Yeah, that's my husband

Remember the "I don't wear belts" situation this summer? Well, Jack, being the dedicated officer, continues to correct uniform mishaps. Wherever and whenever he sees it. The off-post grocery store on a Sunday. The airport. Since we've been here in Cav Canyon, this happens every week or two.

The latest encounter was so egregious that even I could spot it from 30 feet away. We were at the commissary for our weekend grocery shopping. Across the produce section I saw Jack talking to a petite, young female wearing winter PTs and brightly colored ballet slippers.

No telling why she thought that was somehow appropriate.

So if you ever encounter Army fashion police, it could be my dearest Jack Bauer.

Veteran's Day

No sales. No annoying ads on TV. Just a simple day to remember all who serve and those who continue serve.

So today is a perfect day for thanking the veterans in your life. I think kissing and hugging is acceptable if you know them well enough.

I'm going to go enjoy the day with the veteran living with me. Do some things he wants to do. Might even make him a special dinner.

Training Holiday

I like these training holiday thingies. As someone who never gets days like Columbus Day and Veteran's Day off, nice to make them into a four-day weekend. We've been about a month and this is our second four-day weekend.

How come no one told me about these? Surely sweetens the deal.

Graduation Day

Today my super spectacular husband graduates! Yay!

Then shortly after that we get to start packing up and loading up the cars. Although we had very little use for two cars this summer, two are definitely needed for getting our stuff to its destination. (Linda - no, the town where we are headed to is not called OFDS, or our first duty station. Heh. Just a few more days to the big reveal.)

I just finished up a big project yesterday and it feels soooooo goood to be done. Feel like I really accomplished something. And I got paid to do it. Even better. Woohoo!

Gotta go get dressed for the big graduation ceremony. Catch you later.

America Supports You Freedom Walk

Honor the victims of 9-11 and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present.

Walk with friends and family in the America Supports You (ASY) Freedom Walk.

The Grammy Award winning Oak Ridge Boys will perform at the close of this year's national walk.

The America Supports You Freedom Walk starts at 9 a.m. at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and will finish at the Pentagon South Parking lot.

Sign up to participate for the ASY National Walk here. Deadline is September 5 at 6 p.m.

Not in the D.C. area? Find a local walk near you here.

Bring your family. Invite your friends. Spread the word.

My Inbox

I've received some interesting e-mails yesterday. I thought I would pass this information along this morning.

From Some Soldier's Mom:

HELP FOR HEROES: RUGBY ACROSS THE POND

Many of you will remember the horrible story late last year about the Brit's Military Rehabilitation pool having been closed due to lack of funding and support from the British government... wounded British soldiers who were rehabbing at a pool being asked to leave because there were some at the pool who found the sight of the wounded veterans to be too upsetting to themselves and their children.

Well, two Brits (Bryn & Emma) with a group of their friends decided to raise money for a new pool and gym for the wounded:

Last October, Emma and I, together with a small team of friends, decided to do something practical to help the wounded coming back from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The original idea was to raise £500,000 by doing a bike ride. Our offer of help was welcomed by General Sir Richard Dannatt who directed us to Headley Court, the Rehabilitation Centre, where they urgently need a new swimming pool and gym complex.

well, here's what a small group can accomplish:

Our non political appeal for help was heard by thousands and a simple idea grew into a tidal wave of support. As a very small team we were unable to lay on many fund raising events ourselves so the ethos has been to ask everyone to ‘do their bit’, to lay on an event and send us the money. That simple approach and the very obvious need has caught the imagination of thousands of ordinary, decent people and I am delighted to say that with the help of Royalty, Celebrities, the Armed Forces and The Media, we have received over £8 million so far. The first £6 million is put aside for the pool complex, the plans are submitted and by next year, the wounded will have their own pool.

But they have a WONDERFUL (and gargantuan) fundraising opportunity... and they need some help in spreading the word -- for sponsors to help cover the costs (so there w/b more money for the wounded) AND for [free] publicity for the event itself... If you're into Rugger at all (um... Rugby for the unitiated...), this will be an exciting day!!

The RFU has given us Twickenham Stadium on the 20th September this year. The Legends of rugby have agreed to play in a once in a life time match. We will see the great turn out in Help for Heroes shirts; Dallaglio, Johnson, Gibbs, Greenwood, Lomu, Phil de Glanville, Ieuan Evans and many more, as well as the stars from the three services and other top players. It will be a great day and, here is the point of this, if we can fill HQ, that is 82,000 seats, we can make £1Million for H4H and that will all go to the wounded.

