Don't Mess with the Zoe

Meet my new pup, Zoe.  She is a cute little thing that was rescued from a highway about 45 minutes from where I live.  The plan is to be her surrogate parent until we find a family that will care for her like she deserves, much like Stewie.  However, and don't tell Jonathan this, but I love her more and more each day.  She is the cutest little thing and seems to really love being here.  She is a great running partner and her size makes it really easy to reel her in when she gets too excited.  She loves meeting new people and is great around kids.  Right now she is really good at being my cuddle buddy, which is always nice.  It seems like she is a pit bull and possibly a jack russel mix, but take a look and tell me what you think.  She weighs about 27 lbs and is 9 mos old (maybe).  Funny thing, she has run into the back sliding glass door twice now, with great speed.  It is really sad that I laughed as hard as I did...both times.  Sorry Zoe.

Christmas Preparations

This holiday weekend I ventured out with my friend Stefanie and her two little boys to hunt out a Christmas tree and chop it down.  We went to a place called Justice Tree Farm in Jacksonville, NC where you can look for the tree of your dreams and either they will cut it down, or you can.  Of course, the two of us bold and daring women couldn't be stereotyped as two dependent females, we had to prove what we were made of - brute strength.  So when they hinted that we could cut down our own tree, we made eye contact, the kind that says "that's us Stefanie"... now, in our minds we thought oh, let's see who of the two of us can cut it down faster and better...I bet it's me... I'm really something.  So, we sought out the man who could acquire a saw for our journey and send us on the path that would eventually prove that we really are the women we believe ourselves to be.  Or just that we are each too stubborn and looking to prove something - that we are beyond seeking simplicity in tree hunting.  Now, I must mention, the man who we sought for expert advice and a useful tool was a ten year old boy in a purple coat that must have been some sort of level 1 apprentice for the tree operation.  He expertly spoke of tales of those who had gone before, and explained the process of the tree farm...impressive, until the tool he handed to us for the chopping was not a chain saw, but a cheap version of a light weight, hand operated, muscle needed, skill helpful, red saw.  No gas, no extension cord included.  We were then informed that we could just get a picture of us holding the saw acting like we were cutting it down, then they'd come in with their high powered, gas operated, super star chainsaw and finish up the day's work.  Now, we are two upstanding women filled with integrity and the pent up emotions from a few months of having our beloveds out of the house many many many miles away.  So, we declined their generous offer and took the saw.  So, I, babe in arms, Stef with the saw in one hand set forth on a promising adventure.  

Up and down rows and rows of trees we traveled, remarking at the limits of this tree, the downside of that tree, as if we were judging livestock at the state fair (please see the state fair blog from October for more state fair adventure and fun).  It was a great day, clouds filled the sky, dropping rain as if it were tempting to drive as back to the safety of the truck.  But no, onward we went, seeking the perfect tree that would complement the home and all of the decorations in boxes awaiting its arrival.  A few photos later and some good conversation we found the tree that seemed to be a thing of beauty, and out came the red saw.   Greed filled each of our eyes...at last, I will show what I made of, I could have been one of those lumber jack boys on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, I thought I just might be able to out saw them just by the fact that I was wearing an oil skin coat. I sunk the teeth of that saw into the trunk, and set forth on completing a job well done.  So about a quarter of an inch later, we realized the saw was even less impressive than it first appeared, and we turned it into a two (wo)man job.  Now, two females, each wanting to be strong always amounts for some back and forth bickering about how one thinks the task ought to be done, but once we settled into some good old fashioned team work, we found mission accomplishment.  It was a beautiful thing to see our goals achieved.  No tears filled our eyes, but we knew we had done well.  We created a memory together that we will have for the rest of our lives.  But, no, the story does not end there, for we had to drag that beauty back to the sales area, which was about a .5 mile walk, up hill, with rain pouring down, and lions and tigers and bears along the path.  I drug the tree the whole way, I felt like a horse.  It was a great experience to feel so strong and independent.  When we arrived back to the shop area the men were beside themselves with the fact that I drug the tree back and that our stump was a perfect cut, not angled or jagged.  We just looked at eachother with all knowing grins "yeah, we already knew we were tough girls...nope, didn't really need to chop down a tree to show how strong we were...I'm pretty much a bad A...(hint:  A is a three letter swear word edited out for family viewing), nope, I don't need a man to chop down trees for me."  After purchasing the tree, we made the drive home, put up the tree, and enjoyed eachother's company some more.  Now, time for the decorating...and out comes that woman in me - no super strength here, I'm busting out my Martha.  It's a dual role us military wives have to play sometimes.  It's like we are super heroes, women by day, wonder women as needed.  Now, I realize I took the wonder woman thing a bit too far when I decided I too needed an official costume and an official affiliation, thereby joining the Marine Corps, but...if I hadn't, I may not have had this fun tree chopping experience to blog about!

