Monday, December 15, 2008
Juan Garcia????
Give me a break!
Don't even talk to me about hackery ever again.
The guy is no Bob Work.
Garcia's big contribution was running the Texas campaign for "The One".
He can't take the position until October of 09. Who's running the Navy in the mean time?
Oh, and did I mention...............he's a brown shoe.
I send a text to SB "Hey!" He calls and after interminable fawning over his BFF on the other end of the couch......I say "Garcia? What the eff?" He says "Who?" Exactly.
Don't even talk to me about hackery ever again.
The guy is no Bob Work.
Garcia's big contribution was running the Texas campaign for "The One".
He can't take the position until October of 09. Who's running the Navy in the mean time?
Oh, and did I mention...............he's a brown shoe.
I send a text to SB "Hey!" He calls and after interminable fawning over his BFF on the other end of the couch......I say "Garcia? What the eff?" He says "Who?" Exactly.
In A Timely Manner
It's never been my strong suit.
It's been a chaotic couple of days.
Something absolutely wonderful happened to me and I will post about it today.
I fought a surprisingly tough fight to get me next cycle of Revlimid/ld Dex going. Now that I am successful, I have to laugh - why did I do that??????? LOL! I feel like shit!
I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with a personal matter that threw me a curve ball. I was hoping a little distance would give me clarity.........no-go on that plan.
Our insurance is changing at work and this will be a huge headache for yours truly. Ironically, I instigated this - again - why did I do that?????? LOL $1500.00 deductible? Increased copays? I saved my boss more that 50K annually. I hope this means she's ready to pay for dinner a couple of times in '09. So far it has resulted in a 3 lb. bag of M&Ms on my desk. THREE POUNDS!
So I unplugged.
But I'm back.
It's been a chaotic couple of days.
Something absolutely wonderful happened to me and I will post about it today.
I fought a surprisingly tough fight to get me next cycle of Revlimid/ld Dex going. Now that I am successful, I have to laugh - why did I do that??????? LOL! I feel like shit!
I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with a personal matter that threw me a curve ball. I was hoping a little distance would give me clarity.........no-go on that plan.
Our insurance is changing at work and this will be a huge headache for yours truly. Ironically, I instigated this - again - why did I do that?????? LOL $1500.00 deductible? Increased copays? I saved my boss more that 50K annually. I hope this means she's ready to pay for dinner a couple of times in '09. So far it has resulted in a 3 lb. bag of M&Ms on my desk. THREE POUNDS!
So I unplugged.
But I'm back.
Monday, December 08, 2008
I Don't See How This Is My Fault
Suppose you were me.
Suppose you got an email from someone who provided you with certain opportunities to particpate in military/civilian activities............like........I don't know.......conference calls about current events in the military.
Suppose that person were someone you thought highly of and always tried to behave around. (Remember, if you are me, the behaving part is difficult and takes effort)
Now suppose that you get an email from this person (who again always behaves in the most professional way).
In the subject line is Yama Sakura.
Yama Sakura? You know where my mind went.
How was I supposed to know Yama Sakura is a yearly command post exercise designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force sponsored by U.S. Army Japan and the Japanese GroundStaff Office. It is I Corps' largest and most important exercise in Japan.
I mean - really!
Suppose you got an email from someone who provided you with certain opportunities to particpate in military/civilian activities............like........I don't know.......conference calls about current events in the military.
Suppose that person were someone you thought highly of and always tried to behave around. (Remember, if you are me, the behaving part is difficult and takes effort)
Now suppose that you get an email from this person (who again always behaves in the most professional way).
In the subject line is Yama Sakura.
Yama Sakura? You know where my mind went.
How was I supposed to know Yama Sakura is a yearly command post exercise designed to strengthen military operations and ties between the U.S. Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force sponsored by U.S. Army Japan and the Japanese GroundStaff Office. It is I Corps' largest and most important exercise in Japan.
I mean - really!
Can Someone Explain This To Me?
I understand that the death of a 15 year old is tragic.
I understand that crowds may become unruly and angry at authority figures.
But -
Youth Riots in Greece Enter a Second Day
ATHENS — Youths angry over the killing of a teenager by the police took to the streets in Athens and other Greek cities for a second day on Sunday, burning shops, cars and businesses in the worst rioting in recent years.
OK, I've never understood this crap. how does burning shops and such ever help anything?
The violence continued despite swift action by the government, which charged a police officer with premeditated manslaughter in the shooting death of the 15-year-old on Saturday night. The country’s prime minister — whose government is already unpopular because of a series of corruption scandals — also wrote a letter of apology to the boy’s parents.
What are they apologizing for? You don't know anything yet. There has to be an investigation and trial. Talk about appeasement!
The youths regularly clash with the police, whom they view as symbols of the establishment. In most cases, the confrontations are relatively contained and end at the gates of universities with the young people holding off the police with gasoline bombs, rocks and slingshots.
But the speed with which the riots spread over the weekend — and the ferocity of the protests — seemed to take the government by surprise. The police nationwide were not put on alert until Sunday night — only after fires had destroyed dozens of businesses, including a high-end department store in central Athens.
*******Now here is the kicker for me.
Greek police and the military have been banned from college campuses since military tanks in 1973 rammed the gates of the school to quash a student uprising against the military junta at the time. At least 22 civilians died in that attack, which is marked every year by youth-led marches that occasionally turn violent.
What?? These hooligans are burning and looting and running amock and then they get to run into the university and they are off limits?
I've gotta be missing something here.
I understand that crowds may become unruly and angry at authority figures.
