Sad to say, but it's 11am...it's hot...and I'm...happy? Right?!?!? When the hell did that happen?
Seriously, though...you ever just have one of those days when you want to sing LOUDLY? (PS...I did...in the shower...the room of the house where EVERYONE in the building can hear me clearly. Good thing I sing in tune, hey?)
I went out front...two beautiful hibiscus flower are open today. The sun is shining...it's gonna be a HOT one! But it's better than rain =D
I have a list. But it means I'm busy.
I haven't seen this in a while...but I found it and figured it was fitting. Enjoy!
For What Am I Thankful This Day?
I heard a poor man softly say:
"The chance to earn my daily bread;
A place each night to lay my head;
A soft kind hand to ease my care,
A child's small voice to rise in prayer;
A special friend, both kind and true,
To help me right the wrongs I do;
To dwell where tyrants fear to tread,
Where freedom's flag floats overhead;
The faith to ask on bended knee,
Oh, God, may all men be rich like me!"
(I'm not sure of the author for proper credit...If you know, please let me know so I can post it!)
What are you doing to make this your BEST YOU today?
And what are YOU THANKFUL for???
Blessings
-N
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Ponderings about "Professional Volunteerism"
Do I care too much? Is that possible?
I am exhausted. I know that it's partially my fault. I know that the stress of everyday life lately is leading to me not sleeping worth crap. And sleeping at all hours...weird hours. I know this is my own fault to some extent.
But, with the events coming up and all that I want to do...it's leading me to think I care too much. Of course, I feel guilty for thinking that too. Why these thoughts?
I look around. I see people functioning in their own little worlds. They are not necessarily happy, but they are not giving to anyone but themselves, either. Now I am not saying that the more you give to others, the happier you are...but there DOES seem to be some sort of correlation there. The more I can look outwards, the more I can give back into the lives of others...the better I feel. Maybe it's because if I look inward I will see how boring I really am?...I don't know. But I just can't function in my own world.
I am connected, through no choice of my own, to hundreds -if not thousands- of other people. We cannot function only in our own spaces without touching others' spaces and lives. So we must interact. We must care for each other. We must thrive to survive. We cannot go through this life focused soley on ourselves. So I choose to give back. I choose to help. I choose to be a volunteer.
But it is tiring. I seem to be picking up the slack for those who prefer to focus only on themselves. You can't seem to beat caring into some of these folks' lives. "I don't have time" "I don't have money" "I don't have qualifications" "I have nothing to give that anyone would want"...excuses. And lousey ones at that. Everyone has something to contribute to the human race. Everyone can reach out -even if just an inch- and make someone else's life a little easier. WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?
So I will continue to give. I will continue to devote myself to caring for others in the human race. I will continue to eat, sleep, and breathe love for my fellow humans.
Join me. Yes, it's tiring. Yes, some days there are no 'thank you' or appreciation. But the truth is, you can stand back and WATCH all you put into the lives of others...wouldn't you like to know you're making a positive difference?
...after all, THAT'S what it really is all about...no matter how tired I am!
I am exhausted. I know that it's partially my fault. I know that the stress of everyday life lately is leading to me not sleeping worth crap. And sleeping at all hours...weird hours. I know this is my own fault to some extent.
But, with the events coming up and all that I want to do...it's leading me to think I care too much. Of course, I feel guilty for thinking that too. Why these thoughts?
I look around. I see people functioning in their own little worlds. They are not necessarily happy, but they are not giving to anyone but themselves, either. Now I am not saying that the more you give to others, the happier you are...but there DOES seem to be some sort of correlation there. The more I can look outwards, the more I can give back into the lives of others...the better I feel. Maybe it's because if I look inward I will see how boring I really am?...I don't know. But I just can't function in my own world.
I am connected, through no choice of my own, to hundreds -if not thousands- of other people. We cannot function only in our own spaces without touching others' spaces and lives. So we must interact. We must care for each other. We must thrive to survive. We cannot go through this life focused soley on ourselves. So I choose to give back. I choose to help. I choose to be a volunteer.
