let's not forget the Forgotten War

The Korean War has long been known and referred to by it's nickname, The Forgotten War.  Do an internet search on the Forgotten War and all sorts of Korean War references and links show up.  Quoting from both Military.com Military.com Content and from the National Park Service, Korean War Veterans Memorial: Korean War , the Korean War was "historically overshadowed" by World War II and the Vietnam War (albeit the Korean War was sandwiched between those two other wars).  Heck, originally, the Korean War was called a conflict, officially speaking, and not a war.

The war in Afghanistan is receiving more media coverage again, which I believe it should be receiving.  Today's The Washington Post had an article on the top right-hand corner of the front page, with a box indicating further, related articles inside (see if you can under the photo of the soldier, under the Obama visits Iraq article).  Every single soldier who has been involved in the war in Afghanistan, whether he or she served and returned home safely and soundly, is still there, or who lost his or her life or limbs, needs to be remembered and not forgotten.  I believe that about any soldier for any war or "conflict." 

Just that the author or an editor headlined one of these subarticles today on the war in Afghanistan, as "The Forgotten War."

I've had family (and/or) friends serving in most of the wars that this nation has been involved in since the Europeans came over (or, invaded).  The Korean War isn't all that long ago -- my parents generation.  While my father's tour of duty was comparatively enjoyable in Alaska, my Uncle Billy, William "Billy" Douglas, died as a teenaged Prisoner of War (POW) in Korea.  He'd signed up to help support his family, lying about his age.  Tens of thousands of others also lost their lives there within just a few years, with even more losing their lives as they knew them to be previous to their participation, and affecting the lives of their loved ones.  I will not forget even if I never got the chance to meet my Uncle Billy myself.

The nickname for the war in Afghanistan should be something else. 

Let us not be so quick to forget the original The Forgotten War.

After Visit, Obama Defends Iraq Plan - washingtonpost.com

A Wake-Up Call From Afghanistan - washingtonpost.com

Tags: the Forgotten War, Korean War, war in Afghanistan, soldier, Uncle Billy, The Washington Post

what's the deal with cash deposits, anyway?

A bit over a week ago, Thursday night I made an online payment to my credit card.  Friday, it had not credited yet.  Okay, fine, for some reason that seems obscure, they are not grabbing their money immediately from my checking account even though I authorized that, and it can take a couple days.  So, I borrowed money from M, and made a CASH payment right at the bank that Friday over an hour before their "must deposit by" hour.  Phew, I could rent a car for the weekend, as the car rental place puts a hold of approximately $200. on a major credit card and I needed that credit limit so that could be done.  Um, no, the cash payment still wasn't showing as a credit.  Odd.  I waited over an hour, still nothing.  Calling them, they said that the bank would ahve to call them and tell them it was cash, so it'd get credited.  The bank said I had to come in person with my receipt, even though I offered to fax it, and did let them know I'd have to walk almost a mile to get to them.  I got a ride, waited, and the bank, after verifying it was a cash deposit, was on hold, then disconnected, then got through and it took a WHILE, but I was told that my actual limit was counting that cash payment.  I walked back.  The online version of my credit card account didn't show that until Saturday, when it showed the cash payment retroactive to Friday, and I forget which day the online payment was credited.  But, they accepted the "hold" charge from the car rental company, so it worked out (the rental was a weekend special of a lot less than $200., but it's standard to put a hold).  I don't understand why all the hassle, however.

So, last night, I withdrew money from one account at one bank.  I had wanted to withdraw more, however, the (weeks late finally came yeah) child support check hadn't cleared fully.  THIS bank, nicely, lets me withdraw on a deposit immediately, even a check deposit, just only up to a few hundred dollars.  Okay, fine.  It definitely beats having to wait until the entire check deposit clears his bank account and gets into mine, plus there was a weekend in there.  So, I took the lessened amount of cash, and put it into my checking account last night.  I have two things I wish to pay by Pay pal today online, plus something else.  My checking account is primary with Pay pal, so it just makes it easier to do it this way.  Except, for somereason, my cash deposit made last night, admittedly via ATM but still, is not showing in my account even as of today right now!  ARGH.  It should acknowledge even pending deposits (it usually does, or is that only if I deposit via a teller?). 

I don't get why paying with cash isn't reflected on an account immediately after a person is able to do the data entry processing of the payment.  I also don't understand why some companies can withdraw from my checking account seemingly as soon as I press the button to confirm payment, and others take days (I would think they'd want it!).

And, yes, I can appreciate that wow, I had money to rent a car with for a couple days?! and wow, I can pay for two feiseanna, now?, as typically speaking no way in heck w/out budgeting that in, in advance.  It doesn't leave me with money, but at least I can cover these.  Just want the cash credited once deposited.

