Picture Day

This morning it was a usual morning – except I was awake 15 minutes before my alarm went off.  We got Robert ready for school and walked with him as he rode his bike to school.  Then it was home for a bit of computer time before heading to work.  We had a short BQ rehearsal after formation, and then I did some Ops work until 1100 when we had lunch today (1/2 hour early).  After I ate, I stitched.  then we had formation at 1230 and left for a local ghost town (about 20 minutes away), Fairbank, to do unit pictures.  We did a full band picture and then all the small groups.  Once we were done with the pictures, we were done for the day, so I headed home.  I got some crochet exchange stuff ready to mail and then we headed to the post office and mailed them out and then to look for a corner cabinet for our living room for nick-nacks and pictures and stuff.  We didn’t find what we were looking for, although we came close to something that would work at Lowe’s.  But it was out of stock.  Go figure.  We did finally buy a new grill, though, so now Ryan can grill steaks and burgers and stuff again!  Then we took Robert for his birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse.  We can’t go tomorrow night as Ryan has a VA appointment in Tucson.  Robert got to sit on the saddle, and he got a big Texas Roadhouse "Yeehaw!"  Then it was home to get him to bed and now I’m heading that way as well.

Today’s high:  93
Current:  77

Wii are Family!!

This morning I managed to sleep through my alarm (or turn it off in my sleep) and Robert woke me up about 0820 – "Mommy. Mommy?? Are you going to wake up soon?" So I got up and got breakfast (cereal) ready for us. I got Ryan up, too. And then it was time to leave for Sunday School. After the opening of songs and a prayer, the kids went to their classrooms, and us Kindergarten parents went to the music room for our last Entry Into Kindergarten "class". We talked about things Kindergartners are going through right now – emotionally and physically and stuff. It was really nice talking to other parents of Kindergartners and knowing that we’re not alone. Then it was time for church and it was a very good service, and compliments about how well Robert behaves in church. After church, we headed out to post and went to Jeannie’s Diner for lunch and then to the PX. We bought a Wii!!! We also got a second Wii-mote for it. Since we’ll probably be doing a lot of two-player stuff. Then it was off to the commissary for our weekly grocery shopping trip.

And then it was home. Ryan and Robert got the Wii set up while I was getting the groceries put away. Then I unpacked some of my framed cross stitch things so we can start getting them on the walls. We let Robert play Wii for a while and Ryan fixed my cross stitch chart cabinet. It’s one of those furniture-in-a-box ones, and the cardboard-like back came off during the move. It’s going on our claims sheet, but Ryan was able to fix it with some plywood he got at Lowe’s. It’s LOTS sturdier now. While he was working on that, I called Mom & Dad and we talked for quite a while. I unpacked one box of cross stitch charts while on the phone, and Ryan and Robert were playing Wii together. Robert KILLED Ryan in bowling. It was pretty funny to watch! Robert does pretty good on bowling, baseball, tennis, and boxing. He needs to work on golf a little, but he’s still pretty good at it. After I got off the phone with Mom & Dad, I decided to go for a run. It was still in the low 80’s but it felt really nice out. I went 3.15 miles in 33:19. It was a really nice evening run. When I got home, Robert was in the bathtub and I got some laundry done – folded the load of towels that was in the dryer, moved towels from the washer to the dryer and got light clothes in the washer. Yes – I found our towels today finally when I was unpacking boxes!!! Now I don’t have to wash and put back up right away.

Off to bed now. Tomorrow begins another week of work.

Today’s high: 93
Current: 79

Relaxing Saturday

I slept in this morning and I finally had a good night’s sleep.  I got up about about 0830 and spent the morning watching cartoons and doing computer stuff.  Ryan got up sometime after 11. Early in the afternoon we headed to Tucson and found the VA place for Ryan so he knows where he’s going for his appointment on Tuesday.  Then we went to Michaels to get a few more pirate things for Robert’s birthday party  on Saturday.  That was the end of the planned part of the day.  So we went to a different mall than last time and just walked around.  There was a Party City there and we went in and found the last of the pirate stuff.  Then we went to Olive Garden for dinner.  Ryan and I both had the endless pasta bowl.  Of course, my endless bowl ended after 1 serving.  Ryan had 2.  Robert just had salad and bread sticks.  We did splurge on dessert for Robert and I (Ryan didn’t want any) and I told our waiter that it was Robert’s birthday (ok, so we were 3 days off) and when they brought our desserts, they sang to him.  Then we headed home.  During the drive there and back, I crocheted and finished a scarf minus the tassles and a 12" square, both for exchanges.  Once home and Robert was in bed, I stitched for a while.

