I was reading a question on Yahoo that mentioned something about certain characteristics that people carry with their blood type. This struck my interest. I began searching out for things about my own blood type, B Negative. I already knew it was the 2nd rarest type in the world. I've always taken a kind of pride in my uniquness I suppose. I found out that 1 in 67 people have my blood type whereas O positive is 1 in 3 people.

Another interesting thing I came across was how blood types were distributed. I find it strange, but kinda cool, that my blood type is associated mostly with Kalmuks (41%),Gypsies (35%), and Chinese-Peking (32%). I'm not even sure what Kalmuks are! It kinda gives me an idea of where my ancestors could have came from. And Blackfoot Indian, because mom speaks of this a lot as part of our ancestors, have A blood. Interesting.

Perhaps this is why people miscarry? A negative blood type pregnant mother's body will reject her positive blooded baby in the womb. Her body fights the RHesus factor as a foreign element. A positive mother's body does not fight the negative baby she is carrying however. Good thing me and Justin both have negative blood!

Lastly, the originaly item I was looking for. People with negative blood types are thought to carry these characteristics: 1. predominance of green or hazel eyes that change color like a chameleon, but also blue eyes 2. true red or reddish hair 3. low pulse rate 4. low blood pressure 5. keen sight or hearing 6. ESP 7. extra rib or vertabrae 8. UFO connections 9. love of space and science 10. a sense of not belonging to the human race 11. piercing eyes 12. para-normal occurrences 13. physic dreams 14. truth seekers 15. desire for higher wisdom 16. empathetic illnesses 17. deep compassion for fate of mankind 18. a sense of a 'mission' in life 19. physic abilities 20. unexplained scars on body 21. capability to disrupt electrical appliances 22. alien contacts. 23. Have natural or unusual abilities in specialized areas, such as art, music, acting, natural sciences, healing, etc 24. Children and animals are often attracted to them. Although these don't ALL apply to me, (like alien contacts, although I do fear them) I feel that most of them do! How neat?

Legend has it that Type A is calm and trustworthy; Type B is creative and excitable; Type AB is thoughtful and emotional; and Type O is a confident leader.

I got all my info from here http://aquarianmysteries.com/blood.html if you want to read up on your blood type!

I found this Blood Type Diet while searching too. I don't know how true it is though, I'm B and I eat chicken all the time! However, I'm not usually sick and I'm not allergic to anything that I know of, so I guess that goes along with my type. http://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/

Okay, so I guess it's obvious that Justin has made it home safely on October 26th. I didn't blog about the experience because I did a video out of most of the pictures. You can view it at http://www.myspace.com/shan623 There's also a clip from when they were dismissed that I wanted to add to the video, but couldn't figure it out, if it's possible. They're on the half day schedule right now, alternating between days and afternoons. From what I understand, it's nothing he doesn't already know so far. Besides dealing with the extra mess around the house and sleeping on the other side of the bed, things feel normal, but better! Just kicking back and relaxing now. YAY!!

It's Almost time! Justin will be here in less than 24 hours! I'm estatic! I've seen a bunch of HHC on post today. It's so nice just seeing the little Engineer patch again :) I've mopped the floors and gave the dog a bath. I think I'm all set! Well, besides finding an outfit to wear. I think I'll go do that now! I'll take lots of pictures so ya'll feel like you're there too!

Yes everyone, for real this time! Justin is finally out of Iraq! He comes home soon, he comes home soon! Yay!!

He's coming home! He's coming home! This week Justin is coming home! Eee!! Brandy and I have been preparing. Today we stocked our kitchen with their favorite foods and purchased Welcome Home balloons. We've made some beautiful welcome home signs and banners. Justin said that it wasn't necessary. What?! That's telling an artist to not bother with making art! It's what I do, honey. I'm really happy with the banner! I hung it on the balcony today wearing my biggest smile. *Happy Dance* Not just because it looks good, but also the pride I have being the military wife of Justin. I'm going to make some buttons at work tomorrow too. Is the creativness in me or just the excitment getting to me? Gotta keep busy... I love seeing all the families together from the unit that came home last week. My neighbor was outside riding his bike with his daughter last week. So sweet. All the wives I've seen walking alone, pushing their strollers for the past year are now smiling ear to ear walking by hubby who is now pushing the stroller! I love it! I was cleaning house too, and found something I wrote a year ago for Justin. It was suppose to be lyrics for him to make a song with. Reading it now, it looks like a sappy country ballad!

