Giving thanks

Yeah, I've been a little neglectful around here. I've been busy doing the same thing day after day. Searching for a job is the toughest job I think I've ever had. You see, our house in Middleville is still unsold. No offers have been made. And we are running out of savings to keep paying for it. We are already talking to our banks about this. This is a very depressing situation.

But I am working on looking at the bright side of things. Jack Bauer is home with me. We live in a big spacious house with gorgeous views all around. I've met some wonderful people here and the area is very comfortable, homey; I feel at place here. We live close enough to my parents that we can drive to see them, my sister, my nephew, my 99-year-old grandmother, my uncle, my cousin, and his wife later today for Thanksgiving. I even get to see my old hairstylist, who still cuts my mother and my sister's hair, to come in special on Saturday just to tackle the hair that was cute in July but needed some up keep that I have neglected. And to cover inches of gray. (I'm 36 and my temples have gone completely gray. I shouldn't have this much gray!) Of course, I am most thankful to have a loving, healthy, and supportive family.


So I am also working on letting go of what I can't control. And having a little faith that things will work out. Two signs that I needed to have faith have come into my life in the last week. First, I was at the spouses' club luncheon last week when I sat next to the woman who is in charge of employment readiness on post. I spent three hours with her yesterday learning how to make my Army civilian resume work to get a job on post. Her middle name that is part of her email address? Faith.

The second was this past Monday when I was attending a Tastefully Simple home party. I've never seriously considered doing direct sales until I came across this company. Part of the consultant's email address? You got it, faith. So I am taking a little leap of faith -- little only because Tastefully Simple doesn't require much of a buy in -- and signing up to be a consultant.

Focusing on having faith and being thankful for the abundance I already have is going to save my sanity through this difficult time.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Interview

Job search continues. But today I have an interview. I am very excited!

The Commissary

After six weeks here in this active duty life, I finally went to the commissary. I know, I'm slow.

Here's what happened. Yesterday, I went to another Cav Canyon Spouses' Club luncheon and then stopped by Jack Bauer's office for a few minutes, 'cause I could. On my way home, I needed to stop by the grocery store for four items: Crack Coke Zero, yogurt, frozen veggies for Moo dog, and fresh sage. Jack suggested I go to the commissary just down the street from his office. I would need to pass by it on my way off post anyway.

After making a few faces of hestitation, I ran through all my excuses not to. I was already on post. It was not payday. It was not close to payday. And it was just after noon. I could always go in and then turn around leave if it was too busy. (But I got to say, the local grocery store we frequent is always insanely busy, too, so "too busy" as an excuse doesn't hold much water here.)

So I went. The parking lot wasn't overflowing. Good sign. I was warmly greeted by some man in the parking lot pushing a cart. "Must be one of those guys I gotta tip," I thought.

While I do like to think I am of above average intelligence, this exercise may have proved otherwise. First, I had trouble finding my way inside. There were many doors, not all of which opened automatically as I approached. Once inside, I couldn't find a central cart area, but luckily there were a bunch of carts haphazardly pushed aisde, tucked into corners, and what have you. I took one hoping that I wasn't taking someone else's cart when they stepped away early in the shopping experience when a hot deal was spotted three aisles over.

Anyway, cart acquired, I pushed on. The Coke Zero immediately jumped into the cart. An easy find. One of the first areas I came to had the all-natural/organic shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, etc. That was a surprise. Some of the products there are ones that we use already. Might have to check that out further.

Then onto the produce area. A reasonable selection and variety of products. I hate to admit it, but I am not one of these people who can tell you the price of items right off the top of my head. I don't know how much I pay for bananas at the local grocery store, I don't know how much a gallon of milk costs (I have no need for a gallon of milk), and I couldn't tell you what a basic loaf of bread costs (I have a thing for the really good, fresh baked bread that costs at least $3.50 a loaf and can easily disappear in an evening). I do know what limes cost though. The cheapest I have seen limes on the free market in the last several years is $.25 a lime. At the commissary? $.21 each. Good deal. So while not on my list, I did add four limes to my cart.

I toodled around the produce area some more looking for fresh herbs. Just about when I was about ready to give up and ask the stocker, I saw she was standing right in front of all the packets of fresh rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, basil, and yes, sage. I was thinking if there was one thing on my list I couldn't find, it would be fresh sage. That showed me.

