valentine's day Open Letter to Mr. Alan Ball
Well Alan, first and foremost I want to THANK YOU. I want thank you for bringing the wondrously amazing Mrs. Harris' books to life. Thank you for letting the world know about these great characters and bringing them into our homes on Sunday nights for 12 weeks (only 12 flipping weeks?). HBO I understand you like to bring on new programming...like constantly, but seriously only 12...Boo.
But I do have a bone to pick with you and your writing team. While obviously brilliant and creative you have taken TOO MUCH creative liberties with a book series that is too widely loved. You have made changes to the story lines in season 2 and 3 that make books in the series too improbable now. While some changes are good... i.e. Lafayette others have disastrous consequences...I'm talking about MARY ANN and FAE here (and Hot Shot/Calvin Norris). You have messed with characters and story lines so much that its beginning to make me dislike the show at certain times.
For non-book readers...sorry if I disappoint you or give away anything..look away.
1. Godric is not Eric's maker. This PISSED me off. Godric is a great character in the book and in the show. Godric, I think was a much more interesting character in the book. Now you'll never see Eric's actual maker and all that entails.
2. Shapeshifters in general... One the 1st born can be true shapeshifter. Sam's whole backward ass, white trash family doesn't even exist in the book. I hate that ENTIRE story line. Tommy I'm pretty sure you're not dead but I hope you are.
3. Vampires cannot cut their hair. You are who you were when you were made. Yes Eric looks much hotter with his hair now, but it makes absolutely NO SENSE.
4. Project Werewolf....Boo.... The Alcide/Debbie Pelt story line is strong, why did you feel the need to f with it. Debbie doesn't have to be so white trash...plus she's not a werewolf she's a werefox. Another reason her and Alcide can't be together...he needs to produce a werewolf child.
5. While I like seeing Hadley and her son...and I'm glad you're introducing them earlier than the books did, its obvious that her death and everything that entails won't be seen in the series.
6. The Queen...OMG the Queen. Awful god awful casting. In the books, while young-looking, she's strong and forceful, and deserves respect. ERW sucks...no pun intended. FYI - the last scene with her and Bill...Cheap Matrix SNL looking skit...BOO.
7. Jason...OMG Jason. I didn't mind the v-fueled relationship of the past, hell I didn't even mind the Fellowship of the Sun diversion. But I hate who you are letting him become.
8. Hot Shot...well yes they are inbred and well...different but they aren't toothless meth heads. They are a close knit 'pack' that needs to ensure the continuation of their 'kind'. And since only 2 pureblood shifters can create a pure shifter with the 1st child (see above) its important that that occurs...hence the inbreeding.
9. Jessica....I don't like Jessica nor the Magistrate or that nasty PR woman. NONE OF THAT IS IN THE BOOKS. They are not explaining the vamp politics correctly.
10. Tara...I'm sorry Tara but you're one annoying ass character. I much preferred you as a peripheral character in the books.
11. MARY ANN - SUCKED. Horrible, I almost stopped watching last season because I HATED that story line that much. And P.S. can we clean Sookie's house already. I'm so tired of looking at the nastiness.
12. Fae...seriously Alan Ball, seriously. This is important in the following books. You have totally screwed up the entire story line with the fae. Every single thing is wrong except her name is Claudine. That I do believe is the SINGLE BIGGEST CRIME you have made against this show....well that and Mary Ann.
13. UMMMM Alan...we all had hoped you were going to end season 3 with Eric...running naked through the woods to Sookie's house. That's the way you, I, and every single red-blooded woman (and gay man) knows it should have went down. You're introducing witches, great...actually I called it early on that you were making Jesus a witch.
So let's get down to brass tacks here Mr. Ball. Here's what needs to happen in Season 4 or else I know quite a few avid and loving True Blood fans might not be coming back...
1. We need to drop Bill like the bad habit he is.
2. Eric story line from Book 4 starting with naked run and progressing to...HELLO SHOWER SCENE, etc. etc.
3. The witch story line needs to be developed and not f'd up.
4. You better have not killed off Calvin. You better stop with the white trash Hot Shot crap.
5. Please let Tara leave town...we don't want her anyway.
6. Stop with the Sam's dumb family and his annoying as brother.
7. Fae - please don't ruin the fae storyline. Its important. Claudine and her brother and sister are important to the story moving forward.
8. Debbie Pelt, she's an important character can we make her less trashy and redneck.
Thank you for your time Alan. I'm sure you've stuck with me throughout this post. I'm sure you're an avid reader of my blog you've always been too afraid to comment...no worries I completely understand.
If you have any questions or if you would like to run some story lines by me...no fear I'd be happy to help in anyway I can.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jetplane
p.s. Shower Scene... you and I both know any scene with Eric naked boosts ratings... just remember those 2 words - SHOWER SCENE...that is all.
valentine's day Hey there Idaho...
