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To Bagram and Back

Hello my dear family and friends. While I am away I will try to keep you all up to date at once by using this diary. Post a message any time, but please realize that I may not always be able to reply right away. I miss you all and can't wait to get home, but until I am, this will hopefully help us stay connected. The following is a quote by Frederick Buechner:

"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you."

Go to Bagram with me? Love Tracy

Diary Entries
Click here to read this diary from the start

Sunday, 11 May 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!! And to Barb and all my sisters, (except Carolyn - sorry, doob)and the rest of my readers who have little ones - oh!! And AIMEE!! Whoes little one is still fetally little!

The other day I ordered a bunch of scented shower gels and lotions from Bath and Body Works. The box arrived and scented up the whole shop, as one of the containers had opened a bit. Chris walked in and said "It smells like Tracy in here". That was pretty funny. I do think the company could have packaged that with a little more care. You guys do a much better job of packaging!

One of the girls here, Nicole, had received a care package of salami, gouda, brie and little toast-like crackers. Plus Toblerone chocolate bars for "finishers". We broke into that tonight and had a little feast. It seemed like something I'd have had on Christmas Eve at Barb's house. Everyone was lamenting that we had no wine - and we laughingly considered using grape drink mix in our bottled water as a substitute. Then they all left to play cards - but I could not join them as I am on night shift still, and this was the day shift crowd. But the snacks were a nice upscale change-of-pace from our usual fare.

That's all for now. Love and misses! Tracy

Friday, 09 May 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

Hello! I caught up on the messages yesterday, then didn't have time to write an entry! haha

I am still on night shift. Moving to days pretty soon I hear, but no exact date yet. It has been pretty cloudy here lately so no recent chances to lay in the sun - not that I have tons of time to do that anyway, but it is nice to take an hour after my shift if possible.

I don't need anything except the secret mission stuff (Lisa!) and Denny never did send my blush (big surprise). I got a nice package from Barb for Mother's Day - along with a card which implies I don't call often enough - lol. Man are you guys hard to please!! This is war, man! I'm doing my best.....The longer I'm here, the harder it gets.....

It has also gotten very difficult to think of things to tell you. Nothing changes here. Everyday is a repeat of the day before. Same people, same clothes, same food, same work....I'm going to the gym again - that's new. We are doing some new fitness thing called "crossfit" which is supposed to be very difficult. We'll see how I do. I have a feeling I won't be able to keep up with the rest as I am likely anemic again right now. I keep meaning to stop in and get a blood test to check - but then I forget and don't. I started re-taking my vitamins again just in case, but yesterday I had to walk pretty briskly to the office as I was running late (also no big surprise there) and I got winded....just like last time I was anemic. Everyone is now poised to write me to take care of myself. Don't bother....I know.....I will....

Love and miss you - Tracy

Tuesday, 29 April 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

There is one little plant growing outside my hooch. It is a purple wildflower, and is coming up through the gravel. I keep hoping nobody picks it, or squishes it, or sprays it with weed killer!

One more "day" of being on night shift I think. Pshew! I sure hate night shift. But lately I am hating being here period. Maybe day shift will make it better.

I'm ready to come home.

I haven't felt like that until now. Three more months seems long and you all seem far away. If I ever come back here, I am only coming for 6 months at a time. 16 months is too long!

Love,
Tracy

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

Location: Afghanistan

Hey there, family. How's life in old Ohio? I'm thousands of miles away, but dears tonight you look so pretty - yes you do! Afghan stars don't shine as bright as you. I swear it's true. Hey there, family don't you worry about the distance, I'm right there if you get lonely give this journal another read - then close your eyes. Listen to my voice, it's my disguise. I'm by your side.......

OK - so I borrowed that from the Plain White T's. But I was listening to it today and thought of you. You guys seem to be missing me alot lately. The feeling is mutual.

Love and hugs.

Plain white (but gettin' tan) T
;-)

Monday, 21 April 2008

Location: Afghanistan

Hello guys!

James wrecked the Tahoe! He is fine - but Tahoe is not. <sniff, sniff>. I hope they can fix it good as new. Kids!

Let's see....what else? Nothing exciting, really. I am getting to do a pretty important brief for awhile - that is good. It's the one I was sad that they passed me over for before (like months and months ago - you probably don't remember, but I DO).

