December 19, 2006
HOUSE
So here's the latest. The showers had some sort of child-proof anti-scalding contraption, but someone went way overboard with it. So instead of anti-scalding, it became anti-warm. Plumber came out and it's fixed; thank heavens because it was my third day without a shower! Dishwasher is fixed too, so now we can start washing all these dishes that have been in boxes since Germany. I'm still sitting on a folding chair in front of the TV, but we should find a solution to that today. Oh, and the brakes went out on our car, so that was another fun activity to pass the time.
All in all, I can't complain. Except for the fact that we spent about a thousand dollars today. And we still have bedsheets tacked over the windows.
Posted by: Sarah at
12:23 PM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 133 words, total size 1 kb.
1
As friend of mine often reminds me: Tragedy
divided by time equals comedy.
Sorry that your sweet Charlie is so distressed.
Remind him he's Army now!
Merry Christmas to all three of you.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at December 19, 2006 05:11 PM (V5Xp/)
2
I just did this too and my dog went on a hunger strike. After taking her to the vet we find out that she is just a drama queen.
And I still can't find my yarn.
Posted by: mare at December 19, 2006 05:18 PM (Oc90P)
3
Hey Sarah,
I am so excited for you and Erin! By the way the house is beautiful. I know it is a crazy time and I have been out of the loop, but I will call you today!
Love ya and miss ya , Kelly
Posted by: Kelly at December 19, 2006 07:52 PM (X9Y6g)
4
so glad you are in and getting settled. Welcome to the world of home ownership. A land where $1000 gets spent, and is almost unnoticable...
I hope the weather stays nice.
oh and send me photos!!
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at December 20, 2006 03:49 AM (oSNDT)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 17, 2006
UPDATE
We're here.
We're a day late on internet connection due to a busted ethernet card, but now we're back in the saddle. Oh, and we've also discovered that our dishwasher is somehow not hooked up to any sort of water supply, and our shower doesn't have any hot water. And none of our furniture can fit through the doorway into our rec room. It's been a busy and fairly annoying two days.
But it's eight days before Christmas and the temps are still in the 70s. So we're lovin' that.
Also Charlie is completely freaked out by the move. He won't leave our side, which is unusual for the dog who hates to be touched. But he spent the first day walking around the house crying, so at least we're past that.
Five moves in four and a half years of marriage. Sheesh.
Posted by: Sarah at
12:48 PM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 145 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Wow. I can sort of empathize. In one two year stretch I moved in with my fiance, started a new career, got married, bought a house and had a child. Of course at no time was there the possibility of anyone shooting at either one of us.
And at no time did we have dry clean only dishes!
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at December 17, 2006 01:44 PM (Z3kjO)
2
Each house you own from now on will be an adventure of "what's wrong with this one". I'm so glad you're all in. I hope you can stay there a while.
No hot water in the shower... OMG - that's nearly a deal breaker - I'm hoping for your sake it's easily fixed.
In any case things should start to settle down now. We'll make that the Christmas wish for you two.
Posted by: Teresa at December 18, 2006 07:25 PM (gsbs5)
3
I feel your pain. We just PCS and I don't think one thing has gone right since we moved in. But we are all here for the holidays so that is a blessing. I hope you enjoy your holidays in your new home.
Posted by: K at December 19, 2006 04:13 AM (EkEwP)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 05, 2006
63 MORE THINGS
When I wrote my 100 Things post, some guy commented that I was narcissistic for talking about myself so much. I cracked up, because isn't that the very point of a 100 Things post? I found a post on Keeping the Faith at Fort Carson called
63 Things You Never Cared to Know About Me. If you really don't care, skip it. If you want, read the extended entry.
more...
Posted by: Sarah at
11:12 AM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 1446 words, total size 8 kb.
1
I liked these questions...
and you should have told him "he" was the narcisist for thinking you would give a !@#$ about what "he" had to say...
HA
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at December 05, 2006 06:58 PM (GzzGi)
2
I loved this one:
10) Would you move for the person you loved? Sure. How 'bout next week?
Oh, and I love San Antonio too...
Posted by: Andi at December 06, 2006 08:11 AM (OzAse)
3
*some* guy should get over himself! Nobody held a gun to his head and made him read. If you want to read, go ahead.....if you don't go away. It's just rude when people go to blogs like ours and leave insulting comments. On the other hand, over at my blog, there is a guy who cracks wise. However, I gave birth to him 25 years ago and have to suck it up.
