Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Book Club

So, yeah several months ago we started a book club. Me and two other ladies... Lady on the Corner and KT. We invited a few to join and a couple have, but the group has mainly consisted of four. We take turns picking a book and then have a month to read. The lady who picks the book has to host the monthly meeting where we sit around and discuss... It's been fun and even though we've started to fizzle out over the holidays... I think we're getting back on track with the new year. We've read everything from sappy romances, to questionable romances, to massive astroids wiping out the planet creating a new reign on cannibals, to southern women cooking, and even some crazy people stuck in a hotel for the winter. Oh yes, and we did read some vampire and ghost fiction as well. All good stuff.
Our newest book is a zombie thriller. Not my cup of tea, but I've committed and will therefore read it. Heck, I might even love it!! I'm trying to come up with a book for when it's my turn in a couple months. I always like to do a theme to my hosting. For example when we read Fried Green Tomatoes, I served fried green tomatoes. When we read Cannibal Reign, I helped prepare finger sandwiches. When we read The Shining, I made a rum cake - out of real rum and I'll never make another rum cake ever.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

It Doesn't Have to Make Sense...

My husband joined the army almost two years ago. I forget the date exactly, but I remember it being super cold and snowy and January. Here we are two years later and I have to say, life has been..... well I don't even have a word for it. Does he love the Army? Well, it depends on what day you ask him. Things change constantly that there is no point in me going over all the details of all the things he was going to do and then didn't get to. Or the things he did that he didn't even know he was going to do. It's just been a ride. A big frantic ride.
But to catch you up a bit... about a month ago they started to asking for volunteers for a the "D" word. He asked me and I told I would support whatever decision he made. So, he volunteered. But then they denied him because... well we aren't really sure. But we think it's because he's been made the company's radiation officer and because he's the only one who really works like he's supposed to. He really wanted to go over there, and I know he was super disappointed. And to make matters worse, three of my girlfriend's husbands (whom we've all become very close with) are about to deploy in the next few months. Even Jonathan is getting to go - Billy's friend from his youth. I try and think about how it is just all part of God's plan and the timing just isn't right for him to go - if he ever gets to go at all. But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel low about it. Can you even believe I'm upset right along with him? I never wanted him to go in a million years. But I see how important it is for a soldier to do their part. To make the big contribution. Being home and playing in the gas chamber just doesn't feel like he's getting to be much of a soldier. Just feels like he's got a job and gets yelled at because he's still a private and privates get yelled at a lot. And don't even get me started on his promotion - or lack of. I could go into more detail and name names about people who he feels kinda screwed him out of getting a chance to do something worthwhile there in the Army, but it does no good to point fingers. Everything happens for a reason. One that we may not be able to see or understand, but one day it will all make sense.... because it sure doesn't make sense right now.

Moms know best

The gals on my street have become very important to me. I love them all and can't think of any way I'd have made it through this Army life if it weren't for them. We've certainly had our fun!! I feel like I'm back in college sometimes.
And now that we've all gotten to know each other so well, I thought it was time we start to grow with each other as well. Well, really my mother and Lady on the Corner's mom planted the seed and asked that we start living a more spirit filled life. So, we've started a bible study / devotional/ prayer group... not really sure how to label it yet. But we're starting this tomorrow. I'm Super Excited about it. I just don't know how to prepare for it. I feel as though there are a couple of us who could lead the group since we're probably more comfortable with that type of thing. So, I just pray we are able to create a place where the women on our street can come together and start to build each other up. Bring some positive words and ideas into our heads. Especially since so many of the husbands are going to be leaving us here alone, it is a good idea to have this support system. Not that we aren't already a support system, but have one with a higher guardian is much more effective and comforting.
Not only that, but we need to bring each other encouragement on how to raise our kids right. On how to be better wives. Better friends. Better women. I'm sure this is what I need for my own self, and I hope that by including these wonderful women on my journey, we can all bring something out of it.

I just pray we do.