 

Stewie update

For those who know Stewie, I thought you might like to see what his new family has been doing with him.  He has to be loving this stuff, I am so happy they are taking care of him in such a good way.  Lucky dog!

My North Caorlina State Fair Experience

It's that time of year, it's a special time, one I have always cherished in the years past. This year was a tad bit different as it was a.)in a new state and b.)my first without Jonathan in several years. He always makes a State Fair more enjoyable. But, my good friends and I packed up the car and headed west about 3 hours to the fairgrounds in Raleigh. First, before I go any further, let me say, all week was in the 80's until Saturday, when it was 50 ish. Ughhhh! It was painful. A very cold State Fair experience to say the least, but, the bright side was that the rain had stopped in this area of North Carolina. I have never in my life seen so many little food carts. NEVER! It was a food fair, not a state fair. Corn dogs, fries, onion blossoms, deep fried ice cream, deep fried oreos, snickers, twinkies, butterfingers, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, apples, deep fried pecan pie, if it was food, it was deep fried. Amazing! There were ribeye sandwiches, BBQ corn on the cob, turkey legs, ice cream, elephant ears, strawberry shortcake, funnel cakes, and any other kind of cake you can imagine. Chicken on a stick, gyros, french fries, caramel apples, hot dogs, brats, cotton candy and every other kind of food you couldn't or could imagine. Every once in a while, you saw an animal or two, some artwork, some crafts, several rides, and carnival games, but food, food, food. We got to see cattle, rabbits, sheep, horses, donkeys, goats and some pigs. I rode the giant slide and the zipper ride. I was such a big girl, we made the cage flip all the way around so many times I couldn't see straight or walk straight when the ride was over. Then, I rode the "extreme" mechanical bull, and they weren't kidding. This thing was crazy, it was quite possibly what one might imagine it would be like to ride a bobble head doll on steroids. I couldn't stay of for more than 4 seconds, try as I might. No matter how hard I squeezed, I was on the mats in seconds. Oh well. I can't forget the spider lady, the woman with eight spider legs and a human face. An optical illusion that I could not figure out. She was so weird, she was missing a tooth and everything. I couldn't see the mirror or how they were doing this. But it was the queerest thing to see a woman yapping at us with no body. I hated that I spent a dollar to see her, and a dollar to snap this picture, but it had to be done. It just had to.

Riding Lillie

Recently, I found a horse listed on a website much like Craigslist called www.lejeuneyardsales.com I had been a very dedicated visitor to this site when I happened upon the first real eye catching horse listing. I have been leasing her since the end of August and have been having so much fun. It was such a great deal. She is an 8 or 9 yr old Thoroughbred mare who measures 17.2 hands tall. She is a pretty big, beautiful girl named Lillie. She was originally trained as a dressage horse, so I have been learning a new craft. I have attempted a few jumps with her, but they have been very ugly. She seems so unimpressed by the jump that she won't even try to lift her feet off the ground. Lillie is a very clumsy mare, but every day she gets better and has been such a great horse to ride - I feel like I have my own horse again. The stables where she is kept are very pretty, it is called Wildwood. The owners are very good people and keep the place looking clean and much like something you would find in a magazine. It is so green, mature trees line the whole property, and there are horses in all of the pastures. One of the biggest differences between riding in this area of NC vs back home is the lack of sand filled arenas and no indoor arenas. When it rains, which happens about once per week since I started leasing her, the arena gets so muddy that I can't ride. This makes planning days to ride a little difficult. Hopefully, I will get better photos over the next few months that I can post to show her off.

Visit to the Aquarium

Yesterday, my friend Katie Petronio and I took some time during our day off to visit the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium up the coast of the outer banks in North Carolina. We had a great time seeing all of the fish, turtles, snakes, big sharks oh and we can't forget the "pet the sting ray" tank. That's my favorite. However, some of the highlights include a funny turtle and our walk on the nature path. This turtle was hilarious, it must have been angry with this other turtle, because it wouldn't leave the turtle alone, and followed it all over the tank. Every time it got close to the turtle's head, it would stick its front legs straight out in front of its nose, point directly at the other turtle and waves its little fingers - just like spirit fingers. Oh, it was hilarious. We laughed and we laughed for a good 5 minutes. Unfortunately the video is not clear enough to post. We just sound like two girls laughing ridiculously at nothing. The other highlight mentioned was the nature trail, which is supposed to be about a 30 minute walk where you can see things like trees, grass, mud ponds, squirrels, and mosquitos. Lots and lots of mosquitos. So our 30 minute walk turned into a 5 minute run to get away from all of the biting insects as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, I did not get away without 4 new mosquito bites, bringing my total for the year to something like 284 bites.

