The third deployment. The one we all dread..... 15 months! We had gotten to Fort Hood in July 2006. By the time this deployment rolled around it was the end of 2007.
A few major things bombarded me during this deployment and it was the hardest by far. Thank God for my friends I had to help me get through.
The first thing I didn't like about this deployment was that he left in December, before Christmas, and was going to miss the following Christmas too. Then we found out when he was getting his R&R! Boy was I mad!! His R&R was scheduled for 2 months after he left, which meant he would come home in Feb. 2008 and than it would a whole year before I saw him again.
During his R&R, his mother came down to visit for a week. While she was there, we took off to Austin for the weekend and some great.....alone time.... =) (dirty birds!!) LOL.
Now, for some time my mother had been battling cancer and we knew she didn't have long. This is another thing I didn't like about this deployment. Two days after Darrell left to go back from R&R my mother passed away. My husband had a Red Cross message waiting for him when he got back. Even though he just had R&R, they turned around and sent him right back home so I could fly to Jersey to be with my family. (I'm not sure if this is usually allowed, but my husband wouldn't take "no" for an answer and his command was decent.)
After he went back again I began feeling really sick. I couldn't concentrate on my school work, I had no energy to cook, clean, or barely take care of the kids. I was putting on weight and was very angry all the time. Yelling at every little thing the kids did. My hair was falling out and I was so sensitive to the cold that I was wearing long sleeves in the summer....in Texas.
My neighbor, Heather L. (I love this woman to death!!), convinced me to go to a doctor because we were both thinking it was stress and I was depressed. Of course I had all the symptoms of depression so my therapist sent me to my doctor to get on Prozac. He took one look at me and told me he was doing blood work. A few days later I got a call to get to the doctor ASAP.
It turns out I wasn't depressed, my thyroid had completely died on me. I was sleeping the days away because my body was shutting down on me. I had no clue that your thyroid was that important. My doctor told me he was surprised I hadn't gone into a coma because of how high my TSH levels were. Every thing that was wrong with me was explained by this. So, for the rest of my life I now have to take medicine for hypothyroidism.
This disease had caused a lot of problems too since I wasn't diagnosed until after my husband came home from his deployment. When he came home, it was horrible. He thought I was just being lazy and didn't want to keep the house clean or do the things I had normally done. We got back on track after my diagnosis though.
So, during this 15 month deployment, my mother passed away, I almost died and my marriage almost didn't survive. I would definitely say that I went through hell. And now, being on our 4th deployment, this one is as easy as pie. =)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What I've been doing to lose weight
I've had quite a few women ask me what I've been doing to lose weight. So, I've decided to just write about it and refer others here. =)
I actually went to a weight loss doctor, but not everyone has to do so. The things she has taught me you can find just by using google. Here is what I do:
First, and most importantly, I count my calories. Every single thing I eat is measured for portion control and counted. I keep all this recorded in a food journal so I can monitor the things I eat. It helps me decide where I can make better choices and what things I should cut out. I still eat things that people would consider "bad", but I just account for it in my daily caloric needs. I keep myself in between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. This cut my calorie intake by 1000 calories a day for a total of 7000 a week, which equals about 2 pounds of weight loss each week. One thing that helps me with counting calories is my "Calorie King" book. It has calories for everything in it, including fast food places and other things.
Now, because I was cutting calories so drastically, my doctor gave me a prescription appetite suppressant, but I don't suggest taking them without talking to your doctor about it. Some of them can have severe side effects, especially if you take other medications for health issues.
Second, and just as important as watching what you eat, is exercise! I know some people dread that word, it's evil and horrible!! LOL. I started out walking the track. I really recommend getting a pedometer if you want to walk. You will be able to track how far you walk and how fast you do it in.
I have also started resistance and slight weight training at home. Simple, cheap, and convenient if you can't go to the gym (or don't want to). I use bands and light weights. Exercise videos can help too.
Third, support!! I have support from my husband, my friends, and even my kids. Having support while trying to lose weight makes it so much better. It's great to hear, "You're doing great!", "I'm so proud of you!". My husband has been a blessing in supporting me with my weight loss, even from the desert!
I actually went to a weight loss doctor, but not everyone has to do so. The things she has taught me you can find just by using google. Here is what I do:
First, and most importantly, I count my calories. Every single thing I eat is measured for portion control and counted. I keep all this recorded in a food journal so I can monitor the things I eat. It helps me decide where I can make better choices and what things I should cut out. I still eat things that people would consider "bad", but I just account for it in my daily caloric needs. I keep myself in between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. This cut my calorie intake by 1000 calories a day for a total of 7000 a week, which equals about 2 pounds of weight loss each week. One thing that helps me with counting calories is my "Calorie King" book. It has calories for everything in it, including fast food places and other things.
