Random Bit Of Info-Just Because

 Three posts in to this blog-adventure and I realized that I haven't quite put down the usual who am I and what do I do sort of thing. This is mostly for my family who is spread apart and for friends if they get bored or nosy, but I have and will pick up some new followers along the way soo I'll jot down some history for you so you have a better picture of my family and I.
 So I am married. To a handsome and amazing man who we will refer to as Husband or Abel in my posts. We got married in June 2005 after 28 days of dating. Yes, you heard right, 28 days. We only met in January of that year as well, lol. But hey, it works what can I say? We lived in Montana for a few years where we had our daughter Hannah in October of 2006. (No I was not pregnant when we married! We saved ourselves until after that thanks!) Abel built log homes and I worked in a grocery store and at the hospital as a CNA. Fast forward about 5 years later where we skip the boring parts such as work and and the various misc. stuff that goes on. We find ourselves in North Dakota where Husband is a conductor on the railroad and I am a part-time stay at home momma and part time bartender. Husband is gone for about two to three days as he travels from where we live, to Canada. We also now have a son, Ignacio, who is now 2 and a fun ball of terror yet cute as cute can be. Hannah goes to Head Start for her final year and Ignacio and I hang out unless I have to go to work.
 We are somewhat a Christian family. I say somewhat because Abel is definitely one, and the kids and I are Jewish. But with some Christian beliefs. It makes for a complicated yet fun mess. I observe the major holidays and do sit Shiva when it was needed, and neither the kids or I eat pork. We adjust with turkey. And I dislike people who don't like Jews. Strongly. And if you're racist, don't let me know, because I'll go off on you too.
 I tend to be stubborn and somewhat opinionated. I enjoy a good debate though. But I'm always happy and smiley (at least on the outside). I don't believe in throwing pity parties and that being negative or down is not fair to anyone else. I tough everything out because I don't like weakness. And I'm easy to please but it is very difficult to earn my trust. I'm sarcastic, funny and always up for a good time. And I tend to ramble and have spelling errors. I may not always be upfront but I am always honest.
 So I hope that's all the random bit of info needed at this time. Because, well honestly? That's all you're getting.
 *Beckie*

Change-It!

 So it looks as if I may be changing my blog name from hooah to hoorah, which is from an unexpected change of events. My husband never even attempted signing up with the Marine Corps because he had been told their cut off age is 28 and he is a year past that, actually, almost two! But a few days ago he got a phone call from the Marine Corps recruiter and it looks as it his path to the military has shifted a bit. We are in the process of now enrolling him into college where he will be a full time student for only a semester, he needs only 15 credits and then he will be receiving an age waiver and enlisting into the Marine Corps instead of the Army. He is even more excited about this than he was about the Army and I couldn't be prouder. My father was a Marine, and now my husband will be one too, I think it's cool. Plus, I'm sorry to all the other branches out there but there is nothing hotter than a man in those dress blues. LoL!
 It's weird when I think where life in the Marine Corps could and would take us. I know for sure Abel will hit Twentynine Palms at least once. Which is 20 miles from Yucca Valley which is where I moved from when I moved to Montana and met Abel. That was home. Some of my family is still there so it wouldn't be all bad to go back. Plus we would be back in California and hey, that much closer to civilization. I really do miss my palm trees, date trees and Palm Springs at night. I also think of the fun things such as the Marine Corps balls, the base living, and still, the opportunities being brought to us. Abel would look good in the uniform, lol.
 So this next step is going to be a tad stressful. I'm giving up my semester in college to put Abel in and help him with his work and stuff and then after he gets in I will start my schooling. I look forward to that one anyways, at least mine will be paid for and less stress in that area. So my life with two people in school at this point should be loads of fun! Until then, I'm off for a haircut and cleaning, which used to be the busiest part of my day! Hah!

*Beckie*

Our Decision. Your Thoughts. Ouch!

 I like to live on the naive side of life. I like not knowing certain things and pretending that things are great even when they aren't. I'm one of those awful people who own a TV and yet hasn't watched a single news broadcast in over two years. I don't read newspapers or magazines that don't have People, Oprah, Martha, or Taste of Home, in the titles. I choose not to put that stress in my life. Trust me, my life has plenty of stress without adding more. But when we came out of our "military" closet, life has gone quickly from exciting and adventurous to whoops! in almost no time. Only our good friends come and tell us what they really feel and think. The rest hide behind closed doors. Or our backs. I blissfully was not anticipating the negative side of this...

