Twenty-five things about me (Jimmy Bradley)
Well this is an interesting thing to do and think about – 25 facts about me. Great idea Sandy, I hope everyone will eventually post their list to the blog. Well here goes.
1. I like to cook and bake especially for gatherings.
2. I learned to cook well because I like to eat well.
3. I am willing to try anything at least once. Almost anything that is, and I have.
4. Like Sandy, I like my veggies – mostly raw in salads, but there are a few I could take or leave.
5. I like to think of my “lighter color” hair as my crown of wisdom J
6. I really enjoy tent camping, canoeing and hiking. (Is that 3 things?)
7. I like to swim. I prefer lakes and pools to the ocean. The beach is great to walk along and I love the smell of salt water.
8. My current goal is to hike every trail in Mueller State Park – CO although I have been on other trails in the region.
9. I have been in all 48 continental US States, 2 Mexican States, 4 Provinces of Canada, 8 Brazilian States, Belize, Guatemala, Paraguay and Argentina. Yes, I like, no love to travel!
10. From September 2007 to November 2008 I worked in 38 different states (and visited Mexico and Canada along the way). My job allowed me to “stop and smell the roses” along the way. I also visited family and friends during my travels. What a job!
11. I speak English, Portuguese, do pretty well at Spanish and still know a little sign language. After I become fluent in Spanish I would like to learn Italian.
12. I plan on going to Buenos Aires, Argentina to perfect my Español.
13. I really enjoy reading and usually have two books going at the same time – one for pleasure and one business related. My all time favorite is the Bible which I do read daily.
14. I love Jesus with all my heart, all my mind and all my soul. 100% JESUS!
15. I was a missionary to Brazil for just over ten years.
16. I enjoy working with children – especially pre-teen and teens.
17. I enjoy photography; especially nature shots, close up of flowers, and candid shots of people.
18. I enjoy writing, mainly true stories.
19. I don’t watch TV but I do enjoy a good movie from time to time.
20. I have a desire to Sky dive; paraglide or hang-glide; and go up in a hot air balloon.
21. I want to live in a 5th Wheel (RV) so I can move at a moment’s notice. I should have it by the reunion. My new business will also allow me to travel, so I can now bring my home with me. Now that’s excitement!
22. I like a variety of music styles. I like (some) rap and I like (some) classical and a variety in between them. 90% of what I listen to is Christian. I have music in four languages which I listen to regularly. Hey, ask Rick – he told me recently I introduced him to Weird Al Yankovic (although I don’t listen to him anymore, he had some pretty funny stuff).
23. Another desire is to go on a long cruise. There are so many interesting ones to a variety of places that I may need to go on several cruises.
24. I am blessed! I see God’s hand in my life even in the most difficult times I’ve gone through.
25. Like my cousin Jim wrote, I am Random. Don’t like to fall into a rut. I like change. I am an optimist.
Well at first it was going slow, but now I could keep on writing a few more items, but I will spare you for now. I may get inspired to write yet another list in the near future. I decided to start writing down some of my thoughts and already came up with the next 14 in my list. This has been fun! I look forward to seeing your list too, so I’ll be the third to challenge you to post your list!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
James Martin & Emma Laverty Clan
Hey all! Does anyone have any contact info for Uncle Lloyd's or Uncle Norman's families? I am contacting Uncle Harvey's "kids" finally. I also asked them if they have contacts. If you do, send me an e-mail with the info unless you want to send an invite to them.
I think it would be cool to get the whole James Martin & Emma Laverty Clan together. That's my opinion anyway.
Debbie, Keith or anyone... Do you have a family tree already made up that can be posted on the blog and printed out? If you do and can send me a copy I have an idea to make up for the reunion. I will share it once I have all my thoughts together.
Have an awesome day! Jimmy
I think it would be cool to get the whole James Martin & Emma Laverty Clan together. That's my opinion anyway.
Debbie, Keith or anyone... Do you have a family tree already made up that can be posted on the blog and printed out? If you do and can send me a copy I have an idea to make up for the reunion. I will share it once I have all my thoughts together.
Have an awesome day! Jimmy
I always miss so much!
I had my second carpal tunnel sugery last Wednesday so I hope I am good to go for a while!
We have had an interesting winter here in Ohio. We had the coldest days ever, and so much snow and ice I feel like I live in the arctic! I normally love snow, but not when the wind and temps (and surgery) keep you from playing in it! The only thing I go out for is to feed my birds. They know where to come in bad weather and I try to never let them down. (See what happens when you let kids go to the movies - that Mary Poppins - corrupted me. I HAVE to feed birds!!!) I hope everyone is doing okay in this wild weather. I almost dread spring coming - I LOVE spring but when 2 low pressure front come together I get migraines - like this past week - OIY! AS soon as the housing market improves ??????? we will be looking for a place to settle where the weather doesn't make my head explode. Any suggestions?
By the way Sandy 25 things about me? I have become a boring little old lady who feeds the birds and "beats up" her grandsons "with kisses"!! I'm very active in church and I love archeology. I love to read and crochet and I'm learning to knit. I go on Ramen noodle binges once in a while (I'm really losing it, huh!) My husband is sweet and caring and has adjusted to me being so sick lately. I enjoy this blog very much. I love my dogs, even crazy Claire. I love to travel and hiking is a passion I'd like to get back to. I love my recumbent bike (SO FUN). I understand Mom (Eileen, Mommom, Grandma) really well now (I have 1000 bathrobes)! I like to put cream cheese on olives. Okay that's 17 I think. Sorry about the shortage - that's what happens when you get into the 50's.
Okay now, anyone else up to Sandy's challenge?
