Finally in DC. Quick rundown of yesterday:

11:00am (PHX) - Struggle with K#2, K#3 in stroller and cart full of luggage (though the driver was nice to distract the boys with treats) to skycap, but they can't give me tickets. Send me and all my luggage (2 suitcases, 2 duffle bags, 2 car seats) plus the boys inside to the ticket counter. We're #7 in line, and we wait in line for nearly 40min to find out they can't fix my tickets (the boys and I are sitting in completely different parts of the plane - nice, huh?) but they take my luggage. Ticket lady hands me a roll of plastic bags, a roll of tape and a pen, as I need to put the car seats in the bag. She recommends using the pen to help "cut the tape". >:\

1:00pm (still in PHX waiting for plane) - Gate lady can't get the three of us seats together (how freaking hard is it to call up the one guy fouling things up and ask him to switch!?!?!), recommends asking the interfering passenger nicely to switch with me. K#3 decides at that moment to start screeching and struggling in stroller.

1:30pm (at the gate, on plane now) - Negotiate with said passenger to switch seats, then he gets upgrade to better seat for "being a nice guy". He got a free drink too. Wish I'd gotten a free drink. Oh, and our seats were at the back of the plane.

On the plane, no idea what time - K#3 struggles during take off with dreaded seatbelt, crawls all over the place in an attempt to escape when he's freed. K#2 is wonderful traveler and behaves (generally). Manage to distract kids for about 45min with movie until battery dies. Scream fest follows until kids pass out. Sigh.

40min before arrival (7:00pm local, I think) - Try to put K#3's seatbelt back on, screaming fit follows. Lasts until belt comes off at gate. Want to claw own eyeballs out due to stress and exhaustion.

8:00ish pm - Hubby meets us at gate, can't find car when we get all of luggage (oh, and the bags with the car seats are ripped). Nice parking garage lady gives boys cookies (nicest person I'd run into all day). Nearly get lost trying to make way out of BWI.

9:00pm - Was practically assaulted by the father-in-law's dogs (scared the bejezzus out of K#2) and promptly dropped my soda and all food upon entering the house for the very first time. House is ok, except that it's a total and complete wreck. Nearly have nervous breakdown because I'm exhausted and overwhelmed. K#1 cracks her head into my chin in her excitement, causing me to bite both sides of my tongue, which starts bleeding. Still hurts, btw. I'm not mad, I just wish she'd be a little more careful.

Midnightish - Finally get to go to bed. K#3 has no place to sleep because top bunk isn't prepped for K#2 (even though I thought hubby and I had agreed to separate bunks for the boys...?). K#3 sleeps with us, which means I don't sleep well. Not much different than the last 3 months, but... yeah.

Blergh.

Sitting here in the Navy Lodge waiting for Drew to finish laundry (!), listening to one of the free songs you can get from Starbucks. It's not bad, not sure if I would have paid for it, but whatever. Yay for Caramel Macchiatos nonetheless.

We're all checked out of housing (stuff shipped Monday, cleaned through Tuesday, inspection on Wed am), and we even managed to skate out without getting charged for anything! I loved the look of shock on our inspector's face when she realized she had nothing to complain about. Whee! The only major hurdle left is more PSD crap; big surprise, Admin screwed up and didn't send the letter of extension on my eval (the one that they promised to finish two weeks ago). My career couneslor at work is trying to crack some heads in Admin, so hopefully people get their heads removed from their nether regions and get this fixed. Oh, and as I was returning back here, my clerk called to say that she needed a copy of my HHG shipment paperwork - you know, the same paperwork I offered to give her this morning. Argh!

Oh, next Starbucks song is much better. Sara Bareilles - I think I might actually check out her album on Amazon.

Last thing left this week is to ship the car tomorrow. Shouldn't be a problem, but I won't count those chickens before they hatch. We've also got dinner tonight, tomorrow and Sat lunch with friends. Funny how they all come out of the woodwork when you're getting ready to bail!

Off to run more errands. Sigh.

My grand plan to escape the island (and the Navy) is moving forward rather well - today's my last day at NIOC!  Well, technically I don't start terminal leave until Monday, but I "badge out" today.  I am SO excited.  Shane is going to walk me out, but I promised to stop by and chat with few friends just to torture them (nothing like making them lock their computers just because I entered the room!  HA!).

