February 25, 2005
SWEET
Life. Is. Good.
So I woke up this morning to the wonderful sound of my husband getting online, which incidentally is the Futurama theme song. (Now any time I hear it, I have this Pavlovian response where my heart goes "Husband?". But I digress.) My husband woke me up, which is cool.
But no, he's not in Kuwait.
Anyway, then he called later too, which was excellent. He's so bored, since his transfer of authority was like a week ago. So twice in one day, awesome.
Some things today were not so awesome though, like the fact that we live on an Army post where you can't buy green thread. Nope. None. What on earth? How am I supposed to change his insignia to Black Diamond if I can't buy green thread? Shouldn't that be the most obvious color for Clothing and Sales to offer? Nothing in the military is black or white, but those are the colors they sell. Sheesh.
By the way, Black Diamond is really fun to say, in a super-dramatic voice.
So I went to get the mail this evening, and the yarn I've been waiting for for like, oh, say, two and a half months just arrived. And then I stopped by the Shopette to rent a movie, and there was nothing good to rent, so I was wandering around aimlessly and managed to run smack dab into a display of South Park Season 5. Wha? When I called yesterday, they didn't have any. But now they do...
Yarn? Check. South Park Season 5? Check. Illness subsiding? Check.
And then, as I sat down to write this post, the husband got online again. Thrice in one day.
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woa-oh-oh!
Posted by: Sarah at
12:58 PM
| Comments (1)
| Add Comment
Post contains 289 words, total size 2 kb.
1
Cool, your hubby is beginin' to dabble in my field. Except in Uncle Sugar's Navy, our Supply Corps would be a combination of the Army's Quartermaster Corps, Finance Corps, Transportation Corps, and a piece of the Ordnance Corps. Our emblem is known as the "Pork Chop" actually it is a cluster of 3 Oak Leaves, three acorns and a stem. All staff corps in the Navy are represented by some combination of Live Oak leaves, twigs and acorns, supposedly because the old Navy of wooden ships crewed by iron men were primarily built of Southern Live Oak. Not nearly as dramatic as your "Black Diamond" but it is equivelent to marking one as gourmet vice the old white can with black letters. Congrats and hope you get him home soon
V/R
Ed
Posted by: Ed at February 25, 2005 04:18 PM (PJ4Iq)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 24, 2005
STUPID
I have this stupid personality trait where I hate taking medicine. I don't know why I hate it so much, but I end up like I am today: it's my fourth day of being sick and I couldn't figure out why I felt so crappy, and then I remembered that I haven't taken any medicine. My mom and I are constantly having this dumb conversation where I say I feel bad and then she says, "Well, did you take any medicine?" and I irritably answer, "No." And then I wonder why I feel bad. I don't know why I do that, it's so dumb, but I do it all the time. It's probably because I don't really think it works. Last night I took NyQuil and two Tylenol PM and I was still awake.
But now, you know, fourteen hours later, I can barely hold my head up straight. Maybe the stuff is finally kicking in. Anyways, I just took some DayQuil and opened a Coke, so maybe that will jolt my eyelids open. Or at least help me stop breathing out of my mouth. I can't even concentrate on knitting today, so you know I must be on death's doorstep.
So the SITREP is still the same as yesterday: I'm still sick and the husband still isn't in Kuwait.
Posted by: Sarah at
09:53 AM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 222 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Blessing in disguise: He's not there while you're ill. I remember when the ship I was aboard returned to civilization after spending about three months on Gonzo Station (off the coast of Iran, at the beginning of the Carter hostage crisis). I think EVERYONE fell ill after the short stop in Pearl (not THAT kind of ill!!), just because our immune systems had "atrophied", as it were.
Hubby's immune may not be ready for the flu (if that's what you have, here in SW MO both the flu and an upper respiratory infection are going around), and it would be good for him to not get it for a couple of weeks, just so you two can re-acquaint yourselves. So, go see the medics, and make sure it's just the flu, or get anti-biotics if it's an infection. And hang in there, girl. "This too shall pass".
Grace and peace,
Jim
Posted by: Jim Shawley at February 24, 2005 01:29 PM (CnYsu)
2
If I can make a suggestion: I don't know how easily you can get it where you're stationed, but Malaysian food is awesome for clogged sinuses ;-)
Order of preference after that would be:
Japanese (WASABI!)
Thai
Chinese
Last resort would be some sort of really spicy barbeque. I'm not saying chug the Tobasco or anything, but...
