In one of my previous blogs I addressed the issue of Gays in the military and the possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I gave my opinion truthfully and I stand by that opinion. What a person does in their bedroom should stay in their bedroom.
Apparently my opinion has upset the masses. Obviously if I don't feel the need to know about your sex life, I must be a homophobe and hate all people different from me.
I also, do not feel the need to know about the sex lives of straight people, canines or members of the lollipop guild. So obviously, someone of my stature must be ready to protest letting straights, midgets and dogs into the Army. (sarcasm for those who need an explaination)
I won't tell you about my lack of sex life, if you don't tell me about yours.
Again, there is no room for sex in the US Army!
Now, with that being said, I do have concerns where this repeal is involved. Its not that I'm against the repeal, but I'm not necessarily for it either.
I don't really have an opinion as to if being gay is right or wrong. Again, I could care less. My concerns are of a completely different nature.
In THIS country, being gay has become synonymous with being fabulous. Granted I don't think they will allow adding Rhinestones to the uniforms anytime soon and most soldiers could definitely use some fashion sense- however being a gay man, does not remove your penis. As a female, I find it insulting when a gay man carries himself as such. Women have it hard enough without being mocked by a man.
My fear is by removing the "DADT" policy, and making it possible to flaunt your sex life, you are making a mockery of whats left of the Army.
Be Gay, but be you!
I don't care what you do in your bedroom, keep it in your bedroom.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Its an Army base??
As I sat at the on post movie theater today, I couldn't help but remember a conversation I previously "overheard" (eavesdropped)on a while back.
There were a group of Army wives, who had gone to the movies the night before. One was complaining about the National Anthem being played before the movie. This of course, couldn't be left with a simple statement. As she was finishing her complaint, another wife joined in. Her statement was not only appalling, but down right ignorant.
"I can't believe they'd make us stand for the Anthem before a movie. Its like WELCOME TO COMMUNISM". Obviously stupidity is contagious, because another wife joined in with a vague reference to NAZI GERMANY. Of course, this reference inevitably leads to former President George W. Bush in the role of Hitler.
I have an issue with almost all of this conversation, yet I keep my mouth shut(only because I was too stunned to speak).
1st, I really don't know how one comes to the comparison of GW Bush with Hitler.
But I guess thats a moot point.
2nd, This is the United States Of America. We live on an Army post, in the United States Of America. Why wouldn't we stand for the Anthem?
3rd, What exactly is it you think your soldiers do for a living? I'm sure a job at the Piggly Wiggly wouldn't force you to stand for the anthem at the local bowling alley. Maybe they should check out that bagboy after all. I'm sure once he gets his braces off he'll be a hell of a catch.
But I return to original issue. These wives quickly tire of the Movie Theater drama, and move to the issue of Reveille. They couldn't believe, that the US Army would play such a thing. Don't they know people are sleeping! This statement, just washed a feeling of confusion over me.
Somehow the purpose of the, weird music (as it was referred) seem to bypass her. I didn't know if I had heard her correctly at this point. Was this an odd dream? She seriously did not just make that statement.
After a while, I just walked over to the group and said WOW! I told the kids to get their things we were gonna go home. My oldest said why mommy? I could only respond with "I'm afraid you might catch stupidity".
There were a group of Army wives, who had gone to the movies the night before. One was complaining about the National Anthem being played before the movie. This of course, couldn't be left with a simple statement. As she was finishing her complaint, another wife joined in. Her statement was not only appalling, but down right ignorant.
"I can't believe they'd make us stand for the Anthem before a movie. Its like WELCOME TO COMMUNISM". Obviously stupidity is contagious, because another wife joined in with a vague reference to NAZI GERMANY. Of course, this reference inevitably leads to former President George W. Bush in the role of Hitler.
I have an issue with almost all of this conversation, yet I keep my mouth shut(only because I was too stunned to speak).
1st, I really don't know how one comes to the comparison of GW Bush with Hitler.
But I guess thats a moot point.
