Been a long, long time.

I just took a moment to realize that It's been since August that I wrote my last blog post. What the heck man? Well, that being said, let me play some catch up!

Our time in Vegas has been like a mini-life. There was loss, new friends, new experiences, hard times, and fun times and the journey is still going! Though I wish we would get out of Nevada, but that's another issue entirely.

I had a best friend. And awesome and funny Nevada friend that was all my own!!! But I got a hard dose of military reality when they got orders and she moved all the way to Germany. Which after she left, felt like I was new to this city all over again. I adjusted of course, and now have a few new great friends, but it wasn't easy.

I also lost my grandpa. He had barely gotten to see and meet our son and had never gotten the chance to meet my daughters. I couldn't be there to see him or say goodbye or anything, and again I got a dose of military reality.

But then, through it all, I had a husband. One that loves me and adores his children and for that I am lucky. For him, that military reality, was tolerable.

Now, I have a malformation in my brain that will require surgery. And I will have my friends, and him through all of it. And, I can get it done thanks to yet another, but good one, military reality. Health insurance.

In talk of my upcoming graduation and my major, I will keep this blog updated now. I write whatever I feel. My stories, my journies, my work, my family. It will all be laid out for whoever to read because somewhere out there, is another me who wants to feel like they aren't alone. Or just a few nosey friends or stalker realatives! Just Kidding!! Kinda..

For now, I have major assignments due for homework and a deadline. Bummer, right?

Witness

FADE IN:
INT. WICHITA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL/HALLWAY- 7:30 A.M.
Emily Tindol has just entered through the front doors of Wichita County High School. Her long straight brown hair is thrown up in a messy cheerleader-like bun and she wears a blue tank complimented with a pair of bleached ripped jeans. Emily’s real name is Brittany Parks but if anyone found out it could mean her life and others lives as well. Emily (Brittany) and her family are in the Witness Protection Program for a murder that she witnessed six months ago.
Emily walks down the wide, empty hallway looking for door #62. She reaches her door and takes a seat at the closest desk. The teacher see’s her and takes a step away from her board to face Emily with a smile.
TEACHER
Class, this is Ms. Emily Tindol. She just transferred here from New York City! Say hello class!
STUDENTS
(as a whole)
Hey Emily!
EMILY
Uh..hey.
Emily hates being the center of attention.
A tougher looking blonde is sitting next to the seat she chooses. She’s gorgeous and intimidating at the same time.
JORDYN
Hey new girl. You’re from New York? What the heck did you move to this small town for? Parents?
EMILY
Yeah.
JORDYN
That sucks. What’s yer schedule like?

Emily takes out the wrinkled slip from her pocket and hands it to Jordyn.
JORDYN (CONT’D)

(studying the paper)
Looks like you’re gonna have to get used to me, were in every class together new girl.

The teacher interrupts.
TEACHER
No talking!
JORDYN
You’re talking.
TEACHER
Give it up Jordyn.
INT. WICHITA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL/HALLWAY- 9:00 A.M.

After class Jordyn catches up with Emily to walk beside her.
JORDYN
Hey new girl, what do you think of this place so far?
EMILY
It’s...alright. Kinda boring I guess.
JORDYN
Yep. So why don’t ya just go back to New York? I wouldn’t want to stay if I had a choice.

EMILY
I don’t want to talk about New York.
JORYDN
Something happen back home?

EMILY
What made you end up here? You don’t seem to like this place either.
JORYDN
I was born here. I didn’t have a choice.
EMILY
Sucks for you I guess.
JORDYN
You have no idea.
EMILY
I think I’m starting to.
A group of girls come up to Jordyn.
GIRL #1
Hey Jor! There’s a party at my house tonight. You should come, and bring your new friend. Please say you’ll be there?
JORDYN
Not really in the party mood tonight.
GIRL #1
Awe, but it’s not a party without you Jor. Pleaseeee!?
JORDYN
Maybe. I gotta go though. New girl here and I have gym. See ya.
They start walking again, leaving the group behind.
EMILY
I have a name you know.
JORDYN
Yeah I know, Emily.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL TRACK- AFTERNOON
Jordyn and Emily are now in their gym clothes and walking around the track while the gym teacher reads a magazine from the benches.
A brunette boy makes his way over to the two girls.
JAKE
Hey! You’re that new girl! Emily, right?
EMILY
That’s me.
JAKE
I’m Jake. I’m a sophomore here. You a Sophomore?
EMILY
Actually I’m a freshman.
JORDYN
Back off, Jake. She’s not interested.
JAKE
Hey now! I’m just trying to make friendly conversation.
JORDYN
Sure you are.
JAKE
I hear your from New York. I used to live there too. What part of the city where you in?
The coach calls for the students to come inside.
EMILY
Well, it was nice meeting you. Bye.
JAKE
(smirking)
Bye.
Jordyn rolls her eyes at him and he gives her a spiteful look.
INT. GIRL’S LOCKER ROOM- MOMENTS LATER
EMILY
Did you two date?
JORDYN
Me and Jake? No. I just know his type.
EMILY
What’s his type?
JORYDN
He’s a user. I’ll just say that. Let’s go.
EMILY
Go where?
JORDYN
That’s a stupid question. School isn’t out yet.

