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November 30, 2007|
Photo of Cliff Hudson at a recent benefit in Little Rock
photo credit : Lauren Clark
Cliff Hudson will be joining SpouseBuzz at Fort Bragg/ Pope Air Force Base tomorrow. I think you are in for an amazing treat.
You can read more about Cliff here!
November 29, 2007|
Guess who will be in Fayetteville at SpouseBUZZ Live 3 with a personal entourage in tow?
Yes, me. I mean, if children count as an entourage, that is. And I think they should. They follow me around in a roiling pack, create havoc, get into trouble, and smell kind of funny. In short, anything Britney's crew can do, mine can do better.
Except I do make it a point for them to wear underwear.
November 29, 2007|
Note: This post will stay on top for two days. Scroll down for fresh posts.
Thanks to the generosity of SyncLive, those of you who can't attend SpouseBUZZ LIVE Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB will be able to view the live broadcast from your computers! The show will start at 9:30 a.m. EST on Saturday, December 1.
We'll have a chat room at the broadcast site and we'll take your questions from the chat room during the panel sessions. Please note that we won't be opening our SpouseBUZZ chat room, we will be using the SyncLive chat room. Sometime between now and show time, you'll need to sign up for a free membership at SyncLive. You will not be able to participate in the chat room unless you have set up your free account, which takes all of a minute to establish. See the yellow "sign up now" icon in the top right-hand corner. You will want to do this, not only for SpouseBUZZ LIVE Ft. Bragg/Pope, but because SpouseBUZZ will be broadcasting future events and live programming via SyncLive. SyncLive is also working on other broadcasts that will be of interest to the military community (more info in the coming days), so sign up.
A big, huge thanks to SyncLive for bringing this event to all who cannot attend.
November 28, 2007|
The SpouseBUZZ team is descending on Fayetteville, North Carolina. One by one, we're arriving and getting ready for SpouseBUZZ LIVE Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB. It's going to be a GREAT event and we're thrilled to be here.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, you can watch the show live on the web. Tomorrow I'll be posting information on how and where you can access the show. We'll be taking questions from our virtual audience during the show. You'll be able to submit a question or comment from your computer.
Our team will be busy over the next few days and posting will be lighter than usual. For our new readers, please check out the SpouseBUZZ humor archive. Just click here to access, and keep on scrolling. You will find a year's worth of posts by going to the navigation bar on the right-hand side of our site. Pick your category, click on it and happy reading.
When SpouseBUZZ LIVE is over and we've all returned home, regular posting will resume. Until then, thanks for your patience and we'll see you on Saturday in Fayetteville, or via the live broadcast on the web, courtesy of SyncLive.
November 28, 2007|
My Husband used to have a job where he was the host to an international event once a year. I loved this, it was always fun for me. I have never had the good fortune of living overseas, which is probably by the grace of God. As I, have no proclivity for a second or third language, unless you count Toddlerease.
I did look forward to these events every year, more than any other function.
November 28, 2007|
Some great information from this week's Military Report:
November 28, 2007|
We've been slacking with our What's Your Story contest, but we're bringing it back just in time for the holidays.
December's title: Holidays, Military Style.
Tell us how you plan to spend the holiday season, with or without your spouse. What you plan to do or what you've done in the past. How a military style holiday is different than a civilian one. The topic is totally open for interpretation and you can choose which direction you go. There's no right or wrong way to write about it.
The winner will receive a fabulous prize package courtesy of USAA and Military.com. Just ask our previous winners how great the package is!
Submission rules are as follows:
November 27, 2007|
A few weeks ago DH was getting ready to leave yet AGAIN for about 5 days. He hasn't deployed since he was wounded, thank goodness, but he is gone A LOT in the fall. This one particular trip was not work related for him and I guess I was a bit jealous that he got to go somewhere and have fun and I was "stuck" at home doing, well, everything else.
So before I left for work that morning I gave DH a hug and whispered to him, "Make sure you clean up all your crap before you leave. I don't want to have to stare at it for the next 5 days."