Posted by: Maggie at December 06, 2006 05:25 PM (A5SFX)
4
#63 Please don't bury me is one of my favorite songs to play. It always makes people laugh.
Posted by: Titan Mk6B at December 08, 2006 11:43 AM (Xpukq)
5
So I'm sitting here in SA visiting my son and his wife. She has just started chemo for breast cancer, the temperature is very low, it just sleeted a while ago, and we are doing what we can to help the cause.
I wish it would snow. Christmas before last we had snow in Rockport, 8 inches of the miracle stuff for us.
Anyway I can relate to some of your answers, like the sheets thing. I used to think we should have a lending or rental library for sheets and dinnerware. I like variety. No one has room in a linen closet or china closet for all the patterns I would like to have.
And the cell phone. I can always hear mine beeping, it says "feed me,feed me,"so I get up and pad into the kitchen, a long walk from my bedroom, and plug the thing in!
I count my blessing though, at my age some people can't hear well enough to worry about a hungry cell phone.
Posted by: Ruth H at December 08, 2006 02:40 PM (eWQeg)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 04, 2006
WAITING
I'm sitting here waiting for the movers to show up. Back in April, I was so stressed about the move that I started planning and packing about six weeks in advance. This time, I was so loath to go through the process again that I started packing on Saturday. Whoops. But I guess we're ready to go, as soon as the guys get here.
And I just found out that Conservative Grapevine is back in business! I loved this site because it was a great way to read blogs I'd never seen before. Check it out if you're looking for a directory of interesting blog posts.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:51 AM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 108 words, total size 1 kb.
December 01, 2006
BAMBOOZLED
AWTM is collecting
holiday cookie recipes. I have a story to go with my favorites...
I sent lots of cookies to my boys during the deployment. Usually I'd buy those bags of pre-measured stuff and send cookies down to my husband and his platoon, and also to Red6 and his guys. But one time I had to make "real" cookies for an event back home, so I set aside a few and sent a little baggie to my husband and to Red6. And I got the following letter back from Red6:
I used to be bamboozled by the Terminator paradox...you know, Reese being the father of John Connor but also being sent back by John Connor? Well, now I'm bamboozled by your cookies. How the heck did you make those? They were incredible. I couldn't figure 3 cookies 16 ways, so I ate 'em all myself.
So now we lovingly refer to these as The Terminator Cookies.
2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 ½ cups all purpose flour (sifted)
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 package Dove candies
Combine the butter, peanut butter, and sugars using a mixer on a medium to low speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Then mix in flour, salt, and baking soda. Cover and chill dough for 2-3 hours. Unwrap all the candies. Remove dough from refrigerator. Divide into 1 Tbsp balls and flatten. Place a candy in the center of each piece of dough and form the dough into a ball around the candy. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 300° F for 15-17 minutes or until tops of cookies start to crack. Let cookies cool on a baking rack or waxed paper.
Enjoy the bamboozling deliciousness.
Posted by: Sarah at
10:47 AM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 314 words, total size 2 kb.
1
Oh, I am sooo trying those!
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at December 01, 2006 11:00 AM (deur4)
2
heck I will try anything to bamboozal people at my age...and cookies are such an easy way to do it!! Thanks for playing!!
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at December 01, 2006 06:47 PM (GzzGi)
3
Girls,
I've had Sarah's Terminator cookies, and they are yummy! Other than peanut butter kisses, they are my favorites!
Sarah's Mom
Posted by: Nancy at December 02, 2006 03:30 PM (7aj08)
4
These look awesome! Thanks.
Posted by: Maggie at December 06, 2006 05:16 PM (A5SFX)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 30, 2006
AWESOME DAY
Charlie was beside himself with excitement yesterday because the house was full of people and puppies. Guess who he got to play with? The sweetest puppy on the planet...

Tim is in town for job training, so Patti came over to hang out all day yesterday and brought their brand new puppy. Charlie had so much fun, and we had fun watching them. Charlie would pounce on the puppy and then roll over on his back and pull the puppy on top of him. Hilarious. Also, he'd steal a toy from the puppy and run away with it, and then walk back up to the puppy and let her steal the toy back from him. They were too cute. And the puppy was drenched by the end of the night because Charlie kept licking her head.
