Of interest to those who have deployed spouses: I wrote an article for a National Guard magazine (Foundations) which they published last month. If you follow this link, you need to flip to page 48.

I must admit, it’s pretty nice to see your own writing in print.

If you are a National Guard family and did not receive a copy of this magazine, let me know. I have a few extra copies. It’s pretty good.

…brought to us by the New York Times.

In Army’s Trauma Care Units, Feeling Warehoused

This article is very one-sided and does not do justice to the services, programs and care being provided by Warrior Transition Units. Note that the article discusses a unit very similar to my husband’s unit. We are hoping that it brings more attention to Wounded Warriors and assists in a dialogue that will benefit them. Unfortunately, the negative tone invites defensiveness instead of positive action. Perhaps other media will follow up with a more open-minded look at these units and recognize the Herculean energy being expended in taking care of and advocating for our Warriors.

Anybody going to the Laura Berquist workshop this Friday at the CHS Catholic Homeschool Conference? I’ll be there, although I’m doubting my sanity after I saw how far away it really is. And that I’ll hit Atlanta at rush hour (and I’ll need to get to the other side). Good thing I have Jersey plates on my car (and a smashed taillight to show you shouldn’t mess with me).

Now. Serious question. Does anybody know how to prevent spiral bound books from becoming un–spired? Over time and lots of flipping, the spiral is getting unwound on my many school references and checklists. This.drives.me.nuts. Suggestions? They are mostly plastic, so I can’t kink the ends. Surely there exists somebody who had gotten more annoyed than I and had figured out a way to prevent that. I spend all day rewinding the spires (really, no hyperbole at all).

Congratulations to Amanda at Whimsically Plucky who was the only person to guess that I was an F and also happened to get the other letters correct as well. The practical example we were given for determining T or F was: “If a friend calls and says she’s having a crisis, what do you do?” T’s will ask lots of questions and decide the best course of action. F’s will rush over immediately. Last month, I was on the phone with my neighbor and friend when she dropped the phone crying out her toddler son’s name. “Help me, Michelle,” she said. I waited for a bit, uncertain what to do. “Call 911,” she finally managed. I immediately did so, and gave all the information I could. And then what? I rushed right over – on foot – even though the tenth of a mile or so would be faster traveled by car. This is an F knee-jerk reaction.

BTW, the toddler had a seizure brought on by a fever. He’s fine. You see how I have to reassure you? That’s my F-ness, too.

My complete personality type is an INFP: Idealistic, loyal to their values and to people who are important to them. Want an external life that is congruent with their values. Curious, quick to see possibilities, can be catalysts for implementing ideas. Seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless a value is threatened.

Interesting that only Amanda and Barbara got the P part right. I’m not a J, believe it or not. I was, in fact, the only P in my small group. The facilitator asked what we had done to get ready for the trip to Kansas. J’s will strive to take care of every little thing well in advance. Now, I did have to do some prep work. One cannot just up and leave 6 children at home without making plans. However, when it came to things that affected only myself – for example: packing – I was not as premeditative. One woman in my group started packing a week before. I packed an hour before we left for the airport. My husband, who is my complete opposite (an ESTJ), also packed an hour before we left, because he had not had time beforehand. The difference? This really bugged him, but I cared not one whit. Did we leave things behind? Yes, but nothing truly important.

Learning about the Meyers-Briggs personalities with moderators who understand the types is very helpful. I learned much about my personality, my husband’s personality, how we work together, and how we function under stress. Interesting to note that, when under stress, we actually tend to behave in ways characteristic of our opposite type. The thinking types will get overly emotional. Spontaneous people will cling to schedules. Based on the test taken at 10 pm the night before, I actually came up an ISTP, almost an ISTJ. My personality has not changed from my high school and college days when I was an INFP. Rather, the answers that swayed my results demonstrated the lingering effects of the deployment, our 900 mile move, and my current stresses about finishing the school year and dealing with new people, places and responsibilities.

Also, the results I got as a young adult were more valid than those I would get now anyway. Over time, we develop behaviors that are successful. We get burnt by Friend A’s constant problems and learn to step back. We know if we don’t make a list, we will over spend or not be able to have the dinner we want this week. Had I left my mother with 6 children and an empty fridge, I doubt she would be happy to ever help me out again.

So, Amanda, congratulations again on a good guess or an astute awareness. Email me your address so I can get some yummy chocolate out to you. Let me know if you have a preference for milk or dark.

And I’d love to hear everybody else’s personality types.