November

I couldn't wait for November

When I was young

It reminded me of how Thankful I was

The Pilgrims and Indians broke bread

I could draw turkeys with a trace of my hand

The colors were so pretty.

Time went on

So quickly, so silently

Another year behind us.

In college November had a new meaning

School papers to be written

Extra hours in at work

I got a raise, I got an A

I was so thankful

The next year my future husband joined the army

A month went by, and then another

I hadn't heard from him

My life seemed so empty

It wasn't until November that I could hear

His voice, and I was so thankful.

Now I'm sitting here dreading the day

My husband goes to war

Just a while longer

Until that day in November

But until then I'm so thankful

Just one year away

Until he returns

Please God, bring him back

Next November

I promise, I'll be so thankful.

My husband loves me :) Justin searched all over the internet for a place that would ship to APO and wasn't extremely high priced (cause lets face it, the camera isn't cheap.) He finally settled on a site I'm unfamiliar with, but I looke dit up at www.resellerratings.com and got an 8 out of 10 by customers. Some loved the place, some hated it. beachcameras.com, anyone heard of it? So yeah, my camera is on it's way!! I'm so excited! Oh yes, it's the Nikon D80! It takes the SD memory card, which isn't the ones I have for my other camera, but Justin hooked me up with a 2GB card. I can't wait to take pictures! I have the lenses from my 35mm Nikon, and they are supposed to be interchangable with this camera as well. I haven't used my 35mm in over a year. Poor film cameras. They take such wonderful pictures, but digital has so many more advantages!

I had someone ask about my photography position. It made me really sad to think that I'm just going to be replaced. What if her pictures are better? I told a coworker about her and he said no matter who comes in, they'll sure miss me :) I don't want to be replaced. I'm irreplaceable! My mother told me so! Or was that if I don't stop picking on Ashley that I WILL be replaced? I've been sitting at the counter drawing for the past 2 weeks. I've had people very excited about my drawings, and I've been commissioned by many. What to do, what to do?! Sketch or snap?

As I type this, there should be some very happy spouses! More soldiers coming home tonight, if not already here! Banners line the fences welcoming home our soldiers. This unit is larger than the last few homecomings. I'm not sure of the actual number coming home, but I'm pretty sure 54th is still bigger. There are so many soldiers coming home! I had no idea this many troops were deployed from here. Sad that I only thought of my husbands unit when clearly there were several that deployed around the same time. One more weekish! I hate not having specific dates. When they call, they call. Then we go to the gym and wait! I have a bet with myself about when my camera will get here. Before or after Justin? Yeah, I'm a dork. It's ok, that's normal for me. Hopefully before so I can attempt to take pictures between my sobs and tears and hugging.

I guess I should catch ya'll up on the week. On Wednesday we went to Bingo! Hooray, it's back in session! A lot of fun, but alas, no winnings. They had some pretty wicker baskets with goodies in each. I wanted one. Oh well. There's a Basket auction in November instead of Bingo if I understood correctly. Maybe I 'll get something there? Maybe I won't be here!

Thursday was Ballerina Photos! That turned out to be a pretty good success. The kids were super cute all dressed up in there tutus and ballet shoes (some in tap shoes). It was very busy day in the studio, but it was exciting! I've been lurking on the Nikioan website checking out reviews, tips, questions, and comments about the new Nikon D80. The more I read, the more I want it! As well as all the other gadgets and lenses and fun stuff to go along with it that add up to be several thousand dollars. Eeeks! Photography isn't a cheap hobby when you go all out. I guess no hobby is really cheap. Maybe drawing. Paper is reasonable and so is charcoal. To open a studio or not, that is the question! I e-mailed a lady about her studio and she wrote back with helpful information, as well as discouraging. Start up costs are outrageous! A good quality camera, in her words, around 8-10,000. Oye... I'll make do with what I've got! Which isn't much.