Posted by: James at February 24, 2005 04:51 PM (QvU5o)
3
Came across this link. Played it...brought a lump to my throat.
www.clermontyellow.accountsupport.com/flash/UntilThen.swf
Posted by: Michael at February 24, 2005 11:23 PM (0d8li)
4
Wish I were there to take care of you. I could fix you some hot cherry jello to drink! The medicine just helps the symptoms. The virus has to run its course. If you have bronchitis, you could be given an antibiotic, however, bronchitis is being treated with inhalers these days. You're looking at 7-10 days of being sick if you have the flu. Then the cough stays with you for weeks. I know...I'm still coughing! Take care of yourself.
Luv,
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at February 25, 2005 12:59 AM (YuW6k)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 23, 2005
WIFEING
Wifeing: showering one's husband with attention and doing the little things that wives do for husbands (e.g. feed, clothe, clean, and take care of)
The thing that's been hardest these last two months is not wifeing. I love wifeing. At least while my husband was gone I could send letters and treats and tokens of affection. When the mail stopped, I stopped being able to properly wife. It kills me that I can't do anything for my husband right now. I can't even open his foot locker! I have all of this wifeing building up inside of me that I won't get to use for another three weeks.
I have to keep reminding myself not to smother Red 6. I'm not his wife. If he'd let me, I'd be washing all of his laundry, sewing his uniforms, and being glued to his hip. At least he lets me cook for him, but only when I beg him.
I just want my husband home so I can wife him.
Posted by: Sarah at
11:17 AM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 170 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I know what you mean. He hasn't even been gone 48 hours, and I have already sent one letter, and one order of DVDs from amazon. This year is so going to suck, but you have been a great inspiration over the last few months, so I know that I will be fine. And in a few weeks you will be back up and wifeing again!
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl at February 23, 2005 04:45 PM (ZrAHp)
2
i know
exactly how you feel. i even purchased a coffee mug from john of
Castle ARRGGHHH and sent it to my eric just in case he was sick of the styrofoam ones. almost two months down and only 26 more to go....
Posted by: liz at February 23, 2005 09:18 PM (ZLgNq)
3
yikes! scratch that, i added instead of deducted. 22 months to go not 26.
Posted by: liz at February 23, 2005 09:23 PM (ZLgNq)
4
Ahh..Sarah you are so cute. It's nice to hear that wifes miss wifeing. It won't be long now.
Posted by: Cindy at February 23, 2005 10:52 PM (648pO)
5
I can see the headlines now: "OIF II Officer returns home to be wifed to death". I can imagine it's going to be real hard for you to let Russ out of your sight (at least for awhile) once he does get home. That blackout time must be really difficult and I empathize for you.
Posted by: Toni at February 24, 2005 09:29 AM (SHqVu)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
WEIRD
My sickness is moving backwards. Have you ever heard of starting with deep coughs and filled lungs and then moving to a runny nose and sore throat? Isn't that backwards? I can't figure this out.
Posted by: Sarah at
04:03 AM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I feel your pain. Please let me know how we can help.
Posted by: Jennifer at February 23, 2005 08:24 AM (FmIVz)
2
I've had one like that before. Try steaming your face with lemon water & drink lots of ginger tea. Thank-you for being so strong. You're such an inspiration to me. Feel better soon
Posted by: dhammie at February 23, 2005 09:23 AM (7YIQy)
3
Hey Sarah, at least you can take comfort in the fact that you won't be sick when the husband comes home!
I'm thinking about you.
Posted by: Carla at February 23, 2005 10:01 AM (6tYwr)
4
Way over here in Texas I just had that one, fortunately I have had the pneumonia shot so I didn't worry about that part of it. But I am having asthma still. The bad news was it lasted longer than the 7 day cold we are told to expect, about 10 days. I hope that since I'm old enough to be your grandmother that your tender age will help you heal much faster, and surely the adrenalin will kick in and give you plenty of energy to prepare for Husband's return.
Posted by: Ruth H at February 23, 2005 11:25 AM (CfHqO)
5
Yeah, it's normal for this Bronchitis thing. Everyone I now practically is sick here in the USA. They are even talking about the Bronchitis epidemic on the news. I guess that's means you're closer to home than you thought.
Posted by: Tom at February 23, 2005 12:51 PM (3aIPU)
6
Trust me alot of is going around here in the states. People are out of work for days. I hope you are all better so you can wife soon. Erin's mom.
Posted by: Cindy at February 23, 2005 10:55 PM (648pO)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 21, 2005
SNAP OUT OF IT
While I was at Red 6's welcome home ceremony yesterday, my husband left a message on the answering machine. He's now "acting commander" for his entire battalion in Iraq: he's the highest ranking person still in sector. Everyone else is home or already in Kuwait. My biggest sorrow is that those 86 soldiers will be totally forgotten when they arrive here in March. No one will even remember there's a war on.
