tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82202848601391506142024-03-13T00:45:49.098-04:00My Random Thoughts Over Morning CoffeeGloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-77689966487971692412018-03-10T11:53:00.002-05:002018-03-10T11:55:07.330-05:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">How My Littles Learned</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(as toddlers and preschoolers)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My children learned the first stages of reading through stories I read, "One Fish, Two Fish, <span style="color: red;">Red</span> Fish, <span style="color: blue;">Blue</span> Fish"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not by being coerced to read what they did not understand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They learned letters through our sing-a-long of the alphabet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not by being made to write their ABCs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My children learned numbers by our randomly counting items</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not by filling in workbooks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They learned about creativity by making simple crafts together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not by being made to color within the lines</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My children learned about nature</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by walking barefoot and playing with rollie pollies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They learned about others</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by running wild with the pack</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My children learned about life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through play, laughter, and even tears</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<br />What School Taught My children</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Conformity, memorization, and lack of creativity</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-55426277876122958562016-02-13T11:58:00.002-05:002016-02-13T15:58:10.995-05:00A little hacking to connect Medela parts to the Spectra Breastpump, if you feel the need!It has been about 7 months since I started to carry the <a href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com/Breast-Pumps_c_37.html" target="_blank">Spectra S1 and S2 pumps</a>. This by far has been my best experience ever working with a breastpump company, and I have worked with the "big boys." The other awesome thing about Spectra is that, it is the first time I have ever received positive feedback on a pump without asking. Normally, I hear from clients when there is a problem. This is new territory, and I am loving it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Probably the one complaint on the pump, yeah, there is one, is that other bottles do not fit onto the system. Normally, I would say not a big deal, but if this is not your first go round with pumping, you probably have many bottles and flanges from your previous pumping experiences. More than likely, the parts in question are from...drum roll, please...Medela. What to do what to do, as it can be costly to stock up once again if insurance will not cover extra accessories.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks to friend, client and pumping mom, Melissa M., here is step by step instructions on how to mesh those Medela parts with the Spectra Breastpump. <span style="color: red;">*Keep in mind that this could void any Spectra Warranty.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Purchase Medela Free-Style Flanges (closed system). The reason to use the Freestyle Flanges and not the Pump n Style Flanges is to keep the Spectra a closed system. A closed system keeps moisture from getting into the motor, which can result in mold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-treg0Nof6aA/Vr9dTWQ6Q9I/AAAAAAAAAF8/OFnIji3Pu80/s1600/IMG_2914%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-treg0Nof6aA/Vr9dTWQ6Q9I/AAAAAAAAAF8/OFnIji3Pu80/s320/IMG_2914%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Purchase the tubing for this flange at Maymom. Why go to this trouble of using Maymom? It is easier to slice the tubing they offer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Using a razor blade, sharp knife or the sharp edge of some scissors, make a slit in the tubing near the yellow connector, and remove two yellow connectors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_VFxTr6nTE/Vr9fL3n2JWI/AAAAAAAAAGc/EF8c4XyUpro/s1600/IMG_7865.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_VFxTr6nTE/Vr9fL3n2JWI/AAAAAAAAAGc/EF8c4XyUpro/s320/IMG_7865.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Then insert the yellow connector from the Maymom tubing into the Spectra tubing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj86ZeNM-oc/Vr9fT-AHJRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/1IS6l4mhMW8/s1600/IMG_9816.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gj86ZeNM-oc/Vr9fT-AHJRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/1IS6l4mhMW8/s320/IMG_9816.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Lastly insert the connector into the back of the Freestyle flange and your done. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQzF2JOb53I/Vr9ffXIi3vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/90I8POjvwhc/s1600/IMG_3462.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQzF2JOb53I/Vr9ffXIi3vI/AAAAAAAAAGs/90I8POjvwhc/s320/IMG_3462.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Final note is that this will then be compatible with <a href="http://www.pumpinpal.com/" target="_blank">Pumpin Pals</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, thank you to Melissa for sharing these tips!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-17492902384578458582013-03-22T08:42:00.001-04:002013-03-22T08:42:09.446-04:00A Baby Cries<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Parents get on the job training when a new baby is welcomed into the world. By watching and listening, they learn very quickly that babies can communicate their needs and wants. According to William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N., authors of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316779032/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316779032&linkCode=as2&tag=myran0f2-20%22%3EThe%20Discipline%20Book:%20How%20to%20Have%20a%20Better-Behaved%20Child%20From%20Birth%20to%20Age%20Ten%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=myran0f2-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316779032%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">The Discipline Book</a> as well as numerous other parenting books, babies are born with attachment-promoting behaviors. These behaviors are babies’ earliest language. In fact, parents will find this form of communication irresistible, as it is designed this way in order to promote a response from them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The strongest attachment-promoting behavior is a baby’s cry. It is a parent’s job to respond to a baby’s cry. Do not worry about whether or not baby will be spoiled or is trying to be manipulative. A newborn is only wired to communicate needs or wants, which at this age are one and the same. A baby may cry to communicate physical needs, such as when hungry, tired, needs a diaper change, too hot or too cold. A baby may also cry when anxious or just needs some affection and cuddling. Just pick up the baby. Do not worry if the response is not “correct,” baby will let you know. For example, if baby wants to be fed after being picked up, she will gnaw on her fists or root for the breast. Babies will communicate their needs, and as time goes on, parents will respond with less calculation and more intuition.