Wow has it been a looong time since my last post, life has been more then busy for me. Life in the AF has been a no small task, but it has been a good one. Basic was a lets say an experiance for me. I had to use all of my patients with the very larg group of high school aged "kids". Being the third oldest at 27 was not an easy task. But, I lucked out with a very good MTI (Military Training Instructor) that was a very good teacher. The 8 weeks flew by very fast and was a great growing experiance. The best time was thge CATM when we got to shoot the M16A2. BEAST week was a very stressful week for the whole flight, I think we wanted to kill each other by the end of the week ^_^ BUT! We all survived the great BEAST week with no casualties.
Tech school has goon by fast so far, which is good because it can get really boring around here during the off hours. Caroline and Ian have been a bleesing to me since they moved here. I spend alot of time off base during the weekends with them at the apartment away from the base and everyhing thats out there.
I do have to say that so far Tech school has been.... too easy? Hopefuly the next set of blocks will be better and more focused on my job. I start this week my first set of classes toward my carrer so im getting excited about it. Well I must run for now but i will be posting more offten now that I have access tot he Internet.
Dec 15, 2009
Dec 8, 2009
Second Sunday
Pat was told that family members can eat lunch at the chao hall every Sunday. So we decided to eat lunch with him and then went to church meetings on base only this week.
Ian is so happy to see his daddy. Every night when we are leaving is the most difficult time for him. He cries out "daddy! daddy!" every single time. So I have to tell him " Daddy got to go to school. We will see him tomorrow,ok?"
This week, there are more people attending church. There are also few married brethern whose wives are moving down also. Other than one, brother Thompson. His family will stay with the in-laws. Brother Thompson has the same job title as Pat's. Ans his brother served a mission in Taiwan Taipei Mission in 2000. He might served in my ward. The world is so small!!
This is the 14th day after Pat arrives Keesler AFB. That means he can phase up if he passes the room inspection tonight. Then he will be able to get off base and come to for a bit. Even though he still have curfews, it's better than in phase I. He said most likely he will be able to come home on weekends but not week days. He usually got released in between 5-6 pm and still need to do homeworks. And the curfew is 10:00 pm. So he won't have enough time to come home. Hey, we are happy whenever he can come home.
Ian's Sunday attire
Ian's standard pose for pictures
Look how happy Ian is with dis daddy!
Ian is so happy to see his daddy. Every night when we are leaving is the most difficult time for him. He cries out "daddy! daddy!" every single time. So I have to tell him " Daddy got to go to school. We will see him tomorrow,ok?"
This week, there are more people attending church. There are also few married brethern whose wives are moving down also. Other than one, brother Thompson. His family will stay with the in-laws. Brother Thompson has the same job title as Pat's. Ans his brother served a mission in Taiwan Taipei Mission in 2000. He might served in my ward. The world is so small!!
This is the 14th day after Pat arrives Keesler AFB. That means he can phase up if he passes the room inspection tonight. Then he will be able to get off base and come to for a bit. Even though he still have curfews, it's better than in phase I. He said most likely he will be able to come home on weekends but not week days. He usually got released in between 5-6 pm and still need to do homeworks. And the curfew is 10:00 pm. So he won't have enough time to come home. Hey, we are happy whenever he can come home.
Ian's Sunday attire
Ian's standard pose for pictures
Look how happy Ian is with dis daddy!
Dec 7, 2009
A different Thanksgiving
This is a very different Thanksgiving for us.
First, we were by ourselves without Nancy and Larry.
Second, Pat was still on Phase I that he could not get off base and had to wear his ABUs all the times.
Third, we had Thanksgiving "lunch" on base at chao hall.
That's a very interesting experience. Actually, the food there is great compared to the BMT. And it's cheaper than eating anywhere elsse. I had a plate of beef, turkey, corn and sweet potato, 3 glasses of soda and chocolate milk and a piece of pie for $3.50. Wow!!! That's amazingly cheap. We enjoyed our first chao hall experience.
For the rest of the week, Pat did not have classes because of the holiday. So we've been going to base in the mornings and then went home before lunch. Seriously, there is nothing to do on base. The only place we could go is the BX. But BX was close on Thanksgiving. So it's really boring there. But we got to spend time together. That's the most important part of all.
First, we were by ourselves without Nancy and Larry.
Second, Pat was still on Phase I that he could not get off base and had to wear his ABUs all the times.
Third, we had Thanksgiving "lunch" on base at chao hall.
That's a very interesting experience. Actually, the food there is great compared to the BMT. And it's cheaper than eating anywhere elsse. I had a plate of beef, turkey, corn and sweet potato, 3 glasses of soda and chocolate milk and a piece of pie for $3.50. Wow!!! That's amazingly cheap. We enjoyed our first chao hall experience.