But -
Youth Riots in Greece Enter a Second Day
ATHENS — Youths angry over the killing of a teenager by the police took to the streets in Athens and other Greek cities for a second day on Sunday, burning shops, cars and businesses in the worst rioting in recent years.
OK, I've never understood this crap. how does burning shops and such ever help anything?
The violence continued despite swift action by the government, which charged a police officer with premeditated manslaughter in the shooting death of the 15-year-old on Saturday night. The country’s prime minister — whose government is already unpopular because of a series of corruption scandals — also wrote a letter of apology to the boy’s parents.
What are they apologizing for? You don't know anything yet. There has to be an investigation and trial. Talk about appeasement!
The youths regularly clash with the police, whom they view as symbols of the establishment. In most cases, the confrontations are relatively contained and end at the gates of universities with the young people holding off the police with gasoline bombs, rocks and slingshots.
But the speed with which the riots spread over the weekend — and the ferocity of the protests — seemed to take the government by surprise. The police nationwide were not put on alert until Sunday night — only after fires had destroyed dozens of businesses, including a high-end department store in central Athens.
*******Now here is the kicker for me.
Greek police and the military have been banned from college campuses since military tanks in 1973 rammed the gates of the school to quash a student uprising against the military junta at the time. At least 22 civilians died in that attack, which is marked every year by youth-led marches that occasionally turn violent.
What?? These hooligans are burning and looting and running amock and then they get to run into the university and they are off limits?
I've gotta be missing something here.
My Faith Is Restored Somewhat
It was standing room only yesterday in the Hull Room in the Charlestown Navy Yard's visitor center. Due to the inclement weather some parts of yesterday's Pearl Harbor commemoration were moved from the USS Cassin Young down to the Hull room. I would guess the room seats more than sixty people and there were many people standing in both aisles. I'm going to guess well over 100 people.
I sat behind a row of gentlemen from the Marine Corp League. Most were my Dad's age. Their demeanor and dress were still impressive.
Officers from the USS Constitution and USS Freedom were present.
The main speaker Don Tabbut, a Navy veteran who survived the attack recalled the attack and the immediate aftermath. It was thought Mr. Tabbut would be the only Pearl Harbor survivor present, but he noted there were two others. The Boston Globe has an article that highlights Bernard Murphy, one of the other two survivors.
I think there might have been a few more people attending, but moving down to the Hull room confused some.
Then we headed back to the ship. There were two wreaths dropped into the water and Mr. Tabbut's wife dropped a rose.
I was afraid that the officers from the two ships would outnumber the other attendees. However, that wasn't the case and I was really glad.
A Navy spokesman is quoted in the Boston Herald about how important these things are.
“Any ceremony commemorating such a tragic event is always emotional,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Brawley, Navy spokesman. “When you attend this kind of memorial every year and you see the number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindling . . . it only makes one realize how important carrying on the ceremony every year is.”
You can listen to WBZ radio's podcast of their report here. It's less than a minute long.
I sat behind a row of gentlemen from the Marine Corp League. Most were my Dad's age. Their demeanor and dress were still impressive.
Officers from the USS Constitution and USS Freedom were present.
The main speaker Don Tabbut, a Navy veteran who survived the attack recalled the attack and the immediate aftermath. It was thought Mr. Tabbut would be the only Pearl Harbor survivor present, but he noted there were two others. The Boston Globe has an article that highlights Bernard Murphy, one of the other two survivors.
I think there might have been a few more people attending, but moving down to the Hull room confused some.
Then we headed back to the ship. There were two wreaths dropped into the water and Mr. Tabbut's wife dropped a rose.
I was afraid that the officers from the two ships would outnumber the other attendees. However, that wasn't the case and I was really glad.
A Navy spokesman is quoted in the Boston Herald about how important these things are.
“Any ceremony commemorating such a tragic event is always emotional,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Brawley, Navy spokesman. “When you attend this kind of memorial every year and you see the number of Pearl Harbor survivors dwindling . . . it only makes one realize how important carrying on the ceremony every year is.”
You can listen to WBZ radio's podcast of their report here. It's less than a minute long.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
December 7th
Do I have to explain that? Do you need links?
If you do, then I don't know what you are doing here at my place and you should leave.
I'll even give you a sec.....after all it's Brit's birthday, Jim's too. If that was their first thought, I'm ok with that.
OK, everyone with me? Now read this article and tell me that if it's at all possible for you to be in the Charlestown Navy Yard today at 1230.......isn't that where you should be?
A day they'll never forget
Few remain to mark 67th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor
After a lifetime of war, work, child-rearing, and retirement, the ravages of age have largely accomplished what Japanese warplanes could not do 67 years ago today.
The survivors of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor have been decimated by death and disability. And today, when a memorial ceremony is held at the Charlestown Navy Yard, only one survivor is expected to make his way to the fantail of a World War II destroyer to toss a wreath into Boston Harbor.
"The ones who won't be there either can't make it or they're dead," said Don Tabbut, 85, a stooped Navy veteran who will step aboard the USS Cassin Young. "I'm still doing my best."
"I'm still doing my best."
Yes sir. Thank you sir.
And that's why everyone who reads this should do their best to honor this man and all those like him.
Read the rest of the Globe's article here. It was a good one.
There's actually lot's to do in the Navy Yard today, I posted about it here. You can make a day of it, there are plenty of places to eat near there. If it get's too cold you can pop in to the USS Constitution museum and enjoy your history in a toastier setting.
OK, I know I said no links, but....
The Castle of Argghhh!!!
CDR Salamander
and Steeljaw Scribe from last year
If you do, then I don't know what you are doing here at my place and you should leave.
I'll even give you a sec.....after all it's Brit's birthday, Jim's too. If that was their first thought, I'm ok with that.