But when Mrs. Sims leaves a comment on your pity-party post, it's time to cowboy up.
Life could be a lot rougher.
Red 6 and I had a great time catching up. It's wild that the minute he stepped into our house, it was like he never left. How many times have I cooked dinner while he watched Futurama? (Granted, he was always watching with my husband, but still.) It felt like a time warp, like nothing had changed and like it was only last week that I'd seen him on the sofa.
It's good to know that some things never change.
MORE TO GROK:
I still can't get over her comment. She would have been completely justified to start with "Listen here, you whiny bitch...", but she's as polite as can be. She is trying to make me feel better! I will never be able to put into words how amazing I think this woman is.
Red 6 always says that I'm the perfect Army wife. I can only hope to be half the woman that Mrs. Sims is.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:46 AM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 260 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Yes, I'm sitting here at re-integration and I don't feel like I'm done. Sean hasn't come through yet, I haven't been able to say welcome home. Bittersweet is the word for it, although I'm of course happy for all the 185 who came through the tent today.
Posted by: Oda Mae at February 21, 2005 07:12 AM (FmIVz)
2
Dear Sarah,
You said:
"My biggest sorrow is that those 86 soldiers will be totally forgotten when they arrive here in March."
I'm assuming that you mean the 86 soldiers still with your husband. Will they really be forgotten? Aren't there families that can welcome them? If not, can you throw your energies into welcoming those "late arrivals"? Organize a barbecue (ok, I guess March in Germany probably isn't too warm), make signs, make cupcakes? Not that I think you have all the time in the world, but it might put your mind at ease (somewhat) to make sure that those 86 have the welcome they deserve.
All the best.
Posted by: Carla at February 21, 2005 11:11 AM (O7HhJ)
3
Carla, I'm gonna do the best I can. But of all of us wives who banded together to welcome home the main body, only three of us have husbands who aren't home. Many of the others will be on leave already. But we'll do what we can to make their homecoming as good as the first.
Posted by: Sarah at February 21, 2005 02:33 PM (RZldC)
4
Sarah, if there is anything we can do from stateside to make homecoming special for the remaining 86, please just say the word. I may not be creative, but I will do my best to be resourceful!
Posted by: Jean at February 21, 2005 07:25 PM (7jvO1)
5
I second Jean's comment. I'll ship some posters to you, if you'd like. Is there anything that soldiers love that's hard to get in Germany? I can ship a big box of [whatever] over.
Feel better!
Posted by: Carla at February 22, 2005 09:47 AM (6tYwr)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 18, 2005
PHONE CALL
My husband called tonight; it was the first time we've talked on the phone since Christmas Eve. It was great to hear him, though the static and delay reminded us why we never use the phones. He said he was bored -- amazingly enough, it's the first time he's used that word since he got to Iraq. He seemed in very good spirits, and my favorite bit of the conversation was when he said that his soldiers keep asking him if he has any more news about their departure. He said he keeps replying with jokes like "well, we might have to hunt Easter eggs inside the tank, but we should be home by Mother's Day, so buy a gift." Glad to see they're making the best of a crap situation.
Posted by: Sarah at
04:49 PM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 135 words, total size 1 kb.
February 16, 2005
BUT YOU DID NOT COME
In honor of
Annika's poetry Wednesday, I offer a selection from
This Is My Beloved, my favorite book of poetry of all time. It was my grandmother's book, and I used to read it sneakily in her house and titter at some of the more intimate passages. When my grandmother moved into a nursing home and whittled her belongings down to one cabinet, I got the book. Now that I am older, I no longer titter. I could read this book a hundred times -- I have -- and still find new delights. Today's passage reflects my mood...
                I waited years today . . . one year for every hour,
all day -- though I knew you could not come till night
I waited . . . and nothing else in this God's hell meant anything.
I had everything you love -- shellfish and saltsticks . . . watercress,
black olives. Wine (for the watch I pawned), real cream
for our coffee. Smoked cheese, currants in port, preserved wild cherries.
I bought purple asters from a pushcart florist and placed them where
they would be between us --
imagining your lovely face among them . . .
But you did not come . . . you did not come.
You did not come. And I left the table lit and your glass filled --
and my glass empty . . . and I went into the night, looking for you.
The glittering pile, Manhattan, swarmed like an uncovered dung heap.
Along the waterfront
manlike shapes all shoulders and collar walked stiffly like shadow figures.
Later, the half-moon rose.
                                        Everywhere the windows falling dark.
By St. Mark's church, under the iron fence, a girl was crying. And the old
steeple was mouldy with moonlight, and I was tired . . . and very lonely.
