The Military Name Game

Yesterday I happened across this at Loquita's Blog, which she quoted from Life As I Know It:

The guys always refer to each other by last names, except those who are close or see each other outside their service. The wives, on the other hand, always refer to their husbands and everyone by their first name, which means I have absolutely no stinking clue who they are referring to. I was recapping the meeting with Will and I said, “Lindsey and Joey…” and he cocked his head and asked me who Joey was. I told him Lindsey’s husband. I don’t know their last name. He doesn’t know their first name. Mystery couple…one of many.

Yep, been there.  I never know who belongs with whom.  And I know of a couple of wives who wanted to keep their maiden name until they realized what a pain in the neck it is in the military to have a different last name from your sponsor, especially in social settings.

And then I had a wife who had no idea who my husband was from either his first or his last name.  Turns out the platoon had given him a nickname, and that's all she knew.

Ah, the name game.

National Military Family Assn. - Government and You E-News April 29, 2008

1. Last Chance to Apply for Financial Counseling Fellowship!

2. Sesame Workshop Launches Phase Two of Military Families Outreach

3. Smooth Moves for Military Families

4. Make Room in Your Pantry!

5. National Volunteer Appreciation Week

6. Military Families Share Their Stories

7. NFL Players Tackle SAT & ACT Test Prep

8. National Infant Immunization Week

Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes

As previously discussed, Sesame Workshop's newest video for military children is now available.

Sesame Workshop Launches Phase Two of Military Families Outreach

Next is the Ninja. Or the Cowboy. Maybe a Pirate.

Last night Air Force Guy and I made a startling realization.

Thanks to his military career and the subsequent military career changes, he's been able to check three of the "little boy dream jobs" off his life sheet.

He was an armor crewman, then he got do PSYOP and work in Intel, then he got law enforcement credentials.

Now all he has to do is find a way to be a Ninja, a cowboy, a pirate, and a starship trooper and his list will be complete.

And as for me...

Did You Know?

AF Family Life Consultant Program
Army MWR Summer Sweepstakes
Autism Campaign Launched
British Open Tickets Available
Children's Book Series Available
Commissaries Offer Guard, Reserve Sales
Donate a Magazine Subscription to a Soldier
Free SAT-ACT Prep Software
New Counseling Center in St. Paul
Oregon Offers Tuition Waiver
PBS Series 'Americans At War' Now Online
Space "A" Travel for Dependents Expanded
TRICARE Offers Parenthood Guide
The American Veteran Program
Video: Year of the Military Family

Calling Milspouse Pet Owners

Most of you know that I really love my pets - large and small, so..........

Do you have pets?  Large, small, domestic, exotic?

Wanna have some fun and put Milpets in the spotlight?

Warm up your #2 pencil

Okay, okay, I suppose there are a few of you out there who may have never used a #2 pencil ... or even know that wood was formerly used to encase the lead ... in the times before mechanical pencils... but like the Toad does at times ... he digresses ...

This past Friday (25 Apr 08) the Air Force announced their 2008 Community Assessment Survey and this year they have decided to go all out to get feedback FROM SPOUSES!  So, those of you who have Air Force Blue in your closets, get ready to crash the servers!, er, I mean, get ready to log on and fire-away with your thoughts.  They haven't given any previews that I know of, so I'm out on the limb in recommending this to you ... but, even if the questions seem to be bogus you should be able to get your point(s) across somehow, someway ... so, let's give it a shot.

It opens up tomorrow (28 Apr 08, presuming the creek don't rise) at this site AF Community Assessment and the password is (shhh -- it may be public knowledge, but who knows who's listening) SpouseAFCA. 

Here's a bit more from the press release ....

Weekend Homework Assignment

Which category do you fall in, and why?

- You married into the military and loved the lifestyle from the outset.

- You married into the military and found it difficult to transition from the civilian world, but learned to like it (or are learning to like it).

