My Blog Stats

Posted on November 7, 2012 by TheJessicaness

Roy Lichtenstein’s “Sunrise,” 1965

Top 5 views by country since Feb. 2012
1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Russian Federation
5. Republic of Korea

Top 5 posts of all time
1. A Night at the MOPA
2. Hello Kitty, Happy Birthday
3. Bleach, Boxes, and Bread
4. Southern Women’s Show – Jacksonville
5. Newly Updated Unknown Current Noobness

Top 5 search terms
1. knezetic
2. hello kitty centerpieces
3. riverport brewing
4. thejessicaness
5. lichtenstein costume

Top 5 favorite search terms
1. chocolate unconventional advertisement
2. star wars hospital
3. toys in da hood burrito wagon
4. caves of steel troposphere
5. wet black shiny stuff on tree trunk

Top 5 topics this week
1. food
2. people
3. travel
4. events
5. marriage

Top 5 most commented on posts
1. Oh the Places We’ll Go: When I Get my Bicycle Back
2. A BEEautiful Day
3. A Picture is Worth…
4. A Beachy Birthday
5. Putting our Kicks on Route 66

And a side note for those interested:
Beware the 15 likes on your post when your stats say that it only got 2 views. Perhaps WordPress should change the ease of access to the like and reblog buttons. I probably shouldn’t mind, but I take time out of my day to explore these new people and find a common interest. Really I am upping their stats dramatically when they can’t bother to add a view to mine. I’ve probably found some great blogs this way that I now follow, but I’m hoping those people were more considerate.

Posted in Art, Birthday, Family, Food, People, Photography, Things, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Get Off Your High Horse…

Posted on November 6, 2012 by TheJessicaness

Meissen porcelain chocolate pot and cover circa 1800 in Germany

… and come have some fun with me. I headed north out of the foggy skies towards Balboa Park – gardens, museums, a zoo, a golf course, and a naval hospital. It was nice to get there early for good parking, but also for the uncrowded space. I was free to walk and look at the architecture without having to look for kids running into me – temporarily. I turned a corner, and as I expected on a free admission day, people were everywhere.

I took a spot on the stairs that was shaded and waited for the doors to open to the Natural History Museum. Last time I came for their All That Glitters exhibit about gems and minerals. Today’s goal was to see Chocolate and upon entrance I was able to smell it too. The posters tell of the tall trees, monkeys, and midges that aid in keeping the cocoa plant growing. It goes on to show the history and significance that chocolate once held in the hands of the wealthy. At the end are some fancy and flavorful chocolates, but most people aren’t brave enough to try the potato chip or bacon varieties.

After stopping myself from buying lots of chocolates I head downstairs to the Horse Exhibit. It talks about the ease of domesticating horses because of their nature also seen in dogs, pigs, and cows – they are used to having a leader. Zebras though are more likely than a tiger to bite a zookeeper. Many are surprised to learn about the evolution of the horse’s foot. I have my biology class to thank for that information. I take a break halfway through to grab a veggie wrap from the café upstairs, then it’s back to learning.

The horse has many uses – battle advantage; farming for horse milk and meat; ranching to help control cattle; rodeo, circus, and racing for the enjoyment of people; and transportation that forces them to wear shoes to keep their hooves from wearing unevenly and causing them injury. It’s a powerful creature and man has bred them stronger, bigger, and faster. Smaller horses like the Shetland pony are perfect for fitting into a mine shaft. Horses can be found on stamps, in movies, and toy stores, but not as much in the wild anymore. The term horsepower is popular when talking about cars.

sandcast panels of San Diego by Charles Faust in 1970s

I feel that every star is equal to something I don’t know. The more I learn, the more I realize I am dumb. Wait! I’m not putting myself down completely, but given my brain’s capacity I have the potential to do more, but that can be another post entirely. In a learning mood and not yet ready to go home I walk over to the Model Railroad Museum. This place is like Nana’s railroad track under the tree times 1,000. There are towns and mountain ranges being put together and monitored by men that love toys and history.

