Hurry-up and Wait Policy

Well, we know where we are going and for how long. But that's about it. Now we are at the "Wait" part of the long-standing Navy policy: "Hurry-up and Wait."

I've got a list of things to accomplish, but can't because we don't have written orders, only verbal orders.

Uuuugh!

Some Culture

One of my favorites from the Ansel Adams "Masterworks" exhibit at PFAC.





On Saturday, Dave and I drove up to Newport News - about a 40 minute haul up I-64 - and visited the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, or PFAC. It is a combination of the Mariners' Museum, Ferguson Center for the Arts, and the PFAC Center. Currently displayed are the Masterworks of Ansel Adams. Selected by Ansel Adams himself, these 48 images are his self-proclaimed masterpieces. The artwork pictured were some of my favorites. It was especially neat to see this collection for two reasons. 1) Ansel Adams is one of Scott's favorite artists. 2) A lot of the photographs were taken in Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks; when we move to Lemoore, CA, in 10 months we will be 2 hours from both.

Trying not to hate the Navy....

So new update.

Dave spoke to his sponsor at his new squardron yesterday. The Golden Dragons will be transitioning to Super Hornets and moving to Lemoore, CA in *December 2009*

So we are pretty bummed we will only get 9 months in Japan, 6 of which Dave will be deployed.

I'm trying to think positive and not dwell, but the Navy makes it easy to be pissed at them. I'm not opposed to going to Lemoore; we'll be close (kinda) to Whidbey, WA, where Jeff is, and we can plan to visit Aunt Julie (March 2010?), visit wine country, ski in Tahoe, etc. Dave's also very excited about his squadron; they sound very excited to be getting him; they think his call sign N.A.P. is histerical (Needs A Personality).

But just when you have settled in and made plans - posted the couch, chair, table on CraigsList - the Navy will change things. I'm really trying to be flexible, but I think I'll be pissed the rest of the day.

Questions Answered??

Well, finding out that we are going to japan has answered a lot of questions:
Will we be moving?
If so, when?
Should I apply to schools for the 09-10 school year?
Should I sign slider up for Intermediate Training classes?

Yes, Soon, No, No...


But it has opened up just as many questions and then 10 more...
If Dave leaves at the end of Feb, when should I go over? If he deploys in May, should i go over before he deploys, settle in to the Navy Lodge to two months before we get on-base housing? We could do some sightseeing together and I could get connected with the wives' club that way. But then the animals can't come over with us in March because a) the quarantine isn't over till April; b) no pets allowed in the Navy Lodge. Our apartment, when we finally get one, it will be smaller than wha we have now, should we downsize some furniture?

baaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........

Konichiwa!

Carrier Air Wing Five, flying before Mt. Fugi, Japan. Dave's future plane is 2nd from right.

Dave got a call last night from his class adviser letting us know he will be attaching to 192 - The World Famous Golden Dragons based in Atsugi, Japan.

We are now taking reservations for visits, inquire within!


We don't know much of anything yet, except that Dave will be leaving for Japan at the end of Feburary. Our tentative plan is that I will stick around doing something (?) while Dave secures housing, and that I will join him in late April, early May.

All for now!

Jeff's East Coast Expedition

Jeff was lucky enough to have BOTH blocks of leave over the holidays. He visited his family in upstate New York, and then spent 5 days in Virginia Beach! Being old and married, Dave and I did our best to entertain him. :) We hosted a nice Welcome-Jeff dinner at our apartment, where I made a full leg of lamb, which turned out well! We drove up to Annapolis to spend New Years with Nate and Cindy in Annapolis. On New Years Day we toured the USNA Yard and Annapolis, eating at the Aviator's Bar and stopping to see Jeff's Sponsor-Dad. Then we migrated back down to Virginia Beach and toured the USS Wisconsin and the Nauticus Museum, finishing the day with a nice meal out at Gordon-Beirsch. Then we got up at 4am to take Jeff to the airport. It was a really great visit, and it was too fun to have all the Chocolate Lions reunited.



A new Statue-Monument on the Yard that the boys just had to have a picture with.. Because they're aviators.



Only Alumni can enter through these doors. But they were locked. Ohwell, next time.

A "Top Gun" Game

Looking for something to remind you of the good old days when Tom Cruise wasn't quite so weird? Find your copy of "Top Gun," grab your beverage or snack of choice, and play along!

The Wrigley's Top Gun Game

1. Assign players a call sign, whenever it is used in the movie.
2. Ever yime the word "mig" is used.
3. Every time someone (a pilot, duh) talks with his hands.
4. Anytime you spot a Naval Academy Class Ring.
5. Anytime a plane takes off or lands
6. When a real name is used, not a call sign!

If you are lucky enough to have a pilot playing with you, make sure you adhere to these Advanced Rules.

7. Anytime a rule of Naval Aviation is broken.
8. Any time an inaccuracy is spotted.

Don't judge. Just enjoy.