- You married into the military and didn't like the lifestyle from the start, and still don't.

If I'm missing a category, feel free to add your own. No right or wrong answers here. We all have unique experiences and perspectives. Please tell us as much as you're comfortable sharing (anonymous comments are welcome). We're interested in hearing your stories.

Have Fun. That's an Order.

A guy in my husband's company is hosting a cook-out today, and yesterday the commander gave a subtle order that everyone in the company must attend.

Only in the military can you get an order to attend Mandatory Fun on a Saturday.

SBTR: Live TONIGHT with Katherine Fugate

Update: Katherine was a fabulous guest. If you missed the show, click the play button below to hear the archived version:

A reminder to come back here at 9:00 p.m. EST for our live show featuring Katherine Fugate, Creator and Executive Director of the hit television show, Army Wives. Click here to listen at 9:00.

Click here for more information about tonight's show.

Note: I've been out of town for the past few days but I've already processed some chat room requests, and will finish the others shortly. Please request an invite before 8:00 p.m. if you want to join the chat tonight. We won't be able to issue invites during the show. If you don't see an invite in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder. If you have requested an invite before 8:00 p.m., it will be processed before the show.

See you at 9:00!   

Fit Club - Report In!

You know, I have been so darn proud of all you SpouseBuzz folk participating in Fit Club.  You've worked hard to keep up with your commitment, you report in faithfully, you have been so positive about the whole thing that you've actually kept me working out faithfully and (trying) to eat right for the past three months! 

And now, because we have been so faithfully upbeat, I'm going to devote this particular Fit Club post to venting.  That's right, we're going to pass around this bottle of calorie free wine of an excellent vintage, this plate of virtual chocolate chip cookies that magically vanish from your system after you eat them, and some cheese (because you have to have some cheese) and vent out the worst parts of the Fit Club journey.

Just remember to put on your Big Girl Panties when you are done and pass the wine to the next person.  Next week should be MUCH easier - after all, sometimes what we need most is just to vent to our friends.  And drink wine.  And eat cookies.

I'll go first...

Incongruities

Yesterday, was a good day.  As I came back on to the installation, the bright sun was at my back casting a beautiful glow on the mountains.  That would be enough to make most of us stop and just be happy to be living.  Then my eyes spotted the movement before the sound reached my ears.  Fighter Jets!  There were a couple sets of military jets doing lazy overhead maneuvers, the sun at their backs as they reached out and danced among the mountain peaks.  Years of walking flightlines, launching and recovering aircraft, this sight brought back warm and fond memories of a life well spent in a profession I love. Yes, Life was good ... life IS good.

Which made it that much more ethereal when I snapped back to where I had just been and the presentation I had just heard.  For while watching fighter jets reflecting the sun's glint and dancing in the blue sky around snow covered mountains, I now recognized more than ever the incongruities of a dark landscape stretching out under these jets and these mountains.  A landscape that you have around yourselves, if you stop to look.  A landscape we are only now beginning to address with any kind of growing crescendo ... one that until this night, I was going to watch from the sidelines and let one of you carry the cause ... but I cannot.  For I have a wife and a daughter.  And when the statistics bear-out that 1 in 3 women during their lifetimes will be sexually assaulted, I simply cannot sit on my hands.

You know my direction, and you now have the option.  Choose to come along; click, Continue reading ...

The Perfect Storm of Stress

Back in October, I was contacted by a writer from Military Spouse Magazine asking me if I knew of anyone who was going through infertility treatments at home alone while her husband was deployed.  At the time, I didn't.

Little did I know that if she'd waited six months to write the article, she could've used me as a source.

Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride

Today was the beginning of the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride.  Prior to the ride, President Bush addressed the crowd.  Thought you might want to read what he said. 

We are very fortunate to have a Commander-in-Chief who truly supports the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States.  His support of the troops is palpable to anyone who has had the privilege of hearing him!  Good on him for recognizing the recovering heroes in this manner!  We can all be so incredibly proud of the service members who show how much chutzpa our troops have!