P.S. cattle also roams free through this area. We may have had a close call with 2 cows on the road and one about 200 yards away from the hiking trail. Oh...and we had to buy hiking boots...we learned this on the steep hike. When Mr fell and on the way down...may or may not have punched me in the stomach...ummmm yeah, that was nice. valentine's day Project Get Sexy
And when we gain this weight we start to feel it, not just feel it in our body but feel it in our soul. We start to feel bad about ourselves. We feel less like the woman we thought we were and less attractive. Well, at least I do.
I have gained some weight since we got married June 2008. Some will say that I haven't gained 'a lot of weight', but enough for me to notice and enough for it to hurt my self esteem. I'm only 5'2" so every lb is painful.
I want to lose some lbs and more importantly I want to look better in my clothes. I want to be toned. I want definition in my legs. I want to feel good in a sleeveless shirt. I want to feel like this picture again...

I felt good in this picture. It was a month after the wedding and I took them for Mr's birthday present. I had lost weight before the wedding and felt good about my body. I want to feel good about my body again.
So what am I gonna do about this?
I've started Couch to 5k and I am doing this plan. There are a couple C to 5k plans out there, or at least it appears to be the case. I chose this one, because let's face it....I loathe running and starting at running 2 minutes 1st workout, just ain't-a-happenin. This plan starts with the 1st 3 workouts - jogging 60 seconds and walking 90 seconds. I do my 3rd work out tomorrow morning.
Mr. Jetplane is doing this with me, not because he needs it but for moral support. After the 1st 'run', we got home I was exhausted and he went on a 7 mile run. Yeah this is the type of guy I'm dealing with.
Surprisingly I'm excited about this...and that is saying a lot for someone that regularly says the only time you'd see me running is if I was being chased... Yeah, a runner I am not. But I do seriously hope that this program can change my opinion on running and in turn help me get back into shape.
I will keep you all up to date with my progress. I will also be integrating some new and healthy recipes into our diet.
Project Get Sexy is in full effect...
Photo Credit - Oeil Photography
valentine's day On the rocks please...
I am on the lookout for an awesome bar cart or a cabinet, table, etc. that can easily be used as a bar cart. Perhaps it is well known that the Jetplanes like to partake in adult beverages, right now I'm extremely partial to 3 Olives Cherry Vodka. I also enjoy gin and tonics, wine, champagne, and the occasional light beer...but enough about me and my drinking habits.
I want a bar cart and I know exactly where I want it to go in the family room. To my total surprise, Mr. Jetplane is on board for this one. He thinks a lot of my ideas are crazy...I mean really crazy. But luckily I can show him 4 or 5 pictures of what I'm talking about and he now agrees I might not have lost my mind.
valentine's day Black or White - Part 2
Obviously the light fixture will be changed, window treatments burned, and the trim will become white. I think we will have beadboard run up the walls about 4 ft with a wide chair rail. The beadboard will run into the 2nd half of the kitchen near along the pantry and side of the fridge. All the floor trim will be replaced with thicker trim and painted white.
So does this change your thoughts on black v. white kitchen cabinets?
valentine's day Is it Black or White...
Black? Like Gwenie Paltrow's kitchen...
Or white like this gorgeous kitchen...
That is the question my friends. Our counter top is a Corian and appears to be relatively new. It is tan with flecks of white, gray, and black. The flooring we are putting in is a dark, real wood that will be carried in from the living room to the kitchen and into the family room. The wood color is similar to the flooring in the picture of the white kitchen above.
Here is the kitchen in all its glory with the original owner's belongings.
What was your first thought? Those kitchen cabinets on the right have to go??? Well that's what we thought too...
Day 1 we ripped out the cabinets. Excuse the 2 big boxes we used those to help us hold the cabinets in place while removing all the screws, nails, and whatever else had been holding those things up since 1986.
So what's the consensus....black or white?
We have purchased fixtures for over the kitchen table and the sink, those are brushed nickel and were cheap at Lowe's so the new cabinet hardware will be brushed nickel. We are also set on removing the top portion of the Corian that is used as a backsplash. These pieces are glued on and not a portion of the countertop. This will be replaced with white subway tile with white or a gray/black grout.
So do we go black or white?
* Sorry I do not have links for the 2 kitchen pictures, if you do, please advise and I will give appropriate credit.
** FYI - All the appliances will be replaced. All trim work will be white and all doors are getting replaced with new, white doors.
valentine's day Casa de Jetplane #2 Update
And with all this, I have been day dreaming about future house and what it will look like (when we're done with it). Can you tell this house was built in the late 80s....
The flooring in the entire house will be replaced, that's the first thing that is happening...oh so exciting. That right there, will change the entire look of this dated house.
Lovely pendent lighting, white tile, great metal stools... what's not to love. Right?
