Sisterhood and Service

No matter how many times I get frustrated with the Army, I have to remind myself that it has been a blessing in my life.  Being separated from a husband is not something most women would ask for, but it has helped me gain a self-reliance and situational awareness that I didn't think possible.

In the absence of our soldiers, time after time, I see Army Wives band together in joy, frustration, service, and sometimes sorrow.  This sisterhood lasts long beyond the end of deployments and carries with them as they PCS to the next duty station.

It can be witnessed on a large scale in fundraisers, support groups, or on TV.  That being said, it is the small acts of service that mean the most and set an example to those around you.

Someone showing up unannounced with dinner.

Late night phone calls to vent, cry, or talk about your day.

A smile from a stranger when it's your first FRG meeting.

Mowing a lawn.

Going shopping for a new Ball gown or homecoming outfit.

Giving a ride to a doctors appointment.

Sending a card just because.

Watching a sick child because they can't miss one more day of work.

Volunteering a spouse as a shuttle to/from the airport.

Sharing the number of your favorite babysitter.

I am EXTREMELY lucky that I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing women that I never feel lost, and know I can pick up the phone and talk to someone that knows exactly what I'm going through.  No matter how many months have passed since the last conversation, it's easy to pick up right where you left off.  They never turn down a plea for help and always look for ways to aid those in need.

I love my fellow Army Wives & all the women I've met in my travels.  These ladies never cease to inspire me and give me hope even in the darkest of hours.

This all was inspired due to some nagging thoughts of failure about how many Army Wife friends I've made since moving here.  I quickly realized that a number is just a number, but the quality of friends is what has helped me survive!

I have also felt immense support and teamwork in the Nursing field, and specifically where I'm currently employed.  We sink or swim together, and if one person is swamped it is because we all are. People care if someone has a sick child/spouse, or having trouble outside of work.  They are willing to switch shifts or cover for another for doctor appointments, school functions, or special occasions.

I am doing my best to recognize how rich my life is and enjoy the blessings I have!

It's that time of year again, PCS season!

After almost eleven years of being an Army wife, I am truly ready to move after three to four years in the same place.  As I have said before, we have been exceptionally lucky when it comes to duty stations.  Eighteen months after our wedding, we boarded a plane and spent the next three years on the glorious island of O'ahu.  Three years later we headed to the swamps of Northwest Florida where we spent almost six years.  Then, the boys and I headed to North Carolina last year.  I have made all kinds of friends in our journey, and am thankful for every one of them.

One of the main reasons that lead to our decision for moving to NC while the hubby went to school, was that my brother was stationed there.  Most people have the opportunity to grow up with family close by, but I never have.  And until this last year, I didn't know what I was missing.

We found a house that was only 3 miles away, and I secured a job and a nanny.  Although my Sexy Beast was away, there was always the comfort of knowing I had family close by.  I had someone to spend holidays, birthdays, and lonely days with...until this weekend.

I have been fortunate enough to attend my brother's High School, College, and Medical School graduations, and finally, his Residency Graduation.  It was a gorgeous day and I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't already mourning their impending departure.

Gonna miss you guys!!!

A Helping Hand and Being Thankful

After final negotiations with the insurance companies, I dropped off the Mini this morning for repairs, and had no choice but to have the boys in tow.  While we waited for the Enterprise to pick us up, there was another lady waiting for the same reason.  She was quick to interact with the boys, and Carter ran right over and sat on her lap.  After we were picked up and arrived to do all the paper work, the same lady was also waiting on her vehicle.  While at the counter Carter kept reaching for her, so she thoughtfully picked him up and helped keep him entertained.  The boys did pretty well for about 5 minutes, then started trying to open the doors to leave, so I had no choice but to buckle them in their car seats as we waited for our car to be ready.  I sat on the floor and did my best to keep them from screaming, and this lady came over and did the same.

I love my boys, but being in public seems to always be a challenge.  Some people point and give me dirty looks as I try to wrangle my 2 yr olds (that are often mistaken for 3 yr olds due to their height), but sometimes people take the time to hold a door open, talk to the boys, or even something as simple as a reassuring smile.

It doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.  It's little things like this that have the power to keep me from losing my temper or wanting to cry!

So, THANK YOU to the amazing stranger that made my morning, and THANK YOU to everyone that takes the time to provide service for those when they really need it!

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On a slightly related note, I'm thankful for the sand on my floors!!

About a year ago I woke up early and walked into the kitchen only to find sand tracked everywhere.  At first I started to get upset, but instead I started to cry.  I was thankful for the Florida sand that had been tracked into my house from my husband's combat boots!!  I was thankful that it was Florida sand and not Iraq or Afghanistan sand.  I was able to hold my husband in my arms at the end of the night, and know he was safe.

So, as I swept the sand off my kitchen floor this morning, I cried.  I'm grateful for the North Carolina sand on my floors!!  I'm grateful that my husband is finally here with us, and that he is proudly serving our country.

Love my Army Wife Life!!

Love me some Army Wife Bling!

One of the great things I love about working with kids is that the hospital gives us a little more leniency on our dress code.  All nurses are to wear any combination of Royal Blue and White, but since I work in the Peds ED we are allowed to wear printed tops as long as the main colors are white or royal blue.  We also have the freedom to wear whatever closed-toe shoes we want.  Not all hospitals are this lenient, so I consider myself lucky.  Another way we can show our individuality is on our badge reels.  Many of the nurses have animals that make noise, Disney princesses and school mascots.  I desperately wanted one that said Army Wife.  While not every Army Wife wants to parade it around, I'm proud of my husband and the opportunities the Army has afforded us.

So, I started searching for the perfect badge reel, and was immediately overwhelmed by how many people make them.  I didn't seen exactly what I wanted, so I decided to contact 7 or 8 sellers and see if they could come up with something that would work.  A few responded right away, which is always appreciated, but only one really impressed me with what she had posted AND her prices.

Her prices were so great (and she doesn't overcharge on shipping) that I went ahead and ordered one for my fellow nurse AND Army wife, Lora, and an Army Mom for my mother.  Here's how it turned out:

I LOVE it and was so excited to wear it!  I've already had co-workers and patient mother's comment on it.

So check her out!!  Laura doesn't just do badge reels, and just shoot her a message if you have a special request. 

Book Review!!

Intro to Army Life: A Handbook for Spouses and Significant Others Entering the Army Lifestyle

by Allison Mewes

In full disclosure, I had my reservations about this book. I am the first one to admit that I do NOT know everything about the Army, but after almost 11 years, I know enough to get me by. I had very high expectations and, at first, was very skeptical and was almost waiting for false information. I am happy to report that I was extremely impressed by the factual information it had to offer.

Every Army wife has different experience. Bottom line, you'll never be able to make a broad generalization about them. The location, rank, and job of the soldier gives each Army Wife an experience that is uniquely hers.

This book doesn't try to generalize, but instead gives great tips and information about how to make your life, especially during deployment, a little less stressful. Complete with rank charts and her own compilation of the 25 most important Acronyms, it is easily maneuvered and simple enough for anyone to understand.

There was only one area that I did not fully agree with the author, and no military spouse ever can. Fraternization. Although the military has rules and regulation regarding the fraternization of the soldiers, the spouses are left on their own to either do what their soldier tells them, or form a system that works for their family. On page 56, the author states

"The same rule for soldiers applies somewhat to spouses. It is assumed that spouses of higher-ranking military personnel will know things that shouldn't be told to spouses of lower-ranking military personnel and therefore shouldn't communicate on a social level. There is no hard and fast rule on this, but it is something to be aware of. Again, since families of Reserve or National Guard soldiers live off base, the socialization rules are not as strictly enforced."