Now, because I was cutting calories so drastically, my doctor gave me a prescription appetite suppressant, but I don't suggest taking them without talking to your doctor about it. Some of them can have severe side effects, especially if you take other medications for health issues.
Second, and just as important as watching what you eat, is exercise! I know some people dread that word, it's evil and horrible!! LOL. I started out walking the track. I really recommend getting a pedometer if you want to walk. You will be able to track how far you walk and how fast you do it in.
I have also started resistance and slight weight training at home. Simple, cheap, and convenient if you can't go to the gym (or don't want to). I use bands and light weights. Exercise videos can help too.
Third, support!! I have support from my husband, my friends, and even my kids. Having support while trying to lose weight makes it so much better. It's great to hear, "You're doing great!", "I'm so proud of you!". My husband has been a blessing in supporting me with my weight loss, even from the desert!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Gossip ~ What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth.
You know the gossipers. The bored women who have nothing going in their lives so they feel the need to make it more interesting by gossiping about others.
The lonely wife whose husband just deployed looks out her window and sees a man going into her neighbors house. She knows her neighbors husband is deployed as well. Instead of minding her business, she calls a friend, "Girl you will not believe what I just saw! Shelia has a man in her house and Rick is deployed. You know that ain't right, I just know she is sleeping around. Can you believe that whore?!"
We all know the scenario, or something similar. The man could be anyone. A relative, maintenance, phone guy, or even a friends husband helping with something.
The women who run their mouths spreading rumors about others cheating are just as bad as the women who actually cheat. When gossiping about things you have not seen personally with your own eyes you can cause unrepairable damage.
Worse case scenario: this "gossip" gets back to a deployed soldier that his wife is cheating, he is upset and distracted because he can't believe his wife would do this, he leads his sodliers out on a mission but his heads not in the game, next thing you know they're all injured or dead because their leader isn't focused. All because a gossiper wants to talk and run her mouth over something she knows nothing about.
I think it's sad and pathetic. The women who gossip obviously need a better hobby and should re-evaluate their personal relationship because they should not feel the need to be invested so much in someone elses.
Quotes and sayings~
Gossip is always a personal confession either of malice or imbecility.
~Josiah Gilbert Holland
If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue. ~Alice Duer Miller
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you. ~Spanish Proverb
Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to. ~Author Unknown
If an American was condemned to confine his activity to his own affairs, he would be robbed of one half of his existence. ~Alexis de Tocqueville
The biggest liar in the world is They Say. ~Douglas Malloch
Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.
~George Bancroft
Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco-pipes of those who diffuse it; it proves nothing but the bad taste of the smoker.
~George Eliot
The lonely wife whose husband just deployed looks out her window and sees a man going into her neighbors house. She knows her neighbors husband is deployed as well. Instead of minding her business, she calls a friend, "Girl you will not believe what I just saw! Shelia has a man in her house and Rick is deployed. You know that ain't right, I just know she is sleeping around. Can you believe that whore?!"
We all know the scenario, or something similar. The man could be anyone. A relative, maintenance, phone guy, or even a friends husband helping with something.
The women who run their mouths spreading rumors about others cheating are just as bad as the women who actually cheat. When gossiping about things you have not seen personally with your own eyes you can cause unrepairable damage.
Worse case scenario: this "gossip" gets back to a deployed soldier that his wife is cheating, he is upset and distracted because he can't believe his wife would do this, he leads his sodliers out on a mission but his heads not in the game, next thing you know they're all injured or dead because their leader isn't focused. All because a gossiper wants to talk and run her mouth over something she knows nothing about.
I think it's sad and pathetic. The women who gossip obviously need a better hobby and should re-evaluate their personal relationship because they should not feel the need to be invested so much in someone elses.
Quotes and sayings~
Gossip is always a personal confession either of malice or imbecility.
~Josiah Gilbert Holland
If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue. ~Alice Duer Miller
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you. ~Spanish Proverb
Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to. ~Author Unknown
If an American was condemned to confine his activity to his own affairs, he would be robbed of one half of his existence. ~Alexis de Tocqueville
The biggest liar in the world is They Say. ~Douglas Malloch
Truth is not exciting enough to those who depend on the characters and lives of their neighbors for all their amusement.
~George Bancroft
Gossip is a sort of smoke that comes from the dirty tobacco-pipes of those who diffuse it; it proves nothing but the bad taste of the smoker.
~George Eliot
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Raise your Self-Esteem
12 Steps to help you raise your self-esteem
1. Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
2. Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-depreciating comments.
3. Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
4. Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.
5. Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.
6. Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.
7. Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school, receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first attained each success.
8. Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish? Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least 20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to achieve.
9. Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and raises your own self-esteem.
10. Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
11. Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead. If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is lowered.
12. Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action - regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself. When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow to your self-esteem.
1. Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
2. Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-depreciating comments.
3. Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
4. Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.
5. Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.
6. Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.
7. Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school, receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first attained each success.
8. Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish? Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least 20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to achieve.
9. Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and raises your own self-esteem.
10. Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
11. Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead. If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is lowered.
12. Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action - regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself. When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow to your self-esteem.
You know you're an Army Wife when....
I posted this as a thread on my army wife fan page. I just got some great answers!
Here they are.....
You know you're an Army Wife when ~
...you run for the phone,every time it rings.
...you can spot a soldier in civilian clothes a mile away.
...you spell using the phonetic alphabet.
...you check your wallet for your id repeatedly before driving off post.
...Every time your husband thinks he's in charge you remind him his rank doesn't work in your presence! Or you know not to plan ahead ever!
...you ask your husband a question and responds with roger, or yes mam' 1500.
...you understand a shit load of acronyms.
...back home is your last duty station and not where you come from and when your cellphone area code is from the last place you have been.
...you know all the army lingo, not because you want to, but because you have to.
...you wait for the next phone call, email, text message or letter home.
...you know his friends and people he works with only by their last names.
...you have a stock in flat rate shipping boxes.
...everything is military time and you wash laundry all the time.
...you talk to family and friends from back home and use military terms like they understand what you're saying.
...love becomes more than just a four letter word, it becomes your lifeline...letters, emails, calls, text messages. When 5 minutes feels like 3 hours and 45 seconds becomes the best call of your life.
...you spend 5 hrs, with 4 other wives cause they're the only ones who showed to the FRG event, making welcome home banners, and baskets for single soldiers.
...you purchase shipping tape every time you pass the aisle in the grocery store.
...you carry shipping tape, sharpies, and customs forms in your vehicle.
...you've spent more time apart than you have together.
...you don't make plans too far in advance because you know they are going to get changed before it's all said and done.
...you actually miss washing all those freaking uniforms... oh and tripping over those boots that he just leaves around.
Here they are.....
You know you're an Army Wife when ~
...you run for the phone,every time it rings.
...you can spot a soldier in civilian clothes a mile away.
...you spell using the phonetic alphabet.
...you check your wallet for your id repeatedly before driving off post.
...Every time your husband thinks he's in charge you remind him his rank doesn't work in your presence! Or you know not to plan ahead ever!
...you ask your husband a question and responds with roger, or yes mam' 1500.
...you understand a shit load of acronyms.
...back home is your last duty station and not where you come from and when your cellphone area code is from the last place you have been.
...you know all the army lingo, not because you want to, but because you have to.
...you wait for the next phone call, email, text message or letter home.
...you know his friends and people he works with only by their last names.
...you have a stock in flat rate shipping boxes.
...everything is military time and you wash laundry all the time.
...you talk to family and friends from back home and use military terms like they understand what you're saying.
...love becomes more than just a four letter word, it becomes your lifeline...letters, emails, calls, text messages. When 5 minutes feels like 3 hours and 45 seconds becomes the best call of your life.
...you spend 5 hrs, with 4 other wives cause they're the only ones who showed to the FRG event, making welcome home banners, and baskets for single soldiers.
...you purchase shipping tape every time you pass the aisle in the grocery store.
...you carry shipping tape, sharpies, and customs forms in your vehicle.
...you've spent more time apart than you have together.
...you don't make plans too far in advance because you know they are going to get changed before it's all said and done.
...you actually miss washing all those freaking uniforms... oh and tripping over those boots that he just leaves around.
Friday, June 25, 2010
*Scorpio...I am who I am*
While thinking of topics to do on my fan page, I came across some astrology stuff. I was born the end of October so that makes me a....
Here is the description for Scorpio I found on 12 Signs of the Zodiac:
Reputed to be the "most powerful" sign of the zodiac, Scorpios lead fate filled lives and have intense and dramatic personal relationships. Even as children Scorpios are often found to be wise beyond their years. Many astrologers call this the sign of the "oldest souls". Old and wise beyond the average, Scorpios often know all the answers, except sometimes; they too often have difficulty finding what they need to develop their own happiness.
Passion, desire and power go hand in hand for Scorpios. Their biggest challenge and test in life is choosing between the power of love and the love of power. Coming to grips with their extraordinary emotional depths and sensitivity isn't easy for those around them. They are different from all other zodiac signs and this difference has them walking, working and loving to a different beat. Others can often live with a Scorpio partner for years, but not really know them. Much to do with a Scorpio remains ever secret. Their eyes often blaze with feelings that words never express, and beware on the days or nights they hide their feelings behind dark glasses, there is likely to be a storm of some kind brewing. When you deal with a Scorpio you have to always deal with them on a psychic intuitive level. They often wear a mask. Too often they say "no" when they really mean "yes". They have contrary natures. Once they find true love they can be the most faithful dedicated of all partners but fall out badly with a Scorpio and you are likely to find they will never forget or forgive.