More Scholarships Available For Military Children

Throughout the year many scholarships are available specifically for military children.  Even though it is getting late in the school year, there are still some options available.  Some options include spouses.  Not all application deadlines have passed.

SpouseBUZZ LIVE: From Coast-to-Coast

I think all of the SpouseBUZZ authors will tell you that while we love the interaction with you on the blog, in the chat room and on the radio show, our favorite thing to do is to travel to military towns and actually meet and interact with military spouses face-to-face. And this fall, we're going to be doing a lot of that.

September, October and November are already booked. We're heading to Norfolk, San Antonio and Seattle/Tacoma, and we can't wait to get there! We are so excited about our fall line-up. We'll be introducing some fun, new elements into the program. If you've already attended a LIVE event, come back for more!

For more information, see the links below:

Norfolk - September 6

San Antonio - October 18

Seattle/Tacoma - November 15

Mark your calendars now. Registration is already open for those of you who may want to register this far in advance.

Much more to follow in the coming weeks. 

Ick, I'm the Crabby One

If I break in two,
will you put me back together?
When this puzzle's figured out
will you still be around?
--Uncle Tupelo

A couple of my friends have mentioned to me recently that right before deployment, their husbands have been acting like jerks.  This is quite well-documented as one of the Stages of Deployment.  It is not entirely uncommon for the deploying soldier to pull away emotionally from the family, because, as the link says, "From a psychological perspective, it is easier to be angry than confront the pain and loss of saying goodbye for six months or more."

Since my friends brought this up, I have been more finely attuned to the pre-deployment stage in my own household.  And armed with this meta-knowledge, I have come to realize something.

I'm the one acting like a jerk around here.

a little dity...

I have come to the realization, that there is no such thing as "a little dity".

A Special Edition of SBTR: Katherine Fugate of Army Wives

Update: Katherine was a fabulous guest. If you missed the show, click the play button below to hear the archived version.

The second season of Army Wives will air on June 8.

SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio is pleased to announce that Katherine Fugate, creator and executive director of Army Wives will join us for the full hour this Friday, April 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST. Katherine will talk with us about the first season, the new season (which is in production now) and she'll be taking your phone calls live, on air. Katherine is looking forward to hearing from real military wives about their perceptions of the television show, so now's your time to get your two cents in.

We'll also be giving away some related Army Wives gifts to a couple of callers during the show, so you could be a lucky winner!

If you have a question for Katherine and can't join us Friday evening, feel free to leave it in the comment section. We'll get to as many of your questions as possible during our hour with Katherine.

If you're not a member of the SpouseBUZZ Chat Room, be sure to join as I'm sure we'll have a lively chat going during the show. Bookmark this link and tune in Friday at 9:00 p.m. EST. 

Army Wives was a huge topic of interest for SpouseBUZZ readers. A stroll down memory lane after the jump:

Something New to Add to the Job Description List

A while ago Air Force Guy ever so sweetly sat down with me and made a "true life resume". 

I was feeling kind of down - you know how that happens when your most immediate fulfilling goal is getting the laundry put away before more laundry is created (still haven't mastered that).  Usually I don't get into those ruts, but every so often I throw a bit of a hermit pity party.

So, AFG decided to list all my "actual" job skills versus what I actually put on my resume.  Trust me, doing this every so often is a great mental boost.  Whoda thought that even though I barely scraped by in every math class I ever took, I'm a Chief Financial Officer and in charge of budgeting! 

Today, though, I realized we had left one of my "acquired by force" skills off the list -- referee.

Did You Know?

