0f)
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October 29, 2007
YUP
Here's a
Mark Steyn quote to go along with
the Peggy Noonan one from the other day:
It seems to me, for example, that when anti-war types bemoan Iraq as this generation's Vietnam "quagmire," older folks are thinking of the real Vietnam – the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and whatnot – but most anybody under 50 is thinking of Vietnam movies: some vague video-store mélange of "The Full Metal Deer Apocalypse."
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MY FATHER MAKES ME CRY
OK, I'm already breaking my promise: one more pregnancy post. I am so weepy. I don't know, these are things that would probably normally make me cry, but now I just can't control myself. Went over to AWTM to watch
Life Aquatic clips and couldn't even see the screen through my tears. "In 12 years he'll be 11 and a half..." I lost it.
And the other night, on the way to the party, we passed an accident. I think normally this would've gotten to me anyway, because it became obvious as we passed that a very distraught woman had just hit someone's dog. The poor little white doggy was lying in the road. We had to sit in the car for several minutes before going into the party so I could get my sobs under control.
But this one might not normally have made me cry, except for the fact that it reminded me what lies in my future. My mom and I have a good friendship and talk often, but my dad is much more reserved. He and I get along perfectly, but we rarely talk because he is definitely a Man's Man, and they don't do things like chat on the phone. But I know he loves me, because he shows it in little ways that mean so much.
When we went to my grandparents' house last week, I forgot to pack my glasses. I had my contacts in, of course, but I'm blind as a bat once I take them out. So is my father; we have the same prescription. When I realized that I had forgotten my glasses, my dad immediately handed me his and let me borrow them for the entire week. It might not seem like much, but it is if you're as blind as we are. My dad sacrificed his vision so his daughter could see. Shoot, I can't imagine myself lending my glasses to anyone, much less some dummy who has a perfectly good pair she stupidly left at home. In no way did I ever expect him to hand his glasses over to me. But my dad did it without even thinking.
He sacrificed for his child.
He made a pretty big sacrifice this past weekend as well. Crazy Aunt Purl was going to be in my hometown for a book signing, and I begged my mom to go meet her and get books signed for me and The Girl. My mom assured me she would, but business came up and she needed to be out of town. She got my father to go downtown to the Women's Lifestyle Show and ask a knit-blogger for an autograph.
What a man.
My dad made me cry a lot this week thinking about what it means to be a parent. It means doing a lot of crap you don't really want to do, like braving the estrogen-filled halls of the convention center to make your child happy. It means giving up something you need so your child can have it, like your eyesight.
Even when your child is 30.
In 12 years, my child will almost be 11 and a half. I hope I am as selfless as my father is.
Posted by: Sarah at
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This post made me a little teary... but I am a big time daddy's girl.
Posted by: Kasey at October 29, 2007 09:33 AM (tttDj)
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That made ME cry and I am no where CLOSE to pregnant! Congratulations, by the way.
Posted by: properprophet at October 29, 2007 10:11 AM (Yagmr)
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you know Sarah, the interesting part is...the appearance of something soooo illusive, after waiting for soooo long.
you know what that is like.
and Bill Murray always makes me cry, well except in Garfield..
Posted by: awtm at October 29, 2007 10:14 AM (BwtOk)
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For me, the emotional range amplified even more after the birth of my children. Your heart beats quite literally outside of your body, and being a mother has given me the highest highs and the lowest lows.
You become willing to give up everything you have and everything you are to make sure this person has the best possible existence. Your dad probably didn't even think about giving you his glasses. One of my friends, who I have always considered a very giving person, recently had a baby. She said to me in amazement, "I never knew how selfish I was!" You give up all these things without a second thought.
You're going to be a great mother.
Posted by: Sis B at October 29, 2007 04:04 PM (6qNPu)
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You're so right when you say your dad did that without even thinking. And, don't worry, you will too. Kids start training us early to be selfless--sleep deprivation comes to mind.
I'm only cracking wise because you made me want to cry reading your post and I have homework to read so I can't be getting all bleary eyed right now.
Posted by: Guard Wife at October 29, 2007 05:23 PM (BslEQ)
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Because I didn't get a chance to type it before: congratulations! What a wonderful post about being a parent. I think the minute my daughter was born, I left my old selfish self behind. You'll be a great mom, just look at what a wonderful example you have in your Dad!
Posted by: dutchgirl at October 29, 2007 06:13 PM (P2o4r)
Posted by: wendy at October 30, 2007 09:54 AM (56tHP)
Posted by: Erin at October 30, 2007 03:16 PM (XRza7)
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Your emotions will never be right again after that baby is born, either. Everything affects you, now, as a mother and everything pertains to you. Now when you watch the news and see the atrocities that happen to families and children, that could be YOU. Everything takes on a new perspective and a much more serious side does come out. It can be almost paralyzing, really.
I think you had a post about what you would and wouldn't let your child do in life? It gets MUCH harder when it's your own.
I'm excited for you and look forward to hearing about your pregnancy and experiences!
Posted by: wochenend mit bier at October 31, 2007 06:52 PM (bNSmb)
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Congratulations! I haven't been to your blog in a while, but knew you were trying for a baby, so thought I would stop in to see if you had some good news yet. YAY!!
All I can say is that once that baby is put in your arms, everything changes. You won't even think about the selfless acts and sacrifices that you'll make for him or her. My son is 4 months old now, and every night I get in bed and think about how much I can't wait to see him the next day. There is nothing like motherhood -- the overwhelming, all-consuming love for someone you just met. And it just keeps growing and growing.
So happy for you ...
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October 28, 2007
THE ONE AND ONLY MORNING SICKNESS POST
I promised myself that this blog wouldn't turn into Trying to Grok Morning Sickness, but I will make a comment or two. First of all, I have no idea how any woman musters up the strength to continue a full-time job feeling like this. I could barely manage four hours at the Michaels yesterday; while copious amounts of Christmas potpourri and candles is enough to make anyone want to barf, it made me spend a lot of the day dry heaving over the public toilet. In the bathroom that also smelled like air freshener. Ugh. I also have lost all interest in eating. I don't usually get sick, but nothing sounds good either. I feel hungry but then have to force myself to ingest whatever it is we're having. Oh, and salmon was not a good choice the other day; the fish smell lingering in the house the rest of the evening and next morning was about unbearable.
So that's that. The girl who loves cooking and knitting can barely bring herself to enter the kitchen or muster the strength to lift the needles. It's a sad state of affairs in this house.
But it's exactly what I wanted, right? At least I keep reminding myself of that as I run to the bathroom.
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Congrats! It does get better. Eventually you won't even remember the morning sickness (basically because you'll be eating everything in sight!)
Posted by: Jill at October 28, 2007 01:28 PM (LV89i)
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I am so happy to hear things are progressing. But sorry that you have to feel ill. Take care. Sounds like a good time to indulge in strawberry milkshakes or something super yummy like that.
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 28, 2007 01:40 PM (U2fet)
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Look at it this way - when your kids are teenagers, they'll make you nauseous again...
Seriously, morning sickness is a good thing! My doctor always said he was concerned that I didn't have it with either of my pregnancies (which turned out fine, thank God), because it means your hormone levels are doing exactly what they're supposed to do to prepare for the coming months. So although it's rough right now, keep in mind that your body's doing what it needs to right now.
I am so happy for you and your husband - I don't comment often, but I love reading your blog. Your child is very lucky to have such great parents!
Posted by: Toni at October 28, 2007 05:58 PM (OoGre)
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I had terrible terrible morning sickness from week 6 to week 13. It was non-stop, day and night.
What I really found to help the most was ginger ale and ginger snaps with peanut butter on them. And also Sour Skittles made me feel a little better as well.
Congrats on your pregnancy again. Like the ladies above mentioned, morning sickness is a good sign!
Posted by: Kasey at October 29, 2007 03:30 AM (tttDj)
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I've been wondering, if ''it'' had started, yet. I remember eatting lots of crackers,....and when I was pregnant with Gunnar, no mayo or miracle whip could touch my lips......yet, fom about the age of 6, Gunnar could consume it(Miracle Whip) by the gallon.
There's thousands of ''home remedies'' to help, get thru this stage....usually, by the time you figgure out which one works, the sickness stage is over..........
I'm looking forward to the future post(in a few months) about cravings!
love ya!, thank you, for sharing your life with us!
Posted by: debey at October 29, 2007 04:11 AM (7kywJ)
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My first pregnancy was like that, too. I was working, spent lots of quick trips to the bathroom. The ONLY thing I could face for lunch was an egg salad sandwich and a Tastykake cherry pie, NEITHER of which I ever ate before or since. But those two things seemed appetizing and stayed down (most of the time) so I stuck with them.
I also have always wondered why they call it 'morning sickness' when you have it ALL DAY! But it will pass and you will feel wonderful.
Have you heard the old saying about the three trimesters - "3 months bleary, 3 months cheery and 3 months weary"? Well you're in the bleary part now, but the cheery part is something to look forward to. And your last 3 months won't be in the hot weather so you won't be too 'weary.'
