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

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

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

Posted by: Sarah at 05:31 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Erin asked me if I was going to write a post about Easter today. My day started out great, with the last Sunday Knitting Club at my house. But it was all downhill from there. My husband needs a military vehicle early tomorrow morning, and we spent over two hours driving all over Bavaria trying to find the soldier who has the TMP keys in his pocket. At that point we were both already quite grumpy, so after dinner we sat down to watch a movie and relax. Of course it didn't help our mood when the disk started skipping and we had to restart the DVD player five times. And then Charlie nipped my husband's hand while they were playing and got him pretty hard on the finger, and I cut my hand on the medicine cabinet and started bleeding myself. We gave up and came upstairs to go to bed and forget about today.

But Happy Easter anyway.

Posted by: Sarah at 03:06 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Sad. Don't you hate those kind of days? Happy Easter.

Posted by: Erin at April 16, 2006 03:44 PM (2D/WI)

2 Be thankful the day if over and look forward to a great week.........and only 15 more days in Germany!

Posted by: Vonn at April 16, 2006 07:13 PM (Wy1BF)

3 That sucks......Thank god it's over, now watch Racheal Ray and have a better day!

Posted by: Kelly at April 17, 2006 01:34 AM (a54xk)

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Found this on a knit blog and immediately wanted to do it.

Name 5 of your favorite books:
Alas Babylon
The Cornish Trilogy
Lolita
The Power of One
Contact

What was the last book you bought?:
The First Three Minutes

What were the last 3 books you read?:
War of the Worlds
Just a Couple of Days
Gates of Fire

List 5 books that have been particularly meaningful to you:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Atlas Shrugged
To Kill a Mockingbird
Stranger in a Strange Land
Skinny Legs and All

Name 3 books you've been dying to read but just haven't gotten around to:
Taking Science to the Moon
Up From Slavery
The Soul of Battle

My husband and I did some final unpacking from Iraq last weekend. His tattered, dirty, torn copy of Atlas Shrugged fell out. I had promised it to Erin since Amritas gifted me a nice new copy, but when I saw it and thought of how it had kept my husband company for so many hours out at that stupid bridge over the Tigris, well, I just couldn't part with it. I'm buying Erin her own copy.

Posted by: Sarah at 10:45 AM | Comments (14) | Add Comment
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1 I tried to get my girlfriend to read Atlas Shrugged a few days ago. I, too, have a worn, tattered copy. She read the first few pages and decided that the writing was "boring," which I can admit that it is. But I do love that book. Even though the characters never change or have varying emotions, and even though the whole book is just one long essay. I like the message. To me, it's not right or left - not in today's world where everyone seems to care more about power than success.

Posted by: Will at April 06, 2006 02:40 PM (eIQfa)

2 Sarah, I can't wait to read Atlas Shrugged. But don't buy me a copy, silly! I know how to work amazon.com just as well as you do!

Posted by: Erin at April 07, 2006 12:58 AM (wNSIT)

3 Sarah, I'm sort of pleased to see that "Alas Babylon" is one of your favorite books, but I want to make sure it is the same one I know. The main character is a reserve military type who organizes security during a nuclear war in the Orlando FL area? Maybe, maybe not. But it was a great story anyway. I liked the book. Subsunk

Posted by: Subsunk at April 08, 2006 07:39 AM (dMUm8)

4 "Even though the characters never change" Atlas Shrugged is in part about the awakening of Hank Rearden and Dagny Taggart. They change, though John Galt does not.

Posted by: Amritas at April 08, 2006 12:01 PM (WnSrS)

5 Subsunk -- Yep, same book. Man, what a page turner.

Posted by: Sarah at April 08, 2006 01:42 PM (imqSY)

6 IMHO, Dagny and Hank don't really change - they just hold out longer than anyone else. But their characters remain the same. It's not a bad thing, it's just not the most interesting thing to read. Especially after page 1000, when we've seen every version of the argument that Hank, his wife, Dagny, her brother, etc, etc, can have.

