We're so close I can almost feel his hands holding mine. Jon's parents and brother came by today at 6 am to pick up my luggage before they left on a loooong road trip to Missouri.
I will be joining them this evening after I fly in.
Then, tomorrow, I finally get to see the love of my life face-to-face. It's been a very long ten weeks, but my friends and family have been amazing support. I'm eternally thankful. Love you guys.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
So Much to be Thankful For
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Just taking this opportunity to catch everyone up. I spoke with Jon on Sunday. He sounded pretty relieved that all of the testing is over and he's just got his third FTX to deal with. He should actually be finishing that off today. He's all fitted with his dress uniform and he's ready to graduate! :)
Also! I have his travel plans for Christmas! I'd like to have a huge dinner for him on Sunday, December 19th. Everyone's invited! Let me know if you can come and I'll see about reservations.
He did say that he may get his cell phone all day on Thanksgiving! That's definitely something to be thankful for.
I'm so thankful for all of the men and women who chose to serve our great country. I'm also incredibly thankful for tremendously supportive family and friends. I love you guys so very much. I'm thankful to God for (among other things) uniting Jon and me. He must really love me to have lead me to the love of my life so early and to help us build a relationship that will weather any storm.
Thanks!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
We're almost there!
This week has been a pretty big week for our soldier. I was able to speak to him on Saturday and he told me that this week he's got his final PT test (it was Tuesday). He was pretty confident that he'd do ok. He did a pre-test and he's actually better than AIT standards. :) He was still a little nervous though because it's his last big obstacle.
He also said that he has the Warrior Stakes this week. Here's an excerpt from an article about it from an earlier cycle in the Fort Leonard Wood Guidon:
You can read more here: http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10231&Itemid=39
Also, this weekend he told me that he's one of few in his platoon that are qualified to receive a promotion at the end of BCT. They promote one person from each unit that excels, and he could just be that guy. We'll have to wait and see.
Last week he was measured for his Dress Blues. :) He said that they recently changed them and he's one of the first cycles that is issued the new ones. I CANNOT WAIT to see him in that uniform! :)
He also did his night maneuvers last week. He said he couldn't see anything in the night vision goggles, but the DS didn't really seem to care. He tried his best though. :)
Also, today I got the charge in the bank, He is officially coming home for Christmas. I have no clue of his schedule, but gosh darn it he has his tickets! :)
Hopefully I'll know soon. 13 more days until I get to breathe the same air as the love of my life! :)
He also said that he has the Warrior Stakes this week. Here's an excerpt from an article about it from an earlier cycle in the Fort Leonard Wood Guidon:
"'The Soldiers did a PT test, with 10 minutes of pushups, sit-ups and then a 2-mile run,' Turner said. 'One Soldier did the event at a time and did their max number of pushups and sit-ups, then they started counting for the second one to do it. I think one squad did 658 push-ups total.'
Other events included the confidence course, a number of first aid tasks, weapons proficiency, communication proficiency, land navigation, a stress shoot in the electronic skills trainer, along with squad movements."
You can read more here: http://myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10231&Itemid=39
Also, this weekend he told me that he's one of few in his platoon that are qualified to receive a promotion at the end of BCT. They promote one person from each unit that excels, and he could just be that guy. We'll have to wait and see.
Last week he was measured for his Dress Blues. :) He said that they recently changed them and he's one of the first cycles that is issued the new ones. I CANNOT WAIT to see him in that uniform! :)
He also did his night maneuvers last week. He said he couldn't see anything in the night vision goggles, but the DS didn't really seem to care. He tried his best though. :)
Also, today I got the charge in the bank, He is officially coming home for Christmas. I have no clue of his schedule, but gosh darn it he has his tickets! :)
Hopefully I'll know soon. 13 more days until I get to breathe the same air as the love of my life! :)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fire at Fort Leonard Wood!