2008 Election Center
AF Spouse Relocation Program
Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign Deadline
Army Knowledge Online Upgrades
Become an Accredited Financial Counselor
Credit Card Fees Increase
Deadline Nears for Summer Camp Program
Exchange Online Mall Adds Bicycles
Exchanges Sponsor Spa Sweepstakes
Join Hollywood Stars at the GI Film Fest
Knights of Heroes Camp Looking for Support
Navy Offers Free Audio Books and More
New Website Seeks User Input
New Website for Air Force Retirees
Spouse Education Opportunities Expanded
Two States Sign Education Compact
What's Life on an Aircraft Carrier really like?

Role Reversal: A Soldier Fighting a Different Kind of Battle

Military spouses are usually the ones left worrying that we could lose our spouses. But sometimes, the roles are reversed and it's the service member who loses his or her spouse. Last week, AWTM and Guard Wife spoke with Reid Stanley, a soldier who lost his wife to cancer. I encourage you to listen to the interview (it begins approximately 24 minutes into the program, so you can fast forward to the 24 minute mark). A good reminder to do regular breast self-exams and schedule a mammogram, if necessary. Reid Stanley's blog site can be found here.

Reid's steadfast devotion to his wife, and his effort to keep her memory alive, is impressive. So too is his desire to fight for all women who are victims of breast cancer. I know Ellicia would be proud. Reid hopes to participate in Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer in memory of Ellicia. In order to participate in the walk, Reid needs to raise $1,800. SpouseBUZZ readers have been very generous so far. Thank you! Reid is very close to his goal - he's 87% there! But he needs an additional $230 to push him over the top. If you can spare $5, or even $1, please consider making a donation, which you can do by clicking here. You can make an anonymous donation.

Thanks to Guard Wife and AWTM for bringing our attention to Reid's efforts.

Hey Look, it's Working....

I recently began participating in airforcewife's Fit Club, and I have to tell you - it's working. Yesterday, I declared myself swimsuit-ready and it's not even summer yet! I never weigh myself because I've always thought that how my clothes fit and how I feel is much more important than a number on a scale. I don't even own a scale. Well, I didn't until this weekend, that is. I decided to buy one just to see how my ramped-up workout routine translated into numbers.

I was astounded, and I can assure you that if you follow my lead, you will be, too.

Here's my secret:

Obviously need a breather!

How can you tell that you are WAY too busy?  That your life is not your own?  That your children are WAY too involved?!?!?!

Here's my latest episode: Papa Bear, God bless him!, got me a margarita machine for my birthday!  I received the gift on Saturday AM.....haven't had a chance to try it out yet!  Why?!?!?!  Children: soccer, school play, church stuff, more soccer (tournament weekend), spring planting (definitely needed a margarita to get through this!), another showing of the play, cast party, neighborhood going away party (should have brought the machine and had a BYOB thing!) and more soccer.....

Truly, I need to slow down!  I'm gonna age quicker unless I get my priorities straight!!!!!  Margarita machines shouldn't sit idle! Officially Margarita Monday - with or without the alcohol - your choice!  Who's with me!??!?!?!?!

Welcome Aboard, Copyright 1951

I've spent this rainy day enjoying a book given to my grandmother by my grandfather.  Titled Welcome Aboard, it was published in 1951 and he wrote inside, "To my loving wife, Annie, so that we may avoid the "Rocks and Shoals" peculiar to the social life within the service."

I always find interesting (and very dated) tidbits in this book that was probably so helpful when the information was current.

Today's nugget, from the section on Government Quarters:  "they usually have a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and bath.  Quarters for senior officers may have three bedrooms and two baths."

Something to think about, huh?

A Note to My Child

Dear Daughter,

IF you are at lunch, and IF you do not finish your chocolate milk, and IF you think you need to bring it home with you, please do not lose your lunch box in your bedroom.

Thank you, in advance, for your help with this.

Love,

Mom

How We Identify Ourselves

Think of all of the ways that you identify yourself.  How do others identify you?  Is the list long or short?  Distinguished one moment - down right silly the next?

I started thinking about this subject when I did something yesterday that now seems very silly.

