Making it in the MilLife

It’s an election year. Stand up and be counted.  Exercise your right to vote no matter where you are stationed by voting absentee.

Who can vote absentee in local, State and Federal elections?

• U.S. citizen 18 years or older and
• Active Duty member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, NOAA
• Family member of the above or 
• A U.S. citizen residing outside the United States.

 The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers the following information:

• Submit a request ASAP to your home state.
•  Many states require annual request for absentee ballots.  Don’t assume your request is valid from last year. 
• Service members and family members should update home and e-mal addresses with the Federal Voting assistance Program to ensure you receive your ballot quickly.

 Have questions?  The Federal Voting Assistance Program has answers.

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!