I had a suggestion to talk about my life on base and in Base Housing. Where I can talk about somethings, I am not the best at other because I just dont get out much lol. So here yall go. My life and times at Offutt(year 1)
We moved here just as the last snow was just melting in march 2009. After packing the car with Me, Husband, son, and our two very large dogs. Along with everything that could fit in our then Station Wagon, we drove for 16 hours from the only place we ever called home Central Texas. This was actually much more Fun then it sounds. We got to stop at 2 hotels (which is NOT normal for us) And see some really cool places, well until Kansas hehe. Our son was happy the whole time pointing out neat sites he had never seen before. So that made our trip 100 times better then it would have if he had been upset.
When we Finally arrived at the Gates of Offutt, we met up with Husband's then shop commander and shown a quick tour around the base, then off to the housing office. This was such a neat experience, it was like we were house shopping again. The Housing officer took us around to different homes and showed us inside. We picked our house and Moved in that night. So excited to start our new chapter!
We had to wait a week or so for our furniture to catch up with us from Texas. The Same month we moved in Husband got some bad news. His Grandfather died. Since We had just moved here and our son would not have done well in another 16 hour car ride, me and him stayed. Husband drove down for the funeral. As he was almost back to his mothers house he hit deer.. BAM, THUD! There went our car..... He had to find a new one.
Finally Husband was on his way back. We got a chance to do some looking around. Everything was so different, Prices of everything so much higher then we were use to, Less things to do, Crazy/scary drivers on the road. . . Was a lot to take in.
Still today , over a year later, we dont really like the area. The base is a nice base, but the weather and many of the people are not what we want to be around. We miss the "Southern Hospitality" of Texas, where please say "Yes, Sir" wave and smile. We plan to move off base as soon as possible. Possibly buy a house here and if we get stationed somewhere else (very unlikely) just sell it or rent it out. HEHE not like we would have to worry to much about renting it out.. People always need a place to live around a Base =D
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Start (Air Force life)
The Idea for my husband to join the Military started back in 2003 when he graduated from high school, he was planning on joining the Marines to play in their Presidential Band. I had talked him out of it because I thought the worst, with the war and the distance, I thought we would never see each other again. He found a job else where and we were married then next year.
In the Spring and Summer of 2008 My husband lost his job, Myself already unemployed because I was a Stay at home mom (SATM). We were losing everything! Bills had to be paid, we needed food for us and the pets, We couldn't find jobs. The Military was brought up again.
We considered every branch but one seemed the best bet for our young family. The Air Force, basic was shorter, the distance from the war was the farthest. And yes I know plenty of Fathers are on the front lines, but we had a choice, and I choose the Air Force. We waited for 3 months for him to get a job, he went to San Antonio once or twice a week waiting for an opening. Finally in July of 2008 there was a job! He went right away to Basic, which then was only 6 -1/2 weeks long. Basic was had on all of us, my son (then not yet 2) cried every night for daddy. We only were allowed to talk once a week, Mail was slow to get back to us.
August 22 2008, Graduation date! We had three days to see him before he went off to technical School. Myself, my son, and a long family friend stayed in a hotel to get as much time with him as we could. We watched the Graduation Ceremony with pride, and Joked that he seemed stiff now. We got a tour of the Lackland AFB, his dorm, where they ate, trained, showered (wink, wink), and slept. I was amazed he didn't fall of his tiny little twin bed top bunk every night (6'2" much longer then the bed) He walked around with pride that now he could boss around the new recruits , constantly yelling at them to get in line, and fix their uniforms. Was different seeing him so assertive towards others.
As soon as the Graduation days were over, he was on a bus to Mississippi, and I was back at home alone for 9 more weeks. At least this time we got to talk every day. During His stay at Keesler AFB we all had a scare, Hurricane Gustav came through locking him in a building for a week with hundreds of others fighting for internet and quiet time, no place for "personal time". We all waited, hoping everyone would be safe. Finally it was safe to come out and base clean up started, with all enlisted helping.
