The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[that's nice]

Liesa... I have a whole book of stamps sitting right here on my desk. I could of lent you a few!

In following your never ending but now ended PTR for 2 years, I was sure that there would be a snag or two getting out of Blankast... I mean Kazakhstan. Who knew this would of happened so quickly and early in your voyage.

I'm sure your ride to the airport was filled with so many different emotions... I could only imagine.

And hurray for you going running in the AM. I hope it wasn't 117 at 6:30... hopefully it was only 98.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I really don't have any more words than what I've already said, so my dear DISister, I give you a giant hug for all those emotions. And wrapped in a tidy package???? If I were in that same boat my package would be a total wreck!

I understand the running during all that, after a long day with Henry if feels good to run it off so to speak. Plus it's like the one thing that was a "normal" thing in your life that day! How has the running been going lately? I am still at 8 minutes and it's rough after so many days off at WDW!

 

[All7OfUs]

Wow 14 pages in 3 days. I can't wait to here all about this trip.

Should be an interesting ride for sure!! to our brand of zany!

Just call me the White Rabbit.

Fourteen pages later...

Liesa, Maroo, I'm really looking forward to reading about your trip.

Super! The classy has shown up, and is ready to roll!! Thanks for being here, TK!

oh no about the pillow! My neck hurts today too although I really don't think it's the pillow, oddly enough I think it's from the new zumba class. This new class is all latin and a lot of arm stuff. Which I love but I honestly think I have some tired muscles there as it really isn't a "crick". Wierd. But if it makes my neck stronger it will be an amazing thing and worth putting up with the overcrowded class where I get yelled at because I can't move my booty right. I'm thinking I just have tired trapezious. I guess this is what happens when you don't do front dumbbell raises, lateral raises or wide grip chin ups.

That stinks that you are getting YELLED at! Makes working out NO fun AT ALL!! And speaking of shaking one's booty.... this chick instructor of mine is all into the "shake your groove thang". I had no idea I'd need a girdle for this....

I meant to ask, have your kids done TKD before or is this a new gig for them? Evan was certified as a referee yesterday. THAT should be interesting.

No, totally new gig. I have one that is VERY nervous about the whole thing, as she's a perfectionist and isn't sure what will happen if she can't pass her belt tests.

Tomorrow is the first zumba? Where did you end up deciding to go? That's an impressive workout line up you have planned, I'm still struggling with a new routine now that we have to switch gyms. I'm thinking for now it will be Zumba Mon and Sat and then a Core Cross training on Thursday until I can figure out where to go for pilates. I've had some back issues recently and I think it's really based on the lack of pilates so I do need to somehow get that dealt with, just not sure what to do. Hoping they change the schedule but....

I'm going to the Parks and Rec. District. I think there were about 20-22 ladies and 2 men. I am a bit stymied as to their motive, since it's ALL about shaking your rear around, and some pretty sexy samba stuff. Whatever. If that's how they get their thrills, by watching out of shape women make idiots (mostly me!) out of themselves by blundering around in front of a mirror... well then....

AS long as I"m getting my cardio, then all's well.

So call away, you do need a new pillow (and bed???)

OK, will do. ANd yes, definitely on the new bed. Our matress (that we haven't gotten out of storage yet) has been sitting there in the garage for 10 years. Can you say, "EWWWWWWWWW!"?

Hey Liesa,
I don't want to bring your thread down so a quick recap. I had my gastric bypass the beginning of July. It was a difficult recovery,but I'm doing okay and I've lost 50 pounds so far. My mom's cancer returned right after I had my surgery and got very bad very quickly. She passed away last Saturday after a very difficult last 3 weeks. I really haven't had the mental energy for anything but I'm trying to make the effort to rejoin the world this week.

Shann, thanks for sharing with us!! And you KNOW we've been praying for you! You've been through a tough season, and I truly hope it will turn around for you now! Remember, one day at a time, and in His strength!

Medal? What Medal? I've put in 25 years and haven't gotten one yet.

My DH really wanted to do something for 20, but we coundn't find anyone to watch our kids- now we're at 21, so he's starting to look at some fun things to do. Barbados came up, and so we're seriously thinking of a winter getaway there. ANyone been there? Know anything about it??

