Growing

School time is approaching.  My baby boy enters Jr High or Middle School this year.  This is a bitter sweet moment for me because I so miss him being a baby but I am very proud of the young man he is becoming. 

I think about all the firsts I enjoyed with him.  Like the first time I tickled his little baby feet.  The way he curled his toes into a tight tiny ball. The first time I blew into his belly button and he threw out his arms and legs into a star formation.  The way his eyes got big as saucers.  The first time he rolled over, crawled, walked, talked.  His very first day of school.  All of these very special moments that I hope I never ever forget. 



He is now a big 11 year old.  Five feet tall and over 100 pounds.  He is able to do a lot of things on his own and does not need me as much anymore...which is sometimes a great thing.  Other times it is sad to me though.

 He runs track and plays the viola.  When he enters 6th grade he is talking about moving to a brass instrument so he can participate band.  He is thinking of playing the French Horn.  Sadly, there is no orchestra at his new school so he has to change and adjust.



As he grows, I just hope he is able to be a caring young man just as he has always been a caring little boy.  He is my heart and I love him so much.  Some days I just wish I could still cuddle my little baby in my arms but now my baby takes up my entire lap.  He is nearly as big as I am. 



I know all things are meant to grow but he will always be my baby!

Not My Problem

One of the hardest things in life, for me personally, is realizing I have put my faith into the wrong person.  This is going to be one of my more personal blogs.  The kind I typically try not to write but I have to get this off my chest before it turns ugly and ruins this relationship.  This is the easiest and fastest way for me to purge it and avoid hurting the feeling of someone I love.

Long story short, someone I love struggles with weight.  I have been so supportive.  I even sat down and designed a well balanced diet plan featuring calorie burning foods.  And not crappy foods but yummy healthy foods like celery and other fresh fruits and vegetables.  I made all of this person's meals.  Diligently prepared them to be fresh, tasty, and full of variety.  I did this each and every day.  Not only that, but I did it with love and care; getting up at 5am to make the breakfast and lunch fresh.  I did not make it the night before because I did wanted it to be fresh and tasty.  I wanted the veggies to still be crisp. 

Anyway, as time passed I could not figure out why this person was either remaining the same weight or gaining weight.  I was so frustrated but I never let this person know how frustrated I was.  I assumed this person was doing everything they could to ensure the needed weight loss.  I certainly did not want to do anything to discourage this person's efforts.  I would honestly sit alone and cry because I could not figure out what else could be done.

Well today I found out why this person was not losing weight.  As I cleaned out the vehicle of this person, I found enough junk food wrappers that is the products had still been in said wrappers, I could open my own convenience store.  I am, at this moment, so very angry.

All my effort and energy was for naught because the person I love and attempted to help was not being responsible.  This person would rather I feel guilty than do what needed to be done.  I am so over it all.  I will no longer help this person.  It is all the responsibility of said person.  I will no longer accept it as my issue to help correct.  I have done all I can do and I now wash my hands of the entire situation.  I already have a son to tend to; I do not need anyone else I have to reprimand for irresponsible behavior.  

Hair

So Gabby Douglas wins a prestigious Olympic medal, making history.  This should be a proud moment for the black community.  Sadly, I keep hearing and reading black people complaining about the fact this athlete did not have her hair fixed. 

I seriously do not understand what is the big deal about how her hair looked.  Like I stated, she made history.  Also, her hair was fixed just like every other competitor on her team.  Being active in some sports I can attest, coaches like for hair to be uniform.  They say it makes the team look more concise. 

With that being said, I am about to go off on my rant.  I know MANY black females who spend many hours and tons of money on their hair.  These women have gorgeous hair, I must admit.  Beautiful natural curls or expensive weaves.  It makes no difference.  Their hair is really pretty and fashionable.  However, these women do not go to the gym.  They do not work out.  They do not swim.

I once asked one of my black friends why it was this way.  She sincerely replied, "What do you think happens when we sweat and our hair gets damp or wet?  It starts to get kinky.  All the time and money spent on the style is worthless once it gets wet!"  I could certainly understand why these women would avoid situations that would ruin their hair.  It made perfect sense.

However, this stuff about Gabby Douglas annoys me for one reason.  Growing up and living in the South for years, I did see many black women with gorgeous expensive hair but there was also another trend with these women.  Many (not all but most) were somewhat overweight, had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc.  All of these conditions are associated with inactivity.  They may be in poor health but their hair is ON POINT! 

