In addition to family, friends, co-workers, members, (you know who you are),
Here are Some Things I Miss:
Batia & Aleeza (Batia, Bea, Roni and Sabla)
Golden Spoon
Morningstar Farms
Orville Redenbacher 93% fat free
Lunch at KY&L
Signal Hill
Meetings (Tuesday and Saturday)
Meetings (Friday and Sunday)
Target
Nordstrom
E-Street Radio
3719 Brayton
My Star of David necklace
Indoor bathrooms
HelpDesk!!
Ken and Sal at the front door
Lynda and cookies every Monday morning
White
Clean fingernails
Dew
Pedicures
and Some Things I Don't Miss:
Grocery shopping
Make-up
3” Heels
Driving
Traffic
405/710
Flushing (highly overrated)
Gossip
Cash
Mildew
Elevators
Squeeky door and stairs to my apartment
Alarm at 0500 on Saturday mornings
Ringing telephones and being paged
Faxes, photocopies and scanning
Opening bills
Monday, March 30, 2009
It's Not Really Now, It's Then
I’m writing this on Word and then transferring to my blog so that the events are not tied to specific dates.
We were very slow at the USO for a couple of days: no marines, two persons from air force who are attached to navy and just one army battalion in camp. Lots of time to clean up, organize, read and I even left early one evening. (Thank you Mike-E.)
It is pouring rain right now, the most since I’ve been here for the longest amount of time. Hopefully the water will settle the sand and wash away some of the dust. I hope it slows long enough for me to get to the DFac for lunch. I’ve gotten this far in life without missing a meal; don’t want to start now.
We had a party for the British contingency the other evening. I don’t know why, because there’s nothing special going on with them, but for some reason Joe decided to host a bar-b-que. We set up the grill, pulled out the food, invited 10 people and 40 showed up, which is exactly how it was supposed to happen. We had hot dogs, steak, hamburgers, chips, Monsters and soda. (Monsters are the big deal around here. They keep people awake when they don’t have time or inclination to sleep.) Games we played included Frisbee, Halo and annoy the USO employees. There was a lot of laughing in English and American. I didn’t bring my camera but Danni and Rick took lots of pictures, some of which I hope they delete, others of which I hope they will send to me so that I can share on my blog. I’m supposed to go somewhere with the Brits this week because they have a “no travel” day which coincides with my day off. Whatever they’re doing, I’m doing it with them. Gerry, Rick, Keith, Danni and Patch are like family.
Hatfield picked up two bottles of Old Spice shower soap for me the last time he was at Buhering. I so hope that I don’t forget these in the shower. I still miss my Ax.
I was talking to one guy a couple of days ago. He told me the things in life he loves the most are his wife, the Baby Jesus, Texas and the USO. He said he used to include the [Dallas] Cowboys and the Army on his list, but now it’s just down to those four: his wife, Baby Jesus, Texas and the USO. That was another day knowing exactly why I’m here.
I found Joe and Eddie on-line and a bunch of other fabulous music too. Unfortunately I cannot download. When I try, I get a notice that says the items are unavailable to me because I’m not in the USA. How the f=== does Amazon know where I am?
Leslie Jenkins sent me a box of newspapers, mostly Press Telegram. Makes me homesick. It’s good to see that the Fosters, Chief Batts, the Lowenthals and Evan Braude are all doing fine without me. Can’t wait to read “ Seen at the Scene” for the KY&L Long Beach Grand Prix party.
Life is extremely good and I am very happy here, but I do miss my sweet kids (and their significant others), sister, buddies, friends, co-workers, jobs, you and life in Long Beach a lot.
We were very slow at the USO for a couple of days: no marines, two persons from air force who are attached to navy and just one army battalion in camp. Lots of time to clean up, organize, read and I even left early one evening. (Thank you Mike-E.)