I'm so sorry. I think the Dis is a great place to start. There are so many caring people here.

AMEN!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

that is one MAJOR cliffhanger!

What a journey of a day! That you ran at all is. I do know what you mean though, I was dying to get in a workout the day we left but ran out of time. I hope whatever little stress relief it gave you in that heat, helped you get through the great stamp debacle.

How bittersweet and yet, fitting. All of it.

Yeah, sorry about that!! I only have such little time anymore during these "set up days" to sit and write. I managed to squeak last night's update while the crew was watching Silverado. Odd flick, BTW.

I knew it'd be my last run until the 5K, so I wanted to see how my latest race day strategy would work out. Which I"ve learned is dumb to even do, but more on that later on.

Liessa , What an emotional seesaw, leaving must have been !! Of course you had to leave a cliffhanger !! Has she been hiding the fact that DH is still in Blankistan or did that stamp get stamped !!! Watch the news at 11 !!! Note I left out a.m or p,m !!

It was a seesaw, from the highest of highs to the "OMG!!, this can't be happening!" Nope, he's here with us- getting ready to take off for a few days of mountaineering on Mt. Baker.

Liessa you mentioned all the "unintentional "remarks we all have made !1How about we share some !!!I know Winkers has a VERY good one that she can post !! Just recently I said Marv was a doghouse when what I meant was he should beIN a doghouse !!So who's next!!!!

Marv? A doghouse? Not sure what to do with that...

Wow that is one major cliffhanger!!

I will be stalking your TR tomorrow to see how that one panned out for you!!

Oh gosh! I think it might be another week or, at least a few days before I can get another one up. Writing them takes a bit of work. But, of course, you ARE welcome to check back and join in the fun along the way.

Oh
My
Goodness

You can't leave us hanging like that for long . Great cliffhanger but geez please don't leave us hanging for a long time on that one.

That had to be such an emotional day for all of you. I can't even imagine it . Looking forward to reading more.

Emotional is a very fitting word to use!!

The drama you have experienced on your adventures just since I've been on your threads has been amazing - just God's way of reminding you He's always with you! I can't wait to hear what happens next

Obviously, our family needed to be reminded more than once, twice, or even a dozen times. I can't even count how many times we've had to do the "completely rely on Him deal".

I am really late in this thread (who knows what page I actually made it to) but I'm here and reading. I am from the Wish trip thread and follwed Maroo over.

I will "TRY" to keep up

I am sorry for the feelings of overwhelmness you had Maroo ((HUGS))
I am sorry you had a difficult recovery from the Gastric Bypass Shann. My sister did as well and is still fighting for her life.

Liessa, what a journey you have been on for so long and now leaving it must have been so hard. But the joys that await you must be many as well. I hope things go more smoothly for you in the next installment. ((Hugs))

a GREAT BIG to you!!! So great to have you with us!!

I think things MIGHT improve next time around- but visit often to be sure!!

Shan, so sorry to hear about your loss! Agree with those above......for all the good-natured picking going on around here, this is a great place to find love and support when you need it most! It helped me more than anyone will ever truly know when my Mom passed away a few weeks ago!
Oh Rosie, if we posted all of yours there wouldn't be enough room for everyone else's! And I meant that in the nicest sort of ways!!!

Loved the report update Liesa! Can't wait to read more. I imagine a few at the DC meet, your cohorts at WDW, and a few others on here who have kept up with you far longer than I have probably know much more of your story while serving a great need in Asia, but I have had to do a lot of speculating and have been looking forward to hearing your story!

BTW, I don't know DS13s current mile time, but his latest 5K he ran Saturday was a 22:24, which is about a 7:13 average mile. I'm not sure I could ride it on a bike that fast .......too many breaks in between!!!

You are so right, Marv- it's a great place to find the support you need, when you need it. I know I"ve gone through many a tough thing this year, and ya'll have kept me able to my chin up and centered.

BTW, Marv, how is your family, and you, doing now that it's been a couple months?? Healing well??

