Saturday, September 29, 2007

Every Bill Reminds Congressman Of Ex-Wife

WASHINGTON, DC—Ever since his divorce from his wife of 22 years became final in June, Rep. Chuck Brunet (R-NC) sees "Mary's face in every piece of legislation" that comes across his desk, the Oklahoma lawmaker told reporters Tuesday.
"I couldn't even bring myself to vote on the farm-subsidy bill last week," said Brunet, who has reportedly missed more than half a dozen House votes on similar bills because they "remind [him] of the times we went apple picking." "And every time that net neutrality motion comes up in subcommittee, I think of all those e-mails she used to send me. Oh God, Mary!"
Capitol Hill sources say Brunet led a filibuster against increased funding for the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month because his ex-wife met her current boyfriend on a flight to Atlanta.
Source. The Onion

Friday, September 28, 2007

I'm back!

Just after graduation
Me and the family on the shores of Lake Michigan
Hello all!

I'm posting from a Quality Inn located in Waukegan IL. just outside Great Lakes where I've spent the last 2 months of my life. They have been some of the most challenging as well as some of the most fun. Since Aug. 2nd until last week, I have been involved in running, pt, studying, tests,folding and stowing (Job knows all about that!), live shooting, gas chambers,and firefighting as well as much, much more. I don't regret my decision yet although in my first week I did.
On Tuesday I will be going to my "A" school which, most likely will be right across the street here in Great Lakes Naval Service Training Center.
Thank you all for your prayers and support, I will try to post as I have the opportunity.

Monday, September 24, 2007

News from Andrew 6

This is the last letter from Andrew at Navy boot camp. The next post will probably be by Andrew himself after he graduates on Friday, September 28th. Here are some portions of his latest letter:



"As for liking boot camp, to be totally honest with you, right now it isn't that bad. We have a steady but busy routine and we have managed to pull together as a division. And today we ABSOLUTELY SMOKED our mid assessment test, scoring a 4.92. A new record. So far we have set several test records and we are sure to Hall of Fame if we don't screw up between now and graduation." "We had our final practice this morning for our 1st graduation performance on Friday. It can't wait. I should be fun. Think about it, how many other people can say that they were a side boy at the Navy graduation ceremonies? I do have my moments of "fun", we get our laughs in and RDC's have let up immensely as we get more experienced and deeper into training." "Last night (Sept. 14) we had our final run, a 20 minute sustained. At the PT hall someone lift on a tv over a treadmill and the Red Sox were playing at Fenway. Every time I went around that part of the track my head was turned trying to catch and take in all that familiar and loved stuff. Fenway Park was a sight for sore eyes. However, I couldn't get close enough to see the score and if I stopped I failed." "I am going to try to go to church at the 8:05 service.....It has been a good service, the preaching isn't always as deep as I like it or the doctrine might be a little soft, but the singing has been good. I , of course, miss our church very much. Tell everyone there I said hi."

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Letter from Andrew 5

We received Andrew's 5th letter this week. He sounds great and is looking forward to his graduation. So are we! Here are a few excerpts from his latest letter:

"It has been another long day at RTC. We woke up a 0600. After breakfast we had a PT session that was a compilation of ab workouts and running, with a final sprint in the end that I totally owned. We had live fire this afternoon, it was not as bad as I thought. It was 40 rounds with a Beretta M9 service pistol. After that it was five shots with a 12 gauge shotgun, 3 from the shoulder, 2 from the hip. We also had a chance to shoot for ribbons.......I ended up shooting 221 which garnered me a sharpshooter ribbon." It was amazing to see how far we have come. We are 2nd from being senior division and with every week passing brings us closer to #1. Our hair is all grown out and the new divisions look so laughable with their shaved heads and clumsy marching. The thing of it is, that was us just a couple weeks ago." "Fire-fighting and gas chamber are next week 5-week. Battle stations starts on 6-week. 2 weeks off! Only 20 days left until graduation!" " Tomorrow is Sunday and I intend to go to church. This evening we had a visit from our chaplain who is one of the nicest guys one could ever meet. He likes to come up to our compartment a couple times a week and tell stories and give insight. He also plays the violin on Sunday mornings at the worship time. Imagine that, a 6 ft. 2 in.Nave lieutenant commander playing the violin"

Andrew was able to call us on Tuesday. He is doing very well, but looking forward to graduation. Keep praying and writing! Thanks, Andrew's mom

Monday, September 10, 2007

News from Andrew 4

We received Andrew's fourth letter on Friday and here are some excerpts:

"Well, the mail has been parceled out and taps sounded. I lay in my bed and read my mail. Welcome news from home. I am doing well. We did very little of importance the last couple days: folding shirts over and over again and getting ready for inspection. Today we went to Classifications. Basically it's where they fill you in on the details after boot camp. The sad news is: I will most likely NOT be going to "A" school in Pensacola but staying right here in Great Lakes. I am a little bummed about that." " Today we went to the USS Marlinespike. A small-scale replica built inside a building. There we worked on our Basic Seamanship, casting, mooring, etc. I was a line captain whose job it is to give out instructions and watch for every ones well being." "I can't believe it's September already. The last couple days
have been very crisp, breezy days with clear skies and a warm sun. A very welcome treat compared to being indoors in a cement block room with 86 other guys. We had practice inspections this morning (the only thing worse than a real inspection) and then had PT (B.A.S.E.S.) this afternoon. Then we went to drill practice for graduation. We are improving. Our first show will be in two weeks." " It was funny. Tonight, while we were studying, I all of a sudden had a hankering for berry pies and Chex mix. I'm drooling just thinking of it. I told you in the previous section that I will most likely be staying here in Great Lakes for school. I hope there are some kind of cooking and baking utilities so that I can turn some goodies out come the frigid Great Lakes winter." "Say hi to all at North Chittenden."

Thanks to all for sending letters and praying. Andrew's mom