It is pouring rain right now, the most since I’ve been here for the longest amount of time. Hopefully the water will settle the sand and wash away some of the dust. I hope it slows long enough for me to get to the DFac for lunch. I’ve gotten this far in life without missing a meal; don’t want to start now.
We had a party for the British contingency the other evening. I don’t know why, because there’s nothing special going on with them, but for some reason Joe decided to host a bar-b-que. We set up the grill, pulled out the food, invited 10 people and 40 showed up, which is exactly how it was supposed to happen. We had hot dogs, steak, hamburgers, chips, Monsters and soda. (Monsters are the big deal around here. They keep people awake when they don’t have time or inclination to sleep.) Games we played included Frisbee, Halo and annoy the USO employees. There was a lot of laughing in English and American. I didn’t bring my camera but Danni and Rick took lots of pictures, some of which I hope they delete, others of which I hope they will send to me so that I can share on my blog. I’m supposed to go somewhere with the Brits this week because they have a “no travel” day which coincides with my day off. Whatever they’re doing, I’m doing it with them. Gerry, Rick, Keith, Danni and Patch are like family.
Hatfield picked up two bottles of Old Spice shower soap for me the last time he was at Buhering. I so hope that I don’t forget these in the shower. I still miss my Ax.
I was talking to one guy a couple of days ago. He told me the things in life he loves the most are his wife, the Baby Jesus, Texas and the USO. He said he used to include the [Dallas] Cowboys and the Army on his list, but now it’s just down to those four: his wife, Baby Jesus, Texas and the USO. That was another day knowing exactly why I’m here.
I found Joe and Eddie on-line and a bunch of other fabulous music too. Unfortunately I cannot download. When I try, I get a notice that says the items are unavailable to me because I’m not in the USA. How the f=== does Amazon know where I am?
Leslie Jenkins sent me a box of newspapers, mostly Press Telegram. Makes me homesick. It’s good to see that the Fosters, Chief Batts, the Lowenthals and Evan Braude are all doing fine without me. Can’t wait to read “ Seen at the Scene” for the KY&L Long Beach Grand Prix party.
Life is extremely good and I am very happy here, but I do miss my sweet kids (and their significant others), sister, buddies, friends, co-workers, jobs, you and life in Long Beach a lot.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Interesting People
There's one really tall guy who came into the USO for a few days last week. I kept hearing him say to people, "Six-nine. Yeah. Hahahaha." I told him he should get a button that says, "I'm six nine; yes, I played basketball in college. The air is fine up here." He's too nice a guy to do that though. He's a lawyer with JAG. I told him he should look us up when/he gets to Long Beach but he doesn't particularly like Jones Act.
As I was leaving the USO last night a marine was walking next to me and asked me where the bathrooms are located. I told him I was going there (some things never change) so we walked together. (The latrines are about 50 feet from the USO.) During that short walk (30 seconds or so) he told me he was excited to be on his way back to the states but that he was going home to get a divorce. A week after he left his wife started cheating on him, they tried to work it out, but now she is pregnant (not his kid). They already have one kid and have (had) been married less than a year. I still cannot get over that his story is so common. You don't hear on the news about the horrible toll that war is taking on families; not just those who are physically injured, but emotionally defeated as well.
Stepping off my soap box; taking a nap.
As I was leaving the USO last night a marine was walking next to me and asked me where the bathrooms are located. I told him I was going there (some things never change) so we walked together. (The latrines are about 50 feet from the USO.) During that short walk (30 seconds or so) he told me he was excited to be on his way back to the states but that he was going home to get a divorce. A week after he left his wife started cheating on him, they tried to work it out, but now she is pregnant (not his kid). They already have one kid and have (had) been married less than a year. I still cannot get over that his story is so common. You don't hear on the news about the horrible toll that war is taking on families; not just those who are physically injured, but emotionally defeated as well.
Stepping off my soap box; taking a nap.
