Some of my Thoughts on This Upcoming Veteran's Day

" This Veteran's Day we honor those who have so bravely served this country. America is founded on the principle of freedom, justice, and liberty. Our nation's soldiers serve every day to protect our country and it's ideals. On Veteran's Day, take a sacred moment to remember those who sacrifice their lives every moment to achieve peace and democracy."



I remember as a kid Veteran's day held little meaning. Of course I understood the reason behind it, but it wasn't anything huge. Yes, I have had family in the military...Still, it didn't hold the proper meaning. However, now being older and of course wiser it is a day that brings tears to my eyes, because not only do I understand it, but I live with it! My husband is in the Army and has been for quite awhile now. We have lived through two deployments and he currently suffers through PTSD as well as other combat related issues and injuries. He has had to endure two surgeries due to nerve damage that also left him somewhat paralyzed in both hands. Now, he has feeling and movement. He has permanent pain and issues that no amount of surgeries or medication can "fix". So, my point is, I now get and understand this day honoring our Vet's. Sadly, in my opinion, that it takes this day for some people to say Thank You or to honor them. These men and women, as well as their immediate families live with life changes on a daily basis. I know we do. There are no amount of words that could describe the "changes" or the difference deployments make in our lives. So, unless you are living it or have lived it, please keep your negative and know it all comments and opinions to yourself. Because, quite honestly, you have no clue on this life!

With that being said, I came across an interesting story on the Washington Post today. It was someone that lived the military life visiting with his family at Walter Reed. It was a comment that he wrote about that caught my attention, one that is so true and one that took him many years to realize. It made me want to share it with anyone who reads what I write. Here is what he wrote:

"I never thought much about the meaning of Veterans Day -- strange for someone who spent 26 years in the Army. But last year I got it: Memorial Day is to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and Veterans Day is to honor those who have to live with the sacrifices they made."
and
"Veterans Day is for honoring all these brave young people who are the vanguards of freedom for this generation, as well as to honor those who suffered similarly in previous generations. Take a moment to remember the sacrifices they will have to live with -- God bless them."


How true this is. Memorial Day is for honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In my honest opinion, the families left behind should also be honored on this day. They too sacrificed more than many of us will ever sacrifice. And, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. You are never forgotten. I have friends who are living this living hell every day! One day a year to remember their loved ones it just not enough. What happened to our patriotism?  Just as Veteran's Day is the day so many people choose to look at a Vet and say Thank You. Do you realize that everyday their lives are different than before they were in a warzone? As well as the life of their spouse and children?  Every "thank you" means so much to these men and women as well as their families. I swell up with pride when we are walking somewhere and Kevin is in his uniform and someone stops us, shakes his hand, then just says "thank you for your sacrifices sir", then turns to me and the kids and continues to tell us thank you for ours as well. That means the world to me. We do give up so much for him to put his life on the line. Do I think we should be treated any differently, absolutely not. We do this and live this life because we want to. But, appreciation and understand from others goes such a long ways! I mean, when you go to bed at night and can see your spouse and know every night they will be next to you, be thankful. Since 2003 I have yet to spend one full year with my husband by my side every night and not one birthday or Mothers Day has he been home to spend it with me. Am I complaining? No. I am just stating the obvious. The only two anniversaries I have been lucky to have him home were spent in the hospital, both surgery related. He has also missed the many special events and occasions at home with our children. Like the first nine, almost ten, months of our sons life. Not to mention the countless days that the army has him. But, in the end, he is in the Army and I can say proudly my husband has served his time overseas in war zones. He's a Veteran that I am privileged to have by my side and honor everyday.


From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one of you that have sacrificed! You are never forgotten! As, well as to the families that continue living this life, thank you! 


Some Quotes that I will leave you with...




