So we decide to brave the trip to the airport. Seeing as I am "navigationally challenged" this may not have been my most ingenious idea. My 45 min-1 hr trip took me about 1 1/2, not bad considering I did get lost 3 times.
I'm pulling into the parking garage, just in time for my phone to go off.
"Where are you?" um....in the garage. He then decides to navigate me to his location via text message. This is my other weakness, texting. So I gave up, started to send a less than pleasant message informing him where he could find me. When I look around the corner and see my bald headed soldier heading this way.
Once I got the kids attention away from the escalator, and reminded them daddy was coming it finally fell into place. He rounds the corner, and you see 3 kids one after the other DADDDYYYYYYYY! Finally, after over a week of transit he's home. We know where he is, he's safe and all is well.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet. The adjustment of being home after 7 months, the changes that have occured, not to mention the growth of the children is a lot to take. I dropped the oldest two off at school just in time for picture day. The youngest refuses to let daddy out of her site. All day long, daddy, daddy, daddy where are you? daddy, daddy, daddy are you there. Where's daddy? Did daddy go back to work? Daddy, daddy, daddy. This went on all day.
We made it to my son's football practice. This is the first time my spouse has gotten to see one of his sports. He missed the entire T-ball season and has hated it every since. It is obvious to any one who see's my child who he belongs to. Besides the spitting image, the waving from the sidelines gives it away.
We make it home, get everybody to bed and finally I get my soldier to myself! Or so I thought. Here comes the baby back down the stairs. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!
Finally after 3 tries, she's down!
The biggest adjustment to him being home however was from me. For the last 7 months, I have had total reign of my bed. I could keep the room the temperature I want, use all the blankets or none of them. I could sprawl, kick or toss all night long. Not so much anymore. For the first time in a long time, I had to share!! It was horrible. I am all about my bed, period. So by 3 am, he's sleeping on the couch and I'm threatening to mail his ass back to Iraqistan or whatever podunk country he would feel more comfortable. Finally,even though he got to be re-aquainted with the sofa atleast I know he's home.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Welcome To The Zoo!
Somebody asked me what its really like marrying into the Army. If its anything close to what you see on tv, or if my blog is even an exaggeration of Army life.
Well I will say this.....everything I type is 100 percent based off my own experiences. While I may put a comical spin on some stories, they are still absolutely true.
So, what is it like to be an Army wife, dealing with other women who are in the same situation as you? Well its like living in a hormonal zoo.
You pay at the gate for entry. Only we don't use money (we don't have any). We pay with our soul, sweat and tears.
We meet our tour guide, for arguments sake, we'll call her Flo. (get the joke, lol)
Flo takes us on a guided trip around the facility, with our first stop, the elephants. She then demonstrates how the animal can retain massive amounts of water in its trunk.
Next stop, the monkey cages...where you see the proper way to throw shit at people.
Then we are off to see the lions/tigers. Be careful, you may be eaten at any time.
We also, have the more gentile animals such as the zebras and giraffes. They don't blend in well, but they just mostly want to be left alone.
We are now off to the meerkats. The stay amongst themselves, popping out once in a while to let you know they are there, but prefer to stay in their little holes.
The gorillas of course are always a site to see. Making a scene, pounding their chest can come off as a threat. Just wanting to be left alone, to swing from their trees in peace and are usually satisfied with a simple banana.
Then there are the birds. Hiding amongst the trees. Building their nests (off post)high up as to be kept at a safe distance.
Then our tourguide Flo will usually wrap up the tour at the snack stand.
Some of the animals will return to their caves, holes or nests. Others will try to escape and eat the weaker animals. But all in all, we will remain in our zoo surroundings as much as it kills us to do so. Never being able to fully live outside of captivity again.
Well I will say this.....everything I type is 100 percent based off my own experiences. While I may put a comical spin on some stories, they are still absolutely true.
So, what is it like to be an Army wife, dealing with other women who are in the same situation as you? Well its like living in a hormonal zoo.
You pay at the gate for entry. Only we don't use money (we don't have any). We pay with our soul, sweat and tears.
We meet our tour guide, for arguments sake, we'll call her Flo. (get the joke, lol)
Flo takes us on a guided trip around the facility, with our first stop, the elephants. She then demonstrates how the animal can retain massive amounts of water in its trunk.
