An Open Letter

Dear Deployment,

Although I understand that we are not strangers, I did want to set forth a few ground rules and observations before you officially begin your timeline.  First and foremost, please remember that I despise surprises so should you feel the need to visit again before my husband retires, a little notice never hurt anyone.  Frankly, I'd appreciate it if you would just take the hint and make yourself scarce, but I understand that you have a job to do and you sometimes find it necessary to do it repeatedly and on your own terms.

Comment Issue

For some reason, only 50 comments per post are being displayed, even on posts (old and new) where more than 50 comments have been made. We have not deleted or censored comments (other than spam) on these posts. I'm awaiting a response from technical support. If you do not see your comment on a post with more than 50 comments, this is why. Sorry for the inconvenience. We're hoping to have this resolved soon and when it is, your comments will be displayed. 

Bearing Our Burdens Alone

I always seem to have the ridiculous luck that I turn up pregnant the day after my husband leaves.  When he deployed last spring, I couldn't tell him I was pregnant until he called from Kuwait.  I was in agony that I had to wait for him to call me.  But this time around it's even stranger: I found out I was pregnant the day after my husband left for SERE school.

No communication for three weeks.  Gah.  What timing.

Time's Up. Well, Almost....

Today's the last day to get your stuff in for February's challenge. Well, it probably isn't the last day considering I modified the rules a bit, and there's no way I'll get the post up in the next day or two, so if you get your stuff in to me before the post goes up, you're good to go.

 

The Ban on Dover is Lifted

For those of you who have been following this story, the ban on media access to Dover has been lifted, with one caveat - the families of the fallen will make the final determination.

If you stay with the video, around the 07:25 mark (and again at 19:16), Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen respond to reporter's questions about what drove their thought process, the politics surrounding the ban and the logistics of implementing the policy. Apparently, Secretary Gates has tasked a "working group" to "quickly" put a plan in place to implement the new policy. I will be interested to see how, in practical terms, this will be implemented. What happens when one family passes and another agrees, yet their loved ones are arriving on the same flight, for instance? Looks like we'll soon find out.

I truly thought the policy would stand, as is. I knew I'd be sick if I heard the policy had been overturned outright. And I thought I would be okay with the families making the final determination, but truthfully, I feel a little queasy right now. It feels like the camel just busted into the tent.

In Which airforcewife Declares War and Reaps the Whirlwind

I know I mentioned that some nasty bit of germ warfare has been making its rounds through Air Force Family.  Over and over and over again.

Making a lot of rounds.

Well, because I have a lot of things to do (family coming to visit, cookie mom for one daughter's Girl Scout troop, various other activities), on Saturday I declared war on those germs and decided to eradicate them from my house.  I was SO DONE.  Done, I tell you!

However, someone forgot to tell the germs.

Thank You Too

Yesterday I was on a plane and happened to sit next to a nice man who had retired after 30 years in the Navy and who now worked in Veteran's Affairs in his state.  Right as the plane landed, he thanked my husband for his service, which is always nice to hear.  I, in turn, thanked him for his!  And then he said, "And thank you for letting him serve."  I had never had anyone say this to me before, and I appreciated it.  This man knows that a military commitment is one that the whole family makes, and it was very sweet of him to acknowledge my role.

I always get to sit next to the nicest people on planes...

We Interrupt This Broadcast...

Remember when THAT message used to interrupt your favorite programs and make you roll your eyes?  I feel like I had one of those moments this weekend at my husband's deployment briefing.  I purposely had not "tuned in" to the fact that today marks the start of his last full week at home for at least a year.  Before Saturday, I was blissfully ignoring how entirely tiny the month of February actually is and how March was ready to roar in like a lion.

Then, the briefing and suddenly, it was like I was jolted from my happy land of denial over and over.

No, it's Not the Socks

My husband and I had a friend over for dinner Saturday night. He happens to be retired military and now works as a civilian, but in the military arena. I packed him a to-go bag so that he could have dinner the next evening, too.

Last night, I received an email from him asking what I wanted him to do with the Tupperware that I used to package the food. My response to him was, "Throw it in the recycling bin and if you don't recycle, throw it away. Or, just keep them." I didn't really care what he did with the containers. I just didn't want them back.

Why?  