"In War, there are no unwounded soldiers" ~ Jose Narosky


"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
~ Elmer Davis


"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die"  ~ G.K. Chersterton


"It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you" ~ Dick Cheney


"Our Veteran's accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called"  ~ Bill Shuster


"The willingness of America's Veteran's to sacrifice our country has earned them our lasting gratitude"  ~ Jeff Miller


I have many more, but I will leave you with these for the time. Thank  you to my husband who has missed out on so much, yet has done what so many others are too selfish to do. Your selfless acts have never gone unnoticed or taken for granted. We love you more than words could ever say. I thank God every day for watching over you and bringing you back home to us. Our future is always one day at a time, but I know, without a doubt, we have so much to look forward to! Thank you and I love you! You are mine and the kids true hero!

It Takes More Energy....

Every time I drive towards Fort Bliss I always come across homeless people! They are on the street corners, the medians, and anywhere else they feel the need to be. They walk up and down the streets, some in nice clothes, others in rags. They hold up signs begging for money. They even have the nerve to walk up to car windows then get pissed when you shake your head or tell them no. First off, I rarely have cash on me and even when I do, the last thing I am going to do is hand it off to some pan-handler! Last time I checked, my husband and I work to earn our money (work the legal way), we pay our bills, we do right. We don't stand on some street corner! Another thing, do they not realize that it takes way more energy to wear dark clothes, walk up and down the street in a bright, sunny city like El Paso, which is typically hot; than it does to go to the local Burger joint and actually work the right way?!?! It has always been one of my irritations to see these people down right beg, I mean I am from the Atlanta area where it is a whole lot worse. But, come on people. Even if you enjoy doing it because you actually make money, do something legit! I have seen the cops out here pull over just to tell them to get off the freaking streets!

Corrupt Cartoons

Most people would see nothing wrong with their three year old watching Spongebob, I mean it is a cartoon that is  played on Nickelodeon. Therefore, it should be a totally legit show, right? I thought so too until it hit me one day, Mr. Crabs lives in Bikini Bottom!!!! OMG, that is not even right! It is a good thing that my child, like many others, do not see the corrupt and adult humor behind this cartoon! However, through all the programs that are now on television, you can't help but to laugh. I mean, really, it is kind of creative when you think of Mr. Crabs living in Bikini Bottom.... 

There are so many other cartoons that have different scenarios and thoughts put behind them. Some being adult humor, others being on the racist side...

This is just another one of my thought after watching tv shows with the kids!

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

Okay, so seriously?!?! I have a few people in my life that I have decided it is time to start cutting ties with. Why would any part of me want to continue a "friendship" with someone that always has a comment, such as "oh yea, well if you think that is bad, let me tell you about this time...." or, if I say I am not feeling well and people have to try to out do me with being sick. Seriously people? I really wish I wasn't battling health issues and that I wasn't having to live my life day to day without making plans because I never know how I will feel tomorrow. And, there is not a single ounce in me that is wanting you to feel bad or anything when I say it is an "off" day for me. But, by all means, do you really need to not feel well on the same day (every time) or do you really need to try to out do me with every freaking thing I say? This gets real old and so very annoying! Cut it out! Since it seems to get worse the more I am around someone, I have decided to no longer keep these people in my life. I would rather just live with my husband and kids and no one else around than to always have a one upper in my life! They really need to get a life! The funny thing is, these people can never figure out why they have NO friends!!! How can you not see this? You are annoying and a pain in the ass that no one cares to associate themselves with. I say all of this knowing that I am not the only person that feels this way about a handful of people since others have mentioned it to me as well over time! Lol, you can't help but to hum the tune of "anything you can do I can do better..." I have come to the conclusion that all of these "one uppers" that I have come in contact with have a very low self esteem, are very insecure and no self confidence! If they did, they would not always try to make themselves look and feel better, all the while people around them are thinking they are complete and total morons and idiots. So to all of you who know what I am talking about and the kind of people I am referring to, just get away from them. They are toxic friends, and in the end you will just want to choke them! Have you ever noticed that normally you want to ask questions when friends tell you something, but these people are the ones who you just wish would shut up because they never stop! Oh, and there is always something wrong with them! Come on, life is way too short to be this kind of person or to even associate ourselves with them! So, to those people I am referring to, I will be cutting ties with all of you! You contaminate my life as well as everyone elses! I have no need to be around people that make me want to slap the stupid off of them!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month... Squish a Boob, Save a Life

We all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.... but how many people actually take this month seriously? Lets do something, starting this year, 2010, every woman needs to take this month more serious! Breast cancer is not something to play around with, nor is it something that should be ignored or pushed to the side. My great grandmother had it years ago, I have a cousin that had it, Kevin's grandmother lost her life due to her battle with it, my best friends mom lost the long battle from it in 2006.... Breast Cancer is not a joke! If it is caught early enough, lives can be saved! Also, most people are under the impression that only women can be diagnosed with breast cancer, heads up people, men can as well! It is just an  uncommon thing, but it does happen! If you notice any changes, see a doctor!