Yes, there is an obviously theme here...
But my favorite is this kitchen by LAKBdesign, posted by House of Turquoise last week I believe. I had an immediate reaction to this kitchen, and those red stools....TDF, am I right??
This new house is truly going to be a labor of love... So much is going to be happening to the Jetplanes in the next 3 years as we live in this house... a deployment, holidays apart, easing into a life out West, and hopefully having a child... Its an exciting and scary time.
valentine's day Holy Crap!
By the horrible light in the Air Force motel I stayed at in Idaho I spotted 5 more disgusting gray hairs sprouting from my left side hair line. Granted I KNOW I don't look like I'm going to turn 30 next month, but its happening people. People feel the need to constantly remind me that I don't look old enough to 30. For example all this occurred during my Idaho trip.
1. Real Estate Agent and I were at a Bunco charity event and I made a comment about my upcoming birthday and trip to Vegas....her response "Oh Thank God, I thought you might be young enough to be my grand-daughter!" Yeah no, I'm not 20 I'm turning 30.
2. At airport buying a book since I finished my newest Sookie book at the beginning of my flight from Chicago to Boise. I am wearing yoga pants, a Notre Dame tshirt, and wrap sweatshirt jacket. I place my book on the counter and the cashier (who doesn't speak English all that well) asks me, oh do you like ND, why yes I do sir. Then he asked something that I thought I understood but needed it repeated to me 3x... Are you planning on going there for college???
No, I graduated college 8 yrs ago....then I get what I always get...NO WAY. YOU LOOK SOOOO YOUNG. Then he proceeded to tell me a totally inappropriate story about his attractive neighbor (with a banging body illustrated with hand gestures) who has 3 daughters and she's in her 40s but all the boys are hitting on her all the time...ummm thanks Mr. I totally don't need to hear this, this morning.
3. A lovely man from Orange County sitting next to me on my flight home from Chicago to Raleigh, who definitely knew entirely too much about celebrity gossip (wink wink) talked at length about how I didn't look my age, how he'd DIE for my skin, and then had an in depth conversation about if one can breast feed with implants.
Yeah people...it was quite a trip.
But the point of the story is .... I am turning 30. I wanted to be in good shape by 30, I wanted to have dropped the extra couple of lbs I've put on since our wedding. But the thing about that is...well to be totally honest with you...I'm freaking lazy. And between work, the move, and well utter laziness, working out is something I have no interest in doing... ugh.
30 people...30. I know its not the end of the world, I KNOW THAT. But its a BIG deal. I'm not in my 20s anymore...30 seems so ADULT, and I don't feel ADULT. When should I start feeling like an ADULT? Oh boy...that's a whole other issue for another post...
XOXO
valentine's day Slap in the face...
This isn't happening 'to me' but it affects me. Things are happening that I can't even begin to wrap my mind around and it is truly upsetting to me.
I'm trying to stay level-headed and not get myself involved. I can't get myself involved, its not place, its not my fight, its not my responsibility, but I want to do something, say something, hit something.
Thank God I'm heading to Idaho tomorrow for a few days, hopefully that will clear my head and somethings will work themselves out.
I'm sorry for my utterly vague and probably totally illogical post today. I needed to vent alittle.
Calming myself this morning with a little Jeff Buckley.... its working...alittle...
valentine's day Prayin Hard

As you may know, the Jetplanes lived in Pcola for a couple of years while Mr. Jetplane was training. We just moved to NC late last summer.
We loved the area and particularly the BEAUTIFUL, WHITE, SANDY BEACHES. We loved our early morning walks along the beach on NAS Pcola and seeing all the wildlife running around you...birds...crabs...you name it. That beautiful blue water and those white beaches, make every morning so lovely.
Please keep all of the Gulf Coast... the water, the wildlife, and the people in your prayers, they are going to need it.
valentine's day OH Baby!
The Jetplanes have been discussing babies alot lately. But with Mr. knee deep in flight school and a potential deployment occurring in December (yeah that's right, I said December), right now its not in the cards.
Earlier this week Mr. asked me the following question that was sort of off putting, "Why do you want to have a baby?"
Why do I want to have a baby....hmm...
I want to start a family with this man that I love more than anything in this world.
I want to have a baby because I turn 30 in June and I have totally irrational fears that I won't be able to have a baby.
I want to bring something into this world that is a combination of the two of us and our love.
And DAMN IT I just want one... but I'm scared to death, I'll admit it. SCARED TO DEATH about having a child. Scared about how I would handle the load of a child with everything else in my life....especially with future deployments that lie ahead.
Sometimes my crazy mind drifts into the nightmares of seeing myself at home trying to work full time like I do now, with 2 kids, 2 dogs, housework, cooking, etc. all by myself when my husband is deployed...and that causes me some serious heart palpitations.
