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Ellen Miller to Talk With Milspouses About....Balance

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Sometimes, I lean so far to the right that I can feel my right ear skimming the pavement. The next day, I lean so far to the left that my left ear is dragging the carpet. No, I'm not talking about politics here, I'm talking about life.

Life is hectic. And for military spouses, many of us find that we're constantly juggling extra responsibilities when our spouse is away for training, TDY and deployments. Suddenly, our workload and responsibilities have expanded, yet there's still only 24 hours in one day. Things must be done, and we have to figure out how to maximize those 24 hours and check all the blocks that must be checked.   

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SpouseBUZZ Fit Club - Report In!

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MY JEANS REALLY ARE TRULY LOOSER!!!!

Okay, now that I've gotten that off my chest...

Great things have happened here at the house of Air Force Family this week. But, of course, there was sinning. There is always sinning. I'm a sinner, what can I say.

I blame the chicken pesto pizza. God, that was good.

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Because MilParents are People, Too

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LAW, a longtime friend of SpouseBUZZ, has a message for military parents. Please read it and pass it on to those you think would be interested.

From LAW:

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SBTR Programming Note

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Unfortunately we had to cancel tonight's radio show. We're working to reschedule our guest for another date as he was unable to to make tonight's show. We'll be back on air next Thursday....

The Heart

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February is Heart Health month and it is almost at a close.  I would like to add something to what has already been written about heart health.

To the emotional/mental side of the heart, I add...some commentary on the military spouse/parent's heart.

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A part of history

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It's not often we get to feel that we are part of history.  That something historic has happened and that we've been a part of it.  In fact, that without us - it might not have happened.  We may have seen the landing on the moon, the wall coming down, Chinese students with more guts than we could ever muster, the start of Shock and Awe, the famous "I have a dream" speech......but we weren't part of it.

A few weeks ago, I was part of a very small bit of history - the changing of a military 'Wives' Club to a 'Spouses' Club.  And I was very proud to be a small part of it.

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My husband needs to work on his delivery

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So DH had to go back to Walter Reed today to get his cast removed (finally!).  I always worry when he is driving without me because he has a tendency to get sleepy (it's about a 4 hour drive).  On his way home he pulled over like a good boy about 5pm and called to tell me he was taking a nap.  I finally got ahold of him again about 6:50pm to make sure he was awake.  He was about 90 miles away from home - no biggie now that he's rested a while.

Then my phone rings again about 8:00pm...

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What Would Melody Do?

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I'm not entirely socially adept.

"What? Oh no, airforcewife! I'm utterly SHOCKED! I thought you had calling cards, wore your hair in an elegant chignon, and had white gloves of various lengths for different social visits! You seem so prim and proper!"

Sure, you know that's what you were thinking. I'm good at hiding the truth.

Luckily for me and anyone who has had to attend some kind of airforcewife sponsored shindig, I have a secret weapon.

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Online to Soldiers & Families Worldwide

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Fort Hood has partnered with SyncLive to present LIVE webcasts of key DFMWR and other events from Fort Hood to Soldiers, Families and fans around the world.

SyncLive is a music and entertainment web community where fans can watch LIVE or on-demand shows and concerts while interacting with family and friends online. Artists can broadcast live shows to a worldwide audience from any place at any time to present their music on a global stage. Emerging and established artists, as well as several Military artists perform regularly on SyncLive and each artist or band has the ability to set-up their own profile page with background information and show schedules.

Live webcasts of music and comedy shows will be presented on SyncLive throughout 2008. Key events from Fort Hood that will be streamed via SyncLive include the Welcome Home Show, Month of the Military Child, Freedom Fest, Operation Rising Star and other targeted events.

SyncLive is proud to support Soldiers, Family members, retirees, Gold Star Families, DOD civilians and contractors by bringing them LIVE and on-demand shows and entertainment that can be accessed from any location around the world. "We are so grateful for the opportunity to salute our troops and to be able to present Soldiers, Families and their community with a platform where they can experience music together and connect with one another through individual and group chat," said Aric Berquist, CEO and Founder of SyncLive.

