Friday, October 23, 2009
Still here
Im still here. I will get back to blogging once Nick goes back to work. After 2 weeks off, he goes back on Wednesday. I shall then return.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Some pictures of homecoming
We cannot believe Dada has been home 1 week tomorrow. Kayla is having a blast. It seems like everyday she is shocked and beyond excited that he is home. He cannot leave her sight without her saying "Dada?" and without her following her. She is a Daddy's girl for sure. The way she looks at him is amazing.
The homecoming was truly a Hero's Welcome. Im so thankful to have had the chance to have it captured in pictures. Kayla was 3 hours past her nap time so it didnt go well for her. She cried and wanted nothing to do with her Dada. After a while he got some smiles and giggles and some laps around the plane's hangar we were in, and as soon as we got home she was all his.
Its wonderful to have him home and know that he now able to watch her grow as I did the past 7 months. Its sad to know all that he missed, but great knowing there is much more ahead for him to see.
The rumor is that he will head out again in 11 more months. But this we will not think about.
Thanks and love to all who have supported us through this sometimes difficult time.
The homecoming was truly a Hero's Welcome. Im so thankful to have had the chance to have it captured in pictures. Kayla was 3 hours past her nap time so it didnt go well for her. She cried and wanted nothing to do with her Dada. After a while he got some smiles and giggles and some laps around the plane's hangar we were in, and as soon as we got home she was all his.
Its wonderful to have him home and know that he now able to watch her grow as I did the past 7 months. Its sad to know all that he missed, but great knowing there is much more ahead for him to see.
The rumor is that he will head out again in 11 more months. But this we will not think about.
Thanks and love to all who have supported us through this sometimes difficult time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Im still here....
just been busy! In the mean time, check this out.
Andersen AFB Airmen return home after seven-month deployment
by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
36th Wing Public Affairs
10/12/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Fifty-eight Airmen from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron returned home Oct. 10 after a seven-month deployment in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
This was the squadron's first deployment outside of U.S. Pacific Command in 35 years to provide mobile civil engineering response to support contingency operations in Southwest Asia.
Among the engineers to return home was Maj. Rob Bartlow, 554th RHS director of operations, who was able to see his family for the first time since the birth of his nine-month-old son, William.
"We have been apart for almost a year now," Major Bartlow said. "My wife was med-evaced last October. I was with her for a few weeks, and then returned back here to Guam as we prepared and deployed, so it's good to be back."
Major Bartlow and his fellow Airmen were bussed from the airplane, which landed shortly after noon and taken to Hangar 6 where approximately 150 family members, coworkers and friends including members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and USO greeted them.
"It's a little surreal after being gone a little over seven months now, but it's a great feeling to see the family and all the familiar faces back in Guam," the major said.
Among the crowd of friends and family was Rebecca Soares, wife of Senior Airmen David Soares, 554th RHS pavements and equipment engineer, who waited with their two children.
"I'm here to finally reunite with my husband after almost eight months," she said. "Last month was our seventh wedding anniversary, so we had to miss [being together]. We have a five year-old who just started kindergarten, so [David] missed that, and we have a three year old who started preschool."
Mrs. Soares is no rookie when it comes to her husband serving abroad.
"This was his fourth deployment in six years," she said. "He was actually with the RED HORSE unit he is backfilling for from Montana, which is where we came from."
The Soares left Montana and arrived on station here in October 2008. Airman Soares returned to Afghanistan for another deployment while Mrs. Soares and their children stayed in Guam.
"At the beginning, I didn't know anyone," Mrs. Soares said. "We just arrived here in October, and he left in March. The base was supportive, and we were able to participate in the Hearts Apart and meet people. It's kind of nice meeting people who are going through the same thing you are. It's better than just talking to people who can kind of empathize but can't really relate, so that's really helpful because we have other people to talk to, and our kids can play together."
Airman Soares was among the many Airmen who received hugs and kisses from loved ones after walking off the bus and into the hangar.
"It's awesome to see everyone come out on a Saturday and to support us coming back, so that we can be back with our families and back with our unit," he said. "It's a really good feeling to see everyone out here. I feel awesome. I'm glad to be back home; glad to have another one down, and glad to be back with my family."
During their deployment, the 554th RHS went to 17 different sites, and continued work from other RED HORSE squadrons as well as beginning new construction on sites, which had virtually no infrastructures. The purpose of the construction is to make locations into a base similar to Andersen Air Force Base.
"We were all over ... , between Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar and other places," Airman Soares said, who was assigned to a unit building up sites in Afghanistan. "We did a lot of concrete work, moving a lot of materials, dealing a lot with different buildings and building up infrastructure. It was a really good deployment, and we were able to accomplish a great deal while we were there."