There's more information about the organization at their Help For Heroes website... and you can find info on H4H RUGBY CHALLENGE HERE.

These soldiers have fought beside our American Heroes... let's see if we can help a bit from this side of the Pond.... with some publicity and perhaps some American sponsors who would like to extend our thanks!

From Military Spouse Magazine:

Military Spouse of the Year Award Now Accepting Nominations

Nominate an Outstanding Military Spouse to Be 2009 Honoree

PITTSBURGH, August 19, 2008 - Military Spouse magazine (MSM) today announced that it is now accepting nominations for its 2009 Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) award, sponsored by USAA. The MSOY honoree represents the millions of military spouses who are unsung heroes maintaining the homefront, giving back selflessly to their communities, and providing support to our nation's troops. Often, these spouses also have full-time jobs and raise families.

In recognition of their countless contributions, MSM will honor one exemplary military spouse from each service branch and also select one overall winner. The 2009 MSOY will be announced and honored nationally in the June issue of Military Spouse magazine and at the second annual MSOY Awards Ceremony to be held during the week of May 4, 2009 in Washington, DC, in conjunction with National Military Spouse Appreciation Week. The winner will make additional public appearances, write a monthly column to appear in Military Spouse magazine, and maintain a blog during his/her reign, which will last through May 2010.

MSM and its readers will select the winner based on his/her inspirational representation of all military spouses. Nominees must be the spouse of a current member of the U.S. armed forces. Criteria for selecting the recipient include: impact on community change, volunteerism, personal sacrifice, education and career pursuits and other military spouse-related efforts. Last year's award generated hundreds of nominations from across the country, culminating in the selection of Army wife Chelle Brewer as MSOY 2008 (www.milspouse.com/msoy2008).

MSM encourages individuals to submit a nomination for either themselves or an eligible nominee of their choice. To submit a nomination, individuals must complete the nomination form online at www.msoy.milspouse.com. The nomination period runs from today through October 8, 2008. Judges will review all submissions and select ten finalists from each military service branch, after which readers will select one branch winner. Judges include a hand-selected portion of MSM's "Who's Who of Military Spouses," a list of influential military spouses.

"This award is MSM's opportunity to thank all military spouses for their invaluable contributions, in addition to recognizing them for the challenges they overcome every day," said Babette Maxwell, Military Spouse magazine co-founder and executive editor.

From Capessa.com:

I run Capessa.com, a site showcasing the real life experiences of women and their life-learned advice, and we are searching for a military wife who wants to get a makeover before her husband or boyfriend returns from being deployed. I was hoping you might be able to help us find a deserving candidate by either posting an announcement to your readers/community or sending this information around to your circle.

We'll be shooting in Los Angeles, hopefully beginning in September or October and finishing things up when the couple is reunited. The chosen woman will have her story featured on Capessa.com and will win a complete mind and body makeover, including a new hairstyle, a new fitness instructor, a new wardrobe and personal counseling to prepare her mentally for her husband's return.

Anyone interested is invited to submit a brief note explaining why she wants to be a part of this project, if she has children, when her husband is scheduled to return home and which branch of the military he's in. We also ask that candidates confirm with their husbands that it's okay for them to participate, since he will have to be on camera during the reunion, and that they send in a recent photo. Submission materials should be sent to militarywivescasting@gmail.com.

The Dress

This Friday we are attending a Blues Reception, which is apparently a cocktail hour type thing. According to Today's Military Wife -- my guide to all things a military wife needs to know -- receptions that "start after 6 PM are always formal." And by "formal," the author means that "long gown or tea-length dress, super-dressy cocktail suit, a luxury coat" should be worn. I did not bring anything even vaguely resembling that description with me, um, not that I actually own anything like and just happened to leave it back in Middleville. So that means shopping.

But of course, I dread shopping for special occasion outfits. First of all, the sizes are usually all messed up. Two dresses of similar design but separated by more than one size can both fit me. Then there is the cut. I need a dress that covers my knees completely. Shorter lengths just make me look shorter and fatter, which is obviously unacceptable. The neckline must be low so I can best asset: My knockers. Obscenely low or too revealing is also unacceptable. I can't show up to a military event worrying about whether my left nipple is going to slip out.

