Silly Lady's ramblings

Tube Daze Episode 10

2007-04-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

The latest Tube Daze episode is up. For those that aren't familiar with Tube Daze, it is a satirical look at submarine life. It's funny and very well done series. Feel free to check it out at tubedaze.com

Sailor + wife = preggo wife!

2007-04-26T19:12:00.000-04:00

About 3 days after my birthday, I wasn't feeling so hot and I was also late. I took a home pregnancy test, and BAM! It came out positive. Took a blood test two days later, and the blood test confirmed.

At this point, the best guess I'm 9 weeksish pregnant. I went for my first prenatal appointment today. No ultrasound yet, but a general check up. I go back in 4 weeks. All I hope is that everything is all right and nothing is wrong. So keep your fingers crossed!

Britons back home

2007-04-05T07:12:00.000-04:00

The 15 British Sailors/Marines that were being held by Iran are now back in London. I'm glad they have been returned home safely. Here is a link to the CNN article with more details.

Deviant Art

2007-03-31T02:50:00.001-04:00

Finally dusted off my profile over there. Feel free to stop by if you'd like.

http://sillylady.deviantart.com/

La Femme Nikita

2007-03-23T08:43:00.000-04:00

YAY for early birthday presents! I got mine from Ryan yesterday! All 5 seasons of La Femme Nikita on DVD. Almost done watching season one. I absolutely love this show. =)

2 UK Sailors Dead

2007-03-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

The Trafalgar Class Submarine the HMS Tireless has lost two sailors in an accident involving a piece of air-purification machinery. Another sailor was injured and air lifted to a US military hospital. The Tireless was taking part in the US/UK Ice exercise when the accident happened. Here is the article for more details.

Update:

BBC Article

My thoughts and prayers go out to the sailors and their families.

300: A Woman's Review

2007-03-17T05:24:00.000-04:00

Now, before you gents go running in fear of a woman reviewing an action flick, let me clear something up - I am more sooner to go see an action movie than a chick flick. With that out of the way, I will say that 300 is the first movie in a long time to entertain many facets of my personality and keep the entertained for the entire span of the movie. The Adrenalin junkie, the artist, the writer, the romancer, the action lover, history buff, ect.

I will say that the art direction for 300 is top notch. They seamlessly blur the live action with the digital/cgi backgrounds. Also the direction in which the Spartans move as a group is stunning. Not to mention the costumes. To go in junction with the art direction, the soundtrack was top notch. Each song fit perfectly with the actions on the screen at the time. It helped to rivet you to the edges of your seat during the foreplay leading to a massive clash of battle, and kept you gasping at the sight of some unseen treason.

The cast was also very well done. I will say that such a strong male role was a little new for Gerard Butler, seeing as one of his most recent roles was that of the anti-hero Phantom of the Opera. He is very convincing as King Leonidas and maintains the stoic composure that you would expect of a Spartan on the field of battle. Lena Headey was an excellent cast as Queen Gorgo. She maintains control and commands the screen time amongst the groups of strong male figures that make up the Spartans and the Spartan council. Yet, she still maintains her womanly side and actions. It's a wonderful mix to see that on the screen.

Now, on the purely random side, a lot of the lines and actions in this movie were so true to life in the military today. I swear that the Spartan 300 were ancient Missile Techs. Just reference the loop hole Leonidas uses to take the 300 to war. Not to mention the diplomacy and being civil scene. Ahh, so many good scenes.

If you liked the graphical style in which Sin City was shot in, you will enjoy the visual that is 300. It keeps true to the graphic novel roots, while also satisfying the history buff that might be lurking in you. There is some gore, but please, it's a rated R movie about one of the most well known battles of the ancient Greek times. There is blood and the like, but it is not "that" bad. I really loved this movie. It was well worth the money and is a definite buy when it hits DVD. I hope you enjoy it as much if you go see it.

Funny Story from after the film:

As Ryan and I were walking to the car, some guys were like "WOAH! You know that it was based on a true story, right? I saw it on the history channel." I busted out laughing, and Ryan was looking at me funny till I told him what I had overheard.

Err...DBF...

2007-03-16T09:38:00.000-04:00

For some reason Blogger won't let me edit my previous post, it should be Diesel Boats Forever, DBF, not DFB. I make goofy typos when half asleep.

DFB!

2007-03-16T08:33:00.000-04:00

This is one of the Tommy Cox songs that I like. One of my other favorite is "The Sacrifice" which tells the story of what families go with during a submarine patrol. It contains one of my favorite sayings since I've heard it, "Well at least the other woman is a big black submarine."

Sub Sunk...or Not

2007-03-15T05:24:00.000-04:00

When you are a subbie's wife, "Sub Sunk" is a message you never want attached to your husband's boat. The recent incident with the USS San Juan, brings some fears a little too close to home. This situation apparently scared enough folks that notifications went out to loved ones. Thankfully, the USS San Juan was heard from in the early hours of yesterday morning. It's still a scary thought. The "what if" thoughts can sometimes wrack on a wife or loved one's brain, and stories like this don't help.
The United States hasn't lost a submarine since the Scorpion and her crew were lost. I hope we never have to go through a time where the Sub sunk message is a real one again, but it's one of those things you will never know. This is part of the reason that I rarely watch the news while Ryan is at sea, especially.
It will be interesting to see what was exactly the cause of the miscommunication, lack of communication, and the general scare that happened surrounding the USS San Juan. I, for one, am thankful that her and her crew are safe and sound.

