Auld lang syne

Well, Andi's dancing the night away with her husband as are several others of you. Many of you are separated from your spouse and holding off on celebrating anything. And some of you are headed out to celebrate. Be safe, everyone!

We still have a few hours of 2008 left over here in the Pacific which has me contemplating the closing of this year. What were the high points of the year - the ones that I'll look back upon with fondness? What were the low points - the ones that I'll be glad to forget?

Ringing in the New Year: Ahhhh - Peace and Quiet

We completed the planes, trains and automobiles dance three days ago, and as soon as we got home, we had two rounds of visitors. I'm pooped, and I have no desire to mingle with other people tonight, toot horns, wear funny hats, drink champagne (don't like it) or be around people who are drinking too much champagne.

Last night, my husband called and asked what I wanted to do for New Year's Eve. I told him I'd tell him when he got home because it was going to sound corny over the phone.

When Militarese Goes Wrong

It was bound to happen sometime -  the fact that my first language fluency is Militarese has gotten me into a bit of a job pickle.

Well, it's not really a pickle.  But there was a brief situation of concern.

It's a Small World, After All...

We've had more than a few unexpected reunions during our many years as a military family. We've run into old friends and acquaintances in some very unlikely places. Over Christmas, we had one of the more bizarre -- yet wonderful -- reunions we've ever had.  

We didn't have room to take a few of our Christmas presents on the airplane with us, so we decided to ship them home. My mother said, "Go to the store I use, they're great." So we did, and boy were we in for a surprise.   

Normal, for a Moment

Well, in the 24 hours since I started this post, Guard Wife wrote a better one, using the same word in a different way.  And I love her post - it pretty accurately describes what life looks like at my house right now.  Except that it doesn't seem to be my deploying spouse who is acting wacko - I'm pretty sure it is me.  (And I know that I'm not alone.)  Predeployment.  Such a simple word, but so full of stuff.  And I think it is mostly bad stuff.  We've been predeployment for months now, and I'm tired of it.  There is nothing normal about it, except in the sense that it being odd and unpleasant is usual.

And then there has been this week.  We're on day nine of normal..parenting, Christmas, visiting the in-laws.  As we sit here on the sofa, hubs watching sports on the TV, me surfing the net, I can forget that everything is topsy-turvy.  It's like we're just a regular couple, living a mundane life in Suburbia, USA.  And for this moment, I really like it.  I'm trying to drink it in and store this memory for all the tough moments that I know will come.

I know that we're not the only family who is facing an imminent deployment.  For all of you, I hope that you are able to find a little bit of "normal" during this holiday season.  

Sometimes Normal Still Stinks

If there is one thing we know about being a military spouse it is that many things considered "normal" in our households would curl our civilian neighbors' hairs. 

Usually, it feels pretty good to hear a fellow milspouse reassure you that what you're experiencing is normal.  Many times, though, even something normal can still be pretty hard to swallow.

Reintegrating

My husband returned from Iraq a week ago.  The first few days were not so easy.  I wrote:

When your spouse is gone, it is easy to romanticize everything. We're the greatest couple that ever existed and we never fight and life is always flowers and sausages. And then he comes home, and you realize you had forgotten the little things that have bugged you for seven years of marriage.

I was referring to my husband's bad habit of falling asleep in the middle of our conversations.  And yes, I was frustrated at his seeming lack of interest in talking to me, but it was more than that.  As soon as he walked in the door from deployment, we had a big decision right on our shoulders: what to do with his block leave.

Angels and Kids ...

Today, The Boss and I did what we really try to do for most of the major holidays... at least those that involve food and eating (okay, OTHER than the 4th of July!).  We volunteer fto work in the Dining Facility and try to shimmy up to the serving line and get some eyeball to eyeball time, with those that are serving all of us.  Since I normally get stuck trying to get young men and women to eat broccoli or peas with mysterious chunks of mushroom or onion, the last couple of times I've asked to work the floor, cleaning tables, bussing dishes, and talking to the troops and their families.

Today, right after a young lady introduced me to "Gabriel" from High School Musical (I think that's her name) ... I turned around and met a gentleman who asked me, "how are you handling the holiday stress?"  I said ... Huh?  (I've been known to utter similar phrases of genius when the guy with mirrored sun glasses asks, "son, did you see that red light?")

