Christmas is coming!

Well, the in-laws have to get here first, before Christmas gets here. I am very lucky in that I not only have a wonderful husband, but I also have wonderful in-laws. They'll be here in a few hours and should be here for a week. We are planning on doing hiking and enjoying the outdoors and taking in the local scene.

I'm not done with Christmas shopping. I am waiting for enlargements to come in. (Sorry to spoil the surprise, Mom and Sister. It's OK. They usually get something I took a picture of.) I need to figure out how to wrap an AR lower. Do I find a box somewhere or do I cover every inch, trigger and all, in paper? (And Jack Bauer bought it himself. There is no surprising Jack Bauer.)

But I am really looking forward to our first Christmas together in three years. We probably went overboard getting an 8-foot tree, but we've got the space. Nice to have the house decorated. I didn't do any decorating while Jack was deployed. I think there are greens in everyroom, including the bathroom. (I just use the branches from bottom of the tree that had to be cut off to fit into the stand. I spread them around the windowsills and tuck them in the top of hanging pictures.)

So the job front. Looks like things are on hold until after New Year's Day. Not surprising. Working people are taking time off, and when they are able to get to their desks to work, they are thinking about what's in front of them, wrapping up what is absolutely needed.

No change in news on the house-selling front. It will sell. One day.

My Tastefully Simple business is going well. I had my Blast Off Party this last week. It was a great deal of fun! And while I was hoping to get more bookings, I knew the chances of that happening from the group of women there was slim. I'd already asked them. Best I can hope for is to make them repeat customers and convince them to host a party some time down the line. Thanks again to many of my readers who are now my Tastefully Simple customers. I've signed up to go to the Regional Conference in February. If you are interested in getting on my e-mail list to learn more about the wonderful, easy-to-prepare (add no more than 2 ingredients to get gourmet food) products, please e-mail me at butterfly.wife.life AT gmail.com.

So that's what's going on in my life. If I don't "talk" to you between now and Thursday, have a very Merry Christmas.

Goings On

Let's see. In the last week, I got my first sales as a Tastefully Simple consultant and scheduled my Blast Off Party for next Wednesday. I am still super excited about this opportunity to meet new people and make a little extra money on the side. Thank you to several of my readers for placing orders with me and helping me get my business started! :D

If anyone would like to be added to my e-mail list to get my TS website, please e-mail me at butterfly.wife.life AT gmail.com

On the job front, I was not selected for the job I interviewed for. That was difficult. I'm not sure, but I think I have been offered nearly every single job I've ever interviewed for. BUT after a short cry, I decided I just needed to move forward. So moving forward I am. And I have another interview tomorrow with a different company. It should be a more challenging job and thus more money. I did go to the temp agency last week. The person I interviewed with sounded like she could find something for me. I agreed to work locally for $8/hr. Uggg.

No news on the house selling front. We lowered the house below what we owe and still nothing. But who really is thinking about buying a home two weeks before Christmas? And I heard yesterday about some planned layoffs in Middleville. Uggg.

And I did meet a super special blogger last week. She is just as special in person as she is online. :D

Remember those cards?

During Jack Bauer's deployment, I spent quite a bit of time writing cards to our wounded troops at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for Soldiers' Angels Germany. Now, another card writing opportunity has come along that I think you all might be interested in.

"Holiday Mail for Heroes" to Deliver One Million Cards to Service Members and Families

Red Cross, Pitney Bowes to Screen, Sort, Deliver Cards Before Holidays

WASHINGTON, November 11, 2008 - The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to send holiday cards to service men and women in the United States and around the world. From Tuesday, November 11 until Wednesday, December 10, the public is invited to send holiday cards with their message of thanks and cheer to a special post office box. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will then screen cards for hazardous materials, sort and package the cards, and deliver them to military bases and hospitals, veteran’s hospitals, and other locations during the holidays. Watch the Holiday Mail for Heroes video.

Holiday Mail For Heroes continues the Red Cross tradition of service to the armed forces, which includes handling emergency communications that link service members with their families back home, providing access to financial assistance from the military aid societies, counseling, referral to community resources and assistance to veterans. Pitney Bowes is providing all screening, packaging and shipping at no charge, as well as providing thousands of volunteer hours from employees around the country.

“This opportunity is such a great way for the public to personally support the military and say a special thank you for their service this holiday season,” said Gail McGovern, Red Cross President and CEO. “I’m especially proud that the Red Cross is able to be a part of this effort, and I hope everyone will take the time to join us and send an extra card for the military.”

In 2007 Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. approached the Red Cross to distribute thousands of holiday cards coming to the facility for wounded troops. The Red Cross reached out to Pitney Bowes to turn the project into a larger opportunity that could reach members of the military at other facilities. In all, nearly 600,000 cards were screened for hazardous materials, sorted, and delivered in 2007.

“Pitney Bowes is proud to be working with the American Red Cross again to help Americans extend their well wishes and gratitude to the heroes who serve and protect our country,” said Jon Love, President of Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. “Last year’s program was a huge success and we look forward to working with the public to reach even more wounded service members and their families this holiday season to show appreciation and support.”

Holiday cards should be addressed and sent t

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than December 10. Cards received after this date will be returned to senders. To help speed the sorting process and delivery of cards and notes before the holidays, mailers are encouraged to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary gifts, using glitter or including any other inserts. For a full list of recommended guidelines and best practices, please visit: http://www.Redcross.org/holidaymail. Cards are also available to print out from the website, along with messages from Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Members Dr. Phil McGraw and Nancy O’Dell, co-anchor of Access Hollywood. You can also leave a message on the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Facebook Wall.

Weekly check-in

Hi. Another week has flown by, hasn't it?

Thanksgiving with my family was busy. While I didn't have much cooking to do, I did help out with making ornaments for my nephew's school fundraiser. My mom and I, OK mostly my mom, made pillowcases for some old throw pillows. I got my hair cut AND colored -- the gray is g.o.n.e.! I took a ride on a little train. Took a drive around the countryside that is quickly developing in typical SoCal fashion. Ate at In-N-Out Burger 3 times.


I started my own business as a Tastefully Simple consultant, the easy-to-use mixes and spices. (Seriously, not sure what could be easier than adding beer, stirring for 30 seconds, and throwing it in the oven to get fresh baked bread.) If you'd like to be on my e-mail list, e-mail me at butterfly.wife.life AT gmail.com and I will sign you up and get you to my Tastefully Simple website. I am very excited about this opportunity and I hope it get to meet new people, make some friends locally, and make some money on the side.

Today I am planning on getting to one of the local temp agencies for some more immediate money. And maybe, just maybe, I'll meet a blogger for lunch. I know, can you believe it, there is another blogger in town? Holy moly!

I hope you all are doing well. Take care, my friends. :D

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.