With one of the most historically significant presidential inaugurations rapidly approaching our boys and girls in blue are taking out their secret weapons . . . their music instruments that is!
The Air Force Band, along with all of the other branch's bands, will be belting out patriotic tunes during the Obama's inauguration parade. Each service band will have 99 musicians, a number reserved only for inaugural parades and state funeral processions.
In regards to the AF band, they've spent quality time practicing at Andrews Air Force Base. Colonel Dennis Layendecker, band commander, and Chief Master Sergeant Elizabeth Schouten (USAF band superintendent) took some time yesterday to let America know about the prep and excitement. I love how Schouten says that she doesn't mind that they're last (because they are the youngest branch) because she feels they have saved the best for last.
"The Air Force Song," will be one of three selections the band will play along the 1.6-mile parade route (begins at 4th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and goes past the White House) by memory! They'll also play John Phillip Sousa's "The Washington Post March," and Don Keller's "Trombones Triumphant."
While I love all branches of the service, I tend to love the Air Force most because my Dad is a man in blue. I'm also most fond of the Air Force lifestyle. Throughout my life, I've had the privilege of attending many USAF band performances and I can personally tell you that they are spectacular! Stay tuned for more updates leading up to the big performance day! Good luck to the Airmen that are playing that day!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Bit of Sadness
Today is a tough day. I've mentioned in the past that Finn, my family dog has fallen ill. Finn's the lovely dog you see here. This summer he went into congestive heart failure. He's been on human heart meds (seriously his Walgreen's prescription bottle says "Finn Ryan the Dog")ever since this summer and they're not working too well.
My mom took him to the vet yesterday and she said that it wasn't looking that great. Today my mom is bringing Finn to an animal hospital that is as big as a real human hospital. I wonder if they help all animals. Like will Finn be in a room next to an alligator? Will my mom have to look at the owner and tell them, "um, we're going to close the curtain now. Your alligator is scaring my golden retriever."
Anyway, he's going - alligators or not - to see a doggie cardiologist (Yep, they have those. Seriously they do. People actually wake up and say I want to be a cardiologist, but just for dogs) and get some uber-high tech ultrasound to see what's wrong with his heart and if he has cancer. Apparently the hospital is the biggest in the nation for animals and this one doctor and his one machine are only in Tampa.
So on the bright side I'm very happy that Finn is going and seeing such an amazing specialist. But I'm terrified about what today's news will bring. I know that he's going to die but I'm not ready to say goodbye, even though I tried to at Christmas. He's only 11 years old. Golden retrievers usually live for much longer. But we must do what's best for the pup. And at least this will tell us if there's anything left that we can do, or if it's time to say goodbye. And at least we'll have peace knowing that we've done all we can. I find out the verdict later today. Wish us luck.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wii Fit Anyone?
Today's post will be short (I hear rejoicing) because I only have one thing to say. Last night I received the gift of a Wii Fit!
Considering how much money we spend on other people during the holidays and the expensive cost of our airline tickets to FL, Dan and I vowed to not buy each other presents this year. We had a pact . . . at least I thought we did.
Last night, as we drove home, Dan said casually "do you mind if we run into Target for a quick second?" I cheerfully said okay, despite the fact that I was starving and only wanted to go home. (Hey, my 250 calorie Lean Cuisine lunch meal and a few carrots did not come close to filling me up. And come 6pm I'm ready for dinner or a snack at minimum. At least I was being good!)
As we swing in, I ask "so what do you need to pick up?" He smiles and says "um, your Christmas present." I then immediately burst into protest and tell him "no way buddy. We had a pact for goodness sake!"
But my protests fell on deaf ears and we came out with a Wii Fit. I've wanted one ever since Dan kindly bought me a Wii for my birthday in Oct. He's been trying to get his hands on one since Thanksgiving. "Sorry this is so late - they were sold out, everywhere; I know you really wanted this and wouldn't buy it for yourself" he said.
How could I continue to protest? Instead I smiled and cheered like a four year old. It's times like these that remind me just how thoughtful Dan can really be and how lucky I am to be with him.
Unfortunately I did not have the time to open it or test it out last night but I will find sometime this week to. . . and once I do, I'll let you know how it goes. Do you have a Wii Fit? Do you have any pointers for me?
Considering how much money we spend on other people during the holidays and the expensive cost of our airline tickets to FL, Dan and I vowed to not buy each other presents this year. We had a pact . . . at least I thought we did.
