Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Happy Easter and Welcome Spring!
I happen to REEEEALLY like the spring. And Easter symbolizes Spring right along with the greening trees, the warmer weather and wearing shorts! Spring here in Ft. Huachuca is so nice! I have to say, I will certainly miss the weather here in Arizona if nothing else! There's little to no humidity, which means even in 100 degree temperatures, you don't sweat like you do at home. Sure, you have to give up trees... shade... grass... long summer days...
but you don't have to fight the tons of mosquitoes, the sweat-drenched clothes just from checking the mail and the short days enjoying the sunshine.
If the weather could stay like it is in the spring the entire year 'round, I would LOVE IT.
Easter was pretty perfect as far as weather goes. The sun was shining, but the breeze made it perfect. When we go home from church, Cam said, "Even though we are away from family, this has turned out to be a pretty good Easter." Even though we're on the other side of the U.S., we can still build our traditions and enjoy our holidays with our own little family unit.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Amazing what a little lunch get together can do!
Have you ever been really proud of yourself? I mean, have you ever done something and not realized the impact of what you've done until someone pointed it out to you?
Today was one of my Huachuca Wives potluck lunches. Not a big turn out, about 9 ladies, but it was really nice. And it was the biggest one so far.
What I loved most is the range of ladies that attend my lunches. There were 3 AIT Spouses, 1, I believe was a reservist's wife, a Specialist's spouse, an E-6 spouse, 2 E7 spouses in addition to myself, and a Commander's Wife.
I say this not to call out people's rank, but to get you readers to understand that although we are all at different stages in our military lives, we came together over lunch and be "just the girls".
This felt like an example of "new army". For those of you that have been in a while like myself, you may know the stigma that senior enlisted and lower enlisted don't "mix". Well, I'm not one to follow that "rule" as I feel that who I hang with is based on personality, not status. I am not my husband's rank. I don't have any bars on my should telling me my worth. We all put our pants on one legs at a time, ya know?
After the lunch, I talked to the Commander's wife who attended. She told me how happy she was to be able to make it. I love her because she is a huge advocate for spouses, for finding ways to reach the spouses and educating them on what resources are available to them. THAT is something we have in common! She told me that she didn't think I understood the magnitude of what I was doing by having these lunches like this.
I don't think I really did. I've looked at it as a chance to get some girls together, get them out of the house, meet new people and talk about what other things we can do together. I wanted to give information out about the programs available, what kind of things there are to do around the area and give the newer spouses a sense of belonging and let them know I'm here to help if needed. I know that Fort Huachuca is in the middle of the desert and I was just hoping that I could get spouses to see that it's really not so bad here IF you make the most of it.
She looked at it as a start of something big, a way to get the younger spouses more involved. A way to let them know that senior enlisted spouses are "approachable" and to get rid of the old thoughts of us being separate.
I see that now. I see that our group has a lot of potential. I love what we have here already though, as far as being a comfortable, easy going day out for spouses.
We also talked about how to get these spouses to get involved in the Ft Huachuca Community Spouses Club. Now, let me tell you, these clubs on most bases have the reputation for being a group of senior enlisted foo-foo types. The groups wasn't approachable as it was only for spouses married to the big-wigs on base at one time. Well, I'll tell you, this is something I would never be a part of! Well, FHCSC would like to change that and bring in the younger enlisted and newer spouses. They want to get fresh ideas. They don't want the group to only be for the old people! LOL!
So, we talked about how to get the new generation spouses to participate. I told her that the group is going to have to come to their level. Technology. Communicating through FB, Twitter, text messages... this is how everyone communicates and in order to reach out, they have to start there. Also, I wanted her to be mindful that Soldiers often don't have a lot left over after bills are paid and going to a place to spend $12 on a Spouse's Club lunch is a lot for some people. I love my potlucks because these girls don't mind bringing a dish if they like, not spending more than they can.
It was a very great conversation. When we got off the phone I felt as if I can make a little bit of a difference and that even with what I feel is a little lunch, our little group of Huachuca Wives can have had an impact.
