Happy New Year!

And welcome to 2013!

Things I am grateful for...

• My Mum is still with us - fighting the good fight against the dreaded Cancer.  She has her good and bad days but accepts every day as a Blessing.

• My Family - both the near and far.  Love and Pride for them all

• My Friends - both near and far (up close and electronic).  Could not get through the days without your support! (and snarky comments - you KNOW who I mean :D)

• My Faith.  Although I am not a Church goer I believe in God, and his Angels, and his son Jesus Christ (I also believe that there are many paths to Heaven and so long as YOUR faith believes in Kindness and Care of it's young, old & vulnerable - you're okay with me!)

• My Life.  I have my ups and downs - my good and bad days BUT I am alive, mostly healthy, have my wits and mobility; and in a 1000 little ways am so much better off than many.  I certainly can not complain!

Things I would like to achieve in 2013

• A New Job.  One where I am valued for my ethics, work ability and determination to Get It Done.  Surely there is one out there somewhere for me?

• Slightly less health issues

• A cure for Cancer  (got to hope!)

• Love.   I haven't given up on the idea that I do deserve someone who loves and respects me.  (an ability to overlook or adore my quirky nature would help ;D).  Applications accepted at the sign of the Dexter-pawed Fox

• That I rock my University classes!  (I am confident I can do this!)

• That my Adopted Soldiers - both official, Unofficial and those I acquire via the Cup of Joe Coffee penfriend program or Letter writing team - stay safe, stay well and return home quickly to their families.  Prayers for them all!

Caffeinated Pax

Wow - that was a quick week. Seemed to fly by, what with the 10 hour working days and then home to go "Flub" in front of the computer.  Very few interesting things on the free-to-air channels either so I have finally organised to get Cable TV installed as of tomorrow.  I am justifying the expense on wanting to watch the Olympics in all it's 8-channel glory. I have even taken some leave from work end of July into August so I can happily watch hours upon hours of really fit people do amazing things.

And then a few weeks after that I will very happily watch the Para Olympics and cheer on all the Aussies and USAian teams. Oh and *this* amazing Japanese sprinter - if she manages to fund her way to attend [Maya Nakanishi - she has released a tastefully done partial-nekked calender to help raise travel costs. ***WARNING - PROBABLY NOT SAFE TO VIEW AT WORK - SOME PARTIAL NUDITY***  The Calender seems to be available only via Amazon.JA (Japan) - HERE]

I had wondered how many of the USA team may be wounded warriors and did a bit of a Google search.  Lovely to see that the U.S. Paralympics website has a whole area dedicated to the Military

And in Caffienation... :D -  I like to send off "Cup of Joe" donations via the Green Bean Coffee group.  With every donation I send (be it $30 for 15 vouchers or $60 for 30) I get to write a short letter - usually thanking the unknown recipient for their service and telling them a little about myself and my country (..."It is Winter here in Australia - which means that up here in Queensland we are all wrapping up in our woolens and moaning how cold it is (which means it is less than 20 degrees Celsius with a wind chill:D - we're a bit thin skinned up here in the sub-tropics [you would probably love it!....")  It isn't the wittiest of writing but sometimes I get the nicest of replies back from those that get my coffee donations. 

If you are looking for something to do for your deployed service people, but aren't sure about how to contact them or what to send - *this* is a wonderful way to start.

And sometimes you make a connection with the Trooper* on the other end.  I have made some of the Best of Friends from ticking the "Yes I am happy to be a penfriend" box whenever I donate more coffee vouchers.

In other troop treating news - Soldiers' Angel store has packs of Girl Scout COOKIES for sale! 9 packets of biscuits (cookies) per parcel.  I have ordered a parcel each for my three adoptees and I hope they will really enjoy them when received.

Later this month I need to arrange a water balloon launcher for Cpl TT (ooh the inner Pax-Joy of sending a watery ballistic "toy" to a Marine to play with - Bwhahahaha!) and possibly more snack or hygiene packs to the other two adoptees.  I try to vary the items so it's always a surprise and occasionally useful :)

Oh and you recall I was Medievally Dreaming last weekend?  Sadly that trip failed to occur.  We had really heavy rain throughout last Saturday night and by Sunday morning things were super soggy and not optimum for travelling.  So next year for sure....  Actually I may even be there as one of the re-en actors by then [need to get a tent first - oh and a bed that is off the ground since my very awful knee problems mean that the less strain on them the better. (yes yes... one day I may bore you with the Ice Skating accident I had when I was 20.... or not... maybe just take it as "Pax was a klutz and caused life long damage to herself) :D]


*I tend to use the word "TROOPER" as a generic military tag since calling Marines Soldiers or Soldiers Marines or Air Force/Navy anything else gets confusing. Plus some of them get a wee bit upset if I get it wrong

Cup of Joes... making everyone smile!