Last night, as we drove home, Dan said casually "do you mind if we run into Target for a quick second?" I cheerfully said okay, despite the fact that I was starving and only wanted to go home. (Hey, my 250 calorie Lean Cuisine lunch meal and a few carrots did not come close to filling me up. And come 6pm I'm ready for dinner or a snack at minimum. At least I was being good!)
As we swing in, I ask "so what do you need to pick up?" He smiles and says "um, your Christmas present." I then immediately burst into protest and tell him "no way buddy. We had a pact for goodness sake!"
But my protests fell on deaf ears and we came out with a Wii Fit. I've wanted one ever since Dan kindly bought me a Wii for my birthday in Oct. He's been trying to get his hands on one since Thanksgiving. "Sorry this is so late - they were sold out, everywhere; I know you really wanted this and wouldn't buy it for yourself" he said.
How could I continue to protest? Instead I smiled and cheered like a four year old. It's times like these that remind me just how thoughtful Dan can really be and how lucky I am to be with him.
Unfortunately I did not have the time to open it or test it out last night but I will find sometime this week to. . . and once I do, I'll let you know how it goes. Do you have a Wii Fit? Do you have any pointers for me?
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Years Resolutions
So, as today is January 5th I've decided to publicly announce my resolutions for the new year. And yes, they are themed . . . well what did you expect?
Health and Wellness
- To start doing yoga so that I can hopefully tap into the "piece of mind" everyone seems to talk about
- To not allow a bag of Doritos to cross the threshold of my front door (or office cube, or anywhere I ever go) until the summer starts
- To stop eating candy and dump the sugar once again
- To continue to incorporate whole grains into my diet
- To continue to drink seltzer water like its my job (and stay as far away from soda as possible)
- To participate in another 5K and improve my finish time
- To continue to partner with my BFF Heather Ivey in our Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge and never try to get out of our "Wednesday Weigh In" phone calls
- To up the number of times I hit the gym each week
- To lose 20lbs before I head to Ireland this Aug for my two week vacay (I'd really like to lose 30 but I'd rather exceed my goal marker than fall short of it)
Family
- To correspond with my family in Ireland more often, including my cousins that I barely even know
- To call my grandparents at least twice a month
- To call my mom and dad more than just once a week
- To talk to my brother and sister more than just once every two weeks
Friends
- To spend more quality time with them
- To reconnect with friends that I haven't seen or spoken to in years (especially other military brats)
- To visit my crew in MI
- To host more get-togethers with the people who matter the most to me
Life Overall
- To revamp my five year plan
- To find more of a work life balance and spend this year working to live, rather than living to work
- To remember that it's okay to say "no" to social engagements
- To remember to put myself first more
- To have more fun in life
- To remember to always do what is going to make me most proud, and most happy . . . rather than what makes everyone else happy and proud
Health and Wellness
- To start doing yoga so that I can hopefully tap into the "piece of mind" everyone seems to talk about
- To not allow a bag of Doritos to cross the threshold of my front door (or office cube, or anywhere I ever go) until the summer starts
- To stop eating candy and dump the sugar once again
- To continue to incorporate whole grains into my diet
- To continue to drink seltzer water like its my job (and stay as far away from soda as possible)
- To participate in another 5K and improve my finish time
- To continue to partner with my BFF Heather Ivey in our Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge and never try to get out of our "Wednesday Weigh In" phone calls
- To up the number of times I hit the gym each week
- To lose 20lbs before I head to Ireland this Aug for my two week vacay (I'd really like to lose 30 but I'd rather exceed my goal marker than fall short of it)
Family
- To correspond with my family in Ireland more often, including my cousins that I barely even know
- To call my grandparents at least twice a month
- To call my mom and dad more than just once a week
- To talk to my brother and sister more than just once every two weeks
Friends
- To spend more quality time with them
- To reconnect with friends that I haven't seen or spoken to in years (especially other military brats)
- To visit my crew in MI
- To host more get-togethers with the people who matter the most to me
Life Overall
- To revamp my five year plan
- To find more of a work life balance and spend this year working to live, rather than living to work
- To remember that it's okay to say "no" to social engagements
- To remember to put myself first more
- To have more fun in life
- To remember to always do what is going to make me most proud, and most happy . . . rather than what makes everyone else happy and proud
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2008 in Review
Okay, so even though I haven't been blogging I wanted to take a page from my blogging yoda, Wickedly Scarlett and do a year in review post.
While mine will not be as snazzy as hers I still wanted to give it a shot, for myself . . . if no one else.
This year was a crazy one for me and I learned a lot of lessons. When I thought about how I should write this I realized that there is only one way: a list of excitement and a section on a very prominent theme - distance. So, since I'd like to end the post on a good note on to the bad stuff first . . .
