*** WHAT'S NEW on FRIDAY ***

The hotmail server was busy when I tried to send the update, so please pass that along in a mass email with the snail-mail addy to those who still need it. Jan, please email Jan H. and direct her here? Thx : )

Hi Ladies!

First, welcome the new Elves and thank you so much for your generosity. It's truly appreciated. Whatever you feel you can send will help this little project continue to grow. I'm sure we all know it will not go un-noticed by the men. Thanks to Paulette and Jan for your very successful recruiting campaign ; )

Our goal is to have everything arrive at Brenda's (The CMDR) by Dec 1st, for distribution on the 2nd. Please don't worry if you can't manage that, as Brenda works at the VAMC, your contribution will get to it's final destination during the holiday season.

At this point I think we'll have those stockings pretty stuffed, so please don't feel you have to send 60 identical items...of course, if you do, we'll just have to stuff a little more ; ) Our focus seems to be shifting to items that can be considered group gifts. Here are the items we're still in need of, so just go ahead and pick whatever suits you.

Postage stamps, Walmart/Target/Phone cards, Model kits - military theme/cars/Harley's/etc. Magnets, magnetic notebooks, magnetic clips, Sharpie markers of all sizes and color, Sticky notes of all sizes and color, Books or Magazines, Christmas cards/Holiday greetings letting them know how much you appreciate their service.

If you're comfortable with it, please consider including a note with a little something about yourself, such as what part of the country you're from, your interests, family, career, exploits (heehee.) I have a feeling these guys are going to be a bit overwhelmed and very moved. It would be nice if they had a little something to help them identify with all the Elves who can't be there, but are carrying them in their hearts and have helped to make this happen.

As usual, the updates will be on the top & bottom of the page @ www.brigadesitrep.blogspot.com. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!

~ ~ Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, La-la-lahhhhhhh : ) ~~

*** WHAT'S NEW on THURSDAY ***

Keeping it short tonight, ladies….I’ve been online all night searching eBay for bazaar items on the cheap…anyone want to take a wild guess who co-chairs the fundraising committee at Sugah Pie’s school???

Brenda got the A-OK from the RT, who clearly has no concept of her power...as she said, “You have no idea what is about to happen!” : )

Hopefully Grunt Love had a grand time shopping for balls…her email had me lmao...and Chryssa had luck with the book/wallet cards.

Teresa in AK offered up 60 individually sealed coffee &/or cocoa pkgs from The North Pole Santa Coffee/Cocoa Company…how freakin’ COOL is that???

Trudy provided a great example for anyone who is unsure what/how to write a card to these wonderful strangers we’ve adopted.

“When I write my guys, I write a letter that seems as if I know them for years...chatty....but I'm very proud of how I end it....here it goes:

Name,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you and the other soldiers you serve with for what you are doing, not only for my family, but for the entire country. It takes a special person to offer such a sacrifice for a stranger and I want you to know how much we appreciate your efforts. It must be hard to be away from your loved ones for so long but I’m confident that they are also proud of you!!!!! As George Orwell said: “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf”…..so I thank you for my good
night sleep!!!!”

Trudy...I sooo wanna hug you!

Chryssa emailed me, but I know she’ll forgive me if I don’t condense/answer tonight.

Janet phoned me, but Mamacita had my cell…I hear they had a lovely chat : )

Brenda…as far as the tally the RT needs goes, AE, Chryssa, Gina, Debbie, Jan, Paulette and Mare have said they’re either working on what they’re sending, shopping in PA that weekend, or waiting to see where we fall short, so their contribution can help fill in the gaps. Chryssa spoke with Gina last night and mentioned stamps, so maybe that’s where she’ll focus her budget. So…more stuff coming, just not exactly sure what it will be. Here's what's confirmed & on the way to you:

• 60 – Stockings

• 60 - Gift bags

• 60 - Pairs of Gloves

• 60 - Knit Caps aka "Toboggins"

• 60+++ Pairs of Socks

• 60 - Stationary Sets

• 60 - Disposable Christmas Cameras ***fingers crossed : )****

• 60 - Magnetic Photo Frames

• 60 - Pieces of Christmas "artwork" from Kindergarten class

• 60 - Magnets

• 60 - Candy Cane Reindeer

• 60 - Friendship Bracelets /w 60 Christmas cards

• 60 - Soft, Fuzzy, Snuggly --- :o --- I mean REAL TUFF, MANLY Blankets

• 60 - Individually sealed pkgs. of North Pole Santa Coffee/Cocoa Company (combo)

• 1 - White House Puzzle

• 1 - Sports Trivia Game

• 2 - Phone Cards

• 1 - Coffee Mug Gift Basket-y Thingie

• 2 - Nascar Model Kits

• 1 - Football

• 1 - Basketball

• 1 - Soccer ball

• 8 - Trees-in-a-Box Kits

• 24 - Pairs of Wind Pants

• McDonald's Gift Certificates

• Notebooks

• Flip flops

• Sunglasses

• Flag Magnets

• Alchohol-free Mouthwash
  

• 60 count Box of Tootsie Rolls, Peppermint Rings and Bubblegum

• 60 count Box of Smarties

• 3 boxes Candy Canes

• Assorted Candy & Snacks

• Boxes/Pkgs. Generic Cards for the guys to send loved ones

• Permanent markers, pens, pencils, stamps and Goodies to munch....

