Escaping the reality that is 36-2903

Whenever.... I mean whenever I am on leave, I do my best to look unlike a member of the military. It helps me relax knowing I don't have to wake up and put a razor to my face, and I think it is funny when people look at me twice when I present them my military ID. I have let my hair go longer than usual too, just to see how shaggy it can get.
Some may be asking what 36-2903 is....?
If you don't know what it is...
First, consider yourself lucky. Second, it is the regulation that I must follow for Dress and Appearance (how I wear my uniforms, hair cuts, shaving, etc.).

Just in case you want to take a look at it(i have no clue why you would want to) here is a link...36-2903 It's a lot to read and understand, but it's part of my life. Not a day goes by when I am at work and I don't find someone who isn't in total compliance with the regulation, and yes, I correct them as well.

Please don't misinterpret this. I love wearing my uniform. I am honored that I get to wear the uniform, but at the end of a brutal day at work, or during leave... I make sure it is out of sight and out of mind. If I have work the next day, I make sure my uniform is good to go, I make sure my hair is in compliance, and I prepare my face for the torture that is known as shaving. After being on leave for this long and growing this gnarly beard, shaving is like going trough the fields in Vietnam with a hatchet. Ladies, you have no clue how lucky you are.

Bella Donna... the vampire dog?

This month, Bella Donna turned 9 months and we finally got her spayed. She's still a hyper pup, but has become even more loving which I didn't think was possible. I love how labs are so affectionate. Bella will force her head under your hand, jump on the couch to sit right next to you, or follow you where ever you go.

Bella has a strange habit. We don't know of any other dog to do it except for a friend's dog, and he's a chocolate lab as well. Maybe showing it will be easier than trying to describe it.



She sucks on her favorite toys. The Jasmine pillow in the video is her newest toy (Genie got tired of Bella stealing it from her so she gave it to her) and her other one used to be a white, soft, fluffy dog. It's as if she licks it and chews it nonstop and then sucks on it after it has the right... taste? It's bizarre.

Anyone have a dog with a weird habit?

New direction...

For those that still follow this blog, you've noticed that there's been a hiatus. I started this public blog to keep family and friends up to date with what we've been doing but noticed that wasn't really possible since we didn't want to get too personal out in the open. So, after talking with the husband, we've decided to change directions.

New title, new blog address, new direction. A dual military couple trying to find that balance between our obligation and commitment to Uncle Sam and our devotion and love to our family. We didn't need another blog about what our family's been up to- I do that already in my private journal and we let our families know what's going on... even if it means posting it on Facebook. Yea, lame, I know. Can't help but rely on email and social networking sites since it's so accessible and easy.


That's all. No more posting single pictures from 365 projects or random one liners to "check in". Maybe this blog will actually be interesting now.