But it is tiring. I seem to be picking up the slack for those who prefer to focus only on themselves. You can't seem to beat caring into some of these folks' lives. "I don't have time" "I don't have money" "I don't have qualifications" "I have nothing to give that anyone would want"...excuses. And lousey ones at that. Everyone has something to contribute to the human race. Everyone can reach out -even if just an inch- and make someone else's life a little easier. WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT?
So I will continue to give. I will continue to devote myself to caring for others in the human race. I will continue to eat, sleep, and breathe love for my fellow humans.
Join me. Yes, it's tiring. Yes, some days there are no 'thank you' or appreciation. But the truth is, you can stand back and WATCH all you put into the lives of others...wouldn't you like to know you're making a positive difference?
...after all, THAT'S what it really is all about...no matter how tired I am!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
FUBAR: ON POST Utility Billing
Okay. So today I head out the mailbox and there sits my utility bill from Ista (you know, the privatized billing company being used by the privatized housing company hired by the Army to screw me...that's another post all together, though). The bill is POSTMARKED 25 May 2010. The bill is DUE 27 March 2010. There is actually a note about a town hall happening at the Village Commons on 20 April! WTF?!?!?!
So, I call housing. "You have to call Ista". Yes, I slammed down the phone. NOT HAPPY.
So, I call Ista. "We're doing an audit, effective April 1st. Everything up to that point you owe. In fact, your account shows a balance of $20.04. Would you like to pay that now?" NO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS IS THE FIRST INVOICE I'VE SEEN SINCE DECEMBER. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT YOU TOLD MY FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR WHEN THEY CALLED IN FEBRUARY, WONDERING WHERE THEIR BILL WAS. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE AUDIT DATE WAS DIFFERENT.
...and I would like you to know that I AM going over your heads and going to garrison, JAG, IG, my congressman...who'll ever freakin' listen because this is BULLCRAP!!!
I am an independent business owner. If I pulled this CRAP on my customers, I'm pretty sure that A) I'd be out of business and B) I'd probably have a law suit or two on my hands!
Why is it okay for these privatized companies to think they can have the run of us because they are contracted by the Army?
I understand WHY the Army has contracted out certain services...I don't necessarily agree, but I get it. I just don't think that we should be treated like second-class citizens with no brains who don't know when they are getting fed a line...
Does anyone have the email address for the Garrison Command Office? I haven't talked to a COL in a while, I think I'll start there...
So, I call housing. "You have to call Ista". Yes, I slammed down the phone. NOT HAPPY.
So, I call Ista. "We're doing an audit, effective April 1st. Everything up to that point you owe. In fact, your account shows a balance of $20.04. Would you like to pay that now?" NO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS IS THE FIRST INVOICE I'VE SEEN SINCE DECEMBER. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT YOU TOLD MY FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR WHEN THEY CALLED IN FEBRUARY, WONDERING WHERE THEIR BILL WAS. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE AUDIT DATE WAS DIFFERENT.
...and I would like you to know that I AM going over your heads and going to garrison, JAG, IG, my congressman...who'll ever freakin' listen because this is BULLCRAP!!!
I am an independent business owner. If I pulled this CRAP on my customers, I'm pretty sure that A) I'd be out of business and B) I'd probably have a law suit or two on my hands!
Why is it okay for these privatized companies to think they can have the run of us because they are contracted by the Army?
I understand WHY the Army has contracted out certain services...I don't necessarily agree, but I get it. I just don't think that we should be treated like second-class citizens with no brains who don't know when they are getting fed a line...
Does anyone have the email address for the Garrison Command Office? I haven't talked to a COL in a while, I think I'll start there...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Starting Over
Begin Again. I do a lot of that. I don't seem to have a lot of will power to stay on task...so I fall off the wagon with whatever I'm working towards and must then begin again.
It's becoming a routine.
So, today -once more- I started over.
