~Quote of the Day~


"NOM teh hand that fees you."

~icanhascheezburger.com

Thursday, November 29, 2007

I'm Going "Over There"....No, the OTHER "Over There."

The Story: Apparently my name is on the roster to be deployed to Kosovo for the KFOR-10 mission. I don't know much yet as far as details, but they will be forthcoming. It looks like we'll be leaving in the late Winter, maybe early Spring.

My 2 Cents: Well, I know this isn't exactly national news or anything, but it's pretty big in my world. Much time has been spent thinking over the last few days. I can't seem to stop thinking. It makes it hard to sleep...which is irritating because I really like sleep.

There is a lot that goes in to preparing for a deployment, both on the personal and unit level. In the world of SGT P there is much concern over how the Creatures of Mass Destruction (CMD), ages 5 and 6 (males, the both of them) will fare during my absence. And how my Highly Significant Other (HSO) and Gamma will do in handling them while I am away. I know that they are quite capable, but The Curse (also known as Murphy's Law) always causes problems that are unexpected. I must prepare for The Curse. Even though I have "Good Kids," their lack of major behavior issues does not stop The Curse. So, prepare I must.

Here are my main concerns at this point of waaaaaaay too much thinking:
1. The CMD

2. Followed closely by the emotional and physical well-being of the HSO,

3. Then Gamma,

4. Then Magickitty (who I love like a third child and will miss terribly),

5. And, finally, me and the actual leaving-CONUS-process. This includes the packing, paperwork, and other whatnot involved.

Which leads me to question any other previously deployed Soldiers: What can you think of that you HAD to have over there? What no Soldier should ever leave home without? Please comment. And, for my very few readers, if you know any Soldiers who might have a good answer for this, please forward them a link and ask them to comment.

The packing list just seems to be getting longer and longer!

I usually feel pretty badassed....but not so much today. So I look forward to your comments.

Hey....it looks like Less Than Half a Nickel will end up being a milblog after all.....

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

My Very First MEME!!!!

The Story: I was tagged by Odd Facts to do this meme. Interestingly enough, Odd Facts also taught me what a meme is....even though I'm still not certain where the word came from (and I really like knowing why something is called whatever it's called).

Here are the rules:*Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.*

Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.

*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My 2 Cents:

Here are my Seven :

1. As a general rule, I usually don't like other people's children because most other parents are too lenient. But it really isn't the child's fault...so I suppose it's the parents I can't stand. I can't stand the parents who allow their child to hit them, act like little adults, and demand, demand, demand. Grrrrrrr.
2. I like shelled, dry-roasted sunflower seeds. A lot. I can eat a whole jar in one sitting (even though I know my bowels will hate me for it later!).
3. I like my hair short...but I'm thinking about growing it out just because I'm bored with it. I'll probably hate it in 3 months and hack it all off again. It suits me.
4. I wish more people would read and comment on my blog...because I feel like I would be more motivated to write if someone did. At this point, I'm kind of just writing for Odd Facts!
5. I'd rather write to people than speak to them. I'm a much better writer than I am a speaker.
6. I'm afraid of the dentist. I haven't been to one in over 10 years (but you could never tell by looking...my teeth look really great!).
7. I want to own my own business. But I don't know exactly what. Right now I'm thinking: hot-wing joint, personal chef service, cake decorating service, something like that.

Now, I am tagging :

Mimi on the Breach
The New Girl
Bub and Pie

And, dang it, I don't really know anyone else...and Odd Facts tagged me originally so I can't use them!

WoooHOOOO!

I hope you guys don't mind me tagging you....you're the only other blogs I am reading lately....

Monday, November 26, 2007

News From My Brain: People Suck

The Story: Okay, well, not really a story. Just random thoughts to be inserted into my blog because I felt like it.

Anyway, I've decided I don't like people. And you don't either.

My 2 Cents: So you don't believe it? You're certain that YOU are the exception?

I beg to differ.

Case in point: Shopping at Wal-Mart on the weekend. Or the day before Thanksgiving.

Picture it: The significantly overweight mothers and fathers who brought every one of their five or more children along on their last-minute shopping trip. Those same people stop in the middle of the aisle, thereby blocking traffic in both directions....ARGH! And their CHILDREN! AaaaarrrrrgggGGGHHHH!

And then they pretend that you aren't three feet from them, trying to get a can of jumbo olives.

Finally, you say "excuse me!" Then they give you the Look of DEATH.

See? You hate them too.

And if you don't...you're probably one of them.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

We Now Interrupt Our Regular Programming...

For a question.

I'm really quite brand-new to the whole blogging thing. And I've been thoroughly enjoying reading the blogs of those amazing veteran bloggers who write the most ADDICTIVE posts. Seriously! There's Bubandpie, Mimi on the Breach, kittenpie, and so many more (and if I knew how to do that really cool thing where you link the person's name to their blog, I'd totally do it...but I don't know how!). Aaaaanyway...the question: What the heck is a "meme?"