Good luck!
Posted by: AMy at October 29, 2007 04:38 AM (I9LMv)
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I had all day sickness....
it was horrid.
My Aunt lost 24 pounds while pregnant...
Posted by: awtm at October 29, 2007 04:41 AM (BwtOk)
Posted by: awtm at October 29, 2007 04:42 AM (BwtOk)
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Best of luck with the morning sickness. Different things work for different people, so I won't recommend anything... heh.
If it gets to the point where you can't keep anything down at all, call the doctor! (Blackfive's wife had this problem when she was pregnant)
However, if you have "normal" morning sickness, it does pass... just not as fast as you'd like. *grin*
Posted by: Teresa at October 29, 2007 07:31 AM (rVIv9)
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is it wrong that when I read this post I felt bad, but then I smiled because you're pregnant?
Umm, saltines and ginger ale.
Stay away from FISH!!! You'll never want to eat it again from what I understand.
Posted by: Mare at October 29, 2007 08:03 AM (3UyGi)
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Sarah - as AWTM & a few others suggested, I have heard Ginger is supposed to help. It never did for me, but I used to eat alot of saltines. Kept a sleeve by my bed so I could eat some before I even got out of bed. I ate alot of greasy burgers/take outfood in the beginning, for some reason that sounded good!
Posted by: Keri at October 29, 2007 08:08 AM (HXpRG)
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Congratulations on the expected bundle. I hope the MS gets better for you. I kept a couple of small baggies of dry cheerios and saltine crackers lying around in the house, the car, near the bed and at work. I never allowed my tummy to get too empty because then it got worse. I hope you find a trick that helps, but usually it's just rest and time that gets you through.
Posted by: Claire at October 29, 2007 08:11 AM (TcK83)
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oh and I was working at a nursing home while pregnant....odorific to be certain....
I have no idea how I gained so much weight none....
Posted by: awtm at October 29, 2007 10:07 AM (BwtOk)
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I never had much morning sickness, only a little with my first one. I recommend pretzels on hand, they do the same as crackers except better. I still, to years later, cannot stand the smell of butter cream frosting because I made some for my mother's birthday cake early in my pregnancy. Ugh!
With my second my husband had to quit smoking because I gagged everytime he tried to kiss me. He still doesn't smoke, a good thing! And the baby is still great, too.
Posted by: Ruth H at October 29, 2007 10:17 AM (b/Q5J)
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I should have previewed that comment. It is 50 years later, not as I wrote, to. Guess age is really getting to me, if it were two, it's still wrong! Heh
Posted by: Ruth H at October 29, 2007 10:19 AM (b/Q5J)
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Activated Charcoal tablets or gelcaps. Get them at GNC. and saltines..
LAW
Posted by: liberal army wife at October 29, 2007 01:41 PM (Ocu2J)
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Vitamin B6 helped me w/the sickness in both my pregnancies.
I also had an abiding love for Jolly Rancher candies during both--you would have thought that would have not gone over well with my stomach, but they were a Godsend.
Hang in there!
Posted by: Guard Wife at October 29, 2007 05:26 PM (BslEQ)
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My wife could never stand beer - until she was pregnant for the first time. Suddenly she loved it - but of course could only have a few sips. The babies came and grew up, but beer still tastes good.
Posted by: Glenmore at October 29, 2007 06:06 PM (ZmEMn)
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I'm one of those girls that get sick sick sick and need medical intervention.
Being sick is no fun. And nothing really helps, but here are a couple things that worked for me:
lay on the couch as still as possible. Watch your favorite movies. Do not watch A Baby Story. On second thought, watching your favorite movies may make you hate them for a while as you will associate them with that sick feeling. But lay on the couch. Without moving. Cooking and laundry can be someone else's job for a while.
coke. something about the caffeine helps.
That's all.
eating crackers early in the morning didn't help. eating constantly helped sometimes, but mostly because it's easier to throw up if there's actually food in your tummy.
sorry you're sick. But Congratulations!
Posted by: wendy at October 30, 2007 09:51 AM (56tHP)
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Sarah, for what it's worth, both of my pregnancies have been similar and different. With Ronin, I was a little bit nauseous at first but then ate like a pig and I craved hamburgers. This time around, the slightly nauseous thing has been the same but I feel like you do, nothing sounds good to me and I have to ingest food like substances just because I have to. The only things I could say that I crave now are scrambled eggs and those honeycrisp apples...how did you like the one I gave you?
Posted by: Kate at October 31, 2007 05:55 AM (tB/4l)
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LINKS -- WILL SAY MORE LATER
Two links found off Instapundit...
Peggy Noonan:
I'll jump here, or lurch I suppose, to something I am concerned about that I think I am observing accurately. It has to do with what sometimes seems to me to be the limited lives that have been or are being lived by the rising generation of American professionals in the arts, journalism, academia and business. They have had good lives, happy lives, but there is a sense with some of them that they didn't so much live it as view it. That they learned too much from media and not enough from life's difficulties. That they saw much of what they know in a film or play and picked up all the memes and themes.
OPFOR:
Members of the Iraqi Army in Besmaya collected a donation for the San Diego, Calif., fire victims Thursday night at the Besmaya Range Complex in a moving ceremony to support Besmaya's San Diego residents.
Iraqi Army Col. Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1,000 to U.S. Army Col. Darel Maxfield, Besmaya Range Complex officer in charge, Multi-National Security Transition Command Iraq, to send to the fire victims in California.
Posted by: Sarah at
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We're here now, in Iraq, forever. Deal with it.
Posted by: Will at October 28, 2007 01:27 PM (0Yps+)
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October 27, 2007
HALLOWEEN
The husband and I have been invited to a Halloween party tonight. A few days ago, we still didn't have a costume idea. I really wanted to go as Team Zissou, but he insisted that no one would have any idea what we were talking about. So we had to come up with an idea quickly that was cheap, easy, accessible, and something that made it look like we'd put
some effort in without looking like we wanted to win a prize or something. We came up with an idea, and I had two days to knit our way to an easy costume. Can you guess who we're going as?
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Posted by: Kasey at October 27, 2007 06:24 AM (tttDj)
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snowmen??????????????????lol..........
Posted by: debey at October 27, 2007 07:12 AM (7kywJ)
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Your husband may not know pop culture, Kasey, but you're right on target!
Posted by: Sarah at October 27, 2007 11:10 AM (TWet1)
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Southpark...yes, do not forget to take towely
.
Oh, and we are watching Life Aquatic tonight for movie night!
how funny is that..
Posted by: awtm at October 27, 2007 11:33 AM (BwtOk)
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LOL, I am a South Park Junkie.
At first I thought it might have been Stan and Wendy but then I remembered that Wendy's hat is purple.
Posted by: Kasey at October 27, 2007 02:43 PM (tttDj)
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Take Towelie! Great idea!
Posted by: Green at October 27, 2007 05:17 PM (3Hlz6)
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aw, hell....................how come i forgot you're a south park fan?(maybe be cause i can't stand most tv shows?).......hope you had lotza fun!
Posted by: debey at October 27, 2007 07:35 PM (7kywJ)
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Sarah,
I'd love to see photos of the two of you in costume!
Posted by: Amritas at October 28, 2007 12:09 PM (02w/M)
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my girlfriend and I did team zissou two years ago. Nobody got it. Except for this one guy dressed as Chas from The Royal Tenenbaums. He got it.
Posted by: Will at October 28, 2007 01:25 PM (0Yps+)
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October 25, 2007
DREADING IT
Boortz on what we can expect for the
future:
As you undoubtedly have noticed, the 2008 campaign has, for Democrats, been nothing but new entitlement programs, expansions of old entitlement programs, and tax increases. This is the essence of what it means to be a member of the MoveOn Democrat Party. Create more government dependency, and tax those not dependent on government to pay for it.
Posted by: Sarah at
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Republicans waste WAY more money on government spending than democrats. But for some reason, because the republicans waste the money on bombs instead of health care, and because they refuse to balance the budget and instead drive the country into debt and dependence on foreign banks, conservatives think it's the party of fiscal responsibility.
Oh well. I live in Canada. My dollar is worth MORE than yours now. Think I'll take a trip down to seattle to buy some cheap pumas with my almighty Canadian dollar. Yeah, keep those economic geniuses of the republican party in power... it works at well for us in the rest of the world.
Posted by: Will at October 25, 2007 12:44 PM (bNKhO)
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You live in Canada? Heh, I knew something wasn't right about you
Posted by: Sarah at October 25, 2007 01:20 PM (TWet1)
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Or maybe Canada's conservative government is doing an excellent job with *their* economy?
Posted by: Ted at October 25, 2007 01:28 PM (yRolC)
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I wish I could respond to either of you, but no matter what I write, I get a "questionable content" error message.