Posted by: Sarah at
06:40 AM
| Comments (1)
| Add Comment
Post contains 313 words, total size 2 kb.
START OVER
When I was chatting with my husband last night, all I could think about was him. He's the one who's devastated that he's not coming home when he thought he would, and he's the one who's ten days longer from toilets, showers, kisses, and rangoons. I honestly was completely focused on his needs...until I was getting ready for bed and realized that all of my friends except one will be snuggling with their husbands this weekend. And I will have three weeks where I have no one to hang out with, no one to be sad with, and no one who still feels like there's a war on. Except for my one friend whose husband will stay as long as mine, and thank heavens I have her. She reminded me last night of what Tim called
THE POWER, and she made me laugh that Bunker had told me not to count down on the same day that we realized the count would be different.
Oh, and Red 6 will be here. It sounded like fun to hang out with Red 6 for a week before my own husband got home, but now that I know there will be three weeks between their arrivals, it doesn't seem that fun anymore. On Monday I felt happy for wives whose husbands come home soon. I don't feel so happy for them today, but I am going to try to work on that. Even though mine will be the only soldier-less house on the block, I still will be waiting for the best soldier in the Army to come home. (Best white soldier, huh Kel?)
So I crawled into bed last night with a bowl of ice cream and finished State of Fear. It was a great book. And today is a new day, and my husband comes home in the middle of March. The old arrival date goes down the memory hole and we start fresh. If Tim could do it, so can I.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:45 AM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 335 words, total size 2 kb.
1
Sarah - when I read yesterday that he is being delayed, I felt sad for both of you. You may be alone physically - but your readers are here with you all the time. Just simply post a message or send us an email and we'll be glad to help you pass the time as best we can. Just think - after 3 weeks of other husband's being home (and old routines setting in) - you'll be getting a great gift back to enjoy all by yourself. Say hi to Red 6 for us and keep your chin up. He's coming HOME and that's the most important thing.
Posted by: Kathleen A at February 16, 2005 07:52 AM (vnAYT)
2
I just finished State Of Fear also. I was surprised at how much of the "current wisdom" of global warming that I have come to accept. So now I'm doing
more research to update my thinking.
I'm sorry to read that you have longer to wait for your husband. Be strong, this too shall pass.
P.
Posted by: Pamela at February 16, 2005 04:06 PM (PlwSw)
3
Sarah, you grok well. go back to being a Stranger in a Strange Land. "waiting is not yet fullness.." hang in there, you'll make it. you're doing fine. remember that he's the best trained soldier, surrounded by the finest soldiers and equipment the world has ever seen. Mike
Posted by: MajMike at February 16, 2005 06:23 PM (5ap+X)
4
Sarah, I didn't know until I read your blog that Russ's return is not when expected. I am very disappointed for both of you. I was so looking forward to the beginning of March and knowing that he was back home in your arms. I know you are not suppose to wish your life away but in this case, I can hardly wait for the middle of March now. Jane
Posted by: Jane at February 16, 2005 11:49 PM (CL9G9)
5
just me being nosy; i was wondering if your red 6 friend was the same red 6 over at ammor geddon? i couldnt help but notice the common name.
Posted by: liz at February 17, 2005 10:25 PM (HwHXC)
6
Yep, *my* Red 6 is the world's Red 6. He's my husband's best friend in the unit.
Posted by: Sarah at February 18, 2005 01:18 AM (qdVAy)
7
wow, thats great! he has alot of great entries. once i found his blog and started reading, i did a post about him in my blog calling him the new colby buzzel. i hope he decides to keep blogging after his return his entries really give you the feeling of being there standing next to him as the story(er..scenario) unfolds.
my hubbys b/f is in afganistan (where it was snowing last week! enough to make snowballs and slushies!) and he has a blog but his take is pretty much "uh yeah. chow was good today and uh..i got to clean the sand out of my weapon again" but i cant hardly blame him for that, there isnt a whole lot (TG!) going on over where he's at. he's taken some good pics though
thanks for letting me be nosy, i hope time flies by so you can be with your hubby soon!!
~liz
Posted by: liz at February 18, 2005 09:09 AM (112BW)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 15, 2005
LESSON
When I lived in France, I developed an enormous crush on this boy at my school. I got all fluttery when he was around, I always tried to find a way to work him into conversations with my friends, and my eyes were constantly on him whenever he was in the hall. For four months, I turned into a mess of butterflies whenever he was around. And then one day he was gone.
I never even spoke to him.
I know nothing about this boy. I don't even know if he was French or an exchange student like me. I don't know what classes he was taking or where he lived or what his name was or anything. And by the time I had worked up the courage to even think about talking to him, he was gone. I have no idea what happened to him, but I never saw him again for the remaining six months of my time in France.
