Not much new to report. The med boards are still running behind. Which sucks! The more they are behind the longer we'll be here. I think now we're looking at the end of the year timeframe. Not October like originally thought. After talking to the AW2 lady again we think it will be Dec/Jan. Sucks!!!! I don't want to spend another half a winter here. Ugh. And that is an awful time to be moving...during Xmas time. Blah. Oh well. Looking on the brigher note, we can save even more money and be able to do more with our new house once we get down there. :)
Curt took his GT improvement test this week. He got a 106. He wanted a 110 or above. He raised it 12 points from his previous score though. It just is no good for him, since he needs a 110 or higher to go OCS. Even though they do have a GT waiver available, but he wanted to get it on the first try. Now he has to wait 6 months to take it again. It'll happen though. I mean we have plenty of time, he doesn't even have his degree yet!!
It feels great to have internet back. We were just without it for the past two days as our router died and we had to wait for Verizon to ship us a new one. Pain in the ass. Now I'm behind on school work! I wanted to have my paper done before my brother got here today, but obviously that didn't happen. We were able to connect Curt's blackberry to the laptop and get on that way, but it ran extremely slow, and I HATE that so I gave up.
I've been doing my 30 day shred workout religiously for the past 5 days straight. I feel good about it and I feel myself getting more toned because of it. I haven't lost any weight yet though, which is disheartening. I am not comfortable with where I am at. I am working on changing my eating habits to be more healthier which is just hard, because I love food. I love it too much. It's hard to change those habits. But I'm working on it. I have 18 lbs to lose to be where I want to be. Yep, since having Brandon I have gained 15 lbs. Sad. I lost it all minus three lbs. when he was a few months old, and now I've gained it all back. It makes me disgusted at myself. I have never, ever been this big in my life, and I refuse to let it happen. I'm doing my best to change all that. So wish me luck!!
My brother's here visiting for the week. I'm excited about that. We have lots planned so hopefully we'll be able to have some fun, while at the same time trying to relax and enjoy the time. Kaylie's last week of school is this week too. Finally! Ugh, damn blizzards gave us too many snow make up days!
Brandon is still growing and changing every day. He loves the stairs a little too much, so we need to buy another gate. I get sick of chasing him away from the stairs. He is cruising along the furniture and stuff already. He'll be walking before I know it! He never sits still. He's so busy! He definitely keeps me busy! I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
That's about it in my boring life!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Things
So we've gotten our pre-approval through both USAA and Wells Fargo. I think we're going to go with USAA. At this point they are giving us a better deal. And really what does it matter? If we go with USAA we get a check for $950 three weeks after closing. If we go with Wells Fargo the builder will contribute $1000 to closing costs. Which closing on the loan we want is 4300. So really it makes no difference which one we choose. Both of the money will do the same thing and serve the same purpose.
I think we have also decided to choose the Sonoma Pointe subdivision. This subdivision is across the street from Greystone Farms. We've driven through there numerous times and we actually even looked at a house for rent in that subdivision in 2008. We're making this choice for several reasons. One, it's actually in Columbus unlike Ivy Park which is in Fortson, GA. It's close to the "secret" Walmart and a Publix. All three of the schools (elem, middle, and high) are excellent for the kids and within 5 miles (the middle school is actually directly across the street) or less of Sonoma Pointe. It's cheaper to build there than in Ivy Park also by three thousand for the floor plan we want.
We have chosen NOT to live in Alabama. We thought about it and seriously did consider it because yes, it's much cheaper over there, but in the long run I want to be happy where we are living and so does Curt. We both prefer Georgia to Alabama so that's final.
Anywhoo...so we'll be heading down there end of July/August to meet with the realtor and builder face to face and get the ball rolling.
I'm hoping Curt's med board will be done by then. This is my guestimate. His full physical is July 7th and then after that we just wait for a decision I guess. Which shouldn't take that long. As soon as he is found unfit we'll submit for COAD and then head down to GA to work all the details of the house out. Then we'll probably move in the Octoberish time frame. This is all my total guestimate though! haha
Other than that. Tonight is Kaylie's last Daisy meeting. :(
This Saturday is our troop event where were taking the girls to this place called Club Bella and they can get manicures, pedicures, nails painted that sort of thing. Should be fun for the girls! They earned it. :)
The next Saturday is the Bridging Ceremony where all the Daisy's moving up to Brownie's next year go through a special ceremony where they walk across this bridge (a Junior troop is constructing at the outdoor rec center) and when they get to the other side a Brownie troop is waiting to welcome them and give them their Brownie vests. It's gonna be an adorable ceremony! The 1st graders will feel so accomplished that they are going to be Brownie's next year.
I'm looking forward to be the Brownie leader for next year. I have a ton of books and papers I've been reading and trying to get a head start and plan the initial meetings. I'm excited to get back to GA and be involved in girl scouts. I'll prob start a troop up there when we move. And I'll start looking for a co-leader. So if any of you wonderful ladies would like to help out let me know!! You don't have to have a kid in the troop or even have kids to help out!! It's open to ALL ;)
Kaylie's school year is winding down. The last day is June 24th. I know, crazy! Next week they are having a field trip to the movies to see "Oceans" a disney movie about the planet's water supply I guess. Then they have Field Day next week as well. Also their class party should be the last week of school. I can't believe she is gonna be a 2nd grader already! Time sure does fly.
so yesterday also around 930, Brandon was sleeping for his morning nap, I was doing my 30 day shred when I hear tons of commotion outside and sirens. At first I thought it was the school so I opened the door to see what was going on and my neighbor behind us was running down the street and I asked her what was going on when I hear ma'am get out of your house now! Then my neighbor says hurry, get your baby and get out the whole alley is on fire!! I'm thinking "what???" So I run upstairs to B's room, peek out the window and sure enough flames sky high four houses down. Their entire garage is engulfed in flames. My first thought was holy shit, that is gonna spread FAST. It was windy too and I just imagined the entire row of garages and houses burning down. I grab Brandon who is still sleeping and bolt downstairs. I grab my cell phone and race outside. As soon as I got across the street to where everyone else was standing I thought...shit! The cat, my purse, I should've grabbed everything!!! I know its not important but those are the thoughts running through my head. The firemen meanwhile are evacuating houses and getting the huge ladder with the water house all the way up in the air to put out the fire. It was awful.
