Thoughts on my day off

I suppose some people may think it odd that I have begun the process of packing for my deployment when I do not leave until May, but it is hard to decide what is worth the space when you are going to be gone for a full year, but are living with 1-3 other people in a dorm room. It was so much easier when it was college. Now I have to make sure I pack everything the Air Force says I require along with the things I feel are important.

Which movies do I want to take? I only want to have 3-5 with me, so which ones will I want to watch. Which books will I take? I must have my laptop with my DVD player, which also means an adapter. I will need my digital camera, so I can share everything with the family as I live it. Chapstick, sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner.... Some of those things will go in later, but the space is rapidly filling up. And the bags themselves are big enough to carry both Mason and Micah in them relatively comfortably. I have to carry all of this through I don't know how many airports in how many countries.

There are boxes to prepare so they can be sent as I leave here for training. They will be waiting when I arrive so that I have decent bedding (not Air Force or Army issue), towels and a few amenities I want.

So many thoughts on what to take and what I need. So much time spent preparing. In a lot of ways, this is how I combat the fear of the unknown. Gather information, try to make sure I have planned for all contingencies and just stay busy. Less than 3 months and I am leaving everyone I love to spend a year in the desert. It's a little scary and very overwhelming....

What's Going On

Things have been busy and I have also "moved" to Facebook. No, it's not an excise, and I will try to do better.

As you can see from the kids Blogs, they are all active and keep things interesting. Derek is officially a stay-at-home Dad again and seems happier with it overall. There are some kinks to work out, but that's always the case.

I am preparing for my upcoming deployment and trying not to lose my mind. Things are really (REALLY) busy at work and I never feel like I have really caught up! Everyone is well (no major health issues recently).

I got my eyes "fixed" a few months ago and it seems to have been a success. Looking forward to the Super Bowl tomorrow and hoping the Colts win!

Glorious New Year

So, here we are, its a new year! I did not make any resolutions, just wishes that I hope to accomplish!

The kids are all healthy, Derek is happier than I have seen him in some time. I have major changes occurring this year, and I am actually quite excited about the challenges they present.

Derek is now a full-time stay-at-home spouse and seems to be embracing the new role. Yes, he has done this before, but not with the level of responsibility he's got now.

Kids are back in school. Lex has martial arts, part-time job, and is trying out for softball. Cedes is in dance and she and Mason are going to start martial arts in February. Brittney starts her second term of college and is working hard at Whataburger. Micah will be in swimming lessons once they start which should be cute. Mason might do that too. He's scared of the water.

Derek, Brittney and I will be playing softball again this spring, looking forward to that. I think I will play volleyball too, if I can.

Things Going on at Our House

Mason on Haloween

Life Never Slows Down Here

I know you have heard it before. We just never seem to slow down...ever!

I finished my third Master's a few weeks ago and am just waiting for my final grades and diploma. The last two grades were passing but not as good as I would have liked. Oh well, with life being what it is, I have to accept I can't get all A's.

Derek is considering quitting in December to stay at home with the kids. He misses them like crazy and feels that they are suffering with how busy we are and that we are never home for them.

Brittney is in college now and so far things are working out. Due to some adminsitrative issues we have decided to adopt her, so that will obe complete in October. Yea! She's also taking a cardio class several days a week to stay in shape, so she's busy, since she also works a two jobs in between school.

Alexis is now in High School and is also very busy, moreso than she's ever been and I think it's getting to her (see her blog). She's working a few days a week, taking driver's ed, trying to maintain A's and B's, softball conditioning, and maartial arts. She's a busy girl, plus she's got a long distance boyfriend.

Mercedes is doing alright. She finally got to start dance classes and she's thrilled. Unfortuantely, she is going to have to work to catch up with her peers. She's not got a lot of "rhythm".

Mason and Micah are still witht he same daycare provider. She's started preschool programs with them so they are starting to get ready for school. It's hard to believe that Mason will be in kindergarten next year! He will probably start martial arts (along with Mercedes) in January too). Micah isn't old enough yet, and I am really not sure he needs to be taught how to hit anything! He's violent enough as it is. He's in full-blown two year old mode. Mercedes and Mason were nothign compared to them.