Debbie
We have had an interesting winter here in Ohio. We had the coldest days ever, and so much snow and ice I feel like I live in the arctic! I normally love snow, but not when the wind and temps (and surgery) keep you from playing in it! The only thing I go out for is to feed my birds. They know where to come in bad weather and I try to never let them down. (See what happens when you let kids go to the movies - that Mary Poppins - corrupted me. I HAVE to feed birds!!!) I hope everyone is doing okay in this wild weather. I almost dread spring coming - I LOVE spring but when 2 low pressure front come together I get migraines - like this past week - OIY! AS soon as the housing market improves ??????? we will be looking for a place to settle where the weather doesn't make my head explode. Any suggestions?
By the way Sandy 25 things about me? I have become a boring little old lady who feeds the birds and "beats up" her grandsons "with kisses"!! I'm very active in church and I love archeology. I love to read and crochet and I'm learning to knit. I go on Ramen noodle binges once in a while (I'm really losing it, huh!) My husband is sweet and caring and has adjusted to me being so sick lately. I enjoy this blog very much. I love my dogs, even crazy Claire. I love to travel and hiking is a passion I'd like to get back to. I love my recumbent bike (SO FUN). I understand Mom (Eileen, Mommom, Grandma) really well now (I have 1000 bathrobes)! I like to put cream cheese on olives. Okay that's 17 I think. Sorry about the shortage - that's what happens when you get into the 50's.
Okay now, anyone else up to Sandy's challenge?
Debbie
25 random things about me
Right..so I got sent a 'tag' which was 25 things about my mate, and the idea is that you then respond with 25 random things about yourself---so I thought it'd be interesting if we all did this here on the family blog--we could learn a lot about each other!
1. I like to eat cold pizza for breakfast
2. I met my husband on the internet----This no longer embarasses me, would a bar have been better? We got to really know each other---our thoughts, dreams, feelings before we started having sex. Most people skip the getting to know one another and jump right into bed. I like that we knew who we were before that.
3. I'm going to school to be a nurse because I like gross things--pus, blood, intestines---i want to poke it and see what it does.
4. I make cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc. and i'm pretty good at it.
5. I'm a voracious reader, once I start a book I'll do nothing else until it's done---so I can only allow myself to read when i've got nothing else going on.(like no exams).
6. I was born in Schenectady (try and say that when you're 4).
7. I have a small birthmark on my bum.
8. I'm a terrible procrastinator (i too sometimes wash a load of clothes 5 times before they get hung out---this is NZ fault...I'd much rather use the dryer and then the clothes would get done straight away).
9. I believe that in imperfections you find humanity. I like it when you can see that something isn't perfect..then youknow it was made by a person, not a machine.
10. Since having children i've learned that i dislike messes and loud noises and that i'm not very patient.
11. Since having children i've learned i can adore two little ragamuffins endlessly and that children are beautiful when they're sleeping.
12. I LOVE to go to the movies--finally nathan and I are going a bit more often again. (babysitting swapping with a mate is great!)...When I was a kid my mom used to slip me money sometimes and let me go see a movie--i've always liked to go even by myself.
13. I have heaps of hair...I could remove 2 inches of scalp through the middle, stich it closed and still have a full head of hair (but why would i? eww lol)
14. I still pray every night even though i'm a little confused by it all at the moment.
15. I'm becoming my mother....she and my grandmother were masters at using guilt--i'm catching myself doing the same (God help my kids)....and I yell more than i'd like. I used to think mom was a nutter--but now i know us kids made her crazy.
16. I collect those little Willow Tree figurines that look like they're carved from wood--but have no facial features--there's something about no faces that i adore.
17. I have very wide feet. In fact...I think they look a bit like Fred Flintstone's. My dad visited last year..and I definitely got them from him--my mother had gorgeous, thin, small feet...but I got her brains, so if i'm stuck with big old caveman feet..i guess i got the better end of the deal.
18. I can taste lamb when it's used as a mystery meat in things like hot dogs and luncheon (bologna)--it's not pleasant---although Nathan says he can't taste it.
19. I like all those vegetable everyone hates. Bring on the brussel sprouts, kale, zucchini, green beans etc. There's almost no veggie I wouldn't eat--even beats now (wouldn't touch them when i was a kid).
20. I've fallen in love with Blue Cheese. YUM. This is a very recent addiction. I wouldn't touch the stuff for the past 35 years..but suddenly..I can't walk by the cheese isle without looking for it.
21. Although we're not rich...I have everything I want/need in my life. Except a puppy --but slowly i'm breaking Nathan down...its VERY slow...like melting an iceburg..but i'm working on it.
22. I'm a bit forgetfully. It's not that i've got alzheimers, it's that I'm already thinking about the next thing I want to say or need to do...and then I forget what it was that I'm currently doing. I need to learn to live in the 'now'!
23. I'm starting to like technology. Nathan gave me an MP3 player for Christmas...couple of years ago and i'd have wondered what the heck i was going to do with that.
24. My favourite show is House. There's something very sexy about a Brit putting on an American accent. Hugh Lawrie.....mmmmm.
25. I'm shy on the outside...but once you get to know me you can't shut me up. And I think i'm very funny, I crack myself up better than anyone.
There...now lets hear 25 random things about all of you!!!
1. I like to eat cold pizza for breakfast
2. I met my husband on the internet----This no longer embarasses me, would a bar have been better? We got to really know each other---our thoughts, dreams, feelings before we started having sex. Most people skip the getting to know one another and jump right into bed. I like that we knew who we were before that.
3. I'm going to school to be a nurse because I like gross things--pus, blood, intestines---i want to poke it and see what it does.