Produce conquered and two items crossed off my list, I moved on. I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't peruse every aisle. I barely glanced at the extensive meat counter and completely ignored the aisles in the middle. I headed straight for the yogurt. We've been eating Yoplait Light for breakfast, and I needed to get a few more for Jack in flavors he likes. Unlike the grocery store on Sunday afternoon, I found the selection at the commissary to be extensive and well stocked. And at $.50 each, a deal (as opposed to $.69 on super sale). So instead of getting three to get through the rest of the week, I bought 20. I think we're good on yogurt for a few days. And another item was crossed off the list.

Onto the frozen veggies. Here, my expectations were still super low. I was expecting, if I were lucky, to find some frozen carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower mixes. Yeah, I found those, but I also found frozen asparagus, shelled edamame, and frozen sweet potatoes. I picked up Moo's favorites of edamame, aspargus, and broccoli. Spoiled girl.

All the items, plus a few limes, collected, so time for the line. Jack had been into the commissary recently for some something and said the line was so long that he turned around a left. I was expecting some time waiting in line as well. I was wrong. There was no line. I walked straight to the cashier, emptied my items, and paid all in about one minute. Nice.

I had heard, from you all, that the bagger takes your bags out to your car and then you tip him/her. So before I shoved my wallet back into my purse, I grabbed a few ones (miracle that I had any cash whatsoever). A quiet Asian woman helped me out to the car with my three plastic bags and soda refrigerator pack. I spent $33.19. How much would you tip? I gave $3 and thought I would check with you.

So there is the story of BW's first trip to the commissary. And I might even go back.

Valor-IT Needs Your Help

Soldiers' Angels has a great program that enables our military wounded to better communicate. Think about how much time we spend on the Internet, whether it is chatting with friends in gmail chat or updating our Facebook status or connecting with our family members scattered around the country or around the world. Now imagine that is all gone, or trying to have someone else do that connecting while trying to recover from wounds. A few days away from the computer and I am batty. It is hard to imagine how it must feel for our injured soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors.

Project Valour-IT has stepped in to fill that void by providing voice-activated software to get our guys and gals back online. And they need our help. Even as budgets are tight, there is usually a few dollars to be spared. So consider foregoing that venti nonfat, extra foam, pumpkin spice latte for a few days and reach down and send those dollars to Project Valour-IT instead. If this out-of-work desperate job seeker can find a few bucks, maybe you can, too. I promise you'll feel better. So click on that little donate button above to make it happen.

Milspouse Top Chef?

Jack Bauer and I just sat down to watch the new season of Top Chef. And with most shows, we wondered who we'd be routing for. Well, it didn't take long to figure it out. One of the contestants is a military wife and her husband is deployed. (What a great deployment project!)

Less than 20 minutes into the show, Lauren got kicked off. I think it is a reality show-deployment conspiracy. Remember, Kristen from Cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model? No? Oh, that's right, she got kicked off before the Top 13. Hmmm.

Veteran's Day

No sales. No annoying ads on TV. Just a simple day to remember all who serve and those who continue serve.

So today is a perfect day for thanking the veterans in your life. I think kissing and hugging is acceptable if you know them well enough.

I'm going to go enjoy the day with the veteran living with me. Do some things he wants to do. Might even make him a special dinner.

Training Holiday

I like these training holiday thingies. As someone who never gets days like Columbus Day and Veteran's Day off, nice to make them into a four-day weekend. We've been about a month and this is our second four-day weekend.

How come no one told me about these? Surely sweetens the deal.

6 months

Last night I was lying in bed reading a trashy novel when I realized that Jack Bauer has been home for six months today.

Gosh, a lot has changed since then.

In some ways it seems like he just got back. In other ways it has been like he never left.

This is exhausting

This job search thing tiring. Everyday, I check about 15 different websites for potential jobs. I've been networking the best I can. I've been following up on leads. I even made the most of a Quality of Life event on post, talking to each and every booth to see what possibilities their companies have for employment. I did luck out by coincidence of timing to be there when a fairly high up HR guy on post was bringing lunch to his worker at a booth. He and I talked for probably 20 minutes. He reassured me that I am doing everything right, and it is just going to take some time.

