It's coming up - are you ready? If you can't be there, do you have questions?
Here's a link to the Conference schedule.
1st up -
May 11th
Kickoff Address
The Honorable Michele A. Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Department of Defense
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
What's The Opposite Of Relaxing In the Spa
It's when you work for a medical equipment/home oxygen company and the Joint Commission shows up!
After my wonderful relaxing Sunday in the spa at Foxwoods, I woke up Monday and headed back down to the 9th floor. We were going to head back at a leisurely pace, there was no rush.
I stopped at the front desk and asked about a pedicure at the Grand Salon. I got my pass for the spa. I stopped at the women's locker room desk, got my locker key, etc. I stowed my bags in the locker and headed back out. I had left my wrap in the lounge the night before, I wanted to go see if someone had turned it in. I also planned to grab a tea to sip as I read by the pool.
As I passed by the front desk, my cell rang. It was Rachael. "The Joint Commission is here. I am NOT kidding!" My brain froze, I was 100 miles away. "That's fine. I am on my way."
I told the woman behind the desk to cancel everything, ran down the hall to the locker room and grabbed my stuff. As I passed the woman at the front desk, she was holding out the money I had just paid for the pedicure.
I grabbed my boss, stuffed her in the car....and we were off!
I must admit, this was much easier than previous visits. The surveyor was much nicer and very relaxed. A former Marine. Plus we all have cell phones and instant messaging, so there were no surprises. I knew what was happening and what questions were being asked. that made me soooo much more relaxed.
We passed.....I rock!
After my wonderful relaxing Sunday in the spa at Foxwoods, I woke up Monday and headed back down to the 9th floor. We were going to head back at a leisurely pace, there was no rush.
I stopped at the front desk and asked about a pedicure at the Grand Salon. I got my pass for the spa. I stopped at the women's locker room desk, got my locker key, etc. I stowed my bags in the locker and headed back out. I had left my wrap in the lounge the night before, I wanted to go see if someone had turned it in. I also planned to grab a tea to sip as I read by the pool.
As I passed by the front desk, my cell rang. It was Rachael. "The Joint Commission is here. I am NOT kidding!" My brain froze, I was 100 miles away. "That's fine. I am on my way."
I told the woman behind the desk to cancel everything, ran down the hall to the locker room and grabbed my stuff. As I passed the woman at the front desk, she was holding out the money I had just paid for the pedicure.
I grabbed my boss, stuffed her in the car....and we were off!
I must admit, this was much easier than previous visits. The surveyor was much nicer and very relaxed. A former Marine. Plus we all have cell phones and instant messaging, so there were no surprises. I knew what was happening and what questions were being asked. that made me soooo much more relaxed.
We passed.....I rock!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Is There Anything Better....
...than whiling away the afternoon lounging, reading, moving between the jacuzzi, the sauna, the pool......
Who invented the jacuzzi? I love that man.
I have Cosmo because that is the decadent choice and what is Princess Crabby if not decadent.....but that Ralph Peters book "War After Armageddon". Yeah, I know, it's kind of dark, but it's really good. Plus I think I am in a bit of a dark place right now with the house and the car and stuff.....
Now it's off to dinner....and drinks!
Who invented the jacuzzi? I love that man.
I have Cosmo because that is the decadent choice and what is Princess Crabby if not decadent.....but that Ralph Peters book "War After Armageddon". Yeah, I know, it's kind of dark, but it's really good. Plus I think I am in a bit of a dark place right now with the house and the car and stuff.....
Now it's off to dinner....and drinks!
Happy Birthday, Mary Ripley!
To the great blog wrangler and Media Marketing Director of the U.S. Naval Institute - and my good friend - 
My Secret Plan Is A Go!
Back in the days before cancer, I had money. One of the assets left over is Foxwoods points. You can't liquidate them to pay bills.....but you can use them to in the spa!
My boss is taking me and we are going to go in a little bit. I am having my favorite, favorite thing - body polish.