• FRISBEES : )
  

FOR DELIVERY DAY:

• 1 - Kick-a$$ Holiday Soundtrack by XO H&K Productions

• Trays, plates, napkins, mini-flags and goodwill a'plenty : )

Hmmm….Cindy's right. Apparently, Brenda has to do something very nice to her mailman and UPS guy this Christmas…oh, the sacrifices the CMDR has to make! ; )

*** WHAT WE STILL NEED ***

Email secretsanta4vets@hotmail.com with questions or for mailing address.

People have asked for a list of what we still need. I’ll try to keep it updated, but if you want to send something not on the list, by all means let us know. Anything you’d like to send is greatly appreciated! If you’re sending items of any kind, please drop me a quick note so your donation can be added to the tally. Thanks.

• Gift cards from WalMart, Target, McDonald’s

• Phone cards

• Postage stamps

• Models/crafts to build – especially models of any military theme/Harley's/cars/trucks/boats

• Books, Magazines

• Toiletries

• Notepads for Journaling

• Sticky notes of all shapes & sizes

• Sharpie Markers

• Magnets, Magnetic notepads. Magnetic clips

• Baked goods, snacks, cookies

• Christmas Cards & Holiday Greetings letting them know how much you appreciate their service
  

*** WHAT'S NEW on WEDNESDAY ***

Mic and her wonderful friends…not us, the other ones, *sniffle* have doubled Mic’s blankie donation to 30!! Amy confirmed she’s sending 7 …nice try at confusing me, Amy, but I have toesies, too ya know ; ) Tonya jumped in with 8 to ensure EVERY one of the guys will get his own blankie! Just amazing, ladies. YOU ROCK!!!

Lora with blankets she made. Is it any wonder she IS Grunt Joyful? : )

The XO & AE have “tapped a few souls” so the next few days may hold some surprises : ) AE also said flip-flops and sunglasses are on the way, and the XO is getting alcohol-free mouthwash for each of the guys, ribbons & such for decorating as well as...well, it's the XO, after all….ANYTHING GOES!!! : )

Bren got plates, napkins, trays, flag magnets and small flags. She’s also convinced BAD to donate the magnetic picture frames from the E’s and hisself. I hope that’s not who she used the scissors on??? :o)

Cyber-Mom jumped into the chaos asking what she can send. I’ve got her down for notebooks, permanent markers and anything else from the list she’d like to toss in. The Money Doctor is picking up boxes/packs of generic cards for the guys to send out when they need one. Sheri sent me some money to be spent on the guys. If it’s okay with her, I’ll add it to the MDs contribution for the Tree-in-a-Box, for a total of 6 of them. We’re waiting to hear from V-Medic to see if her store has that many in stock.

Sin pointed out a little personal note and perhaps pictures would be a nice thing to add to the stockings. Trudy has lots of experience writing…any chance she could share an example for those of us who don’t do this often? If so, either email the group, or send it here and I’ll post it on Sitrep.

Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls have been added to the list of things that could be sent as a group VAMC gift. ** Thx to Grunt Love, these are on their way! : ) ** Tango's stealing DHs manly magazines and donating them, too. LS had mentioned she could send some stamps…that’s something I noticed we haven’t addressed much….bah-dump-bump ; ) Advice/update from you American lovelies on stamps??? Jan’s buried in email, but wants to jump into this fray as well.

I’ve been asked to tell people what we need, so I’ll post a list at the top of Sitrep. If anyone decides to send something from the list, shoot me an email and I’ll add it to the tally. Any time you can include numbers, even approximate, it helps me figure out where we are.

Lastly, I noticed the Cmdr. voluntold me to be the secretary again next year. Sistah…you don’t askeer me….NEXT year, we’re hitting up Alden and Mark for some BodyRev goodies AND getting donations from the Steelers. I already started the request letter! And...and...and... ; )

Now that Bren’s yanking on her hair and muttering, “I’ve created monsters!!!” I’ll bid my sistahs a fond adieu : D

~ ~ Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, La-la-lahhhhhhh : ) ~ ~

**** WHAT'S NEW ****

We’re totally ROCKIN’ on the blankets!! 5 – 7 from Amy(CA), 5 from Cindy, 10 from Lora and 15 from Mic!!! Cindy’s DH, Mike, is IN for 60 pairs of gloves, and 60 knit caps are on their way to Bren’s house thanks to GBG! Trudy is sending 60 pairs of socks and offered up some cash for any last minute things that need to be purchased. Lora is also going to send munchie type stuff in 60 count and Phone/Walmart/Target gift cards. Amy's going shopping too...what a hardship for women, lol.