Turns out, he had no idea who I was... The one and only Maintenance Toad of the Realm of the Authors within the Kingdom Of SpouseBUZZ.   Did I know how to handle holiday stress?  Are you kidding?  I have... YALL ... gazillions of folks reading SB, who are ready, willing, and VERY able to tell me when I need to fix my apple cart.  (c:]

But I was curious ... who the heck was THIS guy?  Turns out, he's an angel ...

Oh Starry Night III

It's Christmas eve here at our little mil spouse virtual home.   The authors, all my dearest of friends, have now spent three Holiday seasons together, talking amongst ourselves about fears and joys, and to each of you about those things that from our individual perspective, make a mil-spouse tick.  Many of you have been along on the ride since the inception of SpouseBUZZ, and there's no better time than now to say, Thanks -- you've made the trip a fantastic adventure.  And since many of you check in on us pretty regularly, you could say, that you visiting SpouseBUZZ has become your tradition ... if but a small one.  Yes?

Oh Starry Night  has become a tradition of sorts for me.  For right now over in the sandbox, it's already mid-day, 25 December.  For many there, it's another day of doing what they did yesterday, and what they'll do tomorrow because in a combat environment, that's just the way it is.  But today, it's different in one small aspect.  Today, we all watch each other a bit closer, we listen a bit more intently, and we hear things from our buddies that yesterday, or tomorrow, we wouldn't pause to think about.  Today, Christmas Day, it's different. 

So.....

.....how's the forecast where you are? As for me, "the weather outside is frightful."

The SpouseBUZZ crew are busy traveling, reuniting with spouses, preparing for spouses to leave and doing what most of you are doing, taking a breather from the daily grind and trying to enjoy the holiday season. Blogging will be lighter than usual, but we'll be around when we can. Tell us about your plans. How will you be celebrating the holiday? I bet a lot of you are doing this, no?

Whatever you're doing - be safe, and enjoy yourselves.

The Milspouse Lens

As the end of 2008 draws ever closer, I realized that being a military spouse has created yet another noticeable difference in the way I operate.  I bet it has for you too.

You Mean I Have to PAY to Drive Here?

Before my life as a military spouse, I was born and raised and grew up in California.  Not Northern California, either.  The part of California where most people live - in various towns back and forth between the coast and the Central Valley.  I started life as a military spouse with all sorts of pre-conceived California notions.  Like:

Snow is exotic and interesting and fun!

Rain is wonderful!  We don't get enough of it!

Toll roads!  Ha!  What a novel idea!  I supposed it's a good idea if it helps to keep the roadways fixed!

Tortillas and fresh guacamole are staples of life.  I'm SURE we'll be able to get them wherever we end up stationed!  I mean, we're still in the CONUS, right?

A Mystery

When my husband finally gets home from his deployment, we will have a big mystery solved.  The Mystery of Where He's Been All Week.  Because I have no idea.

I keep calling people to give them updates when the info changes -- my mom, his mom, friends -- and they want to know what's going on.  They keep asking me questions that I simply don't know the answer to.  They want me to speculate; I have learned it does no good to speculate about the Army.  All I know is the one-line sentence I keep getting from the FRG: "We are meeting at the company area at ___ o'clock."  Period.

Reason 351 Why Men and Women are Different

Ah, the holiday season.  One of the many benefits of November and December is that it gives us so many opportunities to witness the differences between men and women.  Keep in mind, I'm not making any value judgements here - I happen to think men are great.  Perplexing, but great.

For example,

Excruciating

I am currently at that excruciating part of deployment called The End.  You know what I mean, where the FRG calls and says they're going to be home on Tuesday at lunch, so you get dressed and get excited, and then it's Tuesday evening, then Wednesday morning, then late Wednesday night, then maybe Thursday afternoon...

It's like telling a little kid, "We're going to open Christmas presents today!  No, tonight!  No, maybe tomorrow!  No, tomorrow night!"

This is miserable.  I know it happens to lots of people, but it didn't happen to us last deployment so I was not really mentally prepared for it.  And naturally I took these days off work, so I am sitting here burning up the time I was supposed to be spending with my husband.

I just want my Christmas present to get here already!