I'm currently listening to the podcast of an open house held at Georgetown regarding their Security Studies Program.  The more and more I research this program, the more I really want to be accepted.  I'm also applying to George Washington University's Security Policy Studies program, which also appears to be a very solid program.  I'd be happy if I was accepted to both, but I think that if push came to shove, I'd go with the Georgetown program.   I specifically like that Georgetown has decided to offer an intelligence concentration, and the classes look fantastic. 

I tried discussing this with a friend of mine, and she was so bored I think she started to drool.  Then she started to talk about the psych program she's applying to, and I was equally bored, so I guess we're even. ;)  She's on her under-365-days-in-the-Navy countdown, and we've both got big plans.  She's planning on moving to Europe for awhile and I'm off to D.C. (via AZ to visit family) in just 9 days.

NINE DAYS!

*squee!*

I suppose I should go get into uniform now; I'm meeting Terry for lunch and then it's off to turn in my shtuff. 

:D

It's Sunday and I'm sitting here listening to the boys fight with each other over who's got the Lightening McQueen cars. We've been up for an hour or so, and I was hoping they'd have worn themselves out by now so we could return to bed. No such luck, I'm afraid.

Blergh.

I've got a couple of piles of laundry to wash, two baskets of clean laundry to fold and put away, suitcases to pack and probably a couple of bags of clothes to donate (once I sort through the boys' things). I suppose I should get up and at least make breakfast, but I'm completely unmotivated to do anything. Well, I did sign up for a time to drop off the van for shipment to the mainland, but that was online and only took about 3 minutes.

And again, I say "Blergh".

In only one week, Hubby will be back - I can't wait!! That means in less than two weeks, I'll be flying away from here and on my way back to civilization. I'm swinging through AZ to visit the family for a couple of days, then it's off to VA. YAY!

Ok, now that I've got myself all worked up about moving, I think I have enough motivation to make breakfast. Leftover pancakes and bacon for the boys, oatmeal and OJ for me. Yummmm...

I've updated pictures from my farewell lunch and the nifty gifts they got me. I've also included pictures of the coins that I've received since August (when the rest of my collection went to Virginia with my HHG) and the awards that I've received.

Now that I've figured out the technology, I'm actually quite proud of myself for getting so many pictures online. Go me!

Gacked from Mogsie:

Through The Years (as of 12 Oct 07)

20 years ago, I . . .
was in third grade in California.   o.O 

15 years ago, I . . .
was in eighth grade in Arizona.

10 years ago, I . . .
was getting ready to graduate high school (and spending more time in marching band and show choir than doing any of my homework).

5 years ago, I . . .
had been in the Navy for three years (after having kid #1), finished language school, was getting ready for technical training and getting engaged!

2 years ago, I . . .
was living in Hawaii with hubby, kids #1 and #2, about to have #3, working as a linguist and was a year away from finishing my Bachelor's.

1 year ago, I . . .
was about to graduate from college and had started working as a command briefer/visits coordinator.

So far this year, I . . .
finished my B.A., got a civilian job offer, packed up all my worldly belongings and shipped them to Virginia (along with hubby and #1) and taught three iterations of a Navy leadership course.

Yesterday, I . . .
finished cleaning out my desk, said goodbye to some friends, got called out by my CO in front of 40 FCPOs for being a short-timer, managed to avoid taking my last swim PRT, went to Occupational Therapy for another torture session, fed #2 and #3 dinner and went to bed.

Today, I . . .
deleted all the emails in my work inbox (which was liberating!!), attended the Navy birthday celebration, said goodbye to some more friends and coworkers (and got a command mug and two command coins), attended my farewell luncheon (where I got some more amazing stuff), bought a Navy jacket and a very cute cashmere sweater for cheap at the Exchange, fed my boys dinner, and did this post.

Tomorrow, I . . .
hope to sleep in and do absolutely nothing all day!

10 WHAT’S:
1. What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up?
Man, I wish I could just take a shower without the kids waking up...

2. What did you do last night?
Made dinner, gave the kids a bath, read them a story and went to bed.

3. What is the most important part of your life?
Hubby and kids. :)

4. What would you rather be doing right now?
Eating ice cream with hubby and kids.

5. What did you last cry over?
Hubby and #1 being in Virginia.

6. What always makes you feel better when you’re upset?
Ice cream, hugs and kisses.

8. What’s the most important thing you look for in a significant other?
Honesty and a sense of humor.

9. What are you worried about?
The future.

10. What are you looking forward to most in this week?
My last day at work!!!!

NINE HAVE YOU’S:
1. Have you ever liked someone while you had a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Yes.