Chryssa spoke with Gina Sig Sauerpuss, who is also IN : ) Will update deets when we hear from her. She wanted Chryssa to tell everyone that her computer died and she hopes to be back on-line Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. (She also wanted to make sure that I told you she did not shoot the computer -- it died a natural death -- although she seriously considered pouring some rounds into it posthumously out of frustration.) Hah, I think we need an official inquiry ; D

Brenda is going to start baking cookies to bring in a tray…or 10…when the stockings are handed out, and I’m pretty darn sure she ordered the XO to make a Christmas CD…heh. Sin mentioned cigars and Santa hats, but I wasn’t sure of the answer… I don’t think Monday’s are good for Chryssa : ( She’s got lots of great ideas but no time to share right now.

BARNES & NOBLE DISCOUNT

Thanks to Chryssa for the Tree-in-a-Box idea and Veronica & Paulette for their offers of help!! V-Medic gets 30% employee discount. Paulette is a B&N member AND as a military spouse, she gets free shipping plus an additional 6% off. Chryssa is planning to send Veronica some cash to help out with the kits. If anyone else is interested in doing the same or contributing to some books or magazines, their discounts will sure stretch the bucks! Please email V or Paulette and they can update me, or email me and I’ll try to cajole them into being our B & N Elves : )

“NO-NOs”
-- Poppy seeds can alter urine/drug tests, so please make sure snacks do NOT contain them.

-- If you’re sending toiletries, please DON’T send mouthwash as it contains alcohol. There are alcohol-free mouthwashes on the market but they’re uber-expensive.

-- The guys can’t use tape of any kind to hang cards, pix, etc. so magnets are the safest bet.

MORE IDEAS of NEEDED ITEMS
-- Toiletries – Suave shampoo seems to be a fave, but of course, anything is appreciated (except mouthwash containing alcohol.)

-- Notepads for Journaling

-- Sticky notes of all shapes & sizes

-- Magnets, Magnetic notepads. Magnetic clips.

-- Stickers & Indelible markers to decorate their mugs & establish property rights : )

-- Totes or Backpacks

The stockings will be handed out the weekend of 2 Dec, but I'm sure Bren will make sure anything that arrives later will be distributed to the guys.

~ ~ Fa-la-la, fa-la-la, La-la-lahhhhhhhhhh : ) ~ ~

HELPING 60 VETERANs HAVE HAPPIER HOLIDAYS

Our goal is to bring a little holiday cheer to 60 deserving U.S. Veteran's rehabilitating in a Pennsylvania VAMC. Their tours of duty ranged from Vietnam to Iraq. All have PTSD and are bravely battling alcohol/drug addictions. Brenda works with them on a daily basis, and we've dubbed them "Brenda's Guys." How clever. As she writes in her posts below and on her blog, Central Command these guys could use a little joy in their lives. They certainly deserve it!

We're working on filling one of these stockings for each of "Brenda's Guys" as well as have some baked and bought goodies. If we can manage to make sure every man gets a small gift as well...that would be awesome : ) I'll try to update THE LIST of what we've collected as things change.

If anyone would like to participate, please contact me at mjrbch@hotmail.com for snail mail addresses, details or with any questions. We'd appreciate it if you read the following posts and pass it on to anyone who might like to participate in any way.

Some ideas...

--Christmas Cards with Holiday Greetings
--Stamps & Envelopes
--Phone Cards
--McDonald's, WalMart & Target Gift Certificates
--Cookies and Snacks
--Books or Magazines
--Anything they can make/build

ie: models/crafts...especially models of any military theme/Harley's/cars/trucks/boats.

--Soft Blankets or Throws
--Anything with a Steelers theme
--Socks

*PLEASE NOTE: All packages MUST be opened by VAMC staff and can't even HINT at something that would involve alcohol or drugs...such as a can/bottle cooler.

Thanks to the CMDR for giving us a chance to make a difference to some very deserving people.

Happy Holidays : )

CHRISTMAS FOR BRENDA's GUYS

Here's how it started...

COMMAND CENTRAL - 8 NOV 2007 - DURH....I NEV-AH claimed to be a rocket scientist...and it's a good thing too!BUT let's start at the very beginning....a very good place to start....so here's the deal....check out Lemon Stand's project. I ACCIDENTALLY, kind/sorta barged offered her HELP once I read her blog:).(I AM POSITIVE SHE WAS PLEASED...REALLY, I AM:)....(oh and PS...NO WORRIES....I spend 99.9% of my time sleeping these days....so you'd be hard pressed to NOT wake me:)....ANYWHO, before I digressed....This is what Lemon Stand is up to....and let me just point out.....the AUCTION is STILL OPEN!!!!.....Valour-IT stands for "Voice-Activated Laptops for OUR Injured Troops." And every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of laptops for severely wounded service members. As of October 2007, Valour-IT has distributed over 1500 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country.Originally Valour-IT provided the voice-controlled software, but now works closely with the Department of Defense Computer/electronic Accommodations Program (CAP): CAP supplies the adaptive software and Valour-IT provides the laptopNOW doesn't that sound like a GREAT cause????? I thought you'd agree....now GO BID...on the same note, I saw where my good buddy Ms. V from Yuma, had posted this article relating to vets.. well worth reading. Thanks Ms. V-Medic!