2nd, This is the United States Of America. We live on an Army post, in the United States Of America. Why wouldn't we stand for the Anthem?
3rd, What exactly is it you think your soldiers do for a living? I'm sure a job at the Piggly Wiggly wouldn't force you to stand for the anthem at the local bowling alley. Maybe they should check out that bagboy after all. I'm sure once he gets his braces off he'll be a hell of a catch.
But I return to original issue. These wives quickly tire of the Movie Theater drama, and move to the issue of Reveille. They couldn't believe, that the US Army would play such a thing. Don't they know people are sleeping! This statement, just washed a feeling of confusion over me.
Somehow the purpose of the, weird music (as it was referred) seem to bypass her. I didn't know if I had heard her correctly at this point. Was this an odd dream? She seriously did not just make that statement.
After a while, I just walked over to the group and said WOW! I told the kids to get their things we were gonna go home. My oldest said why mommy? I could only respond with "I'm afraid you might catch stupidity".
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Drop and give me 20!! (dollars)
With all the recent news reports, issues and overall insanity regarding Military wives in general, I've decided on a course of action that can benefit all involved.
ARMY WIFE BOOT CAMP.
It will be a mandatory program before being allowed to marry into the Army.
Basically, it will be led by a group of seasoned, hard core "OLD Army" wives. We will lead according to a ranking system similar to that of the soldier. Time/MOS will determine the ranking position. Notice I didn't say Pay Grade! Our own Time/MOS. A spouse who has been doing this job for 10 yrs and her soldier is say infantry, would outrank, a wife of 5 yrs whos soldier never deploys.
Wives of retired soldiers would automatically be in a command position.
We want to get as accurate training as possible to ensure these new "recruits" are up to the challenge of daily Army life.
We will learn skill sets, such as
Complaining properly
How to go 2 wks without your spouse or a nervous breakdown
Case lot sales...friend or foe
Volunteering: You will do this willingly, if you like it or not!
and
Family Readiness Groups: we are a lot meaner than they seem on TV.
Pushups are not mandatory for this training camp, because we will learn the proper protocol for griping at the post gym. We do not run in a traditional sense, but use training dummies resembling our soldiers leaving for deployment.(like a greyhound after a rabbit) I find this is the best way to get a wife to run.
Graduation from training camp is score based. The wife who scores highest on field activities will be considered for special privileges. The wife who scores lowest however.... she will be recycled until she either dies, gives up or the soldier who chose her has lost interest.
Once graduation is complete...she will go before a review board. This review board will consist of current Troop FRG members. She will then be approved/denied for marriage.
If she is approved she will be given further instruction and a mentor for her 1st 2 yrs as an Army wife. Those who are denied, unfortunately....will be shot from a catapult over the gates to Post entrance. The soldier who had picked her will be repeatedly shot in the ass with a pellet gun, until he decides to do better.
ARMY WIFE BOOT CAMP.
It will be a mandatory program before being allowed to marry into the Army.
Basically, it will be led by a group of seasoned, hard core "OLD Army" wives. We will lead according to a ranking system similar to that of the soldier. Time/MOS will determine the ranking position. Notice I didn't say Pay Grade! Our own Time/MOS. A spouse who has been doing this job for 10 yrs and her soldier is say infantry, would outrank, a wife of 5 yrs whos soldier never deploys.
Wives of retired soldiers would automatically be in a command position.
We want to get as accurate training as possible to ensure these new "recruits" are up to the challenge of daily Army life.
We will learn skill sets, such as
Complaining properly
How to go 2 wks without your spouse or a nervous breakdown
Case lot sales...friend or foe
Volunteering: You will do this willingly, if you like it or not!
and
Family Readiness Groups: we are a lot meaner than they seem on TV.
Pushups are not mandatory for this training camp, because we will learn the proper protocol for griping at the post gym. We do not run in a traditional sense, but use training dummies resembling our soldiers leaving for deployment.(like a greyhound after a rabbit) I find this is the best way to get a wife to run.
