tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22785644384021730272024-02-19T02:58:43.827+01:00Soldier WitchThe ups, downs, goods and bads of being who I am. My life as a Soldier, Wife, Mother, Witch, and a Person. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-11523982687172038082014-12-17T04:50:00.002+01:002014-12-17T04:50:54.945+01:00So many changes..First I cant believe it has been over a year since I wrote. And ALOT has happened. For starters, around this time last year, December 2 to be exact, we found out we were pregnant with our now 6 month old. Talk about a shock! I was on the pill, but apparently failed to take them like I was supposed to, bad memory and life getting in the way. Six months later he was born. He was 6 weeks early, but healthy as can be. Things were going good.... then came August. We made a trip home, and on the way back, the husband wrecked his motorcycle. So between getting him healed up, Little Man getting bigger, and the 7 year old.... being a 7 year old. Things have been busy. In future posts, I will go into more detail about Little Mans birth as well as the husbands accident, but for now, I am back, and will try to remain current on here, as much as possible.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-47958195876825708172013-11-05T04:01:00.001+01:002013-11-05T04:06:07.211+01:00Short update and idea<p dir=ltr>So due to some unforseen circumstances, I am a little "off the grid" for a while. However, I am going to try to still post  updates as I can. Today I post a question. If you were to design a planner for Pagans, or a reorganizable BOS, what would you include? This is something that came up in a Facebook group that I follow. Would you make it very general, so that all could use it, or would you make it more specific. Personally, I would like to see something that was more flexible to suit everyone without having labels. This might be something I will have to revisit later.</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-16804017470402240512013-09-04T03:41:00.001+02:002013-09-04T03:41:15.281+02:00Planner Addict Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_k8a3F5578lqEKXg1sJnpHst1BhRFvWR_XLUABaBcS_00qUvcfEN6DH9t3yNJmE2F7gj9Zhb99AAOSpkdW3ky0B4eVdQap1DkmytmtnKX2PbYD-9kf4dZmUP46VN9CVxVWRu4_Yz0aeM/s1600/Fountain+of+Pens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_k8a3F5578lqEKXg1sJnpHst1BhRFvWR_XLUABaBcS_00qUvcfEN6DH9t3yNJmE2F7gj9Zhb99AAOSpkdW3ky0B4eVdQap1DkmytmtnKX2PbYD-9kf4dZmUP46VN9CVxVWRu4_Yz0aeM/s320/Fountain+of+Pens.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So today's photo is Fountain of Pens. As you can see, I don't have a large collection, but still have quite a few. These are also the pens that I use when working in my BOS. I am working on getting something to be able to keep them all together easier. Once its set up, Ill post an update. Short, but that's all for today.</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-80446963377516036042013-09-02T20:27:00.002+02:002013-09-02T20:27:52.310+02:00Planner Addicts Photo Challenge Day 1 and 2So over at <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2013/08/planner-addicts-photo-a-day-challenge.html" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a>, Toni is hosting a Photo a Day Challenge to post photos of planners. Today is day two, and so far, I am SOOO inspired and impressed. Normally I am not a very organized person, but I am working on it. So on top of posting to the Facebook Group and <a href="http://instagram.com/rnaroundsue82" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, I have decided to use this as inspiration for here. It keeps me accountable for the Challenge, and allows me to go into more detail. So without further adu, I give you Day 1 and Day 2<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DmNr7_X-ppo7HU2-Kxvq9B3mnryfFszQUYDJlHHb67BwrGGGrGgy_yWl6Tfvq_sgjeX9LwgAKSdAUtZLgE1Cig0yYNlRJurRyCsTBRMtbwbn3yE8wObPlw6HyDKO5yoy1f-NvHPI7HrB/s1600/Planner+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DmNr7_X-ppo7HU2-Kxvq9B3mnryfFszQUYDJlHHb67BwrGGGrGgy_yWl6Tfvq_sgjeX9LwgAKSdAUtZLgE1Cig0yYNlRJurRyCsTBRMtbwbn3yE8wObPlw6HyDKO5yoy1f-NvHPI7HrB/s320/Planner+Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the challenge for day 1 was to post a photo of the cover of your planner. Mine is an Erin Condren Life Planner. If you haven't checked them out, go over <a href="http://www.erincondren.com/store/" target="_blank">here</a>, and check it out. I went with one of the pre-done covers that she had a choice from, and added my name and year. So far, I am liking this planner, but after looking at some of the others that have been posted, I may look into a different one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvmeZg6nbuJ8tOnfaVjX-O49wWTX4EB4FnSmX0pFa7oxWV53iPeZl1S5PGribvhXHT-PC80B0NZMEGKIiRtRqsKSlIIbld_UdFcBH9sjy6jKf8ZXCaM_gIErBSOn-IsjPvZWECFgIsrk8/s1600/In+the+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvmeZg6nbuJ8tOnfaVjX-O49wWTX4EB4FnSmX0pFa7oxWV53iPeZl1S5PGribvhXHT-PC80B0NZMEGKIiRtRqsKSlIIbld_UdFcBH9sjy6jKf8ZXCaM_gIErBSOn-IsjPvZWECFgIsrk8/s320/In+the+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's challenge, was "In the Bag." This is a picture of my planner in my purse that I carry when I am not at work. When I am in uniform, I carry a simple black back pack. Nothing spectacular, but works for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, to everyone who does read, what do you use for a planner, and how do you use it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also if you are so inclined, go over to Toni's blog and take a look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-48793374991386455372013-08-04T03:19:00.000+02:002013-08-04T03:19:09.473+02:00Finally State SideOK, so the title might be a little misleading, since my family and I have actually been back in the states since about the 12th of July, but if any of you have ever moved, you know how stressful it can be. First, there was the additional 3 hour layover in New Jersey, for a total of 6 hours, then there was the truck breaking down on the Kansas Turn-pike (luckily) it was just a battery, and we were able to get a tow thanks to roadside assistance. Then there is getting things unpacked, restocking the house, and trying to get settled in.<br />