Underway Hilarity

2007-03-11T10:56:00.000-04:00

Not subbies, but still funny. =)

Chief Board

2007-03-06T02:56:00.000-05:00

Grats to everyone that made board! Results came down today. Ryan made it. So that adds another thing to the pool of items for the next few months. It's his first time making board, so it will be an experience. Who knows. hehe.

SubReport

2007-03-03T03:18:00.000-05:00

*blushes* Well, I was sitting at my computer and Ryan tells me, "You got linked."

*blink* *blink* *blink*

My "Where is my husband?" list got linked! Thanks TheSubreport.com! And welcome to those reading me from there. *bow*

We Were Soldiers

2007-02-26T23:47:00.000-05:00

"We Were Soldiers" is probably one of the most heart-string pulling military movies I've ever watched. One of the reasons I like it is because it shows the interactions with the families. It's also one movie I can not watch if Ryan's gone because of how they display it. It is a very, very good movie. Well, I was browsing CNN today and found this article about the man who's story is portrayed in the film. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor today. One thing to note, is that this was a rare occasion of honoring someone with this award while they were still alive. I'm glad to see this, and for someone who's story has touched me so greatly.

From the article:

More than 40 years after Crandall repeatedly risked his life to rescue American soldiers fighting one of the toughest battles of the Vietnam War, the U.S. military officially recognized his heroism Monday, when he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for military valor.

All ahead full!

2007-02-26T17:54:00.000-05:00

For those over at Milblogs, if you have yet to vote, please check out All ahead full. It's a great blog written by a sweetie.

http://cw730.wordpress.com/2007/02/22/milbloggies-contest-update/

Milblogs!

2007-02-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

I've now got my milblogging.com profile set up. It should be working now.

So..where is your husband?

2007-02-21T04:24:00.000-05:00

Who knows what made me think about this today, but, here are some funny ways I've explain where my husband is when the Navy kidnaps him away. Keep in mind this are coming from a Trident/Missile Tech wife.

1) He is playing hide and go seek. (This one gets interesting looks.)
2) Business trip. (I usually say this when people won't leave me alone when it comes to asking about where Ryan is.)
3) He'll be back in X amount of time. (This can vary from a guestimate of the time or me saying 3 months, when I know the pull in date is next week.)
4) Playing air boss. (He controls the only thing with potential for flight on a trident. Plus, I can neither confirm nor deny him answer the phone at launcher with "Tower, Air boss.")
5) Being a rocket scientist. (Well...he is!)
6) Off being Navy Boy. (Typical answer for NOTU ops because I really don't want to explain FCETs to people, plus that entire OPSEC thing...lol.)
7) Playing with seamen. (Yes, I'm a sick puppy, and my mind has been warped by a missile tech. Fear me. *grin*)
8) Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. (I get neat looks from this one. It also shuts up "Where does he go when he is on the sub?" They don't believe "I don't know.")
9) Re-inacting Down Periscope. (Need I say more?)
10) Driving some khaki crazy. (I believe this is one of the main jobs of Missile Techs.)
11) Memorizing OPNAVs. (Boredom + Fire control = Really bored Ryan. This, however, is usually done after all other means of entertainment have been exhausted.)
12) Pissing off the back aft folk. (He is nuke waste. So, he knows them too well.)
13) Being practical jokester #1. (I love my husband's sick, twisted sense of humor.)
14) Doing strange things with DitDots. (I never knew what DitDots were until I married Ryan. Well I knew what they were, just not the term DitDots. Oh the possibilities I have learned.)
15) Inventing new forms of rickey rockets. (I'm still not allowed to have a true rickey rocket. Something about the caffine going straight to my already overly active hyperness.)

Submarine Valentine's

2007-02-13T01:41:00.000-05:00

What to get a subbie for Valentine's Day? A subbie that is a missile tech. Hrmm. Things to think about.

(And I think I'm catching a cold. grrrrr.)

Can you name that tune?

2007-02-13T00:44:00.000-05:00

(Alright, Nintendo geeks, let's hear it, can you name the tunes? The husband unit isn't allowed to post because he knows the answers. hehe. Good luck.)

Buzzed Baked Goods

2007-02-12T19:37:00.000-05:00

Found this article on CNN. I could only imagine what the Navy would be like if Sailors, especially subbies got hold of these. And people think ricky rockets are full of caffeine. Oh the possibilities.

Gamers in the Military

2007-02-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

I never really realized how widespread gaming was in general until after I had been playing online games for a few years. Over the years that I've played, I've meet and made friends from all over. Most of these friends I've never met in real life, but know them as well as my friends I see all the time. One factor of gaming, and especially online games, is I never realized how many military seem to play. All of mine and my husband's friends, save one or two, played Everquest when we were still in Kings Bay. Even here at the Cape, a lot of the guys at work play World of Warcraft, and some of us all on the same server.

My husband still gets the, "Oh wow, you are lucky! Your wife likes to play." He also has helped some guys get their girls converted to gaming in general, and some even online games. My wonder is this - How many military folks play video games in their free time? A lot of the generation that is now just entering the military or been in for a few years are a part of the video game years. What I mean by that are the kids that grew up on Nintendo and Atari and even older systems.

I know sometimes during patrols my husband would talk about them having Halo tournaments, guys having PSPs and DSs, as well as games on palm pilots. So if you game, what kind of games do you like to pass your time? While I'm attached to my computers, I also have my DS (aka the husband sanity keeper on road trips) and a PS2/Wii. My heart still resides with online games, like Everquest, and at the moment, Vanguard. Though I will never be able to deny my first game experience online with Quake. (Yes...a girl can play Quake *grin*)

So, feel free to comment if you'd like. Would be interesting to see the replies.

29 Degrees

2007-02-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

(Warning: A little cussing, so watch it if you are at work or around kids.)

