The Cyber Sisterhood

I was wondering the same thing. It's awfully quiet on here today. Michelle in Hawaii is having to evacuate due to tsunami warnings. I hope it doesn't really happen. Tsunami warnings off the coast of Oregon/Northen California? Scary!

Are you close to the shore, Arwen?

We're about a half-mile from the ocean, about 100 feet above sea level. We went down to the point (about 50 feet above the ocean) to watch the action. The waves were pretty big, just naturally, then the tsunami began and the waves doubled in size. It was pretty spectacular watching them crash against the rocks and cliffs. The harbor was not damaged at all.

This is worse than boot camp. When Chris was in boot camp I knew approximately what he was doing, what his day was like, and I knew he was supervised and not doing something stupid, or being led down bad paths by guys more worldly than he is (I admit he's a bit naive).

Now he has a whole base to explore, he said he already met a girl, etc. He's doing his own thing. He has no division to make sure he makes muster on time.

This will actually be easier on me once he hits the fleet, when he has school behind him and sparks on his arm.

Michelle, I'm so glad you're ok!
Arwen, Hopefully he learned some discipline in bootcamp that will keep him out of trouble now. What are sparks on his arm?

I have a facebook account, but I almost never use it.

Michelle, I didn't know anyone was talking about a pic of mine. I think they're talking about Mel's pic of her and Sonny standing on a clear platform over Chicago. That's on here and on Facebook, and my pics are too.

Yeah, this on hold thing is really a shame. It seems like it's wasting a lot of the discipline and structure bootcamp drilled into them. I sure hope the sailors adjust back easily once they start school.

It seems Chris' internet-capable cell phone will prove to be the best investment he ever made. And hopefully by the time he saves up for his dream laptop he will be somewhere with good internet service.

Robert, you know that's illegal, to use someone else's wireless connection, right? Plus you are wide open to whomever owns that connection. They can steal ALL of your data and there is no way to block them, since it's their device.

Wi-fi offered at a coffee shop is intended for the use of customers, and yes, while you are using it at your own risk, there is a certain level of trust in a business. Plus, if you have to get a password when you buy your coffee they are usually "secure" connections with at least a little protection.

Using a neighbor's wi-fi signal is "theft of services" and no different than running a wire from your home to hook up to their cable box. You could end up paying hefty fines, have a court appearance and even end up in jail for using your neighbor's wi-fi signal.

I would be pissed if I found out someone was using ours, that's why ours is hidden and passworded.

I have never seen a "neighborhood" wi-fi signal labeled "public." Do you live in an apartment complex that provides wireless? Where do you find these public access points?

We have a neighborhood wi-fi service provider, but we'd have to pay $60 for the connection.

When I was in the Denver area there were a lot of open access points, but never one that was meant to be used by the public. Only people who didn't know enough to secure their wireless.

Can I have an empty nest? Please? I had to get up an extra hour early this morning to get my other 2 up, showered, dressed and off to school. And they still left the house at about the same time school started. At the same time the dog got sick, pooping and barfing all over the house. Aargh!

I'm back. The drive wasn't too bad. It's only 6 1/2 hrs but thats also because there is a good bit that isn't highway. If anyone is planning on going to Pensacola, you need to ask for directions to the base and not trust mapquest. It sends you to a back gate along with the signs down there. Anyways, the Navy lodge is really nice. The beach and water is right there. Plus it is only like 5 mins from Corry.

Shawn is doing great and has made some friends who are going to go to the mall with us this upcoming weekend. He said they are due to hit phase 2 this Wednesday which is great because there is only so much to do on Corry. Everyone is dying to get off base and be able to wear normal clothes again. We were able to start a date night that just involves bowling and having fun together but it was nice. Overall not being able to leave base, it was a pretty good weekend. I was so not ready to leave and boy was it cold down there. That is what the PIR weekend should of been. Oh and I saw first hand everyone spending money like it would never run out. Shawn did get a little carried away but it was mostly on me not him. What can I say. He loves to spoil me. I so can not wait until I go back down this Saturday for my spring break. There is no where else I would rather spend it.

Chances are since he shouldn't be allowed off base yet so he is probably going to the rec center which wouldn't cost him anything to watch a movie. All they do is pick a movie off a list they have and they play them in order of requests. As to the PS2 and TV, that is the one problem with them not being allowed of base. They have nothing better to do then walk around the NEX. He could always just buy a game and play it in the rec center. They do have some games but when we looked at the list it wasn't great.

I still haven't taken any pics. I saw him in every uniform this weekend and never took any. I must remember to give him the camera so he can take some.

Hooray Mel! That will be so awesome! Gotta love technology!

Mel-That sucks!!! They'd better give these guys a whole lot more than a week of weapons training then!

Colleen, What happened with your husband is really scary, and it sounds like what my ex went through years ago. It ended up being anxiety attacks. We weren't together anymore, so I don't know what was stressing him, but he doesn't have them anymore. Hopefully, that's all it was with your husband too.