Most Scorpios are winners. The main thing they have to worry about is their attitudes, which make up their mind powers and can either make or break them. When they are negative about something or someone, or critical of themselves, they can tend to get in their own way.
Scorpios operate on three levels of soul evolvement; adding up to three distinctively different types of Scorpios. The first level is the Scorpion. This is the least evolved and most drawn toward using their powers the wrong way. The criminal element of Scorpio comes under this level. Then there is the eagle - the highflying, entrepreneurial, successful Scorpio, who seems able to rise above adversity and transform bad-times into good. Then the highest expression of this sign is the Phoenix Resurrected. These Scorpios are detached and extremely powerful. They are wise beyond their years and act as leaders and are an inspiration to others. Quite frequently a Scorpio goes through the three levels of evolvement in one lifetime - but the levels can operate out of sequence.
If you were born on the first or last day of a Sun sign, in astrological terms you were born on a cusp. If that's the case, you will probably benefit from reading your own Sun sign and the Sun sign that ends or begins right before or after your date of birth. For example, if your birth date is 22 December, your Sun sign is Capricorn, but you probably have some Sagitarian traits as well.
Now, while this all describes me perfectly well, I find one thing extremely interesting. When it talks of the levels of "soul evolvement" it says the highest expression of this sign is the Phoenix Resurrected. I find this interesting because for the past few years I have been wanting to get a tattoo on the back of my neck that looks like this....
Well, that's my sign! There is more, much more, to this sign that fits every bit of me. I'm truly a scorpio.
Here is the description for Scorpio I found on 12 Signs of the Zodiac:
Reputed to be the "most powerful" sign of the zodiac, Scorpios lead fate filled lives and have intense and dramatic personal relationships. Even as children Scorpios are often found to be wise beyond their years. Many astrologers call this the sign of the "oldest souls". Old and wise beyond the average, Scorpios often know all the answers, except sometimes; they too often have difficulty finding what they need to develop their own happiness.
Passion, desire and power go hand in hand for Scorpios. Their biggest challenge and test in life is choosing between the power of love and the love of power. Coming to grips with their extraordinary emotional depths and sensitivity isn't easy for those around them. They are different from all other zodiac signs and this difference has them walking, working and loving to a different beat. Others can often live with a Scorpio partner for years, but not really know them. Much to do with a Scorpio remains ever secret. Their eyes often blaze with feelings that words never express, and beware on the days or nights they hide their feelings behind dark glasses, there is likely to be a storm of some kind brewing. When you deal with a Scorpio you have to always deal with them on a psychic intuitive level. They often wear a mask. Too often they say "no" when they really mean "yes". They have contrary natures. Once they find true love they can be the most faithful dedicated of all partners but fall out badly with a Scorpio and you are likely to find they will never forget or forgive.
Most Scorpios are winners. The main thing they have to worry about is their attitudes, which make up their mind powers and can either make or break them. When they are negative about something or someone, or critical of themselves, they can tend to get in their own way.
Scorpios operate on three levels of soul evolvement; adding up to three distinctively different types of Scorpios. The first level is the Scorpion. This is the least evolved and most drawn toward using their powers the wrong way. The criminal element of Scorpio comes under this level. Then there is the eagle - the highflying, entrepreneurial, successful Scorpio, who seems able to rise above adversity and transform bad-times into good. Then the highest expression of this sign is the Phoenix Resurrected. These Scorpios are detached and extremely powerful. They are wise beyond their years and act as leaders and are an inspiration to others. Quite frequently a Scorpio goes through the three levels of evolvement in one lifetime - but the levels can operate out of sequence.
If you were born on the first or last day of a Sun sign, in astrological terms you were born on a cusp. If that's the case, you will probably benefit from reading your own Sun sign and the Sun sign that ends or begins right before or after your date of birth. For example, if your birth date is 22 December, your Sun sign is Capricorn, but you probably have some Sagitarian traits as well.
Now, while this all describes me perfectly well, I find one thing extremely interesting. When it talks of the levels of "soul evolvement" it says the highest expression of this sign is the Phoenix Resurrected. I find this interesting because for the past few years I have been wanting to get a tattoo on the back of my neck that looks like this....
Well, that's my sign! There is more, much more, to this sign that fits every bit of me. I'm truly a scorpio.
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