From Keesler he went right to Sheppard AFB in Texas, only 4 hours one way from our home. Instead of Being there 12 weeks alone, We decided it would be good for me and our son to move up there with him. But unforeseen problems occurred and we had to stay in the Austin Area. We had already rented out our house in Burnet to someone so we had to move in with his mother. We stayed there going to Sheppard nearly every weekend for a visit. Our son carried a small framed photo of Daddy the whole time, sleeping with it, playing with it, trying to feed it. The Picture helped him remember who his daddy was, and we had no problems reintroducing after tech school.
Finally, Tech school was over! We had our orders to head to Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Our first station, and our first time to live outside of Texas. More important, our first winter Outside of Texas! YIKES!!
In the Spring and Summer of 2008 My husband lost his job, Myself already unemployed because I was a Stay at home mom (SATM). We were losing everything! Bills had to be paid, we needed food for us and the pets, We couldn't find jobs. The Military was brought up again.
We considered every branch but one seemed the best bet for our young family. The Air Force, basic was shorter, the distance from the war was the farthest. And yes I know plenty of Fathers are on the front lines, but we had a choice, and I choose the Air Force. We waited for 3 months for him to get a job, he went to San Antonio once or twice a week waiting for an opening. Finally in July of 2008 there was a job! He went right away to Basic, which then was only 6 -1/2 weeks long. Basic was had on all of us, my son (then not yet 2) cried every night for daddy. We only were allowed to talk once a week, Mail was slow to get back to us.
August 22 2008, Graduation date! We had three days to see him before he went off to technical School. Myself, my son, and a long family friend stayed in a hotel to get as much time with him as we could. We watched the Graduation Ceremony with pride, and Joked that he seemed stiff now. We got a tour of the Lackland AFB, his dorm, where they ate, trained, showered (wink, wink), and slept. I was amazed he didn't fall of his tiny little twin bed top bunk every night (6'2" much longer then the bed) He walked around with pride that now he could boss around the new recruits , constantly yelling at them to get in line, and fix their uniforms. Was different seeing him so assertive towards others.
As soon as the Graduation days were over, he was on a bus to Mississippi, and I was back at home alone for 9 more weeks. At least this time we got to talk every day. During His stay at Keesler AFB we all had a scare, Hurricane Gustav came through locking him in a building for a week with hundreds of others fighting for internet and quiet time, no place for "personal time". We all waited, hoping everyone would be safe. Finally it was safe to come out and base clean up started, with all enlisted helping.
From Keesler he went right to Sheppard AFB in Texas, only 4 hours one way from our home. Instead of Being there 12 weeks alone, We decided it would be good for me and our son to move up there with him. But unforeseen problems occurred and we had to stay in the Austin Area. We had already rented out our house in Burnet to someone so we had to move in with his mother. We stayed there going to Sheppard nearly every weekend for a visit. Our son carried a small framed photo of Daddy the whole time, sleeping with it, playing with it, trying to feed it. The Picture helped him remember who his daddy was, and we had no problems reintroducing after tech school.
Finally, Tech school was over! We had our orders to head to Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Our first station, and our first time to live outside of Texas. More important, our first winter Outside of Texas! YIKES!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
My Story so Far (Love)
When I was 10 years old we Moved to a small town in Texas called Bertram. My first summer in our new home was strange. We lived miles from the actual town, yet I was allowed to ride my bike to the local gas station alone.
I met up with a new school friend and we strolled around town, seeing the sights of a small town. She had met a new girl, that was living with her dad for the summer. We decided to head over there to hang out. *Knock on the door* Here opens the door, her older brother (12) and his two friends. I knew his two friends from school but not him. Letting us in Older Brother and friends went on about their business for a while.
