OMG...

I can't believe I didn't post about Tour de Dakota!!!! It was only the best road trip/vacay ever!!! Can't wait to show it up at TDDD =)

Why I do What I do

So, what's the point of doing at least one of these each day...

So I can eat a whole package of these... =)

Happy working out everyone!

way behind.

Well, I have a friend that was excited to find out I had a blog, but then quickly told me she does not follow bloggers that do not update - a not so obvious hint that I need to get back on the wagon...so here goes.

Since my last post - a lot has happened. I live in Kansas. I've been back to Texas numerous times for trainings. I'm a full blown officer in the Army. My job position has already changed numerous times - with the latest change happening tomorrow. I went to the pumpkin patch with my cousin's family.

I made it back to cowboy days in Valentine and rode in the parade. Montana welcomed me and gave me my only hope at a white Christmas. Mom and dad came to visit around Christmas. I'm an aunt/God mother and met the adorable lil son of a gun in Washington...

This was a quick synapses of the past 6 months. I promise to stay on it and update more often. My life is not that exciting, but I can pretend it is =)

AMEDD BOLC Friends

Since one of my friends from BOLC has become an avid follower of this blog and frequently asks if I've updated yet, I figure I'll give him a shout-out. Here's to you, Daniel Boone:
Here's a few more from playing in the field the last three weeks. It feels great to be back in civilization!

Passing the time in the tent with Phase 10 and Candy = ) Also qualified on M16!!!

We survived the Gas Chamber but not looking pretty. At least Texas gives us pretty sunrises!

But at the end of each day, Melinda and I still look like kids dressing up for Halloween...

Update on Sewing

While I'm here in Texas, I haven't been able to do much for sewing...or any of my crafts for that matter...but I thought I'd show what I was working on right up until they came and moved me all away:
A star quilt is something that I'd never be able to do so I'm pretty excited on how it was coming along. I really miss working on it and hopefully I'll be able to pick up where I left off to finish.
the colors (white, yellow, black and red) are to represent the traditional Native American colors on the medicine wheel and the orange is to represent me = ) It's very bright and bold...but it's just how I like it!

Firsts and Lasts

Recently my life has taken some turns and it's now much different than it was a mere two months ago. For better or worse, I made my decision and I'm sticking with it. So far, it's for the better...most of the time. As one of my instructors tells us: Hunt for the Good Stuff, and I'm always able to find it, so that helps.
Anyway...July 13th I reported for Active Duty in the United States Army as a social worker. Crazy huh. Some people may be surprised, but most probably aren't. It's very different. Working for the federal government at the VA for the last 4 years helped prepare me very well for the Army administration and way of life though.
Since mid-July I have been stuck (and I mean stuck because I think I'd rather be any other place in the country) in San Antonio for BOLC training - learning how to be a soldier and how to be an officer. The information is overwhelming and the training can be frustrating at times. Some days I think..."I CHOSE to do this..." but at the end of the day, I'm glad I'm living out this dream and calling.
July (and continuing) was a month of firsts and lasts, as comes with any changes and fresh beginnings.
I think the weirdest thing was to watch my belongings get pulled away and me not have access to them for months - and I just hope they arrive in Kansas as promised me. Driving out of Lennox for the last time as a resident was very weird...

and I won't lie...a tear was shed - weird huh? I'll miss parking in the middle of the street.

It's been a great home and a great small town to grow up in. Sadly, it won't be home anymore now that the last Crabtree has left town.
The prior weeks were filled with visiting friends and tanning at Wild Water West. I hate goodbyes, but I still didn't get to see everyone I had hoped before leaving.
My wonderful cousin made the trek from Iowa all the way to Corpus Christi and back to San Antonio with me. We had a great time but even that had to end. Watching her walk away to the airport terminal caused more tears to fall...but I'd never tell her that. (Good thing she's at basic training right now too.) I think the drive back to the Hilton (yes, I stayed in the Hilton for Army training for my first two weeks) was the first time that my decision and the effects to come really hit me. Still confident in my decision, I felt alone.
Training has been training. Death by PowerPoint. Some hands on. Physical training. Food less than par.
On the upside, I've met fantastic people that I pray stay in my life for years to come. I have to get up so early every morning that I'm able to see and appreciate the sunrise. We're also up late enough to put the sun to bed. God is good and he makes much beauty. I have a good group of friends that I can count on to go to church with me every week. We have fun and are experiencing new things together - life "tubing" in Texas, Sea World, the Magic Time Machine, numerous Mexican restaurants with "best in town" margaritas and lots of Texas Two-Stepping.
The lasts can be sad but the firsts are new and exciting. Nothing can replace the previous experiences I've had, but they sure can be supplemented...and I have plenty of pictures and friends to look back with and laugh.

New Life

With a kiss and a hug
I'm on my way
I've been anxiously waiting
For this day

It's too late for me
To change my mind
And sure of my decision
Is what I find

I quit my job
I'll move away
This is so ridiculous
Many people say

It's hard to understand
The move I've made
But my service and time
I haven't paid

So many people
Have laid down their life
So others can live
Without daily strife

I want to provide
What I can give
Which in turn
Could help people live

My friends and family
Behind me they stand
They always try to give
A helping hand

To leave behind
Everything I know
Makes this harder
But I have to go

With a little bit of fear
But filled more with excite
The choice was difficult
But I know my decision is right

I'm not sure where I'll go
Or exactly what I'll do
But I'm proud to serve my country
And be a Soldier too