Graduation from training camp is score based. The wife who scores highest on field activities will be considered for special privileges. The wife who scores lowest however.... she will be recycled until she either dies, gives up or the soldier who chose her has lost interest.
Once graduation is complete...she will go before a review board. This review board will consist of current Troop FRG members. She will then be approved/denied for marriage.
If she is approved she will be given further instruction and a mentor for her 1st 2 yrs as an Army wife. Those who are denied, unfortunately....will be shot from a catapult over the gates to Post entrance. The soldier who had picked her will be repeatedly shot in the ass with a pellet gun, until he decides to do better.
Friday, June 11, 2010
You're an Army Wife, act like it!
Ok, so tonights blog may be a bit more of a rant than a Day In The Life Of An Army Wife blog, but here it goes!
Do not get me wrong when I say what I'm about to say. I am not a "Femi-Nazi" by any means, and I do not, in general have any real negative feelings toward men.
Women of the past have fought, bled and died for the rest of us to be where we are today. For centuries we have been treated as the much lesser counter-part to the man.
We've been told that our lack of appendage makes us weak and illogical.
(This can only be true if we accept that man carries his strength and intelligence in his pants.)
Its a stereotype all women have had to deal with at some point in our lives.
Overcoming this stereotype and thought of women is frustrating to say the least.
So, when you think about all the women who have been tortured, beaten and even murdered so we can be seen as close to equal with a man as we are, its more than frustrating- I would say infuriating when I hear a female complain about her lot in life.
We are Army Wives. I understand that we miss our husbands and we get lonely. However, anybody who marries into the military and does not expect this type of thing is in for a rude awakening.
Sitting around, crying and acting like its the end of the world just because your SOLDIER husband has to do his job, is not only ridiculous but sets feminism back 40 years. The only thing these wives are proving, is maybe they were right about us all along.
Don't get me wrong, I know how scary this life can be. But I also know, posting "I can't take it anymore" rants online, telling your husband things like "Its me or the Army" and crying everytime he calls is pathetic.
We don't attempt to bring our husbands home everytime there's the smallest of issues. We suck it up and we deal with it.
Some/Most Army wives have at some point had to go through major traumatic events without our spouses. We have babies, we bury loved ones, we have extended hospital stays, we deal with fires, floods and daily insanity. We DO NOT lay down and die.
Anybody who knows me, knows this is a very hot button topic for me. Some people reading this will make rude comments and say stupid things like "she just doesn't know" so lets go over quickly what I don't know....
My 1st ever deployment, I dealt with....
Being 8 months pregnant when he left
Having a baby a month later
Having that baby (3wks old) hospitalized for 3 days in the Intensive Care unit.
Having 6 (yes 6) surgeries at once. With a week in the hospital.
From my hospital bed I ran the troop FRG and managed to pump breastmilk to feed the baby.
I dealt with other wives suicide attempts, deaths and overdoses.
2nd Deployment....
Had a 2 yr old, and a newborn when he left.
Newborn hospitalized for penicillin allergy.
Collapsed roof, tornado that blew out all windows, and various landlord related issues.
3 break-ins at surrounding houses, one known intruder Registered Sex Offender
This is the lesser of the crimes in my neighborhood.
3rd Deployment (at only 5 months out)...
Have 3 children ages 2,4 and 6.
House FLOODS, ruins most of living room
After....tornado ruined back yard.
Psychotic racoon living in attic space
Father in-law in hospice care from stroke
Mother in-law diabetic with severe foot infection (could require amputation if continues)
Bio-father, as per Dr. less than a year to live. Just had major surgery as well.
Bio-mother, now on disability do to physical ailments
Step-father, having massive heart conditions
and....
Youngest child has to meet with pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
and I will do this alone. Why? because I have to.
I WILL NOT bring my husband home, I will not even attempt to do so. He has a job to do. It might suck, but he will do it. Simply because I will do mine!