And Patti learned to knit! I love teaching people to knit, especially people who get all gung-ho about it. She was very excited and plans to crank out a baby blanket before Christmas!
It was so nice to have friends over. I've been a tad lonely here since I don't have any human contact except with my husband. Patti kept apologizing for monopolizing my afternoon, as if I were pining for my normal afternoon of Law & Order reruns. It was great to have someone to hang out with, and even better to have Tim and Patti for dinner. How fun to have your dinner guest begin the meal with "So, what do you think of Amadinejad's letter?"
I wish we were moving southwesterly instead of northeasterly, because our move will only take us further from these good friends.
Whose head will Charlie lick when we leave?
Posted by: Sarah at
03:08 AM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 287 words, total size 2 kb.
1
That Charlie is one sweet puppy!So is his little friend.
Posted by: Ruth H at November 30, 2006 09:32 AM (hJW8i)
Posted by: Cindy at November 30, 2006 02:41 PM (GmiWb)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 24, 2006
THANKS
Yesterday we did the whole shebang, a turkey and all the fixins, for just the two of us. On one hand it seemed sad not to have a real Thanksgiving, but on the other hand it felt a bit silly to do the whole deal just for two. In the end, it was really nice.
Three years ago I got scolded in my comments section for complaining about slaving over an entire dinner for six people.
Last year was wonderful fun, but I think we made entirely too much food and stressed ourselves out a bit getting everything coordinated in the oven. But this year was nice in its own way. We cooked everything as time permitted, and it didn't matter if half the pecan goo spilled over the edge of the pie or the turkey took longer than expected. There was no one to impress, nor was there anyone asking when it would be done. We just ate when we were ready. It was very relaxing and nice.
And Charlie took an extreme liking to turkey. He followed us everywhere and cried all evening long as he tried desperately to knock over the trash can and get at the carcass.

(image cropped so you can't see the messy kitchen and laundry room)
Posted by: Sarah at
08:14 AM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 215 words, total size 1 kb.
1
What a precious little pup and a sweet son-in-law too!
Love,
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at November 24, 2006 07:18 PM (FstGT)
2
My dog LOVED Thanksgiving. We always had it just for "us" - which was 4 people when the kids were home (5 if you count the dog). I have a system I follow to this day, it meant we had dinner ready at about 6pm... which I like better than mid afternoon *grin*. BTW - 12 pound turkey is the smallest you can get and it only takes a little over 2 hours to cook and you'll still have tons of leftovers.
But anyhow, the giblets were for the dog (not the neck of course it has bones) but I would boil them up, cut them into pieces, and give her the liver, etc, all the soft bits. She knew she was in heaven - it was so fun to watch her eat it.
Posted by: Teresa at November 24, 2006 08:05 PM (o4pJS)
3
That pic is just great. There's nothing like a dog with a purpose------FOOD.
Posted by: toni at November 25, 2006 02:49 AM (gk4oU)
4
I love how Charlie is sitting up very straight.
Not like his slouchy devil may care poses on the
couch! I KNEW he could do it if he were properly motivated.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at November 25, 2006 12:47 PM (PDxDX)
5
The turkey carcass is in the trash? Horrors. The best part of the turkey is the soup you make afterwards. A pot of turkey stock is in my fridge awaiting the addition of picked meat, leftover veggies, seasonings and whatever else I decide to throw in this afternoon. When I'm done I will have several gallons of soup (more like stew, actually) in the freezer for good winter meals when we get home from work too tired (or not in the mood) to cook. 'Like money in the bank', my mother always said.
Posted by: Glenmore at November 26, 2006 06:32 AM (DvQNM)
6
Sorry, Glenmore, they come get our household goods in a week; we can't really lug turkey stock with us to another state...
Posted by: Sarah at November 27, 2006 04:12 AM (7Wklx)
Posted by: Amy at November 27, 2006 03:56 PM (DWNNI)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 22, 2006
THANKFUL
The fur and the wet nose, and the dimples and the freckles.
This is what I'm thankful for.

Posted by: Sarah at
03:19 PM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 20 words, total size 1 kb.