THe short story is that our family (specifically, Mike) was doing community dev. work, by bringing clean water and water systems to village hospitals, schools, and homes. Rewarding? Yes! CHallenging? Always!

A 7 minute mile just makes me bow in respect!! That to me is amazing!!

Liesa, this is a wonderful update about the start to your trip!

Thanks!! It's going to be quite roller-coastery- so don't get too comfortable.

I am impressed that you managed to go out for a last run on that morning! Are you still keeping up your training? I am registered for a 10k in two weeks and training has had its up and downs. Yesterday I did a trial run and it was 1:18 h for 10 kilometers. I really hope I will be able to stay under 1:15 h for the race.

REALLY!!?? 10K in 1;15? That is SO fast!! I imagine it'd take me about 1 hour and 35 to 40 minutes. I think for my running I"m going to have to start back at W 4 or so with the C25K Program. It'd been THAT long.

Here's the plan:

Zumba in Mondays
Lap swimming on Wednesdays
Track Running on Friday or Saturdays.

As with all things exercise related... we'll see...

I have a few ideas about how you solved the passport issue! I just don't get it, why you would need a certain stamp to leave a country. They ought to be happy to let people get out, what does it concern them anymore?

See! THat' me. We''re trying to LEAVE people!! I guess w/o that stamp they assume you've been living illegally? It is so strange to me, even still, that you would have to even "register" when you arrive to a city, and then again if you move.

I knew how bittersweet leaving was for you, but I really hope that you will be able to stay in touch with your friends over there! Have you had the chance yet to speak Kazakh again? I guess you might be skyping with your friends over there now?

I just called our best friends this morning, but my skype line was so bad, I could barely hold a conversation!! IT was VERY frustrating! We need to find a better solution, so I can hear them!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh, Leisa....sigh....what to say....my heart picked up a beat, eyes welled...then I reached the end and suspense!!! What a cliffhanger!!

For many years we lived within the sound of a monastery bell calling the nuns to prayer 7 times a day - it is such a beautiful sound - I still miss it everyday. The call to prayer, be it monastic or Muslim is has a beauty not enough of us are blessed to experience.

Very much looking forward to the next installment.

I really didn't intentionally mean to leave you with such a riveting cliff hanger, but time sadly ran out. THey won't always be like that. Maybe.

Yes, a good reminder of where our priorities should lie. Time for quiet and reflection can only be good, right?

What a rollercoaster of emotions you all must have gone through those last days and particularly that last day. And of course what would your last day be without another crazy bureaucratic mess! Looking forward to the photos and to how you resolved the situation!

Indeed! Up to the very end, they tried to throw everything they could at us- but don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

Photos, and the rest of those replies coming up later tonight!!

Gotta get Offspring #2 off to her first day of community college.

Meantime, I just found out that a 2008 ROTC graduate of Western Kentucky UNiv. where my son is going, and is ALSO in ROTC, was killed in action in Afghanistan yesterday. It will be a VERY sobering reminder of the gravity of his decision to contract with the army as he and his cadre gives his fellow soldier a memorial service on Wednesday.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Wow Leisa it sounds like you and Mary both had a bit of stress at the beginning of your trips.
Hope I can keep up with this TR, it maybe TOC for me.

 

[kimmylaj]

oh no dont leave me like that, i cant stand cliffhangers. i dvr entire seasons of shows and then go back and watch them, because i am so impatient. ok i'll wait but not very patiently

 

[marvali]

Mousefest type meets with this group of folks would be so much fun!

Even me??????

Totally fun!! And no kids, frankly, adds a different experience, too. Suddenly it is about enjoying only for yourself - and it changes the experience. Not worrying how someone else is reacting to this or that allows you to fully experience it yourself...like "playing" Toy Story...Too fun when you can play to win!

Uh, you mean I'm not supposed to play to win when my kids are in the car with me?

Marv? A doghouse? Not sure what to do with that...

Oh come on, I know you can be creative when you try....

You are so right, Marv- it's a great place to find the support you need, when you need it. I know I"ve gone through many a tough thing this year, and ya'll have kept me able to my chin up and centered.