Lately I have been having a few bad days emotion-wise. Anniversary of the "Grand Departure of the Ex" has been causing some soul searching and still some anger (mostly at myself... you'd think I would eventually learn how to pick a decent, loving guy but noooo...) so I have been feeling a bit blue.

Anyway... I've just had the best "Pick me Up" ever.  Messages just in from the Cup of  Joe program from people who have received the coffee vouchers downrange.  All sending their thanks and happiness that they have not been forgotten.  Many hoping that they can one day visit Australia (Really! Come visit! We love your accent and lovely manners over here! :D)

So yes... my woes wither in comparison to those in harms way that are still managing to smile (and stay caffeinated!).

Thank you all my "Joes" (and "Joe-ettes") for giving me Joy in return for just a few dollars of donations.

And Stay SAFE!  (some of us worry! :D)

***********
usual disclaimer - the Cup of Joe team give me no shiny rocks or chocolate covered coffee beans for any words of praise. Although... I'm open to receiving Penguins (all sizes) if you happen to find any just "lying about"...  *wicked smile*

Purring Pax and January Catchup

Sorry - could not resist spreading the "Awwwwesomes" :)

Hmmm.. so it's February - already?  Not quite sure where the rest of January went but I'm sure I achieved a few things in there.

Let's see....

Oh!  You recall that group of Marines that I have sort of adopted via AnyMarine.com? - yeah... I have inflicted MS-destruction upon their taste buds (or will when the latest parcel of goodies reaches them).  In my defence (not that this excuse will fly with the Powers that Be or America's First Sgt*) I did first ask their Sgt if they would be game to try the Pinkish Treat. 

His reply "Well as always, surprises are more than welcome."  (my lawyer would like me to announce here that I am retaining Sgt G's email as "Proof of Cavet Emptor")

And just to prove that I am a "Very Nice Person" I mentioned the following to him

So.... remember to pre-warn your friends and fellow marines.  Don't bother advising those others you encounter (wicked grin) - get PHOTOS and share with me

Oh... okay... maybe I am only a "Very Nice Person" to the ones most likely to help defend me against Zombie attacks and ravening Sea Monkeys?  After all a Girl has to have priorities!

In other Troop treating news

• a cow launching catapult has been dispatched to my Airforce Adoptee (to go with the earlier sent 'Black Beast of Arrghhhh') and all is well and peaceful in his workshop unless intruders (i.e anyone that can deal with a small plastic cow or duck or sheep being lobbed at their head) appear.  It's always nice to have Troop Adoptee's that truly understand where my point of Humour is coming from.

• Adoptee Airman G is now safely home and with his family once more.

• Adoptee M is a bit bemused that the special Valentine's Day parcel (a pre-created one I purchased from Soldiers' Angels store) will include Socks [he rightly glossed over my attempt at humour and mention of "Red socks in the wash"].  I'm sure that in some parts of the world Clean socks are a treat! :D

• Oh and my latest batch of Coffee vouchers (from the Cup of Joe program) are beginning to reach those downrange.  I really love that fellow caffeine drinkers benefit from this - cause "Awake and Alert" - really means I have a few less souls to pray for (till they all come home)

*Sources tell me these may be one and the same entities - whoops!

Pax and Troop Treats

Did you know....

*... that receiving even ONE parcel or letter from home can make a deployed trooper grin from ear to ear ?

*... that reaching out and connecting with a deployed trooper can make the difference between them having a "day" and 'HAVING A GREAT DAY' ?

*... that your troops serve for LOVE OF COUNTRY.  Wouldn't it be nice if their country showed them love in return?

*..... you can do this from the comfort of your home?

*.... you can send these letters and parcels just by joining some established Troop support groups - Soldiers' Angels  and AnySoldier.com ?

*.... that even if you don't have time to write or send parcels - you can still send COFFEE vouchers? '

*.... Or if you can bake cookies - that The Strength Behind the Strong has a COOKIE quest ?

Did you realise that there is no time like NOW for giving the gift of support?

*******************
In the interest of full disclosure -

*I have been a member of Soldiers' Angels since April 2009.  And I think they are an amazing group!
Their motto is "May no Soldier go Unloved"

*I have been donating Coffee vouchers via Cup of Joe since 2010.  I have met some of the most amazing people via their "Cup of Joe penfriend" program.

* I have known the organiser of The Strength behind the Strong since 2010. She did amazing things for her group of deployed Military Police; and now that they are home - TSBS is organising a Cookie Quest for a deployed Marine.

*I have not really been involved with the AnySoldier.com program at all (a few R.A.K parcels of Aussie goodies have been shipped out over the last two years but I've never really "clicked" with sending items to a totally random soul.  I mean... what if they have an Aussie-phobia! or worse... detest Musk sticks!)   However two Marines (A1S and Major Pain ) that I respect greatly have recently made blog pleas to be involved with this group so I will give it a go.  Apologies in advance to my guinea pig  erm... new recipients.  I promise NO PINK THINGS (unless you really really want them)

November Paxing

Just a quick update from me, as I am drowning in a sea of renovation projects and am finding computer time scarce.

