I had been away from the board for a while (its great to be back), and I really miss Amy. I hope that everything is okay with her and her family. Come to think if it, where is Bubbels, too?
There was another girl, too, I can't remember her screen name. She was a Mormon girl from Utah(?) i believe.

By Karen~admin on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 01:59 pm:

Amy is in the process of moving.

Bubbels is busy reconstructing her home which was destroyed by hurricane Katrina, and busy with her web business.

I believe the other person you are speaking of is Robin, and she left the board by choice.

By Hol on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 08:21 pm:

Where is Amy moving to? Is Mike still in the Army?
I am so sorry about Bubbel's home!!! Boy, I sure missed a lot while I was away from the board! I wish them both well, and I miss them.
You are right. The other girl was Robin.

By Karen~admin on Monday, June 5, 2006 - 08:35 pm:

Mike is getting out of the Army. In fact, they were supposed to move today. They are moving back here, for now. I don't know how much you missed Hol, Mike had back surgery too. Hopefully I will be seeing them real soon!

By Crystal915 on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 12:12 am:

Karen,
Please tell Amy and Mike I'm thinking of them!! Do you know what their plans are after the Army? I know how difficult that transition can be, DH really struggled when he got out, and (obviously) he decided civilian life wasn't cutting it for him. I know with Mike's health that's not an option, so I hope they are doing well!! Of course, send my best to Pam and her family, too.

By Karen~admin on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 09:12 am:

Crystal & Hol, I just know they are moving back to this area, where Pam and also Amy's dad are. I think the plan is to eventually buy a house maybe a bit north of here, so as to avoid the constant evacuation issues in the greater New Orleans area. I don't want to *speak* for Amy, but I know she's really busy right now, with the move and getting settled. I'll tell them you guys say *HI*.

By Bellajoe on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 04:50 pm:

I had no idea that Bubbels's home was destroyed by Katrina. Let her know we are thinking of her and her family.

I hope Amy and Mike's move goes well.

By Karen~admin on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 09:10 am:

Patti, Pam lives in one of the areas that flooded - not the 8 feet of water like in the houses near the 17th St. Canal, but a couple feet, and the worst thing is with the power out for weeks, the inside of the house was covered with mildew so it was pretty much gutted. They are currently living in a camper in the yard (as are so many other people here) while they are repairing their house.

By Hol on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 12:42 am:

Sending my best wishes, love and prayers to Bubbels, Amy, Mike and the kids. I hope all goes well. I did know that Mike had back surgery, but I never heard how he made out. Is he okay?

By Karen~admin on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 07:45 am:

He was just discharged from the Army, they are staying with Amy's dad right now. Hopefully she will be online soon to post. I'll let Amy know you're asking about them.

By Amy~moderator on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 02:16 pm:

Hello all! And hello Hol - thanks for thinking of us and for the well wishes.
Mike had his back surgery about a year ago and it did create *some* improvement in his pain. He reruptured the same disks however and now has neck pain. He was medically discharged (and honorably discharged) from the Army on June 5th and we are currently staying with my father about 10 minutes outside of New Orleans. We are enjoying this time visiting with our family on a daily basis, which we were definitely not accustomed to doing for the past 5 years, lol.

Mike has applied for his VA benefits which will take about 6 months or so to become in effect, as he needs to be evaluated in so many areas (i.e. nonstop appointments, lol). Once he receives a disability rating, we will receive disability compensation each month for the rest of our lives. This does not prevent him from getting a full-time civilian job in any way, which he is currently in the process of securing. The VA will also provide him with full medical benefits for the rest of his life as well. In addition, there are other benefits such as life insurance, free hunting/fishing license, etc. So, that is that.

He is waiting for a call on a good job located about an hour away from where we are now. Once he is employed, we will be house hunting in that area. It is out of the flood zone, yet still close to my family. They eventually plan to move near that area as well.

It is a very difficult transition. It will take a while to get used to civilian life, but it is also exciting at the same time.

Thanks for thinking of us!

By Hol on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:16 pm:

Amy, thank you so much for the update. It is so good to hear from you. I think of you often, and still have the lovely note that you wrote to me after the fire.
I'm glad that Mike is out of the Army. Yes, it is an adjustment, but you guys are one of the strongest couples I know, with all you have been through. Civilian life will be great, and like you say, you'll get to be with your family. God bless.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 01:30 am:

Hey Amy.... Tell Mike HI!!! How are the boys with the amazing eyes doing???

By Crystal915 on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 03:14 am:

Hey Amy! Glad to hear everyone's doing well, tell Mike I said hi!!