For further information, check out Fort Hood MWR Web site, www.hoodmwr.com or visit www.SyncLive.com for information about upcoming shows.

Sharks at the gates?

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You know what I'm talking about ... the green and yellow neon signs; the inviting and tantalizing promises of cash, right now, in your hands. ... and we've either known or supervised or befriended someone who through life's ups and downs, needed cash -- quick.

The Air Force sponsored program (through the Air Force Aid Society) is launching their Services program called Falcon Loan on 3 March 08.  It mirrors those programs from the other services for the most part and is something every Wingman needs to know.  AND ... if you're an AF Key Spouse, you need to understand this program. 

Fortunately for us, Love My Tanker...

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My Army Life, too.

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Okay, so I'm not Army.  Which is probably why I didn't know about this website, www.myarmylifetoo.com

I went to this website to learn more about Army Family Team Building (AFTB), which are a series of classes that teach subjects of interest to military members and their families, beginning with basics such as Basic Military Benefits and Entitlements, or Military Acronyms and Terms, and moving through to more complex topics such as Family Readiness Groups and the Deployment Cycle.

What I found was much more: 

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Did You Know?

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Noteworthy items from this week's Military Report:

  • Share Photos and Videos
  • Stimulus Package Tax Rebates
  • Want to Be an Air Force Nurse?
  • Political Activities Guidelines
  • Interest-Free Loans for Airmen
  • Free SAT-ACT Software for Military Families
  • TurboTAP Offers Transition Assistance
  • Air Force Summer Jobs Available 
  • Icy Hot Products Recalled
  • VA Committee Jobs Program Review
  • Sweethearts for Soldiers Overseas Tour
  • Army Career Express to Debut
  • Navy Exchanges Go Green 
  • Illinois Veteran's Child Scholarships
  • VA to Accept Military's PTSD Diagnosis
  • Free Lift Tickets at Attitash Resort
  • USAF Enlisted Village
  • Navy Family Handbook Now Available
  • Army Updates Post-Deployment Tools
  • Navy Relaxes Tuition Assistance Rules 
  • USAF Guard/Reserve Fact Sheets Update 
  • Gosh, Who Knew?

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    Last week while Lancelot was traveling, I decided I would run down to the base and do some shopping.  That decision coincided with the weather channel forecasting snow the next day.  I got up early, took care of some email business, let the dog out for one last potty trip and was walking out the door when the phone rang.

    Soul sister was calling from halfway 'round the world so I put my purse down and answered the phone.  We don't get to talk to each other as often as we'd like so this was a welcome delay.  After we hung up, I again grabbed my purse, got in the car, remembered to take out my military id to show to the gate guard and took off.

    Continue reading »

    Hey, It's Free!

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    One of the very many perks of living on or near a base is definately PCS season.

    Ah, yes.  PCS Season.  Otherwise known as, "I'm 700 pounds over my weight limit and desperately need to downsize" season.  For those of us not PCSing, it is also known as "Second Christmas."

    Many's the time in my over 10 years as a military wife that I've found items that I absolutely COULD NOT fathom being without before I stand before the Throne of God and account for my life.  I never knew how unfulfilled I was without that papa-san frame, but when I saw it sitting conveniently on the curb across from my house I realized that it was what my life had been missing.  Ditto for the particle board tv stand and the three pedal cars my son spent an entire summer enjoying.

    So when we moved away from base, I had to find a way to assuage my guilt at just throwing perfectly good items away and also score some neat free stuff I never knew I was missing.

    I joined the local Freecycling list.  And I had no idea what I was getting into.

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    New Squadron Commander's spouse

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    I have a lovely friend here.  Her husband is deploying today.  She will be moving this summer, by herself, to their next duty station.  When she gets there, she'll be a squadron commanders spouse for the first time.  She's a quiet person, very unassuming, very loving and absolutely endearing! 