OK, everyone with me? Now read this article and tell me that if it's at all possible for you to be in the Charlestown Navy Yard today at 1230.......isn't that where you should be?
A day they'll never forget
Few remain to mark 67th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor
After a lifetime of war, work, child-rearing, and retirement, the ravages of age have largely accomplished what Japanese warplanes could not do 67 years ago today.
The survivors of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor have been decimated by death and disability. And today, when a memorial ceremony is held at the Charlestown Navy Yard, only one survivor is expected to make his way to the fantail of a World War II destroyer to toss a wreath into Boston Harbor.
"The ones who won't be there either can't make it or they're dead," said Don Tabbut, 85, a stooped Navy veteran who will step aboard the USS Cassin Young. "I'm still doing my best."
"I'm still doing my best."
Yes sir. Thank you sir.
And that's why everyone who reads this should do their best to honor this man and all those like him.
Read the rest of the Globe's article here. It was a good one.
There's actually lot's to do in the Navy Yard today, I posted about it here. You can make a day of it, there are plenty of places to eat near there. If it get's too cold you can pop in to the USS Constitution museum and enjoy your history in a toastier setting.
OK, I know I said no links, but....
The Castle of Argghhh!!!
CDR Salamander
and Steeljaw Scribe from last year
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Looking for Stuff to Do Sunday?
The Charlestown Navy Yard is the place to be!
From 12:30 to 1 pm there will be a Pearl Harbor Day commemoration aboard the USS Cassin Young , a Fletcher class destroyer that is maintained and staffed by the National Park Service and volunteers (I met one this morning). Sailors from USS Freedom will be participating in that ceremony.
After that you can tour LCS-1 as she will be open from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
And, in the spirit of the season, USS Constitution is having her annual tree lighting ceremony. I have it on reasonable authority that there will be cookies available!
USS Constitution will hold its free annual Christmas Tree-Lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 onboard the ship’s top deck. Boarding for this event begins at 3:30 p.m. The crew has partnered with local schools and community members to celebrate the holiday season with a public ceremony following live cannon fire from the ship’s saluting battery.
Dress warmly - tomorrow's forcast calls for cloudy skies in Boston with rain and snow. It's going to be windy and it's always breezy in the Navy Yard anyway....so bundle up!
My Head Is THIS BIG!!!!
****UPDATE****Jen read the ID post. "Good Lord. How much did you pay this guy? Why is Maggie important???" Then she made her voice high and flighty - that is how she portrays me - "Because I tell you I'm important constantly, that's why!" See? What ego could stand up to that? I'm all back to normal.******
LOL, traffic here at my little slice of the blogosphere is up today and I was puzzled. So I look in the sitemeter and find links from this post.
Using Freedom For Reaching The Human Network
People like Maggie are critical to the Navy in reaching Americans, because she talks to people as a hobby and is good at it, and her interest includes the Navy. That makes Maggie, and everyone else who comes on that ship today and tomorrow for a tour a VIP to CHINFO, and anything short of VIP treatment will hurt a ship that can sell itself OK, and with a little personal attention, can sell itself beyond anything else the Navy has that can pull into an American port.
Don't worry, once Jen, Grace, my Mum, SB and the rest read this nonsense about me, they'll make sure my ego is properly deflated. LOL
But for the moment.....I have the most ridiculous smile on my face.
LOL, traffic here at my little slice of the blogosphere is up today and I was puzzled. So I look in the sitemeter and find links from this post.
Using Freedom For Reaching The Human Network
People like Maggie are critical to the Navy in reaching Americans, because she talks to people as a hobby and is good at it, and her interest includes the Navy. That makes Maggie, and everyone else who comes on that ship today and tomorrow for a tour a VIP to CHINFO, and anything short of VIP treatment will hurt a ship that can sell itself OK, and with a little personal attention, can sell itself beyond anything else the Navy has that can pull into an American port.
Don't worry, once Jen, Grace, my Mum, SB and the rest read this nonsense about me, they'll make sure my ego is properly deflated. LOL
But for the moment.....I have the most ridiculous smile on my face.
Today Was More Fun Than I Can Tell You!!
So much stuff to write and it's all swirling about in my head. I was on the run all morning and loved every minute of it.
I was up at 0600 so I could be sure to be on time for everything. you know punctuality is not my strong suit.....but if it's something for my Dad and something for the Navy.....every effort is made.
I made it to colors. Words can't really express how you feel when you stand there on the pier, your hand over your heart.....facing the oldest commissioned warship in the Navy and you hear the cannon and you see the flag and you hear our National Anthem.
Then I popped down for my first look at at USS Freedom. I was way early for my 0900 tour, so I popped up to see the parents.
On to the tour - I was met first off by LTjg Tisdale, the PAO, then the OOD, then my official tour guide CDR Doyle, the XO. My first thought as I spoke with LTjg Tisdale was that he was a great representative for the ship. You want someone personable and enthusiastic leading tours and talking to outsiders. But the fact of the matter is everyone I came into contact with was just as excited to be there, just as friendly. Out of 55 person crew, I spoke with more than a dozen Sailors and a few officers and they were all bright and friendly and happy to show you what they did. Their excitement at being part of the newest, and coolest ship in the Fleet was obvious and contagious. As the XO said "It's a hotrod!"
I found myself just saying "Wow!" a lot.
What struck me first is how compact it was. I guess that's not the normal reaction, but my experience is aboard USS Kearsarge..... For one thing, even with visitors swelling the ranks, there were maybe 3% as many bodies on board, compared to Kearsarge. I found this especially noticeable on the bridge. Anytime I was on the bridge during my time on Kearsarge there were more than a dozen Sailors working, whereas the manning the bridge on Freedom will take four to six Sailors.