On the plus side, when we only had to stay in the lodge for one night since we had already found a place, and only had to stay in the new house for, I think 2 nights, without anything. The downside of our house is that it is a townhouse, so we are connected, but we have an end unit so only on one side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbf8NNRh7z0lTTkZo16FGmuDOYX48xlHkF04VRQzqiqa-CcqOVJ-r9kxKeaD3J4RdXsWFf7lzrqbPFXZOO6q_VjfhhDQ7uFBTMAQZlM1GARZRHXfbkznvcQuUKRwnjtwK9kaRedkrpSKv/s1600/100_3278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbf8NNRh7z0lTTkZo16FGmuDOYX48xlHkF04VRQzqiqa-CcqOVJ-r9kxKeaD3J4RdXsWFf7lzrqbPFXZOO6q_VjfhhDQ7uFBTMAQZlM1GARZRHXfbkznvcQuUKRwnjtwK9kaRedkrpSKv/s320/100_3278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So this is from the top of the stairs looking down to the front door straight ahead, with the door to the garage on the right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd8CAwdTLfoE6ssEucKt-igQ_uM17BMlolR5tTQVL2ky0OKcsk7MokJKStaS8IWdwN0FYB_7xegV53O8Y3pmvwh8HnG-RrQoAv9C0bgWiJoK6cSQ_5fAvSrJ4xZp7kY59p8TdORgytUnb/s1600/100_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd8CAwdTLfoE6ssEucKt-igQ_uM17BMlolR5tTQVL2ky0OKcsk7MokJKStaS8IWdwN0FYB_7xegV53O8Y3pmvwh8HnG-RrQoAv9C0bgWiJoK6cSQ_5fAvSrJ4xZp7kY59p8TdORgytUnb/s320/100_3280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the top is the half bath and then the kitchen with a built in desk. Just to the left is a coat closet. The white door leads to the porch (YAY!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UJZNt7-pGwyLbAC6tLMa03FCnlrcwXVkXcBLW_2LgZMA-F6kfHQkYYf5SjvlGhJ61buVZlQbt9igeFWEbnmOcKD2ACOLUtR3ro1tKvaI_NKpgyvEygXiTPmrwlNoN1jF99IirBPP014b/s1600/100_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UJZNt7-pGwyLbAC6tLMa03FCnlrcwXVkXcBLW_2LgZMA-F6kfHQkYYf5SjvlGhJ61buVZlQbt9igeFWEbnmOcKD2ACOLUtR3ro1tKvaI_NKpgyvEygXiTPmrwlNoN1jF99IirBPP014b/s320/100_3281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the kitchen. It has an island that you can see with cabinets underneath. Yes the microwave came with the house. As did a double door fridge with ice and water (YAY!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonQCA-WKAfwc4J7ll6oAfReKlYGOtj-gmIwuKyqiUb7PKNrX-6XmBffweccoUk5Wk4qh8hsDLaRvhoLto15N6qvP8hvKGOSZJkupaycluOSIQsBqR3u8fk-MfLkA2WL15i7eetbA231Vh/s1600/100_3283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonQCA-WKAfwc4J7ll6oAfReKlYGOtj-gmIwuKyqiUb7PKNrX-6XmBffweccoUk5Wk4qh8hsDLaRvhoLto15N6qvP8hvKGOSZJkupaycluOSIQsBqR3u8fk-MfLkA2WL15i7eetbA231Vh/s320/100_3283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the porch. It may be hard to tell but the living area would technically be considered a second floor since the garage is the first. Its not much of a view, but still nice to have. Below is a door that comes from the bonus room in the garage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARxRTrT3soQR_ie0eWCaoJVpf0sVYHoaAlANId80DSnjDdhTal0pJL5Hu8okVK2Cjq7tVoguXfX66DEWFJTVUAI9Rd7o01vfTCicbhKeNWnTdth0b9_bHUOoy4Hxm05zBoJ2pYFXLslUp/s1600/100_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARxRTrT3soQR_ie0eWCaoJVpf0sVYHoaAlANId80DSnjDdhTal0pJL5Hu8okVK2Cjq7tVoguXfX66DEWFJTVUAI9Rd7o01vfTCicbhKeNWnTdth0b9_bHUOoy4Hxm05zBoJ2pYFXLslUp/s320/100_3286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Excuse the mess, but this is the living room. Not a ton of space but works with the set up we have. Actually have room for a coffee table to once.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKCeY8fnmu6IKCQlysFlnhGOoWc7rItYEMBRriFEAohOvQsAj5FwHFsxU2Z3AroKAYRjLuFNZI1yTZCVE3iDOp6xfqsJcYgbOW9QeYx5ZERYx2PY57eKw8NVWkUnwT9CoDxrtySKqDSTY/s1600/100_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKCeY8fnmu6IKCQlysFlnhGOoWc7rItYEMBRriFEAohOvQsAj5FwHFsxU2Z3AroKAYRjLuFNZI1yTZCVE3iDOp6xfqsJcYgbOW9QeYx5ZERYx2PY57eKw8NVWkUnwT9CoDxrtySKqDSTY/s320/100_3287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-h2kL8syXgSWgnR1tH6-yi6FegXqWGAtEXsXQZlVuv0qSXGJWT_P4KfqUg_l0nDNpDsNZ5h3SdSWODeQrUa1pyHrHiisPU8KQgtf1C0mPJxyTJ4kvf8BmOwSrYY7mtMkOj8jaqkit9lZ/s1600/100_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-h2kL8syXgSWgnR1tH6-yi6FegXqWGAtEXsXQZlVuv0qSXGJWT_P4KfqUg_l0nDNpDsNZ5h3SdSWODeQrUa1pyHrHiisPU8KQgtf1C0mPJxyTJ4kvf8BmOwSrYY7mtMkOj8jaqkit9lZ/s320/100_3288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First pic is the first portion of the stairs leading up followed by the second after the turn. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. No pics at this time due to all the boxes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What I am happiest about right now is that I finally have a room to use as my own. Granted I have to share it with the book case, and modem, but it is still "my space." I finally tonight got my altar area set up, and will post pictures in a future post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So that should bring it up to speed. Hopefully, I will be able to do a better job of keeping this updated. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Only time will tell.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-83375404288221363702013-04-06T21:41:00.000+02:002013-04-06T21:41:19.325+02:00Crazy Times AheadSo for those of you who don't know me. Let me start off by saying, while I love the fact that I got the opportunity to live in Germany, I am happy to finally be heading back to the states. That being said, we now know when and where we are going. We will be leaving Germany in July and heading to.... Ft. Riley, KS. I know, its in the middle of no where, but at this point, I welcome that. I am looking forward to some open space for once.<br />
That being said, now begins the process of PCS'ing and moving. What does that mean. Scheduling Household Goods and Unaccompanied Baggage (DONE), cleaning quarters (IN PROCESS), looking for a new place (IN PROCESS) and clearing out of country (NOT STARTED). It is going to be a rough a trying couple of months, but I know that it is well worth it to get back to the states.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-24487535082907204812013-02-22T22:31:00.000+01:002013-02-22T22:31:24.848+01:00Fox News at it again!So unless you have been living under a rock, you have already heard about the Fox News story about Missouri State University adding Wiccan holidays to their calender (YAY!), so I'm not going not going to go into much detail about it, other than to say, this is yet another reason why I CANT STAND FOX NEWS! But if you haven't seen it, or heard about it, here is the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwJqUQzghhM" target="_blank">link</a> to it on YouTube. What I will say, is this is not the first time this has happened, check out this video straight from the Fox News <a href="http://video.foxnews.com/v/1118760543001/wiccan-days-included-on-college-calendar" target="_blank">website</a>. What are you thoughts on this?<br />
Also if you like, please take the time to sign the <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/fox-news-make-a-public-apology-for-the-statements-made-about-the-pagan-wiccan-community?utm_campaign=share_button_action_box&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition" target="_blank">petition</a>.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-28322354840810298902013-01-11T21:56:00.000+01:002013-01-11T21:56:50.516+01:00PBP - AirSo, for this second week of the Pagan Blog Project, I really had to think about what to write? Do I want to cover a new topic, or should I expand on last weeks?<br />As you can see from the title, I have decided to cover a new topic. The Element Air. As with all posts I do, this is for my practice, and my no means the end all be all.<br />