Two of my Soldiers' Angels adoptees - Mark and Mario - are due home very shortly. Prayers are being said that you have a fast and safe trip home guys.  I have enjoyed being your appointed Angel and hope that you had fun with the silly things sent to you.

In Cup of Joe news I would very much like to thank ExAFCrewDog who submitted some Cup of Joe Vouchers linked to my blog - very very kind of you Sir!  (and also reminded me that my regular bi-monthly voucher donation of coffee vouchers were due so that's been sorted out too :).
If any of my readers have some spare small change and would like to give to a worthy cause - please consider the Cup of Joe program.  For as little as $2 per voucher you are giving a deployed trooper the joy of receiving caffeinated beverages AND a note from you at home.

In AT HOME news.  Today, we (myself and my Dad), removed the last of the built in kitchen benches and sink.  Tomorrow (being my rostered day off from work) we will level the void where the cupboards used to be with concrete, and then after work during the week I will continue to strip out the old tiles (vinyl on the floor and ceramic on the walls).  Next weekend we will begin the kitchen floor re-tiling which should be fun.  New kitchen cupboards will go in once the floor work is completed so 2 to 3 weeks till it's all done.

I still have to do all the repainting of 75% of the apartment - however I am hoping I can wrangle a few extra days off work so I can "have at it" in one fell swoop (so to speak).

With luck I can complete all the work by the first week of December.  My Celebratory plans involve the purchase of a 6ft Christmas tree that I can set up in the corner of the room; and the displaying of my nativity set (my ex was very anti anything Christian so my most recent Christmas's have been very low key events.  This year I plan to rebel and CELEBRATE my inner-faith outwardly)

And that's all from me.   Stay safe all!

Spring has Sprung

Well... Downunder in Australia it has.  (Our Spring lasts from the 1st of September until the last day of November)

Some of the trees are now blooming and we are heading towards my favourite time of the year - when the Jacaranda trees bloom, coating the streets below them with a layer of purple petals.

Photo found HERE

Jacaranda time coincides with University exams so it is not anticipated by all.  For the Horticulturists amongst us - this is NOT a tree native to Australia, however it became very popular in the 1920's as an ornamental tree for street verges and gardens.

And despite the official decree that "Spring Has Arrived" - the Weather is still a bit nippy, with a forecast of down to 12 degrees celsius tonight (53.6F). So for we delicate sub-tropic dwellers it is still jumper (aka pullover / sweater), extra blankets and electric heater time.

Oh and you may recall I'm in the midst of renovations at my place (segueing slightly from the topic but still weather related - honest!)

These are my new (replacement) veranda doors.  And as soon as they went in I (with the help of Cozzles) gleefully ripped out the rest of the inbuilt sections of the veranda behind them, and had all the junk carted away. The Veranda balcony is now open to the elements and will - in time - become host to a small BBQ (Barbie!) and pots of climbing roses that I will endeavour to keep alive  (Pax does not a green-thumb possess).

I have since discovered a wee bit of a problem with painting the doors - necessitating that the installer returns and lifts both sliding ones OFF until I can varnish the raw areas; and will then return a day or two or more later to put them back up.

So guess who's going to be whining about the cold to you all?  [I have plans to tack up a blanket or two to the outside top facing to block the worst of the chilly breeze; and security-wise none shall pass the partial aluminum siding and shutters]. Luckily I am still on leave from work so I can get the varnishing done super quickly and then beg and plead and whine (no - I have no shame where frozen tootsies are involved) at the installer until he returns and replaces them.

In other news :-

Milsupport for my four adopted troopers is going fairly well.  I managed to send off one of THESE to all my guys. Hopefully it will make them smile whenever they use it.

R.A.K parcel of some Aussie sweeties (aka candy) went off to a new acquaintance.  It was a gesture of Good Will and Troop Support and (sorry... having to pause sligthly so I can have a giggling fit..) Kindness, however it caused a bit of a stir  and therefore Musk Sticks are back on the "Pax must NOT" list [along with various 'Miss Manners' notes like "do not use the word 'sweet' when referring to Marines - it makes them grumpy"; and "do not send Drakkar Noir to anyone that doesn't like Musk Sticks" (however I'm a bit puzzled as to why & how research on that last rule occurred)]

My monthly donation of Coffee vouchers via the Green Beans "Cup of Joe" has been made. This is a really worthwhile and affordable Troop support program and you can find details on how to participate HERE.

And lastly the Competition for the Australian Army insignia hat is still open to entries until this Saturday.  Just please remember to include your name on the entries for them to be valid.

Mid August catch up

Well I had half a post all written up but decided that it was utterly boring (unusual for me I know! ...looks sternly at the balcony section and asks them to shush J ) so you don't get to see that one.

How about a bit of a quick catch up on where everything Troop Treatie is at instead?