My goal, this year, is to get organized and manage my time. It hasn't been working out quite as I had planned. I seem to waste a lot of time on this computer. So, once again I have decided to use the list plan. Hopefully the joy of scratching off what I have done will keep me motivated to keep going and stay on task during the day. We'll see, I suppose.
One of the big deals to me staying on task is getting back to losing weight. The other one (because there really only are two!) is to be running my Mary Kay business...for which we need a 2nd car, but which I am going to have to really work to earn some money to get the 2nd car. Some days it's a running circle in my life.
So, the goals are big. The stakes are high. I know that I can't do it all in one day...I am just hoping that I can stay tracking for more than one!
Wish me luck!
-N
It's becoming a routine.
So, today -once more- I started over.
My goal, this year, is to get organized and manage my time. It hasn't been working out quite as I had planned. I seem to waste a lot of time on this computer. So, once again I have decided to use the list plan. Hopefully the joy of scratching off what I have done will keep me motivated to keep going and stay on task during the day. We'll see, I suppose.
One of the big deals to me staying on task is getting back to losing weight. The other one (because there really only are two!) is to be running my Mary Kay business...for which we need a 2nd car, but which I am going to have to really work to earn some money to get the 2nd car. Some days it's a running circle in my life.
So, the goals are big. The stakes are high. I know that I can't do it all in one day...I am just hoping that I can stay tracking for more than one!
Wish me luck!
-N
Friday, May 14, 2010
Confessions of a Shopping & Saving Diva-Wanna-Be
Today we went up to Hopkinsville. It's not that we don't do that very often (well, I guess we don't, really), it's just that we never really do MUCH in Hop-town. So tonight we did more than just buzz through. We actually stopped a couple of places!
First stop: Dairy Queen. Originally the dinner plan -MY dinner plan- was Edelwiess Cafe in Clarksville. I've been, Neil hasn't. And lately he's said that he wants to try it...but I guess tonight wasn't the night. He wanted ice cream, so I caved in. And north to Hopkinsville we went.
From Dairy Queen, we headed north a bit more...Big Lots was the ultimate goal, as the Big Lots in Clarksville on Riverside probably was a little, well, soggy. Remember, the Cumberland crested above 62 feet last week -33 feet ABOVE flood stage!
So, north we headed. Stopped off quickly at Express Tan...ah, the tanning bed! So relaxing! Thanks again Monica, for getting me addicted to the warmth of a tanning salon. Anyway. Paid for "Endless Season" which thankfully begins next week. AWESOME!
Finally, on to Big Lots...which was PERFECT timing for shopping! I spent $38 and SAVED $160! I wound up with 2 prelit Christmas trees for my front porch, 12 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 4 rolls of Christmas transparent paper, 4 sets of red, white and green curling ribbon, 2 Scrappy packs, a set of outdoor deck lights, a silver guest book pen, and a pack of those skinny colored markers that we all wanted in 3rd grade. My hubby was SO happy that I've stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper in the off OFF season...26 cents a roll...WHO can beat that?!?!! (The rest of the stuff he really didn't give a thought to.)
So, now to put stuff away. But I'm already planning to head back up this weekend to pick up more transparent paper and scrappy packs! YEA =D
Who's not happy to get a GREAT DEAL!
...ah, the pleasures of shopping a discount stores...never underestimate what you can find!
Happy Shopping=D
First stop: Dairy Queen. Originally the dinner plan -MY dinner plan- was Edelwiess Cafe in Clarksville. I've been, Neil hasn't. And lately he's said that he wants to try it...but I guess tonight wasn't the night. He wanted ice cream, so I caved in. And north to Hopkinsville we went.
From Dairy Queen, we headed north a bit more...Big Lots was the ultimate goal, as the Big Lots in Clarksville on Riverside probably was a little, well, soggy. Remember, the Cumberland crested above 62 feet last week -33 feet ABOVE flood stage!
So, north we headed. Stopped off quickly at Express Tan...ah, the tanning bed! So relaxing! Thanks again Monica, for getting me addicted to the warmth of a tanning salon. Anyway. Paid for "Endless Season" which thankfully begins next week. AWESOME!
