Bloom Where We Are Planted: September 2010

Weekend 9 of 27

My mother-in-law has been absolutely wonderful and diligent in her weekly theme boxes. They are such a treat to get and everyone in the office loves the snacks she sends. She made this amazing Gator football and weekend countdown calendar... all sorts of SEC fans left me little post-its on their games to taunt me but I took them down because I don't care about their teams :) Go Gators!!

The last couple of weekends in August we hosted photo calls for individuals to come have their picture taken with General Odierno. He was so gracious and always stood out in front of the flags until every person had their picture taken. Over three Sundays we had over 600 people stand in line for their photo. Alison and I had our chance too.

Weekend 9 was DCI World Championships for my bro and the Madison Scouts. Even though i still haven't seen their show (anyone want to send me the tour dvd?) everyone who saw it said it was amazing... I read the liveblog from Semifinals and the DCI expert who was writing it said Madison's show was the consistent crowd favorite and brought back the Madison of ole. They placed high enough to march in Finals this year and finished 10th. I haven't been able to talk to Chase at all since I left his house after he graduated from high school back in June. My mom was able to catch both him and I on skype on her phone at 4 in the morning my time so I could talk to him for three minutes before he had to be back on the field for retreat. I couldn't help but cry. I am so amazingly proud of my little broseph!!

Weekend 8 of 27

I don't really have too many pictures from August because we got really busy at work preparing for the Change of Command and the transition of leadership. Weekend 8 was Shrine Mont and it was really hard for me to be away and not be there... My family has been going there every summer since I was 9 and since then I have only missed a couple of years. It is my most favorite place on earth. Luckily they have recently added wireless internet and I was able to skype with my dear ones. They set up the computer so I could see everyone and when we were chatting the subject of barbie hands came up and then all of a sudden everyone broke out barbie hands and started moving around. Even my grandmother, highlarious!!

Those are my sisters right up front: Mimi, Maddie, and Grace. Then Aunt Monty and Gigi is the background. Bryan sent me daily pictures and emails so i could feel like I was there. Love to you all and I can't wait to be there next year!

Weekend 7 of 27

We tend to get a little crazy around here just because funny things seem funnier and it helps to pass the time when we aren't as busy with meetings.

Me and my team in the kitchen. Three air force and three navy folks supporting all the senior leadership meetings, conferences, and events. These guys have awesome culinary skills. I am so blesssed to have them work with me!

One day, Alison and I took down one of the panels of our cubicle to facilitate our need to talk to each constantly regarding work stuff because we are a team and have to talk... someone didn't like it so it didn't last long :(

View from one side of the palace of the surrounding lake and other buildings.

View of the palace at night when they light it up all pretty

End of July, one more month until the Change of Command... aka the most important high-visibility event I will probably ever work on.

Weekend 6 of 27

This weekend Alison and I had the distinct pleasure of accompanying one of our Three-star generals to dinner at the Iraqi Minister of Finance's house. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

We rode in blackhawk helicopters the four minute flight from our base to the International Zone. From there we rode in Suburbans to the Minister's house. We were riding in the blocking vehicle that protected the general. We were driving kind of crazy, I said it felt like being in a Jason Bourne movie :)

Kat, Alison, and me at the Minister's house