    She's understandably nervous about how to best handle the situation she's inheriting.  She wants to be supportive for the other spouses and knows this will entail supporting spouses through deployments and all that comes with it.  So, I thought I'd turn to y'all for advise to give.  After reading Air Force Wife's post about suggestions, I do so with some trepidation!  But, y'all are military and who is better equipped to give this sort of advise?!?!?!?

    So, if you have any helpful hints, words of wisdom, do or die suggestions, absolutely don't do's, etc. - please pass them on!  I'm sure she'll take all of it to heart!

    What can happen in 12 hours?

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    A lot....

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    SpouseBUZZ Pajama Party: Special Edition TONIGHT!

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    As you know, airforcewife has recently started a SpouseBUZZ Fit Club. Looks like she's doing pretty well, too. Tonight, we're going to host a special edition of SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio at 9:00 p.m. EST. Joining us will be Robert Andres Carvajal, and he'll be taking YOUR calls.

    Robert

    YOWZA! I'm already intimidated....

    A bit about Robert:

    Robert Andres Carvajal has created Infitnity, a revolutionary fitness program. This unique training format integrates his extensive martial arts experience as an instructor in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do and practitioner in Muay Thai kickboxing, Capoeira, Kung Fu, Gymnastics and break dance.  Robert holds degrees and certifications in kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science.  Infitnity is adaptable to all age groups and physical fitness levels.   
     
    Robert has been gaining world-wide recognition and has trained American Olympians.  With the start of his new sports line Infitnity, Robert has literally had to fight for where he stands today.

    Infitnity's website can be found here, and the MySpace page here.

    We'll see you tonight on SBTR and in the chat room

    Meaningful Programming

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    Last night, my husband and I were watching television when one of those commercials targeting bald men came on. Use this product and you'll get your hair back. One no-longer-bald man said, "Life is about having fun. Life is about looking good."

    Ordinarily, that statement would have went in one ear and out the other. A company is simply marketing its product in a way they believe is effective. But on this night, it stuck me as a bit shallow because my husband and I happened to be watching The Military Channel. Ever watch that channel? If not, you should.

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    Check the Box

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    Many of us are residents of one state but live in another. Many of us live overseas. Many of us have deployed spouses. This means that we have to do a little extra legwork when it comes to voting. Something to consider:

    More than 200,000 absentee ballots were mailed by Service members and their families, DoD Civilians, and US Embassy employees across the world as part of the 2004 Presidential Election according to Allison Lovelady, MPSA’s Voting Representative.  With this figure in mind and considering it is a Presidential election year, every vote counts especially from those who are deployed and sacrifice everyday for the fundamental right to decide this nation’s future.

    We don't touch politics around here, but we certainly want to pass along information that may be helpful to you or your spouse with respect to making sure your vote is registered. Click here for links, videos and other sources of information about voting options.

    After the jump, I'm pasting a press release from the U.S. Army's Human Resource Command regarding absentee voting.

    Continue reading »

    SpouseBUZZ Fit Club - Report In!

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    How did you do this week?  I had some good, some bad, and some VERY FRUSTRATING.

    The good?  I managed to exercise every day but yesterday when I was barfing up everything I'd eaten since 2002.  I kept up the hamster stair-runs, I managed pilates three times, and I added in two days of intense cardio.  And the family went for long walks on Saturday and Sunday, too! 

    The bad...  Although I've been good about sticking to the eating portion of what I'm trying to do, I did slip three times this week.  One night I had fast food.  And two mornings I've had slices of honey toast because I kept forgetting to buy milk for my delicious Special K with Chocolate Cereal. 

    And now the frustrating...

