Tips on being a single parent

Well, for one patience is indeed a virtue...I found out quickly how practical it was to have this priceless commodity.

Chasing around toddlers also took some savvy talent. My daughter was quite the creative little gal hiding in the most unexpected of places including the dryer (yes) and the hamper.

She kept me on my toes so another important element to add to the mix is an over abundance of energy. My kid had a knack of causing mischief.....guess she gets this from dear ol' mom...and why I had such a svelte figure back then lol....

What I also found to be of greatest importance is being involved with your children. I know working 40 plus hour work weeks can take their toll (trust me I know) however being a parent also means going beyond what you think you are capable of.

Your children will thank you later when you consciously set aside quality time to actually care enough to be involved in their lives.

I found with my own child that when you discover what their passions are and assist them in constructively finding outlets to explore these talents--this will benefit the both of you in the long run.

Seriously though being a single parent has many rewards...though it is a road full of obstacles I guess it is how you approach them which determines your failures and successes of raising a child single-handily.


(And always remember to set aside some "me" time).

SOME good news

This federal internship I applied for at NARA has begun its process. I now have to wait to take their online questionnaire but have been found basically qualified for the initial process. This internship is something I strived my whole life it seems to get into (the position I am applying for has a promotion potential of GS-12:)

Program Features

Features of this program include:
--A customized development plan that will serve as the road map for your professional
development during the program and beyond.
--Formal classroom training of at least 80 hours per year to enhance your leadership skills,
technical proficiency, and advancement potential.
--A rotational assignment (minimum 30 days) to a different part of the organization, another
office within the National Archives, or another Federal agency.
--A mentor who will provide personal assistance and guidance and create networking
opportunities for you.
--Ongoing on-the-job training, coaching, career development, and performance feedback.

Salary and Benefits

Career intern positions are offered at the GS-5, 7, and 9 levels. This equates to a starting salary of approximately $30,000 - $60,000, depending on the grade and location of the position. Many positions offer promotion potential to the GS-9 level or higher. Check out our list of current openings to learn more.

As a career intern, you are eligible for the full range of Federal health, life and retirement benefits.

(Some of the benefits I have and would still have through the program:)

Salaries, Incentives, & Awards

• Periodic Performance-Based Pay Adjustments (within grade/step increases)
  Cost of Living Allowances — scheduled annual pay increases
  
• Special Salary Rates for IT Professionals — higher rates of pay for IT staff
  
• Recruitment and Relocation Bonuses — up to 25% of basic pay for hard-to-fill positions
  Retention Allowances — up to 25% of basic pay to retain departing employees
  
• Student Loan Repayment Program
  
• Employee Recognition through our Incentive Awards Program
  The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides additional details about Salaries and Wages
  

Leave & Holidays

• Ten Paid Holidays per year
  
• Thirteen Days of Sick Leave per year - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
  
• Up to 26 Vacation Days per year based on your years of employment:
  
• 13 days per year for less than 3 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 4 hours per pay period
  
• 20 days per year after 3 years of Federal service but less than 15 years - accrued at a rate of 6 hours per pay period
  
• 26 days per year after 15 years of Federal service - accrued at a rate of 8 hours per pay period

Job Security

One good thing I can say about my job is that I am forever busy though I do make time to surf the 'net...yes Uncle Sam's dollar$ at work but in my defense I always do above average quota wise for cases I have to churn out.

I went to pick up more records for my caseload in the little gray box for the team, and it was full. Sigh..........I sometimes dream of teaching or maybe doing something more creative with my life. Thank GOD for my writing....however a part of me would love to work for Catholic Charities or as I mentioned in a previous blog, the Ford Foundation.

I know what I do here makes a difference to families and veterans along with the general public but still I would love to be working in something that captures my heart.

Overtime has been offered!!!!!!!!!!!

I am like hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!

Doing a little happy dance yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ironman

I was actually quite impressed with the movie and will be buying the DVD. It did not drag as some movies are wont to do of late towards the beginning. I was immersed from the opening. Initially I was doubtful if Robert Downey Jr. could pull off this role but he actually did a wonderful job. Of course I ate my own words later on. Downey definitely has quite the range of acting skills. I can still remember him from the 1980's and the roles he had then. The man has grown up and grown up well..............

With Ironman, I was on the edge of my seat half the time--ok most of the time.

I enjoyed the rapport between Downey and all the characters. The graphics were wonderful and believable. Reading up on the development of Tony Stark I came to find out Stan Lee modeled this man from the eccentric Howard Hughes. I can see Hughes in Stark via the inventor/creativeness of this make-believe man. Eccentric billionaire Stark has a change of heart in more ways than one....embracing the true essence of a super hero in angst.

I enjoyed the comic relief that was present at opportune moments throughout the film. A definite 10 for this lady.

I have always been an avid comic book fan especially of Marvel. I wait with bated breath for the Avengers.

Website:
http://ironmanmovie.marvel.com/

Making a difference

As a child I always dreamt about how my life would make a difference to someone else or the world. Dreams of grandeur wanting to share a piece of myself, ideas--goals, interests and such.

Little did I realize that I would become a mother at 19 and in a way I did accomplish my dreams ...I made a difference to one child.