2. Have you ever had your heart broken?
Yes.

4. Have you ever been out of the country?
I don't really think Nogales counts, but yes.

5. Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
Not really, I'm too much of a wimp.

6. Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend?
Yes.  Multiple times.  But why stress over what you can't change?

7. Have you ever had the cops called on you?
I don't think so... if so, they've never shown up.

8. Have you ever dated someone younger than you?
In high school, and thankfully, I learned my lesson.

9. Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
Yes, multiple times.  Made it through the first 4 HP books in 3 days.

EIGHT WHO’S:
1. Who was the last person you saw?
Kids #2 and #3.

2. Who was the last person you dated?
Hubby. :)

3. Who was the last person you texted?.
Liz, asking if she was at the Packers game (which she was, but she didn't text back...)

4. Who was the last person to call you?
Pop, surprisingly enough.  Got to gloat about getting a JSCM and NAM. (if you want to know what that means, ask)

5. Who was your first crush?
Some kid named Cameron in kindergarten.  Guess that's why I like the name.

6. Who was the last person to kiss you?
Technical kiss?  #2.  Real kiss?  Hubby.  In AUGUST.

7.Who is the last person you freaked out on?
Probably hubby on the phone.  I felt bad about it later.

8. Who did you last hug?
#2 and #3.

SEVEN WHEN’S:
1.When was your last shower?
4:45am this morning.

2. When did you last see your mom?
In Disneyland last summer.

3. When was your last time u saw your dad?
In Disneyland last summer.

4. When did you last dress up?
Dress uniform: can't remember.  July, I think.  Actual dress: again, can't remember.

5. When was the last time you cried?
A couple of weeks ago.

6. When did you last go to the movies and with who?
Sometime last spring with hubby.  I think it was "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix".

7. When did you last listen to music
In the car on the way home.

SIX WHERE’S:
1. Where does your best friend live?
Hubby is in VA, rest of friends are in CA, WA and HI.

2. Where did you last go?
Not counting the commissary and the day care, then Tripler for an appt.

3. Where did you last hang out?
Hang out?  Please define.

4. Where do you go to school?
Nowhere currently, trying to get into Georgetown or GWU.

5. Where is your favorite place to be?
Anywhere with my family.

6. Where did you sleep last night?
On the inflatable bed I've been sleeping on since my household goods got shipped to VA.

FIVE DO’S/DOES:
1. Do you like someone right now?
That's why I'm married.

2. Do they like you too?
I should hope so, since we're married.

3. Do you ever wish you were someone else?
If by someone else you mean tall, thin and gorgeous, then sure.

4. Do you know the muffin man?
Only the one in the movies.

5. Does the future scare you?
Sometimes, but usually I just feel anxious about the next big thing.

FOUR WHY’S:
1. Why are you best friends with your best friend?
Because he/she makes me laugh and puts up with me.

2. Why did you get a LiveJournal?
Peer pressure.  No seriously, I can't remember.  Probably Mogsie.

3. Why did your parents give you the name you have?
Mom thought it was a nice name, and Pop got to spell it his way because Mom was still doped up on pain meds.

4. Why are you doing this survey?
Because I was waiting for dinner.

THREE IF’S:
1. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Either to be invisible or to fly.

2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you?
I don't think I would have gotten that perm in 7th grade.  Really, why stress about what you can't change?

3. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring one thing what would it be?
Food.  Lots of it.

TWO WOULD-YOU-EVER’S:
1. Would you ever get back together with any of your ex’s if they asked you?
Not just no, but HECK NO.

2. Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love?
It's just hair.

ONE LAST QUESTION:
1. Are you happy with your life right now?
Yeah, actually - I am!! :)

Last night, I was feeling particularly iron deficient and decided to prepare one of my favorite dinners (which #2 had requested, so I didn't feel too guilty about the cost): pan-seared and roasted beef tenderloin, mushrooms in a madiera wine sauce, mashed potatoes and corn.

After laboring for an hour over this particular meal, it was on the table and the kids were happily chowing down. I'd only just sat down to my own meal when #2 requested "more mushrooms and gravy".

No problem. I got up, grabbed the bowl with the mushrooms and sauce from the kitchen, liberally coated #2's mashed potatoes, and returned to the kitchen.

Just as I'm setting down said bowl on the counter, I discover that something is moving on the steaks I'd left on the counter.

A THREE-INCH LONG something.

With feelers. REALLY LONG FEELERS.

Yes, I screamed. Yes, I jumped about three feet and nearly crashed into the pantry. I started to yell for my husband, but the sound simply died in my throat.