Finally, on to Big Lots...which was PERFECT timing for shopping! I spent $38 and SAVED $160! I wound up with 2 prelit Christmas trees for my front porch, 12 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 4 rolls of Christmas transparent paper, 4 sets of red, white and green curling ribbon, 2 Scrappy packs, a set of outdoor deck lights, a silver guest book pen, and a pack of those skinny colored markers that we all wanted in 3rd grade. My hubby was SO happy that I've stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper in the off OFF season...26 cents a roll...WHO can beat that?!?!! (The rest of the stuff he really didn't give a thought to.)
So, now to put stuff away. But I'm already planning to head back up this weekend to pick up more transparent paper and scrappy packs! YEA =D
Who's not happy to get a GREAT DEAL!
...ah, the pleasures of shopping a discount stores...never underestimate what you can find!
Happy Shopping=D
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Talking and Walking...AT THE SAME TIME!
You've heard the expression - "Talk the talk and Walk the walk". Did you ever think how hard that can be some days?
Before you ask, I have NO idea where this post comes from. Apparently something deep (I mean WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY deep) inside my conscience, along with all the CRAP I've been reading on a forum that I haven't logged into in like f-o-r-e-v-e-r has just GOT to me tonight.
Look, I'm not the all around perfect person by any means. I fall short of many many many things I want to do and be. It irks me, though, to look around and see just how crappy, awful, self-absorbed, and self-centered we've all become. We all know what's right. And it's hard to live that way, I know. HOWEVER...wouldn't the world just run smoother if we could all talk about the way it should be and then walk towards it? Great idea, let's try it. All together now, because the first step is the hardest...
No, seriously.
So the other day, I'm glancing over a social networking site that I'm on, and one of my friends has posted something about how they are Christian, "but" sometimes the non-Christian side just has to come out when you pushed them too far (or something like that. Definitely NOT word for word there! And if you are reading this and think it may be you, well, deal with it because it's MY opinion in this blog. I am not bashing you. I just have a difficult time with what you wrote.). Look, I'm not trying to start a religious debate here. I'm just saying that I'm pretty sure the hardest part of being a Christian is doing only good, even to those that hurt you.
Remember "BUT" negates everything that comes before it.
So, what am I trying to do, change the world? Maybe. How hard would it be to live our values and ethics, creeds and codes (and I'm NOT just talking about Soldiers, here!). How difficult would it be to be a good citizen; a kind human being? (What's that quote? "Human beings being human") To reach down and pick up that trash (be proud of your community). To volunteer for our youth ("...the children are our future"). To volunteer for each other (a community has a common goal). To care a little less about ourselves -monetarily (you can't take it with you). To come together to celebrate and have fun (where are the picnics and block parties?). To share and preserve memories (the storytelling generation is gone). To support each other and support our Troops (I would bet that there are people who don't even know we are still IN Iraq and Afghanistan). To enjoy fresh food (not just to be healthy either! We complain that there's "nothing to eat", yet there are starving children dying every day). To get out and enjoy the out of doors (there are places in this world that you cannot do that because of the violence). To spend time with our loved ones (we are not immortal, and we cannot get that time back once it is gone).
How am I going to change my corner of the world? Little by little. Step by step. By living the example in my own life and sharing it with others. No longer will I keep my beliefs about living correctly to myself, or just down on paper (more on THAT one in a second). I will not only encourage others; I will help them move towards a more peaceful DRAMA FREE life.
And as for "down on paper": I have a LOT of things that are just that. For example: My HH6 BattleBook. Being a former-FRG Leader, it should be 100% up-to-date. Well, it's close. We're struggling, though, to get those final pieces together. Sometimes I can talk the talk very very well. I know my resources and I am sure that I could handle just about anything that comes my way. I know, though, that it all needs to be together and in my “go bag”. I also know that I need to do more to be prepared for emergencies. I talk the talk on that one, too. And for those of you that know me, I can rattle off LOTS of nutrition and health information. Do I live it? Well not so much. That's going to change, too.
