The newest member of the family

We'll we finally did it. We got a dog. He is a 1 1/2 year old boxer and his hame is gill. Yes thats right gill. I'm sure your all wondering why we gave him a fish name. Well....its funny. Ha. For those who haven't seen the movie "What about Bob" it is the name of Bob's fish in the movie. We were trying to figure out a name and Leslie said that one just joking around, but it ended up sticking.

So, here it is ladies and gents... About a year ago the lady who wrote this book contacted me and asked me for some stories about my life in the military. I talked to her a few times over the phone, and related some experiences that I had while I was in Iraq. I didn't really think much of it, but a month ago I ordered the book and found that she had published three of my stories in it, and also a story about my older sister julia who is in the Marine Corps!! I was, for lack of a better word pretty excited. Although her writing leaves something to be desired, I still think that it's neat that I am in a book!!

Forgetful Jones

We all remember him as that half whit from Semame Street... But not any longer. I have become HIM! (Well, all except the foam appendages, cowboy attire, facial hair, and blue skin) I am so stinking forgetful lately. WHERE HAS MY BRAIN GONE? I did hear that being pregnant does effect your memory...but to this extent?! Last week I was leaving work at the college, and hopped on the shuttle bus that would take me to the parking lot where I had parked that morning. After arriving in the lot, much to my dismay, my car was nowhere to be found, after a short search and the use of my panic button to aid in the search I remembered that I didn't even park in that parking lot, I had parked in the lot right next to my office! Not only this, but the next day I was on my way home after class when I realized that I didn't have my phone with me-- (new phone, not the one that I just recently FLUSHED DOWN A TOILET) So, I turned around, and made a bee line straight to my last class where my phone awaited... sitting there on the desk, in plain view, as if to mock my stupidity. I could go on and on about the less-than Nobel Prize winning things I have done lately, but I will spare anyone who has had the patience to read this far.

Just a Little Creepy

So, I saw this "baby ticker" on a friends blog and thought, "oh cool, I want one of those".... after doing it though, it seems just a bit creepy, I mean why did they have to make the baby move around in there. EGH.

Jump In This

Since it has been a bit sunnier lately, I thought that I would get some yard work done.... I started with raking the pine needles.... and finished with raking the pine needles. During the process I could have sworn that I was raking the floor of a forest. I don't think that the people who lived here had ever raked their yard. So after spending the afternoon raking and picking up needles, my neighbor offered to dump them for me. When he offered I don't think that he realized that I would fill his entire truck bed. Don't think that he'll be doing that again. I thought that I would document this by taking a picture, so here it is ladies and gents.... The world's largest pile of pine needles!---

Military Tribute

You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.




You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.




You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.




You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.




You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.




You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

..


You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.




You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.




Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.




You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.




You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.




You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.




You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.




You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.




You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.




You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.




You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.




You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.




You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.




Freedom is not FREE.

A Military Family

I forgot one! Here is a picture of my older brother Edward and his wife Natasha. Edward also spent time in Iraq. Not only is he one of the coolest guys in the world, he is a hero. He is a great dad and brother and I love him!