4. I make cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc. and i'm pretty good at it.
5. I'm a voracious reader, once I start a book I'll do nothing else until it's done---so I can only allow myself to read when i've got nothing else going on.(like no exams).
6. I was born in Schenectady (try and say that when you're 4).
7. I have a small birthmark on my bum.
8. I'm a terrible procrastinator (i too sometimes wash a load of clothes 5 times before they get hung out---this is NZ fault...I'd much rather use the dryer and then the clothes would get done straight away).
9. I believe that in imperfections you find humanity. I like it when you can see that something isn't perfect..then youknow it was made by a person, not a machine.
10. Since having children i've learned that i dislike messes and loud noises and that i'm not very patient.
11. Since having children i've learned i can adore two little ragamuffins endlessly and that children are beautiful when they're sleeping.
12. I LOVE to go to the movies--finally nathan and I are going a bit more often again. (babysitting swapping with a mate is great!)...When I was a kid my mom used to slip me money sometimes and let me go see a movie--i've always liked to go even by myself.
13. I have heaps of hair...I could remove 2 inches of scalp through the middle, stich it closed and still have a full head of hair (but why would i? eww lol)
14. I still pray every night even though i'm a little confused by it all at the moment.
15. I'm becoming my mother....she and my grandmother were masters at using guilt--i'm catching myself doing the same (God help my kids)....and I yell more than i'd like. I used to think mom was a nutter--but now i know us kids made her crazy.
16. I collect those little Willow Tree figurines that look like they're carved from wood--but have no facial features--there's something about no faces that i adore.
17. I have very wide feet. In fact...I think they look a bit like Fred Flintstone's. My dad visited last year..and I definitely got them from him--my mother had gorgeous, thin, small feet...but I got her brains, so if i'm stuck with big old caveman feet..i guess i got the better end of the deal.
18. I can taste lamb when it's used as a mystery meat in things like hot dogs and luncheon (bologna)--it's not pleasant---although Nathan says he can't taste it.
19. I like all those vegetable everyone hates. Bring on the brussel sprouts, kale, zucchini, green beans etc. There's almost no veggie I wouldn't eat--even beats now (wouldn't touch them when i was a kid).
20. I've fallen in love with Blue Cheese. YUM. This is a very recent addiction. I wouldn't touch the stuff for the past 35 years..but suddenly..I can't walk by the cheese isle without looking for it.
21. Although we're not rich...I have everything I want/need in my life. Except a puppy --but slowly i'm breaking Nathan down...its VERY slow...like melting an iceburg..but i'm working on it.
22. I'm a bit forgetfully. It's not that i've got alzheimers, it's that I'm already thinking about the next thing I want to say or need to do...and then I forget what it was that I'm currently doing. I need to learn to live in the 'now'!
23. I'm starting to like technology. Nathan gave me an MP3 player for Christmas...couple of years ago and i'd have wondered what the heck i was going to do with that.
24. My favourite show is House. There's something very sexy about a Brit putting on an American accent. Hugh Lawrie.....mmmmm.
25. I'm shy on the outside...but once you get to know me you can't shut me up. And I think i'm very funny, I crack myself up better than anyone.
There...now lets hear 25 random things about all of you!!!
A Winter Day Hike
I woke up to a snow covered ground outside my window. At 8am Weather dot com said it was 13 degrees here in town yet 33 in the mountain town of Woodland Park and Divide. It was a beautiful sunny mid-winter day and the report said it would hit 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I decided it was a good day to take a drive into the mountains and go for a hike. I drove to my favorite hiking place, Mueller State Park in Divide, CO. My goal is to hike every trail in the park, and there are many miles of trails, some of which connect to trails in a State Wildlife Area.
There was snow on the ground and ninety percent of the self-guided Wapiti Nature Trail that I hiked was covered with the white stuff, but it was really relaxing and fun. I had a guide book that told me about the area I was hiking through with matching numbered markers.
Leaving the Visitor Center’s parking lot it was quite windy, although as I descended I could hear the wind blowing over the top, yet I could no longer feel it which caused it to seem quite warm comparatively. I came upon the sweet smelling tree, the Ponderosa Pine – if you stop and smell the… tree bark, there is a pleasant butterscotch smell, and some trees smell more like vanilla.
One interesting fact on this short .8 mile trail is the varying life zones you pass through as well as lay your eyes upon on a not so distant Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is 14,100 feet above sea-level. The highest areas, above tree line are called Alpine Tundra. The dark trees just below make up the Subalpine made up of Engelmann Spruce and Subalpine Fir. While observing all this I was standing in the Monatne life zone. A variety of evergreen trees and bushes, grasslands, aspen trees amongst other species cover this area.
Although I was not out long enough or at the right time of day to see any wildlife other than a few birds, I did see several animal tracks along the same path I was following as well as crossing over. I noticed rabbit tracks, deer or elk tracks, I think raccoon tracks and a couple I was just not sure of. Passing through forests and fields it is amazing how God has created everything to survive from the bitter cold Rockies to the deserts of the world. The Bible says, all of His creation will speak of His glory – and truly it does. It never ceases to amaze me.
I guess this Brazilian blooded missionary is adjusting to the colder weather as I really enjoyed my afternoon in the Rockies. Would you like to join me? I’ll be headed west again the very next opportunity I get. One important note in Colorado, as the sun goes down the thermometer follows. Oh yes, I was glad to be home at nightfall as the overnight low was six degrees Fahrenheit!
Plan some time in nature and just observe the little things and just how intricate God’s creation really is. He really did think of everything!
There was snow on the ground and ninety percent of the self-guided Wapiti Nature Trail that I hiked was covered with the white stuff, but it was really relaxing and fun. I had a guide book that told me about the area I was hiking through with matching numbered markers.