Posted by: Will at October 26, 2007 10:16 AM (JzKuA)
Posted by: Will at October 26, 2007 10:16 AM (JzKuA)
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Oh, i figured it out. I'm not allowed to write the word: S O C I A L I S T
Posted by: Will at October 26, 2007 10:18 AM (JzKuA)
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Ha. I share a comments spam blocker with all other mu.nu blogs, so someone else must've blocked the s-word
And as a real response to your comment: Trust me, you can't be any more disgusted with the Republicans than we are. They have abandoned their principles and deserved the beat-down they got last election. The problem is that the alternative is so much worse, in my opinion.
Posted by: Sarah at October 26, 2007 10:24 AM (TWet1)
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It's not the "S" word, it's that "c i a l i s" is embedded in there.
Death to drug spam, and the mu.nu commies just have to deal with it.
Posted by: Ted at October 26, 2007 01:45 PM (yRolC)
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God damn drug companies are ruining Sarah's comment section.
Posted by: Will at October 28, 2007 01:22 PM (0Yps+)
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CULTURAL REFERENCES
My husband told me about this Harry Potter article linked on
Instapundit and
Althouse, and I found it
hysterical:
Here is what I imagine the seven Harry Potter novels are about: I imagine that Harry is an orphan who had a bad relationship with his father (kind of like Tom Cruise in Top Gun or Days of Thunder or A Few Good Men or any of his movies that didn't involve Ireland). He escapes some sort of abstract slavery and decides to become a wizard, so he attends Wizard College and meets a bunch of anachronistic magic-using weirdos and perhaps a love interest that he never has sex with. There is probably a good teacher and a bad teacher at this school and (I'm sure) they eventually fight each other, and then some previously theoretical villain tries to destroy the world, and all the wizard kids have to unite and protect the universe by boiling black cats in a cauldron and throwing lightning bolts at pterodactyls. Harry learns about life and loss and leadership, and then he doesn't die. The end.
Now, I realize I don't have to guess at these details. I'm sure I could read the entire four-thousand-page plot summarized in four hundred words on Wikipedia, or I could simply walk into any high school and ask a few questions of the first kid I find who isn't smoking crystal meth.
No, you can't read the Wikipedia entry. Because if you don't know anything about the books, like I don't, then all you'll read is sentences like "Harry and Frimbleframp travel to the smigglefloop in a wimbdywhop to battle the canterstamp with a shimmelflap." It's utter nonsense if you don't already know what you're reading.
Anyway, the article is an interesting take on how pop culture brings us shared knowledge. And why you can't understand Kevin Smith if you've never seen Star Wars.
Incidentally, I saw the "Trapper Keeper" episode of South Park before Neil made me watch the Terminator movies. And I didn't get the cultural references. Once I saw the movies, I thought the episode was a lot funnier, plus I finally got the line in Family Guy where Adam West asks Meg if she's Sarah Connor.
But I still don't have any plans to read Harry Potter yet.
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This was a HUGE problem for me in Germany. I didn't know German pop culture...the Germans knew quite a bit of American pop culture, but not enough to get it all...for example, they had know idea about the VW Fahrvegnuegen commercials...those never existed in Germany. I also didn't know all their German soccer stars from the past. It got better after being there a few years, but there was still that gap.
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at October 25, 2007 04:47 AM (Ijp/q)
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My husband has never seen Star Wars (yeah, I know, I can't get over it either).
So we are playing Lego Star Wars on Xbox and he doesn't understand why he can't kill Obi Wan. So I have to compare everything to Space Balls, haha.
I like to watch movies and read so I guess I am current on most pop culture, but my husband is not. So I am constantly having to explain things to him. There are a lot of forehead slapping moments in our house.
Posted by: Kasey at October 25, 2007 01:02 PM (tttDj)
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October 20, 2007
THE SALAD DAYS
These were the happy days, the salad days as they say, and Ed felt that having a critter was the next logical step. It was all she thought about. Her point was that there was too much love and beauty for just the two of us and every day we kept a child out of the world was a day he might later regret having missed.
So we worked at it on the days we calculated most likely to be fruitful, and we worked at it most other days just to be sure. Seemed like nothing could stand in our way now. My lawless years were behind me; our child rearin' years lay ahead. But biology and the prejudices of others conspired to keep us childless.
Our love for each other was stronger than ever, but I preminisced no return of the salad days.
I've been itchin' to watch Raising Arizona again, it being one of my favorite movies of all time, but I just didn't think I could bear watching a movie about a couple who can't have a baby. For nine months, I touched it lovingly on the shelf but knew I wouldn't be able to watch it. It makes me cry on regular days; there's no way I could watch it when I too thought my womb might be a rocky place where a seed could find no home.
We've even joked about stealing one of the Dente boys, since they too have more than they can handle.
The past nine months have been a valued experience for me. I thought I'd be going into labor by now, but instead I've been forced to examine why I wanted a baby in the first place and what is really important in this world. Nine months ago, I thought it mattered what month the baby would be born, or what time of year would be best to be pregnant, or whether I wanted a boy or girl. Now...none of those things matter anymore. I've let go of caring about anything, save that a healthy child blesses our household.
I've woken up and taken my temperature 234 times, each time a depressing reminder that I wasn't yet pregnant. I've been forced to watch others around me get pregnant and to learn that life isn't fair and how hard you try really plays no role. I've confronted myself, thrown temper tantrums, and learned to get over myself in the process. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't trade these nine months for anything. I learned a lot about myself and about life in the process.
So when I took that pregnancy test last weekend and saw the little pink plus sign appear, I knew we were ready. And I hollered at my husband to get Raising Arizona out.
We were finally going to watch it.
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YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy! I've barely ever commented but I've been reading your blog for more than a year now and I am so glad for you!!!!!!
Posted by: Sabbrielle at October 20, 2007 03:28 PM (2a16B)
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I can't tell you how happy we are for you.
You KNOW how much we love you!
Posted by: airforcewife at October 20, 2007 04:17 PM (emgKQ)
3
Congrats, Sarah. I have goosebumps reading that post.
Posted by: keri at October 20, 2007 04:29 PM (HXpRG)
Posted by: stuffed at October 20, 2007 04:54 PM (4Rr9R)
5
What a great announcement! Congratulations!
I love that movie....
Posted by: Army Blogger Wife at October 20, 2007 05:03 PM (kQWmi)
6
Congratulations!
I did not see the end coming!
But what an end it was!
And it's just the beginning!
Posted by: Amritas at October 20, 2007 05:46 PM (02w/M)
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WHAT UP!!!!
Totally fantastic! Congratulations, Sarah.
Posted by: Anwyn at October 20, 2007 06:30 PM (dzxw9)
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Congrats, I wish you the best 9months.
Thanks for sharing your story, I have been reading your blog for a few months and found it helpful & I could also relate b/c my DH just came home late summer from a 22 Deployment and we having also been trying and so far no luck but hopefully soon so glad I'm to hear your good news !!
Posted by: MN Guard Wife at October 20, 2007 06:36 PM (czegE)
9
Congratulations to you and your husband! Here's to a very happy, healthy pregnancy!
Posted by: Non-Essential Equipment at October 20, 2007 09:58 PM (0bmKX)
10
Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you both. Enjoy that movie, it's one of my favorites.
Posted by: Mare at October 21, 2007 04:09 AM (LQyFc)
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A little pink plus sign. That brought tears to my eyes. Sarah, I am so happy for you. Many, many blessings to you. Congratulations.
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 21, 2007 04:12 AM (G9siZ)
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Congratulations! What a great way to announce the wonderful news. And know that many good wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy are being sent your way.
Posted by: jck at October 21, 2007 04:58 AM (jQVQ+)
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Sarah,
Like Keri I have goosebumps and like Butterfly wife I have tears in my eyes. I am so thrilled for you. And that is the best movie ever. It is one I can watch over and over again.
At my age this time will fly, but for you it will only fly in retrospect. When I was pregnant with my first child I had a book I checked daily to see what developments the baby was making. Now they have ultrasounds and you can actually SEE the changes.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Posted by: Ruth H at October 21, 2007 05:56 AM (BGu/e)
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!from pigtails, to pregnant!!!(in how many days??!!) I am so HAPPY, for you!!!!!!!!
Posted by: debey at October 21, 2007 06:12 AM (7kywJ)
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Congrats to both of you!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ted at October 21, 2007 09:02 AM (yRolC)
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I've also been reading your blog for quite awhile but rarely commented. I totally didn't see the end of that post coming, and your fantastic news made me actually scream out loud in surprise! My heartfelt congratulations! May you have a wonderful and joyous pregnancy.
Posted by: InTheAirForceAgain at October 21, 2007 02:16 PM (WjrQW)
17
Hooray!!! Love the news!
Posted by: jennifer at October 21, 2007 03:07 PM (TMBJh)
18
Congratulations!!! Such wonderful news for you and your husband!!
Posted by: Kasey at October 21, 2007 05:35 PM (tttDj)
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FANTASTIC!