This looks hella fun. Needless to say the husband unit had to see what I was going "OMG COOL." at.

Trident Sub at 29 degrees

Nintendo Surgeon

2007-02-10T23:46:00.000-05:00

As us kids of the 80's grow up. *cackle* Enjoy!

Laissez les bons temps rouler

2007-02-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- Amid myriad problems that have bogged down its recovery, New Orleans is hoping for a rebound for the annual Carnival spectacle that provides a big chunk of its tourist economy.

After Hurricane Katrina, the 2006 parade schedule was cut back to eight days. Many restaurants were still closed while storm refugees and relief workers -- instead of tourists -- filled hotel rooms.

Those whose livelihoods depend upon the debauchery see signs of a better year. More than three dozen parades are set to roll between Friday night and Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, on February 20.

"It's going to be good," said Blaine Kern, owner of Kern Studios, which is building about 500 floats for parading organizations, known as krewes. "Last year, we got it done. But this year, it's coming back with a vengeance."

Denise Estopinal, a spokeswoman for the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association, said bookings are running at about 80 percent for the weekend leading into Fat Tuesday. Hotels hope to reach the 90 percent figure for the 30,000 rooms available in the New Orleans area, Estopinal said. Last year, half of the 28,000 then-available rooms were taken up by storm recovery efforts.

Restaurants are still plagued by labor shortages in a city where only about half the population is back, said Tom Weatherly, a vice president with the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

Still, according to a count by New Orleans restaurant reviewer Tom Fitzmorris, about 250 restaurants are open in the key business areas of the city, up more than 100 from last year.

Also poised to benefit from this year's Carnival are the makers and sellers of shiny beads, colorful plastic cups and other trinkets thrown to the crowds during parades.

New Orleans Mint turns out about 3 million doubloons -- aluminum coins tossed by parade krewes. Pat Finney, who oversees the operation, said she was surprised at the high number of last year's orders and this year krewes are buying more doubloons.

In the last extensive economic study of Mardi Gras -- performed for the 2000 season by the University of New Orleans -- the total impact was pegged at $1.05 billion. Last year, the usual crowd was down from about 1 million visitors to about 350,000, with local residents doing most of the celebrating, according to UNO. The study did not offer an economic impact figure.

Even the short celebration drew criticism from some that it sent a wrong message to the world so soon after the storm.

"To people in Iowa and Nebraska, it looked like 'the guys can't be too bad off, they are partying and drinking in the streets.' They don't understand the business aspect of Mardi Gras," said Barry Barth, owner of Barth Brothers Artists, which built about 100 parade floats.

D&D Creations owner Diane Brown, whose company makes about 15,000 Mardi Gras costumes annually for celebrations in New Orleans and other cities, said that "without Mardi Gras, you wouldn't have tourism."

At New Orleans' international airport, where 110 of the 162 pre-Katrina flights have been restored, Continental Airlines has added an additional 29 inbound and 35 outbound flights for the Mardi Gras season

Despite the drive for tourists, Kern, who has been building floats since 1947, says the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration still has -- and always will have -- its roots in the local population.

"It's woven so much into the fabric of our society," Kern said. "We're doing this for ourselves. The tourists come and love it, but this is our thing."

This is the one thing that I said would always stay true in New Orleans post-Katrina, no matter what - Mardi Gras would happen. I'm glad to see that it's building back more than it was last year. Makes me proud. One day I hope to go back home to see Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This year mom sent me a King Cake. Man was it good. I hope New Orleans slowly gets back to it's old glory, but realizes that it's not immune to the hurricanes like it had thought for years.

5 Most Dangerous Things...

2007-02-10T03:29:00.000-05:00

...You'll hear in the U.S. Navy

A Seaman saying, "I learned this in Boot Camp..."

A Petty Officer saying, "Trust me, Sir..."

A Lieutenant JG saying, "Based on my experience..."

A Lieutenant saying, "I was just thinking..."

A Chief chuckling, "Watch this shit..."

Even as a wife, I know how true these are, hence how hilarious this is. *grin*

U.S.S. Hyman G. Rickover

2007-02-10T03:21:00.000-05:00

The Rickover arrived in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for inactivation. This sub was launched the year I was born, 1983. It's namesake, Hyman G. Rickover, was the "Father of the Nuclear Navy" and served in the Navy for 63 years. It was the only one of the Los Angeles class fast attack submarines to be named for a person, rather than a city.

Brrrrr!

2007-02-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

Kings Bay and Florida do not look as bad after this.

It is an image of a submarine at Groton and the snow. Le BRRRR! I'm finding more reasons to love Tridents and shore duty in Florida. lol.

Technorati

2007-02-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Adding this blog to my techonorati profile. =)

Technorati Profile

Submarines 0 Budget 1

2007-02-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

In this article from theday.com, it discusses yet again the Federal budget making it hard for the submarine force to keep up with optempo. Creating only one boat a year isn't enough. The SSBN's are nearing, and if not passing, in some cases, their planned life expectancy. The older SSBN's are undergoing SSGN conversion. Also with the new technology for the fast attacks as seen in the Virgina classes, submarines are advancing. But what worries me is with this decrease in production, what will happen to patrol schedules if the number of subs reaches lower and lower numbers. Will all boats be dual crewed like SSBNs and SSGNs? Who knows? I do also wonder if the article is correct about the surface fleet higher ups being part of the budget markers. Would this be different if their were submarine higher ups there as well?

Hey, Shipwreck!