Posted by: Will at April 08, 2006 03:35 PM (eIQfa)

7 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? *Gags*

Posted by: Pericles at April 08, 2006 08:20 PM (eKf5G)

8 The real cycle you're working on is a cycle called 'yourself.' Ahwww....

Posted by: Will at April 08, 2006 08:57 PM (eIQfa)

9 On what basis exactly are you two making fun of Zen and the Art? I'd like to understand.

Posted by: Sarah at April 09, 2006 03:58 AM (3qZs7)

10 I was just teasing. I haven't read it in a long time. I really didn't care for it when I read it, but some of my reasons may have been very personal rather than anything to do with the "Quality" of the book itself. I've mentioned on here before that I studied philosophy, and I wasn't thrilled with the way that the book reinforced the notion that philosophers tend toward mental illness... It may just be snobbery on my part, really. It is a hard thing to write books that get philosophical ideas across to a mainstream audience. It is no surprise that people who have read more of the classics will find popular books a little thin. On a different subject, I'm curious why Atlas Shrugged gets so much more attention than The Fountainhead. I've always thought that the latter was the superior book. In some sense they're the same book, really, but not only is The Fountainhead a little shorter, the characters seem slightly more human. Although I never understood why Rand can never get a hero and heroine in bed together without its bordering on rape.

Posted by: Pericles at April 09, 2006 09:23 AM (eKf5G)

11 OK, thanks for clearing it up. I was trying to guess why you might gag at the book. That reason makes sense to me now. Yeah, Ayn Rand's sex stuff weirds me out too. But beyond that, I like the books. And I liked The Fountainhead best for a long time because of Roark, but after reading Atlas Shrugged again recently, I appreciate Galt's Gulch so much more now than I did when I was in high school. Back then I just didn't really care about railroads...

Posted by: Sarah at April 09, 2006 10:26 AM (3qZs7)

12 It is a good question, by the way, about what books have been personally meaningful. Putting together a top 5 would be hard for me, without a lot of thought. Stranger in a Strange Land might be on my list, too. A lot of Heinlein is horrible, but that is pretty good. Maybe The Fountainhead could make my list. I'd have to include Crime and Punishment, and maybe The Brothers Karamazov, too. Perhaps Great Expectations, although maybe not. Dickens is probably my favorite author, on the whole, but are his stories really deep enough to be among the five most meaningful? To Kill a Mockingbird could make my list, even though I haven't read it since high school. Also maybe The Catcher in the Rye and Huck Finn.

Posted by: Pericles at April 09, 2006 05:10 PM (eKf5G)

13 You should give To Kill a Mockingbird another read. I think it's phenomenal; in fact, if we have a son, his middle name will be Atticus. I personally thought Catcher in the Rye was overrated, but I think I was expecting too much because of its banned status. Maybe if I read it again without all the hype, it might seem better. I thought Crime and Punishment was a very good book too.

Posted by: Sarah at April 10, 2006 01:41 AM (81mkK)

14 A couple of books that caught my attention: Alas Babylon. Great! For awhile in high school I could not turn down a book about the apocolyptic-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it. This is one of the books that was read several times in that period and a few times since. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I read this book when I was down with the flu in Dombas, Norway. It was a training trip, mostly skiing and I go the flu real bad. Left alone in the barracks to recover, this is the only book I could find in my teammates gear. Actually, it belonged to my team leader, a captain that was a little off center but a good guy. I struggled through the book, partly because of my illness, partly because of the psychological nature of the book. I've not seen nor heard of it until your list. Atlas Shrugged. [rolling eyes] Great story. Too drawn out. The part that really killed me was Galt's (I think it was him) speech on the radio that lasted something like 65 pages. Guy, if you can't get your point across quicker than that... Anyway, I enjoyed the story, the moral, if you will, but it is a dull read. I'm already thinking about which book I'll bring home tattered and care-worn. Any ideas?