When I realized that my friendship with my husband was turning into something more than friendship, I knew I didn't want to make the same mistake twice. So I flat out told him one night, told him that I really liked him and that I was starting to think about him all the time, and asked him how he felt. He was quite taken aback, and that's when he gave his famous "well, I like you, but I'm not going to marry you or anything" line. He wasn't quite sure what to think, but he slept on it (for two weeks!) and finally told me that he wanted to be with me too.
That was five years ago today.
I still wonder about that boy in France. Maybe he was irritating, boring, or rude. Maybe he could've turned out to be a really special guy. I'll never know, but I'm grateful for the lesson he taught me. I wouldn't be with my husband today if I hadn't told him how I felt. I learned that taking a risk can be a beautiful thing.
I'll never forget that giddy moment five years ago, sitting on the floor in my husband's dorm room and deciding that we were going to give us a shot.
Greatest moment of my life.
I miss you, husband.
Posted by: Sarah at
03:20 AM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 385 words, total size 2 kb.
1
Once again, your writing makes me stop.....and think....and re-evaluate.
Basically - thanks to posts like this, you help me work towards being a better person.
Thanks!
Posted by: Tammi at February 16, 2005 11:41 AM (HaRi0)
2
And I think it would be really great if you could explain to Tammi that guys are really, really, *really* bad at hints.
I don't think she really realizes that.
really.
Posted by: _Jon at February 17, 2005 02:26 AM (HaRi0)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 14, 2005
A SHOW OF MY LOVE
Dear Husband,
A song for you on this special day...
I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash
I choo-choo-choose you.
Posted by: Sarah at
07:47 AM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 89 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Sarah,
Since you're a sucker for romance, let me share this story in the news today. And it's Army related, no less.
http://www.theroosevelthotel.com/60th/
The celebrated couple are my father and mother-in-law.
Glenmore - father of your 'double'.
Posted by: Glenmore at February 14, 2005 08:48 PM (WjHSv)
Posted by: Sarah at February 15, 2005 03:15 AM (uA9Rc)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
A YEAR
365 days
215 letters
98 IMs
18 phone calls
2 halves of a broken heart
2-3 weeks until I see this smiling face again.
We're almost there, husband.
2 squeezes
Posted by: Sarah at
02:44 AM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 34 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Contrary to my advice, you are counting down. Oh well. The day will still come regardless!
Posted by: Mike at February 14, 2005 07:30 AM (cyYKH)
2
I'm not really counting down...only looking forward to March coming in like a husband!
Posted by: Sarah at February 14, 2005 07:48 AM (JcYXc)
3
Good for you--both of you!
Posted by: Mike at February 14, 2005 06:33 PM (FP9A9)
4
I'm happy for you!
Happy Valentine's Day :-)
Posted by: Agnieszka O. at February 14, 2005 08:24 PM (MUNUu)
5
Hey what a great picture! Happy Valentine's Day you two!
Posted by: annika at February 15, 2005 12:04 AM (7hunc)
6
My son-in-law is a pretty handsome guy, isn't he? He's smart too! You all are a match made in heaven! Happy Valentine's Day to both of you.
Love, Mama
Posted by: Nancy at February 15, 2005 01:22 AM (YuW6k)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 12, 2005
CAN OF WORMS
I said last week that our Rear D is doing a stellar job. Well, I just hit a stupid snag that opened up a whole can of worms.
I have Red 6's car. And his car keys, house keys, and cell phone. I check on his apartment, I get his mail, I help arrange his vacation plans, and I even have made hotel reservations for one of his soldiers. Whatever, I'm a helpful girl. But I realized at the FRG meeting that I need to be notified when he arrives in Germany because he won't be able to tell me himself. Each wife gets a call roughly six hours before her husband gets home, but we only get notified when our husbands arrive, not when other planes of our battalion's soldiers get in. So I asked to get a phone call when Red 6 arrives, so I can welcome him home, give him his car, and let him into his house.
And I got a nasty look like I was arranging something lewd.
Look, I know there are some skanky men and women around here, but I'm not doing anything gross, and it kinda stung that that was the immediate reaction I got. Especially when the Rear D already knows that I have Red 6's car because I had to pick up his registration from them last spring. After the initial condescending look and hesitation, I reminded them that Red 6 has no way of getting home or getting into his house unless I am there for him, and they agreed to call me. I was a little taken aback, but whatever.