The room is free, all I have to pay for is my half of dinner.
I wanted Jen to come too, but too much driving is bad for MS, so she passed.
I am bringing the laptop and if I can catch some WiFi, there will be poolside blogging!
My boss is taking me and we are going to go in a little bit. I am having my favorite, favorite thing - body polish.
The room is free, all I have to pay for is my half of dinner.
I wanted Jen to come too, but too much driving is bad for MS, so she passed.
I am bringing the laptop and if I can catch some WiFi, there will be poolside blogging!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday Snippets
I'm leaving in a few minutes for what will be my last stint as an appointed election worker for the town of Kingston. Once the house forecloses and I move, I won't be a Kingston resident. I've been doing it for 20 years. It's had it's ups and downs. It mattered to me to do my part in protecting democracy. Sure it wasn't military service. I wasn't on a front line somewhere. But democracy has more subtle enemies. Apathy. Incompetence.
When I work those elections with my boss Bette, who happens to be "warden" to my "clerk", we are focused and serious. There is no "that's good enough" or "that's close enough". Even in elections where we know it will be simple or not controversial, we still cross every "t" and dot every "i".
It mattered and I was good at it. I'll miss it.
So what to do while I am gone? Well you can go to this post by Rajiv Srinivasan - "The Bus Stop". Rajiv is a real live, frontline Milblogger. Greyhawk thought this was worth directing people to and I agree.
I've started to re-read "Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families ". Right off the bat I am just as irritated with Colin Diver as I was 20 some odd years ago.
I'm hoping tomorrow to sneak away and do something fun and relaxing with friends. wish me luck.
When I work those elections with my boss Bette, who happens to be "warden" to my "clerk", we are focused and serious. There is no "that's good enough" or "that's close enough". Even in elections where we know it will be simple or not controversial, we still cross every "t" and dot every "i".
It mattered and I was good at it. I'll miss it.
So what to do while I am gone? Well you can go to this post by Rajiv Srinivasan - "The Bus Stop". Rajiv is a real live, frontline Milblogger. Greyhawk thought this was worth directing people to and I agree.
I've started to re-read "Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families ". Right off the bat I am just as irritated with Colin Diver as I was 20 some odd years ago.
I'm hoping tomorrow to sneak away and do something fun and relaxing with friends. wish me luck.
Pope Benedict XVI 5th Anniversay
Five years ago today there was white smoke and the Vatican's Senior Cardinal Deacon, Agostino Cacciavillan told us "Habemus Papam!".
I am very pleased with this first five years. I haven't always agreed with him, but I understand what it is to follow the man who wears "the shoes of the fisherman".
I agree with his principles. I believe in his committment to the Church.
I was incredibly proud and moved when he went to Ground Zero.
If you aren't Catholic, you won't get it, so don't try. And American Catholics, we they have to remember that America is constitutional republic. We elect leaders and expect them to govern in accordance with the Constitution. The Church has no constitution. The Pope is not a president.
I wish him luck and health and I pray for him every day.
I am very pleased with this first five years. I haven't always agreed with him, but I understand what it is to follow the man who wears "the shoes of the fisherman".
I agree with his principles. I believe in his committment to the Church.
I was incredibly proud and moved when he went to Ground Zero.
If you aren't Catholic, you won't get it, so don't try. And American Catholics, we they have to remember that America is constitutional republic. We elect leaders and expect them to govern in accordance with the Constitution. The Church has no constitution. The Pope is not a president.
I wish him luck and health and I pray for him every day.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Visiting CHINFO
First, let me say I know this post is two weeks late, lol. Two weeks ago today....I was in The Pentagon.
So after the regular tour and meeting in the Pentagon, some of us had the chance to sneak over the Navy side.
Now a much smaller group - @publicrelations, @NotJustANurse, @MyMilitaryLife, @NavalInstitute & @FbL1 - we moved out led by @USNavy & @NavyNews.
