Annual Training

Well, 4th day of training.   So much for thinking I was going to be working out everyday, but I am sweating of the pounds while training in the field.  Last night in the woods though, YES.  I'm over this roughing it.  Cant wait to sleep on  my twin bed in the barracks, and take a shower anytime I want.  Enough complaining though because we did have some good training.  Now I'm sitting here on Guard duty at 4am (my partner is knocked out) waiting for the sun to come up over the mountain and waiting until breakfast when I can have my coffee.   Coffee is my only pleasure in the field.  Love coffee, even army coffee.

One of my soldiers saw a little bear out here in the field, hope no animals get brave and come into our area.  I'm not prepared for that, I don't have my weapon all I have is bug spray and some folding chairs.   The folding chair that I was trying to figure out how to get comfortable on and doze off but that wasn't working.  The sunrise is so nice, can't wait to see what today holds!

Time to get back in shape! ;)

     Well getting ready for another couple of weeks of Annual Training.  We're a couple of years home from deployment so the tempo has slowed somewhat for our unit and we have alot of new young soldiers. Especially young new females some of whom are expecting.  It will be nice to see my battle buddies and catch up on each others lives and train together again.  Hope we are fortunate enough to be in barracks with air conditioning.  I always overpack, we try to make the barracks a home away from home for a couple of weeks.  Although we females don't usually go all out like the guys who bring their flat screens, xbox's, playstations etc.....  We do have fun on our down time though.  We have a good time training too. 

     I've have two children back to back so this is my first time back with the unit and it's time to get back in shape.  I'm starting from scratch because I didn't work out while I was pregnant, shame on me.  Now that I'm older the army standard for me is not too hard, once I get myself there I'll be fine.  My 13 yr old son is my motivator and workout partner.  Annual Training is a good chance to be away from all the responsibilities of home and have a chance to work out everyday or more than once a day so I better make the most of it.

http://suzeorman.com/

Money Class on PBS and OWN.  Suze Orman gives great advice on this show.  I've watched most of the shows.  The biggest lesson for me is that my financial situation is directly related to my emotions.  When I get my surroundings organized and get rid of certain things that are causing drama in my life I will be on a much better financial path.  It is really all related, I dont know if it's the case for both men and women or just most women.  Suze always emphasizses being honest and organized.  Honest about what we really need and what we can really afford.  I am definately not trying to keep up with the Jones's or the Kardashians.  So this is my project for awhile.  This is especially important for military members because we never know when we could have to leave our families and homes so having things in order and ready to go is critical.  On my last deployment I really wish I had my finances more organized and had a real plan for the money I made.  I won't make that mistake again on my next deployment which is inevitable :( .  Prepaid debit card - I mostly think prepaid cards are SUCH a rip off, why not just use the one with your checking account?  The Rush card?  Why should I help make Russell and Kimora Simmons more rich than they already are?  I don't think it looks cool to have a celebrity's face on your debit card, it just makes you stand out that for some reason you can't get a real credit card or traditional debit card.  There are so many fees on the prepaid cards, that you would most likely not get with a checking account debit card.  Annual Fees, Monthly Fees, ATM fee, balance inquiry fee, fee for calling customer service, overdraft fee, and on and on.  But Suze has a good idea with her debit card that in the future may report to one of the credit bureaus, TransUnion.  Suze Orman's Approved card has a small $3 per month fee.  This is perfect for people who cannot get a credit card, to build up their credit.  I'm a fan of Suze! Plus she is very pro-Military!



Cropped Picture

Okay, everyone is STILL talking about the breastfeeding military moms.  Fox News reports the woman responsible for this controversy has been fired from her civilian job as an X-ray technician.  These soldiers have also been reprimanded by the Air Force because you cannot use the uniform to promote a cause.  Well I am all for breastfeeding and I did so publicly a few times.  Although I do feel it is in bad taste and unprofessional to have your picture taken in uniform knowing it will be shown nationally.  Im for the cause but I seriously doubt these women breast feed outside in the open in uniform as the picture appears.

www.sandycove.org

Any service man or woman in uniform, including those in the Reserve and National Guard, returning home from deployment in support of OIF, OEF or Operation New Dawn can come to Sandy Cove with their immediate family for FREE! This includes comfortable accommodations in the Chesapeake Lodge or Pioneer Campground cabins, all meals, recreation and program if scheduled. 5-nights for a family of four would normally cost up to $2900, but through generous donations, Sandy Cove is able to offer this as a FREE gift to military families to help you bond together and relax in a Christian atmosphere. One FREE visit per family.  Also a 10% discount for all soldiers ANYTIME!

I have not had a chance to take advantage of this but I will this summer if it's not too late, because I returned from my deployment awhile ago.  You cant beat a free stay by the water for your family.  I believe they do not have TV's in the rooms so it will be interesting for me to spend time with my children with NO distractions.   We'll have fun together free from Facebook, Youtube, all of that.  I'm positive it will be fun and I'm also sure my 13 yr old son wouldn't admit it.

How are being a Mother and a Soldier alike?

Mothers and Soldiers have much in common ;)

• Most rewarding job in the world
• Can be a thankless job
• Must make many sacrifices
• You can be loved and hated at times, you must be respected
• Don't expect much sleep
• You can never be more proud of what you do
• No matter how tough it gets; you'd do it all over again
• Your peers are Heros
• 24/7 Job

Random thoughts

random thought; I hate when they restrict fast forwarding on the On Demand shows!!!! I watch On Demand because I don't have a lot of time. Especially no time for commercials.