2007-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now, being married to a submariner for over three years, warps your senses of humor and normality, just a little bit. The husband unit showed me these last week and now I share with you. Do note, this is not safe for work viewing, and a good portion of it you will not understand if you aren't somewhat used to submarine life. If you are part of the submarine world, you shall get a good kick out of these.

*grins*

http://www.tubedaze.com/films.htm

Oh what a tangled web...

2007-02-08T23:35:00.000-05:00

Living close to Kennedy Space Center, as well as having a husband that works right next to it, this entire drama filled, soap opera-ish story of Lisa Nowak getting arrested has been the talk of the town. It's been breaking news (as in interrupting shows, ect.) since it happened. Now, do I think it's a huge story, yup - sure do. Do I think it's worthy of all of the press it's getting? Ehh, it's not like things like this don't happen almost daily in the USA. I do believe that the only reason this is getting such coverage is because it involves NASA astronauts.

Now, for those of you that might have been living under a rock the past couple of days, here is the latest CNN article on this mess. Who knows what will happen. I know that the Navy has released a message that they will let the civilian courts get hold of her first. It is kind of sad though. This lady threw away a promising career and most likely her marriage.

Well, well, well

2007-02-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

I think I will actually keep to my word of posting more. Life's been nothing but busy lately. I've gotten into reading news sites and blogs lately, so figured I might as well get back into this. Will post more soon.

Holiday Gaming Season

2006-11-01T02:06:00.000-05:00

And so it begins, Final Fantasy 12 came out yesterday. It's been delay forever and a day, but it is finally out. I haven't gotten a chance to play it yet, but I will soon. Children of Mana also came out today, but I didn't pick that up.

Also in twoish weeks, FF3 for the DS comes out, as well as Zelda Twilight Princess for the Wii, and the Wii itself. WAHHOO! Yes, I have them on pre-order. Yes, I get glared at if I even mention buying anything else. Needless to say, some how I will have to make Ryan's Christmas good. Not sure how, but I will.

It's been a slow gaming summer. It always is. But yay! The holidays are here. =)

Long time no post

2006-10-14T18:45:00.000-04:00

With the hustle and bustle of late, I haven't posted here much. I will start getting some more post over here. Blog more soon.

Shreveport Submarine Search

2006-01-30T17:39:00.000-05:00

Now, being born a raised in Shreveport, LA., I thought the only military talk would be about the B-52's that are at Barksdale AFB across the river in Bossier. Never, would I have imagined that there would be a submarine search going on there, but apparently there will be. Seems that Civil War Submarines might be somewhere in the Red River or Cross Bayou. Now, this is totally neat being married to a submariner. *grin*

Link to the Shreveport Times article which I found on the Sub Report. Another interesting part of this all is that it will be backed by NUMA, the National Underwater and Marine Agency, which is Clive Cussler's non-profit organization. After being married to Ryan, I've grown to love Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt novels.

Apparently NUMA was in Shreveport back in 1999. I most likely didn't even realize or know due to me rarely watching the news when I lived back home, as well as knowing nothing about submarines other than they looked terrifying. It would be rather neat if one of the submarines was to be discovered there. Pretty neat.

Dukes of Hazzard

2006-01-21T00:54:00.000-05:00

This show is my new favortie thing. I never watched it growing up, as I was only two when the show ended. I got told to watch it when the movie came out and I said the movie looked good. lol. So, I've been catching re-runs of the show on CMT lately. It's pretty good. I'm also in love with the General Lee. I want a midnight blue Dodge Charger please. And none of those new models, classic muscle looks for me.

Anyways, tonight I watched the movie on paperview while Ryan's been engrossed in his new Sniper game I bought him. (Gamer wife point +++)

I will say the casting in the movie for some roles was down right AWFUL. Some of the other casting could be forgiven, and some was alright. So, let's start with a review...

Overall storyline: The show has a very family like feel. Nothing you wouldn't mind your toddler seeing. The movie, far from it. There was more than one naked boob shot. Now, granted, I did watch the unedited version, but from what I heard of the theatrical cut, it wasn't much better.

Bo and Luke Duke: These two are always attached at the hip, so it's best just to leave them that way. The bond between the cousins is there as it was in the show. I will say Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott aren't exactly the tv Bo and Luke, they do bring justice to the essence of the characters. They are just a slight bit dummer at times.

Daisy Duke: One big change was apparently Daisy turned blonde. Last time I checked, Catherine Bach was brunette. Hair color aside, Jessica Simpson actually did alright as Daisy. She still managed to be the smarter cousin of the Duke pack. While not perfect, it could have always been worse.

Uncle Jesse: This is one of the castings that I feel was right on. Willie Nelson pulled off Jesse's don't mess with me or my family attitude. I think Nelson was the best casting that was done in the film.

Cooter: Cooter was another good casting, and rather spot on to the Cooter in the series. They even look simular.

Enos: Still geeky. Actually more geeky. Still drooling over Daisy. Couldn't really mess up Enos.

Rosco: SO WRONG. This is the first one of the castings I'd love to ask the director, "What were you thinking?" He has very little of Rosco's dumbfumbling manors and actions. He comes of more snake-like slime, than bumbling idiot as he was in the series.

Boss Hog: OH MORE WRONG. First of all...Boss Hog is short, fat, chubby and round. Not six feet tall and slim and muscular. Burt Renyolds sucks as Boss Hog. Just plain and simple.

So all and all, the movie is alright. Just go into it not expecting the show.