We walked out into the cold December sunshine and CDR Doyle announced the particular area we were standing in was the forecastle and I was confused because on Kearsarge it was inside. But of course everything here is different. Still I was glad when she commented on it, after all, I don't want to think I'm losing it!
I was afraid a lot of the modular talk about the mission packages would be lost on me, but they dumbed it down for me, lol.
OK, I have to run, but there is more to write and I will.
If you have the chance, get up there tomorrow (Sunday) and have a look for yourself.
I was up at 0600 so I could be sure to be on time for everything. you know punctuality is not my strong suit.....but if it's something for my Dad and something for the Navy.....every effort is made.
I made it to colors. Words can't really express how you feel when you stand there on the pier, your hand over your heart.....facing the oldest commissioned warship in the Navy and you hear the cannon and you see the flag and you hear our National Anthem.
Then I popped down for my first look at at USS Freedom. I was way early for my 0900 tour, so I popped up to see the parents.
On to the tour - I was met first off by LTjg Tisdale, the PAO, then the OOD, then my official tour guide CDR Doyle, the XO. My first thought as I spoke with LTjg Tisdale was that he was a great representative for the ship. You want someone personable and enthusiastic leading tours and talking to outsiders. But the fact of the matter is everyone I came into contact with was just as excited to be there, just as friendly. Out of 55 person crew, I spoke with more than a dozen Sailors and a few officers and they were all bright and friendly and happy to show you what they did. Their excitement at being part of the newest, and coolest ship in the Fleet was obvious and contagious. As the XO said "It's a hotrod!"
I found myself just saying "Wow!" a lot.
What struck me first is how compact it was. I guess that's not the normal reaction, but my experience is aboard USS Kearsarge..... For one thing, even with visitors swelling the ranks, there were maybe 3% as many bodies on board, compared to Kearsarge. I found this especially noticeable on the bridge. Anytime I was on the bridge during my time on Kearsarge there were more than a dozen Sailors working, whereas the manning the bridge on Freedom will take four to six Sailors.
We walked out into the cold December sunshine and CDR Doyle announced the particular area we were standing in was the forecastle and I was confused because on Kearsarge it was inside. But of course everything here is different. Still I was glad when she commented on it, after all, I don't want to think I'm losing it!
I was afraid a lot of the modular talk about the mission packages would be lost on me, but they dumbed it down for me, lol.
OK, I have to run, but there is more to write and I will.
If you have the chance, get up there tomorrow (Sunday) and have a look for yourself.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Globe Covers USS Freedom's Arrival
Navy's newest ship to visit Boston
By Globe Staff
The old and the new will be in sharp contrast today when the Navy’s newest commissioned warship cruises into Boston Harbor and docks at Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard. It will be in front of the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, the USS Constitution.
The USS Freedom was commissioned Nov. 8 in Milwaukee. It is a littoral combat ship designed for coastal missions. The Navy says the boat is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep.
The ship will be open to the public for free tours Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visitors must obtain a ticket from the ship before boarding, the Navy said in a statement.
The ship is expected to pass Castle Island at 8:15 and arrive at the dock at 9:30.
See video here.
By Globe Staff
The old and the new will be in sharp contrast today when the Navy’s newest commissioned warship cruises into Boston Harbor and docks at Pier 1 of the Charlestown Navy Yard. It will be in front of the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship, the USS Constitution.
The USS Freedom was commissioned Nov. 8 in Milwaukee. It is a littoral combat ship designed for coastal missions. The Navy says the boat is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep.
The ship will be open to the public for free tours Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visitors must obtain a ticket from the ship before boarding, the Navy said in a statement.
The ship is expected to pass Castle Island at 8:15 and arrive at the dock at 9:30.
See video here.
USS Freedom Is Here!
**Ok, you've already missed a couple of these events, I am late putting this up***
USS Freedom (LCS 1) Schedule of Events
Friday, December 5
8:30 a.m. Ship off Castle Island with BFD Fire boat putting up water spray
9:30 a.m. Ship arrives at Pier 1 Charlestown Navy Yard by USS Constitution
10:30 a.m. Official welcome onboard the ship
1 p.m. Boston Fire Commissioner Rod Fraser, representing Mayor Menino,
presents a proclamation welcoming the ship to the Commanding officer
2 p.m. Ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson makes a courtesy
visit at the State House with Lt. Gov. Tim Murray who will present a proclamation welcoming the ship to the State
Saturday, December 6
8 a.m. Flag flown on Constitution to be flown on Freedom. Freedom sailors will
be in modern uniform with Constitution’s sailors in their 1813 period
uniforms. Cannon fires promptly at 8!
12:30-4:30 p.m. Free public visiting
************ Princess Crabby will not be with the hoi polloi during public visiting, lol *****
Sunday, December 7
11:30-2:30 Crew members attend Mass Bay Council of Navy League Toys for Tots
celebration at Commandant’s House, Charlestown Navy Yard.
12:30-1p.m. Crew members participate in Pearl Harbor Day commemoration on USS
Cassin Young, Charlestown Navy Yard
12:30-4:30 p.m. Free public visiting.