You've learned so many parenting lessons already, and you were already going to be a great mom anyway. I'm so excited for you and proud of the way you've grown over the past nine months.
YAYAYAYAYAY!
Posted by: Sis B at October 21, 2007 05:47 PM (6qNPu)
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Man, I was wondering how you were going to blog about it...I love it (and now I don't have to worry about keeping it a secret)! Whew! I'm so happy for you guys...
Posted by: Erin at October 21, 2007 06:44 PM (XRza7)
Posted by: deltasierra at October 21, 2007 08:41 PM (woXks)
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Oh Sarah! Congratulations. I'm just so happy for both of you, y'all will be wonderful parents!!
WooHoo!!!!
Posted by: Tammi at October 22, 2007 01:58 AM (dnmhS)
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Congratulations to you both. All best wishes for a comfortable, safe pregnancy.
LAW
Posted by: liberal army wife at October 22, 2007 02:36 AM (Ocu2J)
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It's funny looking from the other side of the fence. We constantly ask why do we have a harder time with birth control than making babies! I guess God only knows the reason for making you wait.
Congratulations to you both! This is the best news of the week. Keep us updated on your progress. Will you find out the sex of the baby early?
Posted by: Angie at October 22, 2007 04:05 AM (4DpOk)
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Sarah,
Congratulations! Such wonderful news to start the day.
Posted by: R1 at October 22, 2007 06:22 AM (Eaoq8)
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Congratulations! What a lovely post, I too don't comment, but have read your blog posts for a good three years now. You deserve all the best!
Posted by: Crys at October 22, 2007 07:19 AM (dqGUK)
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REALLY!!?? Oh my gosh, that is the best news! We are so happy for you!!!
Posted by: Raging Mom at October 22, 2007 07:44 AM (l+Chn)
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YES!!! And here is to one of the luckiest babies on the planet!!
There are plenty more sald days where this came from.
Oh and guess, what if you thought you learned a lot trying to get pregnant, just wait for the continued lessons.
it seems to me as though the Lord, has a fantastic sense of humor and likes to remidn how much we do NOT know.
Welcome to parenthood....
Posted by: awtm at October 22, 2007 08:24 AM (++3l4)
Posted by: Green at October 22, 2007 09:23 AM (kS0CA)
30
Whoo hoo!! I've been waiting to see what you'd say. This was a great way to introduce the newest member of your family to your adoring fans. I knew that your comments section would be blowing up...
Posted by: Kate at October 22, 2007 12:58 PM (tB/4l)
31
Congratulations. How wonderful for you. Wishing you the best of everything on this exciting next chapter!
Posted by: Amy at October 22, 2007 04:13 PM (I9LMv)
32
WooHoo!! Congrats!!! I am so very excited for you.
Posted by: Reasa at October 23, 2007 10:37 AM (vdL8w)
33
Oh, How exciting! Congratulations!
Posted by: wendy at October 24, 2007 11:20 AM (56tHP)
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Yeah!! Congrats Sarah! That is fabulous news! Enjoy your pregnancy! Being a mom is the best!! Congrats to the hubby too!
Posted by: jen d at October 24, 2007 02:47 PM (Qbs8b)
35
WOW! Go away for a few days and I missed
THIS!?
CONGRATULATIONS SARAH AND SARAH'S DH!
My condolences to Charlie Dog,who will now be
relegated to second banana status.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at October 24, 2007 05:20 PM (tOxFf)
36
Very cool! Welcome to a New World. Truly, things will never be the same! I am excited (and relieved) for you, regardless of our past blogging together. Good news is good news....
Posted by: Allicadem at October 24, 2007 05:23 PM (L94cV)
Posted by: Toni at October 25, 2007 11:56 AM (OoGre)
38
I was just casually catching up on my blog reading when, all of a sudden, I got to this post. And I cannot contain myself. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Here's wishing you all the best ...
http://blogs.tampabay.com/standingby/
Posted by: Jan Wesner at October 25, 2007 05:31 PM (J+vKa)
39
Such wonderful news, Sarah! Wish I could be at SpouseBUZZ to give you a hug. Awesome!
And I'm so impressed with your attitude about what you've gained the last nine months. Just too wonderful... *HUGS*
Posted by: FbL at October 27, 2007 05:11 AM (rW1/8)
Posted by: Chuck Adkins at October 27, 2007 04:58 PM (buCns)
41
I know I'm WAAAAYYYY late - but major Congratulations!!! I'm so very happy for you. *grin*
Posted by: Teresa at October 29, 2007 07:16 AM (rVIv9)
42
Sarah, I know I am WAAAAAYYYYY behind the eight ball but Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you and your husband! (um, I love to quilt... especially baby quilts... hint...)
)
Posted by: Lemon Stand at October 31, 2007 04:29 PM (I9l3I)
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October 17, 2007
BYE FOR NOW
I'm leaving today to visit my grandparents, whom I haven't seen since before we moved to Germany. It should be a really nice trip, but I can't say how much blogging I will do. I doubt they have wireless access...
UPDATE:
Uh, yeah. Dial up. It took me ages to just check my email last night.
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YOU MUST BE KIDDING
John Hawkins found the
perfect example of how the media will come up with anything they can to make Iraq look bad. Deaths in Iraq are way down? How can we play this story? Oh, I know, an article on how Iraqi grave diggers are out of a job. Seriously. That's the story they chose to report. The death toll is down, so let's report that cemetery workers are feeling the sting in their wallets.
I hate these people.
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1
Pretty much. Sometimes I really wonder if they took off their negativity blinders, if they would be able to see what we see. Somehow I doubt it. Sad, very sad.
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 17, 2007 09:58 AM (G9siZ)
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Yep, it's really pathetic. I really have to stay away from it all sometimes, lest I lose what little bit of sanity I have left!
(I found you via BFW's blog. Nice place you have, and I will add a link to you if you don't mind.)
Posted by: Claire at October 17, 2007 11:59 AM (5eVw9)
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October 16, 2007
YOUR TEETH ARE FINE
Dear Butterfly Wife,
I have no idea what you're talking about with needing to whiten your teeth. I certainly didn't notice that when we met. I was too busy feeling like a fool because I couldn't figure out how to read the menu at the coffee shop. I can never read coffee shop menus, and since I didn't want to look like a dunce, I pretended that I didn't really need to eat any breakfast. So I starved and then made my husband take me to a gas station on the way home and get me some food.
I didn't notice your teeth, I just noticed that my husband, who generally doesn't like conversation with anyone, seemed to be having a good time talking to you about Iraq. That's an awful big compliment in his book.
And you're wearing make up in Vegas? Crap. I am so out of my league here.
Oh and also, the weight thing? Hogwash. From reading your blog, I expected you to weigh 300 lbs when I met you. You look great. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Can't wait to see you again in Vegas!
Sarah
P.S. You need to copy this post and put it up on your own blog so your readers can hear somebody saying that you have nice teeth and a normal sized butt. They're going to picture you as a freak of nature if they go by your description of yourself.
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Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 16, 2007 11:30 AM (G9siZ)
Posted by: Reasa at October 16, 2007 01:37 PM (JfF5d)
3
So I am going to be hanging out with someone that looks 15 despite living on bourbon and cigarettes, and someone who has the @#$ of J Lo....(BW , wear hot pants)
man oh man is Vegas going to rule...
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at October 16, 2007 08:36 PM (bpXtT)
4
Still laughing and showing off my sparkling white teeth I might add!
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 17, 2007 10:00 AM (G9siZ)
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DESPITE OUR VALUES
My Swedish friend was so excited that my husband had organized a birthday surprise. So when I talked to her again last night, I asked what she thought of the
surprise trip to the firing range.
She was horrified.
I expected her to think it was weird, or not romantic, but I didn't expect her to react so vehemently. She thought the whole thing was plain awful, and incomprehensible, and that all the commenters were horrifying as well. She even called her sister's American husband to ask him if he knows what the 2nd Amendment is (too cute) and whether he owns a firearm. She was really rattled by this and even started talking about Virginia Tech.
Then she reminded me of something that I hadn't thought of in a long time. When I lived in France, I was walking home late at night one night when a man on a moped drove up onto the sidewalk, pinned me between a van and a wall, and tried to grope me. Needless to say, it was a frightening experience, and for weeks after that, I walked around the city with my Swiss Army knife in my hand. I have no idea what I actually would've done with it if someone else had tried to attack me, but it made me feel a sliver of control over the situation and it helped me get over my fear. What I had forgotten was how crazy my Swedish friend thought I was for walking with a knife. Or at least, I didn't realize just how crazy she thought I was until she brought it up again last night, that thinking about me with a gun brought back memories of me walking the streets with a one and a half inch blade. Apparently something that barely registered in my brain today was seared, seared in hers.
I told my husband about this last night, and he said, "Wait, let me get this straight, she thought you were dangerous and crazy because you wanted to protect yourself from being raped?"
