for Phyllis...

The summer after I graduated high school I moved into my aunt Phyllis and uncle Bob's house so I could work in a nursing home until college started. Anyone who's met my aunt Phyllis knows that Martha Stewart's got nothin' on her...especially when it comes to quilting. Before you can even utter the words 'pregnancy test' she's already got a baby blanket made and in the mail, somehow magically matching the decor of the nursery. So over the course of this summer I watched her quilt...and I watched my cousin Rachel quilt...and soon I thought, "hey, this business looks fun. I should try it."

I was wrong.

Turns out an 18 year old who just moved out of her parents house for the first time doesn't really like quilting. She probably wants to spend all time off eating cereal and watching bad soaps. Phyllis eventually finished it for me because she's cool like that...or perhaps because she had the ability to predict that I wouldn't actually finish anything of this crafty nature for another decade. So this one's for you Phyllis...I finally did it!!!

My mom and I tore apart my uniforms that I wore in Iraq and I attempted to make something pretty out of them.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little proud.

It's official!

This post will be a little different than normal. It won't be about the crazy antics of my family. Today's post is about me. After 9 1/2 years, I am no longer a member of the U.S. Military. The day that I have looked forward to for a very long time is here! 

It's an oddly bittersweet moment. On one hand I am so excited to not have to keep my uniform presentable or worry about passing my physical fitness test every 6 months or jump through any of the other proverbial hoops that the military is famous for. I won't have to fret over getting the phone call telling me I am leaving on another deployment. That's the best. I won't be forced to leave my little family while missing out on some crucial (aren't they all crucial?) part of Tyson's childhood. However, it's a weird feeling to no longer be a member of something that has been such a large part of my adult life. 

The other day I teared up during the opening ceremony of the superbowl. It's not abnormal for me to get emotional during the National Anthem. However, I was responding to seeing the Honor Guard presenting the flags. I was suddenly sad that I wouldn't ever be a part of the pomp and circumstance that often happens when you don your uniform...wierd, I know. 

Even with all of the challenges and difficulties that I have experienced, I have never ever regretted joining the military. It has shaped my character in such a way and introduced me to some of the most interesting people and experiences I have ever known. 

So here's to the next phase of my life. May it be just as interesting...but hopefully a little less action packed:)

Iraq pics...

So as one final homage to my military career, I thought I would put some pictures up from my deployment...in celebration that I will never have to go back. At least I won't ever have to go back as a soldier. I guess I could go back someday on vacation but they would have to build on helluva great amusement park to lure me. The top picture is me in front of one of Uday's (Saddam's son) 'pleasure palaces.' Basically it used to be a brothel. 

The picture that caused so much controversy in my little town. PS- I AM honored to have served my country...but a girls gotta have a sense of humor. 

On another convoy in Baghdad...and my weapon is perhaps aimed right at the photographer. Always at the ready!

I had someone take this picture because I was so darn excited to have something so yummy to eat. Thanks mom and dad for sending that great meal. You have no idea how much I enjoyed it. 

My living quarters...a tent...that I shared with 5 men. This is why I don't camp anymore. 

Saddam's throne. 

Is it just me or is that camel smiling?

my teammates/roommates.

What it looked like during a sandstorm. There is nothing wrong with the camera. It was really that orange outside.