Remembering

This weekend we visited a military cemetery in the area. They were laying wreaths at each gravesite, and we were honored to help place the wreaths.

The end result was a beautiful blanket of wreaths covering this sacred ground. I felt a mix of pride and sadness at the sight.

I’m so glad that our country honors our veterans this way. This weekend reminded me of a few more things to be thankful for this holiday season.

For Sale - Soon

We’re getting ready to put the house on the market. In true military fashion, we don’t know exactly when or where we are moving, but we figure it’s better to try to sell early than late, especially given the economy. This weekend we met with a realtor, who impressed us. We will definitely be going with her when the time comes soon. She gave us some great tips, and we’ll be doing the finishing touches on the house in the meantime. Still, I think the reality of the daunting task of moving finally hit us this weekend. Husband, who is calm in virtually every situation I’ve seen, said passionately, “I HATE moving!” Ditto, my friend. We’ve been here for 3 years, which is just long enough to almost forget about everything that’s involved in the moving process. For me, after moving so many times, I really don’t mind the meeting new people and moving into a new place part. I just hate the home-selling process and packing up part. So this weekend, after a few loud sighs, we both sat on the couch. Husband said, “Want to eat that apple pie in the freezer?” The answer, of course, was yes. And that was another thing I had forgotten about moving. Eating large quantities of sugary foods does make the moving situation a little better.

Homecoming

This has been a fairly long and tiring week. But, by far, my favorite thing this week was going to the airport to greet one of Husband’s friends, who just got back from his deployment. We brought him some balloons and even a couple of cold beers. Before we left for the airport, I told myself, “Don’t forget the camera….don’t forget the camera…don’t forget the camera.” And you know what? I forgot the camera. Thankfully, another lady brought hers, and she captured the sweetest scene of my friend running up to greet her husband and hugging him tight. It brought tears to my eyes. And it was the perfect reminder that what is important isn’t what’s under our tree, but who is around our tree, especially if you’re lucky enough like me to have your loved one home this year. And maybe, just maybe, at some point this season, I’ll remember to have the camera ready.

Roger that

It’s been 3 years since I got out of the military. Even though I work in a civilian job now, the military lingo hasn’t left me. Yesterday I sent an e-mail to a colleague that I’ve never met telling her about a problem and asking her a question. She wrote back, saying that she wasn’t sure. Then she closed the e-mail with the words that tugged at my military heart, “Roger, we’ll have to look into that.” My mind raced at first, wondering if she had been in the military or maybe was a military wife, too. Then I looked at the cc line of the e-mail and noticed she had sent the e-mail to a man named Roger. Roger that, she’s not military.

Maybe I spoke too soon

Remember how I bragged about finally getting our Christmas photos? I suppose I should have waited to celebrate until we actually got the pictures in our hands (or on our computer, in this case). Since the day that we took the photos, I’ve bugged the lady that supposedly has the photos on a CD at least three or four times. After a couple weeks went by, then I finally found out that a different lady has the CD. The result? Still no photos yet. I’m confident that we’ll have them in time for Christmas – maybe Christmas 2011.

Veterans' Day

Today I give thanks for all those men and women who have served our country. When I think of veterans, I think of my grandfathers, my parents, my husband, my uncles, and my cousins. (Yes, I come from a large military family :) I also think of all those that I will never get to see or thank who have sacrificed so much for me and every other American. As I reflected about this day, I remembered a column that Ben Stein wrote that really touched me. He says better than I can about service and what is important in life. These are a few of my favorite quotes from the column. [The entire column can be found here.] Enjoy! Ben Stein: “I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.” “Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails. They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world. A real star is the U.S. soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him. A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.” “There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament. The policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive. The orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery. The teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children. The kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards. Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of a real hero.” “I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human.” Happy Veterans’ Day to all!