WASHINGTON - Veterans make up one in four homeless people in the United States, though they are only 11 percent of the general adult population, according to a report to be released Thursday. And homelessness is not just a problem among middle-age and elderly veterans. Younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are trickling into shelters and soup kitchens seeking services, treatment or help with finding a job.The Veterans Affairs Department has identified 1,500 homeless veterans from the current wars and says 400 of them have participated in its programs specifically targeting homelessness.The National Alliance to End Homelessness, a public education nonprofit, based the findings of its report on numbers from Veterans Affairs and the Census Bureau. 2005 data estimated that 194,254 homeless people out of 744,313 on any given night were veterans.In comparison, the VA says that 20 years ago, the estimated number of veterans who were homeless on any given night was 250,000.Some advocates say the early presence of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan at shelters does not bode well for the future. It took roughly a decade for the lives of Vietnam veterans to unravel to the point that they started showing up among the homeless. Advocates worry that intense and repeated deployments leave newer veterans particularly vulnerable."We're going to be having a tsunami of them eventually because the mental health toll from this war is enormous," said Daniel Tooth, director of veterans affairs for Lancaster County, Pa.While services to homeless veterans have improved in the past 20 years, advocates say more financial resources still are needed. With the spotlight on the plight of Iraq veterans, they hope more will be done to prevent homelessness and provide affordable housing to the younger veterans while there's a window of opportunity."When the Vietnam War ended, that was part of the problem. The war was over, it was off TV, nobody wanted to hear about it," said John Keaveney, a Vietnam veteran and a founder of New Directions in Los Angeles, which provides substance abuse help, job training and shelter to veterans."I think they'll be forgotten," Keaveney said of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. "People get tired of it. It's not glitzy that these are young, honorable, patriotic Americans. They'll just be veterans, and that happens after every war."Keaveney said it's difficult for his group to persuade some homeless Iraq veterans to stay for treatment and help because they don't relate to the older veterans. Those who stayed have had success — one is now a stock broker and another is applying to be a police officer, he said."They see guys that are their father's age and they don't understand, they don't know, that in a couple of years they'll be looking like them," he said.After being discharged from the military, Jason Kelley, 23, of Tomahawk, Wis., who served in Iraq with the Wisconsin National Guard, took a bus to Los Angeles looking for better job prospects and a new life.Kelley said he couldn't find a job because he didn't have an apartment, and he couldn't get an apartment because he didn't have a job. He stayed in a $300-a-week motel until his money ran out, then moved into a shelter run by the group U.S. VETS in Inglewood, Calif. He's since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he said."The only training I have is infantry training and there's not really a need for that in the civilian world," Kelley said in a phone interview. He has enrolled in college and hopes to move out of the shelter soon.The Iraq vets seeking help with homelessness are more likely to be women, less likely to have substance abuse problems, but more likely to have mental illness — mostly related to post-traumatic stress, said Pete Dougherty, director of homeless veterans programs at the VA.Overall, 45 percent of participants in the VA's homeless programs have a diagnosable mental illness and more than three out of four have a substance abuse problem, while 35 percent have both, Dougherty said.Historically, a number of fighters in U.S. wars have become homeless. In the post-Civil War era, homeless veterans sang old Army songs to dramatize their need for work and became known as "tramps," which had meant to march into war, said Todd DePastino, a historian at Penn State University's Beaver campus who wrote a book on the history of homelessness. After World War I, thousands of veterans — many of them homeless — camped in the nation's capital seeking bonus money. Their camps were destroyed by the government, creating a public relations disaster for President Herbert Hoover. The end of the Vietnam War coincided with a time of economic restructuring, and many of the same people who fought in Vietnam were also those most affected by the loss of manufacturing jobs, DePastino said. Their entrance to the streets was traumatic and, as they aged, their problems became more chronic, recalled Sister Mary Scullion, who has worked with the homeless for 30 years and co-founded of the group Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia. "It takes more to address the needs because they are multiple needs that have been unattended," Scullion said. "Life on the street is brutal and I know many, many homeless veterans who have died from Vietnam." The VA started targeting homelessness in 1987, 12 years after the fall of Saigon. Today, the VA has, either on its own or through partnerships, more than 15,000 residential rehabilitative, transitional and permanent beds for homeless veterans nationwide. It spends about $265 million annually on homeless-specific programs and about $1.5 billion for all health care costs for homeless veterans. Because of these types of programs and because two years of free medical care is being offered to all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, Dougherty said they hope many veterans from recent wars who are in need can be identified early. "Clearly, I don't think that's going to totally solve the problem, but I also don't think we're simply going to wait for 10 years until they show up," Dougherty said. "We're out there now trying to get everybody we can to get those kinds of services today, so we avoid this kind of problem in the future." In all of 2006, the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that 495,400 veterans were homeless at some point during the year. The group recommends that 5,000 housing units be created per year for the next five years dedicated to the chronically homeless that would provide permanent housing linked to veterans' support systems. It also recommends funding an additional 20,000 housing vouchers exclusively for homeless veterans, and creating a program that helps bridge the gap between income and rent. Following those recommendations would cost billions of dollars, but there is some movement in Congress to increase the amount of money dedicated to homeless veterans programs. On a recent day in Philadelphia, case managers from Project H.O.M.E. and the VA picked up William Joyce, 60, a homeless Vietnam veteran in a wheelchair who said he'd been sleeping at a bus terminal. "You're an honorable veteran. You're going to get some services," outreach worker Mark Salvatore told Joyce. "You need to be connected. You don't need to be out here on the streets."