Posted by: JACK ARMY at April 17, 2006 04:21 PM (6AoYx)

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When my husband left for Iraq, I started a patchwork quilt. That was two years ago. Sewing it all together was fun and easy, but as soon as it came time to actually quilt it, I thought it was too hard. The quilt sat on a shelf for over a year, but I knew I had to finish it before we moved. I finally finished this week; it really wasn't as hard as I thought, though of course there are all sorts of mistakes that I just whatevered and kept going. I tried to take a photo of the finished product today. Naturally, everything in this house belongs to Charlie, so he grabbed it and ran down the hall with it.

Charlie has chewed on some valuable stuff in his lifetime, but this might take the cake. Unless you count the envelope of $300 I wrestled away from him on Monday.

Posted by: Sarah at 03:19 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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There was something in the water in our neighborhood nine months ago...
Baby #1
Baby #2
Baby #3
And unfortunately we'll be moving before I get to meet Baby #4.

You all are amazing. A dog is too much work for me.

Posted by: Sarah at 04:01 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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We've got orders and plane tickets. We move in 34 days...

Posted by: Sarah at 01:44 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Now is not the time to get sick.

My husband was promised that his orders would be ready today. And not a moment too soon, since we're leaving in about four weeks. That means there's a ton to get done, and since I'm scheduled to work tomorrow and Thursday is Sergeant's Time, everything needs to get done today: final out, household goods, plane tickets, etc.

And I feel like I've been run over by a truck.

UPDATE:

I guess it doesn't matter anyhow, since the husband didn't get orders today anyway. I normally try not to complain, but they've been telling him every day for two weeks now that his orders will be done "tomorrow." It's getting a bit frustrating.

Posted by: Sarah at 03:05 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Just reading that brings me back to last August...waiting, waiting, waiting...of course, I think we can ALL relate to that one! So much for starting the process 12 weeks out, eh? The norm now is probably closer to 4-6 Good luck!

Posted by: Nicole at March 28, 2006 10:28 AM (Sa9Kb)

2 Hate to say but...Get used to it. The only orders Uncle Sugar can cut in a timely fashion are the ones you a) Don't Want or b) Weren't expecting. Good luck R/ Ed

Posted by: Ed at March 28, 2006 12:14 PM (7l7Gd)

3 Getting sick sucks... I completely agree! Your turn, Erin.

Posted by: Pericles at March 28, 2006 05:49 PM (eKf5G)

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The Girl sent me this link with Charlie in mind: Game of fetch turns ugly
I don't know if Charlie could swallow a whole stick, but he appears to be working himself up to the challenge: two days ago he threw up a couple of pieces of tree bark.

In other Charlie news, he's gotten too smart for this house. Our kitchen pantry has a flimsy folding door, and Charlie has taught himself to open it and feast on the garbage. He bites the wooden slats and pulls! So now we have to have something constantly blocking the door, which makes my life annoying because I have to move a gigantic space heater every time I need to get food or throw something away.

I took some photos of the husband and the pup wrestling on Ace Ventura night. This one turned out hilarious:

Stay tuned for photos of Charlie's birthday party in April; he's inviting six of his closest friends over for cake...

Posted by: Sarah at 01:34 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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I just had a wistful moment at my new job. We recycle old used folders when a new client comes in, and today the folder that was on top to use was Heidi Sims'. It was sad for me to stick a new label on that folder. But at least I'm excited that Heidi will be visiting next week! I can't wait to spend some time with her now that I've gotten to know her better.

Posted by: Sarah at 09:04 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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1 Sarah, If I may ask...where do you work? I've been curious because I worked at ACS when we lived in Germany and I've been wondering if you're there or somewhere else. Have a good day

Posted by: Nicole at March 10, 2006 12:32 PM (1ECnr)

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After the Incident, I knew we had to get a professional involved. Charlie's hair has been steadily getting more tangled. I handed over one big mess of hair to the dog groomer today...

and this is what they handed me back...