The girls close their lockers and head out the door and down the hallway.
EMILY
So where do you live?
JORYDN
In the Lincoln Heights Apartments. The one’s close to that military base.
EMILY
Wow, I really am going to have to get used to you, huh? That’s where I live.
A boy slams his locker and Emily jumps and turns to the boy terrified.
JORYDN
You okay?
EMILY
Yeah, just a little jumpy I guess.
JORDYN
I know the feeling.
EMILY
Huh?
JORDYN
Nevermind. Where you at in the apartments? We can walk together tomorrow.
EMILY
Only if you stop calling me new girl. I’m in building...
JORDYN
Did you forget?
EMILY
Um...yeah. I forgot. I’ll um let ya know tomorrow after I go home.
JORDYN
(skeptical)
Well, don’t get lost going home..
EMILY
I wont. Here’s our next class.
The girls reach door 812 and walk inside. Emily see’s the tall, dark-haired male teacher. She drops her book and runs.

The right to bragg

Being a new military wife is a challenge. Being a military wife is a challenge either way, new or old. I’m still learning my way around the base I have now lived at for 7 months. I am still learning of every Key Spouse resource and unit though I have finished training and Heart Link. I had trouble filing military taxes even though I have been doing my own taxes for 6 years. I am also finding myself with a lot more girl friends than boy friends. That’s not normal for me. I only have certain orders of ranks remembered and feel like an idiot trying to count the strips and remember them all. I have to ask to remember at events who I should wait to see leave before it’s appropriate for us to leave. The wives are either extremely annoying or overly sweet. There’s barely ever an in-between.  You’re supposed to speak up and shut up at the same time and that’s a confusing concept on it’s own. The second you finish unpacking and getting settled in and make friends, something changes. Friends leave, orders come up and mess up. Deployments and TDY’s can sneak up on you at any given moment so plans better be in place just in case. And don’t even get me started with the acronyms.

With all of this, I am still happy with the choice that my husband made. Why? Well, there’s the obvious reason that he is now a part of the United States Air Force and he is a part of the large group of men and women protecting and serving our country. Then there is the face that he makes whenever the plans are flying directly over our car as they land, the look of pride. He is happy. Him being happy is important to me. Does all the above comments drive me nuts sometimes? Yes. But marriage is also about making sacrifices. And if there were ever a man worth making those sacrifices, it would be my husband,

Every morning my husband wakes up, throws on his uniform and heads off to work. All day I chase my son, hold my girls, pay the bills, set up Dr. Appts, clean the house, cook the dinner, do school with our son, do my homework and then some. By the time he gets home we are both exhausted. We take a break, eat dinner, and then start with activities and then the bedtime routines.  We spend some short time alone together when all is finally (hopefully) silent and then off to bed to do it all again. This is my little, simple world and I love it. 

USAF BMT Graduation Weekend

One thing I remember about my husband being in BMT was all of the questions everyone had! There were questions about literally everything! I also loved seeing photos of the graduations and ceremonies, they got me even more excited about my husband's coming up! I'm writing this post to share my wonderful experience of BMT graduation weekend!

Of course, I will post pictures, daily events, and links to helpful sites. There will also be a list of links to pages that can answer the questions I may have not been able to answer on this!

BEFORE GRADUATION:

Letters- While I know some people aren't letter writing type of people, do it anyways. It really seems to help motivate the men/women going through training to keep pushing forward! When you go to bed, get some down time..whenever works, just write write write! If you don't get one from them or as many as you would like, don't stress. They are okay and are just very busy and really don't have much time to write!

Pictures- Yes you can send pictures, as long as they are appropriate. That means no naked photos and nothing vulgar. Do not send candy and care packages either. JUST letters and pictures :) You can bring candy or care things to graduation!

Children- I had a 2 year old going through this with me, he missed daddy a lot and I simply kept reminding him that daddy was coming back and that he loved him very much! I also showed him many pictures of his daddy while he was gone, especially recent ones I got from him so that our son could try to adjust to daddy's new look.