We are not just wives, we are ARMY wives
Do not get me wrong when I say what I'm about to say. I am not a "Femi-Nazi" by any means, and I do not, in general have any real negative feelings toward men.
Women of the past have fought, bled and died for the rest of us to be where we are today. For centuries we have been treated as the much lesser counter-part to the man.
We've been told that our lack of appendage makes us weak and illogical.
(This can only be true if we accept that man carries his strength and intelligence in his pants.)
Its a stereotype all women have had to deal with at some point in our lives.
Overcoming this stereotype and thought of women is frustrating to say the least.
So, when you think about all the women who have been tortured, beaten and even murdered so we can be seen as close to equal with a man as we are, its more than frustrating- I would say infuriating when I hear a female complain about her lot in life.
We are Army Wives. I understand that we miss our husbands and we get lonely. However, anybody who marries into the military and does not expect this type of thing is in for a rude awakening.
Sitting around, crying and acting like its the end of the world just because your SOLDIER husband has to do his job, is not only ridiculous but sets feminism back 40 years. The only thing these wives are proving, is maybe they were right about us all along.
Don't get me wrong, I know how scary this life can be. But I also know, posting "I can't take it anymore" rants online, telling your husband things like "Its me or the Army" and crying everytime he calls is pathetic.
We don't attempt to bring our husbands home everytime there's the smallest of issues. We suck it up and we deal with it.
Some/Most Army wives have at some point had to go through major traumatic events without our spouses. We have babies, we bury loved ones, we have extended hospital stays, we deal with fires, floods and daily insanity. We DO NOT lay down and die.
Anybody who knows me, knows this is a very hot button topic for me. Some people reading this will make rude comments and say stupid things like "she just doesn't know" so lets go over quickly what I don't know....
My 1st ever deployment, I dealt with....
Being 8 months pregnant when he left
Having a baby a month later
Having that baby (3wks old) hospitalized for 3 days in the Intensive Care unit.
Having 6 (yes 6) surgeries at once. With a week in the hospital.
From my hospital bed I ran the troop FRG and managed to pump breastmilk to feed the baby.
I dealt with other wives suicide attempts, deaths and overdoses.
2nd Deployment....
Had a 2 yr old, and a newborn when he left.
Newborn hospitalized for penicillin allergy.
Collapsed roof, tornado that blew out all windows, and various landlord related issues.
3 break-ins at surrounding houses, one known intruder Registered Sex Offender
This is the lesser of the crimes in my neighborhood.
3rd Deployment (at only 5 months out)...
Have 3 children ages 2,4 and 6.
House FLOODS, ruins most of living room
After....tornado ruined back yard.
Psychotic racoon living in attic space
Father in-law in hospice care from stroke
Mother in-law diabetic with severe foot infection (could require amputation if continues)
Bio-father, as per Dr. less than a year to live. Just had major surgery as well.
Bio-mother, now on disability do to physical ailments
Step-father, having massive heart conditions
and....
Youngest child has to meet with pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
and I will do this alone. Why? because I have to.
I WILL NOT bring my husband home, I will not even attempt to do so. He has a job to do. It might suck, but he will do it. Simply because I will do mine!
We are not just wives, we are ARMY wives
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I'm not nosy, I'm a concerned citizen!
If one were to spend too much time on an Army base, you may get the impression all Army wives are nosy, gossipy and frustrating in general. You may be right.
Keep in mind, we spend months upon months alone. We may have no human contact (with the exception of the time we spend yelling at our children)for days.
For example: Today I did not speak to another adult until approximately 6:30pm.
My conversation skills are limited to "PUT THAT DOWN" and "STOP PUNCHING YOUR SISTER IN THE BUTT".
So with this in mind, some of our behavior is almost understandable. Like how when you get two of us together, we talk about who did what, when, why and where. We are great with specifics! We are sure not to leave any information unattended. We've convinced ourselves it not "gossip", but concern.