Next stop, the monkey cages...where you see the proper way to throw shit at people.
Then we are off to see the lions/tigers. Be careful, you may be eaten at any time.
We also, have the more gentile animals such as the zebras and giraffes. They don't blend in well, but they just mostly want to be left alone.
We are now off to the meerkats. The stay amongst themselves, popping out once in a while to let you know they are there, but prefer to stay in their little holes.
The gorillas of course are always a site to see. Making a scene, pounding their chest can come off as a threat. Just wanting to be left alone, to swing from their trees in peace and are usually satisfied with a simple banana.
Then there are the birds. Hiding amongst the trees. Building their nests (off post)high up as to be kept at a safe distance.
Then our tourguide Flo will usually wrap up the tour at the snack stand.
Some of the animals will return to their caves, holes or nests. Others will try to escape and eat the weaker animals. But all in all, we will remain in our zoo surroundings as much as it kills us to do so. Never being able to fully live outside of captivity again.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Nope, No Sacrifice Here.
I've noticed an increase in Anti-Army wife blogs, websites and rantings. I've seen posts calling us all sorts of names, with all sorts of stories and lots of complaints towards the population of Army wives in general.
To stereotype a group, is a mass generalization, but maybe we deserve some of them? Maybe we have earned the titles we are given and possibly even the names too?
Or
Maybe, just maybe....some people just need to be bitchslapped? Opinions are like rearends. Everybody's got one, some just smell worse than others.
My favorite Anti-Army wife blogs are the ones that claim we don't sacrifice. In the last few days I've seen several for some reason. My favorite was forwarded from a friend of mine this past week. She was the wife of a Vietnam Veteran. She ranted about how she's tired of hearing about our sacrifices. That today's Army wife doesn't really sacrifice. That today's Army is an all volunteer Army and we joined this life willingly.
Well...She's right. We took our marriage vows knowing the possibilies of deployments were there. Granted the idea that we would ever really be at war, seemed absurd. But we still knew it was a possibility. Who knew, that a group of whack jobs would fly a plane into a national landmark killing thousands of people? But hence, we still signed that marriage certificate.
Compared to her era, we don't sacrifice the way she did. Going months upon months not knowing if she is to be a widow. Waiting for a snapshot of her loved one to arrive in the mail. With today's technology, its rare that we go for long periods of time without speaking to our soldiers, whether its phonecall, internet or even snail mail. I am grateful that today, I can log onto my computer and see my soldier sitting on the other end. That thousands of miles away, I can see that he is whole, uninjured and as safe as possible. We are a long cry from where we started nearly 10 years ago, and even further from when she suffered through Vietnam.
Now with that being said.....somethings are a bit different than Vietnam. Yes we may speak to our soldiers, on a semi-regular basis. Yes we may complain about deployments and we may even go a little overboard with the pity parties.
However, we say good-bye to our soldiers on a every other year basis. We get them home after 12-15 months away. Just in time for them to train for the next deployment. Right now, we have been given a "19 month guarantee". So for 19 months we have them home, then they are off to save the next country in peril. So compared to this person's ONE deployment, of most likely less than a year, we have a right to be a little grumpy.
Keep in mind, we've received guarantees of this sort before.
Our guarantee's are like limited warranties. It is only for certain if you don't PCS, change your MOS or become more or less valuable within the upcoming months. Not to mention if yet another world wide crisis is to come about!!
But my favorite part, is when she said her husband came home and refused to wear his uniform. The anti-war movement was so bad, that he couldn't stand for anyone to know he was a soldier. Hmmm...where is that pride and sacrifice now? I remember sitting in a restaurant and overhearing some hateful woman complain about the soldiers being murderers sent by President Bush to annihilate Iraq for oil. Try explaining that statement to your child. But she sacrificed more than we have when her husband wouldn't wear his uniform?
So maybe she's right, maybe we don't sacrifice as much as we could. But a sacrifice is still a sacrifice. Our children sacrifice more than anyone. We as Army wives chose this life. Our children did not. It was chosen for them. So tell me they haven't sacrificed. Our soldiers deploy, so your civilians don't have to.
Our children sacrifice, so yours can play tag. Our wives sacrifice, so you can stand on your pedestal. The funny thing about standing on a pedestal, when its knocked over you have a lot further to fall!!