Leaving the Visitor Center’s parking lot it was quite windy, although as I descended I could hear the wind blowing over the top, yet I could no longer feel it which caused it to seem quite warm comparatively. I came upon the sweet smelling tree, the Ponderosa Pine – if you stop and smell the… tree bark, there is a pleasant butterscotch smell, and some trees smell more like vanilla.
One interesting fact on this short .8 mile trail is the varying life zones you pass through as well as lay your eyes upon on a not so distant Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is 14,100 feet above sea-level. The highest areas, above tree line are called Alpine Tundra. The dark trees just below make up the Subalpine made up of Engelmann Spruce and Subalpine Fir. While observing all this I was standing in the Monatne life zone. A variety of evergreen trees and bushes, grasslands, aspen trees amongst other species cover this area.
Although I was not out long enough or at the right time of day to see any wildlife other than a few birds, I did see several animal tracks along the same path I was following as well as crossing over. I noticed rabbit tracks, deer or elk tracks, I think raccoon tracks and a couple I was just not sure of. Passing through forests and fields it is amazing how God has created everything to survive from the bitter cold Rockies to the deserts of the world. The Bible says, all of His creation will speak of His glory – and truly it does. It never ceases to amaze me.
I guess this Brazilian blooded missionary is adjusting to the colder weather as I really enjoyed my afternoon in the Rockies. Would you like to join me? I’ll be headed west again the very next opportunity I get. One important note in Colorado, as the sun goes down the thermometer follows. Oh yes, I was glad to be home at nightfall as the overnight low was six degrees Fahrenheit!
Plan some time in nature and just observe the little things and just how intricate God’s creation really is. He really did think of everything!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I am so proud I could bust my buttons!!!!
A young man in our church named Justin had a school project to do. He chose to do something about the war and asked if he could write (e-mail) Hannah. Now he is in Middle School and is quite the good student. So he sent his questions to Hannah and she in turn answered his questions. I am so proud of her I wanted to post their exchange so all could see the person she has become. The following is that exchange.
Justin,
First of all I am sorry for how long it has taken me to respond to your email. Our schedule has become rather outrageous with the elections nearing us here. We have really uped the security due to the expectation of civil revolt. Anyways in response to your questions I will do my best to hit each one:
Why did you join the military? I joined the military when I was eighteen roughly five months after graduation. To be honest the military was the only logical option to me. I hadn't prepared for college by putting money away and with eleven kids in one family my parents certainly couldn't afford to send all of us through for our degree's. So I enlisted with the military for four years active duty with the guarntee of becoming a LVN/LPN. Basically I am a nurse/ first responder. In battle I am the first person to see any casualties; however, in the states I pretty much stay in the hospital. With all that was going on in our country I honestly thought that it wouldn't hurt to do my part. And since being violent isn't exactly in my nature I figured what better way to serve my country then to heal our wounded. I have always loved the medical field and this gave me my foot in the door so to speak.
Did you know that we were in the middle of a war when you did? Yes I was aware of the war at the time of my enlistment; however, I was not aware of how much the military had changed from many people's common misconceptions. For instance women do work on the line. I am currently attached to an all male infantry line unit. And yes I am outside the FOB everyday. Women spend just as much time risking their lives as the men do here and honestly I didn't think that would be the case.
Did it scare you to join? I wouldn't say I was scared to join by any means. I think the main thing that frightened me was the possibilty of failure. Of not making it through boot camp or being told I wasn't good enough. The aspect of going to battle didn't really frighten me. It was at the back of my mind and that is where I liked it.
What do you do for fun? Fun.... hmmmm... well out here fun pretty much consists of the people you surround yourself with my family so to speak. We have laughed and cried together, fought and played together, and unfortunately slept and bathed together. You become closer to your battle buddies then you ever imagined possible. But at times we do endulge in fun filled activities. For me the gym is my idea of "fun." I spend roughly two to three hours a day working out. What can I say?! You have to work your frustration out some how. And the rest of my fun is usually shared with my boyfriend. We have been seeing each other for a little over a year. And honestly have faced this deployment together. Which is definately not an easy task. Relationships come and go so quickly out here it really is amazing. I am lucky to have such a wonderful support out here. But for those who don't have significant others there are MWR's. They consist of computer's, phone's, t.v.'s, xbox's, movies, books, magazines, and other little bits of entertainment. Pretty much the MWR is the place to go to hang out and socialize.
What does your family think about you joining? As far as I know my family supports my joining and they see the drastic change it has made in my life. They think that the discipline and structure that comes in toe with the military is exactly what I needed in my life.
Especially your mom? My mom supports me and is "jealous" of me to an extent. She wishes she could have experienced the things I am seeing during her lifetime and been allowed to explore herself more before settling down. But as far as how she makes it through the nights wondering how I am.... She has told me that she pretends I am still in Texas. If she allowed herself to worry she wouldn't ever make it through a day. I don't think any mother is able to be "happy" about their child being in war. But I know for darn sure she is proud of me.
How do you deal with being that far from home and missing everyone? The distance doesn't bother me much and the truth is I try my best not to think about home as much as possible. If I don't think about home then I don't realize just how much I miss it. And how terribly I want to be there. If I spend all my time missing home I couldn't do my job. And my job is my only priority here. I have to put my family and my feelings aside. It's the only way to make it through each day.
How do you feel about doing what your commanders tell you? I may not always agree with it, but it is apart of the job. I just give a "roger" and move out. There is no point getting upset over something you can't control. And generally when your command has made a bad judgement call they realize it in time and correct it. You just try not to throw it in their face too often. Everyone is human and we all make mistakes.