Giftage, Illusions and a Mission - 25 March 2009
Last week received box from Karen K. (yay Pool Girls!!) overflowing with goodies. Now the guys from the mid-West and East coast know why we like See's candy so much. They do too. There were 3 one-pound boxes that disappeared within a few hours. We loved the cookies, brownies, nuts, popcorn, etc., etc. It's wonderful to know you are thinking of me/us and it's just way too much fun to see the troops. I wish I could tell you how much we/they appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I received my mural. Just need to paste it up on the wall. Then when I sit on the bed it will seem like I'm staring out at the ocean.
One thing that has bothered me the most since I've been at Camp Virginia are the DFac breakfast hours. The DFac is open 1100 - 1330 for lunch, 1730 - 2000 for dinner and 2330 - 0130 for midnight grub, but they are open 0530 only until 0800 for breakfast! That means if I want to eat breakfast at the DFac I need to get up at 0700!?! I work until midnight or later, come back home, read for awhile and then go to sleep. Do they really think I should get up at 0700 after going to sleep at 0130? after fewer than 6 hours of sleep? That's ridiculous! I'm filling out evaluation forms and may write a formal letter of protest later this afternoon. I cannot believe in this day and age that breakfast on an American military base does not run at least until 0900. Won't you join me in supporting this important cause?
(BTW - if I don't get to breakfast at DFac I go to Green Beans [open 24/7] and get a triple-espresso-non-fat-Chai-iced thing with a muffin. Although it's not healthy at all, if I eat that I'm not hungry [or tired] again until mid-afternoon. However, with tip, it costs six friggin' USD!) (Another BTW: McDonald's was closed for a few days for repairs, but now they are back up and running: 0900 - 0200. What a relief.)
Life goes on. I miss your hugs.
xxxooo
bon
I received my mural. Just need to paste it up on the wall. Then when I sit on the bed it will seem like I'm staring out at the ocean.
One thing that has bothered me the most since I've been at Camp Virginia are the DFac breakfast hours. The DFac is open 1100 - 1330 for lunch, 1730 - 2000 for dinner and 2330 - 0130 for midnight grub, but they are open 0530 only until 0800 for breakfast! That means if I want to eat breakfast at the DFac I need to get up at 0700!?! I work until midnight or later, come back home, read for awhile and then go to sleep. Do they really think I should get up at 0700 after going to sleep at 0130? after fewer than 6 hours of sleep? That's ridiculous! I'm filling out evaluation forms and may write a formal letter of protest later this afternoon. I cannot believe in this day and age that breakfast on an American military base does not run at least until 0900. Won't you join me in supporting this important cause?
(BTW - if I don't get to breakfast at DFac I go to Green Beans [open 24/7] and get a triple-espresso-non-fat-Chai-iced thing with a muffin. Although it's not healthy at all, if I eat that I'm not hungry [or tired] again until mid-afternoon. However, with tip, it costs six friggin' USD!) (Another BTW: McDonald's was closed for a few days for repairs, but now they are back up and running: 0900 - 0200. What a relief.)
Life goes on. I miss your hugs.
xxxooo
bon
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Name Game - 25 March 2009 (and Gel)
All of the troops that come in to the USO must sign in, but then if they want to use a phone, movie, game or computer we put them on a wait list (if necessary) and then take their ID while they borrow our equipment. Therefore we get to see most of their names. Here at Camp Virginia everyone looks basically the same (athletic build, very short hair, one of 6 or 7 basic outfits) but I've seem some really interesting last names, many with fascinating stories to accompany them. What's interesting to me is that the names come in bunches. Of course we always have a lot of Johnsons, Smiths, Rodriguezes and Gonzales, and this week we've had at least 6 Wilsons while I was on duty last night. A couple of weeks ago we had a Fitzsimmons, Fitzgerald and Fitzpatrick all on the same day; nothing similar before or since. We'll get 3 or 4 Fishers (Fischers) at once and then won't see any for weeks. A couple of days ago there were five Torreses in one evening. I mentioned something and this 20-year old kid said, "Yeah, three of us are cousins. We all joined the army on the same day and now we're all deployed together." How cool is that?? Last night we had two guys with the same (very uncommon) name. I thought someone had messed up our lists, but they were sitting next to each other on the computers. Both Marine corporals, both about the same age, neither knew the other but they both had the same last name. Haven't seen any Bachenheimers yet.