1
He is one of the many thanks that I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. Give him a hug for me...also your husband. Just kidding! Be sure and kiss the dimples for me.
Posted by: Me at November 22, 2006 04:54 PM (D5thT)
2
I was gonna say, Charlie has freckles? LOL. Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that the two of you are such great people. Thanks for all you do in making sure my family has a safe and happy turkey day. (I also didn't realize your husband had a wet nose).
Posted by: Kathleen A at November 22, 2006 05:10 PM (7qm8p)
3
Have a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving Sarah!
Posted by: Teresa at November 23, 2006 07:36 AM (5UR9t)
4
Both are cuties. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Posted by: Andi at November 23, 2006 10:30 AM (OzAse)
5
Happy Thanksgiving Sarah!
Posted by: Household6 at November 23, 2006 02:46 PM (40zEu)
6
I'm thankful for all three of you!
Love,
Your Mama
Posted by: Nancy at November 23, 2006 08:16 PM (MyCVr)
7
I'm thankful for all the military failies and
their mini-blind chewing,rubber doorstop eating
pets.
Posted by: MaryIndiana at November 24, 2006 07:08 AM (YwdKL)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 21, 2006
ALL IS WELL
For those of you who used to follow the adventures at
Armor Geddon, I thought I'd let you know that Red6 and his wife are home safe from their year in Iraq.
Posted by: Sarah at
06:00 AM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 38 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Thanks Sarah. Tell 'em Thank you for me. And I know I've really missed his writing.
I wish them both the very best of everything!
Posted by: Tammi at November 21, 2006 10:00 AM (Bitcf)
2
Yay! Tell him I say hi next time you talk to him. And tell him that I still expect some of that extra spicy Indian food he promised me!
Posted by: Erin at November 22, 2006 08:29 AM (D8Fkq)
3
How funny! I knew he talked about you often, so I had your blog in favorites. Thought I would see if you had mentioned him at all. THANK YOU! I know its crazy, but I have been worried about him. He gave me a real face (drunk and singing Toby, but a face nonetheless lol) for our guys and girls over there. Tell them both to relax and enjoy life for awhile, maybe get to work on a baby or a book?
Neil, if you're reading this, "I like to get down with the boys in Afghanistan and Baghdad City, too. I am a red white and blue blood graduate of Honky Tonk U." Thanks for the update.
Posted by: Michelle at November 22, 2006 05:54 PM (UPrEN)
4
Welcome Home!! We are glad they are both safe!
Posted by: Jennifer at November 23, 2006 03:45 AM (h0q8C)
5
Thanks Sarah! It was Neil's blog that lead me
to yours. I have missed his posts. Glad to know
he and his wife are well. Tell him hello and to
get to work on his book.
"Money For Nothing",Neil!
Posted by: MaryIndiana at November 25, 2006 12:43 PM (PDxDX)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 17, 2006
WASTING TIME WHILE HUBBY'S IN THE FIELD
I was messing around over at Tammi's World and decided I wanted to do part of
her About Me:
* I AM: the Household 7. Most wives say they're the 6, but I work for a living!
* I WANT: my husband to be as happy as I am
* I HAVE: nine big plastic tubs of yarn, waiting to be used
* I WISH: my body didn't require sleep; I think sleep is a waste of time
* I HATE: disagreeing with people
* I FEAR: losing my husband to a car accident
* I HEAR: Charlie barking his fool head off as kids leave for school
* I SEARCH: for Charlie's kong toy; we threw it down the hall a year ago and never saw it again
* I WONDER: how long we'll be at our next duty station
* I REGRET: not meeting Bunker before he died
* I LOVE: the Apollo program
* I ALWAYS: knit while I watch TV; I don't know how to just watch TV
* I AM NOT: a feminist, by any stretch of the term
* I DANCE: to Elvis with the dog sometimes
* I SING: Swedish showtunes when I feel like belting it out; somehow my singing voice sounds awesome when it's not in English
* I CRY: at the end of Raising Arizona and most episodes of Cold Case
DO YOU:
* HAVE A CRUSH: Yes, on every man I've ever met named Fred, which is my favorite name in the whole wide world. I have no idea why I'm hooked on that name, but I get giddy around every Fred I've ever met. I remember the day we met Angie's husband, and my husband went "oh lord, here we go" when we found out his name. Angie's Fred, on the other hand, has no idea who I am even though we've met several times, which obviously points to how cool I am. (By the way, just so I don't look like the only crazy one, my husband has a crush on one of my friends from college; he schemes for her to get divorced and then marry his best friend from high school.)