The Summer of Distance
- This summer my grandmother fell extremely ill and I was again solidly hit with a shake up that can only be brought on by the distance living an ocean away. My mother flew home to Ireland to see her through the journey - and she was our only information line. Luckily, after several surgeries, she is starting to get better. But there is not one day that passes that I don't think about what it would be like to be home with her and how I have to get home as soon as possible since we never know what can happen in life.
- My mother's international journey was also matched with my father's TDY and my brother's vacation through Europe (believe it or not it was all around the same time. This situation reminded me of what my life was like just a few short years ago with me and the rest of my family living an ocean apart. This summer, all of us where in a different place, and hey in different countries. My sister and I were the only ones in the US at that time but even then she was in OK and I was in NJ. A few years ago, when I lived in the US and the rest of my family lived in London there were phone calls once a month and a trip about once a year. That distance was something I will never forget. Or what it took away from me. So this summer I felt as if my world was a bit upside down and the familiar feeling of real distance crept back. But the upside to being reminded of this feeling was that is was only temporary. Once Mom, Dad and Matt returned home it went back to normal and a quick trip out to see my parents in FL made all the difference.
- This summer my dog also went into congestive heart failure just days before my mother was supposed to travel to Ireland to be with my grandmother. It was heartbreaking. Finn has been with us for so long, and with a steady dose of serious heart meds he is still with us today. We're not sure for how much longer though and as I said goodbye to him at Christmas I prepared myself for the fact that it may be the last time I see his beautiful face.
But the summer of distance is now thankfully over and now I can talk about the stuff that made me smile . . or as I like to call it, my List of Excitement . . .
- One of my best friends, Megan, got engaged and she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. This is my first experience as a bridesmaid and I will do everything in my power to be a great one
- I went to WABC-TV's MS for a Cure charity event and supported a good cause and made some new friends that I'm now even closer to
- Dan's brother, Mike, graduated college! I was there to experience everything and help him celebrate
- I experienced my first ever, real NYC partying experience which became the introduction to a world of others
- I flew to FL and was there to celebrate my mother's birthday for the first time in many, many years. I also helped my family surprise my Mom with an unexpected birthday gift . . . my sister!
- I went to Sea World in Orlando, twice, and touched a dolphin!!!
- I was again very fortunate to attend the PR Week awards with the firm I work for and this year I got to meet Christian Finnegan
- I spent the 4th of July cruising up the Hudson River watching the Macy's fireworks
- I spent my mother's birthday with her for the first time in many, many years. I also helped my family surprise my Mom with an amazing birthday gift . . . my sister!
- I spent a wonderful girl's getaway weekend in near by Philadelphia. Yes, I ate a REAL cheese steak AND at night we took the town by storm
- I participated in my first 5k and continued on my fitness quest
- I spent a romantic long weekend with Dan in Vermont. We spent time visiting all of our favorite spots and even took time to see some new ones. Overall, it was the most refreshing vacation of the year
- I threw myself a birthday party at my casa and all of my favorite people showed up including two of my BFFs from Japan - Heather Ivey and Amanda Stangl
- My BFF Heather Cheney and I made a year long plan in the making come true! She flew in to see me and experience a whirlwind NYC Christmas. We saw the Radio City Music Christmas show (rockettes, holla!) and the tree. We even went to Hoboken to kick her visit off with a bang
- I spent Christmas with my family in Tampa and went to my first ever NFL game!
- And last but not least . . . I embraced social media. I started a blog and now I'm addicted. As someone who is a true social media fan it's a wonder why it took me so long to get here. I mean, I joined Twitter before I started a blog. Needless to say, I'm now thrilled that I'm now immersed in the social media scene. And hey, I even joined the 20-something's bloggersnetwork.
As this year was marked with ups and downs, I am reminded that it is how it should be or life would never be life. I know that this post seems like its all over the place, but that's how my year was. Hope your 2008 was great and I hope your 2009 is even better.
While mine will not be as snazzy as hers I still wanted to give it a shot, for myself . . . if no one else.
This year was a crazy one for me and I learned a lot of lessons. When I thought about how I should write this I realized that there is only one way: a list of excitement and a section on a very prominent theme - distance. So, since I'd like to end the post on a good note on to the bad stuff first . . .
The Summer of Distance
- This summer my grandmother fell extremely ill and I was again solidly hit with a shake up that can only be brought on by the distance living an ocean away. My mother flew home to Ireland to see her through the journey - and she was our only information line. Luckily, after several surgeries, she is starting to get better. But there is not one day that passes that I don't think about what it would be like to be home with her and how I have to get home as soon as possible since we never know what can happen in life.