So, what about Air. For me, Air represents all that is free and light, Slow and relaxing, not fast and invigorating (Water to me). Birds, Butterflies, Flying Insects, and Fairies all represent Air to me. While they obviously all fly, they are also free to go and do as they please. Springtime embodies Air as everything that you expect to see in the air and around you has finally come back after the long cold winter. Everything is coming alive and feels more alive again. When combined with its direction East on an Altar, incense is one of the simplest representations for Air. Others could also include Athame, a Feather, picture of a bird, Air Representation (instrument, picture), or a bell. Again, whatever feels right to you.<br />
I am keeping this post short, as I am having problems with my Internet tonight, but hope that I have been able to pass along a little bit of knowledge and information to everyone. Until next time Blessed Be!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAlFIHV7rqoIk5HfekoP0LMbZKbOApk-maT58LJqm9Qb2C_Sp1Pp9eafQiOf02H7Bq29oZco-GXKu__vGEu9BtysGeX2YjO8SY4T942KVUKIeHQYhLJi3gT8DxNEN2xE1lT0424RVF9Qz/s1600/Air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAlFIHV7rqoIk5HfekoP0LMbZKbOApk-maT58LJqm9Qb2C_Sp1Pp9eafQiOf02H7Bq29oZco-GXKu__vGEu9BtysGeX2YjO8SY4T942KVUKIeHQYhLJi3gT8DxNEN2xE1lT0424RVF9Qz/s1600/Air.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-4011771652125347212013-01-08T22:21:00.000+01:002013-01-08T22:21:05.582+01:00FLYingSo, with this being a new year, and us moving sometime hopefully in the next 6-8 months, I have decieded to turn over a new leaf when it comes to housework, and keeping the house clean. I remember when it was time to move from NC and what a nightmare it was to get packed and cleaned at the same time. DO NOT want to do that again! I have heard about and actually looked at previously a site called <a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="_blank">Fly Lady</a>. The short version is that it is simple for anyone to have a home that is ready for people to come over with as short of a time as 15 minutes a day. Basically, instead of tackling the housework in one marathon session, everything is broken down into Zones, and done in 15 minute blocks of time. After all, who doesn't have 15 minutes?<br />
<br />
When you start as a Fly Baby, there are 31 baby steps that you are to start with. This is a way to help get used to the program, as well as establish a routine. The first one is Shine your Sink. The concept of this is that if you shine your sink, when you wake up the next morning, you will be greeted by a clean shiny sink, and will motivate you to accomplish the rest. Lets give this a try. I just followed the directions that are provided on the site, and now have a nice shiny sink in my kitchen! It did help, that I decided to pretty much clean my whole kitchen this weekend, but that is not the point. So, along with the baby steps, there are zones of the house for each week to work on as well as missions each day to accomplish in that zone.<br />
This weeks zone is the kitchen. If you are just starting out, she suggests that you start off small in each zone by de-cluttering first. Once that is done, then you can move onto more detailed cleaning. So that's what I did, got rid of some of the clutter on my counter as well as my microwave. Also accomplished the mission for today which was to clean the cabinet doors.<br />
So far so good. Lets see how this works out. If anyone else out there is FLYing, I would love to hear how it has gone for you. I will continue to post about this as time goes on to let everyone know how it is going.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-56415198399074674052013-01-04T23:04:00.000+01:002013-01-04T23:04:29.630+01:00PBP 2013 - AltarsSo since this is the beginning of a new year, I have decided to once again participate in the Pagan Blog Project. So starting at the beginning if the alphabet, this week, I bring you A for Altars.<br />
So, what is an Altar? That depends on who you are. If you are Christian (any denomination will do) it is where the priest/ pastor/ etc stands and gives there sermon. However, if you fall under the Very Large Pagan umbrella, the Altar may be a little bit different. It may be where you perform your "spells", or other works. It may be simple set up for daily devotions to the divine. No matter what the purpose, it is uniquely yours. No two are ever the same. Sometimes even with one individual person. I personally set mine up differently as the mood suits me.<br />
<br />
So if you are Pagan, what goes on an altar? Again, this is different for each person and the purpose. "Traditionally" you will see representations of the elements and something to represent the divine. So what can you use? ANYTHING YOU WANT TO! Don't be fooled into thinking there is only one thing that you can use. For example, incense has been used to represent Air. I myself do use incense, but I also have a votive holder that has a feather as well as a charm of a bird. To me both represent air, since they fly.<br />
<br />
Altars seem to be a topic that many people like to discuss. However, how many people actually are willing to share what they have. I personally love to look at what other people have used to set up their altars. I love seeing the creativity that they put into them, and the attention that clearly goes into one that have been constructed to suit them. It is allot like getting a look at someones personality, and seeing that they hold close to them.<br />
<br />
Since I mentioned sharing altars, I have included pictures of some of the altars that I have set up in the past. Please feel free to look at them as inspiration only. As I stated there is, in my opinion, no set way to set it up. Do what feels right to you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT9B14IDsKjm7VOVJTacAC1Es0G4HzgsWF7dbGJxZqJFKjSsKbxXwdkR9wvaoYPNTB6daygAFPu9Jw9CfgC881n6aOQ58Ti6BjM-XM2SpFzLGh-S2PdO6OdTqgw_xxjuq4ggf_KksK36L/s1600/100_2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT9B14IDsKjm7VOVJTacAC1Es0G4HzgsWF7dbGJxZqJFKjSsKbxXwdkR9wvaoYPNTB6daygAFPu9Jw9CfgC881n6aOQ58Ti6BjM-XM2SpFzLGh-S2PdO6OdTqgw_xxjuq4ggf_KksK36L/s320/100_2210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Set up for Ostara 2011. Notice the stuffed bunnies!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLKVw_E9ge1LKviCmHVIy3PoWwcSLdXgxH1fskRuiE-EoaSDiNF_C9FQHH2lsHBoSE9NK3agTXAXNl5tt6icPvAuofkvtJ_kRDZhiLFHKLc5f6Nf-cN_I_TlRQ6xCwGsZ-xc4DdSxJKdr/s1600/DSCN0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLKVw_E9ge1LKviCmHVIy3PoWwcSLdXgxH1fskRuiE-EoaSDiNF_C9FQHH2lsHBoSE9NK3agTXAXNl5tt6icPvAuofkvtJ_kRDZhiLFHKLc5f6Nf-cN_I_TlRQ6xCwGsZ-xc4DdSxJKdr/s320/DSCN0316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was the first time I got it set up when I got to Germany. Had to go to a smaller table to make the most of the little space I have.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHAfMooYSBNyqu_Jx9DymjsFO1fof-KiznbpTQttJup9Cw_ESXs7ERSW-6Oau5A1sii_lOVVHJLbAWxlfS0MA24dKT-wq3ZCkk68fKan47bNVjueKftjX84N0_KOEwc9PKbxVvkqaxDjb/s1600/DSCN0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHAfMooYSBNyqu_Jx9DymjsFO1fof-KiznbpTQttJup9Cw_ESXs7ERSW-6Oau5A1sii_lOVVHJLbAWxlfS0MA24dKT-wq3ZCkk68fKan47bNVjueKftjX84N0_KOEwc9PKbxVvkqaxDjb/s320/DSCN0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