There is lots to learn. There are enormous viewing windows with stairs for the kiddies. There are working lights, plenty of moving locomotives, and even a drive-in movie now playing “Wile E. Coyote chases Road Runner.” They represent all railroad lines including Union Pacific, Thomas the Train, Disney, and Halloween themed along with women’s impact during war, foreign train differences in build and speed, and hobo symbols to help the migrant worker know what to expect of the new area.

part of the model train display

I had some time to visit another museum, but decided to save it for another day. Time to get home before shops close, workers fill the road, and Piggy lets her hunger overtake her. I emailed Caleb to let him know that my day out was a success, but that a lot of parents have lost control over their children. I like to thank the ones that are doing a good job educating their kids or at least keeping them tame while indoors. A museum can be a boring place to some kids that are ready to leave when they walk in. I’m lucky to be able to walk in the door to excited dogs, though temporarily loud, they don’t need constant supervision. I’m still not ready for kids.

Posted in Animals, Art, Education, Food, History, People, Photography, Places, Things | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekend Warrior

Posted on November 5, 2012 by TheJessicaness

 

beach bench art

Less than 80 hours has passed since I last saw my husband. Right now it feels like a really long duty day, a day where he was called in early to fix something and even after spending the night with little to no sleep is forced to keep his eyes peeled and in control of the guys until long after others have gone home.

I have plenty to keep me busy – blog, bookshelf, loom, knitting needles, dogs, cleaning, eating, sleeping, exercise, internet, friends, and family. But these are usual things. I’m used to lounging (attempting to blog) around until Caleb gets home. Then I make sure he is taken care of – fed, washed, relaxed, and educated of what I learned that day. It has been four years since he has been on a deployment and I forget the routine that comes with it – meaning I can go to a museum during the week because I don’t have to hope that he gets off work early or wait until the weekend.

I cherish our time together and this new routine will be odd and difficult to get used to, but it gives me more to write and talk about than my usual bore of, “The dogs made noise, made messes, got fed, made more messes,” or “I sat and stared at my computer, then I ate, then I stared some more which made me hungry again.” They do say that pets will become more like their owners. Perhaps while he is away I can teach the dogs sign language and the art of silence while teaching myself something equally impressive.

clay model of embracing couple by Sue McGrew

I email him as often as I can think of something more to say than, “I love you!” This also depends on how often he is able to call which just so happened today. I was startled when the phone rang and somewhat bothered by the private number message showing up on the caller ID, but I am one to give every caller a fair chance. I picked it up hoping to be part of some greater phone prank that was going to be posted on YouTube later. I thought of nothing cool to say and with nothing on the other end I hung up.

I went back to what I was doing, but instinctively brought the phone with me. Having to go to another room in the house can be tiring on some level I’m sure. A minute or two later it rang again – same number. I picked it up, put it on speaker phone and waited. There was a slight delay, but on the other end was clearly the voice that makes me happiest in the world. My husband was calling me from over 8,000 miles away and 11 hours ahead. It would have only been ten hours, but daylight savings time changed that.

He had read my emails and knew all about my weekend. This allowed me to listen to how his weekend went. The phone only cut out twice and then hung up. He was able to call me back. We talked for at least 30 minutes. The trip was long and loud. Customs was nothing like Caleb was expecting in Kuwait. He wanted his passport stamped and they didn’t want to bother with looking at it. His last plane touched ground at midnight or perhaps that’s when the van dropped them off, but he wouldn’t find sleep for another hour or two before waking up at 6:00 am.

not sure they’re in the right order

His weekend seems that it could (almost) not be more stressful. He spent the first day doing turnover (the last crew tells him what works and what doesn’t) to find out that everything needs fixing. He couldn’t understand why the last crew tried to lie about some of it or hide it because either way they get to go home. Caleb gets to try to fix everything on this ship before inspection. Perhaps that would be enough, but I guess he is the “Clean-Up” crew. After they are done putting this ship back together they get transferred to another to do the same thing.

Part of me wishes he could let the boat rust and rot to the bottom of the ocean, but that’s not kind on taxes or the environment. Most of me wants him to be able to fix it in record time and make Chief, but I know the repairs aren’t in his range to fix alone. He will have to rely on help from others, not just in changing oil or twisting screws, but in ordering parts promptly and correctly. He will have to fix them on someone else’s schedule with whatever sleep and food they allow. I was surprised when he told me that he does get a one day weekend – a perk only appreciated if not on board with three section duty and underways.