A special person with whom I have such an intense bond with. I love my daughter with every fiber of my being and though I became a mother at such a tender age I am so grateful for the experience of having become one. I saw the world through the eyes of a child and my child made me into a better person today....she made a significant difference in my life.

The World of Books

Ever since I was a child I used to immerse myself in books specifically Childcraft Encyclopedias...alas this is where my wander lust began. A teasing tickle of the mind..........I would mosey on over to the family room's scant library while my brother and sister were out creating mischief (a common occurrence in my memories)....as I the good child would be reading up on such grand artists as Monet and Rembrandt or eagerly read about the human body, how things work, a parental guide along with fantasizing about far off lands which made my mind yearn for more.............

My thirst for knowledge is never-ending.

I Hope You Dance

Remember life is all about living...................

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)---Lee Ann Womack

Weekend is here!!!!

IF it doesn't rain the entire weekend I plan on taking my daughter to the zoo on Sunday after Mass to check out the new babies. Depending if they are in the children's section or not....the St. Louis Zoo is free and has a wide assortment of animals. Sometimes I feel sorry for the critters because they deserve more space then at the same time I realize allot of those animals would be dead due to man's greed. I wish human beings could respect life in all its forms. I've already lost count on how many times I visited the zoo. Past 11 at least.

Anyway, glad to just get out and about and hopefully the rain will hold off...today though we are due for some serious showers. Came in and the skies were gnarly gray. UGH! At least I haven't had to spend any more extra quarters at the car wash. ;^)

4th of July

Next weekend will be wonderful...going to visit friends within my home state of "Hoosier-land" Indiana. They have a ton of stuff lined up---boating, golfing, "muddin'", bbq, swimming, and the traditional fireworks.....they asked me if I would be interested in muddin'....I replied how in the Army I qualified for my Humvee license....and it was fun...the Humvee was put to good use and then some. I love the outdoors so it will be great to do something like this. I don't mind getting dirty.

Also, just seeing friends and family...taking my parents out to eat before I head on back to Missouri. I really miss them.

Bless the day

When days seem bleak and things are not going your way just remember what you have...how uniquely precious life is and that no matter what there is always a reason to keep going.

Remember to just take pleasure in the simple things in life---and when you do this every single day--you'll find something special about every moment and will come to realize how wonderful living life can be:

This is blessing for rain after drought: Come down, wash the air so it shimmers, a perfumed shawl of lavender chiffon. Let the parched leaves suckle and swell. Enter my skin, wash me for the littlechrysalis of sleep rocked in your plashing.In the morning the world is peeled to shining.........Marge Piercy

Websites:
http://www.amazon.com/Bless-Day-Prayers-Poems-Nurture/dp/156836251X

http://www.inpressbooks.co.uk/the_art_of_blessing_the_day_poems_on_jewish_themes_piercy_marge_i016230.aspx

Glorious Day

The sun actually SHINED today--------yes folks....I was in hog heaven.....yeah yeah...what a term to describe fluffy white clouds...so white they blinded my eyes....bluest of skies....I even tolerated for the most part the heat....soaked it in for all it was worth since we are due for yes dears MORE rain.

But in the meantime all that sunshine made me feel like I was on top of the world!!!

JOBS FOR VETERANS

Being a VFW member I always receive email newsletters. Resources like these are priceless for veterans leaving active duty or reserves and even those of us who served our precious country many years before:

VetJobs History

VetJobs is the leading Internet niche job board for reaching the 14 million military veterans currently in the work force, as well as the 250 thousand active duty military personnel who transition each year, and their family members. If you seek candidates with diversity, leadership skills, technical skills, security clearances and who have verifiable work backgrounds, you will find them in a military veteran. VetJobs is an excellent source for candidates in information technology, program and project management, sales, linguists, logistics, transportation, human resources, manufacturing, engineering, finance, healthcare, accounting and senior executives.

VetJobs was established in 1999 following extensive research on job and resume sites catering to the military market. The research indicated there was a gap in sites which assisted employers in identifying the transitioning military and veteran candidate. VetJobs is operated by a seasoned management team of professionals to assist companies, recruiting firms and hiring authorities to successfully reach the military market.

VetJobs is owned and operated by veterans for veterans. In January 2000, The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States exclusively endorsed and purchased ten percent of the company. Since then, VetJobs has garnered many veteran service organization endorsements.

Website:

http://www.vetjobs.com/

Counting down......................

Whatever happened to Customer Service

This company via Amazon has given me a dire headache this morning.

I ordered a CD for my daughter some weeks ago and received the wrong one...ok...so I contacted the company to obtain a new envelope and postage to return the old one since the other envelope was ripped. (You would think that a company who does this for a living would send the correct merchandise).

Anyway, time goes by and nothing....they did not send me anything.

Of course I rated them on Amazon as terrible since they sent me the wrong product and did not send me proper mailing.

Well, I return the CD and paid for a new envelope and postage asking for a full refund.

Nothing..........

So I contacted this company again and they flat out told me they sent the right CD.

I am like WTF??????????????????

I reminded them of the CD I ordered and which shows up on my account. Can those people even read??????????????

I had it.

So now I contacted Amazon directly. Those dumb asses had their chance.

Something like this should not bother me but it does because it seems lately with anything these day receiving respect as a customer and your money's worth is the last thing on anyone's mind.