Like stated before, you will never be able to please every Army Wife, but even my husband was a little thrown by this statement. No matter your soldier's rank, if it isn't public knowledge, it shouldn't be shared with your spouse. When my hubby was enlisted, I always had a wide array of Army Wife friends who's spouses ranged from E-1 to O-5. I met all of these women through the FRG because I kept the mindset that you can't make a difference, or complain, if you don't participate. Even after the hubby went to "the dark side" and became an Officer, the variance has stayed the same. Also, it gives the appearance that most active duty families live on post. In the decade the hubby and I have been married, we've only lived on post for one year. It is truly a game of chance, when PCSing to a new location, if housing is readily available. Most posts have up to an 18 month waiting list for housing, therefore many soldiers live off post.

One paragraph in 172 pages, that's pretty darn fantastic!

I definitely recommend this book to any new spouses to the Army! There are great resources and interesting facts. This would be a great bridal gift, or gift for a spouse with only a few months or years of experience.

As the back cover states "[this book] gives you the tools and resources necessary to make you transition into the Army lifestyle easier, less stressful and more fun."

I also want to point out this that book is available in paperback, on Kindle, and Nook. I personally purchased it for my Kindle because I was so impressed with the resources that are valuable to every Army spouse.

Happy reading!

*I was sent this book for review by the publisher, no other compensation was given*
*I plan on passing the book along to my soon-to-be SIL as she makes her transition to Army Wife!*

Pulling my head out of the sand

Living in an Army community is unlike any other experience you could imagine. For the first 5 years of our marriage we were immersed in all things Army. But, the last 5 years we spent 30 miles outside of an Air Force base. Eric drove 20 miles of dirt road to work each day, and unless you lived on Camp Rudder, the Army was just something in the back of your mind. Eric was non-deployable at that location because it was TRADOC (Military Training), so I didn't focus or worry about his safety as much...except for jumping out of airplanes & helicopters.

Over the past 2 years, I've once again had to face the reality of being an Army wife.

It was all too real when I was contacted by an old friend to let me know one of our fellow Gimlet wives lost her husband just 3 weeks after their third child was born.

And then again when a new Army wife called, with a quiver in her voice, asking if there was any OTHER reason why two uniformed soldiers were approaching her neighbors house.

And when I had a patient's mother ask about my bracelet, which honors John D. Amos II, and then shows me hers in honor of her brother who was killed last year.

And now, as I read about the 31 soldiers that were killed in Afghanistan, my heart breaks once again. It breaks every time I read about a soldier paying the ultimate sacrifice, and I cry for the family they leave behind.

Although I'll never personally know most of these brave men & women, I love them for their courage and selfless sacrifice.

The Military, as a whole, is a family. And we truly do mourn the loss of every Soldier, Airman, Marine & Sailor. You are never forgotten!

Don't unfollow me yet!!

So, I'm in North Carolina, but life sure has thrown a few curve balls my way these past few weeks!

Cooper has decided that he doesn't need to sleep...pretty much ever. He is waking up every 2 hrs at night and is only taking about a 45 min nap. This wouldn't be so bad if Eric had arrived when we originally planned.

He was supposed to join me after two weeks, but on his last day (and his last jump) he had a less than desirable landing and ended up breaking his wrist, which had to be repaired via surgery.

He made it up a week late, and now can no longer attend his scheduled class in Arizona, and has to go back to Florida for an undetermined amount of time...waiting for his wrist to heal & then another class date & even possibly another duty station.

I started orientation and am LOVING the new hospital!!! They are 3 times larger than the one I used to work at, and I'm super excited to work in the Pediatric ED.

So, with all the stress & frustration, I've found one thing to be grateful for...I can wear ANY color shoes I want! And this is what I chose:
Don't you love them!! I have great plans to graffiti them out with signatures & my own wicked style.

I also have some great news! I have some AMAZING sisters that hooked me up, and coincidentally, will have hooked up one lucky reader. Yes, you read that right, I'm going to do a giveaway! A real one :o)

So, stay posted, don't unfollow me, and to give you an idea of how busy I've been...my nanny worked almost 50 hrs last week! Hopefully things will slow down once I hit the floor & get on a normal schedule.

We've got orders!!!

For my non-military friends, this is something that us Army folk both look forward to, and dread at the same time. We are super excited because it means we won't be hanging in limbo anymore, and KNOW where we'll be for the next few years.