For the rest of the week, Pat did not have classes because of the holiday. So we've been going to base in the mornings and then went home before lunch. Seriously, there is nothing to do on base. The only place we could go is the BX. But BX was close on Thanksgiving. So it's really boring there. But we got to spend time together. That's the most important part of all.
November 22nd---First Sunday in Biloxi
Larry and Nancy left on Wednesday morning. Thank them for their help to move us down and all thay had done for us in the past 4.5 years. We don't know how were we doing without them.
I went to my first church meeting on Sunday. Biloxi Ward is very small compared to 5th ward. There are probably under 100 people attending sacrament meeting today. When I got to go to Relief Society, there are 12 sisters there including the presidency. I was very surprised how low is the number. And they don't even have anybody who can direct the music or play the piano. So I volunteered to play the piano there.
Ian went in Nursery pretty well. He stayed the whole time until I went in to pick him up earlier to go on base.
Pat called couple days ago and told me that we could go eat at chow hall with him on Thanksgiving and could get on base to see him even on phase I. So we are going to attend his chuch meeting with hom on base today. His meething is at 2:00 pm. So I left Relief Society to go to base.
It's very interesting to attend the meeting on base. Because nobody wears suits. They either wear ABUs or civillian clothes. Not used to it yet. Pat had to wear his ABUs everywhere on Phase I. There were less than 10 people for the sacrament meeting. And even less for sunday school.
Ian was not happy to go for both ward. We had 4.5 hours of church meetings combined today. It's too much. We wwill not attend both meetings next week. We are just going to go to base next week.
I went to my first church meeting on Sunday. Biloxi Ward is very small compared to 5th ward. There are probably under 100 people attending sacrament meeting today. When I got to go to Relief Society, there are 12 sisters there including the presidency. I was very surprised how low is the number. And they don't even have anybody who can direct the music or play the piano. So I volunteered to play the piano there.
Ian went in Nursery pretty well. He stayed the whole time until I went in to pick him up earlier to go on base.
Pat called couple days ago and told me that we could go eat at chow hall with him on Thanksgiving and could get on base to see him even on phase I. So we are going to attend his chuch meeting with hom on base today. His meething is at 2:00 pm. So I left Relief Society to go to base.
It's very interesting to attend the meeting on base. Because nobody wears suits. They either wear ABUs or civillian clothes. Not used to it yet. Pat had to wear his ABUs everywhere on Phase I. There were less than 10 people for the sacrament meeting. And even less for sunday school.
Ian was not happy to go for both ward. We had 4.5 hours of church meetings combined today. It's too much. We wwill not attend both meetings next week. We are just going to go to base next week.
Tech School
After 8 hours driving, we arrived Biloxi, Mississippi.
We got the help of 6 Elders in this area and moved all the stuffs in both trailer and truck into the apartment. It is a nice community and very convenient. The apartment is big. I love it.
Pat will be in Tech school for 63 days. He will be on they called "Phase Program". There are 3 phases. The Phase Program begins on the day the recruit arrives at the technical school and (in most cases) ends when an airman graduates technical training and proceeds to their first permanent duty assignment.
Phase I----
runs from arrival at the initial Air Force technical training base through the 14th calendar day after arrival .During Phase I, Airmen
•Will remain on on base at all times. Training/operations group commanders may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
•Will not purchase, possess, or consume alcohol.
•Will wear military uniform on and off duty. EXCEPTION: They may wear civilian attire inside their dormitory only.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 PM) to 0400 (4:00 AM) Sunday through Saturday. EXCEPTION: Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, call to quarters for Airmen assigned to shifts other than a traditional day shift.
•Will eat three meals per day, Monday through Friday, in a base dining facility (chow hall).
•Will not operate, ride in, or utilize a private motor vehicle (PMV).
•Will have their rooms inspected a minimum of once per week, but not on the same day every week. These inspections will be documented and kept for a minimum of 30 days. Airmen must keep their rooms according to local guidelines.
•Will make their beds with issue sheets and a bedspread or blanket. Personalized bedspreads or comforters are not authorized.
•Will not hang pictures of any kind on the walls or lockers. Note: Pictures in a frame, no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches, may be displayed on the Airman's desktop, but must not be of a sexually explicit or degrading nature.
•May have an alarm clock or radio alarm clock on their nightstand or desk.
•May not possess or use a television or stereo in their dormitory room. They may, however, use existing televisions or stereos located in dayrooms or common areas.
•Will march to and from all locations.
•Will participate in a formal open ranks inspection conducted by an MTL a minimum of once per week. Note: If a location does not have enough Airmen to conduct a formal open ranks inspection (two- to four-element formation), MTLs will perform a uniform inspection.
•May use a personal electronic device (cell phone, MP3 player, ect.) inside their dormitory during nonduty hours only.
•Will pass all required open ranks and room evaluations prior to progressing to Phase II. (Units will determine pass/fail depending on locally developed standards.)