Living for life

Living for life....yeah...I think about deep soul searching issues such as this....why....I guess I'm just very introspective.

Living for life means living for you, for your family, for humanity.

It means what is best for you, for this planet, setting goals for yourself.

Living for live is giving back a small part of who you are.

Leaving behind a legacy.

I look at my daughter and see that my legacy will live on...and that of my parents through her---grandchildren and future decedents. A culmination of all our triumphs, and defeats, timeless laughter, mind bending joys, tearful goodbyes....sensations of a precious life.

I wonder if they will one day realize of how I too once loved, dreamed, saw....memories of a bygone life passed down through all time.

My grandchildren will know of me....I will hopefully live one day...to see that smile---see a part of me there living and loving again.

Like watching a movie unfold in rapid sequence----of grand dreams, bright sunny days, refreshing rain, of flowers and travels, smells, tastes, touch----simple things of ice cream, and crayons, first loves, school, marriage, and the cycle goes on...

...and the cycle goes on....

Music and Exercise

Well it worked. I exercised harder and longer with my IPOD. There were songs that invigorated me to keep pushing and I wasn't bored. What a relief.

I need to add more songs to the playlist. Right now I have about 42. I use Bach to cool down and songs from bands like Guns & Roses to keep the blood pumping.

Today is gym day again for me and will see how it goes. I am determined to look 200% for September. Psyched!!

Going to the gym

If I can beat the severe thunderstorm heading our way (sigh yes).....I will trot off to the gym.....trying to wake up at the moment....because I usually am up around 5:30am or 6am every morning for work I want to sleep in on the weekends at least a little bit. Sipping on some coffee and will grab a couple of Vitamin B-12 tabs to chew on...invigorate myself.

I am excited to take my IPOD there for the first time (squeal)....ok ok.....corny but hey....at least I will have the motivational music I like to spur me into action.

I feel that certain types of music when coupled with exercise will burn more calories.

Why?

Because it makes your blood pump more and you want to remain longer.

Interesting info on the subject:

----One valuable way for you to use music is as a pre-exercise stimulus. The majority of the studies suggest that music may significantly increase respiration rate and moderately elevate heart rate so why not use some good music you enjoy to prepare yourself.

----Slower, sedative music decreases a person's muscular fitness potential.

----Music is found to improving gross motor (complex movements) skills, such as proper jogging skills.

----As music improves gross motor skills with the complement of music or rhythmic stimuli it can aid any rehabilitation process.

With all this in mind I do hope that I can continue on the same healthy path whiles listening to my vast genre of my favorite songs.....moving right along.

Source: http://zinaan.blogspot.com/2007/08/motivational-music-exercise.html

The Human Element

For each of us there's a moment of discovery
We turn a page, we raise a hand
And just then in the flash of a synapse
We learn that life is elemental
And this knowledge changes everything
We look around and see the grandness of the scheme
Sodium bonding with chlorine
Carbon bonding with oxygen
Hydrogen bonding with oxygen
We see all things connected
We see life unfold
And in the dazzling brilliance of this knowledge
We may overlook the element not listed on the chart
Its importance so obvious
Its presence is simply understood
The missing element is the human element
And when we add it to the equation
The chemistry changes
Every reaction is different
Potassium looks to bond with potential
Metals behave with hardened resolve
And hydrogen and oxygen form desire
The human element is the element of change
It gives us our footing to stand fearlessly
And face the future
It is a way of seeing that gives us a way of touching
Issues, ambitions, lives
The human element
Nothing is more fundamental
Nothing more elemental

Website:

http://www.splendad.com/ads/show/40-Dow-The-Human-Element

Have Faith in all you do............

Laid back Saturday

Updated my IPOD...Jeez that took forever. I have an ancient Compaq Presario (hand me down)...grateful to have it but MY GOD!

Rained again today....I had to check and see if the paint on my poor car is still intact after the deluge of extra helpings of humidity we have had these last few days.

Listening to Bach.....ahhhhh....I love how he gets me to relax. A must have for anyone wishing to transport themselves into a calmer....better realm.

For the sake of beauty

So, I posed a question on English Sabla regarding plastic surgery. I received allot of very sweet and reassuring replies that I don't need it. Though I was not looking for reassurance regarding my looks I was curious to see how Muslims would react to such a procedure from someone they know. It is always of interest to learn new perspectives on a variety of topics. My mind is like a sponge always soaking in new ideas, facts, opinions.

I may just end up getting a dermabrasion for now and start a "mini-lift" fund which will be used when I reach my mid forties.

I know I won't age gracefully.......and why should I?

Coupled with gym workouts I want to beat the stereotypes placed on woman in my age group...to hell with the frumpy Middle-Aged Marm....

Natural Disasters vs. God's Will

As always....very interesting conversations on English Sabla:

Originally Posted by Jeff
God knows what I will do. But it is a result of my will
that I do it, not His. His will, for example, is that I always obey Him. Yet I
do not always obey Him. God allows this, but He does not will it.How does that
"work" metaphysically? Dunno, though there are speculative answers from
philosophers.

My response:

This is the way I look at it: God created the universe and made human beings. We fell from His Grace and were given free will.......we took this precious gift and polluted the earth with our irresponsibilty of wars, famine, disease, and mismanaging our natural resources. Period.

