Instead of sleeping, I will go ahead and update my blog. A few things have happened since my last post, so I’ll just make this an overview of past events and future plans.
Twelve days ago, I bottled my first beer. Patience is one of those things I work hard at exercising, and much of that hard work is applied towards patience with the VA. I will be the first to say I am amazed that I have not yet cracked open a bottle to see what kind of creation I brewed. It will be hard, but I will let that beer sit for at least another week before I crack one open.
School is off to a good start, and is not posing that much of a problem. Only having classes two days a week is quite nice. The five hour gap I have between my physics class and my calculus lab is definitely not fun, but I will survive. At least that gives me time to do some homework, or take a really long nap.
Some new brewing equipment has made its way into my possession. Once I get a large enough stock pot, propane burner, and a wort chiller I will be good to go for 5gal brews. When that is all said and done, hopefully by the end of the week, I will be able to have three different beers going at any given time. A few threads over at HomeBrewTalk.com prompted me to rethink my brew stand idea, and I’ve come up with a way to eliminate the needs for any pumps and still not have to physically pick up much of anything myself. When I get a chance, I will do a quick sketch up of the idea and start coming up with a build list so I can move to fabricate the stand.
Anthony, I was just googling about trying to find out exactly what the VA’s plans are for taking back housing payments for the Post 9/11 Bill due to overpayment from the emergency advance since,like you, most often I can’t reach anyone, and when I do, I can’t seem to get a straight informed answer from anyone. I just have to say that I enjoyed browsing your website very much. You’re a great writer. Best of luck. I’ll probably be back to visit again just for some good reading.
Lisa,
Thanks for the compliments. As for what the VA actually plans to do, I have no idea. When they started handing the money out in an effort to cover their proverbial backsides back in October it was said the funds would be taken from future entitlements. My assumption has always been that they would withhold about two months of BAH. this link says they’re finally ready to start taking the money back, but offers no real details. Apparently, we should be waiting for some more waste of paper from the VA with more information. If they are going to start taking the funds back, I sure hope I do not get any money this month or next. That will even me up with the BAH rate here in Houston.