Friday was the 13th! Oooo, scary! No full moon though. After work Brandy and I ordered Chicken House and watched scary movies. Are we 12? Maybe. The first movie was The Shining. It was scary in a Stephen King kinda way, but nothing to be shook up about. I bet if they did a remake of the movie it would have a much different feel to it! In 1980, movies were just not the same. However, the net movie freaked the crap outta me. Amityville Horror, the new version. When they put "Based on a True Story" at the beginning of the film, I'm instantly memorized. Every time the scene changed I was jumping! I walked into my apartment with extra care and caution. Needless to say, I didn't sleep too well. I needed my Justin!

Today I was all set to get my oil changed in my car. I was going to do it too! I bought the oil, but they didn't carry my filter. They sent me offpost in search of one, for an Amercian car, and they couldn't help me either. I'm waiting for the filter to come in now so I can put my Auto Shop card to use! We went shopping instead, how disappointing, right? So much for just getting paid!

So we were all set to go to Trier, Germany to visit the ancient Roman Baths on Sunday. Brandy had an excellent idea to change our driving scenery so we went south first. Oops! This led us into a Stau (traffic jam) as well as the mysterious trip into downtown Nurnberg. We still can't figure out how sometimes we end up going through the town and other times we go around! Our Atlas was in the trunk so we couldn't see for sure what we were doing besides what the road signs read. It took us an extra hour to get through there. Trier kept getting further and further away. I started searching out places that were closer. Hmmm, intersting. Strasbourg, France is closer than Trier, Germany. When we stopped for a pee break we decided to go ahead and cross the border. I didn't have my passport, but Brandy did. I was pretty sure it was open borders anyway.

Sure enough, we crossed the border almost unknowingly. If it weren't for the dramtic changes in signs and languages, the difference wouldn't be noticeable. Ooo, France! This was our first time dipping into this country together! I had been back in 2001 with the Art Club, but they were still using a different currency! I just felt old for a second referring back to another time when things were different. Okay, on with France!

Brandy has another Germany book for military wives. It's a collection of places to visit written by military wives. It also has a few major cities from the surrounding countries--Strasbourg included! It gave great direction on how to get there. "Follow the autobahn signs to Strasbourg. Park your car and walk because driving is nearly impossible with the tiny streets. We had luck with the hospital parking lot." WOW. That tells us a whole lot! Ha! Just as the book said, we followed the signs and found a hospital parking lot with no problem. Another sunny day in Germany, well, France!

We headed in the direction people were walking. There were quite a few people out. Almost too many. All carrying bags. Yep, we followed everyone to school! We went back to the main road and followed the signs to the Notre Dam Cathedral. No, this isn't the same cathedral as the one in Paris. I guess they have two Notre Dam Cathedrals? I couldn't remember if I came here in 2001, and now seeing that there are two cathedrals with this name, I'm pretty sure I hadn't been here yet. It was made of a red sandstone, something I'm not used to seeing. The outside was equally impressive with the inside. So gigantic and gothic! That was about all we came to see. We were starving so we searched out a place to eat on less than 10 Euros apiece. We hadn't planned on stopping here! All the restaurants were out of our price range and we couldn't figure out what anything said. We know enough of the German menus to decipher the good stuff from the bad, but this was French. I know "We" and "Merci." Nothing said Schnitzel! At first we were going to drive back to Germany for some guaranteed correctly ordered food, but we found a little side shop selling pizza and paninis. Everything closed at 2:00 and opened back up at 6:00, so we couldn't sit and eat since there wasn't enough time by his watch. We ordered to go. I got a Hawaiian Panini and a huge cola for VERY cheap! For the amount of soda I got, I would have paid at least 8 Euros for in Germany. I got it for less than 2 Euros. Woohoo! I love food, but cheap food is even better! It was really good too. We walked back up the this little open area with a carousel and benches to eat. There were a couple kids in a group with papers looking around. One girl came over to us and started speaking French. I just laughed and smiled "I only speak English." She walked away disappointed. A few minutes later a group of boys came by doing the same thing. They stared at us carefully though. We overheard them say we're either Dutch or Deutch. Wow, we've sufficiently blended into our culture and no longer look the part of a tourist! Well, in Germany. One walked by us and said Bonjour. Brandy said Hello and he walked away. Moments later the group of boys walk back by and one is trying to convince the other to go speak English to us. Even if we could talk to him, we'd have no idea where to send him on this little scavenger hunt of theirs.