After the Airmen complete their in-processing, they will be allowed time to rest and spend time with their families. Once they return to work, the Airmen will reintegrate with their unit and continue the buildup at the Pacific Air Forces Regional Training Center.
Andersen AFB Airmen return home after seven-month deployment
by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
36th Wing Public Affairs
10/12/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Fifty-eight Airmen from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron returned home Oct. 10 after a seven-month deployment in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
This was the squadron's first deployment outside of U.S. Pacific Command in 35 years to provide mobile civil engineering response to support contingency operations in Southwest Asia.
Among the engineers to return home was Maj. Rob Bartlow, 554th RHS director of operations, who was able to see his family for the first time since the birth of his nine-month-old son, William.
"We have been apart for almost a year now," Major Bartlow said. "My wife was med-evaced last October. I was with her for a few weeks, and then returned back here to Guam as we prepared and deployed, so it's good to be back."
Major Bartlow and his fellow Airmen were bussed from the airplane, which landed shortly after noon and taken to Hangar 6 where approximately 150 family members, coworkers and friends including members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and USO greeted them.
"It's a little surreal after being gone a little over seven months now, but it's a great feeling to see the family and all the familiar faces back in Guam," the major said.
Among the crowd of friends and family was Rebecca Soares, wife of Senior Airmen David Soares, 554th RHS pavements and equipment engineer, who waited with their two children.
"I'm here to finally reunite with my husband after almost eight months," she said. "Last month was our seventh wedding anniversary, so we had to miss [being together]. We have a five year-old who just started kindergarten, so [David] missed that, and we have a three year old who started preschool."
Mrs. Soares is no rookie when it comes to her husband serving abroad.
"This was his fourth deployment in six years," she said. "He was actually with the RED HORSE unit he is backfilling for from Montana, which is where we came from."
The Soares left Montana and arrived on station here in October 2008. Airman Soares returned to Afghanistan for another deployment while Mrs. Soares and their children stayed in Guam.
"At the beginning, I didn't know anyone," Mrs. Soares said. "We just arrived here in October, and he left in March. The base was supportive, and we were able to participate in the Hearts Apart and meet people. It's kind of nice meeting people who are going through the same thing you are. It's better than just talking to people who can kind of empathize but can't really relate, so that's really helpful because we have other people to talk to, and our kids can play together."
Airman Soares was among the many Airmen who received hugs and kisses from loved ones after walking off the bus and into the hangar.
"It's awesome to see everyone come out on a Saturday and to support us coming back, so that we can be back with our families and back with our unit," he said. "It's a really good feeling to see everyone out here. I feel awesome. I'm glad to be back home; glad to have another one down, and glad to be back with my family."
During their deployment, the 554th RHS went to 17 different sites, and continued work from other RED HORSE squadrons as well as beginning new construction on sites, which had virtually no infrastructures. The purpose of the construction is to make locations into a base similar to Andersen Air Force Base.
"We were all over ... , between Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar and other places," Airman Soares said, who was assigned to a unit building up sites in Afghanistan. "We did a lot of concrete work, moving a lot of materials, dealing a lot with different buildings and building up infrastructure. It was a really good deployment, and we were able to accomplish a great deal while we were there."
After the Airmen complete their in-processing, they will be allowed time to rest and spend time with their families. Once they return to work, the Airmen will reintegrate with their unit and continue the buildup at the Pacific Air Forces Regional Training Center.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Stay Tuned!
Stay Tuned....Good news to come tomorrow.
For now...
My new favorite picture of Kayla taken EARLY this morning.
And yesterday she got her first pumpkin of the year!
For some reason she kept putting her ear up to it like it was talking to her.
For now...
My new favorite picture of Kayla taken EARLY this morning.
And yesterday she got her first pumpkin of the year!
For some reason she kept putting her ear up to it like it was talking to her.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Thunderbirds!
Last night as we sat down to eat dinner we heard a very loud rumble over our house. It wasnt the usual fighter jet rumble that we are used to. So we ran outside and to our delight we saw the Air Force Thunderbirds! Every single time I see these planes my heart races...! They are so FREAKING amazing! I want one...with the pilot too!
Kayla was in love! After dinner and first thing this morning she was pointing outside and saying "Airplane Airplane!" Yup...it wasnt too loud or scary for her! My tough girl....
Some pictures I took...but I didnt have time to change the camera's lens to get a closer view. Today I changed it and we are going tonight to check out their practice flying for tomorrow's Airshow. Kayla is going to love it. I cant wait!