I explained to my friend that while we disagree on lots of issues -- death penalty, health care, etc -- the Gun Issue is so cultural that we typical Americans and Europeans will never begin to understand each other. We can't even talk about the issue because we're coming at it with completely different cultural baggage. She says that guns create violence; I say they deter it. No common ground.
After we got off the phone, I thought for a long time about our conversation. She can't read my blog; it makes her sick to her stomach. She's against everything I stand for, and vice versa. I'm not mad about that: if she had a blog, I wouldn't want to read it either! But I started to think about the fact that we are friends with each other despite our value systems. That we set aside everything we think about the world and everything we believe to be right in order to remain friends.
She thinks blogging is weird, that it's odd I would bare my soul to strangers on the internet. I kinda think it's weird that I've been friends for nine years with someone I have no common ground with.
UPDATE:
Oda Mae is right: This is a friend who would drop everything to take me to a hospital. She even said that she would fly to the US to meet my future baby. She is a good friend. Maybe that's equally important to the equation as our values.
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1
Sarah,
That is strange to me as well. It seems as though the older I get, I am increasingly intolerable of others "with different values".
The great thing the internet has afforded me, is the ability to be friends with like minded people. I know longer have to be friends with the lady across the street, because she is available....
I can be a little choosier.
I call you friend, and would love to spend the day out shooting with you.
BTW, have you introduced your Swedish friend the the world of gun-bloggers? Boy, she might just go crazy if she read Mr. Kim
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at October 16, 2007 04:43 AM (bpXtT)
2
I've got some liberal friends. We just don't talk about politics...most of the time.
Posted by: tim at October 16, 2007 04:54 AM (nno0f)
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One of my best friends is extremely liberal. And not only that, but she is also extremely opinionated.
It is hard, but I guess I value other parts of our friendship more than her politics. So we just don't talk about it... because I just might strangle her, haha. Not really, but it can be hard to disagree with someone so much that you talk to so much.
Posted by: Kasey at October 16, 2007 05:06 AM (tttDj)
4
Tim, but isn't politics a reflection of your values, and therefore your self? I have spent nine years easily talking to my friend about her boyfriend woes or the big events in life (moving, vacations, etc), but we can't really get deeper than that without clashing. And while we always do it in a respectful and intellectual way -- we don't fight about issues, we discuss -- but it still sometimes seems odd to me. We have completely different definitions of words like responsibility, honor, courage, duty. Doesn't that make for a superficial friendship?
I'm just musing here, I don't have the answer. And I am not wanting to cut her out of my life either. I just am struck by how odd this seems to me.
Posted by: Sarah at October 16, 2007 05:09 AM (TWet1)
5
I have superficial friendships in one respect - we can't talk about things that are important to us and agree, like politics. But even though that is the case, I know that if I had to get to the Hospital, or some other crisis where I needed them, they would come. Maybe it's like that for you and this friend - you don't agree on core issues, but her loyalty to you as a friend makes the friendship meaningful, no matter the differences.
Posted by: Oda Mae at October 16, 2007 05:48 AM (6zvrq)
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I have a couple of friends that sit on the total other side of the road that I do, on most all issues and thoughts. We are friends for reasons other than the things we do not agree on and that is ok. Maybe strange, but still ok in my book.
They also think I am totally weird for loving to shoot (that is just one topic where they think I am weird) and the fact that I actually 'allow' guns in my home with children living here. Yes, they are locked in a safe, I am no dummy. But, I.Like.Guns.
I was raised with them in my house, they are a hobby in one regard. I learned to use them at an early age for protection and hunting. As will my children. I guess that makes me a redneck, but I will be a redneck forever if that means I can feel safe and keep my guns!!
I'll go back to my crazy woman cave now
Posted by: LMT at October 16, 2007 06:58 AM (4VnXA)
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My Pop had a farm, and there were always guns everywhere when I was growing up. No gun safe, either. Leaning against the wall by the back door, something I would NEVER do. However, with four grandchildren and 8000 other kids tramping through the house constantly, there was never so much as an accidental nicking of someone's carotid artery.
Despite that, I spent from my high school graduation in 1992 until 9/11 being vehemently anti-gun, my reasoning was that a gun has no other reason but to kill something, and I wanted no part of that.
It's funny how feeling attacked will make you suddenly glad Pop taught you how to handle firearms. I decided that I would NOT be a victim, and I would NEVER be victimized by my own acquiescence. I even have a scary looking dog (who spoons people in his spare time)!
I use a great book for teaching my kids American history - it's called The Landmark History of the American People. What I love about it is that it is the perfect supplement to "regular" history books that give the dates and times of major events. It describes the American people and spirit - with insight like describing the fact that the Puritans were certainly pessimists, but they were enthusiastic pessimists.
I have to say, I read the book on my own.
Anyway, it devotes a considerable amount of time to describing the differences between the American Spirit and the European spirit and why those differences evolved.
**sorry for the thesis...
Posted by: airforcewife at October 16, 2007 09:36 AM (emgKQ)
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Sarah,
“Doesn't that make for a superficial friendship?”
I suppose your right but is that a bad thing in general? Also, this could easily digress into a debate about semantics and what constitutes a true friend versus someone you just know and how those two things are so individualistically subjective. (For example, I’ve always felt so uncomfortable when someone introduces me as their friend when I’m thinking “Ah, no we're not”).
Thinking about it further maybe these friends are not friends in the classic sense, maybe more like acquaintances. The true friends I discuss serious issues and have many of those things you mentioned in common IÂ’ve known for thirty years or more. These friends know me well and know how I feel about things and vice-versa, while being on the same page the majority of the time.
Also related and something that fascinates me immensely is how total opposites like James Carville & Mary Matlin can not only be good friends but a loving husband and wife.
Posted by: tim at October 16, 2007 11:04 AM (nno0f)
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It fascinates me immensely that ANYONE could find James Carville attractive and loveable.
Posted by: airforcewife at October 16, 2007 12:58 PM (emgKQ)
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"It fascinates me immensely that ANYONE could find James Carville attractive and loveable."
LOL
Posted by: tim at October 17, 2007 05:11 AM (nno0f)
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I think it's cool that you guys can be so open about the fact that you have no common ground, yet find enough reasons to remain friends (beside the fact that she's just so damn adorable).
Posted by: Erin at October 18, 2007 01:31 PM (XRza7)
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Loyalty, especially when coupled with reliability, can go a long way towards building a friendship.
As a born-and-raised New Yorker, joining the Army exposed me to a greater variety of people on intimate terms than any other experience in my life. One of the people I met - in AIT - was someone who, as a stereotype (I'll let you guess which one), I never would have imagined buddying up with. He was incredibly loyal and, despite our differences, I valued his friendship on that basis. I just hope I gave him as much as he gave me. Unfortunately, we lost touch after AIT, as happens often to Army friendships with PCS, but it was a lesson learned about relationships.
Posted by: Eric Chen at October 20, 2007 05:03 PM (7X1rW)
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A man is trying a very unusual way to propose to his girlfriend. He wants people to forward an email to as many people as possible and he hopes that it will eventually get to his girlfriend. Details here: http://www.proposal-to-mary.com
Here is what he wants people to send by email:
You could help me a lot to spread my proposal to Mary – it is important that it is distributed as widely as possible so that it eventually reaches Mary. If you would like to support my proposal to Mary, please send the following text by email to a lot of people :-)
------------- SNIP (email text end) ---------------
WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS, PLEASE HELP TO DISTRIBUTE IT TO OTHER PEOPLE!
For a long time I have tried to find a special way to propose marriage to my girlfriend Mary, whom I know for five years now. I wanted it very special, romantic and memorable, something our grandchildren would still remember.
And here is my idea: I will send out the proposal to Mary to 50 complete strangers, people I don't know - hoping, that they will forward my proposal to as many people as possible, which in turn forward it etc. And some day, I hope, it will reach Mary, after it has travelled a very long way. I know, it will take a long time and I am quite nervousÂ…
From the poem MY Mary will know immediately that the proposal is for her.
I have created a homepage ( http://www.proposal-to-mary.com ) where you can find the current status of my quest. You can use the homepage to check if the proposal has already reached Mary (in that case it is not necessary anymore to forward the mail).
Once the proposal has reached Mary, I will put a note on these pages. Also I will publish there how many people have read the proposal so that everybody can see how far it has spread and that it is getting closer to Mary.
And of course you will find there what I am waiting for most: Mary's answer! I can't tell you, how nervous I amÂ… Will she accept my proposal? Will she like the unusual way how she got it, through the hands of thousands of messengers all over the world?
Please cross your fingers for me! And please - help me by sending the mail to as many people as possible, to help it spread, so that it eventually reaches Mary.
And here is my proposal:
Mary, please forgive me, as you know English is not my native language. And I am not a poet. But I mean it from my heart.
My angel,
Five years ago, I will always remember the day When fate made us meet, blissful Alaskan moments in May Earth spun around us and a journey began Love, warmth, happiness, enough the years to span.