Things to think about:

Aside skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
It is more common among white women.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, lung cancer coming in first.
2.4 million women living in the US have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.
Out of 192,370 cases that are diagnosed, 1,910 are expected to be men.
Over 40,000 deaths from breast cancer were anticipated in 2009... I am looking for 2010.
If your parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed, then you stand an increase in developing breast cancer. PLEASE GET CHECKED!!!
Women who began menstruating before the age of 12, stand am increased risk in developing this form of cancer, as well as women who have more menstrual cycles.

It is very important to know the signs and symptoms....what to look for. We are all aware of the knots and different feeling to look for. One thing that is not very known due to its rare cases is Inflammatory Breast Cancer, or IBC. This is a rapid growing form, making the breast red, swollen, tender and could even look like you have a rash. It can be confused with a breast infection and is known as a locally advanced cancer. Therefore if you notice a change, get is checked out! Better to be safe than sorry.

Many forms of cancer have taken the lives of people I love and miss terribly. Cancer is no joke and not something I play with. Right now my own husband has skin cancer. Granted it can be treated, he still has it and I keep waiting for the next appointment just to hear the words of him being in remission. Hearing he had cancer brought me to tears. So, if you notice changes anywhere on your body, you feel knots or lumps, don't blow it off. Call your doctor, go to one of the free screenings that are always all over the US, do whatever you have to do in order to save your life or the life of someone you love!

A woman’s chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer is: 
From age 30-39 . . . . . . 1 out of 229 
From age 40-49 . . . . . . 1 out of 68 
From age 50-59 . . . . . . 1 out of 37 
From age 60-69 . . . . . . 1 out of 26 
From age 70-85. . . . . . .1 out of 8

The Untold Challenges & Obstacles...

There is so much that I want to say as a spouse of someone who suffers from PTSD, someone that has on more than one occasion done the selfless act of deploying to a war zone, someone that has put them self on the fighting line time and time again....too  many times to count. PTSD is one of the things the returning military may have to face and may battle throughout the rest of their lives based on things they saw, lived through, or heard while overseas. Yes, I am fully aware that it does not take being in a war zone in order to be diagnosed of PTSD, but there is something about being shot at, using weapons in order to keep yourself and the ones around you alive, being on a FOB with mortars, RPG's, and other things going on all around you for a year or so straight that makes the forms of PTSD different. It breaks me down to see the man I love not sleep most nights, jump at sounds that make no difference to most people, constantly watching his surroundings, skeptical of people and places, no longer finding the joy of going out in busy, crowded places.....oh, how I could go on and on with the "small" things I have witnessed. When my husband enlisted, of course we knew about the pure and simple fact he would deploy at some point, but we we never told how he would deploy and come back a different person, how the smiles would be lost to the war. How he would no longer find pleasure and joy in the things he use to. It is like the war took my husband and sent home a man that I have had to get to know more and more each time he goes over. It has also made each of us cherish the time together and see the importance in life.

Why do people often make the comments that the ones being deployed chose this life? I mean, don't we all choose the lives we are in for the most part? I mean, you do what you have to and you make the best out of it. Or, at least, that is what we try for. No matter what life has handed us, good or bad, we try to make the best in every situation. So, for the comment about choosing this life, to me is ridiculous and I, for one, am so tired of hearing it! This life that we have choose for us and our family is what helps to keep the draft out. Regardless of the reasoning, it is never a bright idea to tell someone or their families they "chose" this life. Especially when you are too much of a coward to do it yourself. Yes, I have earned my right to speak freely. I did try to enlist a little over four years ago and was turned down by MEPs for a medical problem that leaves me life dependent on medication and there is no way the doctors would give me a waiver to go through basic. So, I did try, unlike so many others who think they can say whatever they feel at any given time.