We pulled up in a hall while someone checked to see if "The Admiral" was ready to see us. While we waited @CNO_PAO came by and was introduced to our group. When he got to me, he playfully pretended to dismiss me, then he asked me about the car. Fun times!
So, who were we waiting for? RDML Moynihan of CHINFO. How cool is that? I was pretty impressed. Sure I talk a lot of nonsense about how important I am and how everyone should drop everything because I am visiting....yada yada yada. But I actually know how hard these Sailors are working and how much stuff they have to get done every day. I know their time is valuable and I am very appreciative of the time they took out of their schedules to meet with me.
CHINFO is the U.S. Navy Chief of Information. Currently the head of CHINFO is Rear Admiral Dennis Moynihan.
While we waited, we got to meet LCDR Tamara Lawrence, who @NavyNews described as the "fulcrum" of CHINFO. Tamara gave us a short description of her duties...and let's just say we'll keep her on speed dial!
Then it was into a very nice conference room where I took a seat at the head of the table! (Have you noticed sometimes I am a tad pushy? Shhh....). 
We had an off the record talk about social media with the heavy hitters of CHINFO including RDML Moynihan himself. And as if I couldn't love him more.....the Admiral is a Bruins fan!
This is me, setting forth policy.
RDML Moynihan will see this at some point because he has very competent people who will point it out to him, so....let me say - Sir, please know that my offer of assistance was heartfelt. Anything I can do for you, I will.
Mary Ripley, Media Marketing Director, USNI - gives advice that is actually useful vice my nonsense.
It was very gratifying to see how far the Navy has come in the social media world. Their accomplishments in just this last year, getting different commands on Twitter and Facebook; opening up lines of communication between decision makers and those at sea and on the ground in IAs; bridging the gap between the military world and the civilian world have been impressive.
Two Bruins fans ans some other people.
Are you looking to connect with some facet of US Navy social media? Your 1-stop-shop is this directory.
Hey! Is that guy on the left Twittering while I am setting forth policy?
On our way out, CDR McIlnay talked to us about the blog they were about to have up and running. Mary asked some questions and gave some feedback, after all, she is an experienced blog wrangler! And now....it's up and running! You can see it here - Navy Live!
Who Told Me To Read This Book???
****UPDATE - We have a tentative confession "I may have told you since Cormac McCarthy is one of my most favorite writers". Really? Well, it's been nice knowing you ADMIN!
I will keeeel you!
I can't remember if it was in comments of one of the blogs I frequent or in one of my email groups. But someone recommended "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy and so I got it.
I read the first 60 pages while I ate breakfast yesterday morning. It really drew me in, but the subject matter is brutal.
Wow! A very heavy book.
I will keeeel you!
I can't remember if it was in comments of one of the blogs I frequent or in one of my email groups. But someone recommended "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy and so I got it.
I read the first 60 pages while I ate breakfast yesterday morning. It really drew me in, but the subject matter is brutal.
An Amazon review by Dennis Lehane, a favorite author -
Cormac McCarthy sets his new novel, The Road, in a post-apocalyptic blight of gray skies that drizzle ash, a world in which all matter of wildlife is extinct, starvation is not only prevalent but nearly all-encompassing, and marauding bands of cannibals roam the environment with pieces of human flesh stuck between their teeth. If this sounds oppressive and dispiriting, it is. McCarthy may have just set to paper the definitive vision of the world after nuclear war, and in this recent age of relentless saber-rattling by the global powers, it's not much of a leap to feel his vision could be not far off the mark nor, sadly, right around the corner. Stealing across this horrific (and that's the only word for it) landscape are an unnamed man and his emaciated son, a boy probably around the age of ten. It is the love the father feels for his son, a love as deep and acute as his grief, that could surprise readers of McCarthy's previous work. McCarthy's Gnostic impressions of mankind have left very little place for love. In fact that greatest love affair in any of his novels, I would argue, occurs between the Billy Parham and the wolf in The Crossing. But here the love of a desperate father for his sickly son transcends all else. McCarthy has always written about the battle between light and darkness; the darkness usually comprises 99.9% of the world, while any illumination is the weak shaft thrown by a penlight running low on batteries. In The Road, those batteries are almost out--the entire world is, quite literally, dying--so the final affirmation of hope in the novel's closing pages is all the more shocking and maybe all the more enduring as the boy takes all of his father's (and McCarthy's) rage at the hopeless folly of man and lays it down, lifting up, in its place, the oddest of all things: faith. --Dennis Lehane
Wow! A very heavy book.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
My Lilacs
...are almost in bloom. I am grateful, I will get this last season with them.
APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
The Wasteland - T.S. Eliot - favorite
Annnndddddd...They're Live!
Welcome to Navy Live
Navy Live is the official blog of the United States Navy and is maintained by Department of the Navy, Office of Information (CHINFO)
Navy Live is the official blog of the United States Navy and is maintained by Department of the Navy, Office of Information (CHINFO)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Milbloggers Take the Pentagon
Ok, it wasn't an invasion, we were invited. Imagine...they invited me back after last year!
After our morning adventure at Walter Reed, Bouhammer, Gina Elise, Mary Ripley and I set out across DC noon. If you've been to DC at noon, you know that we didn't want to go through Dupont Circle. But the way we are today....you have to listen to the lovely woman in the navigator's box. Bouhammer's navigator had an Australian accent. It didn't really help us. LOL Still, we made it there, even if it was by the skin of our teeth.
On our way to Walter Reed I had recieved a direct message from my fav Navy Tweep @NavyNews. "This is LT Sweetser. Do U want 2 come to 2 milblog soc med PNT tour & panel today @ 12:45? If yes, need fullname.plz DM me here"
LOL! Someone doesn't know my real name?????
I answered that I was on the list, look for "Diane". You see, even I know that the Pentagon would frown on my using "BostonMaggie".
So the tour was led by Lindy Kyzer.....in impossible high heels that she walked in backwards! the tour ended in a conference room full of public affairs officers. And there was @NavyNews!!!! CAPT Dave Werner is just as nice and funny as he is on Twitter. If you don't follow him, you are missing out. I say that not just because I am a Navy girl, his tweets are funny and engaging for everyone.
@NavyNews asked what I was doing after the meeting and I said I was doing whatever he was doing! LOL, I can't believe he had to ask! The Navy wanted to take me over to their side of the Pentagon. Yay! I quickly introduced Mary and she was invited as well. Then I pulled over Wendy, a fellow Navy blogger from "My Military Life".
Then we took our seats. Everyone represented their service very well, although Baldilocks gave the "raised eyebrow" to the Air Force. But that's just the way it is, right? You want your own service to shine. I know how she feels.
I sent out a few Tweets, but phone service was sketchy.
Wikileaks came up, but it was bound to. It was very nearly the hottest topic of the conference.
When the meeting broke up, I was introduced to CDR Scott McIlnay, LT Sweetser and some others.
Then it was off to CHINFO!
After our morning adventure at Walter Reed, Bouhammer, Gina Elise, Mary Ripley and I set out across DC noon. If you've been to DC at noon, you know that we didn't want to go through Dupont Circle. But the way we are today....you have to listen to the lovely woman in the navigator's box. Bouhammer's navigator had an Australian accent. It didn't really help us. LOL Still, we made it there, even if it was by the skin of our teeth.
On our way to Walter Reed I had recieved a direct message from my fav Navy Tweep @NavyNews. "This is LT Sweetser. Do U want 2 come to 2 milblog soc med PNT tour & panel today @ 12:45? If yes, need fullname.plz DM me here"
LOL! Someone doesn't know my real name?????
I answered that I was on the list, look for "Diane". You see, even I know that the Pentagon would frown on my using "BostonMaggie".