Sheehan and her protests

2005-11-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest thing with her: CNN article

I understand that she is sad that her son died. But this woman basically threw away her marriage and the rest of her children to start this protest. I wish the media would stop giving her attention. She swears she is doing what her son would want? Well, I have to wonder if she had any problem with her son enlisting. Cause when you enlist, if you don't realize that going to war is a possibility, then you need to re-think your enlistment. I seriously believe she is dishonoring her son's memory, let alone the memory of all the other fallen soldiers. I also seriously despise how she is using soldiers names without getting their families consent. There was one father that had to pull up a cross with his son's name three times from Sheehan's Crawford protest in August. This woman really just bothers me.

My husband doesn't have a front line job by any means of the imagination. He is a missile technician on Trident submarines for the Navy. He is literally the last one called, and is basically paid to NOT do his job. But I know, if the time comes he, he will do his job. I know if something were to happen on the boat, he'd do everything he could to save as many of the crew as possible. I know if he had to go to the sandbox for some reason, he would. It's his job. It's what he signed up for. I also knew if I did even one shred of what Sheehan is doing, he'd haunt me from the grave.

Just a small rant. So tired of seeing this woman on the news..

Submarine Life

2005-11-24T23:58:00.000-05:00

(This was originally going to be a reply on the Navy group. But I got to rambling so it turned into a blog.)

Fox, you, like MT1 truely have a way with words.

Submarine duty is a way of life. It's also at times almost like a secret society/frat of brothers that understand each other without saying a word once the dolphins on their chests are spotted.

Hell, I'm not even a subbie, just a subbie's wife. Learn to love dolphins, and your shipmates. As much as I hate MT1 going to sea and deployment, I know it's a fact of his job, and it's also deep rooted in his blood. Seems subbies almost have a closer tie to the sea than other sailors. (This is not a dis to surface fleet. Please don't take it that way.)

I know on more than one occasion I've scared people from other services and even people like firefighters and cops when I say 'My husband is a trident submariner."

Tradition is also a huge fact of life on submarines. Pranksters and jokesters are standard on board ship. You also learn to treasure the names like Rickover; Fluckey; and learn the story of the Barb and how she earned a train patch on her battle flag. Also you seem to learn how to talk a chief into dressing up as Santa and standing topside for a holiday homecoming.

Being away from home and lack of communication (especially Trident fleet) is another fact of life. You learn ways around it and how to entertain yourself.

Subbies are just a special breed. Bubbles heads, squids, and whatever other nickname is associated with your rate. You learn to love the smell of amine. You learn that refit will atleast destroy an entire pack of white t-shirts, 1 pair of utility pants, and possible a pair of boots. If you are tall you learn where every low spot is you forgot about since last patrol, and not to mention you learn not to dart up out of bed. (That light grate is a killer..) Also, you will remember sea stories at the wierdest time and for the strangest reasons...

DFB, Boomer Pride, 41 for Freedom, and best of all...Tridents do it deeper..

Here we go again...

2005-11-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

Ryan leaves soon. I've got drinks and chocolate. I really need to just quit my job soon. It's driving me nuts. I also hate deployment. Man it's been a rough and long week. Yes, I'm bitchy. Enough ranting for now. I work tomorrow, Black Friday, cross your fingers and pray for me. I'm working the morning shift....

My Art stuff..

2005-11-12T02:55:00.000-05:00

So my muse has long since been kicking my forever lazy ass. If I do end up going thru with quiting my dreaded job, then hopefully I can get back into the swing of art stuff. I signed up for a winter challenge at Norrath's Studio. I still have a piece to finish from the previous challenge. I'm thinking of maybe quitting sooner than I planned, and just delving into my art while Ryan's gone on the op. Who knows. Time to start searching for winter brushes though for this new piece. Man I love Christmas!

Veteran's Day

2005-11-12T02:49:00.000-05:00

I know I'm posting this late, but I just found a great article. I could see this being Ryan in old age, remembering the old days of submarine life, while never forgetting those on eternal patrol. Eternal patrol is also the one thing that stays in the back of my mind when Ryan goes out. I never want to lose him to the sea. He loves the sea though, and so, I know, he will always want to be a submariner as long as God will let him. So, without further ado, the article.

Via Navy times

Happy Veteran's Day! My heart goes out to the families of those on eternal patrol or those that have lost loved ones to anyone of our many wars/conflicts. My heart is also with the familes of the people deployed protecting our freedoms now. My prayers that they all make it home safely.

Quake 4

2005-10-18T23:49:00.000-04:00

My precious little hands got Quake 4 special DVD edition today. Played it a little bit so far. OMG...graphics are awesome. On par with the sharpness and eerie realism of Half Life 2. They also have a Deathmatch multiplayer system simular to that of HL2. Needless to say my FPS roots are happy with this little aquirement of mine. Ryan's basking in the glory of having a wife going googoogaga over a gore FPS. =)

Will write a more detailed review later.

Socom 3 and XBox 360 Fanboys

2005-10-12T23:14:00.000-04:00

Now, I understand the want, longing, and covetting for that game that you've drooled over to come out. I've been there, done that. I placed my pre-order, kept abreast of the dates, and awaited my phone call telling me to come pick up my game. Now, that that is out of the way, /rant on...

SOCOM 3 FANBOYS CAN KISS MY ASS! I've answered so many calls, been hung up on several times, and had atleast one person literally scream in my ear, not to mention cuss me out, all over the fact that they could not buy Socom 3 TWO days early. I'm sorry the websites and commercials say the 11th. That's the ship date, idiots. Only major retail markets got it on the 11th. Cocoa, FL does not fall into "major retail market" for Socom. Now, if it was the latest tourist trap item or snow bird accessory, then maybe. Socom 3, I think not.