I got Aunt Julie's package! It was full of great snacks! Thank you so much. And how exciting about the wedding plans! Only about three months left til I come home now. I bet they go fast. Summers always do. I have a few job offers to mull over for when I get back. That will be exciting too.

Going to bed now - sorry it was a shortie. I DID get all the messages though. Thanks everyone, for writing. Love, T

Monday, 14 April 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

I am a little bit sore today. We have a new analyst in the shop who is a former Marine, current Navy officer. He suggested we do push-ups every hour to pass the time faster and keep in shape. I do ten each hour. But that is over 100 in a shift. He does 50 each hour!! So - next week I have to up mine to 15 each time, and so forth. Just think how strong I am going to be!

Mom - remember when you had to make me do them at the post office on the back dock to get ready for boot camp?? I couldn't even do like 4 when I first tried!! That seems so long ago....
It's good to think I'm stronger now.

The package with all the "fun" stuff arrived yesterday! Thanks you guys. The biggest hit is the squirt guns, of course. Chris already had a gun that shot foam darts at us. Now we can shoot back.

Talk to you later. Love, Tracy

Friday, 11 April 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

Hello fam! I got some good news yesterday! We had our Navy evals done last week for all the E5's in the Task Force. When they ranked us out, I got #1!! That's out of all the E5's - even those not the same rate as me. There are 17 of us. That means I also get the "early promote" which will allow me to take the advancement exam early and with extra points! I'll be a first class petty officer before you know it!

I also slept at least 7 hours last night - so things are better in that regard. I get to fill in for Chris while he goes on leave (as Sr analyst) so that will look great on my resume. I will have to move back to day shift to do that though - haha.

I have lost weight. My uniforms just hang on me. I am in the process of trying to locate smaller ones so I don't look like I'm wearing my father's uniform. Between that and the tan - I am pretty happy with the "outer me" right now. Oh - and I covered up my gray hair too! So I look like my pretend age again - haha. Somebody asked me today how old I am and I said 32 and they did not believe I was that old - hahaha. Chris was laughing his ass off. He says "She had a 17 year old son!" and people looked at me with raised eyebrows. That darn James is blowing my cover!!

Speaking of James - prom should be soon. Mom, make sure he knows what to do.....Men's Wearhouse has nice tuxes, I recall. And you know I spare no expense for school dances (where do you suppose I got that from?) Don't let him matchy-match his date! James is so handsome! He WILL NOT go to the prom looking like his date's accessory! And make sure he washes the car! And that somebody's older responsible sibling is driving them.....you know teenagers and proms.....

Gotta run. I love and miss you all! Tracy

Thursday, 10 April 2008

Location: Bagram, Afghanistan

I have not slept well for a couple days....just 5 hours here and there. It is so hard for me to adjust to different schedules. Maybe tonight. I am in the middle of my shift but had to get up and walk around to keep myself awake (hence the entry). All else is fine though. I miss you and now officially will be home in August. So - only a few more months....Love, Tracy

Monday, 07 April 2008

Location: BAGRAM, Afghanistan

HI everyone! I'm back at Bagram. Chris is glad to have me back - but I am running night shift again - yuck! He says only for a couple weeks....we'll see.

My "new" room is teeny tiny compared to my old room here and those I had while out and about. I've aquired too much stuff - to the chagrin of my soldier buddies who always help me move it! I call it "her royal highnesses matched luggage". They always comment that I must have a bunch of hairdryers and things in there! But it's all in fun, as they mostly treat me like a little mascot or something.

It's good to be back - even though I did not really want to come back this time. I always get like this when I change places. I'm just not good at the change thing yet. But everyone here welcomed me back (that knew me). There are a lot of new faces in the shop. I guess that may be a good thing. Now Chris and I have officially been here the longest straight (we both started in May out here).

That's all for tonight - I need to get some sleep - I've been up for 34 hours with only about an hour nap in there. That tends to happen when I move around.

Love and kisses - Tracy

Friday, 04 April 2008

Location: Elsewhere, Afghanistan

Hi guys! It has been raining here for two days. It's very muddy and I have not been able to lay out! But you would NOT believe how dark I got in a week! It's almost as if my "tan" was just hiding all that time!

I am going back to BAF pretty soon. I did get my package - thanks!!! The fudge disappeared the first day, as usual Gram! I read all the messages, but will post them later because my time is short on here today. Lots of news from you guys...good and bad. I guess I better call home today!