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At some point in time, many parents will receive the advice to “let baby cry it out—leave baby to cry alone.” The Sears’ completely disagree with this mantra. They say that a baby’s cry ensures that the needs for food, holding, rest and social interaction are met. Furthermore, a baby’s cry develops a mother’s parenting skills. Responding to a baby’s cry is how baby learns to trust. The Sears’ do not believe that it is the parents’ responsibility to stop their baby from crying, as only baby can do that. It is the parents’ job to help their baby stop crying. There will be times when baby may not stop crying no matter what kind of comfort parents try, but the difference is that baby knows mom and dad are there and is secure in that. The Sears’ encourage parents to continue to hold, rock, bounce, whatever it takes to help comfort baby.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At the beginning of the “typical” cry of a baby, the sound strikes an emphatic chord in the mother, and she responds with a nurturing and comforting response. According to the Sears’, this is the attachment promoting phase of a baby’s cry. The Sears’ have found that babies whose early cries receive a nurturing response, learn to cry “better.” Their cries are mellow and not disturbing. When baby’s cries are not answered, they become more disturbing as baby grows angry. These cries can make a mother angry and set up an avoidance response. As these babies learn to cry harder, a distance develops between mother and baby. These babies are not secure and have no trust as their cries have gone unanswered. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">According to the Sears’, the ultimate in crying sensitivity is when parents become so fine tuned to their baby’s body language that they read and respond to pre-cry signals and intervene before crying is necessary. These babies soon learn that they need not cry hard or sometimes at all to have their needs met. They are secure and have trust that their needs will be met.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Trust your instincts. Respond to your baby. Independence comes from dependence.</span>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-38548362958039838492013-03-18T11:20:00.000-04:002013-03-18T11:20:02.612-04:00Fostering Independence in Your Toddler<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Independence grows out of dependence. Humans are not born ready to run with the herd within minutes of birth. We are members of the order primates, which have slower rates of development than most other mammals. As primates, human babies rely on their parents, siblings or other caregiver for feedings, transportation, and security.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">According to William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N., authors of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316198269/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316198269&linkCode=as2&tag=myran0f2-20%22%3EThe%20Baby%20Book,%20Revised%20Edition:%20Everything%20You%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20Your%20Baby%20from%20Birth%20to%20Age%20Two%20(Sears%20Parenting%20Library)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=myran0f2-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316198269%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">The<i> Baby Book</i>,</a> studies have shown that the most securely attached infants actually showed less anxiety when separated from their mothers to explore toys in the same room. When going from oneness to separateness, the securely attached baby establishes a balance. This balance is between a desire to explore and a continued need for the feeling of security provided by a trusted caregiver.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once toddlers become mobile, the world is theirs to explore. Most likely, "No!" will become a big part of their vocabulary. Experts say that instead of viewing this as disobedience; consider this as another independence milestone to be celebrated. Saying "no" signals that toddlers are beginning to understand they are individuals with their own wants and ideas.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How Can Parents Help Foster a Toddler’s Growing Independence?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A parent’s job is to find a balance between a toddler’s growing need to explore and a need to keep your child safe, and possibly maintain some order. If you have not already done so, spend some time getting your home toddler-ready (remove breakables, cover electrical outlets, etc.). An explorer in the house can be messy. Try to reconcile yourself to the fact that your home will most likely not wind up on the cover of <i>House Beautiful</i> during these years!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Experts say that when it involves toddlers, cooperation is key. It is normal for toddlers to want to try what mommy, daddy or older siblings are doing. Offer choices within reason. “Would you like eggs or cereal for breakfast?” "Do you want to wear the blue or the green shirt?” Having opportunities to make choices help children gain independence and confidence. Giving children choices is a useful positive parenting tool for avoiding behavior problems as well. It is respectful to your child too. It recognizes a growing capability and the right of children to have at least some control in their own lives. Choices also help a child learn to make decisions and express preferences.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Parents can also assign child-sized chores to their toddler, such as helping sort and fold clean laundry or sweeping the floor with a dustpan and broom. Remember to build time into your day to let your children discover. Toddlers learn so much more when walking through the park instead of being confined to a stroller.