I'm with you, Pam. I'm obsessed too. There's just so little for me to do without him here, so little that I want to do anyway. Sean could be infuriating, like any kid, but he was also entertaining. Why bother cooking for one? Grocery shopping is depressing, too. I keep wanting to reach for the things I buy for Sean, then have to remind myself that he's not here to eat them anymore.

I heard from Sean more when he was in the last half of bootcamp. Atleast then, I got two letters a week and an occasional call. Now, no letters or calls. Sean doesn't have his cell phone or laptop yet because he doesn't want us to send anything until he gets a p.o. box at the local mini-NEX, and he seems to be in no hurry to do that. He gets time on his roommate's laptop once in a while and is just enjoying hanging out with the guys.

Yay! Sean got a p.o. box, so I can send his laptop and cell to him. It will be so nice to be able to communicate with him on a regular basis!

Hey Ladies~
Colleen~ very glad to hear all is okay with your husband. I can only imagine how scary things were.
I completely understand the milk issue. Ed was the milk drinking in our house. I find myself tossing more, is drank:(( I am hoping that he sends me his p.o. box number soon. I have been able to chat with him on facebook, but really would love to be able to talk with him on his phone.Goodness...do I sound needy or what!?! Manda complains that I am still buying the food that he likes, not her. He is loving SC. He is still waiting to class up. He is with two of the guys from BC...thank goodness.
Oh, question....did any from 913 get W2's?

Ok...who sent snow? Lol, I just had my teacher email me going just get an envelope and put your midterm in the mail by tomorrow. She will soon realize that there is a very good chance that the mail won't be running tomorrow. Oh well more time to write the essay.

Yea me either. I'm more in shock that this isn't the first snow we have had this year. Let's just hope no one gets into a wreck this time around.

Atlanta

Luckily my class didn't start until 2 and the teacher canceled it.

Hi everyone - sorry to stay away so long. We went unexpectedly to SC to take Phillip his electronics. This was within five days of coming back from GL - so I am a little bit tired and behind in work!! :-) Not complaining just letting you know that I'm still playing catchup and that I'll be back online visiting with you as soon as I can. Love ya!! Have a great week!

Rosa - I saw Ed across a parking lot. Phillip said - "by the way there's , but it was too late and too far away to get a pic for you - I'll try again next time. :-) Phillip was trying to con some of his buddies into helping him cart all his electronics across the parking lot, down the trail and up the stairs to their barracks...LOL - I guess your kid is smarter than the average bear because he didn't take Phillip up on the offer - and it was a LONG trek!!! :-)

Hahaha. I sure love ya Beverly:))) Thanks for even thinking about a pic. How is Phillip doing? Talked to Ed today. He has his PMB address. He has asked for phone, boxer briefs, vans (a must have), xbox, games, 3 seasons of Dexter, etc...etc...etc. (said in my best Yul Brynner voice) He purchased a new laptop there. Hey...have missed ya girlie.:))

Pam and Mel~ Lucky Girls;)))
Fonda Sue~ You are a pro at this point:))

Joyce~ I agree. It's awesome he did so well on his test!

Chris called today, I couldn't talk because I was at work and told him I would call him back after I was free. I texted, I called, no answer. His phone is on, because it doesn't go straight to message. Aargh! I just want a little information about when he starts classes, etc!

Hi Everyone. Beverly, glad you enjoyed the trip! We're suppose to go next weekend.

Fonda Sue, how is it the second time around? It's still rough, isn't it? I'm dying to hear from our other son. He called last Friday and didn't sound good at all. I've read at the Army website for parents that a lot of them are very stressed and unhappy for the first three weeks. It's really difficult, not only mentally, but physically; marching for miles upon miles with so many pounds on their backs, rolling in mud, crawling underneath barbed wire. Please keep all of our troops in your prayers. What would our country do without them?

Sandra, so glad Nichelle is doing well! :)

Colleen, Justin and Craig seem to be doing just fine They sound great on the phone, and being able to call them is so really nice.

I only read back two pages, so please excuse me if I left anyone out. Have a nice day, everyone. :)

Hey ladies, (I had to join PIR 2/19 "survivors" group to post this question). My son will be graduating this Friday. I'm so excited! A co-worker with a Navy son has given me some helpful hints, such as arrive by 6:30 and get a good seat, etc. I need to know how long the whole graduation is, what time do you get out? How long to plan for getting out of the building and to a restaurant? And what restaurants are nearby that won't be super crowded, or where I can make a reservation? I would appreciate any help with this; it will be the first time my husband and my ex have ever met, and both of my sons and I want it to go smoothly. So, any assistance in streamlining the whole process is needed. It will have to be a restaurant that serves wine, because I will need some by then! (Patrick has already informed me that he cannot drink, smoke, or use his cell phone. He really has bought into the chain of command, and I think that is great.) I'm so excited! Was it what you all expected? Thanks for any help! Alexis

Hey Patricks Mom~ We were by 7:00. The line moves fast. They will have coffee, muffins, and such that you can buy. In the PIR hall. Each evening Ed had to be back by 8-9 p.m. We we would head back a little earlier and hang at the Nex or Ricky Heaven. You are allowed to go as far as the Chapel with your paper gate pass. So, each morning we would meet at the Nex, and each evening we would have him back a little earlier so he didn't have to rush. If someone is late getting back the whole Div. can lose an hour of liberty.
Have a wonderful time. Bring lots of Kleenex...you will need it all weekend.