We live in two row townhomes, so two houses are connected each along with the garages. But we are built very close together. The lady who lives in the connected house that was on fire was hysterical. She was bawling. Trying to call her husband and just sobbing. Her car was in the garage. (Burnt to shreds, its just a shell now) She was terrified the entire house was going to burn as well. Which they didn't thank goodness. But the back of the houses are burnt. The siding is completely black and falling off or melted. Along with about 7 other garages. It's horrible. A lot of extensive damage to not only the burnt down garages but the garages in the direction the wind was blowing and the surrounding houses and garages. One lady can't even open her garage door, its melted shut.
Apparently there is a big investigation going on. Early gossip is that it was arson. I'll keep you posted on that. We just have to be thankful that everyone is safe. It could have been a lot worse if that would have happened during the night while we were all sleeping!! Thankfully it happened in the day and people saw it, even from as far as four blocks away at the office! Crazy.
Anywhoo...that is the shenanigan's so far!
I think we have also decided to choose the Sonoma Pointe subdivision. This subdivision is across the street from Greystone Farms. We've driven through there numerous times and we actually even looked at a house for rent in that subdivision in 2008. We're making this choice for several reasons. One, it's actually in Columbus unlike Ivy Park which is in Fortson, GA. It's close to the "secret" Walmart and a Publix. All three of the schools (elem, middle, and high) are excellent for the kids and within 5 miles (the middle school is actually directly across the street) or less of Sonoma Pointe. It's cheaper to build there than in Ivy Park also by three thousand for the floor plan we want.
We have chosen NOT to live in Alabama. We thought about it and seriously did consider it because yes, it's much cheaper over there, but in the long run I want to be happy where we are living and so does Curt. We both prefer Georgia to Alabama so that's final.
Anywhoo...so we'll be heading down there end of July/August to meet with the realtor and builder face to face and get the ball rolling.
I'm hoping Curt's med board will be done by then. This is my guestimate. His full physical is July 7th and then after that we just wait for a decision I guess. Which shouldn't take that long. As soon as he is found unfit we'll submit for COAD and then head down to GA to work all the details of the house out. Then we'll probably move in the Octoberish time frame. This is all my total guestimate though! haha
Other than that. Tonight is Kaylie's last Daisy meeting. :(
This Saturday is our troop event where were taking the girls to this place called Club Bella and they can get manicures, pedicures, nails painted that sort of thing. Should be fun for the girls! They earned it. :)
The next Saturday is the Bridging Ceremony where all the Daisy's moving up to Brownie's next year go through a special ceremony where they walk across this bridge (a Junior troop is constructing at the outdoor rec center) and when they get to the other side a Brownie troop is waiting to welcome them and give them their Brownie vests. It's gonna be an adorable ceremony! The 1st graders will feel so accomplished that they are going to be Brownie's next year.
I'm looking forward to be the Brownie leader for next year. I have a ton of books and papers I've been reading and trying to get a head start and plan the initial meetings. I'm excited to get back to GA and be involved in girl scouts. I'll prob start a troop up there when we move. And I'll start looking for a co-leader. So if any of you wonderful ladies would like to help out let me know!! You don't have to have a kid in the troop or even have kids to help out!! It's open to ALL ;)
Kaylie's school year is winding down. The last day is June 24th. I know, crazy! Next week they are having a field trip to the movies to see "Oceans" a disney movie about the planet's water supply I guess. Then they have Field Day next week as well. Also their class party should be the last week of school. I can't believe she is gonna be a 2nd grader already! Time sure does fly.
so yesterday also around 930, Brandon was sleeping for his morning nap, I was doing my 30 day shred when I hear tons of commotion outside and sirens. At first I thought it was the school so I opened the door to see what was going on and my neighbor behind us was running down the street and I asked her what was going on when I hear ma'am get out of your house now! Then my neighbor says hurry, get your baby and get out the whole alley is on fire!! I'm thinking "what???" So I run upstairs to B's room, peek out the window and sure enough flames sky high four houses down. Their entire garage is engulfed in flames. My first thought was holy shit, that is gonna spread FAST. It was windy too and I just imagined the entire row of garages and houses burning down. I grab Brandon who is still sleeping and bolt downstairs. I grab my cell phone and race outside. As soon as I got across the street to where everyone else was standing I thought...shit! The cat, my purse, I should've grabbed everything!!! I know its not important but those are the thoughts running through my head. The firemen meanwhile are evacuating houses and getting the huge ladder with the water house all the way up in the air to put out the fire. It was awful.
We live in two row townhomes, so two houses are connected each along with the garages. But we are built very close together. The lady who lives in the connected house that was on fire was hysterical. She was bawling. Trying to call her husband and just sobbing. Her car was in the garage. (Burnt to shreds, its just a shell now) She was terrified the entire house was going to burn as well. Which they didn't thank goodness. But the back of the houses are burnt. The siding is completely black and falling off or melted. Along with about 7 other garages. It's horrible. A lot of extensive damage to not only the burnt down garages but the garages in the direction the wind was blowing and the surrounding houses and garages. One lady can't even open her garage door, its melted shut.