....and that my dear friends is the TRUTH.....wanna know how I know???? WELL DUH....'cause I work at a VAMC....lemme tell ya...it's dismal.....our facility isn't as bad as some...it's clean...but old and well-used....on a happy note....they are breaking ground to build us a new and BIGGER (read: more beds, better equipment etc) facility...but that is STILL two years in the building.....

Meanwhile (after reading Lemon's blog and Ms. V's article...I got an email....) WITH ME SO FAR???....(gosh you people, KEEP UP)....from none other than Ms. AE....now Ms. AE says to me..."B, would you mind if I played Santa for some of the Vets at the VAMC where you work".....and I sah-ware....HOLYMUTHAOFPEARL it was like a light bulb went off...the Red Sea parted and the leaves rustled to the ground in the forest and I could FINALLY see through the trees....mrah ah ah aha ah ahah......HERE I AM butting in HELPING Lemon and I, yes I myself, am sitting right amongst a wide open field of POTENTIAL....gosh, sometimes I'm a dork:).....
so I get this idea, this horrible, awful, no-good idea (SOMEONE SLAP ME....I am channelling Dr. Seuss....)....uuumm, no it really isn't a horrible, awful, no-good idea.....but it is an idea...WANNA hear it???? WELL, THEN STOP READING....GEESH......:)....should anyone out there...
(and I KNOW this crew....a very "YES, let's GIT "R" DONE" group!!!!!! and generous to a fault.....sounds like a GIANT suck up....but it's NOT...I know you guys!)

....like to participate.....my idea is too throw this out there and see what happens....being as how I work in a place, ergo...KNOW that the article Ms. V posted is TRUE....and am well aware of how bad off the guys that come through the doors of any VAMC, really are....I would like to propose a wee-bit of a solution....should any of you feel like playing Santa (AND HUGE THANK YOU'S and KUDOS to Ms. AE for jogging my brain)....and would like to have somewhat of a connection to the soldier/sailor/tinker/tailor that you are sending prezzies too....

well.....the guys at my VAMC would be most appreciative....TRUST ME....these guys rock....there is really no "Standard"....some are Vietnam era....some are OIF/OEF.....they come in all shapes and sizes....but some of the things they have in common?....Well, they all stood up for the flag for one thing....and they all reached out and had the courage to say "I NEED HELP"....now think about that for a minute.....these guys ALL had to admit to themselves...that they NEEDED help....that can't have been easy for any of them....about 80% of the guys in the Dom right now are or have been homeless.....

**SHAKES head**....they are all alcoholics or addicts and suffering from PTSD....it's EASY to say "we get it".....but you need to actually be there to see the results of what they actually went through....to see 60 men not want to leave the building on July 4th because the fireworks causes them to have flashbacks....to watch them when a helo lands in the parking lot across the street and watch them cringe from the sounds of the engine revving and the blades twirling....to watch them almost panic when the fire alarm goes off....THAT IS REAL!....and it is both humbling, sad and awe-inspiring...But back to my point...should anyone like to make Christmas for any of these guys...here's what we can do.....I can give you all a list of things they need/like/use...and if any of you would like to help...well HAVE AT IT!

some of the stuff they always need are phone cards, if they still have family that will speak to them....we encourage them to involve their family in their treatment plans.....

McDonald's/Target or Wal-Mart gift certs....the guys are not permitted to leave the campus for the first 30 days of treatment...and believe me you, on day 31....they hit the doors and "escape" to the closest places they can walk to...that being McDonald's/Target/Wal-Mart:).....you wouldn't think that would be a big deal....but they love it....they will go there and just have a cup of coffee...just to GET OUT....they also can use them to buy laundry soap/starch & bleach (I've NEVER seen so much starch and bleach in one place in my life...these guys are BIG into starch and bleach....{puzzled look}....Shrugs...it's true...

Stamps and envelopes....it really is true....ANY letter/mail they get THRILLS them to death....

The standards...cookies/snacks etc...(let's face it....it IS a hospital...and therefore....hospital food...BLECH)......

Anything they can make/build ie: models/crafts....they especially like models of any military theme/Harley's/cars/trucks/boats.....

SOCKS....not kidding....we never have enough socks to go around....

It's a hospital....(yeah, I keep pointing that out:)....with standard hospital blankets...I've noticed a lot of the guys will get themselves a blanket that is soft...with some kind of pattern/theme/sport team just to spruce up their room...

Anything that has a Steelers theme.....WAIT...I shouldn't say ANYTHING....(and this goes for any of the prezzies...but it can't even HINT at something that would involve alcohol or drugs...such as a can/bottle cooler...)

Books or magazines....the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book is always helpful....