A few days ago, I was in the social room -- AKA the laundry room -- chatting up with some of the wives. We are discussing the upcoming reception and what we are wearing. Having nothing dressier than khakis, I ask about where people are shopping. One newbie's wife mentions that JC Penney is having a sale. I silently groan. JC Penney? When was the last time I stepped foot in a Penney's and actually bought something? Before I met Jack a dozen years ago, perhaps? Then I start thinking, am I really that much of a snob? And as a newly unemployed person, can I afford to have such an attitude? I don't think so.

Sunday night, I got online to see what Penney's had for little black dresses. Not bad. Looks like they have a wide range of styles that will fit my needs, including a variety of sizes. But I am nervous about ordering something online when I can't tell what the material is like, what the fit will be, and how it will look on me. And I can't afford to buy several dresses then return all but one. There is a Penney's here in C-ville at the small mall. I guess I could go a try on dresses.

Which brings me to yesterday. I rush to get laundry done in the morning so I have plenty of time to devote to the dress hunt. As soon as Jack leaves after lunch, I finish folding the laundry -- yeah, I folded AND put it away, amazing, I know -- and I grab my Spanx and head out the door to brave of the the back to school crows at the mall. Just better to get it over with.

Once at Penney's I spot three or so racks with nothing but little black dresses hanging on them. Perfect. Now what are the sizes they go up to? Hmmm. Looks like about one to two sizes smaller than I think will fit. But I grab all the v-neck dresses in the largest sizes they have -- eight of them -- and prepare myself that they will all be too small. After squeezing and jumping and twisting my way into my Spanx -- I think I hurt my back -- I wiggle my way into the dresses, which then get sorted into the definitely maybe and the definitely no. So far they all fit but the dresses have revealed a tummy situation. Hmmm. Maybe it was all those nights of eating Qdoba Chips and Queso for dinner right before Jack got home from Iraq. We'll need to do something about that.

The fitting rooms are just outside the lingerie department. Surely they have some sort of medieval torture device that will make my tummy smaller. I grab a device cleverly called a "waistnipper" and sprain my hand trying to get the 14 eyes hooked. Then wiggle back into the dress in the number one spot. This dress, unlike the others, is a little fancier than a typical little black dress. This one has a taffeta skirt with an underlayer of tulle, making a little puffy and a great eye diversion from the tummy situation. With the waistnipper and the Spanx and the puffy skirt, I think it will work.

I resolve the lack of appropriate bra with a quick trip to Lane Bryant. And I don't have to worry about jewelry. I brought my entire old-fashioned-sewing-box-turned-jewelry box with me. I'll find something.

So in less than two hours, I found a perfect dress. I can't wait for Friday. Now I just need to work on my tan.

The Valley

(photo taken by someone other than the blog owner)

With yesterday's Run for the Fallen, we opted not to doing any sightseeing the rest of the day. Jack studied and I worked on my tan by the pool.

Today we are off to see the historic and beautiful local valley and take in the nature things. Well, as natural as African animals can be in an enclosed area on the East Coast of the US. But we'll be able to feed them so it should be fun. May even get a picture or two.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Jack ran really hard yesterday, some seven miles, much of it uphill, barefoot in the snow. OK, so maybe not the last one, but he did finish sweaty and bloody (he forgot his anti-chaffing Body Glide. Ouch!). And he made the local news. Heh. That's my husband! He's so cool. And I am very proud of him. :D

Run for the Fallen

Have you all heard of this?

Run for the Fallen

ONE MILE FOR EVERY SERVICE MEMBER KILLED
IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

Beginning Flag Day, June 14, 2008, a dedicated team of runners will run across America from Fort Irwin, CA to Arlington National Cemetery, one mile for every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. For ten weeks, team members will mark each mile with an American flag and signcard in an apolitical reflection of remembrance of each service member.

Jack Bauer and one of his classmates are taking part in this run this morning. And soon it will be heading to DC for those of you who are in that area.

More fresh meat

First, it was the "I don't wear belts" fresh meat.

Now we've got more. Heh.

Last week Jack came back from 5:45 AM PT ticked off that one of the newbies fell out of running formation before they even left the parking lot. This newbie, it turns out, feels the platoon sergeant is riding him too hard, which in turn means that he came complaining to Jack Bauer. When Jack mentioned the falling out, this was the newbies response:

"I don't like running in formation."

