Making it in the MilLife

It’s been a tough news week. And even though my kids have been frolicking in the Tennessee sun with in-laws giving me 10 solid days of freedom, I’ve been a little down. Then I cleaned out my desk at home and felt – good. I realized there are some really odd things that make me happy. Here are six:

1) Angry Birds
Something about those crazy birds squawking their way to a kamikaze death just tickles me pink. Of course, this tip could go either way. If I am stuck on a level I can’t beat, I want to…well, move on to number two.

2) Organizing
OCD? Maybe. But when I really need to feel like I’ve accomplished something I’ll tackle a messy drawer or even clean my kitchen. The busy work helps my think easy and I’m happier just knowing ONE thing is off my to-do list.

3) A shower
Any time of day, a hot steamy shower – not a bath – feels like heaven when I’m in the dumps. It’s like literally washing the blue away…to the scent of lavender…sigh.

4) Java
I wouldn’t call myself a coffee drinker, but more of a dessert lover. If I’m feelin’ low, a white chocolate mocha puts a smile on my face just like that.

5) Magazines
While I join with my strong female friends lamenting the unrealistic perfection on display today, I love me some fashion magazines. I focus on new ways to shop my closet, beauty products to try and occasionally some darn good journalism. It’s a fantasy land that takes me away to a happy place.

6) Trees
Ever just look at a tall tree in awe? Maybe it was my childhood trip to the Redwoods that did it, but the majestic and eternal nature of a really big tree never fails to stop me in my tracks – and put life into perspective.

Have a weird “makes me smile tip”?  Share it!

One of the most fascinating aspects of military life is the tradition. Receiving lines and hemlines. Tea and social cards. Those rituals and customs are a throwback to when most families lived on base and a spouse could make or break a service member’s career. Some of that sentiment is lost today, and perhaps that is for the best. But military traditions bonds us, and a little of that connection has gone away with those rituals as well. So, out of curiosity, I took a seminar at the National Guard volunteer conference last week called Customs and Courtesies. I learned something new. Now, let’s see what you recall about good ole fashioned military traditions.

In a receiving line the woman precedes the man except when the:
a) woman is the officer
b) event is at the White House
c) woman outranks the man
d) woman is late

A social call is over is when:
a) the senior officer stands
b) the visiting service member stands
c) the spouse of the visiting service member stands
d) the tea pot is empty

If you are driving and you hear reveille and retreat:
a) you keep driving
b) pull over but do not get out
c) pull over and pray
d) exit the car and render a salute
e) what’s reveille and retreat?

Answers will be in next week’s MOAA Spouse E-news. Not a subscriber? Sign up today.