Phase II ------
runs from the 15th calendar day through the 35th calendar day.During this phase, Airmen:
•Will remain in uniform and on station during duty hours. If Airmen go off station, they will wear the appropriate blue uniform combination and remain in the local area as determined in writing by the training/operations group commander.
•May consume alcohol if of legal age on base only, but not during the duty week or 12 hours prior to duty.
•May ride in and operate a private motor vehicle (PMV) after duty hours.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 P.M.) to 0400 (4:00 A.M.) on evenings prior to duty days and a curfew of 2400 (Midnight) to 0400 on evenings prior to nonduty days.
•Will have their rooms inspected a minimum of one time while in Phase II. Airmen must keep their rooms according to local guidelines, but may personalize their rooms.
•Will march to and from all locations during duty hours.
•Will participate in a formal open ranks inspection conducted by an MTL a minimum of one time while in Phase II.
•May use a personal electronic device (such as cell phones and MP3 players) after duty hours only.
•Will pass all required open ranks and room evaluations prior to progressing to Phase III. (Units will determine pass/fail depending on locally developed standards.)
Phase III----
runs from the 36th calendar day through completion of all technical training and departure for permanent duty assignment.During this phase, Airmen:
•Will remain in uniform and on station during duty hours. Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, off-base mileage restrictions and weekend travel procedures.
•Will not consume alcohol 12 hours prior to duty.
•Will not possess or consume alcohol in the dormitory or immediate surrounding area. Those who choose to drink alcohol will do so responsibly and not bring discredit to the Air Force, in or out of uniform.
•Have no restrictions on the use of private motor vehicles (PMVs). Training/operations group commanders will determine in writing if Phase III Airmen are allowed to drive to and from school.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 P.M.) on evenings prior to duty days. Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, call to quarters for Airmen assigned to shifts other than a traditional day shift.
•Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, if and when Airmen in Phase III are required to have their rooms inspected.
•Training/operations group commanders, will determine, in writing, if and when Airmen in Phase III are required to march while in uniform.
He said we can't even get on base to see him for the first 2 weeks when he is in Phase I. at least he call use his cell phone now. Better than nothing. But Thanksgiving is next Thursday. And I don't even know if he can come home for that or we can get on base to see him or not. So we will see.
We got the help of 6 Elders in this area and moved all the stuffs in both trailer and truck into the apartment. It is a nice community and very convenient. The apartment is big. I love it.
Pat will be in Tech school for 63 days. He will be on they called "Phase Program". There are 3 phases. The Phase Program begins on the day the recruit arrives at the technical school and (in most cases) ends when an airman graduates technical training and proceeds to their first permanent duty assignment.
Phase I----
runs from arrival at the initial Air Force technical training base through the 14th calendar day after arrival .During Phase I, Airmen
•Will remain on on base at all times. Training/operations group commanders may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
•Will not purchase, possess, or consume alcohol.
•Will wear military uniform on and off duty. EXCEPTION: They may wear civilian attire inside their dormitory only.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 PM) to 0400 (4:00 AM) Sunday through Saturday. EXCEPTION: Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, call to quarters for Airmen assigned to shifts other than a traditional day shift.
•Will eat three meals per day, Monday through Friday, in a base dining facility (chow hall).
•Will not operate, ride in, or utilize a private motor vehicle (PMV).
•Will have their rooms inspected a minimum of once per week, but not on the same day every week. These inspections will be documented and kept for a minimum of 30 days. Airmen must keep their rooms according to local guidelines.
•Will make their beds with issue sheets and a bedspread or blanket. Personalized bedspreads or comforters are not authorized.
•Will not hang pictures of any kind on the walls or lockers. Note: Pictures in a frame, no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches, may be displayed on the Airman's desktop, but must not be of a sexually explicit or degrading nature.
•May have an alarm clock or radio alarm clock on their nightstand or desk.
•May not possess or use a television or stereo in their dormitory room. They may, however, use existing televisions or stereos located in dayrooms or common areas.
•Will march to and from all locations.
•Will participate in a formal open ranks inspection conducted by an MTL a minimum of once per week. Note: If a location does not have enough Airmen to conduct a formal open ranks inspection (two- to four-element formation), MTLs will perform a uniform inspection.
•May use a personal electronic device (cell phone, MP3 player, ect.) inside their dormitory during nonduty hours only.
•Will pass all required open ranks and room evaluations prior to progressing to Phase II. (Units will determine pass/fail depending on locally developed standards.)
Phase II ------
runs from the 15th calendar day through the 35th calendar day.During this phase, Airmen:
•Will remain in uniform and on station during duty hours. If Airmen go off station, they will wear the appropriate blue uniform combination and remain in the local area as determined in writing by the training/operations group commander.
•May consume alcohol if of legal age on base only, but not during the duty week or 12 hours prior to duty.