We easily found our car again and the correct streets to find our way back to the autobahn. How smooth was that trip?! Seemingly too smooth! On the way there we came across more accidents on the autobahn than we've ever seen combined. I kept thinking it was a sign that we'd get in a fender bender, but I was wrong! The ride home we kept ourselves entertained with the country game. It's very similar to the states game on the interstate, except we search out the license plates of other countries. An guessing on how many countries we saw? 25! We kept a list because some of these countries I didn't even know existed. Pretty sad, right? Here they are in no particular order:

Finland

Slovakia

Czech Republic

Germany

Italy

Poland

Portugal

Turkey

Iran (crazy, huh?!)

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Denmark

Switzerland

Estonia

Lithuania

Latvia

Romania

Austria

Hungary

Russia

Albania

Slovenia

USA

Bulgaria

If it weren't for the Atlas with all the country codes, I'd never be able to get all these countries! I was mighty impressed by all the different countries.

When we got home, we were both so tired. Driving just drains my energy and I was only the passenger! I slept the best I have in a long time last night!

There were two more Welcome Home Ceremonys Today! Six of 54th came home, I only knew one of them but was unable to attend because of work. (I took some really cute pictures though!) On my way home from work I saw two charter buses being escorted by the police headed to the gym. Soldiers are home! Soldiers are home! I followed them and saw the big sign that read, "Next Welcome Home Ceremony 15:00 Today." It couldn't be the six soldiers from out unit, but I thought what the heck, I'm here already. I watched them pile out of the bus and stand outside as I walked in. The gym was beautifully decorated in some pretty creative banners, ribbons, flags, balloons, and families all dressed up to see their loved ones after a year. I could tell this wouldn't be easy for me and I considered walking back out but I was flagged down by someone I knew so I stayed to support our troops.

The wait was long. I knew the soldiers were already in the building. Get on with the show! These people are dying to see their soldiers! It was already 16:15. I sat and observed the people around me and took mental notes of all the people I recognized and had no idea their spouse's were gone. The baby in front of me was near a year old. The whole first year of their life was missing their father. It's not an uncommon thing at all though. They'll most likely spend many more years seperated from that child as a military man. The sacrafices to be a soldier. The sacrafices to be a military spouse!

There was finally an announcement to stand and welcome the soldiers as they entered the gym fllowing their cased colors, US flag, and German flag. A fewq soldiers were recognized for something and given an almighty coin. (I have a coin!) There were some speeches given by a few too many people. I could sense the excited anticipation among the sea of families. After listening to both anthems and watching the uncasing and retiring of the colors, the soldiers were released to their families. As soon as it was announced, a 2 year old in a dress ran across the room straight to her dad. I could have just broke down and cried, but I tried my best to hold it in. A little more than 2 weeks and it'll be Justin!

The bleachers cleared out rather quickly. I was soon among the few that had no one to greet but were standing and watching. It was a joyous event for me, however I quickly felt helpless and sad. Among the families hugging and celebrating, there were a few soliders with no one. No one with a balloon or flower to give to them. No one to hug them and tell them they loved and missed them so much. No one to tell them that they too were heroes. I felt really bad for them, but couldn't convince myself to go find them in the crowds and shake their hands. I wish I would have.

Instead I made a quick exit. I was filled with too many emotions and it was bound to make me a crybaby in public. I drove home in the rain and smiled as I passed all the banners hanging on the fences. Only in a military community.