War Weary

My husband has had a lot of time in garrison in between deployments.  A lot.  So much so that I noticed a marked difference in this time versus last time.

Now, some of this can be attributed to being on a different post, in a different branch, in a wholly different type of unit, with a different mix of spouses, etc.  But I can't help but wonder whether some of the differences can be attributed to deployment being "old hat" in 2008.

SpouseBUZZ Fit Club - Report In!

You know, we haven't talked routines in a while! 

I've already made a vow to get my toosh back on a good eating plan (Pizza - why do you hate me so?  You follow me around and beckon to me everywhere!), so we'll just pretend like this last week in my eating history never happened. 

Hear that thighs?  It never happened!  No expanding!

Government and You E-News - April 15, 2008

1. Kansas and Kentucky Deliver Great News for Military Families!

2. Apply Now for Military Spouse Financial Counseling Fellowship

3. Happy Tax Day!

4. GAO Report Finds Retail Drug Spending Costly for DoD

5. NMFA Comments on FMLA Regulations

6. Children’s Website Retooled

The Phone on My Hip

Like many military spouses, I carry around my phone like it is some kind of life support device.  If I don't have it, I don't just get irritated - I feel naked.

And there's a reason, too.  I was trained long ago to realize that call opportunities don't come at set times, and it was easier to carry around an umbilical cord - errr, cell phone - and be available whenever AFG was able to get to a phone in whatever ugly place he's in.

I stay in this habit even when he is working somewhere close and coming home each night.  Like now.

Tonight on SBTR: NMFA in the House

Tonight's show is a must-listen. GBear and Joan D'Arc will be speaking with Candace Wheeler of the National Military Family Association (NMFA). If you don't know much about NMFA, you should definitely familiarize yourself with them. NMFA works hard on behalf of military families and is an "A-rated, 4-star charity." Their mission:

To educate military families concerning their rights, benefits and services available to them and to inform them regarding the issues that affect their lives and...

To promote and protect the interests of military families by influencing the development and implementation of legislation and policies affecting them.

If you are interested in becoming a member of NMFA, see here.

NMFA is the only national, non-profit organization solely devoted to the interest of active duty, reserve, survivor and retiree families of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. NMFA is committed to improving the quality of life for all military families by influencing policy to ensure their needs are met.

Show will start at 9:00 p.m. EST. Click here to listen, and don't forget to join us in the chat room.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts - UPDATE!!!

Updated: Even more info here.

I just received this from my FRG leader:

"GREAT NEWS!!!

1. The Career Advancement Account grade eligibility has been changed and
effective immediately spouses of all active duty personnel are eligible to
participate regardless of grade level. All other eligibility requirements
remain in effect.

2. Pre-requisite and remedial courses can be included in training /
education however all coursework must be completed within 2 years and lead
to a license/certification or degree.

3. Four additional Career Fields have been added:

One year ago today

In the midmorning of a day exactly one year ago, my daughter called from school. 

"Mom, just wanted to let you know that there's been a shooting on campus in one of the dormitories.  I'm okay.  I'm in class right now."

I remember rolling my eyes a little.  The same kind of thing had happened her very first day at college in her very first class.  I thought,"Oh no....not again."

Safe in the knowledge that she was fine and knowing with almost absolute certainty that her older brother was still sleeping, I went off to run my errands.  What I came back to find was something entirely different.

17 years, and I keep learning

This past Sunday DH and I celebrated 17 years of wedded bliss!! 

In typical military fashion we celebrated the milestone apart from one another.  He is currently at his new assignment, and I am trying to prepare a home to show, and sell. 

The crazy part is, I was really not bothered that we were apart, I am sure we would have preferred to spend the day smooching, and remembering the day 17 years ago TOGETHER. 

But, like most military couples, we have learned that Christmas can be celebrated in July, Valentines Day is everyday, and heck sometimes it is ok not having a witness to turning yet another year older.   