To stereotype a group, is a mass generalization, but maybe we deserve some of them? Maybe we have earned the titles we are given and possibly even the names too?
Or
Maybe, just maybe....some people just need to be bitchslapped? Opinions are like rearends. Everybody's got one, some just smell worse than others.
My favorite Anti-Army wife blogs are the ones that claim we don't sacrifice. In the last few days I've seen several for some reason. My favorite was forwarded from a friend of mine this past week. She was the wife of a Vietnam Veteran. She ranted about how she's tired of hearing about our sacrifices. That today's Army wife doesn't really sacrifice. That today's Army is an all volunteer Army and we joined this life willingly.
Well...She's right. We took our marriage vows knowing the possibilies of deployments were there. Granted the idea that we would ever really be at war, seemed absurd. But we still knew it was a possibility. Who knew, that a group of whack jobs would fly a plane into a national landmark killing thousands of people? But hence, we still signed that marriage certificate.
Compared to her era, we don't sacrifice the way she did. Going months upon months not knowing if she is to be a widow. Waiting for a snapshot of her loved one to arrive in the mail. With today's technology, its rare that we go for long periods of time without speaking to our soldiers, whether its phonecall, internet or even snail mail. I am grateful that today, I can log onto my computer and see my soldier sitting on the other end. That thousands of miles away, I can see that he is whole, uninjured and as safe as possible. We are a long cry from where we started nearly 10 years ago, and even further from when she suffered through Vietnam.
Now with that being said.....somethings are a bit different than Vietnam. Yes we may speak to our soldiers, on a semi-regular basis. Yes we may complain about deployments and we may even go a little overboard with the pity parties.
However, we say good-bye to our soldiers on a every other year basis. We get them home after 12-15 months away. Just in time for them to train for the next deployment. Right now, we have been given a "19 month guarantee". So for 19 months we have them home, then they are off to save the next country in peril. So compared to this person's ONE deployment, of most likely less than a year, we have a right to be a little grumpy.
Keep in mind, we've received guarantees of this sort before.
Our guarantee's are like limited warranties. It is only for certain if you don't PCS, change your MOS or become more or less valuable within the upcoming months. Not to mention if yet another world wide crisis is to come about!!
But my favorite part, is when she said her husband came home and refused to wear his uniform. The anti-war movement was so bad, that he couldn't stand for anyone to know he was a soldier. Hmmm...where is that pride and sacrifice now? I remember sitting in a restaurant and overhearing some hateful woman complain about the soldiers being murderers sent by President Bush to annihilate Iraq for oil. Try explaining that statement to your child. But she sacrificed more than we have when her husband wouldn't wear his uniform?
So maybe she's right, maybe we don't sacrifice as much as we could. But a sacrifice is still a sacrifice. Our children sacrifice more than anyone. We as Army wives chose this life. Our children did not. It was chosen for them. So tell me they haven't sacrificed. Our soldiers deploy, so your civilians don't have to.
Our children sacrifice, so yours can play tag. Our wives sacrifice, so you can stand on your pedestal. The funny thing about standing on a pedestal, when its knocked over you have a lot further to fall!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hi-Speed Dr. Appointments!
Had my monthly trip to the Army Community Hospital today. I have to go in once a month for my B-12 shot. Its always a debate, is Anemia is really a big enough deal to bother with the trip. Sadly, there has been the occasion where the answer is NO.
You pull into the parking area, drive around for 20-30 minutes looking for not the perfect parking spot, but any parking spot. There you find one and you've driven around so long you don't care that its 10 freakin' miles from the door. But anywho...
so you get out, begin to put the baby in the stroller, and you realize, you forgot the stroller!
So then you pick up the 30lb bundle of joy and start the trek that I swear is completely uphill both ways! By the time you reach the door, you just hope the pit stains on your shirt aren't that obvious and the smell is kept to a minimum.
By that time, your little Angel (which by the way, so was Satan) wants to walk. After all, she's exhausted watching you struggle to get to the door. So she walks the last 30 feet to the waiting room, right after she stops to see the snack bar, spin in circles and wastes 10 min trying to decide if her shoes are on the right feet (trust me they aren't)
So we get to the waiting room, see what appears to be a mass panic to get to the check-in. Atleast 10 people in line for the one overworked clerk. A dozen sick kids coughing on you, and the one who always wants to touch you after wiping his nose on his hand. Then you look beyond the line and see HEAVEN. The clouds seem to have opened up and shined a ray of sunshine down on you! Its the AUTOMATED CHECK-IN SYSTEM.