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Remember that balance a parent needs to keep? Know when to step in and lend a helping hand. A toddler’s independence will ebb and flow, especially during times of change, such as during an illness or a new baby is welcomed into the family. When they ask, be prepared to help. Knowing that they can return to you for comfort as well as help, even with an undertaking that they have already mastered, will build more confidence and encourage children to take their next independent steps onward. For every two steps forward, it is normal to take a step back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During the first year of life, a baby’s needs and wants are the same thing. Meeting your baby’s needs is the best way to help him/her feel safe and secure. Current research shows that being held “too” much cannot spoil babies; rather, children who have a strong attachment to a trusted caregiver are secure and learn early that they can count on mommy, daddy and others for help and comfort. They know that home is a secure place, and are more willing to venture out and explore later on in life.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-60107450285762964402013-03-15T11:22:00.000-04:002013-03-15T13:50:17.796-04:00Trips for Traveling with Young Children<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Go to the airport before your trip</b> with your toddler who has never been on a plane. Watch the planes take off, land and taxi. Watch people queuing up for security. Explain that this is what you will be doing. Let your toddler get excited.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Let your child help pack</b> his/her own suitcase. Talk about what types of clothes that will be needed—for cold weather or warm, etc.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Let children pull their own carry-on bag</b>. It gives you a separate space to pack your child's change of clothes, snacks, books and toys. The responsibility of carrying or pulling a bag gives your child focus and a sense of importance.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Run them through the airport</b>. Make good use of the time leading up to boarding by helping your child to burn off excess energy, which is endless in toddlers!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Use the advance online check-in option to print boarding passes and check seats. This can be done 24 hours in advance of the flight. Have any flight notifications, such as delays, sent to your mobile phone.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Use curbside check-in to unload heavy bags before entering the airport (remember to tip the skycap).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do not check your stroller. Airports are always bigger than you think. Gate check your stroller when you are boarding the plane. Umbrella strollers are easier to navigate and stow away. “Wearing” your baby in a<a href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=55&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4" target="_blank"> sling or other carrier</a> will also be easier and less cumbersome then hauling the “plastic baby buckets” through the airport and onto the plane.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Avoid prime time flights. Try the middle of the week and middle of the morning flights when the plane might not be full.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do not take the last flight of the day. Bad weather can cause cancellations and a night at the airport with the kids. Still, I have booked late flights, with the knowledge that the kids would sleep most, if not all of the flight.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If traveling by yourself and need to catch a connecting flight in a terminal on the far side of the airport, request help in advanced (the golf cart shuttles).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most major airports have websites where you can get information in advanced about layouts and services. Try to avoid going through “difficult” airports, such as Los Angeles, Ca. and Newark, N.J.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If traveling to the east coast, I prefer to have a layover on the west coast, and vice versa. Just long enough to stretch, get a bite to eat, and burn off more of that toddler energy.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Author: <a data-mce-href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com" href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com/">formomandkeiki.com</a></span>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-20123086937711445802013-03-10T21:47:00.001-04:002013-03-10T21:48:11.013-04:00Why Breastfeed?<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Born into a world teeming with germs and infections, a newborn’s strongest defense comes from colostrum, the substance produced in the first few days after birth, which provides the baby’s first immunization.” (UNICEF, 1992)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A nursing baby takes in 100 million live cells per day. Many of these cells survive for 48 hours or longer. (<em>The Nursing Mother’s Guide to Weaning</em>)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding provides the perfect food for your baby. Mother’s milk contains all the nutrients in the right amount needed by your baby.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastmilk is specifically designed to accommodate the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One study, which followed both breastfed and formula-fed babies, showed that by eight years of age, the breastfed babies had an IQ of at least ten points higher than the formula-fed babies.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfed babies have fewer allergies.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses as human milk contains antibodies that protect your baby.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding promotes proper tooth, gum, jaw and palate development.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfed babies thrive on the close body contact.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Baby has more pleasant smelling stools and less spitting up.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding is economical. The money saved breastfeeding your baby for one year will buy a major household appliance.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding is convenient. Breastmilk is always ready. There is nothing to buy, carry, measure or heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding is better for the environment. For every three million formula-fed babies, 450 million cans of formula are used---resulting in 70,000 tons of un-recycled metal. (<em>The Politics of Breastfeeding</em>)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding helps a woman’s uterus return to its non-pregnant state.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding delays the return of a woman’s menstrual cycle.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding offers women protection against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breastfeeding is enjoyable for mother, baby and father.