Report from Rat

29 May 2007

I took these photos of Dany's Wall of Fame just before I left.  No matter what happens to the wall, at least these names will be preserved as long as I can keep the blog running.

   

    Today we have a report from Rat, and I am feeling just a tad nostalgic.  It’s almost like the old days, when he would poke his head in my room and announce that he had just e-mailed me the nightly post.  I am happy to report that Ryan and I are finally finished with car shopping.  I finally found someone who would accept a fair offer, and we got a 96 Nissan pickup.  Yes, Ryan is truly a Tennesseean now.  It’s the first pickup in the Traversa family in at least three generations.  My grandfather probably had one.  Anyhow, I am glad that pain is over with. 

     I went to work today for the first time, and we were having a wellness and fun day, which meant sports for a day.  The Logistics “Squadron” (all 5 of us) won the event and the coveted Commander’s Cup.  We suggested to our boss that this should be worth a day off, but he seemed less than receptive, though he was very pleased that we won.  Now he has bragging rights at the next staff meeting.  Tomorrow I go back to the office for the first time, and find out what my new job will be.

     But enough about me, here’s the long-awaited report from Rat:

   

     Well it has been about a month since I have gotten home, I have been settling back into the family rhythm, and I have to say that it has been an adjustment for me and the girls too. When you spend a year away from home there are many things that change. I have to learn to live with them again and they with me.

    The Meet and Greet was a blast. The radio station had it all hooked up and we got to meet a lot of great people from the area who had been listening. The station also hooked us up with some nice gifts like tickets to some Texas Rangers games and a weekend at Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor water park too. Not to mention the hotel stay since it is in Dallas. The entire staff at the radio station are all outstanding people and true supporters of the troops. Since then, I have done three interviews on the air and have been asked about doing a book as well. I don’t know if it will happen but who knows?   

    We have spent some time traveling and doing some family things and it has been wonderful. We did go to the fair and we had a great time as usual. Taylor dressed up and was beautiful as usual. She was even taken from the sidelines by the King and asked to march in the parade with the rest of the royals. Of course we had to follow the parade to the other end of the fair so we had to back track afterwards back to where we had started.

    Tonya and I spent a few days down in Galveston right on the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel was beautiful and had an awesome view of the water. We spent our days just relaxing and sightseeing and our evenings by the hot tub. We then went up the road to a resort called the Woodlands and stayed for a couple days. It is nestled in the woods and is another hidden gem. The weather unfortunately did not cooperate so we spent most of our time there shopping and doing other indoor activities.

    So what’s next? Well we head to Florida this weekend to do the house hunting. We have been working with a realtor and have some possibilities to look at when we arrive. It should be a busy trip but I am optimistic we will find a house we like. Taylor has been warming up to the idea but just wants to get it over with. She will miss her friends and there have been some tears but she understands this is the military life.      

    Well, that’s all for now, I will keep you up to date as things change.

 

Ratman

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Blog Watch

     The Jake Silver Show was kind enough to link to AWAC, so I happily return the favor. Check it out at:

http://www.jakesilvershow.blogspot.com/

Comments

[Teri Centner]

Wow, Taylor's garb is beautiful. Has she ever gone to an SCA event, or just ren faires?

[Rejenia]

it is nice to hear about "being home." a big sigh of relief, but I agree Withdrawal is a bummer. Still keeping up with our "other guys," though, so not to worry. We love you and your families, and appreciate your service and letting us view it from your perspective.

[Rosemary]

Dear Bear,
It's so good that you have saved "the wall." It's very impressive. I'm glad to hear that things are getting smoother. I will continue to pray for your family and you.

Dear Ratman,
It sounds like you had a wonderful time! I'm glad you were treated with respect and gratitude. I wish you well on your house hunting. I will also continue to pray for your family and you.

Everyone take care, and God bless you.

[Leta]

It is so wonderful to read about you men back home and with your families. Personally I'm still having "separation anxiety" - not getting to read about your great work and your adventures in Afghanistan as well as Hamid, Han, Wali etal. But...in the big picture - I'm just grateful for the time we all had together and so thankful you all returned home safely.

[LT Bud Sterling, USN]

I am glad to hear that all of my "Air Force Friends" are back and adjusting to life in the "Real World." I would like to wish you all the best, take care and be safe. This Navy Reservist is extremely happy to be back and getting ready to return to corporate America. Take care, all!

[Matti]

Yeah, it's the wall! You know, I really love that wall. I love looking at all the different names and patches. I've been sitting here for the last five minutes just looking at it.

Heard anything from Dany lately?

Glad the car shopping finally worked out. I already knew that you're brave, Bear, but stepping onto a used car sales lot goes above and beyond, IMHO.

Hi Rat! Thanks for posting an update! I wondered how the meet and greet went. I figured it would go well. I'm glad you've had a chance to enjoy some good times with Tonya and Taylor.

How's Tonya's new cute dog? :-)

[Solo]

Good luck at that new job Bear. Rat if you move somewhere in the Tampa area, my niece and her husband live around there. They have a reeeeal nice boat.