Briefs

What I love about fall....
Smells
Crisp weather
Halloween
My Birthday
Renaissance Fairs

What I recently been up to...
Working
Taking a trip to Germany and Austria....loved it, miss it, and want to go back
Re-prioritizing my life
Figuring out what I want to do in my life
Lost self, finding self
Disappointments
Recognizing blessings and prayers being answered
Rediscovering my talents
Losing a loved one, figuratively and physically
Laughing
Positive thinking
Negative thinking
Being depressed
Loving others....maybe too much
Fun times with friends
Family

Care

So it has been awhile. Life has pulled at every corner and I have been grateful for trials, because I know it is a time of true learning and growing. It really is a wonderful phenomenon. I have seen blessings in my life as well. The Lord has placed certain people in my path to help and build me up. I am truly grateful for those that care and the relationships I have.

I've discovered that the act of care or caring is hard to come by these days. When I was in a meeting with a Chaplain, he seemed to stress caring. He seemed at his wits end about the lack of caring that goes on anymore and jokingly stated that we need to have a class on caring, but would it work? What makes a person care? How come some people care so much and others seem to care so little? I will tell you this though, if more people cared, I would be out of a job. And, yes, this would be a good thing.

Believe me, I have lots of theories of why I think certain people care, and certain people don't. But can caring be learned or is this something internal and deeper that cannot be fully learn? Maybe those people really care, but do not want to show it because they fear that it is vulnerable? Sometimes I think I care to much, I've tried to not care, but that is always short lived. I get burned over and over again, which makes me want to recluse and not want to care anymore, but I find myself coming back to the same status. If one person cares in a relationship, is that good enough to sustain it and have hope that the other person will eventually care, or at least show they do? I have come to know that everyone shows they care differently, however some I believe really do not care, but I think it is something inside.

I guess great relationships happen with friends and boyfriends/girlfriends, when both parties show they care enough to fill both people's caring pot. OR, both people understand how that person shows they care enough to know that they care for them. Not sure if this makes sense to others, but it make sense to me.

Anyway....can I just say, I am glad this week is over! Got the Depart of Defense Suicide Prevention Task Force site visit scheduled and coordinated after playing a game of ping pong, aiiiiyiyi! April Suicide Awareness Month is underway, Livingworks ASIST training coordination is coming along..... Phew!

Thanksgiving and New Hair

Thanksgiving was a blast! Probably because I got to play with both my nieces and hold my little nephew Beck! I changed my hair and I love it! I've decided I'll keep it for now and I have not had an identity crisis so that is good. I love the season because it allows me to reflect what I am grateful for.

I am also grateful for my ownership of a new car! I've looked for months and found the one I love! The Civic EX!

Ghostly Formation

Here is our traveling display around post. We just had it at Fort Riley's Apple Days as well, where many people stopped by to see what the white boots were all about!

Such is Life

Well life has been eventful and busy. I am into my job, learning lots of information each day. I recently flew to Albuquerque, NM for an Army Force Health Protection Conference. It was informative and I really enjoyed Albuquerque. I got to take the longest tram in the world to the top of the Sandia mountains. I also ate dinner at the top of the mountain. Yummy. Since my job is new, I am waiting on direction from Washington, DC on more information on reducing suicide rates. This month is Suicide Prevention Month and I have been busy with carrying out activities around post. We had a guest speaker come in, a former professor of mine from K-state. We also put banners all over, put up wellness booths, in the process of conducting a poetry contest with high schools, bringing in a Nascar Simulator, put up a rotating remembrance booth of the soldiers that lost their lives in 2008, wrote an article for the post newspaper, conducted suicide intervention training as I am now a trainer, coordinating activities, and I could go on. I will be relieved once the month is over, however I think some good things are happening. Our remembrance booth is getting recognition everywhere. The commanding general order it to be moved to the most visible place at the Head Quarters. The garrison commander wanted the display at his luncheon with community mayors, and others have ordered and pulled more boots together for us to have multiple displays next year. We call it the "Ghostly Formation". We painted soldier boots white, used a velvet black table cloth, put the 6 pairs a boots on the table along with a plaque of the date and how the soldier killed themselves. It definitely gets people thinking. We could have put the soldier age and race, but it allows people to contemplate and wonder who he or she was, his or her story, and more details. It definitely leaves an impression.