*remembers* Oh yeah, hubby is in Virginia...

*watches the monstrosity chowing down on my rather expensive beef tenderloin*

*throws on a bra, makes sure the kids were distracted by dinner and skirts out to knock on the neighbor's door*

Yes, I did run next door to borrow my neighbor. Yes, I did point in the direction of the beast, wave my arms, and indicate that I wanted the infestation removed. Yes, the kind, generous, wonderful man took care of the big bad bug.

And no, I don't feel the least bit guilty about it - even when I ran into him at work today and my friends laughed at me.

Boo to them - bugs are evil. Yay for stand-in husbands.

;)

Well, I guess I should really take more time to post to this thing. Maybe that's why I never had a diary - I'm lousy about writing in them.

The last few weeks have been stressful but fantastic - I only have two days left of work! I'm so excited! PEA (Personal Excellence Academy) last week was great; I've got some pictures posted that might end up in a local newspaper article. Come to think of it, I've posted a few pics of the kids if anyone's interested:

Pictures!

There are some very cute pictures of the kids in there, including two great solo shots of #2 and #3. I've got a pic of #3 as my background at work, which always puts a smile on my face.

I've got a farewell lunch on Friday at Dixie Grill that I'm actually excited about. Remember those books in school that you hated to read? Having lunch on Friday will feel exactly the same way it felt reading the final page of "The Hobbit" in 9th grade. Strangely, now I really love "The Hobbit"... o.O

Should I get good-bye presents for the people I work with? I've got something for one of them (because she's one of my closest friends still on the island), but would it be bad form not to get something for the other people in my office? Where's Dear Abby when you need her? It is still "her", right? I'm so out of the loop these days.

All of a sudden, the chaos of the week just hit me like a ton of bricks. Moving, caring for two toddler boys and trying to maintain a marriage when you're separated by a few thousand miles is really exhausting. I really should get up and start preparing dinner, but I simply have zero motivation to get out from in front of the computer. I would normally worry about whether or not that was a bad thing - sorry, but I just don't care at this point.

;)

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a lovely thing to wake up to this morning - an email notification that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" will be out on 21 Jul 07! I'm very excited, but I can't decide if I'm happy or sad to have the conclusion to the HP saga in my hot little hands just a few months from now.

Therefore, I will simply ignore such emotions and delve into the fascinating world of theories, mysteries and plot twists...

Oh yes, and I must make plans to be at the midnight book release party. I wonder if Elizabeth will go with me again... I also wonder if Hubby and K#1 will still be on-island or will have moved by then... if they're gone, I'll need a babysitter... hmmm...

So, is anyone else going to a midnight release party?

Yesterday was just awful. Ok, it really wasn't that bad, but I certainly wish I had managed to scam out of work after facilitating the monthly swim PT test. Short version:

Got to work around 1100 (after swim PT test). Checked email. Discovered that I had been scheduled to give three mission briefs on Monday morning - 0830, 0900, and 0930. (Mind you, they're in three different places and take approximately 30-45 min each. Yay.) Run around like a chicken with my head unceremoniously cut off and thrown to the winds to deconflict said mission briefs. Dump agenda coordination on to lap of subordinate (and later have to clean up his mess). Get briefs deconflicted (and now possibly owe mountains of cookies to a few folks who really helped bail me out). Complete four military training courses (due last month - oops!). Check email again. Run around a bit more to get things set for Monday. Sit down long enough to eat donut I scavanged from friend down the hall (which was my lunch - at 1430). Shut down computer and run like the wind to my car.

Whew.

So yeah, I'm really glad it's Saturday. The upside is that not only do I have two days before heading back to work (and three closely scheduled briefs), but I also get to have a night out with Hubby (blues concert and dinner!).

Which reminds me, what does one wear to a blues concert? Do you dress up, or do you wear jeans? Should I wear a dress or just a skirt and sweater?

I'm really going to have a hard time learning how to get dressed for the corporate world, aren't I?

I don't know about anyone else, but apparently, I take a 3-hr nap and then hop on the computer. Wow, what a wild life I lead.

I was sent home from work yesterday because I managed to throw my back out (again) while loading cases of Girl Scout cookies into the minivan. Laugh at my downward spiral to domesticity all you want, but who's got the cookies? Hmm?

