Be Offensive

And my followers will drop...now.

As I flew back to Europe (on a Northwest flight through Detroit, no less) I couldn't help but thinking about what was to be a Christmas Day act of terrorism. (Yes, TERRORISM.) I got to thinking about the information that has since surfaced about the case:
-The man bought a one way ticket with cash, and checked no luggage.
-The man had no passport.
-The man was on some sort of list, and was feared by his own father.

The fact that these items (single handedly or collectively) failed to raise a red flag at any point along the way is pretty outrageous. Perhaps even more outrageous (no, not global warming, but that's crazy too), is that the possible security measures that could have prevented this attack are still being debated. Why? Because they are offensive. They invade privacy.

What I would like to know is in what universe does someones' privacy take precedence over my LIFE?! If a full body scan will help catch underwear bombers, then scan me- I hope you like the view. If my bags need to be searched, then so be it. If you need to feel me up to successfully pat me down, then you do what you have to do. Here's the deal- if you don't have anything to hide, then you don't have anything to worry about. Afraid somebody will see your underwear? Well, I am even more afraid that they won't see what's under the underwear of the guy next to me.

Further more, if you have reason to believe that there is a whacko on the loose by the name of Casey that matches my description, PROFILE ME. Please. Do not, however, pull a little old lady out of line when you should be spending your time on the man behind her. It's common sense.

Maybe it's offensive. So what. America needs to step up and do what needs to be done. Let's stop worrying about who will get their bombing panties in a wad and get real. Terrorists should be scared to step on a plane bound for the US, and if that take inconveniencing some people, then so be it. If that means that Muslims are screened, particularly those from suspect countries, then that's what we need to do. If that means that you have to have a passport (what a novel idea) then so be it. I'm tired of my safety being compromised for the comfort of someone else.

Be offensive.


**Update: I see that people agree, but take issue with the Muslim bit. I think you are missing my point. If we have proof that the current threat is from Muslim extremists (and we do) then why should our screeners have to spend extra time screening little old ladies from Memphis. If the suspect you are looking for only has one eye, do you question everyone with two eyes? No, you use the process of elimination to save yourself needless work. Check everyone, but spend time where it is needed. Am I saying that all Muslims are bad? No! What I am saying is that the extremists and terrorists we are being attacked by all have a common characteristic, and we should use that knowledge to our advantage in the screening process. As the queen of offensive Ann Coulter says, "Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims." (In context- she explains that this is regarding the current, not historical, world situation.) Or, "Airports scrupulously apply the same laughably ineffective airport harassment to Suzy Chapstick as to Muslim hijackers. It is preposterous to assume every passenger is a potential crazed homicidal maniac. We know who the homicidal maniacs are. They are the ones cheering and dancing right now."

Home Is Where The Snow Is

Well, I'm back. Back to the land of snow, the BX, and Burger King. No more Chick Fil A, no more Target. Tear. I guess I'll have to start counting down until our next visit in July. 6 months to go!

I think I made the best of my time at home. I ate out for every meal but one, and visited every store I wanted to (except one, which is only located in a scary ghetto mall). I was able to spend some quality time with my 90 year old grandmother, my family, Jordan's family, friends, and former students. I watched real TV with real commercials. HDTV is pretty incredible. Basically, I just enjoyed being home. Those of you living in the US, you have no idea how good you have it!

I only took a few pictures while I was home...

Dinner with high school friends. 

Dinner with former students (one was missing in this pic!). Can't believe they are in 4th grade!

I would take pictures of all my purchases for you, but, well, I don't have my bags. Again. I again found myself running through an airport begging the people to wait for me. Why do I always manage to have my connecting flight delayed? Ugh. The luggage should be in tonight. Hopefully. The good news is I had two seats to myself on the way back. I still couldn't sleep, but I did get to lay down. No worries though- I slept when I got home. All day long. Did I sleep last night? Of course not. Boo jet lag!

Let's hope by tomorrow I have my bags and the jet lag is gone. Wishful thinking, right?

