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.