People, no matter what a person chooses, no one should make such a rude statement when it comes to PTSD. This is a terrible disease, and until you have either lived with it or stood beside a spouse who suffers from it, you have no idea! Even as a spouse, there is so much I to this day still do not fully understand. And I never will because I wasn't there. But, I do know what it is like to send my husband away and watch him return a different man, one that I have to get to know, yet one that I love more and more with every passing day. I just wish the recruiters had warned us before hand about the changes we would face. Even after all these years, I wish we had known more when he enlisted. Would it have changed anything. No, not at all. It would have just made us in a sense better prepared for this life and the challenges and obstacles that were to come.

There is so much more I want to go on about, however it is getting late. I am going to bring this topic to a close for the night and possibly pick back up on it later.

Neighbors From Hell

To wake up to a whining, howling, barking dog after a night of not being able to sleep is a really atrocious way to start off a Monday morning. Yes people, this is how I began my day. It seems every week there is something different with these people. There are like ten people living in this house, two kids that I have seen (one that seems to be a good kid, the other I feel like slapping), two cars in the driveway, one rundown truck that parks across the street from the house, and one that is sitting in between our property line and theirs! Umm.... HELLO! What did I miss. Since when is it okay to have a trashed out piece of crap looking car sitting in front of someone else's house? Have they not heard of respect? This car has probably sat in the same spot for over a month, never being moved and terrible looking! The woman is from Juarez and speaks very limited english, so the son has to translate everything! I know this because I have spoken to her once and about lost my mind. The day after we moved into our new house, my husband had to go into work to sign out for leave, and this four year old knocks at my door. People, I am trying to unpack and get my house ready before I undergo surgery the following week! I open my front door to see what he wants. He speaks NO english!!! None at all. I call my kids to the door to see if they can get a better understanding. Yes, I realize how sad that is. The kids and I make an attempt to talk to the mom, no luck. She comprehends nothing at all of what we said. After taking this kid back home and our unlucky attempt at talking to her, she proceeds to let him come back over four more different times! Finally his dad was home and attitudes came out. We made it known not to let their kid come back over. Now, the one thing I can not seem to quite get a grip on is what in the hell is a four year old doing walking over to someones house they do not know and their parents having no care in the world over it? The next day, my family and I were standing outside with two of our friends that had come by, allowing the kids to ride bikes and play. Well, this kid comes running outside, ends up making us all crazy because he is mean as can be, takes my toddlers toys away and runs off. This kid ends up falling and getting hurt, when his mom comes out with one of her friends, sees her friend off, glances over in our direction and then runs back inside. What mother is not going to stop when she sees three very large, grown men around her son? I would freak out, then again, my child would not have been outside without me at that age! She never came back out. They also had two dogs, one that every freaking time any of us would walk outside, they would bark and growl nonstop, to the point if it wasn't immoral or illegal I probably would have done something incredibly mean to this damn dog! But, that just isn't me. They finally got rid of the dog after all the nonsense and the fact that the dog jumped over my backyard wall and into my yard while my kids were playing. The neighbor then heard me run my mouth about if he ends up biting one of my kids, I will shoot his dog. Wouldn't any loving parent do that? I'm just saying.... So when they got rid of the dog, I got so excited thinking no barking every time I step foot in my backyard. Maybe they will start cleaning their dog poop covered yard and we won't always smell that stench. I was on cloud nine, even with all their late night partying that is also getting so very old. Then, this morning to wake up to a new dog back there with all of his loud, annoying noises???? What am I to do now?

NEIGHBORS FROM HELL IS ALL I CAN TRUTHFULLY COME UP WITH AT THIS POINT!

These people are terrible and I would not wish them on anyone! The things that cross my mind are so inhuman and so unlike me!