The longer it lasts the more grows our bond And with 80 still - of you I will be fond Whatever happens, I will stay at your side Through good and bad, together let us stride
No second with you was ever wasted
You are the sweetest I have ever tasted
We have spent so many years - why not a life?
Mary, will you marry me - and become my wife?
Mary, if you have received that and have recognized me, then give me a sign so that I can continue with the romantic part of my proposalÂ…
------------- SNIP (email text end) ---------------
Posted by: Vodeicosoge at October 23, 2007 12:45 PM (JKa0R)
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October 15, 2007
LINK
A nice snappy post from
QandO.
(Found via
RWN)
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October 14, 2007
October 12, 2007
AND YET, PEOPLE ENDURED THIS
RagingMom berates us as a country for not having any
patience:
Some years ago, I had a conversation with a friend of mine, a World War II veteran, in which he described his decision to put the cow-milking business on hiatus to enlist in the Marine Corps. He would leave town on the train to Chicago and not come home for over three years.
Can you imagine that? Better yet, can you imagine being his mother, never once getting to even speak to him in three years? Three years, waiting day to day for casualty lists to be published, for the awful sight of two uniformed men on your porch, never knowing where your child is or if he is alive, or whole.
The headlines wouldnÂ’t have helped.
WAR CABINET READY FOR LONG WAR: WILL WIN AT ALL COSTS
And yet, people endured this. Even when MacArthur abandoned the Philippines, the failure of Operation Market Garden, the horrible casualties in the Ardennes and Iwo Jima, even when it was not clear at all that we were winning this war, one thing had to be clear: that we could not afford to lose it, either.
And this perspective from someone who will soon have all three of her sons in Iraq.
We are indeed an instant gratification culture. I want a baby right now. People want to graduate from college and have the house of their dreams and two new cars right away. We want the war to be over right now. I find it to be one of the worst American habits. We all need to get over this feeling; not everything can be fast-food style.
I have been working on it myself a lot lately. Patience. Long term perspective.
Kudos to RagingMom; she has perspective in spades.
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1
Waiting...
I waited 10 years to get living room furniture, 20 years to get bedroom furniture, 28 years to get a car I actually enjoy driving, 3 months to get a freakin' address from my son since he deployed... I'm still waiting to be able to travel and see some of the places I've always longed to go in my life.
As you can see - I've never had the luxury of instant gratification. So when people talk about "I want this now" I don't get it. Having had to wait and work for everything in my life - always knowing "I can't do this now", I find myself biting my tongue constantly to keep the sharp retort from popping out of my mouth. :-)
Oh, and Raging Mom was wrong about one thing - during WW2 - you didn't get uniformed people at your door to inform you of the loss of a soldier. You got a telegram. The soldiers at your door - that's a modern day occurrence.
Posted by: Teresa at October 12, 2007 09:06 AM (rVIv9)
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Sarah- thank you for your comment!
Teresa- I know you are right about that; for some reason I had that scene from Saving Private Ryan in my head. Research pays off!
Posted by: Raging Mom at October 12, 2007 11:43 AM (l+Chn)
3
"And this perspective from someone who will soon have all three of her sons in Iraq".
Whoa, a Thank You doesn't seem to cut it.
Posted by: tim at October 12, 2007 12:30 PM (nno0f)
4
Yeah waiting would be well and good if the Iraq adventure were necessary to begin with. I said 5 frigging years ago, that I foresaw one of two eventualities : 1) If Iraq had the chem weapons we alleged, they would be used, and the casualties would be enormous. 2) If the chem/bio weapon's weren't there we would lose whatever moral authority we thought we had, and would look like jack asses to the world. Guess which one came true. This is not the America I grew up believing in that is for damned sure.
Posted by: BubbaBoBobBrain at October 12, 2007 02:07 PM (BR9zA)
5
Herman Wouk provided an interesting fictional view of frustrating times during WWII,
here.
Posted by: david foster at October 12, 2007 07:57 PM (rmlhc)
6
As I look back(there's that damned hindsight, again), I cannot comprehend, being a Mother, of a soldier, in wars of the past. I know with email, messenger, and all the 5am phone calls, we can communicate with our "kids", in the warzone(s),
Posted by: debey at October 13, 2007 08:08 AM (phnCO)
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I read Winds of War and War and Remembrance during both of hubby's deployments because the agony that accompanied doing one's duty so rang home to me. We do what we have to do, and it's called "duty" and not "fun"because we have to do it no matter what.
I think those books should be required reading for all military spouses, and most of the general population of America.
Posted by: airforcewife at October 14, 2007 11:10 AM (emgKQ)
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Got to jump back in with this one.
It's been four years.
That's more than patience.
That's out right surrender to a notion that those like me wanted no part of.
War. Good God.
Posted by: WIll at October 14, 2007 06:13 PM (0Yps+)
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Gee Will, I bet thinking about how long weÂ’ve been in Japan, Germany & Kosavo keeps you up at night.
So you didnÂ’t want us to go into Iraq and now four years later you proclaim your impatience. No, sorry donÂ’t believe yaÂ’. Your patience never existed to begin with so itÂ’s a moot point.
BTW, you unwittingly make the original point.
Â…what is it good for? Absolutly nothing Â…except ending slavery, fascism, Nazism & communism, but other than thatÂ…
Posted by: tim at October 15, 2007 12:24 PM (nno0f)
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I really enjoyed that article. Patience. working on it...
Posted by: wendy at October 15, 2007 06:51 PM (56tHP)
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"We'll be greeted as liberators."
You can't blame Americans for lacking patience without blaming the Bush administration for telling people to expect a short and easy war.
Posted by: Pericles at October 23, 2007 03:52 PM (eKf5G)
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When will the US Military step in and solve its own serious problem - the aspiring dictatorship of the bUSH administration.
Posted by: Will at October 24, 2007 10:42 PM (0Yps+)
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HAND-CRAFTED COMFORT
Butterfly Wife is the queen of sending cards to the wounded at Landstuhl. She has already contributed 457 cards. I completely lay myself at her feet. She says writing the cards is like
chanting a mantra. I too have found a troop-related activity that makes me feel this way.
All these squares will be sent along to Hand-Crafted Comfort to be made into afghans for the wounded. I am on a roll. I made all the blue ones on the plane to Hawaii, and my goal is to make a whole afghan's worth of the autumn-themed ones: 70 total. I'm a tenth of the way there.
And yes, they're crochet. Don't judge me.
Oh, and by the way, this is hilarious. Butterfly Wife was asking for suggestions for songs to listen to during deployment. Someone mentioned "Right Here Waiting For You." Then BW's husband shows up in the comments section and says
No Richard Marx sweetie. We both don't need PTSD.
Bwahahahaha.
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Wow, what a cool idea to just make squares. That's a great way to get people involved who feel overwhelmed about making a whole blanket themselves. Plus a great way to use up yarn that's left-over from another project.
In case there are others who read this and are interested, I managed to dig up a link from Google. Is the contact info there correct?
http://www.laureloutlook.com/articles/2007/10/04/other_news/community%20news/11soldiers.txt
And here's the Blankets of Hope link as well:
http://soldiersangels.org/ index.php?page=blankets-of-hope
I'm currently making this afghan in a very manly red.
http://pumamouse.com/crochetmyfavorite.html
Posted by: loquita at October 12, 2007 07:56 AM (kZVsz)
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Wow! My hands hurt thinking about all that crocheting. But they'd be warm under that afghan! That is a really pretty blue, btw.
I've heard lots of people mention the calming effects of knitting. Glad to hear that it does something like that for you.
And Jack Bauer thinks he is funny; good thing he is cute.
Thanks for the links.
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 12, 2007 08:09 AM (+2qii)
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I'm cracking up at the Richard Marx reference! That's awesome!
I crochet, you know. It's the little old lady in me coming out.
Posted by: airforcewife at October 12, 2007 08:41 AM (emgKQ)
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Loquita -- Nice work on finding the link! I included it now. Heather is working on a website for the group as we speak, and I plan to feature it on SpouseBuzz soon. Heather's a frequent commenter there, and a friend of mine in real life.
airforcewife -- Wanna make squares?
Posted by: Sarah at October 12, 2007 08:47 AM (TWet1)
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Searching is one of my geek talents. I am the person who runs and gets the laptop so I can Google something the family is talking about sitting around the dinner table. :-p
Oh, and I meant to comment on your earlier post about crocheting during a long flight. You should've seen the looks I got crocheting on a flight when I was in high school. It was especially funny when my ball of yarn (I always roll every skein into a ball before I use it) went rolling down the aisle to the back of the plane.
Can't wait to see the website for Hand-Crafted Comforts - count me in.
Posted by: loquita at October 12, 2007 09:44 AM (XiVKO)
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I *just* heard that Richard Marx song yesterday after not hearing it in ... many years. Weird. I didn't have any flashbacks, thank goodness.
