USS Harry S. Truman CVN75

Carol Ann...I think it's important that the "newbies" and the rest of us be aware that no matter how much you plan, no matter how you might count off the days, no matter at all.....it can all go "kaput" based on what they need, for sure.

That's one reason I try to keep track of the "goings on" around military world.  Sometimes, you can just "feel" something in the air....ha.   Like the surprise arrival of the French strike group and Italian carrier group arriving around our sailors areas......   at a time when things are happening over there in so many areas....so "busy" and such.

Never hurts to try and keep up....ha.......

welcome cmaridison & candyliamsmom we're all in this together.  Welcome to our happy little family.

I haven't been on here for several days.  Our school finally finished our state testing, I get a 1 day break on testing to prepare kids for semester finals and Wednesday starts are new semester.  Lots to do on my end.  I feel like I'm sinking.  Now were are those cabana boys to rescue me?

  I have been monitoring the going's on in the world too.  Interesting all the moving around that is going on and the fact that you never hear about these things on the news. 

You ladies talking about your weight going up/down and knee replacements is making me nervous.  I am probably 100 overweight and the starting of knee problems.  I have been trying to lose some weight and have lost about 15. 

did I read somewhere on here awhile back that if you use that buildasign website that they make "free" signs?  Also someone posted the size that we're allowed to have at homecoming but I can't find that either. 

GrandmaBarB: Yeah, all this moving around and re-arranging and meeting up with other nations for maneuvers is making me very nervous. Sniffing that air and it seems to me that something is up for sure. As far as the weight thing goes sounds like I am not the only one which at least makes me feel better. Not that I wish my struggles on anyone else, but it's nice to know I am in such pleasant company. too tall: good for you! My NY resolution still is not making much progress for me, but I will keep plugging away. I haven't even managed to loose that much, so way to go girl! Coach Sheila and the rest of you: I just know that the last deployment we were given this information in our pkts. No signs over 2' by 2', no streamers, no balloons. I am sure this is so they do not have a big mess or people fighting with one another cuz they can't see their sailors coming off the ship-ha-ha! More snow is coming this afternoon-brought my boots to work with me just in case. Have a nice day ladies!

thanks CoachSheila & Carol Ann for the info on the sign.  I started designing mine last night at the buildasign website but had to stop since I didn't know the size.  

Carol Ann don't beat yourself up, having kids ruins most mom's bodies for life.  

Have a great day everyone

Morning ladies!!!!

Carol Ann, just curious on when the homecoming gets closer how we go about getting our packets?

Like so many of us I love to eat yummy food.  I have always had great success with the Weight Watchers program.  I follow it all week and on Saturdays are my 1 day I do splurge and I have my cocktails too!!!  It totally keeps me on track I've followed their plan for many years.  Good luck to everyone with that.    

     Happy Thursday Everyone!!!!!

Too Tall and Catsmom: I do think mine is stress eating  plus the winter here has not been the best for getting out and about the past few weeks...I know, excuses, excuses! Anyhow, I have a question. I obviously need a plan as my own is not working, do you have to pay to join weight watchers to get their plan, is it online, or can I get a book from library with that  diet plan? I need something to follow. Any suggestions would be helpful....

too tall Joan  way to go i'v lost 7 and a lot more to go but not being able to walk hurts. I also order my banner and have already received it. i'm going to have a friend put it up before we get home i have a party planed so he will be surprise.

going to make homemade  card for homecoming.  And yes my banner was free

pschip: doing better than me...I have only managed to loose 4.5 lbs so far this year. Those of you that have ordered their banners give me an idea of what you have ordered...Not sure what to pick or does it have to be a certain size or style to be free. I kind of started to look then closed it out. Just curious...

Carol Ann  kept up the work you will make it.  I ordered the banner with flag around it that said welcome Home  we've missed you then i added his name and i put a anchor on it it was a 3x6 banner 

Catsmom  i hope it don't get delayed but i guess we have no say. because if i did they would already be home.  right now  i'm not doing the gym because of my knee. eat a lot of salad and eat eggs and chicken for protein and drink only water and hot tea I try to stay away from bread but love bread 

We we all have our motivation to lose weight and feel our best for our Sailors homecoming.  A couple lbs a week and throw some exercising in and by the homecoming we will all be looking better and feeling so much better about it.  We should all do it together.  Have our own personal goals and work together and motivate each other.   We could all meet at the homecoming and not only have a toast for our Sailors but also for our hard work too!!!  Congrats to all who have been losing weight!!!  Hard work sure pays off

CarolAnn you can totally do it on line. 