To see other response just click here: http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55850

Rain rain go away........at least for a little while

How long has it been now?

3 weeks?

Tired of this rain...honestly.....

Already there has been three Mississippi River levees overran (and counting as the night wears on) by the sheer volume of water in Lincoln County today.

There are towns I visited like Alton which sit on the merging of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers....many people already evacuated.

I think about the people, the towns....Midwesterners are pretty resilient...allot of us come from pioneer stock....country folk....many are pulling together to help out---something Midwesterners are known to do.......especially in the smaller towns....but man....enough is enough....

Coffee and energy

I am about ready to keel over......the usual mid afternoon zombie like state I always get into....debating whether or not to just start relying on coffee to get me through the days. I am not a heavy coffee drinker at most I will take in about a cup a day. Might move to three.....don't want to be so wired that I end up as an insomiac....then it defeats the purpose of what I am trying to do.

I tried Vitamin B-12, St. John's Wort, 5 hour energy drink and still....the zombies.

ARGH!

Putting things into perspective

I come into work and just found out one of my co-workers (who I have known since I came here back in 2002) had to evacuate her home due to a levee breaking in Winfield. I cannot imagine what those people are going through right now thinking about losing their homes. Not like our nation doesn't have enough to deal with at this time.

She is hard up in many ways and for her to have to go through this is heart-breaking.




Makes me put my own life in perspective.





I have been feeling down the last few days for a variety of reasons but hearing about this incident made me realize how lucky I have it and the circumstances I am currently in are in my control.





Right now the Midwest is facing hardship due to heavy rains and floods.





We cannot control these random acts of nature but we can control our own.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


(KSDK) -- The worst fears of the Army Corps of Engineers have come to fruition: a massive levee breach has occurred near the town of Winfield.
The 150-foot wide breach happened just east of Winfield along Pillsbury Road. Water is now flowing towards the city's secondary levee at a rapid rate.

...............Winfield is located 47 miles north of St. Louis.

Website:
http://www.ksdk.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=148438&catid=131

Always good for a laugh............

Temporarily disabling comment section in my posts

Until further notice I will not allow comments on my blog due to certain readers who don't know how to curtail their immature comments.

Resisting Temptation

The only thing tempting me is eating sweets. Any kind of sweet....well to be exact anything chocolate or banana splitty (if that's even a word).

And looking at this picture =>

.....makes me want to climb the walls.


Sucking on a lifesavor right now is just NOT cutting it.





Nope.





So why am I craving sweets?





Found some interesting info here:

(CBS) Ever wonder why we seem to crave most the food that's worst for us? Could it be that we literally can't resist it? That's what neuroscientist Ann Kelly has been studying for more than a decade in her lab at the University of Wisconsin, CBS News correspondent Trish Regan reports. "In a way, food is like a drug," Kelly says. In the lab, when a drug-addicted rat thinks it's about to get its morphine fix, the brain lights up. It turns out that when a rat in the lab that's conditioned to like sweets thinks it's going to get chocolate, its brain shows similar activity. "I hesitate to say there is such a thing as food addiction," Kelly says. "But what we have to keep in mind is that food can affect the brain in a very similar way as addictive drugs." "This could be the smoking gun," says law professor John Banzhaf. "We could say fat is the next tobacco."

GOD I am a fat junkie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Website:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/30/eveningnews/main2220356.shtml

Cable Companies

Yes, by the very nature of my title you can already see I am going to vent and vent good.........

My three tier package combo expired on the 11th. Now.........to KEEP that same package (basic cable, phone and Internet) I would have to pay $20.00 more.

I was like WTF?????????

So, the gracious customer that I am I asked what else was out there (to rip off consumers like myself).

My provider currently has a promo going on where I would pay $13.00 more to have HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc etc...so I had to choose between paying more for what I HAVE or fork out additional $$$$ (but receive less) for a well-rounded package.

Guess which one I took.

Thankfully I get a pay raise in July. I will also be changing health insurances whereupon that alone will save me $100/month read $1,000 a year.

Looks like it will go towards cable. (Man...am I addicted or what????????)

SIGH!

Weddings

I don't know why people freak out when a wedding approaches. I hear about frantic brides and grooms mentally trying to scrape it together so that they have the "perfect" wedding of their dreams...and with a 51% US divorce rate I think....hmmmm....is all that hoopla really necessary.

'Course is an individual thing and who knows maybe that 49% leftover will make it. We should always pray for the best in anything, especially a marriage. This day in age it seems more difficult for couples to walk down that blessed path.

My views on the American marriage though tend to be very grim. Only because I see so much drama going on. People divorce at a drop of a hat these days.

They don't want to work things out.

Why????

I would surmise an educated guess and think the lovely couple just don't have "the time" to work things out.

Sad.

I sometimes find it a blessing how I never married.

Came close.

But that is another story altogether.

I found out some stats regarding my high school graduating class and you guessed it..........

Over 50% of my classmates are divorced.

Sad.

Whatever happened to sticking together through the tough times.

Whoever said marriage was easy?

Does everything these days have to be resolved in a sitcom minute?

Apparently in this society it does!!!!!!!!!