You never know the kind of safety issue you could be facing, when somebody wears a tube top to the commissary. Perhaps, you heard one "specific" wife got a housing citation for not keeping her lawn under the specified maximum height. Not to mention, when the spouse of a deployed soldier has a "relative" come vist. This topic can provide hours of (Intelligence Gathering)entertainment for those of us lacking adult contact on a regular basis.
Why, just tonight at my son's T-Ball practice, I learned that in another unit.....
One wife gave a ride home to another soldier, but the women behind me didn't think that was appropriate. (turns out, he was an injured soldier who's car broke down- Jezebel!!)
That SAME wife, had the nerve to say she would take over the FRG when that leader leaves. (I know I was appalled!- Seriously, why? Volunteering! is she nuts?)
I also, learned that soldiers who post things of any nature on Facebook, should be relieved of their right to wear the Uniform.(apparently Facebook is the Gateway to Hell- who knew?)
So you never know, when knowing this seemingly useless information MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE! I have to end the blog for tonight, I think I just saw my neighbors lights come on!!!!
Keep in mind, we spend months upon months alone. We may have no human contact (with the exception of the time we spend yelling at our children)for days.
For example: Today I did not speak to another adult until approximately 6:30pm.
My conversation skills are limited to "PUT THAT DOWN" and "STOP PUNCHING YOUR SISTER IN THE BUTT".
So with this in mind, some of our behavior is almost understandable. Like how when you get two of us together, we talk about who did what, when, why and where. We are great with specifics! We are sure not to leave any information unattended. We've convinced ourselves it not "gossip", but concern.
You never know the kind of safety issue you could be facing, when somebody wears a tube top to the commissary. Perhaps, you heard one "specific" wife got a housing citation for not keeping her lawn under the specified maximum height. Not to mention, when the spouse of a deployed soldier has a "relative" come vist. This topic can provide hours of (Intelligence Gathering)entertainment for those of us lacking adult contact on a regular basis.
Why, just tonight at my son's T-Ball practice, I learned that in another unit.....
One wife gave a ride home to another soldier, but the women behind me didn't think that was appropriate. (turns out, he was an injured soldier who's car broke down- Jezebel!!)
That SAME wife, had the nerve to say she would take over the FRG when that leader leaves. (I know I was appalled!- Seriously, why? Volunteering! is she nuts?)
I also, learned that soldiers who post things of any nature on Facebook, should be relieved of their right to wear the Uniform.(apparently Facebook is the Gateway to Hell- who knew?)
So you never know, when knowing this seemingly useless information MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE! I have to end the blog for tonight, I think I just saw my neighbors lights come on!!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
You didn't go to basic, you don't get to wear the stripes.
Ok, so there seems to be a big issue within the military regarding the spouse and their husbands (sometimes wives) rank. Somewhere down the line, some woman inadvertently used the phrase "we are"(sgts, colonels, etc). This has apparently cause a large amount of confusion as to the status of the military spouse.
So, here's the deal. As a general rule, if you've ever been through basic training, had a Drill Sgt call you a slew of unpleasant names or been forced to do unimaginable amounts of pushups by the US Military, you have earned the right to have a rank preceding your name.
Your soldier, may be a Captain, a Colonel or a Private. It does not matter. You can speak to whomever you like, in any manner you would like. But remember, the person on the other end of that conversation reserves the right to put you in your proper place. Your husband being an officer, does not protect you from the wrath of the Specialists wife. So on, and so on.
No, I'm not trying to stereotype all wives that would be ridiculous. But this small population are giving the rest of us a hard time. I remember the first time, this happened to me. I was a lot younger, and didn't believe I had the right to speak up, for the fear my husband would feel the retribution. With a person such as myself (My mouth is a bit faster than my brain)that feeling doesn't last long.
If you can stand up, and tell a soldiers wife to put that rank in an unspecified location you may just make it.
Possibly even be more respected because of it. (Or everybody will think you're crazy and stay away from you)Either way, Army life is what you make it.