The Duty Station Recall Button

The other day, I was talking with a civilian about some event or the other, and I paused to recall how long ago it had happened. Then, I said, "Oh yes, that's when we were stationed in Georgia, so it was ten years ago." I told the lady I was speaking to, "That's how I can remember dates and when something happened, by recalling where we were stationed at the time."

Tomorrow on SBTR: The SpouseBUZZ Santa

Since we began hosting our SpouseBUZZ LIVE events in 2006, Sears has been right by our side, present at every event, armed with incredible prizes to give to the spouses in attendance. So far, they've donated thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Things like appliances, top-of-the-line vacuum cleaners, wine chillers and gift cards for use in the BX/PX. Many a spouse has walked away with a great gift (or two) from Sears.

Sears has an outstanding reputation among the military community for looking after our troops and their families. The list is long. For a preview of Sears wide-ranging support for the military, you can tune into NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams tonight. NBC will feature a segment on Sears' support of our military. 

Tomorrow, we will welcome Retired Command Sergeant Major and Sears National Account Manager, Howard Rathmann to SBTR to discuss Sears commitment to the military community. Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting Howard at our LIVE events. He's a wonderful guy, and Sears is a wonderful organization. We're very excited to have Howard join us tomorrow evening at 9:00 p.m. EST. Click here to listen live, and don't forget to join us in the chat room. 

Share Your Voice - Hiring Military Spouses

Public Invited to Comment on Draft Rules for Spouse Employment

The public is invited to comment on proposed rules to speed up the hiring process for some military spouses seeking federal jobs.

The Office of Personnel Management published the rules Dec. 5 in the Federal Register and will accept comments until Jan. 5.

When You Care Enough to Send the Very Worst

I love that my house hosts little pieces of all the foreign lands that my husband has set foot in. I have rugs, baskets, intricately-carved wooden boxes and pashminas from all over the Middle East. Jewelry from South America. Electronics *ahem* from Korea, and on and on. 

However, there is a flip side to this love of exotic goods. 

Like when my husband shipped a box of goods from Afghanistan which puzzled the heck out of me. Among the various items was something that I was shocked he bought, and even more shocked that he sent home.

The Oomph is Gone

The last four months have been spent moving.  Moving out, moving in, fixing things to make the move comfortable.  All moving.

This weekend the rest of my boxes and goods arrived.  I have unpacked most of them, but I have a few questions.  Like, how on earth did all these books fit on shelves at the last house?  Because I've got left-overs here.  And where is the plug in part of my mixer?  Those blades don't turn themselves!

But instead of unpacking (and painting, there is STILL MORE PAINTING to do!), I'm sitting on the couch wasting time on my computer.  Because it suddenly hit me today, the oomph is just gone.  I need a vacation from moving.

How many of you hit that stage when you move?  And how long does it usually take to get there?

Did You Know?

2009 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates
Donate to Toys for Tots
Exchanges Upgrading Shoppette Systems
Help Troops Call Home for the Holidays
Holiday Messages for Veterans
How to Get the Best Deal Possible on Your New Computer
List of Resources for Soldiers, Family
Programs Aim To Strengthen Military Marriages
The American Legion Launches VetCam
Traumatic Injury Protection Improved
Underway Crews to Receive Phone Cards

Recycling, Military Style

I loved this comment left by Angelsanlee:

I spent alot of time trying to figure out how to use all the stuff our husbands do not need anymore because of the uniform change.

Black shoe polish- makes a great eye liner/mascara..the kids love painting with it too.

20 cans of starch- hairspray and bug killer

ugly black socks- great for cleaning-use them like a cleaning mitt

old grey P.T.'s- NEVER THROW THOSE AWAY!!! They are the most comfortable things in the world to wear. I do not even care that mine have holes in the arm pitt's. They breathe better that way.

ear plug case- Wonderful way to send your kids to school with lunch money....civilian kids DO NOT KNOW HOW TO OPEN THEM!!

brownmilitary undies- yeah....just throw those away, unless you need a pigtail template for your daughter's hair-do

Her comment reminded me of this post. Military spouses are a creative bunch. If you've found some interesting ways to re-purpose military gear and clothing, please share them with us.