So the tour was led by Lindy Kyzer.....in impossible high heels that she walked in backwards! the tour ended in a conference room full of public affairs officers. And there was @NavyNews!!!! CAPT Dave Werner is just as nice and funny as he is on Twitter. If you don't follow him, you are missing out. I say that not just because I am a Navy girl, his tweets are funny and engaging for everyone.
@NavyNews asked what I was doing after the meeting and I said I was doing whatever he was doing! LOL, I can't believe he had to ask! The Navy wanted to take me over to their side of the Pentagon. Yay! I quickly introduced Mary and she was invited as well. Then I pulled over Wendy, a fellow Navy blogger from "My Military Life".
Then we took our seats. Everyone represented their service very well, although Baldilocks gave the "raised eyebrow" to the Air Force. But that's just the way it is, right? You want your own service to shine. I know how she feels.
I sent out a few Tweets, but phone service was sketchy.
Wikileaks came up, but it was bound to. It was very nearly the hottest topic of the conference.
When the meeting broke up, I was introduced to CDR Scott McIlnay, LT Sweetser and some others.
Then it was off to CHINFO!
Blogolist?
Come on....you know you want to know.
Go AW1 Tim's blog and get in on the beginning of something.
Orion, Intro.....
Go AW1 Tim's blog and get in on the beginning of something.
Orion, Intro.....
Stop What You Are Doing & Buy This Book!
Operation Blitzkrieg - that is the title of BlackFive's post.
An FYI on a plan by the guys at Ranger Up (who won't see a dime from this book):
Mixed Martial Arts IQ: The Ultimate Test of True Fandom (Volume 2) (Paperback)
Okay, here's the plan. At 1200 to 1230 Eastern TODAY, we need to get as many individual people to buy this book as possible. Amazon reworks everything every 30 minutes. If we can get 100 orders or more this book will be in the top 100 and success sort of takes care of itself and it should raise the maximum amount for Soldiers' Angels.
Get the word out!
An FYI on a plan by the guys at Ranger Up (who won't see a dime from this book):
Mixed Martial Arts IQ: The Ultimate Test of True Fandom (Volume 2) (Paperback)
Okay, here's the plan. At 1200 to 1230 Eastern TODAY, we need to get as many individual people to buy this book as possible. Amazon reworks everything every 30 minutes. If we can get 100 orders or more this book will be in the top 100 and success sort of takes care of itself and it should raise the maximum amount for Soldiers' Angels.
Get the word out!
Monday, April 19, 2010
My Fav Senior BMCS Embraces the Suck
What's the Michelin rating on this fine establishment?
Did you know only two U.S. Navy ratings have remained in continuous use since 1797--Boatswain's Mate and Gunner's Mate.
Congratulations, Senior!
BMCS Dotson asked our group - "Who could NOT buy something from this brat?" and a very cynical (but wise) voice answered "They all look cute. Don't trust a one of them."
Here's a place I could work on my tan.
I'm trying to get the Navy to send me over to visit the SeaBees of NMCB 21. don't you think they should let me?
Congratulations, Senior!
BMCS Dotson asked our group - "Who could NOT buy something from this brat?" and a very cynical (but wise) voice answered "They all look cute. Don't trust a one of them."
Here's a place I could work on my tan.
I'm trying to get the Navy to send me over to visit the SeaBees of NMCB 21. don't you think they should let me? Patriots Day and Sam Adams......Beer
A post for Jennifer
On my way into work I was listening to NPR's Morning Edition on WBUR. They had a brief interview with Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams Brewery. He wants to make Patriots Day a federal holiday.
He also discussed how he came to found Sam Adams brewery.
Jen loves Sam Adams, he is her favorite American Patriot.
She also loves Jim Koch's fine products. It is so funny to be around when the seasons change. You have never seen anything as funny as Jennifer when Octoberfest or Sam's Summer comes out.