Today’s high:  93
Current:  78

P.S. – Those of you that watch the web cam. . .  it may be a while still.  We’re working on getting a wireless web cam, and I can’t find the cables for the computer.  They weren’t in any of the boxes with the rest of the computer stuff.  Probably another one of those boxes marked "toys".  LOL

Rehearsal in the gazebo

We walked Robert to school this morning and then I had time to do a little bit of computer stuff before heading to work.  After formation, the Brass Quintet loaded up in the van and we headed to a little gazebo on the parade field for our rehearsal.  Our rehearsal space is a teeny-tiny area with ZERO acoustic qualities and it sure was nice to rehearse somewhere where we could actually hear how we sound.  It was a lot of fun, and there’s talk that we may go rehearse there more often.  Then it was back to the office to take care of a few things and then that was it for the day.  I love my half-day Fridays!  I went home and changed into civies and then Ryan and I headed out to Vinny’s Pizza and Wings.  Ryan joined 2 of my coworkers (SH and FV) for the "Wall of Flame" 20 hot wing challenge.  It was 20 wings with their Homicide sauce on it.  All three of the guys managed to complete the challenge and now their picture is on the wall and they all got t-shirts!  I tasted a little tiny bit of the sauce, and HOLY HOT!!!!  I don’t know how they each ate 20 wings.  Of course, we won’t mention the trips to the bathroom they made during the course of eating the wings.  LOL  I left so I could get to the school on time (Ryan was on his bike, so he still had transportation home) and I picked Robert up.  Then we came home and I took a much needed nap.  After I got up we played for a while and then we headed to Jack in the Box for dinner and then to one of the choir members’ homes.  They had a dessert social and the families were invited.  It was a lot of fun and Ryan and I got to talk to and meet more people from church.  I still can’t get over how friendly this church is!!  We stayed for close to 2 hours.  Then we came home and got Robert to bed and I crocheted for a little bit.

Today’s high:  93
Current:  74

This morning I met up with several others from the band and we went to a graduation ceremony for the Advanced Individual Training courses they do here (Military Intelligence) to see how it goes.  We’re going to be starting playing at their graduation ceremonies.  After the ceremony was over, it was off to formation.  We didn’t have BQ this morning, so I spent the morning in a practice room working on my BQ music and also started working on a solo for my audition.  Then it was lunch time so I ate and then I stitched.  I started a new project – remembered the fabric today!  After lunch I finished up the script I was working on.  Of course, in the process I made more work for myself because I found problems in the one that I was working from.  I also took care of a few new job requests that came in.  Then it was time to go home, so I went.  Ryan got home a little while after I did, and then we went and got Robert from school.  He still doesn’t like leaving the after-school program.  Once home I got supper going, and while it was cooking, we played Chutes and Ladders.  That was fun playing with all 3 of us.  Dinner was good and then Robert got all his toys and stuff put away.  I crocheted some and chatted with my friend D.  Now I’m about ready to head to bed.