Throwing the List Out the Window

My husband should get home from deployment in the next few days.  I too have The List of things I wanted to get done before he gets home: vacuum, give the dog a bath, take those durned boxes of stuff to Goodwill, bake him cookies, tidy the garage up, vacuum the cars...

But tonight I started thinking about our first SpouseBUZZ Live when AWTM told the story of how overwhelmed she felt right before her husband came home.  And I remembered the stress in her voice as she explained the futility of burdening herself with so many chores.  I also went back and read her post about how she spent two hours ironing her duvet cover.  The comments section was full of ways we decided to torture ourselves in the days before homecoming: cleaning the laundry room, pulling dandelions, and hanging curtains in the garage!

And I've decided I'm throwing the list out the window.

My husband won't care if the carpet is vacuumed or if the dog is washed.  In fact, we generally do those kinds of things together, and maybe a dog bath will end up being a fun way to reconnect at the end of this week.  I am not going to drive myself batty for the next few days doing chores that he won't even notice or care about.

Thank you, AWTM and commenters, for the wisdom.  Now I'm going to kick back and knit for the rest of the evening...

Vacuuming can wait; I have a homecoming to get excited about! 

The Most Dangerous....

...recipe in the world.

That was the subject of an email I recently sent to Andi and a few friends.  The replies I got back were ....um, varied, to say the least.  They ranged from "You're awesome!" to "You are evil." 

“Patriot Family Pet”

Here is a little something for all of you milpet owners. 

Pet Photo Contest 

The deadline is midnight Central Time Dec. 15 to enter your pet’s photo in the “Patriot Family Pet Photo Contest.’’

As of Dec. 12, more than 400 entries had been received, and they’re still coming in, said Judd Anstey, spokesman for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Besides becoming famous, your pet could win you a $1,500 AAFES shopping spree. Six winners will receive from $350 to $1,500 each in shopping sprees. Winners who don’t live near an AAFES exchange will be able to shop online for their prizes. The contest is open to any eligible exchange shopper, regardless of your branch of service.

To enter, shoppers can send a photo of themselves or family members with their pet to PatriotFamily@aafes.com with “Patriot Family Pet” in the subject line. Include name, address, phone number, rank/occupation and pet’s information — name and breed or type of pet — in the e-mail. Also send a description of the furry, scaly or feathery friend, explain why that pet is so special, and keep it to 50 words or less.

In addition to the shopping sprees, the winning photos will be featured in future AAFES advertisements as well as on Exchange TV, AAFES’ in-house TV network.

Fit Club - Trials and Tribulations

Oh yes, I've been able to get back into a work-out routine at the gym.  In between laying my own laminate floors, painting my house, replacing a toilet, fixing electrical outlets, and a few other odds and ends that crop up when moving into a new home of the price range we chose.

But now that I have a gym routine again, a new issue has cropped up...  The walk from the gym showers to the locker area.  I'm proud to report that my weight and muscle mass have been cooperating quite nicely and I'm actually down a clothing size!  But I'm still not ready for the naked shower prance.  And apparently I am the ONE person in that shower room that this bothers.

Tonight on SBTR: Becky Pillsbury

Join us this evening at 9:00 p.m. EST on SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio for an hour with Becky Pillsbury. Mrs. Pillsbury is the wife of Major Lt. Gen.James H. Pillsbury, and is the Vice President and co-founder of Still Serving Veterans, an organization which aids seriously injured veterans and their families. I'm told Mrs. Pillsbury has some humorous stories about military life, too. I'll bet she does, she's been an Army wife for 34 years. We're looking forward to chatting with her this evening.

Click here at 9:00 to listen live, and please join us in the chat room. 

Two Days, Some Sharp Teeth and a lot of Overheating

Moving can be stressful for a host of reasons. Not the least of which is wondering if you're going to come in under your weight allowance. Does anyone else eyeball the house top to bottom before a move, and try to recall the weight of your last shipment, and what you've added and subtracted since the move? Jessie's comment prompted me to write this post because a couple of weeks ago, in an attempt to de-clutter, I spent two fun-filled days, alone, with....

Entertaining, Military Style: Shoo Fly

The SpouseBUZZ authors recently had a conversation about guests in our kitchens. The "general" consensus was that we don't want other people messing around in our kitchens. I mentioned that this is sometimes a problem when entertaining military families because let's face it, military wives seem wired to help each other out, that's what we do. 