•May ride in and operate a private motor vehicle (PMV) after duty hours.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 P.M.) to 0400 (4:00 A.M.) on evenings prior to duty days and a curfew of 2400 (Midnight) to 0400 on evenings prior to nonduty days.
•Will have their rooms inspected a minimum of one time while in Phase II. Airmen must keep their rooms according to local guidelines, but may personalize their rooms.
•Will march to and from all locations during duty hours.
•Will participate in a formal open ranks inspection conducted by an MTL a minimum of one time while in Phase II.
•May use a personal electronic device (such as cell phones and MP3 players) after duty hours only.
•Will pass all required open ranks and room evaluations prior to progressing to Phase III. (Units will determine pass/fail depending on locally developed standards.)
Phase III----
runs from the 36th calendar day through completion of all technical training and departure for permanent duty assignment.During this phase, Airmen:
•Will remain in uniform and on station during duty hours. Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, off-base mileage restrictions and weekend travel procedures.
•Will not consume alcohol 12 hours prior to duty.
•Will not possess or consume alcohol in the dormitory or immediate surrounding area. Those who choose to drink alcohol will do so responsibly and not bring discredit to the Air Force, in or out of uniform.
•Have no restrictions on the use of private motor vehicles (PMVs). Training/operations group commanders will determine in writing if Phase III Airmen are allowed to drive to and from school.
•Will adhere to a call to quarters (curfew) of 2200 (10:00 P.M.) on evenings prior to duty days. Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, call to quarters for Airmen assigned to shifts other than a traditional day shift.
•Training/operations group commanders will determine, in writing, if and when Airmen in Phase III are required to have their rooms inspected.
•Training/operations group commanders, will determine, in writing, if and when Airmen in Phase III are required to march while in uniform.
He said we can't even get on base to see him for the first 2 weeks when he is in Phase I. at least he call use his cell phone now. Better than nothing. But Thanksgiving is next Thursday. And I don't even know if he can come home for that or we can get on base to see him or not. So we will see.
Nov 26, 2009
Ian's 2nd Birthday
11/16 is Ian's birthday. But we were on the road. And we won't be able to celebrate for him at all. I was thinking we will celebrate later on when Pat can come home. But Susan and Doug did something.
Susan and Doug bought a cake for Ian the night before when we stayed in their house. And also prepared a gift for Ian. Thank you for being thoughtful and prepared all these for Ian. Ian loves the cake and the truck he got. He also loves seeing and playing with his cousins.
We left their house at 6:00 am Monday morning. after 8 hours driving, we got to Biloxi about 2:00pm. There were 6 missionaries came over to help us unload the stuffs. And they live across the street from our apartment complex. That's so great!!! Thanks for those elders. So we didn't have to unload everything by ourselves. After that, we went to a chinese buffet for dinner whih is 2 blocks away from our apartment. Then we called it a day.
Although I still have lots of boxes everywhere, it feel so great to finally sleep in my own bed.
The last day---11/15 Sunday
Today is the last day in Lackland AFB. Pat is going to ship out after midnight. And we are going to go to Houston for the night.
Pat only has base liberty today which means we are going to stay on base the whole day. That would be a problem because there aren't many things you can do on base. But anyway, we are going to stay with him until he goes back to the dorm at 6:00pm. Pat has church service at 7:00 am and he is going to give a talk. So Nancy and I decided to go to church with him which means we need to get up at 5:30 am in order to be there on time. It takes 30 minutes to go to base from our hotel.
We were there on time. To my surprise is there are around 100 people today at the church. That's a lot. We went to the chapel on base in El Paso. There is only one soldier there for the church service. It's amazing to see all the LDS airman there. It's even amazing to see those female airman. I have high respect for them. It's interesting how your perspective changed so much in just a couple month.
Pat had a nice talk on family. We both realized how much we took each other for granted before this. And how important we are for each other. That is a good thing to know.
We hung out at the BX and park for a long time until Pat is tired and decided to go back to the dorm earlier. So we left and got on the road and hope that everything is going to be well in Biloxii, Mississippi. Our future is await us.
Pat only has base liberty today which means we are going to stay on base the whole day. That would be a problem because there aren't many things you can do on base. But anyway, we are going to stay with him until he goes back to the dorm at 6:00pm. Pat has church service at 7:00 am and he is going to give a talk. So Nancy and I decided to go to church with him which means we need to get up at 5:30 am in order to be there on time. It takes 30 minutes to go to base from our hotel.
We were there on time. To my surprise is there are around 100 people today at the church. That's a lot. We went to the chapel on base in El Paso. There is only one soldier there for the church service. It's amazing to see all the LDS airman there. It's even amazing to see those female airman. I have high respect for them. It's interesting how your perspective changed so much in just a couple month.
Pat had a nice talk on family. We both realized how much we took each other for granted before this. And how important we are for each other. That is a good thing to know.