How do you and the rest of the soldiers really feel about being there? Tricky question... well it is half and half. The half that are stop-lossed don't fell they should have to be here. In fact they feel held against their will to be here. They have served their time and want no part in this war anymore. As for the other half of us we feel this is what we signed up for. We knew full and well that we would be deployed when we signed up. We may not agree with it, but we weren't forced to be here. It is still a volunteer army to my knowledge.
Do you see that by being there you are helping those people? Without a doubt we are helping these people here. Although as they say Rome wasn't built in a day. This is going to be a long process, but without a doubt it has been started. This war has changed dramatically since OIF 1. These people believe in what we are working for and are willing to put their lives on the line to get it as well. The civilians of Iraq risk their lives in this fight and they deserve their freedom.
Do you really trust that President Bush was doing the right thing? I'll say you certainly have some tough questions and I may not be the best suited for answering all of them. I choose not to take place in the politics of our nation. Regardless the President is the Commander in Chief and I will do as he says. And as far as right or wrong I don't believe that the answer is that simple. As they say hind sight is always 20/20. Looking back there is certianly things we could have done differently, but we didn't. So all we can do is do our best to make the best choices in the future. And have faith in our nations ability to choose the best canidate to run our nation.
If you could be commander of all the armed services for a day what would you say needed to be done that would most help the country you are in and get you home the fastest? I would say that we need to analyze what is going on in this country's economy. This country brings in billions of dollars by fuel alone a year and yet the poverty on the streets is outrageous. There is no quick solution. Continued joint efforts with Iraqi Government officials in running a democratic nation is the only means of turning things around here. And unfortunately that will take years. Even the United States experienced times of turmoil.
What are the children like where you are? The children are pure and innocent. They do not realize the error of their elders ways. To them this is simply the way life is supposed to be carried out. In touching the children and helping them to see that we are here for the good of their country we gain the support of the generations to come. And support is what we need. Although these children run around without shoes and through mounds of trash they remain happy. They are where our future rests.
Please feel free to email any more questions you might have or any you would like for me to elaborate on. I will do my best to reply to you as quickly as possible. I realize school projects do have deadlines. Thank you for yours and your families support. You have no idea how much your prayers mean to us.
Sincerely,
SPC Hannah Fraser
I just doesn't get better than this. It will make an old uncle want to cry.
Justin,
First of all I am sorry for how long it has taken me to respond to your email. Our schedule has become rather outrageous with the elections nearing us here. We have really uped the security due to the expectation of civil revolt. Anyways in response to your questions I will do my best to hit each one:
Why did you join the military? I joined the military when I was eighteen roughly five months after graduation. To be honest the military was the only logical option to me. I hadn't prepared for college by putting money away and with eleven kids in one family my parents certainly couldn't afford to send all of us through for our degree's. So I enlisted with the military for four years active duty with the guarntee of becoming a LVN/LPN. Basically I am a nurse/ first responder. In battle I am the first person to see any casualties; however, in the states I pretty much stay in the hospital. With all that was going on in our country I honestly thought that it wouldn't hurt to do my part. And since being violent isn't exactly in my nature I figured what better way to serve my country then to heal our wounded. I have always loved the medical field and this gave me my foot in the door so to speak.
Did you know that we were in the middle of a war when you did? Yes I was aware of the war at the time of my enlistment; however, I was not aware of how much the military had changed from many people's common misconceptions. For instance women do work on the line. I am currently attached to an all male infantry line unit. And yes I am outside the FOB everyday. Women spend just as much time risking their lives as the men do here and honestly I didn't think that would be the case.
Did it scare you to join? I wouldn't say I was scared to join by any means. I think the main thing that frightened me was the possibilty of failure. Of not making it through boot camp or being told I wasn't good enough. The aspect of going to battle didn't really frighten me. It was at the back of my mind and that is where I liked it.
What do you do for fun? Fun.... hmmmm... well out here fun pretty much consists of the people you surround yourself with my family so to speak. We have laughed and cried together, fought and played together, and unfortunately slept and bathed together. You become closer to your battle buddies then you ever imagined possible. But at times we do endulge in fun filled activities. For me the gym is my idea of "fun." I spend roughly two to three hours a day working out. What can I say?! You have to work your frustration out some how. And the rest of my fun is usually shared with my boyfriend. We have been seeing each other for a little over a year. And honestly have faced this deployment together. Which is definately not an easy task. Relationships come and go so quickly out here it really is amazing. I am lucky to have such a wonderful support out here. But for those who don't have significant others there are MWR's. They consist of computer's, phone's, t.v.'s, xbox's, movies, books, magazines, and other little bits of entertainment. Pretty much the MWR is the place to go to hang out and socialize.
What does your family think about you joining? As far as I know my family supports my joining and they see the drastic change it has made in my life. They think that the discipline and structure that comes in toe with the military is exactly what I needed in my life.
Especially your mom? My mom supports me and is "jealous" of me to an extent. She wishes she could have experienced the things I am seeing during her lifetime and been allowed to explore herself more before settling down. But as far as how she makes it through the nights wondering how I am.... She has told me that she pretends I am still in Texas. If she allowed herself to worry she wouldn't ever make it through a day. I don't think any mother is able to be "happy" about their child being in war. But I know for darn sure she is proud of me.
How do you deal with being that far from home and missing everyone? The distance doesn't bother me much and the truth is I try my best not to think about home as much as possible. If I don't think about home then I don't realize just how much I miss it. And how terribly I want to be there. If I spend all my time missing home I couldn't do my job. And my job is my only priority here. I have to put my family and my feelings aside. It's the only way to make it through each day.