Update: Since then we've had (on the same day and that I remember) two Heimers, two Clevelands and two Justaces, none of whom are related.
On another unrelated but equally important note, I left my soap in the bathroom AGAIN! That's three times!! It's a good thing they pay me well because I'm supplying the population of Bangladesh with Ax shower gel.
Update: Since then we've had (on the same day and that I remember) two Heimers, two Clevelands and two Justaces, none of whom are related.
On another unrelated but equally important note, I left my soap in the bathroom AGAIN! That's three times!! It's a good thing they pay me well because I'm supplying the population of Bangladesh with Ax shower gel.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Random Thoughts, Happenings and Events - 20 March 2009
We had a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17th. The troops played beer pong, we served Irish stew, potatoes with cabbage, green beer, chips, cookies and candies (thanks to Alexis, Kathleen and Beverly/KY&L). The celebration was loud and boisterous, everyone stayed from 1900 to past midnight. They left a mess and the latrines were trashed. I think we forgot to tell the partygoers that it was near-beer because I’d swear everyone acted like they were drunk.
They’ve put a barrier at the end of our “block,” between me and the latrine. When I stumble (no exaggeration) to the bathroom at night I have to zig/zag on the way (zag/zig) on the way back, and it’s 64 steps instead of 60. Is there no end to life’s challenge?
I ordered a really cool mural for my "apartment." It's 12' x 8.5'; a picture of a porch and the ocean. My friend asked me what my roommate thought of the mural. I guess I should tell my roommate before I put up this huge picture.
We have new USO shirts for SWA. I told Jonathan I had a bit of an issue wearing this shirt with the bright flags of Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan stitched on the front. I told him I was going to take my shirt to one of the embroidery shops (two here at Camp Virginia) and have the Israeli flag embroidered at the top. ========= We had to call two teams of paramedics to revive Jonathan. When he came to, he asked me not to put the Israeli flag on anything. I guess he thinks that’s not a good idea.
I have "respite" for two days in April. Instead of going to some fancy hotel, I'm going to take April 8 and 9 to hopefully attend Passover seders at Camp Arafjahn those two days. Good timing. Send matzo, macaroons, haggadot, candies, etc. I'll find a way to make my own kugle, tsimmis and charoset. Joe said he'd go with me and be an honorary Jew for a Day (or two).
They will do our laundry for free here. However, the laundry place is pretty far away (10 minute walk) and you need to give them 24 hours to do the laundry and when it's returned the clothes are not dirty, but they sure don't smell clean. There's also some weird Arabic markings on my sox; or maybe that says "Hanes;" it's difficult to tell. Anyway, I'm going to go back to doing my own laundry. (There's some in the dryer right now.) The machines are close, I don't need to be naked for a day and my clothes smell good. I can do one load of whites with only two socks in it if I want.
Was chatting with this guy (24 years old) while he was sitting at the computer. I asked him if he had done a UTR. He said no because his son is too young and his daughter lives in a hospital. His five year old daughter has cystic fibrosis, cannot talk because of the trach and probably will live in hospital for the rest of her short life. He showed me pictures of his kids and seems to have a great attitude. Then he told me that cystic fibrosis is hereditary and that he had the carrier gene. He said 11 days after his daughter was diagnosed his wife left him with a note taped to the TV that said, "I will never forgive you for what you've done to our daughter." His son is from a second wife who left him in October telling him that she didn't like that he was away so much [in the Army]. I know every story has two sides and I know I'm hearing the twenty minute version, but it seems this scenario is waaaayyyy too common for the military. This guy doesn't (seem to) feel sorry for himself, he's just matter of fact about the whole situation. I was eating lunch with him yesterday and one of his buddies comes by and says, "So, how are the wife and kids." OK. So that was a bit awkward. His face fell, but then he recovered. This guy is due to leave today, but we the only think I can send with him is prayers. I told him I was going to put him in my blog too (without his name). He said that was ok.