BTW, Marv, how is your family, and you, doing now that it's been a couple months?? Healing well??

Yes, thanks Liesa! My Dad has finally gotten out of the house and done some things. Of course, some of them are things he and my Mom used to do together, so that raises a whole new set of issues.....

A 7 minute mile just makes me bow in respect!! That to me is amazing!!

Have to brag a little more. We have a really HUGE County; very populous. All 5 High Schools in the county (yes, 5 in the whole county, not city) had a Cross Country meet today for the first time. Andrew was the 8th fastest on his HS team (pretty good since the smallest one out there, and still in Middle School). They combined the times of the boys team, and the times of the girls team, and awarded the first annual county cup to the winner. Andrew's team came in first!

Meantime, I just found out that a 2008 ROTC graduate of Western Kentucky UNiv. where my son is going, and is ALSO in ROTC, was killed in action in Afghanistan yesterday. It will be a VERY sobering reminder of the gravity of his decision to contract with the army as he and his cadre gives his fellow soldier a memorial service on Wednesday.

I know what you mean Liesa, and can totally relate! Matthew has classmates that were called to active duty and didn't return. The ceremony in their honor is quite moving. Even with the inherent dangers, I'm still proud he has decided to serve his country when he graduates next May!

 

[glennbo123]

I know the emotions of leaving a place where you'd lived for so long, knowing that it is very unlikely that you'll ever return, must have been very difficult.

But enough of that serious stuff!

Cliffhanger schmiffhanger...I met you in D.C., so I know you that managed to get out somehow.

 

[maroo]

Oh gosh, Liesa....

Please tell Andrew we are so sorry. That is so hard! I am sure his "unit" or whatever you call it in college, is going to be really tense for a time.

I will pray for the young man (was it a man?) - I will pray for their family, too.

 

[maroo]

Ok...

So this is only loosely related to the real trip report...

But since it is going to take Liesa a little while to get us from Kazakhstan to Disney, I thought I would entertain you guys with a few semi-random posts. I probably won't hit every letter of the alphabet that Liesa tackles this time around ...but I will throw in random thoughts every now and then.

In the middle of the trip I got a text message from Lisa (Lauren's Mom) that went something like this......

Lisa: "Rick is in the dog house!"

(For those of you not familiar with Lauren and her family - I will give you a very quick recap...Lauren is the precious child in the picture in my siggie. She has cerebral palsy and her Dad is Rick. Her Mom is one of my best friends and something always seems to happen when I am in Disney!)

Back to my story...

Lisa sends me a text that says: "Rick is in the dog house!" and she attaches THIS picture...

Lisa says: "Notice that yellow fuzz ball on the floor. He found it abandoned at Block Buster and brought the stupid thing home....."
Then she sent this: " *insert picture of a house here*!"

Lauren's Dad was in BIG trouble. Lisa doesn't normally text in picture form...so she was sending a big message...Lauren's Dad was in the DOG HOUSE!

At the time there was a ZERO percent chance that the cat had found a home. Lisa already let one cat live there (the big grey one, Sassy) - and was not willing to open her home to another one.

However, I called the next day and evidently the kitten had really taken to Lauren...

Lisa sent me this picture as a text.

I know! Right....

Awwwwwwww.....


And said that the kitten had really taken to Lauren. The cat was sleeping with Lauren - under her covers - all night long. And is being so sweeeeeeeeeeettttt.

Uh oh.

Lisa is a goner...Because it is REALLY hard to tell your typical child that they have to give up a little kitten. But to tell your disabled child - with the big beautiful eyes - that had tears rolling down them...to tell HER no...

Well...let's just cut the cliffhanger and just tell you....

Lauren has a new friend!

And his or her (gosh...I have no idea!) is named "Buster"...


Can we just have a collective "awwwwwwwww".... Since they rescued it from Block Buster... How sweet.

Here are some more pics of the two of them...

Are they not so precious!

There is really only one person now that is NOT happy about this arrangement...

My poor dog, Muffin. She totally got de-throned!