And while I'm at it, just because I'm a girl, does NOT mean you can look at me like I'm a complete idiot who is bullshitting you when I say, "I was the first to pre-order Qauke 4 at the store, and I've played Quake/gone to LAN parties/ect." Yes, I play games, this does not make me alient. I'm also very much a happily married gamer chick, who at times, is even more gamer than my gamer husband! Anyway, back on topic...

XBox 360 will be out on Novemeber 22nd. No, we will not get them earlier, unless Microsoft decides to grace us minions to Bill Gates empire seeking to controll our souls, with them sooner. Trust me, they aren't dumb. Nov. 22nd is the week of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the biggest shopping day of the year. Not to mention they will be the ONLY nex gen console on the market this year. And lastly, fuck if I know if/when we will get a kiosk in the store. Frankly, I'm hoping we don't. I can just see the fanboys fighting over who gets to play. I can see having to set time limits and beating them away with a stick when it's time to close up.

Anyways, enough ranting me thinks. PFFTTT. And no, you rabid Socom 3 fanboys can not have my Socom 3 polo shirt. MINE!

XBox and PS2 Power Cord Recalls

2005-10-06T00:42:00.000-04:00

This is something we got wind of at work. Hence the links from EB's site. Thought I might make you all aware.

Xbox
Playstation 2

Katamari Damacy

2005-10-06T00:32:00.000-04:00

Well, after poking and proding by friends and co-workers to get this game, I did. It's addictive lil thing. I bet it in a day and a half, it's that addicting. Basically you are this lil cosmos prince, and you have to fix the King's mess up. His mess up being that he destroyed all the Cosmos.

You take your Katamari and roll up all kinds of stuff. The Katamari ends up getting turned into constellations, stars, and finally, the moon. It's very puzzle like at times. There are time limits and restrictions. The most painful restriction are the maps that have the rule of only rolling up ONE of something. It's a pain in the arse! lol.

All and all, this game is cute. Graphics are cell shaded basic blocky graphics, so no super 3d realistic pictures. It's a great way to work out frustrations. More than once I came to an understand of how much fun Godzilla would have had if he were real. lol. Well, off to play the sequel, We Love Katamari. =)

Review:
4 out of 5 stars
Some re-playablity trying to max your scores
Stress reliver
Rather addicting!

Lalala

2005-10-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

Ryan's at work tonight. Got called in. I'm sitting here, rather bored. Tried to play some of my games, but couldn't get into them. Kind of tired tonight. Listening to Phantom of the Opera soundtrack at the moment. Andrew Lloyd Weber rocks. lol. I've learn so much about music and my tastes for different kind of music has broadened so much since being with Ryan. I have work tomorrow night. I'm hoping my manager doesn't get on my case about anything. lol. I have 3 days off work this week though.

Busy Busy Busy

2005-10-01T22:34:00.000-04:00

Works been a bitch. Things are just crazy there. Needless to say it's stressing my out, and I'm partly glad I have 4 days off this week, 3 of which are in a row. The District Manager cut our stores total hours, and as always, shit rolls down hill. I open again on Saturday though.

Been playing some new games lately, so going to write up some reviews I think. I'm currently banging my head against the wall over Fable: The Lost Chapters for PC. It's the updated version of the Fable that came out on Xbox last year.

Also, on the 22nd of September, Ryan and I celebrated 2 years together. =) Yay! He is back from Navy stoof, but still on a wierd schedule. Got to love the Navy. Nova and Gavin are also getting shafted by rather wierd schedules. Luckily they are almost done with their house stuff.

BLAH BLAH BLAH

2005-09-10T00:05:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to realize that "Do you have a boyfriend?" calls/comments/convo's at work are going to be a common place. I had 3 calls all in a row from the same person tonight, ending up in the above mentioned question. I told them I was married and rather busy at the moment in the store, so unless they had a question, I needed to let them go.

For those that might not know, I'm gamer chick, married to a sailor, and happen to work at EB games. /goes bangs her head on her desk now. lol.

Advice to all Yankees Moving South

2005-09-05T14:11:00.000-04:00

Save all manner of bacon grease. You will be instructed later how to use it.

Just because you can drive on snow and ice does not mean we can. Stay home the two days of the year it snows.

If you do run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four wheel drive with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them. Just stay out of their way. This is what they live for.

You can ask Southerners for directions, but unless you already know the positions of key hills, trees and rocks, you're better off trying to find it yourself.

Don't be surprised to find movie rentals and bait in the same store.

The first Southern expression to creep into a transplanted Northerner's vocabulary is the adjective "Big ol'", as in "big ol' truck"or "big ol' boy". Eighty-five percent begin their new southern influenced dialect with this expression. One hundred percent are in denial about it.

Remember: "Y'all" is singular. "All y'all" is plural. "All y'all's" is plural possessive.

Get used to hearing, "You ain't from around here, are you?"

Don't be worried that you don't understand anyone. We don't understand you either.

If there is the prediction of the slightest chance of even the most minuscule accumulation of snow, your presence is required at the local grocery store. It does not matter if you need anything from the store. It is just something you're supposed to do.

Satellite dishes are very popular in the South. When you purchase one, it is positioned directly in front of the house. This is logical, bearing in mind that the dish cost considerably more than the house, and should, therefore, be prominently displayed.

If you are yelling at the person driving 15 mph in a 55 mph zone, directly in the middle of the road, remember, many folks learned to drive on a model of vehicle known as John Deere, and this is the proper speed and lane position for the vehicle.

If you hear a Southerner exclaim, "Hey, y'all,Hold my beer and watch this!" Stay out of his way. These are likely the last words he will ever say.

Get used to the phrase "It's not the heat, its the humidity". And the collateral phrase "You call this hot? Wait'll August."

In conversation, never put your hand on a man's shoulder when making a point, especially in a bar.