I run to the first one...it has been unhooked.
I run to the second one...it has apparently been switched to short bus mode. You swipe your ID card, and it runs, and runs and runs. Then nothing.
So I get to machine #3...This one's not going to get me. I'm slick. Instead of swiping my ID card, I'm just gonna do it manually.
I enter my social security #. It pulls up my name. Then my address, I click check-in thinking I'm home free. Then I get "USER DOES NOT EXIST", message. Not, appointment doesn't exist, or incorrect information, but I am now being heckled by a computer.
At this point I feel like a meth addicted spider monkey trying to get the banana out of the box. So as I am about the break into tears, I hear someone standing behind me.
Oh good, this one works. Yes, its the same one I've been fighting with. I pull myself together and swipe my card. OH LORD HALLELUJAH, THE ANGELS ARE SINGING, THE MACHINE WORKED!
I am now checked in for my appointment! Now, with the help of the hi-speed computer systems, I can go to the back to have a sharp instrument plunged into my bicep.
Life is good!
You pull into the parking area, drive around for 20-30 minutes looking for not the perfect parking spot, but any parking spot. There you find one and you've driven around so long you don't care that its 10 freakin' miles from the door. But anywho...
so you get out, begin to put the baby in the stroller, and you realize, you forgot the stroller!
So then you pick up the 30lb bundle of joy and start the trek that I swear is completely uphill both ways! By the time you reach the door, you just hope the pit stains on your shirt aren't that obvious and the smell is kept to a minimum.
By that time, your little Angel (which by the way, so was Satan) wants to walk. After all, she's exhausted watching you struggle to get to the door. So she walks the last 30 feet to the waiting room, right after she stops to see the snack bar, spin in circles and wastes 10 min trying to decide if her shoes are on the right feet (trust me they aren't)
So we get to the waiting room, see what appears to be a mass panic to get to the check-in. Atleast 10 people in line for the one overworked clerk. A dozen sick kids coughing on you, and the one who always wants to touch you after wiping his nose on his hand. Then you look beyond the line and see HEAVEN. The clouds seem to have opened up and shined a ray of sunshine down on you! Its the AUTOMATED CHECK-IN SYSTEM.
I run to the first one...it has been unhooked.
I run to the second one...it has apparently been switched to short bus mode. You swipe your ID card, and it runs, and runs and runs. Then nothing.
So I get to machine #3...This one's not going to get me. I'm slick. Instead of swiping my ID card, I'm just gonna do it manually.
I enter my social security #. It pulls up my name. Then my address, I click check-in thinking I'm home free. Then I get "USER DOES NOT EXIST", message. Not, appointment doesn't exist, or incorrect information, but I am now being heckled by a computer.
At this point I feel like a meth addicted spider monkey trying to get the banana out of the box. So as I am about the break into tears, I hear someone standing behind me.
Oh good, this one works. Yes, its the same one I've been fighting with. I pull myself together and swipe my card. OH LORD HALLELUJAH, THE ANGELS ARE SINGING, THE MACHINE WORKED!
I am now checked in for my appointment! Now, with the help of the hi-speed computer systems, I can go to the back to have a sharp instrument plunged into my bicep.
Life is good!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Survivor: Afghanistan
Being a spouse of a deployed soldier, I a constantly asked....How do you cope?
Well, the answer is easy. I watch a lot of TV and have a vivid imagination.
Sounds pointless enough, but everybody has their coping mechanisms.
I prefer not to think of my husband in a "warzone". But think of him in a more harmless setting. Such as reality tv. We know pretty much nothing on Reality Tv, is real, so it works out for the best.
Some of my ideas for the new CBS season:
Survivor: Afghanistan- A platoon of 16 people, compete against opposing platoons for the Purple Heart, Bronze star and the all coveted Medal of Honor. They will compete in endurance challenges lasting 24-48 hours. They will learn how to survive under a hail of gunfire. The luxury competitions will consists of R&R leave to surrounding middle eastern countries taken completely on donkey back.