Majored in MCMAP

Jonathan recently completed the Martial Arts Instructor course while in Iraq.  This photo is from his graduation.  The Marine in the center is the Colonel who instructed Jonathan.  Now he can train Marines through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program belts.  The belts are tan, grey, green, brown, and black.  He'll have to do additional training if he wants to help anyone get a black belt.  He had to work very hard to complete this course, he is really good at teaching, so I know that he will be a valuable asset for his unit.  Congrats Shmoog! 

North Carolina Mud Bog

Well, every state has their form of redneck adventure. North Carolina is no different. Here in Hubert on a good old hometown Saturday night, we like to put on our best pair of dirty denim levis, our favorite concert t-shirt or open button flannel variety of shirt with sleeves cut off (and if you are part of the pit crew, none at all), spray on your favorite variety of mosquito repellant, don your best ball cap and head on down to the Mud Bog . Here at the Mud Bog, you'll see things that you might see at a tractor pull, demolition derby, or monster truck rally. This includes the 15 year old romance filled with all sorts of intrigue and juicy teenager gossip, missing teeth, refined body odors, confederate flags on your car's antenna, and some good old grilled up burgers and tasty nachos. I had a great time watching with fascination the reactions of the crowd, their obvious love and commitment to the sport, and the Mud Bog fashionistas. This truck pictured here is attempting to make it all the way across a pit of mud with several small hills. He didn't do very well, needless to say. He did do a good job of getting all muddy, and isn't that the point? So, if you are ever in Hubert, NC and are looking for something to do that fits in with the local populace - get yourself some dinner at the Red Barn and stop by the Mud Bog. You will certainly get your feel of culture.

Tropical Storm Hannah - my first named storm experience

Here is a pre tropical storm "Hannah" photo. This picture was taken while I was on my way home from work in the afternoon. Most of the base had been let go so Marines and civilians could have time to make necessary preparations. The drive home was very quiet and lonely, I remember how eery feeling it was knowing that I was about to experience my first few major storms alone. At this point, we all thought that Hurricane Ike would be coming through next, and we knew it was a bigger threat. This storm turned out to be very minor and occurred about 3/4 in the morning. I woke up and watched it a little bit and wasn't all that impressed. The power did go out a few times. The city was under a curfew from 7 pm to sunrise so the streets were very quiet. Just before going to bed, it was so quiet and still outside, sound wasn't traveling very far and everything felt really close. I wish I could give a truly accurate account of the situation, but it is one of those memories that you can feel better than you can express. When I woke up the next morning, I did find the storm had left me a few presents in the back yard, specifically several small tree limbs and pine cones. So the clean up was a treasure. This was a good break-in storm, and our area of Hubert probably saw less than other areas - especially since we didn't have the threat of a tornado. I feel very lucky, especially since Ike completely avoided our area too. Maybe tropical storms are afraid of Marines?

Way to go Alisson!

Alisson really has put a lot of effort int doing as well as she has. I am so proud of her. This video depicts the unique privilege of Alisson being recognized along with others for graduating in the top 10% of a class of 300 Marine officers. Yeah, she is basically like Leonitis from the movie 300.

Just some footage of me and the Stew

Some of my weekend work in the yard.

Not a bad find for $30 online. I am really looking forward to you coming home so that we can share these experiences.

Jonathan's bucket list

1. Work in a job which makes me truly feel I am discovering my full potential.
2. Live in another country and speak their language.
3. Ultimately be someone who my friends and family are proud to know.
4. Eat a handful of peanuts with somebody thats allergic to them.
....To be continued

February Fun!

Alisson and I are having a blast together in Stafford this weekend. We met up on Friday night and checked into Lversedge. After sleeping in, we headed to Bob Evans, ate some biscuits, grits and cinnamon stuffed pancakes.  Then, we spent an hour at the bookstore while we waited for our couples massage, which turned out to be wonderful. Every time I get a massage, I really enjoy it, and I wonder why I do not get more massages. Saturda night was a great time watching UFC 81 at Hooters. Sunday morning was another sleep-in day as we made our way to a brunch at the O club. Unfortunately, I am now thinking of heading back to NC this evening, but not before watching the Super Bowl at another Marine's house. That should be fun. Alisson has ben a lot of fun this weekend, and I have loved being close to her. She is sick right now, but hopefully her gough will subside by tomorrow, when she will run the E course. Next week she will get the confirming news that she will work in Public Affairs... or was it Logistics that her Platoon Comander told me? Oh well.