Posted by: Anwyn at October 12, 2007 11:43 AM (dzxw9)
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I don't judge... I crochet too. Thinking of taking up knitting, but I'll need a job first to pay for needles and a book. Now I know what to do with all those scrap granny squares I've made! Only a few are so wacky that I wouldn't send them in.
Posted by: Green at October 12, 2007 02:14 PM (VqW06)
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October 11, 2007
I BORE ARMS TODAY
My husband organized a surprise for my birthday. He'd been cooking it up since July, and although I was really curious about what he was planning, I didn't really try to guess it. And he managed to make it a real surprise in the end.
He took me to exercise my rights.
We have been talking about purchasing a firearm since we got back from Germany. So when we drove up to the place, I figured we were going shopping. That's when he told me that this place had its own firing range. I'm sure my face looked like most women would look if they were offered a shoe shopping spree. Better, in fact.
I had never fired a weapon before. I'd never even been around firearms before; the first time I ever saw one up close was the day my husband deployed. (Seriously, I was so retarded that when my husband gave me tips, a few times I thought "Hey, I know that from CSI:Miami.") I must admit it was a bit intimidating. I had to keep reminding myself that bullets can't just explode on their own, and a revolver with the cylinder open can't really hurt you. That may sound silly to experienced marksmen, but it's an unsettling feeling for a novice. Someone who's accomplished with firearms handles them with confidence and ease, while an idiot like me wanted to hold it like it was an egg and hide behind the partition while my husband was loading it.
We rented a Smith & Wesson revolver and an XD 9mm. My husband gave me some pointers and showed me how to handle the revolver first. As I aimed for the target's chest, I savored the moment of taking my first shot. And didn't really hit the chest. I am not very good at aiming yet, and I wasn't expecting the spark of flame that accompanies the shot. And the noise. But I improved a little as we made our way through the box of ammo and became a bit more confident.
The 9mm was a different story though. My husband originally said that we might want to consider buying a revolver. In my stupid mind, I thought that a revolver wasn't sexy enough. Who wants a revolver when they could have a 9mm? Um, I do. Holy crap, the kick on that thing was absurd. Apparently knitting muscles are not the same ones as firearm muscles! I had the hardest time keeping the danged thing from jumping four inches every time I fired it. I could barely even aim the thing, just hope for the best that I was at least hitting the silhouette somewhere.
We didin't buy anything tonight, but I think I'm leaning towards a revolver. Maybe I'll graduate to that 9mm once I have more practice.
So my husband, who barely remembers to get me a birthday card most years, came through with flying colors. It was a genuine surprise, and one that made me feel giddy inside to be an American. Especially since I just read Bill Whittle's Freedom again the other day:
Once the Second Amendment goes, the First will soon follow, because if some unelected elite determines that the people can't be trusted with dangerous guns, then it's just a matter of time until they decide they can't be trusted with dangerous ideas, either. Dangerous ideas have killed many millions more people than dangerous handguns -- listen to the voices from the Gulag, the death camps, and all the blood-soaked killing fields through history.
The Framers, in their wisdom, put the 2nd Amendment there to give teeth to the revolutionary, unheard-of idea that the power rests with We The People. They did not depend on good will or promises. They made sure that when push came to shove, we'd be the ones doing the pushing and shoving, not the folks in Washington.
However, as we arrived and walked towards the range, I got a funny smile on my face. I told a lot of people that my husband had a surprise for me today. My friend from Sweden. My aunt. The little old ladies from my knitting circle. Are they going to all freak out if I tell them the truth about what my husband organized for my birthday? It's even more intense than that year he introduced me to his tank.
So I made the leap to Grown Up today. And I also made the leap to 2nd Amendment practitioner. Big day.
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OH what a wonderful birthday! Yay for your husband. And yes, it's very very hard to hold a pistol out there.
We live about an hour away from Smith and Wesson headquarters. We took young son out there to shoot while he was home on leave. I had fired a .22 rifle before, but never a pistol. Pistols are much harder.
I stuck with the .22 revolver for that time. I want to try out some others too, but haven't gotten to it yet. If you can find a range that let's you rent different types of guns, check out as many as you can. Stay small until you get your aim and build some muscle then move up.
I will admit I like rifles better than pistols, they are much easier to aim. *grin* Anyhow, I'm so glad you had fun!
Posted by: Teresa at October 11, 2007 04:58 PM (rVIv9)
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My wife owns a S&W Model 66 .357 Magnum because my Model 629 was too heavy for her. Okay, she prefers to shoot .38's only and that's fine with me.
Nothing wrong with revolvers.
Funny thing, when we first met, my wife was ambivilent towards firearms. As often happens, an incident occurred and she came to me asking if she could have her own.
I have taught my daughters about basic firearms safety. They didn't see a reason for it but I know that someday they will be somewhere that some knucklehead will leave a firearm laying about. I want them to know how to unload it and make it safe instead of fretting about it.
Stay safe!
Posted by: R1 at October 11, 2007 05:00 PM (b8byF)
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Sarah - sounds good - revolver is the type of gun; 9mm is the caliber - you could theoretically have a 9mm revolver although I can't think of one off the top of my head.
MB6 has a Browning Buckmark in .22 so you can get autos with little boom - but 9mm is a pretty mild shoot - which is why I like it - Glock 19 baby - and don't look back.
Posted by: Badger 6 at October 11, 2007 07:55 PM (PJY33)
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Congratulations Sarah. I had the same experience my 1st time with a revolver. Nobody told me there'd be fire coming out the sides of a .357!
Posted by: annika at October 11, 2007 08:34 PM (z/p/l)
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Happy Birthday!
What a sweetie you have! Go 2nd Amendment!
Posted by: wendy at October 11, 2007 09:14 PM (56tHP)
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Smith and Wesson revolver...Now that's my kind of gun (you can't go wrong with one of those)!
I want to give Russ a huge hug and a high five! Man, he totally exceeded my expectations!
I'm glad you had a good time...
Posted by: Erin at October 12, 2007 03:15 AM (XRza7)
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Crap. I just said his name. I just realized that. Hell, shoot me.
Posted by: Erin at October 12, 2007 03:17 AM (XRza7)
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I am glad that you had a good birthday! A trip to the shooting range would be high on my list of good days.
I don't currently have a handgun, but I do enjoy shooting my rifle. It was a gift from my husband when we were dating. And our dates would be to the range, lol. I do hope to get my concealed carry license sometimes within the next year as well.
I think it is always a good thing to know how to shoot a gun.
Posted by: Kasey at October 12, 2007 05:19 AM (tttDj)
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A happy birthday.
A few years back my wife expressed interest in exercising her Second Amendment right and we bought a Ruger .22 single action revolver. It is about perfect for learning with - low cost ammo, no recoil, simple to operate, and pretty accurate.
Eldest daughter expressed interest upon her 21st birthday. Wife took her to the range and instructed her with that same little revolver. Although she liked shooting her circumstances have not encouraged her to continue. None-the-less, I feel better that she has had the experience, and learned proper practice.
Younger daughter came home from a camping trip with tales of shooting nutria and drinking beer at night (not her, but some with her). Even though she had no interest, she was hauled to the range for proper instruction/indoctrination. Can't have her learning from a bunch of idiots.
Posted by: Glenmore at October 12, 2007 06:25 AM (4uNp+)
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Sounds like you had a great time. I too had never been around guns until I meet my husband. The first time I shot one I was so stunned by the noise and flashes and the shells flying and everything. I almost started crying. But I knew this was important to Jack Bauer so it was going to be important to me too. Years later, I am still a novice. Maybe we can go shooting when he comes home on leave.
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 12, 2007 08:16 AM (+2qii)
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Happy birthday and congrats on your trip to the range!
I have to agree with Badger 6 on the Glocks. My sweetie surprised me with a 27 (.40 caliber) for my birthday last year and I love it. He gets quite a kick out of seeing his little moonbat shoot. My biggest problem is that I have so much fun that I laugh, which tends to scare people.
Welcome to the Shootin' Sisterhood! :-)
Posted by: Bette at October 12, 2007 08:42 AM (ICdbF)
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From one Gun Nut to another, welcome to the gun smoke club.
If you love revolvers, and wand a great one, get one that fits your hands, has some heft but not too heavy (more mass = less recoil), might want to look at one with vents/compensator near the front sight (again a recoil reduction thing (but more noise/flames (flames fun in a dark range (insert evil laugh here))), I would also recommend that you get a Magnum caliber but start of on the sub caliber with target loads. For example a .357mag but shooting 38spl wad cutters, or a .44mag shooting 44spl wad cutters.
I would get you the same thing I got my wife for her 24th birthday, in our case a Ruger SP101 and she loved it. With out a doubt the best thing I ever got here. Nothing says I love you like a way to empower others to defend them selfÂ’s.
Posted by: dagamore at October 12, 2007 08:52 AM (pMuuE)
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I'd only fired BB guns and shotguns before I fired my first pistol. I have to admit to being as nervous as you were, because the range was LOUD, even with the ear protection, and the list of rules was so long, I was afraid I was going to forget one of them and end up hurting myself.