I've been thinking about my time here in Germany and what it's all about. I can't help but think that there's more than one reason why I'm here. The obvious is that my husband was stationed here so I followed him. But he's no longer here you see, he's been sent to Iraq. In turn I am seemingly alone. Did God send me here to be alone? Then I tried to remember if I possibly asked him for anything like patience, strength, or knowledge. I didn't. I didn't always speak to God. He knew what was best for me though. I walked up my stairwell tonight in the dark watching my shadow as I took the steps. I'm in Germany. Thousands of miles of ocean seperates me from my immediate family, my comfort. I've been displaced from everything I knew as the world growing up. I had a choice to either sit in my apartment and fear the unknown, unfamiliar land around me, or travel it and meet the people in my community. I'm glad I chose to find a job and travel along the autobahns! I never thought I 'd find so much comfort in this community. It's strange. We all go through the same stuff though. I witness the love, the heartache, the friendships, the memories made, and the special bonds that we all share. We come from all over the United States, handpicked by the Army to join together in this unfamiliar land. I love the diversity! In uniform, everyone looks the same. I had trouble indentifying my own husband for the first couple months as an Army wife. Conformity. But like today, a training holiday, the soldiers could dress like a "civilian." It's almost shocking to see the same people over and over in their uniform, no true identity. Clean shaven and boots polished (used to be) with spit, and then suddenly out of uniform, they have a new personality, one all their own, without ranks. Funny how different these two people can be. Back in my stairwell I stood at the 1st landing and stared at the door of my neighbor that is no longer here. Her life here no longer exists. Just a memory to some, to me always. Her husband was a soldier and he fought this war to his death. How on earth did she manage to pull it all together? Within a week the movers were here. The cleaners have already came and have prepared the apartment for a new family. So quickly everything happened. So quickly everyone forgets. At the 2nd landing I smile as I remember my other neighbors. They had a dog just like Mikey. Crazy dog! He was always so nice. Anywhere I saw him it was "Hey neighbor, how are you?" When they left she was 7 months pregnant. I bet they have their baby now. My other neighbors were also childless. I always seemed to meet her on Sundays doing laundry. She wanted a dog and was thinking about getting one like Max. They're gone too... I reach my floor. I haven't had a neighbor for quite some time. I don't think my old neighbors really liked us. We were too young for their mature lives. He never smiled and I'm not sure I ever saw her! Me, though, I'm still here. Sitting, waiting, wishing for my husband to be here soon! I wonder how people will remember me? I wonder if anyone will at all? I wonder if I've fullfilled my purpose here? Perhaps it's still in process.

I was going through the line at the Shoppette and saw the new Newsweek with a photographers life on the cover. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to buy it to oberve another photographer's lighting, cropping, and coloring. I didn't buy it. I just looked at it from the line, wondering what made her so special.

When I got to the CAC I saw that a new stack of magazines had just come in and were sitting on the counter waiting for me. Right on top was Newsweek! How wierd? I'm telling you, fate is on my side. Everything happens for a reason. I open the magazine and search for the article on her. Hmm.. Interesting, but nothing I'd really boast about, and no ideas that I'd want to steal from her. The last page of her article was on the right side. On the left was a huge advertisment for the new digital Nikon D80. No way! They have a new Nikon out?!

Straight to the internet I go. justin has been asking me which camera I want, the Nikon D70 or D200. Each has it's perk, but neither was THE camera I'd been looking for. Guess what though? The Nikon D80 is everything I want from both cameras! Yay!! You can see it here and oogle over it's fantasticness. http://reviews.cnet.com/Nikon_D80/4505-6501_7-32004258.html?tag=sub Ok, maybe it's just a photographer thing. Maybe you don't see it's beauty like I do. That's ok. I'll show you the beauty in the pictures I take with it when I have it!