Wow, there's been a fire at Fort Leonard Wood since Sunday night! It's at the training ranges too! The release says no injuries. I really hope that it's not hurting Jon's training though. Eeep!
http://www.wood.army.mil/4MEB/Range_Fire_Update_9_Nov_10.htm
http://www.wood.army.mil/4MEB/Range_Fire_Update_9_Nov_10.htm
Release No. 11-009 November 9, 2010
Range fire update
For Immediate Release
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. – The current fire started early Sunday afternoon, Nov.7, and continues to burn in several small spots today. According to Fire Chief Jeffrey Sukalski, there are currently, about 60 personnel responding to the fire, along with six dozers from several Leonard Wood units assisting. The Installation's Fire Department has established an incident command post and reports the fire is well under control, but due to the nature of the fire, the areas surrounding the installation will be smoky for several more days.
Fort Leonard Wood has a pre-established rotation for fire suppression teams and that has been activated. Current estimates are that approximately 1500 acres have burned. At this time the only mutual aid being received and utilized are two personnel from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). There has been no structure damage or injuries reported.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Ahhh, a sigh of relief
Jon called me yesterday for 59 beautiful minutes. :) He was in high spirits and seemed like his old self. He was joking around and it was quite a comfort.
He said that he has his photos that he took at the beginning of basic and will send them our way soon. He probably won't look like that at all when we finally see him, but oh well! I'll take what I can get!
Oh! On family day, we're going to have a surrogate family member named Leon. Poor guy doesn't have any family coming. We'll definitely have to give him some loves. :)
Jon got sharp shooter in BRM and he says that he has his final PT test this week. He's not worried about it because he's got his 2 miles down to 16 mins (woohoo!) He's in the 70th percentile for pushups and sit ups and you only have to hit the 50th mark. He says he's good for AIT too!
Last week they did the 12K march and had FTX2 (Field Training Excercise). He said it was a bit cold, but the sleeping bags they have are awesome, so it wasn't bad at all. They had to do night patrols and such. He said he loves camping, so it was actually kinda fun. <3
He's excited to show me the PX & as much of the post as he knows. He said that he doesn't really know a bunch of it because they keep them pretty sequestered. He said that he won't be able to show us the barracks because it's a secure area. Oh well, we could be at the post dump and I'd still be stoked to be with him.
I'm still on cloud 9 from the call, but I have to say... it's kind of sad that I miss him so much and still have 3.5 weeks to go. The cheerful, I can do this, attitude is getting harder and harder to keep up. It's just wearing on me a bit.
He said that he has his photos that he took at the beginning of basic and will send them our way soon. He probably won't look like that at all when we finally see him, but oh well! I'll take what I can get!
Oh! On family day, we're going to have a surrogate family member named Leon. Poor guy doesn't have any family coming. We'll definitely have to give him some loves. :)
Jon got sharp shooter in BRM and he says that he has his final PT test this week. He's not worried about it because he's got his 2 miles down to 16 mins (woohoo!) He's in the 70th percentile for pushups and sit ups and you only have to hit the 50th mark. He says he's good for AIT too!
Last week they did the 12K march and had FTX2 (Field Training Excercise). He said it was a bit cold, but the sleeping bags they have are awesome, so it wasn't bad at all. They had to do night patrols and such. He said he loves camping, so it was actually kinda fun. <3
He's excited to show me the PX & as much of the post as he knows. He said that he doesn't really know a bunch of it because they keep them pretty sequestered. He said that he won't be able to show us the barracks because it's a secure area. Oh well, we could be at the post dump and I'd still be stoked to be with him.
I'm still on cloud 9 from the call, but I have to say... it's kind of sad that I miss him so much and still have 3.5 weeks to go. The cheerful, I can do this, attitude is getting harder and harder to keep up. It's just wearing on me a bit.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Week Everyone Warned Me About
So, this is the week that everyone warned me about when we started this Army journey. It's the week where nothing has gone right and I've had to face it almost all alone. Let me explain:
Started out the week leaving my dome light in my car on twice.
Then I left the garage door open all night, twice.
Then I left my dog in my bedroom all day while I was at work with no food or water.
Then I left my flat iron on half the day.
Months ago, I never changed my address on my voters registration, so voting day was full of me driving around figuring out where I belonged.
I have not heard a peep from Jon since Sunday, though he said he was putting a letter to me in the mailbox on Sunday night. (I usually get letters in two days from the post mark.)