DH's reply: "Great. The last thing you say to me before I leave and you are nagging me."
I took a DEEP breath, counted to 10-ish and simply said, "I love you." Then I left for work.
When I came home that afternoon I found this on my bathroom mirror:
November 27, 2007|
As many of you know, my husband and I moved a few months ago. We went into this move knowing it was temporary. As in less than a year. I wasn't too picky about our housing options. My tagline was, "We can do anything for a year." Boy has that slogan come back to bite me. Over and over again.
The latest nightmare came when it was time to put up the Christmas tree.
November 27, 2007|
If you'd like to receive information via email about upcoming SpouseBUZZ LIVE events, and other SpouseBUZZ-related items, please leave your email address in the comment section below or click here to send an email request. If you send an email, please put "SpouseBUZZ 411" in the subject line. This is a spam-free service.
We may be coming to a town near you soon. Stay plugged in!
November 26, 2007|
We told you we would have a big announcement regarding SpouseBUZZ LIVE last night, and we did. Click the "play" button below to listen to a brief, five minute announcement by Aric Berquist, CEO of Synchronicity Live. His announcement will be of interest to all milspouses, especially those of you who can not attend SpouseBUZZ LIVE.
Major thanks to Sync Live. What a gift to the military spouse community! You can be there, without being there.
More, much more to follow today or tomorrow, so stay tuned...
November 26, 2007|
SpouseBuzz Live 3 is this coming Saturday, December 1st. And I wanna go! However such is the life of a military wife.
There are times when it is not in the cards.
I was thrilled to find out last night that Santa came early this year!
November 26, 2007|
I think holidays are particularly rough on the military community. Being geographically separated from family can be tough, especially if your loved one is deployed and you're unable to travel and be with your family.
My husband and I usually drive or fly to be with our families during the holidays. That's always nice, but we've rarely been within 500 miles of our family, so we generally return exhausted from the whole planes, trains and automobiles experience. Due to a heavy travel schedule this fall, I just wanted to relax in my own home with my husband this Thanksgiving. The thought of packing yet another suitcase was not a comforting one. So, this Thanksgving, it was just the two of us (and Max).
November 26, 2007|
While AFW reviewed the JumpStart kindergarten program and GBear reviewed the 1st Grade program, my household took on the 2nd grade program.
We are all enjoying it. Children and parents alike.
November 25, 2007|
I recently returned from a week's vacation with my husband and 2 kids (and I am exhausted!). When we reached our destination I was doing my typical "look around the unfamiliar airport for baggage claim signs" and I saw a number of military families - one saying goodbye and two saying Welcome Home! And my emotional roller-coaster started full speed ahead!
November 25, 2007|
I woke up on Saturday and my computer jack wasn't working. The repair guy was supposed to fix it Thursday, then Friday. Then he told me he MIGHT come over on Saturday.
I could tell. It was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week.
On Sunday after church, we went to the Cheesecake Factory. I love cheesecake. But they don't have a children's menu! My kids had to share a pizza, and each kid complained that they didn't get THEIR favorite toppings.
I think I'll move to Australia. I've heard kids aren't allowed there.
November 25, 2007|
I went to church this morning. Not that this is a rare Sunday occurrence, it's just that I've been either traveling or in hospitals for the last month. So, I took the opportunity to look around me. And I saw my Thanksgiving...
November 24, 2007|
Being separated from your loved ones on Thanksgiving, or being this close to seeing them only to have the rug pulled out from under you? I vote for the latter.
A Naval officer wrote to Power Line:
What hasn't been widely reported yet is that several hundred families of the Kitty Hawk crew, who live here in Yokosuka, Japan, had flown to Hong Kong to spend the holiday with their spouses. I personally know three wives who made the trip, taking their small children with them. Ever spent $2500 on airfare to fly 10 hours round trip by yourself with two kids under age 4, then found out it was for nothing?