So anywho, I KNOW you all are being S T R E T C H E D with all the projects you have already take on....and I understand TOTALLY if the stretch has reached it's limit....just thought I would throw this out there and see what happens....and I thank you all NOW....for anything you would like to do to help....it WILL be appreciated...

I think the easiest way to set this up is to have anyone who would like to do it, send the packages directly to the Dom...and just so you all know....I would have to open them all before giving them to the guys....it's a rule...even with their own boxes/packages...they have to open them in front of us....we just check for knives/C-4/Playboy's/alcohol...you know, contraband....we are SUCH downers that way! I can just pick names out of a hat and distibute...or if you can get 60 of one thing I can give each guy one....like if someone were to send a batch of cookies...I could just put them out for all the guys and let them go wild:)

Again...I thank you all and I understand if ONE more project just won't fit....and I am not sure how I would be able to show you all how grateful the guys would be....because I am SURE they will want to Thank anyone who helps them...but this whole deal is a learning process...by next year I'll be a pro:)

Again, a big thank you to AE and Lemon Stand for getting this whole thing started!

WOULDN'T YA KNOW IT?

Lora, Trudy, Paulette, Ginger, Sinful Cindy, the XO, Mic, Janet, Chryssa, Debbie and a whole bunch others jumped up and down, waving their hands in the air yelling, "YESSSS!!! I'D LOVE TO HELP!"

Of course they did...because they are some of the most wonderful, generous people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. And wouldn't ya know it? That really got the ball rolling....

Ginger and Cindy came through....AGAIN....with 60 Stockings and gift bags!!! Every single one of Bren's Guys will get a stocking. WOW!!! GBG, Sin, the XO, Kara & Mic will be taking the Cmdr's wee ones shopping on the weekend of Dec 2nd for goodies to fill the stockings.

Here's how it rolled...

COMMAND CENTRAL - 9 NOV 2007 - Sin & GBG have come through AGAIN.....they have bought 60 stockings and 60 gift bags....WHEW.....and Sin is throwing in McD's gift certs....J took Sox....(be they white or red...I'm not sure)....R&R's claimed Canuck-land Smarties:) ....NOW here's where it gets a lil' tricky....should anyone like to get anything that would fit in a S"N"ocking (that's what my niece called them when she was little...sNockings...hehehehe) or a gift bag....HOO YAH!....

....I am going to load everyone up and trek up to the Dom for a "Hands on" Christmas at the Dom Santa Surprise.....which I will get permission from the guys to photograph....then I can post the pics here so you can ALL see the smiles :)

So if anyone would like to help this way instead of trying to run around collecting....you can send it to my house, R&R has THAT addy too:)…I'm not sure if this will make it simpler for everyone or not....I"M LEARNING.....I'm gonna be a PRO!.....but if this will help anyone....feel free....and if you would rather just fill/collect for one box....THAT's MARVEY too! COOL.....and can still be sent to the Dom directly anytime after the first....see R&R for the addy...(I'm betting she is wishing she never opened her mouth....heheheheheh) Naaahhhhh ; )

…and ladies again...THANK YOU and please....it doesn't have to break the bank and 'cause marital discord....any SMALL thing is GREAT....I am feeling kinda guilty....***tilts head and squints*** not sure why,...I think it's 'cause I am afraid you all are going to mortgage your houses and end up in divorce court...so maybe trying for 60 SMALL/inexpensive things will soothe us all???? OH OKAY, it would soothe me to know that no one is going to go bankrupt trying to help here;)...I'm so excited...AND.....I still get to decide what I am tossing in....hhhmmmm....something in BULK...scratches head...thinking, thinking....

"THE LIST" -- What we Have

Here's what we've got as of: Friday

60 - Stockings
60 - Gift bags
60 - Pairs of Gloves
60 - Knit Caps aka "Toboggins"
60+++ Pairs of Socks
60 - Stationary Sets
60 - Disposable Christmas Cameras ***fingers crossed : )****
60 - Magnetic Photo Frames
60 - Pieces of Christmas "artwork" from Kindergarten class
60 - Magnets
60 - Candy Cane Reindeer
60 - Friendship Bracelets /w 60 Christmas cards
60 - Soft, Fuzzy, Snuggly --- :o --- I mean REAL TUFF, MANLY Blankets
60 - Individually sealed pkgs. of coffee &/or cocoa from The North Pole Santa Coffee/Cocoa Company

1 - White House Puzzle
1 - Sports Trivia Game
2 - Phone Cards
1 - Coffee Mug Gift Basket-y Thingie
2 - Nascar Model Kits
1 - Football
1 - Basketball
1 - Soccer ball
Frisbees
24 - Wind pants, assorted sizes
8 - Tree-in-a-Box kits

McDonald's Gift Certificates
Notebooks
Flip flops
Sunglasses
Flag Magnets
Sudoku games

60 count Box of Tootsie Rolls, Peppermint Rings and Bubblegum
60 count Box of Smarties
3 boxes Candy Canes
Assorted Candy & Snacks
Boxes/Pkgs. Generic Cards for the guys to send loved ones

Permanent markers, pens, pencils, stamps and Goodies to munch....