So, here's the deal. As a general rule, if you've ever been through basic training, had a Drill Sgt call you a slew of unpleasant names or been forced to do unimaginable amounts of pushups by the US Military, you have earned the right to have a rank preceding your name.
Your soldier, may be a Captain, a Colonel or a Private. It does not matter. You can speak to whomever you like, in any manner you would like. But remember, the person on the other end of that conversation reserves the right to put you in your proper place. Your husband being an officer, does not protect you from the wrath of the Specialists wife. So on, and so on.
No, I'm not trying to stereotype all wives that would be ridiculous. But this small population are giving the rest of us a hard time. I remember the first time, this happened to me. I was a lot younger, and didn't believe I had the right to speak up, for the fear my husband would feel the retribution. With a person such as myself (My mouth is a bit faster than my brain)that feeling doesn't last long.
If you can stand up, and tell a soldiers wife to put that rank in an unspecified location you may just make it.
Possibly even be more respected because of it. (Or everybody will think you're crazy and stay away from you)Either way, Army life is what you make it.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Hands Across Americans
I've come to the realization that some people just deserve to be smacked.
We as a nation should pass some sort of law, that a minimum of once a day, you must b!#@^slap someone. Whether its a stranger, friend or irritating in-law, you must just walk up to them and smack them across the face.
Now I know this may seem harsh, however Americans in general are in need of a wake up call. Not only would this act provide the necessary reality check, (we are all in need of), it would also release pent up agression we seem to be so fond of these days.
I'm not condoning the use of violence to solve any problem. I fully believe in the thought "war doesn't decide who's right, but who's left". (although you do have less people to convice you were right that way, but thats another story)
However....It used to be, if you had an issue with someone, it would be handled in a physical matter. Now we are expected to solve our problems with words, thoughts and high roads. The problem with this approach, is humans are still animals.
Taking the high road, sounds wonderful on paper. (as does communism and Spiderman)
The problem with the high road, is some of us are scared of heights.
So instead of dealing with our issues, we go to therapy and talk to a stranger instead of the source. I am not knocking therapy in any way. But, while it may temporarily help to vent it does not actually remove the issue.
I find that those who take this approach on a regular basis, are left feeling more victimized and repressed than people who deal with issues head on. For ex: if Jeffery Dahmer or Ted Bundy hadn't always been "such nice guys", maybe their neighbors would have caught on to their serial killing extra curricular activities.
So here is my proposal....
When you wake up in the morning, stretch and thank the Lord you have risen another day. Then ring your neighbors door bell, and b!@#$slap them.
If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your country!
We as a nation should pass some sort of law, that a minimum of once a day, you must b!#@^slap someone. Whether its a stranger, friend or irritating in-law, you must just walk up to them and smack them across the face.
Now I know this may seem harsh, however Americans in general are in need of a wake up call. Not only would this act provide the necessary reality check, (we are all in need of), it would also release pent up agression we seem to be so fond of these days.
I'm not condoning the use of violence to solve any problem. I fully believe in the thought "war doesn't decide who's right, but who's left". (although you do have less people to convice you were right that way, but thats another story)
However....It used to be, if you had an issue with someone, it would be handled in a physical matter. Now we are expected to solve our problems with words, thoughts and high roads. The problem with this approach, is humans are still animals.
Taking the high road, sounds wonderful on paper. (as does communism and Spiderman)
The problem with the high road, is some of us are scared of heights.
So instead of dealing with our issues, we go to therapy and talk to a stranger instead of the source. I am not knocking therapy in any way. But, while it may temporarily help to vent it does not actually remove the issue.
I find that those who take this approach on a regular basis, are left feeling more victimized and repressed than people who deal with issues head on. For ex: if Jeffery Dahmer or Ted Bundy hadn't always been "such nice guys", maybe their neighbors would have caught on to their serial killing extra curricular activities.
So here is my proposal....
When you wake up in the morning, stretch and thank the Lord you have risen another day. Then ring your neighbors door bell, and b!@#$slap them.
If you can't do it for yourself, do it for your country!
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