I could care less about the politics at play here, we don't do politics or foreign affairs at SpouseBUZZ (not interested in having this devolve into a political or China-bashing discussion). This just struck me as a good example of military families being caught in the middle of a situation beyond their control and coming out on the losing end. Talk about a kick in the teeth.....
Admiral Keating said it's hard to put a positive spin on the situation. That would be an understatement.
Embrace the Suck.
Update: I'll throw out a question here (for all four of you who are reading on a Thanksgiving weekend). Have you ever had the rug pulled out from under you during R&R or Homecoming? If so, tell us about it.
November 24, 2007|
It's always interesting to see how people find SpouseBUZZ. I'll tell you this much, I'm soooo sending Mr. Andi to the person who performed this search, and ended up here.
November 24, 2007|
More often than not, we've probably been rushing about getting things done, taking people to wherever they need to be, off to the commissary, don't forget the dry cleaners, and we mumble under our breaths that in a moment, ... a bit later ... we'll stop, take 60 seconds and regroup and pull ourselves away from ... it ... all. One minute of quiet time.
Tonight's the halfway point for the four-day observation of Thanksgiving. You're halfway thru a spate of craziness that only bodes 27+/- shopping days 'til ... So how about it, ... can you grab a bit of time, a deep breath, maybe from the porch? Deep inhale and let it out slowly. Look at those things around you. Look at the house where the 80-year old lives, and try for 60 seconds, to imagine all that they've seen in their lifetime. Look at your kids, in the yard, watching TV, in the tub ... think of their kids in 15-20 years, then smile broadly. Or maybe, take a walk outside this evening -- for many of us it's a perfectly clear sky w/ a huge full moon ... and think of the men and women on the other side of our little planet who so wish they could be you, right now, just looking at everything that surrounds you ... if for only 60 seconds.
My sky was beautiful this evening, my wife and kids are beautiful this evening, and the little 80-year old? Called her just to see if there's anything that I might be able to do for her ... as I had a spare minute or two and was thinking about her.
Do it for yourself. Take a step outside for no reason, other than 60 seconds of quiet reflection. Happy Thanksgiving!
O&O, MaintenanceToadOne
November 22, 2007|
There is a lot for my family to be thankful for this year.
More than all else, I am thankful for those who have come before me.
I am thankful to those who have fought for my right to worship as I please.
So I will Thank God today for all of my blessings they are far to numerous to count. And today over our table we will remember those who continue to fight for the rights of others. And to those of you, who are spending this Holiday without that special someone. We thank you as well for your sacrifice.
Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.
November 21, 2007|
My friend is flying in from Germany for SpouseBUZZ Live next week. I am so excited that she took the leap to come; it's going to be wonderful to see her again and welcome her into the SpouseBuzz family.
However, her travel plans are not going so smoothly. Her plan was to fly in and then rent a car and drive to Fayetteville. The problem is that she's been stationed in Germany so long -- stop moved for an extra 15 months while her husband's deployed -- that her stateside driver's license has expired. She is planning on renewing it while she's back in the US this time, and she still has a valid overseas USAREUR license. But Avis won't let her rent a car on her USAREUR license.
And that's the kicker of the story. They won't let her do it. They'd let her husband, the active duty soldier, have a car but not her.
November 21, 2007|
As I mentioned here, I was recently in New York with some other military spouses. I noticed two of the spouses had some service bling hanging from their necks. One was the wife of a Marine pilot and she was wearing a gorgeous necklace with aviator wings and a diamond in the middle of the wings. The other was the wife of a paratrooper. She was sporting a beautiful necklace with paratrooper wings and a diamond in the middle of the wings.
I felt like a bad Army wife. I have no glittery service bling. None, and it's time to act.
November 21, 2007|
I know traffic will be slow around here for the rest of the week given the Holiday. Just a reminder that our Thursday show is canceled due to Thanksgiving, but we'll be on air again Sunday night.
So, what's your Thanksgiving plan? Who's hanging around, who's going away?