If someone says they're "fixin" to do something, that doesn't mean anything's broken.

If you don't understand our passion for college and high school football just keep your mouth shut.

Rocky Mountain oysters are NOT oysters. Don't ask.

Briskit is not 'cooked' in an oven

Duct tape: it ain't just for duct's

Don't tell us how you did it up there. Nobody cares.

If you think it's too hot, don't worry. It'll cool down-in December.

We do TOO have 4 Seasons: December, January, February, and Summer!

A Mercedes-Benz is not a status symbol. A 4 wheel drive F-150 is.

If someone tells you "Don't worry, those peppers aren't hot" you can be certain they are.

If you fail to heed my warning above, be sure to have a bowl of guacamole handy. Water won't do it.

Don't even think of ordering a strawberry daquiri. What you really mean to say is 'margarita.'

The value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but the availability of shade.

BBQ is a food group. It does NOT mean grilling burgers and hot dogs outdoors.

"Tea" = Iced Tea. There is no other kind.

Be advised that in the South, 'He needed killin!', is a valid defense.

I was born and raised in Louisiana. This post was absolutely hilarious to me. Enjoy!

Married to the Military

2005-09-05T14:07:00.000-04:00

This is an old post I wrote up awhile ago. Figured it could use reposting here.

(Pre-warning: This is from my personal, navy wife point of view. It's a little insight to my thoughts and feelings on the Navy and military. It's also a look at how life is behind the scenes in a military family. Spoilers to the movie "We were Soldiers" are also in here, so if you haven't seen the movie, please be warned. Thanks. )

I’m sitting here watching “We Were Soldiers,” and it has inspired me to write this. I’m not even completely done with the movie yet, so I’m typing this on my laptop to post later. It’s an hour into the movie, and I could see within the first thirty minutes why Ryan didn’t want me to watch this while he was underway. In my opinion this captures the thoughts and feelings of military life well. It also shows the wives point of view, which is rare for a military movie. I was in tears when it showed Mel Gibson’s character leaving for deployment. The way the wife took it was how I took Ryan’s deployments. The wanting one last hug, kiss, moment to say I love you, moment to smell their after shave, moment to have anything with them. I also know that the moment they live, you feel as if your world has fallen apart, and you also remember everything you had been meaning to tell them lately. But, that’s life when you are married to the military. Sleepless nights, and sacrifices. There is truth to the saying that military wives are the toughest jobs in the armed forces.

Many of you know that I’m married to Ryan, a Trident Submarine sailor in the United States Navy. Now, for those of you that do not know what exactly that means, I shall explain. Tridents are also known as boomers. Think Hunt for Red October Sub type sub. When Ryan is on sea duty, he goes out to sea for 3 months, and is in port for 4. One month of that 4 is spent in what is called refit. During this period his crew has control of the ship and is repairing it to go back out to sea. Refit is hell. It is made and structured to get the guys ready for sea. Ryan sleeps more at sea than he does in port during refit. Refit also prepares the wives and families. Sailors have duty, long hours, and hellish days. Near the end of refit you are ready for them to go to sea, and they are ready to go to sea. The day they leave is one of the hardest days.

The alarm always goes off at the crack of dawn, and it will always seems so much earlier than you expected. They get up and put on their uniform. They grabbed the sea bag that’s been packed for a few days just in case they got the call early. There is no good bye, just a see you later. Love you’s are exchanged, kisses, and hugs. You hold on to them, hoping that it’s not true. Hoping that something will delay the deployment, or that it might canceled, but in the back of your mind you know better. You promise to write and to think of each other always. You have made them a package for halfway, and you pray they come home safe. Even with Ryan’s job, I always worry that I will get that call. That call that something happened to the boat (By boat, I mean submarine). That call that means I have to burry my husband. That call every military wife dreads, and hopes she will never get.

A part of “We were Soldiers” touches on that part. The wives getting the telegram saying that the one thing that they dreaded the most in this world is true: Their husband is dead, Their world is forever changed. The Colonel’s wife gets a knock on her door from the cab company that is delivering telegrams. Her heart suddenly just knows, something that has happened to her husband. She answered the door to only find out they need help finding an address. She goes nuts, and when she calms down, tells the cab company to bring all future telegrams to her. She takes the duty of informing the wives upon herself. She goes to pass out one telegram, only to return home to an entire stack. The price of war hits home with the simple image of a stack of yellow western union telegrams.
One of the soldiers that dies, says one last thing before he dies, “At least I got to die for my country.” As much as everyone hates war, even the guys fighting in it, they signed up to define the freedom we love. Freedom does not, nor will it ever, come free. There is a price to pay. There is a quote Ryan tells me a lot: “The tree of freedom sometimes has to be replenished with the blood of patriots.” When the men and women of the military signed the paperwork and said their oath, they knew what might happen. They knew that they might get that call that they had to report to duty. Another thing that displays this ideal well is Toby Keith’s song, and the respective video, for “American Soldier.” With this as a possibility, why marry a military guy or why join up?

Ryan and I had known each other on and off for three years before we really started talking. This week actually makes two years since we started getting closer and started dating. That’s also when Ryan explained to me in as much detail as he could what he does for a living. He made sure I knew what I was getting myself into, but all the preparing in the world doesn’t prepare you for the roller coaster of emotions. I’m very proud of my husband, and what he does for a living. Yes, I will admit, there are days I wished we lived a normal life. When Ryan would work 9 to 5, weekends off, and every holiday. But, that isn’t the case. Weekends off are never a guarantee, neither are holidays, even if you are in port or on shore duty. And never plan on a set schedule. Sometimes Ryan’s home at 9 in the morning when he went to work at 7:30, and then there are duty days when he is gone 24 hours plus. As Ryan always tells me “Be fluid, because flexible is far too rigid.” Such is life in the military.