I know we all have different priorities but obviously Gabby Douglas was more concerned with being the best gymnast in the world.  She has certainly proven to be this.  She should not be judged by her hair.  She could be bald and no one should care; especially when you look at her team mates and they all have the same exact hair style.  It is highly possible she had no choice whatsoever in the style her hair would be pinned.  Give the kid a break and just be proud of her accomplishment.  WAY TO GO OUR MILITARY CHILD!  Way to go!!! 
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/08/03/gabby-douglas-proud-father-watches-her-win-gold-from-afghanistan/

I hate being diabetic

So the past few weeks have been hell.  My glucose levels have been killing me.  I cannot figure out why they keep elevating.  There really is no reason for it.  I am counting my carbs, taking my meds, my pump seems to be working properly, I am not sick with the flu or anything like that...it just keeps happening. 

I have been dealing with this kind of stuff for 20 years and I can tell you, it never gets easier.  I am not sure I will ever get accustomed to these "sick days".  I also hate that it takes a few days to recover from this.  I will be tired and lethargic for days.  Ketosis takes a toll on the body and today I can certainly tell it has attacked me.  Not to mention it was so bad, I lost 4.5 lbs over night, literally. 

This morning it is 91 and normal finally.  I just feel so cranky and ugh.  Going to the doctor at 9am.  Maybe we can figure something out.  Regardless I have to be at work at 5pm so I do not have time to be sick. 

I hope my glucose levels stay normal and I really wish they could cure this disease.  I am so over it.

Affection for Gretchen Continued

If you look back at my previous posts you will see one titled "Affection for Gretchen".  In that short post I shared a link for a fund raising page.  The money raised will help Gretchen pay for treatment and daily needs while she battles this disease. 

Since my first post Gretchen has been awarded with the recognition of "Hometown Hero" by WTOC News.  This is an award that has been given out for at least two decades.  She is the latest recipient and was deemed so because of her caring nature.  As she battles cancer she is giving to others who are battling the illness as well.  Below is the link to the news broadcast.

http://www.wtoc.com/category/153752/wtoc-video-center?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7497562#.T_-G5bky0wY.facebook

Not all of these sacrifices were easy though.  Gretchen was always the girl with the beautiful hair.  You know the one.  The girl with the thick shiny hair.  The hair every girl wants.  Well, it seems others will get to have this hair now.  You see, when she found out she had cancer, Gretchen donated her gorgeous hair to Locks of Love.  This is an organization that takes donations of hair (10 inches or longer, I believe) and makes wigs.  The wigs are then given to people battling cancer.  This was a very emotional sacrifice for Gretchen as she had never had short hair. 



The long beautiful locks

Gretchen getting ready for the cut

This battle has been emotionally difficult at times but Gretchen appears to have a positive attitude about everything.  I am not sure how she does that.  She continues to think about others instead of just being consumed with self pity.  The costs of her treatment have been hard so a fund has been set up to raise money for Gretchen.  Please follow the link below and make a donation if you are able to do so.  Anything will be appreciated.   

http://www.giveforward.com/affectionforgretchen


Gretchen is a real person battling cancer at this moment. This is not a scam.  Let us all ban together to help this wonerful person.  Please share this blog so we can spread the word about "Affection for Gretchen". 

The Dreaded Ankle Surgery

So we are a month past the day of the ankle surgery.  Things went well.  A minor problem occurred but it was only minor.  Now that things are getting somewhat back to normal, I may be able to start writing my blog again.  If not on a daily basis, then at least a few times a week. 

Anyway, back to the ankle...

Several years ago my husband hurt his ankle while at his "place of duty".  He was not in combat when it happened.  He was actually on American soil when he was injured.  It appears now the bone in his ankle was probably fractured but when the x-ray was done no break could be seen.  The ankle continued to bother him through out the next two years.  It was a nuisance the entire time he was deployed in Iraq, it interfered with his "run time", it was just a bad deal.  It caused him a good bit of pain. 

  During this time he had more x-rays done.  Nothing was found.  He was put through physical therapy.  It did not help.  Eventually the PA wrote him a "walking profile" to ease the pain of his ankle when he ran.  Unfortunately, since nothing could be seen on x-ray and physical therapy had been a failure to fix the issue, my husband's commander ripped up the PA ordered profile, instructed my husband to stop being a shit bag and faking an injury thus the problem progressively got worse. 

When they returned from Iraq, he continued to deal with the pain for a few months as well as the shame of being labeled a shit bag.  Finally, when a new commander was installed into the Company an MRI was ordered on said ankle.  Low and behold there was a REAL issue.  For some reason (believed to be a bad heal resulting from a prior untreated fracture) there was a hole in my husbands talus bone.  You may not know this but the talus is somewhat behind the tibia.  This is the reason nothing could be seen on x-ray.  The problem was hiding behind the other bone. 

So finally on June 5th 2012, we had his surgery.  It was an all day event and a very crazy day.  During this wait I had to leave him to go to our son;s first track meet (he did great btw) and then our son and I returned to the hospital and were able to see my husband before he went back.  He was a little nervous as this was his first surgery EVER.  The procedure was supposed to take about 2 hours.  It was actually about four.  Needless to say, I was a little concerned. 