Today was one of my Huachuca Wives potluck lunches. Not a big turn out, about 9 ladies, but it was really nice. And it was the biggest one so far. What I loved most is the range of ladies that attend my lunches. There were 3 AIT Spouses, 1, I believe was a reservist's wife, a Specialist's spouse, an E-6 spouse, 2 E7 spouses in addition to myself, and a Commander's Wife.
I say this not to call out people's rank, but to get you readers to understand that although we are all at different stages in our military lives, we came together over lunch and be "just the girls".
This felt like an example of "new army". For those of you that have been in a while like myself, you may know the stigma that senior enlisted and lower enlisted don't "mix". Well, I'm not one to follow that "rule" as I feel that who I hang with is based on personality, not status. I am not my husband's rank. I don't have any bars on my should telling me my worth. We all put our pants on one legs at a time, ya know?
After the lunch, I talked to the Commander's wife who attended. She told me how happy she was to be able to make it. I love her because she is a huge advocate for spouses, for finding ways to reach the spouses and educating them on what resources are available to them. THAT is something we have in common! She told me that she didn't think I understood the magnitude of what I was doing by having these lunches like this.
I don't think I really did. I've looked at it as a chance to get some girls together, get them out of the house, meet new people and talk about what other things we can do together. I wanted to give information out about the programs available, what kind of things there are to do around the area and give the newer spouses a sense of belonging and let them know I'm here to help if needed. I know that Fort Huachuca is in the middle of the desert and I was just hoping that I could get spouses to see that it's really not so bad here IF you make the most of it.
She looked at it as a start of something big, a way to get the younger spouses more involved. A way to let them know that senior enlisted spouses are "approachable" and to get rid of the old thoughts of us being separate.
I see that now. I see that our group has a lot of potential. I love what we have here already though, as far as being a comfortable, easy going day out for spouses.
We also talked about how to get these spouses to get involved in the Ft Huachuca Community Spouses Club. Now, let me tell you, these clubs on most bases have the reputation for being a group of senior enlisted foo-foo types. The groups wasn't approachable as it was only for spouses married to the big-wigs on base at one time. Well, I'll tell you, this is something I would never be a part of! Well, FHCSC would like to change that and bring in the younger enlisted and newer spouses. They want to get fresh ideas. They don't want the group to only be for the old people! LOL!
So, we talked about how to get the new generation spouses to participate. I told her that the group is going to have to come to their level. Technology. Communicating through FB, Twitter, text messages... this is how everyone communicates and in order to reach out, they have to start there. Also, I wanted her to be mindful that Soldiers often don't have a lot left over after bills are paid and going to a place to spend $12 on a Spouse's Club lunch is a lot for some people. I love my potlucks because these girls don't mind bringing a dish if they like, not spending more than they can.
It was a very great conversation. When we got off the phone I felt as if I can make a little bit of a difference and that even with what I feel is a little lunch, our little group of Huachuca Wives can have had an impact.
Monday, March 12, 2012
My First 5K... Walk. Now I'm ready for a RUN!
I walked my first 5K today! I did it with some good friends. The same girls I hit the gym with on a regular basis. Got up withe the son and made my way out there in the cold. Took the boys. Let the princess sleep in and stay home with daddy.
The boys wasted no time. They were on the run! We hadn't even hit the 2-mile mark and they had called us from the finish line! LOL! CJ was the first kid to cross the finish line at 25minutes and some second (Can't remember the exact number) and surprisingly enough, Cam kept up with him, crossing 15 seconds after. My boys are AWESOME!
As for Mommy Fabulous, on the other hand? Well, we came in last. LOL! We walked the entire way. I certainly would have ran, but my girls didn't want to run and you never leave a fellow soldier, right? So, we crossed the finish line at about 45:25. But WE DID IT!
Yeah, big deal huh?
Well not really. I walk/run one almost everyday on the treadmill these days. I do, however, know what people mean when they say there's a difference between doing it on a treadmill and doing it outside. I came home and took a two hour nap!
The boys wasted no time. They were on the run! We hadn't even hit the 2-mile mark and they had called us from the finish line! LOL! CJ was the first kid to cross the finish line at 25minutes and some second (Can't remember the exact number) and surprisingly enough, Cam kept up with him, crossing 15 seconds after. My boys are AWESOME! As for Mommy Fabulous, on the other hand? Well, we came in last. LOL! We walked the entire way. I certainly would have ran, but my girls didn't want to run and you never leave a fellow soldier, right? So, we crossed the finish line at about 45:25. But WE DID IT!