Apparently there is a big investigation going on. Early gossip is that it was arson. I'll keep you posted on that. We just have to be thankful that everyone is safe. It could have been a lot worse if that would have happened during the night while we were all sleeping!! Thankfully it happened in the day and people saw it, even from as far as four blocks away at the office! Crazy.
Anywhoo...that is the shenanigan's so far!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
What to do, what to do, that is the question!
So we got pre-approved for our mortgage! yay!!! We got pre-approved thru USAA first for $188990. More than what the house we want is worth. We also are getting approved through Wells Fargo. I was told to get approved through two different lenders so they can be competitive. Also, USAA has a program called Movers Advantage where if you use one of there preferred lenders you get cash back which happens to be Coldwell Banker (kpdk). For us it would be $950.
But if we use one of the builders preferred lenders they help pay some or all of the closing costs. And one of the preferred lenders for Bill the builder (haha) is Wells Fargo, not USAA. We are supposed to get our approval letter from them tomorrow Tammy said. I also want to work with Erickson realty (his preferred realtor) and not kpdk.
Our builder is Grayhawk Homes Inc. He's the number one builder in Columbus/Phenix City. We have it narrowed down to two floor plans. And I was intent on living in GA and not AL. BUTTTTT Alabama for the exact same house is 30G's cheaper. Yes that big of a difference. I just like the idea of GA though. And I want to make the best decision possible and I want to be happy where we are. So my heart tells me GA, but the price difference and tax difference is amazing and I can't deny that! So when we go down there in August to meet with the builder and all that I will scope out this AL subdivision and see. I just hate to be in the middle of nowhere. I like the convenience of having a grocery store or shopping within a couple minutes drive.
Another problem I'm having is deciding whether or not I like the laundry room upstairs or downstairs. The bigger floorplan has the LR upstairs. Which I kinda like the thought of not having to drag laundry up and down the stairs. But then again I spend most of my time downstairs so do I want to keep running up and down with laundry?? And I like the option on one of the floor plans to have a front porch built that wraps around half way. I LOVE that.
If you go to this website and look at the York or Derby floorplans those are the two we are interested in...
http://www.grayhawkhomesinc.com/community.asp?CommunityID=13
Curt likes the Derby better and I do too as far as the layout is, but I also like the York and the porch option. I also like the way it looks on the outside better than the Derby. More windows and LOOKS bigger even though its not
This is the York:
http://www.kpdk.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=110665&PRM_MlsName=ColumbusGA&VAR_AgentCode=&VAR_OfficeCode
This is the Derby:
http://www.kpdk.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=108911&PRM_MlsName=ColumbusGA&VAR_AgentCode=&VAR_OfficeCode
See what I mean??
I lean more towards Alabama because of that 30grand price difference in prices, but then again I love Georgia, not Phenix City. I think it's pretty trashy honestly.
And I love the floorplan better on the Derby than the York. But I like the outside of the York better than the Derby! Ugh..Opinions are welcome hahaha
Please! :)
But if we use one of the builders preferred lenders they help pay some or all of the closing costs. And one of the preferred lenders for Bill the builder (haha) is Wells Fargo, not USAA. We are supposed to get our approval letter from them tomorrow Tammy said. I also want to work with Erickson realty (his preferred realtor) and not kpdk.
Our builder is Grayhawk Homes Inc. He's the number one builder in Columbus/Phenix City. We have it narrowed down to two floor plans. And I was intent on living in GA and not AL. BUTTTTT Alabama for the exact same house is 30G's cheaper. Yes that big of a difference. I just like the idea of GA though. And I want to make the best decision possible and I want to be happy where we are. So my heart tells me GA, but the price difference and tax difference is amazing and I can't deny that! So when we go down there in August to meet with the builder and all that I will scope out this AL subdivision and see. I just hate to be in the middle of nowhere. I like the convenience of having a grocery store or shopping within a couple minutes drive.
Another problem I'm having is deciding whether or not I like the laundry room upstairs or downstairs. The bigger floorplan has the LR upstairs. Which I kinda like the thought of not having to drag laundry up and down the stairs. But then again I spend most of my time downstairs so do I want to keep running up and down with laundry?? And I like the option on one of the floor plans to have a front porch built that wraps around half way. I LOVE that.
If you go to this website and look at the York or Derby floorplans those are the two we are interested in...
http://www.grayhawkhomesinc.com/community.asp?CommunityID=13
Curt likes the Derby better and I do too as far as the layout is, but I also like the York and the porch option. I also like the way it looks on the outside better than the Derby. More windows and LOOKS bigger even though its not
This is the York:
http://www.kpdk.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=110665&PRM_MlsName=ColumbusGA&VAR_AgentCode=&VAR_OfficeCode
This is the Derby:
http://www.kpdk.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=108911&PRM_MlsName=ColumbusGA&VAR_AgentCode=&VAR_OfficeCode
See what I mean??
I lean more towards Alabama because of that 30grand price difference in prices, but then again I love Georgia, not Phenix City. I think it's pretty trashy honestly.