He doesn't even look like the same dog! But I'm sure this hair situation, although a bit chilly for our snow, will be much better for summer in South Carolina.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:38 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 He looks really sweet. Winston always looks like a different dog when they cut his hair too.

Posted by: Stephanie at March 09, 2006 08:46 AM (Y1m/K)

2 Ohhh... those Teddy Bear eyes. So sweet.

Posted by: Ruth H at March 09, 2006 10:13 AM (mcTrg)

3 Look at that face.....well, now that you can see it, that is. :-)

Posted by: Tammi at March 09, 2006 11:28 AM (lfQya)

4 Do you want me to crochet him a doggie sweater? He looks cute shaved but I must say I liked the hair in the eyes look too

Posted by: Angie at March 09, 2006 03:35 PM (SA3c9)

5 By summer you'll have to have him shaved again.

Posted by: Kathleen A at March 09, 2006 11:04 PM (7qm8p)

6 Oh my goodness, what a difference! He looks like Toby did a couple of months ago when I got him groomed. He looked like a little rat when I picked him up. I found out the next time I went in that they had gotten the files mixed up and cut Toby's hair really short. One nice thing--it grows back quickly! And Charlie's stil the sweet, lovable pup that he was before he got his haircut. I sure miss his kises when he'd come into the bedroom and literally fly through the air and land right on my face so he could give me kisses! It won't be long before I see all three of you! Charlie's "new do" makes him look a little angelic! Your Mama

Posted by: Nancy at March 10, 2006 03:07 AM (6s7Zq)

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Colby Buzzell has another article out in the March issue of Esquire. Personally, Buzzell is a bit too existentialist for my taste, but this article features our friend LT A who was injured in Mosul. I can't believe LT A remembers pushing his own intestines back into his stomach...

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As you know, I've been feeling guilty about Charlie's accident. I've never even had stitches, but I made my dog have to get them! So I've been spoiling him rotten for the last few days. Today I decided to make him some homemade dog biscuits. The recipe said it would make three dozen, so I decided to double it. Would someone mind telling me when three dozen turned into 100? I've got 200+ dog biscuits here now! So everyone's getting some: Winston, Lewis, Elway, and any other dog I can think of. They seem to be a hit; the whole time I was baking, Charlie was doing this:

Don't be fooled by the silence of your computer; he's howling his fool head off in this photo. That's all he did for two hours. Except of course when he was trying to think of a better way to get at the biscuits:

That dog is just too dang much.

Posted by: Sarah at 12:38 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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I saw this on MQ's site: 13 Things You Wouldn't Guess By Looking At Me. I don't know if I can come up with 13, but I'll try.

Hmm, I am anal and compulsive. I bet I could come up with 13 ways my best friends make fun of me for it.

1. I measure everything when I cook. I can't do pinches and handfuls and dabs. I measure everything out perfectly, even if it's something I've made ten times.
2. I researched and read books for months before we got a dog. I panic every time he does something out of the ordinary; both Erin and Kelly have gotten frantic calls about all sort of bodily functions.
3. I also write everything on the calendar: when Charlie had his last bath, when I cleaned his ears. I obsess about this dog so much that I know there's no way I'm ready to have a kid.
4. All of our movies and music are alphabetized. So are our books. I used to have them alphabetized within categories (e.g. fiction, travel, etc), but that became too difficult to maintain.
5. I even organized all my husband's field manuals. That was before I realized he's never once looked in one.
6. I also organize greeting cards into a file folder by event.
7. My friends tease me that I was even anal about my relationship: six years ago today my husband and I sat down and decided to be a couple. No spontaneity here.
8. But here's a few they might not know yet: I only turn the TV volume to an even number.
9. Also I color coordinate my shampoo and body lotion with what I'm wearing that day.
10. And I coordinate different detergents and fabric softeners with different loads of laundry.
11. I also coordinate my dishes with the food we're having. I guess that's why I have five place settings.
12. My old roommate and I used to share expenses in our apartment down to the last cent. If one of us bought a roll of paper towels, the other would hand over a quarter.
13. And as all of you already know, I stress out about using up spices, canned goods, and beauty products before we move. I lie in bed and fret about the bottle of Worcestershire sauce that will never be used. And it cost one dollar.