How do you feel about doing what your commanders tell you? I may not always agree with it, but it is apart of the job. I just give a "roger" and move out. There is no point getting upset over something you can't control. And generally when your command has made a bad judgement call they realize it in time and correct it. You just try not to throw it in their face too often. Everyone is human and we all make mistakes.
How do you and the rest of the soldiers really feel about being there? Tricky question... well it is half and half. The half that are stop-lossed don't fell they should have to be here. In fact they feel held against their will to be here. They have served their time and want no part in this war anymore. As for the other half of us we feel this is what we signed up for. We knew full and well that we would be deployed when we signed up. We may not agree with it, but we weren't forced to be here. It is still a volunteer army to my knowledge.
Do you see that by being there you are helping those people? Without a doubt we are helping these people here. Although as they say Rome wasn't built in a day. This is going to be a long process, but without a doubt it has been started. This war has changed dramatically since OIF 1. These people believe in what we are working for and are willing to put their lives on the line to get it as well. The civilians of Iraq risk their lives in this fight and they deserve their freedom.
Do you really trust that President Bush was doing the right thing? I'll say you certainly have some tough questions and I may not be the best suited for answering all of them. I choose not to take place in the politics of our nation. Regardless the President is the Commander in Chief and I will do as he says. And as far as right or wrong I don't believe that the answer is that simple. As they say hind sight is always 20/20. Looking back there is certianly things we could have done differently, but we didn't. So all we can do is do our best to make the best choices in the future. And have faith in our nations ability to choose the best canidate to run our nation.
If you could be commander of all the armed services for a day what would you say needed to be done that would most help the country you are in and get you home the fastest? I would say that we need to analyze what is going on in this country's economy. This country brings in billions of dollars by fuel alone a year and yet the poverty on the streets is outrageous. There is no quick solution. Continued joint efforts with Iraqi Government officials in running a democratic nation is the only means of turning things around here. And unfortunately that will take years. Even the United States experienced times of turmoil.
What are the children like where you are? The children are pure and innocent. They do not realize the error of their elders ways. To them this is simply the way life is supposed to be carried out. In touching the children and helping them to see that we are here for the good of their country we gain the support of the generations to come. And support is what we need. Although these children run around without shoes and through mounds of trash they remain happy. They are where our future rests.
Please feel free to email any more questions you might have or any you would like for me to elaborate on. I will do my best to reply to you as quickly as possible. I realize school projects do have deadlines. Thank you for yours and your families support. You have no idea how much your prayers mean to us.
Sincerely,
SPC Hannah Fraser
I just doesn't get better than this. It will make an old uncle want to cry.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
happy birthday Jim
January 19th 1954. The day James w. Laverty made his debuet.
Happy Birthday Jimbo!
Sorry this is a day late but I didn't have my laptop with me.
IN PARIS!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Jimbo!
Sorry this is a day late but I didn't have my laptop with me.
IN PARIS!!!!!!
What a day
Yesterday was a rough day. Evan and I hade been working on a snow fort for about a month now. Every time it snows I get in it and scrape the ceiling to make it a little bigger. It looks like an igloo with a long tunnel for the front door. Evan and Macie pretend that it's a snow dragon cave. Sir Evan Has to save Princess Macie from the purple dragon (me) and claim the fortress for his own.
Yesterday, after I cleared the snow from around the fort I crawled inside and started scraping. I was laying on my back and I must have scraped too much because the whole ceiling fell down on me. I got out after just a few seconds but it was a scary few seconds. Snow is heavy!
Once I had stopped shaking and gotten warmed up with a cup of hot cocoafrom Melissa I set out to get our mini van running. After a couple of hours it started. I decided to take it into town, about 20 miles, to stretch her legs and pick up some groceries. I was about a mile and a half down the gravel road when I went over a snow drift and the serpentine belt slipped off. I turned around and with the help of prayer made it back to the farm.
Another couple hours of work and the van was running great again. I decided to try again but this time I wanted to take the other route into town. It would get me to the highway quicker. About a mile and a half down that gravel road I went over yet another snow drift with the same results. I turned around to head back and got a half a mile down the road when the battery died. I called Liss to ask for help and while I waited I tried to get the belt back on again. It was about seven p.m. and the wind was blowing 30 miles an hour with no breaks. Just one long, cold gust.
Liss and I worked on it until 9:30 when finally I had a nervous break-down and decided it was best just to leave it there over night and get it in the morning. Tomorrow has to be a better day right?
This morning started out great. Coffee, breakfast, kids playing and my wife and I in a great mood. We went out to the car and put a battery pack on it and I started driving the van back. "Today is a great day! I'll have her fixed up in no time!" Yup.
Almost home and a strong gust of wind throws the hood of the van up in front of the windshield, just like in the movies. I hit the breaks but there was too much snow packed underneath the van for everything to work properly. I spun around a couple times and almost went into the ditch. I had an angel there with me today.
Well, the car is back home and we're all safe. I need a new hood but that's all. I was in a seriously bad mood until we all sat down for lunch. We said a blessing and I asked God to help me. He did.
Liss and I have been laughing since then about my luck and God's mysterious ways.
Yesterday, after I cleared the snow from around the fort I crawled inside and started scraping. I was laying on my back and I must have scraped too much because the whole ceiling fell down on me. I got out after just a few seconds but it was a scary few seconds. Snow is heavy!
Once I had stopped shaking and gotten warmed up with a cup of hot cocoafrom Melissa I set out to get our mini van running. After a couple of hours it started. I decided to take it into town, about 20 miles, to stretch her legs and pick up some groceries. I was about a mile and a half down the gravel road when I went over a snow drift and the serpentine belt slipped off. I turned around and with the help of prayer made it back to the farm.