So check back with me. See where I am going.
I encourage you to come along for the journey. After all, what could it hurt?
Before you ask, I have NO idea where this post comes from. Apparently something deep (I mean WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY deep) inside my conscience, along with all the CRAP I've been reading on a forum that I haven't logged into in like f-o-r-e-v-e-r has just GOT to me tonight.
Look, I'm not the all around perfect person by any means. I fall short of many many many things I want to do and be. It irks me, though, to look around and see just how crappy, awful, self-absorbed, and self-centered we've all become. We all know what's right. And it's hard to live that way, I know. HOWEVER...wouldn't the world just run smoother if we could all talk about the way it should be and then walk towards it? Great idea, let's try it. All together now, because the first step is the hardest...
No, seriously.
So the other day, I'm glancing over a social networking site that I'm on, and one of my friends has posted something about how they are Christian, "but" sometimes the non-Christian side just has to come out when you pushed them too far (or something like that. Definitely NOT word for word there! And if you are reading this and think it may be you, well, deal with it because it's MY opinion in this blog. I am not bashing you. I just have a difficult time with what you wrote.). Look, I'm not trying to start a religious debate here. I'm just saying that I'm pretty sure the hardest part of being a Christian is doing only good, even to those that hurt you.
Remember "BUT" negates everything that comes before it.
So, what am I trying to do, change the world? Maybe. How hard would it be to live our values and ethics, creeds and codes (and I'm NOT just talking about Soldiers, here!). How difficult would it be to be a good citizen; a kind human being? (What's that quote? "Human beings being human") To reach down and pick up that trash (be proud of your community). To volunteer for our youth ("...the children are our future"). To volunteer for each other (a community has a common goal). To care a little less about ourselves -monetarily (you can't take it with you). To come together to celebrate and have fun (where are the picnics and block parties?). To share and preserve memories (the storytelling generation is gone). To support each other and support our Troops (I would bet that there are people who don't even know we are still IN Iraq and Afghanistan). To enjoy fresh food (not just to be healthy either! We complain that there's "nothing to eat", yet there are starving children dying every day). To get out and enjoy the out of doors (there are places in this world that you cannot do that because of the violence). To spend time with our loved ones (we are not immortal, and we cannot get that time back once it is gone).
How am I going to change my corner of the world? Little by little. Step by step. By living the example in my own life and sharing it with others. No longer will I keep my beliefs about living correctly to myself, or just down on paper (more on THAT one in a second). I will not only encourage others; I will help them move towards a more peaceful DRAMA FREE life.
And as for "down on paper": I have a LOT of things that are just that. For example: My HH6 BattleBook. Being a former-FRG Leader, it should be 100% up-to-date. Well, it's close. We're struggling, though, to get those final pieces together. Sometimes I can talk the talk very very well. I know my resources and I am sure that I could handle just about anything that comes my way. I know, though, that it all needs to be together and in my “go bag”. I also know that I need to do more to be prepared for emergencies. I talk the talk on that one, too. And for those of you that know me, I can rattle off LOTS of nutrition and health information. Do I live it? Well not so much. That's going to change, too.
So check back with me. See where I am going.
I encourage you to come along for the journey. After all, what could it hurt?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Big Brass...We have a problem.
I'm pretty sure this is going to get some one into trouble. And I'm okay with that. Because it pisses me off!
I realize I'm old fashioned, but...
So tonight, at like half past midnight, I went to the shoppette. COMPLETELY forgot that they close day and reopen on their computer system at this time. So I would up standing in line for like 10 minutes. There were 8 people ahead of me, and like 4 people behind me when I started noticing a few things...
1) Alcohol. I am the ONLY person in line without alcohol. Is it just me, or is this a HUGE demonstration of the alcohol problem we have in the Army? Seriously, THE ONLY PERSON WITH OUT ALCOHOL. And the ones that joined the line after me (7 more before the computers came back up and the line started moving) all had alcohol, too. Not cool.
