Online classes during pregnancy...

I am grateful that the military helps and encourages its members to continue their education. We get 100% tuition assistance and on top of that we get the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill that pays for more education opportunities if we go over our TA cap. The military also gives us the chance to earn college credits through taking DANTES or CLEP tests; test fees paid, which is a method used a lot to obtain credits. Take a test and get credit vs. taking a class for a whole semester?!

Although I'm in my late twenties (yikes I wish I was still 23!), I still don't quite know what I want to do when I grow up or major in. Right now I'm trying to finish my general credits and obtain my 2 yr degree for the CCAF (Community College of the Air Force). I'm almost there, and I was hoping to finish by the end of this year. With the pregnancy, it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

I signed up for two online classes to take during this spring semester. I try and take advantage of online classes when I can and love that I can choose to either take my time doing assignments or finish them ahead of schedule. I also like that I don't have to drive anywhere for class and that I can focus on my studies and not be bothered by other students being that most of them are younger than I am. No offense, but being older and taking classes I find that I really don't have a lot in common with the college crowd.

Well, even though I'm taking classes to help satisfy requirements for my CCAF, I won't be getting credit for these two classes. Yes, I am failing. I am for the first time in my life, receiving grades way below passing... and I am fine with it. I've never really been the overachiever when it came to academics. I've tried to maintain As since I started taking classes again in the military.

The first two months of the pregnancy made it really difficult to focus and even be motivated to do assignments. I missed two weeks worth of assignments in both online classes and even if I did all the extra credit offered, aced the online quizzes and finish the rest of the assignments I still wouldn't be able to get a C. A grade of C or higher is what is needed for college credit to count towards the CCAF. I found out what my grade will probably be for both classes earlier this week and was fine with it. I figured that I would have to pay back the tuition assistance the AF provided being that I wouldn't be passing the class (generally what happens in the military when you fail a class). I was ready to make my way to the education center with my debit card and pay it back.

You could imagine how relieved I felt when I found out that I don't have to. For undergrad, a grade of C or higher is needed for credit to count, but you only have to reimburse the TA if you get an F in the class. If pursuing a Masters or above you have to reimburse anything below a C. I'll take not getting credit and not having to pay back. It is sad that I'm happy about Ds, but hey. I allowed myself to slack off with the morning sickness and this is the consequence.


I definitely do not plan on taking anymore classes for the remainder of the pregnancy. I may attempt to take a few CLEP tests, but that's it. I'm taking another break. I do not want to be in this situation again EVER.

WoW!

Which is actually an acronym for Warrior of the Week. Last month, Dan was presented with the award. It's a weekly award that is presented by the Wing Commander and is printed in the base paper that Friday (more about that later in the post).

Dan had told me about filling out the WoW worksheet a few weeks earlier and that he kept trying to turn it in with "making babies" in the hobbies section. Yea, what a dork. Anyway, the Tuesday in the week before he was going to be presented with the award, he told me how the SMSgt in his shop told him that he had to clear his schedule and make himself available to give "a tour" to the Wing Commander. I thought nothing of it and completely forgot about it later on. Then the Thursday before the presentation (the 8th to be exact), he tells me that the Senior gave him an exact time frame that the Wing King* would be coming over the following Wednesday (the 14th).
"SMSgt T told me that Col V will be coming over at like 1300 next Tuesday."
"That's good babe, right after lunch."
"Just sucks because I cleared my whole day and moved around so many appointments that I could've kept. Oh, are you busy that day?"
"I don't think so, just regular work schedule. Why?"
"SMSgt T said I should invite my wife for when he comes over."

I looked at him funny after he said that.

"Why in the heck should I be there if you're just- AWW, he RUINED it! I know what he's coming for now! I'm gonna talk to your senior tomorrow!"
"Why? What?"
"No, I shouldn't tell you."
"Just tell me or else I'll find out from Shavonne."
"Fine, you got Warrior of the Week, duh? Makes no sense for me to be there if you're giving a tour, you dork!"

Wednesday came along and I was there along with a few of our friends from my squadron and any maintainers that weren't on the line to watch the presentation. Apparently he put on his form that he wants a big family, which when the Wing King asked him about how I felt about it, told him that 'she has no choice'. The Wing King commended him on his achievements, wished him luck on his goal of someday being in the PDG* and presented the award.

After the Wing King presented the award and his coin, the command chief talked about Dan's drive and dedication and also coined him. I don't quite remember how it came up (I think Col V was talking about how Dan rucked* home one day), but a few minutes after that he asked Dan to lead everyone in doing a set of 30 push ups.