If you have a deployed spouse, how do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving without him/her?
November 21, 2007|
I realize this is not the most romantic topic for the day prior to Thanksgiving. BUT, it's something I am thankful to have this year! A shingles vaccine! And, better still, it's covered by TriCare!
November 20, 2007|
I am starting to compile addresses for my Christmas card list. I like to try to get started on them early so I can have them out in the mail in early December. Sometimes that is unrealistic (like last year) and sometimes it's not. This year, I should be able to do it.
As I work on the list, I realize that in front of me sits a testament to how rich my life as a military spouse truly is. I have friends (and family) in all corners of the earth. Literally. Left coast, midwest, Alaska, east coast, Europe, Asia, medium-sized-turd-in-the-middle-of-the-Pacific-ocean, middle east...you name it and I probably need to send a Christmas card there.
November 20, 2007|
Don't you just love those Thanksgiving fluff pieces you see on your television every year? You know what I'm talking about. The heartwarming scenes of a family gathered around the dinner table giving thanks that daddy or mommy is home safely this Thanksgiving. You usually see the children clinging to the parent who was away the year before. You see the mom in her apron tending to a gigantic turkey, stuffed to the max. You see scenes of the family sitting around a cozy fire enjoying each other's company. They often show a photo from the previous Thanksgiving of mommy or daddy in Iraq or Afghanistan. A beautiful sight to behold. A feel-good story.
I get all misty-eyed every time I see one of these segments because I know how much it means to have my husband home during the holidays.
November 19, 2007|
Today is one of those days when I really, really wish we lived near old friends or family.
We are going to my husband's aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner, and she asked us nicely if we'd please not bring our dog. Fair enough, it's her house and it's going to be chock full of humans. I understand not wanting to invite a canine ruckus into the house too, even if he is the cutest doggy on the planet.
Problem is...I waited too long to call kennels and everything is completely booked. No room at the puppy inn.
And all I can think about is all the people at our old duty station who would've watched the dog for me. Or other family members who would be home and happy to do it if they lived less than 800 miles away.
And I know this dilemma is only going to get worse when Baby shows up.
I'm just having one of those down days where the grass seemed greener at the old duty station.
November 19, 2007|
when it's "VIP's have right of way with the grocery carts at the commissary" day and you didn't get one of those badges?
Yes, it's Thanksgiving week but last week was payday. I couldn't avoid this disaster but I noticed how aggressive and nasty the cart drivers were today!
I mean...sweet little old ladies who probably bake cookies for the neighborhood kids and butter wouldn't melt in their mouths were taking out the weaker among us with abandon. And relish
November 19, 2007|
Good Lord. I'm not sure what should horrify me most, the fact that I'm actually posting this, or the fact that I didn't think twice about posting this.
Ah well, the name of the game is to share info about great products, isn't it? So, I'm happy to humiliate myself in public. It's called taking one for the team.
November 19, 2007|
If you missed our show a few weeks ago with Marine, songwriter and artist, Cliff Hudson, click here to listen to an entertaining hour with Cliff and Sidney of To the Fallen Records. Cliff joined us again last night on SBTR to make an announcement. The announcement? Cliff will be performing for the military spouses at SpouseBUZZ LIVE Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB.
Cliff Hudson's MySpace page here.
We're very excited to have Cliff and his lovely wife, Ashley join us in Fayetteville. For those of you who are going to SpouseBUZZ LIVE, you're in for a real treat. To listen to last night's show, click here. Note: My mic was muted during two minutes of the show, but the technical glitch was only temporary. Technology has a mind of its own....
Link for To the Fallen Records here.
November 19, 2007|
As airforcewife mentioned last week, some of the SpouseBUZZ authors were given an opportunity to test some Jump Start learning games on our children. airforcefamily tested the kindergarten version, and the GBear family tested the latest learning games for children in the first grade.