I've made this job search my full time job. I've applied or otherwise inquired about some 22 jobs. It just feels wrong to not be working when that is what I am supposed to be doing here.

So I keep on doing what I can. But it is a frustrating, emotionally draining process.

And note to self, next time I'll start this process at least two months before I move.

A Red Day

I am so excited about this election day. From my perspective, we are all arguing about details of governing. And unlike many countries around the world, the vast majority of our citizens are fiercely committed to this idea of democracy and the concept of our constitution, so much so that it seems to get lost just how much both sides agree. Regardless of the outcome, we will have a peaceful transfer of power in 2 1/2 months. These are the things that I need to keep in mind for the potentially close outcome.

So what am I doing today?

When I get dressed, it will be blue jeans and a white top. With red undergarments.

I am watching Fox News all day. The amount of information on the screen now is almost overwhelming.

Since I already voted absentee for Middleville (in a battleground state), I don't need to worry about voting today. I am going to make some famous BW everything cookies. Yum! And we can use them this evening for consolation, if needed.

A long bath and a night will probably be in there somewhere, too. Need to conserve energy for a long night of watching returns.

For dinner we are having red, white, and blue burgers with red, white and blue chips.

The doggies are having their own election. They are competing for silliest doggie of the house. The humans of the house will be voting on the issue. Should a tie result, a wrestling match will ensue to break the tie. :D


No matter how you vote today, the more important thing than the outcome is that you exercised your rights.

Found!

Naturally, the toaster oven was located in a box labeled "Basement: Christmas." And there were in Christmas items in the box. At least it is found.

Jack Bauer is threatening to do a real AAR regarding this move. Perhaps, he can do the next one on his own while I go off to a spa.

On an unrelated note, remember to vote tomorrow if you haven't already.

I'm alive

Over the last couple of weeks, I've started about 5 blog posts and run out of steam before I could get them developed.

I'm busy settling in here. I'm still looking for a job; I've applied for about 20 so far. Our house in Middleville is still on the market, in case you are interested in buying it or know someone who is.

We went to a backyard BBQ for a visiting general. That was great. Met a bunch of spouses who seem like wonderful, smart people.

I still have several boxes to unpack. We still have not found the toaster. I mean really. It's a toaster oven, there are only so many boxes that can hold something that big. Naturally it will be in the last place we look. ;-)

I'm having a great deal of trouble adjusting to the altitude here. Which is to say that I am going to bed early and sleeping up to 10 hours a night, every night. People say it takes a couple of months to adjust.

I'll be back to full-writing steam soon, I am sure.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Good News from Iraq: 27 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Rainy Day Doesn’t Stop Sadr City Business, Employment Fair.

BAGHDAD — Heavy rains flooded the streets in front of the Sadr City District council building, but that didn’t stop a deluge of more than 150 Iraqi business owners and hundreds more Iraqi residents from the first business and employment fair in the popular Baghdad district, Oct. 25.

A colorful tent longer than a football field was erected on the street in front of the Sadr City District Advisory Council for the Sadr City Road Show where business owners from the region compared services and highlighted their wares to an anxious crowd of citizens and non-government organizations (NGO).

Organizers said the overall purpose of the event was to establish a business directory, highlight services available to business and to the people, and to demonstrate economic development in the region.

“The idea is to spotlight local business owners and NGO, to gather everyone in one place, get national and local government involved, and let the people voice their concerns,” said Raad Omar, CEO of the Iraqi-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Omar, members of the district council and regional market councils organized the event to demonstrate to the rest of Iraq and the world that after months of destructive fighting and subsequent reconstruction, Sadr City is open for business.

“A key objective is to make people see how safe the area is now,” said Sheik Mohammed Haraj Azeez, chairman of the Jamilla Market council.

The Jamilla Market is the largest market in north Baghdad and during the months of March through May absorbed much of the fighting between Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and their partners in the Iraqi Army against Special Groups criminals who extorted money from business owners to fund their attacks and intimidation of civilians.

Azeez said business in the Jamilla Market is growing rapidly again thanks in part to reconstruction efforts and economic development programs like micro-grants from MND-B and the government of Iraq.