Today’s high:  96
Current:  77

Long day of Ops

This morning after walking Robert to school, I got ready and headed out.  I drove today, and before going to work, I stopped at the medical clinic to have my PPD (TB test) read.  Nothing there, as usual.  Then it was off to work to get into uniform and head to formation.  After formation I headed to my office and began a day of Operations work.  I had emails back from all the people I e-mailed yesterday so I took care of those.  I have some gigs in the works – 2 parades and a thing near Christmas – so that’s a good thing!  Soon it was lunchtime and after I ate, and then I stitched.  I finished a project, but no pictures until December because it’s for someone.  I had another project with me to start, but I ended up not able to start it even though I still had a half hour of lunch left.  It’s kind of hard to start a new cross stitch project if you don’t have fabric to stitch it on.  Oops!!  After lunch SH (my friend and supervisor) and I had meetings with representatives from the AIT Battalion and the NCO Academy and we’re going to be starting playing at their graduation ceremonies.  That took most of the afternoon, but in between the meetings and for a while after the second one, I worked on fixing one of the scripts that we’ve been working on.  Soon it was time to go home, and I headed out.  After I got home, I got changed and we headed out.  We went to the Harley shop so Ryan could get a jacket (long sleeved, a little extra padding on the elbows, etc.).  Then we went to Target and got invites and other stuff for Robert’s upcoming birthday party.  He’s having a pirate-themed party and inviting 5 friends from his class.  Then we went to Chili’s for dinner.  On our way home, the guys dropped me off at the church so I could go to choir practice.  Yes, I’m joining the church choir!!  And what a choir it is – there are 8 guys, and like 30+ overall!!!!  What a beautiful sound was made this evening during rehearsal.  I’m the "baby" of the group, but everyone was really happy to have me join them.  I love our church here.  One of the ladies in the choir gave me a ride home since Ryan and Robert had dropped me off.  I got home and got Robert’s invites done so they can get delivered tomorrow (they’re in his folder for school and his teacher will put them in the appropriate kids’ folders to go home tomorrow).  Then I chatted with my friend A and relaxed.

Today’s high:  91
Current:  74

Another typical day

Ryan was gone early this morning for day 2 of his motorcycle class.  Robert and I had a bit of a slow morning and had to rush a little, but we got to school on time.  Then I left from the school and headed the 6.38 miles to work.  It took me 43:59 to get there – a little bit faster today than yesterday!  After getting into uniform and formation, we had brass quintet rehearsal for about an hour.  Then I disappeared into a practice room to work on Semper Fidelis march.  I just can’t seem to play it, but I’ll keep working on it.  Then it was lunchtime and after I ate, I stitched.  Then it was an afternoon of Ops stuff.  Ryan stopped by to show off his new motorcycle license!!  Yes, he passed his test this morning and he even has his bike registered on post already.  I sent e-mails.  I answered questions.  I printed new calendars for the Ops board in the rehearsal hall.  It was a pretty productive afternoon.  And then it was time to change and my 6.12 mile ride home.  I did it in 32:52.  Ryan was already home.  I got changed from my bike clothes and we went and got Robert from school.  Then it was home and Ryan cooked dinner tonight.  I love when he cooks!!  Then Robert got his toys cleaned up and headed to bed.  Once he was tucked in, I crocheted.

Today’s high:  84
Current:  69

Back to work

Ryan had the first day of his motorcycle course today, so he was out the door early.  I biked with Robert to school and then I headed to work (Ryan had to take the van).  It took me 44:14 to ride the 6.32 miles to work.  It seemed a little easier this morning – hopefully that’s a trend that continues!  Once at work, I got cleaned up and into uniform and headed to formation.  After formation I got my horn out since we had Brass Quintet rehearsal.  It went really well, and we actually have a few gigs coming up – my first gig will be next week!  After rehearsal, I headed to the medical clinic in the unit’s truck (Chevy 2500 – talk about a beast of a truck!!) for my annual physical.  It’s really nothing – just a lot of talking and discussing.  At least I’m done for another year.  Then it was back to the band hall for lunch and stitching after I ate.  Then the afternoon was spent in my office – afternoons are shop time.  Part way through the afternoon, the rain started.  Yay.  But by the time it was time to go home, it had pretty much stopped.  It was drizzling a little bit when I left the band hall, but then that stopped and the sun came out again.  I still got pretty soggy on the way home from the puddles and road spray.  It was actually kind of fun!  The ride home (actually to the elementary school to get Robert) was 6.41 miles in 33:54.  I love the downhill ride home!  Robert and I went and got the mail and shortly after we got home, Ryan got home as well.  We were all tired, so we went to Applebee’s for dinner.  Then it was home for Robert to get his toys cleaned up and then bedtime.  I was too tired to stitch, so I crocheted for a while.  Now, off to bed.