Nothing else that I can share. I'm still kind of "apathetic" but will probably be fine once I get back to BAF. The idea of going back is making me upset - just because all my stuff is in piles in that room they moved me to and so forth. You know how I am.....the thought of the disorganization is very disconcerting. I do miss Chris and Karla and the whole gang really, so it will be good to get back to them.

Mom - I'm so sorry about the orders! This is proving out to be difficult. I'll work on emailing them to your hotmail address today if I can.

I love and miss you all a ton!

Tracy

Friday, 28 March 2008

Location: Khowst, Afghanistan

I'm still alive!!!

I have no good excuse for not writing. Yes, I've been busy but have also been a bit apathetic. I almost missed talking to James on his birthday. Thank goodness I woke up in time to catch him before he went to bed. Another hour or two and I'd have been too late.

Every day here is seeming like the day before. They just run together, dark, light, day, night, wake, sleep. I don't know what day of the week it is usually.

Good news on our rooming situation here. They built us a hooch for the females that holds all six of us in individual spots now. Mine is gorgeous of course. And man is it quiet in there. They stuck us way in the back of the compound. Our old place had people crunching by on the gravel 24/7. Now we have peace and quiet.

I had been lamenting the fact that my skin had not really seen sunlight in a year. Then my friend Steve talked me into tanning on the bunker behind our shop. We arranged the sandbags so we can climb up on top of it. I was laughing to myself thinking that back when I was in high school I used to try to sunbath in March/April during spring break. Now I really can! Steve was right - I needed to chill out. The war does not miss me for an hour a day while I tan - haha. The folks back at BAF won't recognize me with a tan - and grey hair! All the girls are going to start tanning too now. I've started a trend (or rather Steve has). He has big plans for going to the beach as soon as he gets home (which is soon for him).

Absolutely nothing else is new. Room and a tan - that is your update! Sorry, sorry - but you might as well be as bored with my life as I am - hahahaha!

Love and miss you tons!!

Tracy

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

Location: Khowst, Afghanistan

Hi family! Did you think I forgot you?? I assure you, I did not. We have been pretty busy here and when I do have time to get on the computer I am stuck between writing an entry or answering your messages. Answering the messages takes longer because I have to wait for the computer to post each one individually. So - please be patient. I have them all in my que! And I've read them all - I promise!

The weather here is beautiful right now. We also have an Afghan restaurant on our base which is fun to go eat at now and then instead of the chow hall. Same as last time I was here though, there is no ATM so I have to watch my cash. I can't afford to run out of coffee money and they do not have the Green Bean here set up to use mygift cards yet. So I am saving those for back at BAF, which I will return to - eventually.

We have 6 girls here now - and we are crammed in a room that is really for four people. We are having to use our top bunks for two of us - which sucks because we usually store stuff up there. I so far do not have a bunkmate though. It's a good thing as I sleep "catch as catch can" and would probably always be disturbing her (or she me - which I couldn't afford).

Mail is being forwarded to me here - no worries. Mom - can you ask Tracy B to send my hair color again? I'm looking pretty grey and my old roomies back at BAF can't find my stuff Tracy sent me before (now that my stuff is all packed up and moved!) I had enough for one more time - but I will just use that when I get back to BAF some day and will use the new one here.

Also - I am going to need shorts and capri's. I have some at the house of course. And I am mailing home a box of winter clothes (sweatshirts and sweaters) that I don't need now and it taking up room. I will stick the disposable camera in there too so you finally have some pics of me here.

I'll call you, Mom about the clothes....

Love and misss you!

Tracy

Sunday, 09 March 2008

Location: Elsewhere, Afghanistan

Hi everyone!

I'm back in "Elsewhere" again! Made it here safe and sound - and am back in my former room here - though not in the same bed as there are now offically five females on the compound and one already had my old spot.

I hung up my pretty blankets and things - it's not as nice as KAF, but it's fine.

Hopefully all this moving around will be over soon. I had left here at Christmas - remember? It's funny to be back....

Everything is fine and I think I am coming home in August now, vice October. There are orders stating as much in the system at any rate. So we'll see. Funny how that seems like two months early now instead of four months late.

It's easy to write you again, so I will. Have fun in all that snow!

Love, Tracy

Wednesday, 05 March 2008

Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan

Hello everyone!!!!

Finally a chance to leave my stinking computer and come get on the computer - hahaha

Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to write. As I said in the last entry - they blocked this site on my in-the-office unclassified computer, so now we are stuck with my sporadic writing until I change locals again....