It was funny seeing some people struggle. :) Well, like all Warrior of the Week winners, they are presented in the base paper that Friday after being presented. Tell me why it didn't happen that Friday?! I couldn't believe it! That day when I discovered my husband was not in the paper like he was supposed to, I called public affairs. One of the girls there told me that they wait for the WoW packages to be sent to them and since they didn't receive any, they didn't put one. The following week, I called again and the same girl told me that they hadn't received anything and that the layout for that Friday's paper was already finished! She asked if there was a particular person I was looking for and I gave her Dan's name. I couldn't believe that they said that they waited for the WoW packages to be sent instead of asking for them.

The following week I emailed the Tailwind staff this time instead of calling to make sure that he would make the paper on the 30th. He was. :p


click to enlarge


I am proud of him for what he's been doing with his career and at his new job!



*Wing King- a nickname used for Wing Commander
PDG- Professional Development Guide
rucked- ruck march

They got me for another 4!

Ah yes, reenlistment time. Yesterday, I took the oath to defend my country for another four years in the Air Force. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. The first time that I reenlisted in 2004, I was excited and looking forward to serving another four years in the military. This time around the excitement is definitely missing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm more than thankful for everything that the military has taught me, given me, and allowed me to be a part of. I am in a different and probably better place in my life because of the military and wouldn't want it any other way. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I didn't take that oath back in 2001 (I was in the delayed enlistment program for 10 months before going to basic training). I'm sure there are people out there that can tell you exactly how they would be if they didn't make the decision to join the military, whether they'd be better or worse off. I know for me, the Air Force has done a lot for me and I wouldn't be where I am in my life without it.

When I first came in and first reenlisted, I was so proud to wear the uniform everyday and pictured myself wearing for 20+ years. The pride I felt whenever I talked to someone about bring in the military was overwhelming and I felt so good knowing I was serving my country. Alas, the times have changed. I'm coming up on my eight year mark (this June) and I no longer see going past 20. I blame Dan. Lol. Seriously, my priorities have changed. It was difficult deploying twice while Genevieve was young; the first time I left she was 11 months ( I came back to a running, talking, sassy 16 month old) and the second time she was 2.5 years old. After seeing how she tried to cope with Dan gone his last deployment last year I am glad I went when she didn't know what was going on but it's always harder on the parent knowing what you're missing. Dan and I want a big family and I want to be able to raise our kids without the fear that I might have to leave for short periods here and there because the Air Force needs me in the desert.

Maybe if we weren't living in California, I'd be enjoying terminal leave and figuring out what I want to major in while staying at home and taking care of the house while Dan brings home the bacon. That was one of the top reasons why I swore in for another time- California is too damn expensive (with or without the economy being complete crap) and even if we are technically pulling in 6 figures combined, we never see it because of bills and living expenses thanks to California livin'. The main reason I chose to stay is because as much as I do eventually want out; I'm not quite ready to let go of my security blanket. The military is all I know and I don't even know what I want to do when I grow up let alone what I want to major in.

I am still proud of serving my country. I am part of the less than 1% of the US population currently serving in the military. I am part of the 9% of the US population that has EVER served their country. There are more people working at Wal-Mart than there are people currently serving their country. I still and will always "bleed blue*" for the rest of my life. It's just that I feel I am needed more at home to help with our growing family than belonging to the military at this time in my life. No matter how I'm feeling about staying in or trying to make plans to get out, I will serve my next four years with a sense of pride and continue to give my all until I feel I can't (which will be my exit cue).

Maj Gibson giving me my oath of enlistment, in my huge maternity blues and all.

*an expression used to describe Airmen that are Air Force through and through, blue is the Air Force's color

The most difficult thing I've done in my career

This June will be my eight year anniversary in the military. I've deployed, gone TDY, performed details around base, made friends, met the love of my life, witnessed plenty of retirements and change of commands, and attended military memorials for members I've never met but wanted to pay my respects. The toughest thing I've had to do in my career thus far happened this past Thursday. Even harder than being deployed away from Genie when she was a baby because I knew that I would see her at the end of the rotation.

I had to listen to taps being played for a friend.

One of the biggest cons of being in the military is having to leave all the great friends and people you've met during an assignment to move to another base. Pope AFB was my first assignment and has been my best assignment so far. The camaraderie of the 41st airlift squadron was strong, even with our high deployment tempo. As much as deploying away from loved ones is something no one really wants to do, I saw it as another rotation for the squadron to grow tighter as we all got to know each other more during those trips to the sandbox.