HAPPY 4th of July! There is no reason why blessing cant be performed for "normal" holidays</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaQ_u2bFGEwaO-fY9c9X_YmkGRSlntl2KAS_v0xOJHULcotetYn0Wi0r7BpdIhclw1wWAhv6o1JRoFHFbjag58xAyIngfdVyMA2FJR7LRxiLQztGgwjPosgd6jPY5OskeCxGtO4isnu-1/s1600/Memorial+Day+2011+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaQ_u2bFGEwaO-fY9c9X_YmkGRSlntl2KAS_v0xOJHULcotetYn0Wi0r7BpdIhclw1wWAhv6o1JRoFHFbjag58xAyIngfdVyMA2FJR7LRxiLQztGgwjPosgd6jPY5OskeCxGtO4isnu-1/s320/Memorial+Day+2011+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Memorial Corner set up for Memorial Day</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbY6bK6eMDMAz2mtQoQ7c5jPZVXfXDu1Blrz3FgM7wYYCN4gTlm4GcpX8bvgr6S_tWnZW2UYahP7PxkJmCL1wfPoyDRLXbp_21cHKaAOeZc-MOsmB4EaBKbb9JrK5X8Xue-5_y9QFHb-4/s1600/Samhein+2010+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbY6bK6eMDMAz2mtQoQ7c5jPZVXfXDu1Blrz3FgM7wYYCN4gTlm4GcpX8bvgr6S_tWnZW2UYahP7PxkJmCL1wfPoyDRLXbp_21cHKaAOeZc-MOsmB4EaBKbb9JrK5X8Xue-5_y9QFHb-4/s320/Samhein+2010+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First set up for Samhain</div>
Hope you enjoyed looking at what I have done, and that this helps anyone who may be having issues deciding what to put on their altar<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-24515600696511241692012-12-12T21:52:00.001+01:002012-12-12T21:52:26.208+01:00Teaser Post....So I came across an interesting post on Facebook today, that lead to me doing some digging today. Long story short, it was talking about an empath who was having problems dealing with their gift. Got me thinking and looking around, and all I can really say now is... more to follow. Going to do some more research, and digging. But does seem like a very interesting topic that I should really be looking into.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-70347303244389938392012-12-11T21:38:00.000+01:002012-12-11T21:38:00.357+01:00No more Mirena (Possible TMI post)So, yesterday, I had my yearly exam, and the hubs and I decided that it is getting to be about time to get ready to maybe have another baby. So I got my Mirena removed and switched back to the pill to try and get things regulated. I am really hoping that getting it taken out will help me with some other areas that I am struggling with as well. I will keep updating as time goes on to let everyone know how it is going. Also feel free to share any experiences you have had, if you have been through a similar issue.<br />
<br />
On another note, Christmas shopping is almost done. I have one more thing that I definitely want to get for little man, but other than that, I think we are all done. Oh and it looks like we will be leaving Germany next July!!!!! So excited!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-46309635122756800582012-12-02T12:10:00.003+01:002012-12-02T12:15:06.368+01:00Snow in Germany!So finally, after we have been complaining about it being so cold for no reason, I wake up to a nice surprise this morning.<br />
<br />
Ok, first off, for those of you who don't know, I am originally from Illinois, and LOVE SNOW! I firmly believe that we are supposed to have snow in the winter, especially in December. So, this morning, little man wakes me up, I head to the kitchen to make breakfast. For some reason, I was looking for something on the window ledge, and look out the window, and sure enough SNOW!!! YAH! I know, I'm such a big kid when it comes to this stuff. I'm Pagan, but I still love Christmas.<br />
Every year, I cant wait to get the tree up, and decorated. Finally, got ours up by the way. I love going shopping, but hate spending the money of course. I love seeing all the lights and decorations. On thing I miss about being back home is going to see the <a href="http://www.wayoflights.org/" target="_blank">Way of Lights</a>. And for the past couple if years, I have been <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org/en/" target="_blank">following Santa on his yearly journey</a>. Like I said, I am just a big kid at heart!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-52978533964807926912012-11-26T21:19:00.001+01:002012-11-26T21:19:46.029+01:00Mercury RetrogradeOK, so I am the kinda witch that will read my Zodiac AFTER the fact, and realize, DAMN, maybe I should have stayed in bed. I am also one who usually doesn't give much notice to the Astrological Pain in the Ass.......<br />
<br />
MERCURY RETROGRADE(*Spooky Music).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjndgTtXkbm3ySSN74m1lxgZZPyntcJg38LHGGwPiUZg5fBTIzp56ALeuJyqZGyOOJj0-3aYTlAOzzYH45VWALfeilqW66CrVp5oRvGFiUjNItqWl7GFUlL3i0pra26WCAPw-vdm_h37AV/s1600/mercury-in-retrograde2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjndgTtXkbm3ySSN74m1lxgZZPyntcJg38LHGGwPiUZg5fBTIzp56ALeuJyqZGyOOJj0-3aYTlAOzzYH45VWALfeilqW66CrVp5oRvGFiUjNItqWl7GFUlL3i0pra26WCAPw-vdm_h37AV/s320/mercury-in-retrograde2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Personally, I have never noticed much different during the time, and in fact, it usually passes by me without me even knowing it. Not this year!<br />
<br />
I am hoping that since it is 900 pm here in Germany, that it is safe for me to talk about this. So pretty much all month, I have been having problems with my phone. First, for some reason, all my contacts that were saved to the SIM card are gone, but still there. I can search through the history, and they are there, but when I go to search the contacts, they are gone. I tried, to save the info from the history, but no luck, the phone thinks it is on the SIM. Also tried to add a new contact, didn't save, but saved. Then by great "Smart phone" decided what it would be fun to just randomly turn off while in my pocket. Yes the phone was locked, and there is no way for the pocket to turn it off, since it was the shoulder pocket of my ACU's. Then it would just turn off when I would put it on my desk. The past couple of days, when I would plug it in to charge, it couldn't make up its mind whether it was charging or not. So that has been the drama with the phone. So over the weekend I was trying to check one of my email accounts and was told that my user name had been locked. That's weird, cause I was just on it 5 minutes before when my computer decided to crap out on me for a min. All that being said, I think I have learned my lesson.<br />
So what have I learned over the past 3 weeks? Know when to take a step back. Things have been so crazy at work, that sometimes, I just need to remember that I am only one person, and I have other commitments that I have to take care of as well. Maybe sometimes, I need to focus more on my family than my work.<br />
Oh yeah, and keep an eye out for that evil Mercury Retrograde and what lessons may come along with it, cause they will come whether you are ready for them or not.<br />