Soldiers' Angels adoptees -

Marine J is almost on his way home so I'm sending up prayers that he has a safe and quick trip home (not going via Mumbai and any International incidents I hope!).  He's no longer officially one of my Adoptees, however he has said he'd like to keep in touch once he gets home which I would love.

National Guard E is toiling away at his appointed task and (I hope) staying safe.

Airforce M just had a birthday!  He's a Buffalo Bills fan (that's an American football team and NOT a cowboy... just in case other Non-USAians like me get confused) and not having much inkling of what would make him smile the most I sent him one of these

Mr Potato Head does sports... How Spudly of him!

He assures me that it did indeed make him laugh so I am a Happy Pax!

Newest Adoptee does not yet know he has acquired the "Goofy Aussie Chick" to hug him and squeeze him and call him George to send him letters and postcards and parcels of treats.  Hopefully he won't run screaming like a girlie at the prospect [he is USA Army so I think they discourage that sort of thing]  First parcel to him will be from the Soldiers' Angels store so he should hopefully be seeing that in the next week or two (I now try to make sure the Lads and Laddies know who they have as an Angel prior to sending the more strange Australian items... that way they know who to blame!)

UPDATED TO ADD BREAKING NEWS: I have just managed to acquire a New Newest Adoptee.  Another Airforce member (sorry Navyone - still no Sailors on my list).  Parcel from Soldiers' Angels store is now hopefully on it's way to him with (most probably) some of the wrong data on the shipment sheet [seems SA's order computer got confused by the Pax way of doing things - whoops!].  I'll keep a small feverant chant going that the parcel does reach the correct destination.

And I have just had an email from my friend Landon - he is safe if hot (said that it was 130 degrees F the other day).  Must see if I can find one of those cool scarf things to send him.   I met Landon via the Green Beans Cup of Joe program (where you donate $$ and the troops get drink vouchers) and we have kept up a correspondence via email.

Oh and speaking of Green Beans. I just received a lovely item in the mail from them.  Last month they ran a promotion that if you sent more than a certain amount of donations, you would be sent a t-shirt. 

Very cool! - Maybe I should wear it to Starbucks (okay.. maybe if I ever go to a $tarbucks. We do have
them over here but I find the average clientele annoyingly pretentious at the store closest to me)

Ah.. and a question recently asked of me :- 
"How do you manage to afford to send off these treats? Are you independently wealthy?"

And the answer... "Independently wealthy!! Oh how I wish!"
Actually it involves a monthly budget which I try to stick to.  Other than special parcels for birthdays,  I attempt to send something of equal cost and quality to each of the adoptees per month.

My personal financial rules are:- pay mortgage and bills first; buy groceries; treat troops.  I am not much of a clothes or shoes shopper (I think that part of the "girl-gene" got missed on me since I'd rather buy books) and I don't have much of a social life at the moment so funds can be rerouted from there.  And with my rather nice tax refund financing a few extra treats for friends downrange and in other zones, my fiscal line is staying mostly in the black.

I also do not think of the Troop Treating as an task. To me it is a joy to know that I may be making someone thousands of miles away smile and feel appreciated. And of course there is the added bonus that some of the more whacky items cause such amusing feedback from my adoptees. So the smiles are shared back and forth.

Whoops.. okay that was not a *quick* post at all.  Sorry about that Chief!

Pax - over and out and heading for sleep.

Pax Picks Up...

Sigh... so pay no attention to the Wibbling Pax in the previous entry - I have since rediscovered my sense of humour AND my big BIG hammer (both are making the current situation at home much more tolerable).

In health update news - I Hab a Colb sniffle... honk... wheeze...  My workmates not wishing to share in my germy bounty have politely suggested some "at home time" so therefore I have had the day off work today - and possibly tomorrow.  Having an unexpected few extra days off of course would be a perfect time to do some more of the renovation work IF I wasn't currently impersonating a snot-monster [gosh.. I have no idea why I'm no longer alluring to males... honk.. wheeze.. must be that whole "eye of the beholder needing a blindfold" thing again]

In Milsupport news - I am having a great time corresponding via email to one of the recent recipients of my Cup of Joe coffee vouchers.  Waves to Landon!  He's US Airforce and currently stuck in an overseas country not ending in "stan".

I have also heard back from most recent Soldiers' Angel adoptee.  Aussie munchie parcel has been received and his crews' reaction to Musk Sticks seems to be on par with expected results (I do realise that it's on the "Pax Should Not" list but he insisted that he'd love to try the evil pinkness - and more importantly - share the pinkness with those around him).  He's yet to try them on vegemite so that will be fun for them
(BWHAHA!  cough.. wheeze.. sniffle... gives slightly snotty sweet innocent look to the Universe)

No word from J or RAK Marine group - I hope they are all safe.

And I'm hoping E has received a parcel containing the possibility for watery airborne missiles and the chance at another International Incident (or possibly he has received it already and thinks I'm barking mad to send such a thing to a desert zone. Hmm.. perhaps I *should* have sent him the tin of Dehydrated water first!)

