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I Will Thrive - Deployment Stories - Power of Attorney

For about three weeks I've been trying to make a payment on one of J's credit cards out of the savings account at the same bank. I went into the branch they told me to call the credit card line. I called them they sent me into the branch. I went into the branch again they told me they couldn't do anything because the credit card office closed early for some reason. So I finally got back to the branch last Friday.

A little background....I work in a church and funerals are a fairly common occurrence at my work. Friday was also the night of our staff Christmas party at the pastors' house at 6:00 PM. The funeral was to take place at 1:00 PM. It was an emotionally and physically draining experience. There were over 400 people in attendance we had to bring in chairs and we were still standing room only. So when we finally got done it was 4:00 PM (an hour after we're supposed to leave work). I had to stop at the grocery store and get a gift for the party and go home and get ready. Well the bank has a branch in the grocery store and there was no line so I though sweet I have the Power of Attorney with me I can do this real quick. No such luck...

So I go up to the teller. And she proceeds to inform me that they can't make a payment in the branch. I take a deep breath, count to 20, and say "all I'm trying to do is give you money toward a credit card what do I have to do?" She decided maybe she should talk to the branch manager. So I get transferred to the branch manager. She asks me how she can help so I start my spiel. My husband is military and is in Japan. I need to make a payment to his credit card from his savings. I'm not on the account but I have full Power of Attorney. She hmms and haas and finally makes a couple calls. She can do it. I show her a copy of the Power of Attorney which I was told would be fine by their Credit Card department and by the legal office on base. In fact that is not the case she looks at it and says..."I need bifocals and I can even tell this is a copy not the original. I need the original." I said that their credit card department told me that a copy would work. "Well not for me. I need to see the original." Thinking that it was signed in black ink I asked her how she would know. She assured me she would. So fortunately I had the original in my car so I go get it. Well it turns out it was signed in blue. She flips to the signature page and says "so you can't tell the difference between the original and the copy huh? I think it is pretty obvious don't you?" I grit my teeth and bite my tongue smile and nod. She takes care of it and has added me as POA on the account. Although I appreciate the thoroughness I don't appreciate her attitude. Then as the icing on the cake...she says "well I don't see why you don't just have your husband come in and add you on the account that would make this all a lot easier." I thought to myself. Well thank you. If that was possible I wouldn't be jumping through your hoops. It wasn't an overly active account so we never thought to add me to it. Now we know. I guess I figured in such a military dense area that they would be a little more helpful and understanding. But at least now it is done.

My Favorite Piece of Jewelry

I do not have an engagement ring by choice. My husband and I never had a formal engagement but he did talk to my father and he asked me prior to us getting married if I wanted to marry him. But we decided that an engagement ring wasn't needed. At the time we were trying to take care of other expenses so we decided that spending a chunk of money on an engagement ring wasn't needed. And when it came to a wedding band I wanted a simple white gold band. It amazed me when we went to look at rings and I said I didn't want diamonds in my band some of the looks and comments we got from sales people. But I knew what I wanted. 

I think part of it is having been married before I have different expectations and needs this time around. I would have been happy with a piece of string tied around my finger as long as I was marrying J. He is my port in a storm and thanks to him I have a home not just a house. 

To me this ring means more than a $10,000 diamond ring because J gave it to me out of love, faith, and commitment. And he gave it to me as part of our commitment to God and each other. Now don't get me wrong if you and your spouse decided to get an engagement ring I'm very happy for you and think it is great!! But for us this was the right decision.

Mil Spouse Weekly Roundup

 

Head over to Empty Nest,PCS and All the Rest and link up.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

This weekend was busy busy busy but so much fun.

Friday brought our annual Christmas Party at the pastors' home. They prepare the main dish and we bring sides. Then we do a Dirty Santa Christmas exchange. (Let me explain...everyone brings a gift. We all draw numbers. You can either open a gift or take someone else's gift. Every year the alcohol is the biggest hit. Yes I work in a church.) This year the Pastors decided to do a pig pickin' and roast a whole pig. I had the job of finding the pig. Interesting process I tell you. We had a great time and it was very laid back which was nice.

Saturday my friends S and T and I went to see Love and Other Drugs. It was a good movie and the storyline was great but there was lots of sex and nudity. Much more than we were expecting. It has a very sweet ending. I would recommend it just be prepared. Then my day of early birthday surprises began...first T and S paid for my movie and my snacks. Then we went to lunch at Plaza Azteca where I was surprised by my friend A and her daughter A with balloons. They "accidently" mentioned that it was my birthday so the servers sang happy birthday and gave me birthday Flan. It was too sweet and I was full so I didn't eat much but it was the thought that counts. Then we went to do some shopping and get Starbucks. Then they surprised me later with dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings where our friend D and his kids K and K were. Then there was very delish Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cake. D said he wanted to pay for my dinner because he wanted to say thank you to J and I for the sacrifices we make for our country. And he wanted J to know that people were supportive of me back here with him over there. It was very sweet. T, S, and I finished the night at The Pub. We had a great time with way too much food. But I couldn't ask for better friends. I am truly blessed.