MAMA MIA!!!

Well, the road back into the Army is going to be a long haul but I am up for it. If God determines the military is in my future I leave it in His hands.

I come back to work after ONE day and see this two foot high pile of cases on my desk (I kid you not) and pending cases in my computer that have to be processed.

Talk about job security....mama mia!

The road towards my goals is a rough one. But due to my pit bull perseverance I am not one to give up easily on anything I set my mind to.

WHY would I?

If I feel that strongly about something I go for it full speed ahead.

Some people think because of my age (like 39 is old) I am crazy to be even thinking of going back in.

Maybe when you reach 39 you will feel old but not me.

I hate stereotypes given to women who are reaching middle age.

Why should I fit into all that hype?

Women in their 40's are just as vibrant as the men...even more so because we have gained so much throughout our lives, built our self-confidence, are ready to take life by the horns.

And when I reach 50 I still will feel the same. ;^)

Lovin' Life

So serious then daughter had me laughing so hard!! :^)

LIFE

In a couple of days my life will change forever.

Either I will be accepted back into the folds of the Army......or I will not.

Depends on what the docs say.

If I am medically rejected from military service at least I can honestly say I gave 200% towards the effort.

I didn't just give up.

Not for something I had such a lifelong passion for.

When you believe in yourself....in something you truly love...you gotta go for it.

No excuses.

NONE.

Everyone who knows I want to return to the Army have continuously asked me what my thoughts are of being deployed to Iraq.

Right now the chemical unit I might be assigned to is under strength so there is no viable possibility for the next few years I would go.

Scary thought if I had to.

Yes....

Do I want to go over there?

No.

I prefer to defend my own country's borders but I also realize that by signing on the dotted line I open myself up to the possibility of being sent.

I am not blind or naive to this.

I do get offended when people try to make me out as such.

I am joining because I have 8 years to go for military retirement.

I would become a squad leader....I would wear my stripes again, the uniform....to be in an environment that was part of half my life.

Also for the bonus...it would help me out allot.

All I can do is pray.

And I for one am a person who wants to live her life to the fullest.

Just who I am...............................

My car

Nothing beats having reliable transportation especially for myself. Bought this car literally after my old Altima died on the dealer's lot. Indeed, some ways God was shining down on me....I really needed a new set of wheels.

One Step At a Time.....

Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew. Really???

Been that way since like forever.

Monday my recruiter and I are off to MEPS so that I can be evaluated. (SIGH)....Just sign me up already...................however I am quite realistic. I realize that I will have to see a heart specialist for my waiver (which I HOPE I get) and will be taking the DELAB for Spanish.

What is the DELAB?

Glad you asked. ;^)

The DELAB is the Defense Language Aptitude Battery and is designed for those individuals who are already fluent in a specific foreign language needed by the military. I will be tested on reading and listening only.

Spanish is one language needed currently....Arabic another.

If I spoke Arabic man oh man....the $$$ I could make as a translator but I know where I would most likely end up..........in Iraq.

Biting off more than I can chew...yes...getting back to that.

I did apply for a job in Indianapolis and of course the internship position for the Archives with positions available in St. Louis, Colorado and College Park.

The MOS I am planning to enlist into has a great bonus...however if I get the internship outside of the St. Louis area I would have to do more research in finding the same MOS at another Guard unit in the potential area I would be moving into.

My head is spinning.

AY CARAMBA!

So Spanish it is for this Latina.

Comments on my blog

I usually will surf the net to read blogs and some I like, others I do not.

If I don't like a particular blog I am not rude enough to criticize it. If you want to discuss with me details about my blog you can always try to email me but don't post it on my site.

This blog was created for myself and of course I love having readers. Who doesn't?

It is those individuals who continuously come to the blogs and will make disparaging remarks.

My advice to you is NOT waste your time then since obviously you think reading certain blogs are such a chore.

Thankfully I live in a country where freedom of speech is practiced so I exercise it on my blog.

But I won't allow you to exercise yours here if all you know how to do is to be a nuisance.

Find another blog to troll.

Cheers!

Being on your best behavior

I just found out today that half of the overtime I did was not properly put into the system so that I could get paid all at once. I completed 21 overtime hours and will only get 10 of that in this paycheck.

Wondered why it looked so depleted even with Uncle Sam's cut. :^(

What to do?

The mistake was done by someone in upper management.

I did my sweet fake smile but inside was seething.

I was looking SO forward to having all my overtime on one check....was psyched about getting all of it on this one paycheck.

Instead I plastered a fake "oh well" smile on my face because really...what can I do?

If I raise a stink I might be put on this person's shit list...because she does have one.

So here I fume in silence (almost)..................

I Am an American Soldier

I am an American Soldier.

I am a member of the United States Army -- a protector of the greatest nation on earth.

Because I am proud of the uniform I wear, I will always act in ways creditable to the military service and the nation it is sworn to guard.

I am proud of my own organization.

I will do all I can to make it the finest unit in the Army.

I will be loyal to those under whom I serve.

I will do my full part to carry out orders and instructions given to me or my unit.

As a soldier, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored profession--that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom for which my country stands.

No matter what the situation I am in, I will never do anything, for pleasure, profit, or personal safety, which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my country.