I am still working part-time (though it seems like more sometimes) at the online school. It's not a bad deal, though there are times I feel overwhelmed. It's helping me to pay off bills though so that's nice. Hopefully, I will be 1/3 less in debt by this time next year : )

We are still planning to go to Disney in November for the holiday. I think it will be a nice family trip. We need somerthing fun, away from here. I think we are all too wrapped up in our schedules!

Just Catching Up

Ok, I have gotten addicted to Facebook and MySpace. I am sure it will pass, but I have been spending WAY too much time on those sites!

I found out today that we are ready to start the second phase of Brittneys adoption. It should go fairly quickly fro here. I will pay the remainder of the attorney fees so that will prevent any legal hold-up. In the meantime, we are still trying to work through Brittneys problems with the college. If I didn't know better I would think they are doing it on purpose.

I will be done with this last Master's degree next week. Yes, I sped it up and added to my stress, but I am vulnerable for a career move in the next few months and the last thing I need is to be in the middlle of a degree. This one is military studies, so not good for much outside the Air Force, but it's a degree, so I won't complain (too much). It has really been stressing me out, so I will be very happy to be done.

I am also teaching four classes. I have taught up to six which can really kill me. As much as I enjoy the upper level classes, it is more than I can take. The amount of work is doubled and I am already feeling guilty about not spending more time with the kids, though I am trying to make a point of breaking away from the computer earlier to hang with them.

I am ready for school to start back up. We are trying to keep things quiet until Derek quits working. That should be next year, though I am still secretly hoping he gets a government job (Sigh!).

So so busy

You know, our life isn't very interesting or exciting, but there is always a lot going on.

For example, Derek and I are in the process of adopting Brittney. Why? Well, since her Dad never got us the custody paperwork, the scholarship she earned is not valid until she becomes a state resident. Yea, it's a loophole, I think a scam actually. However, the adoption solves several problems, and we are all ok with it. In the meantime, she starts college in a few weeks and we think we have everything covered.

Alexis has been going to volleyball conditioning since they cancelled softball conditioning. However, she does not think she really wants to do volleyball, even if she were to make the team. She says softball is where she wants to focus, and she also wants to get back into martial arts. Oh, and she wants to get her Learner's Permit so she can start driving. Frightening, isn't it? We told her she has to maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher to get her driver's license next year. Harsh, aren't we?

Mercedes started a dance class on base a few weeks ago. it's really convenient since the instructor can pick her up from daycare and then I stop and pck her up from there. She's loving it too. She says it is what she wants to focus on versus martial arts or softball. We are going to try to support her with it and let her continue at a school here in town once school starts in a few weeks.

Mason is doing well. He's quite the little engineer. He likes to take everything apart and try to put it back together. Very cute!

Micah is just sheer hell! He's feisty and violent and fussy, but then turns around and is so cute. He's got quite a vocabulary too, when he chooses to talk. Quite a character.

Derek has made the decision to quit working in December. He's fed up with his job and really wants to have more time with the kids. With as busy as we are, I am just not keeping up. He is also considering starting a Master's online, but he's not sold on that yet. We'll see!

I am finishing up Master's number three. I have three weeks left and I will be done!!!! The big pain right now is the research paper. The instructor is anal and I can't seem to please him, at all. Oh well, as long as I get an B, I will be fine.

Been a LONG while

I'm sure I am quite a disappointment, since I know so many people follow the BLOG. Seriously, we have just been so crazy busy for so long, and I started using Facebook and MySpace that I lost track of this BLOG. I think I am going to try to start posting here again, just for posterity's sake.

Heading out tomorrow

I have survived my first week in the new jobs, but I think they were going easy on me since I am leaving for three weeks. I feel like I am their Christmas/birthday present to themselves. I am taking on a lot of the admin/day-to-day type of things. This week, I have mentored a young officer, provided significant input to a senior leader briefing , and just been there to do little things. I know it's going to be even busier when I get back. And our new boss gets here in July so I imagine I will be gearing up for that as well.