“A few months ago, many businesses were destroyed,” Azeez said. “Today we answer the question on how we are doing now.”

Omar said Sadr City now joins five other districts of Baghdad where the road show has promoted growth and development, creating jobs and new opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to put violence behind them.

“We want to show the people that Sadr City is ready to move on,” Omar said.

The Sadr City Road Show culminated Oct. 26 adding to an expanding Baghdad business directory.

Omar said the success of this road show, even under driving rain, inspires hope that Sadr City will again host such an economically important event in the near future.

Cav Canyon Spouses' Club Luncheon

On Wednesday I attended my first spouses' club luncheon here. I went with my kindest stranger friend. We picked up another spouse, who was also new to the area.

The flyer for the event indicated there would be interactive events. Hmmm. Sounds a tad like forced fun to me. I was skeptical and kept my expectations low, which helps keep the disappointment level down.

So we arrive at the activity center on post. First, I was thinking it would be some run-down, single-room banquet facility. But actually, it is quite nice. Simple, clean, well maintained, and has loads of possibilities for hosting all sorts of events, big and small. Must keep this in mind if I am ever hosting an event.

I was warmly greeted by the cub members. Everyone was relaxed and chatty and clearly here to have a good time. When I am around people like that, it is hard for me to not be the same way. Phew! People here are, well, just like people everywhere I guess. Nice to know.

OK. So the events. The first thing they had us do was a simple treasure hunt-type activity. We had to seek out five clues and figure out what smashed the pumpkin that decorated the entryway. The clues took us around the large banquet room edged with several vendors selling jewelry, decorative signs and glass blocks, and items from local and regional artists. (I did resist buying this time around.) At the end, we dropped our guesses into a pot. Not a bad activity to get people to move around the room especially for those who would otherwise be inclined to sit down at a table during the social hour.

A couple of speakers. Then lunch, which was actually quite tasty. We had German-themed food, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I hope other meals there are just as flavorful. After lunch, a couple more speakers then the interactive stuff. Each table had to come up with a theme for a fall party, plan the menu, create a game, stuff and decorate a scarecrow, and decorate or carve a pumpkin. The kindest stranger and I took on the pumpkin and set about carving it. Mind you, the entire time I was using the flimsy carving tool, I was talking about my knife-meets-thumb injury from last February. This did not instill confidence in those around me. It has been maybe a decade since I last carved a pumpkin and I had never used one of these carving tools. But this was a timed event and there was only so much that could be done. The pumpkin turned out good enough (we used stencils). Each team had to demonstrate its game. Some were pretty funny. One team dressed up one of the spouses as the scarecrow rather than stuffing empty jeans and shirt. That was really cute.

After a lot of laughing and some great company, the luncheon was over. On my way out, I picked up a membership application. So far, it looks like it might be a great group to join.

And I got to bring my carved pumpkin home. :D

Good News from Iraq: 24 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, General Says Economic Progress Now Tops Anbar Priorities.

WASHINGTON — With life returning to normal in Iraq’s Anbar province, the way forward now is driven more by the economy than security, the commander of Multi-National Force - West said yesterday.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly spoke to Pentagon reporters from his headquarters in Fallujah (Transcript). He said Coalition forces continue to mentor Iraqi security forces, but the Iraqis are in the lead and have become more capable and confident.

Anbar has been under provincial Iraqi control since the beginning of September, and the Coalition and Iraqi forces are putting in place policies that minimize the military disruption to life in the province.

“We started a share-the-road program, where no longer would Iraqi traffic have to do anything particularly different when they came upon military convoys,” Kelly said. The command also moved most of the convoys off the roads during the day. The long lines of military vehicles and civilian big rigs now travel between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

“We started to tear down literally hundreds of checkpoints,” the general said. The need for the checkpoints is past, he said, noting he has launched “kind of an operation Rudy Giuliani” that cleans up the cities. Rolling up the barbed wire helps convince the average Anbari that the improved security situation is real, he said.

The Coalition forces in Anbar are still engaged, but are in an overwatch posture, he said. “We still have Marines and some U.S. Army Soldiers as police advisors that still live inside police stations, but down to a very small number,” he said. The Iraqis are, for all intents and purposes, on their own, the general told reporters.