Another couple hours of work and the van was running great again. I decided to try again but this time I wanted to take the other route into town. It would get me to the highway quicker. About a mile and a half down that gravel road I went over yet another snow drift with the same results. I turned around to head back and got a half a mile down the road when the battery died. I called Liss to ask for help and while I waited I tried to get the belt back on again. It was about seven p.m. and the wind was blowing 30 miles an hour with no breaks. Just one long, cold gust.
Liss and I worked on it until 9:30 when finally I had a nervous break-down and decided it was best just to leave it there over night and get it in the morning. Tomorrow has to be a better day right?
This morning started out great. Coffee, breakfast, kids playing and my wife and I in a great mood. We went out to the car and put a battery pack on it and I started driving the van back. "Today is a great day! I'll have her fixed up in no time!" Yup.
Almost home and a strong gust of wind throws the hood of the van up in front of the windshield, just like in the movies. I hit the breaks but there was too much snow packed underneath the van for everything to work properly. I spun around a couple times and almost went into the ditch. I had an angel there with me today.
Well, the car is back home and we're all safe. I need a new hood but that's all. I was in a seriously bad mood until we all sat down for lunch. We said a blessing and I asked God to help me. He did.
Liss and I have been laughing since then about my luck and God's mysterious ways.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
To Mom
I sit staring out the window blindly,
drowning in thought,
wondering how you could have left my life so soon...
The once full, colorful world is now bleak and drained.
Memories of you are everywhere but
until we are together
I will sit in darkness waiting for
the candle in my heart to be lit again.
I love you Mom
drowning in thought,
wondering how you could have left my life so soon...
The once full, colorful world is now bleak and drained.
Memories of you are everywhere but
until we are together
I will sit in darkness waiting for
the candle in my heart to be lit again.
I love you Mom
I finally made it
Hi everybody, I made it. My computer is very old and dial-up is very slow and it disconnects me about once every ten minutes. I am learning patience though. I just want to let everybody know I miss you and I'm thinking about you all.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Birthday boys!
Well, Jim now it's your turn! How do those double nickels feel? Sorry I don't have a poem in me right now!! lol I remember you running with your friends back in Oakdale trying to get away from me, so you could go and play. I'll never forget you lamenting "Girls, girls, girls!" Boy how that tune changed!!! Happy Birthday big bro!
Love,
Debbie
Love,
Debbie
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mike Hipps has email
Please take a moment to write Mike and welcome him aboard the Laverty Family Blog. his email address is: mike_hipps@yahoo.com
Happy Birthday Rick Jan 17th each and every year for a long time
I have a brother named Rick
People say he is a .....Nice Guy.
Now this may be so, I don't know
I only remember him as a .....brother.
I never will forgive him,For the radio he stole and broke, I might add.
He told me Mom , look I found a broken radio, so I can work on it just like Jim
I felt less than grim, In fact I wanted to beat him, with my broken Radio.
So it's only been about 44 years or so but the memory haunts me to this day.
So no present for you bro, and that's all I have to say.
Happy Birthday Rick you ....Nice Guy you!
People say he is a .....Nice Guy.
Now this may be so, I don't know
I only remember him as a .....brother.
I never will forgive him,For the radio he stole and broke, I might add.
He told me Mom , look I found a broken radio, so I can work on it just like Jim
I felt less than grim, In fact I wanted to beat him, with my broken Radio.
So it's only been about 44 years or so but the memory haunts me to this day.
So no present for you bro, and that's all I have to say.
Happy Birthday Rick you ....Nice Guy you!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
shoulder update
I saw an orthopedic surgeon today. This doctor specializes in shoulders and I had him checked out. He has a very good reputation. He is an ex Olympic runner who represented the UK in the Olympic games in Los Angeles (not sure what year it was). He finished 10th over all and later finished #5 in the world games after that. Anyway.....Basically he said that the repair on my shoulder has "completely fallen apart". So I need surgery again. I haven't got a date yet but I may know when tomorrow. He will go in and try to do the repair laproscopically but may have to open it up and put in a prosthetic patch which covers the ball and keeps a space between the ball and the clavicle.
Now this is what he says about the previous surgery.
#1. The metal fragments in the joint are most likely from the shaver the surgeon used to shave down the clavicle bone. Evidently the surgeon actually hit the tool itself with the blade of the shaver and sheared pieces of the blade off, then didn't clean the fragments out of the joint.
#2. Shaving down the clavicle was not necessary and based on a theory that is over twenty years old and no longer accepted as common practice.
#3. My arm should have been immobilized in the sling for at least 6 weeks and then followed up with very delicate and slight movement building up to a full regime of physical therapy over time as healing took place. My original surgeon removed the sling and started me on a full aggressive physical therapy regime 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery. I'm also convinced that had I been back to his office the following week after surgery he would have started it even sooner.
#4. And finally he was amazed that I was on the operating table for 5 hours. He said he will be blocking 90 minutes of o.r. time regardless of whether he does the repair key hole or open incision.
As far as the MRI's are concerned, he says that an MRI on a shoulder with no contrast is almost useless and that he would use an ultra sound. I explained that I had an ultrasound and my surgeon ordered two MRI's without contrast.
He also said that he was surprised that they tried to do a nerve block on my shoulder while I was awake. He will block the shoulder after I am asleep using an ultrasound to guide the needle. He said that way you can see the nerve and the needle and it is 99.99 % successful.
The surgeon doubts that the fall I took down Eileens dangerous and potentially deadly stairs had anything to do with this because my shoulder had begun to heal and then started to develop pain again over time.
So that is the whole long story.