Here is a picture of them from the newspaper article.
Here is a clip of the article:
Andersen Air Force Base will open its gates tomorrow so the general public can attend the first military-sponsored air show on Guam in the last five years. The Thunderbirds -- a team of the Air Force's most precise pilots -- will headline.
Chatter about the Thunderbirds' arrival filled the airwaves on local aircraft radio yesterday. According to a press release from the Air Force, the Thunderbirds will fly over Saipan today.
The air show originally was scheduled for last Wednesday, but was canceled because Tropical Storm 18W threatened to bring heavy and damaging winds to Guam. The storm dissipated in the final hours before it was expected to strike Guam, but was quickly followed by Typhoon Melor.
Melor looked like it was going to bring damaging winds to Guam, too, but also didn't.
Now that forecasts are finally clear, the Air Force is bringing the show back.
Here are the pictures I took yesterday from our front yard...sure wish I could've changed the lens on the camera. Dang it.
You can click on the picture to enlarge it. Tonight, I shall have better pictures!
Kayla was in love! After dinner and first thing this morning she was pointing outside and saying "Airplane Airplane!" Yup...it wasnt too loud or scary for her! My tough girl....
Some pictures I took...but I didnt have time to change the camera's lens to get a closer view. Today I changed it and we are going tonight to check out their practice flying for tomorrow's Airshow. Kayla is going to love it. I cant wait!
Here is a picture of them from the newspaper article.
Here is a clip of the article:
Andersen Air Force Base will open its gates tomorrow so the general public can attend the first military-sponsored air show on Guam in the last five years. The Thunderbirds -- a team of the Air Force's most precise pilots -- will headline.
Chatter about the Thunderbirds' arrival filled the airwaves on local aircraft radio yesterday. According to a press release from the Air Force, the Thunderbirds will fly over Saipan today.
The air show originally was scheduled for last Wednesday, but was canceled because Tropical Storm 18W threatened to bring heavy and damaging winds to Guam. The storm dissipated in the final hours before it was expected to strike Guam, but was quickly followed by Typhoon Melor.
Melor looked like it was going to bring damaging winds to Guam, too, but also didn't.
Now that forecasts are finally clear, the Air Force is bringing the show back.
Here are the pictures I took yesterday from our front yard...sure wish I could've changed the lens on the camera. Dang it.
You can click on the picture to enlarge it. Tonight, I shall have better pictures!
DX
The main reason for my exhaustion has been diagnosed.
Kayla has Separation Anxiety. I hope she out grows this sooner rather than later. This will make for an interesting time when Daddy gets home... Before the weekend hopefully!
I have a doctor's appointment on the 8th. Carpel Tunnel is getting worse. Anyone ever deal with this? What should I expect?
Kayla has Separation Anxiety. I hope she out grows this sooner rather than later. This will make for an interesting time when Daddy gets home... Before the weekend hopefully!
I have a doctor's appointment on the 8th. Carpel Tunnel is getting worse. Anyone ever deal with this? What should I expect?
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Funk
Im going through a funk right now. Im afraid with my sour mood lately I dont have much to blog about...unless it complaining...and I really cant complain about all I want to complain on here because I dont know who is reading this.
So, I need a break from blogging for a few days.
But I shall return,
with good news and a better mood.
So, I need a break from blogging for a few days.
But I shall return,
with good news and a better mood.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Saturday afternoon storm update
Another storm bites the dust.
The tropical storm warning for Guam has been cancelled, according to the most recent forecast from the National Weather Service.
Typhoon Melor is maintaining its intensity to the east-northeast of Saipan, the advisory states.
A typhoon warning is still expected for Saipan.
At 7 a.m., Typhoon Melor was located near latitude 15.8 degree north and longitude 148.3 degrees east, or about 285 miles northeast of Guam.
Melor is moving west-northwest at about 14 mph and is expected to keep going that way for the next 14 to 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are about 130 mph.
The tropical storm warning for Guam has been cancelled, according to the most recent forecast from the National Weather Service.
Typhoon Melor is maintaining its intensity to the east-northeast of Saipan, the advisory states.
A typhoon warning is still expected for Saipan.
At 7 a.m., Typhoon Melor was located near latitude 15.8 degree north and longitude 148.3 degrees east, or about 285 miles northeast of Guam.
Melor is moving west-northwest at about 14 mph and is expected to keep going that way for the next 14 to 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are about 130 mph.
Saturday morning storm update
5:45 a.m - Typhoon Melor is moving west-northwest at 9 mph.