I will use every means I have, even beyond the line of duty, to restrain my Army comrades from actions disgraceful to themselves and to the uniform.

I am proud of my country and its flag.

I will try to make the people of this nation proud of the service I represent, for I am an American Soldier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Soldier

Festival of Nations

Festival of Nations

August 23-24, 2008

Description
During the two day family-friendly festival, visitors will clap to the beat of diverse ethnic dance troupes; groove to the global music of local and national musicians; and literally eat their way around the world. Tasty ethnic treats will be available from Asia to Africa, Europe to South America and everywhere in between. Sponsored by the International Institute, the festival showcases the dance, music, arts, food and crafts of nearly 100 ethnicities in our region. Truly this is a chance to rub shoulders with the world! Admission is free, food and gifts are extra.

Website:

http://www.iistl.org/

Smile for the camera!!!!!!!!

Productive HLG Meeting

I was able to network with several Hispanic leaders of my community. Everyone was quite gracious and ultra-friendly to me. I was a little nervous about explaining what I do, however afterwards quite a few individuals came up to me with many questions regarding the Archives and wanted to obtain more info as to how they can track down their family members' records. Free advertisement for my agency!

I also picked up quite a bit of information regarding cultural events around town (and soooo excited to attend!!!) and will most definitely post on my blog later on today.

The mixture of individuals and their backgrounds was diverse and the energy in the room was quite existential!

Celebrating my 40th

Mango's on Miami Beach is the place to be September 2008. Looks like it will be ummmm INTERESTING!

Website:

http://www.mangostropicalcafe.com/

Looking forward to the weekend

Not only does it mean I can sleep in later (whoohewww)....I am going to see the movie: "The Happening." I tend to really dig M. Night Shyamalan and his movies but always loved these creepy thrillers.

Taking my daughter for Chinese and the movie. At 20 still pretty cool that she loves to hang out with mom. What can I say?

I haven't heard the greatest reviews on this film but since I have seen almost all of Shyamalan's works I will go see this one.

Pictures of NARA's Development Project

^^^^^Valmeyer Location

Dunn Road (where NARA is moving to)

Hispanic Leadership Meeting

Getting out and about is a good thing.

Especially for me.

I used to be someone who was always on the go go go....I found myself stuck in a rut...NOT good.

Why I am trying to make some significant changes in my life.

One of them...of course...is getting back into the Army, another is becoming more involved with my Hispanic community. That is why I attend these leadership meetings. Lastly I joined this Catholic Singles Club.

Not necessarily to meet anyone, ('course is always a side bonus) but just to "get out" there, mingle, meet people, have fun. Not just work work work!

Websites:

http://csacstlouis.org/about_us.html

http://www.hispanicstlouis.com/

http://www.hispanicstlouis.com/events.aspx?DoAction=ViewEvent&EventID=287918957739483

4th of July

I am planning to visit a good friend of mine in Indiana for the holiday weekend. I pray that everything goes well as far as getting down there. I am exicted (SCREAAMMM) to just see her.

She and I talk allot via email...(I am better writing than speaking)....go figure....we think alike in so many ways.

Looking forward to some drinks, meeting her family again, swimming and just relaxing having a wonderful Midwestern get together.

I feel that the two of us have a wonderful connection and is someone I am most grateful to have in my life. I can vent to her about my own personal frustrations regarding my job, family, dating, and whatnot...she has shoulders that can carry the load of the world.

Get togethers like this are priceless and I for one am planning to enjoy every moment with her, her family, and friends.

Military Report is the most comprehensive military benefits and quality-of-life newsletter for military personnel and retirees. Make sure that you and your colleagues subscribe for this free update publication.

-------------------------------- 09 JUNE 2008-------------------------------------------

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Kick starting goals

Picture of me at "nerve central". Where all my thoughts are written down)....ok...not always but yeah most of the time...like now.

Now I realize I have an honest to goodness goal in sight, I can focus on getting into the best shape possible.

This has many positive connotations.

1. Health
2. Looking simply awesome (especially for South Beach)
3. If I get back into the Army I will be able to retain my sergeant stripes and remain in the military
4. Having an awesome bod...(hmmm....I see a trend starting here). :^)
5. Feeling GOOD about myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw how my dad's health declined in his 40's and I don't want to stray down that dark path. Smoking didn't help his case any not to mention ignoring his diabetes.....health is so important and having a wonderful quality of life....

And I plan on living mine as completely and fantastically full of everything and anything as I can.

My journey back to the military

Met with my recruiter and filled out some paperwork (part of the red tape road towards my ultimate goal).

Next Monday he is picking me up at 4am. Off to MEPS to process. I don't have to retake the ASVAB...thank GOD! That test is a bear. the biggest worry is getting my medical waiver....but I finally see my perseverance paying off....that alone means I am doing the right thing.

I will be taking a language test for Spanish in order to obtain an identifier.

Could mean extra $$$.

I might also earn a bonus with the potential MOS and will be given a Staff Sergeant/E-6 as squad leader....later on down the road I may try for Warrant Officer. Just have to get in right now.