FOR DELIVERY DAY:
1 - Kick-a$$ Holiday Soundtrack by XO H&K Productions
Trays, plates, napkins, mini-flags and goodwill a'plenty : )

Jon's sweet offer...

Most excellent!! I LOVE it when a super-de-dooper plan comes together. He's quite a guy, your hubby. : )

You heard her, Brigade....Jon's taking time off to stay home with THE KIDS, so we can plunder Little Creek!!! Let the plans commence...

V...ask Jon what time should we drop them off? Should they bring sleeping bags? Pillows? Enormous amounts of sugar-laden drinks and treats, of course. Lots of noisy toys too, right? Silly string. Whoopee cushions. BB guns. Some rope to "secure" him should he get testy. Algebra to tutor. Scissors to run with. Anything else? Maybe we should take pity and number them for him? And some special instructions? *nods head* Yes, he is a man after all.

Okay, Mr. V-Medic, please pay attention. #1, 2 & 3 belong to the Cmdr. DTFs are #4, 5 & 6, Tango's got #7 & 8. #9 &10 belong to GBG and R&R's are #11, 12 & 14. Sin's got #15, 16 & 17.5 and the XO has #18. Of course, the units you're familiar with are #19, 20 & 21.

#14 - #18 have special circumstances attached, we'll get back to you on that. For now, all you need to know is if #17.5 starts leaking and saying she's got an "Owwie," you are NOT equipped to deal with it. Get thee to a professional ASAP!!! Trust us, we will NOT look down on you for wringing your hands and whining "I don't know nothin' bout birthin' no babies!" In fact, it's preferred. Now then, #1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 18 are allowed to sleep in the same barracks. #15 and 17.5 already have, but that didn't happen on your watch, so relax. #16 has important classes and we suggest you make sure she attends. The Brigade will require her services at some point, so let's not hold the kid back, okay?? #3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 19 & 20 are prone to high-pitched squealing, but don't let that worry you...it's only when they're quiet you need to be concerned they're plotting your downfall. # 11, 15, 16 and possibly 18 are allowed to drink beer with you, #7, 9, 12, & 14 are not, no matter how much they assure you they are. Watch out for #11 because he thinks he knows everything and I suspect several others do as well. Do not allow fraterniziation between #12 and #7, 9, or 18...they aren't playing tiddlywinks, buddy. #9 & 10 know how to shoot, so stay on their good side, and watch out for #5 & 6 because they'll whip you into shape in no time. Here's where it gets tricky... :o ) #3 and #8 go by the same call sign, so don't assume just because you've got one kid answering to it, that you've got them all. And for gawd's sake, man, no matter what you do, do NOT let #3 near V's closet!!! It could get nasty. : )

Cmdr....you are killin me!lol.....

are you a little excited???hmmmm???? LOL.. Ok, I just got back into town. Dh took me away for the weekend for my b-day. Hey, it was only at the Marriot by the airport, but the important thing was it was away from the children! I will start calling the KOA tomorrow. I guess I will find out what dates are open and available the first 3 weeks of Aug. How many days do I say? Is this going to be a weekend jaunt ie: thurs - sun? Ok, the Cmdr and XO need a cottage with a bathroom. R&R is staying in the camper with me, what about: Tango, Sin, Carrie, GBG and Echo? Is Prof coming along? Anybody I missed?
You all are going to love this. Jon and I were talking and he asked me if we had a date yet for VB. I replied that, as of yet, it was only narrowed down to the first three weeks of Aug. He said that he would take personal time to stay at home with the kids. Or...and this is a big OR...he could accompany me, and he would get us a tour of the Naval Base. He said he would call a couple of buddies, and arrange it. I just looked at him. I said that, though I appreciate the offer, this was a WOMAN'S WEEKEND AWAY!!!!! I think he is getting a little nervous...geesh. And we haven't even gone to Bad Frogs yet!...V

I am stuck on VAB...

