I swear it’s in the "Army Wife Handbook." NEVER PLAN ANYTHING (like the two vacations that were planned, paid for, and then subsequently cancelled at the beginning of our little Army journey.) This might single handedly be my biggest optical in this military adventure. I'm a Type A, gotta have it my way, plan for every possibility, demanding kinda gal. It's how my momma taught me. I don't know any other way, and it often is the cause of my despair. Don't get me wrong, I believe the benefits it adds to our life far outweigh the battles, but I'm constantly being challenged to just roll with whatever is happening. I certainly cannot walk in to Division Headquarters and tell the General how things should be operating...
So we ended 2011 attempting to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary. I know time has flown. I say attempting because on the morning of the 30th I was not really feeling that well. And then Mike went and hurt his back doing a simple dead lift (an olympic weight lift.) So that spoiled our trip to Nashville for the evening. I went with the flow and made the executive decision to postpone the celebratory activities for one week knowing that the car ride alone would have Mike in terrible pain. Instead we tried to relax and started getting Mike ready for Ranger school.
Our New Year's Eve was spent with a couple that has become close friends. It was very low-key, but of course we had to have Chinese per tradition. We were asleep by 12:30…typical.
Now to new business.....I started a new job! I am an Operation Hero mentor at an elementary school on post. Operation Hero is a program offered by the Armed Services YMCA. I'm enjoying my new job. I have the ability to work with children again and its so rewarding. Oh yeah, another new item. I decided that at least once a month I would highlight an organization or program that benefits our soldiers and families.
Other news....Mike reported to pre-Ranger school at Ft. Benning, Georgia Friday the 13th. I wish that we had completed Ranger school while stationed at Ft. Benning last year..oh wait this is me going with the flow. Anyway, pre-Ranger was a couple of weeks and of course he passed. Mike then reported to the actual Ranger school regiment on January 30th. Today he is in the middle of “RAP” week, a grueling 3 days of the most physically demanding events. I haven’t heard from him so he is doing well. Tomorrow will be the most challenging day ending with a ruck march. After this week, it’s smooth sailing (as smooth as starving to death can be) to graduation. If he recycles, it will add an additional 3-4 weeks each time, but we aren’t worried about that. It seems nearly inevitable. Just about everyone recycles at least once and it won’t keep him from completing. Please be in prayer for health and perseverance for him. I’ll post an address for him as soon as I confirm his company next week.
This New Year has brought changes and many new adventures already. I'm having a difficult time picturing how this year is going to go. Some things are up in the air and others we will plan for, but ultimately I'm going to truly be testing my ability (or lack thereof) to just go with the flow.