Wondering do people make their own signs/banners on their own?  Just curious

Thanks for all the welcome back and Hello to our newbies..Coach S- is that one of the Cabana boys?? Wow..:) Carol Ann/Gaisey- I got to tell you that the replacement was sooo well worth it!! I hated that I waited so long. Both knees were bone to bone and I would go get shots for them. I started walking like a cowboy it was awful. I had my surgery at the Hughston Clinic in Columbus, Ga. It is so nice being able to walk without hurting like I did. I am still a little stiff, but with exercise I will be ready to do the other leg by the end of the year. Don't wait to long to have something done.Catsmom- So proud of your daughter getting that award I know you are so happy. Well tiem to get to work..Take care

Good Morning ladies! I just thought I would share that I jointed Weight Watchers just this past week. I am doing the online option, which costs about $18 per month. You can also get free apps for your smart phone - there are menus and even a scanner app so you can scan a box at the store and it will tell you the points!  I will be turning 50 this year and my weight came on about 6 yrs ago after my dad had a stroke and two months later my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Caregiving really took a toll over 5 years and about 2 years in I had packed on 50 lbs, my hormones were all messed up and I have been struggling to get it off ever since!  Hoping 2014 is the year. Love the idea of supporting each other here - something we positive to focus on and we need to stay healthy for our kids!!

Pam: I can't remember exactly how I initiated getting my pkt. last time. Think  I contacted the ombudsman directly listed in the monthly newsletters we receive. Then they mailed to me. The funny thing is I got my pkt in the mail too late and since I pretty much knew the information went without it. It was in my mail box when I got home. So make sure you all ask in plenty of time so you get this on time.

Does anyone know how long it's been taking for packages to be received from Florida?

pschip, Darmom and catsmom: thanks for the encouragement and ideas on weight watchers, etc. I will def ck into this. jbr0001: terrified of surgery but KNOW I need to do something as my knees are bone-on-bone. The fact you are saying how much better one feels afterwards gives me encouragement and motivation to pursue this. Was trying to get my weight down a bit first before I do this. The walking like a cowboy thing I can identify with completely! Pam: good idea about doing it together. More motivation! pschip: the banner sign idea you did gives me an idea of what to do on my son's. We are intending on having a welcome home/out of the Navy party too for him as he will be getting out shortly after this deployment for good. I am sooooolooking forward to that after 6 years.

Hi ladies,  I checked and you can join Weight Watchers till 3/22 for free.  The online fee like Darmom mentioned is $18 a week.  To go to a Weight Watchers meeting place it is $13-$15 depending on area of country.

Darmom I can so relate to eating for comfort while depressed and going through rough times. 

ginnurse amy I'm thinking it can be from 2-6 weeks from anywhere in the states. Sometimes I get lucky and its quick other times much longer.  good luck on your mailing.

CarolAnn,  how do I find out about the ombudsman and the monthly newsletter?  My daughter main contact is her dad so maybe it is going to him.  Could you give me info on the newsletter?  thanks

Good luck to all with your weight loss  think Homecoming, Spring, Summer and oh yes ladies or CABANA Boys!!l  lol

IMG_208108897345927.jpeg Here is another photo! Yippee! Very positive words too!

pam: Let me look for info on the newsletter and let you know. I don't remember getting a Jan newsletter at all come to think of it. I will look at home and see what I come up with.

Coach Sheila: Wow and Double Wow! He has muscles on his muscles! Look at those calves! I don't need to walk I will just have him carry me! lol

Carol Ann,  thank you appreciate your help.

Coach Sheila, WOWWWW  now that is one Beautiful man!!!  So very true the saying that is with it   Very Powerful!!       Could he be our CABANA boy  lol!!!

I also heard of a group for weight loss called TOPS.  I believe they have meetings, support groups and very inexpensive too.

gmill75  you are all in my prayers

IMG_214933469543204.jpeg Just having fun!

LOL! I need to stop...NOT!

gmill75   so sorry and hope everything works out for you all

OH MY Miss Coach Sheila!!!!!

I have been hearing from my Sailor just quick one or a few word comments on facebook    I'll take it!!   