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments about my son's PIR this Friday. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. Yeah, I know about the kleenex. But I also have my "quick fix-it eye makeup" kit so I don't have to look teary all day! We have to share Patrick with the ex on Friday, but then Sat. and Sun. he belongs to us! I am aware he may need some personal time. They must go through a real "culture shock" the first few days! I can't imagine what that isolation and lack of freedom must feel like for so many weeks. It just makes me admire him more. I will be busting with pride. Thanks a lot everyone!

So even though my day was pretty bad the ending was okay. Shawn is in phase 2 but in holding until Monday. At least he can go off base my whole spring break. Now I just have to make it until 4 am Saturday so I can leave and he can try to ease my pain. Never get a cortozone shot in your knees. I still hurt a week later and I get another one tomorrow. At least this time I have dog tags to keep me distracted.

We are heading to Charleston on Friday morning. Looking forward to seeing David and seeing where he is now. His girlfriend went to see him last week and took all the necessities (TV, DVD player, etc.) to him. They had a great weekend. David has been promoted to chief window washer this week while he waits to class up. I told him I was preparing him for his Navy career when I had him wash all my windows and his grandparents windows this summer. LOL. It's great to keep up with all of you.

Sarah, I've heard that when they get off holding and class up, some schools make them start from Phase 1 again. I don't know which schools this applies to but be aware!

Good Morning Ladies~ Beautiful day here in So. Cal. :))
slimsam~ I know...it sucks!! Ed is in SC and I'm in CA. It pulls at your mom heart strings.Fingers crossed he get to take it again on sunday.

Last night I almost laughed at Chris. He was complaining that one of his room mates is "messy." LOL, him complaining about messy? Who is this sailor and what did they do with my son. who couldn't figure out how to pick up a floor?

The sun is shining here in Oregon too. It's a nice change from the clouds/rain we've had all winter. But in summer the clear skies get monotonous (not even any fluffy pretty little clouds) so we can't wait for some kind of overcast to change things up.

Shawn never said anything about a test either. He was told when he first got to Corry how long each phase would roughly be and since ITs don't stay there that long they are really short. He was also very lucky that he knew 2 of his room mates and will be getting another new one this weekend to replace the one graduating tomorrow. Last weekend when I went down everyone was surprised that I was down there so quick. I guess after the mess of PIR weekend I just wanted to see him. He is just lucky that I love him enough to drive through some very bad areas. Oh and I may have to have surgery on my knees so lets hope that the shots make it better.

Chris said he finished his finance class today and will probably go to phase 2 tomorrow, no test. He does have to finish his watch qualifications, though. He thinks he should be able to to that tomorrow. I think it's an IT thing, moving so fast.

One of his roommates moved out, Chris wasn't sure why, but thinks it is because he is a night owl and apparently his staying up reading late bothered the roomie.

I think it also had to do with the fact that the roomie was a fleet-returnee and older. Sharing space with two 19 year olds fresh from boot camp was not his idea of a good living situation.

Chris officially made Phase II today, civilian clothes and off-base privileges. He asked me to ship his clothes, but to go through them first to make sure all of the shirts have some kind of big commercial or school/Navy/etc logo on them. Apparently "plain" shirts of any color are "gang colors" in the Corry neighborhood. so they aren't allowed to wear plain shirts. Jeez! They are also have to go out in groups of three.

I also found out my in-laws, who live 6 hours away from him in Georgia, will be visiting him next weekend. He's bored and lonely, so they're going to take him to a few fun places in the area. Any suggestions for the Pensacola area?

Arwen, He can always hang out with Shawn. I will be leaving for Corry at 4 am in the morning and get back on the 14th but he is more then welcome to hang out with us. There is mall and go karts. There is also the beach and lots of food down there.

Chris is the kind of guy that other people either love or hate. There never seems to be any in-between for him. So make sure Shawn is okay with Chris. But I'm sure he would love to get out.

Hi there ladies!!! :-) I have a whole week's worth of posts to catch up on!!! I've been trying to catch up at home, and should be doing paper work now....but I'm having major N4M withdrawal. Just wanted to pop in, before I go plow through all the posts to see if you guys have been behaving for the past couple of weeks. :-)

Arwen - you have Georgian relatives/??????? You never mentioned that!!!! :-)