The garbage disposal broke and no longer turns on.
I broke glass into said disposal.
Tonight, I left my headlights on while I went into the grocery store and came back to a dead car. (Thank goodness for a terrific brother in law who saved the day. It woulda been a long, cold, walk home.)
I found out that I will not be able to join Jon in Arizona.
I've been having some issues at work. :(
My right knee feels like it needs to be babied. I'm a little worried about it breaking down on me. If I can't go to the gym, I don't know what I'll do. It's currently my surrogate Jon I suppose.
My house is a disaster.
Did I mention that I haven't heard anything from Jon all week? I'm a bit worried about that actually. I hope that it doesn't mean that they've gotten in trouble and won't be able to call this weekend.
I think I would like to go crawl in a hole now. Call me in 28 days.
Started out the week leaving my dome light in my car on twice.
Then I left the garage door open all night, twice.
Then I left my dog in my bedroom all day while I was at work with no food or water.
Then I left my flat iron on half the day.
Months ago, I never changed my address on my voters registration, so voting day was full of me driving around figuring out where I belonged.
I have not heard a peep from Jon since Sunday, though he said he was putting a letter to me in the mailbox on Sunday night. (I usually get letters in two days from the post mark.)
The garbage disposal broke and no longer turns on.
I broke glass into said disposal.
Tonight, I left my headlights on while I went into the grocery store and came back to a dead car. (Thank goodness for a terrific brother in law who saved the day. It woulda been a long, cold, walk home.)
I found out that I will not be able to join Jon in Arizona.
I've been having some issues at work. :(
My right knee feels like it needs to be babied. I'm a little worried about it breaking down on me. If I can't go to the gym, I don't know what I'll do. It's currently my surrogate Jon I suppose.
My house is a disaster.
Did I mention that I haven't heard anything from Jon all week? I'm a bit worried about that actually. I hope that it doesn't mean that they've gotten in trouble and won't be able to call this weekend.
I think I would like to go crawl in a hole now. Call me in 28 days.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween Weekend A.K.A. 11 Fantastic Years!
This weekend I was given the opportunity to speak with my husband for 1 hour and 20 mins! He called for one hour on Saturday & 20 minutes on Sunday. I have to say, his Drill Sergeants are definitely gaining favor in my book!
He sends his love to everyone and can't wait for Christmas!
On Sunday he said that he's been on profile for the last week which means that he couldn't do any sort of PT at all. His drill sergeants made him to go sick call, and he was put on profile for a sprained ankle. He couldn't wait to be able to do PT again. (Crazy boy! Just kidding!)
Only 31 more days until I can kiss my husband! I have one month to slim way way down and plan my trip!
This weekend I went to Austin to spend some time with our friends Renee & Jon. It was a very relaxing weekend. Especially with a call from Jon on Saturday and then again on Sunday! Before the Austin trip, I spent Friday night with my two favorite nieces. It was an adorable pajama party with movies, nail polish, and icecream!
When I returned from Austin on Sunday, the flowers Jon sent me had opened up beautifully and smelled divine. I can't stop looking at them! It's so funny how my husband knows me better than I do myself. I was asked last week what my favorite flowers were, and I honestly had no clue. Well, now I do. :)
He sends his love to everyone and can't wait for Christmas!
On Sunday he said that he's been on profile for the last week which means that he couldn't do any sort of PT at all. His drill sergeants made him to go sick call, and he was put on profile for a sprained ankle. He couldn't wait to be able to do PT again. (Crazy boy! Just kidding!)
Only 31 more days until I can kiss my husband! I have one month to slim way way down and plan my trip!
This weekend I went to Austin to spend some time with our friends Renee & Jon. It was a very relaxing weekend. Especially with a call from Jon on Saturday and then again on Sunday! Before the Austin trip, I spent Friday night with my two favorite nieces. It was an adorable pajama party with movies, nail polish, and icecream!
When I returned from Austin on Sunday, the flowers Jon sent me had opened up beautifully and smelled divine. I can't stop looking at them! It's so funny how my husband knows me better than I do myself. I was asked last week what my favorite flowers were, and I honestly had no clue. Well, now I do. :)