I am looking forward to this 3 week training class as an oppotunity to get away, but I still have a lot of things I have to keep doing while I am gone. I have started work on the research paper/thesis I have to do for my current Master's and I am finishing up two classes I have been teaching. I am starting four more classes (teaching) while I am in the class learning, so it's going to be very interesting.

I am hoping to use these three weeks to get back into shape by working out and getting back onto the lower calorie diet I had been foloowing. I gained a few pounds over the holidays so I want to shed those. They don't really worry me until I put it into the context of 4 lbs every holiday with no weight loss in between. It adds up then.

Life is pretty good though. Busy, but good!

What I had planned (to do) for my XMAS break...

So, there I was, Wednesday afternoon, ready to walk out the door to leave and pick up ther terrorists and I walk by my boss, who decides to drop a bomb on me. He has finally come to the conclusion that he needs a deputy (we will call it DO for director of operations), but is thinking it won't happen for a few months. Guess who is first in line...me. The only other person in the squadron who outranks me is deploying in February. Then, on Thursday, again, as I am leaving, I get called into his office, as of 1601 of that day I am his DO. So, of course, I get the nod (officially) on Friday. I am scared WITLESS! Yes, I wanted the position, but seriously, I was hoping for a few more months of flight command and I didn't really think I would get it.
Something is up in the Wing power structure, and my boss is running scared. This position could make (or break) my career. It's a BIG deal! I have only been a Major for 5 months. I have only been a flight commander for 7 months. I could, feasibly be in charge should my boss drop dead tomorrow.
Did I mention, I am scared?
Additionally, I now have to work through the holidays, though I am going to try to keep the days short.
And that trip to Keesler in January? That might be on hold as well. AND, I have to make a trip out to Nellis in the next two to three months to become familiar with our satellite site out there. And we are already short of manpower, so I am still 1/2 way in charge of my flight.
I also start teaching a new class (one I haven't taught before) in January. And I didn't realize I signed on to teach 4 classes at once!! Am I a freaking idiot or what?
Life was chaos before, but now it's going to be pure bedlam for at least 3 months!
And I am still taking my own Master's classes. I have reached the point where I am starting my research. It's not a full blown thesis, but it's more than a regular research paper.
I had started looking into online PhD's as well, but I am not sure that will be possible...ever.
After talking with my boss about what this new job means, I might be looking at a Squadron Command in a few years. If he had his way, I would replace him in July (at least that's what he says). It might also mean getting an in-residence spot for Air Command and Staff College as well as a better chance for a below-the-zone promotion. Of course, these are all maybes, not definites, but the new job implies that's the path they are putting me on. I am not sure it's what I want. I have never really see myself as command material or anything like that. I just wanted to do a good job and take care of my people.

Life keeps me ever so busy

Let me start with the kids --
Brittney - basketball, school, work, homework
Alexis -- band, homework, working oujt, dog
Mercedes - homework, homework, homework
Mason -potty training
Micah - being 18 mths old

Not all of the grades have been satisfactory, so the older girls all have work to do. Yes, we are pushing them to do better, though Alexis is resisting. No one ever told me that 14 year olds were so painful.

Derek is doing fine at work. He enjoys the paycheck anyways. The corp. he works for is going to be laying people off, but he was told it won't affect him. I am praying....

I have been running around like a madwoman at work. We have had construction going on and I am responsibler for finding desks for over 30 people. I thought we had until after XMAS but the contractor is so far ahead that they wanted us to move THIS WEEK. I found everyone spots, but they are not all happy with me. Sigh! Leadership is not my forte.

On the good side I am teaching again, though it is almost more st4ress. However, I will be caught up shortly. Not that I am really behind. it is really a deadline I set for myself. This week has just caused me to be significantly burnt out.

And we have had more technical issues which are really causing headaches, so I have had that to deal with though and it has caused me significant angst.

And next week I am going XMAS shopping. I have to decide whether to buy the little ones new clothes which they don't NEED, but would be nice to have, or buy toys which they want.