“Taking Care of Business”

 Pre-deployment to-do list

“Taking Care of Business” is a new Web-based program that soldiers and families can use to get smart about the legal documents signed before soldiers deploy. In the pre-deployment process, it helps them talk about the possibility of serious injury or death. Short videos and other materials can be downloaded by clicking here.

Stress? What Stress?

I should admit this right off - yes, I'm one of those dorks who actually clicks on the links hotmail shows me when I check my email.

Omigosh!  Ten tips to liven up your kitchen?  What can they be?  New hairstyles for 2009?  I'd love to hear more!

And today:  When Stress Can Actually be Good for You.  Because, seriously, that is something I truly want to know.  According to most of the "informed opinion", stress is BADBADBAD and you should avoid it at all costs or end up with a complete psychological break from reality, heart disease, two different kinds of stroke, and excessive tartar build up leading to gingivitis.

And since when can a military spouse or a military family avoid stress?  Up until I read this article, I figured my goose was good and cooked.

The ban on media at Dover review* Update!!!

From Andi's post on this topic last week, it's very clear that we have strong feelings about it.  In comments, it was asked who folks should speak to in order to make their voices heard.  Below the fold is a phone number to call with your concerns or questions about the review.

Yoo Hoo....

Hey you. Yes, you! Have you tackled those bathrooms yet? If not, you better get busy, only two five days left. I'm sure you don't want to win tons of great prizes, right?

New rule, because I said we could make it up as we go along - as long as you get your report/photos in before I post the results, you can still get in on the action. I won't always get the post up the day after the deadline, so take advantage of my bus-i-ness.

LIVEWIRE: On Air Tomorrow. Tune in!

Tomorrow evening LIVEWIRE, the new SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio show, will debut. Strap yourselves in for a wild ride because we're going to be shifting gears every 30 minutes, and it's going to be fun, entertaining and interesting. We're really excited about the new format.

First up will be Marc Maxwell. Marc is a Department of Defense guidance counselor who works with family members of deployed troops. He's also the author of 365 Days: Surviving Military Separation. Check out Marc's blog here.  

In our second segment, we will be joined by troop-supporting rockers Lansdowne. Incidentally, Lansdowne will be joining us in Hampton Roads on April 4 to perform for the spouses at SpouseBUZZ LIVE. Check the boys out:

Finally, in the clean up spot, airforcewife will talk with Nikki Fitness about life and toning our butts, but mostly toning our butts.....

All of our guests are happy to take your phone calls, so feel free to dial in and join the conversation.

8:00 - 8:30 - Marc Maxwell

8:30 - 9:00 - Lansdowne

9:00 - 9:30 - Nikki Fitness

Join us for our new show, at a new time - 8:00 p.m. EST. Click here to listen live, and join us in the chat room.

Today Is One of Those Days...

I have spent most of today in my room.  Near my unmade bed.   A lot of time on the computer, too.  The TV has been on.  I still haven't taken a shower.

Air Force Guy, on the other hand, was up at 6 am (it was a late morning for him) and off to work. 

Despite the fact that I don't have a lot of options as to where I spend the day today  - two of my kids are sick and I'm desperately fielding barf buckets, ferrying hot tea to kids, and exhorting people to "Run!  Bathroom!  Now!  NOWNOWNOW!!!" - I still feel kind of guilty. 

After all, aside from those moments of high intensity when the fate of the universe depends on me getting a kid to a toilet before all hell bursts loose, I'm not doing a whole lot today.

Remote Control: Yes or No?

I was recently talking with a friend of mine, a fellow Army wife, about our television viewing habits. My television time is pretty anemic. When I tune in, it's to watch news, HGTV, City Confidential (I adore Paul Winfield's voice), Army Wives and 24. I have the new show Damages on DVR. The previews looked interesting so I decided to tape it. I haven't watched any of the episodes yet, though. My girlfriend mentioned that when her husband left for his first deployment, she tried to watch the news but found that it only served to upset her. She tuned out and, to this day, has never tuned back in. Her husband deployed quite frequently in the past and is TDY constantly these days.

She went on to relay a story that interested me, and I wonder what you think about it. 

Did You Know?