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    National Military Family Assn. - Government and You E-News

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    For the week of February 19, 2008

    1. Online Course for Educators of Military Children Available

    2. Illinois Launches Warrior Assistance Program

    3. TBI Compensation by the VA Questioned by Senators

    4. DeCA Patron Council Rides Again

    5. DoD Reserve Family Readiness Awards

    6. NMFA Participates in APA Roundtable

    7. Military Child Education Coalition Contests

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    The Rise of Military Spouse Blogging

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    Christopher Griffin of Armed Forces Journal just published an interesting piece about milspouse blogging, which can be found here.

    If you've been sitting on the fence but are interested in becoming a blogger, a reminder that we tried to make it easy for you with our comprehensive blogging series, which can be found here.

    Jump in, the water's warm....

    Tonight on SpouseBuzz Talk Radio, PTSD part 2

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    Last week, Joan D' Arc and I were joined by PTSD specialist Dr. Roca for an hour where we discussed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

    It is hard to summarize the discussion in brief, but I think Dr. Roca made one thing clear to all of us who participated. 

    When your loved one returns from combat, there might be changes.  Some of those may be more apparent than others.  But if your family, is experiencing any changes that are not comfortable for all of those in the house, help is needed and available. 

    Sometimes I feel as if those in the military community feel shame in asking for help on all levels, but certainly the mental health of our households should be held in high regard.  We talk a lot here at SpouseBuzz about getting over pride, and asking for help when you need it, even the little things, like  yard work, childcare etc.   So it only seems fitting that in cases where real psychological help is needed one should seek help.

    I also realize the stigma involved with our strong, and heroic husbands seeking treatment.

    However, we all know that in the end if help is sought, it can prevent a lot of problems.

    PTSD does not always shows its face upon arrival home, and may rear its head at any time, in fact it could be years.

    Tonight, join us again on SpouseBuzz Talk Radio to discuss PTSD, some of the harder symptoms to discuss, and treatment options.

    I continue to believe if we as spouses, and families discuss PTSD on a regular basis, it will remove some of the stigma, and stereotypes associated with  PTSD. 

    Join us tonight at SpouseBuzz Talk Radio at 9pm EST to discuss PTSD, and treatment.  We will have the chat room open.  If you cannot join us for the discussion, you may want to leave a question or comment and we will certainly try and address it. 

    Privatized Housing - Revisited

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    It continues to amaze me that there are still so many comments being added about Privatized Housing.

    I should not be surprised - really.  It is an ongoing hot topic.  One that profoundly affects military families.  It boils down to quality of living.

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    And You Thought I Needed Your Advice... Why?

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    I'm a "sandwicher".  I am taking care of my kids and taking care of my old, cantankerous, Russian Mother-in-Law at the same time.

    And it really sucks.

    As if the stress and strain of trying to care of a old woman whose mind is no longer with us across 3000 miles during deployments isn't enough suckiness, we get the added suck of career advice from people who think they know what's best for everyone involved even though they've never lived a military lifestyle.

    And, since you asked, why yes I did have one of those confrontations today!

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    Expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act

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    FMLA expanded for military families

    On January 28, the president signed into law a large defense funding authorization package that contains the first expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 15 years.

    The new FMLA provisions aim to provide FMLA job protections to the families of U.S. soldiers who have been injured in the service or who are on active duty. Congress has been considering measures to expand FMLA for military families over the past year as part of a host of recommendations from the president's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.

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    Ah, But There are Similarities, Too...

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    We often discuss the differences between civilian life and military life here at SpouseBUZZ. One of the topics we've covered pretty extensively is how often we're geographically separated from family and how, due to a variety of factors, we are unable to see them as often as most of us would prefer.

    Last week, we buried my grandmother. Over the past few years when I visited her, it was to see her and I rarely saw my extended family, so I knew that I'd be the one who had missed family reunions, funerals, weddings and births. I anticipated that the conversations I would have with my family would revolve around catching up. Blanks would be filled in. Huge blanks. We would say how great it was to see each other "after all these years." And it happened exactly that way, but something else happened, too. Something that surprised me. Something I hadn't even considered.