Coach Shelia...NICE.  I vote for him being our personal trainer along with Catsmom

gmill75 praying along with you

I had forgotten about the newsletter.  Back when you all talked about it, I talked to my sailor about emailing whoever it was to get me started on it.  Maybe they just didn't do one for January or it didn't come yet. 

For those needing knee replacement...do it...you won't regret it.  My husband's knees where exactly as you all described.  He has had both of them done and has never regretted it once.  He is able to be active again. We are heading into the weekend...woohoo...and one day closer to homecoming

Pam....you can find ombudsman and other info on Truman's own website....here is the link

http://www.truman.navy.mil/

Look around...lots of good infor including correct mailing addresses, formats, divisions, boxes, etc......

GrandmaB: As usual you come through with info. I actually thought about that AFTER I left work and figured I would say so this morning. Didn't think if it yesterday. Thanks!

Coach Sheila: Wow! Now that trainer stance inspires me ( and makes me think a couple of ither things too-lol)

Ladies: Thought you knew he IS our Head Cabana Boy! And so well deserved!

Happy Friday Ladies!!!

GrandmaB   thank you!!!

From the FRG:

To join our email list, please have your sailor email us from their CVN-75 email address.The email should be sent to: HSTFRG_COMMLIAISON@HSTRUMAN.NET; and should include your name, email address, sailors name, rank/rate, department, and division. Make sure to add our email to your contact list to avoid having our messages arrive in your junk or spam mail folder.

The New Food Pyramid works! I was paid for 12 weeks to be in a study and follow it with a chart of checks on each portion.  I lost 20 lbs without trying.  I had my sweet tooth filled when I ate apple pie filling and considered it some fruit serving.  The difference between the old pyramid and the new one is more flexibility and focus on more vegetables and whole grains. The website is www.choosemyplate.gov.  Go to printable materials and getting started with my pyramid. This is so easy and free!!

For gmill75:  I know the recommendation is not to be involved with son's girlfriends until  he is in his 30's and more serious but my son brought home his girlfriend also on the Truman and they broke up. My son is a piece of work but I have the best relationship with his girlfriend and she will be here again after homecoming regardless of if he is here or not.  I don't think he will be, they might want to keep him an extra month which is why I probably will not go to homecoming. 

Dragon 7, what exactly does FRG mean?  Thanks

pam: Family Readiness Group I believe.

Thanks,  CarolAnn

Pam: You're welcome!

Gaisey.  thanks for the info on the deployment plans.  It's still available online for anyone wanting to watch it.

Sequestration and budget cuts have put a lot of stress on our military and this sounds like an attempt to bring some stability to the deployment process while keeping our Navy and our Sailors where they are needed and to make deployment less chaotic. 

The budget cuts have been hard on all branches and it seems as though those in charge are trying to adapt to the new reality.

A billion dollar aircraft carrier isn't doing it's job sitting in port.  That isn't what they were built for.  We must remember that.  Of course Truman will go out again, and again, and again...as will all of our ships and ground troops.  Will our sailors be on it still?  Who knows.  Their job is to go where they are told to go, stay as long as they are told to stay and do what they know has to be done.  Some will stay attached to Truman, some will be moved to other duty stations, some will be transferred....etc.  They and we have no control over that at all.

Best we can do is enjoy our sailors when they are around and keep in touch when they are off somewhere....with love and encouragement....and keep our fingers crossed that they will always have "fair winds and following seas" and aren't put in harms way.

Yippee! GrandmaBarb, thanks for keeping it real! Okay here's another pic! I'm laughing to keep from crying! LOLIMG_229411669768696.jpeg

Coach Sheila: Love your Winebulance! I would ask for it to come here except I still have to drive home from work through this stuff! We have gotten 3-4 inches today and it's a Level 1 Snow emergency right now. Conditions are bad!

GrandmaBarB, well said.  This is what are Sailors train for and in my daughters case do look forward to.  She was extremely disappointed when last minute the Feb 2013 deployment was cancelled.  As you have mentioned before anything can happen in the Navy.

This is just such a great forum.  I have learned and continue to learn so much!!  thanks friends!!

Hello everyone! I'm new to this blog and hope to be able to get news of my son. I have not heard from him since just after Christmas. His wife told me he called her, briefly the other day and he was very busy, but OK.