Thank You

O beautiful for heroes proved 
In liberating strife. Who more than self their country lovedAnd mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine! 

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! 




Thank you to all of those who have served.
Happy Memorial Day.

Good Morning Angels!

I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not - probably not, since I've been a horrible blogger - but back in January my sister and I adopted Marines. We did it through an organization called Soldier's Angels and we did it for a lot of different reasons. Basically although most of my reasons are very personal, the long and short of it is I'm anti-war, but pro-troops. Some of these men and women are only 18 years old and they are risking their lives so that I can live mine in safety, and for that I will never be able to thank them enough.

So what is it like being an Angel? I write my Marine weekly letters, just talking about life and the ridiculous things that happen here and there. I try to tack on silly photos or comics - something to just get his mind away from whatever he's doing for a few minutes. I also send care packages once a month full of everything from toiletries to snacks. The whole thing takes me on average half an hour each week and I buy a lot of the care package bits at the dollar store - so despite the quantity of things I've sent it hasn't cost me much money. (Honestly, I wouldn't be able to do something like this if it cost me an arm and a leg, I'm a lady on a budget!)

Not only are there really awesome very involved team activities and large-scale campaigns, there are also other smaller campaigns, ones that take up even less of your time that what I've chosen to do. Our friend Libby is part of the letter writing campaign where she just writes letters and they are distributed to soldiers who do not typically receive mail. She's told me she always slips in a Calvin and Hobbs comic with her letters, it's the little bits of normality that make what these soldiers are doing tolerable. I cannot imagine being away from home for so long and not having much of any contact with those you love. Or worst yet, not having any loved ones at home to tell you how awesome you are and how appreciative they are of what you're doing.

From the few responses I've actually gotten back from my Marine, he is extremely grateful. He's so glad that he has people "back at home" who support him and are thinking of him, and I am happy that I can brighten his day.

So as we approach Memorial Day I put it to you Dear Readers, will you be someone's Angel?

Manjoyment Monday: Brother Dan

Today is my brother Dan's 30th Birthday!
In celebration of this auspicious occasion, Dan is today's Man.

"No International Incidents."

I have 3 words for you Dan:
Happy Natal Day!
Fuck yo couch!