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Night feeding can be done in bed with minimal disturbance to mother and father.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Visit <a data-mce-href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com" href="http://www.formomandkeiki.com/" title="For Mom and Keiki">http:// www.formomandkeiki.com</a></span>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-20598948941868262362013-03-03T11:01:00.001-05:002013-03-03T11:01:37.241-05:00If the Flightline is Closed Down, that means We can Cross Over it!One of my fondest memories of living in Italy, were the twice yearly bazaars on the base. Artisans from all over Europe would come with their beautiful crafts, delicious food and fantastic wines! The last bazaar that the kids and I attended was not a disappointment. The kids roamed freely enjoying everything just as much as I did. Rose even got the handcrafted German wooden sword that she had been dreaming of with every bazaar. Now 14, Rose has quite the collection ranging from Nerf guns and light sabers, to hand crafted swords, to include the most coveted sword of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_0_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=inuyasha&sprefix=Inuash%2Caps%2C177" target="_blank">Inuasha</a>! <br />
<br />
The girls and I were ready to go home. My son, Alex was going to stay and hang out with his friend, Alex and maybe go to the movies. The other Alex's family would bring my Alex home. Not long after the girls and I arrived home ( it was a Sunday), I received a phone call from the Base Security Police. Apparently Alex and Alex were picked up after they crossed the flightline. The flightline encompasses the military "airport," to include the various hangers, runways, etc. Twice a year on the weekend, the flightline is closed down as this is where the bazaars are held. Obviously, planes cannot be landing and taking off and taxing when there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of people milling around from hanger to hanger, so what is the problem then with taking a stroll through it?<br />
<br />
Apparently Alex and Alex decided to cut across the flightline on their way to the movies. This made sense to me as if they cut across the flightline, they saved on a lot of walking! When the SP told me why the boys were picked-up, in all honesty, I did not think it was a big deal. I am sure you have an idea where this is going if you have read my other posts. I ask you, why would this be a problem if the flightline is closed in the first place?! I asked the SP if it would be okay to release my Alex to the dad of the other Alex. He thought this would be a good idea and laughed at how the boys were going to get theirs as Alex's dad was a <a href="http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/January%202008/0108shirts.aspx" target="_blank">First Seargent</a>. Seriously, I thought to myself, not really, but if you feel better thinking this, go ahead.<br />
<br />
I need to explain now exactly what happened when the boys crossed the flightline. Now, in their mind, it was okay to do so...after all, the flightline was closed down and quite a few of their friends had taken a stroll through it during the weekend as well without incident. Once they got to the other side of the flightline, they were met by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabinieri" target="_blank">Carabinieri</a>. The other Alex spoke Italian well, so he conversed with them. Basically, the boys were told not to cross the flightline again, and they were sent on their way. Unfortunately, it does not end here...it never does. As the boys got farther along on their journey, out of no where comes at least three security police vehicles, which proceed to surround them. Frankly, the boys were lucky that they were not thrown to the ground and cuffed. As it was, they were detained for all to see as the Bazaar was emptying out. Oh yes, the boys were quite the talk of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviano_Middle/High_School" target="_blank">Aviano Middle and High School </a>the next day.<br />
<br />
So now, Alex is dropped off at home. I run out to speak with the other Alex's dad without hubby. I mused that he had enough on his mind (Aviano was and is a high ops tempo base), and really this was no big deal...what the man does not know, will not hurt him, or so I thought!<br />
<br />
The next day, the man forwards me an email. The email started with the security police blotter report that ends up on the General's desk. Guess what incident showed up on the blotter? From there, it only gets better as it is forwarded on down the Chain of Command to the <a href="http://www.aviano.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4380" target="_blank">MSG </a>Commander then on down to the <a href="http://www.aviano.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4376" target="_blank">CE </a>Commander and finally to my husband! In every message going down the line, each typed a little note for my hubby. I know what you are thinking...not good for the hubby (for those who are not familiar with the military, it is a fact of life that anything that the Active Duty Member's family does, especially negative, will reflect on the AD member and normally not in a good way), but thank goodness all of these Commanders knew the man and not only liked him, but also knew what an asset he was to Aviano and the Air Force. Phew! I still have that blasted email sitting in my inbox as a reminder that even the USAF has police blotters!<br />
<br />
After almost 6 years since this incident occurred, I believe the man can now chuckle about it. Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0Yorktown, VA 23693, USA37.1224466 -76.44473970000001437.021170100000006 -76.606101200000012 37.2237231 -76.283378200000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-2699801011293275482011-12-10T18:24:00.000-05:002011-12-10T18:24:42.304-05:00O TannenbaumLast Saturday, we made our trek to get our Christmas Tree. I insist on a "real" tree every year. People may be surprised at this being the tree-hugger that I am, but I am not going into an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Forests-Pacific-Northwest-Elliott/dp/1559630167/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323557547&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Old Growth Forrest in the Pacific NorthWest</a> for my tree. It is called a Christmas Tree Farm people! After Christmas, we recycle our trees on our property for mulch. Can't get more tree-hugging than that.<br />
<br />