So how has this Mercury Retrograde treated you, and have you done anything in the past or present to prepare for it? Let me know, I would love to hear the stories.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-66442739759720341642012-11-26T20:53:00.000+01:002012-11-26T20:53:28.347+01:00School Jobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as part of Alex's Sure Start Class, everyone gets to take turns to have jobs in the classroom. The week before Thanksgiving and the week of he was "The Inspector" which meant he got to take two friends around the classroom and make sure everything was picked up and mot messy before it was time to go outside. Well I just happened to ask him today what his new job is and he said he was the "Flag Helper." He told me that he gets to hold the flag. I kinda had an idea where this was leading, but we have been trying to get him to tell us about school and what he learned, not that he just had fun. So I ask him, what happens when he holds the flag, and he proceeds to demonstrate holding the flag. So I then say, well what do your friends do while you are holding the flag? "Say the Pledge of Allegiance" Of course it took some coxing, (and maybe some bribery) but I managed to get him to say it on camera. Be advised, he is 5 and a little silly most of the time, I don't know what he was doing while he was saying it. I do know that his hand is up because he wanted me to "pick him" when he was done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzqswep8j8X0eBCQWdKZtJ_zZ3CAW2R-V6s4ERkm1EJ-c40uiay3k9SLUG9tgBJrYprNabXm0lcHhvicMFtTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-2399288145506250412012-11-22T19:17:00.000+01:002012-11-22T19:18:48.870+01:00ThanksgivingSo it is 708pm here in Germany. The meal has been eaten, the leftovers put away, dished almost all washed, and some pie eaten. All with some friends from Wiesbaden who came over with their 3 year old daughter. Overall it has been a pretty good day. There was a little bit of fighting with Alex and Kiba at first, but after that it has been pretty smooth sailing. So sitting here has got me thinking.. what exactly am I thankful for?<br />
Well of course there is my husband and son first. Without them, I don't know what I would do. Next I would have to say my job. While it is VERY stress full, especially now that things are starting to close down. I really do love what I do. Not just the day to day aspect of it, but being in the military in general. I am also thankful for the friends and family that are there no matter what. While there may be discrepancies from time to time, I would do anything for them.<br />
Since I am feeling the effects of cooking all day, and the turkey, I'm going to end this by asking "What are you thankful for?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjj6H9n1kGujIw3MnOfax-Y76ZNjgdUQ6jtt8Xj8Gui6vpAtw2oDjP-CHIQDoRcsrKWsOozr22H_zFoChv8iFwQ5u59YQ_ly6v8jwhofL33n4yDkrxoiMxfay91Bh27lVajsGYwr_uAsZD/s1600/thanksgiving-turkey10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjj6H9n1kGujIw3MnOfax-Y76ZNjgdUQ6jtt8Xj8Gui6vpAtw2oDjP-CHIQDoRcsrKWsOozr22H_zFoChv8iFwQ5u59YQ_ly6v8jwhofL33n4yDkrxoiMxfay91Bh27lVajsGYwr_uAsZD/s320/thanksgiving-turkey10.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-62754525213300134422012-09-25T20:54:00.002+02:002012-09-25T21:00:20.906+02:00Finally<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After waiting what seems like forever, it has finally happened. I made cut-off for E-6! While I only went to the board last December, I have been waiting for this for quite some time. I am now at a point where I will be able to do my full 20 years. So when I report into ALC (hopefully) on Monday, I will be SSG Ray. It already looks weird. Of course along with more responsibility comes more pay. Which at this point is a HUGE advantage for us. I just officially found out a couple of hours ago, and I am still a little bit in shock that it has finally happened. I do feel a little bad because my Soldier did not make cut-off for E-5, but I have no doubt that she will make it before she leaves here in December. In honor of this accomplishment, I leave you lovely readers with the 6 of Army from my still in progress Military Tarot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cdu03Sb40NgYpm9QGmHGE2XoELcXCCKifcPoQ5ineEbZlojrEAHp-dvWKmYvTsOblhUbinvctAaLVUyHesFuptB75zn_xC9etdk2LtqYgwpk8kCwpWAfNccdS7BD2J1BBpCCVB21qzuk/s1600/6+of+Army+(Re+Done).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Cdu03Sb40NgYpm9QGmHGE2XoELcXCCKifcPoQ5ineEbZlojrEAHp-dvWKmYvTsOblhUbinvctAaLVUyHesFuptB75zn_xC9etdk2LtqYgwpk8kCwpWAfNccdS7BD2J1BBpCCVB21qzuk/s320/6+of+Army+(Re+Done).jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you would like to see more of the cards I created, please check out my Picassa Album. They are broken into different albums by <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110232650182346692009/Majors" target="_blank">Majors</a>, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110232650182346692009/Minors" target="_blank">Minors</a>, and <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110232650182346692009/Court" target="_blank">Court Cards</a>. Feel free to take a look around while you are there.</div>
PS. Later in the week, I will tie this in with how this promotion plays into my practice.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-30215132776765853082012-09-19T21:44:00.001+02:002012-09-19T21:44:27.334+02:00Exhausting Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yeah, I know it is only Wednesday, but already, I am ready for it to be over. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lE5wft1lGENFIjNTQ5eaxvtVeeXOAXgj5gamHth-zKRSl6s834KwtVrTpcsDXcbRWOsCG4RjYgE-k2vlYMplrhPGTvL_TGjbmHHAV8Zyb77kNU9GYwO9Ezfa1WS9i8zf-n-Sjd7fYHPb/s1600/1st+Day+Sure+Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lE5wft1lGENFIjNTQ5eaxvtVeeXOAXgj5gamHth-zKRSl6s834KwtVrTpcsDXcbRWOsCG4RjYgE-k2vlYMplrhPGTvL_TGjbmHHAV8Zyb77kNU9GYwO9Ezfa1WS9i8zf-n-Sjd7fYHPb/s320/1st+Day+Sure+Start.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So Alex finally started Sure Start on Monday. YAY! As you can see, he is so excited! It was all he has been talking about for like the past two weeks. The only bad thing we have heard from his teacher, is that he is doing the hoarding food thing at lunch time. For some reason, we have yet to figure out where he got it from, he crams his food into his mouth, and trys to hold it in his cheeks. It is funny because he looks like a chipmunk, but we have to try not to laugh to try to get him to stop doing it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. His teachers do know about him not pooping in the potty, but luckily he has not done it in his pants at school, he waits until Momma gets home for that. Oh yeah, and he still wont go to sleep until after ten o'clock so we are still fighting that battle, and of course the follow up battle to get up in the morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since he is going to school everyday, I am definitely feeling more stressed. I have to get up, do PT, come home, take the dog out, take a shower, get myself ready for work, and get Alex up and ready for school and have him there by 8:15. Then to top it all off, have to work a full day, deal with everything that is going along with Transformation, and then come home, and try to get some housework/ dinner done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am still waiting to find out about the funding for my ALC (Advanced Leaders Course) that I am going to on October 1st. I am glad to be going, but not thrilled about the timing. This will actually be the first time that I will not be here for Alex's birthday. Plus, with me being gone, this means that the Hubs will have to do everything. I am just hoping that everything will go relatively smooth while I am gone. I will be under enough stress as it is, and will not be nearby if something should happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The nice thing is that you can tell that Fall is coming here in Germany. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it has already arrived. It is chilly in the morning and evening, and usually windy during the day. The leaves on the trees have already started to change, and fall. In fact, when I was at work the other day, you could smell someone burning leaves. I never really liked the smell personally, but for some reason, it was nice for once. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-67056942526930819412012-08-26T00:02:00.002+02:002012-08-26T00:02:28.656+02:00Week in ReviewSo as another attempt to keep myself writing regularly, I have decided to start a week in review post. Pretty much it will include a wrap up of what happened within the past week.<br />
So, this week has been pretty relaxed. It was the first week of my two weeks of leave. YAY! The first I have taken since I have been in Germany. A very much needed break from work. I didn't go anywhere, but am just enjoying the time to be at home and relax. Actually, I think this is the first time since I have been in the Army that I have been able to truly relax while on leave. Usually, we would go home, and have to worry about splitting time between family and friends. This time, I just get to sit and focus on being at home and RELAXING! Of course, I do have plans for getting housework done, and have accomplished quite a bit, but am still loving not having to go to work. I have had time to finally work on my travel Book of Shadows, and really like the way it is turning out.<br />
Thursday, we finally got the phone call that Alex has a tentative slot in Sure Start for the next school year YAY! What does this mean. He will be going to Pre-K 5 days a week all day. There are still some questions I have about the program, but I will get to ask them this coming Thursday when I go to orientation. The biggest thing I am hoping to get from this, that Alex will get ready for Kindergarten and of course help him with the Potty problems that we are still dealing with.<br />
I have managed to catch up on ALC course work that I was falling a little bit behind on due to just being too tired. Hopefully, I will be able to pull ahead on it in the next week. On that note, I also have taken some time to spend at the gym for some much needed work out time. Granted it was not as much as I would have liked, but since I have become well rested this week, I am hoping that will change next week. I know that I have not been working out as much as I should, and that I have not been keeping as close an eye on my weight as I need to, and since it is getting close to time for me to actually go to ALC, I need to get ready.<br />
Oh, and the biggest disappointment this week was finding out that I missed cut-off by TWO points! TWO POINTS.... enough to make me mad. Then again, I know that means, I am closer to the top of the list, and that once I get done with ALC, I will have over 600 points, and should be good by then.<br />
I know this has kind of jumped around a little bit, but that is how I think, so that is how it came out. I will try to do better as time goes on.<br />
To close this, please enjoy this picture of one of the pages that I worked on this week. Since this is meant to be a Travel Book of Shadows, I thought it would be fitting to have a protection spell in it. If anyone would like to see more of what I have done, please let me know, I dont mind. I am even willing to share my BIG Book of Shadows. All you have to do is ask.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsObh7_OKXtuhTfRIUQtvjpiXhAb76IIVVmArGWJ5L1CYOmndjFXuQwKBnNJhNN4YL6iUCCrxpy-ezVz5OhG68xKPV3K3dB5F6mk2rv8ie8isAyvt110E8OZUbcUDLpRBxHDCfmdDLBdxQ/s1600/Travel+BOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsObh7_OKXtuhTfRIUQtvjpiXhAb76IIVVmArGWJ5L1CYOmndjFXuQwKBnNJhNN4YL6iUCCrxpy-ezVz5OhG68xKPV3K3dB5F6mk2rv8ie8isAyvt110E8OZUbcUDLpRBxHDCfmdDLBdxQ/s320/Travel+BOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-33493856713877254422012-08-24T20:59:00.001+02:002012-08-24T20:59:57.484+02:00PBP - Q for QuestionsI know that the topic of Questions has been covered many times last week for PBP, but this is my take on the issue.<br />
There comes a point in all of our spiritual paths, that we will have to answer various questions about our beliefs. Either it will be questions within ourselves, or questions from others if we are out of the broom closet. No matter where or who these questions are coming from, you need to make sure that you are ready for them. It seems like the questions, at least for me, come at the worst possible time. Usually when I have other things on my mind than answering any questions. So what are some questions that I have been asked?<br />
<br />
In no particular order<br />
Q. "So you can tell me my future?" (Or some variation when people find out I read tarot)<br />
A. "Yes and No. I can "see" how things will be if you continue on the current path you are on. I also add that they will only hear what they are meant to hear, and ready to hear. This has been an issue at a few readings that I have done. I was getting a message, but being told that the person was not ready to hear everything that went along with it. (Call me crazy, but my cards actually "talk" to me). I let them know that if they make a change, no matter how minor, the outcome may change. Many people just want to know how to get out of a situation, or that things will get better. Sometimes hearing that things will get better, is enough for them to make the changes they are "supposed" to.<br />
<br />
Q. "So you do spells and stuff?"<br />
A. "Yes." This seems to be the one thing that most people are interested in. Unless they ask for more in-depth information, I tend to leave the answer at that.<br />
<br />
Q. "Can you do one for me?"<br />