After receiving it, I walked hesitantly toward my youngest son. No amount of coaxing can get this child serious about his educational pursuits and, thus, I fear that I might not be taken care of in my dotage if he is not able to move forward with his education and pursue greatness!
He really, really HATES educational things. Goober is convinced that school would be much more fun without all that educational stuff! Not that he doesn't do well in school, he just doesn't go looking for it outside of school.
November 18, 2007|
...Anyone home?
Wow - you guys have been super quiet this weekend. Doing fun stuff, I hope....
Don't forget that tonight is the Sunday evening SpouseBUZZ Pajama Party. Join us on SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio and in the chat room at 9:00 p.m. EST. One of our favorite people will be our mystery guest, and we'll be picking up where we left off last. I'm sure you won't want to miss this conversation...
November 18, 2007|
This morning, I read an interesting article in the Los Angeles Times about reintegration.
It's an emotional and psychological adjustment for the family when a Marine or sailor deploys, and another emotional and psychological adjustment when he or she returns. Sometimes, in the up-tempo deployment schedule, it seems there's barely time to get adjusted to one phase when another one begins.
And while it may seem counterintuitive to civilians, many military spouses say the homecoming phase can be the most difficult of all. With that in mind, the military provides "return and reunion" briefings to both the stay-behind and deployed spouses.
Reintegration is a subject we've discussed at length here at SpouseBUZZ. It's one of the most inquired about topics among our readers and SpouseBUZZ LIVE attendees.
November 18, 2007|
The music of 3 Doors Down made me cry more than once when my husband was deployed. They have a great sound and if you haven't checked them out before, I recommend you do!
I recently received a link to a video being featured on the Go Guard! website which allows you to watch a video prepared by 3 Doors Down as a tribute to the National Guard soldier. It's a great mini-movie backed by a fantastic track from 3 Doors Down.
Enjoy!
November 18, 2007|
During Thanksgiving week each year, I begin to really get into the holiday spirit. Christmas is right around the corner. This is my favorite time of year.
November 17, 2007|
It's a bit odd that a conversation with a civilian gave me some valuable perspective on military life, but that's exactly what happened after I digested our conversation with Ben Stein.
Ben Stein's beautiful wife is an Army brat. According to Ben, she "doesn't have an enemy in the world." Ben has encouraged his wife to write a book about how to get along with others. After all, she even gets along with "the prima donnas in Hollywood," said Ben. Ben attributes this to his wife's military upbringing, and I think he's onto something. Sarah told Ben it's as if milspouses are a part of some wonderful secret society.
November 17, 2007|
If you missed the SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio show with Ben Stein, click here to listen to the archive of the show. Ben Stein was a great guest, and incredibly gracious.
Tomorrow evening, the SpouseBUZZ Pajama Party is ON. You will love our mystery guest. See you in the chat room and on SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio at 9:00 p.m. EST.
As it happens, our weekly show falls on Thanksgiving, so we're canceling the show for November 22.
November 17, 2007|
America Supports You is providing you a great way to thank the deployed troops this holiday and letting them know that people are thinking about them. All you need is a cell phone!
November 16, 2007|
I was reminded yesterday via Some Soldier's Mom that CHRISTMAS is coming. It will be here before we know it. It was an excellent reminder to me that there are packages that need to be sent to our men and women overseas, or those who may be away for the holiday season.
The holiday season can be rough, without a deployment, but when a deployment is over a holiday the normally joyous celebration is bittersweet.
I encourage you to go over and look through all of her suggestions NOW
November 16, 2007|
John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting has been a supporter of military men and women (and their families) for years. Now, he's put together a CD with 13 artists - Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band free for military personnel starting tomorrow (November 17th) at AAFES.
h/t : Blackfive
November 16, 2007|
I know I am late getting this up this week.
I am by nature, a regimen person. And frankly the trip to BlogWorld exhausted me. However, that was 3 time changes in less than a week. I do not operate on the "fly" like I used to. Darn aging.