Which, by the way.....next entry might be from elsewhere.

All is good. Got my hair cut today. It looks very grey now, much to my dismay. That makes is so much harder to pull off the 32 thing. I've been getting along OK with Val. Just have to look for the best in her - it's in there - really.....haha.

I'm sick. Just a bad cold, but the first I've had even a sniffle really in a year - unless you count that time where I couldn't eat for a few weeks (I don't count that - it was a "diet"). I took 12 hours off work because of it and you'd of thought the world was going to quit turning.....whatever! They drugged me up and I'm, back in the fight - haha.

I promise to get my orders to all who need them. Mom - post office will need them...Mortgage place....all those places that lowered my interest rates...(sorry for the load of paperwork I'm about to cause you).

Denny was supposed to mail me my Clinique pressed powder (matte ivory)....you know Denny....promised he would.....still hasn't.....Mom?????

Is Lisa speaking to me yet? I love you Lisa! Come on.....don't be mad....

Gotta run - Sam - I'm calling you at Mom's tonight....I miss you tons and need to talk to you so I can stop worrying.

Love - Tracy

Thursday, 28 February 2008

Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan

Hello from KAF!

This connection is soooo slow that I might not be able to answer all your messages in my alloted time. I'll do my very bestest though!

I like it down here more every day. I just told Mom this morning that I don't miss BAF anymore really. This place is my little home now. And the gang down here is great. I have some good friends. They sent little Country back to BAF. Our NCOIC here is named Mo and he used to call Country his son. Then when I came I was his Mom. So before he left we posed for a "Family Photo" with Country in the middle holding a stuffed animal! It was so funny and cute. Once again, I will try to get a copy - but who knows when I will be able to post it here...

I'm getting a lot of positive feedback on my work here lately. That has been really nice. It would really suck to be here and think I wasn't being appreciated or wasn't contributing. Definately not the case!

I still hear from Mary now and again. She is doing well, it seems, and keeping me up to date on all of our reserve unit goings on. Well - I gotta go.