Phone calls- I got mine either on a Sat. or Sun of everyweek. They started at 15 mins each and then moved up to 30 but that can change at any time. They could not call or call or talk for a short time or a long time. There is no set schedule so don't get disappointed. They cannot discuss certain things and they cannot send phone pictures...no matter how much we ask lol.

The following is my personal checklist that I used to pack and prepare for graduation, you can change whatever you wish. Anything with a star next to it means there is a link provided for it for the sites I used:

-Make hotel reservation at Lackland EARLY ( you can only stay ON base if you or someone you are with has a military ID) ----(210) 671-4277 <-----to make reservation
-Print directions to Lackland AFB*
-Make Reservation for rental car (if you don't do this early, you might not get one and trust me, it's worth it to have a car you can drive and not a taxi)
-Banner for Airman's Run*
-Graduation Present
-Dogtag necklace personalized*
-Camo shoes*
-Airmans run shirts*
-Candy for my husband
-Water bottles for him for after the run
-BUG SPRAY
-Sweaters
-Nametape Bracelet*
-Civillain clothes & shoes (for my husband to take with him to tech)
-His laptop (also for him to take to tech)
-Camera & Plenty of batteries
-Snacks for my son for the boring parts
-Tide Pen (for if he gets something on his uniform)
-Nice outfit (but nothing prom-like) for graduation
-Stroller
-Pack-N-Play (although the family hotels have them already along with highchairs)
-Any other small item he would want for tech
-Small bottles of Shaving cream/cologne for him (travel size)
-MY MILITARY ID (DO NOT FORGET THIS)

ARRIVING:
When- Most people arrive Wednesday since you must be up very early Thursday for the briefings and Airman's Run. If you get a rental car from the airport, be prepared for long lines at the check in for your rental car.

What to do- First, check into your hotel. If you are in Family hotels then the check-in area will be different than where the actual hotel rooms are. They are very nice and have a seperate bedroom and kitchen that is fully stocked and a pull out sofa. The reservation people will tell you how to get to the hotels, there is not a pool.  Once you arrive, do whatever you wish but stay by your phone. Just trust me on this. You may get a surprise call from your Airman. I went to dinner that night with some fellow wives and girlfriends that were there for the same reason! It was a fun night. But don't stay awake too late, you have to get up early.

Thursday THE BIG DAY!!!

Airman's Run- We went of course and got there about 20 minutes early. Don't worry about finding a place to stand, there is plenty of room and you will get to see your Airman run by. Make sure to look out for his squadron, seperated by colored shirts. Mine was in RED! He was in the 320 "Can't stop the rock!" However, if you have a big banner, you might want to get there early because while you may have a place to stand, there may not be enough room for your banner!

Briefings- We went to the 9:00 am one that was after the run while my mother-in-law saved our seats on the stadium. Ask your Airman ahead of time during one of his calls where his squadron will be and where you should sit. GET THERE EARLY AND SAVE YOUR SEAT. If your Airman was awesome like mine and made Honor Grad, there is a special section in the front for those family members.

Honor grads-  The walk out first during the ceremony! There is also a honor graduate reception you wont want to miss at 11:45.

Coin ceremony- Not as long as you would thing it is. This is a great moment in your Airmans career and enjoy every second of it! 11:00 am! Also, they cannot wave and smile at you or anything like that.

After the coin ceremony they will announce when you can FINALLY run down and tap out your Airman! THE BEST PART EVEEERRR! Be careful not to get run over though!

Rules- Your not supposed to kiss them, I did. It was quick and I did not hang all over him but it had been 8 1/2 weeks since I had seen my husband and I wanted to give a kiss so I did. We did not get in trouble, the last thing you want to do is get them in trouble.

-Don't walk in the grass
-Obey anyone in uniform
-DO NOT SPEED THEY WILL GET YOU....trust me...even for 5 over.
-Use the driving bridge to get from one side of the base to the other. There are maps to show you where this bridge is located. GET ONE PLEASE.
-Do not make your Airman LATE to ANYTHING. Bring them back at least 15 minutes early.
-Don't jaywalk
-Airmen cannot push strollers, hold your hand, drink or eat while walking in uniform. They also cannot talk on phones while walking in uniform.
-Listen to your Airman. They know the rules and will let you know. Don't argue with them about it either or get angry with them...its not their fault what they can or cannot do.

Hotels- They have to have permission to go into your hotel. BUT once they are in...it's wonderfuL!  They can be themselves completely! They do whatever they want (with the exception of drugs or drinking OF COURSE)  and say whatever! Since they can't leave the base Thursday, we stayed in the hotel the entire time Thursday and just let my husband relax!!! HE LOVED it. We all did!