Sigh. At least this is a different piece of fresh meat.

Oh, and update on the belt newbie, he has apparently fallen in line and is doing just fine.

Fresh meat + Army = Blog fodder

So Jack Bauer is off at school and there are many people with no prior service experience whatsoever. None. One week ago they were civilians, and POOF! the next day they were officers in the US Army. Crazy, I know.

But this craziness means that there are lots of frustrations for my poor husband. Like yesterday. Everyone had to show up wearing their ACUs for the first time. Jack, assigned as a platoon leader for the course, went around and adjusted patches and whathaveyou as needed.

Later in the day, they were at medical and had their ACU blouses off. That's when the fun began. Where were all the belts??? Excuses ranged from "I hadn't gotten it yet" to "I forgot to put it on." But the one that takes the cake was "I don't wear belts." He knew it was part of the uniform, but just decided it wasn't his style.

Oh yeah, I am sure that guy will do well in the Army.

A different way to celebrate the day

Today we are celebrating the 4th of July a little differently. Jack Bauer has been home from Iraq just 8 weeks. But today he is leaving again. He leaving to go from the Army Reserves to active duty. And today we are celebrating that. As he is packing the car. And in between us accusing each other of trying to pick a fight.

So no grilling -- the rusting out Weber is going next to the dumpster in the alley today.

No fireworks -- they having been going off for days and they apparently sound distinctly like incoming fire. Not good.

Just love for each other and love of country. And I really can't think of a better day to start our next chapter.

What are you all up to today? Please tell me someone is making sheet cake decorated with cool whip, strawberries, and blueberries.

Big Week

Additional certainty was obtained this week. We know where we are going. I need to come up with a witty name still. I'll give out when I get there.

Oh, and that list? Well, those locations may or may not have been what we turned in. So our destination may or may not be among them. Man, I'm sneaky. :D

Oh the places you'll go

What do you all know about any of these locations for assignments? From the military spouse perspective, what do you think?

Fort Bragg
Europe (yes, it is phrased as just "Europe")
Fort Huachuca
Fort Irwin
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Riley
Fort Gordon
Fort Bliss

Some people get it, some don't

Yesterday, I went for a pedicure and mini-facial. A little me time. Relax, enjoy myself, self-indulgent me time.

I get to the spa for the pedicure with the same 50-something, Russian lady I had last time.

Lady: "I see you are still working on card, no?"

BW: "Yes, they never end."

Lady: "Ah."

BW: "Yes, they are cards for Soldiers."

Lady: (blank stare and silence)

Not another word was said during the hour-long pedicure. I wrote 10 cards.

Then I left and went to the Origins corner at Macy's for a free mini-facial. (Origins does these promotional events every so often. I would highly recommend checking it out for a little extra special free pampering.)

The young clerk was bubbly and politely curious. She complimented me on my grandmother-in-law's bracelet. So I told her about it. She noticed my husband's name on the deployment bracelet on my other wrist. So I told her about this one too. She started off by saying, "thank you for your husband's service." Then she paused, tilted her head, thinking for a moment. She got it. She said something like this:

"You know, we thank our servicemen all the time. We never thank the families. And the troops would not be able to do what they do without the support of their families at home. So thank you. I appreciate what you do too."

I started to cry. She started to cry. It was nice to meet a stranger, with no military connections, who actually gets it.

Oh, and the rest of the facial was relaxing, my make-up looked great, and made an appointment for the next one.

You know you're a milspouse when . . .

I have a new post up over at The Lemon Stand. Check it out.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I know that Military Spouse Appreciation Day sounds completely made up, but it is in fact a special day set aside by Ronald Reagan (what a guy!).

I just want to give a shout out to all the milspouses/girlfriends/fiancees out there who support our troops from the homefront.

I started this blog 2 months ago today and the ladies linked to the right have helped me a great deal getting through this patch with their kind comments and while I was out there lurking before I started my own blog. And to them, I say THANK YOU!

I have received several military.com e-cards from JD, my mother, my sister, and a couple of other thank you cards from folks. Bea, my dear co-worker (smirk), even brought me a little mum plant in. (I think this redeems some of her insensitive qualities.)

Militarty Survivor Benefits

Read this article about one widow's experience and view on Military Survivor Benefits.