* WANT TO GET MARRIED: I'd sooner die than be at a point in my life where that'd be possible.
* GET MOTION SICKNESS: not really
* THINK YOU'RE A HEALTH FREAK: ha, I wish
* CURRENT HAIR COLOR: brown, same as it's ever been. It always makes me laugh when someone says I've changed my hair color, because I've never dyed it or gotten highlights or anything.
* EYE COLOR: blue or something. I've worn contacts so long that I can touch my bare eyeball with my finger and not flinch, which makes my husband want to puke.
* BIRTHPLACE: I am way too proud of being an Okie.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:50 AM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 490 words, total size 3 kb.
1
I'm laughing so hard I'm crying about the Fred stuff. See, I think you should just have a baby girl so she can marry my lil' Freddie. Our Freddie is the 4th consecutive generation with the name in our family. Whenever you get to meet Freddie you'll for sure have a crush on him too.
Posted by: Angie at November 17, 2006 05:11 AM (ec43W)
2
p.s. Fred says he DOES know who you are

Too Funny!
Posted by: Angie at November 17, 2006 05:15 AM (ec43W)
Posted by: fred at November 17, 2006 09:22 AM (GrO13)
4
you kill me, with this Fred thing.
That is a lot of yarn!!
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 17, 2006 09:23 AM (GrO13)
5
A finance officer in the field? What, pray tell, is he doing?
Posted by: Fredmerc at November 17, 2006 11:34 AM (Qlh7l)
6
I enjoyed your thoughts - keep them coming and thanks for the service of you and your man - from an old retired 06 (Texan turned OKIE)
Posted by: bob at November 23, 2006 04:01 PM (Vee40)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 16, 2006
BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS
I just had to fill out the papers for our next move, and I got to do the fun one where you tally up all your beds and desks and sewing machines and get an estimate of your moving weight. In the blank where you can say what other heavy stuff you have that's not listed, I put "books -- at least 1000", which if you think about it is heavier than all our desks combined.
My mother-in-law read that I was a US history dummy and mailed us some history books. She asked my husband if I had had a chance to read them yet, and he snorted and said that I had a lot on my plate right now. Here's my birthday jackpot, thanks to my husband, Oda Mae, and CaliValleyGirl.

And that doesn't include the stash of cookbooks from my mom and mother-in-law. Nor the twelve paperbacks I got at Goodwill yesterday, nearly rounding out my Michael Crichton collection. (I swear I'd buy his grocery list if he published it.) Life is good.
I just finished reading Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader. I completely recommend it for anyone my age, we who were too young to really appreciate Reagan as a president. That man was fantastic. I just started Island, and after about 100 pages, I'm still at that feeling where I can't decide if I'm liking it or not. I guess I'm not disliking it, but it's not what I expected.
My husband said I need to stop buying books and start seriously hoarding that money to buy, oh, a refrigerator, washer, dryer, sofa, and backyard fence. I told him that my books cost less than his beer, and last much longer. And that he's lucky his wife's Day of Splurging means spending seven bucks on paperbacks at Goodwill.
But I promised: no more books until after we move.
Posted by: Sarah at
04:14 AM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 324 words, total size 2 kb.
1
I see you have Alton's book there (I've got that one too because I love Alton) the MacGiver of the kitchen my husband calls him. My son has been tuning in to his show while he's here on leave. *grin* He says he doesn't get to see it in Germany because it's on while he's working.
Right now I've got any number of books I should be reading, but since I'm doing the Nation Novel Writing Month, I haven't had time to read anything. I'm still trying to figure out why I thought I could write something. LOL.
Enjoy your cache.
Posted by: Teresa at November 16, 2006 04:15 PM (o4pJS)
2
ecclectic to be sure...