And I love the floorplan better on the Derby than the York. But I like the outside of the York better than the Derby! Ugh..Opinions are welcome hahaha
Please! :)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1st and other thoughts
Yes, today is June 1st. This is a big day for my family. Curt and I started dating eleven years ago today! We went and watched Star Wars Episode 1 at the movies and he asked me out that night. Good memories :)
On June 1st, 2007 he was seriously injured in Iraq by an IED blast. We spent a long three emotional months at Walter Reed. Last year June 1st he got his TKR done. A month later it got infected and they almost had to cut off his leg. Thankfully they were able to salvage his TKR and spent another two weeks in the hospital at Bethesda. Sigh...I can't believe all that we have been through in the span of eleven years. It's amazing when I think about it. And I'm equally amazed that I haven't been institutionalized yet because of all this anxiety, stress, and depression over the past three years. I hate reflecting on it, I want to move past this stage, but I know it is going to haunt us and we are reminded of it everyday regardless.
So, anyway, I am now officially the Brownie Leader for next year. I'm very much looking forward to this! I've done three levels of training and I have a 3 hour training class I have to go to this Saturday all the way up in Frederick, Maryland which is about an hour or so from here. That was the only class left with seats which sucks because I would have definitely preferred to stay closer to home in Virginia. I've been thinking about where I want to have my meetings and I do believe I am going to hold them at the school. I think there is more room to do activities there. I doubt I'll be holding very many meetings here before we move anyway, so I'm not too worried about it. At least when we move back to Georgia I'll have all the training done and be ready to go! I also have to take a first aid course in downtown DC soon. I haven't signed up yet for that.
We went to Kings Dominion this weekend. It was unbareably hot. I was so uncomfortable. And I was worried about Brandon being out in the heat with minimum shade. Plus Kaylie is terrifed to go on anything so we ended up only staying for two hours and then left. The heat definitely got to all of is though. Lesson learned again I guess.
Last night Curt was grilling our dinner of hamburgers and we ran out of gas. So we ended up having just my cheesy potatoes for dinner. hahaha it was a great dinner. It was kinda funny to sit down and only eat that. But everyplace was closed yesterday on post so we couldn't run out and get another tank.
Also this weekend I got our credit reports and credit scores. I was extremely happy when I saw our scores. Mine are better than Curt's so I was extra happy and gloating about that. haha It was like a huge weight was lifted after two years of working very hard to raise our scores to above 700 it has happened! No more bad scores! This means so much, lower rates, better buying power! I'm so happy :)
We disputed two things on our reports so once they are taken off it will help even more! As soon as the disputes are done we are going to get pre-approved for our mortgage so we know our buying power limit. I'm impatient to know what we qualify for! I've talked to the realtor and builder already in Columbus so were set on that end. I've looked into both the conventional loans and VA loans. We've looked at floor plans and demographics and got our choices narrowed down to two different subdivisions, both in Columbus. I'm sooo excited. Once we know 100% were going back to Georgia we are going to start the whole process. Hopefully by the time we get ready our house will be almost ready so we won't have to stay in an apartment for too long. I can't wait to be homeowners!
:) :)
On June 1st, 2007 he was seriously injured in Iraq by an IED blast. We spent a long three emotional months at Walter Reed. Last year June 1st he got his TKR done. A month later it got infected and they almost had to cut off his leg. Thankfully they were able to salvage his TKR and spent another two weeks in the hospital at Bethesda. Sigh...I can't believe all that we have been through in the span of eleven years. It's amazing when I think about it. And I'm equally amazed that I haven't been institutionalized yet because of all this anxiety, stress, and depression over the past three years. I hate reflecting on it, I want to move past this stage, but I know it is going to haunt us and we are reminded of it everyday regardless.
So, anyway, I am now officially the Brownie Leader for next year. I'm very much looking forward to this! I've done three levels of training and I have a 3 hour training class I have to go to this Saturday all the way up in Frederick, Maryland which is about an hour or so from here. That was the only class left with seats which sucks because I would have definitely preferred to stay closer to home in Virginia. I've been thinking about where I want to have my meetings and I do believe I am going to hold them at the school. I think there is more room to do activities there. I doubt I'll be holding very many meetings here before we move anyway, so I'm not too worried about it. At least when we move back to Georgia I'll have all the training done and be ready to go! I also have to take a first aid course in downtown DC soon. I haven't signed up yet for that.
We went to Kings Dominion this weekend. It was unbareably hot. I was so uncomfortable. And I was worried about Brandon being out in the heat with minimum shade. Plus Kaylie is terrifed to go on anything so we ended up only staying for two hours and then left. The heat definitely got to all of is though. Lesson learned again I guess.
Last night Curt was grilling our dinner of hamburgers and we ran out of gas. So we ended up having just my cheesy potatoes for dinner. hahaha it was a great dinner. It was kinda funny to sit down and only eat that. But everyplace was closed yesterday on post so we couldn't run out and get another tank.
Also this weekend I got our credit reports and credit scores. I was extremely happy when I saw our scores. Mine are better than Curt's so I was extra happy and gloating about that. haha It was like a huge weight was lifted after two years of working very hard to raise our scores to above 700 it has happened! No more bad scores! This means so much, lower rates, better buying power! I'm so happy :)
We disputed two things on our reports so once they are taken off it will help even more! As soon as the disputes are done we are going to get pre-approved for our mortgage so we know our buying power limit. I'm impatient to know what we qualify for! I've talked to the realtor and builder already in Columbus so were set on that end. I've looked into both the conventional loans and VA loans. We've looked at floor plans and demographics and got our choices narrowed down to two different subdivisions, both in Columbus. I'm sooo excited. Once we know 100% were going back to Georgia we are going to start the whole process. Hopefully by the time we get ready our house will be almost ready so we won't have to stay in an apartment for too long. I can't wait to be homeowners!