After Lunch Our new friend led us into her brothers room where a lot of yelling was going on. Apparently the boys were all playing video games and quiet enjoying themselves. I was invited to join and well didnt play very well.. After I was laughed out of the room by Big Brothers friends he followed. Very caring and sweet, he asked if I was ok. I was fine, but he seemed to want to say more. Ten minutes later he asked me out! "Wait what?! No! Sorry , 1 Im not allowed, 2. Im not really interested." I went home. Later that week he called me and asked again! "No! now stop" Nearly every time I met with him or talked to him on the phone he asked me.
Over time we became very good friends. He would call me when he needed to talk, and come over when he needed to get away from home life. We would take 3 hour walks, and talk for hours unending.
When I was 15 Big Brother got a car, he was so proud of it. Called me right away for me to come see it, even before it was running. We sat in it for a while before he asked me again. This time instead of Turning him down right away I told him I would think about it. A couple days later I called him, Of course he asked again. Finally , I agreed. It was Feb. 17th, 2001.
We went out on many dates once his car was running. We were Joined at the hip, as my parents would say. He was always at my house, I was always with him. Though It was obvious We were close and getting closer He still was yet to get a kiss. I was just to shy, and he sent chills to my knees...
Six months after we started dating, after a long ride home from a UT Basket Ball game. We were sitting in his car, not really wanting to leave, just talking and looking at the nights sky, He leaned in and Kissed me. My first Kiss. "Wow" slipped out accidentally and I was hooked on him. We were together more then ever after he graduated.
In 2004, after I graduated, we were married. Not to many years later in 2006 we added a new member to our family! Our Son was born in Oct. 2006. We were happy of course. But thats another story.
After a few more years My Husband and I started having financial problems. He had quit his job, and I already didnt have one. We decided the Military would be the best way to go. We researched each branch, and decided that the Air Force would be the way for us to go. Since I was not physically fit, He joined. Passed his first test, and then on to Basic. He did very well in Basic and I fell into Depression. Missing my Husband and other family events going on. Finally when he came home We were together again.
Once Tech school was over we were stationed at OFFUTT, AFB in Nebraska. Have been here for over a year now. We have had our ups and downs, but no matter what we remember what we really mean to each other. Fights happen, Many sleepless nights. But Nothing ever changes. We are still here for each other, and our son.
I met up with a new school friend and we strolled around town, seeing the sights of a small town. She had met a new girl, that was living with her dad for the summer. We decided to head over there to hang out. *Knock on the door* Here opens the door, her older brother (12) and his two friends. I knew his two friends from school but not him. Letting us in Older Brother and friends went on about their business for a while.
After Lunch Our new friend led us into her brothers room where a lot of yelling was going on. Apparently the boys were all playing video games and quiet enjoying themselves. I was invited to join and well didnt play very well.. After I was laughed out of the room by Big Brothers friends he followed. Very caring and sweet, he asked if I was ok. I was fine, but he seemed to want to say more. Ten minutes later he asked me out! "Wait what?! No! Sorry , 1 Im not allowed, 2. Im not really interested." I went home. Later that week he called me and asked again! "No! now stop" Nearly every time I met with him or talked to him on the phone he asked me.
Over time we became very good friends. He would call me when he needed to talk, and come over when he needed to get away from home life. We would take 3 hour walks, and talk for hours unending.
When I was 15 Big Brother got a car, he was so proud of it. Called me right away for me to come see it, even before it was running. We sat in it for a while before he asked me again. This time instead of Turning him down right away I told him I would think about it. A couple days later I called him, Of course he asked again. Finally , I agreed. It was Feb. 17th, 2001.
We went out on many dates once his car was running. We were Joined at the hip, as my parents would say. He was always at my house, I was always with him. Though It was obvious We were close and getting closer He still was yet to get a kiss. I was just to shy, and he sent chills to my knees...