I'm still not a huge fan of pistols or rifles, mainly because I haven't handled them that much and they're not as fun to shoot as my pump-action Winchester Defender, which I take to the skeet range.
It's a little too short to shoot skeet, but it's so darn fun to shoot!
And I feel very secure having it at home, because I can shoot from the shoulder or the hip, and it can double as a club if I need it to. Also, the sound of the pump (which is pretty intimidating) is considered a warning shot in Washington state. If an intruder hears the pump and keeps coming, I am within my right to follow through.
I thought about these things a lot while Sweetie was deployed ... just in case. It made me feel more secure in my house.
Posted by: deltasierra at October 12, 2007 09:12 AM (woXks)
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What a terrific hubby, and a great present! I know exactly what you mean about holding a pistol/revolver out there - my hubby's .357 has 4 interchangeable barrels. When the 8" barrel is in place, the thing weighs a ton! We generally keep the 6" on it instead, and it is still heavier than my .357 - they're just built differently. For ease of use, I prefer pistols - but a revolver will never jam on you.
And for sheer fun, I have a sweet little .22 pistol that is great for plinking at precision targets. Not that I am great at it, but it's just fun to shoot!
Our range has a ladies night where all 'rentals' are free to the women. So I can go and try out any handgun I want to, and just have to buy the ammo. Check at your range for something like that. The other option we have all the time is one-price rentals for all the same caliber. So I can try out all of the 9mm handguns in stock at the range all night long, for instance.
One piece of advice. It's tempting to try for a lighter gun, because it's easier to hold your arm out there. BUT - typically a lighter one will buck more, so a heavier one stays more solid as you fire. It's a trade off that you'll have to figure out.
Have fun :-)
Posted by: Barb at October 12, 2007 09:37 AM (QOeYI)
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I have always found the HK USP compact in 9mm work well for me in protecting America. Happy Birthday. I'd say more but dammit, there's no time.
Posted by: Jack Bauer at October 12, 2007 10:05 AM (Kyuwr)
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hell........the .357 revolver is the only gun in the safe i know how to load!! And I can "hit" with it, if I HAVE to!! It's probably, because I've had some bad expierences with guns, in a ''closed chapter of my life'',that I really do not care for guns, nor do I want to be around them....that doesn't matter/bother my husband, nor my children/daughter......Di Jo tells one hellva story, about the scratches, in her brother's(Gunnar) shotgun, which involved a 4 wheeler, a gravel road,(spotlighting @ midnight,) a bump(at about 50 mph, i'd imagine),gun falling to gravel, and accidental discharge, and one of several ''close calls'', where life, death, and ''fun'' with her brother were all descriptive words, used in the same sentence.
And you must imagine this....as a wedding gift, my husband gave his baby girl a deer rifle!!!
When I sent you birthday wishes, yesterday, I'dda never THUNK it!!!I'm glad you got to go, and shoot, hopefully to your hearts content......
Posted by: debey at October 12, 2007 01:22 PM (phnCO)
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When you make your gun decision, get something that you are comfortable with. 3.80, 9mm, .45, even a .22 magnum (its what I have, actually), the caliber almost doesn't matter. Just as long as it doesn't break your wrist when you pull the trigger, and it feels good in your hand.
And practice!
Posted by: Deskmerc at October 12, 2007 02:17 PM (Ho1gG)
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Isn't it FUN?? Just wait till you graduate to a .45!! And RIFLES! MAN I love rifles!
Posted by: Green at October 12, 2007 02:22 PM (VqW06)
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My now hubby bought me a Ruger GPS 100 .357 revolver as a welcome to the USA gift, shortly before our wedding.
We went to a gun shop - alas, no local range - and tried out every pistol they had until we found one that sat just right in my hand.
And after the first trip out to the "farm" for a bit of shooting at trees, we went t a gun show and picked up one box of every type of ammo the revolver could shoot. .357 has a kick. 38 special wadcutters, on the other hand, have barely any kick at all, and my aim is best with those.
Now if only we could find a local range that was less than 90 minutes drive away.
Posted by: Eowyn at October 13, 2007 09:24 AM (0Ozff)
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30 GOING ON 13
I swear, the older I get, the less I look my age.
The most vivid birthday I remember from my past was turning 13. I was so excited, because I was going to be a Teenager, by golly. I had made it to another stage of my life.
Today I also feel like I'm hitting a new stage. I'm a Grown Up today.
Somebody needs to tell my hair...
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Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at October 11, 2007 06:45 AM (Ijp/q)
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Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Teresa at October 11, 2007 06:51 AM (rVIv9)
Posted by: Butterfly Wife at October 11, 2007 07:00 AM (+2qii)
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Happy Birthday, Sarah! May your birthday wish(es)come true!
love ya,
debey
Posted by: debey at October 11, 2007 07:00 AM (KMolg)
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Happy Birthday, Sarah!
Posted by: pam at October 11, 2007 07:04 AM (l6NIn)
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Happy Birthday you whipper snapper you!!!
30?!?! Oh what I wouldn't give.......
Enjoy. The day, the year, everything!!!
Posted by: Tammi at October 11, 2007 07:14 AM (xYhVQ)
Posted by: ~Jack~ at October 11, 2007 07:52 AM (fAJYM)
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Have you seen the birthday girl, the birthday girl, the birthday girl; have you seen the birthday girl who lives on ????? Drive? Yes, I've seen the birthday girl, the birthday girl...
Thirty years ago today I remember lying in a Tulsa hospital, waiting for the doctor to wash his hands so I could push! It was taking him forever, and I was ready to fly out of that bed and strangle him! But then you were born--a beautiful, teeny, tiny 6 lb. baby girl--and it was wonderful. I'm now your age times two, but I remember every detail as if it were yesterday.
Lots of hugs and kisses on your birthday.
Love you,
Mama
Posted by: nancy at October 11, 2007 07:54 AM (m84zM)
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I knew your birthday was coming up but couldn't remember the exact date. My mom reminded me this past weekend
. Thanks for posting the picture. That's just the Sarah I remember! And just remember, 30 isn't always grown up, "grown up" is a state of mind.
Posted by: Kate at October 11, 2007 08:12 AM (FmdP4)
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"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." Chili Davis
Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Lemon Stand at October 11, 2007 08:19 AM (lBFL9)
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生日快樂! (Grattis pÃ¥ födelsedagen!)
Posted by: Amritas at October 11, 2007 08:30 AM (+nV09)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope whatever you wish for when you blow out your candles comes true.
Posted by: mare at October 11, 2007 08:31 AM (3UyGi)
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My hair is longer than yours! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Green at October 11, 2007 10:24 AM (VqW06)
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Sarah - Hope you have a great day! Happy Birthday.
Posted by: keri at October 11, 2007 10:26 AM (l3uZP)
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Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Kasey at October 11, 2007 11:07 AM (tttDj)
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Woohoo! Happy Birthday!
I'll be turning 30 in March, so it's good to know I can continue on my merry road of childish fun, 'cause someone done blazed it ahead of me!
Posted by: deltasierra at October 11, 2007 11:31 AM (woXks)
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Happy 30th....ATWM sent me over to see how absolutely young you DO look! Amazing. Wish I had that secret power!
Posted by: Linda at October 11, 2007 01:03 PM (PKM2P)
Posted by: Reasa at October 11, 2007 02:23 PM (JfF5d)
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Happy &c - A friend cheered me up on my 30th with this observation: "in 40 months you'll be 33 and a third" (Well, made more sense in the days of LPs)
Posted by: jc at October 11, 2007 03:27 PM (A8u7K)
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Happy Birthday S!
Now..what did Charlie do for your big day?
Posted by: MaryIndiana at October 11, 2007 03:31 PM (KCXc5)
Posted by: dutchgirl at October 11, 2007 05:48 PM (P2o4r)
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A belated happy birthday... Oh, just so you know, pre-30, I was always the early girl. Post 40 - well, if I am within a reasonable (defined by me, of course) timeframe, the late is the new on time! So perhaps this doesn't count as late - it's your birthday weekend!!!
Posted by: jck at October 12, 2007 04:58 AM (jQVQ+)
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Happy birthday! Shooting guns sounds like a great way to spend it!
Posted by: Anwyn at October 12, 2007 11:49 AM (dzxw9)
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Belated Happy Birthday greetings! Hope you had fun at the shooting range.
Posted by: Patrick Chester at October 12, 2007 03:31 PM (MKaa5)
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Well, better late than never - happy birthday!
Tomorrow, I'm going on 40, not 30, so I'm not wild about that...
BTW, don't be depressed about it either. You are gorgeous.
Posted by: John Rohan at October 15, 2007 12:03 PM (XrWan)
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October 09, 2007
PATRIOTISM AS PATRIMONY
There's too much going on in this Winds of Change post to even excerpt. Suffice it to say that I've kept it open on my desktop all day and followed all of his links. It's chock full of stuff to grok.
Patriotism Rears Its Head Yet Again
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