The funk...I hear it's going around

I've spent the past two weeks in pre-mourning. Eric left Sunday morning for OCS (Officer Candidate School) and will be gone until just before Christmas. We've done separations from 6 weeks-13 months, and no matter the length of separation, it just plain sucks. Mainly, I've been dreading not having help. Help with cleaning, food, and especially with the boys. I know I will survive, but it isn't something I'm looking forward to.

So, I have some advice for all (two) of my readers. If you live near ANY military bases/posts, there are women that need help. Don't offer vague services, instead:

-Call and invite their kids over for a sleepover.
-Invite them to go grocery shopping together (whether it's at Wal-Mart or the commissary).
-Call and tell them you are coming over the next day to clean the gutters/mow the lawn, or any other chore that the husband would normally do.
-Call just to chat.

I know there are more (and for my military wives out there, share!!) but these were some of the things I remember doing/helping with during our last deployment. I'm not begging for help, but I know how I am, and unless I have a day & time for help, I'm not inclined to ask for it.

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On a lighter note, one of my bloggy buddies recently did a post on Vagina Power. This made me laugh hysterically and also reminded me of frequent conversation I have with a close friend about the "Magic Wand" and all the power that goes with it.

This power enables the man to always be right (no matter if it is your area of expertise or not), have the last word, and the ability to phrase scenarios so the blame is forever one someone else...just to name a few. And just today we were discussing those men that like to wave their magic wand around in public b/c it's under lock and key at home. How have you seen the "magic wand" used lately?

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And, on an even better note, I have decided to host a table at a tea party benefit. One of the nurses that I have had the pleasure of knowing for a few years, has cancer and is unable to work while getting chemo. So, two of the nurses I work with have put together this tea party benefit! I've decided to go with a Hawaiian theme (b/c as it has started to cool down, it makes me miss HI even more) and I'm going to serve my FAVORITE herbal tea, Coconut Macadamia Nut, and plan on making my double-decker pineapple upside-down cake, chocolate haupia tarts, pineapple-macadamia nut bread, pineapple scones, mango butter...and anything else I can come up with. (I so wish I could get my hands on some poi to make rolls) So, I have 4 seats left at my table to sell. If you are in the Crestview area and want to have great food, conversation, and entertainment (Dr. Cunningham will be singing) then let me know! It is November 20th from 1830-2100 @ the Crestview Community Center, $20 a ticket (which is less than you would probably spend seeing a movie). Also, if anyone has great recipes, or ideas please pass them along.