A. For me this is a tricky area. This goes back to people wanting a simple solution to their problems. They think, that a spell will instantly solve all their problems. this is when I will usually explain to them how a spell actually works. The explanation that I have found easiest is using either the "Birthday Cake" or "Parking Spot" metaphor. When you make a wish on a birthday cake when you are younger, you hope, pray and wish real hard for what it is you want. Once you have the idea firmly in your mind, you blow out the candle. This, of course, is similar to how a spell works. You put all your focus and energy into what you are wanting to manifest. You take the time to gather what you need to help your energies be the strongest. You may say some words that help you focus, and release the energy that you have built up into the universe. Does it always work, no. But then again, do you always get what you wished for on your birthday? No. So what happens, maybe you try again later. Maybe you make some changes that help the manifestation become reality. Maybe you get some birthday money late, and you go and buy that gift that you really wanted. The other way to look at it is when you are driving through a crowded parking lot. All you can think about is how you really need a spot to park. That is all you can think about. All of your energy is going into finding just one parking spot. And what you do you know, you happen upon a car that is just about to leave, and you get the spot that you wanted. Again same thing. All of your energy goes into what you want, until finally you get it, or change something to help it happen.<br />
<br />
Q. "Oh my god, you are going to hell! I have to save you. You need to come to church with me...etc"<br />
A. While I have been lucky enough to never have encountered this, I have gotten some not so nice looks from people. How do you handle it? Well there is the book answer "I don't believe in hell, or that I need to be saved..." Me personally, I have a rather twisted sense of humor at times, and would say "Well in that case, first rounds on me!" Of course, I will caution against this to perfect strangers.<br />
<br />
Q. "Since you are a Pagan, shouldn't you be a Pacifist? How can you be in the Army?"<br />
A. I have encountered this a few times. No where is there a set a rules that says I cant be in the military. In fact, there are various paths that are not so peaceful. Not everything about being a Pagan is peaceful and serene. This is another one that could be turned around. Well as a Christian/ Muslim/ Random Faith, aren't you supposed to love everyone? Why did you choose a career where the main purpose is to go to war?<br />
<br />
Q."What exactly do you call yourself/ believe?"<br />
A. This is a little tricky for me lately. As I have stated before, I identify as "Wiccan" I would consider myself more of an Eclectic Pagan recently. When I first found this path, it was all "I'm Wiccan, and that's it." Now I find myself looking at other paths, and pulling a little from here and there. At one point I had a friend try to convince me that I should follow a strictly Egyptian Path. Personally, I think that is the nice thing about being Pagan. We are free to chose what we want to believe and how we want to practice that belief. I do spell work occasionally, I read tarot, leaning runes, don't identify with any deities other than the Goddess and the God (none by name), and have the freedom to practice how I want. I believe in the duality of the universe, that we are responsible for our actions, and have to answer for the bad actions we take.<br />
<br />
So that is just a short list of some of the questions that come up with our beliefs. What about you? What other questions have you encountered, and how did you handle them? How would you have answered the questions above?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87LX5jEaCX3gmDOUDZgpPubY85-sbJgSyfbdW8y75H5pWuxhqjkbD5zRoVIcun5UrfQD7wEouRiyTfDAFFqZYL0GzswDzVjwmtrSCoA1K0fBCHMW9f7-wLsw_2zxfpQy5RZV2WKyfSWtJ/s1600/paganrights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87LX5jEaCX3gmDOUDZgpPubY85-sbJgSyfbdW8y75H5pWuxhqjkbD5zRoVIcun5UrfQD7wEouRiyTfDAFFqZYL0GzswDzVjwmtrSCoA1K0fBCHMW9f7-wLsw_2zxfpQy5RZV2WKyfSWtJ/s1600/paganrights.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />Remember, the more questions we answer, the better we will be understood.</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-56764717616009085062012-08-17T22:20:00.000+02:002012-08-17T23:02:37.198+02:00Pagan Blog Project - QuietHave you ever taken the time to think of how much noise we encounter in a typical day. As part of my job, I teach a week long class that has one hour dedicated to the effects of noise. In that class noise is defined as any unwanted sound. For example, while you may have a favorite band, and a favorite song, not many people would appreciate hearing it blasted at top volume at 2:30 in the morning. Or those of us who have children, while I love to hear Alex talk, as he almost always manages to crack me up, there are just some times, that I wish he would stop. These would be considered noise. We like our music, and listening to our children, but not all the time.<br />
In this class about noise, I teach about the potential damage that can be done, as well as the impact on a Soldier if the experience too much noise. Last time I taught this class it got me thinking, if we can be physically damaged by noise, why not spiritually. Our ears need time to recoup from being bombarded by sounds and noises all day, that's why music in your car may seem louder first thing in the morning than when you go home at night, so why wouldn't our minds (spirits, souls, etc). I have noticed lately that the more things I have going on in my life, the more sounds there seems to be around me on a constant basis, and the more out of sorts I tend to feel. Whether its traffic outside my window, the train station across the street, listing to people talk, doing housework, or just sitting down writing this, I am surrounded by sounds.<br />
So, again id our bodies (ears) need a chance to recover, why not minds (again spirits, souls, etc.) Have you ever had those few times, where it seems like there is nothing going on. No movement and best of all NO NOISES! How did it make you feel, Think about it real hard. Some people are actually nervous about quiet times. Me, I think I have been downrange and in the Army too long, to be nervous about quiet. I love when I get the chance to just sit somewhere, and hear nothing. I'm not talking about having earplugs in, but just one of those rare instances, where it is actually quiet. What do I do? ENJOY IT! Take a moment to just relax. Funny enough, this happens almost every time, I am in my sacred space. While I might be vaguely aware of certain things going on in the "mundane" (yes I went there and said it) world, once I am in my sacred space, it is so peaceful and QUIET that I almost hate to leave it. I enjoy it so much that I am making it a goal of mine to have a regular "date" with my sacred space. Whether it just sitting down to ground myself (which I need very much lately), or just doing some magical house cleaning. I am slowly beginning to see how important this quiet time is to me. Plus, between you and me, it is the only chance I have to be by myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2Lplsxmiz498V7GOZoqgaBxh1suPhx_x9gTnutgF8wMEp-Whmfnf5ZMimy5XL8QeV_f7xyTRHFWHBn4ex16S3oDJx_nFRIkzbxF8bCpTYDX4qnGPkJdDc7Nk-moRs5lzeAWUJY_jx0d4/s1600/Quiet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2Lplsxmiz498V7GOZoqgaBxh1suPhx_x9gTnutgF8wMEp-Whmfnf5ZMimy5XL8QeV_f7xyTRHFWHBn4ex16S3oDJx_nFRIkzbxF8bCpTYDX4qnGPkJdDc7Nk-moRs5lzeAWUJY_jx0d4/s320/Quiet.