Okay that's enough news for today - Snot monster is signing off and heading back to bed with an exciting romance novel (hey.. If I can't have it I might as well read about it! :D )

Pax

Edited to add - Just heard from E - he *has* received the WBL and seems quite chuffed about it :)

Aussie Troop support...

I have been asked a few times why I support the USA troops instead of my home-grown Downunder lads and ladies.

Well.... it's really so much easier to find reputable support groups already set up in the USA (such as Soldiers' Angels / Green Beans Coffee / AnyMarine) -  and I know, from personal experience and from Friends recommendations, that these groups are run efficiently and with respect for the troops and their operational security.

Since Australia has only about 1550 troops deployed at this time, home grown support groups are not as easily found.  I don't have personal contacts within the Regiments (much to my Mothers joy, my days of dating the Uniform'd are past) so finding an insider that coordinates needs, wants & contacts is almost impossible.

And our official Defence website Troop Support has only the option of sending emails* off into the ether OR buying premade postcards that you can then dispatch to an official Australian defence address that will forward them on to Downrange.  (*the email address has a number of stipulations and information re. spam attacks so I'm a bit doubtful of it's efficiency)

In the interest in seeing just what the postcards can do (who they can reach - will there be a reply/response? - what time line will that take?) I have just purchased a 10 pack of Official (and rather ugly looking!) postcards.  Once received I will send them off - bearing happy troop support messages and report on the outcome (who knows! I might find some Australian "over there" in need of a steady supply of Aussie Musk Stick sweeties!)

Pax has been Caffeinated!

Wow those Green Bean Coffee people are super organised!  I sent out 30 coffee vouchers on tuesday and by tonight (friday) 28 of those have gone out to (I'm hoping) now slightly happier-and-coffee-filled troops.

I have also had a couple of Pen-friend (well.. in this electronic day & age - email actually) requests, and I'm busy sending back Hello's tonight.

And fear not Oh Loyal Readers - I will remember to consult the "Pax should NOT" list in the event I end up sending any of them Aussie munchies (mutter.. grumble... well at least *I* like Musk Sticks so all the more for ME!)

If you happen to find yourself with a bit of extra change and the desire to make someone deserving happy with an RAK (random act of kindness) then I can really recommend the Cup of Joe program (click on the side bar link to go straight to their donation page)

Even more fun than an explosive-carrying Penguin!

Mmm... comfy Pax!

Day off today as I had to be home to take delivery of my uber-comfy new mattress (pillow topped one - mmmm... take THAT Mr Insomnia!)

And since I had to be home anyway I have arranged for the 1800-Got-Junk crowd to pop over later today to pick up the old mattress and a few bits and "pieces" (the pieces being two chipboard cupboards that I took massive delight in taking the BIG Hammer to - mmm... stress relief through violence - who'd have thought it! Bwhahaha!).  I'm also going to ask how much more it will cost if they take the metal 3-drawer file cabinet too [tried to give that away but no takers :( ]

Oh and since I am home - and the computer connection is actually working (grumble.. mutter... stupid local telco and their constant "maintenance on hub" work.. grumps) I have managed to organise some more "Cup of Joe" vouchers to go out to the troops downrange  [I love the idea of caffeinating them all up and setting them loose - heh heh heh]

So soon I shall be "Organised Pax" and have to find more things to amuse me (*looks up at the peanut gallery - gives angelic smile*)

Pax'd in June

Today has been something of a Foggy-brain'd day - parting of the ways between a friend and I last night means I'm somewhat upset and not coping with life very well.  I accept the reasons for the parting as being inevitable (differing viewpoints on one very important aspect of any relationship) but that doesn't mean that I am happy that it's occurred.  He seems to feel the need for distance so I will wish him well and hope he stays safe.

One upshot of "Foggy-brain" meant I locked myself out of my apartment this morning - keys on the inside, me on the outside going "oooh poot".  Luckily my BFF has a spare key so I caught up with her when she finished work and she very good-naturedly came home with me and let me back in.  Must remember to give a second key to BFF2 so I have a backup for my backup (not that there should be a "next time" but better to be prepared)

On the "Milsupport" front - I have had a very lovely email from newest adoptee. He is well and currently safe.  More letters, postcards & munchies to be dispatched to him shortly.

And National Guard adoptee has also been in touch :)

I know that some times it's just not possible for the adoptee's to contact their Angels - but when it does happen, it's like receiving a bubble of happiness - knowing they are safe and well, and excited about what has arrived (and fearful of what may come - Bwhahaha!.. whoops... don't mind me :D)

Oh and Aussie munchie parcel just shipped to my Cup-of-Joe penfriend too (standard items - bikkies and sweets - including some musk sticks)  I had pre-warned him that a treat pack would be wending it's way to him and he seemed a little excited :D

And I have just acquired a random marine to support (random = just sending a parcel off to a central contact person who will then pass on to a member of their troop).  Have some Aussie treats and furry marsupial toy all picked out.  Wonder if I should put my email/blog addy on the card - or should it be a real & proper RAK*. Will think on that and decide in the next two days (it can't go till Monday USA hours so I have a little bit of dithering-time up my sleeve).

