Just when I think we've got it all figured out, along come the Green Gods to screw up our plans. Evidently they REALLY need Odin in Okinawa. He is going in January, for a two year unaccompanied tour. We thought we had dodged that bullet, but evidently we thought wrong. I got the news yesterday when he got back after two weeks at sea. He's only been home from the big deployment for a month, and now he's leaving again in January.

To one or all of the Powers that Be who are responsible for this, I offer the following from one of my most favorite movies of all time. Changes in (parenthesis) are mine.

And I want to look (them) straight in the eyes and I want to tell (them) what (two faced), cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-assed, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spineless, (hairy monkey ball sucking bastards) they are! Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?" Adapted from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold.

Of course we will make the very best of it. The boys and I plan to visit Odin as much as we can and he will visit us. It is better than some of the alternatives. We will get used to the idea and it will be fine. Odin and I are strong and we can handle this. It was just disappointing to be told one thing and then have something entirely different happen. Kind of like having the rug yanked out from under us.

On to better and happier news: Erik graduated his JROTC Mini Bootcamp and Basic Leadership course. Odin got back after being away for two weeks and made it in time to see Erik receive his certificate.

In two days Kyle and I leave for California. I'm hoping to see my brother and meet his wife. They've been married for two years now. I think it's time I met her. LOL I'm also hoping to see my Grandpa Johnny. I haven't seen him in a very long time and he's my last surviving grandparent. I'm mostly looking forward to hanging out with my Mom. We have such a great time together. We have an amazing relationship and I feel very blessed for that.

I will post pictures when I return.

TTFN