So, Jen.....I expect you to raise a glass tonight....to Sam, to John, the John Hancock...and that glass will have Sam Adams in it!
On my way into work I was listening to NPR's Morning Edition on WBUR. They had a brief interview with Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams Brewery. He wants to make Patriots Day a federal holiday.
He also discussed how he came to found Sam Adams brewery.Jen loves Sam Adams, he is her favorite American Patriot.
She also loves Jim Koch's fine products. It is so funny to be around when the seasons change. You have never seen anything as funny as Jennifer when Octoberfest or Sam's Summer comes out.
So, Jen.....I expect you to raise a glass tonight....to Sam, to John, the John Hancock...and that glass will have Sam Adams in it!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
As Always, There Was A Plan....
Thursday night on the way to the Milblog conference, Mary and I reviewed what we wanted to get done over the weekend. Friday there were two things planned; our tour of the Pentagon from 1-3 pm and then the evenings festivities beginning at 5 pm.
Seems pretty simple right? Sleep in, relax, blog....then be in the lobby by noon to make the trip to the Pentagon. Run some errands afterwards...maybe sneak in a manicure and be down at the Jake Rademacher event by 5 pm.
Yeah...no...
Thursday night before closing the bar, Bouhammer made us an offer we couldn't refuse! He was going over to Walter Reed the next morning from 10 am to noon. He was also on the Pentagon tour list, so we didn't have to worry about being late for that. It was a small group and he had two spots left for Mary & I if we wanted them. Hell yes!
So, while we had considered being bad.....and finding SK & LL & Blackfive....we went right off to our room and set an early alarm.
The alarm goes off and we both start crying, Team M (Mary & Maggie) is not the morning crew!
But somehow we managed to be in the lobby before the scheduled 9am departure. Bouhammer and Mrs. Bouhammer are morning people. Good thing I like them...grumble, grumble.
So into Bouhammer's SUV we go and it's off to Walter Reed. I have been to Mologne House, but that's it. Mary of course is more familiar with the hospital. We were following another vehicle that was transporting Gina Elise and her friend.
Once in the lobby, we actually got to meet Gina Elise, who is just lovely and her very friendly assistant. What they do with Pin-ups for Vets is just phenomenal. Gina Elise has her own website, she sells pin-up art and she donates tons of money to veteran's hospitals. She also visits the veteran's hospitals and gives out the calenders and in general brings a lot of smiles to a lot of faces.
Our tour guide was Walter, but he barely got in a word because we were there with Big John Miska! Big John is a definite frequent flyer at WRAMC. He was our gracious host as we walked through the wards. I was hoping to pop in on 1st LT Bergan Flannigan, but she was resting. But we did visit some great guys who were more than happy to accept Gina Elise's calendars and T-shirts and posters. She sat and talked with each Soldier or Marine before autographing an item or two for him.
We were in the physical therapy room, talking with the guys, having an enjoyable visit. Mary and I had Soldiers' Angels items to give out thanks to Greta. Mary had asked me what we were going to do at WRAMC, I said "Who cares! No one will notice us in a room with Gina Elise." But we were having a good time too. At one point I was standing in front of Big John and a young kid who was waiting for his therapy to begin. Big John started to make a point about a particular month in Gina Elise's calendar and he looked up and shooed me away! LOL! I had to leave so there could be "man talk".
After that we headed over to Mologne House so that Gina Elise could light up a few more faces. It was a very successful visit.
Next.........The Pentagon! They let me back in!
Seems pretty simple right? Sleep in, relax, blog....then be in the lobby by noon to make the trip to the Pentagon. Run some errands afterwards...maybe sneak in a manicure and be down at the Jake Rademacher event by 5 pm.
Yeah...no...
Thursday night before closing the bar, Bouhammer made us an offer we couldn't refuse! He was going over to Walter Reed the next morning from 10 am to noon. He was also on the Pentagon tour list, so we didn't have to worry about being late for that. It was a small group and he had two spots left for Mary & I if we wanted them. Hell yes!
