Marine

Patriotic Holidays and Patriotic Clothing – Show Your Patriotism

April 17, 2019 By Paula 9 Comments

We have several patriotic holidays that we celebrate here in the U.S. These important days are meant to bring family and friends together and remind us how great our country really is. Without sounding boastful, we do live in the greatest country in the world and it’s important to remember WHY we do. These days mean so much more than just a 3 day weekend and an excuse for a cookout.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 15th
President’s Day (Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday)- Third Monday in February
Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
Flag Day – June 14th
Independence Day – July 4th
Constitution Day – September 17th
Columbus Day – Second Monday of October
Election Day – Tuesday following the first Monday of November
Veterans Day – November 11th
Bill of Rights Day – December 15th

There are also some lesser know days that many Americans like to show their patriotism. Such as National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, Patriot Day on September 11, Pearl Harbor Day on December 7, and Armed Forces Day which is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. For more significant days and observances visit We Are Here.

How many of these holidays do you recognize and/or celebrate? As the daughter and spouse of military men, as well as growing up in a military town, I consider myself to be quite patriotic and wear red, white and blue often. But I must admit that I never paid much attention to some of these days in the past. So I’m adding days like National Medal of Honor Day and Patriot Day to my calendar! I am also excited to get some new Patriotic Clothing @ TheFlagShirt.com I was checking out their site and The Flag Shirt has some really awesome patriotic items. The shirt that I love the most is this sleeveless American Flag shirt. It reminds of one that I had as a teen. I wore it until the buttons were falling off! What do you wear to show your patriotism?

WEAR YOUR FREEDOM!

Memorial Day 🎖️ Remembering Those Who Have Sacrificed For Us ✊ Read This Post To Learn How You Can Pay Tribute

May 28, 2018 By Paula 38 Comments

Weight Watchers Get Healthy Freestyle Journey – Week 17

Memorial Day

Can you believe it’s MONDAY already and time once again to reflect on the past week?! In the recent weeks we have looked at milestones, how to stay motivated, the smart use of free foods, some tactics for dining out, surviving the holidays while dieting, the benefits of a 5% weight loss, diabetes, the importance of exercise, starting an exercise routine, and beginner exercises. Mother’s Day was the start of our grilling season and the first of a long list of summer grilling holidays. Last week, I continued with my new exercise routine and spent time with my sweetheart who is a Marine Vet. Since it is Memorial Day, I would like to say thank you to him, my father, who is retired Air Force, and all my readers who have or are serving in our armed forces for their service to our country. Thank you, for ensuring our safety and making the freedoms that we all enjoy in this great country possible. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers.

We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.

– James A. Garfield May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery

In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and several states had declared it a legal holiday. After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.

HONOR. REMEMBER. NEVER FORGET.

The online Poppy Memorial pays tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation. Anyone is welcome to dedicate a poppy to a fallen servicemember. If you don’t know one personally, you can dedicate the poppy to “The Fallen Heros.” Dedicate A Poppy HERE.

This Memorial Day as we enjoy the warm weather, cookouts, and all sorts of outdoor activities we need to remember that today isn’t about beer, brats, and an extra day off from work. The heart of a holiday is to honor the more than 1.3 million Americans who have died in our nation’s wars. These men and women took an oath to the Constitution and served our country and each other with honor, dignity and courage. Giving ALL for their country. Join me as I reflect on the sacrifice these members of our armed forces have given so that we can enjoy our freedom and prosperity.

? SELF LOVE ?
You can’t hate yourself happy. You can’t criticize yourself thin. You can’t shame yourself worthy. Real change begins with self-love and self-care. -Jessica Ortner

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

How my freestyle weight loss week went:

With appointments four out of five days this week it was another week of appointments and waiting rooms. With only two days of doing any exercises, my new exercise routine took a back seat this week. I did get some walking in as it’s over a half mile from were we park to the check-in for physical therapy. The new kitten is also keeping me busy. She thinks we are her human teething rings. Who would have thought that such tiny teeth could hurt so much!

Saturday was spent taking my neighbor to dialysis and working on this blog. Sunday was spent at home hanging out with Marcus. The weekend always seems to go by so fast. I got on the scale for my weekly weigh-in early Sunday. When I stepped on, I saw that this week I had not lost nor gained any weight. Not surprising as I’ve been lax and not doing as I know I should. Time to make time for ME and get back on track. I know I can do this as I’ve done it before. It just seems so much harder to lose weight this time. Until next week… Remember to stay positive and keep looking forward.

TALK TO ME

Where are you on your journey? What do you do to stay motivated? Did you dedicate a poppy?

Share your thoughts below or on my Facebook fan page.

I am not a medical professional. The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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DID YOU MISS LAST WEEK’S POST?

Weight Watchers Freestyle Journey Week 16 – Keep Moving

Check out the entire series of Weight Watchers Inspirational Posts.

Existential the Action Packed Marine Fueled Sci-Fi Horror Thriller!