1200+ Coupons for Military
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Retreat for Military Families
TRICARE Podcast Launched
DoD Education Wants your Feedback
Submit Picture for Soldiers Magazine
Program Helps Surviving Families
Exchange 2009 Home Decor Spring Catalog Available
More Updates >>

Need a Laugh? Join This Conversation...

I was thinking today, as I located my cordless phone (the house one, not the cell phone) sitting on the windshield of my car (on the outside, on top of the windshield wiper), about how many odd places I have located my cordless phones.  I mean really bizarre places, not just when all three of them join each other on the kitchen counter for a little cordless phone society meeting, or when none of them are in their cradles.

I imagine that I'm not the only one who finds their phones in odd places.  I'll start!

1. On the windshield of my car.
2. In my purse, in the car
3. Underneath the passenger's seat of my car

(Notice my theme?)

So, where are the strangest places you've found your missing phone?

Game Review: Wizard 101

From time to time authors are invited to review various items.  Our family received an invitation to review an online game called Wizard 101.

I heart Valentine's Day!

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
         Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,
         Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
         That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,
         Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
         Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
         But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,
         I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

                         William Shakespeare 
                          (1564 - 1616)

Who's Up For Being Responsible?

In an airport terminal, finding a decent place to sit at the gate waiting for a flight is never that choice.  Last week though, I managed to secure "box-seat-tickets" and had the unique and good fortune to be exquisitely seated near a group of mil spouses traveling together, who luckily for me "knew it all."  I tell you, if I could have had them as an Advisory Board during my tour on active duty, Sheez & ShazZam! life would have been grrrreat!

As I listened though, it became apparent that trouble lurked in their ranks.  For they knew there were problems "in the unit" but that everybody who was saddled with the mantle of responsibility, were brainless twits.  Brainless I tell you.  Diaper-wearing, thumb sucking, twits.  I mean, unit leadership were thumb suckers!  So as I listened (I know, I know, ... bad Toad), a few things became readily apparent.  First, they only knew one side of the story.  Second, they only cared to know one side of the story and could not conceive of another side dealing with anything going on about them.  Lastly, you could only continue to be on their team, if you shared their views.  And although they knew (from their perspective) what was wrong, none had any idea what the fix could be.  I mean, they didn't even get close to proffering a solution to any of the problems they perceived in the unit.  And then, I started reading GBears post, Brass Blogs.  And I thought, of those 3 things above, the 2nd one -- i.e., understanding the other side of the story, is the only one that originates in someone else's head ...(how's THAT for a twisted sentence? Sorry AFW.)

Talk Talk Talk

Military families have quite a few opportunities to go places where people don't speak English.  Most of the families I know are always trying new language programs or books in an effort to be able to order food, find a gas station, or (of utmost importance) find a bathroom in a foreign country with three children under the age of five in tow.

So it was with great glee that I got the chance to try the French language program "Take Off in French" from Oxford.

SpouseBUZZ LIVE Heads to the West Coast

We're hitting the east coast in April, and our third stop on the 2009 SpouseBUZZ LIVE Tour will take us to the west coast. The wonderful folks at Marine Corps Family Team Building on Camp Pendleton extended an invitation for us to come to their base, and we're going to do just that.

On September 26, 2009, SpouseBUZZ LIVE will take place at the NEW Marine Corps Family Team Building Family Readiness Center (Building 1795). Seating is limited, and currently this event will be open only to Camp Pendleton spouses. However, we may be able to open registration for non-Pendleton spouses at a later date.

We'd like to thank the Marine Corps Family Team members for inviting us to their base. We're very excited to meet the Pendleton spouses and share a day of fun and fellowship with them.

More information on the 2009 SpouseBUZZ LIVE Tour, including how to register, will follow in the coming days.

If you would like SpouseBUZZ come to your installation, just ask. We typically plan our events several months out, and we do have our 2009 schedule set, but we carefully consider all invitations and will try our best to accommodate any and all official requests.  

Public or Private: A Policy Under Review

On the one hand, I didn't want to write about this, for reasons spelled out below. On the other hand, I couldn't ignore the fact that this is a legitimate issue for military spouses and one that many of you clearly feel passionately about. In the end, it was that passion that won out. So, here goes....