When Eric talked to his branch manager she said the current options were Italy, Ft. Bragg, NC and Alaska. I told Eric that if he got Alaska, I'd be waiting for him in Hawaii. We patiently waited 2 weeks and had heard nothing back from her...so today Eric called her....and found out...




















We're going to Ft. Bragg!!!

We are both really excited. Eric will be able to stay airborne (and keep his jump pay) and my older brother & his AMAZING wife Michelle are currently stationed there (she was the first person I called)! Even though I really wanted to go to Italy, it will be a blessing to not have to try to sell the truck, and to stay stateside as we attempt to rent/sell our house.

When he told me what our report date was, my first thought was, "Michelle & I are going to have the BEST Halloween ever!"

Running a little behind

Eric graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from his class in OCS a little over two weeks ago, and I'm desperately trying to play catch up!

They had a Ball two days before graduation, here is Sam (one of the amazing ladies I've had the chance of meeting) and me...Eric and I didn't get pictures because we're cheap, and I'm not loving how fat I still am.

Here is Eric after he was sworn in by his Bn Cmdr (who drove almost 4 hrs to be there!)

Eric's first salute by his buddy Kelly


Top 3 in the class

Eric receiving his award for being an all around pimp

I handed off the boys and ran over to get a decent picture of him after he sat down...everyone was staring at me but it's hard to take a picture while wrangling the twins!

Someone at work also said that I haven't posted any recent pictures of the boys, so for the "Carter & Cooper Fan Club" (coined by Kelly), your requests haven't fallen on deaf ears.

The boys

Cooper

Carter

Carter caught in the act of making out with his reflection at Gavin Hall (military lodging), Ft. Benning.

Cooper crawling around

Carter LOVES bath time, crawling around the tub with the occasional splashing...it's hard to get a picture of Cooper in the tub because of all the splashing, I don't want to ruin my camera!

Cooper is starting to catch up and is crawling everywhere (not just doing his Army high crawl), pulling himself up to stand, and is starting to walk along the couch and other furniture.

Carter has just started standing, unassisted, and taking up to two steps at a time...before he face plants.

The boys are above the 90th percentile in height, but sitting at the 20th percentile in weight. It's not from a lack of food, but just have those long slender frames. My hope is that they will both be over 6'!

The BIG 250!

Seeing as this is my 250th post (on Blogger) it should be extra awesome, right?! Well, I'll give it my best shot.

I'll start by letting you be privy to the most adorable babies on Halloween. Seriously, I think some of the trick-or-treaters were so intimidated by Kelly dressed up and jumping out at them the awesomeness of the boys costumes, they wouldn't even walk through the yard to get candy!
We also had the opportunity to attend Eric's SOCR (Senior Officer Candidate Review) and Branching Ceremony. SOCR was earlier in the afternoon and consisted of the OC's (Officer Candidate's) getting to not only ditch their black ascotsfor new spiffy white ones, BUT, and the most important but, (hahaha...that's what she said!), they no longer have to run everywhere they go.

The Branching ceremony took place a few hours later, and the OC's were able to select what branch (i.e. Armor, Infantry, Ordinance) based on an OML (Order of Merit List). This was comprised of test & PT (Physical Training) scores, and my baby was 7th! He stood up and yelled "I'm Senior Officer Candidate Salmond, and I select MI!" (Military Intelligence). This is exactly what he wanted, and it means that he'll finish up his schooling by spending 4 months at Ft. Huachuca, AZ.

I was going to post a picture of my new and improved Sexy Beast, but I figured it would ruin everyone else's marriage. But seriously...Eric got friggin CUT! He's lost an additional 11lbs (in the past 6 weeks), has a completely flat tummy, and sweet biceps and lats that he couldn't wait to show me!

He has made it halfway through OCS and is on track to graduate on December 16th. We all know that this date will be super important for the soldiers, but it is also vitally important for us wives. I mean, come on! I just know that they SECOND Eric gets commissioned as an OFFICER, a beam of knowledge, prestige, classiness, and the most important power will be bestowed upon me. I honestly don't know how I've survived this long as an enlisted wife (which I'm pretty sure will become my latest swear)! I just can't wait!!