Signing off. I need to eat lunch early since I work 1400 - 2200 today and Sunday (instead of my usual 1600 - 2400). cheers; be well; take care; lots of hugs; send prayers for our troops.
xxxooo bon
They’ve put a barrier at the end of our “block,” between me and the latrine. When I stumble (no exaggeration) to the bathroom at night I have to zig/zag on the way (zag/zig) on the way back, and it’s 64 steps instead of 60. Is there no end to life’s challenge?
I ordered a really cool mural for my "apartment." It's 12' x 8.5'; a picture of a porch and the ocean. My friend asked me what my roommate thought of the mural. I guess I should tell my roommate before I put up this huge picture.
We have new USO shirts for SWA. I told Jonathan I had a bit of an issue wearing this shirt with the bright flags of Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan stitched on the front. I told him I was going to take my shirt to one of the embroidery shops (two here at Camp Virginia) and have the Israeli flag embroidered at the top. ========= We had to call two teams of paramedics to revive Jonathan. When he came to, he asked me not to put the Israeli flag on anything. I guess he thinks that’s not a good idea.
I have "respite" for two days in April. Instead of going to some fancy hotel, I'm going to take April 8 and 9 to hopefully attend Passover seders at Camp Arafjahn those two days. Good timing. Send matzo, macaroons, haggadot, candies, etc. I'll find a way to make my own kugle, tsimmis and charoset. Joe said he'd go with me and be an honorary Jew for a Day (or two).
They will do our laundry for free here. However, the laundry place is pretty far away (10 minute walk) and you need to give them 24 hours to do the laundry and when it's returned the clothes are not dirty, but they sure don't smell clean. There's also some weird Arabic markings on my sox; or maybe that says "Hanes;" it's difficult to tell. Anyway, I'm going to go back to doing my own laundry. (There's some in the dryer right now.) The machines are close, I don't need to be naked for a day and my clothes smell good. I can do one load of whites with only two socks in it if I want.
Was chatting with this guy (24 years old) while he was sitting at the computer. I asked him if he had done a UTR. He said no because his son is too young and his daughter lives in a hospital. His five year old daughter has cystic fibrosis, cannot talk because of the trach and probably will live in hospital for the rest of her short life. He showed me pictures of his kids and seems to have a great attitude. Then he told me that cystic fibrosis is hereditary and that he had the carrier gene. He said 11 days after his daughter was diagnosed his wife left him with a note taped to the TV that said, "I will never forgive you for what you've done to our daughter." His son is from a second wife who left him in October telling him that she didn't like that he was away so much [in the Army]. I know every story has two sides and I know I'm hearing the twenty minute version, but it seems this scenario is waaaayyyy too common for the military. This guy doesn't (seem to) feel sorry for himself, he's just matter of fact about the whole situation. I was eating lunch with him yesterday and one of his buddies comes by and says, "So, how are the wife and kids." OK. So that was a bit awkward. His face fell, but then he recovered. This guy is due to leave today, but we the only think I can send with him is prayers. I told him I was going to put him in my blog too (without his name). He said that was ok.
Signing off. I need to eat lunch early since I work 1400 - 2200 today and Sunday (instead of my usual 1600 - 2400). cheers; be well; take care; lots of hugs; send prayers for our troops.
xxxooo bon
The Reasons - 19 March 2009
Cliché alert – cliché alert – cliché alert – cliché alert – cliché alert – cliché alert.