2) Dress code...or lack of enforcement. Now, for those who did NOT see my Facebook post the other night, let me refresh that...and then move on.
"Okay folks, it's called a DRESS CODE! Yes! This installation has one. Abide by it. I don't care WHAT time of night it is, it is INAPPROPRIATE to go to the shoppette in your cotton nighty and slippers! EW!"...and it's not just on Fort Campbell, Lakisha commented: "You must be on schofield tonight. I saw something similar but a man. Out of uniform, PT shirt on, slippahs with white socks, pants on the ground, and a doo rag! Say it aint so! My goodness, if not on the installation, where can we enforce a dress code! I'm with ya this sister!"
Here's the deal, folks. ON Fort Campbell (and for Soldiers, this actually applies ANYTIME on or off post, on or off duty, and even on leave...read the regs!) THERE IS A DRESS CODE! Civilians, too, are required to abide by this code while on Fort Campbell. Need a refresher? Read the "Blue Book". Haven't seen it? I can get you a copy! Civilian friends who never set foot on a military installation- have pride in your appearance- Just because it's "fashionable" does NOT always mean it's appropriate.
Case A) My cashier is in pajama pants, a tank top, AND SLIPPERS! What is this, a slumber party? What happened to khaki's and a polo? Really! Is it too much to ask for the employees at the place that I do business to look semi-professional? I mean, I understand that since 9/11, the military (who also runs AAFES) has abandon the Class B professional uniform because we are at war (THAT'S another blog entry all together!), but I'm pretty sure that THAT is not what they meant.
Case B) The Soldier in front of me with his boxers showing. PULL UP YOUR PANTS...YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT! If the world was meant to see your boxers, they'd be called "outer pants" not "under pants". If you don't pull them up, I will. And to make sure they STAY up, I am going to tie them around your neck.
Case C) While James Dean looked cool in a white t-shirt and jeans, you just look like you forgot your shirt at the mistress' when you jumped out the window because her hubby came home. Again, it's an UNDER shirt. It gets worn UNDER a collared shirt, not as a "look". You don't like it? Wear a printed t-shirt or a sweatshirt. And YES, it's actually IN the "Blue Book"...which, by the way, is an actual regulation not just a suggestion.
3) Cell phones. Look. I know that they are convenient. HOWEVER, I don't want to hear about your plans for later tonight. Or what you did today. Or ANY other conversation from only your end of the phone, for that matter. Are you REALLY that important that you HAVE TO have it pressed to your ear while in line? Don't get me wrong, I have a cell phone, BUT...it's not used in line or in public, for that matter. I will step outside to have a conversation on it...the world doesn't have to be in on it. And, here's another BLUE BOOK item for you...YOU DON'T WALK AND TALK OR DRIVE AND TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE. The walk and talk is AT ALL! including with a hands-free. The drive and talk is without a hands-free; with a hands-free, you can drive while talking. (Don't get me started on the idiots that text and drive!) Civilians, this goes for YOU TOO!
4) If you're buzzed, you're drunk...and you don't need more alcohol; and you PROBABLY shouldn't be out in public (you run the risk of running into me, and I could put you through a wall for being an idiot). I understand that the shoppette sells it 24/7, but you need to man up and realize when you've had enough. And if you are too intoxicated to do so, your friends should stop you -with a cider block if necessary. You would THINK that shoppette folks wouldn't sell to folks who are already drunk, but I witnessed it tonight. With out blinking an eye, too. So much for social and community responsibility.
5) Grammar.
Okay kids. Here's the deal. Now, I haven't been in school in like 10 years, but I'm pretty sure that they still teach grammar. You know, adjectives and adverbs and conjunctions. If you didn't learn these in school, we're going to find ourselves some episodes of "Schoolhouse Rock" and learn a little...because when F*** is EVERY.OTHER.WORD. it's more than a little annoying! There are other words out there! Lots of great adjectives! AND I'm pretty sure that the Army actually frowns upon vulgarity....not that you can tell from being in any of the offices I've been in. But it's a respect thing, too (oh look, those Army Values again). Respect me enough to use OTHER words in the English language!