But, in all seriousness, I was able to meet some other amazing women on my weekend visit, and I look forward to rubbing in their faces how much more I know , mentoring these lost souls, sharing my experience with these ladies, and getting to know them better.

*Photos of Eric were taken by the class photographer and swiped from their Facebook page*

Adventures in Commissary shopping

Diaper bag. Check
Bottles. Check
Toys. Check
Double stroller. Check
...and here we go...

Upon entering, dart past the old guy on the scooter, and make a mad dash towards the shopping carts. Finding the perfect cart, that doesn't pull to one side, is KEY! Weave through the hundreds of other people that wait for payday to do their shopping and head for produce.

"oh, are they twins?"

Smile, nod, and find the least damaged apples, bananas, and whatever else is going for less than $1.20/lb. Veges here I come!

"are they twins?"

Keep smiling, nod and grab a large bag of carrots, lettuce, and English cucumber without coming to a complete stop.

Check list...

"are they twins?"

Come on, you can do it...smile! Nod! Continue to push the stroller with one hand, while pulling the cart behind you.

Ignore the people that give you dirty looks for your 'train' and all the space that it encompasses.
Try not to groan too loudly at the moron that parks their cart in the middle of the aisle and walks away. Kick Push said cart to the side, and continue to the next aisle.

"wow, are they twins?"

"No, they're brothers."

wait for the perplexed look...

"how far apart are they?"

"Two minutes"

Try not to feel guilty for the smart comment as I walk away and check the list again.

Okay, we're in the home stretch...dairy section is ahead.

Wade through the sea of shopping carts that stupid bottleneck the newest renovation has created, and grab milk, cheese, etc.

Okay, head to the check out...and get in line...keep waiting...then get yelled at to head to the specific register I'm told.

Pull out ID, wait for cashier to roll her eyes and ask "paper or plastic?" Then, watch the baggers smash your bread, bruise your fruit, and put 12 cans of soda in a single plastic bag.

"are they twins?"

Head to the parking lot where I attempt to remember where I parked. Tell the bagger they must wait while you turn the car on, the AC, get the boys back in their car seats, fold up the double stroller and put it in the trunk first. Get more dirty looks when you ask for the frozen/cold items to be put IN the car (b/c they didn't bother to pack them that way). Hand over $3, get in the car...breathe...and wonder why you made the trip in the first place.

*I heart my Army wife life*

Today should be better, since I have someone watching the boys. My goal is to be in and out in under 20 minutes...I think I'm up to the challenge!

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.

A little of this and that...

If you've noticed that I've been a little MIA from the wonderful world of blogging, this photo might explain why:
Cooper is teething...and none of us are happy campers. For the most part, it isn't as bad as I expected (knock on wood), but I'm not naive enough to think the worst is over.

My little sister also surprised me last week with a request to come visit before she starts school next month...ummm heck yeah! She has been a monumental help with the boys, and made it possible for me to pick up a few extra shifts before Eric leaves for OCS. And speaking of OCS......it has taken over my dining room table (granted, it used to be covered with my misc crap). Since we are stationed at an Air Force Base, Eric has had to make trips to Ft. Benning, GA (4 hrs away & where OCS is located) to commandeer all the necessary items on his packing list. And after copious amounts of money, and one more trip tomorrow, he should have everything he needs. Have I mentioned how much I'm NOT looking forward to being alone for 3 months, BUT the outcome will be well worth it when he graduates on Dec 16th!

And, on a very happy note, I stumbled onto the Halloween costumes for the boys while looking for bottles online.


So, the question is:
Great costumes, or the greatest?

Getting dirty with the girls

0600: wake up
0625: really wake...put on Eric's old BDU pants, one of his under armor shirts, and pull on my old work boots
0645: do a mental check, did I forget anything??
0655: meet Terri & Kayla outside
0700: load in the truck and head out to Camp Rudder...the Florida phase of Army Ranger School
0730: awesome breakfast in the DFAC...all for the low low price of $2.70!
0830: the start of an HOOOOOAH day!!