Big Brother- a troop of men will be placed in close quarters inside of a cave or abandoned factory partially exploded by previous insurgents. They will be stacked one on top of the other. They will compete for luxury items such as a shower and indoor plumbing. Those who come in last are sentenced to "poop" duty. They will be in charge of burning all fecal matter for the week.
Jihad Shore: This is an expose on Battalion life. The camera crews will follow the upper ranking members around, while they hang around the FOB, complain about lack of air conditioning and how depressed the soldiers around them look.
One of my personal favorites....Amazing Race: Middle East
Teams of 2 will compete for an around the Middle East tour done entirely on camels.
It may not be much, but my TV and my imagination have gotten me through many a deployment and time away. The good news is....Military Health insurance covers therapy.
Well, the answer is easy. I watch a lot of TV and have a vivid imagination.
Sounds pointless enough, but everybody has their coping mechanisms.
I prefer not to think of my husband in a "warzone". But think of him in a more harmless setting. Such as reality tv. We know pretty much nothing on Reality Tv, is real, so it works out for the best.
Some of my ideas for the new CBS season:
Survivor: Afghanistan- A platoon of 16 people, compete against opposing platoons for the Purple Heart, Bronze star and the all coveted Medal of Honor. They will compete in endurance challenges lasting 24-48 hours. They will learn how to survive under a hail of gunfire. The luxury competitions will consists of R&R leave to surrounding middle eastern countries taken completely on donkey back.
Big Brother- a troop of men will be placed in close quarters inside of a cave or abandoned factory partially exploded by previous insurgents. They will be stacked one on top of the other. They will compete for luxury items such as a shower and indoor plumbing. Those who come in last are sentenced to "poop" duty. They will be in charge of burning all fecal matter for the week.
Jihad Shore: This is an expose on Battalion life. The camera crews will follow the upper ranking members around, while they hang around the FOB, complain about lack of air conditioning and how depressed the soldiers around them look.
One of my personal favorites....Amazing Race: Middle East
Teams of 2 will compete for an around the Middle East tour done entirely on camels.
It may not be much, but my TV and my imagination have gotten me through many a deployment and time away. The good news is....Military Health insurance covers therapy.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thank You Mr. President??
I wouldn't say I'm Anti-Obama. Or I wouldn't have said that anyway until recently.
I never really cared for his policies, or most of his ideals, but he's the President so the title deserves some respect.
So within the last few days we've seen:
The Obama Family vacation to Panama City, Florida. Where they swam in the Gulf to prove the waters were safe. Hmm...well I'm sure the waters are safe there. Seeing as that area wasn't harmed by the oil spill. Take a swim off the coast of Louisiana and let us know if its any safer in that region. But I'm sure he was just confused seeing as Panama City is one of the 57 states, right? lol
We've seen Michelle Obama's trip to Spain. That was truly exciting.
We've seen Sasha Obama's hole in one at the mini-golf course, which was riveting.
But the one that gets me pissed off the most? Barack Obama backs building of Islamic Supercenter at site of 9/11.
Now, I could care less what your religion.
First...I don't believe anything should be built upon that site, with the exception of a memorial!
Second...The WTCs were bombed numerous times. All under the premise of religion.
Thousands of people lost their lives, because of Islamic Extremist.
I DO NOT BELIEVE ALL MUSLIMS ARE BAD! However, when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols blew up the Oklahoma City FBI Building, did we put a Christian Church on top?
When, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, did we put in a Buddhist Temple?
Of course not!
So my adversion to this stems from why? Why do they need to put one in this particular location? Why not a mile down the street, where nobody would care?
Is is a sign of victory? Were we secretly conquered while we slept? But why
would a man, sworn to protect this country be ok with this?
I understand religious freedom. My husband fights so you can have that right.
Everyone has the right to be ignorant. But that doesn't mean you should abuse that right!
So Thank You Mr. President. There is nothing like betraying your country to bring out the best in it.
I never really cared for his policies, or most of his ideals, but he's the President so the title deserves some respect.
So within the last few days we've seen:
The Obama Family vacation to Panama City, Florida. Where they swam in the Gulf to prove the waters were safe. Hmm...well I'm sure the waters are safe there. Seeing as that area wasn't harmed by the oil spill. Take a swim off the coast of Louisiana and let us know if its any safer in that region. But I'm sure he was just confused seeing as Panama City is one of the 57 states, right? lol
We've seen Michelle Obama's trip to Spain. That was truly exciting.