:) :)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Opening up
So Curt can go on leave! Yay!!! I'm excited to be able to go home in the summer months for once. We haven't been home in almost two years. That's a long time! I can't wait to see my Grandma and let Kaylie play with her cousins! We're driving home so we have to allow two travel days since it's a 16 hour drive to Iowa. We are only staying there for three or four days before heading out to Chicago which is a four hour drive to visit my sister and Curt's family. We'll be there only four or five days depending on when we decide to leave Iowa. So total time being back home is only eight days. Curt can't take two weeks of leave like we wanted to because he has a VA appointment on July 7th so we have to be back. :(
Kinda sucks. I wanted to do so much and go visit everyone and now we have to cram it all into a week and a day. Oh well though. Gotta take what we could get I guess. Kaylie's last day of school is June 24th and we're gonna leave the next morning and head back home July 5th.
I have started doing the 30 day shred. Let me tell you something...it is kicking my ass! I am completely out of shape. I really am. I did so good after Brandon and got within five lbs. of my pre-pregnancy weight. Since then, I have fallen off track and gained 10 lbs. I'm actually 15 lbs. from where I want to be! I NEED to get healthy. My family has a history of heart disease and I know how much this is a risk factor. I want to be healthy and eat better and exercise. I feel horrible about myself. I think I'm fat. I have a gut which is so embarrassing. My arms are flabby, my legs are full of cellulite and my ass got huge. I hate all my clothes. Every single pair of jeans and all my shirts. I hate them all. I need to change myself. And I've started. I know its baby steps and me doing something about myself is all that matters. I can't change it if I just talk about it. I need to DO IT. So I am. :)
Yesterday we went and talked to the AW2 chic. She really put things a little in perspective and we went over all options. She made COAD sound very appealing. Right now there are 143 COAD soldiers. What is so appealing about COAD is Curt chooses his assignments. He can go anywhere he wants. No one has been turned down for any assignment they have wanted. There is no contract, there is no amount of certain time at any one place. For example she said one Marine works in San Diego because when he is done on COAD he wants to retire there. One soldier (if you've ever seen the AW2 posters or anything, the black amputee dude all over) is the first amputee and COAD soldier to go thru WOCS (Warrant Officer Candidate School).
COAD works like this. Curt makes a 5 year plan with his branch manager. Once his med board is done is when we submit for COAD. Then as were waiting for the approval he is working with the AW2 rep and branch about where he wants to go. Anywhere! One soldier went to Fort Knox, a parapalegic confined to a wheelchair, they had no accomadations for him and it took only one phone call from AW2 to Knox to have ramps built and rails installed in the bathrooms at his work and barracks room. The first blind soldier to do COAD is an instructor at West Point. There are no limitations on what Curt could do. If we want to go to Benning, we'll go to Benning. If we want to go to Hawaii, we'll go to Hawaii. He can stay as long as he wants anywhere. So if we wanted to only go to Hawaii for a year, that is what it would be. As soon as he wants a new assignment he gets in touch with AW2 and branch and they work out his next assignment.
Anyway, once he chooses COAD and his next duty assignment, they work on his orders immediately. AW2 sets up everything. It's pretty nice how it all works. I can't type it all as its way too much information but she really recommends not getting out until he has his degree. And since the COAD program has no ETS date, he can be done whenever he chooses. We talked to her for about an hour yesterday. It was nice. We are going to be going back up there to sit down with finance who will put both options side by side and we can see exactly which option is best financially. We'll be able to make the best decision possible.
So this had put my mind at ease some. I mean of course it is still a scary thought to get out. After only knowing the army for eight years it can be intimidating to think of the "real world" again. So I'll keep you posted on that whole process and our journey along the way!
Curt had his first VA appt today. It was a mental health screening. His full physical is the appt we need to be back for on July 7th. I have a doctor appt next week. I'm finally seeking help for all my issues. I want to talk to her about my horrible anxiety, depression, and other issues I won't get into. My anxiety has gotten worse over the years. I can pinpoint when it started exactly. It started when Curt left for the invasion to Iraq in January 2003. It climaxed when the war started in March 2003. I was alone in Georgia with a newborn. Didn't know a single soul. Was new to the army life and was in a strange city. It reached its peak when he was injured and peaked again a year later when we went thru personal things.
Depression is a somewhat new thing. I do think I am mildly depressed. Nothing too serious. But I have noticed, I never want to leave the house, I dread social situations (part of my social anxiety), I eat for comfort which has lead to most of my weight gain. I mean for the past eight years I have been stressed. The army lifestyle and deployments are beyond stressful. Then to have your husband get seriously hurt definitely is not helpful.
Also being here, I hate it. I hate it here. I associate this area with hospitals, doctors, setbacks, and all that comes with being blown up by an IED. We've gone through so much in the past three years, not even counting the first two deployments. I can totally see how I am full of anxiety and depression. All that it took was one second to change our lives forever. Now our lives are on a different path. I always wonder where we would be right now if he had never gotten hurt. How different our lives would be.....
Anywho! So depression is also taking its toll on me. I need something to help me get out of this funk I'm in. I want to be "normal" again. I want myself back. I know I am definitely not myself. Hopefully the doctor will listen to me and help me. I am also wanting to seek counseling. I think that would help. To find someone I can confide all my deepest darkest things to. I'm not one to open up, I've been burned way too much in my life to ever let my walls down completely. I feel like when I let people in and tell them something in confidance they end up burning me with it and using it as a weapon. I told myself after it happened again that I would NEVER, EVER allow again. I need to find someone I can do that with. I have a lot of things I've kept inside for years, even decades.