Yeah, big deal huh?
Well not really. I walk/run one almost everyday on the treadmill these days. I do, however, know what people mean when they say there's a difference between doing it on a treadmill and doing it outside. I came home and took a two hour nap!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Cancer is winning. I'm feeling lost.
My biggest struggle today is trying to trust in God to heal my dad's cancer when the doctors have taken him off chemo because it's no longer working and there is now not one, but TWO visible spots on the MRI. The doctor said that his body is deteriorating. He's having trouble with his sight, losing weight....
I know that I have to continue to trust in God.
Yet, the hard part is trusting that it is His will to heal him.
I know that sounds horrible, that it makes me sound like a non-believer, but I'm finding it hard to have the faith that everything will be okay, when I see everything NOT being okay.
He has a radiation treatment tomorrow. This was the first time he has ever asked me to come home. I should have flown back to Georgia to be with him. I should be there, shouldn't I. I HATE that we had to move across the country. He's afraid that once he comes out of this, he wont be the same. His memory is sure to be worse as he is having another blast of radiation in the same spot as before. He could come out not remembering some things. Not remember me. Not remembering my children.
These are just options. Things that may happen. I can't pretend that they are not a likely side effect to the treatment. Even with my faith in God, I know that there are possibilities that unfavorable things could happen.
I have been able to keep it together up to this point. But I don't know if I can continue to keep together, continue to stay strong. Continue to be that rock for the family that everyone seems to call and turn to throughout his sickness.
I'm afraid of what's next. I'm afraid to admit that I'm afraid.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Tell It Like It T-I-Z Tuesday... on Thursday.
I know it's not Tuesday, but I have to speak and I have to speak TODAY! So Tell It Like It T-I-Z Tuesday is happening on Thursday and you can join in and respond and join in with a TELL IT LIKE IT T-I-Z on your own blog!
It's coming back on election season and while I haven't been active or vocal as of lately, there are just some things that get under my skin where politics are concerned.
It's coming back on election season and while I haven't been active or vocal as of lately, there are just some things that get under my skin where politics are concerned.
I'm going to start with the President's trip to Phoenix yesterday.
I really wish I'd gotten to see Obama since he was in Phoenix just three hours away from us. It would have been great if he'd come to Fort Huachuca to talk to the Soldiers and their families. I would have been front and center!
What got me was the fact that the visit to Phoenix was barely discussed. Instead, the news has been flooded with the GOP Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, blatantly disrespecting President Obama with her FINGER IN HIS FACE.
Are you kidding me? I think she's lucky the First Lady wasn't there because I can clearly see Michelle losing her cool, taking off her heels and going back to her Chicago roots on Mrs. Skeleton Finger!
What gets me is how this shows such disrespect for the President. Never before has it been allowed for someone to just outwardly be defiant to the President of the United States, in open public, nonetheless. Whether there are disagreements or not, Governors, senators and politicians alike have been at least respectful to the most powerful man in the World. But uh uh, not Mrs. Skeleton Finger and not the leaders of this term.
In the past, something like this would not have been tolerated and would have been cause for punishment in some way, but not in the great United States of America today. Not when the President of the United States is a Black man.
Marinate on that a little bit...
Is the GOP so set on winning that they have completely lost respect for America? Who are we to other Nations? What do you think they are saying about how America? "The Most Powerful Country in World" would rather see itself fall apart than have a little support and respect for the President.
Marinate on that for a little bit...
Now, let's talk about Georgia, my home, Georgia on my mind. I have only heard pieces of this story, but is there really a judge that has subpoenaed Obama to court to prove his legitimacy as a citizen??? I thought we were done with these ridiculous "birthers" with back when Donald Trump challenged it! Now, in an effort to get Obama's name removed from the ballot in the coming election, Fulton County's arrogant Judge Malihi, has decided that he will fight to get THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES in court to prove he is a citizen of the US, which, MIND YOU, is a country he has been running for... how many years now? What United States President prior to our African American one has ever been ask to PROVE he is a citizen of the United States? Hmmm? And they say racism doesn't exist in today's America.