Here is a cute video of Lauren and Buster. Lauren is trying to do her homework - and YES - Lauren is writing with her mouth. She can't really use her hands to write anymore, but she is pretty fast with her mouth. Impressive...I know.

Lauren and Buster doing some homework!

Sorry the video is so short...and the noisy background. I will try to get a better one for you guys when I am there tomorrow and repost something.

 

[englishrose47]

Good Morning All !Loved the video of Lauren and Buster !!!!!!Kyle FOUND a puppy and brought it home we had to find a home for her as she went into heat and we have 2 male dogs

Gee I know someone else who was in the Dog house !!!Who could that have been !!!NOT a Doghouse Marv ..in it !!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh my gosh is Buster cute! What a fun kitten, I love how he is trying to write/follow her pencil absolutely adorable! And wow does Lauren write fast!

 

[All7OfUs]

You are the queen of cliffhangers!

Well, I have known a few others around here (wonder WHO that could be??!!) who've left some doozies, My Dear...

First of all...you RAN! In that kind of heat and with all of that going on around you - I am so impressed!

Wow, Liesa - I am so acutely aware that I have NO CLUE what leaving a place like that feels like...

I can remember feeling similar feelings after being on a mission trip for a week or two, I can't imagine leaving after years...and 10 years? Very hard stuff!

I am glad you had this trip to look forward to...and maybe the drama distracted you a bit, too.

We should skype later, if you have time.

Not sure I would have run, except that my 5K was quickly approaching, and I didn't want to lose my stride!! And well, who sleeps before big travel anyway??

Yes, the drama and the trip DID distract me a lot- and it was very good in the end- lots to look back on and be thankful for now!

Wow! Just what you don't want to deal with when trying to leave. I'll be waiting to see what happens.

And I give you so much credit for getting out there and running when it's that hot out. I stop moving altogether when it gets that hot.

Normally, I do too, but for the cold NOT the hot. I HATE the cold and generally heat doesn't ever bother me too much!!

2nd part is written on paper, mostly, now need to type and upload photos. So the wait won't be TOOOO long.

Liesa- Leaving a place you called home after 10 years. A bittersweet time indeed.
Can't wait to hear all about that journey.

Pat, did you start a TR?? I need to go back and check your siggie. I can't guarantee I'll be on it a lot, if so, at least for the next month or so, but I'll be there, for sure, as I can!!!

Oh my!!!! I am nervous now!!! Please don't leave us on edge for too long!
What an emotional goodbye Must have been very difficult....
but exciting at the same time

You ran?!! In that heat?!!

Tracy

I hope it isn't for too long!! But gosh life is hard right now. Today, I met with the principal and counselor at my son's new school, and then took my oldest daughter to her first day of comm. coll. classes all evening. Busy to be sure!!!

If you want excitement then make sure to be back for Pt. 2.

OMGoodness Liesa, you certainly know how to leave us hanging on the edge of our seat waiting for more don't you???

You should be a novelist, seriously! You're writing is wonderful! BUT I want to know what happened with the stamp!!!

I really enjoy writing, but have never considered myself a very good one. Great Biscuit, Mrs. the King, Zzub, on the other hand... THey are in a class of their own!! But thank you! I do love to tell my story!

I'm sitting at the very edge of my seat. I can't wait to read what happened.

Great! I'll try to get the rest of the story up soon!

Dude.

That's some sort of serious cliffhanger, hon.

Look!!! It's Mrs. Kettle!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Loving your updates Liesa! I didn't think you would be so torn about leaving K-stan. It sounds like your hitting the ground running being back in the states though!
I don't think I do nearly enough by your example, I'm thinking I could learn a thing or two about how to live out my days by just watching you.
My mom use to can and make her own jellies and jams when I was little...still makes jams and jellies actually, something I've never done. I remember when I was pretty little and I came down sick around the time she was making jam, I remember it because I remember the fond memories of smelling the good smells and her giving me aspirin hidden in the jam on a spoon so it would make taking it gown down a lot easier.


By the way....every time you would text me while at WDW, it would make my day!! I loved hearing how you and all who were with you were having such an amazing time, it truly blessed me.

