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thankful Hello Everyone!
What a summer we are having. The Texas heat is in full strength with no break in sight. Lake Travis is getting lower and lower each week because we haven't had rain in a long time. We did have some rain for the 4th of July but it wasn't enough to make a difference. The drought conditions are getting worse and islands are popping up all over the lake. I need to learn how to do a rain dance so the lake can get the water it needs and it may cool things off at the same time :) We try to go out on the boat every weekend and take the jet skis out during the week when all the crazies are off the lake.
My son has informed me that he will be heading to Iraq in November for 14 months with approximately 25,000 other soldiers from Fort Hood. We both knew this was a possibility but it scares the hell out of me now that it is a reality. I am very proud of my son and all military for doing the thankless job they do. I am starting a stockpile of supplies that I can send over to my son and his co-workers so they can have some of life’s little pleasures and maybe take their minds off the war around them for a moment. He will be missing 2 birthdays, 2 Thanksgivings and 2 Christmas’s while over there. I am very big on celebrating holidays of all types but only mentioned the major ones. He will leave at age 18 and return at age 20. Ok, I will stop now, I know I am being such a mom and thinking about the little things.
Work has been great and I am still with Turbine and a few other non-gaming companies. Many of you have emailed me about trying the SWG Emulator. I gave it a lot of thought and as much as I would love to, I simply can’t and thank you all for your offers. The SWG chapter is closed in my book and I don’t go backwards in life. I still game when I get a chance, my jobs and children keep me busy.
The next few weeks will be very busy for me. My daughter will be starting school on the 16th YAYYYYYYYY!! Errr, I will miss her being home all day with me *waves to Tigglet* I will also be turning the big 40 at the end of the month. I hear life begins at 40 so I will let you know if what they say is true. We are also trying to squeeze in a visit to New Joisey so I can refresh my accent and attitude, oh and to visit my family.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool!
August 5 2006, 16:32:35 UTC 5 years ago
This is DariusKnight, from Mabar! I wanted to take a minute to tell you that I miss playing with you, and flirting mercilessly. *Grins* I hope to chat with you soon, and I hope all goes well with your family. *Hugs* Take care, and talk to you soon.
Anonymous
August 5 2006, 16:43:07 UTC 5 years ago
August 5 2006, 16:44:44 UTC 5 years ago
Anonymous
August 5 2006, 18:46:40 UTC 5 years ago
August 6 2006, 07:56:07 UTC 5 years ago
Anonymous
August 7 2006, 04:33:49 UTC 5 years ago
Anonymous
August 7 2006, 04:35:16 UTC 5 years ago
--Naia
August 5 2006, 23:17:47 UTC 5 years ago
My youngest goes on to High School in two weeks time and we're all a bit "aww, the summer's gone past too quick (but oh is it wrong to count the days so we can have the house to ourselves during the day again??)" Heh.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Ken
August 6 2006, 02:10:07 UTC 5 years ago
Glad to hear things are on a positive spin for you. Here's hoping things continue that way.
August 6 2006, 03:40:32 UTC 5 years ago
I'm in OK now and loving central air as well :D
Life does begin at 40! (when's your b-day, mine's the 28th)
Glad to hear things are going well.
August 6 2006, 07:54:35 UTC 5 years ago
August 6 2006, 07:04:02 UTC 5 years ago
Will send positive good thoughts for your boy in the sandbox theatre. Too many good people going too many dangerous places.
Was so nice to read a post from you!
*hugs*
August 6 2006, 07:55:11 UTC 5 years ago
August 6 2006, 10:59:02 UTC 5 years ago
August 6 2006, 14:54:02 UTC 5 years ago
I'll think rainy thoughts for you.
Anonymous
August 6 2006, 21:43:24 UTC 5 years ago
Looks Like your Busy
I was wondering when you be posting another blog entry, send my best wished to your son, and make sure he knows that we will keep him in our prayers. As far as things are going keep up your good work at Turbine :P.I'll see you around, Thanks for keeping us updated.