In any case, HMCS prescribed Flexeril, which has turned me into a basketcase. I haven't been on muscle relaxers since 2004 (after having #2, which screwed my back up again), and I don't remember being quite this loopy. At least I've had more sleep in the last 24 hours than I think I've had in the last month. I can't decide if I feel guilt at not getting anything of consequence accomplished, or joy at finally rediscovering what sleep is. Unfortunately, the blissful moment of realizing that I'd slept for 3 straight hours was horribly destroyed when Hubby called. Now don't get me wrong, I love hearing from Hubby; I just hate the phone calls that tell me his company is sending him on yet another trip to the mainland. Sigh.

So, now that I'm fully awake, I'm actually updating my journal. I know, I should post more often; however, I've just got so many things on my plate that I generally can't justify sitting here and mindlessly rambling. For example, here are the list of things I should be doing right now:

1. Finishing the three translations for the consulting firm that may potentially want to hire me.
2. Finishing the KSAs for a DIA job that looks interesting.
3. Cleaning the disaster that is my desk.
4. Laundry.
5. Writing my kids' "Thank you!" notes from Christmas (got mine out already!).
6. Dishes (and lunch at some point).
7. Updating my files to include my various transcripts and Navy evaluations.

Instead, here are the things I've done:

1. Wasted time on MySpace (though at least I found some old friends and discovered that there is something in the works for my 10-yr reunion).
2. Ate 2 Tagalongs (GS cookies).
3. Made plans to see a blues concert this weekend with Hubby.

Essentially, I have been completely unproductive today. I shall remedy that soon, as I really should eat some lunch (cookies don't count) and finish those KSAs. Luckily, I have enough leftovers in the 'fridge for dinner to avoid having to go to the commissary. Considering that my back is starting to act up again (or rather, the drugs are wearing off), I'm glad to avoid leaving the house today. Some days are just better spent in your pajamas.

...but as I saw it on Meghan's MySpace (yes, I caved to my sister's whinings), I thought this would have some remote level of interest:

*****
1) Where did you begin 2006?
At home in Hawaii. Trying to sleep with an infant. Needless to say, I was tired the next day.

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Still married and wondering if Hubby would remember our anniversary. ;)

3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Yes, and I finished my Bachelor's! WOOT!

4) Sleep all day?
HAHAHAHAHAHA! That would require that I know what sleep is.

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Me: didn't have to go for me
Kids: to deal with random illnesses (ER folks know us now)
Hubby: for another vasovagal response episode

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Not that I can remember...

7) Where did you go on vacation?
San Diego for a wedding and Disneyland with family!!

8) What did you purchase that was over $500?
Can't think of anything, though if you add up all my Border's receipts, that would probably total more than $500.

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Brandon and Jasmine!

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes. :(

11) Have you run into anybody you left high school with?
Only via email and such (but what a loooooong story that would be!).

12) Did you move anywhere?
Nope. Not yet. Only 11 months left!!!!!!

13) What sporting events did you go to?
Lots of #1's AYSO games (she's so cute!).

14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
Michael Buble (*swoons*)
U2/Pearl Jam (AWESOME concert)
Billy Joel (I scored 2nd row seats at the concert, then got to shake his hand!!!)

15) Are you registered to vote?
Of course!

16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
Considering I only watch CNN, Food Network and History Channel, I haven't the foggiest.

17) Where do you live now?
Still in Hawaii. Sigh...

18) Describe your birthday...
I had to work, someone threw my lunch away, and my kid was sick. Urgh!

19) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?
See U2 and shake Billy Joel's hand!

20) What has been your favorite moment?
Too many to count... spending time with family, getting promoted to E-6 first time up, getting my B.A....

21) What's something you learned?
I'm apparently a much better briefer than I thought!

22) Any new additions to your family?
None this year, thank heavens! Wait, does new cookware count?

23) What was your best month?
December. Greatest. Month. EVER. (see previous post)

24) What music will you remember 2006 by?
Everything that's been in my CD/MP3 player this year.

25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Hubby when we actually drink (which isn't very often)

26) Made new friends?
Liz, everyone in Protocol and in HSID.

27) Best new friend?
Liz!

28) Favorite Night out?
Wow... um... U2, Billy Joel, graduation night, anniversary... yeah, can't narrow it down.

29) Any regrets?
Not really - yay!

30) Worst month?
Definitely July-Sept at work, because of the insane amount of visitors.
*****

Ok, hope everyone enjoyed that! It just served to remind me that I had one awesome year!! Hope 2007 is as good!