Friday

Graduation- 9:00 am. BIG area and LOTS of seats but you STILL want to arrive early and save a seat. Bring your camera. We brought our stroller and parked it under the bleachers when the time came. This one is bit longer. Again, you get to tap them out when announced. Then your Airman can take you to see where they have lived the past 8 1/2 weeks! DO NOT break the rules in that building to save your life...again he/she will tell you what the rules are. Then from 12-8 you get to leave base and do whatever around town...seaworld, the river walk..w/e. The river walk is very nice and has plenty of shaded outside areas to eat. There are also riverwalk boat tours and you could look online to see if there are any events in the area, like plane shows..

My man is third from the left in honor grads!

Honor grad walk

Sat- WOOOHOOO

You get your man from 9:00am- 8:00 pm to do whatever you want! (within the rules of course) and it's amazing!!!!!! This was my favorite fun filled day spent with my husband!

Sunday- Honor grads/honor flight/ warrior flights get an extra town pass for sunday and can leave base again. We got to do this and enjoyed another nice day outside. If not, you have to stay on base like you did Thursday. Sunday night was also when I could give him his civilian clothes and laptop to take with him Monday.

On the Riverwalk steps

Monday- We left for home and he left for tech. He got his phone and was able to call on the bus ride. :)

USEFUL SITES:


http://www.facebook.com/AFWingMoms

http://www.facebook.com/pages/USAF-Basic-Military-Training/157294844292985?ref=ts
(they post pictures here of the men in training...but ARE NOT required to. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR PHOTOS)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfj7GhjawR0


Checklist Sites:

Directions to Lackland: http://www.lackland.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=82
Banner for Airmans Run: http://www.buildasign.com/Troops?pscid=10310&extcid=1389&mtcid=b&ntwcid=g&kwcid=military%20banners&gclid=COSTlsiIzK8CFaRdTAodIyWZcQ
Personalized Shirts: http://www.uberprints.com/custom/womens-t-shirts/2/#ref_1b
Nametape Bracelet: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nametape-Memories/147627051998494
Camo Shoes: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/converse-olive-camo-womens-chuck-taylor-as-ox
Dogtag necklace: http://www.mydogtag.com/
Air Force Nail Decals: http://www.prettygirlygirl.com/Nail-Decals-By-Genre/Military-Themed/Airforce-Logo

Experience

While I admit that I am new to the military wife lifestyle, and yes it is very much so it's own lifestyle, when I was given a class assignment to write a short story on anything personal to me, this is what came out of it. Enjoy!

Nothing Left Simple

Jane was a simple woman with a simple name and an even simpler phone. It was what everyone called “the DYNO-phone” since it appeared to come from the prehistoric era. It was old and plain. It could make calls and that was all. She did not text, e-mail, or Facebook on her phone and that was okay with her. It wasn’t okay with her husband though, who wanted to text instead of go over minutes.

           

            “Seriously Jane. Just take the phone. Your phone won’t work now anyways since I turned it off and turned on this one.” He said with her glaring at him.

            “I don’t want that stupid phone Jake! I don’t even know how to use those freakin’ touch screen things! They break too easily and I wouldn’t even know how to make a 911 call! What if there’s an emergency and I can’t figure out how to call for help all because you HAD to get me some stupid iPhone when MINE worked just fine!” She yelled.

            “Jane dear, it’s just a phone. I will teach you how to use it. We can’t afford to go over our minutes anymore so you WILL learn the art of texting. Plus, you can check your e-mails on this”. He looked at her with the most calm and content look on his face. Even if she is mad at him, he loves her and cannot bring himself to yell at her.  She reached out and grabbed the phone with a frown on her face.  He had won the phone battle.

            “Fine, but if I die because I couldn’t call for help it’s on your conscious” she told him walking away and playing with her new phone.  Ding!  His phone went off a minute later. He looked down at his phone was surprised to see “Text from Jane” across the screen of his phone. He opened the new text and read “ Tihs fone iz stoopid” and couldn’t help but laugh.  He looked out at his wife who was now sitting on the patio apparently trying out her new ringtones.  As he listened to the variety of pre-loaded ringtones she was playing he sighed. He had something to tell her that was going to be much harder than telling her he changed her phone.

            Three days go by and Jane has successfully mastered text messaging on her new iPhone. In fact, she barely made calls at all anymore because she preferred to text! Jake walked in to the living room and sees Jane texting her sister. She was in a good mood and had mastered the phone. Now was the best time to tell her. Jake picked up his phone, found his wife’s number in his contacts, and called her. Looking confused, Jane slid the little green bar across the bottom of her phones screen. “Hello?”