I am pleased that we have had good press so far, as well as many commanders thanking me for coordinating the speaker (my professor) as it was a success. I have some more ideas for next year, but so far it has been going well. I will write more and post more pictures soon! Stay tuned....

New Phase in Life

Well, I started my job on June 29th working for Fort Riley, home of the Big Red One. It has been frustrating as I am in-processing. I have discovered things take time when working with the government. I've learn about 150 new army acronyms, I don't have access to my work computer yet so that means I can't do ANYTHING. I meet on a task force of commanders including the chief of staff, colonels, majors, psychiatrists, chaplains, and others, and all eyes are on us as the suicide prevention managers (SPPM). Luckily, I have another suicide prevention manager that is helping me adjust, learn new language and lingo when speaking with these high ranking officials. Right now, I am overcoming the intimidation and trying to educate myself. Currently I am training in DC and things are making a little more sense. The army is really excited to set suicide prevention program managers in place at the high risk posts in the U.S. because suicides are on the rise. I have learned that SPPMs are new guinea pigs because it is a new position. I am not sure how it will be, but we will see. My next task is carrying-out Suicide Prevention Month in September. It is going to be busy, but hopefully wonderful! Wish me luck!

I am also trying to find time to finish up my paper and graduate. I am almost there but it is crunch time. I am also moving, so lets see how I can pull this all together.....ha, anyone have suggestions????

It's official!!

I know it has been over a month since I have posted, but I have been BUSY, STRESSED, and CrAzY! I have been in the process of getting a job, figuring out what I want to do with the rest of my life, where I'm moving, and finishing school stuff. Well, I am pleased to announce that I got a job at Fort Riley. I will be one of the Suicide Prevention Program Managers. I'm excited to work with the military still! This is a blessing, because I can't imagine the other labor in search for a job far away and this just fell into place! I start before I even graduate; June 29th. The company is flexible and will allow me to take time to finish my report to graduate. It pays well, with great benefits!!! I'm happy about it and am anxious to start. I still have a lot a head of me, but I will take one day at a time. Thanks for all your prayers and inquiries! They are much appreciated!

Computer Update

I finally got a phone call a few weeks back from Best Buy to pick up my computer after a whoppin 3 weeks!!!!! Well, the lady brought it out and said, there was no problem with the functionality of the computer from the crack so the crack/top of my computer was not repaired!!!!!!!! I felt my blood boil at this point. This was a few weeks ago, and I am less and less upset talking about it, but even now this irks me! I asked her to explain why. She proceeded to discuss that the insurance plan only covers cracks and other impairments if it affects the functionality of the computer. I told her I was under the impression when I bought the plan that covers the computer cracks, spills, and other wear and tare from user error. She said they do if it impairs the screen of the computer, for instance. Even when I called initially about bringing my computer in, the guy stated that if I had the black tie plan it should be 2 weeks to fix and they could fix it. He didn't ask or mention about if it affected the "functionality" of the computer (whatever that means). Even after that phone call, I showed it to the guy, he wrote up a report to the repair shop (and I have it documented) to "fix the crack under the ADH plan" it also says that the crack, "doesn't appear to affect the functionality of the computer". Well this guy NEVER told me this. He didn't even mention about the plan and that they might not fix it. He made it seem that they would fix the crack. GRRRRRRRR! Well I was MAD. I told the lady (even though she was just the messenger) that the guys misinformed me from the get go and that something needs to change. I was LIVID! I waited 3 weeks for nothing. If I knew more about the plan, I would have never sent it in. So basically, if I really want my crack fixed, I would have to break my cover so that my screen is messed up, then they will fix it. Have they ever heard of preventative measures???? Well, my goal is to eventually call management and tell them that they need to inform their customers better and I need to read over my stupid warranty information! Let's just say I didn't give them a good online review!!! I recommend NOT getting the Best Buy black tie plan. Or, just break your computer so much that it impairs the computer. Anyway..... its over, I still have my crack, but I'm moving on!

Mr. Sports News Man!

Ah yes! Here's to you cute sports caster man! Ya, Johnny Kane!

Florida Fun!

German Bells Clip-This is amazing!

Spring Break!!!!