I have mentally buried my husband a hundred times. I'm willing to bet you have, too. In fact, if you have and you think you're weird, you're not. Click here to find out why. In the process of mentally preparing my husband's funeral, I always pictured the moment I received his casket to be a solemn and private moment. My husband's remains and me. Sometimes the dog was there. Sometimes he wasn't. I didn't even think about extended family being present. As I wrote long ago:

I would meet my husband's body when it arrived at Dover. I would run my hands over the casket, hug it even, but I would try to remain as composed as possible.

Time for a laugh

As many of you are aware, the last six months for my family have been .... well, rough.  This came into my Inbox yesterday and gave me such a belly-laugh.  So, I thought I'd share.....'cause we can all use a good giggle or three for one reason or another these days.

Pimp Your Stuff: Valentine's Day Fun

Some of February's "Pimp Your Stuff" entries were time sensitive, so I'm going to post just the items which pertain to Valentine's Day for now. Some fun stuff here:

First of all, I admit it. I'm a weirdo. I'm not expecting candy, bears, flowers or jewelry. Actually, I'm not expecting anything at all. For whatever reason, I've fallen out of love with Valentine's Day, and my husband knows this. I am definitely a romantic, girlie-girl, but I do like my practical gifts. One of my favorite gifts had a note attached which read, "Because life is never dull with you." It was a set of steak knives. I love those knives! Give me knives over flowers any day of the week.....

Although I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, I'm sure I'm in the minority, which is why I have to admit that this marketing campaign is very, very clever. I'm sure it's quite effective, too. But for goodness sakes, if you're going to put your man in the world's most public doghouse, do you have to list his full name? Ouch! 

Next up - a freebie. Oh, how I wish I had Mariah Carey's pipes.....

Is This Communication Thing Good?

I only ask because we've finally gotten both my husband and I onto Facebook, and we were trying to IM today. 

It was lovely to see his written words, and to sort of talk to each other.  Such a change from when we were newlyweds and we had to number the envelopes because you never knew when and in what order they'd arrive, and when a deployment might have two or three short and expensive telephone calls.  I had to rely on myself for all the decision making, and find the confidence to feel good about our relationship even when we didn't have contact for weeks at a time.

Already, this deployment has been loads different, and it isn't all for the better.

Did You Know?

Scholarship Deadline Nears
Air Force Hiring Targets Military Spouses
Apply for Free Military Family Retreats
Exchange Sponsors Giveaway
FRA Kicks Off 20009 Scholarship Program
Scholarships for Military Family Members
Sesame Street Military Family Special

Monday Morning "Feel Good" Story

I've heard countless stories of how stray dogs and cats in Iraq and Afghanistan have helped our service members cope with the worst parts of war, and even the more mundane parts - like sheer boredom. Animals truly are therapeutic.

My husband and his co-workers befriended and looked after Maxie, a little kitten who found her way onto their base, and who was spoiled rotten while in their care. I was happy to know that Maxie gave my husband some comfort while he was away from his family (including the four-legged members). I see that Army Wife Lisa Barker shares that sentiment:

Click here to read the full story of Jack and Emma, and note that the reunion between doggies and their soldier dad will occur soon, so check back for updates and reunion video. Click here to find out how you can help rescue neglected animals. Thanks to Cassandra for the tip.

For another "feel good" doggie story, see Man's Best Friend.

The Military Spouse Document Survival Pack

Hey -- did yall miss me?  Know that I have not been the same without each of you and yes, although AWOL for a bit I was here and waiting to get back into the thick of it. 

Okay -- you ready?  I know that you've seen me beat this drum before, and many listened.  But some of you (I see you there hiding behind the screen) are still not believing when I say this really is something you need to do.  Now I also understand that these documents may not be something you will necessarily want to read over and over, and they could even put you in the blue funk of having to think about a very unpleasant topic, but if you haven't done this, here's the first step of a one-step process.   

(1) Go Now.  If your mil member is out in the garage, down in the laundry room, out back with the kids ... regardless, walk over to them, plant your finger of death in their chest and repeat after me -- "Honey I love you.  And you know that I swore under the eyes of heaven to love and protect, BUT ... Honey, You listening to me?"  "If something should ever happen to you for whatever reason, natural or man-made, 50% of me is going to kick your ass while the other 50% of me will morn your passing and will morn your passing the rest of my days on earth."  "So if you won't to avoid the 50% that's going to be kicking your sorry ass, then you simply must, right now, do something for me."