It's 2007, and what a year it will be! Heck, if it's anything like today's been, at least I won't be bored. *rolls eyes*

We all had to go in to work today because of the "no 96-hr liberty" rule. Whee. So I walked in, hadn't even reached my desk before I was told to go home. Whee! I had to stick around for a few minutes, though, because I was waiting on Hubby for a ride (fiasco with the safety inspection on my car - long story, don't ask), and it's a good thing I did. I discovered at least 2 glaring mistakes that my subordinate made. Honestly, it's not like our job is that hard - and with one visit in last three weeks (and it's tomorrow), you'd think he could get it right. Well, clearly that was way too much to ask, as I had to bail him out YET AGAIN. Urgh. Ah well, maybe this will be the straw that broke the Boss's back. Will keep you posted.

As for the family, Kid #3 was sent home early today because he's teething. Sigh. K#1 has been home for 2 weeks due to Winter Intercession (she's got through the 16th off!), so since I was picking #2 up, I just grabbed #3 and we've been home ever since. It was like pulling teeth to get them to clean up their toys (the place resembled a mine field more than a living room), but I managed to get them to finish and now they're parked in front of "Narnia" and will hopefully crash for naps. One can only hope, anyways...

I've been submitting applications in the last few weeks for Chinese linguist and Intel Analyst jobs, but haven't heard anything yet. Hubby says I'll have to submit upwards of 100 before I hear a real offer from anyone, which doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies, considering I'm only at about 40 now. Sigh. I'll just chalk the lack of response up to the fact that everyone's been on vacation for the holidays. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Hope everyone had a terrific New Year and Christmas - I know we sure did! Drop me a line if you feel like sharing the joy of the season. Happy Holidays!

...AND it's graduated! *Squee!!*

That's right, folks - a many-months-long hiatus from posting reveals that I have finally reemerged into the real world with my Bachelor's degree in hand! Not only that, but I've graduated with honors! YAY!

Ok, so to update on everything else that's happened since the last time I posted (which I can't even remember when that was - isn't that sad?):

- graduated Chaminade University with a B.A. in Historical/Political Studies and a 3.57 GPA
- got to test for E-6 a year early thanks to an Early Promote eval last cycle
- got promoted to E-6 a year early thanks to getting to test early and a 100% advancement rate for my language group
- got a new job in April (did I already post about that?) that has me giving command briefs (very cool)
- the honey got promoted (sorta), then got switched around in his job code (don't ask, I'm confused too)
- actually got my hair highlighted by a professional! Aveda even!
- got to see U2, Pearl Jam AND Billie Joe from Green Day live at Aloha Stadium. Greatest. Concert. EVER. Let me put this in perspective: Pearl Jam sings The Who's "Baba O'Riley", and that was early in the show. 'Nuff said.
- going to see Billy Joel in concert tomorrow night. Squee!
- the kids are now 7, 3 and 1 yr(s) old
- I'm now 27 (how did THAT happen?!?!)

I'm sure there's more, but as I just finished my very last final EVER for my undergraduate career, my brain has turned to mush and I'm essentially useless. However, if you need a question about the American Civil War answered, I'm your gal. Same goes for US history from about 1945 on. Yes, those were the classes I took this past semester, and yes, I took the finals this week. I also wrote two term papers in two days, one about "forced busing" for the purpose of racially integrating primary and secondary schools (think affirmative action), and the other about technological advances during the Civil War that still resonate today. If you want my opinion on either of these topics, feel free to ask. Can't guarantee that the answers will be coherent, but hey, I'm here for ya. ;)

Hope all is well with the world outside. If anyone has tips on how to re-acquaint myself with the real world, I'm all ears. Otherwise, have a great night. I know I will, because I just GRADUATED! Whooo!!

I finally have a few minutes to update - it's been so long, I couldn't even remember my login! Funny how it takes going on leave (with the hubby in Virginia and me here with the kids by myself) to actually get a chance to catch up... In any case, I've been asked so many times in the last week "where were you on 9/11?" So, to answer everyone, here it is:

I was in language school in Monterey, CA, that day. It was a particularly bad month; we were in the worst section of the course, and we were all ripping our hair out. I had a test scheduled first thing that morning, so I got up early to do some last minute cramming before heading down the hill from my barracks to the schoolhouse. I turned on my computer and pulled up the CNN website; it reported that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, but I didn't take the time to read it, as I had to get in the shower before my roommate woke up. After my shower, I took about 20 minutes to study before heading down to class. On my way down the hill, one of my classmates caught up with me. He informed me that he had heard in the galley that a helicopter or small plane had crashed into the Pentagon. I told him about the WTC crash; we both agreed that it seemed odd for the two events to have happened the same morning.

