Phsbum @ MindSay 
So ... how have you all been? In case any of you have forgotten or just never knew ... we are entering what is known to be ... the FURNACE of AFFLICTION ... hah!
Well ... that's perhaps an over-dramatized, slightly exaggerated, highly spiritualized ... OY!
So ... first issue: Anyone know why I can't seem to load a new header pic? I've tried a couple of them and they won't go! Never had a problem before?
No really ... for the past, oh, I don't know, 20 so years, summers have been true "testing" times ... to the point that summer is dreaded somewhat. I wish is was not so, but ... I'm just being honest! I do not like summer. I do not enjoy heat ... never have ... unless, of course, I have the freedom to lounge around poolside (or beachside) all day. Since that is not the case, well ... I grit my teeth and bear it ... or bare it? lol
So, the afflictions began with the hacking of my checking account on the eve of our trip South. All but $78 has been recovered now, but ... to us, that's a large sum ... We will recover fully, in time, but thr TRIP ... was fantastic! My son and I went down for an all-too-brief visit with soldiergirl at Ft Stewart, GA ... Top of the Rock! Home of the 3rd Infantry Division! A few choice pics above!
Our trip involved a weekend in Charleston, SC with our friends ... Always a good time and great hosts! I cannot express how good it is to see these two together. They've always been like two peas in a pod. I used to tease them saying they were really twins, just born 3 years apart! He's 22 and she's 18 1/2! It was fun to see them wrestle, chase each other, and just play like kids together ... laughing, teasing, punching! lol
I have been struggling to make the most efficient arrangements for my trip to SC for phsbum 's graduation from Basic. She had to pick Thanksgiving week! ;) She actually graduates Nov 21 - the day before Thanksgiving. I have been watching the prices climb through the summer. Since my new employment position starts tomorrow, I have not yet been able to purchase it. For a brief moment, all three of us hoped to go down, but then reality set in. When we (Janna and I) flew down in June, it was significantly cheaper than the current price for 1 seat! Who knew! I know Thanksgiving is the biggest travel time, but ... June is "beach" time, isn't it? So the other two siblings are disappointed, but our soldier will be permitted to come home for Christmas from 19 Dec to 3 Jan!
Ah well ... the cool thing is that it's actually cheaper to fly into Charleston, where my friends live and where I will be staying than it is to fly into Columbia, where Ft. Jackson is. I'm hoping to finalize my arrangements this weekend ... Lord willing!
Tomorrow ... Oct 19th ... looks like it's shaping up to be a significant day in a few ways. My dear friend in Charleston ( Jo ) is having surgery to remove a tumor on her ovary - prayerfully, it is benign as they expect. It is also the day of my oldest daughter's court hearing. Yes, she got herself into a dilemma, a youthful mistake, and is being held accountable. It is pretty much a formality at this point, since the details have already been ironed out to everyone's satisfaction. Lastly, tomorrow is my first day on the new job! It's been a chore jumping through all their hoops, but ... I believe I've made it! Hoping for top dollar! ;) While the situation with my daughter and my new job are both important, my friend's situation takes priority! We are each in excellent hands! :)
~ B
78 days until my baby (phsbum), the youngest of my 3 children, is launched into an unknown world. I try not to let my head go here very often simply because it is overwhelming, but ... I also have to adjust and accept the idea.
Like many of us, she seeks adventure and purpose, acceptance and challenge. In 1975, I joined the Army, too, but when I did it I was in undeniable rebellion. She joined at my suggestion, at least timing wise. It's been her dream / plan for several years. She's rather obnoxious in her zeal at this point, but I have a feeling some of that will wear off as Basic training begins. For now, it serves as motivation when she goes running every am and pm. It will carry her through the summer.
As her mom, I'm walking a fine line, or trying to, between being supportive and encouraging and ... preparing myself and her for the separation as much as I can. I have a couple of ideas that I won't share here because she reads my blog! :P It is hard to maintain a balance, though, as her eagerness to leave is normal, but still difficult to wrap my head around. I am grateful that my son is more or less still living here ... at least most of the time he sleeps here!
A neighbor young man has joined the marines and leaves next week, so the rivalry has been vocalized a few times! There has been a string of films with a military flavor streaming through our home. Films like Private Benjamin, Courage Under Fire, Jarhead, Saving Private Ryan, Bat 21, Midway ... and many more ... old and new, doesn't matter which military engagement ... She runs, she does her situps and pushups - struggling with the pushups some. I keep telling her it's a mind game. Basic training is physical endurance, but it is primarily a mind game. Play by the rules, and all will be fine! (These are rules for Basic training only, not life in general!)
Never be first,
Never be last,
and NEVER, never volunteer!
The point is ... under no circumstances should you draw attention to yourself, for better or for worse! There is plenty of time after basic to volunteer and / or draw attention to yourself! lol Hers is a 4 year enlistment, and after the first 20 weeks at Ft Jackson, SC, we don't know yet where she will find herself.
I'm trying to think of ways to make memories, but I realize she's already filled with them.
~ B