I live in a place where the land is flat and the wind travels in gusts. Our air sits thick with water, but the spanish moss burns hot and fast.
We're sitting in a hotel two miles from post. Willie is exhausted, and Liam can't quite figure out what's going on. He now has a very short tolerance for his car seat.
We should find out about housing in the next couple of days. News can't come too soon. Willie already wants to get back among "his brothers."
This experience will remind him of how much he loves his guys. It's odd being the only wolf in a pack of dog faced soldiers.
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Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
"Fear is the root of all bad writing." - Stephen King
I spent a year in Limbo. The food wasn't all that great, but the view was fantastic. My visit was trying but worthwhile. I learned how to walk a tight rope and gamble my last dime. It's time to move on, though.
Willie's finished training and has his orders. We move to Savannah next week.
Liam is three months old and budding into an amazing little boy.
I've spent a year plotting, planning, and brooding. Nanowrimo looms just over the horizon.
I've found it's impossible to stick to any hard plans while balancing the Army and a baby, so I'm not going to participate in the Nanowrimo time constraint. I am going to use the event as a "spring board." I may not be ready, and I have no idea where my plot is going. You can't wait forever, though, and I'm sure my characters will inform me when we've reached our destination.
So with an invocation to my Muse, the sweet sleeping Liam, I'll pack my bags and head east. I'm looking forward to a new town, salty air, and endless skies.
Nothing unleashes more possibilities than an empty page and the horizon.
Willie's finished training and has his orders. We move to Savannah next week.
Liam is three months old and budding into an amazing little boy.
I've spent a year plotting, planning, and brooding. Nanowrimo looms just over the horizon.
I've found it's impossible to stick to any hard plans while balancing the Army and a baby, so I'm not going to participate in the Nanowrimo time constraint. I am going to use the event as a "spring board." I may not be ready, and I have no idea where my plot is going. You can't wait forever, though, and I'm sure my characters will inform me when we've reached our destination.
So with an invocation to my Muse, the sweet sleeping Liam, I'll pack my bags and head east. I'm looking forward to a new town, salty air, and endless skies.
Nothing unleashes more possibilities than an empty page and the horizon.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
My Baby Liam
My baby Liam...
... always sneezes in twos.
... nurses well for mommy, but will only take a bottle from daddy.
... has -one- pacifier that he likes. The rest he spits out with a grimace.
... loves to kick while on his back, but hates tummy time.
... cries when getting into the bath, then relaxes and cries about getting out.
... hates hats, socks, mittens, and shoes.
... just learned to tolerate onesies but would much rather be naked.
... loves music with lots of horns.
... hates talking to the video camera but loves talking to recordings of himself later.
... doesn't like it when mommy eats but smiles when she talks with her mouth full.
... jumps when you close the microwave but doesn't mind if the dogs bark.
... hates his crib but loves his changing table.
... always wakes up around seven but goes back to bed by nine.
... fusses about being tired but won't stop looking around so he can sleep.
... understands the back and forth nature of conversation and participates frequently.
... doesn't like to cry. He yells first to communicate.
... loves attention and raises his voice if you don't talk back to him.
... watches hands and loves the itsy bitsy spider song.
... is lactose intolerant and gets very fussy if mommy drinks milk.
... enjoys being carried on his tummy or over your shoulder.
... only wants to be cradled if he's sleepy.
... loves being outside more than anywhere else.
... scoots closer to mommy and daddy when he sleeps, putting them at the edge of the bed.
... is fascinated by new places but isn't always crazy about the car.
... isn't thrilled by his play mat but loves swatting at phones.
... holds onto daddy's necklace while falling asleep.
... holds his thumb between his pointer finger and middle finger.
... sucks on his fist like that all day but hates sucking on his thumb.
... loves watching HGTV with grandmama. He obviously want to be a contractor.
... can blow spit bubbles and would love to share them with you.
... loves to kiss and rub noses.
... relaxes when you pet his nose, rub his head, or play with his ears.
... still can't figure out tickling, the ceiling fan, or motor boat lips.