That means that when you throw a party or host a dinner, one (or six) military wives will inevitably follow you to the kitchen and want to help you clean the dishes, put away food and tidy up. In addition to being wired to help, military wives are stubborn, so here's what usually happens:

The Casting Couch

Did you know that television shows, radio stations and corporations contact military.com in search of people just like you for their shows and promotions? Well, they do, which is why military.com has a Casting Call forum.

It appears that MTV wants to throw weddings for military couples. Hummmmm. I have a GREAT idea....

Did you also know that someone is working on a reality series based on the hit television series, Army Wives? They say they are looking for real-life Army Wives to star in the show. Wonder what that's going to look like? Perhaps it's time for airforcewife to update the airforcefamily reality series.

Note: SpouseBUZZ is not associated in any way with these promotions and casting calls, we're just passing the information along. 

Did You Know?

"Financial Readiness Challenge" Events
Baby Catalog for any Budget
DoD Travel Cards Switch
Educational Website for Navy Children
Exchanges Offer Gift Boxes
Free Photography Sessions for Deploying
Guard Against Identity Theft
Guard Eligible for Child Care Subsidy
Holiday Greetings for Veterans
Navy Implements Paternity Leave
New VA Sites for New Orleans
Operation Comfort Warriors: Meet the Challenge
Space-A Holiday Travel Tips
Spouse Education Assistance Applications
TRICARE South Teams with MinuteClinics

Like Oil and Water

Each time we move, all remotes either go with me, or are placed in the entertainment center that houses all batteries, DVDs, etc. so that when we unpack, I know exactly where to find the remotes. My husband and I recently purchased a new television for our bedroom and gave the old one away to some friends. When they came to collect the television, which had been sitting in the garage since we moved, I went to the remote drawer only to find that the remote was not there. I was baffled for two months because, despite having other moving-related issues throughout the years, I've never had a missing remote. I've always been very careful about that.

And Then it Hit Me Like a Ton of Bricks...

We recently found ourselves reunited with a couple we were stationed with over ten years ago. It's been great catching up with them and having them nearby. When we went our separate ways years ago, neither of us had children. Over the past ten years, our friends have added two beautiful girls to their family. 

Saturday morning, my gifrlfriend called me to ask what she deemed a "huge favor." I could hear the nervousness in her voice as she asked if I could watch the girls for a few hours while she and her husband did some Santa shopping. They needed to shop, get the stuff back to the house and hide it from the girls. Both parents work, and the husband is active-duty and TDY constantly, so it's a challenge for them to get away from the kids and do some shopping. 

The kids are no trouble at all, and I was happy to oblige. Honestly, my friend didn't need to explain why they needed a babysitter, but when she was ticking off the reasons she would appreciate it if we could help, one hit me like a ton of bricks. She said...

Just Couldn't let it slip by ...

I remember well where I was on the 2nd of August in '90, and I still remember a campaign called Desert Fox in '98 ... and again, where I was on the 11th of September in '01.

What I don't know is what my parents might have been doing 67 years ago, on a quiet Sunday, the 7th of December '41. 

I also don't know or even try to compare the events in '41 to those in '01 ... that's not my forte' and well, I'm sure I'd screw it up.  Suffice to say, all along the way, there have been brave women and men who've given up all that they knew and loved, to be part of something a bit bigger than themselves.  And most, had someone special at home.

That's us.  So, for a moment, remember not only those that served and are serving, but remember what it must have been like to walk in their loved ones shoes ... then, now, always.

Lest we forget.

Over&Out, MaintenanceToadOne

Cashing In My Chips

AWTM has the distinction around here, like it or not, of being our resident go-to person on reintegration.  And I personally always felt fine letting her have that title, because I didn't really grok her experience.  I always assumed that her discomfort with reintegration came from the fact that she had babies while her husband was gone, so they went from being just a couple to being a family.  Or I thought it was because her husband came back changed.  Or that they were having a hard time getting back in sync as a family when he got home.  Since I had not experienced any of those things, I never fully understood AWTM's trepidation about reintegration.

But I wrote here before that deployments are like snowflakes.  I was talking about my soldier in that case, but I am starting to see that deployments can feel very different from the homefront too.