I mentioned this story to my husband yesterday, just as a "check out what happened to me" sort of deal, and he went ballistic. My husband is not a ballistic sort of person. He got so mad that Red 6's company was treating me bad when I was doing so much for their own soldiers, and he said he was going to do something about it. Oh crap.
So I got a message from Red 6 today that he had talked to the husband and was mad too, that he had talked to the First Sergeant and told him to ream the FRL, etc, etc, etc. So now I've gotten someone in trouble when that wasn't my intention at all. Sure, I was a little peeved that someone insinuated that I was being a whore, but that's not the first time our close relationship with Red 6 has brought me that sort of treatment. He's my husband's best friend. That makes him my best friend. And if you think I'm gonna have an affair with someone who thinks chugging tobasco is a smart move, you're off your rocker.
The sad thing is that our most recent battalion newsletter called for "designated huggers", for wives to volunteer to come to the ceremonies and welcome home single soldiers, not just their own husbands. I thought it was a great idea, and one darling wife had a t-shirt made that says Designated Hugger. But if the Rear D is going to treat us like hookers when we ask to be informed of single soldiers' arrivals, then what's the point of asking for huggers? It makes no sense to me. Either they trust us to show our soldiers respect and admiration, or they ask us not to come. But don't ask us to be huggers and then smirk at us when we roger that.
I help Red 6 and his soldiers because I want to show all soldiers that I love and appreciate them. They all deserve to have someone there to pick them up and buy them a beer. I hate that I got leered at when I asked to do our best friend a favor, but I also hate that I got someone in trouble, because I don't want to look like the officer's wife went and complained she was being treated badly. Ugh.
Posted by: Sarah at
11:06 AM
| Comments (8)
| Add Comment
Post contains 670 words, total size 4 kb.
1
I, for one, would like to thank you profoundly for supporting the troops. As a former soldier, I know what it means to have that kind of support. It's a wonderful thing.
When I read this, it put me in mind of something that happened to me at Ft. Bliss. I was attached to a training brigade there for a short time and was having some trouble with the higher-ups in command. I won't go into the details, but the situation made my wife so mad that she took it upon herself to call the
Secretary of the Army! And she actually got to speak with him! You can only imagine the look on my First Seargent's face when I had to tell him to be expecting a call the next morning. Not fun.
Posted by: Drew at February 12, 2005 11:21 AM (zEdFo)
2
Don't hate that you might have gotten someone in trouble. Small minds like to assume that their 'moral superiority' gives them the right to question and 'spin' a perfectly innocent and legitimate request like yours. To say nothing of the fact that it's none 'o their damn business as to why you're asking to be notified. But I guess in the future, RED6 should probably clear all his personal arraignments thru the FRL so as not to cause them any discomfort as to what they think they know. I've served as a Family Readiness SNCO for a deployed unit and there is no excuse for the treatment that you've described. NONE-period.
Posted by: Top_S__USMC at February 12, 2005 12:47 PM (J7FBQ)
3
Perhaps you’re being too sensitive. After all, you did state: “I'm doing anything gross.” (Ha!)
Posted by: Bob at February 12, 2005 01:13 PM (Xbhpv)
4
Heh. Freudian slip fixed
Posted by: Sarah at February 12, 2005 09:57 PM (ZpuzV)
5
Sarah - you have a right to be angry about that type of treatment. Just remember - people project on you what they think of themselves...
I think it's great that you are so open and caring - it is because of people like you that men like Neal have something happy to return to - a caring friend.
Don't let the turkeys get you down. You did the right thing. You deserve more respec than they are giving you. Stand up for yourself. You are doing a good thing.
Posted by: Kathleen A at February 13, 2005 01:10 AM (vnAYT)
6
"And if you think I'm gonna have an affair with someone who thinks chugging tobasco is a smart move, you're off your rocker."
ROTFL!
Posted by: Beth at February 13, 2005 01:14 AM (wAd1w)
7
Funny... when not in your shoes of course.
Great that he is coming home.
Are you expecting the husband home soon too?
I remember that you weren't sure about that scheduled vacation :-)
Cheers,
Agnieszka
Denver, CO
Posted by: Agnieszka O. at February 13, 2005 01:40 AM (MUNUu)
8
Sarah it's just like we always said in the Army.
F**k 'em if they can't take a joke.
You're doing good work. Keep doing it.
Posted by: David at February 13, 2005 11:45 PM (XWUew)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 10, 2005
GRUMPY
I have a couple of things I want to blog about, but to be honest I've been feeling too grumpy lately. Today was just one of those days where everything went wrong: I drove to the next post to re-register our car and realized that I had left my ID in the pocket of my gym sweatshirt. So I drove all the way home and back, only to find that they close for lunch, which they failed to mention when I called for their hours. I got the car registered and then went to drop the dog's stuff off at my friend's house; naturally I had forgotten her key. And so on. Just one of those days.