This year I once again braved the swamps in NW Florida, and brought along my neighbors, Terri & Kayla, for the experience. I knew that this would be my 4th, and final, appearance so I wanted to make it count!

We had a blast, and I have to say that Terri was probably the most excited person there! She was always at the head of the crowd when moving from place to place, and touched every snake and alligator she could get her hands on.

We shot guns...

crossed the water on a rope bridge...

attached to our safety lines...

ate MRE's...

paddled down the Yellow River in Zodiacs...

and brought a little of the swamp back with us...

We then headed to the showers to get ready for the BBQ. And...I jinxed myself. I kept telling the girls that every year I forget something (bra, underwear, shoes). I was so proud of myself at the beginning of the morning because I packed my bag the night before. So, all clean I take my bag to the bathroom to change...which is when I discovered I shouldn't have been so confident. I always say "go big, or go home," and I did just that. I forgot my jeans. I was mortified, and laughing hysterically. One girl suggested I just wrap a towel around my waist and people will just think I have a swimsuit on. So, I did that, but headed to the little shopette to hopefully buy some shorts or pants...and they were closed. I then did the walk of shame back to the truck, opened my filthy trash bag with my swamp clothes, and put my nasty pants back on.

We hung around for about 30 min but they were running behind on getting the food ready, so we decided to just grab our t-shirts and head home.

I had a great time, and look forward to this event every year. Thanks ladies for going with me!!

View all the pictures of our adventure here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=465403&id=736160042&l=ddc972e449

My 'Dead to Me' list is growing...

To paraphrase one of my favorite characters from 30 Rock, Liz Lemon...there ain't no party like an Army party, cuz an Army party is MANDATORY.

I really do love Military Balls (stop snickering!). It is a great excuse to get all dolled up and socialize with a lot of ladies that I don't get to see very often. Last year I boycotted the Ball. Normally, if you don't plan on attending the powers that be will put you on a detail to set up/tear down for the event. We had planned on attending until they told Eric that he would have to set up and tear down. This would mean he would have to show up 3 hours ahead of time and we would have to take separate vehicles, and the location was 45 minutes away. Plus, have you ever tried to drive in a ball gown?? So, when his old commander asked why he was flying stag, he told him exactly why.

When people asked me if I was going to attend this year, I simply replied that it all depends on whether I have a dress that I can wear. And, I don't. I have one that I could get taken in, but alterations on Ball gowns have run upward of $75 in the past. And, even though they are providing daycare, I really don't want the boys with so many other kids when they are still so young...and finding someone that is able to watch both kids on a Friday night has proven futile.

So, the plan was for Eric to buy a ticket, and just not go. That way he wouldn't be put on a detail. Well, they made the Ball mandatory. So, Military Balls are now dead to me. I know that there will be many more in the future since Eric is in 'for life,' but I don't have to like it!

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Next is companies that buy, sell, or rent timeshares. We own timeshares with Wyndham, and because Eric always puts my cell down as the home number, I get at least one call a day about our timeshare. It wouldn't be as bad but they always hang up. Can you imagine getting hang ups EVERYDAY! So, because of this harassment I pay $2.00 a month to T-Mobile for Family Allowances because that is the only way I can block numbers to my phone. And when I tried calling back the latest number it goes to a voicemail box that is full, so I sent a text message yesterday saying, 'stop calling me and hanging up, this is bordering harassment!' They still called again today. I think the next time one of these companies calls me I'm going to ask when they plan on mailing me a check for the money I've spent blocking their calls. Yeah, I'm just plain frustrated!

BIG NEWS!!!

I know it's completely taboo to post twice in one day, but I have something exciting to share!!!

ERIC IS OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED TO OCS!!! (Officer Candidate School)

They have changed things up a bit, and he won't have a branch beforehand, instead he will be competing with everyone else, based on grades & PT scores, for his pick.

We don't have a date of when he'll be going, but the first three months will be at Ft. Benning, GA (only 4 hrs away) then he'll come home before he goes to his next training.

I'll share more when we find out more...right now we are celebrating!!