I do like Alton Brown, and Miss Paula
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 17, 2006 03:21 AM (GrO13)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 12, 2006
HOUSE
We bought a house yesterday. Let me tell you, that was way more stressful than I thought it would be. Sometimes people get stuck because they can't find a good house, but we had the opposite luck: there were too many to choose from. And houses are
not an apples to apples comparison. This one's a couple thousand more, but it has more square footage. But it's a longer commute to post. And this other has a better school district but hideous wallpaper throughout. This one has nice landscaping, a long commute, and costs more. And so on. My mom thought that I'd get a gut feeling about one house and just know I had to have it, but I didn't. Or, I kind of did, but that house was entirely too far from post, so it wasn't perfect either.
We picked one, and have spent the past two days alternating between ecstasy and trepidation. I guess there's no way to know if we made the absolute right choice, but at least we made it.
So now the moving begins! Man, I can't believe we just did this six months ago.
Posted by: Sarah at
11:40 AM
| Comments (8)
| Add Comment
Post contains 193 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I will now bless you with the same words of wisdom we received from our realtor......
"You are now in more debt, than you have ever been in your life."
Besides that...CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Vonn at November 12, 2006 02:51 PM (/VoEr)
2
Congratulations! It sure beats paying rent. Wallpaper and paint are superficial and easily changed. Some landscaping is good while others are manhour intensive to maintain. The real downside is that there is always something to do, fix, clean, or replace. But at the end of the day, it's a great feeling to go to your home!
Posted by: R1 at November 12, 2006 03:09 PM (xexA1)
3
Congratulations! And no matter which home you chose, you'll putter around and make it perfect. The cosmetic things are easy to change. And the satisfaction of seeing YOU in your home is undescribable.
Good luck with the moving. That's the worst part.....
Posted by: Tammi at November 13, 2006 01:29 AM (3UQTn)
4
how exciting for you!
pictures PLEASE!!!
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 13, 2006 03:52 AM (GrO13)
5
Actually, this is a good way to buy a house. Moving in and getting settled will make it yours. You'll get used to where you are and familiar with the neighborhood and it will be hard to think of living elsewhere.
Congratulations! And I hope the rest of the paperwork and moving goes smoothly.
Posted by: Teresa at November 13, 2006 07:52 AM (o4pJS)
6
Congratulations, Sarah. Trust me, there is nothing like owning your own home.
Posted by: andi at November 13, 2006 02:41 PM (OzAse)
7
A big congrats to you and Russ. I think you will love this. Finally a place of your own. I think this is just so exciting!
Posted by: toni at November 14, 2006 01:25 AM (MNSlE)
8
Congrats! I honestly think I could devote an entire blog to being a homeowner...you will find that it's always something. (and when it gets frustrating, because it will, you'll need to remind yourself that owning is STILL better than renting...) Somedays, I look back at apartment life and think, "Just what did I do with all of my time?" Now we're constantly looking around the house trying to think of improvements to make that will mean something in a year...oh the military life...like living in an episode of "Flip that House." Lol...
Posted by: Nicole at November 14, 2006 05:58 PM (QxlT8)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 06, 2006
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
08:41 AM
| Comments (26)
| Add Comment
Post contains 196 words, total size 1 kb.
1
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)
10
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)
11
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage.
Posted by: Eric Chen at November 06, 2006 05:18 PM (ldef+)
12
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)
13
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)
14
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)
15
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)
16
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)
17
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)
18
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)
19
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)
20
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)
21
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)
22
I love it when a plan comes together.
Posted by: Bob at November 07, 2006 01:14 PM (WMa4u)
23
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)
24
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)
25
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)
26
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)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 04, 2006
HEARTACHE
The Girl has been knitting for nine months in preparation for her new niece. But in all the joys of waiting, she never anticipated the baby to be so sick when she was born. No baby should ever have to look like this.

It hurts my heart so much to look at this picture. Please go over and send your strongest thoughts to The Girl's brother and his wife.
Posted by: Sarah at
02:22 PM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 71 words, total size 1 kb.
October 23, 2006
PUPDATE
I was asked for a pupdate, which is something I will always oblige. So here the stinker is, cute as can be, snuggled up with his squeeky toy. And it's a good thing he's cute, because yesterday he ate through the apartment mini-blinds like they were made of ham.

Posted by: Sarah at
06:06 AM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 51 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I think it's time you had a visit from the Dog Whisperer. If you haven't watched that, you should. Very interesting. It's on the National Geographic channel. He had a dog on that ate a WHOLE couch.