We have been going to Lowe's the past few years as they have nice trees at a nice price. Most of the local sellers ( I would love to support), but I cannot afford $100 for a tree! We zeroed in on the 6-7 foot <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Just-Trees-Legacy-Douglas-Fir/dp/0874221706/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323557693&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Douglas Fir</a> section. After a bit a looking, here was this magnificent tree! It was huge! I mean ginormous! No way was this tree 6-7 feet, and it was so full! I asked my oldest to look at the sign for the section for the price...$24.97. Okay, this tree must have been put in the wrong section. What does the tag say? "Douglas Fir, 6-7 ft." Okay, someone obviously put the wrong tag on this tree. Hmmm...a bit of a conundrum. Here is the conversation going on in my head at that moment: "God, am I committing a sin purchasing this tree knowing it was obviously tagged incorrectly. Should I say something? If I don't and purchase the tree, would this be a venial or mortal sin?"<br />
<br />
I like to think God answered me with the gentleman who came to our rescue. "Wow, what a beautiful tree! It is heavy! Let me help you get it on the cart. Are your ceilings high enough to fit this tree?" Okay, we are getting the tree! "Yes, we have vaulted ceilings." We go through the check-out....$24.97. No one said anything about it being a mistake. Prayers answered.<br />
<br />
Now as we are getting the tree base cut, my hubby asks if I remembered to ask for the military discount? Are you kidding, do you know how much this tree cost? I would really be committing a sin if I asked for the discount! Besides, I never feel comfortable asking for it. It is my husband who wears the uniform, not me (although he always says, we deserve it for all our sacrifices as a family). He was not going to let me get away without the discount. I go up to the cash register again and very sheepishly ask ( those of you who know me, the Jersey attitude only kicks in after crossing over the Jersey border--outside of the Garden State, although I am not Hawaiian by blood, I am in spirit as Ona always told me)....."Can I get a military discount on this, or is it too late?" The cashier said I needed to go to customer service. Well, that was just too much work for something I did not want to do in the first place. Besides, hubby was distracted with getting the tree tied to the van. Thank goodness he did not ask me about it.<br />
<br />
We have a large tree stand, but I was wondering if it was large enough. I asked hubby. He said he thought it would be fine, but after this year, we would probably need a new one. This stand has held many trees, and due to all the rust, one needed a screw driver as leverage to loosen and tighten all the screws that steady the tree.<br />
<br />
Here we go. We get it into the house. Yup, the base is too large for the stand. Not to worry as I am married to an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlR0MHADKcU" target="_blank">USAF CE Dirt Boyz</a>. Off to the shed. He returns with a saw and an ax. Is this overkill or what? Now, he proceeds to saw and hack away at the base of the tree on my freshly shampooed for the holidays carpet. I watched in horror as wood chips, needles and sap were flying everywhere. What could I say? The man was determined to make this tree fit into our stand (not to mention, he put the lights up on the house, the bushes in the front and my favorite Christmas Tree in the back yard with nary a nag out of me).<br />
<br />
How does one get a 12 foot tree in a stand without a crane? Trust me, if this man had access to one, he would use it! We put the stand on the tree while the tree was laying down. Then lifted it up. Not bad. Hubby and one of the girls started tightening the screws. After much supervising on my part as to which way the tree needed to be adjusted in order to be straight, I was satisfied. Let go of the tree. And the tree falls down. Thankfully not into the fireplace, or the mantle with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=venial+sin&x=0&y=0#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=murano+glass&sprefix=murano&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Amurano+glass" target="_blank">Murano glass</a>, <a href="http://www.polishpotteryonline.com/" target="_blank">Polish pottery</a> or the <a href="http://www.artmajeur.com/?go=artworks/display_mini_gallery&login=beosan&mini_gallery_id=673&artist_id=647&serie=2&disp_m=normal" target="_blank">Sandra Beorchia</a> painting (my favorite) over the fireplace.<br />
<br />
Each time hubby said he got it, and each time my daughter let go of the tree, the tree fell over. Finally, I said, "Why don't I go out and buy a new and bigger stand?" Hubby thought that was a good idea; however, being a Dirt Boy, he was not about to give up. He was going to make the tree fit in the stand, and the stand was going to balance the weight of the 12 ft tree! One more time, hubby says, "I got it now!" And voila! He actually "made it happen!" Was there ever a doubt?<br />
<br />
For good measure, I put 10 pounds of free weights on both of the front legs of the tree stand!Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-37400894428893351352011-11-27T09:52:00.001-05:002011-11-27T10:18:43.697-05:00Backpacks and OpelsAnyone who has been to Italy or Europe knows that the streets are quite small. It always amazed me to see Americans bringing their huge SUVs to <a href="http://www.comune.aviano.pn.it/" target="_blank">Aviano</a>. Of course, my husband was one of them. He insisted on having our van with us. I refused to drive it. Some streets barely had enough room for two <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&cp=9&gs_id=16&xhr=t&q=old+fiat+500&tok=KmhrUzgaklBelkeBdI3zEg&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=572&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi" target="_blank">Fiat Cinque-Cento (500)</a> to pass each other. If you were in an American vehicle on one of these roads, someone would have to back up to a wider section.<br />
<br />
I left the van to my husband, after all, the man used to drive heavy equipment. I settled on a British car, an <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&cp=9&gs_id=16&xhr=t&q=old+fiat+500&tok=KmhrUzgaklBelkeBdI3zEg&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=572&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=opel+corsa&pbx=1&oq=opel&aq=1&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=48625l49460l0l52772l4l4l0l0l0l0l662l1331l0.1.2.5-1l4l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=a0f114a3a1a9436b&biw=1280&bih=572" target="_blank">Opel</a>. A little two door that barely fit the four kids and I at the time. Let me tell you, this car was great for zooming around Italian streets and parking as well. Driving on the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&cp=9&gs_id=16&xhr=t&q=old+fiat+500&tok=KmhrUzgaklBelkeBdI3zEg&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=572&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=autostrada&oq=autostrada&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=36093l37852l0l39912l10l10l0l2l2l0l239l1505l0.4.4l8l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=a0f114a3a1a9436b&biw=1280&bih=572" target="_blank">Autostrada </a>was another story. By the time my car reached 100 KPH (62 MPH), the engine sounded like it was being powered by a bunch of gerbils running on a wheel inside. Oh, how I loved that car. Talk about fuel efficient! Unfortunately, in order to bring it back to the U.S., it would have had to been at least 25 years old, or brought up to American specifications--safety standards. This would be quite expensive. I did not worry about driving my Opel around Italy, but definitely would be fearful in the U.S. It would not fare well in an accident with a car on an American road.<br />