Deployment Care Package

My best friend here said goodbye to her husband just a few days ago, as he left for his deployment. She seems to be hanging in there, but I know that these first few days will be especially tough for her. So, I did the only thing I know to do in times like these: I made a deployment care package. Except this one is not going overseas. I made one just for her. (Although we will send her husband some care packages as well, as soon as we get his address.)

I call it a deployment survival kit. It includes: some nail polish, chocolate (of course!), a chick flick, popcorn, some mini bottles of wine, tissues, and stationery.

I’m not sure if this will make her feel better, but it was a nice chance for me to spoil a great friend. And is there ever not a good reason to buy chocolate?

Finally

Husband and I recently took a picture that’s been 5 years in the making. In almost every unit that we’ve been in, they let families/couples take pictures in front of the jet for Christmas cards or family photos. And every year since we’ve known each other, there’s been some reason why we couldn’t have our picture taken. One year we found out about it after the fact, a couple years Husband was away for training, and last year I was out of town for work. Every year when we’d get Christmas cards from other military friends smiling in their token picture in front of the jet, I was so envious. Finally, this year we got our picture! I know Husband wasn’t excited about it, since it involved three things that normally don’t appeal to him: 1) smiling (nicely) for photos, 2) going into work on a day off, and 3) being the focus of attention. He was a good sport about it, though. I’m not sure how the pictures turned out, but I’m certain I know who had the biggest smile in the picture.

Top Gun 2?

Husband recently told me that he heard there’s going to be a sequel to Top Gun. The more details he told me he heard, the more far-fetched it sounded, and I didn’t believe him. He assured me he wasn’t joking.

Well, I checked the internet, and it turns out that there really is a sequel in the works.

Even though the movie is really nothing like real military life, it’s a classic that we love anyway. We have not one, but two copies of it, since we each had our own copy before we got married. (Although I think that at some point we might have given one away.)

And yes, we like to quote some of the memorable lines:

- “You don’t have time to think up there. If you think, you’re dead.”

- “Yeeha, Jester’s dead!”

- “Talk to me, Goose.” [True fact: Sometimes when one of Husband’s pilot friends calls, he answers the phone like that as a joke.]

And, of course:

- “I feel the need…the need for speed.”

Will the sequel (if it gets made) be as good as the original? Probably not.

Will we still see the movie anyway? Definitely yes.

Vacation on My Mind

Recently Husband has gotten a new schedule at work, and I’m loving it. He was working some pretty insane hours before, but now he’s home at a more decent time. I’m convinced that dinner tastes better when you can eat it before you’re just 30 minutes away from bedtime. However, when Husband told me about his new schedule, he also mentioned one word that made me giddy: vacation. We didn’t think that he’d be able to get the time off of work to go on a vacation. Now it looks like we might be able to sneak away for a few days this fall. And before the word “vacation” barely escaped his lips, I had already run to the computer, researching vacation spots and checking airline ticket prices. (Side note: Have you ever checked out Trip Advisor? I recently re-discovered their website, and I’m addicted to reading all the reviews that vacationers have posted.) The first night I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I’ve had a few days to get used to the idea now, but I still can’t help but smile every time I think about it. We’re still working out the details, and we haven’t booked anything yet. But we might soon, as my philosophy is, “Let’s make our plans before the military changes its mind!”

The Nameless Neighbor

I’ve slowly gotten to know the new neighbors next door. I first met them after they just arrived when I brought them some cookies. I made sure I left a note with our name and phone number so they could call if they had any questions. The lady called this weekend and left a message about a question she had, and when I called her back, we had a nice chat. She seems like a sweet lady. I found out that she is also a military wife, so we laughed about the mishaps of moving. We even decided that we’ll have to get lunch sometime. There’s only one problem. I have no idea what her name is. I know what her last name is from the caller ID, but it shows only her husband’s first name. Husband and I have even replayed her phone message, straining to hear what her name is, but the message is a little garbled and we’re still not sure. It’s silly because I know most people would just tell me to ask her politely, “What was your name again?” But, for some reason, I just feel bad and I can’t. Husband’s strategy is hoping that he runs into her outside and he can ask her, since he hasn’t officially met her yet. I’m pretty sure I’ll find out the name soon enough. Until then, she’ll be the nice lady next door, and I’ll be the clueless girl frantically trying to figure it out.

