Naptime

Do you remember those days in kindergarten when the teacher turned off the lights and you had to put your head down on the desk and "rest a minute"? Do you remember falling asleep doing that more than once? I do. Kindergarten teachers are sneaky that way.

Well .... someone needed a nap today! She was cold (it's 12 here, so go figure!) and so she curled up on the sofa with a thin 'shmateh' over her. I added a thermal blanket because she was still cold and before I knew it she was OUTSVILLE! Cuter yet, Mooch joined her in blissful nappage.

10 day briefing

Just now returned from V and Justin's weigh in and briefing at the recruiting station. We brought two of V's friends with us who are both interested in the AF so it was interesting to listen to their questions and the answers too. Funny, *I* was able to answer a few of them myself.

While we were there Avivah took it upon herself to clean out the storage closet (what she calls 'The Bling Room') and organize everything. I was joking with Ssgt. Marunick that V should be a Supply Chief instead of a Tactical Crew Chief.

Today was also V's last day of working full time. I think that's taking an emotional toll on her, not so much for the mother of the child she was assisting, but for the child. She dearly loves him from the bottom of her heart and will miss him a lot in the coming days. Of course, the coming days will be filled with preparations for celebrating and departure to BMT. It's all good.

For now she's off to the gym and her brother's off at work.. me? I'm grabbing a salad and heading out for a soda with Mark soon. Can't drink anything more than that ~ I start work at 7am tomorrow! Sheesh.

2 weeks

Two weeks from today the most beautiful girl in the world will step up and into her new life... on her way to being an Airman in the US Air Force.

This momma's insanely proud of her and very nervous too.

Tick Tick Tick

Go Joshua!

Joshua's dad and I were invited to a special recognition breakfast in honor of several kids, nominated by their teachers who: Made a significant contribution to their school. Joshua was nominated by his Algebra teacher, Mrs. Antoniolli, whom he adores. I was able to be there and SO glad I was too!

It was wonderful watching him (and other kids too, yeah there were others, right?!) accept this certificate. He's made tremendous progress this year and while I thought that the new trimester schedule would help Joshua with his learning issues, I had no idea what a huge opportunity for positive change this would bring. The consistency in his schedule is incredibly helpful.

So here he is being goofy (but proud)...


And here is the certificate...

which reads: "In recognition of valuable contributions and especially for his wonderful attitude and contributions in class. Josh never misses and answer or a homework assignment. His work ethic is admirable and he is a joy to have in class!"

GO JOSHUA!

Tommie's Words

From Tommie, one of my AF "list kids". He may not be MY kid, but I feel like I know him well; from his myspace page to the picture album of the wedding. Bear in mind, this young man has just gotten married and seen his wife only 18 days from their wedding date when he was sent to Yakima, Washington to train for deployment to Iraq for 6 months, for which he leaves the end of this month.

He writes: "To make a long story short, I'm a smartass with high morals. My wife is everything to me, followed up by a sense of humour. I'm also very proud of my job. I know that being a member of the armed services is a thankless job, and I get a lot of shit for it. However without people like me, you wouldn't have the freedom to publicly express your opinion. When I'm not working or spending time with my wife, I can probably be found in a good book or a cold beer. It used to be both, but I got tired of spilling beer on my books."

Thanks, Tommie! I'm proud of your job and the person you are.
You have an awesome mom too. ;)

Shirtless Fridays

Is a symbolic gesture that our deployed soldiers won't see really doing anything to have an impact on them feeling "supported"?

The Red Shirt Fridays campaign was targeted to support deployed troops. Most shirts read: "Red Shirt Fridays: Until they all come home"
It's an extension of my loathing for those little magnetic rainbows of ribbons (for every cause under the sun) you can stick 10" from your exhaust pipe... it doesn't translate to our soldiers. Sadly, they don't see the back ends of our cars any more than they see what color shirt I'm wearing today.

The Canadians got it right when they had a literal sea of people in red (which is a Nationalistic colour for them) during a political speech - which was televised/taped. They sent a strong message to their government, and their troops got to SEE it. That had impact.

I'm thrilled to see military support in many flavors... and so would our deployed troops... if they could see it.

So the question for me becomes: How do we get them to see/feel/know that they're supported and appreciated?

Paying $20 for a t-shirt is kind of like those $2 yellow rubber bracelets that were all the craze for Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG foundation and caught on as a meaningless middle school fashion statement.

Originally there was some small percentage of funds from the sale of braceletes/magnetic ribbons going to their respective cause. Right now the majority of people who benefit from from the magnetic ribbons are those people who make and market magnetic ribbons - and most of them are now "Made in China"! It's become a business like any other.

If the intent of Red Shirt Fridays is to support EACH OTHER as military parents here in the States then that's great and I'm all for it!! If the intent is to get Americans on a bandwagon to make a political statment, then how and where do you get enough Americans together to show their "Indivisibility" to have impact? Great thought, but how?

We're years (almost 6 *shudder*) into the war in Iraq and Red Shirt Fridays haven't caught on as a 'statement' yet. Could it be that people don't want to appear to support the WAR (I know I don't) and don't know how to support SOLDIERS? I think that's a valid hurdle in looking at functional "shows of support" for our troops.

Unless "Red Shirt Fridays" catch on en masse and we all send pictures, or as the Canadians did, wear them to a particularly high-profile, televised political event, it seems a 'feel good' measure that our kids/soldiers won't see or feel - esp. those who are deployed.

DO something in support of our troops?

YES, I agree. Let's all DO something that's more than 'invisibly symbolic'.
For starters... Let's Vote.

Til then I'm all for shirtless Fridays. At least it'll make the news!