            “Hey babe. I see you’ve figured out your new phone” Her husband replied on the other line and right next to her.  She wasn’t sure what he was doing at this point.  She looked at him and said, “Why are you calling me when you’re standing right next to me?’”

           

“I just wanted to make sure you knew how to answer calls effectively.” He responded. She could see the look on his face and knew something was up. Afraid of his answer she asked, “why?”       

            He hung up the phone and took a seat next to his wife. “The time has come Jane,” he said softly. He watched as her eyes filled with tears, questions, and doubts. “This phone is the only way I will be able to speak with you,” he continued. He looked at his wife and wanted more than anything to comfort her. He knew she was scared but they both knew there was nothing at all they could do to stop him from leaving. This was something that they both knew would come one day. This was his very first deployment. He would be gone for at least a year, maybe more. They never really knew. 

            He put his arms around a crying Jane and kissed her on her forehead. Together, they sat there for hours. It was the most bittersweet moment they had together. Two weeks later—he was gone.

She stared down at the simple black rectangular device that her husband made her get and told her self  “it’s just a phone”. So what if the battery dies for a minute? So what if she loses service for a millisecond? It doesn’t matter, right? WRONG. This stupid small insignificant device is now her lifeline. It is, as of now, the only link to her husband.  As of six hours ago, the only thing in her life left simple was her name.  Her life was now full of wondering, hoping and waiting.  Nothing was simple anymore, not even—her phone.  

Money VS Time

With the news of the twins came a lot of unexpected complications so say the least. I have been in and out of the ER trying to keep myself hydrated so that I don't nearly pass out again. With all this going on and my husband unable to live with me, he began to worry...

The topic of wether or not I should be sent back to Savannah was brought up several times so that I would have close family and friends to help. We made a deal , if I am still this ill by 16 weeks pregnant, I will return home early. Along with that choice came the talk of money (since we would have to pay a lot to get me home). Along with money came the issue of money vs time. My argument is that as long as your heading in the direction you want to be in, and as long as you have enough to pay all of your bills, you are fine. His argument is that enough is never enough. He is in the military training for a good job. We have enough to pay the bills and then some. But that isn't good enough for now. He only see's me and his son 3 hours a day Monday-Thursday and then from 6pm Friday- 730 pm Sunday. Now he wants to do blackrope, bullets, and more all of which will take even more time out of the little he already has with us.

His argument? "What I have now is good, but I want more and I have to get ahead of the game".
I tell him he needs to managae his time better that will allow him to do so without taking more and more time from his family. These are the kinda choices you regret with you lose a loved one, not spending the time you did have with them.

You know the type in movies that always want to work to get ahead of the game and get the best job or promotion but it ends up taking all of their time from their famalies....I married that guy. While I am proud of him for his major accomplishments, I wish he understood the importance of spending the time you do have with the ones you love.

I can't help but wonder if this is guy thing? Are girls the only ones who think time is more important than extra spending money for nicer things than what you already have? Or could it just be me that thinks this way? Is it wrong for him to always want more? No. Does it make me feel like what he has now (me and his children and able to pay the bills and still heading in a good direction for advancement) isn't goo enough for him? Yes.

Speaking of time and how short it is, the twins have grown rapidly since I found out anout them! The first picture is from when I was 8 weeks pregnant and the second is my 12 week ultrasound. I am now 14 weeks.  Time flys! Now if I could only get my husband to agree..

Here we go again!

In case the title didn't completely give it away...I'm pregnant!

At least according to two different test. And that's what it said across the little screen in clear words, "pregnant".
At this point most people are wondering "Is this a good thing?". The answer to that, is OF COURSE! With Ian being in the AirForce, we were actually trying to get pregnant for a few reasons.

1. We love our son
2. We want our son to have a sibling
3. A sibling he can be close in age to
4. We're happily married
5. We can afford it right now
6. We want the chance of him being deployed during my labor as small as possible

You see, Ian is a newbie in the USAF which means he has a series of courses and training he has to complete before he is deployable. That being said, since he still has about 5 months left in tech school and then another 6 (not sure on that) of training, being pregnant right now is pretty much perfect timing! 

What baby isn't good news though? Bad situation or not, it's a little baby boy or girl just starting their life. I don't see how people can ever look at a baby and hate what they see. But for right now, I don't want to think about that. I want to think about how from now on it's going to be "our children" and not just "our child". How there will be two little car seats in the back seat now and twice the commotion. I want to be exactly what I am in this moment, happy.