So other than this weeks' postcards to adoptee's (which should have been posted out yesterday except I was having something of a minor breakdown along with a migraine attack- sorry about that!) I am all caught up with "My Boys".  Soon I shall begin plotting my usual June/July gift to them all (it's summer over there and hot hot hot - what better to send than a small item of ballistic water-borne mayhem I ask you?)  Must check in with Miss Vicki too - she likes to send rubber duckies to my boys as well (a tradition now reaching back for my three years of Soldiers' Angeling)

And now I'm off to make dinner and wait for the latest episode of Doctor Who to come on (my life... so exciting!)

*RAK (aar-aa-k). Noun. Adverb. Adjective.
The Act of unexpectedly doing something nice (RAK-Random Act of Kindness).
[Dictionary of Marion-ism's]

Ribbet!

In approximately two weeks my three Soldiers' Angels adoptees and my Cup-of-Joe Penfriend will all be receiving Froggie cards (containing various bits of frog trivia and some goofiness)

And if they're clever and use the special "Ribbet" code in an email I may promise to never send any of the Musk Sticks again! (I think it's important to reward good behaviour with promises of no more evil Australian sweeties - Bwhahahaha!)

Now for a musical interlude!

Pax Resurfaces....

Ugh... sorry, it's been a busy couple of weeks since I last posted.

I am still a little behind on my Milsupport to adoptee's but did manage to organise small packages to two of the guys (just a book for one, and a funny item for the other).  I'm waiting on my next payday to send off something fun to my newest chap (I still have no idea of his likes/dislikes so maybe a sweetie pack or OHHHH I KNOW *Vegemite!!! If it's in stock that is)

And I have a couple of people from the Cup of Joe program to write back to too (channeling fun goofy Pax is becoming easier... now if only I can work out "witty and charming" heh heh heh)
Ohh!  And I have it on the Best of Authorities that Green Bean Coffee shops downrange DO sell Muffins and also killer chocolate cake [thank you Dan & Hooby for the intel!]

Oh... and due to having to do a full reinstall of Windows 7 I have lost a few email addresses. So if you know that I owe you an email please drop me a note (along the lines of "*cough*  *cough* contact me *cough*" will do the trick :D)

Things here at home are sorting themselves out.  My Parents were over to visit yesterday - both for Mum's birthday Lunch that I was organising for her; but also to help me with steam cleaning the carpets (with the removal of some furniture and the rearranging of the remainder the carpets were looking pretty bleh). 
I Love my parents!  Dad even fixed the leaky tap for me (I *had* planned to get it done myself but he looked hurt at the thought I didn't need his expertise. Who am I to say no when it's Dad-Improved handiwork!)

Tomorrow - my BFF will be over to help me break a wardrobe (as in... pulling it apart into it's component pieces so it can either be recycled by friends or carted away to the Tip**. She's bringing "THE BIG HAMMER" so I'm sure the neighbours will freak out by the time we are done *giggles manically*)

And to leave you with something funny... here's some Top Gear Versus a British Army Tank

*Pax... broadening the horizons and taste buds of poor unsuspecting Americans for over two years now

**that's Rubbish Tip/Dump to the Aussie and Brits... and I have no idea what the USAian's call theirs

February catch up

+  Contact has been established with newest Soldiers' Angel adoptee - he should be receiving initial communications sometime soonish, and a munchie parcel of Aussie biscuits (ie. cookies) will soon follow.

+  Second round of goodies has reached Sgt G.  He assures me he can make use of the stove-top popcorn popper somehow [pax makes mental note - check first if the guys have the required equipment prior to doing the "it's 3am... I've got burning insomnia.... and Amazon.com has shiny things!" ordering run].  Apparently his team are wickedly good at making fires so I expect they'll manage to get the corn popped eventually (hopefully with action photos supplied!... and yes.. that could be a HINT! :D)

+  MP. C has gone Stop Mail.  He's due home in about five weeks.  Really happy he'll be back home and safe soon.

+  Spork & Snuggie has been supplied to JJ.  Not even remotely exciting / glamorous but useful.  Oh and apparently it's still snowing & icy in his part of Downrange :(

+  More "Cup of Joe" donations have been purchased and sent off with a cheery note that seems to primarily discuss the weather (sorry... sorry... it's a preoccupation over here at the moment - what with the recent floods, and rains, and tropical storms. At least we don't have earthquakes or bush fires to worry about at the moment! Small blessings!). 
At least the recipients of my caffeinated largess can use the coffee/tea to keep themselves awake and avoid nodding off over the note of non-excitement. (although enquiring minds... ie. me... want to know if Downrange Green Beans shops have Muffins available too?  Anyone know the answer? cause whats the good of a coffee without the muffiny goodness?*)

At home news.  My Mum's doing okay.  She's had a new medication prescribed in place of the one that was making her sleep her days away.  She remains up beat and motivated.

