Sunday, January 27, 2008

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.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

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!