Grr... At 12:30 last night it hits me that I have to be awake by 7:00 for an appointment at the Dentist's Office for an Oral Evaluation. Wow. I had totally forgotten about it! Must be my fate to finally get this over with. I arrive to the waiting room of the clinic in my sweatpants and sweatshirt with my hair tied back. My eyes were still poofy from sleeping. I was only out of bed for maybe 15 minutes. I stumble to the counter and check in. I have a seat and cuddle in my shirt and hoodie and space off. I snap out of it occassionally to notice the one brightly colored sign hanging from the ceiling. "If you have not seen the doctor after 15 minutes, please see the counter," Or something like that. I look to my wrist for the time and realize I don't have my watch on. I took it off before I ran last night (Yay me!), so it was in my purse. Just 5 more minutes and I can complain! Then my mind goes wandering into all the possibilites that could happen from me going to the counter and telling them I haven't been seen yet. Will they get a checkmark on their report card? Would they really report it? How do they come up with the figures for 95% goals met this quarter when it takes me a month just to get my teeth looked at and then another month for anything to happen, not to mention that this is the 2nd time I've waited past my scheduled appointment. They must not set very high goals. I bet nothing happens. I bet the nurse realizes that she forgot to tell the Dentist I was there. "Shannon?" Oh hey, that's me!

I follow her down the long boring white halls to a small room. Party of one, a seat just for me! Did I mention I hate the dentist, especially in the morning? I sit and stare out the window while the assisstant does her thing. Pretty soon a tall dark haired man is standing right next to me and sticks his hand out in front of me. I'm Dr. BlahBlah, Nice to meet you. I stare at him for a second and then realize I'm being rude and shake his hand and say Hi. He leans me back in the chair and pokes at my wisdom teeth for couple seconds and then sits me back up. You gotta be kidding me? That's all I got up for?!

Come look at the x-rays with me. I see my pearly white all lined up against each other on a 2-D scale. Cool. I wonder what those whiter shades are? The last dentist told me my teeth were fine. Must be the thinner parts of my teeth? He goes right into diagram mode and points out all the different spots of my jaw and teeth and how my teeth are effecting me now and how they will effect me later if I don't get it taken care of. I have no problems with my wisdom teeth. They don't bother me. He showed me the roots of my top teeth and how close they come to my sinus area. He said since they are grown in all the way, they have formed sturdy roots that may or may not come out easily. If they don't, he'll try cracking my tooth and diggin it out. If it doesn't comeout willingly, he'll leave it to dissolve over time so it doesn't jam into my sinus. Yay. My bottom wisdom teeth have not yet come in. They are still under the bone layer and will need to be cut out by cutting the gums and cracking the bone layer. I'm cringing at this point and saying to myself that I will only have the top taken out. I don't need the bottom ones dealt with right now! then he goes on to say that since they aren't in yet, they haven't formed roots that hit the nerve. It's best to take them out now before they do because it will be much less painful. Also, if I wait much longer, the tooth will possibly break skin and then ruin my chances for a quick recovery because the last molar wouldn't have any gum to attach to and heal, most likely causing a deep cavity in the back of my last molar. Grrrreeeaat. Can it get any better Doc?

He then goes on to talk about the drugs I'll be taking and the effects that each stage can have. He mentions the twilight pill and the 50/50 chance I'll have of it working and I immediate say forget it. I do not want to feel a single thing. I wanted to be dead to the world with someone else having to hold my jaw open, but that's not an option. I can either be drugged and remember, or drugged and not remember. I chose to remember so I can blog about the horrific events later.

The soonest they can get me in is November. Wonderful. My husband comes home shortly before then. He'll love drugged up, swollen cheeked, wife Shannon. Then they tell me that I'm likely to lose my spot because of the troops coming home. I don't get preference. Soldiers first. While I think it's a wonderful idea, they've been trying to do this for a year now! Just take my teeth or I will gladly leave! Then I remember that I will no longer have insurance after February, so I'm trying to get all my problems dealt with ASAP. I'm also young, and I've heard many times that it's better to be dealt with while I'm young. Ugh!

It's also a good thing that Justin plans to quit smoking upon returning from Iraq. I can't be around any smoke, including hubby, resuartants, bars, anything, for at least 4 days to prevent the worst painful infection. No partying for me for a couple days! Bummer.