Yummy.
Posted by: Ruth H at October 23, 2006 12:01 PM (xAE2s)
2
Seriously, Ruth, I can't watch The Dog Whisperer without feeling major failings as a pet owner. The vet told me a few weeks ago that my dog is neurotic, which just kills me. I wish I knew what to do about it.
Posted by: Sarah at October 23, 2006 01:04 PM (7Wklx)
3
Thank you Sarah! I don't know why,but I love this
little guy. I think it was a combination of his
taking the oath of citizenship and the picture
of his feet sticking out from beneath your bed.
What can I say? I'm a fan!
Posted by: MaryIndiana at October 24, 2006 07:23 PM (YwdKL)
4
Oh dang it all he' so cute. Just keep on being consistant in your disciple. My fluffball is a good dog but she never or rarely comes when called and has "issues" with some of her bathroom habits. Some things have leveled off over the years and some drive me batty.
Posted by: toni at October 26, 2006 02:48 PM (MNSlE)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
October 21, 2006
RED, WHITE & AWESOME
Today rivals our 4th of July for Americanness. We voted (absentee), went to the State Fair and ate our weight in okra and deep fried Snickers, and now we're drinking beer and watching the World Series. Take that, Mellencamp: this is our country.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:40 PM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 51 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Sarah, could you possibly enumerate your grievances, with this advertisement. I have seen it and all I get from it, is at least it isn't as odious as that piece of shit Lee Greenwood tune.
Posted by: BubbaBoBobBrain at October 22, 2006 04:39 PM (8ruhu)
2
Well, I wrote about it a couple of days ago (on the 16th). I agree with most of what's in the Slate article. I have no beef with the song, but I don't really understand what devastating wildfires and flooding have to do with this being "our country". The only image that really pumps me up is Shepard hitting golf balls on the moon. I think the rest of it highlights shameful moments in US history.
Posted by: Sarah at October 22, 2006 05:41 PM (7Wklx)
3
Saw it again last night, and I think your missing the larger picture. The Katrina/flooding sequence is followed by american people helping their fellow americans(the raising of a frame of a new house), Rosa Parks should be an inspitation to everyone to do the right thing, same for the late Reverand King. The images of the Vietnam protests should serve as a reminder that this democraticc republic requires PARTICIPATION, and hopefully, an informed electorate. At least that is my take on it, as for the yutz writing in Slate, well now you know why I stopped reading both Slate, and Salon, though Salon is usually better written. Seems to me being waaaayyy younger than me you don't have the same frame of reference towards the images as I do.
Posted by: BubbaBoBobBrain at October 23, 2006 07:55 PM (8ruhu)
4
Maybe it is an age thing, I don't know. It was said that the commercial shows the US, blemishes and all. But I don't know what that has to do with trying to sell a car. There's a time to reflect on the deep meaning of certain images in history, but I don't think a car commercial is that time. A car commercial should be rah-rah, and the target Chevy audience probably doesn't think hippies and Nixon is a good mental association for a new truck.
Posted by: Sarah at October 24, 2006 09:34 AM (7Wklx)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
October 11, 2006
GOOD MEMORY
Wow, Victor remembered something that I completely forgot: I posted my birthday in a comments section three months ago. It was in reference to a
poem he posted that I really liked and that's appropriate for me today...
Eighteen years old, October eleventh
Drunk for the first time in her life,
she tossed her head in a horsey laugh
and that new opal gift sailed off her sore earlobe,
in a graceful parabola,
pinged twice on the stone porch floor,
and rolled off to hide behind the rose bushes.
click to keep reading
Thanks, Victor, for having such a good memory and remembering to swing by here today. Some of my best friends didn't even remember it's my birthday!
Man, I love the blogosphere.
Posted by: Sarah at
01:15 PM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 128 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Happy Belated Birthday,S!
Posted by: MaryIndiana at October 12, 2006 07:13 AM (YwdKL)
2
Happy (Belated) Birthday! You are not really eighteen are you??? Hope you had fun!
I am never able to include my URL when I post comments.. it says that Xanga dot com is questionable. Hmmmm... questionable.