January 31, 2018 By Paula 1 Comment

Semper Fidelis

Existential: The Mission – To Survive by Ryan W. Aslesen, a former Marine and brother, is a neat sci-fi thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I didn’t read “About the Author” before starting this book, so I did not realize that the author was a Marine until I began reading about the character Max Ahlgren and his KA-BAR performing silent sentry tactics and his use of his hardcore dialogue. For me, this well-diversified story seemed very familiar, yet it still held surprises for me as the very colorful cast members went on multiple different journies. One minute I’m reading about mercenaries “smoking” feeble Mexican cartel and then the story morphs into a crashed alien spacecraft in Alaska.

Because of the plot’s complexity, I was continually surprised and entertained. I enjoyed the author’s crisp, precise writing style as it made this story very easy to follow and digest. It’s quite apparent Existential was extremely hard to write, and I admire the author’s intestinal fortitude. The result for me was beautiful synchronicity throughout the journey. I appreciate the stringent proof and editing work that was applied to this clever story; it becomes quite obvious as the story unfolds. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the awesome cover art, as it represents the contents well and enhances the pages within. Contrary to the statement, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” this book is the exception. I immediately judged this book by its cover and as I anticipated a compelling cover, a compelling book. I wait with great patience for the next highly lethal adventures of Max Ahlgren, a Marine’s Marine.

Existential Book Synopsis:

The Alaskan wilderness holds a nightmarish secret that threatens all of humanity in this epic sci-fi horror thriller. A book so scary that it requires a warning label, and a global phenomenon that is on track to sell over 1 million copies.

Looking for a blockbuster thriller that combines explosive sci-fi action with intense horror that will have you gripping the page with fear? Then look no further and standby for a roller coaster ride of terror.

It was supposed to be just another mission…

Buried deep in the rugged Alaskan wilderness lies a secret that could alter the future of mankind–a secret that billionaire Elizabeth Grey has invested millions in solving. But when the dig goes silent and all attempts at making contact fail, an elite team of battle-hardened military contractors is brought in led by former Marine Max Ahlgren, a warrior haunted by his past.

While the mission to make contact and rescue a team of scientists and engineers working on an “archaeological” project seems like an easy payday, once on the ground, the team discovers the grizzly truth that this is no ordinary rescue. Max and his men find themselves in the fight of their lives against a nightmarish enemy like nothing they have ever seen. In what quickly becomes a struggle for survival, the world’s greatest soldiers will encounter the universe’s ultimate terror in a battle that puts all of humanity at stake.

No Backup.

No Escape.

No Hope.

Pick up your copy of Existential and embark on an epic journey that will leave your heart pounding with every page. The perfect combination of science fiction, explosive action, and intense horror, Existential is a can’t-miss novel!

Terrifying, visceral, and deeply moving, Existential is a novel that will haunt you forever.

Warning: This book contains intense scenes of violence and horror. It isn’t for the faint of heart. Reader discretion is advised.

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE COPY OF EXISTENTIAL NOW!!!

Warner Bros Announces “Max” – Best Friend, Hero, Marine

November 6, 2015 By Paula Leave a Comment

Warner Bros. Home Ent Announces Max - Best Friend, Hero, Marine

Are you looking for a special gift for someone on your list?
This heart touching DVD that I have added to my 2015 Gift Guide will please movie buff on your list!

“A coming-of-age story that’s downright stirring.”

— Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal

A HERO COMES HOME WHEN

MAX

ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAYÔ COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD FROM

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES AND

WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Blu-ray Combo Pack debuts on October 27

Own it early on Digital HD on October 13

Burbank, CA, August 11, 2015 – Discover a friendship that is one of a kind when Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ (MGM) family-action adventure “Max” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Packand DVD on October 27. “Max,” an incredible journey about the unbreakable bond between one kid and his heroic best friend, stars Josh Wiggins (“Hellion”) as Justin Wincott, with Lauren Graham (TV’s “Parenthood”) as his mom, Pamela, and Oscar® nominee Thomas Haden Church (“Sideways”) as his dad, Ray. The film will be available early on Digital HD on October 13.

Co-writer/director Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans,” “Fresh”) directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Sheldon Lettich. Karen Rosenfelt and Ken Blancato produced the film alongside executive producers Ben Ormand and Yakin.

“Max” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99, and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Max” via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service. Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations, and he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog. However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front, and with the help of Carmen, a tough-talking young teen who has a way with dogs, Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion. Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self, and as the pair race to unravel the mystery, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they each might also find an unlikely new best friend…in each other.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Max” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

Working with Max: Meet the dogs that play “Max” and see inside tricks of the trade!
Hero Dogs: A Journey – Get a behind-the-scenes look at amazing military trained K9s.

“Max” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

Working with Max: Meet the dogs that play “Max” and see inside tricks of the trade!

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On October 13, “Max” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. “Max” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT SRP

Blu-ray Combo Pack $35.99

DVD Amaray (WS) $28.98

Standard Street Date: October 27, 2015

Digital HD Street Date: October 13, 2015

DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

BD Subtitles: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese

Running Time: 111 minutes

Rating Rated PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements

DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]

Get Your Copy of Max on Amazon Today!

THE CREDITS

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content. In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels and is the majority owner of and distributor for United Artists Media Group (UAMG). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

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