We will celebrate ten-fold when we are reunited...

I am amazed that the lessons in this life never cease. 

Care packages...

Well, we're four weeks into the deployment and I've got my America  Supports you priority mail boxes sitting here waiting to be filled.

And there's the problem.  I can't keep sending LCPL Dark Prince hand sanitizer, lip balm with sunscreen and diaper wipes.  That's just truly boring stuff.

What interesting things have you sent in care packages?  I need help here, people!!!

Did You Hear That?

Earlier yesterday I believe the Heavens opened, the clouds parted, and choirs of angels sang the Hallelujah Chorus.  Or whatever it is that angel choirs sing when a moment of supreme wonderful-ness happens on Earth.

I think -- I THINK -- I have found a babysitter.

What's in a Word?

For several months, He of the Sea and I have gradually started discussing his upcoming "big trip" with our children.  There were a few questions and moments of concern, but I thought that they were handling it pretty well and taking their cues from our positive attitude.  Honestly, after Daddy's last big trip, this one should be a piece of cake.  I truly believe this and thought that my kids had bought into it also. 

One day last week, we were talking about something that would happen while Daddy was gone.  Suddenly, as if stunned, my eight year old daughter asked, "Is Daddy being DEPLOYED?"

Did You Know?

Noteworthy items from this week's Military Report:

Army Goes Phishing, E-mail Style
Emergency Relief for Soldiers
Free Admission to Dinner Show
Getting Information from TRICARE
Marine Family Conference
Month of the Military Child
NC Phone Referral Goes 24/7
Prize Giveaway for Children
Social Security Numbers Dropped from IDs
TRICARE Information for Guard, Reserve
Tragedy Assistance Mentors Sought
TRICARE Providers on the Increase

I'm in Purge-a-tory. Won't You Join Me?

No doubt my blog entries for the foreseeable future will largely focus on my upcoming PCS move. Oh, lucky you.... Currently, I find myself in the Purge-a-tory stage. It's not much fun. I'll be dragging you along for the train wreck, too. Let's both just try and make the most of it, shall we?

This week's installment of Purge-a-tory follows:

I love to keep a nice little basket of things in my guest bath for overnight guests. If you stay overnight with me and forgot a toiletry, there is no need to fret. No need at all. I've got just about anything you might need all in your very own private grab bag of toiletries. Soap (in many manly and not-so-manly varieties), razors, shaving creme, toothbrushes, night cream, bath bombs, towelettes, dental floss, curling iron, mints (yes, mints) bubble bath... You name it, it's there.

I always thought this was such a cute little individual-sized mouthwash for guests who feel the need to freshen their breath, or kill that nasty gingivitis that is known to attack the mouth late at night.

I've had three in the basket for a long time now. Hum, wonder why nobody took the bait. I mean, really, who wouldn't want to travel with this fresh little fella? 

I Love This Product: Good Dreams

This morning I came across a wonderful product for children - thanks to this article .  I only wish that I would have known about it sooner.

I have not ordered yet, but it is most certainly on my 'must do' list for today.  Heck, I might even order one for myself - if they have something to fit me!  Anything that can help our little ones during separation from mom or dad - is a great thing!

A 22.5-hour day

Recently I had the chance to be involved with a small-talk, side conversation with some senior spouses (O & E) and something started percolating around in my head (not too unlike the old Maxwell House coffee commercial showing the fresh perked coffee splashing inside that tiny little glass handle).  A smidge of the conversation involved how busy everyone was and all of the things that went into making everyone's day soooo busy.  Kids--to and from school plus after-school activities; family things--shopping, washing clothes, dry cleaners, trying to make nutritious meals without making daily trips to the commissary; church groups and the various clubs and committees there-in; and, support to their DH, not necessarily of DH in his job, simply the support of their DH, because he was dad, father, husband, bread-winner.