I know plenty of women do it, heck I may work part time or none at all, who knows, but the fear of that unknown shakes me to my core sometimes...
I know I'm not the only one out there. And I know there are plenty of women, mil wife and non-mil wife, that juggle and struggle through the day to day of having kids, work, home life, heck even a social life...I know I'm going to be looking to them as my role models.
valentine's day VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION
valentine's day Hello...Hello...Hello...
But it also wasn't my intention getting sick either. Today's post, unfortunately will be a random, I mean REAL random.
1. While sick I visited the Flight Doc on base. My doctor was quite a hottie and a former fighter pilot...it is not fun to talk about your bodily functions with a cute, young doctor, while dressed like homeless person with dirty hair, no makeup, and then realizing you aren't even wearing a bra...oh yeah...nice. Yes I left the house without a bra on, but in my defense, I was really sick and had on 2 shirts, a hoodie, yoga pants, a scarf, coat, and a hat...yeah homegirl was freezing her bootie off.
2. In about 30 days we will find out where we are moving to. The arrow is pointing to Idaho. Cue all the jealous now... I spent last night looking at houses for sale in Idaho.
3. I'm happy to report that I gave up online shopping for Lent and I haven't caved yet!!
4. This is currently on repeat on my computer and in my head....
5. The Jetplanes are going to a semi formal on Saturday. I'm recycling a black cocktail dress and sporting my Blue Bow Knock off Valentino shoes. Our squadron color is blue and I'm suppose to integrate that into my outfit. I'm worried I might not be dressed up enough, but oh well.
6. Also I've joined Formspring.me. You can ask me anything and everything you ever wanted...and do it anonymously if you so wish....
Just click the link http://formspring.me/mrsjetplane
Happy Hump Day!
valentine's day Excuse Me....

valentine's day Big Day!!
I firmly believe my step dad has 5x more experience than the incumbent (because he does, resumes prove that) and is the best person to hold this position.
He and my mom have been working their butts off for the past few months, and I pray we are successful.
Any thoughts and/or prayers are greatly appreciated.
I'll keep you updated!!
valentine's day Oh CRUD...
So when you're at a squadron function and the commander's wife asked you to join the officer's wives team for a game you've never heard of...of course you say...yeah why not. And then when she announces....don't worry we're not that violent...you think to yourself, what the hell have I gotten myself into and proceed to scan youtube for videos of this game.
So today I ask any and everyone out there.... Have you ever played Crud?
Mr told me I would have fun and it will be a great way to meet other wives. I agree but I'm uber competitive and if I suck at something...well then I prefer to not do it...yeah that's a sad fact about Mrs. Jetplane. I won't really try to get better, I'll just quit...ask my pretty pink golf clubs in the garage...
So while I was looking for videos of CRUD this popped up...OMG its funny...you'll get a lil shot of the game.
(Back story - classes always put together a video usually making fun of themselves, others, the squadron, whatever and its shown to the class...alot of these are posted on youtube and they are really funny. Most of them make fun of how ridiculous fighter pilots are... and I can speak from experience...alot of the stereotypes are true which makes it sooo much better).
valentine's day Its You & Me...

My Kitchen Aid Mixer that I HAD TO HAVE during the registry time. My mom bought it for me prior to the wedding for a shower gift. I love it, its my favorite color. I love to cook but I'm not the best baker, which is even funnier but since I'm anon I won't go into that...
This is my 2010 Resolution #7. See list below...
So its You and Me, Ms. Thang... this year we're going to tangle. We're gonna mix sh!t, as Ms. Kate has so eloquently put it before. Its gonna happen. I've had you since Spring 2008...I think its about time I tried you out.
Pray for me... so far I'm the lady that buys cookie dough in the pre-cut squares or buys the bags of blueberry muffin mix where you just add water...
valentine's day Its the Monday before Christmas & all through the house...

Well you can find there lazy butts on the couch...that is when dad's not home!!!
For those of you keeping score - Mrs. Jetplane 0 Mouse 2.
To be completely honest, I think this is a new mouse, we were mouse free for 2 months or so. We live out in the country and its not uncommon for mice around here we've been told. I cleaned out pantry and didn't find any holes where he could be coming in. I think he might be coming in from the laundry room, but still haven't figured out where...
valentine's day HELP ME! HELP ME!
I need suggestions...what am I talking about...I need help!
No Brie please!
Please leave me a comment or send me an email at leavingandloving@gmail.com with your suggestions and recipes!!!
Thank you in advance for your help.
valentine's day Hang in there...
Sorry for my lack of updates, please don't give up on me....I'm just in a thick drug induced fog and now I'm trying to work from my parents on my lap top and cell phone...this won't be good...plus my "T" key on my laptop doesn't want to work anymore...FML.
Thank you all again for all your love and support...you all are the bestest!! (yes I know that's not a word, but I use it anyway!)