 It's not that I'm frustrated at the people but more of how they think. And how they assume we know nothing about the choices we have made. They think that just because we announced my husband's joining the Army a few days ago, that means that we decided in 3.2 seconds about it. Trust me everyone, we have been married for six years and the military has been discussed and analyzed for that long. This was no rash decision. Yes we do realize husband could be deployed or even killed while serving. But isn't that true of flying on an airplane or driving in traffic anymore? And yes I realize that the chances are higher in the military than on a two way highway in North Dakota, I was speaking sarcastically. Husband and I know where we are going when we die. Death happens. Yes I would be broken hearted and yes I would miss him always. But if I lived my life in constant fear of him dying, I would have him locked up in a room for always. Good luck on that. Yes the pay is being scrutinized with a chance of being cut. Yes even if it isn't cut it isn't the greatest pay rate. But sometimes, the best jobs, the ones we truly love and do well, are the ones that pay almost nothing. I'd rather my husband do what makes him happy and do it well rather than be miserable doing a meaningless job. Money truly isn't everything and now that our debt is almost cleared up, I finally believe that  ; )  My husband could be gone for a year or eighteen months, our marriage could end, why would I want that? I never, ever said that I wanted my marriage to end or that it would. The one thing I hold proud is that I don't believe in divorces. Ever. Everything in a marriage is fixable. Trust me, we have seen a lot in our six year marriage. A lot that would make most marriages crumble. Ours didn't and won't. Trust me. We hold onto our vows. And honestly, husband and I get along better when we don't see each other everyday. I don't do clingy and neither does he. 

 My point is that I listen to everyone's concerns and while I appreciate that you care enough to be concerned, I appreciate not being treated as a 13 year old all over again. We have thought and prayed over every aspect of our decision. And the result is that we found way more positives than negatives. When we move to wherever the Army wants husband stationed, it will be new and exciting and so many more opportunities. We are three hours away from the nearest synagogue. I wouldn't even call it that as the rabbis are all rabbis from other places who only visit once a month and not during the summer. I'm sure wherever we go (especially if on the east coast) we will finally be near one, my kids can begin their learning and life, religious-wise will be great! My kids will have the chance to join in activities such as gymnastics, karate, sports, or clubs like the Boy's & Girl's Club. Small town life just isn't for me anymore, what can I say? 

 Oi it sounds like I'm ungrateful or hate my town. I don't. I love this town. Sure the drama and gossip gets old. And yes, winter sucks. No lie. But it's so nice knowing everyone and knowing how safe you are. Where else can you leave your car running and unlocked while you go grocery shopping? Or go fifteen years without ever locking your doors to your house? It's great! But it's time for a change...

 We are still making baby steps to this and taking things one day at a time. Life is still going on. Work for both of us is still stressful but still paying the bills so why complain? School shopping is gong to be commencing in another week for Bug. Beanie is going to be getting his birthday pictures done and I have to begin the process of planning some friends' baby showers and the kidlets' birthday party. Halloween preparations have begun as well! Mommy-hood sure is exciting these days. Busy, a little on the stressful side but all for the good excitement : )

 

The beginning.

 I hate cell phone contracts. The idea of being stuck with the same phone, the same contract, same company for two whole years, makes me sweat. Same thing with my satellite contract. What if I decide later that my service sucks and I can find better? Nope! Stuck with it, too bad. Or how about credit cards. You know once you buy something with it, that's pretty much it. Good luck on ever paying it off and once you do, even better luck at not spending anything so you can end the relationship. Well not quite, I mean who would honestly want to end such a fabulous thing that begins with the simple phrase "Charge it!" and for one blissfully stress free month, you can pretend you own something without paying for it? Scratch that, that doesn't count. Ahh parenthood. The one "Contract" that you are never free from. Scary right?
 So here I am writing about how excited I am about my husband's decision to join the military and I can't help but wonder why exactly, am I nervous about signing contracts and promising my life and money to companies for certain periods and yet the thought of my husband doing this, doesn't phase me a bit?
 I grew up living near Marine Corps bases all my life. My father served 25 years in the Marine Corps and then retired and we stayed close for the benefits. And comfort I suppose. I know the way of life for a Marine family, and I grew up with lots of military friends. My family has al been in the military at some point and I would have too had I not gotten pregnant with my daughter. There isn't much that someone can tell me about the military that will send me running. So it's nice to be able to come out with our news and have everyone shocked right now instead of asking too many questions as if we hadn't thought them out ourselves. My only hope is that people understand that yes being in the military means sacrifices of all kinds, time, distance, friends, family and even lives. A soldier doesn't make millions of dollars and it doesn't lead you to fame. But the pride it brings, the lessons you learn, and being a part of the military family means more to some people than all the gold in the world.
 So far life isn't going to change. Things are staying the same old, same old way. We both keep on working, Bug, my five year old daughter, is starting her last year of Head Start while Beanie, my two year old son, will be continuing his reign of terror as boys tend to do. We don't know when Husband will be "getting in" or when he will be leaving for boot camp. Nothing is life is guaranteed and you certainly can't plan much out based on the military, that much I do know. So for now life keeps on keeping on and until we know more, that's how it shall remain.