The Iraqi government is funding more projects in the province. In fact, Kelly said, he actually turned in Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP) money and has recommended the amount allotted be reduced next year. CERP provides commanders with money for local reconstruction and infrastructure projects.

About 28,000 Iraqi Police serve in the province, along with 9,000 Iraqi Soldiers and roughly 25,000 Coalition Marines and Soldiers.

While the security situation in the province is vastly improved compared to 2006, when Marine planners said Anbar had been lost to al-Qaida, it can still change, Kelly warned.

“Anbar is not an island,” he said. “If it was an island, we could look at doing certain things in terms of drawdown, but it's not. We have al-Qaida still here in Iraq. I'd characterize them as … ‘al-Qaida refugees.’ They're hiding out. The insurgency has lost its network; it's lost the support of the people.”

Though individual cells of terrorists remain, the general said, the insurgency has been de-clawed.

Now the impetus has to be on building essential services and providing jobs, and ensuring the Iraqi government is imposing the rule of law in the province, he said. Still, the Coalition continues to have a mission.

“Even though we're beyond the kinetic combat-type mission, there's … a sense of security we bring, particularly as we roll into the elections, which they very much look forward to,” Kelly said. “I believe most of [the Iraqis] would tell you that after the elections – so long as they go well and they're transparent and all of that – … I think they'll start to really settle down and be comfortable with their own central government and with themselves.”

Ladies who lunch

I'm off to my first spouses club luncheon today.

Well, to say that it is a luncheon is an understatement. It starts at 1030 and goes until 1300. A social hour, raffles, lunch, gifts for sale.

All I know is that very kind stranger is picking me up, and I have a Lightning McQueen for a stocking stuffer.

Beyond that, I'm not sure what to expect, but I'll be sure to let you know what happens.

Good News from Iraq: 22 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Security level allows 1000s to view soccer match in Samara.

SAMARRA, Iraq – Thousands of spectators filled the stands at the Samarra Sports Complex to witness a soccer match between club teams from Samarra and Baghdad Oct. 19.

As a show of the level of security the city is now experiencing, thousands were able to gather and watch as Football Club Samarra defeated Football Club Baghdad Student Union 3-1.

This match marked the first time two soccer teams were able to play in the once embattled city since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Several months ago, Coalition and Iraqi Security forces were clashing with enemy fighters inside the city in an attempt to rid it of insurgent activity.

ISF provided the overall security for the event and the match ended with no incidents.

“Through the cooperation of Iraqi Security Forces, Sons of Iraq and Coalition forces and the active support of the city’s residents, Samarra is now safe enough to host a soccer game that attracted thousands of spectators,” said Lt. Col. JP McGee, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment commander. “This soccer game holds huge significance for Samarra and all of Iraq. After years of violence and unrest, Samarra has expelled terrorists and established a degree of security unimaginable a year ago.”

McGee said the fact that a team from Baghdad could travel to Samarra, play in a soccer match and then return home safely represents a return of normalcy to Iraq and the reuniting of the country.

“Samarra's triumph makes it all the more special,” he said. “In this type of struggle, victory will not be marked by a formal surrender ceremony as in past conflicts. Rather, events like this soccer game will herald Iraq’s triumph over terrorism and Iraq’s reemergence as a strong, united nation."

TDY Lesson on Stuff

Things for me to remember the next time we do a long TDY and will be staying at a Residence Inn.

I think it was Sarah who suggested taking things to make the space a little more like home. We did that. We took several pictures, including the one that Jack Bauer had carted all over Iraq. We also took several throws and Jack had the pillowcase that some nice stranger had sent him while he was deployed. I think those touches made the space feel much more like our own.

Other super handy things: laundry basket, actually two laundry baskets. I spent quite a bit of time in the laundry room and folding laundry. I watched many people attempt to carry there clothes in the small laundry bags the hotel provides, in small bags from stores, in their arms. I pakced my clothes in the laundry baskets when I left for C-ville. When we left for Cav Canyon, one doubled as a box.

Low storage containers. We had three with us and with lids off, they fit perfectly under the bed. Since we had more clothes than space to store them, these were great for daily duty as drawers. We packed some kitchen items in them when we came and when we left.