So as you can see, I'm a jumble of emotions and I'm doing my best to work through this all and get back to be ME. So this story of our lives is to be continued! Till next time! :)
Kinda sucks. I wanted to do so much and go visit everyone and now we have to cram it all into a week and a day. Oh well though. Gotta take what we could get I guess. Kaylie's last day of school is June 24th and we're gonna leave the next morning and head back home July 5th.
I have started doing the 30 day shred. Let me tell you something...it is kicking my ass! I am completely out of shape. I really am. I did so good after Brandon and got within five lbs. of my pre-pregnancy weight. Since then, I have fallen off track and gained 10 lbs. I'm actually 15 lbs. from where I want to be! I NEED to get healthy. My family has a history of heart disease and I know how much this is a risk factor. I want to be healthy and eat better and exercise. I feel horrible about myself. I think I'm fat. I have a gut which is so embarrassing. My arms are flabby, my legs are full of cellulite and my ass got huge. I hate all my clothes. Every single pair of jeans and all my shirts. I hate them all. I need to change myself. And I've started. I know its baby steps and me doing something about myself is all that matters. I can't change it if I just talk about it. I need to DO IT. So I am. :)
Yesterday we went and talked to the AW2 chic. She really put things a little in perspective and we went over all options. She made COAD sound very appealing. Right now there are 143 COAD soldiers. What is so appealing about COAD is Curt chooses his assignments. He can go anywhere he wants. No one has been turned down for any assignment they have wanted. There is no contract, there is no amount of certain time at any one place. For example she said one Marine works in San Diego because when he is done on COAD he wants to retire there. One soldier (if you've ever seen the AW2 posters or anything, the black amputee dude all over) is the first amputee and COAD soldier to go thru WOCS (Warrant Officer Candidate School).
COAD works like this. Curt makes a 5 year plan with his branch manager. Once his med board is done is when we submit for COAD. Then as were waiting for the approval he is working with the AW2 rep and branch about where he wants to go. Anywhere! One soldier went to Fort Knox, a parapalegic confined to a wheelchair, they had no accomadations for him and it took only one phone call from AW2 to Knox to have ramps built and rails installed in the bathrooms at his work and barracks room. The first blind soldier to do COAD is an instructor at West Point. There are no limitations on what Curt could do. If we want to go to Benning, we'll go to Benning. If we want to go to Hawaii, we'll go to Hawaii. He can stay as long as he wants anywhere. So if we wanted to only go to Hawaii for a year, that is what it would be. As soon as he wants a new assignment he gets in touch with AW2 and branch and they work out his next assignment.
Anyway, once he chooses COAD and his next duty assignment, they work on his orders immediately. AW2 sets up everything. It's pretty nice how it all works. I can't type it all as its way too much information but she really recommends not getting out until he has his degree. And since the COAD program has no ETS date, he can be done whenever he chooses. We talked to her for about an hour yesterday. It was nice. We are going to be going back up there to sit down with finance who will put both options side by side and we can see exactly which option is best financially. We'll be able to make the best decision possible.
So this had put my mind at ease some. I mean of course it is still a scary thought to get out. After only knowing the army for eight years it can be intimidating to think of the "real world" again. So I'll keep you posted on that whole process and our journey along the way!
Curt had his first VA appt today. It was a mental health screening. His full physical is the appt we need to be back for on July 7th. I have a doctor appt next week. I'm finally seeking help for all my issues. I want to talk to her about my horrible anxiety, depression, and other issues I won't get into. My anxiety has gotten worse over the years. I can pinpoint when it started exactly. It started when Curt left for the invasion to Iraq in January 2003. It climaxed when the war started in March 2003. I was alone in Georgia with a newborn. Didn't know a single soul. Was new to the army life and was in a strange city. It reached its peak when he was injured and peaked again a year later when we went thru personal things.
Depression is a somewhat new thing. I do think I am mildly depressed. Nothing too serious. But I have noticed, I never want to leave the house, I dread social situations (part of my social anxiety), I eat for comfort which has lead to most of my weight gain. I mean for the past eight years I have been stressed. The army lifestyle and deployments are beyond stressful. Then to have your husband get seriously hurt definitely is not helpful.
Also being here, I hate it. I hate it here. I associate this area with hospitals, doctors, setbacks, and all that comes with being blown up by an IED. We've gone through so much in the past three years, not even counting the first two deployments. I can totally see how I am full of anxiety and depression. All that it took was one second to change our lives forever. Now our lives are on a different path. I always wonder where we would be right now if he had never gotten hurt. How different our lives would be.....
Anywho! So depression is also taking its toll on me. I need something to help me get out of this funk I'm in. I want to be "normal" again. I want myself back. I know I am definitely not myself. Hopefully the doctor will listen to me and help me. I am also wanting to seek counseling. I think that would help. To find someone I can confide all my deepest darkest things to. I'm not one to open up, I've been burned way too much in my life to ever let my walls down completely. I feel like when I let people in and tell them something in confidance they end up burning me with it and using it as a weapon. I told myself after it happened again that I would NEVER, EVER allow again. I need to find someone I can do that with. I have a lot of things I've kept inside for years, even decades.
So as you can see, I'm a jumble of emotions and I'm doing my best to work through this all and get back to be ME. So this story of our lives is to be continued! Till next time! :)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Oh so lonely
Curt is in Colorado at the Wounded Warrior games. I'm so proud of him doing so well. He took silver for archery and tonight is the gold medal match for basketball. Either way he will be bringing home two medals. I'm glad he did this. I think it helped his morale to be competing in sports. I know how much he misses playing real basketball.