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    The Mental Off-and-On

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    When a deployment is announced, we spouses put ourselves in a certain mindframe.  I am sure there are many ways of dealing with the news, but my personal way is to start to focus on the things I will do while he's gone.  I mentally plan a trip home to see my parents.  I plan to ask for more hours at my job.  I invite other friends to come visit me, since I will be all alone in the house.  I start to begin conversations with my husband with, "When you're gone,..."  In every way, I get myself ready for the big life changes.

    And when the deployment gets called off, it throws me for a loop.

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    A Daily Dose of Pamper

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    I was one of the luckiest teens in the world - rare was the day when I had a zit of any sort.

    I just didn't have a pimple problem - no acne, no nothing.  Life was good.

    So I'm hoping someone can explain to me how, as soon as I hit my thirties, my skin decided to turn into some terrible version of "Teen Fast Food Worker."

    Luckily, help is available.

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    It's the Perfect Storm

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    So...LCPL Dark Prince is coming home on block leave soon and I am looking forward to that.  That said, I am beginning to feel a little crazed over the details.

    First, Lancelot will be traveling for part of that leave.  Not all of it, mind you...just some of it.

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    NMFA Military Spouse Scholarship

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    Applications Now Accepted for NMFA Military Spouse Scholarship

    Military spouses wishing to obtain professional certification or to attend post-secondary or graduate school may apply online for the NMFA Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, and school room and board. Spouses of uniformed service members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) of any branch or rank are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted January 15 through March 15, 2008. Visit www.nmfa.org/scholarship to apply.

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    Some Return Addresses really make my stomach turn

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    You know, you grab the mail, start tossing the junk in file 13; start pitching the bills into the basket to, er, pay later; and anything that you don't recognize -- you just leave on the counter, "for later."  So, the routine goes -- and it's pretty smooth for me.  I've even got the route from the front door, through the kitchen by the trashcan and into that spot I call a study, all mapped out and can do it without looking up as I go through the mail.  And then ... there it was.  The envelope with the return address that merely said, Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.  One of the few return addresses that can really make my stomach turn.

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    Service Loan Programs

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    Money troubles?  Considering a loan?

    There is much to consider before taking out any type of loan. 

    Each branch of the military offers a program to help service-members and/or their families.  They also want to help service-members and family members avoid Payday Loans and the like.

    Continue reading »

    20 years ago today.

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    20 years ago today, Col. Rich Higgins, USMC was taken captive by certain forces in Lebanon.

    20 years ago today, his wife, Lt. Col. Robin Higgins, USMC embarked on a journey not of her choosing.  She began her tireless efforts to bring her husband home. 

    It is hard for me to fathom the balancing act required to be a Marine and as well as a Marine wife in this situation.  It seems a hard enough thing to do when your husband is home.  How she managed to do that while her husband was a known captive is just beyond my comprehension.

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    Please tell me - why do I do this?

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    Why do I keep doing this?  Today I realized that I really, really don't like one of my current volunteer obligations.  I'll keep doing it, because I said I would, and I'll probably do a pretty good job.  It's not a hard job, and I've got the experience, and it will be over in a month.  And it isn't really time consuming.  So what is the problem?

    The problem is that I just don't care about this particular job.  There's nothing about it that speaks to me.  It isn't a subject that I feel passionate about, it isn't benefiting any particularly needy or deserving group, and I honestly know that my efforts aren't making any difference in the big picture.  If I quit today, the only negative outcome would be that people would know that I quit.

    But quitting isn't really an option. 

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    Actually, Zero is the Loneliest Number

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    Last night my husband was reaching for a dish while we were making dinner and he whacked my little bar pan and broke it.  I was crestfallen because he was being a little careless and because he had broken a fairly expensive kitchen item.

    But mostly I was sorrowful to lose a dish that held such memories for me.

    I quickly reminded myself that there are far worse things in the world than broken dishes, but a part of me is just so crushed.  I had planned to make lonely little biscuits for myself on that same pan when my husband deploys again, and now I can't. 