Almost every day someone will ask me why I’m here working at the USO in Kuwait. I tell them that I was volunteering at the USO @ LAX and really enjoyed it, so I decided to request an 18 month leave from my job(s), take a 50% pay cut, sublet my apartment, return my car and fly to a country where I (Jew/sabra) am definitely not welcome to share a small hut in 130 degree summer heat because I thought it would be fun. I’ve been at Camp Virginia exactly five weeks, and to tell you the truth, it is fun. The days are pretty much all the same, except my once a week day off when I have time to do laundry. We are a small group of USO employees on a military base with 80% of the personnel changing daily. We get our limited world view from AFN/CNN and the Stars and Stripes. So what’s to like?
I finally figured out that I liked USO @ LAX and I like USO at Camp Virginia so much because there is an abundance of humility. Most of us are here because we are doing something for someone or something else. We are not goody goodies (at least I’m not) and I’m sure every single person at Camp Virginia has his or her own personal motive for being in the military or working at the base. Because or despite that, it seems to me there is an incredible overflow of humble people. Even the TCNs who empty the latrines, rake the rocks, fix the lights and clean the tents seem to be in a grateful mode. They are all genuinely friendly and gracious – and no Jordan, they are not just nice to me because I’m female.
I love getting boxes from home and sharing with the troops. It is so heartwarming to watch the soldiers when we make popcorn for them or deliver candies, snacks and cookies. Every one of them seems so happy, elated and overwhelmed. It’s beyond the troops’ comprehension that they
are doing us the service. They are so delighted with the support. Every time someone asks me how much something costs (use of the phones or Internet, calling cards, X-Box or Play Station game time) and I tell them that everything in our building is free, I see a half second of incomprehension; it takes them that long to catch on that the USO is for their benefit.
It’s amazing to me how much our troops are doing for us, how proud they are to serve their country, how much love they have for their post, how young and innocent most of them are and how much they truly do not realize their huge contributions.
I wish you could see what I see. Cases in point:
1. Almost everyone says a silent prayer before eating.
2. Alexis, Kathleen (USO@LAX) and Beverly/KY&L sent Girl Scout cookies. I gave a few boxes to some marines who were playing dominoes. They were so eager to choose their favorite kind, i.e., peanut butter, purple ones, Thin Mints, lemon cookies; every one of the 5 got their own box. You’d have thought I bought them each a car! They protected the cookies like a beloved friend, not wanting to let go and very reluctantly sharing. They could not tell me enough how much they loved, supported and were grateful to the Girl Scouts and how happy they were to have GS cookies. They couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful the Girl Scouts are.
3. I was restocking the water fridge. One 19-year-old came over to tell me in his charming Southern accent, “This USO is wonderful. Thank you ma’am. I really appreciate everything you do for us.” (The feeling is mutual sweetheart.)
4. The USO was closed yesterday for a very much needed computer upgrade. I went over to get some movies and when I stepped out the front door there were 7 soldiers who were very upset that we were not open. They explained they were in camp for only one day and really wanted to check out our USO. One guy said to his buddies, “I guess I’ll have to buy myself a shaving razor.” I went inside and got two bags of snack mix, two bags of blue corn Doritos, 7 USO courtesy kits (with shampoo, lotion, lip balm, etc.), 7 disposable razors and 7 beers (non-alcoholic). When I brought them out the guys they said things like, “Thank you ma’am. We love you. You cannot know how much we really appreciate this.” They also said, “You are our hero.” I told them that they had that part back ass-wards. Amazing that it takes so little to make so many people so happy.
5. This afternoon I put out a bowl of chips for some guys playing Scrabble. One jokingly asked, “Do you have any dip ma’am?” I emptied 4 bags of ranch dressing into a small plastic bowl (left over from the party two days before) and put it on the table. The pandemonium was incredible. Again, you’d have thought I bought each of these guys a car.