He'll be home Saturday evening. Which I can't wait for! As much as he gets on my nerves sometimes I do miss him when he is gone. :)
Brandon is keeping me busy and on my toes. He is cruising all around the house now. I can't leave him alone for even a second! His new fascination is with the cat dishes. He has got his little grubby hands in those dishes numerous times. He is all over! He does like pots and pans and a wooden spoon though! He was in Heaven with that while I cooked dinner.
We had Kaylie's field trip to DC last Friday. What an adventure that was! All of us parents were assigned four girls to watch. We had to carry water and their snacks in backpacks. So my backpack was probably at least 15 lbs. It was pretty nice that day and of course we got stuck in traffic on the way there. Once we got there our first stop was the Lincoln memorial. It was jam packed with other kids on field trips and tourists as well. There was this family that was Chinese/Japanese and every time we got the kids in a group photo to take a picture at every stop this family would be taking pictures of the class as well. Getting up close and snapping pictures. It was soooo weird! It was kind of funny, but another mom said that the Japanese really love to take pictures of Americans. When they were stationed in Japan they would constantly get their picture taken by the locals. They are amazed at the American's and how they have blonde hair blue eyes. It's quite humorous!
Anyway, the kids didn't really care about the monuments. They had more fun running around as we chased them and they cared more about the baby ducks that were in the reflecting pool. We probably walked three miles that day all around. It was exhausting!
I can't believe the school year is almost over. A little over a month to go and we will have a 2nd grader! Time sure does fly. My brother is coming out here mid June as well, which I am so excited for. We plan on going to Six Flags one day, and I would love to take him around and see some of the city he didn't get to see when he came down in 2007 when Curt was in the hospital still. That was a whirlwind time and we didn't get to see much. So I'm definitely looking forward to that.
My history class ends the week he gets here then I will be free for a month until my classes start back up in August. I signed up for a Literature class and a math class. I'm looking forward to having a break for the summer.
We have also decided what we are doing. As much as I still lean towards retirement and ending our time in the army. We have agreed that Curt is going to do COAD (continuation on active duty), which will get approved since the AW2 wounded soldiers are at 100% acceptance into the COAD program. He is going to finish his Bachelors on the army's dime, then get out and use his GI bill for his Master's. It's a win/win situation. Either way COAD or not, we will be moving back to Benning. He'll probably just get an instruction job at the Armor School for the next however many years it takes him to get his degree. Since COAD has no time limit it can be for as many years ad he chooses. He will still go through his PEB (physical evaluation board) that way when he chooses to stop COAD he won't have to go through the board again. They will just rate him at that point.
I'm excited about this opportunity and feel that it is the best decision.Even though I was all for seeing one more duty station, I feel like our time in the army is done. Let's finish this out and move on with our lives. He has definitely paid his dues to the military. It's time to move on and start our careers. I'm excited to settle down in Columbus, we're well on our way to buying our house, and raise our children there. Georgia is "home". I miss it, and can't wait to get back!
He'll be home Saturday evening. Which I can't wait for! As much as he gets on my nerves sometimes I do miss him when he is gone. :)
Brandon is keeping me busy and on my toes. He is cruising all around the house now. I can't leave him alone for even a second! His new fascination is with the cat dishes. He has got his little grubby hands in those dishes numerous times. He is all over! He does like pots and pans and a wooden spoon though! He was in Heaven with that while I cooked dinner.
We had Kaylie's field trip to DC last Friday. What an adventure that was! All of us parents were assigned four girls to watch. We had to carry water and their snacks in backpacks. So my backpack was probably at least 15 lbs. It was pretty nice that day and of course we got stuck in traffic on the way there. Once we got there our first stop was the Lincoln memorial. It was jam packed with other kids on field trips and tourists as well. There was this family that was Chinese/Japanese and every time we got the kids in a group photo to take a picture at every stop this family would be taking pictures of the class as well. Getting up close and snapping pictures. It was soooo weird! It was kind of funny, but another mom said that the Japanese really love to take pictures of Americans. When they were stationed in Japan they would constantly get their picture taken by the locals. They are amazed at the American's and how they have blonde hair blue eyes. It's quite humorous!
Anyway, the kids didn't really care about the monuments. They had more fun running around as we chased them and they cared more about the baby ducks that were in the reflecting pool. We probably walked three miles that day all around. It was exhausting!
I can't believe the school year is almost over. A little over a month to go and we will have a 2nd grader! Time sure does fly. My brother is coming out here mid June as well, which I am so excited for. We plan on going to Six Flags one day, and I would love to take him around and see some of the city he didn't get to see when he came down in 2007 when Curt was in the hospital still. That was a whirlwind time and we didn't get to see much. So I'm definitely looking forward to that.
My history class ends the week he gets here then I will be free for a month until my classes start back up in August. I signed up for a Literature class and a math class. I'm looking forward to having a break for the summer.
We have also decided what we are doing. As much as I still lean towards retirement and ending our time in the army. We have agreed that Curt is going to do COAD (continuation on active duty), which will get approved since the AW2 wounded soldiers are at 100% acceptance into the COAD program. He is going to finish his Bachelors on the army's dime, then get out and use his GI bill for his Master's. It's a win/win situation. Either way COAD or not, we will be moving back to Benning. He'll probably just get an instruction job at the Armor School for the next however many years it takes him to get his degree. Since COAD has no time limit it can be for as many years ad he chooses. He will still go through his PEB (physical evaluation board) that way when he chooses to stop COAD he won't have to go through the board again. They will just rate him at that point.