- My mother's international journey was also matched with my father's TDY and my brother's vacation through Europe (believe it or not it was all around the same time. This situation reminded me of what my life was like just a few short years ago with me and the rest of my family living an ocean apart. This summer, all of us where in a different place, and hey in different countries. My sister and I were the only ones in the US at that time but even then she was in OK and I was in NJ. A few years ago, when I lived in the US and the rest of my family lived in London there were phone calls once a month and a trip about once a year. That distance was something I will never forget. Or what it took away from me. So this summer I felt as if my world was a bit upside down and the familiar feeling of real distance crept back. But the upside to being reminded of this feeling was that is was only temporary. Once Mom, Dad and Matt returned home it went back to normal and a quick trip out to see my parents in FL made all the difference.
- This summer my dog also went into congestive heart failure just days before my mother was supposed to travel to Ireland to be with my grandmother. It was heartbreaking. Finn has been with us for so long, and with a steady dose of serious heart meds he is still with us today. We're not sure for how much longer though and as I said goodbye to him at Christmas I prepared myself for the fact that it may be the last time I see his beautiful face.
But the summer of distance is now thankfully over and now I can talk about the stuff that made me smile . . or as I like to call it, my List of Excitement . . .
- One of my best friends, Megan, got engaged and she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. This is my first experience as a bridesmaid and I will do everything in my power to be a great one
- I went to WABC-TV's MS for a Cure charity event and supported a good cause and made some new friends that I'm now even closer to
- Dan's brother, Mike, graduated college! I was there to experience everything and help him celebrate
- I experienced my first ever, real NYC partying experience which became the introduction to a world of others
- I flew to FL and was there to celebrate my mother's birthday for the first time in many, many years. I also helped my family surprise my Mom with an unexpected birthday gift . . . my sister!
- I went to Sea World in Orlando, twice, and touched a dolphin!!!
- I was again very fortunate to attend the PR Week awards with the firm I work for and this year I got to meet Christian Finnegan
- I spent the 4th of July cruising up the Hudson River watching the Macy's fireworks
- I spent my mother's birthday with her for the first time in many, many years. I also helped my family surprise my Mom with an amazing birthday gift . . . my sister!
- I spent a wonderful girl's getaway weekend in near by Philadelphia. Yes, I ate a REAL cheese steak AND at night we took the town by storm
- I participated in my first 5k and continued on my fitness quest
- I spent a romantic long weekend with Dan in Vermont. We spent time visiting all of our favorite spots and even took time to see some new ones. Overall, it was the most refreshing vacation of the year
- I threw myself a birthday party at my casa and all of my favorite people showed up including two of my BFFs from Japan - Heather Ivey and Amanda Stangl
- My BFF Heather Cheney and I made a year long plan in the making come true! She flew in to see me and experience a whirlwind NYC Christmas. We saw the Radio City Music Christmas show (rockettes, holla!) and the tree. We even went to Hoboken to kick her visit off with a bang
- I spent Christmas with my family in Tampa and went to my first ever NFL game!
- And last but not least . . . I embraced social media. I started a blog and now I'm addicted. As someone who is a true social media fan it's a wonder why it took me so long to get here. I mean, I joined Twitter before I started a blog. Needless to say, I'm now thrilled that I'm now immersed in the social media scene. And hey, I even joined the 20-something's bloggersnetwork.
As this year was marked with ups and downs, I am reminded that it is how it should be or life would never be life. I know that this post seems like its all over the place, but that's how my year was. Hope your 2008 was great and I hope your 2009 is even better.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Heart the Military
As a military brat, I am ALWAYS a fan of organizations who support the military and I do my best to blog about ones that make me smile.
My parents are stationed at MacDill in Tampa, FL and while I was on my holiday mini-break I unexpectedly got to experience my first NFL game. For the final game of their season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released 250 free tickets for military families and their friends.
My family and a few of our friends went to the game. I must say, I was fairly impressed. With what you ask? Okay, so yes the stadium is amazing and I was floored by their REAL pirate ship . . . but what most impressed me was the love they showed the military members.
The honorary captain of the game was a solider who had just returned from a tour in Iraq. As the national anthem was sung, a giant American flag danced across the field.
On the final note, a military cargo plane and two military choppers graced us with a fly by. The crowd erupted in cheers.
While the Buccs lost the game to the Raiders (it was close though!) the coolest part of the entire experience was hanging out on the pirate ship. My dad's connections got us right up there (yeah for my fam, I love when we get to be VIPs!) and we had an excellent view of the game and even got to throw beads into the crowd.