We've seen Sasha Obama's hole in one at the mini-golf course, which was riveting.
But the one that gets me pissed off the most? Barack Obama backs building of Islamic Supercenter at site of 9/11.
Now, I could care less what your religion.
First...I don't believe anything should be built upon that site, with the exception of a memorial!
Second...The WTCs were bombed numerous times. All under the premise of religion.
Thousands of people lost their lives, because of Islamic Extremist.
I DO NOT BELIEVE ALL MUSLIMS ARE BAD! However, when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols blew up the Oklahoma City FBI Building, did we put a Christian Church on top?
When, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, did we put in a Buddhist Temple?
Of course not!
So my adversion to this stems from why? Why do they need to put one in this particular location? Why not a mile down the street, where nobody would care?
Is is a sign of victory? Were we secretly conquered while we slept? But why
would a man, sworn to protect this country be ok with this?
I understand religious freedom. My husband fights so you can have that right.
Everyone has the right to be ignorant. But that doesn't mean you should abuse that right!
So Thank You Mr. President. There is nothing like betraying your country to bring out the best in it.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Respect the Sacrifice
Approximately 10 days ago I received a phone call from a good friend of mine. Its not one I'll soon forget. I was making breakfast when my cell phone started ringing.
I knew it was her by my ringtone, Sarah Palin's Redneck Woman speech. It was just almost 830 am, being so early it sent a bit of concern through me. So I quickly answered the phone, only to have my fear realized.
The first thing I hear, are tears. The next thing, "can you please come over?".
Of course, I could! It took me a minute to fully understand what was going on.
She had just recieved a phone call from Rear Detachment. Her husband, who is also stationed in Afghanistan, was seriously injured in the line of duty.
She didn't have many details at that point, just that he was stable. So I called the babysitter to stay with my kids and arrived about 1 hr and 1/2 later. By the time I had gotten there the news was a little more clear. But not much less frightening.
Her 2 children greeted me at the door, they seemed in wonderful spirits despite the news. They went on to play as she filled me in.
Jason, was with other soldiers when he stepped upon an IED. The idea of what could have happened is overwhelming, and makes what did happen seem like a miracle. He lost his leg, and was still unconscious. The extent of his injuries were not yet known. It took nearly a week before injuries could be confirmed.
He lost sight in one eye. After a surgery they determined he could keep the eye, but he could never see again.
I spoke to her a few nights ago, she said he was in great spirits and joking around, making the best of things. Its been an absolute hell on her. The stress, has literally made her ill. But the spirits are high! Its one of those situations you have to literally THANK GOD. There is no way he would have made it through that situation without some sort of divine protection.
Tammy, is one in a million. I say good friend, only because I can't think of a better term. She's the type that you know you can count on, and Jason is in good hands.
Now on a lighter side....Just because Jason was injured does not get him out of programming my DVD player and all other electronics for me. The day before he left for Afghanistan they came over and hooked up my Wii to netflix, and figured out my DVD player for me after I tried for 6 months. I threatened to send a Red Cross message if it messed up again. He promised he'd catch the next flight home if my Wii busted. (Somehow I don't think he was serious)lol
You don't have to like the war, you don't have to like the military, you don't even have to like the man. But always respect the sacrifice.
You know these two people must be pretty awesome. They have me as a friend.
I knew it was her by my ringtone, Sarah Palin's Redneck Woman speech. It was just almost 830 am, being so early it sent a bit of concern through me. So I quickly answered the phone, only to have my fear realized.
The first thing I hear, are tears. The next thing, "can you please come over?".
Of course, I could! It took me a minute to fully understand what was going on.
She had just recieved a phone call from Rear Detachment. Her husband, who is also stationed in Afghanistan, was seriously injured in the line of duty.
She didn't have many details at that point, just that he was stable. So I called the babysitter to stay with my kids and arrived about 1 hr and 1/2 later. By the time I had gotten there the news was a little more clear. But not much less frightening.
Her 2 children greeted me at the door, they seemed in wonderful spirits despite the news. They went on to play as she filled me in.