V-Medic....do we have a week for VAB yet? YES, I do realize I am anal...and yes you ALL will be fed up with my anal-ness LONG before VAB....it's all part of my charm:)....to know me is to love me...but only if you are wise enough to realize my "SPECIAL-NESS" mrah ha ha .....
So anywho, do we have dates yet?....wait let's try this
1) do we have dates
2) did we decide how long to stay
3) I know this will be a trial on my part, but since I AM the CMDR, I will go through the door first at Raven's/Hot Tuna...REALLY don't worry about me...I'll BE FINE...(the sacrifices I must make)
4) The XO and I will want one of those cabins with a bathroom...I mean really...let's not get carried away with the "roughing" it concept...
5)...the XO never gets a bed...It's some kind of rule...(HEY, I LET her have the pull out couch bed..yeesh...I am still trying to convince her to sleep on the floor beside my KING size/pillow top/loaded with pillows bed...but she prefers a cardboard box stacked out over an ant hill using a table runner as a sheet...SHE'S WEIRD!!:)....
but my point is....R&R you can stay in our cabin with us, should you wish...heck anyone can stay with us....just keep in mind....I am a chronic insomniac, so I might keep you up all night and it is considered a foul to stare at the XO once she passes out...also keep in mind...People, even strangers tend to migrate to our HQ...so be prepared and don't run around in your skivves unless you have no problem mooning people...YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
6) how many of us are venturing forth?.....ECHO Mahvelous...you haven't reported in...so I will consider you as a "GO".....oh quit your beotching....get another job and make a run for the border...don't make me take over Canada!!! I just hate causing international incidences. And those Canuck jails are so hard to break out of:)
7) we ALWAYS have a "theme" for these little parties....SIN, a theme if you will....which means...anything and everything is to be purchased and brought along to add to the ambiance...(such as Tango's frog chess board, Tango did you buy that?)...we have had a lualu (sp), football, Navy (of course), and Hotlanta was a hodge-podge (probably drove poor Sin nuts to not have a set theme to work with..let's not do that to the woman again:)....we had a great one going for Dallas (until that got nixed, DAMNIT)...we were going for Chiuhuha's and pink Caddy's...(it would have been grand, sigh)...so we need a THEME ASAP...Sin, we are waiting
8) Op name:....must have an op name....critical....put your thinking caps on ladies....something to do with frogs, seals, sea, maiden voyage of all team members, drunken daubachary....well, you get the idea...but we need an Op name and we need it fast....THIS JUST IN (a pop up bubble over my head) does anyone have any objections to OP "under the boardwalk"?....we can work with that, can't we?.....the CD burners of the tribe could have a field day...and Sin...you could work with a Boardwalk theme, couldn't you?....Let me know
9) what happens Under the Boardwalk/in VAB or in Little Creek....STAYS under the boardwalk, in VAB or in LC:)
It's a free for all....
10) since I can't do it alone....YOU ALL have to help me keep track of the XO....she tends to wonder off and she talks to strangers ALOT....I am considering hooking her up to a GPS but until then...I need help tracking her!!!!

anything I've missed?.......let's roll ladies....
CMDR

Echo (not so) Mahvelous....says I am not blonde?

GASPS....If I am not blonde, 36-24-36, 5'8"...then WHOTHEHECK is this?????
I think Em is just messin' with me....'cause in my world...(IT'S SO NICE here!!!)... that is sssooo me!..AND I can do that nifty trick of climbing a rope ladder in heels...snorts...CAN anyone, anywhere actually do THAT?!?!?

and speaking of shoes....ah ha!!! the hunt is on....need to find the perfect ankle strap pumps to go with....ta freakin' da...the perfect dress....don't know how many of you saw the red Marilyn Monroe dress...but when I ordered it...um, well had it been listed as a nightgown..I would have believed that more readily than that it was a DRESS!!!

so the other day off I head into the vast jungle of consumerism...and I found it!!! woo hoo VICTORY is schweet!...it's still a Marilyn dress but it is black and oh thank you sweet jasus and all the saints...it is lined on top/not split to my belly button ring in front and not to my butt in back...it's just too big but hey...(and this is just proof that I am SO cheap:).... it was only $23.99...a different one that did fit and was pretty was $62.00...SO I of course I chose the cheaper one...now to fix it....and find those ankle strap pumps....the other MUST have is....wweeeee (I am going for total authenticity:).....those thigh highs that have a seam up the back...anyone know where I can get those CHEAP??? and a black garter belt:)....I am doing it up right ladies...help me out will ya?....oh and I did check out Fredrick's and Vickie's...if I can find them (surprise/surprise) cheaper...I would rather...or I will just bite the bullet and go to Freddy's or Vickie's....sigh....might have to mortgage the house...but so be it

PIMP-ing my book....:)

Okay so it's really not MY book....but....I am in it...YEPPERS!!! For all you who don't know...I am in Alesia Holiday's book "Blondes Have More Felons"....( a BRILLIANT literary work, if I do say so myself:).....So for all you SLACKERS who do know this and haven't YET bought the book (YET)...how's about you all get crack a lackin???? HHMMM

and for all you FNG's...you are excused...you have a week and a day to have it in your hot little hands:)....there will be a pop quiz on the third Sunday of the month...heheheh (the Prof should enjoy that!)

....Have I mentioned I am in ALESIA HOLIDAY'S BOOK "BLONDE'S HAVE MORE FELON'S"""?????? I"m just sayin':)


and if you get a chance that GODDESS Alesia wrote a book (non-fiction) titled "Email's from the front"....it is a work of art....you will be laughing and crying at the same time....MY KIND OF book:)

YA'LL ARE STILL HERE????? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???? GET GOING....Amazon and Barnes & Noble are open on -line 24/7.....ROLL OUT!!!!!!! GET OUT YOUR WATER COOLED CHARGE CARDS AND GET BUSY!!!!

CMDR

WOW, I am really getting good at this:).

Kewl!!!....um R&R...the XO is ssssoooo gonna kick your ass...yep....she had a mission statement/policy & procedure statement all worked out...it kinda sounded like yours...and I can't remember it all...(COME ON!!! she is a LITTLE verbose:)...and I am a LITTLE drunk...(anyone wanna play pirates....ah never mind)...anywho...does anyone remember what our full P&P statement was????
CMDR