Marinate on that for a little bit...
Regardless of how you vote, right is right and wrong is wrong. Politicians have become venomous and it is obvious that politics today doesn't follow that of our forefathers. It's obvious to me it's no longer important to respect one another and play fair, but fight dirty and win at all costs.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
1st post of 2012: Wha this girl's been up to!
Miss Missy is homesick today. This is the first time this school year. She's pretty miserable. It started on Saturday. She went to a friend's birthday party and when she came home, she laid on the couch and I could see the sickness come over her fast!
She had a fever and stayed on the couch all day Sunday and most of the day Monday. By Monday afternoon, she was off the couch and eating and talking, so Tuesday, she was off to school. Well, Tuesday afternoon when I picked her up, she was sluggish and quiet. She came home, laid on the couch and was asleep. This is the child that never took naps, so I know she's not feeling well. Last night, I looked up her symptoms and found that she may have STREP THROAT.
YUCK!
Fever, sore throat, stomach ache, lack of appetite, coughing, sneezing... yeah it's not fun! So off we'll go to see the doctor today. If it's Strep, she may be home for the rest of the week....
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WHERE HAVE I BEEN?!?!
I know you're all wondering. (All both of you that actually read this blog! LOL!)
BUSY!
School, work, kids, Facebook!
Yes, Facebook has taken over and is a huge distraction!
Okay, I work mainly on Facebook. I work for a school called Meditec and we offer certification course like Paralegal, Pharmacy, Medical Transcription and Business Administration Certifications. We are paired with the MyCAA program to offer Military Spouses these courses FOR FREE! I spend a lot of time online spreading the word to military spouses.
Huachuca Wives is also keeping me busy! I really like what the page has become and I try to keep it updated and informative. I REALLY like when the girls talk about the friendships they have made and the appreciation for the help they have received. They are so helpful and supportive of one another. They are certainly a great group of girls.
Huachuca Wives is also keeping me busy! I really like what the page has become and I try to keep it updated and informative. I REALLY like when the girls talk about the friendships they have made and the appreciation for the help they have received. They are so helpful and supportive of one another. They are certainly a great group of girls.
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Update in Pictures:
Christmas
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas is less that a week away!
It the Christmas Holiday.
The kids are out of school and I'm letting them do last minute shopping to each other today. The are getting more and more excited as the days pass, wondering what Santa will bring.
They have fairly decent lists. Nothing too hard, nothing too expensive.
They are great kids (aside from the fact that Miss Missy and Cam CAN'T STOP ARGUING AND ARE DOING IT RIGHT NOW AS I SPEAK!!!!!!!!!). The are really good kids, so based on the fact that they should be on Santa's "GOOD LIST" they deserve to get a few things off their list.
As for me, I didn't really have a list, but I did have a thing or two that I would have liked.
- A Sassy new camera bag would have been great. Something nice cute and girlie to carry my camera in..
- A Black Coat. Last year, my mom got me a white one from Kohls and it was AWESOME. But I'm not doing too well with keeping it clean, so black would be a great choice this year.
- Boots are always great, because what girl doesn't love shoes??
- A gift card to Cato, because, well, that's one of my favorite places to shop!
Why are guys so clueless to hints? I have dropped a few hints to Hubs and he still asks me, "Uh, so what do you want for Christmas?" I don't want to have to tell you what to get me. I want you to know me well enough for it to be a "surprise"!
Oh well. I'm not really caring what I get or don't get. I just can't wait for everyone to wake up on Christmas Morning and just be happy!
In case I don't return, Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Giving Away Something SWEET!
This year, I have been a very busy mom. As most of you know, I've always been very active in my kids school. At the kids' school in Georgia, it was easy. I was PTO Vice president. All 3 kids were in the same school and I knew everything that was going on, because, chances were, I had a hand in planning it.
Since I've been in AZ, that urge to be active isn't the same. It's not as welcoming here and I don't feel the loooooove in the PTO at my son's school and I have only spent time in Miss Missy's class at her school.
But, I haven't stopped giving to the school. Boxtops for Education gives parents who can't (or choose not to) give there time in the school the opportunity to still help out. Boxtops for Education is great because all you have to do is collect boxtops from some of the popular brands, like Betty Crocker, turn then in to the school and collect cash to go towards education!
MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker have come together to spread the word about Boxtops for Education and are allowing me to give away a fun prize pack on my blog today!
Want to win? I'm making this one VERY easy! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog telling me your favorite Betty Crocker dessert.
The winner will be chosen randomly on November 14th. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
Want more chances to win? Spread the word on your blog, FB Page or Twitter and leave the link in the comments for an extra chance. And YES you can enter ONCE each day it's open!
SO GO!
Kay
Helpful Links:
Since I've been in AZ, that urge to be active isn't the same. It's not as welcoming here and I don't feel the loooooove in the PTO at my son's school and I have only spent time in Miss Missy's class at her school.
But, I haven't stopped giving to the school. Boxtops for Education gives parents who can't (or choose not to) give there time in the school the opportunity to still help out. Boxtops for Education is great because all you have to do is collect boxtops from some of the popular brands, like Betty Crocker, turn then in to the school and collect cash to go towards education!MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker have come together to spread the word about Boxtops for Education and are allowing me to give away a fun prize pack on my blog today!
Prize Pack includes:
- Cupcake iclips
- Cupcake bag
- Cupcake notepads
- Box Tops for Education pencils
- Neoprene Lunch Sack
Want to win? I'm making this one VERY easy! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog telling me your favorite Betty Crocker dessert.
The winner will be chosen randomly on November 14th. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
Want more chances to win? Spread the word on your blog, FB Page or Twitter and leave the link in the comments for an extra chance. And YES you can enter ONCE each day it's open!
SO GO!
Kay
Helpful Links:
- Box Tops for Education Website http://bit.ly/btfeweb
- Box Tops for Education Facebook http://on.fb.me/btfefbook
- Box Tops for Education Twitter http://bit.ly/btfetweet
- Betty Crocker Website http://bit.ly/bcbtfeweb
- Betty Crocker Facebook http://on.fb.me/bcfbook
- Betty Crocker Twitter http://bit.ly/bctweet
Friday, November 11, 2011
11-11-11 - Happy Veterans Day!
Happy Veterans Day!
As a military spouse, it is my humble opinion that Veterans should be celebrated more often. And as a military spouse, thinking about Veterans and the sacrifices they have given is an everyday thing, especially when you live on base and you see soldiers from every walk of life every single day.
I wasn't able to attend the Veterans Day program and either of the kids schools this week, as they really don't send out reminders of these events the way they did at their school in GA. They have a small gym and would prefer not to have a lot of parents at many of these events because they don't have enough room to compensate everyone.
THIS IS SOOOOO NOT CRE!
Well, this past week, I was invited to attend the Resilient Spouse Academy, which is a conference put together to give spouses information about military life, coping with life in general and creating bonds withe families and other spouses.
I was inspired! I was a chance to meet with some wonderful ladies from all walks and phases of the military life, share ideas and gain and understanding for the hand we have been dealt, whatever that may be.
As a senior spouse, I felt blessed to be a part of this group. We are now one year shy of retirement and there are so many things I just didn't know. There are tons of programs out there now, many that are through the ACS (Army Community Center) that are there to help families with ANYTHING they might need.
NO ONE has to go through ANY situation alone!
Buying a car, dealing with finances, raising your kids, building a stronger marriage, going though hard financial times, or just needing someone to talk to. ACS has you covered!
Okay, I'm behind on the updates here, but I will do my best to get better with my blogging. For those of you that are NOT on my FB page, you probably don't know that I now have a Work From Home contracting job!
(insert applause HERE!)
I am a program advisor for a school called Meditec and my job is to spread the word about the MyCAA program to Military Spouses, giving them the opportunity to enroll in a course at Meditec for FREE with the $4000 MyCAA grant. Easy, huh? Well, you'd think that women that qualify wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of a free education, but not so. So, I continuing inviting ladies to spread the word about the program, and I love being able to help military spouses make a difference in their lives.
I may have found my passion for now. I really love working in a job that informs spouses of their benefits and I really love working with spouses on my Huachuca Wives page on FB and being able to give them information that might be beneficial to them at some point and being there to help answer questions as well. I simply love the fact that I have the ability help in some way.
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