My DMIL taught me everything I know about canning- and I miss her beside me already! We'd do up peaches and pears by the dozens every year; and besides that she guided me through baking bread, sewing, and gardening! She was amazing!! Now it's my turn to teach my girls, and I'm loving every minute. Even little Anara got her turn and cranking the food mill for the apples yesterday. It's just something l love to do, but know that not everyone loves to be in the kitchen. I don't LOVE to be in the garden; I'll leave that to those who have green thumbs!

It was VERY fun texting with you and Glenn, Cynthia and Marv!! I should go back someday, when I have more time, and see the responses to our live updates!!

Such an amazing post. I could not imagine what an emotional rollercoaster that your family was on. I know that everything turned out ok but still I held my breath while I was reading. Can't wait to read the next installment.

And it only gets bumpier!!! Just wait!

As someone who has basically lived in 2 houses my entire life, and they are only 12 miles apart - I can't even begin to imagine what you have been going through. My parents were in the process of building their house when they found out they were pregnant with me. I lived there, other than 1 year at business college - where I came home every weekend, until I married DH. We lived in a little house for about 10 months until we were able to get everything squared away with his ex-wife (custody of their oldest boy, ending maintenance payments, working out a sale price for the house....) Then we moved into this house a couple weeks before I had Sean - who is now 21. Living in a different school district is a foreign concept to me - let alone a different country and culture on the other side of the world. I am amazed by your strength of character, of family, and of faith to be able to do something so utterly out of my realm of possiblity.....and to do it with such a positive attitude and sense of humor. Bless you and your family - and welcome home to the land of entire aisles of cereal!

We are definitely all built differently- that's for sure!!! Some are called to be right where they are!!! Being there for family and their needs is so valuable- never underestimate that!!! My sister-in-laws have carried the crushing weight of caring for my aging in-laws for 10 years, and it was very difficult to know we were so far away. We all have our work to do- wherever He puts us.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Maroo, Buster is adorable!! It is amazing how animals can bond with us. Our dog Ace has a very special bond with Bill, my cerebral palsy man. I am so sorry to hear that Lauren is having health issues . If you ever need someone to talk to please pm me.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I really didn't intentionally mean to leave you with such a riveting cliff hanger, but time sadly ran out. THey won't always be like that. Maybe.

Yes, a good reminder of where our priorities should lie. Time for quiet and reflection can only be good, right?



Indeed! Up to the very end, they tried to throw everything they could at us- but don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

Photos, and the rest of those replies coming up later tonight!!

Gotta get Offspring #2 off to her first day of community college.

Meantime, I just found out that a 2008 ROTC graduate of Western Kentucky UNiv. where my son is going, and is ALSO in ROTC, was killed in action in Afghanistan yesterday. It will be a VERY sobering reminder of the gravity of his decision to contract with the army as he and his cadre gives his fellow soldier a memorial service on Wednesday.

Wow - once in awhile we get a reality check. I'm so sorry to hear about Andrew's classmate. It was quite a wake up for me on 09/11 when my son who went into the Air Guard for college money had just returned from boot camp - hubby was made Active Duty, and BIL was working at the Pentagon - the world is suddenly upside down during war. God has kept all the military members in our family safe - I'm sure he will protect Andrew too.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Maroo, Lauren is so beautiful! Looks like she is coping well - love her strong attitude - and of course Buster is a cutie - guess Lauren needed a new friend!

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa... I have a whole book of stamps sitting right here on my desk. I could of lent you a few!

In following your never ending but now ended PTR for 2 years, I was sure that there would be a snag or two getting out of Blankast... I mean Kazakhstan. Who knew this would of happened so quickly and early in your voyage.

I'm sure your ride to the airport was filled with so many different emotions... I could only imagine.

And hurray for you going running in the AM. I hope it wasn't 117 at 6:30... hopefully it was only 98.

Wrong kind of stamp- this one needed to be ovalshaped- but more on that later.

Yes, always, always, always a snag, or two, or more. And hey, may as well get it over with sooner than later, right?

At 6:30, I think it was about 90. Once that sun comes up, BAM! It's just HOT!