There. 13 things that might make you want to reconsider getting too close to me.

Posted by: Sarah at 02:53 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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1 Sarah, Those are the reasons I love you...and I started cracking up when I read #8...I do that too (and didn't even realize it)! Erin

Posted by: Erin at February 15, 2006 04:57 AM (DoZpu)

2 I think they have invented some sort of drugs for your "symptoms". You had me laughing and thinking I do some of those things...scary. Don't fret about #13, I will take them off your hands and use them wisely.

Posted by: Jennifer at February 15, 2006 11:58 AM (CfpP7)

3 That's absolutely hysterical. Now I can relate to #1 and #2...I too obide by #1, mostly because I'm not a good cook so ad-libbing is not in the cards for me. I'm sure you know by my blog that I'm guilty of #2...actually I'm #2 in progress. I do have one question: How exactly do you coordinate your shampoo and body lotion with your outfit? Are we talking matching styles and scents or literally colors of clothes to colors of bottles? Is this a ridiculously dumb question?? Funny stuff.

Posted by: Nicole at February 15, 2006 01:30 PM (1ECnr)

4 Hmmm...This is a little scarey since I'm your mom! I'm guilty of #1, #2 when I buy a car, appliance, etc., #3 when you kids were little or I couldn't have functioned with all your activities; I've gotten out of the habit and am sure I should still be writing things on the calendar, and #6 which I've done for thirty years. You still organize your closets so much better than I do. I need you to come stay with me for about a month and get this house (and your mother) in tip-top shape! I love you just the way you are! Your dad is alot like you; he organizes EVERYTHING and I know I drive him crazy! I guess there's truth to opposites attract! Mama

Posted by: Nancy at February 15, 2006 02:54 PM (6s7Zq)

5 Nicole -- For example, if I am wearing mostly earth tones, I'll go with vanilla scent, if pink then something flowery, if black then Victoria's Secret's "Very Sexy", etc. Shampoo is mostly color coordinated. It's a bizarre ritual, but it's true.

Posted by: Sarah at February 15, 2006 04:00 PM (G40OB)

6 UMMM uhhh, Sarah, that IS compulsive. But can you come stay with me a while and give me some lessons? I think its neat you were born with this ability, or maybe it could be an affliction, it sure makes life easier. I bet you ALWAYS know where you put down the scissors!

Posted by: Ruth H at February 15, 2006 04:55 PM (f39ic)

7 I think all 13 of those things (quirks) make you more interesting. We all have something special or different that we do. I'm personally guilty of organizing my closet by type, purpose and frequency of use. Especially my shoes! Also, I can't stand for items to be on the bathroom counter. I'm constantly putting away my husband shaving cream and toothpaste. I would hide his toothbrush, but it's a Sonicare and has to remain plugged in. And my big one...I like to have all pantry items organized by type, size, purchase date, etc. I'm freakish about stocking up and never wanting to run out of something. Kelly knows first hand how much stuff I had left in the pantry. SCARY!

Posted by: Vonn at February 15, 2006 06:00 PM (dEgRi)

8 I think all 13 of those things (quirks) make you more interesting. We all have something special or different that we do. I'm personally guilty of organizing my closet by type, purpose and frequency of use. Especially my shoes! Also, I can't stand for items to be on the bathroom counter. I'm constantly putting away my husband shaving cream and toothpaste. I would hide his toothbrush, but it's a Sonicare and has to remain plugged in. And my big one...I like to have all pantry items organized by type, size, purchase date, etc. I'm freakish about stocking up and never wanting to run out of something. Kelly knows first hand how much stuff I had left in the pantry. (More than 5 bottles of ketchup and mustard, EACH)SCARY!