Regards
BananaMan SillyWalker
Anonymous
August 7 2006, 05:02:09 UTC 5 years ago
=)
Good to hear from you Tiggs, my thoughts are with you and your family as your son leaves for Iraq, I'm sure he'll be ok =) A very happy birthday to you as well, we miss you =)-Paladine
August 7 2006, 15:57:40 UTC 5 years ago
Keep in touch! (Or I may see you around town, who knows?)
August 8 2006, 13:21:47 UTC 5 years ago
Good to hear from you again Tiggs! Its always with conflicted emotions to hear about people going to Iraq. Ive had friends and family go over there as well. I left the Army only a few months before the conflict, and while I'm only a little disappointed i couldnt have gone over there and helped my friends out, I'm still counting my blessings and having fun with my new little baby boy (9 months old today!).
I'm patiently awaiting a beta key for LOTRO so i can play that game, looks like a LOT of fun!.
Calc, Vorpaks, Myself and some of the old Rangers have started their own Kinship "The Marauders of Minhiriath" http://minhiriath.14.forumer.com/ and we're all planning on playing together. (Drop by when you get a chance and say hi... we all love you over there)
Best wishes for your family, and your son. If there's anything I can do to help out (as former military) let me know.
Cheers!
AgonThalia
Anonymous
August 12 2006, 17:55:20 UTC 5 years ago
Life begins at 40?
Well, Tiggs, as a 42 year old, I can safely say... it all goes downhill from 40! :DRontoMike, ex-Sunrunner Wookiee.
August 13 2006, 08:27:47 UTC 5 years ago
Re: Life begins at 40?
Jeeze thanks for the warning!! Brat :PAnonymous
August 14 2006, 12:07:06 UTC 5 years ago
Re: Life begins at 40?
Dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it! :D
August 12 2006, 22:43:01 UTC 5 years ago
November ship date huh?
I'm stationed in Iraq currently, and I can say your son is going to be relieving some troops that need it. the 3rd ID got extended an extra 4 months ontop of their original 13. He'll be comming in to relieve them and might even get the chance to work with us Seabee's now that we started cleaning up some of the wreckage instead of building up ontop of it.I've been to alot of the different camps and bases and most of the stuff inside of the wire is pretty well dug in. DFAC's are clean, decent food(albiet after 5 months you need to get creative with it) have the occasional subway or pizza hut run by the TCN's about plus a slew of PX/BX stores (and Iraqi bazaars with tons of "cheap" recorded dvd's to buy) to buy out of.
It's gonna be the rainy season when he first gets here, comming to the end of the hot season. hasn't hit 140-50 range in a few weeks. It does get cold, he'll be running around in a field jacket for sure in a little while.
Oh. AND HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE. I know the army push's that and makes water readly available but few of the troops follow it. Don't want anybody going to Germany for dehydration in the winter. oh, and Mom Tiggs? Don't let your boy ever think poorly about being in the reserves. Alot of active soldiers (especially the Bee's) look down on the reserves. Please be that voice of reason and write him constantly if he gets flak for it. I'd hate to see another disenchanted boot go to waste because of something an idiot without any balls to lead said.
lol.. well alright that's my rant.
SW3 Berriault
NMCB "Fighting" 40
the_kraikken@yahoo.com (case your son has a need for something as far what the army guys here found helpfull to bring. But I'm sure the men in his Battalion (using navy terms lol) we'll take good care of him.)
August 13 2006, 08:27:07 UTC 5 years ago
Re: November ship date huh?
My son went from reserves to enlisted last month. So thankfully he won't catch any flak about that. I have plenty of paper ready to send a letter every day so he doesn't miss out on anything going on back home. I've heard about the hot weather out there but wasn't aware of the rainy season, thanks for the heads up on that. I really am greatful for your post. I write to soldiers every week but it is different when it is your own son going over there... lots of fears and worries.Be safe please and thank you for serving our country :)
August 13 2006, 13:25:46 UTC 5 years ago
be proud that you raised a citizen Tiggs. your son is doing what needs to be done for those who cannot do it for themselves. we soldiers dont fight for politicians or politics, nor for religions or causes, we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Di Opresso Libre.
an old poem. for you but he may get something from it as well:
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,Just as brightly as his brass
."Step forward now, you soldier,How shall I deal with you?Have you always turned the other cheek?To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.Because those of us who carry guns,Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord,It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."