Almost every day someone will ask me why I’m here working at the USO in Kuwait. I tell them that I was volunteering at the USO @ LAX and really enjoyed it, so I decided to request an 18 month leave from my job(s), take a 50% pay cut, sublet my apartment, return my car and fly to a country where I (Jew/sabra) am definitely not welcome to share a small hut in 130 degree summer heat because I thought it would be fun. I’ve been at Camp Virginia exactly five weeks, and to tell you the truth, it is fun. The days are pretty much all the same, except my once a week day off when I have time to do laundry. We are a small group of USO employees on a military base with 80% of the personnel changing daily. We get our limited world view from AFN/CNN and the Stars and Stripes. So what’s to like?
I finally figured out that I liked USO @ LAX and I like USO at Camp Virginia so much because there is an abundance of humility. Most of us are here because we are doing something for someone or something else. We are not goody goodies (at least I’m not) and I’m sure every single person at Camp Virginia has his or her own personal motive for being in the military or working at the base. Because or despite that, it seems to me there is an incredible overflow of humble people. Even the TCNs who empty the latrines, rake the rocks, fix the lights and clean the tents seem to be in a grateful mode. They are all genuinely friendly and gracious – and no Jordan, they are not just nice to me because I’m female.
I love getting boxes from home and sharing with the troops. It is so heartwarming to watch the soldiers when we make popcorn for them or deliver candies, snacks and cookies. Every one of them seems so happy, elated and overwhelmed. It’s beyond the troops’ comprehension that they
are doing us the service. They are so delighted with the support. Every time someone asks me how much something costs (use of the phones or Internet, calling cards, X-Box or Play Station game time) and I tell them that everything in our building is free, I see a half second of incomprehension; it takes them that long to catch on that the USO is for their benefit.
It’s amazing to me how much our troops are doing for us, how proud they are to serve their country, how much love they have for their post, how young and innocent most of them are and how much they truly do not realize their huge contributions.
I wish you could see what I see. Cases in point:
1. Almost everyone says a silent prayer before eating.
2. Alexis, Kathleen (USO@LAX) and Beverly/KY&L sent Girl Scout cookies. I gave a few boxes to some marines who were playing dominoes. They were so eager to choose their favorite kind, i.e., peanut butter, purple ones, Thin Mints, lemon cookies; every one of the 5 got their own box. You’d have thought I bought them each a car! They protected the cookies like a beloved friend, not wanting to let go and very reluctantly sharing. They could not tell me enough how much they loved, supported and were grateful to the Girl Scouts and how happy they were to have GS cookies. They couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful the Girl Scouts are.
3. I was restocking the water fridge. One 19-year-old came over to tell me in his charming Southern accent, “This USO is wonderful. Thank you ma’am. I really appreciate everything you do for us.” (The feeling is mutual sweetheart.)
4. The USO was closed yesterday for a very much needed computer upgrade. I went over to get some movies and when I stepped out the front door there were 7 soldiers who were very upset that we were not open. They explained they were in camp for only one day and really wanted to check out our USO. One guy said to his buddies, “I guess I’ll have to buy myself a shaving razor.” I went inside and got two bags of snack mix, two bags of blue corn Doritos, 7 USO courtesy kits (with shampoo, lotion, lip balm, etc.), 7 disposable razors and 7 beers (non-alcoholic). When I brought them out the guys they said things like, “Thank you ma’am. We love you. You cannot know how much we really appreciate this.” They also said, “You are our hero.” I told them that they had that part back ass-wards. Amazing that it takes so little to make so many people so happy.
5. This afternoon I put out a bowl of chips for some guys playing Scrabble. One jokingly asked, “Do you have any dip ma’am?” I emptied 4 bags of ranch dressing into a small plastic bowl (left over from the party two days before) and put it on the table. The pandemonium was incredible. Again, you’d have thought I bought each of these guys a car.
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