Transition for the Spouse, too?

We're pretty fortunate that the folks at military.com have their strong commitment to those in and around the US Military.  One of the issues of late that has been bouncing around in my head, is that of The Military Spouse in transition.

Transition to "what?" you ask?  For now I’m talking about from where we are ... to where we might be going at the end of our Mil Member's current hitch.  You know, ... transitioning to the ... Out.Side.World.

The Military Services do a respectable job of getting our Mil Member from here, to there.  But what about us?  Where's OUR transition assistance program.  We could call it:  Spouses Transitioning Rather Effectively Program, or STREP (Lord knows THAT'S a condition we've dealt with before).  When the Mil Member decides to separate or retire, most if not all of them get almost a week of pretty thorough indoctrination on what they need to do and what they can expect. 

What about us?  Great Scot man, don't you realize that my life is equally and inextricably tied to the US Military as much as my Mil Member?  Help me ... help me make the transition too.

what not to wear?

I love that show, but rarely watch television.  How I do wish I had that mean Stacey here right now to help me prepare.

However, I cannot think of a better place to ask than SpouseBuzz. 

Seriously.

Opportunities into Goals

Sarah and I have written over the last couple days, about accomplishments and ... not.  What we made it through and what we ... didn't.  Many of you came on line and told us how you tave done some great things.  While many of you too chicken to make a comment, have hopefully realized that you also have done some great things.  I hope that while sitting at your keyboards, you've stopped even if for only a moment to say, "You know, I HAVE gotten some things done and I'm pretty pleased that I did it without ... strangling someone."

Okay, now that you're pretty pleased with yourself (as you should be), have another one for you ...

It's coming up on "the Grande Season of Receiving PCS orders for the summer move."  When your Mil-member gets their orders, do you promptly spit on the ground, stomp on said wet spot with your shoe, and then grind it into the floor, to mildly demonstrate your less than happy state of having to think about moving just before the Holiday Season?  You know, ... let's make it REAL tough and maybe they'll get  message to take back to the orderly room, "... my mate's pissed over THIS set of orders."

Rather than this scene, let's play it a different way...

SpouseBuzz Talk Radio live and on the air at 9pm EST tonight

Join Guard Wife, and AWTM tonight at 9pm EST  as they speak with Dr. Paula Domeninci, about reintegration of veterans after a phyiscial injury, and PTSD.  This is part 2 of the Reintegration series on the SpouseBuzz book of the month Courage After Fire.

From the Mailbag: Decisions, Decisions

How timely that this email came in:

I am getting married soon to a wonderful man who just completed 6 years of service in the Air Force.  We reunited when he got out in January 2008 and are now engaged and planning to be married early in 2009.  I have never been involved in the military life before and don't have any friends who are.  We have done some talking and he is considering enlisting back into the Air Force once we are married.  I would like to hear some advice from other military wives and anyone who knows both lifestyles.  He says its up to me whether he does or not, because once he signs that paperwork we're in for at least 4 years.  He's explained some things to me, but things from his point of view are different then I would imagine a military wife's point of view would be.
I want to know the good, bad, and ugly....  it's an important decision that will change our lives.
 
I really appreciate it.  So thanks to anyone who gives me testimonials or advice.

For two reasons...

Do I call this a second honeymoon, if we didn't have a first one?

A couple of weeks ago, my Husband told me he nominated for an award, and BOTH of us were invited to Washington DC. 

The Army said BOTH.  You know how rare that is?

TRICARE Updates

 TRICARE 'Round the Clock Care

Homonym, Acronym, Synonym....Oh My!!

Everyone has their own niche, their own aptitudes, talents, etc. One of mine happens to be the English language. Or more precisely, the written English language. My family and friends will swear (at me) to the fact that I can be a *little* fastitidous. (they use *another* word, but this is a family web site) I am the "Designated Editor" for term papers, letters to whomever, resume's, etc., and I have been known to correct letters, upcoming announcements, flyers, etc. that come from SWHNOB's school and send them back. Many are the times, after my little red pen and I are done, that I've been accused of getting a paper cut and bleeding all over the page.