Six months after we started dating, after a long ride home from a UT Basket Ball game. We were sitting in his car, not really wanting to leave, just talking and looking at the nights sky, He leaned in and Kissed me. My first Kiss. "Wow" slipped out accidentally and I was hooked on him. We were together more then ever after he graduated.
In 2004, after I graduated, we were married. Not to many years later in 2006 we added a new member to our family! Our Son was born in Oct. 2006. We were happy of course. But thats another story.
After a few more years My Husband and I started having financial problems. He had quit his job, and I already didnt have one. We decided the Military would be the best way to go. We researched each branch, and decided that the Air Force would be the way for us to go. Since I was not physically fit, He joined. Passed his first test, and then on to Basic. He did very well in Basic and I fell into Depression. Missing my Husband and other family events going on. Finally when he came home We were together again.
Once Tech school was over we were stationed at OFFUTT, AFB in Nebraska. Have been here for over a year now. We have had our ups and downs, but no matter what we remember what we really mean to each other. Fights happen, Many sleepless nights. But Nothing ever changes. We are still here for each other, and our son.
My story so far. (Cody and Libby)
I was born in a dysfunctional family. Mom and Dad almost always fighting. Dad always working, Sister and Brother running off causing trouble. Me stuck at the end of the list. The First few years of my life were fine I guess, nothing major really. Dad worked small odd jobs to help get by and took me along with him. We worked hard and late into the night most nights but I loved every moment of it.
One day my dad took us all out to a stable on Fort Hood (the base he and Mom worked as civilians). We now owned a horse, I was 7 and in Love! His name was Cody, he was a little thing, only 4 months old. Me and my dad raised him and trained him. Since I was the lightest and smallest I was the First to ever ride him. From that moment on me and him had a Bond like no other. He was the love of my young life. We spent as much time together as allowed.
As we grew up together we started down a new road. Our family moved from the city to the country, I was 10. Cody was now with me all day every day! We walked together, and slept together (yes I slept in his stall when upset as he lay down and kept me warm). After school every day I would feed him and talk to him about my day. He was my rock. We grew up together. I started doing horse shows , riding him in competitions. We did well! When I was about 14 Mom and Dad started falling further apart, My Big Brother was almost a stranger, My Big Sister was off with her friends. Cody was my best friend, my confidant, my life.
Since I was going to a school over an hours drive away, and me and my dad still worked long hours through the night after school when I was 16 I felt it was time to get Cody a companion to be with while I was in school. Her name was Libby. She was a little over a year old, and a Beautiful little girl. I had my work cut out for me though with her, you see she was abused and neglected. She was so starved she looked like she was 6 months old. She would never be any good for riding I found out later after I bought her, but she would be a good friend for Cody. I started training her to load in a trailer, and walk properly on her halter without being terrified. She did very well at everything she was taught, I even started her under saddle knowing I could never ride her like I so dreamed to.
At age 17 my parents decided it was time to get a divorce. That was pretty hard on me, they both wanted me on their side. Cody and Libby were the only two not trying to pull me away from who I was. I was in my Sr. year of High School and not doing very well. Living with my mom in the city closer to my school I rarely got to spend time with them. I never got to ride anymore, and my health showed it. No one noticed what was going on, No one really cared. They were all to busy leading their own affairs to notice. Only My Boyfriend noticed how hurt I was through the whole thing. I married him when I graduated, We moved to my Dads house where he was no longer living. I worked the horses and was much happier there, The horses were so much less stress then my family life, I could breath around them.
When I was 20 I got Pregnant and moved into our own home since my dad and his new wife decided they should move back into the farm house. Things were so tense , so uncomfortable I rarely went back. Its hard enough to work horses by yourself, but when you add a new born and a demanding nosy step mother its impossible. My horses were well fed on the open farm. All they needed was water, and they had each other. I was so Happy that they had each other.
