Its Truly Shameful

...that my brother returns from spending the past 15 months in Afghanistan only to live in the barracks that you'll see in the videos below.

One soldier's father was so up set he posted this video on YouTube.



After some quick video searches I've also found these, too.



And this one, too.


From what I can gather the Army is scrambling. SCRAMBLING.

I'm glad he's finally home and even happier he's out for good in a few months.

A Tribute - Of Sorts

or...














It's taken me a while but as a tribute to Chadley (via "Where's Brad?"), seeing that I'm 110% sure that his lil niece would certainly approve, I've added Ava (via "Here's Ava!!"). Damn - this kid is cute!

In wedding news, Coco is now the official wedding coordinator. All inquiries and requests should be directed her way. Stay tuned for news on wedding veils, mens formal wear, the best 5" heels to wear down the aisle, and "Coco's Daily Countdown". Phew - I'm done with this. Almost.

Epiphany

* Updating this blog once a day - much less once a week - is mucho difficult.

* With that being said, I've heard bridesmaid dress selection is around the corner.

* We're getting to ready to book our flights to Rome. It's times like that this that I wish I knew someone - anyone - in the airline industry. Business/first class tickets are so not happening.

* Coco has done absolutely no research regarding shore excursions. Slacker.

* As much as I fancy the idea of wedding cake alternatives, I'm not sure the Carlyle has taken steps in that direction. Coco, you down?

* Somehow, I just don't feel badly for these guys, right Brad? Perhaps stupidty is contagious over there? I hope so.

* This story gives new dimension to hand me down wedding dresses. Guess the dress also classifies as the "something old", huh?

* I wonder if the Mets will have to include Reyes in a package for a top-notch starter?

* As far as wedding photography goes, I've come across a great link stressing about 20 or so things to keep in mind. I'm a huge fan of the family photo coordinator! Hmmm. Wonder who we'll pick....

* When do wedding invitations usually go out? 6 months ahead?

Random Thoughts of Weddingness

* With almost year to go, Coco and I are finalizing our plans for the Honeymoon. As much as I'm sold on hitting Thailand, I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui and finally from Koh Samui back to Bangkok in order to return to NYC. [Here's a map] Seems like a lot of flying, no? I haven't quite worked out the total time commitment needed but think it might eat into time at the actual destination. Perhaps we cut Bangkok short - I've seen plenty of dirty city in NYC.

* We've countdown past the 400 day mark and are QUICKLY (almost too quickly if you ask my man purse.) approaching the 365 day mark. Whoa. It will definitely be here sooner than we think.

* We're going to visit the Carlyle in a few weeks to check out the grounds for photos and lighting. Around the same time we'll partake in our discounted din-din at The Oak Room with Big A and Mrs. Big A. (Mom, have no fear, I want you to see and taste what the Carlyle has to offer the next time you're up in NY!)

* We just got back from a great trip to the Berkshires; we hit John Williams at Tanglewood on Saturday night for his film night tribute to the great British director, David Lean, creator of Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Passage to India, and Doctor Zhivago. Here's the program.

Sunday was all about betting the the ponies at Saratoga. I know it wasn't for the Travers but it still was a great time! What a beautiful race track. (pix to follow shortly!) I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't bet our wedding savings on War Pass in the 3rd?? Big A said "pound it". You think I listened?? It was a losing day for me but here are the results in case you're interested - [here]

* We got a letter from Brad that says he hopes to be done with this war on or around July 4, 2008. Should I count on that given the state of things??

* Wedding Dress decisions are upon us (or Coco for that matter) and I'm sure tensions will rise. Her first venture out is in a week or two I think. My opinions vary and I've had my say, LOL, and think Coco will make the right choice. Big A and I will be passing the time at Shea as Los Mets take on the Phillies. Is it me or has the progress on Citifield exceeded your expectations?! Be sure to check out the time-lapse constructions web-cam on the right of the page.

* Not that I need another distraction but classes start up today for the fall term. Hear me now, but listen to me later, children - if you can afford to do it full-time - do it. 60+ credits across almost 4 years isn't as much fun as it's cracked up to be.

A Request Regarding Brad

At the request of Boogie via Chicago:

For those that may be interested in sending a holiday care package (yes, they are already thinking about Christmas!) to Brad, here's his snail-mail address:


Sgt. Meetze, Brad
A Co. 2-508 PIR
FOB Ghazni
Jalalbad Airfield (JAF)
Bagram
Apo, AE 09354

Be prepared to receive a letter of thanks. I am no doubt sure that it will also include a list of items not to send him next time.

Familial Update - Afghani Style

Via Momma Mac, I've received a slew of pix from Brad. Most are from his tour of duty with the Army either on the way to Afghanistan (ie. boot camp, Shannon - Ireland), in Afghanistan (Ghazni) or on a short leave down in Florida. Take some some time to see what he sees. I'm always amazed by the climate in Afghanistan.Come home soon, kid.

Brad's Army Pix - v1

New to the Blog

For those frequent visitors I've added a couple of new 'features' that are located with the rest of the 'features' on the right-hand side of this page.

They are:

1) a wedding day countdown. Pretty cool, huh.

2) 2 new Resources for HER; Ohh!! Wedding Bee Trunk Shows and Wedding Veils

3) a new Link to Where's Brad?; my take on Where's Waldo except this one's less cartoonish since Brad's in Afghanistan. Be safe little brother.