... gets too confused to cry when you bounce him.
... is generally very patient, but when he's upset he's pissed.
... loves to learn, and teaches his mommy and daddy new stuff each day.
... always sneezes in twos.
... nurses well for mommy, but will only take a bottle from daddy.
... has -one- pacifier that he likes. The rest he spits out with a grimace.
... loves to kick while on his back, but hates tummy time.
... cries when getting into the bath, then relaxes and cries about getting out.
... hates hats, socks, mittens, and shoes.
... just learned to tolerate onesies but would much rather be naked.
... loves music with lots of horns.
... hates talking to the video camera but loves talking to recordings of himself later.
... doesn't like it when mommy eats but smiles when she talks with her mouth full.
... jumps when you close the microwave but doesn't mind if the dogs bark.
... hates his crib but loves his changing table.
... always wakes up around seven but goes back to bed by nine.
... fusses about being tired but won't stop looking around so he can sleep.
... understands the back and forth nature of conversation and participates frequently.
... doesn't like to cry. He yells first to communicate.
... loves attention and raises his voice if you don't talk back to him.
... watches hands and loves the itsy bitsy spider song.
... is lactose intolerant and gets very fussy if mommy drinks milk.
... enjoys being carried on his tummy or over your shoulder.
... only wants to be cradled if he's sleepy.
... loves being outside more than anywhere else.
... scoots closer to mommy and daddy when he sleeps, putting them at the edge of the bed.
... is fascinated by new places but isn't always crazy about the car.
... isn't thrilled by his play mat but loves swatting at phones.
... holds onto daddy's necklace while falling asleep.
... holds his thumb between his pointer finger and middle finger.
... sucks on his fist like that all day but hates sucking on his thumb.
... loves watching HGTV with grandmama. He obviously want to be a contractor.
... can blow spit bubbles and would love to share them with you.
... loves to kiss and rub noses.
... relaxes when you pet his nose, rub his head, or play with his ears.
... still can't figure out tickling, the ceiling fan, or motor boat lips.
... gets too confused to cry when you bounce him.
... is generally very patient, but when he's upset he's pissed.
... loves to learn, and teaches his mommy and daddy new stuff each day.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
"Being a parent means having the courage to let your heart walk around on the outside of your body."
Baby. Baby. Baby. Baby. Baby. Baby. Baby. It's quite literally all I can think about. I'm almost 39 weeks, and I'm DYING to go into labor.
Remember when you were a kid and you saw all those birthing videos that freaked you out? All that flies out the window. I'm not scared at all. I'm thrilled and excited. I don't think it's gross anymore. I see pictures of birth and I cry because I think it's so beautiful. Yeah... the baby bug bit me hard.
That being said, everyone says I'll miss being pregnant. I don't think I will. I can see being older one day and miss having babies, but the actual pregnancy experience I find frustrating. The morning sickness, sore ribs, and heartburn I can get over. What I hate is having this wonderful baby boy who I'm absolutely in LOVE with... and I can't share him yet. I play with him. I talk to him. I sing to him. I want him out already so I can show him to Willie, my family, and friends and say, "See? Isn't he awesome? I told you so."
Soon. Siiiiiiigh. Soon.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Year of Strength
An Army Wife once told me I'd soon start measuring time in duty stations rather than years.
Winnie the Pooh once told me, “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.”
Such a wise little bear.
When I look back, I'm astonished at how much both Willie and I have grown this "year." Last July he was getting ready for basic, full of self doubt as to if he could complete the special ops training he'd signed up for. I was sick with panic. I wasn't sure if had the strength necessary to undertake this lifestyle, but more importantly I knew I loved him too much to do anything else. And it hasn't been easy. Honestly, he wasn't ready at the time and I wasn't strong enough. Army life teaches you so many lessons...