Posted by: Vonn at February 15, 2006 06:02 PM (dEgRi)

9 Sorry for the double post. First attempt was "page 404 error" page not found. whoopsy!

Posted by: vonn at February 15, 2006 06:03 PM (dEgRi)

10 Sarah, Okay...that's what I thought. I understand the outfit-perfume coordination. I do that too...especially with the flowery colors need flowery scents ritual. You're not so weird.

Posted by: Nicole at February 16, 2006 02:26 PM (1ECnr)

11 Catching up on your posts here - 8. But here's a few they might not know yet: I only turn the TV volume to an even number I just started doing this! Well, sort of. I won't turn the volume to 13. Weird!!!

Posted by: monique at February 16, 2006 03:54 PM (AK5UJ)

12 Wow! And I thought I was anal when I use to organize my closet by colors! It was so much easier before I was married and had kids to organize it by blues, reds, blacks, etc. I don't do it anymore, because I simply don't have time, but I do have short-sleeved shirts, then long-sleeved, then skirts, slacks and dresses. When leaving my closet after a frustrating 20 minutes flipping through my clothes, I think about how much easier it was to find something to wear when I had it organized by colors! If I was in a mood for something blue, I went to the blue shirts and had a nice bit of choices. I do the scent thing a bit too. When I am going on a date with my husband and wearing something sexy, I will wear my Come-and-get-me scent. When I am going out to do an appointment, I will wear my pleasant flowery scent.

Posted by: Adrienne at February 20, 2006 04:41 PM (yAWf0)

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As I sing to my husband every year:

I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise

He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash

I choo-choo-choose you.

Posted by: Sarah at 08:17 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Well, we got dumped on this morning. We seem to have gotten about seven inches of snow overnight, so the most logical thing to do was to send Charlie out in it.

He had a blast, but then when we came in we noticed that he wasn't obeying his sit command. Maybe it had something to do with this...

Poor puppy. But after a quick rinse in the tub, he was good as new.

Posted by: Sarah at 03:32 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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The Superbowl didn't start here until after midnight, but my husband and Charlie stayed up for the whole thing. And now Charlie has been a complete wreck: he hasn't eaten a single thing all day and he didn't even pee until 1900! His system is a mess. Apparently our pup needs a strict bedtime...

(Our exhausted pup, snuggling with his stuffed moose)

Posted by: Sarah at 03:33 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Nobody tagged me, but I'm gonna do this one anyway...

4 Jobs You Have Had in Your Life
1. paperboy
2. jewelry salesperson
3. English teacher
4. The Girl's secretary

4 Movies You Would Watch Over and Over
1. The Royal Tenenbaums
2. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
3. True Romance
4. Raising Arizona

4 Places You Have Lived
1. Germany
2. France
3. Sweden
4. Texas

4 TV Shows You Love to Watch
1. Smallville
2. Alias
3. Futurama
4. Numbers

4 Places You Have Been on Vacation
1. Wyatt Earp's house
2. The Alamo
3. Bolzano, Italy to visit the Iceman
4. Cuba, NY

4 Web- sites You Visit Daily
1. LGF
2. After that I bounce around a lot
3.
4.

4 Favorite Foods
1. steak
2. peas
3. turkey cutlets with rosemary-tomato sauce
4. broccoli-rice-cheese casserole

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now
1. Las Vegas
2. In my husband's office
3. Talking with Bunker
4. Anywhere in the USA

Posted by: Sarah at 02:54 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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1 Hey, I tagged you...I think Jennifer R. got you to! I'm just glad you're playing along

Posted by: Angie at February 03, 2006 08:18 AM (SA3c9)

2 Why did you visit Cuba, NY? I live in Louisiana now, but grew up VERY near Cuba. Beautiful country. Small world. Sue

Posted by: Sue at February 03, 2006 10:21 AM (g8xza)

3 My father is from Olean, NY, and lots of his family still lives near there. One uncle has a lake house there, so we go (went) every summer to Cuba!