So, while we had considered being bad.....and finding SK & LL & Blackfive....we went right off to our room and set an early alarm.
The alarm goes off and we both start crying, Team M (Mary & Maggie) is not the morning crew!
But somehow we managed to be in the lobby before the scheduled 9am departure. Bouhammer and Mrs. Bouhammer are morning people. Good thing I like them...grumble, grumble.
So into Bouhammer's SUV we go and it's off to Walter Reed. I have been to Mologne House, but that's it. Mary of course is more familiar with the hospital. We were following another vehicle that was transporting Gina Elise and her friend.
Once in the lobby, we actually got to meet Gina Elise, who is just lovely and her very friendly assistant. What they do with Pin-ups for Vets is just phenomenal. Gina Elise has her own website, she sells pin-up art and she donates tons of money to veteran's hospitals. She also visits the veteran's hospitals and gives out the calenders and in general brings a lot of smiles to a lot of faces.
Our tour guide was Walter, but he barely got in a word because we were there with Big John Miska! Big John is a definite frequent flyer at WRAMC. He was our gracious host as we walked through the wards. I was hoping to pop in on 1st LT Bergan Flannigan, but she was resting. But we did visit some great guys who were more than happy to accept Gina Elise's calendars and T-shirts and posters. She sat and talked with each Soldier or Marine before autographing an item or two for him.
We were in the physical therapy room, talking with the guys, having an enjoyable visit. Mary and I had Soldiers' Angels items to give out thanks to Greta. Mary had asked me what we were going to do at WRAMC, I said "Who cares! No one will notice us in a room with Gina Elise." But we were having a good time too. At one point I was standing in front of Big John and a young kid who was waiting for his therapy to begin. Big John started to make a point about a particular month in Gina Elise's calendar and he looked up and shooed me away! LOL! I had to leave so there could be "man talk".
After that we headed over to Mologne House so that Gina Elise could light up a few more faces. It was a very successful visit.
Next.........The Pentagon! They let me back in!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Milbloggie Awards
So in the lead up to the Millbogger Conference, I wrote about the Milbloggie Awards. This post will explain a little more about them.
First off, if you are not already, you should be signed up at Milblogging.com. JP tracks all the milblogs, he is the godfather of Milblogs. There are 2,643 military blogs listed there.
The first step of the process was to break those 2,643 milblogs up into 11 categories. Then there was a nomination process from which the top five were selected in each category.
Finally....on to voting.
So you can see how remarkable people must have felt these blogs were. If you get nominated in for a Milbloggie and you are a fan of Milblogs...you get it. When I say it was an honor to be nominated....it's not just words.
You can view Milblogs by branch here.
There are currently 104 blogs listed in the category "Military Supporter" and a bunch of people decided I was in the top 5. Wow. I was happy with my standing. I knew I didn't deserve to win, but I didn't want to be last, lol. So, I was 3rd - perfect!
I was extremely pleased with the USNI blog winning in the US Navy category. It was well deserved. They had some stiff competition from the Phibian! I also thought it was a great thing the ADM Harvey's US Fleet Forces Command Blog was also in the top five.
At the conference CDR Salamander made the speech while Mary Ripley and Jim Dolbow looked on. I was the one in the tiara, whooping and yelling. Again, one of those times I really wish I knew how to [put my fingers in my mouth and whistle really loud!
The sentimental favorite was "A Little Pink in a World of Camo" who won in the category "US Military Spouse" out of 400 possible choices. We gave Rachel a standing ovation when Mrs. G finished reading her acceptance speech. Rachel wrote in her blog that she was sorry she wasn't at the Conference...so were we, Rachel.
So, now, do you get it? It was a big deal for a blog to win a Milbloggie just a little over a year into it's existence.
Congratulation to all those who contribute to the United States Naval Institute blog! I also wish to congratulate Mary Ripley who has shepherded this blog as it came online and continues to grow and inform.
