My Girls

TOQ

Not long ago, RADM David Glenn ventured to the slightly wooded eastern panhandle. RADM Glenn is, so far, the highest ranking member of the Coast Guard I have yet to meet. I was honored to meet the man partially since his boss is the Commandant, the head of the Coast Guard. As for the area, I say slightly wooded due to the ongoing construction that is slowly turning the area into DC's little sister. Anyway, the CG Portal team was awarded Team of the Quarter; an honor that is given to a selected team four times a year. We were acknowledge due to the high visibility of our project within the Coast Guard and the fact that we rolled the our project by the deadline. We get the priviledge of standing in front of everyone else to be congratulated, TOQ parking spaces at the main building, and an official binder with a certificate signed by the Captain. CG-6 @ USCG.mil You can check out the picture of the entire team on the internet in the news section.

VA by Blood

As of April 13, I no longer possess a VA driver's license. With a history of recklessness, making trouble for the establishment, and a five year stint of a class B CDL, I had to surrender it. Unfortunately, the DMV ladies would allow me to keep it, despite my charming manner.
Along with the new license, ol' blue (seen here) got a little face lift as well. The old plates have been retired to my basement and she's now sporting a new plate. That's one difference between VA and WV. WV only requires a single plate be adorned on the rear of the vehicle whereas in VA two must be displayed.
The inspection was performed just a couple Saturdays ago. WV inspection stickers are displayed on the left of the windshield and no county of residence is required. VA, of course, repealed their requirement for county stickers just this year. Speaking of the inspection process, the fellow here had me sit in the driver's seat and put my seat belt on. That was something else I never had to do in VA.

All told, everything went smoothly. I've already got my permanent registration and WV title (oh, I had to surrender my VA title as well) and now everything is done.

The Rug That Ties the Room Together

Does it not?

Wiping off the Dust

Here it is the middle of April and I've neglected this blog. My birthday came and went, I got some awesome stuff, and my sister's offer was just accepted on a house. Exciting times. We've been busy here, too, which is mostly the cause for the decaying of this blog. We have also moved in and begun the task of unpacking. There has been a lot of progress, as well as the day to day operations here at the Bittner-Crissman household, plus a couple things on the side. Anyway, here are a few pictures of what's been put together thus far.
You can probably notice a couple boxes here and there plus some things not quite in place but hey, but it's a work in progress. The garage and basement are ongoing as well (no pictures yet). Tonight we tried to take the night off, although Kelly put a few things up. I had no problem with sitting on the couch, listening to music and writing in here. I've been pretty tired the last couple of days, so I took this morning off from the gym. I may do the same tomorrow...we'll see how the morning goes.

A First Meal of Sorts

Last night we had our first night meal in the new place. Although not as extravagant as some of Stash's, it was delicious nonetheless.
A classic that everyone can enjoy, hamburger helper couldn't be easier. And green beans, God couldn't have made a better staple...well maybe except for bacon.

A Helluva Ride

On St. Patty's of all days, I joined the rank of homeowners. Kelly and I closed on the house we put an offer on last October (crazy huh?). We've been busy ever since painting, putting up fixtures, and performing various tasks. We still have plenty of packing to do before the big move the first weekend of April, but it will pay off once we're in the place. Below are some pictures from last weekend of painting followed by a couple exterior shots.


More to come later...