Love and miss you!
Your T

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Recent Messages
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From Mom
Hi there Sailor! Happy Mother's Day from your Mom!!
I missed the Clinic Bonus Sale at May Co :-( Sorry!! I have been driving the bus EVERY day for the last four weeks, and I didn't get a chance to go. Last night I got to take the Freshmen boys baseball team to play in North Canton.
My first extra trip!! They paid me to set on the bus and read
a book lol!! Well, gotta go. Dad just got a call that the boat is ready to get picked up
so our driveway will be crowded again. We will have to do some cleaning up on it before we put it in the lake. Won't be long now, and I'll be swimming YEA Can't wait till you can come with us!
Love you and miss you much
Mom
Response: Getting paid to read a book - how cool is that? haha
From Gram
Hi You Again..Just want to wish you a "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY" Just for you, to remember you are the best Mother for James.Your giving us the all your very best. And I think that takes a very special "Gal" that is my Granddaughter. Please get that check up. Don't forget.. I love you lots and am keeping you "ALL" in my prayers..Gram
Response: Got it already Gram - results pending. Happy Mother's Day to you too! Love, Tracy
From AJ
I must tell you we are a funny GROUP. We just want to hear dumb things-like what you eat-what music you listen to-how much sleep you get-if you are still doing push ups??
Grams sent me an email joke.
China will no longer publish a phone directory due to chaos.
There are so many Wing's and Wong's in the directory people were always wingin' wong numbers.
Hope it made you smile!! Love and hugs
Response: hahaha!! I love that. Thanks!
From AJ
HI Tracy, Happy Mothers Day to YOU. Please find another Mother to share HUGS with, so you will both feel the love of family. Hopefully all those long hours you are working will make the time go FAST. Take time to breathe and relax. I'm sending big hugs to you. Love AJ
Response: Thanks Aunt Jerrie - and I will!
From Sheri
Hi Tracy,
Have you been switched to days?
Take care, Sheri
Response: Not yet!
From Gram..
Hi Babe..Don't worry about writting..As long as your Mom lets me know that you called. I'll be O.k. and wont worry..Love You Lots..
Gram
Response: Hi, Gram! I'm fine! Love, Tracy
From Emily
Hi Aunt Tracy!
I got prizes for selling girl scout cookies. I got a Dash puppy, and a badge maker, and a disco ball, and a bracelet maker, and a patch, and a journal that has gel pens. I renamed my Dash puppy to Pawprint. I love him. He has a little green bandana that says ready, set, go! That's the girl scout motto for selling cookies. I did really good this year by selling 300 boxes of cookies. Did you get some?
I love you,
Em
xoxoxoxo
Response: Good job little Emils! What a sales girl you must be! 300 boxex??!! WOW! Love Aunt Tracy
From AJ
It is a beautiful "May" day here in old Ohio. I hope the sun is shinning for you and you can work on your tan. I know August is FAR AWAY but it will come and we will have one great big WELCOME home party. Hope we can have a girls "craft" night. I miss our times we got together.
Love and hugs
Response: I'm missing you guys too. And various wierd things to miss - such as the radio in my car, and spaghetti, and long showers! August isn't THAT far......Love, T
From Lisa
Hello far away sister,
There's a song playing alot now, Love is a Beautiful Thing, the line "even old Aunt Ruby came, first time on an airplane, it's her sister's girl, she wouldn't miss it for the world" makes me cry everytime. You are going to miss it... for the world.
Only 9 weeks, so far only trouble is her father, well and the caterer saying there won't be room in the frig for the cake, oh and we can't decorate or be on the grounds between 1 and 3 the day of, Alyssa is refusing to have her hair up, etc.
Love, Lisa
Response: You made me cry just now too......and I've never even HEARD that song! I'm sorry, Lisa. But it sounds like you have it under control (mostly) - lol. Leave her hair down - she's beautiful any way! Love, Tracy
From Denny
Hi Honey,
It was so funny that that you called while i was reading your planet ranger. i had been thinking about you and it was really great to get that call. The tahoe should be fixed in a week or so and I'm sure it will be just like new.
James and I are going to New York to see the Indians play those Damm Yankees and we are going to tour the stadium as It will be the last year for Yankee stadium in the bronx. James just got home and wants to go to bed as we are finishing a roof in the morning.
I will write you again later and again when we return from New York.
Love ya, Miss ya
Denny
Response: Have a great time and be careful! Love you, T
From Sheri
Hooray your moved up to #2 again.
I get to check one thing off my list for the school year. We just had the yearbook sdelivered and got them distributed to the students today. (YES! - done!) I am the yearbook advisor ... term advisor is used loosely, I do most of the work - Middle school students are hard to keep focused.
Funny story ...
Maybe not as funny as you mom's story ... but here it goes.
Garrison went to the dentist recently and had a tooth pulled. (He grinds his teeth at night and has had fillings because of it and he just ground out one of the fillings and it was able to be filled again :(
Well, Uncle Jim (John's brother also in the family business) had to go to the dentist not long after Garrison to get a filling and was nervous about it. Garrison told him "I don't know why you're scared Uncle Jim, you look at dead bodies almost every day!"
I guess it is all in how you look at things!
Stay safe, we are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers!
Love, Sheri
Response: That is hilarious - and insightful for a kid.....Garrison is gonna be a smart little cookie I bet!
From Gram..
Hi Again, Oh..Oh..I'm so sorry your mom didn't tell me she was going to send you a picture of me..Wish it had been a better. Carolyn must have taken the better one home with her or deleated it..So hows your outlook today?Sorry if I wrote anything to hurt you but sometimes if someone lets us know that we really care, if they were feeling bad and shakes us up a little, it helps.Please forgive me, if I did hurt you.Because I really love you.O.K.??? How did you make out with your important brief, you were going to do? I hope you got an A+..Sending lots of love and blessings for all of you over there..I Love You..Gram
Response: Gram you NEVER hurt me!!! i appreciate you SO much - you always think of me and check on me. I love that - and you. My important brief has been going REALLY well and I've been recognized for doing a good job on it. Love and hugs! Tracy
From John (Red)
Lord. August. Man. Insane. You are insane. Seriously. I'm glad to hear you sound so cheerful! I hope all my replacements are doing a good job. I'm sure you're learnin' them everything they need to know. Give me a holler if you need anything!

Response: Red!!! I miss you horribly! New replacements are NOT as good as you! But what can we do - you get who you get. Jon W and TL are gone...we are hurtin' in the shop. So.....what do I need?? A thoughtfully insightful care package with the basic necessities that you KNOW are is short supply here would be greatly appreciated ;-)

Obama's still lookin' good - huh? I'm barely tracking on the election process, but hear he's still in the running. Website must be kickin' ass!