I am looking forward to this week off. I have things I want to accomplish, like finishing my XMAS cards. I am about halfway done. Yea! And gertting the XMAS tree up, and fixing turkey, etc. The turkey's name is Cletus, BTW.

Goings on

It looks like I will be teaching a new kind of class soon. And it looks like they need new teacher's pretty badly so maybe I won't have to worry about the class not going like it's supposed too. That's a bit disconcerting. You can't really plan for things that way. I understand why it happens, but it's still a bit frustrating.

Everyone has their Halloween costume now. Cedes is going to be a UT Cheerleader, Mason is Batman, and Micah is Robin. For the older girls, they are going to have to figure out things on their own, but they are creative. : )

I have to go through a class to get training for a certification test I need to take by December. It's a pretty big deal and its kind of weighing on my mind. I know I am not smart enough on the material to pass and I don't do enough hands-on work to get smart. I don't do well with learning from a book, but that's really my only option it looks like. Unless I want to pay for training out ofpocket which is my other option and not one I really want to go through.

3 at Once

All 3 little people have grown and we had to get them all new jeans or clothes or BOTH. Darn the luck! I think we are covered for another 5 months though you never know. I am guessing we will be buying Cedes new jeans soon, she's kind of growing, mostly in the tummy though.

We are all doing well. Derek is still not happy with his job, but at least he has a job which is more than a lot of people can say. We (me) are looking for another job for him, preferably something on base. It would be nice to share rides and have the same work schedule. It would make a lot of things easier for us. We will keep trying (and I will keep praying).

I think things are fine for us overall. We are not getting hit by the economy the way some people are. I hope that we survive without too much pain, but I know that things could change at any time. I am very happy that I have a steady job (career). And you know, I still enjoy being inthe Air Force (most days). Having more responsibility is not easy and I gert a lot more headaches, but I think its going OK.

I am not teaching right now. My last classes got cancelled. I think it was due to the economy : ( I am due to start my next set in a few weeks (November). I hope that one works out. I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy having the extra money to do fun stuff!

Can you believe I am working on a third Master's? I am finishing up my 4th class next week. YEA! Only 6 or 7 more to go and I am done. I am going to apply for an AF PhD program next year! I would go to be a teacher after that. Wouldn't that be cool? Plus, it would fulfill one of the things I want to do before I die.

I was thinking about that today. I think it would also be cool to get my pilot's license and fly solo. I would also like to go parasailing and bungee jumping. And I want to go to Disney and I want to take a cruise. Hmm, the list grows as I sit here and think. I'm going to have to start writing it down somewhere.

Sitting here...

Not wanting to grade papers, but really (really) needing too.

Found out Friday I won't be teaching again until Novemeber.

Found out Tuesday that I am being evaluated for my teaching (annual requirement) even though I just finished my internship.

Derek has gone to his grandfather's funeral so he's on the road somewhere, by himself.

I have all five kids.I have papers to grade.

I have laundry to fold and wash and dry and put away.

I have dishes that need to be done (lots of dishes).

I have to go back to my day job tomorrow.

I don't get enough sleep.I have papers to grade...still.

Good News

Very GOOD news!

Becuase of so many military members being hit by landlords in foreclsoure, the government has agreed to help out, so our move is being paid for and professionals will be doing the heavy lifting! I am SOOOOO happy (and grateful, I needed some good news).

Why Sarah Palin?