I'm going to have the surgery. See what he says after the procedure and then consult with a "med mal" to see if I have any recourse.
Now this is what he says about the previous surgery.
#1. The metal fragments in the joint are most likely from the shaver the surgeon used to shave down the clavicle bone. Evidently the surgeon actually hit the tool itself with the blade of the shaver and sheared pieces of the blade off, then didn't clean the fragments out of the joint.
#2. Shaving down the clavicle was not necessary and based on a theory that is over twenty years old and no longer accepted as common practice.
#3. My arm should have been immobilized in the sling for at least 6 weeks and then followed up with very delicate and slight movement building up to a full regime of physical therapy over time as healing took place. My original surgeon removed the sling and started me on a full aggressive physical therapy regime 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery. I'm also convinced that had I been back to his office the following week after surgery he would have started it even sooner.
#4. And finally he was amazed that I was on the operating table for 5 hours. He said he will be blocking 90 minutes of o.r. time regardless of whether he does the repair key hole or open incision.
As far as the MRI's are concerned, he says that an MRI on a shoulder with no contrast is almost useless and that he would use an ultra sound. I explained that I had an ultrasound and my surgeon ordered two MRI's without contrast.
He also said that he was surprised that they tried to do a nerve block on my shoulder while I was awake. He will block the shoulder after I am asleep using an ultrasound to guide the needle. He said that way you can see the nerve and the needle and it is 99.99 % successful.
The surgeon doubts that the fall I took down Eileens dangerous and potentially deadly stairs had anything to do with this because my shoulder had begun to heal and then started to develop pain again over time.
So that is the whole long story.
I'm going to have the surgery. See what he says after the procedure and then consult with a "med mal" to see if I have any recourse.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Mild cheddar is better
Okay, now I have a "Laverty male thing" to add to the blog. This little gem happened today.
Aaron and Kyle were riding up and down my living room on Aaron's SpiderMan trike. They were happily taking turns, one driving and the other riding standing up on the back. Despite the difference in their ages and size (5 and 2 1/2) Kyle is as strong as Aaron. Anyway, it was Kyle's turn to be the driver but Aaron didn't want to relinquish his seat. After many attempts at pursuasion, Kyle finally found a way to get his brother out of the driver's seat of the trike. He yanked back on Aaron's collar and spit cheddar cheese down his brother's back. Aaron jumped off of the trike whopping and hollering and tugging madly at his shirt. Kyle smiled a big victory smile as he took over the coveted position! Grammy (that's me!) burst out laughing and laughed so hard that she had tears streaming down her face! Aaron couldn't stay mad as he started laughing at Grammy laughing! Papa (Barry) sat there asking what in the world had happened but Grammy couldn't talk without erupting into laughter again! It took quite some time before Papa found out what had happened.
Now, I sometimes think that Daddy (Clif) is Kyle's guardian angel, but now I'm thinking it might be his Great Uncle Biff!! Anyway, some angel in heaven is probably doing time-out for that one! Either that or Heavenly Father may still be laughing himself!
Debbie
Aaron and Kyle were riding up and down my living room on Aaron's SpiderMan trike. They were happily taking turns, one driving and the other riding standing up on the back. Despite the difference in their ages and size (5 and 2 1/2) Kyle is as strong as Aaron. Anyway, it was Kyle's turn to be the driver but Aaron didn't want to relinquish his seat. After many attempts at pursuasion, Kyle finally found a way to get his brother out of the driver's seat of the trike. He yanked back on Aaron's collar and spit cheddar cheese down his brother's back. Aaron jumped off of the trike whopping and hollering and tugging madly at his shirt. Kyle smiled a big victory smile as he took over the coveted position! Grammy (that's me!) burst out laughing and laughed so hard that she had tears streaming down her face! Aaron couldn't stay mad as he started laughing at Grammy laughing! Papa (Barry) sat there asking what in the world had happened but Grammy couldn't talk without erupting into laughter again! It took quite some time before Papa found out what had happened.
Now, I sometimes think that Daddy (Clif) is Kyle's guardian angel, but now I'm thinking it might be his Great Uncle Biff!! Anyway, some angel in heaven is probably doing time-out for that one! Either that or Heavenly Father may still be laughing himself!
Debbie
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Laverty Thing
This is especially for Rick & Jim but everyone will appreciate the truth here...
I was on Christopher's FaceBook page. Christpher is Keith's second oldest, while Keith James is his oldest. Well here is some funny sibling joking from older brother Keith to Christopher:
Keith J Laverty wrote at 5:47am
Okay, Christopher, let me explain something to you. Good looks are genetic, fact. Mom is a good-looking lady, fact. If you want me to start saying you got your good looks from mom, whence you look like a lady, I will. Otherwise it is obvious you got your good looks from ME! It's a Laverty thing man!
That's just how he wrote it. I certainly LOL when I read that. For those who don't know, Facebook is a networking friendly site similar to MySpace. It's pretty cool though.
That's all for now. Happy 2009 to all!!!
I was on Christopher's FaceBook page. Christpher is Keith's second oldest, while Keith James is his oldest. Well here is some funny sibling joking from older brother Keith to Christopher:
Keith J Laverty wrote at 5:47am
Okay, Christopher, let me explain something to you. Good looks are genetic, fact. Mom is a good-looking lady, fact. If you want me to start saying you got your good looks from mom, whence you look like a lady, I will. Otherwise it is obvious you got your good looks from ME! It's a Laverty thing man!
That's just how he wrote it. I certainly LOL when I read that. For those who don't know, Facebook is a networking friendly site similar to MySpace. It's pretty cool though.
That's all for now. Happy 2009 to all!!!
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