But it's more than just that: I can tell that I am getting irritable with the end of the deployment. My husband has been on ten billion long-term missions before, but the one this week seriously irks me. I'm grumpy that 1-77 returned from Iraq after only 361 days. I nearly ripped some heads off last night at the FRG meeting; why would you attend a briefing on the redeployment schedule and then just sit there and loudly gossip with the wife next to you, making it impossible for others to hear the guest speaker even when she was using a microphone?
I'm finally tired of the deployment. Thank heavens I've only felt this way for a week; I can't imagine being one of those people who's felt this way all year.
They say PTSD and Combat Operational Stress can include loss of motivation, crying spells, and irritability. Chalk me up as a sufferer.
Posted by: Sarah at
12:36 PM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 273 words, total size 2 kb.
1
Sarah, you're entitled to be as grumpy as you want to be now. You've been quite a "trooper." In fact, I think you've been amazing.
Hey, you sound like ME--and I've got NO excuse.
Posted by: Beth at February 10, 2005 04:44 PM (DEwIg)
2
Hey Sarah!
If anybody is entitled, you certainly are!
Just keep the faith, plan for your Soldier's return, and stay frosty. One step at a time is all you need to worry about.
These are the worst days. But the reward at the end is absolutely wonderful!
I *love* your blog and read it daily. I'm constantly telling stories from it to my wife and kids. It's almost like you're family . . .
Posted by: Dave at February 10, 2005 06:31 PM (c6xQA)
3
Courage, dear heart... Stay strong...
Posted by: Sgt. B. at February 10, 2005 07:29 PM (QVT9C)
4
Sarah,
Press on, dear. This time may seem like its dragging, but it will be over soon. I know your patience and forbearance will pay off when your husband returns home. You and he will then be the center of each other's attention, as it should be.
It will all be worth the patience when it is over. God bless you for your suffering, dear. Press on. The future is going to be much brighter shortly.
Subsunk
Posted by: Subsunk at February 10, 2005 09:21 PM (adHXR)
5
I, too, am experiencing the same thing. This whole year seems to have gone relatively fast, but these last three or four weeks have been awful. It doesn't help that we haven't been able to have our long chats on the phone either. The love of your life will be home soon and all will be right with the world!
I love you!
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at February 11, 2005 12:40 AM (YuW6k)
6
{{{{Sarah}}}
There's light at the end of that tunnel. Hang in there, you've done great this year.
We're "officially" at 354 days (he reported 2/15, but the days didn't count until the 24th)
We went into double digits just a few hours ago, 99 days to go.
You've done mech better than I have over the past 12 months. Be proud of what you have both accomplished and "drive on"
Tink
Posted by: Tink at February 11, 2005 03:52 AM (S6VXg)
7
Hang in there girl!
Hugs for you ((((((())))))))))
Posted by: MargeinMI at February 11, 2005 10:32 AM (ADDcw)
8
It happens Sarah, and it'll pass. Keep the faith, you're doing just fine.
Gotta go destroy some more Sarin now.
Kalroy
Posted by: Kalroy at February 11, 2005 10:19 PM (i9w6W)
9
Maybe I can brighten your day a bit: your comment about men knitting got me started. I may cut my "first scarf" short as a "first dishrag", though -- I want a more interesting pattern!
Posted by: James at February 15, 2005 08:38 PM (QvU5o)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 09, 2005
SWEET
Lex: "Did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story is Segeth?"
Best ending line in a Smallville
ever.
Posted by: Sarah at
05:45 AM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 25 words, total size 1 kb.
February 08, 2005
EWW
Yesterday I came home from the middle school all fired up to write. I sat in on some classes, and I think 7th graders aren't as scary as I'd imagined. I had some observations that I was going to post -- nothing too riveting -- when I walked in the house to find a big old mess.
I'm still dogsitting, and the dog had gotten sick all over the rug. I couldn't even tell which end it had come from! I borrowed my friend's steam vac and cleaned it all up, and then dumped the dog in the tub for a bath. And immediately after his bath, he threw up again. It was a long, disgusting evening.
Lately my husband and I have had the worst timing. He logged online while I was wrestling with the dog in the tub. Two nights ago I heard him log on and I jumped up so fast I dumped my drink all over the recliner. Last week the phone rang six times during our ten minute chat.
I think we just need to talk face to face instead. And maybe wait a little while until we get our own puppy.
Posted by: Sarah at
02:27 AM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 199 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Take a quick look at
this site for some links on education in the right column. May be of help in the future.