    And something about that just hurts my heart.

    Weekly Gratitude

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    I know, I know I have failed posting my weekly gratitude segments.

    I have been reminded of a lot this week here at SpouseBuzz, and I have a lot to be thankful for.

    I am thankful for body that is strong, my family, humor, and I am thankful that there are others that REALLY understand what those things mean to me. 

    What are you thankful for?

    SpouseBUZZ Fit Club - Report In!

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    Good news to report this week!  My butt is getting noticeably firmer!  Those stairs - they are a wondrous thing.  I think my pants might be a little looser, but I'm not sure enough to report a definite yet. I hope I'm not just dehydrated.

    I'm up to two times a day hamster running on the stairs, and I'll move it up to three next week.  Unfortunately, I've only done yoga twice this week, and I skipped one day of stairs because I was feeling like donkey poo.  I also need to find a yoga DVD that I actually like, because I feel a gazillion times better when I've stretched myself out several times a week.

    Valentine's Day didn't help the diet (damn you, peanut butter cup eggs!), but other than that I've stuck it out pretty well.  No fast food, I switched to nut mixes for snacks, and when I absolutely HAD to have something sweet, I made cheesecake cookies with Splenda instead of sugar.  They were quite yummy.  And I've only had diet soda twice this week - which for me, the original diet soda addict - is a minor miracle in itself.  I'm all about water and tea now.  I hope I can keep that up, I've noticed a definate increase in my energy levels and a stabilization of my moods.  I'm sure Air Force Guy is happy about that.

    And then there's that miracle of diet foods - Special K with Chocolate.  Oh how I love it.

    So, report in SpouseBUZZers!  How did you do this week?  And what suggestions do you have for us?

    Why Am I Surprised?

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    Everyone here knows that the military is a neverending cycle of hurry-up-and-wait, of finding out about changes at the last minute, of thinking you're headed in one direction only to find you're headed in the opposite.

    Everyone knows this.  I know this.

    So why do I always get surprised when it happens?

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    PTSD: Difficult questions answered on SBTR

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    ArmyWifeToddlerMom is so smart!  She initiated a great show on SBTR about PTSD.  You should listen to it for some great information!!!  Dr. Roca, an expert on PTSD who works with military veterans, gives his expertise and some great perspectives on PTSD.  So listen in!!!

    And if you have any questions about PTSD, please ask your question in the comments section so we can do our best to get the answers you are looking for.  And if you have questions about TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury) and how it may/ may not relate to PTSD, listen to the show and send us your questions.  If you don't ask your questions, we can't answer them!

    More Confessions of a Military Spouse

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    When we moved here and started unpacking, I set some things aside to donate to Goodwill.  I put them in empty boxes and stacked them in the garage to haul away.

    A year ago.  They're still there.  Ugh.  I promise they won't get moved with us on the next PCS.

    I resolve to finally handle the matter.  Um, maybe tomorrow.  Or next week.

    My procrastination is embarrassing.

    Defining PTSD tonight on SpouseBuzz Talk Radio 9pm EST

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    We at SpouseBuzz have been wanting to do a program on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for some time now.  PTSD is real, and does affect some families.  We have decided that the topic is so important, we will be doing a two part series on PTSD.

    I do think the issue has been so politicized, that it has become increasingly hard to discuss in a rational way.  There is a lot of shame associated with PTSD. 

    Please join us tonight for a frank discussion, where we define PTSD. 

    There should be no shame in discussing PTSD, and helping those families who are affected by the syndrome to seek treatment. 


    Join us tonight on SpouseBuzz Talk Radio at 9pm EST, as we will be defining PTSD in a frank discussion with Dr. Roca a representative from the VA who specializes in PTSD.  Feel free to call in, and participate in the discussion, and the chat room will be open for those of you who are interested. 


    What is this Full Replacement Value?