I really don't have any more words than what I've already said, so my dear DISister, I give you a giant hug for all those emotions. And wrapped in a tidy package???? If I were in that same boat my package would be a total wreck!

I understand the running during all that, after a long day with Henry if feels good to run it off so to speak. Plus it's like the one thing that was a "normal" thing in your life that day! How has the running been going lately? I am still at 8 minutes and it's rough after so many days off at WDW!

Thanks, Brook- all behind us now, except the parts we left behind that we'll never get back. Or want back.

Yes, it was the "normal" thing to do, and felt good. Training is going well, starting with zumba this AM. Never knew I could look so doofus-like before. Seriously need to work on my belly dancing moves. I haven't really RUN since my 5K. I did do a treadmill work out for the first time since returning, and did ok. 2.1 miles in 25 minutes. YOu do the math- not great, not bad.

Wow Leisa it sounds like you and Mary both had a bit of stress at the beginning of your trips.
Hope I can keep up with this TR, it maybe TOC for me.

TOC is fine- we are not discrminitory around here. Come when you can, play as you 'd like. We love the company, and it's just great to have you here!!!

oh no dont leave me like that, i cant stand cliffhangers. i dvr entire seasons of shows and then go back and watch them, because i am so impatient. ok i'll wait but not very patiently

Just a couple more days!! I promise!! The next part is written, but the photos need a bit of work yet~!

Even me??????
Uh, you mean I'm not supposed to play to win when my kids are in the car with me?
Oh come on, I know you can be creative when you try....
Yes, thanks Liesa! My Dad has finally gotten out of the house and done some things. Of course, some of them are things he and my Mom used to do together, so that raises a whole new set of issues.....
Have to brag a little more. We have a really HUGE County; very populous. All 5 High Schools in the county (yes, 5 in the whole county, not city) had a Cross Country meet today for the first time. Andrew was the 8th fastest on his HS team (pretty good since the smallest one out there, and still in Middle School). They combined the times of the boys team, and the times of the girls team, and awarded the first annual county cup to the winner. Andrew's team came in first!
I know what you mean Liesa, and can totally relate! Matthew has classmates that were called to active duty and didn't return. The ceremony in their honor is quite moving. Even with the inherent dangers, I'm still proud he has decided to serve his country when he graduates next May!

I'm so uber-proud of my son too!! Couldn't have asked for anything better than to have a brave young man willing to die for what he believes in. Yet, I do worry- as all moms do.

GREAT going for Andrew!!! Congrats on that team victory!!

Glad to hear your dad is out and about! My FIL is really never going to be the same, and tends to fret and worry now, like he never did before. Sad, really. All we can do is be there with and for him, and love him like he is.

I know the emotions of leaving a place where you'd lived for so long, knowing that it is very unlikely that you'll ever return, must have been very difficult.

But enough of that serious stuff!

Cliffhanger schmiffhanger...I met you in D.C., so I know you that managed to get out somehow.

True- we did make it out. but to what degree of difficulty....????

Oh gosh, Liesa....

Please tell Andrew we are so sorry. That is so hard! I am sure his "unit" or whatever you call it in college, is going to be really tense for a time.

I will pray for the young man (was it a man?) - I will pray for their family, too.

I need to call him tomorrow and ask him about how he's feeiling about all of it. I am curious to know how his group will be involved. I've been praying for this kids mom all day. How awful!!!

Here's a link to the In Memoriam on the WKU ROTC site.

http://rotc.wku.edu/

 

[All7OfUs]

Wow - once in awhile we get a reality check. I'm so sorry to hear about Andrew's classmate. It was quite a wake up for me on 09/11 when my son who went into the Air Guard for college money had just returned from boot camp - hubby was made Active Duty, and BIL was working at the Pentagon - the world is suddenly upside down during war. God has kept all the military members in our family safe - I'm sure he will protect Andrew too.

thanks, tammie!! I guess, I get to know learn the skill of counseling my son through learning how to deal with something so close. I added a link to the article up above in my last reply post. So young.... so young...


Also, for everyone- I added the missing photos to yesterdays' post- go back to see those- link in TOC- pg. 1.