"I have to have my document survival pack.  Toad Said So.  And Honey, you have to do it for me as I can't." (okay, now you can take the finger out of their chest for they will be in total amazement that they survived the talking-to.)

There are many items that probably could be included in a personal document survival pack, but these are those things that you simply shouldn’t be without.  Many, if not all, are items that your military member must get for you as privacy act data will keep you from gaining access. 

The time to do it is now, before your spouse spends another day or week, saying they'll "do it later."  And if they're scheduled to deploy? Busted!  You're both late to need for once they are gone, there is only a marginal chance that you will easily gain access to the information.  Again, the time is now.

Brass blogs

I was reading an article the other day, from the Christian Science Monitor, stating that more and more of the 'military brass' were starting to use the technology of blogs to communicate with their troops.  According to the article, the concept is that in order to stay connected with their troops and get their thoughts out quickly and to a wider audience, more general officers were taking advantage of such sites as Facebook and creating their own blogs.  I've not been able to shake this article and wondered what all this would really mean and if it would work.

I KNOW Y'all Can Help

I recently received a nice email from Liz, who I met at SpouseBUZZ Live in Tacoma last year.  She had a question that I don't know how to answer:

"Hi. I was hoping I could ask you a question about visiting my husband at a port of call while he is on a 6 month deployment.  I This is my husband's first "out to sea" and I have never been out of the country. Any suggestions about traveling overseas? I will be flying to Singapore and I am just curious if you or anyone you know has ever made a port call and if you might have some tips. Any help you can give me would be very much appreciated! Thanks"

Well, I've traveled outside the country, but I've never met my husband at a port call.  We've always had small children, or I've had a job that was hard to leave, or their schedule was set in jello, or we didn't have the money.

I'm sure that we have some SpouseBUZZers who have met their husbands at port calls.  Would you please share your experiences?  I bet Liz isn't the only person who has questions.

Thank you to everyone for your answers, and thanks to Liz for writing in.  That's why we're here!

Friday Time Waster

I've been using Facebook for two years now.  I joined because one of the wives from our last unit set up a group for us to keep up with each other.  We're all scattered to the winds these day. 

If you've got a Facebook page, chances are you have been tagged with the 25 Random Things about Me meme.  Even though it took me some time to finally write the 25 things, I found I had a good time with it.

So, because it's Friday, I thought I would write 5 (just five, people!!) random things about me and open it up for Spousebuzzers to write 5 random things about themselves.

Missing family

I should start this by writing a caviat - My back went out and I'm on a LOT of very strong pain medicines - thank you Mr ER Doc!  Good thing though or I'm not sure I would have handled today as well as I did - which wasn't very well! 

My sister had a test done for colon polyps.  The doc found ONE, one measly little polyp. Problem is she told my sister that it looked 'suspicious'.  Of course, biopsy results will take a few days.  So, here I sit 1,000 miles away, unable to comfort her, worry with her or cheer her up.  Being apart from family when they need you is one of the hardest parts of being in the military. 

Back in the Saddle Again

Wow.  It's been a long time since I've posted here.  Frankly, if I were asked what the heck I'd been up to...it would take me a little while to come up with an answer.  I definitely have had a busy couple of months.

So, let's catch up, shall we?

The Dark Prince is back at school.  The deployment did little to change him.  Trust me, that's a mixed bag.  His room is back to being the disaster it was when he deployed.  Sigh...I haven't had the heart go back in and fix it.  Next week maybe...

Thanks to AP classes and the drive to excel, Light Twin is now a college senior.  Dark Twin is on schedule to graduate in 2010.  Yayyyy!!!!

Lancelot is the happiest man in the world.  His new job means that he can go out and shoot anything he wants just about anytime he wants.  Marines.

My organization, Honor Their Service, is waiting for the IRS approval to be a 501c3.  We're gearing up for our third year of Operation Fresh Air and looking for new trouble to get into. 

What have you all been up to?  What are your plans or goals for 2009?  (Yes, one of mine is being a more effective time manager).