Sunday brought an attempt to go to church that was foiled by a bridge opening. So we went to lunch and did some shopping. Then we went to my work for the First Place 4 Health class intro and I set up for our Blue Christmas service. Then home. It was a long day too. But lots of fun!

Mil Spouse Weekly Roundup

 

Head over to The Few, The Proud, The Wife and link up.

I want our marriage to be a threesome

Got your attention didn't I...but before you think I'm crazy...ok it may be too late on that account...I'm referring to God...J and I.

Because of what has happened with my parents I've been taking a deep look at relationships. I used to pride myself that my parents had been married for 42 years. J and I celebrated the fact when we started dating that both our parents were still married. But as I look at my parents they really haven't had a good relationship in about 10 years. They have had a partnership. Dad would spend most of his time in his study and Mom would be in the living room. They would occasionally go out to dinner together but not for fun more for necessity. Mom went to church and Dad never set foot in one. Dad didn't see a need for religion he could explain it with science. I always assumed this was just how relationships changed as you were together longer. But lately I've been looking at other relationships. Some are 5 years, some 10 years, some 25 years, some 40 years, and some over 50 years. I've noticed something important in the relationships that have lasted and are still happy. God is in the center.

People always say that it is good for couples to have different interests and that you need to maintain your independence, etc. I agree with this to an extent I'll cover more of that in a different post. I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior. I believe that we need a relationship with God. I enjoy going to church. I enjoy working in a church. (most of the time) I enjoy going to church events. My ex-husband didn't like this. My current husband has since admitted that he started dating me in hopes that I would get him back to church. I think this is too big an interest not to share. In order for a marriage to work I think this is one interest you have to share. Now if neither of you have an interest in God that may work too. But I think faith is a journey to be shared together. We will each have our own relationship with God but we will also have a relationship with God together.

So our marriage will be a threesome.

Movie Reviews

This weekend I rented Just Wright with Queen Latifah. It was a great movie! I really like most of Queen Latifah's movies. What I liked was that the storyline wasn't 100% predictable. And it had a great cast of actors and actresses. If you like sports movies, romantic movies, or just a good movie I highly recommend you rent this movie. The cliff notes version is that the star basketball player for the Nets gets hurt. Queen Latifah is a physical therapist who works to get him back on the court.

 Last week I watched Leap Year. It was a very cute movie. I like Amy Adams and she did a great job in this movie. I admit I'm a huge Ireland fan too and it took place there so that didn't hurt.  It is a fairly typical romantic comedy. But it has some interesting lessons mixed into the storyline.One of my favorite parts was in a wedding scene in the movie.The bride toasts the groom...

May you never steal, lie, or cheat.

But if you must steal....steal my sorrows away.
If you must lie...lie next to me all the nights of our lives.
And if must cheat...cheat death because I can't imagine living a day without you.

So what have you been watching lately?

Mil Spouse Weekly Roundup

Taryn over at Maine-ly Taryn is hosting this week. She has a very enjoyable blog with great stories. But if you're a military spouse head over and link up. It's a lot of fun to read the other blogs of people going through similar trials and celebrations as you.

I Will Thrive

Hello out there! Sorry for the disappearance...it was a busy and full week last week. We were busy getting Mom packed and moved and then getting the old house cleaned. But she is tucked into her apartment and life is good. The house sold. And now we go onto the search for a new home for her.

Now onto the Thriving Part...

J is doing well over in Japan they are keeping him very busy which helps him. And they have our pay almost completely straight. They are working on the last part so hopefully by January we should be set. Whoo hoo!

I am going to be leading First Place 4 Health starting the first week in January. I'm excited about this I think it will be fun and I think it will be a good experience for those of us participating. And I know I want to be in better health. I've decided I will be healthier at 40 than I was at 30. (For those doing math yes I've given myself a good couple of years.)

My friend S and I have decided that 2011 is our year for excitement and going out of our comfort zone. So in January we plan on taking a stripper exercise class over at Studio Rio. I think it will be a fun experience. And it is different. I can't wait. 