Merry Christmas (a little late!)

So I guess I have been doing too much shopping and visiting and not enough blogging, but you guys understand, right?! I sure hope so! Anyway, now that they have all been received (hopefully) I thought I would share our card and letter.

Pictures L-R: Berlin, Eagle's Nest, Ireland

This year has been another wonderful one at our house. We have truly been blessed, and are constantly reminded of God’s love. As we go into the Christmas season we are again blessed that we have not (yet) had a day of snow. Now THAT is a miracle! (That has not held true! Dang it!)

As many of you know, we are entering what will most likely be our last Christmas in Germany. We have enjoyed the first two and a half years of our tour here and are looking forward to cramming in even more fun in the next six months. Next summer we will be PCSing (aka moving) to a new base. Where are we going? Wouldn’t we like to know! We should find out in a few months. For now, our top choices will again have us living overseas. While we miss family, we are also looking forward to being overseas a little longer. Our favorite part of living overseas? Travel, of course!  So here is our year in milestones and trips, but mostly trips. :) We don’t have kids, what else can we do?!

January- We were visited by Jordan’s parents, and traveled with them to Dublin, Luxembourg, and France. Dublin was one of our favorites. Speaking English and enjoying things from back home (Papa Johns!) was a real treat. Casey took her GRE and started applying to graduate school. Jordan began the 2nd year of his Masters.

February- Jordan went TDY (like a business trip, 3 weeks) to Italy, and I was able to follow along.  One part of the TDY was a formal event, our first in the Air Force. We enjoyed Venice (Carnivale) for a few days, then drove to Slovenia and Croatia for the weekend. Casey was accepted to graduate school at the University of North Texas.

March- Jordan was sponsored by his organization to attend Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace counselor training in Tennessee. He was able to meet Dave himself and gather some great skills to help military members. Casey visited an Easter Egg Market in Michelstadt with some friends. Reagan (our cat) was cute. :)

April- We took the trip of a lifetime to Egypt! We spent seven days cruising the Nile and seeing the ancient sights...it was incredible! To walk where Moses once stood was quite an experience. We saw Tut’s tomb, held crocodiles, and visited temples. Casey got a serious sunburn and Jordan found out what happens when you eat Egyptian fruit!

May- Jordan was promoted to 1st Lieutenant! Hooray! He was very excited to give up the “butter bar” title. Just before the promotion we took a weekend trip to Berlin with friends. Seeing the history from WWII and Cold War was quite interesting, the zoo was great too! The nude park? Not so much! Back on base, Jordan met Mack Brown.

June- Casey finished up her second year of teaching (Kindergarten this time) as we celebrated our third anniversary, hard to believe three years went by so quickly! Casey was selected for two scholarships, enabling her first year of grad school to be free! (Dave Ramsey would be proud.) Jordan spent the month wrapping up at his exec. position, and Casey visited Texas for most of the month.

July- We were visited by my mentor teacher from college and her husband. We enjoyed showing them around town and around base. Casey visited Luxembourg with a friend, and we both visited Bernkastel Kues during one of Jordan’s TDYs.

August- Graduate school started up for both of us and Casey began her third year of teaching. We drove to Salzburg, Austria and enjoyed the sights (and the sounds of music!). We also visited the Eagle’s Nest and Munich. It was a busy trip, but a very fun one...the Alps never disappoint. Casey went to Poland for pottery shopping with friends.

September- We were visited by Texas friends, and enjoyed an area wine festival (on the Mosel) with them. The Ramstein Bazaar was back and kept Casey busy with volunteer work for the third year in a row. Reagan was still cute.

October- We headed to Italy for our cruise! We really love to cruise, and this one was no different. We visited Rome, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Nice, Monaco, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Sardinia. It was hard to go back to cold Germany! Jordan visited Vegas.

November- Jordan headed to the states to be in a friend’s wedding, and really enjoyed his (quick) visit. Thanksgiving was at our house with friends, and luckily this year the oven worked!