Todd Brunkhorst was a butter bar when I first met him. He was brand new to the squadron and like all other aircrew that came in, I inprocessed him. He had this excited, happy-go-lucky attitude about him and anyone could tell that he was anxious to get his training started. I didn't quite understand it until I talked to him during his first deployment that he had always wanted to be an Air Force pilot. Todd was always smiling, I can't recall ever seeing him upset, angry, or even sad. He knew how to get people to crack a smile even when they weren't in the mood to.

Going to the memorial for him this past Thursday was.... unreal. I couldn't believe that it was the reason I was seeing him again, seeing his wife, Maryanna again. She was also in our squadron at Pope and I'm glad I got to witness the beginning of their relationship.

I found out the both of them were out here in California and we tried to get together but of course, busy schedules make it difficult for friends to get together. The next time I tried to get together with him was when he told me that he had a brain tumor. I was in shock. I told him that it would be OK, that Dan's mom was a two time brain cancer survivor. He was still in good spirits about it and told me he'd let me know when he'd be out of the hospital. The last time we contacted each other, he didn't want me to visit him in the hospital and I left it at that. Let him know I was thinking and praying for him and waited for him to let me know when we could get together.

I found out from a friend on Sunday that he had lost his fight. I couldn't believe it and went to visit his facebook page. Sure enough, people were starting to share memories and post how much they missed him. I still couldn't really believe it. On Tuesday I went to lunch with Nick Torres, a fellow Black cat (our squadron mascot from the 41st) who is at Travis with me and we talked about Brunkie. He had told me about talking to Maryanna and that there would be a memorial on Thursday for him. Of course I was going to be there. As much as part of me didn't want to go because I knew I wouldn't be able to contain my emotions (pregnant or not), I needed to be there for Maryanna.

Words can't describe the emotions and thoughts that ran through me as I made my way up to Beale AFB two days ago. I didn't know what to expect when I got there. It still didn't hit me that he was gone, part of me was struggling to convince the other part that he was in the hospital and that I'd wake up from the dream shortly. I finally arrived at the chapel and waited in line to sign the guest book. I could hear soft music playing as I walked through the door. Nick greeted me and we walked towards the front and sat three rows away from Maryanna and Todd's mom and brothers. I remember after taking my seat at the end of the aisle and putting my hat down I looked up to see the slide show that was playing and being shocked that Todd's casket was there. I was in no way prepared to see it and lost it. I tried burying my face in my hands, stifling my cries. Nick told me that there was a tissue box next to my chair (they were thoughtful enough to put tissue boxes next to each row) and as I reached down to get it, a flyer had actually got up from his seat to hand it to me.

When the service started, there were songs sung, music played, memories shared, and the flag presentation. The flag that was draped over Todd's coffin was folder and presented to Maryanna by his squadron commander. That was the last time I cried during that portion of the memorial, I think I went through about 20 tissues while we were inside. After that, we were invited to go outside for the remainder of the service- 21 gun salute and the playing of taps. I wanted to stay inside. Hearing taps is the saddest thing for any military member. After we were all outside and in place, the base honor guard team started the 21 gun salute. All that was going through my head was to choke back the tears (as much as I knew it wasn't going to help any), and then they sounded off taps. I tried my best to hold my salute even though all I wanted to do was hide my face in my hands again.

That was it. I attended a military memorial for someone I knew, someone I worked with and deployed with. He had full military honors and he deserved it. He would've been so proud.

We miss you, Brunkie. I know you're up there, back in the herc where you started your career as a pilot. I'm sure you're making everyone smile, playing pranks and doing 3 engine landings. Rest in Peace.

Introducing....

Baby "O"





We haven't decided on a nickname for the baby yet, but we're still thinking. The first trimester is almost over though, Janina will be 11 weeks on Sunday and then the second trimester is around the corner!

Pregnancy, studying, and going back to work.

I will admit, I've enjoyed being away from work. I have been away since February 17th and wish that I didn't have to go back on Friday. I've had a small taste of being a SAHM without really fulfilling the duties of one. I took so much time off to try and study for my upcoming promotion test so Dan has been wonderful and gracious enough to pick up Genevieve majority of the times and cook dinner. Yes, I know that man is amazing and I am lucky to have him. :)

Studying has been OK for the most part. I'm absorbing what I can and when I can. This is my last day to take in everything because the big test is tomorrow. Originally I was scheduled to test on Tuesday, but do to a work inspection that was planned for the same day, my boss and first shirt decided to see if I could possibly be rescheduled so that I could be present for the inspection. The proctor was cooperative enough to move my test date. Honestly after going through the inspection, I wish I tested instead. Inspections are always tough in my opinion because you always hope that you're doing things that you're supposed to be doing and finding out that you're making some errors can... suck.