I've decided while he's gone...I'm going to pamper myself once a month. This (really last) month was getting my hair colored. When I was a kid I had bright red hair then it went to auburn and now it is just brown. So I decided to go back to red. I like it..a lot!!

My friend S has also helped me by taking pictures of me to send to J. He likes seeing what I'm up to and having updated pictures. 

And when I went to the eye doctor I was very delinquent in this...and I was diagnosed with a mild astigmatism but it is enough that he wants me to wear corrective glasses. So I now have trifocals. This has been interesting. As a girl who never wore glasses to jump to trifocals it has been fun. But I'm adjusting to them.

The new hair color and the glasses.

I'll Be Back Soon!!!

I had a cute picture but for some reason blogger is not cooperating.

I've been helping my Mom pack and move...this is a physically and emotionally tiring process. I promise I will be back to posting regularly soon.

Loving Mike and Molly

This season of Monday night TV brought a show I have enjoyed a lot! Mike and Molly...the premise is they are a couple of who met in Over eaters Anonymous. Yes they are overweight but they are working on it. I enjoy this show because it shows people of all sizes deserve to be happy and find love. And I admit as a person who carries some extra weight it is nice to see characters that are not a size 6. I like to see women in particular who wrestle with some of the same things I do. And the fact that they have a love relationship makes the show fun and humorous to watch. I suggest you give it a try if you haven't already.

There was a bit of a controversy on a Marie Claire blog about the show when the blog author bad mouthed the fact that they were overweight. She has since apologized.

So what new shows do you like this season?

Military Spouse Weekly Roundup

Two of my Favorite Things...

I know...I know I'm a grown woman but who doesn't love How the Grinch Stole Christmas? I love this movie and I love these shoes. So cute!! Converse Tennis Shoes & How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch and Max...so cute

The Whos around the shoe...not sure which is cuter

Bead Soup Blog Party - Jewelry Swap Challenge

Bead Soup Blog Party -- Jewelry Swap Challenge

 

I didn't participate in this challenge but the ladies who did came up with some beautiful creations! I encourage you to take a look at the pieces they created.

Lori Anderson  

Erin Prais-Hintz                  

Jen Velasquez                 

Johanna Rhodes              

Laurel Steven                   

Loretta Carstensen          

Mallory Hoffman              

Marianna Boylan             

Norma Turvey                   

Sharon Misuraco              

Stacey Curry                    

Tyne Bodenburg              

Happy Veteran's Day

To all those who have served and who are currently serving...THANK YOU!!! I appreciate all the freedoms I have everyday thanks to those who have served and those who are still serving!! Thank a veteran!!

I will Thrive - Deployment Stories - Google Map to Japan

So I was trying to figure out how many miles J and I are from each other...I went to Google...here is what I found...I love the highlighted parts they make me chuckle.


This route has tolls. - more info »

