Strick's Ramblings » audrey

Christmas 2011

James Strickland — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:35:53 +0000

As the year of the rabbit comes to an end, the year of the Dragon quickly approaches. 2011 was a good year, filled with many ups and downs, good times and bad times. 2011 seemed to last about as long as a decade. My medical board started around January and lasted until the end of October. So much has happened in this year, I’m not ready to write about it all now. As I adjust to retired life and prepare for my 2nd career, I find myself missing the camaraderie of my military brother and sisters. Although I'm glad I have moved on, especially when I think about the deployments and time away from family.

Anyway, enough about that. The kids had a good Christmas. Money is tight, but we're surviving. We are together as a family and safe. We have much to be thankful for!

My thought are with our troops that are overseas! May you come home safe and sound!

2012 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR! And that's that!

Surgery

James Strickland — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:55:40 +0000

Another Day down, and that much closer to the baby's surgery. Audrey is scheduled for surgery on the 9^th of July. Audrey and I fly into Hawaii on the 6^th, and our appointments start the next day. Not only do I have the surgery to worry about, but I'm also concerned with the financial aspects as well. I can't really afford to send Cathy, John, Matthew & Jaymie there to be with Audrey. If the duration of stay was 1 week or less I would consider letting the kids stay here in Misawa with friends, but that is out of the question, due to the fact that we will probably be there for atleast one month. Additionally, I'm trying to buy my Dad tickets to fly from Atlanta to Hawaii so he can spend some time with the kids. He hasn't seen them in 2 years. Even though I have not promised the kids that he will be there, some reason they seem to be expecting him to be there. I keep telling them I will try, and attempted to explain to them that this is going to cost a lot of money and we have to be carefull not to spend too much.

This weekend we are planning another offroad trip to the mountains. This time there will be some new people attending. We are meeting up at the BX parking lot at 6:50 am and departing for the mountains at 7:am and meeting up with our Japanese Counterparts at 8:am at redbridge camping area. Can't wait for this, looks like it's going to be a good turnout, so we should have lots of fun.

Another thing to add... It is awesome that I don't have any school work to deal with after work! I'm taking a summer break. Depending on work, probably a fall break. I'm thinking of starting back to shool in late October.

May Updates…

James Strickland — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:58:29 +0000

Greetings all...

Once again, it's been a while since I've posted anything. I've been staying extremely busy. I'm taking 2 more classes, as I've mentioned before and the Algebra class is whoopin' my buttocks. I thought I was good in math but guess not that good. Alot has happened since my last post. I’m also working on another website for the LRS Spouse Group. http://www.35lrsspouse.com I’ve almost got template done, just need to finish it up and add content, then troubleshoot any errors.

First of all, I recently got rid of my Pajero. Guy payed me 10,000 yen ($100) and drove it away to a junk yard. Same week, I found a 1992 Toyota Surf (4Runner) and paid $1500 for it. It’s an awesome vehicle, but the v6 uses more fuel than my previous 4 cylinder diesel.

Our new Baby Audrey is growing like a weed. She's over 1 month now and is eating more, pooping more, and sometimes crying more. She was recently diagnosed with craniosynostosis, which is where (basically) the skull grows back too fast and causes deformity. Now, luckily Audrey’s condition isn’t too bad, where it affects her brain, but still requires surgery. I have an appointment in Trippler Army Medical Center in Hawaii in July. The Government only pays for one person to fly over, which is going to be me, so if my wife goes, we’re going to have to pay for it out of our pocket. I can’t really afford it, but I’m going to try my best to get this done. Enough abou that.

Planning an offroad adventure / camping trip this weekend… Just an over nighter in the mountains. Can’t wait to get out there. The kids are really looking forward to going, and to be honest, so am I.

Enough for now. I’m tired of typing…