And on grammar, I know that bad grammar had become socially acceptable...but there HAS to be a line! For example "We was gonna..." is incorrect. It is "We WERE GOING TO..." You all know who you are! Clean it up and learn the language!
6) POT IS ILLEGAL! I don't care how much you think it shouldn't be. And if I smell it coming from your car (ESPECIALLY ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION!!!! AND YOU ARE A SOLDIER!!!!) YES I AM GOING TO CALL THE MP'S! Deal with it. "Oh, it's not harmful" WHATEVER! I don't buy that! Anyway, it's still illegal!!! Just the same way that I, personally believe that a military member between 18 and 21 should be considered old enough to drink because they are old enough to VOLUNTARILY sign up to serve and possibly die for their country. BUT the law says 21, so I will NOT be serving or purchasing for underage. It's not about what we personally believe SHOULD be legal or allowed by law or regulation, but what actually is. Following the law is part of being a good law-abiding citizen, being a "squared away" Soldier, and living the Army Values.
...I mean, am I expecting too much????
I realize I'm old fashioned, but...
So tonight, at like half past midnight, I went to the shoppette. COMPLETELY forgot that they close day and reopen on their computer system at this time. So I would up standing in line for like 10 minutes. There were 8 people ahead of me, and like 4 people behind me when I started noticing a few things...
"Okay folks, it's called a DRESS CODE! Yes! This installation has one. Abide by it. I don't care WHAT time of night it is, it is INAPPROPRIATE to go to the shoppette in your cotton nighty and slippers! EW!"...and it's not just on Fort Campbell, Lakisha commented: "You must be on schofield tonight. I saw something similar but a man. Out of uniform, PT shirt on, slippahs with white socks, pants on the ground, and a doo rag! Say it aint so! My goodness, if not on the installation, where can we enforce a dress code! I'm with ya this sister!"
Here's the deal, folks. ON Fort Campbell (and for Soldiers, this actually applies ANYTIME on or off post, on or off duty, and even on leave...read the regs!) THERE IS A DRESS CODE! Civilians, too, are required to abide by this code while on Fort Campbell. Need a refresher? Read the "Blue Book". Haven't seen it? I can get you a copy! Civilian friends who never set foot on a military installation- have pride in your appearance- Just because it's "fashionable" does NOT always mean it's appropriate.
Case A) My cashier is in pajama pants, a tank top, AND SLIPPERS! What is this, a slumber party? What happened to khaki's and a polo? Really! Is it too much to ask for the employees at the place that I do business to look semi-professional? I mean, I understand that since 9/11, the military (who also runs AAFES) has abandon the Class B professional uniform because we are at war (THAT'S another blog entry all together!), but I'm pretty sure that THAT is not what they meant.
Case B) The Soldier in front of me with his boxers showing. PULL UP YOUR PANTS...YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT! If the world was meant to see your boxers, they'd be called "outer pants" not "under pants". If you don't pull them up, I will. And to make sure they STAY up, I am going to tie them around your neck.
Okay kids. Here's the deal. Now, I haven't been in school in like 10 years, but I'm pretty sure that they still teach grammar. You know, adjectives and adverbs and conjunctions. If you didn't learn these in school, we're going to find ourselves some episodes of "Schoolhouse Rock" and learn a little...because when F*** is EVERY.OTHER.WORD. it's more than a little annoying! There are other words out there! Lots of great adjectives! AND I'm pretty sure that the Army actually frowns upon vulgarity....not that you can tell from being in any of the offices I've been in. But it's a respect thing, too (oh look, those Army Values again). Respect me enough to use OTHER words in the English language!
And on grammar, I know that bad grammar had become socially acceptable...but there HAS to be a line! For example "We was gonna..." is incorrect. It is "We WERE GOING TO..." You all know who you are! Clean it up and learn the language!
...I mean, am I expecting too much????
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