I can fly!

It's been an incredibly long week (long two years), with some nearly sleepless nights, but it's all done. I am no longer a masters program student.  Does this mean I get to have "MPA" behind my name? When I look back over all that we have accomplished in this masters program, it's a remarkable thing-that each step prepares you for the final step-the Public Administration captone project, which is huge-you create a project that incorporates elements from every course and every aspect of administration that you have learned over the entire program, and end up with this thing that is nearly living, breathing, and seemingly not that far from manifesting. All the long nights and brain-frying pay off before you even have your new job. Then there's this sense that, if we can do this, we can save the world (or conquor it)-or at least our little corner of it (except for the week 8 project- which was really hard to narrow down to 10 slides-90 slides would have been easier-Death by PPT!)




 In addition to trying to finalize this final step of the project, I incorporated that information, as I have been doing all along into my original PPT presentation from week 2, which is now nearly 90 slides! And though this barely covers the "tip of the iceberg" on all that is necessary to implement a nonprofit program, it feels more attainable than ever-within reach.  Understandably, more brains are better than one, and this program proposal will go through revisions and upgrades once I have others "on my bandwagon" who will inevitably bring knowledge and expertise to the table, but it's an awesome feeling-to create something that feels so big that has the potential to help people. 

I presented my proposal, my large nearly 90 slide PPT, to the Fountain Valley Foundation Board last night and hours later they invited me to join the Board! It's a foundation in transition, but those who remain are a good group, they operate from a place of integrity, so, even though it could take a while to make this program a reality, I think it's completely possible. And I get the honor to be part of a wonderful thing as it evolves to become even better.

Jump start on Wordless Wednesday-snowy treasure in Fountain in spring!

Conservation Wolf Stamp

Conservation Wolf Stamp Definitely on my "to be purchased" list. Being the most endangered wolf in the world, it is our responsibility to preserve them.

Wordless Wednesday-from Manitou Incline

Do Spouses (military) Serve?

My responses & thoughts regarding Bobbi Taylor's beautifully written Toughest job in the Navy and the question Do Military Spouses Serve, which directly relates to The Meaning of Sacrifice. 

I agree [with Bobbi] to a point. I don't think being a military spouse is the toughest job, compared to what the service member deals with, and we will go to hell and back with the love of our life, no matter what career they choose. I disagree, however, that we're just plain ol' wives. We are resilient and strong, even when we don't want to be. We keep giving more even when we feel like giving up and giving in. We keep on trucking even when it feels like the truck is on its last life.
It isn't just about missed birthdays and anniversaries. It's about saving the country while the spouse is saving the family-dealing with crises at school and your child being transported by ambulance after an accident and keeping it together when you want to fall to pieces. It's about realizing that mom isn't the one the sons need, but dad isn't here, so you do your best and try to find surrogates, who are never truly the one the sons need-they never totally fill those shoes. And it's comforting your child after a police officer knocks on your door, and your child immediately thinks something bad happened to dad (because he doesn't know it wouldn't be the police coming to tell you).

 It's facing your fears when the love of your life goes on deployment number 5, and finding a way to deal with mechanics or anything/anyone else that intimidates you because you don't have the expertise and yet the work must be done. It is that, as you say, that falling back on that old phrase, "No news is good news" when you haven't heard anything in a while; even though you think, "I should be used to this by now," you never really do.


No, I don't think we are just plain ol' wives. We are special. We are strong. We are resilient. And yes, we sacrifice a great deal to just keep on keepin' on.

I feel a rant coming on... I think that, typically, the wife/mother is the glue that holds together and keeps any household running effectively. Over and above that, my husband doesn't know what meds my kids are on, doesn't handle school issues, doesn't keep the grocery list, doesn't take care of his soldiers' spouses and families while he's home, let alone while he's gone. He doesn't track appointments, meals, or juggle computer/appliance repairs with UPS deliveries that require a signature. He doesn't make excuses to the neighbors why the yard isn't as kept as it should be, or jump into action when a soldier's kids from his exwife are suddenly thrust in the soldier's lap and his family needs clothing, a bed, and bedding, among other things.



In addition to being an Army spouse, I have worn the uniform, and am retired, and I can tell anyone, in no uncertain terms, that being the spouse is much more challenging than being the one in uniform.

Pleiades-newest addition to Ten Eyck Troop!

Adopted from the Humane Society, he is named for the open star cluster the Taurus constellation.  It is among the nearest star clusters to Earth and is the cluster most obvious to the naked eye in the night sky.  According to some sources, peleias refers to a dove (or doves plural) and "pel" means "dark colored or gray."

Here we go again...the countdown to deployment

Actually, it feels like we've never stopped the countdown to the next deployment. The moment they come home they're preparing for the next all-expense paid vacation in whatever sandbox in the world seems to need them.