Well, my roommate and I went to Florida for Spring Break. Man, it was fun. I'm finally posting the pictures. We flew in late Monday night and then headed to Wal-mart. Yeah, kind of weird, but we wanted to get breakfast since the hotel we were staying in didn't provide it. Well, I then went to Wendy's for a little late night snack, which turned out to be horrendous! We get to our hotel at Sea World, and find that it is beautiful! I don't think I ever stayed in a hotel that nice! It was a 10-story high rise with balconies and cool nice rooms with a flat screen TV. We found this place all thanks to my roommate Katie who found cheap hotel offers online. They give you luxurious lotions, soaps, and even a little Shamu. My favorite was the his and hers sinks in the marble-topped counter! They even "freshen-up" your room after they clean it, plus give you the weather report for the next day on a card along with chocolate. May favorite is the fluffy bedding with down comforters and soft sheets. All I can say is NICE! Oh and then their pool.....man that was wonderful! Well we check out the hotel and watch the tube and during the night, I had this HORRIBLE stomach ache, later to find out some type of food-born illness. Lets just say I was up in the bathroom half the night. I really didn't get better until the last day of the trip. So that was a down fall.

Epcot Center was awesome, especially the Fast Lane GM ride, where you take a car on test somewhat like GM would do with their cars. We went to the World showcases and ate at Germany. It was a yummy German restaurant with yummy German food, the only thing is that I had a horrible stomach ache from that stupid hamburger at Wendy's. That night we went to one of the highlights of the trip, the Medieval Times dinner show. I would recommend this to anyone. It was great!!!

We swam and checked out of our nice hotel and traveled to Cocoa beach to play on the beach and ocean. It was a beautiful day! Katie and I chilled and then tried to body surf, but we needed a body board. We stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was a fun place for kids and high-schoolers, but a little sketchy. There was beach access though! We ate yummy seafood and a good seafood restaurant on the pier. Beautiful! We also made it Ron Jon's Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world. Many it was huge, amazing, and not to mention opened 24 hours for all your surf shopping need!!!

We ended the trip with a trip to NASA Kennedy Space Center. It was sweet and we saw alligators! I just wish we had more time because we had to catch our flight.

All in all it was an excellent trip. I felt I was able to relax, as well as hit some tourist attractions! I want to go back!

Separation Anxiety

Hello all,
I have been having a little separation anxiety from my wonderful Mac computer. It all started when a crack appeared by the apple sign on the cover. I have a warrenty that covers cracks, spills, wear and tare, and basically anything that happens to it before the warrenty is up. I paid for it so I wanted to get the most out of it. Therefore, I took my computer in to good old Best Buy. Well, they said it takes two weeks and I was fine with that as one week was Spring Break and I wouldn't need it, but seriously, two weeks to fix a little crack??? Well it is now going on three weeks!!! Yikes. The separation anxiety started as I left my computer in the hands of Best Buy. It comes down to basically giving up my baby! I was going through withdrawals, and I still am. I know it is absolutely ridiculous, but I love my computer, I use it for school and personal stuff. I HAVE to have it! Well, I call the Best Buy guy asking where the heck my computer was as the online tracking system Best Buy has wasn't cutting it because it had been in shipment for a whole week. Well I still don't have it! I remember the Best Buy guy saying, "huh, that's weird", a line I did not want to hear. He said it is still in the shipment phase and should be here early this week. Ha! We will see! I am just trying to be patient, but it is hard when I have deadlines! Well, it has been a learning experience and definitely explains the reliability we have on technology. I have survived though.

Catch up

This pic explains how I have been feeling....blah :)

I know, I know....It has been ages! I have been on hiatus I guess. Well, better yet, trying to get my act together with school and the future. I have been at a stand still on my thesis as I may change it to a report because it may fit my needs better. Most of me just wants to just finish as I have about checked-out. I also contribute all this to what time of year it is. During this spring time I get fed-up and lack motivation until the consistent weather comes and I get motivated to do things again. Arg!

I was able to go home and see family and even Tim, Alicia, and Ellia. I'm in love with my nieces!!! Alicia, I need to send you some pics!

Well, I will be taking a trip to Florida for a few days with my roommate! We acquired some cheaper tickets. I'm so excited to just relax at the beach....yay! Mom, if you are reading this....now you know :)

I got Coco, my car, back and my dad did an excellent job in trying to fix it himself. You go dad! I really appreciate a dad that can fix stuff!

Glen Beck on the worth of our money!

Another social/economic experiment without understanding the consequences. Don't get me wrong, I hope this stimulus plan helps me in the future, say come August when I REALLY need a job. I do think that using wisdom when spending and when thinking about the future is important and essential! So how come our lawmakers seem to be rushing and not using so much wisdom? Anyway, I will hope for the best!