Finally, the doctor came out to let us know what was happening.  The surgery went well.  they were able to fix the problem.  They had to fillet the tibia, go through that bone to reach the hole in the talus, fill the hole with cadaver bone and the screw the tibia back together.  During the process of screwing the bone back together the screw started to back out.  They stated it was because the bone was so "strong".  They had to cut the screw flush with the bone and go in at a different point with a new screw.  This was the problem and the hold-up with the procedure.  Other than that, everything went well. 

We were instructed the foot had to be non-weight bearing for a minimum of 12 weeks and he had 30 days of convalescent leave.  The first week he sat around with the foot elevated and taking his pain medication.  Week two he was stopping the pain meds but still elevating.  By the end of week two, he was off all meds and ready to get out of the house.  The bruising was awful but he has been so positive about it all. I am really proud of him.   

He has progressed well with his recovery.  He is still using the "'roll-about" to get around but he went back to work yesterday July 6th.  His day was pretty boring because there is not a lot he can do but at least he was able to go back. 

It has been a long few years since this injury occurred but I hope this surgery will fix the issue and he will be much better.  He has certainly endured a lot to get to the point of not being able to walk or drive his truck.  He is unable to work the clutch in his stick shift truck.  Eight more weeks and we can try to get him walking and driving again.  I know he can do it because his perseverance thus far has been inspiring and amazing.   

New house and move

So we are finally into our new house.  It has been very stressful but it is done.  Mostly done at least.  I am still unpacking. 

I was finally able to work everything out with the realtor for our previous place.  That office was being horrid.  I think everything is working out fine though. 

As for the move, it was hectic.  The movers did a fast job but they broke some of our stuff.  My sons dresser is destroyed.  One of the movers tried to move it DOWN THE STAIRS all by himself.  Well let's just say the dresser took a tumble.  My nice cryatal pitcher was broken and my dresser was chipped.  Our Rockband drums are now not operational and a chipped glass shelf in my husband's Mimi's antique curio cabinet from Guam.  It is estimated at about $2000 worth of damages.  We will see how that goes. 

Anyway, all teh stuff got delivered and I have been unpacking and organizing EVERYTHING.  My husband had his surgery so he cannot walk.  Thus he is no help at all.  At least last time I moved, when he was in Iraq, I had some help.  I had some really great firneds help me out.  This time it was just me and my 10 year old son unpacking it all. 

Well now my son is visiting family 3000 miles away so I am without him too.  I certainly do miss him.  He called me early this morning to tell me he had gone fishing with my Grandpa james...his great-grandpa, and he caught "five big ones".  He also got to go to a mud bogg tonight.  I am so glad he is having fun.  Actually, I am kind of jealous. 

Nonetheless, the living area is completely finished.  The bedrooms still need a lot of work.  I mean a lot of work.  But I have the pictures on the wall and that always makes it feel like home. 

Affection for Gretchen

I have not written in a while.  I have been so busy with life.  I will begin writing again soon.  Hopefully daily.  However, this has to be posted.  I want to spread the word.

A lady I went to school with and knew my whole life has breat cancer.  The expenses are hard.  Please follow the link and donate if you can. 

http://www.giveforward.com/affectionforgretchen

I am an Angel

So I got a temporary job last week.  After months of searching I was hired to be a cashier on a temporary basis.  I am super excited as I always wanted to work for this company.

I was hired as a cash wrap associate at Victoria's Secret during the 2012 semi-annual sales event.  I hope I can impress them and do a good job because I want to be kept on permanently.  I love the products.  It is so easy to sell products and give personal testimony on products I actually use and love.  I use so many of these product.  Everything from the undergarments to the perfumes.  I have my favorites in all of the departments. 

Currently my favorite bra is the Dream Angels Add 2 cups Push Up.  I have it in this pattern...

I went to three different stores before I found this pattern in my size.  I want to try the new Knockout Bra but I have not purchased it yet.  I might get one during semi-annual.  I am still undecided about it.  I will probably get it though.  Sometimes it is nice to get something for me and even though I do not shop often, some days I just have to get treat myself.    

In fact, today I spent money on products before I could get out the door when my shift was over.  They only had one pair of my favorite PINK lounge pants (Boyfriend cut) in my size so I HAD to buy them before someone else did.  I needed these pants.  I also had to get a matching top or it would have been pointless.  I typically do not buy things for myself because I always think my husband or son might need something.  However, it felt nice to spoil myself for a little while.  And I got some lotions too...now I smell SUPER pretty and I glitter just a little bit!!! 