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So try to be like Linus. Find somewhere comfortable, and just enjoy the moment of peace and quiet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3JCkhM3jJePucIVslkVmvghKAaYrI7oeu2ZtloeJFby-qUbgHF3OhmFqaCB55Ani7CHX7zHXBUKxMnCckI_O-npxd8aDR8gHiuo_elgEuy_LdTCWGWSdD5X9qKDnWrzWKAFY_ytkMdcx/s1600/Samhain+2011+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3JCkhM3jJePucIVslkVmvghKAaYrI7oeu2ZtloeJFby-qUbgHF3OhmFqaCB55Ani7CHX7zHXBUKxMnCckI_O-npxd8aDR8gHiuo_elgEuy_LdTCWGWSdD5X9qKDnWrzWKAFY_ytkMdcx/s320/Samhain+2011+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Picture of my Quiet Space as it was set up for Samhain 2011</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1Patrick-Henry-Siedlung, 69124 Oftersheim, Germany49.370896 8.62665949.3605565 8.606918 49.3812355 8.6464tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-49521384450570780972012-07-02T22:14:00.000+02:002012-07-02T22:14:34.589+02:00First day of "Pre School"So Alex had his first day of Pre School today, and it seems to have been a hit. He got to sing songs, play games, and even brought an art project home. Oh and by the way, he went to sleep on time! One "issue" though. I went to orientation today, and had to fill out some paper work, and one of the questions had to do with what holidays do we celebrate? Of course there were the mainstream ones, but nothing even remotely Pagan. Personally, I had no issue just checking Christmas, Halloween, and Easter, because we do still "celebrate" but of course not for the reasons most people do. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this or a similar issue ever come up with a school or something similar.<br />
Since he was so proud (and so was I honestly), here is a picture of the Hat that he made in school. Of course it is 4th of July themed, and had to resized when we got it home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmNKFwG4Kz_Yflc7fdlofZn8RdI1A_uVSPF7_VKgCDZsT2Ycs6vuP1sOyp2kEDmPWB8zVAIfq8DEsBJK65N01GllIfnB-vwDU8aXVG9Ibzy48BpnTMRobKYHxKS44X5807YrK79YK6QE5/s1600/DSCN1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmNKFwG4Kz_Yflc7fdlofZn8RdI1A_uVSPF7_VKgCDZsT2Ycs6vuP1sOyp2kEDmPWB8zVAIfq8DEsBJK65N01GllIfnB-vwDU8aXVG9Ibzy48BpnTMRobKYHxKS44X5807YrK79YK6QE5/s320/DSCN1213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PS He has a show and tell also when he goes back on Friday. Any ideas on what a 4 year old could take for Show and Tell?</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-17929523533758327342012-06-29T22:31:00.002+02:002012-07-01T00:28:32.659+02:00PBP - M Maiden...Many traditions around the world have some form a "Holy Trinity." Pagans/ Wiccans are mo different. Many see the Goddess in three different aspects, The Maiden, The Mother and the Crone. This week I will be discussing the Maiden aspect of the Goddess.<br />
<br />
When people here the term Maiden they immediately get the idea of a young, virginal, innocent woman. She may be naive and unaware of many of the things that go on in the world. Many of these aspects translate over the the Maiden aspect of the Goddess. Along with this she is seen in the Waxing Moon growing larger across the night sky. <span style="background-color: white;">Many traditions see this in the young girl who has not hit puberty, or even the young woman who has not had children yet. The Maiden Goddess can be invoked for anything involving new beginnings, and change. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Some of the traditional Maiden Goddesses are Athena, Persephone, and Brigid. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">When working with the energy of the Maiden aspect, chose fresh flowers, grains, and the color white.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-54400534738889266692012-06-27T21:47:00.000+02:002012-06-27T21:47:29.669+02:00Busy, busy, frustration, busySo finally bit the bullet and got Alex enrolled in Pre-school, he starts on Monday. While we still have not conquered the Potty Training Mountain yet, I am hoping this will help. He will only be in school for 3 hours in the morning, 3 days a week, but hopefully it will be enough to help him expend some energy, make some friends, and be around kids more. Not to mention it will get him and Steve out of the house. Then, while I was at Central Registration, I got him enrolled in Strong Beginnings that will start with the new school year. It is basically a Pre-K program that will get him ready for Kindergarten next year.<br />
<br />
Right now I am just feeling really frustrated. Between being exhausted from having to be into work early, not getting to bed till late because Alex wont go to sleep until late, and being the only one who does anything in the house, and being the only one who takes the dog out, I am just exhausted and frustrated. What I would really like to do, is just take some time to myself, light my altar, and sit there. The problem is, I have to wait till Alex gets to sleep, or else it will be a waste of time, and then have to get the dog out. There is just not enough hours in the day. I am hoping that since I will be taking Alex to school in the mornings, that Steve will at least take Kovu out in the morning, so I will still have time to get myself, and Alex ready.<br />
<br />
Plus on top of that, I am still "dealing" with the family issues back home. There has still been no resolution, and I am not sure when there will be, and when there is, how will it impact me in the future. Plus, with the transformation at work, no one seems to understand that we still have to do our mission, even though we will be falling under a new higher HQ's. Everyone is focused on the fact that they should be doing our mission, and not us. Technically, that would be true, but we still have people here, and as long as we are, we are going to do the mission as best as we can.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278564438402173027.post-59371560743521087832012-06-03T15:58:00.000+02:002012-06-03T15:58:00.233+02:00Pagan Blog Project - K for Kitchen WitchWhen it comes to magic and witchcraft, there are more forms and types than one person could even begin to list. One in particular seems to be fitting to many of us with family, whether we realize it or not. That would be Kitchen Magic. This is especially true for me. While I may not always want to cook, I do enjoy it. I actually took some time to try to think about why. The way I see it, everyone needs food to survive. When I am in the kitchen cooking something for my family, even if its pre-made), I am provinding the nurishment that they need. While I may not be fully aware of it, I am putting my energy into what ever it is that I am making. In turn my family eats it, and gets a little bit of that energy. After thinking about that, and coming to that realization, I have decieded that I am going to be more careful about how I cook. By this I mean, making sure I have my emotions and energy in control when I am preparing the food. There is no sense in passing on what I am feeling to my family<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks for Reading!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16926603959057708720noreply@blogger.com0