By the time we had reached our classroom, it seemed that everyone was buzzing about what was going on; unfortunately, no one had any kind of firm information. One person said one plane, someone else said two, another said three or four... it was all very frustrating, and as a news junkie, I needed to know what was going on. I walked down to our MLI (military language instructor) office to see what they had heard; I'll never forget seeing the three of them standing in front of their small TV, mouths hanging open. Before I could even ask what was going on, the phone rang. At the exact same moment, someone drove down next to our building, yelling at everyone to get into their classrooms and to stay in them. The voice on the phone informed us that the base was on lockdown - no one was allowed on or off, so if someone was late to class, that was probably the reason. I was allowed to stay in the MLI's office under the proviso that I provide regular news updates. Every channel we turned to seemed to be in chaos; we had arrived too late to see the south tower collapse, though we turned it to CNN just as the north tower collapsed. I think I went into shock watching that. I don't even remember what I did; people told me later that I just ran from class to class, yelling that both WTC towers had collapsed. I do remember that several of my classmates were on their cell phones, trying to call family members. One of my classmates remembered that both my fathers were air traffic controllers; no one I knew was in danger, but I wanted to know what was going on in the skies, so he let me use his phone to call around and find out what was going on. I wasn't able to get either of my fathers on the phone, but I was able to reach my mom in Tucson; she reported that she had spoken to my stepfather, who had said that he was stuck on base due to the lockdown. He had no idea how long he would be stuck at work, but he was being told to get on position and "get 'em out of the sky". He said that he would call again when he knew what was happening. I didn't get much more info than that; my teachers had come to collect me for the test we still had to take that day.

It was another 6 hours before I found out more from my family. By then, I had absorbed every tidbit of information I could get off of the news; I was glued to the TV and my computer. I was eventually able to get in touch with my now-husband and our daughter; they were in Houston, but I was still worried about them. (I know now that it was silly to have worried, but at the time, all I could think of was whether or not I would ever see them again.) I eventually got in touch with my parents; my father said that he had been interrogated by the FBI, as he had been the controller on duty that had worked Flt 93 out of SFO the night before. He was so shaken by what had transpired that he did not go back to work for several days. My step-father spent several harrowing hours working every flight that came across his radar screen to the nearest airport that could handle the aircraft; he didn't get home until quite late that night.

That week was surreal to say the least. Every time a plane flew overhead, everyone looked skyward and froze. We hurried from place to place for days; we couldn't get on or off base for what seemed like ages. There was a lot of anger; many people had family or friends that had died. It was particularly hard for the Arabic students, even more so for the instructors; I think their classes were cancelled for several days. I had friends who had their speaking exams rescheduled; no one was able to concentrate on something as insignificant as a language test. I do remember hearing people talking about how they wish they had taken Arabic or Persian-Farsi, so that they could help do their part. It was like that for weeks; class enrollment skyrocketed. Heck, I was asked several times if I wanted to re-train into one of the "terrorist" languages. It was as if a blanket of anger and frustration had been laid over the base; even Monterey seemed different. Civilians treated us a little differently for awhile, offering us drinks or even meals for free. I felt dirty accepting any of those things, so I just kept to myself. I spent most of my time focusing on my studies and getting my hands on any shred of news that I could find.

The events that transpired on 9/11 really changed me. I saw that my false sense of security was a sham; I saw, over the course of several months, that patriotism is a fleeting sentiment these days. I went from being praised for my military service to being publicly derided for my choice (which, incidentally, was made in 1999 - long before 9/11/01). I became truly jaded, which is a real shame. Some good has come of it; I've gained a great sense of how important family is to me, and I've gained a true appreciation for the phrase "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it".

Sigh.

Generally speaking, Kid #1 has done really well since the implementation of the IEP. This is a major achievement, considering the abysmal treatment she's had to endure from her teacher since said event.

First of all, the IEP evaluation meeting was a disaster for the Teacher. She went into the meeting fully expecting that we (hubby and I) would have done nothing we had previously agreed to do (which was to get #1 evaluated by a child psych); she already had convinced the Principal and other staff that #1 was simply a mean-hearted little girl who was refusing to do her work just to spite everyone. What a shock it must have been to her when Drew threw down the gauntlet (in front of the aforementioned Teacher, Principal and staff) and produced the ADHD/ODD diagnosis papers. What an affront to her person it must have been when the P and other staff did complete 180's and jumped up to offer their full support. How disappointing it must have been when the P did a verbal smackdown of T when she even hinted at refusing to support the implementation of the IEP. How awful it must have been when everyone at the table visibly rolled their eyes every time (and it was more than 20, because I counted) T said, "But that's more work for me!"