Which brings me to the reason I even started this post. While the inspectors were pointing out our weak areas, I felt like bursting into tears each and every time. I tried to choke them back, I mean they were things I knew that they'd catch and are actually errors known AF wide. My emotions have been all over the place lately and the inspection made me wonder how I would deal with them when I returned to work. The smallest thing that would usually fall on deaf ears can now send my tear ducts into overload. I have no idea what I'll do if someone makes a comment that normally wouldn't bother me. Well, actually I know what I'll do, but how I'll deal with it at work. I guess I'll need to stockpile on tissues when I get back into the grind of things.

I can't really recall much from my last pregnancy and the workplace other than the fact that in the second and third trimester I was irritated with coworkers constantly touching my stomach to try and feel the baby kicking. I doubt it will be a big problem with this one being that I am close to only a few in the squadron I'm in now compared to where I worked back then, but I guess I should still prepare myself. Maybe I'll fashion a shirt under my ABU blouse so when I take it off it says "Don't touch the belly".

With the test tomorrow I don't feel nervous at all. Either I do well or I prepare for next year. All that matters is that I continue to outrank Dan. :)

She's 6!

Six years ago yesterday, Genevieve Marie was introduced to the world. It was a long, stressful labor which resulted in an emergency c-section because her head was tilted in the birth canal. She was born 8 lbs 12 oz and measured 19.5 inches. Genie is definitely a bundle of energy and the love of my life.


On her last day as a five year old, I took some pictures of her while Dan went to the gym to work out. It was a nice day out in the area with the sun shining and making it a gorgeous 64°.

Towards the end of the mini photo shoot, she befriended a roly poly which she promptly named Marissa. She has a lot of girl names that she is fond of. :) We had a bottle in the truck to put her in until we find a "suitable" home for her in Genie's room. It's been since Sunday and the lil sucker is still hanging on.


With my sudden craving for ice cream cake, Dan and I picked out a small one at Baskin Robbins to celebrate after dinner. Schools have really cracked down on bringing sweets and with feeling the fatigue now, I was not in the mood to bake anything for the class. :( She loved the ice cream cake of course, and was excited about going to Fenton's on her actual birthday.

Yesterday, the Siruno kids came to Fenton's Creamery with us to help celebrate her birthday. The kids all had a great time together and were so silly with the little favors we gave them for coming.

I still can't believe it's been six years. Happy birthday, baby bear. We love you so much!

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.

Having a baby!

For my birthday, my wife surprised me with telling me that she is pregnant. This will be a crazy experience for us, especially me. I have been around for my step daughter since she was around 2 years old, she is almost 6 now. I think I got the father thing down. I wake up early to get her dressed for school, and the weekend mornings are spent getting her breakfast and me slowly waking up for a few hours. I like to cook and I feel I am damn good at it too. It will be crazy to watch my wife through this pregnancy. It is something I have looked forward to for awhile now. I gotta read up on things like what is happening in her belly, and how to care for a baby. Its a lot, not overwhelming yet but I know that soon it will be. I am excited, but not worried at all. My wife will be the saving grace for me because she has already been through this previously and I'm sure I can ask her all the questions I have. So far estimated due date is beginning of October.. I need everyone to pray for a boy... please..... pretty please..

I live with the female Ace of Cakes!!!!!!

So me and my wife are avid fans of the Food Network. We watch every show on there and get ideas for new foods we want to try to cook and of course eat. My wife makes some amazing cakes, my favorite being red velvet and German chocolate. With watching Ace of Cakes and ultimate cake challenge a lot, she decided to try making fondant. She did an excellent job and I'm sure she will get plenty of practice and make some awesome competition like cakes soon.

Although I am a hardcore fan of flavor over presentation, it was very good. But personally, I think a good cream cheese frosting takes the cake.... funny huh?

So today was a decent day, I slept in, made some pulled pork that took 12 hours to cook (added a little vinegar for a Carolina BBQ style flavor), and went to Costco and bought the wife an orchid. It's her favorite flower.


Now I am just sitting around watching TV and drinking some wine that I thought had to be amazing. I never knew Newman's Own made wine. I should have figured though, that company has made almost everything. Gonna go for some whiskey and coke next... laterz

His face cracks me up on all the products... just makes you want to buy them.... If you haven't had the Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette, you need too.