Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Night Vision Goggles
Kyle is now 100% validated for deployment- last training requirement complete. Here are a few photos from a night training exercise. Photos taken through night vision goggles.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Vote NO on Painting-- as Democrates say: "vote early, vote often!"
I have to relate Kathy's painting prowess (or lack thereof) so that you can make the right choice on the poll. If you already voted, no worries-- just vote again as a guest.
About two years ago, when we first moved to Chicago, Kathy desperately wanted to paint the small two bedroom condo we'd rented. Even though the lease did not allow it, I said go ahead-- so long as Kathy painted the walls back to white when we moved out. Kathy moved down and started painting almost a week before me. When I arrived, the 1300 square foot place was still no where near done. What's worst, Kathy decided she only liked to paint the center of the walls and not the edges becase they were no fun. At least she had painted over all of the painter's tape she had laid- which I had to scape off with a razor blade because the paint had dried over it days earlier. The only room that was completed was one of the bathrooms-- painted a deep blue to signify that it was the only bathroom boys could use. Of course the only reason it was complete is because our friend Deanne had done it. If not for Deanne, Anni, my sister, and unfortunately my help, the place never would have been painted.
When it came time to move out a year and a half later, Kathy refused to have any hand in repainting the walls white. When she finally agreed to live up to her promise, I came home to find the bathroom and front hallway a gleaming, bright white. Kathy had painted all of those walls using the door frame trim paint. Eventually, I had to hire a gang of professionals to come in and paint on the day we moved out-- it took them only about 4 hours. Kathy swore up and down through out the experience that she was never going to paint anything other than her nails again. Help her keep her word this time, vote Heck NO to painting.
*The author reserves the right to veto any painting project regardless of the results of this poll, and comments herein are not to be construed in any as an agreement to abide by the results of any such poll.
About two years ago, when we first moved to Chicago, Kathy desperately wanted to paint the small two bedroom condo we'd rented. Even though the lease did not allow it, I said go ahead-- so long as Kathy painted the walls back to white when we moved out. Kathy moved down and started painting almost a week before me. When I arrived, the 1300 square foot place was still no where near done. What's worst, Kathy decided she only liked to paint the center of the walls and not the edges becase they were no fun. At least she had painted over all of the painter's tape she had laid- which I had to scape off with a razor blade because the paint had dried over it days earlier. The only room that was completed was one of the bathrooms-- painted a deep blue to signify that it was the only bathroom boys could use. Of course the only reason it was complete is because our friend Deanne had done it. If not for Deanne, Anni, my sister, and unfortunately my help, the place never would have been painted.
When it came time to move out a year and a half later, Kathy refused to have any hand in repainting the walls white. When she finally agreed to live up to her promise, I came home to find the bathroom and front hallway a gleaming, bright white. Kathy had painted all of those walls using the door frame trim paint. Eventually, I had to hire a gang of professionals to come in and paint on the day we moved out-- it took them only about 4 hours. Kathy swore up and down through out the experience that she was never going to paint anything other than her nails again. Help her keep her word this time, vote Heck NO to painting.
*The author reserves the right to veto any painting project regardless of the results of this poll, and comments herein are not to be construed in any as an agreement to abide by the results of any such poll.
Monday, April 6, 2009
To Paint or not to paint
I have FINALLY decided on colors for the guest bedrooms and really want to paint before the new carpet is installed. This makes sense, right? Well, I floated the idea by Kyle and he strongly disagreed.
At our last place I was experimenting with the whole painting thing, trying to discover my inner interior decorator. It is not as easy as it looks. The taping and prep work, ugh! I am far from a professional and in addition to be less than skilled at it, I didn't enjoy the task at all. However, painted walls and color in a home really do make all the difference to me.
Kyle remembers what happened last time and well, I can't blame him for not wanting me to do it in his absence, I think overall it is the correct order of events. Paint then carpet.
A poll------>
At our last place I was experimenting with the whole painting thing, trying to discover my inner interior decorator. It is not as easy as it looks. The taping and prep work, ugh! I am far from a professional and in addition to be less than skilled at it, I didn't enjoy the task at all. However, painted walls and color in a home really do make all the difference to me.
Kyle remembers what happened last time and well, I can't blame him for not wanting me to do it in his absence, I think overall it is the correct order of events. Paint then carpet.
A poll------>
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Heaven's Newest Angel
Kyle's maternal grandmother went to heaven today. She will be greatly missed and thought of often. Grandma H. January 20, 1939 -April 5, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Birthdays (part 2)
Lists. I make them constantly. Lists for grocery shopping, gift ideas for Birthdays/Christmas, things for our home...they are everywhere. In my purse, on the fridge, on post-its throughout our home. Lists, lists, lists.Its Kyle's Birthday weekend. And I wish he was here, to celebrate with, to watch him open the surprises wrapped and bowed for him...This year's birthday was a little tricky. What is on a soldier's Birthday list? What could I get Kyle that would be needed and wanted for his mobilization? It was a struggle but I felt happy with the gift list I assembled, and hopefully he will too:)
I've come to learn that the really important lists, are not the ones with things on them. They are the lists of actions that lift Kyle's spirits, the ones that make him laugh and smile and using this list as often as possible. The lists of actions that makes him upset or angry and avoiding these. The ones that make him crazy and using these at just the right moments. These lists are the only ones I really need to know.
Happy Birthday, Kyle!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Yes, we are both BIG nerds
An exchange of emails:
Kyle writes:
Dear acting CFO,
Request initial funds allocation for one pair of leather personnel carries (boots). Allocation required: $XXX in Q2. Estimated life of asset, 10 years. Additional maintenance funds requirement projected as no more than 25-30 dollars per quarter over the life of the asset for socks and other foot comfort supplies.
Kathy replies:
Dear Sir,
Your request has been submitted and will be reviewed by the board at the next meeting of the minds. You will be notified shortly and thank you for your submission. Please be further advised that the CEO will be strongly lobbying for new carpet in Q2 which may delay your and all other additional Q2 requests.
***********I heart my nerd!***************
Kyle writes:
Dear acting CFO,
Request initial funds allocation for one pair of leather personnel carries (boots). Allocation required: $XXX in Q2. Estimated life of asset, 10 years. Additional maintenance funds requirement projected as no more than 25-30 dollars per quarter over the life of the asset for socks and other foot comfort supplies.
Kathy replies:
Dear Sir,
Your request has been submitted and will be reviewed by the board at the next meeting of the minds. You will be notified shortly and thank you for your submission. Please be further advised that the CEO will be strongly lobbying for new carpet in Q2 which may delay your and all other additional Q2 requests.
***********I heart my nerd!***************
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