This is the job I am going to apply for if I am able to get back in:

74D (Chemical Specialist)

Major duties. The chemical operations specialist operates, performs operator maintenance or supervises the use of nuclear, biological and chemical detection and decontamination equipment, smoke generators, and assists in the establishment, administration, training and application of NBC defense measures. The nuclear, biological and chemical noncommissioned officer provides training, advice, and supervision regarding the proper use and maintenance procedures for chemical equipment and chemical operations in company and higher level organizations.

(2) Skill Level 2. Operates and performs operator maintenance on smoke generating equipment, leads smoke generating or fuel supply squads, supervises reconnaissance/decontamination operations, serves as company nuclear, biological and chemical noncommissioned officer.

One step at a time and if I get to raise my hand again I know I will have tears in my eyes as I quote the following:

In the National Guard (Army or Air)

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (Missouri) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (Missouri) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.

Growing older "gracefully"

Look to this Day.

For it is Life,

The very Life of Life.

In its brief course lie all the Varieties

And Realities of your Existence:

The Bliss of Growth,

The Glory of Action,

The Splendor of Beauty.

For Yesterday is but a Dream,

And Tomorrow is only a Vision,

But Today well lived

Makes every Yesterday a

Dream of Happiness,

And every

Tomorrow a

Vision of Hope.

Look well therefore to this Day.

Posted by Ronnie Bennett

Website:

http://ronnibennett.typepad.com/weblog/2005/08/growing_old_gra.html

Corpse Bride

LOVE Tim Burton and his movies!!!!!!!!!!

Hiking in the Missouri Woods

One thing I have learned from my experience yesterday is to take a backpack. I was thinking of bringing one but did not.

NOW I know better.

It was fun though. We were out there for maybe 5 hours. Reminds me of my own childhood days spent exploring the woods across from my home in Indiana. Yeah, yeah....I'm a country girl for sure!

After experiencing a few dizzy spells I knew I was getting dehydrated.

I experienced heat exhaustion before in the Army during basic training. Stationed at Ft. Jackson over in Tank Hill (Huuurahhhhh--ok....had to do it)....and fainted from the heat.

I still remember that day. I woke up with my gorgeous drill sergeant's face hovering over me. Somehow he managed to cradle my head in his lap and all the women from my Platoon (D-1-1)hovering over me as well with tears in their eyes. Back then I weighed a mere 100 pounds and did not eat properly. Long story there won't get into it. Well, I felt bad that they experienced it. I was a favorite in the platoon and women are well....they tend to become attached quickly.

THAT heat exhaustion episode was a scary experience due to the fact you have NO control over your body when you pass out.

I felt I was on the brink of passing out on the trail. However, the stoic soldier in me kept trudging through and I marched on so to speak....no pun intended. Managed to pull off maybe 7 ticks. 3 I found at home. I don't get all girlie grossed out...still......I don't like the little critters (can get Lyme Disease) but can handle plucking them off of my body. The largest tick was near the hairline. (I think I will wear a baseball cap next time)...yes....for sure. :^)

Overall it was a fun and exhilarating experience more ways than one (this one view from a bluff overlooking the Missouri River was gorgeous) Took my breath away. I need to bring along my camera next time to capture the tranquil yet majestic essence of the woods....and I know better now to stock up on supplies. The heat was over 92 degrees thus we were losing allot of water through sweat.

Next time I definitely will be hauling along an additional supply of water and granola bars for more energy!!

Looking back

It is human nature to look back on one's accomplishments.....seeing where you came from....so that you know where you are headed.

Scary hmmm?

Yes and no...............

I find it hard to believe some of the events I've gone through in my life...from my stint in the Army, stationed overseas, visiting the Middle East, having a child, college...images, feelings, sensations, moments caught up in what it means to exist.

My existence....no one else can claim these experiences, thoughts, triumphs, defeats----but me.

I own these victories, losses...all of it.

Once I thought myself a victim of circumstance but slowly....slowly I am coming into my own...I think such thoughts develop wisdom....it isn't simply just knowledge but what you gained...what you take with you as you time travel through life.....to where your final destination leads you, me...all of us.

Immortal Beloved

Always a Beethoven fan I am planning to buy this movie:

The film — a biopic — treats the identity of the "Immortal Beloved" (Unsterbliche Geliebte) of composer Ludwig Van Beethoven as a mystery to be solved by his secretary and first biographer, Anton Schindler, a journey of discovery which takes Schindler to all corners of the Austrian Empire to interview the women who have a claim to candidacy. In this, it bears a family resemblance to the 1941 Orson Welles film Citizen Kane.

The core of fact upon which the film's speculations are built is as follows:
After Beethoven's death in 1827, three short letters were found among his private papers addressed to a woman whom he calls "immortal beloved". The letters exist, but there is no consensus among Beethoven scholars as to the true identity of the intended recipient, though the pages of the letters — probably written in the summer of 1812 from the spa town of Teplice — are certainly in Beethoven's handwriting.

Among the most plausible candidates put forward to date are Giulietta Guicciardi, Therese von Brunswick, Antonie Brentano, Johanna van Beethoven, Countess Anna-Marie Erdődy, all but one of whom feature in the film.

The film's writer and director, Bernard Rose, has controversially claimed in an interview that he himself has successfully identified the woman whom Beethoven loved, a task that has eluded researchers for nearly two hundred years. No scholar or writer on Beethoven has so far come forward to endorse Rose's claim, and one, Gail S. Altman, has vociferously disputed it in a book[1] devoted specifically to the question of the woman's identity, and Beethoven's relationships in general.