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    On Monday, I had the opportunity to accompany He of the Sea to the office of the nice Household Goods Lady, aka the Moving Chick.  Prior to the appointment, we downloaded all the information regarding the various types of insurance we could purchase and debated the chances that 1) things would be damaged, 2) things would go missing, 3) we would bother to file a claim when 1 and 2 occurred.  Due to an unpleasant claims adjudication incident some 10 years ago, the Sea family has refrained from filing claims the last three times we've moved.  I figured my sanity was more important than whatever pittance the military was going to pay for my wrecked or missing stuff.

    After some conversation, we decided to pay for the Full Replacement Value coverage and promised ourselves that we would diligently document every scratch, carefully check each item as it left the truck, and conscientiously submit our claim in a timely manner.  We headed to the Moving Chick's cubicle, where I said, "Oh, darn, I meant to bring the checkbook in case we need to pay today."  To which, the Moving Chick replied...

    Continue reading »

    Reason #5280 My Husband Will Never Make General

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    I think armywifetoddlermom started a good series here.  It's especially good because I can participate.  In fact, I think I can give many people a run for their money.

    Like the time I went through an entire receiving line at an 06 promotion with a booger hanging out of my nose.

    A big one.

    That was embarrassing.

    Reminders

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    Andi's post her Grandmother has reminded me of a few things....

    We are traveling this coming weekend to our new duty station. 

    DH has been blessed with a position, that happens to be in our home state, the home of most of our relatives, and friends.  This has been a thrilling notion for our family.  We will now be able to see family more readily than we have in years.

     


    Family.

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    A Different Time. A Simplier Life.

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    Late Monday evening, I received a phone call I had been dreading. After I collected my thoughts, I went on-line, booked an airline ticket and made a rental car reservation. Yesterday, I set off for the airport. I plugged the airport address into my Garmin because, well, you know. I turned on my XM Satellite Radio and took several cell phone calls during my two hour journey to the airport.

    When I got to the airport, I punched a button which triggered some mechanism to spit out my long-term parking ticket. When I got to the terminal, I swiped my credit card in the airline's automated check-in kiosk. I then selected my seat and out popped my boarding pass. During the flight, I listened to XM Satellite Radio while working on my laptop. When I arrived at my destination, I picked up my bag, went to the rental car desk and again used a kiosk to check in. I was even able to select which car I wanted once I got to the lot.

    Conveniences. Life is full of conveniences. Everything is automatic, quick and easy. And we like it that way. Now. Faster. Bigger. Better. More....

    Continue reading »

    Did You Know?

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    Noteworthy items from this week's Military Report:

  • 2009 Military Pay Raise
  • Join the American Legion 
  • Sell Your Car on Military.com Classifieds 
  • Fitness Tip of the Week 
  • Free Tax-Filing Services 
  • Navy Offers Career Development Classes 
  • Navy Seeks Nominations 
  • SemperComm Award Nominations Sought 
  • Troops to Receive Retro Pay
  • Navy Creates New Website 
  • Old Glory's Journey of Remembrance 
  • Wounded Warrior Blog Launched 
  • 2008 Women Veterans Summit 
  • Operation Thin Mint 
  • Families Gain New Attention & Support 
  • Discounted Housing for Wounded Warriors 
  • Marines Scholarship Deadline
  • USAF Continuation Pay Approved
  • Free Online Credit Management 
  • Grants Available to Organizations 
  • National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans
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  • Sister AWTM, I Can Relate

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    It's been a very, very hectic period of time at Casa Semper Fi.  There are many projects that I am committed to and working on.   I'm not even talking about the "normal" stuff I do around the house, like cooking or the decluttering project.  I'm even in the process of starting up a 501c3 to support our servicemembers and families at the hospitals.  With all of this going on, there is still my son's upcoming deployment and Lancelot's globetrotting job.

    Sunday, I knew I'd hit critical mass......

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    Something's gotta give

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    If there is one thing that being a military spouse has taught me, it has been self preservation.  It took almost 17 years.  But now, I know what my limits are. 


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