Monday, December 8
8:00 a.m. Ship departs
USS Freedom (LCS 1) Schedule of Events
Friday, December 5
8:30 a.m. Ship off Castle Island with BFD Fire boat putting up water spray
9:30 a.m. Ship arrives at Pier 1 Charlestown Navy Yard by USS Constitution
10:30 a.m. Official welcome onboard the ship
1 p.m. Boston Fire Commissioner Rod Fraser, representing Mayor Menino,
presents a proclamation welcoming the ship to the Commanding officer
2 p.m. Ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson makes a courtesy
visit at the State House with Lt. Gov. Tim Murray who will present a proclamation welcoming the ship to the State
Saturday, December 6
8 a.m. Flag flown on Constitution to be flown on Freedom. Freedom sailors will
be in modern uniform with Constitution’s sailors in their 1813 period
uniforms. Cannon fires promptly at 8!
12:30-4:30 p.m. Free public visiting
************ Princess Crabby will not be with the hoi polloi during public visiting, lol *****
Sunday, December 7
11:30-2:30 Crew members attend Mass Bay Council of Navy League Toys for Tots
celebration at Commandant’s House, Charlestown Navy Yard.
12:30-1p.m. Crew members participate in Pearl Harbor Day commemoration on USS
Cassin Young, Charlestown Navy Yard
12:30-4:30 p.m. Free public visiting.
Monday, December 8
8:00 a.m. Ship departs
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Guess What I Get To Do Saturday Morning?
I will be aboard LCS-1 USS Freedom. I would have gone no matter what, even if all I got to do was stand on the dock and see it.
But this is soooooo much better!
When it first occurred to me that Freedom might be making an actual stop in Boston, I asked Galrahn for a point of contact. I emailed the PAO and dropped every name I thought would do me any good, Jack Holt at DOD, ENS Day on USS Kearsarge, the CO of USS Constitution, and SailorBob. Yes, that's right, Princess Crabby is completely shameless. Jen & her BFF, SB feinged shock that I would be so crass, but really, no one is surprised.
I got back a very polite "Thank you for your e-mail. The ship will be open to private and public tours during our visit to Boston." and a request that I check back in on 01 DEC.
That was when I came out on the blog and posted this.
So on the 1st, I dropped a quick "?" kinda note.
Much better response!
"We've got general public visiting from 12:30pm until 4:00pm. If you would like, I can arrange a more detailed tour for you Dec.6th from 9:00am until 11:00am. What would you like to focus on? If there is something you are particularly curious about, I can make sure the right people giveyou the tour."
I tell Jen. "Focus? He thinks you can focus. Good. Lord." I told her I had already dealt with that problem - I forwarded the email to my Navy Coterie and asked them "What's my answer?" And of course, Princess Crabby has the most outstanding Navy Coterie ever assembled! They came back with great suggestions.
There were a few more back and forth emails. I assumed the ship would be coming into Black Falcon......but no, it is coming into the Navy Yard. Sweet! Right in my home territory!
Can I tell you..........I am psyched!
But this is soooooo much better!
When it first occurred to me that Freedom might be making an actual stop in Boston, I asked Galrahn for a point of contact. I emailed the PAO and dropped every name I thought would do me any good, Jack Holt at DOD, ENS Day on USS Kearsarge, the CO of USS Constitution, and SailorBob. Yes, that's right, Princess Crabby is completely shameless. Jen & her BFF, SB feinged shock that I would be so crass, but really, no one is surprised.
I got back a very polite "Thank you for your e-mail. The ship will be open to private and public tours during our visit to Boston." and a request that I check back in on 01 DEC.
That was when I came out on the blog and posted this.
So on the 1st, I dropped a quick "?" kinda note.
Much better response!
"We've got general public visiting from 12:30pm until 4:00pm. If you would like, I can arrange a more detailed tour for you Dec.6th from 9:00am until 11:00am. What would you like to focus on? If there is something you are particularly curious about, I can make sure the right people giveyou the tour."
I tell Jen. "Focus? He thinks you can focus. Good. Lord." I told her I had already dealt with that problem - I forwarded the email to my Navy Coterie and asked them "What's my answer?" And of course, Princess Crabby has the most outstanding Navy Coterie ever assembled! They came back with great suggestions.
There were a few more back and forth emails. I assumed the ship would be coming into Black Falcon......but no, it is coming into the Navy Yard. Sweet! Right in my home territory!
Can I tell you..........I am psyched!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Ok
We can't discuss details of USS Freedom yet....
So let's talk myeloma.
I have a primary care, a local hematology oncologist and two specialists in Boston. So, sometimes communication between the five of us is a problem. Throw in a holiday like say......Thanksgiving and there are some pretty frustrating delays.
During my 20 NOV visit with Miller I was told that my results would be available on Monday or Tuesday. Guess I should have asked which Monday or Tuesday because the call came in yesterday. It's raw data and I am trying to compare it to my Dr. Schlossman information.
Here's what I *think* I know.
On 21 AUG I saw Dr. Miller and my IGA immunoglobulins were 4940- Stage IIA
On 17 SEP I saw Dr. Schlossman and my IGA immunoglobulins were 5850 - Stage IIIA
On 20 NOV I saw Dr. Miller (after two full cycles of Revlimid w/ld Dex) and my IGA immunoglobulins were 3370 - Stage IA
So clearly Rev is working. I owe Dr. Miller a dollar. But I am disturbed that it jumped 910 in 26 days. Is that fast? Aggressive? Normal? I have sent a fax to Dr. Hochstin with these questions.
It is an enormous relief to know that there was a reason to put myself through this.
I *think* this will make the next series of two cycles easier to take. But who knows, I am such a whiner. I had to laugh when Dr. Miller said he was concerned with my side effects and the fact that I was having trouble tolerating the treatment. Why is no one taking perspective into account.