The February Challenge: Functional Bathrooms

First of all, thanks to some very generous donors, we're going to have some incredible prizes in coming months. Trust me on this, you do not want to sit a challenge out. If you do, when you see some of the prizes in this challenge, you will kick yourself for not participating. In December, someone will walk away with a very valuable package. If you didn't participate in January, you can start now because the winner only has to participate in ten challenges, so if someone from January sits a challenge out, you could be the one enjoying the fat prize package.

And remember when I said we reserve the right to change the rules? Well, we're going to offer a prize package, though not nearly as valuable as the winning package, to the person who comes in second place. A consolation prize for sticking to it. Click here to read the rules. 

Now, onto February's Challenge....

In January, you got a jump start on this year's holiday season. Now you're organized and ready to tackle Christmas when it comes. In February, you're going to focus on the potty room and transform it into an organized, functional and clutter-free oasis.

Are you ready?

I Love This Product Update: Bras, Straps and Lifts, Oh My...

Inquiring minds want to know. Many of you have asked how this worked out for me, so here's the low-down, or "lift-up," as it were. In short, they do work, but there's a few things you should know:

First, it takes a while to get your order. If you're looking to order for a special formal or event, you should plan accordingly because it took several weeks for my package to arrive.

Does Your FRG Rock?

If so, our old pal Ro wants to know about it. Rosemary is working on an article for Military Spouse Magazine and plans to feature 3-4 "FRGs that Rock." She's got a tight deadline, too, so get to it. Click here to email Ro and tell her about your rockin' FRG.

For other FRG stories, see:

Wanted: FRG

Found: FRG

What is Your Primary Source for Emotional Support?

Speaking of MSM:

Military Spouse magazine today announced the five military service branch winners for its 2009 Military Spouse of the Year award, presented by USAA.  

The winners were Air Force wife Susan Webb of Glasford, Ill.; Army wife Misti Stevens of Fort Campbell, Ky.; Coast Guard wife Patricia Pruett of Miami, Fla.; Marine Corps wife Tanya Queiro of Camp Lejeune, N.C.; and Navy wife Christy Kuiatnyk of Ellerslie, Ga.

The five women were selected through an online vote held during the last three months.  

Voting starts today to select one overall winner.  All Americans are encouraged to vote online at www.msoy.milspouse.com, where you can find profiles of these amazing supporters of the Homefront.  No registration, membership or fee is required to vote.  This final phase of voting will continue through March 4.

Go Misti! Have to root for my fellow Army Wife.....

Did You Know?

UPS Delivers Valentine's Day Greetings
Beware of Refund Anticipation Loans
Exchanges Offers Online Auction Site
25K in Scholarships for Military Dependents
Disney Offers Affordable Vacations
Peanut Butter Items Recalled
Parents Should be Aware of RSV Virus
Penalties for AAFES Fuel Card Violators
Legal Advice Websites for Servicemembers  

Adulthood: Joke's on Me...

Military spouses are some of the most creative people I've ever met. Especially when it comes to home decor. We move so often, and the moves tend to take a toll on furniture. Plus, we never know what the next house is going to look like and how much room we'll have, so we're always playing amateur decorator. PCS season is fun for thrifty decorators. The thrift shop gets all kinds of new/old goods in stock and people tend to downsize, so the curbs are full for treasure hunters.

Military families tend to recycle furniture and various pieces pass from one family to another quite often. At our last duty station, we gave our sofa and love-seat away knowing that we were going to purchase new furniture once we got here. And when we did get here, we gave an ottoman to another military family, and took a beautiful twin sleigh bed from them for one of our guest rooms.

The Plague

My husband spent the entire last weekend in bed, convinced he was suffering through what could only be a re-emergence of the Black Death.  In his misery, he was sure that that the illness that decimated Europe in the Middle Ages was making a come-back and he was Patient Zero. 

I'll admit it.  I'm a bad person.  I spent a lot of time laughing at the poor guy's predicament.  Of course I was sympathetic!  When he was able to keep fluids and food down again I brought him Gatorade and chicken soup.  I went out for crackers and sourdough bread.  I made sure he had a buffet of pills to choose from.

But whenever my husband gets struck down with one of his bouts of "just kill me now!" illness, I do find the irony giggle inducing.  He spends so much time in nasty situations with his motto being "Suck it up!" that being knocked down by a stomach bug seems so... anti-climactic.  And after talking to other mil-spouse friends it seems that he is not the only one this happens to.