Today’s high:  82
Current:  70

A typical Sunday

We got up this morning and got ready and headed to Sunday School.  We have 2 weeks (today and next week) of "Entry Into Kindergarten" "classes" for the Kindergarten parents.  Entry into Kindergarten is a milestone and is celebrated by our church here.  Stayed tuned in a couple of weeks to see how they celebrate it.  🙂  After Sunday School was church and it was a good service.  I got compliments afterward at how well behaved Robert was during the service.  And the friendliness continues with us meeting more new people after the service and lots of people talking to us after the service.  After a quick stop at home for my to get the grocery list and my uniform, we headed out to post.  We stopped by the band hall so I could put my uniform and boots in my locker in preparation of bike rides to work.  Then we went to Jeannie’s Diner at the bowling alley for lunch.  Ryan got his hair cut after we were done eating, and while he was waiting, Robert and I walked around outside for a while.  Then when Ryan was done, we headed to the commissary for our weekly grocery shopping trip.  I love my reusable grocery bags!!  I even have a thermal one to keep my cold stuff cold.  Then it was home to get everything unpacked and put away.  I got laundry started, folded some that had been in the dryer, we finished watching the NASCAR race from yesterday, and I made my weekly phone call home to Mom & Dad.  It’s always good to talk to them and I enjoy our weekly phone chats.  After I was done on the phone, we headed to Dairy Queen for dinner.  Yes, ice cream for Sunday dinner.  🙂  I had a raspberry truffle blizzard.  Very yummy!  I think I’m going to try and have a different flavor each week, even though I have my favorites.  Then it was home again and Robert got his toys picked up (mostly) and I got him read to and tucked into bed.  Then I stitched for a while.

Today’s high:  86
Current:  69

More empty boxes

I got up this morning and went for a 3.76 mile run in 43:24, an 11:33 pace. That’s about the pace we’ll be shooting for in the marathon in January for a 5 hour finish. I think I found my training route for when I start marathon training. There’s a bike path that runs along the highway that I take to work (I actually use the bike path on my way home) and about halfway between home and post there’s a little park. The bike path loops around the park and there is a water fountain on the loop. I might not need to carry as much water on my long runs if I use that route! Once I got home, I did 150 crunches. I’m trying to do 150 in the morning and another 150 before bed so maybe someday I’ll be able to get caught up in the crunch challenge that and I are doing this year (100 crunches a day for 36,500 for the year). Once home and I had made and drank my chocolate milk (a really good post-run drink – and about all I can handle after a run. I sure don’t feel like food.), I relaxed for a while and checked my e-mail and stuff. Then Robert wanted to go run, so I went again. I used my GPS watch just to see how far we went, and we went a half mile. We did walk some, but he did really good. When we got back we had a late breakfast. Ryan slept through all this and finally got up around 1100.

After some more computer time and play time, we got to work. Ryan started working on his Jeff Gordon collection in our bedroom, and Robert and I went to work in his room. We got all his toys put away where they’re supposed to go and got more boxes unpacked. Two of the boxes in his room marked "toys" did not contain even one toy. One box had kitchen stuff (my big soup pot, cookie cutters, etc.) and the other one had nick knacks and stuff from the TV area in our old house. Hmm. . . . I didn’t think Robert had THAT many toys. LOL There are still 2 boxes in his room, but I think it’s not going to be toys. He now has room to play in his room and he was excited about that. I unpacked about 3 or so more boxes in the craft room. We getting there, but we probably still have 20 or so boxes to unpack before I can do the damage claim.

Then we relaxed for a bit more before heading out to dinner at Vinny’s Pizza. It was recommended by one of my friends from work. They have pizza and wings and other stuff like that. Robert had the kids spaghetti and meatball, I had veggie pizza, and Ryan had chicken parmesan. It was really good, and not all that expensive. After we were done eating, we headed to the Veteran’s Memorial Park here in town and enjoying an hour-long concert by 42 Romeo, the Rock Band from the 36th Army Band. We also enjoyed chatting with other band members (including my commander) and their families. The kids all had fun playing together before the concert and then dancing during. During the last few songs, the kids were up right by the stage, and during the last song, the female vocalist got them all up on stage. The drummer in the band gave drum sticks to most of the kids, and Robert sure was excited about his. It was a really fun evening. Then it was home for Robert to put his toys away and get ready for bed. After he was in bed, we watched the NASCAR race that we Tivoed and I stitched. Time for bed now. . .

Today’s high: 81
Current: 70