For some reason this job excites me.  I cannot wait for Tuesday when semi-annual begins.  I will have an 8 hour shift that day.  I expect it to be super busy.  Just the way I like work to be.  Slow days are boring.  However, I will not be boring because all my new lotions will make me sparkle! 

Little One's Extracurricular Activities

As promised I am going to try to catch up on the happenings in my life recently.  I guess the easiest place to start would  be with my son.  He has had a lot of activities going on lately.  He has been doing orchestra all year and recently began track and field.  Both of his activities had events this week. 

On Monday, June 4th he had his final recital for the year.  When he began orchestra this year, I was shocked that he chose orchestra over band.  I let him make the decision on his own so when he came home with a note stating he had chosen to play the viola, I was a little worried.  I was not looking forward to all the hours of practice.  I thought the sounds coming from the instrument would be terrible until he learned it well.  Honestly, I thought it would sound like a screaming dying cat.

Fortunately, he picked up on how to play the instrument very quickly.  In just a short month he was playing sounds and I could tell what songs the sounds were making.  It was not perfect but it was recognizable.  In the beginning he was just plunking the strings but soon was able to play well with the bow. 

His first recital was back in February.  He did a good job but you could tell the first year students were very new to their instruments.  It was terribly cute.  However, just four months later, the children played a few of the same songs at the second recital that had been played during the first recital.  Oh my goodness, the improvements were amazing.  I was a very proud Mama. 

At the end of the recital we turned in his instrument.  His instructor asked if he was returning next term.  Sadly, we are moving and he will be in a different district.  When we informed her of this news, I thought his instructor was going to cry.  She stated she was losing one of her best players and made me promise to keep him involved in music.  She said he had a lot of talent and great potential.

The next morning, which would have been regular orchestra practice time, they were supposed to have a party to end the lessons.  My son was unable to attend this party because he had Track & Field breakfast at the same time the orchestra party was underway.  Since the breakfast was where the children were to pick up their team shirts he had to miss the orchestra party.

He had started to run track about 4 weeks ago.  Tuesday, June 5th was his first and only track meet.  This was also the same day as my husband's surgery so I had to try to figure out how to be around for both events...but that is a different blog lol.  There was no way I was going to miss his track meet.  It was important to both my husband and myself that one of us be there to support our little guy.

I was able to make it to the field just in time to see his event.  He was participating in the Long Jump.  He managed to jump 6'10".  That is about 2.5 times longer than he is tall. 

We are so proud of his efforts and his accomplishments.  If he keeps practicing he could be great at either one of these things.  Who know, he could have  a seat at Juilliard or a spot in the Olympics someday.  We just plan to nurture him and help him live up to his potential. 


SIDE NOTE:  He has been incredibly helpful since my husband's surgery.  He even warmed up dinner tonight because I was at work when it was time to eat.  I am so glad he is willing to help!

Absense

Sorry for not posting any blogs lately.  I have so much news to share.  I just have to find a few minutes to share it all.

• hubby's surgery
• son's recital
• new job
• moving to new home
• results from my latest hearing tests
• son's track meet
• personal gossip/drama

Lots to share.  And I promise I will.  Hopefully, by the end of the week I can have a blog for all of these topics.

Terror

So a few weeks ago I finally got into the doctor about the problems I am having with my ears.  I thought it was nothing serious but turns out i have some problems. 

Over the past few months I have been suffering from moderate to severe pain in my left ear.  The pain is not there all the time but on days I have the pain, it is awful.  The pain often leads to motion sickness followed by migraines.  I was also having difficulty hearing.  My husband and son had brought this to my attention.  I kept telling them I WAS NOT the problem.  The problem was because they mumbled. 

I honestly thought the problems were being caused by a small cyst that had developed behind my ear.  I went to the Dr in hopes it could be removed and then everything would be okay.  Nothing is ever that easy for me. 

Turns out I have Meniere’s disease (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001721/).  Fortunately, they can treat the disease but they said I would never regain the ow frequency hearing in my left ear.  If it goes untreated I could become completely deaf. 

Well tomorrow is the day all my testing is scheduled.  I will be undergoing a serious of tests that are designed to tell what triggers the motions sickness (vertigo) and the migraines.  I was told to have someone that could drive me home because I would be so sick they legally cannot allow me to drive myself home. 

Needless to say, I am seriously excited about all of this.  I am ready for tomorrow to be over with and treatment to commence.  I do not want to lose my hearing but I am trying to be optomistic.  I mean really, I may never get to hear the voices of my non-existant grandchildren or hear crickets chirping ever again but I also will not ahve to listen to other people's crap....right?  Ugh, I am really scared about this! 

Always busy

So this week has been terribly busy.  Everyday I have been running around taking care of stuff.  By the end of the day I am so exhausted I literally feel like I crash!!!  Maybe I need more caffeine...but then my heart might explode.  Thus I digress. 