I know most guys go to sea, on deployment, to war for one purpose, to make sure we at home are safe and will stay safe. They take memories with them, and think about us when they can. Most wives know some about what their husband’s jobs entail. Some husband’s can’t tell their wives everything. Ryan has one such job being a missile technician. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve been asked: “Do you wish you knew all that Ryan knows, but can’t tell you?” There is no way I would want to know. I worry enough already. I would worry so much more knowing what Ryan can’t tell me, especially when I know he wishes he didn’t know. I hope to God that Ryan never gets the call to do his job.

I can tell you one of the scariest times during a patrol. Ryan and I had been dating a few months, and we got engaged before he left for sea. That Christmas before he left he gave me a necklace that said “I belong to a Sailor,” and a pair of wives dolphins. (I’ll explain the signifance of the dolphins in a little.) I wore those every day of patrol. Clung to them during the roughest times, kissed them in hopes that Ryan would feel the kiss. It was that patrol that we fired the first shots on Iraq in the latest offensive there. This was in beginning of 2003, I’m guessing around March. I remember the moment I heard the news. I body started shaking uncontrollably, and tears just streamed from my face. I was terrified that Ryan’s boat was one of the one’s shooting. It took a fellow sailor a couple of hours to calm me down. One thing that made it harder was that I was still back home, no where near the base Ryan called home. No where near any Navy that understood. It was that moment I decided never to watch the news again while Ryan was at sea. When they aren’t by your side, anything slightly related, hits very close to home.

Patrols and deployments also teach you to be rather strong. The same patrol as I described above, I had to have a third surgery on my ear. I couldn’t have Ryan by my side, nor could I email him and tell him, nor could I send him a family gram or letter about it. All communication to the sailors must be good news. The only way any bad news gets thru is via the Red Cross. Even then, it’s up to the Captain as to when it is passed on to the sailors. This also goes for good news, such as birth announcement. It might sound harsh or cruel, but it’s for the safety of the ship. All crew members and watch stations must be prepared for the worst. Here is an example of what I mean: The Captain received a death announcement. The step father, who was the only father this sailor had ever known, had passed away. Let’s say the announcement was received on a Monday. Captain knew that they would be pulling back into port on Sunday night. The sailor was not told until Sunday morning when the maneuvering watch (Watch that is stationed on the way into port.) was stationed. After hearing the news, that sailor stayed in the chief quarters, in tears, until they arrived in port. It’s the Captain’s duty to make sure that the sailor’s are always at their best. You couldn’t pay me to have a Captain’s job aboard any ship or duty station.

I will be the first to admit that there are wives that have it worse than me. A wife of anyone on a carrier, surface ship, or any guy on the front lines has my utmost respect. Then there are the mothers. Those who not only have to deal with their own sadness, but they must attempt to explain it all to children. I got a taste of this babysitting my friend’s daughter, Kyra, while Ryan was at sea. Kyra’s father is a sailor just like Ryan. This was my second patrol, and hardest because Ryan and I had been living together for months. We had also just been married. One day Kyra noticed my wive’s dolphins and my necklace. She ran her fingers over them and asked me “Ryan’s at sea?” It shocked me. That this two year old girl knew what those items meant. Items that not every wife wears when their husband’s are gone. Also when a nine year old ask their mother “Why can’t daddy just go to sea and come back when it is all done?” when their father comes into port 5 times in three months. Stress is great to everyone involved.

I do feel sorry for those guys that don’t have families to come home too. They come home to empty apartments, cold beds, and no warm meals. I’m friends with some of these guys. I try to help them, and let them know that atleast one person in this world cares that they are home in one piece. It might not be a lot, but it means the world to them. Ryan taught me that during our talks after the two patrols that we’ve been thru together.

The wives support means the world to the men. Wives dolphins are miniture versions of the dolphins submariners are issued when they pass their qualifications for submarine service. Every time Ryan is away from me for some reason for Navy business, I wear them. They always go on my left side, over my heart, the same place Ryan wears his. It might not seem like a huge act, but it means a lot. Just as much as me being on the pier when he pulls into port, or waiting at home if I can’t be on the pier. Just being there.

For those of you who have made it thru all of this, thank you for reading, and I’m sorry if I rambled. As much as sometimes I hate being married to military, I wouldn’t ask my husband to get out just because I wanted him too. I know what will come, and I accept that. I accepted it the day I said my vows, and even before that when I started dating Ryan. Also, if you know a single military personnel, check in on him from time to time. If you know they are going on deployment, get their contact information from then. Just a simple letter or email from home, means the world. Means so much that they carry letters from home in their pockets, share them with each other, and do anything to keep spirits up. Military life is never completely like the movies portray. If you want to know how it is, ask a military family member or serviceman, and then form your own decision. In closing, I will always be proud of what my husband does, and support him always, and always remember the comfort I feel when you hug then right as they step foot back on home soil. Such is the way of life when you are married to the military.

Work

2005-09-04T23:06:00.000-04:00

Work's kicking my lil arse lately. I'm working nights all this week. I can't really complain. I think I'm earning my spot there atleast. hehe. I'm the part timer with the most flexible hours, and I ask questions (which my manager loves). Coming soon to this blog spot....art, rants, and thoughts! Ryan's going away soon for Navy stuff, so expect Navy related posts soon. lol.

Hi there!

2005-08-24T19:42:00.000-04:00

Just testing things out. Expect lots of dust!