We hung out at the BX and park for a long time until Pat is tired and decided to go back to the dorm earlier. So we left and got on the road and hope that everything is going to be well in Biloxii, Mississippi. Our future is await us.
My little airman
Ian and Pat played at the park.
His official airman picture. I love it.
Nov 25, 2009
Sea world and dinner with everyone---11/14 Saturday
Best day ever!
Today,Pat has town pass from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
We went to pick him up at 9:00am. We went to food court for breakfast. He went for Cinnabon and I got to to go Starbucks. Then we went to BX to look for a luggage for him.
Our plan for today is to go to Sea World with families and go back to hotel for some rest in the afternoon. Then have dinner when Charles' family get in.
We had fun in Sea World. I mean, Ian had a lot of fun. We went to the Shamu show and Ian was totally amazed by it. He can't even move his eyes away from the show. This Saturday is also the military appreciation day in Sea World. So we got package with tickets and all you can eat BBQ lunch. It was great!!! All you see is the airman and their families eating lunch together.
After lunch, we went back to hotel, watched some TV, just enjoyed our time together. Poor Pat had to wear his "blues" all the times. So he can't get really comfy. Charles' family came and we all went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. Then we drove him back to base at 7:45pm. It was a great day.
Today,Pat has town pass from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
We went to pick him up at 9:00am. We went to food court for breakfast. He went for Cinnabon and I got to to go Starbucks. Then we went to BX to look for a luggage for him.
Our plan for today is to go to Sea World with families and go back to hotel for some rest in the afternoon. Then have dinner when Charles' family get in.
We had fun in Sea World. I mean, Ian had a lot of fun. We went to the Shamu show and Ian was totally amazed by it. He can't even move his eyes away from the show. This Saturday is also the military appreciation day in Sea World. So we got package with tickets and all you can eat BBQ lunch. It was great!!! All you see is the airman and their families eating lunch together.
After lunch, we went back to hotel, watched some TV, just enjoyed our time together. Poor Pat had to wear his "blues" all the times. So he can't get really comfy. Charles' family came and we all went to Macaroni Grill for dinner. Then we drove him back to base at 7:45pm. It was a great day.
Nov 24, 2009
The Graduation---11/13 Friday
Today is even exiting day because Pat has "town pass" which allows him to get off base.
Today's schedule is:
9:00 am----Graduation Parade
10:15 am---Dormitory open house
12:00 pm---Town Pass
8:00 pm----Airman back to the dorm
We arrived at the parade ground at 8:15 am in order to get a parking spot. Fortunately, we got a parking spot and a good spot for the parade. When we got there this morning, it was very foggy. So the Airman got to wear their formal wear for the parade. I love it. Pat looked so sharp in his formal wear.
The airman are released for base liberty immediately following the graduation parade. And Pat rode with us back to his dorm and we got to see his dorm.
At 12:00 pm, he is released for town pass until 8:00 pm. We went back to the hotel and hung out for a while. Then we went to Riverwalk and The Alamo with the rest of the families.
There are so many rules. He needs to wear the hat outside and take it off inside. You must be taking it off or putting it on as you walk through the door. The car counts inside. He can't wear sunglass. (We don't know why. But I think if they wear sunglasses nobody is going to recognize them. They already look all the same with the hat, the hairstyle and the uniform. Seriously, it's really hard to recognize who is who without looking at them real close.) His jacket can only unzip down to the center. The hat is tipped slightly to the right. He can't walk and talk on the phone.
Today's schedule is:
9:00 am----Graduation Parade
10:15 am---Dormitory open house
12:00 pm---Town Pass
8:00 pm----Airman back to the dorm
We arrived at the parade ground at 8:15 am in order to get a parking spot. Fortunately, we got a parking spot and a good spot for the parade. When we got there this morning, it was very foggy. So the Airman got to wear their formal wear for the parade. I love it. Pat looked so sharp in his formal wear.
The airman are released for base liberty immediately following the graduation parade. And Pat rode with us back to his dorm and we got to see his dorm.
At 12:00 pm, he is released for town pass until 8:00 pm. We went back to the hotel and hung out for a while. Then we went to Riverwalk and The Alamo with the rest of the families.
There are so many rules. He needs to wear the hat outside and take it off inside. You must be taking it off or putting it on as you walk through the door. The car counts inside. He can't wear sunglass. (We don't know why. But I think if they wear sunglasses nobody is going to recognize them. They already look all the same with the hat, the hairstyle and the uniform. Seriously, it's really hard to recognize who is who without looking at them real close.) His jacket can only unzip down to the center. The hat is tipped slightly to the right. He can't walk and talk on the phone.
It's a wonderful day for us. And tomorrow is going to be even better because he will have town pass for the whole day!!