Regarding my “hysteria” yesterday that caused me to run over a mailbox and “destroy” a car (replacement part purchased on eBay for less than $35 including S&H), Bill called my “driving under the influence of emotions” or DUIE as I like to call it, a…

…sub neurological disorder related to the uterus…

…and now he’s quoting me Greek derivatives for hysterical – of or relating to the womb…

…and now I am going to my bed…

…and he is not.

Today is our last full day here. It has been very busy, and not very restful, but that’s OK.

I DO miss the kids. But not terribly. They sound so cute and sweet on the phone, and I can’t wait to see them again. But I’m not dying without them. This is a good sign for my marriage. If Bill weren’t here, I am certain I would not be so content.

I have enjoyed sitting next to my husband in some of the classes. I have really enjoyed passing notes to him during the talks. During one talk on Trauma (death, loss, illness and other cheerful topics), I was sniffling. He wrote, “You’re too empathetic.” I responded, “You are invalidating my emotions.” If you’ve ever done a marriage retreat or read marriage help books, you might understand why we both thought that was very funny.

I have enjoyed going for a run/walk with my husband most mornings. Eastern Kansas is very hilly, but where I currently live is very flat. My shins do not enjoy the terrain, nor do they think wearing heels and briskly walking to and from class (about a half mile) is a good idea. But it’s nice being with Bill.

I have enjoyed being at Leavenworth, especially in the spring. This is a beautiful campus, and we have many happy memories here. We have talked about returning here, maybe in a few years, maybe doing the “twilight tour” as they call that last job you have before you retire. We shall see.

I have enjoyed eating meals with my husband. Without interruption. Without having to hurry up before there is a meltdown in a restaurant. Without having to gear some or all of our conversation around or away from topics that the children may or may not hear.

It has been a good week. I hope it is not another decade before we do this again.

The first thing Bill and I did when we got on post Sunday night was to drive past our old house to see if the tulips were still there. They were, to my joy.

After class today, I suggested we walk down the street to see an old neighbor. I might stop by our old house to see if the residents are enjoying their blooms.

This school is keeping us busy, but the information is great. I’m glad I have come. But, of all the best laid plans, the girl I lined up to watch my younger children while my mom took the boys to baseball blew me off. I’m trying not to be really angry.

I owe my mom big time, too. I’ll have to send her for a facial or a pedicure or something. She’ll probably be happy just to go home.

Somewhat guiltily I confessed to my husband that I don’t miss the kids. Not yet. Maybe it’s because I’m so busy. If I were sitting on a beach with nothing to do, I might pine for them. But for now, I’m just enjoying going for a run (walk) with my husband and having periods of quiet. No interruptions. No crying. No bottoms that need to be wiped.

Today we’re doing Myers-Briggs personality tests. Guess my type and the person who gets closest will win some Godiva chocolate. Since I’m not home, I’ll keep this offer open until Sunday the 18th. If there are multiple people who get it right, I’ll do a drawing.

I am at an airport – alone. (Excepting, of course, thousands of strangers).

I have just kissed my husband goodbye at the gate for yet another week away from home courtesy of the US Army.

I am now sitting at another gate waiting for my flight to the same place. I get to go to school too. We just couldn’t get on the same flight there, but we’ll arrive at the same time.

One week without my children. The longest I have ever been without one or more of my children is 24 hours, and that was over 10 years ago and Bill wasn’t with me.

I’m sure I’ll be fine.

Pray for my mother!

Pray for my children. I told them to pretend it was summer camp: Mrs. Moore’s Boarding Camp for Prim and Proper Young Ladies and Gentlemen. When I was in kindergarten, my new classmates were discussing where they had attended preschool. I had no idea what they were talking about, because I was “homeschooled” for preschool. I asked my mom where I had gone to preschool and she told me Mrs. Moore’s Boarding School. I was quite old before I got her joke.

I am certain my older 4 will have a great time. I just hope the younger two don’t exhaust my mom.

Oh, and where is the Army sending us? My fabulous week long getaway will be to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Hooah. But as my sister pointed out, I already live in a resort-like place, so I shouldn’t complain about spending a week near the Federal Penitentiary. And as one of my husband’s coworkers mentioned, if it’s a week without children, it could be spent in the garage and still be great.

Tonight’s dinner was Monte Cristo sandwiches which are as regionally unique as potato salad. I made mine open-faced with french toast (yes, that bread), ham and cheddar cheese, broiled and served with maple syrup. I’ve never made them before, and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten them before.

The recipe is a winner.

Any other suggestions for leftover ham?

The following is my favorite Easter bread recipe. I make it every Holy Saturday to eat on Easter Sunday. It takes about 6 hours from start to finish, but it’s worth the waiting. Recipe is from Lent and Easter in the Christian Kitchen which cites A Continual Feast.

Lambropsomo: The Bread of Easter Brightness