I am now becoming intimate with an AR15 rifle

Today's Quote: "I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma." ~Eartha Kitt

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Lesson Learned: A woman loves to shop, weather for clothes or parts for an AR15.

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Who would have thought that I would become initimately familiar with the various sling adapter designs out there on the market? Or would come to know what type of tactical latches could give you an advantage in a fire-fight. I can't "field strip one" with my eyes closed, but I can recongnize many of it's components by sight, now. Certainly this was not on my list of Things To Learn when I married my DH 20 some odd years ago. But the decisions you make in your youth somehow have a way of catching up to you. I married a young, idealistic, intense, but peace-time Marine. Which means that I am now married to a more mature, more realistic (but still idealistic), even more focused and intense ARNG Soldier; one who is soon to be deep, deep in the Hooah! going on in the Middle East. ... So, he's training and studying and asked me to go shopping for him. So what can a woman do? I can't help him train or study (in fact, I'm probably a distraction to that stuff) - but I can shop. I also rifled through his parts case here at home and now have a little care package with some black metal pieces all good to go. I send them with a little prayer * that they will give my DH some advantage to help him and his Battle Buddies stay alive.

* Yes, I am not particularly religious, but as the "leave the USA" date draws nearer, I am thinking it probably isn't a bad idea to hedge my bets.

Letter Under My Pillow

Today's Quote:

Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be." - George Sheehan

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Lesson Learned: Miracles still occur, although sometimes you have to help them along.

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Letters in a chocolate box from 2004

I got a letter from DH yesterday - whoohooo! I instantly recognized the writing on the envelope - MINE! You didn't think DH was going to write to me if I didn't send him a self addressed, stamped envelope, a blank piece of paper and strict orders to "write something to your wife," did you? I understand there may be a post card soon, too - also self addressed and pre-stamped. It's a miracle I've gotten anything from him - even if I have to help the miracle along a bit!

Training at Camp XYZ is going well. He's brand new to the unit, but he has found some motivated guys to hang out with (when they aren't working 10-16 hour days). He's got bottoms for his uniform, a spare helmet and other goodies, now, so he's starting to be all Hooah! I went on line and ordered him all kinds of stuff - another pair of boots, a "sling" for his rifle, fancy cleaning kit, and such. Total spent on stuff to make his life better in the Army so far: +$400. I'm keeping all the receipts. I hope it ends up tax deductible, somehow.

Took care of a bunch of little stuff this week. Got his 401(k) from his former employer rolled over. Got my ID card and DEERs straightened out. Guess I'm spending the next year with my ID card, Power of Attorney (POA) and Orders. Word to the wise - keep many copies of the POA and Orders with you at all times - you will need to give copies (or at least show copies) to anyone and everyone every time you want to say "boo!" to the Army. Boo!

One of my sweet and silly and totally non-military girl friends bought me the "Complete First Season of Army Wives" (the TV show) on DVD. (Thank you!) She said to eat chocolate and enjoy. I am thinking I better slow down on the chocolate or I'm going to gain some serious weight. I haven't gained any weight yet, but I am well over 40 with a predisposition to roundness, so I do have to pay attention. Especially since I have a major Taco Bell addiction.

Places where Army Dudes go shopping

• La Rue Tactical
  
• Brigade QM
  
• Yankee Hill Machine Co.
  
• The Supply Sergeant
  
• Amazon.com