He wrote me a prescription for a big bottle of Ibuprofen and 2 DIAZepam. Yup, just did a WWW search. It's Valium. I always thought it was for pain. Strange. It says it's for anxiety. Are they seriosuly doing this operation on just Ibuprofen?! Wow, I think I'm more scared now that I know its purpose. It's also addictive. Good thing there's only 2! One before bed the night before (makes sense now...) and one before the operation. They are taking my wisdom teeth out on an over-the-counter drug used for treating menstral cramps! I'm thinking much more pain than than cramping! They have to cut my gums and crack my bones! AH! I think I need a dose of diazepam now too! I love the internet, but sometimes knowing everything may not be the best. Hmm... do I trust the doctor that says I will feel nothing? Or do I trust my brain that knows what it should and shouldn't be feeling? Can't wait. Gotta love those wisdom teeth.

Well I didn't think I'd really want to blog every day like I was, but I guess it's just habit now! Today was pretty normal at work. I sat and drew a new picture. Another cute baby. Paul asked if I draw older people too. Hmm... I've drawn MANY self portraits in college, so yes! But babies are just so much cuter. When I draw older people, it's more about making art for me. But babies are more the cute factor. I had lots of people ask if it was my baby. No. Then they ask why I don't have kids. Is it the law?! Gimme a chance, people! No need to remind me that my hubby has been gone for nearly a year!

Speaking of hubby, I sure hope this is his last mission. I don't think I can take another disturbing sleep filled with nightmares. This past month has been the worst. Every night. If I do fall asleep, I wake up in the middle of the night, shaken and scared. Then I pray that it's all just a dream and I don't have intuition. After 9:00am I feel relieved that he's probably back on his post and no military people have showed up at my door. It's almost over! I had a converstaion with another spouse today. They've been in the military for 20 years and she hasn't slept well the entire time. She developed insomnia and has to take pills to sleep. How awful. I know Brandy has been having trouble sleeping, as well as another friend I talked to tonight. They gave us plenty of warning about the side effects our men would have, but they didn't explain what the spouses would go through.

So there was a reintegration meeting tonight. Woohoo! It was informative, but a wee bit too long. I wasn't aware of the meeting we were having afterwards for our Company and I already had plans with Brandy to go to the gym. I don't think they were too happy that I left. Oh well. They can e-mail me if it's that important. I'm sure I wouldn't say anything anyway. So off to the gym... Wouldn't ya know, Brandy and I both brought our ipods to run with. I was really excited about the new songs I had on it to keep me motivated. We were both putting our armbands on and Brandy says she doesn't have her earphones. I'm like, "Awwwe! I'm sorry." Then I stopped and realized I've done the SAME THING! We both had them charging before we came and unplugged the earphones. Dang it! We're too alike. It's scary sometimes!

Today was cleaning day. I couldn't take it any longer! I'm really surprised at how long it's been since I've actually cleaned down and dirty. Ok, so I'm not THAT surprised. I don't necessarily like cleaning so it was easy to put off. I'm not sure if I ever noticed dust on my stuff at ny home in Illinois. I'm sure it was there, but I really don't think it was as bad as it is here. Just one week and there's a layer of dust? Really? It's gotta be the old building I live in! Dusting takes sooo long to do. You have to pick up every item and wipe it down. I'm going to have curio cabinets someday for all my stuff so I only have to clean the glass with one swipe. I cleaned everything that could be thrown in the wash machine: bedding, rugs, slippers, dog bed. Max even got a bath today! He's still a smelly dog and I think it has to do with him turning into a big dog. We need to decide if we want to breed him ASAP because I'm ready to neuter him!

Aside from cleaning, I also went to the movies with Brandy, Dusty, and Henry. We saw John Tucker Must Die. Cute movie! I enjoyed it, even if it's directed toward teens. Plus, who wouldn't want to see Jesse Metcalfe half naked! Lol, I love you, Justin!

Guess what else? It's October!! Justin comes home this month! I've got ants in my pants, I just can't sit still!

The other great thing about October? I met my goal of blogging every day in September! Woohoo Shannon! You can send me gifts if you'd like.