A color printer. I was able to do my work and I made a card for a 4-year-old's birthday. We used the printer a startling amount. I am glad we had it with us. I used a big plastic container as my office storage space and put the printer on top.

Kitchen items. We knew that there would be the basics in the kitchenette, so we brought what we thought we'd need. A large wok. A good solid skillet. (The pots and pans provided were thin bottomed and I burned more things than I can possibly recall.) Our own knife set in a traveling knife case. A rice cooker. (Someone brought their slow cooker.) Four fiesta plates and two bowls. Salt and pepper grinders. Cloth napkins. A large cutting board.

Some things I bought once we were in C-ville. Kitchen towels. One per day was insufficient for me, and I couldn't seem to get them to part with three clean ones at a time. I bought some cheap ones at Bed Bath and Beyond. A little over-the-cabinet-door bar for hanging the towels on so they could dry. A lemon juicer. Dishwasher detergent. I got tired real fast of asking for extra everyday. Placemats. Since it was summer, I bought a second bathing suit.

Next time. I would bring our own vegetable peeler. The one in the room was super wimpy. Peeling carrots with a wimpy vegetable peeler makes me grouchy.

Good News from iraq: 21 Oct 2008

From MNF-I, Primary school opens in Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – The Al Furtain Primary School opened in Baghdad’s Mansour district Oct. 12.

The ceremony marked the completion of renovations brought about through the combined efforts of members of the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council and the Mansour District Advisory Council, Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.

These groups worked together to add new windows, new doors, fresh paint and refurbished bathrooms to improve the school which provides education to approximately 400 Iraqi boys and girls.

“The much needed renovations to the school will assist Iraq’s future generations to enjoy school facilities that are more conducive to learning,” said Maj. Jay Bullock, operations officer, 4th Squadron 10th Cavalry Regiment, operationally attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

With security set and renovations complete, teachers will be able to concentrate on education, instead of fear or run-down equipment or buildings, said Haji Sattar from the Khadra Neighborhood Advisory Council.

“The renovations to this school will allow teachers to concentrate on education and not broken windows, plaster falling from ceilings, and lack of lighting,” Sattar said. “Students will enjoy the newly improved environment that is a signal for their bright future.”

Students treated the audience, which included the deputy Minister of Education, to a brief presentation and the singing of the Iraqi national anthem.

“The success of the renovation lies in the team effort. Local Iraqi Neighborhood and District Area Councils provided input on which school needed renovation,” said Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commander, 4-10th Cav. Regt. “Iraqi Army Soldiers provided security for the contractors to work, and Civil Affairs Soldiers provided quality assurance of the work.”

Something positive about PCSing

Alright. I must admit that I am not fully unpacked and I still cannot find the toaster. But I know it is here somewhere and it will be found.

Moving is one of the most stressful life events and as active duty military families we knowingly undertake this adventure with great frequency. And as a stressful event, when little things go wrong, they affect us, perhaps, more deeply than they would on any given Tuesday.

So while it totally sucks that the floor lamp, which sat over my right shoulder lighting the night while I wrote my blog posts and helped illuminate my IMing sessions with Jack Bauer while he was deployed, is now broken beyond repair, it is still just a lamp. Now our living and lighting situation is different here in Cav Canyon, and it is much darker while I sit with my laptop browsing the Internet at night. A floor lamp would be really nice. Right now I cannot afford to go out and replace it. (Our house in Middleville has not sold and I don't have a job. Yet.)

The boxes that have been unpacked contain things. While I love my fiestaware and think some of it is irreplacable (well, because some of it is), they are just dishes. While I love the Waterford and Tiffany & Co. crystal that fills a cabinet, it is all just a bunch of empty vessels, as beautiful as they might be. While I consider my TV to be one of my bestest battle buddies and I actually cried when it was boxed up back in Middleville, it is completely replaceable. Granted, those things all arrived intact.

But here's the thing that makes me view this move as a success. My husband and I have a wonderful home to come to every day and we get to spend every single night together. After 28 months and 5 days of living apart, I cannot begin to express how truly blessed I feel to have him home (any home) with me, because I know that not everyone is that fortunate. The doggies and kitty are all back together under one roof. And we had to move here to this beautiful part of the country in order for all that to happen.

This move is about people not things. And dogs are people, too.