Planning Ahead: Memorial Day

What will you be doing this Memorial Day weekend?

The people who market in our country don't understand the gravity of this "holiday" as they sell us beach towels, bathing suits, or chilled beer.

Let us remember what Memorial Day means.

It is a day that should help us to reflect on the service members who have perished in the name of this free nation. 

I'm writing this now so that it may help us to think about what we can do to help live the true meaning of the day.

I don't intend to be Debbie Downer as I think "Happy Memorial Day" is crass. I think it makes light of heavy-hearted words like "honor," "courage," "sacrifice."  

I don't discourage you from going to the beach, or living and enjoying life.  It is really my hope that we can each take at least a moment of this long weekend to think about the true meaning of "Memorial Day."

I appreciate the fact that our neighborhood pool opens this weekend.  I can start working on my tan.

 

 

 

 

On Memorial Day, though, I am working with IAVA and visiting Arlington Cemetery. I'll also be visiting the wall for the Ceremony in the afternoon.

Summer Nail Fun!

Hi! Have you been enjoying the warm weather that seems to be gracing our lovely cities?  I've been loving the weather and doing color on my nails every other day... I've been inspired by the Daily Varnish! Have you seen her website? It's so pretty, I LOVES it!

Visit the Daily Varnish for lots of fun nail color ideas!

Awe-sooome!

Wait, how'd she do that!!??

I want this!!! :)

Daily Grommet

I love cool little gadgets and so when I found the Rad Dog Release and Run Collar for doggies! I also discovered Daily Grommet which reviews and sells really neat trinkets.  I love that they have little videos of the product review! Take a look for yourself! Happy Tuesday!

Reflecting on a sad day...

Bloggysphere has been buzzing today about Jessica's tragic suicide blog. According to one source, she is alive and in treatment. 

Like many of you, I was shocked to see it. How candid and open her account of her story. How unimaginable that it had progressed so far.  But I went through my blogroll today to find that TONS of my MilGirls had written her a blog post in response to hers.  This is what I LOVE about blogging in this community. The fact that it is a community. The fact that we are affected and are touched so deeply that it starts to change our personal lives, separate from the one we live in the bloggysphere...

So, please know, that I love you all. Thank you for being a part of my community and my every day life.

On a different note, I would like to take some time in my blog to talk about mental health issues. This might seem boring for some people but it's a passion of mine to talk about mental health. How can we help those around us and how can we be more aware?  You'll see more of the Social Worky side of me come out more...

Love you lots,
Reina

Thankful Thursday

My real-life friend Shan is going through a really tough time and has experienced some devastating hurdles in the past year.  Through it all, she has grit her teeth and is marching head on into her pain.  She had the courage to post the things that she is thankful for, despite her hurt.  I commend her for that.  It made me reflect to find what I am thankful for... forget for a minute about all the things we complain about every day.  Write a list (even if it's just in your head) of what you're thankful for.

Here's mine:

• My life is on track. Even when I feel my life spinning out of control, I know I'm going to be okay and that I'm working toward my goals.
• I'm blessed to have Dave in my life. He really keeps me centered and challenged. It's been a growing experience for me to be a good partner to such a wonderful man.
• My planner. I am a crazy busy person and I can't do life without my planner.
• Lexi. I love her. She makes me smile on a daily basis. She makes me want to come home.
• My family. I am so happy they are safe. 
• I am thankful for Google Voice on my iPhone. Thank goodness for technology that I can talk to my family for 2 cents a minute.
• My social work program. It challenges me, it makes me think, it frustrates me and I know I'm being molded into a better social worker than I think I can be.
• Jobs: I work at the Limited, I babysit, I own my own lia sophia business. It provides me with sanity and insanity, all at the same time. It is awesome entertainment. It helps me not take myself so seriously.
• Getting married. I am so indulgent with planning and I am rolling in the joy of being able to say our vows out loud.
• I'm thankful that I feel a bit more financially sound than I felt in 2009. I have come a long way.
• BLOGGY FRIENDS. Is there any more to say?
• Social networking. It keeps my busy world spinning. I get to keep up with people's busy lives!
• Gummy snacks. 
• Hand written notes/letters.
• Books that teach me things that I didn't know I needed to learn about.
• Obv. our dedicated military.
• Amazing Family Readiness Officers (HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATY!)
• Spring flowers. Daffodils make me giddy!