Update:  My cash deposit via ATM last evening, is now (late afternoon) credited to my checking account.  I am guessing that this is their normal timeframe for that, as my request/comment about it hasn't yet elicited a response (so I sent another saying thanks for getting it credited).  So, I made the two feiseanna registrations.  Anything else I'll take care of later on.

 

Tags: banking, cash deposits, credit card payment, checking account

so I ate M's ice cream for lunch, not that it's the same thing

Left in the car, okay, E's car that I drove him to "the" metro station this morning in, is his coffee cup.  It's a reminder of him, his lips.  He was hesitate about what to do with his orange juice bottle after he finished downing the remainder and needing to get the portable playpen and his baggage; "Yes, I'll take care of this, you have to be going."  Gosh he looked so cute this morning in his jeans and a black polo shirt.  "Those are your cute jeans."  He turned his head around slightly and gave me that smile I like as he stepped back into his home to get some other item, oh, his metro card.  I also have a couple coins now that he can no longer use as they were pre-Euro coins, and he knows I like coins and stamps.  (My father had, also, but somehow my brother got all the stampbooks argh some are due to M.)   E was racing to get to "the" train, to get to his daughter's.  E and his oldest daughter, and youngest grandson (baby E turns 1 this week), depart for Europe in a couple hours.  For 10 days.  I'm really happy for him.  E sang a song in German this morning, from his childhood, when his father had been stationed in Germany for Voice of America.

Also left in the car are M's dirty socks, from last time she danced at the studio.  I'd taken them out of her dance shoe bag, as she needs the dance shoes with her but not her dirty socks.  Heck, she should be dancing right NOW.  And her Delia's magazine with some desired school clothing items circled and her pen.  She took her school books, The Uglies, and a book titled something like Romette and Julio.  She's enjoying The Uglies.  M left me her photo of "Al" and her, from graduation.  She'd asked Grandma (my mom) to print it out for her when we visited yesterday.  Gosh, was that just yesterday?  I've put that in my purse; it's really good and I like it.  M's big smile, and his, both dressed up.  M's gone with her dad, C, his long-term girlfriend, Sh, and their 6 year old, Si.  For 2 weeks.  Except I'll see her this weekend as there's a feis.  I'm more excited for it this year.  Dad was in the ICU a year ago this coming weekend / this feis last year. 

Boss is back from his 2 week vacation.  I'm actually glad.  I get to interact and work more.  And, E is right, I can get some things done in my life (and more of Dad's affairs),while both he and M are away.

But.

Oh, I did see E some these past 2 weeks with M being home, just really when she was busy with her own plans.  Not extended time.  It was important for M and I to spend some time together; I don't regret that, I treasure that.  Sometimes, just talking with her is good.  She and I had our "date night" Friday night.  Just just.  Then some sunny time on the top of his boat Saturday which M insisted on not joining for (we thought she'd like it), but spending with "Al" instead as he moves states away soon, so still just a few hours in.  Delightful but few. 

Last night got started late for us, catching the last hour of Titanic which I'd not seen previously.  (AND OTHER THINGS I"M DELETING HERE -- E is a gentleman, and may not feel comfortable with public details.)

I already emailed E this morning.  And texted M something I thought she may need to know.  I'll keep busy, they'll keep busy. 

Daisy loved rolling in the grass in the sunlight.  Inside, feeding her and the cats, what would I eat?  M's current favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's ice cream is really good.  I'll get her a replacement pint.  Not that it truly replaces time with E or with M, different sorts of time obviously, but it helps:)  And, who needs an excuse to eat ice cream?  Ugh, it's still 10 more days.

p.s. -- He's calling me now:)  Soon they'll be off.  Little E is napping with E, while daughter (mother) is searching for food in the airport.  Distracting me from deleting this entry (which I instead deleted portions of).  I'm glad he touched base.  Glad to hear that his brother's okay, too (had been a scare).  Presumably, M is doing well, also.

 

 

 

 

Tags: ice cream, E, M, baby E, Ben and Jerry's, be prepared

to Stephanie and John

My cousin, Stephanie, got married last Friday.  She and her first husband (now deceased), have two wonderful children, one being my Goddaughter, LEL.

 

John, I don't know you, but I know LEL and her brother like you.  I know that Stephanie, who is the closest I have to a sister, is happy with you, and you must be in love with her.  The three of them all deserve the very best.  Stay treating her well, and welcome to the family, Jon.

Stephanie, I'm so happy for you.  I think [your late brother] Dougie, [who would have turned 47 this month] would be very happy for you, and your [late] father, too.  We all just want you to be happy, to have the best life can offer to you.

I really wish I could have been there.  May all of you have many happy blessed years together.  Cheers.  Love ya. 

Tags: Stephanie, John, Dougie, LEL