1. Five minute phone calls are precious-- even if they only come once a month.
2. You can survive on letters, and nothing's more exciting than mail call.
3. Sometimes it hurts, but it's suppose to hurt. Accept it and keep going.
4. Being "married but single" due to distance and lack of communication absolutely sucks. Laugh at how absurd it is.
5. Trust is vital. Sometimes there's no time for advice and council. You have to make big decisions all alone. Make your choices with confidence knowing you've always done the best you could.
6. Crying is okay. In fact, it's important. Loss and longing remind us that we loved.
7. You can always do better. You can always push harder. You can always be stronger.
8. You have everything you need to take on the tasks set before you. A thousand people before you have done it, and a thousand after will as well. Be confident.
9. Some people will never understand. That's okay. They don't have to. Realizing you'll never understand where they're coming from either, smile and try to learn.
10. Being honest and respectful are keys to life. Everyone plays their part.
11. You're not in control. You never were. Let go, be resilient, and learn to fly.
12. No news is good news-- make this your life mantra.
13. It's always the little things: "I miss you," "I'm proud of you," "I love you," "Thank you," that make all the difference in the world.
14. No one wants peace more than a soldier and their family.
15. Life is filled with scary possibilities. Take them down with a heavy dose of laughter-- worrying is wasted energy anyway.
I'm not sure what's gotten under my skin, but it's been a thoughtful day. With any luck, Willie will get to come home tomorrow for a visit. Maybe one day he'll get to come home every night to live. Living with my husband... wouldn't that be a dream?
Friday, July 9, 2010
"In the spider-web of facts, many a truth is strangled." - Paul Eldridge
If you haven't heard of TED you've been missing out. TED is a nonprofit, international organization dedicated to "ideas worth spreading." They hold conventions where tons of different people from hundreds of different fields come to share their observations, perspectives, and opinions. The speaker's occupations are innumerable, and the subject matter is infinitely diverse. I realize that explanation is vague, but there really isn't a great way to encompass the enormity of the subject matter.
I'll leave you with links instead. First to the TED website in general:
http://www.ted.com/
Second, here are a few of my favorite talks. If you're the sort of person who enjoys learning about random things, then this website is invaluable. Even if you disagree with some of what's said just hearing the different perspectives is enlightening. Hope you enjoy!
Anna Deavere Smith's American character
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Christopher "moot" Poole: The case for anonymity online
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And lastly, one on blogging.
Mena Trott on blogs
">
I'll leave you with links instead. First to the TED website in general:
http://www.ted.com/
Second, here are a few of my favorite talks. If you're the sort of person who enjoys learning about random things, then this website is invaluable. Even if you disagree with some of what's said just hearing the different perspectives is enlightening. Hope you enjoy!
Anna Deavere Smith's American character
">
Christopher "moot" Poole: The case for anonymity online
">
And lastly, one on blogging.
Mena Trott on blogs
">
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." - Robert C. Gallagher
Wow. It's been well over a year since either of us posted. I suppose that's what happens when life throws you a curve ball-- or seven. Time to blow off the dust and get back on track. How about a quick update?
For starters: Everything changed. No, seriously, everything changed.
In January of 2009 we moved from Wisconsin back down to Tuscaloosa, AL where we continued our job hunts. After several false starts and flops, I managed to land part time work as a substitute teacher and as a sales associate at Buckle. Much to our distress at the time, neither of the positions were really "working out." So one day probably in late April, early May, Willie looks over at me and says, "Maybe I should just enlist."
And so it began. The journey was tumultuous. He (we) began meeting with a recruiter. He did very well on his ASVAB and was told he could choose any MOS (job) he wanted. After looking at Imagery Analyst and Translator he decided he wanted to enlist as... Infantry. I had a heart attack.
We'll skip the drama and stick to the facts. Willie managed to land the exact contract he wanted, a guaranteed shot at joining a Special Operations unit. We spent the summer traveling the country, informing family, and preparing for his big departure into the world of Army training.
On August 04, 2009, we ran down to a Bessemer court house and eloped. My hair was wet. His jeans were dirty. It was perfectly romantic and hilarious all at once. A couple of weeks later I dropped him off at his recruiter's office where he was bussed off to Ft. Benning to begin his seven months of training. Life as an Army Wife had begun, and it started with a ton of tears.