These couple months were a real challenge for our family. Not only to Pat, but Ian and I. But when we saw him at the graduation, everything is so worthy. All the suffering, the time we separated, all the hustle were paid off when I saw him with his airman attire. I know this is the right thing to do for him and for our family.
He's changed a lot since he left for BMT. I'm very proud of my husband chose to serve his country. I know he can do it. I know he will do great. I love my Airman!
See! How we take this picture? Because we can't get too close!!
Nov 23, 2009
Coin Ceremony---11/12 Thursday
His brother flight---we thought that's his flight
The short hug right after the Coin Ceremony
Take a walk in the park
My airman and his little one
Ian had a lot of fun looking at all the airplanes at the park
After a day's driving, we arrived San Antonio on Wednesday night. We stayed in Fairfield Inn. We had a very nice room. Thanks for Charles.
Today's Schedule is :
7:00 am---Briefing
8:00 am---Airman's Run
9:00 am---Briefing
11:00am---Coin Ceremony/Retreat
12:00 pm--Base liberty (he is free to go anywhere on base, but not off base)
8:00 pm---Airman back to their dorm
The Briefing is at 7:00 am and the airman's run is at 8:00 am. We really want to go to the airman's run. But we didn't. We are so tired that we can't get up at 5:30am this morning. So we decided to go for the 9:00 am briefing and the the Coin Ceremony at 11:00. I felt so bad that I didn'tmake it to the Airman's run. But we really need some sleep.
The briefing is to tell us what you can do and what you can't do on base. Like you can't talk on the phone while you're driving. Always follow the speed limit and use the turning signal and etc.
Then is the Coin Ceremony. The Coin Ceremony is where you will be presented with the Air Force Airman's Coin. After this event, you'll no longer be called a "trainee." You've earned the right to be called "Airman." And you are officially one of the United States Air Force.
They had given us a map of where each flight would be positioned. So we hurried to find a good spot for us to see him. But you know what, we remember his flight number wrong. We thought it's 735 instead of 736. So we got there and watched the wrong flight the whole time. No wonder we can't find him. Larry and I tried to indentify which one is him. We had defferent opinions. But turn out we were both wrong. Hahaha!!!
After the coin ceremony, we went to lunch. He said he needs real food. So wen went to a BBQ place on base. Then we went to a park for a while. Larry tooked Ian so we can enjoy some times together. It's good to see him. But so hard to not hold his hand. Yes, while he has his uniform on, you are not suppose to touch him. So we only get a hug after the coin ceremony. There is no holding hands nor kiss. Then we went to BX to kill some time while Ian took his nap in the car with grandma and grandpa.
We dropped him at the mini mall near his dorm at 7:30pm. It's an exhausted but happy day. And tomorrow is going to be better because he has town pass all day which allows him to get off base.Yay! Can't wait!!
I'm proud of you, my Airman!
Oct 8, 2009
09/21 Monday--the 7th day
I felt so much better when I got up this morning. I knew that's because of the priesthood blessing I had received yesterday. I felt ok for the whole day, didn't feel like to cry at all.
The Relief Society presidency came to visit me at 11:00AM. I really appreciated for all they did to encourage me. Then I went to Amy's house for lunch. Amy is right. Korean food makes me feel so much better.(Don't be mistaken, I'm not Korean,I'm Chinese. I just love Korean food and drama.) The is the only meal I've actually eaten something since Pat's leaving. Amy also taught me some of the simply dishes and gave me my favorite Kimchi and other food. I love her.
Ian's been funny today. His favorite dog is Larry's dog Sashay. Whenever I told him we are going to grandpa's house, he referred to Sashay. He wants to play with Sashay so bad. But when Sashay came up to lick him today, he hold his arms together and say" Awwwwww, Grooooos!!!"
Then Sashay did that for the 2nd time, Ian acts even funnier and said" Awwwwww, Grooooos!!!Grooooos!!!"Grooooos!!!" And he jumped away. That's so funny! It cracked Nancy and me up.
The Relief Society presidency came to visit me at 11:00AM. I really appreciated for all they did to encourage me. Then I went to Amy's house for lunch. Amy is right. Korean food makes me feel so much better.(Don't be mistaken, I'm not Korean,I'm Chinese. I just love Korean food and drama.) The is the only meal I've actually eaten something since Pat's leaving. Amy also taught me some of the simply dishes and gave me my favorite Kimchi and other food. I love her.
Ian's been funny today. His favorite dog is Larry's dog Sashay. Whenever I told him we are going to grandpa's house, he referred to Sashay. He wants to play with Sashay so bad. But when Sashay came up to lick him today, he hold his arms together and say" Awwwwww, Grooooos!!!"
Then Sashay did that for the 2nd time, Ian acts even funnier and said" Awwwwww, Grooooos!!!Grooooos!!!"Grooooos!!!" And he jumped away. That's so funny! It cracked Nancy and me up.