The closest point approach to Guam is forecasted at 9 p.m. today at about 202 miles north of Guam, according to Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 2, which means damaging winds of 39 to 57 mph are expected within 24 hours.
Melor is expected to make its closest point of approach to Saipan at 7 p.m today at about 86 miles north of Saipan, according to JTWC. At that point the storm at its center could have sustained winds of 143 mph, with gusts up to 172 mph.
As of 4 a.m., maximum sustained winds are 130 mph. Melor is expected to to continue moving west- northwest with an increase in forward speed during the next 12 to 24 hours.
As of 4 a.m., the center of the typhoon was located at 15.5 degrees north and 148.8 degrees east, or about:
• 305 miles east-northeast of Guam;
• 205 miles east of Saipan;
• 215 miles east of Tinian; and
• 260 miles east-northeast of Rota.
Typhoon force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds outward up to 260 miles from the center.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota and Agrihan.
A typhoon warning remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian.
Shelters
Guam's typhoon shelters are open
The closest point approach to Guam is forecasted at 9 p.m. today at about 202 miles north of Guam, according to Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 2, which means damaging winds of 39 to 57 mph are expected within 24 hours.
Melor is expected to make its closest point of approach to Saipan at 7 p.m today at about 86 miles north of Saipan, according to JTWC. At that point the storm at its center could have sustained winds of 143 mph, with gusts up to 172 mph.
As of 4 a.m., maximum sustained winds are 130 mph. Melor is expected to to continue moving west- northwest with an increase in forward speed during the next 12 to 24 hours.
As of 4 a.m., the center of the typhoon was located at 15.5 degrees north and 148.8 degrees east, or about:
• 305 miles east-northeast of Guam;
• 205 miles east of Saipan;
• 215 miles east of Tinian; and
• 260 miles east-northeast of Rota.
Typhoon force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds outward up to 260 miles from the center.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guam, Rota and Agrihan.
A typhoon warning remains in effect for Saipan and Tinian.
Shelters
Guam's typhoon shelters are open
Storm update before I go to bed
STORM UPDATE: 5:45 p.m. - Guam is now in Condition of Readiness 2; Melor still headed north of Saipan
Guam is now in Condition of Readiness 2.
According to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security, Typhoon Melor will bring damaging wind to Guam within 24 hours.
Melor is headed about 390 miles east of Guam and is tracking to pass about 50 miles north of Saipan, according to the latest National Weather Service.
Condition of Readiness 2 means that local public school will become storm shelters. The shelters announced earlier this week were:
• Northern: Astumbo Elementary, Maria Ulloa Elementary, Machananao Elementary, Upi Elementary and F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle school
• Central: George Washington High School and B.P. Carbullido Elementary
• Southern: Merizo Elementary, Talofofo Elementary, M.U. Lujan, Inarajan Middle and H.S. Truman Elementary
As of 4 p.m. today, Melor was creeping to the west-northwest at about 7 mph.
The storm had sustained winds of 140 mph, an NWS advisory stated. It may become a supertyphoon by tomorrow.
Guam is now in Condition of Readiness 2.
According to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security, Typhoon Melor will bring damaging wind to Guam within 24 hours.
Melor is headed about 390 miles east of Guam and is tracking to pass about 50 miles north of Saipan, according to the latest National Weather Service.
Condition of Readiness 2 means that local public school will become storm shelters. The shelters announced earlier this week were:
• Northern: Astumbo Elementary, Maria Ulloa Elementary, Machananao Elementary, Upi Elementary and F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle school
• Central: George Washington High School and B.P. Carbullido Elementary
• Southern: Merizo Elementary, Talofofo Elementary, M.U. Lujan, Inarajan Middle and H.S. Truman Elementary
As of 4 p.m. today, Melor was creeping to the west-northwest at about 7 mph.
The storm had sustained winds of 140 mph, an NWS advisory stated. It may become a supertyphoon by tomorrow.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Im tieing a knot and hanging on+Typhoon coming
I'm going down a tough road right now. I wish I could blog about EVERY aspect of my life on here...but I really don't know who is on the other end reading all this.
I will say I've been very hurt and I am very angry with Kayla's birth mother. It was the icing to the cake that I've already been eating...meaning...
I'm just at the end of my rope here...missing my husband for 7 months, him being shot at, have bombs, mortars and RPG's thrown at him, with his homecoming date being pushed back so many times, being a single mother for 7 months, living on this island with no family and only 2 people I can really call my 'friends', and preparing for these dumb typhoons and tsunami warnings is no fun, and not to mention the stupid BS with BM that just topped everything off, and PMS sneaking up on me real soon- I just have nothing left in me and I need my husband....and family.