Jason, was with other soldiers when he stepped upon an IED. The idea of what could have happened is overwhelming, and makes what did happen seem like a miracle. He lost his leg, and was still unconscious. The extent of his injuries were not yet known. It took nearly a week before injuries could be confirmed.
He lost sight in one eye. After a surgery they determined he could keep the eye, but he could never see again.
I spoke to her a few nights ago, she said he was in great spirits and joking around, making the best of things. Its been an absolute hell on her. The stress, has literally made her ill. But the spirits are high! Its one of those situations you have to literally THANK GOD. There is no way he would have made it through that situation without some sort of divine protection.
Tammy, is one in a million. I say good friend, only because I can't think of a better term. She's the type that you know you can count on, and Jason is in good hands.
Now on a lighter side....Just because Jason was injured does not get him out of programming my DVD player and all other electronics for me. The day before he left for Afghanistan they came over and hooked up my Wii to netflix, and figured out my DVD player for me after I tried for 6 months. I threatened to send a Red Cross message if it messed up again. He promised he'd catch the next flight home if my Wii busted. (Somehow I don't think he was serious)lol
You don't have to like the war, you don't have to like the military, you don't even have to like the man. But always respect the sacrifice.
You know these two people must be pretty awesome. They have me as a friend.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Where Every Day Is Tax Free!
Today was the beginning of the statewide Tax Free Holiday weekend! We can shop our hearts content on anything relating to back to school. Clothes, supplies, electronics and more.
Now AAFES is our military PX affiliate. Their big sales pitch to counter act this sales holiday, Every day is tax free!
This is true. There are no taxes charged on a military installation.
However, AAFES seems to forget that we are Army. We don't have the money to shop there.
When you have 3 kids, all still undergoing massive growth spurts. Its just not feasible that we spend $60 on a pair of pants for each child. The PX is set up like a department store. Which looks nice, but so does feeding your children.
So every year to combat this holiday, we are bombarded with "Everyday is tax-free" flyers.
So being the redneck I am, I went to Wal-Mart. As did everybody else apparently.
You walk down the aisles, elbow to elbow, rushing for the Elmers Glue. You hear panicked people looking for pencil top erasers, you see folders flying overhead, as one tries to figure out prong or no prong!!
There seemed to be a shortage of Crayola brand crayons. I know this because of the amount of tears flooding the aisles. IT HAS TO BE CRAYOLA!!! (and no it wasn't a child)
Then you hit the lunchbox aisle....(more than picked over) my son has a choice of Tinkerbell or Lisa Frank. I hope he doesn't get beat up. Do they typically beat up a kid in Kindergarten for that kind of thing?
But hey the kid wore a tie with a t-shirt to school today, if he can handle that he can handle anything.
Tomorrow starts day 2 of the holiday. Being a Saturday, I'm sure it will be a zoo. All the crazy women trying to get good deals on socks and underwear.
So I better get to bed, I gotta get up early to show them how its done!
Now AAFES is our military PX affiliate. Their big sales pitch to counter act this sales holiday, Every day is tax free!
This is true. There are no taxes charged on a military installation.
However, AAFES seems to forget that we are Army. We don't have the money to shop there.
When you have 3 kids, all still undergoing massive growth spurts. Its just not feasible that we spend $60 on a pair of pants for each child. The PX is set up like a department store. Which looks nice, but so does feeding your children.
So every year to combat this holiday, we are bombarded with "Everyday is tax-free" flyers.
So being the redneck I am, I went to Wal-Mart. As did everybody else apparently.
You walk down the aisles, elbow to elbow, rushing for the Elmers Glue. You hear panicked people looking for pencil top erasers, you see folders flying overhead, as one tries to figure out prong or no prong!!
There seemed to be a shortage of Crayola brand crayons. I know this because of the amount of tears flooding the aisles. IT HAS TO BE CRAYOLA!!! (and no it wasn't a child)
Then you hit the lunchbox aisle....(more than picked over) my son has a choice of Tinkerbell or Lisa Frank. I hope he doesn't get beat up. Do they typically beat up a kid in Kindergarten for that kind of thing?
But hey the kid wore a tie with a t-shirt to school today, if he can handle that he can handle anything.
Tomorrow starts day 2 of the holiday. Being a Saturday, I'm sure it will be a zoo. All the crazy women trying to get good deals on socks and underwear.
So I better get to bed, I gotta get up early to show them how its done!
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