Why Sarah? I was asked this question recently because I have been strongly considering McCain as my presidential pick. So I should answer first, ‘Why McCain?’
This is not an easy question for me to answer, though I think a big part of it has to do with my conservative nature and “Kansas Farm Girl” roots. Additionally, I am a military member, so McCain strikes a chord deep within me. Basically, he reminds me of my grandfather who I adored and respected above anyone else. Grandpa was a solid, honest, plain-spoken man with a quiet sense of humor. You could rely on him in tough times. He made decisions, even though they weren’t always popular. He didn’t switch sides, just because someone disliked what he thought. This is the person I see in McCain. McCain has made mistakes, and will continue to make them, but I think he owns up to his mistakes and is willing to confront them. He has met adversity and lived through it. He acknowledges that he does not tow the party line and that this makes him less than popular with the base he needs to support his candidacy. I think he’s someone who knows his strengths and weaknesses and he will ask for help where he needs it. Do I care if he knows how many houses he owns? No, not really. I assume he’s got an accountant and property manager who handle those details. Do I care that he’s rich? Not really. Isn’t that what Americans aspire to be? As long as he’s honest about his choices and not biased towards the rich, I DON’T CARE! I want someone who can lead, someone who can make decisions, someone who can build bridges and make myself and my family safe and secure in all respects, now and into the future.
I am not saying that Barack Obama can’t do those things, however, he doesn’t give me the warm fuzzy that McCain does. It’s not about experience, it’s about leadership and Obama doesn’t strike me the way McCain does in that area. I am going to vote for the person who can best lead me, not the one who gives the best speeches.
So, Why Palin? She’s not a proven leader since she’s only been governor for a few years, at least that’s the general consensus. I beg to differ on this point though. She’s a mother of 5. She makes difficult decisions every day! She made a decision to keep her baby that she knew would have a handicap. Having been in that situation, I know the pain and emotional soul-searching she went through, and she made the decision. That’s what I want, someone who will make the decision based on facts, as well as on morals. And whether it was the decision other parents would have made, it’s still a tough decision. That’s what leadership is about, making tough decisions. And it’s about making the best decision you can, even though it might not be the popular or easy choice.
And what about her daughter? Pregnant at 17? Guess what, that’s reality! Her daughter is probably a good student, a smart kid, a GOOD kid, who made a bad choice (sex without protection). That is not something her mother (Sarah) can be held responsible for. A parent can preach and teach, but children will ultimately make their own choices. At that point, parents support them or not.
I think Sarah Palin is ready to lead the country should something happen to McCain. Not because she’s had years of political experience, but because she is prepared to make tough decisions. I think she’s smart enough to ask for help on issues, but she will ultimately make the choices. I don’t think she will back down from a fight, but she will choose her battles. I think she understands compromise and the value of people. She still has her small-town values and is willing to stand up and clearly state her stance on issues that are touchy.
Is she the best choice for Vice President? I don’t know. I don’t have a crystal ball to see into the future. However, I think she has the ability to be a good Vice, just as Biden does. I do not think there is any truly wrong answer in the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

Promotion Pics

Yep, it's me. No, I am not on valium. I am standing on attention and trying to make sure I don't smile or lose my bearing, as well as stay upright.

I have more pictures, which I posted to myspace. I wish we would have remembered our camera, but the young man who took the promotion pics did a decent job.

And now, I really am a major and I haven't screwed up too much about saying I am still a Captain. Woo hoo. No donuts for me to buy!

We move next week. Oh the joy! We are completely NOT ready!

Tropical Storm Fay...Missed

Everyone is home for the day. Looks like Tropical Storm Fay passed us by with nothing more than a lot of rain yesterday. Today is mostly clear and sunny. Pretty muggy though. I am just thankful it wasn't a hurricane. I think we have a good plan, but I would prefer not to have to act on it.

Mason and Micah put Derek back to sleep, so I am starting the grading process for this weeks papers. I have some I could completely grade, but I don't really want too. Today is Sunday, I want to relax and be a bum.

I finished my ACSC class this week. Not sure what I got on the final, though I am sure I will find out soon enough (SIGH ). The teacher is more anal than I am used too, oh, and things have been, well, CRAZY throughout this term, so I am HOPING for an A, but would not be surprised to get a B.

Derek is going to have to work for the next 6 days straight, which is going to suck! I have a 4 day weekend next weekend, however, I have the boys, so I am not sure if there is any benefit to it. I am going to try to get more boxes packed, though I feel we are at a stopping point with that. We are still using a lot of the stuff, so I think the 10 days I am off will be spent packing one or two boxes at a time, taking them to the new house and unpacking there. Not a lot of fun, but the best I can think of. Not sure we are going to get the letter we need from the landlord to get the move paid for, so we are on our own. Darn the luck.