This morning, as I was loading The Collective, and taking my son to school, I noted a definate change in the air. Our first freeze. Brrr...
The grass was white with frost, our breath looking white in the air. Just plain cold. It did not go unnoticed by my children. Winter is on its way.
And for a moment, I was thankful for the change in seasons, the crisp air, and the ability to notice the changes.
What are you thankful for this week?
November 15, 2007|
Yesterday, the Pentagon announced a new pilot program which will assist military spouses with education-related costs, and help establish a secure career path.
Dubbed the "Military Spouse Career Advancement Initiative," the new effort teams the Pentagon with the Department of Labor to expand job opportunities for spouses in "high-demand, high-growth occupations," such as healthcare, education and information technology and helps guarantee those jobs will still be available even if the spouse relocates.
"We understand how hard it is for military men and women to have to be ready to move anywhere in the world every year," said Pentagon chief Robert Gates during a ceremony at the Pentagon that launched the new program. "Spouses are called upon to pack up and relocate their family, often at the cost of their own careers. This makes it difficult to navigate the career licensure and certification requirements that go with most professions. In addition, education is often unaffordable for young families who must also bear the expense of child care."
The pilot program will begin in January backed by $35 million in Labor and DoD funds to give grants to eligible spouses that can help them pay for education, training, licensing fees, books and other materials to get their careers off the ground. The program is intended for spouses with family pay grades of E-1 through E-5 or O-1 through O-3, and the grants total $3,000 per year for each spouse.
November 15, 2007|
We move a lot. It's what we do.
For the military brat, that means lots of new schools, lots of mid-school year upheaval, and lots of getting used to new curriculum and catch up or slow down.
When we can find a tool to help give our children some continuity in their educational experience, it can make our lives a lot easier and more pleasant.
November 14, 2007|
Please join us Thursday, November 15th, at 2:30pm EST as SpouseBuzz authors discuss the book of the month Ben Stein's The Real Stars with featured guest Ben Stein, live on SpouseBuzz Radio.
Mr. Stein, wrote a popular column called Monday Night at Morton's which featured the piece called The Real Stars. A piece that went viral on the Internet in 2003. I recall getting the column sent to me in at least 15 emails, while my DH was serving in Iraq. I, for one was not surprised at the content of the message, but the messenger. Such support is typically not garnered from the mainstream media, or Hollywood.
Mr. Stein's biography is one of the most impressive to date. He is an economist, and an attorney. He was also a speech writer for Gerald Ford and President Nixon (although, is quick to point out the "I am not a crook" line was not his). He continues to be a syndicated writer for the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, The Washington Post and several other publications.
So what struck a chord with the military audience?
November 14, 2007|
It took me eight days to completely unpack and have my house in order.
EIGHT. DAYS.
I must be more out of practice than I thought.
November 14, 2007|
As I was waiting for my suitcase at the airport Saturday night, I heard an announcement over the intercom: "If anyone is traveling to the nearby Army post, we have a soldier here at the USO who could use a ride."
I admit I hesitated for a second. I would be driving, alone, for an hour and a half, at midnight. It didn't seem like a bright idea to give a complete stranger a ride.
But I did it anyway...because soldiers aren't strangers.
November 14, 2007|
While we were in Vegas, our 10,000th comment was posted by Cassandra to the Happy Birthday Marines post.
10,000 comments.... Reminded me that we've had some great conversations around here, thanks to you. Looking forward to reading the next 10,000 comments, too.
November 14, 2007|
While in Las Vegas, at BlogWorld, it became apparent to me why our corner of the blogosphere matters here at SpouseBuzz.
Our voice counts. Your voice counts.
That is the fantastic thing about new media. Every voice counts. The day of the of the antediluvian media is quickly coming to an end, and you and I lie in the middle of it.
November 13, 2007|
November is Military Family Month.
Each November, ASYMCA celebrates Military Family Month to demonstrate the nation’s support for and commitment to the families of military personnel. With hundreds of thousands of service members deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by military families has never been more important.