Posted by: Terri at October 12, 2006 11:51 AM (cgjLF)
Posted by: Victor at October 12, 2006 03:07 PM (l+W8Z)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
SAD
I actually watched Rolie Polie Olie a few times in the mornings in Germany, simply because I knew Lileks liked it. It wasn't a bad show, as far as kids' stuff is concerned, and that's saying a lot because I didn't even have a kid sitting next to me while I watched it. Too bad my future kids
won't get to see it.
Posted by: Sarah at
04:33 AM
| Comments (1)
| Add Comment
Post contains 65 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Put the Ollie DVDs on your Christmas list. Save for any little future grokkers.
My 9 yo and I watched them when she was young. They're great.
Posted by: Pamela at October 11, 2006 06:03 AM (aZt2+)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
ALMOST THERE
Finally the countdown to 30 can begin; today I'm officially only one year away.
Posted by: Sarah at
02:21 AM
| Comments (15)
| Add Comment
Post contains 18 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Happy birthday, Sarah.
You know, you could just have anniversaries of this birthday from now on like some people I know. On the other hand, you strike me as one who will age very gracefully. And judging from your "anti-war" post yesterday, I think that is happening.
A woman of grace
and wisdom. Your husband is a very lucky man!
Posted by: Dave at October 11, 2006 03:25 AM (6GFTi)
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at October 11, 2006 04:50 AM (deur4)
3
Happy Birthday to the best daughter-in-law in the U.S. Army. Wish we could be there to enjoy with you both.
Love,
ME
Posted by: ME at October 11, 2006 04:56 AM (/P+U4)
Posted by: Randy at October 11, 2006 05:42 AM (Mn1rm)
5
Happy Birthday Sarah!!
And 29?? You're makin' me cry here!! As good as it's been, the best is yet to come!!!
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Tammi at October 11, 2006 05:50 AM (Bitcf)
6
Happy Birthday Sarah. Wishing you many, many happy years to come.
Posted by: Pamela at October 11, 2006 06:00 AM (aZt2+)
7
Happy Birthday!!
I'll call you when I'm done with my midterm today...
Posted by: Erin at October 11, 2006 06:50 AM (023Of)
8
Happy Birthday!!!! I wish you a super day and don't worry, life only gets better after 30!
Posted by: LMT at October 11, 2006 08:36 AM (DhMbx)
9
And after a couple more of these birthday things, you'll be able to tell everyone "I was four, a score and seven years ago."
Now that's something to look forward to.
Happy birthday, Sarah!
Posted by: Piercello at October 11, 2006 10:51 AM (Rg1Yo)
10
happy birthday! I remembered *someone* saying today was their birthday from a previous Poetry Day at
annika's.
Happy birthday again!
Posted by: Victor at October 11, 2006 10:52 AM (WHtgF)
11
Happy Birthday, from the Dentes!
Miss You!
Posted by: Angie at October 11, 2006 12:07 PM (ec43W)
12
Birthday greetings! Enjoy the rest of your twenties....
Posted by: Andi at October 11, 2006 12:44 PM (OzAse)
13
Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter!
Dad and I enjoyed our visit with you and Russ. Thank you for such a great time. I sure miss you guys and Charlie too! When I got home, I picked up Toby and he was so tiny and lightweight! He's about as big as Charlie's moose that he carries around!
Love & kisses,
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at October 11, 2006 07:03 PM (uaAyX)
14
Happy Birthday! May you have many, many, many, many more!
Posted by: Vonn at October 11, 2006 07:37 PM (/VoEr)
15
Looks like I'm a day late! Happy belated birthday, Sarah! I'll be joining you on that countdown soon!
Posted by: Jen at October 12, 2006 11:43 AM (D4EDG)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
September 27, 2006
LONG WAY TO GO
Well, we're eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin' this morning. More when I get back where it's warm.
Posted by: Sarah at
02:26 AM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 27 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Happy Trails and safe travels!!
Posted by: LMT at September 27, 2006 10:43 AM (DhMbx)
2
You realize that transportin' sour cream across state lines is bootleggin', right?
Posted by: Jason at September 28, 2006 10:48 AM (Qlh7l)
3
Have fun stormin' the castle!
Posted by: Patrick Chester at September 29, 2006 09:20 PM (MKaa5)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
117kb generated in CPU 0.0604, elapsed 0.1674 seconds.
64 queries taking 0.1291 seconds, 315 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.