The kids are back in school now so we can start setting a routine up. BD is still working at Whataburger, but that's only 10 hours a week or so. Plus, she has a college course in the evening. busy year for her. Basketball starts soon as well. Alexis and Mercedes will be starting back to martial arts in October. They both need the activity. The doctor is concerned about their weight. We are trying to control their food intake as well, which is hard because we want to feed them if they are hungry. It's a parent thing.

I am not sure if Alexis likes the new school, btu she's not been overly negative about it, so I am hopefuly that things will go well. It will just take time, and then next year she will be in high school. I am not sure how I feel about that.
Cedes seems happy with her class so far, but for her it's always been a social event, so I don't foresee any major problems except getting her to do her schoolwork like she should.

Micah and Mason are doing well. They enjoy their daycare and seem to play well with the other kids, so I am content ot leave them there.

It looks like I will be staying in my current unit until we leave. That is not a bad thing for me. I will be moving to another flight commander position in a year or so, then possible deploying so that should cover me untuil we leave. It's something of a relief since I was looking at having to take a remote to make sure I didn't get screwed. My boss seems to think I have a strong chance of being a squadron commander. I am not sure that's where I want to go, but if it happens I will take it and do the best I can. It would be hard on the family, but good for my career if I can keep from being fired. That's a what-if though, so no use stressing over it now.

Saturday

Not a whole lot going on. Derek is off becuase he has training all of next week. Yea! Guess there are some minor benefits to him being a regular employee now, other than the paycheck I mean.
We might not have to pay for our mose. Woo hoo! The military just started a program to help out, but we have to get documentation fgrom our landlords which is easier said that done.
We are now done with school shopping now. Thank God! I am so glad we only do this once a year. Plus, I still have to take Mason to get some new jeans. He actually grew. Amazing!
We are looking forward to the kids going back to school and getting back into some semblance of a schedule. Alexis has to be driven to school until we move because the she had to change schools. The zoning here is unbelieavable! However, once we move, she can ride the bus so all will be well. She's also talking about trying out for volleyball. Not sure how that will work for her, but I am all for it. Hopefully we will be back into a routine soon. That makes things so much easier.
I am almost done with another ACSC class. It's been pretty crazy with everything going on, I am surprised I have done as well as I have. I have a chance of getting an A, but it is not a sure thing. I take the final next week.
I am also in week 3 of teaching my second set of classes. Classes go for 9 weeks so we have a ways to go. It's a lot of work, but I am getting back into the routine. That helps. I am loving routines these days.
I am gained several pounds back over the last few weeks because of all the crazyness so now I am back to the diet plan I have been on. I am hoping to get down to 125. I will settle for 130 though.

Interesting...

Perhaps I should NOT be listening to audio books to improve my mind. I am listening to Western Civ right now and the instructor made a point that has been continuously floating around in my head. Now, to set the stage, I am a Christian. I believe in God! I am not trying to be heretical, or blasphemous. It's just a thought.

The instructor was discussing religion and its importance to the foundation of culture as we know it. He made a comment about the 10 commandments. Specifically, the one saying: Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me. Now, in modern times, we read this that there are no other Gods and there is only one true God. However, if you put it in context (according to the instructor), you can believe in other Gods, you just can't worship them above the Christian God. Around the time that Christianity was founded people believed in multiple Gods and picked based on their needs at that moment.

Why has this been banging around in my head? Well, it kind of makes sense. If I were to agree with this principle the: I am not a bad person for believing that there is a Muslim God, nor am I a bad person for believing there are other deities in other places around the world. As long as I only worship my God and believe in him, then I am still Christian. Crazy, isn't it?

In this scenario, Christians can allow other people their religions and not feel threatened. It begs the question as well, was this what was meant by: Though shalt have no other Gods before me? Or did it change over time because Christians felt threatened by other religions?

So many questions.... If you are interested the audio book is called: The Foundations of Western Civilization and it is taught by Professor Thomas F. X. Noble, University of Notre Dame.