Here are a few photos from the big game!
The SHIP!
The back of the ship . . .
My boyfriend Dan and I on the ship . . .
My parents on the ship . . .
And here we are tossing beads into the crowd . . .
Many thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You made my first NFL game an amazing experience and you gave 250 military members and their friends a wonderful Christmas present!
My parents are stationed at MacDill in Tampa, FL and while I was on my holiday mini-break I unexpectedly got to experience my first NFL game. For the final game of their season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released 250 free tickets for military families and their friends.
My family and a few of our friends went to the game. I must say, I was fairly impressed. With what you ask? Okay, so yes the stadium is amazing and I was floored by their REAL pirate ship . . . but what most impressed me was the love they showed the military members.
The honorary captain of the game was a solider who had just returned from a tour in Iraq. As the national anthem was sung, a giant American flag danced across the field.
On the final note, a military cargo plane and two military choppers graced us with a fly by. The crowd erupted in cheers.
While the Buccs lost the game to the Raiders (it was close though!) the coolest part of the entire experience was hanging out on the pirate ship. My dad's connections got us right up there (yeah for my fam, I love when we get to be VIPs!) and we had an excellent view of the game and even got to throw beads into the crowd.
Here are a few photos from the big game!
The SHIP!
The back of the ship . . .
My boyfriend Dan and I on the ship . . .
My parents on the ship . . .
And here we are tossing beads into the crowd . . .
Many thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You made my first NFL game an amazing experience and you gave 250 military members and their friends a wonderful Christmas present!
Christmas Recap
So I know that Christmas was days ago, but hey it's me and I always do things backwards. Plus, I'm still under the weather (though not nearly as bad as before) and am just getting back into the swing of things.
This Christmas I didn't want to exchange gifts. To be honest, with the economy and so many of my friends and families hurting (specifically in MI, but here in NJ too) I was just thankful to have a job and a roof over my head. All three of us kids were going to be home, and for Mom and Dad that is something to celebrate. All of us under one roof - that now happens once or twice a year if we are lucky. Military brats - you hear me right?
But my Dad encouraged us to celebrate the time and we raked in quite a treasure chest. My present tower's theme was jewelry, the Muppets, Pixar related goodies, and things that warm my heart. While I was thrilled with all of my presents, here are a few things that I got that I was uber syked about . . .
- My new GUESS butterfly watch with Swarovski crystals
- David Price's book "The Pixar Touch: The Making of A Company" (which I promise to review upon completing it)
- Muppets Muppet Movies DVD 3-Pack (to add to my collection)
- Part of the Luxurious Lambie Collection from Bath and Body Works (the blanket is phenomenal but I'm also a big fan of the adorable slippers that are very warm and super soft)
- And last but not least, a challenge coin from my father's squadron
Overall, the best present was spending time with my family. As we all grow up, we have begun to realize that getting our family together (since we are spread across the nation) is no longer an easy task. With deployments, work and school schedules, and the soaring costs of airline tickets getting together always involves planning and juggling.
Did all of you have a nice Christmas? Did spend time with your family? Did you exchange gifts or get anything that you just have to tell everyone you know about?
This Christmas I didn't want to exchange gifts. To be honest, with the economy and so many of my friends and families hurting (specifically in MI, but here in NJ too) I was just thankful to have a job and a roof over my head. All three of us kids were going to be home, and for Mom and Dad that is something to celebrate. All of us under one roof - that now happens once or twice a year if we are lucky. Military brats - you hear me right?
But my Dad encouraged us to celebrate the time and we raked in quite a treasure chest. My present tower's theme was jewelry, the Muppets, Pixar related goodies, and things that warm my heart. While I was thrilled with all of my presents, here are a few things that I got that I was uber syked about . . .
- My new GUESS butterfly watch with Swarovski crystals
- David Price's book "The Pixar Touch: The Making of A Company" (which I promise to review upon completing it)
- Muppets Muppet Movies DVD 3-Pack (to add to my collection)
- Part of the Luxurious Lambie Collection from Bath and Body Works (the blanket is phenomenal but I'm also a big fan of the adorable slippers that are very warm and super soft)
- And last but not least, a challenge coin from my father's squadron
Overall, the best present was spending time with my family. As we all grow up, we have begun to realize that getting our family together (since we are spread across the nation) is no longer an easy task. With deployments, work and school schedules, and the soaring costs of airline tickets getting together always involves planning and juggling.
Did all of you have a nice Christmas? Did spend time with your family? Did you exchange gifts or get anything that you just have to tell everyone you know about?
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