I am completely unprepared for all this. I have never suffered a serious injury. I have never been hospitalized other than the births of my two sons.....and let me be completely honest here....compared to some of the horror stories I have heard....my experiences were nothing. It took my sister *days* to have some of her kids. My sons practically fell out! From the time I felt a twinge, my water broke and Tommy showed up was four hours with only one of those being anything that could be catagorized as labor. With Frankie, I felt uncomfortable for a few hours, then crampy, then again maybe an hour of labor and fini. I have never broken a bone. I have never had an illness that lasted longer than a day except for chicken pox and that's an itch not a pain.
So of course, I have no tolerance.
If this were Grace or Jennifer going through this, they wouldn't even feel the side effects worth discussing. As a matter of fact with all Jen goes through with the MS, she might not even notice Revlimid side effects, lol!
Mind you, I am all about the full disclosure. Each time I meet someone and we discuss the cancer, the treatment.....I tell them right up front that I am whiny and I have a ridiculously low tolerance for pain. So no one can blame me if I am difficult......they were warned.
So let's talk myeloma.
I have a primary care, a local hematology oncologist and two specialists in Boston. So, sometimes communication between the five of us is a problem. Throw in a holiday like say......Thanksgiving and there are some pretty frustrating delays.
During my 20 NOV visit with Miller I was told that my results would be available on Monday or Tuesday. Guess I should have asked which Monday or Tuesday because the call came in yesterday. It's raw data and I am trying to compare it to my Dr. Schlossman information.
Here's what I *think* I know.
On 21 AUG I saw Dr. Miller and my IGA immunoglobulins were 4940- Stage IIA
On 17 SEP I saw Dr. Schlossman and my IGA immunoglobulins were 5850 - Stage IIIA
On 20 NOV I saw Dr. Miller (after two full cycles of Revlimid w/ld Dex) and my IGA immunoglobulins were 3370 - Stage IA
So clearly Rev is working. I owe Dr. Miller a dollar. But I am disturbed that it jumped 910 in 26 days. Is that fast? Aggressive? Normal? I have sent a fax to Dr. Hochstin with these questions.
It is an enormous relief to know that there was a reason to put myself through this.
I *think* this will make the next series of two cycles easier to take. But who knows, I am such a whiner. I had to laugh when Dr. Miller said he was concerned with my side effects and the fact that I was having trouble tolerating the treatment. Why is no one taking perspective into account.
I am completely unprepared for all this. I have never suffered a serious injury. I have never been hospitalized other than the births of my two sons.....and let me be completely honest here....compared to some of the horror stories I have heard....my experiences were nothing. It took my sister *days* to have some of her kids. My sons practically fell out! From the time I felt a twinge, my water broke and Tommy showed up was four hours with only one of those being anything that could be catagorized as labor. With Frankie, I felt uncomfortable for a few hours, then crampy, then again maybe an hour of labor and fini. I have never broken a bone. I have never had an illness that lasted longer than a day except for chicken pox and that's an itch not a pain.
So of course, I have no tolerance.
If this were Grace or Jennifer going through this, they wouldn't even feel the side effects worth discussing. As a matter of fact with all Jen goes through with the MS, she might not even notice Revlimid side effects, lol!
Mind you, I am all about the full disclosure. Each time I meet someone and we discuss the cancer, the treatment.....I tell them right up front that I am whiny and I have a ridiculously low tolerance for pain. So no one can blame me if I am difficult......they were warned.
My First Christmas Card
The irony? There have been years when I did much more for the party time and donation wise and not gotten a card. This year any effort I have made has been on the Web and this card was not addressed to Maggie. Funny.As I opened the mail last night, there were the usual suspects eating, drinking and playing Fifa. When I said "The President sent me a Christmas card." One of Frankie's buddies whispered "Is she serious?" LOL, yes I am!
Do You Miss Me?
Life has been a little chaotic.
Good things.
Bad things.
Uncertainty.
But all in all things are rolling along.
Good things.
Bad things.
Uncertainty.
But all in all things are rolling along.
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Definitive Answer -
Is it Bombay? Or is it Mumbai?
This was discussed in this post at the Castle.
But it's Howie Carr who has the answer today on his radio show.
"It's Bombay. Mumbai Sapphire Gin just doesn't cut it!"
There you go.
This was discussed in this post at the Castle.
But it's Howie Carr who has the answer today on his radio show.
"It's Bombay. Mumbai Sapphire Gin just doesn't cut it!"
There you go.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Points - You Win Some - You Lose Some
You all know that I use a point system in every aspect of my life. I give points, I strive to earn points, I ask for points, I demand points (that part never works with SB, even when he stops laughing). Every good thing I have ever done was (in some part) with the hope of gaining points for heaven. (Yes, yes, Grace, I know you say it doesn't work like that, but since neither of us has been there yet, I could be right).
My Dad and my brother Frankie are working on my bedroom again today. My father came out and handed me two screws. "You need a jar or a margarine tub to keep these kind of things in. You never know when you will need this screw. These are nice screws." As he was talking I walked into the kitchen and picked up an old spaghetti sauce jar (yes, sauce from a jar, I am Irish, I like it) and walked toward him - it was full of random screws and bits.
"Yes, very good."
Woohoo! A point.
I don't know how much I deserve the point. After all, the jar is only to have shut the other men in my life up. My exhusband John , Joe who works on the house, Mike the worst b/f eva, my father, my uncles. Any man who has ever helped me with a project has presented me with something at the end and told me to save it. Boards, strapping, dryer parts, half of a piano hinge and a ton of screws and nails. I keep the jar, although every once in a while I dump some. Otherwise the stupid jar would over flow. I have never once used something out of the jar. Although to be fair I think Frankie (my son) has. So the point is for having a place to recycle good leftover bits. Yet I have never used and any and I only keep it to shut people up. Do I deserve the point? Well, I have other points I don't deserve, so I don't care.