Hello, Cupcake

I have to say that one of the most important things that military life has taught me is to be welcoming to new people. It is very humbling to move to an area where you don’t have family and you don’t know a soul. Thankfully, we’ve had so many people that have welcomed us along the way that I always want to make sure to do the same.

There are a couple of new people on Husband’s team at work, and we decided to host a small lunch for them and a couple other friends this past weekend.

We had fajitas, Mexican rice, chips/guacamole, and fruit salad. I wanted to do something different for dessert, and I decided to make these key lime cupcakes . (I thought maybe the “lime” would fit in with the Mexican theme – maybe?) I was overjoyed at how they turned out. They were so, so good! This might just be my favorite cupcake ever. Really.

I followed the recipe as is, except I added a drop of green food coloring just to give it a little color. I also cheated and used store-bought vanilla frosting. I did add a small wedge of lime on the top for decoration.

Even if you don’t have any new people in town to welcome, then at least do yourself a favor and welcome these cupcakes in your life.

P.S. Husband liked these cupcakes so much that he said he is going to make them on his next day off. My stomach is hoping that his next day off is very soon.

Care Package

One of Husband’s friends has been deployed for a couple months, and I figured it was about time we sent him a care package.

Years ago when I was deployed, I loved getting care packages. It was most definitely the single most exciting part of my day. Many generous family members and friends sent me more care packages than I can count. I was humbled that so many people thought of me.

Now that I’m on the other side, I find it just as fun to send care packages. I love picking out snacks and candy the person might like, and I even enjoy packaging it up. (I guess the only part I don’t like is standing in line at the post office, but who does?)

This particular care package includes: a variety of candy (Sour Patch Kids, Red Vines, Jolly Ranchers, and other non-chocolate candy), gum, chapstick, wet wipes, beef jerky, and a mini flashlight.

I’m always looking for ideas of other things to send. What are your favorite care package items?

Changes

This seems like the week of changes. In just the last few days, the following things have happened: 1) We just got new neighbors, after our friends (a fellow military family) moved out. 2) Another military family we know just moved away. 3) Two good friends of ours just found out that they will deploying soon. 4) Husband is up for a new position in the unit. 5) I’m realizing that summer is almost over. On the positive side, these are a few things that are still the same: 1) We’ll probably be here (in our house that we love) for another year or so. 2) My job is going well. 3) Husband makes me laugh every day. 4) I’m still cooking. 5) I’m still happy.

Reunions

Happily, this week has turned into the week of reunions. The first one will be when we go to the airport to welcome home Husband’s co-worker from his deployment. Husband e-mailed me yesterday, asking if I wanted to go. I responded with, “YES!” There are few things in life I’d be happier to do than to welcome home a military member who has served and sacrificed for our country. Usually I go a little overboard when I welcome home my military friends, and I bring balloons, signs, and noisemakers. But, in an effort not to embarrass Husband and his friend, I will restrain myself and just bring a balloon or two. I’m also hoping to get a couple of good pictures of him with his family. The next reunion will be this weekend when we go to a wedding for Husband’s friend from college, who is also in the military. It will be great to see our friends. And we might even get the chance to see some family in the area. I can’t wait. Oh, happy week!

Patriotic Weekend

In honor of the upcoming patriotic weekend, I had to share a website that I found recently. This Welcome Home Blog has some of the most inspiring videos I’ve seen in a while. It’s a great reminder that we live in a great country, and we have such wonderful people that serve it. (And for me personally, it’s a reminder to give Husband an extra hug in gratitude that he is home with me.) These were two of my favorite videos I found: I love this one of the mom’s "birthday present" she receives. And the look on this girl’s face is priceless in this one. I challenge you to watch it without tearing up. Happy early Independence Day!