The Third Letter
Good morning, on July 7Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.ever thineever mineever ours

Websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortal_Beloved_(film)

http://home.swipnet.se/~w-15266/cultur/ludwig/beeim.htm

Monday seeing Army recruiter

I may or may not be able to become a commissioned officer.....just depends on my medical eval. (the criteria for becoming an Army officer is stricter than enlisted)...if I cannot become an officer I will remain as a sergeant and work my way up the ranks.

I am meeting with my recruiter on Monday to fill out my security background questionnaire and see what available positions are out there for the chemical unit in St. Peters.

Some people think I am crazy to join now...especially because of the war. Currently my unit-to-be is under-strength and their mission is focused on Missouri. I don't see myself being deployed anywhere anytime soon if I am able to return (God willing).

I just hope that this war doesn't last much longer, as I see it--our soldiers, the Iraqis and our economy cannot handle this state of affairs forever.

I want to join the guard so that I can protect my homeland and to help in time of natural disasters....more in alignment with my beliefs. Of course I know if I have to go I have to...why I signed on the dotted line...but I always always pray for diplomatic solutions to political events...ok....off my soap box.

Tornadoes and MORE Tornadoes

I was getting ready to leave my shift at 2:30 and the tornado siren goes off. Our siren is across the street, belongs to the facility. Sounds just like an air raid siren.

My first words out of my mouth were "Dammit!"

Yes, when the occasion hits I will curse.

So we were herded out like buffalo into the hallway to wait it out. Half an hour later we were released...I was high tailing it out of there when we were held up again so I waited in my car for the front gate to open.

The thunder, lightening and rain was torrential to say the least.

I wonder how much more of this weather I can take.

Time to build an arc!

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Strong storms bring more rain and strong winds to parts of Missouri.
The latest wave of storms hit on Friday and drenched the state from southwest Missouri up through the St. Louis area.
The Washington County Sheriff's Department says there are reports that a tornado touched down near Richwoods, about 65 miles southwest of St. Louis. No damage was immediately reported.
Several other funnel clouds, including some in south St. Louis County, were reported.
The sudden rain caused some flash flooding, including reports of deep water causing gridlock on Interstate 44 near Fenton in southwest St. Louis County.
Several counties were under flash flood warnings and tornado warnings for parts of the day.
About 2,800 AmerenUE customers lost power during the storm.

Website:
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=147673&catid=3

Fooling around with the camera today...

My little he-man.............



First one is of Simba with his fav toy. Hard to believe but that stuffed kitty (not Simba) used to be larger than my little guy. He and my daughter are always "wrestling" with it. Here he was caught napping with the kitty.

Second picture....We decided to "girlie" up my little boy...as you can see...he didn't like the end results...

Don't mind cujo in the back.....that's Luna but she apparently has some demon residing from within...

GOD!!! I love this little guy

He is on my computer's desktop.....

GO GET 'EM TIGER!!!!!

Living in the moment

When we were younger it seems our days stretched endlessly. We lived in the moment...come what may--we faced our fears, our joys, our triumphs head on.

As we age seems our hearts, or at least mine, can become dulled with so many varied experiences.

I want to recapture living in the moment...where I felt the thrill, excitement, rush of every single second of my life.

Enjoy each day in its fullest glory.

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.” H. G. Wells (1866 - 1946)

“Most of us think ourselves as standing wearily and helplessly at the center of a circle bristling with tasks, burdens, problems, annoyance, and responsibilities which are rushing in upon us. At every moment we have a dozen different things to do, a dozen problems to solve, a dozen strains to endure. We see ourselves as overdriven, overburdened, overtired. This is a common mental picture and it is totally false. No one of us, however crowded his life, has such an existence. What is the true picture of your life? Imagine that there is an hour glass on your desk. Connecting the bowl at the top with the bowl at the bottom is a tube so thin that only one grain of sand can pass through it at a time. That is the true picture of your life, even on a super busy day, The crowded hours come to you always one moment at a time. That is the only way they can come. The day may bring many tasks, many problems, strains, but invariably they come in single file. You want to gain emotional poise? Remember the hourglass, the grains of sand dropping one by one.” James Gordon Gilkey

See more at:

http://www.englishsabla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55152

Cravings

Have you ever craved after something?

Could be food....

Could be a goal...

A person..

But they all have the same type of feeling. Sort of like a constant gnawing in the pit of your stomach which you have to fill.

How does one satisfy it if you cannot have it?

How?

Dualities of life

My ex called me today at work....sometimes it makes you think about life...about where you are headed....
.....and what you left behind.

I ended things on good terms but yes, I have to admit at times I do miss him.

I know I always will...but I also realize that life is about being a survivor and not a victim of circumstance.

We all come into this life for a purpose...whatever it is....we can choose many paths to follow and with him I chose not to go down a dark path of self-pity.

I am also realistic and came to terms that a part of my heart will always belong to him. We were best friends and much more.

That is why we can still talk today....there was so much there in common...a passion for life, loving, and cherishing each day given.

So, I dedicate this post to him and always always wish the very best for this special man.