10 Reasons life in Hubert will be better than the BOQ

10.  No moto Lts. will be running around in full war gear for PT making you feel like less of a person because you are sitting in your room eating top ramen, reading your email.

9.  There will be no cutthroat competition for parking spots remotely close to my front door.

8.  I won't be woken up every morning a half hour early by 45 people cleaning the hallway.

7.  Every night I will go to sleep and wake up in the arms of the man of my dreams.

6.  The shower in Hubert doesn't turn into a bathtub after 5 minutes, and I have no fear of it overflowing onto the bathroom floor.

5.  The first thing I'll see in the morning is my handsome husband instead of cinderblock walls.

4.  Dining will consist of more than microwave and snackmaster cuisine.

3.  I can turn the radio up as loud as I please, have parties whenever I want, and wear a sweatshirt outside of my room if all I want is a drink of water.

2.  No one will be asking me to participate in some absurd working party like picking up cigarette butts from in between rocks in the rock path or emptying a garbage can with 2 days full of McDonalds sacks.

And the number one reason I can't wait to move out of this place.

1.  If you've read the blog below posted by Jonathan, you would know almost as well me how lucky I am to have him in my life - and how living here in Quantico, though educational, is not nearly as wonderful. 

Alisson (All my love)

I want to take a moment to express my love, devotion, and gratitude to my loving wife, Alisson. She truly is a pillar of strength and passion in my life. I sometimes think of how far she and I have come these past 4 1/2 years. It is unbelievable what the two of us have built and accomplished together. I love her for who she is and all that she does, which in turn, enriches my life.
This is as public a forum as I have right now; but I want to outwardly thank you, Alisson for being my wife and companion. Thank you for being someone that I am proud and happy to be with, no matter where we are. Thank you for being someone of integrity, virtue and strength. And thank you for being someone I always want to touch and kiss-even if it embarasses you in front of others, or my hands are just too cold!
I look forward to the time when we can see each other next!

Jonathan

Quick note on presidential election

Of the many democrats running, I am most inclined towards Obama. As for the republicans, it would be either McCain or Romney.
-They are all tough on immigration, but I connot agree with Obama and McCain's position completely, particularly regarding the 700-mile fence idea (come on people). Romney's position on reforming the guest-worker program and increased enforcement effectiveness suits me best.
-Romney opposes expanding federal spending on stem cell research; the other two support it.
-Obama has some good ideas for health care placing responsibility on, and garnishing employers. He also will expand the coverage for children under their parents' plan (up to age 25). Romney seems less focused on this, but wants to mandate states to create individual market-based plans, which sounds problematic. McCain doesn't indicate much change in addition to increasing awareness (OK dude).
-The war in Iraq is a friction point in my mind. There is so much that I (as well as the rest of concerned America) do not have the ability, knowlege, or clearance to consider. I do feel that a phased withdrawal benefits our nation in many ways. The only one who indicates that with any degree of certainty is Obama.
Let me just make the ansulary statement that, although I do not believe that any of the candidates are the panacea this country needs, based on their plans as well as my limited understanding of the topics. This is, of course, a blog of my opinions as they continually develop.

Lovers in Firenze

Some of my fondest memories (and pictures) are those where Alisson and I get to experience something completely new and exciting together. I am so happy that the two of us were able to share a trip to Italy for the Fall of 2007. There is nobody I would have rather had next to me at this exact perfect moment.

SPIE rigging

This is a great bird's eye view of Camp Lejeune from the bottom of a helicopter! Uh, this video is taking a lot longer than I anticipated to upload. Let me give you some background information while I wait: 2nd Radio Battalion (the unit I belong to) has several special insertion/extraction capabilities in its repitoir, such as parachuting and dangling from the bottom of a CH-53 in order to get to wherever they need to go. This video takes place in the southern coast of Camp Lejeune, near a beach that Alisson and I have been several times.

Boots n' blood, snow n' mud

This is our Christmas snowmobiling trip to Christmas Meadows. Alisson is the one with that crazy look in her eyes.

Meet Stewie

Alisson and I just picked up this new little guy, shortly before he was put down. He seems to be settling in just fine. He is a Border Collie mix, and is around 1 year old. He is very friendly and playful. He is opening up more and more with each day; I am just hoping that I will be able to handle him!

My first online appearance

Hello. My name is Jonathan. This site is currently under construction