Love and hugs - Tracy
From Sam
Hi Tracy! Dray and Davis' first baseball game was last night! They play for East Sparta. Dray is awesome--he is the shortstop. Davis is not quite as good--he is left-center field. They bat back-to-back, and Dray was 2/4 and Davis was 1/3. They beat Magnolia 15-11! It was fun to watch them on the same team. Dray had them both dressed by the time I got home and he found them both red ball socks and black long-sleeved shirts to wear under their t-shirts so they would match (it was a little chilly). They looked so cute. Davis is left-handed when he writes or eats, but he throws right-handed, so his coach did not know he is left-handed and wondered why he kept striking out. Dayna went to one of his practices and said, "He is left-handed!" This was very important to her, as she is also left-handed. So cute that they all have each other! So now he bats left-handed and is doing much better!
I love you!
Samantha
Response: Thank you SOOOO much for that update. I can just see them out there - and Dayna in the stands watching over them.....I love you too and miss you so much. Love, Tracy
From number1fan
hey stranger, you crossed my mind as i was praying!!! miss ya much!!
Response: Thanks! I'll be home (kinda) soon. Love, Tracy
From Gram..
Hay..Granddaughter..Get out of that funkey mood and put a smile on your face..I don't want you to be so down on life right now, we still need sailers like you. I guess you just forgot to remember why you joined the Navy.. 3 mo. isn't so long if you take one day at a time. Do something for me, CUT DOWN on the swaring so you wont have to work at it so hard when you get home. Tell those guys that said you should write me back.."to late", no..no..If they said that word around your Gram, I would snap there lip.See I'm probly in trouble again.. Love And Blessings..Just Me..Gram
Response: I'll try Gram. No trouble for you! Love, T
From #3 M--re Girl
OMG! Carolyn has grandma's nose!! LOL!
~K
Response: hahahahahaha
From AJ
Hey I think you mixed up Grams and me!! That is OK you told your Mom she sounded like Grams!! I guess we all do, say and act like our parents more often then we realize. Grams has great qualities so that is OK. Crazy isn't it!! Love and hugs
Response: Gram has awesome qualities! And I know I sound like my Mom all the time! T
From Mom
Hello Sailor!
Funny story. I was in the front yard, edging the landscaping. I would dig and lift for awhile, and then I would set down, and knock the dirt off of the clods, and put them in a bucket. Then I would transfer the bucket into the wagon. As I got around to the front of the big rocks, I decided to streach out on the lawn, because my back was starting to hurt a little. So---Streaching out was not too compfortable, so I rolled over on my side, and just layed there, watching the birds in the Blue Spruce, and enjoyed the sunshine. About 10 mins. later, I hurd this softly spoken "Mam?" I rolled over and to my dismay, two young men were standing there. "Are you alright?" they asked? "We saw you from the window, and thought you might need some help." They are the two new guys who have rented the old Co--sy house. Evidently they are taking paramedic corses at Stark State. They must have thought "Hey! Extra Credit" lol. I went in and told your Dad that he should check on me more often, because the neighbor guys thought I was dead lol. He was watching the race on TV. What a hoot!
How are you, and how does it feel being the big cheese? Good I bet. I'm so proud!!!
Lots and Lots of Love
Mom
Response: OMG that is hilarious! I remember I "found" a lady on my mail route one day the same way. She was fine too - haha.
From Sam
HEY YOU!!! I cannot get online at home and always checked your site from work, but lately it hasn't been working and I thought they blocked it, but I check almost every day just in case, and today, low and behold, it worked! I miss you! I feel like a bum that I haven't talked to you in forever! Life is just sucking for me right now, I had to attend a 3 week long parenting class every night from 6-8 with Daryl, that was not fun! But I graduated and got my certificate, and I got a better grade on my test than he did, so I am definitely the better parent! LOL! As if I wasn't sure of that, right? I read up on your past entries, congratulations on your accomplishments! I am so proud of you! Can't believe you will be home soon! The kids are all doing well, Dean has his days with me, but overall he is good. Dayna has a slinky little red prom dress, you would not believe it if you saw it, I will send pictures. I can't believe it, but we are planning her graduation party! She tried our for cheerleading at KSU and made it through first cuts, but did not make it. We were devastated. Dray and Davis play their first baseball game on Wednesday. They are on the same team so that will be fun. Darren just keeps on being Darren, kinda quiet and go-with-the-flow. He is really getting cute! Well, I am supposed to be lesson-planning, so I guess I better go. I love you and miss you tons!
Love, Sam
Response: I can't believe you beat Daryl on that parenting test! He must not have had time to steal the answers from the instructor's desk! LOL....I am going to miss him, Sam. Crap! I'm crying again....I just keep thinking if I had been there....and I know I usually only saw his better, funny "DB" side. (I say "usually" on purpose). But you know there is a lot in Daryl to love, and I hope there is that little piece of you that always will - and one in him for you. Those kids will be depending on that....