And I'm told that today has been re-named by many to "Singles Awareness Day".   Now wondering what the Valentines Day equivalent of "Bah! Humbug!" would be?  For those playing along at home - why no, this years day of Red & Roses was not a happy one for me. Rather par for course if you want to refer back to last years post

*why yes.. yes.. I am once again running on only about 3 hours sleep and therefore channeling my inner space-cadet. However did you guess? :)

Cup of Joe... Pax is gobsmacked!

gobsmacked... it's a good thing :)

Well that was a lovely surprise - I'm subscribed to Cup of Joe on Facebook and this post popped up on my news list a couple of days ago

The Letter writer is now a Penfriend of mine - really lovely guy, serving Downrange and missing his family.

I love being involved with the CoJ program - for just a little bit of money I can send caffienated goodness and a letter of support to the troops [and yes... they sometimes have Aussies and Brits getting the free drinks too!]

standard disclaimer - I receive nothing in return for mentioning this group on my blog

Catching up

Well I managed to trek my way into work last Friday - caught one of the few Public Transport buses running and hopped off as close as I could get to work (the Old Museum for those that are local). Walked up to Spring Hill from there (nice walk - have got to get in to the habit of that more often)

Arrived at the back entrance of the building to find a "everyone must sign in at security desk" notice - so up I went 3 floors and surprised the Security guys.  They advised that they weren't happy to see me (*pouts* but they usually loooove me and my goofy t-shirt slogans and perky, happy attitude *more pouts*) and said I shouldn't have come in.  I mentioned that I'd received an email from my Union that advised me of all the lovely penalties that could apply if I didn't make the effort to appear; and said I'd check things out in the library and then head on home early.

So Ironic that the first email I opened when I got the computer booted up was a directive from the Departmental Head, advising all staff not to come in until Monday the 17th [so utterly useful that he'd sent it only on the work network that so very few of us can access at home].  So I hung around for an hour or so - faxed off some urgent payments that were due; checked in with a few workmates; and then began the exciting trek home.  It took me almost an hour and a half to get home (walked from the Hill down to the city and then waited for a bus to arrive).  The Underground bus station was, of course, still closed due to the tunnels flooding and all buses were picking up passengers from the main street.

The CBD streets were eerily quiet on the lower Adelaide side - with neat piles of un-needed sandbags already lining the streets for pick up.   I walked through the Queen Street Mall - lots more people around & about there, with some of the stores open for business and others still without restored power.  A quick walk down to the next block brought me to Mr B's work building - the streets had already been cleaned off from the flood muck but the stench remained (mmm... river water + rotting vegetation + evil mud - always an olfactory delight!).  Not much lingering damage to be seen on the surrounding upper streets other than high tide marks on the postboxes and street lamps.  I decided not to be more of a lookie-loo and headed back to the bus stop.

Once home I collected Mr B and dragged him (kicking and screaming... well okay... merrily almost-skipping with the lure of Guinness) off to the local Pub for lunch.  Great lunch consumed but sadly the Guinness was flat so B had to make do with normal beer.

Home again where I made an effort to catch up with all the correspondence I have neglected in the last week.  Facebook messages sent off to J and C and K - advising that real mail from Downunder will take a few weeks to start up again (since the post office have asked for restraint until they get their local facilities back up & running); emails off to some new Green Beans Cup-of-Joe people asking for pen pals (I've sent off about 8 replies - anticipate only 2 or 3 will feel confident in engaging in correspondence exchange. I do try to be myself in those emails so I guess (maybe) I come across as a little bit too goofy for some). Oh... and I seem to have acquired a new Soldiers' Angel adoptee too.  All a bit odd in the way it occurred - more odd that the person asking via email was a friend of the intended adoptee and using a third persons email address (I think it's all above board and just a situation caused by communication issues downrange however I will let my SA mentor know about it so they can add new person on to my adoptees list). I've sent off the initial contact "I come in peace!" email so we'll see what happens from there).  Perhaps the lure of weird Aussie munchies will tip the balance of reply (bwhahahaa.... I'll begin with timtams and move on to musk sticks and Vegemite)

RAK (random act of kindness) that I organised pre-Christmas has also reached it's intended victim online friend. I actually got the message earlier in the week that it had arrived. So Big Goofy Pax smile that it made him happy.

I'm back off to work tomorrow (Monday) - leaving home earlier than normal in case the regular bus I catch isn't running. I can do the walk up the hill again if need be.

Oh... and for those that heard about my "oppsie" yesterday - my noggin is fine and the bump has gone down leaving just a bruise.  No lasting effects other than a tendency to be vague and goofy (ooh.. right.. that's normal... okay - NO LASTING EFFECTS :D)

Pre-Christmas Paxing

Just a quick all around update.