With everything I have done this week, you would think I would be winding this process down but noooo.  Every time I think I am almost done, I get a crap-ton more paper work to do. 

We did get the lease signed this week.  Along with all the JPPSO paper work and appointments set up.  Then we later found out my name was not added to the form so we have to stop back in to get that fixed...thanks guys lol!  Also, the lease signing was not just a signing.  It was an entire military brief.  Took over an hour to get the paperwork completed.  I was not expecting that at all.  Once that was done, I went on ahead and paid our deposit early.  Heaven help us if we waited until the last minute and something was done incorrectly.

I also had to run all over town to get paper work mailed to our current realtor and I had to take care of some insurance paperwork.  Not to mention normal errands like delivering the child to his appointments and going to the grocer.

Today we spent hours having me added to that previously mentioned JPPSO paperwork and  getting info to register our son for the new school.  We also have to enroll him in CYSS so we can use day care services and let him participate in sports.  No it is not the same office.  We had to go to different locations to get this paperwork.  Afterwards we had to go back to the same building from where we started to get another form so we can register our weapons for post living.  once all this was done we finally met the property manager (who was late by the way) to get our keys to the new place.  

Now that it is dark and I am completely exhausted my dear sweet hubby says, "Are you going to bed?  It is not even 11pm?  You are getting old and tired."  I swear he is asking for a groin punch!

No idea what I will do tomorrow.  Hopefully sleep in late and have someone else make me breakfast...but I am not holding my breath!

 

The Waiting Game

All I can say about today is that it has proven to be full of things for which I must wait.  WAIT WAIT WAIT...I am not the most patient person in the world either.  Waiting is something I hate.  it stresses me out.  Gives me so much more time to worry. 

Unfortunately, today my husband's surgery got rescheduled, not once BUT TWICE.  The doctor called and rescheduled it from May 29th to June 1st.  About an hour later the hospital called stated it was rescheduled to June 5th because they needed more time to grow the bone they are going to use to do his bone graph.  It needed more time to mature.  I am glad they are making sure things are done properly but it has been scheduled for May 29th for over a month.  Today they realized the bone would not be mature in time???  This irritates me to no end!

I also found out I have to wait another month before I can fully move because of our realtor.  They will lie like dogs in order to fill a property.  Very much done with it all.  It is what it is and I just have to wait.

Lastly, I am waiting to find out if I will get the job I interviewed for today.  I should know something by the end of the week, hopefully.  I really want this job so I will be waiting with baited breath.  It is closely located to where we are moving and it has hours I can work with and still be able to care for my family.  Keeping  my fingers crossed for this one!!!

OH, I also want some bubble milk tea but have to wait until I can get it.  Well, I have to wait until I go somewhere that has it.  I also have to wait for diet cheat day...but I want it now.  I am craving it so badly.  YUMMS!!!

Busy Days

I have not written my blog in several days.  I have been so very busy trying to get things in order for the upcoming events in my life.

My husband had been gone for nearly two weeks and the day he returned we had to "hit the ground running" to get stuff done.  His first day back we had two pre-op appointments for his surgery AND we had to get all the paperwork over to the housing office.  we did get approved for our house so now we get to move.

Friday I went to Seattle with a friend.  It was a great time.  We had dim-sum and saw some of the sights.  However, that is an entire blog topic itself.  We plan to do it again so we can see the things we missed on this trip.  I did however mark a few things off my list.

Monday I have a job interview and an appointment with JPPSO.  Or should I say my hubby will meet with JPPSO.  I cannot be in two places at once lol.  I am glad he can handle this one.  Later int he week we have to sign our lease papers and then pick up our keys.

The next week on Tuesday is when my hubby has his surgery.  I will be relieved when it is done and we are on the path to recovery.  Once his surgery is done, I have to get mine in order.  I found out I have meniere's  disease which is causing me to lose my hearing.  It is treatable so I am staying positive.  At the moment, I am mainly focusing on how bad I want this job.  I really really want this one!

I will keep updating how things go for us.  I will just be glad when things are no so hectic!

Cousins

 

So my favorite cousin, my partner in crime, my friend since the day I was born messaged me today.  She was dreadfully upset because no one, not even her Mama, remembered her birthday.  The only love she got on her birthday was on Facebook.  **Side note: I tried to call her, as I am 3000 miles away, to talk to her but she did not answer**. 

Anyway, she was telling me how no one at home remembered her birthday.  She said she did not even get a card.  To male matters worse, she got a call a few days after from her brother.  He told her to come to their mother's house for a "fish fry".  She did not want to go as she was upset about her birthday and she was not feeling well.  She decided to go only because she thought they may be having a dinner for her birthday...since they all forgot!  Was this the case?  NOPE!!!  She was still forgotten.  It was not until she mentioned how they had all forgotten that they remembered. 