Posted by: Mike at February 08, 2005 08:18 AM (cyYKH)
2
Yeah - those puppies are alot of work BUT they are also so much fun and so cute. I am always happy to see them get to the age of about 2 cause then they're well trained!
Posted by: toni at February 08, 2005 09:51 AM (SHqVu)
3
When my wife and I first got our puppies, we had so many infuriating messes to deal with we developed a theory of "cuteness as a natural defense mechanism". Expect a book soon.
Posted by: James at February 08, 2005 03:03 PM (QvU5o)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 03, 2005
DONE
I started working at the education center at the same time as the counselor's aide and the ed tech. When the counselor's aide quit, the ed center chipped in and got her a $100 gift card. When the ed tech quit, the ed center got her an engraved silver serving platter. When I quit yesterday, I got squat. Nothing. Not even a card. And no one even came to my office to say goodbye.
To quote Daily Kos: "Screw 'em."
The socialists can keep their little ed center; I'm movin' on to greener pastures. Next Monday I am going to start sitting in on classes at the high school to get a feel for the teaching style, and then we go from there. I'm actually a little nervous about making the jump from college to high school, so hopefully sitting in on classes can put me more at ease.
Wish me luck.
Posted by: Sarah at
02:57 AM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 154 words, total size 1 kb.
1
You are right: screw 'em. I am always shocked at workplace politics and cliques. It's like highschool all over again. But I am sure it didn't faze you then, and I'm glad it doesn't now. Not worth renting space out in your brain on them!
Good luck!
Posted by: calivalleygirl at February 03, 2005 08:12 AM (mFHfO)
2
Sarah,
The true measure of your time there is what you did for those you taught, not what the rest of the staff thought of you. That reflects poorly on them, not on you. Thanks for telling us. I'm sure some of them spy on you through this. Your attitude is the right one.
Posted by: Ruth H at February 03, 2005 10:51 AM (+z11q)
3
Bon chance, jeune fille!
Posted by: Sean at February 03, 2005 01:18 PM (37FD7)
4
Luck!
Posted by: Bugz at February 03, 2005 03:01 PM (uKuUC)
5
I'm sorry you didn't get a "proper" send off, but this just confirms you made the right choice. Good luck!
Posted by: Beth at February 03, 2005 06:43 PM (DEwIg)
6
Geeze... some people never grow up do they! It IS just like High School. Unfortunately you will very likely find the true HS students to be much nicer than that lot! Best of luck with your job change - I really hope you enjoy it!
Posted by: Teresa at February 03, 2005 11:11 PM (nAfYo)
7
Good Luck Sarah,
Kalroy
Posted by: Kalroy at February 04, 2005 12:18 AM (i9w6W)
8
Unfortunately your co-worker played her foolish, immature games right up to the end. She is the loser, not you. This only proves that you made the right decision. You have always done well in every job or endeavor you have taken on. You always give more than 100%. This is no different. You can leave with your head held high and know that you worked hard and touched a lot of lives in a positive way.
Love you,
Mama
Posted by: Nancy at February 04, 2005 12:58 AM (YuW6k)
9
What your co-workers think or don't think is nothing next to what you have done for so many people who came to you for help. You have made a difference. Good on ya. And best of luck in your new job; they're lucky to have you.
Posted by: oldcontroller at February 04, 2005 12:58 PM (hhiiF)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 02, 2005
EXCRUCIATING
For some reason tonight, when I looked out at our piles and piles of snow, the phrase "now is the winter of our discontent" came to mind. Google helped me find this
translation of Richard III, which had me in stitches.
When BG Hertling said that the last month of the deployment would be the worst, I really didn't believe him. I thought it would be just like any other month, but I have eaten my words. This past week has been excruciating. Theoretically, my husband comes home in exactly one month.
And now is the winter of my discontent.
Posted by: Sarah at
05:37 PM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 102 words, total size 1 kb.
1
So true, the last month is the hardest. I remember at that point I was just done, so ready for him to return and going through all emotions about what the reunion would be like, if he would have changed after being gone etc. You're in the final stretch, and the reunion will make all of it worthwhile, it's just the best!
Posted by: Jamie at February 03, 2005 06:59 AM (UPRG6)
2
Lots of snow reminds me of the winter of our discount tent. I spent 3 years living in a tent in the top of the Bavarian alps in the Signal Corps. Sometimes we had an excellent tent - other times it was like living inside a freezer. I now live in Florida and I'm not budging!
Posted by: SgtMgr at February 04, 2005 03:11 AM (A7QtZ)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
102kb generated in CPU 0.0293, elapsed 0.1158 seconds.
61 queries taking 0.0953 seconds, 270 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.