I asked what I consider of importance and have commented on in this venue a few times.  It basically went like this, "Since everyone is so busy, how do you reach out to the younger spouses, not just new in your unit, but new to our world, and see to their needs?"  The spontaneous answer was quite interesting ...

WAR: Through the eyes of a 6-year-old

A dear friend of mine (and former neighbor) e-mailed this to me a while ago.  I thought it was incredibly powerful and asked if I could post it... obviously she said yes.  This is what she wrote:

Subject: What a 6-year-old understands about war

"Last night, folded as a card, Julie-Ann gave this to Daddy.  We wonder how war affects our children.

Please keep the military child in your prayers."

(Click "continue reading" for the picture)

Salute to Our Heroes: Live from Ft. Hood

Today is the big day.

Show starts at 12:30 CST and runs until midnight. You can watch below, or just hop over to SyncLive througout the day.

Watch this show and more at SyncLive.com

I'll be dipping in and out of the concert all day/night. If you have a SyncLive account (free), join me in the SyncLive chat room during the show.

SpouseBUZZ Fit Club - Report In!

Okay, listen because this is a BIG DEAL.

I just fit into a shirt that I haven't been able to wear since SpouseBUZZ Live II in San Diego.  Oh yeah, it was the purple one with bling.

And not only did it fit, but it was slightly too big.

And did I mention my pants were slipping down off my butt today?

Grace and candor....

Some people can go through trials and tribulations, and do it with such grace and candor, I am left amazed and humbled.

Tonight on SpouseBuzz Talk Radio we spoke with Reid Stanley who authors the blog A Storm in Afghanistan.  Reid  is an active duty soldier, who lost his wife to cancer 408 days ago.  He shared his family's story through illness, treatment, death, funeral, and grief.......If you have a moment, please listen to the program, Reid really is a no nonsense and open with his care, and love for his wife.  Please listen to the show. 

Reid, is currently involved in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

I'd like to announce that I've decided to partake in the Avon - Walk for Breast Cancer.

The walk will be 26.2 miles long, or more recognizable as the length of a marathon. I think that's significant as battling cancer is often best thought in terms of a marathon - it's a long race.

I'll be walking in Washington, DC - where Ellicia found special memories on our last trip. And significantly, it's the weekend of her birthday - she would have been 41.

Avon's foundation requires a commitment to ensure the successful goal of the walkers.  Each walker must make a commitment of a minimum of $1800 in contributions.

I am asking for YOUR help. I'd like to blow past that goal, personally. Breast cancer, like so many cancers, is a horrible disease. We need to keep funding the research to DEFEAT this disease - before it claims too many more of our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters... and little known fact, the men in our society, too.

Please, go to my Avon website where you can donate directly.

If that doesn't work, then you can also click the button below, and those donations will go 100% to the walk.

Thank you for your support.  It'll be a long, hard walk... but, as Ellicia taught me, anything is possible.

For all you mothers out there...

My husband showed me the following "bit" of a woman/mother singing a song about, well... being a mother.  My kids watched it with me and even they were laughing.  So if you have 3 minutes and need a laugh - and something all mothers can identify with - click on the link below, sit back, and enjoy!

Tonight on SpouseBUZZ Radio!!

Join Guard Wife and I tonight at 9 EST at  SpouseBuzz Talk Radio! 

Top of the 9pm hour, we will be joined by fellow military Spouse Tiffany Booher, who authored the book Spouses Also Serve.  We will be discussing her book, and we will also be discussing how one becomes published, the process of writing, and how her idea came to fruition. 

The second half of the show, Reid Stanley will join us.   Reid is not only a member of the armed services, but is a fellow blogger.  He is joining us to discuss the Avon walk for cancer for his wife Ellicia, who passed  away 408 days ago, after a long battle with breast cancer.  Reid now finds himself in an unusual position at such a young age, as a single working parent, and widow.  I have a lot of questions for Reid, as I have been a reader of his blog for quite some time...

Join us.