Sep 22, 2009
Thank Dustin for the blessing
On Sunday morning, I drove to church. I felt better today. At least not like yesterday. Yesterday was the worst day since Pat left. I can't stop crying the whole afternoon and evening. I have to call Nancy to talk for almost 1 hour.
We stayed for the full 3 hours. I went to Nursery with Ian. We went home for a nap after the church meetings and went to Nancy's house for dinner. Nancy has asked Dustin at the church today if he can give me a blessing and tell him my situation. She also told the Relief Society sisters. So the Relief Society presidency is coming to visit me on Monday.
My hone teacher, Dustin, came to give me a blessing. I felt immediate comfort during the blessing. And I know that I will be ok from then. It's so amazing how the priesthood works. And I am fine since then. Thank Dustin for the blessing!! And thank you everyone for your support and encouragement.
P.S. There is also something which is very cute that I want to share.
I saw Aaron Larsen and Derek Barlett (2 teenage boys)at church.
Aaron asked me: "how are you?"
I said : "not good. "
Derek said: "you look depressed!"
I said : "I am depressed. Because my husband is not home for a while."
Derek said: "you should come over to my house and hang out. "
Then I saw Amy Barlett(Derek's mom).
Amy said: "girl, you should come over to my house."
I said:" I know."
You know, usually when people said that they don’t offer the next step like the date or something. But this is Amy. So she said next :
"come tomorrow and have lunch together. I will make you some Korean food."
That is Amy. Amy told Nancy all I need is Korean food to make me feel better. I love her.
We stayed for the full 3 hours. I went to Nursery with Ian. We went home for a nap after the church meetings and went to Nancy's house for dinner. Nancy has asked Dustin at the church today if he can give me a blessing and tell him my situation. She also told the Relief Society sisters. So the Relief Society presidency is coming to visit me on Monday.
My hone teacher, Dustin, came to give me a blessing. I felt immediate comfort during the blessing. And I know that I will be ok from then. It's so amazing how the priesthood works. And I am fine since then. Thank Dustin for the blessing!! And thank you everyone for your support and encouragement.
P.S. There is also something which is very cute that I want to share.
I saw Aaron Larsen and Derek Barlett (2 teenage boys)at church.
Aaron asked me: "how are you?"
I said : "not good. "
Derek said: "you look depressed!"
I said : "I am depressed. Because my husband is not home for a while."
Derek said: "you should come over to my house and hang out. "
Then I saw Amy Barlett(Derek's mom).
Amy said: "girl, you should come over to my house."
I said:" I know."
You know, usually when people said that they don’t offer the next step like the date or something. But this is Amy. So she said next :
"come tomorrow and have lunch together. I will make you some Korean food."
That is Amy. Amy told Nancy all I need is Korean food to make me feel better. I love her.
Sep 19, 2009
I never thought it would be this hard!
On the 14th of September, Pat had to check in to the hotel that is near the base. Larry,Nancy, Ian and I drove him to the hotel and had dinner together. Ian cried when we left. After we got home, suddenly, I just realized that he is not home and won't be home for a while. I felt a liitle odd, too quite. While we were taking a bath, Ian kept calling "Daddy?Daddy?" Usually, Pat will sit in the bathroom talking to us and get us towels. But he was not there. I tried to tell Ian that Daddy is working somewhere far away and he won't be home for a while.Fortunately, he is fine with that. But I am not. After putting Ian to bed, I sat on the bed and cried.
The next morning(the 15th),we drove to base to attend his swear-in ceremony and stayed with him until he went to airport. That day, I felt so sad that I can't even go to babysit for 3 hours. I was very depressed , felt terrible lonesome and had a hard time to breathe. I tried to be strong. At least try not to cry in front of Ian. But my meltdown still came after Ian went to bed. That night, I cleaned the bathroom until 10:30pm and didn't fall asleep until 2 AM.
The 3rd day(the 16th), I tried to find things to do to keep me busy. I did went to babysit but can't even finish the 3 hours. I can't even smile. Ian was very emotional also. He screamed a lot and was cranky the whole day. So we dicided to go home early. Then I burst into tears when Ian was not listening to me. And we cried together. Pat called at about 1:30 pm to tell me his address. It's a very short call which is about 5 minutes.
The 4th day(the 17th) is a good day. I felt happy today because Pat called yesterday. I went to babysit and had a good time there. Ian acted normal today also. And I didn't cry today. I thought I was over this. But.......
The 5th day(the 18th), I was depressed so badly that I had to call Nancy to come to my apartment. I had my meltdown in the afternoon. Today, I cried twice. Very gloomy day for me.
The 6th day(thhe 19th), I was sort of happy this morning. I went to the enrichment activity. All is well. Then after Ian's nap, here is comes the crying. I was crying the whole afternoon. It was especially hard because it's Saturday. Usually, we do a lot of things together on Saturdays.And we are together the whole day. I have to call Nancy to talk again.