I'm excited about this opportunity and feel that it is the best decision.Even though I was all for seeing one more duty station, I feel like our time in the army is done. Let's finish this out and move on with our lives. He has definitely paid his dues to the military. It's time to move on and start our careers. I'm excited to settle down in Columbus, we're well on our way to buying our house, and raise our children there. Georgia is "home". I miss it, and can't wait to get back!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Time goes by...so slowly
And nothing seems to really change! I am ready for a break. I want to go somewhere. Where? I don't care! Anywhere! Just get me out of here for a vacation please. Hopefully going back home for the first time in a year and a half will fix that. It should be fun. We plan on leaving June 25th. If Curt can take leave we will be driving there of course. If he can't come with us, I am gonna fly. No way am I driving over twelve hours with two kids alone! We'll spend the first week in IL then go to Iowa to visit my mom and grandma. Who I can't wait to see! I miss my rah-rah so much. That is the only person I really care to go home for actually. We'll probably spend fourth of July there, then I would also love to make it down to see some friends in Missouri. Not sure yet exactly. We'll have to see if Curt can come with first.
Curt has been so busy lately with the Warrior Games coming up and training for that. Plus his regular physical therapy appointments and now Med board appts, I feel like he's rarely around. He's going to NYC this week to be on the Today show. And I must say I was pissed about that. They are doing a piece on him and his family can't come! The army pisses me off sometimes. He's gonna be gone Tuesday and Wednesday for that. Make sure you tune into the Today show this Wednesday to watch him! He's extremely nervous about it though. After that, the next week he'll be gone to the Wounded Warrior games in Colorado. He'll be gone for the whole week. After that things should calm down and he'll just have his regular stuff going on, including the Med board.
We're meeting with his AW2 lady to go over options. She talked to Curt already, but I want to talk to her too since I'm the one with all the plans. She made a good point and I kind of agree,even though I was set on retirement now and so was Curt. She said do COAD and finish his degree on the army's dime before retiring. Which actually makes a bit of sense to do. That way he will have his degree before getting out. She can do this caculator thing to tell us which one is the best option. And since COAD has no time limits as soon as he's done with his degree he can then do his board to retire. It's up to the soldier how long they want or choose to do COAD.
So now we're thinking about that. But like I said. I want to talk to Andrya before we truly decide. We'll see. If the Med Board finds him unfit is when we submit our request to do COAD. So we still have time to decide. I'm looking forward to sitting down with her so I can hear and ask questions myself.
Anyway, was at the ER all afternoon with Brandon. He has been cranky the past couple days. So I finally took him in and sure enough he has a double ear infection. Poor little guy! He's miserable. His temp was also up to 102, but has gone down since they gave him Tylenol. I hate when my babies are sick!
It was nice to have the past week off to recoup from these last two classes. My next class starts tomorrow. It's my only class for the next eight weeks. Then I'm taking a month off while we go home. I don't want to have to worry about school and vacation at the same time.
I also decided to become the Brownie leader for next year. I'm excited about that. I have to go away to some classes for it and become CPR and lifesaver certified, but I'm all for it. I want to do something and I think this is a great opportunity even if we're not here that much longer. I can carry it back to Georgia or wherever we may go if he stays in and still be a leader there as well. I'm excited for this new adventure!
Well, that's about it for our boring lives. Same old shit, different day!
Curt has been so busy lately with the Warrior Games coming up and training for that. Plus his regular physical therapy appointments and now Med board appts, I feel like he's rarely around. He's going to NYC this week to be on the Today show. And I must say I was pissed about that. They are doing a piece on him and his family can't come! The army pisses me off sometimes. He's gonna be gone Tuesday and Wednesday for that. Make sure you tune into the Today show this Wednesday to watch him! He's extremely nervous about it though. After that, the next week he'll be gone to the Wounded Warrior games in Colorado. He'll be gone for the whole week. After that things should calm down and he'll just have his regular stuff going on, including the Med board.
We're meeting with his AW2 lady to go over options. She talked to Curt already, but I want to talk to her too since I'm the one with all the plans. She made a good point and I kind of agree,even though I was set on retirement now and so was Curt. She said do COAD and finish his degree on the army's dime before retiring. Which actually makes a bit of sense to do. That way he will have his degree before getting out. She can do this caculator thing to tell us which one is the best option. And since COAD has no time limits as soon as he's done with his degree he can then do his board to retire. It's up to the soldier how long they want or choose to do COAD.
So now we're thinking about that. But like I said. I want to talk to Andrya before we truly decide. We'll see. If the Med Board finds him unfit is when we submit our request to do COAD. So we still have time to decide. I'm looking forward to sitting down with her so I can hear and ask questions myself.
Anyway, was at the ER all afternoon with Brandon. He has been cranky the past couple days. So I finally took him in and sure enough he has a double ear infection. Poor little guy! He's miserable. His temp was also up to 102, but has gone down since they gave him Tylenol. I hate when my babies are sick!
It was nice to have the past week off to recoup from these last two classes. My next class starts tomorrow. It's my only class for the next eight weeks. Then I'm taking a month off while we go home. I don't want to have to worry about school and vacation at the same time.
I also decided to become the Brownie leader for next year. I'm excited about that. I have to go away to some classes for it and become CPR and lifesaver certified, but I'm all for it. I want to do something and I think this is a great opportunity even if we're not here that much longer. I can carry it back to Georgia or wherever we may go if he stays in and still be a leader there as well. I'm excited for this new adventure!
Well, that's about it for our boring lives. Same old shit, different day!
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