Well this upset me greatly.  So my brain started planning.  I told her to call me on Skype as soon she returned home after getting her daughter from school.  I also told her to make sure she had some beer.   When she Skyped I asked her daughter to call me.  Once I had her on the phone I told her to get some sort of snack cake and a beer and hand them to her Mama, my cousin.  She replied, I gave her the cake but she already has a beer"!  LOL that is so my cousin.

So as she handed her the cake, I had a piece of cake.  My piece of cake had a birthday candle in it.  The number "0"; as we refuse to get any older.  I told her daughter to start singing happy birthday.  Then We told her to look into the computer screen and blow out the candle (that was on my piece of cake).  As she blew at the computer screen I blew out the candle on my end.  We then had cake and beer together...my cousin and I that is.  Her daughter had water.  Hell, I even had a small spot of birthday decorations on my table so she could see them as we "celebrated her birthday". 

My cousin was smiling so big and she looked so happy.  I am glad I can make her feel special.  This is what she posted about our party..."Well, it took 5 days, but I received a birthday party today!!! All the way from Washington State!!! My most awesome cuz/bestest friend/PIC threw me a surprise party this afternoon, complete with blowing out the candle, cake, and beer! Made me feel special!!! (I know, right?? Who woulda thunk it?). Bless this chick!!! She loves me, regardless!!! Thank you for thinking of me, taking the time, and sharing the love!!!! And even suffering through a God Awful Coors Light, which in it's next life, hopes to come back as a real beer!! I do love you!!!!"  I wish everyone treated her this way.  She should be treated special because she is special to me.  I miss her everyday and i cannot wait until I can see her again and have a margarita and some nachos with her!      

Common Military Wife Experience

YouTube video featuring all the things Military Spouses HATE to hear while their Soldier is deployed.  Take note!  These answers are so very true.  You should never have to ask this crap again!

I can find the humor in this as I have been through a deployment with my husband and learned how to handle these insane questions.  I can say though, for a first timer, these questions can make you ANGRY.  Ask at your own risk lol!

Nothing Important

Today was a day of fun in the sun.  Nothing eventful happened and nothing was really accomplished. 

My son and I went to post for a little lunch and to pick up a few things for the house.  We decided to go over to Shoreline Park on North Fort Lewis.  We had planned to take out one of the peddle boats but saw none available.  Since that was not available, he played basketball with some other boys while I read George Orwell's 1984 while sitting in the sunshine.  It was such a pleasant day out.  I got a little sun on my skin and it felt AMAZING.  Wish I could tan but I turn red lol.  Sunscreen is my friend. 

Once we were tired of the park we grabbed a milkshake and came home.  Since we have been home we have watched several of the Harry Potter Films while eating popcorn and pizza pockets.  This has been such a fun uneventful day with my little guy.  I wish everyday could be this relaxing but next week is going to be a busy one for me.  I am not looking forward to it.  However, I will deal with that when the time comes.  for now, I am going to watch the rest of the Harry Potter Films and hang out with my little man on Mother's Day!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

May 11th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. As a military spouse I wanted to take this time to thank all spouses that are supporting their soldier. Many people think military spouses only have to sacrifice time with out loves. They do not realize deployments spent apart are merely the tip of the iceberg.  We have to support our solider through every bad day, every injury, every nightmare, everything.

People do not think about the daily struggles we face just because we love a Soldier.

Soldiers have bad days at work just like any one else.  Like most spouses we are supportive when our significant other has a rough day. Personally, if my soldier has had a bad day I try to make sure he has the things he likes at home.  On these nights I try to make his favorite foods.  I want the house clean when he gets home so everything is in order.  I am more comfortable in a clean house so I logically think he would be too.  Honestly, this is probably the easiest thing I have to deal with.

Injuries are one of the toughest.  I know a lot of jobs result in injuries but few result in injuries like Traumatic Brain Injuries, loss of limbs, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  These are not easy things to deal with nor are they things your soldier can "just get over and deal with".  When facing these things all a person can do is be as supportive as possible and try to remember the person you fell in love with in the first place.  For some, this is not always easy.

Nightmares and guilt are also difficult to understand.  As a spouse I am happy my husband survived his two tours.  As a soldier he carries guilt because he did not die like some of his "brothers".  My husband lost a close friend who was a husband and father of three.  At the time my husband was a single soldier.  He had no family to be responsible for.  Apparently, when his friend died in combat and he saw it, my husband had some trouble dealing with this.  I now know he still does.  There are many nights, usually around the anniversary of the attack, he will have nightmares.  He will talk in his sleep and wake up sweating and in a panic.  When this happens I try to keep him calm and just hold him.  It is best if I can keep him from waking up because then he does not remember it in the morning.