Thank God I have Kayla here to keep a smile on my face. Even when I get frustrated that she screams starting at 2 am ONLY because she has developed separation issues.
A once blogger friend told me years ago...and to this day I use the saying a lot, "When your at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
It is October finally...after all. 8 more days to hang on to the rope all alone.
Anyways...
Typhoon Melmar is supposed to hit us tomorrow...Saturday. The possiblity of it turning into a Super Typhoon is there. Of course, this has a big chance of changing until then. So today I will be yet again preparing for a storm. A bigger storm...that better show it's face. After the joke of the last one mixed with my very last button being pushed...I will be ticked off If I prepare for nothing.
Gee...did this blog put you in a great mood or what?
Below is a picture of the storm that just passed us and the storm appraoching us. We are smack dab in the middle of them both right now.
Here is the lastest info: I will keep updated...as long as we have electrity. (I heard the last major typhoon here the power was out for a month! I dont know how true that is though)
A "rapidly intensifying" typhoon is tracking to pass north of Saipan, but it wouldn't be uncommon for the storm to shift farther westward and closer to Guam than forecasted, National Weather Service meteorologist Chip Guard said yesterday.
As of 10 p.m., yesterday, the center of the Typhoon Melor was located at 14 degrees north and 152 degrees east, or about 490 miles east of Guam, according to the National Weather Service. The typhoon was moving west-northwest at about 10 mph.
"Its going to be a pretty strong typhoon," Guard said yesterday afternoon.
If Melor doesn't change course, the typhoon is expected to bring damaging winds to Guam on Saturday afternoon. The threat for damaging winds is expected to increase. Winds of that strength can tear tarps or canopies or rip branches off trees and possibly down power lines, Guard said. Residents are urged to make storm preparations.
The Weather Service warned that Melor will be large and dangerous system before it reaches the Marianas. The radius of damaging winds extends far from the center and the onset of damaging winds is possible in the Marianas Saturday afternoon.
Guam is under a tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 to 73 mph, are possible within 48 hours.
I will say I've been very hurt and I am very angry with Kayla's birth mother. It was the icing to the cake that I've already been eating...meaning...
I'm just at the end of my rope here...missing my husband for 7 months, him being shot at, have bombs, mortars and RPG's thrown at him, with his homecoming date being pushed back so many times, being a single mother for 7 months, living on this island with no family and only 2 people I can really call my 'friends', and preparing for these dumb typhoons and tsunami warnings is no fun, and not to mention the stupid BS with BM that just topped everything off, and PMS sneaking up on me real soon- I just have nothing left in me and I need my husband....and family.
Thank God I have Kayla here to keep a smile on my face. Even when I get frustrated that she screams starting at 2 am ONLY because she has developed separation issues.
A once blogger friend told me years ago...and to this day I use the saying a lot, "When your at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
It is October finally...after all. 8 more days to hang on to the rope all alone.
Anyways...
Typhoon Melmar is supposed to hit us tomorrow...Saturday. The possiblity of it turning into a Super Typhoon is there. Of course, this has a big chance of changing until then. So today I will be yet again preparing for a storm. A bigger storm...that better show it's face. After the joke of the last one mixed with my very last button being pushed...I will be ticked off If I prepare for nothing.
Gee...did this blog put you in a great mood or what?
Below is a picture of the storm that just passed us and the storm appraoching us. We are smack dab in the middle of them both right now.
Here is the lastest info: I will keep updated...as long as we have electrity. (I heard the last major typhoon here the power was out for a month! I dont know how true that is though)
A "rapidly intensifying" typhoon is tracking to pass north of Saipan, but it wouldn't be uncommon for the storm to shift farther westward and closer to Guam than forecasted, National Weather Service meteorologist Chip Guard said yesterday.
As of 10 p.m., yesterday, the center of the Typhoon Melor was located at 14 degrees north and 152 degrees east, or about 490 miles east of Guam, according to the National Weather Service. The typhoon was moving west-northwest at about 10 mph.
"Its going to be a pretty strong typhoon," Guard said yesterday afternoon.
If Melor doesn't change course, the typhoon is expected to bring damaging winds to Guam on Saturday afternoon. The threat for damaging winds is expected to increase. Winds of that strength can tear tarps or canopies or rip branches off trees and possibly down power lines, Guard said. Residents are urged to make storm preparations.
The Weather Service warned that Melor will be large and dangerous system before it reaches the Marianas. The radius of damaging winds extends far from the center and the onset of damaging winds is possible in the Marianas Saturday afternoon.
Guam is under a tropical storm watch, which means tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 to 73 mph, are possible within 48 hours.
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