/r GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
In other categories -
Thursday night I got to hang with the winner and a fellow nominee in the "US Army" category. YouServed radio is hosted by CJ, this years winner and Bouhammer who was nominated in the same category.
During the award ceremony Uncle Jimbo's speech accepting the "US Military Veteran" on behalf of "Blackfive" was interuppted by the crazySniper. He played Kanye and explained that the award should have been won by This Ain't Hell.
But nothing got a bigger laugh than Taco of The Sandgram, the runner-up in the "US Marine Corps" category reading an imagined acceptance speech on behalf of the winner Castra Praetoria. "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
We were teasing Jim Dolbow after his speech accepting the US Coast Guard award on behalf of "The Unofficial Coast Guard blog". We told him he should have said "Save! Save! Save!" or "Swim! Swim! Swim!".
The "Unknown Soldiers" won for "US Reporter" and that kid was very enthusiastic. He gave a good speech.....but I was rooting forSusan Katz Keating (shhh!)
Congratulations to all the nominees and all the winners!
First off, if you are not already, you should be signed up at Milblogging.com. JP tracks all the milblogs, he is the godfather of Milblogs. There are 2,643 military blogs listed there.
The first step of the process was to break those 2,643 milblogs up into 11 categories. Then there was a nomination process from which the top five were selected in each category.
Finally....on to voting.
So you can see how remarkable people must have felt these blogs were. If you get nominated in for a Milbloggie and you are a fan of Milblogs...you get it. When I say it was an honor to be nominated....it's not just words.
You can view Milblogs by branch here.
There are currently 104 blogs listed in the category "Military Supporter" and a bunch of people decided I was in the top 5. Wow. I was happy with my standing. I knew I didn't deserve to win, but I didn't want to be last, lol. So, I was 3rd - perfect!
I was extremely pleased with the USNI blog winning in the US Navy category. It was well deserved. They had some stiff competition from the Phibian! I also thought it was a great thing the ADM Harvey's US Fleet Forces Command Blog was also in the top five.
At the conference CDR Salamander made the speech while Mary Ripley and Jim Dolbow looked on. I was the one in the tiara, whooping and yelling. Again, one of those times I really wish I knew how to [put my fingers in my mouth and whistle really loud!
The sentimental favorite was "A Little Pink in a World of Camo" who won in the category "US Military Spouse" out of 400 possible choices. We gave Rachel a standing ovation when Mrs. G finished reading her acceptance speech. Rachel wrote in her blog that she was sorry she wasn't at the Conference...so were we, Rachel.
So, now, do you get it? It was a big deal for a blog to win a Milbloggie just a little over a year into it's existence.
Congratulation to all those who contribute to the United States Naval Institute blog! I also wish to congratulate Mary Ripley who has shepherded this blog as it came online and continues to grow and inform.
/r GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR
In other categories -
Thursday night I got to hang with the winner and a fellow nominee in the "US Army" category. YouServed radio is hosted by CJ, this years winner and Bouhammer who was nominated in the same category.
During the award ceremony Uncle Jimbo's speech accepting the "US Military Veteran" on behalf of "Blackfive" was interuppted by the crazySniper. He played Kanye and explained that the award should have been won by This Ain't Hell.
But nothing got a bigger laugh than Taco of The Sandgram, the runner-up in the "US Marine Corps" category reading an imagined acceptance speech on behalf of the winner Castra Praetoria. "Kill! Kill! Kill!"
We were teasing Jim Dolbow after his speech accepting the US Coast Guard award on behalf of "The Unofficial Coast Guard blog". We told him he should have said "Save! Save! Save!" or "Swim! Swim! Swim!".
The "Unknown Soldiers" won for "US Reporter" and that kid was very enthusiastic. He gave a good speech.....but I was rooting forSusan Katz Keating (shhh!)
Congratulations to all the nominees and all the winners!
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