Dealing with all these things makes deployments feel like just another day.  The thing I worry about most when he is away is what happens if he needs me when he has a nightmare and I am not there.  I no they have therapists but I always feel like I should be the one to comfort him.

I know I am not hte only spouse who handles this type of stuff so to all the Military Spouses I want to say thanks.  We have a tough job to do and it is not always easy but with love for our soldier we can handle it.  No matter if you are a soldier's husband or wife you deserve thanks and I understand your sacrifice.  So here is a blod dedicated to all of us!!!

Side note...today was also "National Eat What You Want Day" so treat yourself to a special snack!!!  I did lol!     

Warning Labels

I am constantly amused by warning labels.  I always read them and laugh.  Some of them are genuine and I can understand.  Ones that read, "Caution.  Can Damage Fabric" or "Warning. Very Hot".  Those are standard things that someone might actually need to know.  Personally I would hate to ruin my carpet or furniture because something did not say it could damage the fabric.
 
These kinds are common sense.  However, some of them are crazy.  For example, on curling iron labels it says "Do not stick in any orifice".  Who would do that?  I mean someone had to do it and get harmed.  Otherwise there would be no label.  Also makes me wonder if they were harmed because they decided to do it while the thing was hot.

My hairdryer has a label that treads. "Do not use in shower".  Not only is that the stupidest thing I have ever read but the entire idea is so counter productive.  The risk of electrocution should be known by humans.  Nonetheless, even if someone did not know about the danger of electrocution, why the hell would anyone use a hair dryer in the shower?  How can you dry your hair when you are under a water shower?  Like I said, COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.

This was on a package of shin guards.  "Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover."Well of course they cannot.  Who expects their shins to be protected if the guards are not on your body.  On second thought, does someone really think shin guards might protect their head...if they are on your shins?  This one really confuses me as to what people are thinking.  I would not want to be the idiot in the E.R.  who said, "I thought my skull was protected.  I was wearing shin guards."

One of my personal favorites, "Do not drive with sunshield in place."  Did someone really try to drive with one of those card board or metallic sunshields over their windshield?  If you cannot figure out why you cannot see, when there is a cover on your windshield that you put there yourself...you probably are not smart enough to have a driver's license.

When my son was a baby, this one made me question the knowledge of parents.  Someone had to do this or there would be no label!!!  "Remove child from the stroller before closing."  How is this even possible?  Was this person NOT EVEN LOOKING at the baby or the stroller?  Did they not notice they were having difficulty getting it to fold?  At what point did they notice the complication with folding the stroller was because their BABY was in the seat of the stroller?!

I will end with a disturbing one.  I bought a belt a few months back with a sticker on it that read, "Not to be used as a choking device.  Death may result."  I am pretty sure I know why this one got started.  People are into some kinky stuff but oh my...they have to make a warning label to prevent us from choking ourselves to death while...doing the deed. 

We are supposed to be the most intelligent species.  There are many occassions when I doubt this very much!!!  Let us all be smart my readers.  Common sense is a wonderful thing.   

Find the Positives

As I dropped my husband off today for yet another training mission, I remind myself to find the positives in him being away AGAIN!  It is very easy to get caught up in the loneliness.  I never enjoy it when he is away as he really is a part of me. 

So the first thing I do when I tell him goodbye is enjoy my ride home without him criticising my driving.  He says I drive too slow because I drive the speed limit.  I drive faster when I am alone but when my son is in the car I think it is important to be extra careful.  I also cannot afford a ticket on my driving record. 

Next I come home and go back to sleep.  I pretend it makes me happy to not fight with him over the covers in our sleep.  It really does not but I can pretend.  He is so warm and puts off so much body heat.  I miss him when he is away because even if he steals the covers, his body heat keeps me warm. 

Once I wake up I think about all the things I can cook that he does not like.  Things I love.  Like slaw dogs.  He hates coleslaw, much less on a hot dog but I love it.  So that is what I had for dinner tonight.  And I can do that for the next several days. 

When he does not come home in the afternoons he will not put his uniform on the back of my couch.  His boots will not be strewn across the living room floor.  I may be able to keep the house clean.  Again, this really does not make me happy but it does comfort me a little bit. 

I will also be able to sleep a little later in the morning and not have to get up early to make his lunch.  It will be nice to sleep in late for a change.  If you consider 0530 sleeping late. 

The next eleven days are going to be long and boring but I will constantly try to find the silver lining.  If I do not do my best to stay positive I will get way to depressed.  Even when he is stateside he is gone so often.  Even eleven days seems like an eternity.  A short mission deployment lol.  I am just already ready for him to come home. 

Nights are the worst and sleep evades me when he is away.  I will be exhausted by the time he returns but my son and I are going to make the most of this week and try to be happy!