December- Jordan finished graduate school (he will walk in May), and Casey made it through her first semester. Jordan now has his Masters Degree from Liberty University. Yeah Jordan! We visited several Christmas markets around Germany. Casey will be heading to the states to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

Clearly we are enjoying our time in Europe. We are continuously grateful for the opportunity we have been given. However, we are even more grateful for wonderful friends and family like you! May you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season. We hope to see all of you soon.

                            Merry Christmas!
                            Jordan, Casey, and Reagan

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright

I. Love. Texas. Seriously. The last few days have just been awesome. Seeing family, shopping to my hearts content, eating more than I should, and enjoying 70 degree temps. What's not to love? The good news is I can't afford to live here. I shop too much. (I have been to Target every day this week.) If not for that (well, and Jordan of course), I might have canceled my flight back to Germany. Freezing cold, non-Target, non-ChickfilA, Germany.

So far I have been to: Target, Old Navy, Starbucks, Chick Fil A, Mexican Food, Papa Johns, Charming Charlie, Ulta, Sephora, Ann Taylor, Gap, Nine West, Lakeshore, Pei Wei, TGI Fridays, HEB, Express, and CVS. I have watched TV (with real commercials) and enjoyed having so many choices. I even got to watch COPS, my favorite! I have parked in parking spaces that are big enough for cars other than Smart Cars. I have enjoyed central heat and air in the house. Heaven. It's the simple things really.

I hope all of you (especially my other Europe buddies visiting the states) are having an awesome Christmas week as well. We are so blessed here in the states!

Pictures to come...

Travel Observations

1. When your first plane is delayed, although they tell you they will hold the next plane, they lie. You will have to beg and cry and then run with your heavy carry on to make the plane. Once you make it you will see a tubby guy stroll in behind you making the same plane. You will be pissed that you had to run.

2. If you do have to do such pointless running, you will then enter the plane and cough for the next hour as your heart and lungs try to recuperate. People will think you have swine flu and will not want to sit next to you. This gives you an extra seat. Cough away.

3. A plane originating in France is the smelliest plane you will ever experience. It might be a stereotype, but I'm telling you it's true. Note to French people- even in the winter you need to wear deodorant.

4. If you see a lady wearing gray tights, a gray skirt, a gray shirt, and gray shoes- avoid her. She likes to walk up and down the aisle and stare at you. For 12 hours.

5. If you hear your name called while standing at the baggage claim, this is not a good sign. They will tell you your bags didn't make the flight. Boo. Then they will tell you that because you don't live here, you get up to 100 euro reimbursed to buy necessities. The definition of necessity is up to you. It's a Christmas miracle.

6. After hearing your Target shopping will be reimbursed (and remembering the free wine/champagne/beer on the flight) you will forever declare your love for Air France, but next time, you will bring a nose plug.

More Help Needed

Thanks for all your shopping and movie ideas. Sounds like The Blind Side is a must see! I am really looking forward to going home! What I am not looking forward to? My flight leaves at 7:25, which means I have to be at the airport at 5:25, which means I have to leave my house at 4am. Nice. It's okay though, I will be in Texas by 4 pm!

Okay, now I need your help again. My Dad entered a holiday photo contest and is a finalist. The picture is my sister and precious niece opening a Doodle Pro I gave her several years ago. She was jumping up and down and screaming. So cute. Anyway, if you vote, he could win an awesome prize!

Go here...
http://www.ktrh.com/pages/xmasmemory-vote.html

It's the 6th picture down, choose the circle underneath next to "Mike R." Then, scroll to the bottom and click vote! That's all!

Please please help! Thanks so much!

HELP!!!!

So in 5 days I will be in God's country (you know, the greatest place on earth, aka Texas) and I will need to use my 10 days to catch up on life in the real world. I live in a bubble. A AFN commercial, no food, no mall, go to France for the weekend, bubble. So I need your help!

-What do I buy?
-What movies do I see?
-What shows do I watch?
-Who has good sales?
-What is fun and new?

Heeeeellllpppppppp!