A point is a point.
And then I lost it.
My father had refinished one of my windows because the glass broke. I took it to Charlestown, he repaired the glass stripped the wood, painted it, caulked it....it's perfect. I brought it home and put it in. It was easy, there is no framing around the window because there are no walls yet.
I hear him yelling at Frankie and walk into the bedroom. Frankie is laughing. "Who put that window in?" he demands, pointing at it.
The problem is immediately apparent to me. The window is upside down. It doesn't save me from the window lesson. LOL Good thing I am not on steroids today, I might have burst out crying.
A well, off to see if I can't do something right. It would be nice to finish the day a point ahead.
My Dad and my brother Frankie are working on my bedroom again today. My father came out and handed me two screws. "You need a jar or a margarine tub to keep these kind of things in. You never know when you will need this screw. These are nice screws." As he was talking I walked into the kitchen and picked up an old spaghetti sauce jar (yes, sauce from a jar, I am Irish, I like it) and walked toward him - it was full of random screws and bits.
"Yes, very good."
Woohoo! A point.
I don't know how much I deserve the point. After all, the jar is only to have shut the other men in my life up. My exhusband John , Joe who works on the house, Mike the worst b/f eva, my father, my uncles. Any man who has ever helped me with a project has presented me with something at the end and told me to save it. Boards, strapping, dryer parts, half of a piano hinge and a ton of screws and nails. I keep the jar, although every once in a while I dump some. Otherwise the stupid jar would over flow. I have never once used something out of the jar. Although to be fair I think Frankie (my son) has. So the point is for having a place to recycle good leftover bits. Yet I have never used and any and I only keep it to shut people up. Do I deserve the point? Well, I have other points I don't deserve, so I don't care.
A point is a point.
And then I lost it.
My father had refinished one of my windows because the glass broke. I took it to Charlestown, he repaired the glass stripped the wood, painted it, caulked it....it's perfect. I brought it home and put it in. It was easy, there is no framing around the window because there are no walls yet.
I hear him yelling at Frankie and walk into the bedroom. Frankie is laughing. "Who put that window in?" he demands, pointing at it.
The problem is immediately apparent to me. The window is upside down. It doesn't save me from the window lesson. LOL Good thing I am not on steroids today, I might have burst out crying.
A well, off to see if I can't do something right. It would be nice to finish the day a point ahead.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Yahoo Names "10 U.S. Places to See Before You Die"
10 U.S. Places to See Before You Die
By Andrew Harper
Many people have a list of places they'd like to visit before they move on to the next world; here are a few American suggestions of my own.
For conversation's sake, I have avoided the obvious targets, but a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge or a trip up the Empire State Building is still definitely worth it.
Though we are lucky to live in a beautiful country, I have mostly focused on smaller, manmade sites, simply because a catalog of pretty American places could stretch on forever.
This list is admittedly subjective, but comes from 30 years of professional wandering. Some places are more well-known than others, but all share a sense of tranquility and wonder.
And since I review small boutique hotels for a living, I have included nearby recommended places to stay. Happy travels!
1. San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos, N.M. Famously painted by Georgia O'Keefe and described by her as "one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards," this handsome adobe mission a few miles outside of Taos Pueblo yokes together a staggering five centuries of North American history.Harper hotel: Casa de las Chimeneas, Taos.
2. Whaling Museum, Nantucket, Mass.
At its whaling peak during the first half of the 19th century, the small island of Nantucket had 88 ships scattered across the oceans. The Whaling Museum is wonderfully evocative of this era (plenty of scrimshaw and rusty harpoons), and out-of-season Nantucket Town, with its Greek Revival mansions and cobblestone streets, is equally enchanting.Harper hotel: The Wauwinet.
3. Battery District, Charleston, S.C.
The historic Battery District of Charleston, South Carolina, home to dozens of stately antebellum mansions, is one of the prettiest U.S. neighborhoods I've ever explored. Follow the promenade along the shores of the Charleston peninsula; Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, sits broodingly across the Cooper River.Harper hotel: Planters Inn. 4. Madison Valley, Montana
Montana's Madison Valley, which runs between the Madison and Gallatin ranges down to West Yellowstone, is magnificent Lewis and Clark territory. This is unspoiled land, vast and uncompromising — everything you hope Big Sky Country will look like.Harper hotel: The Lodge at Sun Ranch.
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Housed in a charming Venetian-style palazzo, this gem of a gallery displays works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Whistler and Sargent. It's small enough to tour in an hour or so, and you can spend the rest of your time enjoying the sunny, flower-filled courtyard. And if your name happens to be Isabella, you get in free.Harper hotel: XV Beacon.
6. The Four Seasons Restaurant, New York City
If you had to choose only one restaurant in New York City to visit, this would be the one. The city's prettiest dining room was designed by architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, and astutely hasn't been touched since its introduction in 1959. The Pool Room is a study in muted sophistication, despite some of the outsized egos at the tables.Harper hotel: The Lowell.
7. The Rothko Chapel, Houston
This small, non-denominational chapel located just off the Menil gallery in Houston's Museum District seems unassuming at first, but spend some time surrounded by the 14 mysterious paintings by Mark Rothko, and it may start sinking into your skin.Harper hotel: St. Regis.
8. The Huntington Gardens, San Marino, Calif.
Huntington did quite well in railroads, and he's left us with a wonderful afternoon escape just outside of Los Angeles. After admiring some of the spoils of his industry — a Gutenberg Bible, a Shakespeare folio, Thomas Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" — venture out into the superb botanical gardens, home to dozens of unique environments: an almost eerily authentic Japanese garden, a lily pond straight out of a Monet painting, and an entrancing collection of cacti.Harper hotel: Hotel Bel-Air.
9. Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago
The Robie House, the world's first modern home, was designed in 1908 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and still seems startlingly contemporary 100 years later; with its broad horizontal lines and sleek art-glass windows, it looks like a modernist yacht. Wright himself showed up to protest the planned demolition of the house (it was to be replaced by a seminary dormitory) at the ripe old age of 90. Harper hotel: Four Seasons.
10. The Oregon Coast
Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast swerves through 360 miles of jagged cliffs, rocky outcrops, sweeping dunes and temperate rain forests. The coastline lacks deep harbors, so there are no large cities here — just old logging towns, fishing villages and the occasional artist colony. And the entire coast is public land, which makes for excellent picnic opportunities in rugged and remote spaces.Harper hotel: The Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach
***********************
Certainly the Whaling Museum on Nantucket I can get to pretty easily. And I have been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, although not in quite a while. That sounds like something I can round up my sister and nieces for. We'll add dinner and make it a "Girl's Day". We'll skip the hotel recommendation of XV Beacon....it's lovely, but a little pricy!
Comments? Suggestions? Offers to take me to the others?
By Andrew Harper
Many people have a list of places they'd like to visit before they move on to the next world; here are a few American suggestions of my own.
For conversation's sake, I have avoided the obvious targets, but a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge or a trip up the Empire State Building is still definitely worth it.
Though we are lucky to live in a beautiful country, I have mostly focused on smaller, manmade sites, simply because a catalog of pretty American places could stretch on forever.
This list is admittedly subjective, but comes from 30 years of professional wandering. Some places are more well-known than others, but all share a sense of tranquility and wonder.
And since I review small boutique hotels for a living, I have included nearby recommended places to stay. Happy travels!
1. San Francisco de Asis Church, Ranchos de Taos, N.M. Famously painted by Georgia O'Keefe and described by her as "one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards," this handsome adobe mission a few miles outside of Taos Pueblo yokes together a staggering five centuries of North American history.Harper hotel: Casa de las Chimeneas, Taos.
2. Whaling Museum, Nantucket, Mass.
At its whaling peak during the first half of the 19th century, the small island of Nantucket had 88 ships scattered across the oceans. The Whaling Museum is wonderfully evocative of this era (plenty of scrimshaw and rusty harpoons), and out-of-season Nantucket Town, with its Greek Revival mansions and cobblestone streets, is equally enchanting.Harper hotel: The Wauwinet.
3. Battery District, Charleston, S.C.
The historic Battery District of Charleston, South Carolina, home to dozens of stately antebellum mansions, is one of the prettiest U.S. neighborhoods I've ever explored. Follow the promenade along the shores of the Charleston peninsula; Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, sits broodingly across the Cooper River.Harper hotel: Planters Inn. 4. Madison Valley, Montana
Montana's Madison Valley, which runs between the Madison and Gallatin ranges down to West Yellowstone, is magnificent Lewis and Clark territory. This is unspoiled land, vast and uncompromising — everything you hope Big Sky Country will look like.Harper hotel: The Lodge at Sun Ranch.
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Housed in a charming Venetian-style palazzo, this gem of a gallery displays works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Whistler and Sargent. It's small enough to tour in an hour or so, and you can spend the rest of your time enjoying the sunny, flower-filled courtyard. And if your name happens to be Isabella, you get in free.Harper hotel: XV Beacon.
6. The Four Seasons Restaurant, New York City
If you had to choose only one restaurant in New York City to visit, this would be the one. The city's prettiest dining room was designed by architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, and astutely hasn't been touched since its introduction in 1959. The Pool Room is a study in muted sophistication, despite some of the outsized egos at the tables.Harper hotel: The Lowell.
7. The Rothko Chapel, Houston
This small, non-denominational chapel located just off the Menil gallery in Houston's Museum District seems unassuming at first, but spend some time surrounded by the 14 mysterious paintings by Mark Rothko, and it may start sinking into your skin.Harper hotel: St. Regis.
8. The Huntington Gardens, San Marino, Calif.
Huntington did quite well in railroads, and he's left us with a wonderful afternoon escape just outside of Los Angeles. After admiring some of the spoils of his industry — a Gutenberg Bible, a Shakespeare folio, Thomas Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" — venture out into the superb botanical gardens, home to dozens of unique environments: an almost eerily authentic Japanese garden, a lily pond straight out of a Monet painting, and an entrancing collection of cacti.Harper hotel: Hotel Bel-Air.
9. Robie House (Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago
The Robie House, the world's first modern home, was designed in 1908 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and still seems startlingly contemporary 100 years later; with its broad horizontal lines and sleek art-glass windows, it looks like a modernist yacht. Wright himself showed up to protest the planned demolition of the house (it was to be replaced by a seminary dormitory) at the ripe old age of 90. Harper hotel: Four Seasons.
10. The Oregon Coast
Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast swerves through 360 miles of jagged cliffs, rocky outcrops, sweeping dunes and temperate rain forests. The coastline lacks deep harbors, so there are no large cities here — just old logging towns, fishing villages and the occasional artist colony. And the entire coast is public land, which makes for excellent picnic opportunities in rugged and remote spaces.Harper hotel: The Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach
***********************
Certainly the Whaling Museum on Nantucket I can get to pretty easily. And I have been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, although not in quite a while. That sounds like something I can round up my sister and nieces for. We'll add dinner and make it a "Girl's Day". We'll skip the hotel recommendation of XV Beacon....it's lovely, but a little pricy!
Comments? Suggestions? Offers to take me to the others?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