Day of the Nerd



Empire/Republic

Rebel Alliance

May 4th is considered "Day of the Nerd".  I love this as we are a house full of nerds.  I consider myself a nerd and both my husband and son are nerds too.  We are proud of the fact we are nerds.  I think it is funny how the things that made my husband a nerd when he was growing up, make my son cool. 

For instance, Star Wars.  When my husband and I were young Star Wars and mostly all science fiction made you the nerdiest of the nerds.  The one nerd no person wanted to be around...except for other nerds lol.  However, as I stated, my son is cool for liking Star Wars.  I love how times change. 

Anyway, this blog is kind of a tribute to all the nerds.  The true nerds.  Not the pseudo nerds of today.  So here goes my rant of sort: 

• Wearing suspenders and glasses with the lenses pushed out does not make you a nerd.  It makes you a hipster. 
• Reading a book does not make you a nerd.  It makes you a fourth grade graduate. 
• Playing World of Warcraft or other online games does not make you a nerd.  It makes you a gamer.   
• However, if you can tell me what this is and describe in detail what it is used for (without using Google) 

you might actually be a nerd lol. 

In our family we celebrate being a nerd.  We love Star Wars...all of them, Lord of the Rings...the entire trilogy,  eagerly await the release of THE HOBBIT.  We love graphic novels and anime.  My son and husband really dig MANGA.  We participate in Dungeons & Dragons and Rifts.  And save us all, we love the card game Munchkin.  We have some of our greatest family times over these nerdy things.  I would not have it any other way.  I love my nerdy boys!    

So in celebration of Nerd Day, "May the 4th be with you!"  I feel some Star wars in our immediate future!  Fun times! 

Hooah Heartaches

I am not about to write this to whine about how hard the Army life is.  I am sure by now we all know it is no cake walk.  Hell, life itself is not easy.  We all have crappy decisions to make and consequences to face.  The only difference with the Army life is we do not have a say in these decisions.  We just face the consequences. 

I am not sure if people really understand what this means.  So I will try to explain in as few words as possible.  We have no say in where we live.  The Army picks the duty station of our Soldier and we follow.  Sure we can decided if we live "on or off-post" but that is about it.  We also cannot just go to a doctor if we are sick.  We have to go to our general practitioner to get a referral to see a specialist fro any condition we have.  For example, I have a friend who needs a hearing test for her daughter.  She has to go to the clinic, to get a referral, to make an appointment to get a hearing test.  She also does not have time to wait as it is time sensitive for this to get done as they are leaving the country.  They are being restationed and have to get all of this done before they can leave.  These are just two instances where we have little to no say in our lives.  There are more but that is not what this blog was supposed to be about. 

I am going to talk about one specific thing we have no choice in the making of.  That is the Mission.  In this life the Mission is always first priority.  I understand why this is so important.  However, as spouses we sometimes get annoyed with the Mission taking away our Soldier.

We get so little time with them due to deployments.  Many people think a deployment is the only time we are separated.  Unfortunately, it is not.  My husband has been back for almost a year and has been away several times.  I have lost count of how many times he has had field duty.  This means he was away at least four consecutive days but usually more.  There is also CQ duty, which is only overnight but it still takes him away.  We also have big training missions.  That is what we are facing now.  He will be away for 11 or 12 days, depending on the hour they return.  For over half of our relationship we have been apart. 

We say this is why we are so in love, because we never get tired of one another but it makes this life difficult.  I miss him.  Our son misses him.  He misses us.  But this is the life I signed up for.  Many wives did not sign up for this.  It is something that happened AFTER they married their spouse.  My spouse has been a Soldier since I met him so I knew it would be this way.  That does not make it easier to be without him though.  And the children suffer more than the spouses, I think.  Always missing Daddy or Mommy.  They are single parent children without understanding why.  But it is for the course, or so it is explained.  The greater good of humankind.  I just wish humans appreciated what we go through to keep them safe and our freedoms protected. 

I wish it was appreciated that my husband and other Soldier's in his unit have to work a 16 day work schedule with no break.  They are having to do this for training to protect America against a nuclear attack or natural disaster.  This is not training to protect us from the enemy overseas.  This is training to keep us safe on our own soil. 

And I will not get into how some of the mother's of our soldiers feel.  This will be the third Mother's Day in a row our unit will be on mission and away; whether in theater or garrison.  Being away is away.  It is just another sacrifice but it would be nice to have them here.  I know it is not like Christmas but tell that to a mom who has not seen her son or daughter on Mother's Day in three years.  I am sure it is little comfort.     

 HOOAH...this is the cheer.  Hooah heartaches is what we all fear.  We know they are coming for us and our children but we must push forward; for the greater good!  Sadly, sometimes I just want to be a wife. 

And shit I hate that sentence rhymes but if I reword it it does not seem to express what I want it too.