Some Duty Stations are Just Plain Jinxed

Sarah left a comment on my last post which prompted me to think about something. Two somethings, actually. The first is that her comment reflected how different each of us are. A lesson I learn over and over again here at SpouseBUZZ, and one which reminds me that our diverse backgrounds and interests are one of the many things that make military life so interesting and special. 

But the thought that came immediately to mind when I read Sarah's comment:

I'm sure it's because I was born in Oklahoma, but am I the only freak who likes the plains? (AWTM, get my back here.) I would be tickled to be stationed in Kansas...

Was this...

It All Evens Out

Funny that Toad put up a post about things we've accomplished; I was having the exact opposite thought today. 

My husband should be coming home from deployment in about two weeks or so.  Here is an incomplete list of all the things I said I was going to do while he was gone that haven't gotten done yet:

• lose weight
• finish a quilt I started ages ago
• take those boxes to Goodwill
• get a deck built in the backyard
• read about 10 books
• take some old stuff in the garage to the junk heap

But...that's the way it goes.  And on the heels of Toad's post, there are three major things that I did accomplish while he was gone:

• survived a miscarriage
• went through fertility treatments
• got a job

So I guess it all evens out, right?

I am seriously taking those boxes to Goodwill before he comes home...

Accomplishments

I was over-hearing (okay, ease-dropping on) a seminar that was going on in a room next door today, when I heard the speaker ask the most obvious question to the group, "So, quickly -- Name three accomplishments that make you the most proud."  The room went silent.  Partly because these are military folks and by nature, nobody ever wants to be first to stick up their hand and volunteer -- but more to the point, most of them really had to stop and think ... DO I have any accomplishments in life that make me proud?

Many of us don't ever take the time to realize that there truly are many things that are or could count towards ... goodness.  You know, things that if someone asked, after some thought you could say, yepper, here are some of MY accomplishments ... Okay, want to give it a whirl? Hey You!  Out there at the keyboard -- yeah, yeah ... you in the bunny slippers and the mug of hot coffee ...

Quick -- name 3 of accomplishments in life, that make you proud!  Balking?  Oh, stop it.

Losing a Loved one

The topic of loss comes up often at SpouseBuzz, and I thought this  SpouseBuzz Talk Radio was an emotional show, but also worth listening to again.

Assignment Envy

We recently touched base again with a couple who we were stationed with over a decade ago. After the inevitable, "Why did we lose touch" conversation occurred, I asked my girlfriend where they had been assigned since we lost touch. She ticked off my fantasy list. Tampa, Georgia, Miami, Hawaii, Kansas (but for only a year) and Texas. I think I was drooling just listening to her.... 

Like me, my girlfriend prefers warmer climates. Unlike me, she's been able to spend her entire military marriage in shorts and the occasional light jacket. I have no complaints about our locations. Some I loved and others, not so much. But each place, rotten or fabulous, has brought it's own set of blessings, joys and new experiences. However, I'd like to discover all the blessings, joys and experiences that warm climates have to offer. For the rest of my husband's career.

I admit it. I had "assignment envy." Wonder if there's a 12-step program? Hummmmm. I think another letter to Secretary Gates is in order.

Dear Secretary Gates.....

Did You Know?

TRICARE TRS Premiums Decrease
How to Find the Right Computer
100% Fool-Proof Tip to Bust Through Any Plateau
We Need Your Opinion
Discounts and Coupons on Holiday Gifts
VA Releases Performance Report
Gas Discounts Tested in Europe
Small Business Help for Veterans
Scholarships for Survivors, Dependents
New Centers Helping Families of Wounded
Exchanges Offer Phone Cards
Filner Advocates 'De-Boot Camp' for GIs
AF Survivor Assistance Programs
Military Mail Must Include a Name
Navy Makes Moving Household Goods Easier
Army Changes Up-or-Out Rules
Navy Introduces Paternity Leave Policy
AAFES Electronics Offers Installation
Exchanges Support Women, Children Overseas
AKO Log-in Procedures to Change
Exchanges Sponsor Disney Cruise Give-away

The Unthinkable

A few days ago, I was directed by Guard Wife towards the blog of a wife whose husband was wounded by an IED on October 28, just about a month ago.  I read every post that Dena Yllescas wrote about her husband - from finding out about his injury to the care decisions they had to make, to the small signs of progress and recovery.

I watched Dena Yllesca's blog, which begins here, every day.