Tee-hee! >:D

Since then, #1 has encountered a number of problems from T. T has backed off from providing any real feedback on #1's daily progress report (it was like pulling teeth from a non-anesthetized child before; now it's like performing a root canal on a cobra), refuses to even look at us if we're speaking to her (if we can even corner her; she mysteriously goes missing when we're looking for her), and has even refused to allow #1 to take her backpack (including her homework) home with her if she is not ready to go the SECOND the T is ready. Though we usually take it with a grain of salt, we're becoming increasingly aware of #1's comments about how "mean" her teacher is. We've noticed that #1 often gets sent to the principal's office for things other kids do (or even if #1's not paying attention in class).

I'm usually the first person to stick up for teachers; I hold them in very high regard, as I understand what a difficult job it is. But honestly, you'd think that teachers would work to help bring out the best in children, not pawn them off on the principal or other teachers because she doesn't want to deal with them. Even the special ed teacher that #1 is seeing now has mentioned that the lines of communication are virtually non-existent with #1's regular teacher; she refuses to provide curriculum input or allow #1 in or out of the class to go to the spec-ed room.

I'd normally just throw my hands into the air and scream, "What on earth is wrong with this woman?!?!" Unfortunately, every other parent with ADHD/ADD/Spec-ed students - and even the spec-ed teachers/therapists themselves!! - have reported exactly the same problems that we're having. Apparently, it's an institutional problem here in Hawaii; none of the regular teachers have had any training on how to deal with special needs children, so their immediate response is to ignore the child or pawn them off on someone else. Which leads me to:

"What on earth is WRONG with the teachers in Hawaii?!?!?!"

Ok, so I haven't written in awhile. Yes, I know I promised to be better about updating. Sorry, but sometimes, life just gets in the way.

So.

Things have, as usual, been absolutely insane here. My new job has kept me hopping - and I mean that literally, because I feel like I'm hopping from office to office trying to track people down - but I really enjoy it. I've made some really great contacts, and a couple of people have given me their cards so I can send them my resume when I'm looking to move back to DC. YAY! Other than that, I was in leadership class all week, so I actually got to see the sun from time to time. I even got sunburned today (and yesterday) while I was outside for a retirement ceremony. I had to sing a revised version of Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You", which turned out well - except for the part where I got totally choked up after the flag folding/passing ceremony, so I totally screwed up the beginning of the song. *Sigh* Everyone said I did well, but how much of that was just pity is hard to tell. *Sigh*

The big news of late is that #1 has been diagnosed with ADHD and ODD. Most people already know what ADHD is, but I had to ask what ODD meant (in case you're curious, it's Oppositional Defiant Disorder). Personally, I think the kid is just gifted and is acting out because she's bored to tears - I know I had that problem as a kid. We're going to have her reevaluated by a different doc just to be on the safe side. The diagnosis, however, did get her an Individual Education Plan, which means that she gets to escape her horrible teacher's class for a little while each day. *Sigh* It's been crazy, but I'm really glad that we're at least making some headway.

Hubby is same ol', same ol'. #2 is talking up a storm, and #3 has not only learned how to roll over, he has also demonstrated remarkable lung capacity. He usually pulls that trick out in the middle of the night (say, from 11pm to 4:45a), especially when he's sick (which has been all week).

Ok, I'm so exhausted right now, I'm going to go lay down for a short nap before I have to leave for class (midterm tonight). Hugs to all, and I'll catch you on the flip side.

Today has been good and bad. The bad part was that Hubby told me that his trip to San Diego next week was cancelled (which was actually good) but then he later (as in about 10 min ago) informed me that his trip was back on, but this time he's going to Quantico (which is bad). It's really bad because I'm starting a new job next week (which is good - yes, I know it's confusing), and I'm worried about having to drop off/pick up the kids and still make it to/from work in time (so that's why it's bad).

In case the entire previous paragraph was confusing, here's the breakdown:

San Diego trip cancelled (good!)
Trip back on, now it's in VA (bad)
Got the Command Briefer job (great!!)
Have to start new job while taking kids to/from school by myself for a week (Very bad)

I need cookie therapy. Good thing I just baked some last night. ;)

*stalks off to the kitchen for cookies and milk*