<br />
So where does the backpack fit into this story? Well, you would think that I would learn from previous mistakes. That entire issue of shipping ArmorAll in the mail for instance! <a href="http://www.aviano.af.mil/" target="_blank">Aviano AB</a> is split up into sections. You can get from one area to another via the base shuttle. One area has the <a href="http://www.dodea.edu/home/" target="_blank">Department of Defense School</a> for the American children. When school was out for the day, my kids would eventually hop on the shuttle to go to the main base where the exchange was located and where I would pick them up to go home. On this particular day, we were all meeting up with my husband. I was on my way into the exchange when my oldest found me. She did not want to carry her backpack around, and I did not want to go back to the car to open it. Why did I not just give her the key? I will never know. I told her to just put her backpack under the car! Are you seeing the pattern? Not to mention the stupidity here! Put a backpack under a car in a parking lot on a military base in another country! Yes, I was not thinking, nor did I learn anything from our previous adventure.<br />
<br />
Next thing I know, they are calling my husband's name over the system in the exchange. I looked at my husband. Did they just call your name? Oh, and is that a bunch of Security Police running out into the parking lot?! Insert expletive here! Light bulb goes off, and I knew exactly what was going on. Someone had reported a suspicious backpack under a car in the exchange parking lot. Hubby and I rushed out to my car to find it surrounded by Security Police and my poor daughter getting a very firm lecture. Apparently, she had gone back to the car again. Then the SP's turn their attention to my husband, explaining the situation. I then blurted out it was my fault, I was not thinking, and I told my daughter to put her backpack under the car. Husband's jaw drops to the asphalt looking at me with that "I cannot believe this is happening again face--mixed with that can't we ever have a low profile at a base and stay off the police blotter?!"<br />
<br />
Poor man. Cannot help but feel sorry for him as this was the first of our many public adventures in Aviano!Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-78768345806248915902011-10-18T10:34:00.000-04:002011-10-18T10:34:08.641-04:00Italy is for Families!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0_IXnMCTYY/Tp2NODZdR3I/AAAAAAAAAA0/_ok27a1T4ZI/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0_IXnMCTYY/Tp2NODZdR3I/AAAAAAAAAA0/_ok27a1T4ZI/s320/IMG_0827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iigJtEJ3nLw/Tp2NT8W1OtI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Dk81J2ph1w8/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iigJtEJ3nLw/Tp2NT8W1OtI/AAAAAAAAAA8/Dk81J2ph1w8/s320/IMG_0809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MA5tQ-hbwFw/Tp2NUWvySiI/AAAAAAAAABE/uCKCrWfko8A/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MA5tQ-hbwFw/Tp2NUWvySiI/AAAAAAAAABE/uCKCrWfko8A/s320/IMG_0837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Not a day goes by that I do not miss living in Italy. What's not to miss?! Great people, great food, fantastic coffee and wine! Beautiful countryside, cities, art and architecture. Italy is also a great place to live or visit with kids! Italians are family oriented, and this is reflected in everyday life. My morning ramblings will reflect this life often. Lucky you! Gorgazzo is one of my favorite places in Italy. It is a beautiful little town and has one of my favorite restaurants in all of Italy. The following is an article that I originally wrote for <a href="http://www.italianvisits.com/index.php">Italian Visits</a>, with some changes as I ramble this morning.<br />
<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Times New Roman";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times; }h1 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal; }p.MsoBodyText, li.MsoBodyText, div.MsoBodyText { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 14pt; font-family: Times; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> </div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Gorgazzo is a must see stop in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of Italy. This charming hamlet makes for a quiet and peaceful sojourn along one’s travels of Northern Italy. Not difficult to find, it is located just off the <a href="http://translate.google.com/?tl=it&q=undefined#it%7Cen%7Cpedemontana">pedemontana</a>, or “mountain highway” as the Americans living in the area refer to it. This hamlet is famous for its springs, one of the sources of the Livenza River that flows through Friuli and Veneto eventually emptying into the Adriatic Sea. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">The springs of Gorgazzo are a site to behold. They have been called, “delizia e tormento di moti pittori,” as they are both a delight and a torment to paint because of their ever-changing colors from the rays of the sun. Italian geographer, Giovanni Marinelli (1846-1900), must have been awe inspired by the beauty of the springs as he penned these poetic words while studying the Gorgazzo. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Take the emerald color, the turquoise and the beryl ones, put them into a sea of lapis-lazuli, so that everything mixes and at the same time each of them keeps its own originality and you have that one piece of liquid sky that is called Gorgazzo.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoBodyText">Geologically speaking, water erosion and tectonic discontinuity created the hollow (el buso) of the springs. The surface pond was created from the collapse of a vault under the thrust of water. Although there are many hypotheses, the exact source of the Gorgazzo still remains a mystery. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Not far beneath the surface is the opening to a cave. Divers have traveled as far as 131 meters along this very narrow and curvy tunnel, and they still have yet to reach the end. Unfortunately, some of these underwater explorations have proved fatal, and so this cave has been closed to diving since 1999. Today, approximately seventeen meters under the surface at the opening of the cave is a guardian, a statue of the Christ. At Christmas, the Christ is alighted, and there is a beautiful mass with divers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are stairs leading down to the springs at various points along the stream. Visitors will surely enjoy removing their shoes as they descend the steps to dip their feet in the cool water on a hot day. For those couples wishing to experience the romance that is Italy, it is a pleasant feeling to have your feet washed by the one you love in the springs of the Gorgazzo. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For visitors traveling around <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=myran0f2-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=159360064X&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E">Italy with kids</a>, this is a place for families. Children will enjoy feeding the fish and the ducks that swim in the “<a href="http://translate.google.com/?tl=it&q=undefined#it%7Cen%7Ccielo%20liquido%0A">cielo liquido</a>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The restaurants here offer delicious, yet affordable meals, and they have a play area for young children as well. This added benefit allows time for mom and dad to reconnect over a delicious meal that can be leisurely enjoyed while their children are happily playing. In the evenings, travelers will enjoy sipping their glasses of wine while listening to the music of a live band.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText">Couples and families alike will enjoy taking a stroll through the hamlet that is Gorgazzo.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText"><br />
</div>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy46.2259177 13.10336459999996445.6923877 12.304518599999964 46.759447699999996 13.902210599999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-54132389264641648842011-09-12T13:16:00.000-04:002011-09-12T13:16:53.924-04:00Never, Never Send ArmorAll in the Mail!<i> I must preface this morning's rambling with a few words. The "incident" of which you are about to read took place about one month prior to 9-11. I have always looked back on this experience with humor. Humor mainly over the events that took place(Of which I take full responsibility) leading up to the "incident." Please do not in anyway think that I am making light of the USAF, or its members. The proper protocol was being followed as the safety of the base and the people on it were of major concern. The tragedy of the following month more than validates how the situation was handled by the Air Force.</i><br />
<br />
The kids and I had only been in Biloxi, MS for about two weeks. My husband had already deployed. We were brought to Mississippi by the military for my husband's current special duty assignment with the Navy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Seabees-John-Wayne/dp/0782011284?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">SEABEES</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0782011284" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> in Gulfport.<br />
I was on my way home from dropping my older three children off at school that morning. Rose, who was two at the time, was with me. As I drove into military housing, I saw a security police car pass me in the opposite direction. I immediately checked my speed. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed that the SP had turned around. "Great and what did I do" were my initial thoughts? When I got out of the car, he addressed me by name. Panic set in. Did something happen to my husband? This current deployment had him working with explosives. As the Airman started to explain why he was here, I started to relax. Apparently, a suspicious package had arrived at the base post office. It was addressed to my husband. There was no return address, no postage and to make matters worse, the package had oil stains! Do you see where this is going?<br />
Relief! I knew what it was. It was the package I had mailed prior to leaving <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Somewhere-Over-Rainbow-Wonderful-World/dp/B002Y4ADTI?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Hawai'i</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002Y4ADTI" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It is now necessary that I give a brief history on the package in question.<br />
<br />
After our initial packing up of our household goods (about two months before we would be leaving), some items were forgotten. My husband's ratchet set and about 5 bottles of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Armor-All-10863-ArmorAll-Cleaning/dp/B0006Z9SQQ?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">ArmorAll</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0006Z9SQQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. We would have one more pack up about a week before leaving. This was a small container of "necessary" items that would arrive at our destination quickly. My hubby said to be sure these forgotten items were in that packing. Really, ArmorAll?! Is it that important?! Hubby had to leave 2 months ahead of us for training, so he was entrusting the care of his ArmorAll to me. As you will see, this was a mistake on his part!<br />
Final pack up day arrives, and I sort of forgot about the ratchet set and the ArmorAll. Was this my subconscious trying to get rid of the blasted ArmorAll? I could give the stuff away, and then just tell hubby it got lost in the move. I have done this before. Hubby: "Honey, have you seen my soccer cleats?" Me: "Why, no sweetie, they must have gotten lost during the move." Mind you, I got rid of those cleats two PCS's (Permanent Change of Station) back, and he is just now noticing he no longer has them.<br />
Alas, some of my items got left out of this pack-up, so I needed to pack everything up and send it on in the mail. This was mistake number #2. Mistake #1 was forgetting the items in the first place! I put together a rather large box, full of the ArmorAll, ratchet set and some minor items of mine. I wrapped the box in brown paper (mistake #3). I addressed it to my husband's P.O. Box at the base in Mississippi, and finally, I put a return address <i>label</i> on the box (mistake #4). I mailed it from the main post office at Honolulu International Airport.<br />
<br />
Rose and I climbed into the SP car to be taken to the base. The Airman radios into the base commander, General***** that we are on our way. OMG! They called in General ***** over my box of ArmorAll? Once we are on base and close to the post office, I notice that they have cordoned off a wide area around the post office. I say to the Airman, please let me look at the package as I can confirm that I sent it, and it is safe. He relays this information to the General who says absolutely not! (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stargate-SG-1-Richard-Dean-Anderson/dp/B000TJBNHQ?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">I bet General Hammond would let Carter check it!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000TJBNHQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />) In the meantime, I can hear the chatter over the radio. They are getting the robot ready to go in to check the package, as well as some talk of fire hoses! Can it get any worse? At this point, the Airman has been told to take me back home.<br />