I could ramble forever about adjusting from civilian family to military family. Perhaps one day I'll make a post about that experience. For now I'll say that August through October were filled with tons of letters, laughter, tears, and a few precious, five minute phone calls. In late October Willie got a weekend off for family visitation. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. In December Willie graduated from OSUT (infantry training) and communication became more lax.
He's since gone through two more schools, fulfilling his dream and obtaining a slot on a Special Operations unit. Currently he's working in an office, though, while he waits on paperwork to go through for one final training course. He's close enough that we get to visit on weekends, and sometime in late August we hope to live together again in Georgia.
As for me? I'm surprisingly taken with the life I've found myself in. I've been living with my mom while Willie's in training. My future plans are still a little up in the air, but now I have time to figure them out.
I've been working on a writing project for some time now, and I've made excellent progress. I see a Master's degree in my near future, but how and what will be contingent upon what allows me to stay at home with baby Liam. He's due to join us sometime this month, and I couldn't be more impatient or excited.
And there you have it-- an extensive essay on where we've been and where we're going. So much has changed, and we have so many new, unique experiences to share. We both tend to suck at this blogging thing, but now that life's really taking off maybe it'll be different. I hope so, because so much is happening so fast. It'll be nice to look back one day and have some record of where all we've been. We have so many places to go now, and even though we're a year into our journey I still feel like we're just getting started.
For starters: Everything changed. No, seriously, everything changed.
In January of 2009 we moved from Wisconsin back down to Tuscaloosa, AL where we continued our job hunts. After several false starts and flops, I managed to land part time work as a substitute teacher and as a sales associate at Buckle. Much to our distress at the time, neither of the positions were really "working out." So one day probably in late April, early May, Willie looks over at me and says, "Maybe I should just enlist."
And so it began. The journey was tumultuous. He (we) began meeting with a recruiter. He did very well on his ASVAB and was told he could choose any MOS (job) he wanted. After looking at Imagery Analyst and Translator he decided he wanted to enlist as... Infantry. I had a heart attack.
We'll skip the drama and stick to the facts. Willie managed to land the exact contract he wanted, a guaranteed shot at joining a Special Operations unit. We spent the summer traveling the country, informing family, and preparing for his big departure into the world of Army training.
On August 04, 2009, we ran down to a Bessemer court house and eloped. My hair was wet. His jeans were dirty. It was perfectly romantic and hilarious all at once. A couple of weeks later I dropped him off at his recruiter's office where he was bussed off to Ft. Benning to begin his seven months of training. Life as an Army Wife had begun, and it started with a ton of tears.
I could ramble forever about adjusting from civilian family to military family. Perhaps one day I'll make a post about that experience. For now I'll say that August through October were filled with tons of letters, laughter, tears, and a few precious, five minute phone calls. In late October Willie got a weekend off for family visitation. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. In December Willie graduated from OSUT (infantry training) and communication became more lax.
He's since gone through two more schools, fulfilling his dream and obtaining a slot on a Special Operations unit. Currently he's working in an office, though, while he waits on paperwork to go through for one final training course. He's close enough that we get to visit on weekends, and sometime in late August we hope to live together again in Georgia.
As for me? I'm surprisingly taken with the life I've found myself in. I've been living with my mom while Willie's in training. My future plans are still a little up in the air, but now I have time to figure them out.
I've been working on a writing project for some time now, and I've made excellent progress. I see a Master's degree in my near future, but how and what will be contingent upon what allows me to stay at home with baby Liam. He's due to join us sometime this month, and I couldn't be more impatient or excited.
And there you have it-- an extensive essay on where we've been and where we're going. So much has changed, and we have so many new, unique experiences to share. We both tend to suck at this blogging thing, but now that life's really taking off maybe it'll be different. I hope so, because so much is happening so fast. It'll be nice to look back one day and have some record of where all we've been. We have so many places to go now, and even though we're a year into our journey I still feel like we're just getting started.
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