I've seen it several times...and it appears to be something that you link to someone else's "meme." Like a quiz or a question or something.

If someone could PUH-LEEEEZE enlighten me on this, I'd really feel a whole lot less....slow.

Also...I'd love to put things like, oh...pictures and links and whatnots into MY posts and have them look OH, so snazzy....but again I haven't a clue. SOoooooo, if any of you veteran bloggers could point me in the right direction, well....again...I'd feel so much less intellectually inferior.

Moochas grassy-ass.

:o)

Just Who *IS* this Ron Paul Guy?!

The Story: Apparently this guy is topping the charts when it comes to military support. According to "The Spin Factor" he has the lead on military folks contributing to his campaign. Don't believe it? Never heard of this guy? Follow the links and do your own reading. http://thespinfactor.com/thetruth/2007/07/16/military-support-for-the-republican-candidates/

http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

My 2 Cents: You know, I've never been a huge political junkie...pro'ly because the media only shows the most famous (and most worthless) of the bunch...and half of what they say ends up being a crock of shit (both the candidate AND the media!). So then we think that we are required to vote for one of these worthless loons...you know, "The Lesser of Two Weevils." *GAG*

Ron Paul is definitely not your typical candidate. As a matter of fact, he's far from your usual entry. He's a Conservative....but he doesn't want us (as in the troops...*me*...MY buddies) in Iraq. Now think on this, Grasshopper: If he wants us OUT of Iraq and Afghanistan...and the TROOPS are supporting him...WHAT does that say about the Long War and the current regime's choice to stay in it?

Don't get me wrong. There are bad people and we're kicking their ass. But things are not going the way they ought to and no one is doing anything to fix it. It's becoming a Cat's Game. Stalemate. We're not winning The War on Terror...we're making another one for our children and grandchildren.

Okay. Off the soapbox.

Bottom line: Guys like Ron Paul need more airtime. Americans should be hearing this stuff. I really believe that most Americans are Libertarians and don't even know it because they have never researched it (and are certain that it means "Liberal" because they sound alike). For you eedjits who think you know everything but don't have a clue, a Libertarian is a Constitutionalist. And that is what Ron Paul is.

And, for an FYI, I haven't decided who I'm voting for. Because I research the candidates before I decide. Thus far, my research on Ron Paul is leading me to believe that he'd be a good choice.

If I change my mind, I'll let you know why.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

You Can't Make This Stuff Up...

The Story: Dumped ex-boyfriend in St. Augustine, FL kills himself by attempting to break into his ex's house....through the cat-door.

Distraught ex-girlfriend calls the police. Police arrive 4 minutes later, to find one Dead Boyfriend. With his head and one arm....stuck in the cat-door.

Autopsy results are forthcoming.


My 2 Cents: What a dumbass. Hell-o?! Ever heard of a DOORBELL?

When your girlfriend kicks you out of her house it probably isn't a good idea to try to break in. It's called a "break-up" for a reason. I wish he could have come back to life (for a few minutes) to explain to the cops just what he was doing reaching through her cat-door. This guy got exactly what he deserved.

I guess this guy never heard of Karma. Apparently it caught up with him. What really blows me away is that this guy could not figure out that his fat head AND arm would not fit in a 7-by-9 inch hole. Shit, some CATS can't even fit in those doors.

This is the kind of stupidity I adore.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Update on "The Golden Compass"

The Story: Read below about the stupid email I received regarding the book and movie "The Golden Compass."

My 2 Cents: Well, I've read both "The Golden Compass" and the second book in the trilogy, "The Subtle Knife." Let me tell you, they are fabulous! I just started the third book yesterday.

The second book does delve a little into what would be considered the religious realm of creationism vs. evolutionism and a little intelligent design theory for good measure....but one must remember that Christianity is NOT the only creation theory on the planet. Also, one must consider that the book is fantasy, and the setting in the book is not "our" world.

I believe that these books were designed to raise questions. In order to maintain comfort, people tend to accept whatever they are told. These books (so far) help the reader to question their realities...

A definite must-read for everyone. I'll post again on this when I've finished book three ("The Amber Spyglass").

Okay, I'm Back

The Story: I went to a conference for work over the weekend and the first part of this week. It was for Post Deployment Health Program Managers. Like me.

My 2 Cents: I dare anyone who thinks that the Army National Guard isn't working their hardest to take care of our Soldiers when they return to say it in front of the Soldiers who joined me at the PDHRA conference.

I'm so proud to see that there are so many leaders who really care about our troops and would do anything for them.

Welcome home, Soldiers. We all appreciate your service to our country.

I suppose this isn't a news story, but it is a current event in my life.