Posted by: Sarah at February 03, 2006 12:19 PM (FixYO)

4 "Anywhere in the USA." Oh, how I remember that feeling.

Posted by: Jim - PRS at February 03, 2006 04:10 PM (vxVhq)

5 How come my Sunday paper is always late? Just asking.

Posted by: Sgt Hook at February 05, 2006 03:35 PM (pIP/Q)

6 I got beat down so bad last time I tagged someone that I don't tag people but next time I will tag you! :-) HH6

Posted by: Household6 at February 07, 2006 02:23 AM (Gj0PV)

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I haven't written because my mother arrived here in Germany on Wednesday. We've already had many adventures -- from having to unexpectedly buy new tires to trying to get a train schedule in Poland -- and I'm sure there's more to come.

In the meantime, two things have happened. For one, I got to participate in solving The Mystery of the Christmas Box. And secondly, I learned a valuable lesson:

If someone contacts you via your blog and says she's moving to your town, be nice to her. She might eventually become the employment coordinator for your post, and then one day she'll find out she can hire a secretary and she'll give you a job. That's how I just got a new job working for The Girl.

Posted by: Sarah at 05:15 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Hello to your mom . . . have many adventures with tons of photos! My trip is coming together. Good luck with the new job . . . so I guess you are saying good bye to teaching?

Posted by: Heidi at January 15, 2006 05:36 PM (7O+6L)

2 Hey Sarah, Is "the girl" working as employment coordinator at ACS? Just wondering if she's working in my old stomping ground? I miss the old crew. Nicole

Posted by: Nicole at January 16, 2006 01:31 PM (KJBDI)

3 Thanks again for your part in solving the mystery!

Posted by: pam at January 16, 2006 07:07 PM (l6NIn)

4 So much more than a "secretary" ... a "Subcontractor"

Posted by: The Girl at January 17, 2006 05:01 PM (IKzx1)

5 So, did you go to Poland? If so, where?

Posted by: JACK ARMY at January 21, 2006 03:49 PM (6AoYx)

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I've been reading the thrilling book In Cold Blood, and apparently it's really gotten into my head: last night I dreamt a man with a shotgun tied up my brothers and me. I think it's superbly written, and I can't put it down.

In the chapters I read last night, a detective read through the daughter's diary, hoping to find clues as to who had murdered the family. I started thinking about people going through stuff that I own. If something happened to the husband and me, there are a few things that would embarrass me, even after I'm dead. For example, I've kept a journal for years. I haven't written in it as often since I've started blogging, but I used to write in it every day, and I still have journals from years before I met my husband. Would I want my mom reading that stuff? How about the 215 letters I sent to my husband while he was in Iraq? I want to keep those things, but I'm not sure I want anyone else reading some of the more intimate ones! Would I want my mom going through my underpants drawer? Aggh! I suppose all of it is moot if I'm dead, but still. Everyone has secret aspects of his personality, and I'm not sure I want anyone knowing about mine.

Posted by: Sarah at 04:53 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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2005 brought my husband home from Iraq. If he has any say in it, this won't be the end of our family's involvement in the miraculous changes taking place in the Middle East. I'm glad to have him with me whenever I can, but I'm proud of him no matter where he is in the world.

2005 also brought Charlie into our life. We have good days and bad, but every day he gets a little better, and there's nothing like realizing the dog just stole an Italian sausage link out of the fridge to make you laugh.

2005 brought the hope that I might be published. I'm not holding my breath just yet, but it's exciting just to be asked to join in Blackfive's Milblogs book.

But 2005 also took something from me, something I miss every day. It's been six months since Bunker's passing, and I still think about him all the time. His absence is a big void in my blogosphere.

2006 will bring two PCS moves and a return to the US for our family. I'm anxious to get the adventures of this coming year started.

So long, 2005...

Posted by: Sarah at 03:24 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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