I love you so much. Can't wait to hug you.....Tracy
From Carolyn
Hi Tracy,

Sorry about the Tahoe. Every child has to wreck his parents car at least once, though (or perhaps twice, sorry dad!). It's good he got it over with.

I've been doing a little research on backpacking trips. I think November has a nice ring to it. The other option is a "getting ready" backpacking trip in the US or Mexico (much cheaper) in the fall and then Italy in the spring or summer next year. It will give us time to convince the other sisters to come along and to save our pennies. What do you think?
Response: Carolyn - you plan the whole thing - you know money is no object to me when it comes to "doing" things over "having" things. That is what we have money for. I plan to die without a penny in the bank (sorry James). SO....I will do whatever you plan/decide. My push-ups are making me stronger - let's hike away! Love, Tracy
From Sheri
Hi Tracy,
Boy has Spring/summer fever hit the school kids. We have had beautiful weather the pasted two weeks and they are all acting like summer break has started! We just switched 6 week classes and I had one boy ask, "why won't you let us sit where we want in class - there are only 6 weeks left!!!!" I did not say it out loud but I was thinking "ARE YOU CRAZY I am not lossing control of my classroom when there are STILL 6 weeks left!!!!" Procedure, procedure, procedure - only good behavior opens up the seating arrangements!
Garrison is ready for summer break; he is in "coaches pitch" this summer. We luckily have most of our practices and games at one of the many ballfields in the park behind our house - that will save money - gas prices are sky rocketing!
Take Care,
Love, Sheri
Response: Six weeks goes so quick! I remember when James was in coach-pitch. That was fun. As Kelly said in her entry - Where does the time go? Love, Tracy
From AJ
Hi Tracy, I was glad Grams and I were with your Mom when you called. It was GREAT to talk with you. You sounded terrific. You're still losing weight! WOW!! Maybe we won't recognize YOU!! I hope being the BOSS is good, I know you'll do great.! Love and hugs
Response: I still have a few weeks before I have to be the Boss. I'm still practicing! Love, T
From #3 M--re Girl
It's funny that everyone is talking about change. I think the people you will think changed the most will be Emily and Sam's boys. They grow so fast! I, of course, am the same - fat and sassy (Bill says bossy - LOL)! Mike has a jazz band concert on Friday then just the spring concert and graduation and that's the last time he'll play for Lake. Seems like yesterday he was wanting to learn how to play and talking me into buying him a sax. I look at him and think where did the time go? Then I remember. LOL!
I was looking at your entries and the last time you consistantly made daily entries was December. Slacker! What are you doing over there? Fighting a war or something? Figures! Anything to get out of writing us. LOL!
I hope you are having a good day because I am.
Love ya!
~K
Response: Remember the boys in tap? That was fun! And when we all lived close - Sam in Uniontown next to the shop, you in your "new" little house. Carolyn still at home I think and Lisa in her apartment? I was the far away sister back then. Hey - I guess I still am - can't get much farther!! Love, T
From Gram
Hi..Again..I was reading in my Bible this morning and found this saying, forgot to send it to you..The only things that count in life are the imprints of love, that we leave behind us after we are gone. I hope and pray that my life has left some imprints on my family,as you have done for our whole country.You have been a blessing to your whole family. Don't ever change,please always be a careing person,don't ever let anything change you to a hard none careing person.(and don't pick up swearing..ha-ha) Love Ya
Response: Everyone here laughed when I told them my sweet Aunt is hoping that I haven't picked up swearing. They said I should write back "Too f...in' late!" I have always had a habit of immitating speech of those around me. I swear now, Aunt Jerrie - a lot....Everyone here does. But I'm still a caring person I think, and I'm sure I will get rid of my inappropriate language once I'm back home and not constantly hearing it. Love, Tracy