Newport News, VA

1.	Head northeast on 25th St toward Warwick Blvd		482 ft
2.	Take the 1st left onto Warwick Blvd		5.6 mi
3.	Turn right at Harpersville Rd		0.9 mi
4.	Turn left at Jefferson Ave		1.1 mi
5.	Turn right at J Clyde Morris Blvd		1.6 mi
6.	Merge onto I-64 W via the ramp to Williamsburg/Richmond Partial toll road Entering West Virginia		401 mi
7.	Take exit 40 to merge onto US-35 N/US-35 W toward Winfield/Point Pleasant Continue to follow US-35 W Entering Ohio		161 mi
8.	Exit onto US-35 W toward Dayton		18.9 mi
9.	Turn left at US-35 W/W 3rd St Continue to follow US-35 W		18.7 mi
10.	Turn right at US-35 W/Eaton Richmond Pike Continue to follow US-35 W		9.5 mi
11.	Take the ramp onto I-70 W/US-35 W Continue to follow I-70 W Entering Indiana		68.1 mi
12.	Take exit 90 to merge onto I-465 N		18.9 mi
13.	Continue onto I-865 W		4.6 mi
14.	Merge onto I-65 N		133 mi
15.	Take exit 262 for I-90 toward Illinois/Ohio		0.4 mi
16.	Merge onto I- 90 Access Rd Partial toll road		0.2 mi
17.	Merge onto I-90 W via the ramp to Chicago Partial toll road Passing through Illinois Entering Wisconsin		267 mi
18.	Continue onto I-94 W Entering Minnesota		156 mi
19.	Take exit 249 for I-694 N toward I-494 S		0.7 mi
20.	Merge onto I-694 W		29.9 mi
21.	Continue onto I-94 W Passing through North Dakota Entering Montana		818 mi
22.	Merge onto I-90 W		228 mi
23.	Merge onto I-15 S		7.6 mi
24.	Slight left at I-90 W Passing through Idaho Entering Washington		579 mi
25.	Take exit 10 to merge onto I-405 N toward Bellevue		3.5 mi
26.	Take exit 14 to merge onto WA-520 W toward Seattle		6.0 mi
27.	Take the Montlake Blvd exit		0.5 mi
28.	Merge onto Montlake Blvd E		0.3 mi
29.	Slight left at NE Pacific St		0.8 mi
30.	Continue onto NE Northlake Way		0.1 mi
31.	Turn left at 6th Ave NE		79 ft
32.	Turn right at NE Northlake Way		1.0 mi
33.	Kayak across the Pacific Ocean Entering Hawaii		2,756 mi
34.	Continue straight		0.1 mi
35.	Turn left at Kuilima Dr		0.5 mi
36.	Take the 3rd right onto HI-83 W		12.4 mi
37.	Continue straight onto HI-99 S/Kamehameha Hwy		6.5 mi
38.	Slight left at HI-80 S/Kamehameha Hwy Continue to follow Kamehameha Hwy		2.1 mi
39.	Take the Interstate H2 S ramp to Honolulu		0.2 mi
40.	Merge onto I-H-2 S		7.9 mi
41.	Merge onto I-H-1 E		4.7 mi
42.	Take exit 13B toward Halawa Hts. Stadium		0.3 mi
43.	Merge onto I-H-201 E		4.1 mi
44.	Merge onto I-H-1 E		4.1 mi
45.	Take exit 23 for Punahou St toward Waikiki/Manoa		0.2 mi
46.	Turn right at Punahou St		0.1 mi
47.	Take the 1st right onto S Beretania St		0.1 mi
48.	Take the 1st left onto Kalakaua Ave		1.9 mi
49.	Kayak across the Pacific Ocean Entering Japan		3,879 mi
50.	Turn left toward 県道275号線		0.4 mi
51.	Turn left toward 県道275号線		358 ft
52.	Turn left toward 県道275号線		0.2 mi
53.	Turn right at 県道275号線		0.1 mi
54.	Turn left at 国道125号線		499 ft
55.	Turn right at 県道24号線		0.6 mi
56.	Turn left at 千束町（交差点） onto 国道354号線		2.0 mi
57.	Turn right at 中村陸橋下（交差点） to stay on 国道354号線		1.0 mi
58.	Take the ramp to 常磐自動車道 Toll road		0.3 mi
59.	Keep left at the fork, follow signs for 東京 and merge onto 常磐自動車道 Toll road		23.8 mi
60.	Take exit 三郷ＪＣＴ toward 首都高・銀座・湾岸線 Toll road		0.7 mi
61.	Merge onto 首都高速6号三郷線 Toll road		5.8 mi
62.	Take exit 小菅ＪＣＴ toward 湾岸線・銀座 Toll road		0.3 mi
63.	Merge onto 首都高速中央環状線 Toll road		0.4 mi
64.	Take exit 堀切ＪＣＴ on the right toward 銀座・箱崎 Toll road		0.3 mi
65.	Merge onto 首都高速6号向島線 Toll road		5.4 mi
66.	Take exit 江戸橋ＪＣＴ toward 銀座・横浜 Toll road		0.4 mi
67.	Merge onto 首都高速都心環状線 Toll road		2.3 mi
68.	Take exit 浜崎橋ＪＣＴ toward 羽田・湾岸線 Toll road		0.4 mi
69.	Merge onto 首都高速1号羽田線 Toll road		7.4 mi
70.	Continue onto 首都高速神奈川1号横羽線 Toll road		6.3 mi
71.	Slight left at 首都高速神奈川5号大黒線 (signs for 大黒ふ頭・湾岸線) Toll road		2.0 mi
72.	Take exit 大黒ＪＣＴ toward 湾岸線・本牧ふ頭 Toll road		0.4 mi
73.	Keep left at the fork, follow signs for 本牧ふ頭・狩場線 and merge onto 首都高速湾岸線 Toll road		8.3 mi
74.	Take exit 首都高杉田 to merge onto 国道357号線 Partial toll road		0.3 mi
75.	Turn right at 聖天川東側（交差点） toward 横須賀街道/国道16号線		0.1 mi
76.	Turn left at 新境橋（交差点） toward 横須賀街道/国道16号線		0.2 mi
77.	Turn left at 杉田（交差点） onto 横須賀街道/国道16号線 Continue to follow 国道16号線		9.6 mi
78.	Turn left at 横須賀市役所（交差点）		289 ft
79.	Turn right		187 ft

Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture Japan