Taking LEAVE!

I know for a fact that I am way more excited than my husband about our upcoming leave. Yes, today is Friday and I am only working half day (work has been boring with the primary system I work with being offline all week) and that means my weekend starts as soon as I am off. Saturday will be sort of busy making sure we have all of the necessities packed, house cleaned, and animals squared away. Sunday? Sunday we will be Disneyland bound and I couldn't be more ecstatic about it.

I am a Disney fanatic (I get more excited about anything Disney than our little princess). I'm more excited about being able to take leave and actually enjoy it. When I took leave earlier this year, it was not for relaxation or to unplug from the daily grind for awhile. It was to take the time to study for my promotion test (which wasn't very effective being that I was plagued with morning sickness). This is my last hoorah until the baby comes in October. After that, the down time I take will be to care for a new baby boy. :)

We'll be in Anaheim until Thursday and I will make sure that I enjoy every friggin second of it. I know, what is a pregnant woman going to do since she can't ride majority of the rides? Chase down characters, take lots of pictures, and enjoy snacking on junk food. :p

Next Friday, Dan and Genie will be off to Austin, Texas. Dan's motherland has been calling him since he joined the military. The last time he was there in 2008 we were passing through because he was moving from North Carolina to California. He misses home and like a true Texan, dreams about the day when he can finally retire (or win the lottery) and move back. Besides the fact that he doesn't have to shave whenever he's on leave, he's definitely looking forward to visiting his family in Austin. I know Dan's loving the fact that he can take Genevieve everywhere being that 1. when she visited it was cold and 2. since he's from there he know where to take her without doing and "research".

Well, my countdown begins as soon as I leave the house for work. I hope that my shift goes by quickly even though I won't have anything to do. I cannot stand being in a stagnant environment, I like to be constantly working and doing something. Oh well.

A not-so-relaxing leave

Usually when people take leave, it's to relax. Enjoy time away from work, no deadlines or paperwork. Time to just sit back and rest. I started leave a week ago (last Tuesday) and it hasn't been so relaxing.

Dan mentioned that for his birthday, I surprised him with a positive pregnancy test. I can't tell you how excited and nervous the both of us are. We've waited so long for the perfect time to start trying. It could've been earlier if it weren't for the TDYs and deployment that took Dan away. Gotta love the military. :p Even though I already have Genevieve, this pregnancy is already proving to be so different from when I was carrying her. The nausea has definitely hit me and I don't think I've had many mornings without morning sickness. I'm trying to take it easy and relax, but most days I'm dizzy, nauseous, or fatigued-or all three.

The main priority during this leave to to study since my promotion test for E-6 is in a couple weeks. On the enlisted side for the AF, you have to test to make rank after you put on E-4. This year will be my second time testing for E-6, and I am hoping that I make it. :)

I have spent a couple days hanging out with my sister, Flo, last week. True, I should be spending ever day and every waking moment studying, but hey, being on leave I can have some free time. Last week Genevieve was off after the three day weekend because of the district's furlough days. Thursday, the three of us went to see Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief, had lunch and walked around the mall. Friday, Flo came over and we helped her with bridesmaids cards.

This week hasn't been so fun. Seems like my 8th week has been the worse so far with constant headaches and the fatigue kicking in really hard. I can deal with fatigue, I have no problems sleeping more, but I would just like the morning sickness to go away. :(


I can't wait until the next time I take leave. It will be the same time Dan takes leave, and we'll both get a chance to really relax.

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.