Needless to say, I was stewing for the rest of the day. Frankly, I was worried about that damn ArmorAll! (Seriously, I was feeling terrible over what had unfolded due to my lack of forethought.) Later that afternoon, I went over to my neighbor to talk to her about the "incident." Her husband overheard the conversation and came out, saying, "That was YOU?!" (Did I mention that he was the Chief of the Security Police at the base?) Me: "Yeah, that was me--sorry." I then asked for any news on my package. He told me to wait about 1-2 days, then I could pick it up from the base post office. Fantastic! Now, you are probably thinking the story ends here. Not quite.<br />
After two days, I went to the post to pick up the package only to be told that I have to pay the postage. "Excuse me, " I said, "Do you really think that the post office in Hawai'i would ship a package (that cost me $50, I might add) for free?" We are all about Aloha, but not $50 worth of Aloha! "You do understand that I paid for this package to be shipped? One of the reasons this "incident" occurred was the fact that the postage label fell off along with the return address label." After my tirade, I was told to furnish a receipt, and I could get my stuff. Normally, this would have been a problem, but as fate would have it, a receipt existed some where in Hawai'i. At the time I was mailing this box, I was sending out some mail for a certain organization(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Womanly-Breastfeeding-Leche-League-International/dp/0345518446?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">the one that is the foremost authority in the world on breastfeeding</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345518446" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />). Both transactions were on one receipt. We had the best ever treasurer, to whom I gave the receipt; and of course, she filed that receipt. A phone call later, a copy of said receipt was out in the mail.<br />
About a week later, I am back at the base post office with the copy of the receipt in hand. I turned over the receipt. After scrutinizing the paper, I was then told by the clerk that I still owed postage. Apparently, I was not charged for the full weight of the package. My response was that "there was no way that the Main Post Office at Honolulu International Airport would make this mistake! And did it occur to you that the damn package weighs more now as the box and its entire contents were drenched by a fire hose?!" After the clerk conferred with the supervisor, I was told that indeed, I did not owe any extra postage, and I could drive around back to pick it up. And there it was.....a soaked box that looked like it had indeed exploded with the contents all over the place. And there was every last bottle of that ArmorAll! By the way, we are still transporting this stuff with every PCS; however, I did learn my lesson: <i>Never, Never Send ArmorAll in the mail!</i><br />
Unfortunately, for my husband, this was only the first of "incidents" to come that have forever ingrained our family name into the the history of the USAF.Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8220284860139150614.post-65761376072463344922011-09-07T09:38:00.000-04:002011-09-07T20:19:19.048-04:00To Bidet or Not To Bidet.....that is the question!<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> I sit here this morning drinking my coffee. This morning's brew is German, one of my favorites! Now, I am thinking of and missing Italy. I can connect the dots on this one. Back in June of 2004, we were on our way to our new home in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Open-Roads-Italy-Kids-4E/dp/1593601247?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Italy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1593601247" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> via military flight with a stop over in Germany. Did not see much of the country that day. Just the tarmac and terminal. Oh.... and the restroom! Now, I know the women out there will understand the importance of the restroom, especially if you have kids. I remember the days when I would sit my kids on the toilet(with either the cut out paper or toilet paper on the seat) in the public restroom and tell them not to touch anything! They would either hold my hands or just sit and balance. They became quite good at it actually--sitting and balancing!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> To my pleasant surprise, the restroom was dare I say...immaculate. I would later come to realize this is a German trait. (My mother is German, but I never quite understood it until I visited Germany!) And what an amazing toilet! I was quite impressed with the European toilet—now here’s a toilet my Ms. Rose cannot pee out of! At the time, Rose was 5 years old. The way her pee flowed up and over toilets, you would think she was a boy! But no, this toilet was the one that could contain my Rose. Oh, the joy of not having to wipe up stray pee from this child anymore. Oh and the way these toilets flush. The entire mechanism, you do not mind touching it. No more flushing with your foot. In any case, you would have to use a yoga asana in order to flush these toilets with your foot.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> After about 2 hours, it was on to Italy where our first two months were spent in a pensione, which is like an apartment/hotel. Here was my first ever encounter with a bidet! Now, initially, I thought the bidet was a bidet; but being from the U.S., the only bidets I have ever seen were in the movies. This one looked a little different. I decided it had to be a urinal and told the kids thus. Don’t laugh, the other American kids in the pensione insisted it was a sink in which to wash your feet! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> I have to tell you after three years with a bidet, I find it to be the most amazing cannot live without invention! Really, besides being able to rinse certain areas clean, it is great as a bath tub for babies, and go ahead wash those feet while you are at it! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> Once you have a bidet, you will wonder how you ever lived without one. Oh how I could not understand those Americans who used their bidets as a storage for their library reading material. Did they still not know that this was a bidet? Did they not yet know the many fantastic uses of this beautiful invention?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12pt;"> Oh how I have missed having a bidet for the past 4 years! I keep telling my husband that we really need to put one in our bathroom. He keeps mumbling something about having to re-route the plumbing.</span>Gloriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03232359462614997341noreply@blogger.com0