This has been really tough for me. And the interesting thing is----I never thought I would act like this at all. Nancy was surprised for my reaction,too. Seriously, I thought I would be just fine. I would be strong enough for it. Maybe feel lonely but definitely not like this. I'm nearly depressed. And I don't know what to do. Just pray a lot and find things to do.
When can I get over this? I hope it will be over soon.
The next morning(the 15th),we drove to base to attend his swear-in ceremony and stayed with him until he went to airport. That day, I felt so sad that I can't even go to babysit for 3 hours. I was very depressed , felt terrible lonesome and had a hard time to breathe. I tried to be strong. At least try not to cry in front of Ian. But my meltdown still came after Ian went to bed. That night, I cleaned the bathroom until 10:30pm and didn't fall asleep until 2 AM.
The 3rd day(the 16th), I tried to find things to do to keep me busy. I did went to babysit but can't even finish the 3 hours. I can't even smile. Ian was very emotional also. He screamed a lot and was cranky the whole day. So we dicided to go home early. Then I burst into tears when Ian was not listening to me. And we cried together. Pat called at about 1:30 pm to tell me his address. It's a very short call which is about 5 minutes.
The 4th day(the 17th) is a good day. I felt happy today because Pat called yesterday. I went to babysit and had a good time there. Ian acted normal today also. And I didn't cry today. I thought I was over this. But.......
The 5th day(the 18th), I was depressed so badly that I had to call Nancy to come to my apartment. I had my meltdown in the afternoon. Today, I cried twice. Very gloomy day for me.
The 6th day(thhe 19th), I was sort of happy this morning. I went to the enrichment activity. All is well. Then after Ian's nap, here is comes the crying. I was crying the whole afternoon. It was especially hard because it's Saturday. Usually, we do a lot of things together on Saturdays.And we are together the whole day. I have to call Nancy to talk again.
This has been really tough for me. And the interesting thing is----I never thought I would act like this at all. Nancy was surprised for my reaction,too. Seriously, I thought I would be just fine. I would be strong enough for it. Maybe feel lonely but definitely not like this. I'm nearly depressed. And I don't know what to do. Just pray a lot and find things to do.
When can I get over this? I hope it will be over soon.
Jul 6, 2009
4th of July
Well, another wonderful 4th has come and gone.
This was a very fun and relaxing one, partly because it was on a saturday and i had Friday off (which is always good :D). We had the primary activity the day before and Ian got to play with all his friends and got to decorate his stroller with flags and stars. Even though it was a little hot that day, it was still a blast.
Saturday we had a very relaxing stake activity with hamburgers and hot dogs. Ian loved the fire works. he was a little scared but then started to laugh and enjoy the show. Over all it was a very nice time.
I guess I have been reflecting more and more about this time of year with me joining the Air Force, its amazing how perspectives change when your situatoins change. Hope all of you had a wonderful 4th of July!
Ian's so happy to see all those kids there
I love Balloon
Watermelon is my favorite!
Little White-Asian-Mexican????
Ian's trying to get rid of the decorations
Waiting in line for parade to start!
Ian & mama
Ian & PapaJun 21, 2009
【1Y3M】Hot dog is great!
Ian always has good apetite. He eats everything. When he started solid food, he ate everything i gave him. He even ate just white rice along. Until we came back from Taiwan this February.
He became a picky eater. I had to find new food for him every day. Most of the time, he wouldn't eat anything I prepared for him. That really frustrated me. He can't eat what we ate. He didn't like what I gave him. Until one day, Pat gave him a bite when he was eating hot dogs. Since then, Ian had found his favorite food. He eats a whole corn dog at a time. Sometime one is not even enough. Anyway, I was just happy he found something to eat.
【Our Dinning table】Taiwanese Pork Chop, Seasoned Rice and pickles
I love to cook!! Yes, I only cook chinese food. Once in a while I will make some dishes that aren't chinese food. But we eat rice every day in Taiwan. So that's what I cook here,too.
When I was pregnantt with Ian, I had a hard time getting all the food that I craved. Because I only craved for chinese food. Actually, Taiwanese food. Obviously, I can't get them in El Paso. So the only way to get them was to make them myself. I got online to find all the receipts and tried to make them. And I did pretty good. Other than those ingredients that I can't get, I made almost everything I want.
Thanks for all the bloggers, I found lots and lots of receipts. And I became a decent cook. That explains why Pat gained 25 pounds within 4.5 years since we got married.
But there is one problem is----I don't really follow receipts. I cook by feel. Some friends ask for my receipt. And it took me long time to get it to them because I don't have a receipt. I don't know how to tell people how much seasoning I put in. Even when I follow somebody's receipt, I change the ingredients according to my flavor and feeling.
So if you really want my receipt, please be patient with me.And I will get it done in english someday.
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