Just last year my father thought it would be better for Cody to go to my aunt, Since she didnt have enough money to take them both, and I live on Base unable to take Libby with me, Libby sat alone for months without my knowledge. No one had told me they were separated, No one cared. Cody was always the stronger of the two, able to be independent from Libby. He now lives with my Aunt being ridden and cared for.
I was down in Texas for my Grandmothers Funeral in November '09, I went to see Libby only just now being told they had been separated after 3 months. I Found her laying down without the will to get back up. She was dieing of a broken heart. I tried everything I could think of to get her up and on her feet, but she refused to go on. Nothing could sway her, Her mind was made up, and her will had been broken. After hours of laying with her, and praying she would get up...
She died that night.
At least she wasnt alone anymore.
R.I.P. Libby You were very much loved and are very much missed.
One day my dad took us all out to a stable on Fort Hood (the base he and Mom worked as civilians). We now owned a horse, I was 7 and in Love! His name was Cody, he was a little thing, only 4 months old. Me and my dad raised him and trained him. Since I was the lightest and smallest I was the First to ever ride him. From that moment on me and him had a Bond like no other. He was the love of my young life. We spent as much time together as allowed.
As we grew up together we started down a new road. Our family moved from the city to the country, I was 10. Cody was now with me all day every day! We walked together, and slept together (yes I slept in his stall when upset as he lay down and kept me warm). After school every day I would feed him and talk to him about my day. He was my rock. We grew up together. I started doing horse shows , riding him in competitions. We did well! When I was about 14 Mom and Dad started falling further apart, My Big Brother was almost a stranger, My Big Sister was off with her friends. Cody was my best friend, my confidant, my life.
Since I was going to a school over an hours drive away, and me and my dad still worked long hours through the night after school when I was 16 I felt it was time to get Cody a companion to be with while I was in school. Her name was Libby. She was a little over a year old, and a Beautiful little girl. I had my work cut out for me though with her, you see she was abused and neglected. She was so starved she looked like she was 6 months old. She would never be any good for riding I found out later after I bought her, but she would be a good friend for Cody. I started training her to load in a trailer, and walk properly on her halter without being terrified. She did very well at everything she was taught, I even started her under saddle knowing I could never ride her like I so dreamed to.
At age 17 my parents decided it was time to get a divorce. That was pretty hard on me, they both wanted me on their side. Cody and Libby were the only two not trying to pull me away from who I was. I was in my Sr. year of High School and not doing very well. Living with my mom in the city closer to my school I rarely got to spend time with them. I never got to ride anymore, and my health showed it. No one noticed what was going on, No one really cared. They were all to busy leading their own affairs to notice. Only My Boyfriend noticed how hurt I was through the whole thing. I married him when I graduated, We moved to my Dads house where he was no longer living. I worked the horses and was much happier there, The horses were so much less stress then my family life, I could breath around them.
When I was 20 I got Pregnant and moved into our own home since my dad and his new wife decided they should move back into the farm house. Things were so tense , so uncomfortable I rarely went back. Its hard enough to work horses by yourself, but when you add a new born and a demanding nosy step mother its impossible. My horses were well fed on the open farm. All they needed was water, and they had each other. I was so Happy that they had each other.
Just last year my father thought it would be better for Cody to go to my aunt, Since she didnt have enough money to take them both, and I live on Base unable to take Libby with me, Libby sat alone for months without my knowledge. No one had told me they were separated, No one cared. Cody was always the stronger of the two, able to be independent from Libby. He now lives with my Aunt being ridden and cared for.
I was down in Texas for my Grandmothers Funeral in November '09, I went to see Libby only just now being told they had been separated after 3 months. I Found her laying down without the will to get back up. She was dieing of a broken heart. I tried everything I could think of to get her up and on her feet, but she refused to go on. Nothing could sway her, Her mind was made up, and her will had been broken. After hours of laying with her, and praying she would get up...
She died that night.
At least she wasnt alone anymore.
R.I.P. Libby You were very much loved and are very much missed.
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