*Justin is (according to Soldiers' Angels) now home and safe.  Glad he made it back safe & sound, sad that I never made a "connection" with him.

SA has over 1300 military persons waiting to adopt too.  I'll need to have a good look at my finances to see if I can afford to go back to having four adoptees at one time before I say yes or no to a new one (SA will allow you to have up to three at a time, and my fourth is my MP adopted via a friend). The cost of weekly letters and a monthly parcel does start to mount up when added to the mortgage and other bills I have.  But... then I think "there is someone out there putting their life on the line whilst I dither about at home, safe & sound"... definitely conflicted about it and feeling that I should do more.

*The Pink Pony of Pinkness arrived downrange and JJ's planning on an epic photo shoot with his buddies.  Very happy it reached him so quickly :).  He also received the Aussie Christmas wreath and tells me it is hanging in his work area.

*Must catch up with C & K and make sure they received their Santa stockings, and hopefully their Christmas wreaths.  Must also check if they need extra warm things.

*I joined a new Soldiers' Angels group recently too.  It's called "ePal" - it's a new program where you are assigned one person to exchange emails and chat with - no major expenditure is expected other than the time to make contact.  My person is (I think) Airforce. Sadly I've not heard anything back from him yet so I'm hoping he's safe & well (and hopefully not too disappointed/weirded out that he's acquired an Australian Angel and not a home grown one). 

*I have received three "please write back" notes from service members in the Cup Of Joe (Green Beans Coffee) program.  Initial contact emails sent and hopefully I'll get the chance to make a few new friends from this.

In at home news - I visited with my mum & dad yesterday. Mum is battling against constant fatigue so we keep the visits short and full of the happy.  Thursday she will hopefully find out the results of the last batch of tests she had - as to whether the cancer has entered her bone structure or not.  She's remaining up-beat yet quietly organising things for a worst-case scenario.
Family Christmas this year will be packed with as much family love and time as possible - just in case.

And I had better run - need to be at work in an hour (no rest for the Pax - at least not for the next 3 days!)

Pax'd and Posted

Two more parcels posted off on Friday - the last of my overseas Christmas gifts being sent from Downunder (there are a few more gifts to go but I'll be using USA based suppliers to avoid the whole "Australia post charges like a wounded bull and then transports slow as a snail" problem).

Along with those gifts I found a cute & cuddly toy to send to a young Marine (a RAK - random act of kindness - for a young man known to a blogger friend of mine). Hopefully it will make him smile

Roo!

An Aussie Christmas card will also be shortly on it's way to the same young marine and a few others.

***I can afford to send an additional 10 or so Christmas cards next week [it's Aust $2.20 to post each card so you can see why I need to budget] so if you know a deployed service member that would like a random "oooh mail from Australia!" - drop me a note at my email account. paxford@gmail.com. You will need to include a valid mailing address but I promise to keep them all confidential to protect the OpSec***

In other news - I've added a link in my side bar for the fantastic "Cup of Joe for a Joe" coffee program that Green Beans Coffee runs.  Usual disclaimer that they aren't paying me anything to advertise for them - I just think this is a great way to show deployed military that people care about them.  For every US $2 that you donate, it's $2 off the service persons drink of choice.  And sometimes you receive an email saying thanks [fangirl squee... my last 'thank you' note came from a Colonel at Camp Phoenix.  That's my very first ranking officer encounter.  Painless one too :D]

I've made a few lovely friends from the CoJ system - those few that have asked me to write back and aren't

• A) hoping I'm single, young & exciting (sorry the reality is that I am... involved... older... tireder... and a bit dull)  and 
• B) hoping I match their viewpoints exactly on religion/sports/politics (all three points I prefer not to talk about - religion & politics because I think each to their own; and sport because I am both inept AND Australian... although I have a wondrous fascination for Ice Hockey :D). 

Sadly I've lost contact with a few really lovely people, due I think, from them realizing that I'm not in a "Conventional" relationship with Mr B (yes.. that's right... living in sin**... sorry about that but resolution of that situation would involve *him* asking and *me* accepting - both of which seem unlikely in this current reality)

Actually I do worry sometimes about how many people seem to see the Milsupport idea as a

"great way to hook up with someone". 

I *have* learnt to not reply to any email requests originating from anyone with an email address including the words "PlayaDude...." - so I guess it's a good learning curve :)

Those that I write to / send parcels to / say prayers for - definitely hold a place in my heart but it's not Loooove, Love... Ya know?  (It *is* however "Love" - unconditional caring involving thought, some financial sacrifice and the investment of time).  I don't find that I can switch off caring for someone simply because they are home safe & now not on my list of "must communicate with".  So I'll keep saying a quiet prayer for all "my" troops (and their friends - Hi D!! :D) - and hope that the downunder "warm & fuzzies" help to make a difference on the bad days.

Pax over & out for today.

**I would like to state for the record that "Living in Sin" sounds far more decadent & exciting that reality has it :(