NPR makes me so emotional.

I am so in love with the podcasts I subscribe to. It makes my work day go by >____< that much faster. I subscribe to about 15 and keep finding more and more that peak my interest. Of course I listen to the Radio from Hell podcast religiously, since I've been a FOP since 1995 (I pity those of you who know not what that means) and can't listen live, no thanks to work. I also have to have my dosage of Garrison Keillor, This American Life, and NPR, naturally. What NPR podcast, you ask? Try 8 different podcasts. I simply love NPR. Here's where I get so emotional.

You remember a few months ago my mentioning of certain music that causes warm, salty water to leak from my eyes? Well... A few weeks ago I remember listening to one of the NPR podcasts in which Jim Sheeler was being interviewed about his book that was released not too long ago, called Final Salute. He served three years as a Marine casualty assistance officer, and wrote about his experiences doing that service. He talked about his time helping one woman deal with her husband's death. I won't go into detail, but I will tell you this. I am amazed that this man was able to do his job for three years. I don't know if that's his required time or not, but man.

That brings me to the intent of my post. A lot of the stuff I listen to on NPR is related to military service or politics. I am very interested in things dealing with WWII. I get teary (as in, grab me a few tissues, I'm going to need help) when I think or see things related to the military in WWII. I think it's mostly because of my grandfathers. Rachel had a school program in 3rd grade where the kids sang a medley of all the songs related to each branch of the military. As soon as they started singing "From the halls of Montezuma..." I lost it. Even typing about it makes me weepy. I watched Atonement, and got weepy at the war scenes. When I saw Saving Private Ryan, I spent the whole movie crying. I know my deep-rooted respect for the servicemen that served and still serve in the Marines is because of these two men you see here. I never knew my Grandpa Roy (nor Grandma Vera) but I know my love and adoration is just as equal for him as it is for my Grandpa Gnarini. Both were career Marines, both served honorably for their country.

Well I'm quite the hypocrite. Kind of.

I gave Olivia crap a week or so ago about not blogging on her page. (It had been 2-3 months and I was tired of looking at the picture of snow.) Then I look at the last time I posted anything and realize that I had gotten sort of lacadaisical. Go me.

I know she loves me

When I was a little girl, I remember telling my mom that I'd pay her back for everything she bought for me. The other day, Rachel said the very same thing to me. I know she's genuine in saying that because I remember being totally honest when I said it to my mom. What did I buy? A new pair of church shoes, a pair of flip-flops, and a down comforter to go inside her duvet. Nothing she didn't need.

Last night she told Rod that she feels I spend too much money on her. I don't think I spend anything out of the ordinary on her. I get her what she needs and indulge her on her Littlest Pet Shop hobby, and even then she has to earn the pets she receives.

Night Caching!

I've always wanted to run out and try a night cache but never got around to doing one. I cherish my evenings, especially now that I get up at 4:45am.

Rod gets home from work early on Saturdays and needed to get out. I suggested that we go caching, and since daylight was running out quickly, a night cache would be best. I found one near Whiting Campground, just a few miles from the house, loaded it on the GPS and we headed out. When we got up to the campground, it was about 9:15. There was just an inkling of sunlight left, and to not freak anyone out, Rod went over to the host and let them know what we were doing. Apparently there was someone else who had come up earlier to find a cache and had no luck. Rod told the host that we were looking for a different one and would let them know if we were successful. We took off on the trail, looked for the little irridescent markings on the trees, made our way and found the cache! Actually, Rachel found it. She's our eagle eyes, honestly. That kid is superb! I forgot to bring the camera with me, so I took some celebratory pictures on our way back home. Rachel was laughing so hard after looking at these. We may look like a bunch of loonies, but I'm telling you, our little family is AWESOME!