He is hoping the barracks are in better shape so that he can move in sooner and have Skype available. As excited as I was to hear his voice I also know that he needs his sleep. He wished me a goodnight too, even though on this side of the planet the sun was still up, it will not be forgotten when I lay my head on his pillow tonight. I wonder if he will notice that his pillowcase went unwashed for the duration of his absence. He also left me with some man-smelling body wash, shave cream, and t-shirts but told me not to imitate his hair length – jaw bone length is short enough.

click picture to link to artist’s page

He also left me with some tuna and tea. The tuna I don’t eat for being vegetarian and the tea lowers my iron levels which stay a healthy 12 g/dl or higher when measuring my hemoglobin and hematocrit levels through a skin prick. I know this through donating blood and my levels have to be 12.5 or higher. That’s why I bring Caleb when I can because he can always donate. The tea and tuna will be found another stomach to please. As for me, I will continue …to let my mind wander through the expanse of its existence.

Posted in Art, Food, Marriage, Media, Military, Places, Travel | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Last Moment

Posted on November 2, 2012 by TheJessicaness

waiting at the gate together

We woke up when the alarm went off this morning. I put our recycle and yard waste cans by the curb. Caleb put his bags in the car. We ate some leftover pizza and then drove to REI for some CamelBak water tablets. I cried – there was music, memories, and emotions. We got to the airport and I hadn’t emailed my name to be on the list. I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in a crowd of tears. Caleb checked 101 pounds of luggage, grabbed his carry-on, and we went to the USO to validate my parking.

Some nice volunteers also gave Caleb a free neck pillow and had food and drinks too. We get to security and the agent has no idea what I’m trying to explain – she is not the first to have this problem. Her manager is able to tell me that I need a gate pass. Luckily, I approach the same lady that helped with Caleb’s bags (and the same lady that watched him get his passport stuck in the credit card slot – able to open with a key) and I receive a pass – one that allows a spouse and/or family to wait with their sailor.

Some guys missed their flight and one flight got delayed. I thought Caleb was on an early flight, but most of the crew is already on their way to the desert. Some guys just moved out of apartments or barracks and spent the night at bars and hotels with alcohol and they look terrible, but are dressed nicely as they were told to. There are babies and beer and food and smiles for the camera that will be updating Facebook later. It felt so awkward and I could feel the tension mounting as the time got closer to boarding.

Luckily, Caleb’s future roommate was willing to relax at the bar and took Caleb with him. I kept my tears at bay with a Fiji water (compliments from one of the guys that work for Caleb) and he chose the Jager and Bud Light route. The gate area was filling up with families and guys that looked like they could work for Congress. I went up to Caleb and said, “I love you.” I let him reply, we kissed, and then I quickly made my way through the crowd. I cry now writing this. I cried on my way out of the airport.

I texted him when I got to the car to let him know that I did have my cell on me and to keep me updated. I cried when he replied. I’m sure the tears will lessen, they usually do, and I have been warned to stay away from music. Back at the house the dogs are happy to see me. I will do my best to keep my to-do list full and my mind distracted.

Posted in Events, Family, Food, Friends, Government, Marriage, Military, People, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

The Untitled Post

Posted on November 1, 2012 by TheJessicaness

Caleb at airport with $3 cart. Green bags weigh 101 pounds total.

Less than 24 hours to go. Caleb has his seabag packed with uniform outfits, another bag with shoes, towels, sheets, etc., and a carry-on with electronics, plane tickets, and deodorant. I am to drop him off at the airport tomorrow with all other information being top-secret for homeland security purposes. In preparation for his deployment we have put a hold on his cell phone, bought some pants more fit for the desert environment, and got me a full power of attorney.

Packing is the easy part; we’ve been on many trips, but the emotions that we are feeling now don’t compare to what we know is coming. This will be our third trip down deployment lane. The first time he was gone for six months, we were dating, and I stayed busy with friends. The second time was seven months, newly weds, and I had a job to preoccupy my days. Now, I can expect him back some time next year; we have been married four and a half years and this will be our first anniversary apart; and I have two dogs to help annoy me all day and cuddle and bark and stomp on me at night.

Caleb will be on and off a boat over seas. His work place will change, his crew will change as people transfer and advance (make rank), and his life in America will continue without him. He hasn’t seen his mom in four years, his dad has been an emotional roller coaster for the last few months, his sister has amazing kids that he will miss hanging out with, and he hasn’t seen his brother since he got married in November 2010.

Sparky has been through one deployment and I’m sure Piggy will be fine. We are debating keeping the house while he is away. I don’t mind living out of the car and it helps us save money on bills, though I’ve been offered many places to visit and after I burden my hosts I can use my rent money towards camping fees. Being gone also makes it easier on my mind than sitting in our house alone, but there is the hassle of packing, moving, and searching for a new place. Though I think it’s something I like – not staying in one place for too long.

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