I should post a note on their front door.... maybe even have it translated, simply saying:

If you are going to have an animal, take care of it! Keep it from howling, growling, whining, and barking all hours of the night. Oh, and clean up it's crap, I am tired of smelling the nastiness even in my house! Gross!
If you are going to have kids, take care of them as well! They need caring parents, not party animal piece of crap ones.
Quit throwing parties with your hispanic music blasting all hours of the freaking night. I respect you and don't blare my country music! Keep it up and I will take the speakers outside and blast the most annoying music I can find. Yes, I have done this before and I got my point across very well.
Move the ghetto, trashy cars!!!! Especially the one on my property line. It isn't mine, therefore I don't care to see it every time I open my garage.
You own your house, we live in a nice neighborhood, show some class and clean it up! Hell, you have a couch sitting on your front porch. Can we say appalling and repulsive! I like a clean look and would appreciate if you would quit making me look so bad....

Those are just of the few things I think.....

Warning Labels

For some reason I looked at the tag attached to the cord of my hairdryer today as I was putting it in the cabinet where it belongs. This is the moment it really hit me on the stupidity people contain and how much money is wasted on warning labels. Is it really necessary to attach something stating not to use a hair dryer while you are in the shower? I mean, really? What idiot got into the shower to use it the because of their lack of better judgement sued a company because they are retarded and ended up being electrocuted. I mean where does common sense come into play? Do you realize that for every warning label their is on a product, some moron did that exact action in order to get it placed there then tried to sue the company? What has our world come to? What could possibly possess someone to act in a so many ways for warning labels to even be placed on products? So, while I was pondering over all of this, I decided to think about warning labels.... and of course I have added some on here. Feel free to add any that you may think of.... This will make you stop and realize what people have come to....

Arm & Hammer Scoopable Cat Litter 
Safe to use around pets.......    No kidding?!?! I would hope it is safe to use since it is CAT LITTER after all.

Sleeping Pills 
Warning: May cause Drowsiness..... So what idiot did it take to figure this one out? Common sense that sleeping pills may just cause drowsiness.

Bic Lighter 
Ignite lighter away from face...... Ummm duh?

On a Jar of Peanut Butter

May contain nuts..... Well where in the hell do you think peanut butter comes from? 

On A Cup of Coffee

Caution! Contents are hot! ..... Well, no kidding, I didn't ask for a frappuccino 

On a Lawn Mower

Do not place hands or feet under the mower when engine is running..... Okay, so seriously, what genius did this one? Even my kids know better than to pull an act like this!

On a Disposable Razor

Do not use this product during an earthquake..... No more really needs to be said....

On a Stroller

Remove child before folding.... Really people? I mean come on! 

Pepper Spray

Never aim spray at your own eyes..... Ok, now I am seriously wondering what woman actually did this that led to the warning label. 

Road Sign

Caution May Be Water on Road When Raining.... You don't say

Child's Superman Costume

Wearing this garment does not enable you to fly.... What parent actually allowed their child to do this? Does common sense and good parenting ever ring a bell???

I have so many more and may just come back to this post to update it with them.... I know I am not the only one that stops, shakes my head, and really wonders what in the world people are thinking to make manufactures have to actually go out of their way to add these labels! Come on people, use that thing called common sense!

Happy Saturday!

Perfectly Imperfect

As you all know I have another blog I keep up with in order to update our family and friends on our day to day life since we cannot be near them to share it all. I have been debating and toying with the idea of starting a separate blog....one that I can speak freely on and one that deals with the most random to the most meaningful things that we take on in our lives. As you can now see, it won me over. This blog will have some of the things that touch my heart, that may be heartbreaking, that put a smile on my face, that I find comforting, right down to the things that just irritate me and frustrate me. All kinds of emotions will be found on here. The title to this blog, Perfectly Imperfect Southern Girl, speaks the truth on who I am.... who a lot of us are. I will never claim to be perfect at anything, yet somewhere in the mix of it all, I love who I have become and am content with being perfectly imperfect. I have an amazing life with four people I could not live without. My husband and my kids are everything to me and love and accept me for who I am, just as I do with them. I will never allow myself to be anything except me.

I hope you all enjoy something other than the talk of my everyday life.... As much as I love it, I love to talk and express myself as well. There is no telling where this blog may lead.....