No, really, it's a small world

I know I’ve said that it’s a small world before, but I think it may be getting even smaller. By sheer coincidence, I recently ran into a friend of my cousin’s who just got stationed here a couple weeks ago. I had heard a lot about him, but this was my first time meeting him.

We met, of all places, at the commissary. I had the advantage, since his (last) name was clearly displayed on his military uniform.

Oh, and if you ever want to freak someone out, ask that person a variety of questions, which show that you know personal information about him, without first telling him how you know that information.

I said, “Wait, is your first name, [first name]?”

“Yes.”

“Are you from [state]?”

“Uh, yes…”

“Do you know [my cousin’s name]?”

“Yes…” (By this time, he's looking at me in disbelief like I'm either psychic or nuts. It was hard to tell.)

Finally, I revealed that I was his friend’s cousin, and he seemed excited to see a familiar face, or at least in this case, a face that at least slightly resembles my cousin’s.

We chatted for a while, and it was nice to finally meet him. We exchanged contact information, and Husband and I are going to invite him over for dinner.

My cousin has another friend that will be stationed here soon. I’ll be sure to add “look for cousin’s friend” to my commissary list.

The Party

Somehow we managed to pull off the party this weekend. We had a great time, although it was a somewhat exhausting endeavor to get ready for it. I call it, “the most fun that I hope to not repeat in the very near future.” Regardless, I’m very glad that we hosted it because everyone really enjoyed themselves.

We wanted to do everything simple, since we were hosting a good-sized crowd and we didn’t have a lot of time to prepare everything. We decided on hot dogs and burgers for the main course, which was perfect. Everyone gobbled up the food. (Yet, somehow we still ended up with a ton left over, which means that in the coming weeks we’ll probably be eating more hot dogs and hamburgers than we’ve had all year.)

The thing that cracked me up the most about the party was how everyone raved about the brownies I made. One guy even asked me if I wouldn’t mind sharing my “family recipe” for the brownies. I had to refrain from laughing, as the “family recipe” was a box of brownie mix I bought from the store. He couldn’t believe it, and he wanted to know exactly what kind it was and the exact type of oil I used.

In case anyone else wants my “family secret,” the brownie mix that everyone loved was Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate. (I followed the directions for the "fudgy" brownies, instead of the "cake-like" version, and I used regular vegetable oil.)

I wish I could say that I bought this because I just knew it was going to be so good. But truthfully, I bought it because it was the cheapest. Before the party, I worried that maybe I should have been making more “homemade” stuff, but after the brownie reviews, I realized that most people wouldn’t have known or cared if I spent hours making food from scratch. And really, I think most people just appreciated that we had them over. Although, I must say, the brownies were a nice a bonus for us all.

Entertaining, Part II

I think I can officially end my guilt about not entertaining. This weekend we’re hosting a big party for Husband’s co-workers. It’s a tradition for the person in Husband’s position in the unit to host a party for the other team members. I just found out about the party a couple days ago. Husband came home from work and after a couple hours, he nonchalantly said, “Oh, the party is going to be this weekend.” And then I proceeded to repeat everything Husband said in the form of a question. “This weekend?” “The party will be here at our house?” “We provide the dinner?” “There will be 30 people attending?” I’m not freaking out (yet) because Husband has assured me that a bunch of hungry guys will not care how clean the house is or if there are party decorations. This morning I purchased more hot dogs and hamburgers in one grocery trip than I’ve bought in my entire life. In other words, I think we’re set.

Free Lunch

Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Last week, Husband was coming home from a military trip and he was passing through another city. He and a fellow pilot stopped for lunch at a fast-food restaurant, and they both happened to be in their flight suits. An older gentleman paid for their lunch. Husband tried to politely decline, saying that it wasn’t necessary, but the gentleman insisted. Husband told me this story when he came home, and it truly made my day. I’m thankful for this man for doing something so nice for my husband and for reminding me that small gestures can mean so much!