So, I've been thinking about what a certain woman said to me yesterday. No one knows her, I dont even know her name. But the things she said to me were rude, and uncalled for. So. I've been thinking last night and today. Do people honestly think about how their words will affect someone else before they say them? I mean seriously? What kind of a person in a hospital would ask a woman if she had just given birth or tell her that her clothing (uniform) is inappropriately tight. You don't say things like that to women. Especially when that woman is hurt, overweight, and is very aware that she is overweight. But the Army won't let her do anything about it right now. Then there's a good friend of mine today that told me, he missed the old Emily, the happy one. That he was going to pray that I get my orders to go home sooner so I would be happy once again. I hate it when people say that stuff to me. Of course I know I'm unhappy. I'm very aware that I am miserable. Do people honestly think that I'm not aware that my uniform is tight, that I'm not happy? Really?? Or do they just not think before they speak?
My challenge to you this week, is to think before you speak, think about how your words will affect the one receiving them.
HAPPY TUESDAY!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Taking the time to brag!
I'm so proud, and I'm beaming right now as I type this. My Chaplain took another group of Wounded Warriors on a this last Thursday and Friday...and this time the media was all over it!!! Here's a link to just one of the MANY stories that made it out to CNN, Yahoo, Fox, etc. I'm so proud! If you watch the video, you'll even see my Chaplain speaking to the group before the dive.
I got to participate in a dive like this in December at the Epcot aquarium in Disney World. It was a life-changing experience for me. I know just about all of the Soldiers that went on this trip personally, from other trips and hospital visits. They are amazing Warriors, and I am honored to these Heroes!
http://www.wsav.com/midatlantic/sav/news.apx.-content-articles-SAV-2008-05-02-0009.html
follow the above link, then don't read the story, instead, choose the video option!! You'll get to actually see the Warriors and my Chaplain!!! I'm so proud of my team! It took a lot of work to get them there and it was WELL worth it!
Here are some photos I was able to dig up as well!
CW3 Jeff Snover, seated in wheelchair at left, and Spcl. Scott Winkler, right, wave to fellow service members as they were scuba diving, after the two went on a guided swim in the tank at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
A whale shark swims past service members and veterans as they are guided on a swim in the tank of the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
A whale shark swims beneath service members and veterans as they are guided on a swim in the tank of the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
I got to participate in a dive like this in December at the Epcot aquarium in Disney World. It was a life-changing experience for me. I know just about all of the Soldiers that went on this trip personally, from other trips and hospital visits. They are amazing Warriors, and I am honored to these Heroes!
http://www.wsav.com/midatlantic/sav/news.apx.-content-articles-SAV-2008-05-02-0009.html
follow the above link, then don't read the story, instead, choose the video option!! You'll get to actually see the Warriors and my Chaplain!!! I'm so proud of my team! It took a lot of work to get them there and it was WELL worth it!
Here are some photos I was able to dig up as well!
CW3 Jeff Snover, seated in wheelchair at left, and Spcl. Scott Winkler, right, wave to fellow service members as they were scuba diving, after the two went on a guided swim in the tank at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
A whale shark swims past service members and veterans as they are guided on a swim in the tank of the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
A whale shark swims beneath service members and veterans as they are guided on a swim in the tank of the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Atlanta. Ten injured U.S. military service members and two chaplains from Eisenhower Army Medical Center were invited to participate in the swim by the aquarium and a group called Champions Made from Adversity which seeks to advance the lives of the physically disabled through sport an leisure activities. The aquarium used the event as a practice session to prepare for the upcoming June launch of a program called 'Swim with Gentle Giants' in which guests will be allowed to swim with the whale sharks and tens of thousands of fish in the eight-million-gallon exhibit.
(AP Photo/John Amis)
Friday, May 2, 2008
This is not the week either...
It's crazy, my gut said Monday morning this was going to be the week my orders would come. My head laughed, my heart laughed. And yet I still clung to the hope. I just got off the phone with Mr. Lewis, again, I check in with him almost weekly to see if my name has appeared on his screen. The poor man is so kind and patient with me, bless his heart I'm sure I'm driving the man crazy. Again, its not my turn. Maybe next week it will be my turn to do my paper work and finally get in my car to go home.
This weekend should be a good time and will keep my mind off of it all. Tonight I'm going over to the Steeb's house. Its my favorite place to escape it all. They have become a part of my family. Except SGT Steeb's right behind me...be back soon.
I'm back. We're all bullshitting today. Nothing to do, and well we're bored. Anywho I love to play with Crimson (2) and Eli (7 months) and it keeps me distracted from thinking when I'll get to go home. So tomorrow is Crimson's b-day party (2nd b-day) and then Sunday is Shirley's daughter's baptism and then we're all going to the lake!! Fun!! I'm going to pick up Zeke and take him with me. I miss my lil boy.
Anyway, nothing else to report. I still have no clue when I'm coming home, so please don't ask...lol!
This weekend should be a good time and will keep my mind off of it all. Tonight I'm going over to the Steeb's house. Its my favorite place to escape it all. They have become a part of my family. Except SGT Steeb's right behind me...be back soon.
I'm back. We're all bullshitting today. Nothing to do, and well we're bored. Anywho I love to play with Crimson (2) and Eli (7 months) and it keeps me distracted from thinking when I'll get to go home. So tomorrow is Crimson's b-day party (2nd b-day) and then Sunday is Shirley's daughter's baptism and then we're all going to the lake!! Fun!! I'm going to pick up Zeke and take him with me. I miss my lil boy.
Anyway, nothing else to report. I still have no clue when I'm coming home, so please don't ask...lol!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'm having fun
I started planning my good friend Amy's baby shower today. Oh man I forgot how much fun it is to plan a party!! Its lots of fun too that she's having a girl!! She's doing the decor' in lavender butterflies, which will also be the theme of my baby shower for her. If any one has any great ideas or website, please feel free to share. I've found some really cool ideas already all involving butterflies. It's going to be really great!!!
You know what I don't understand, is how it can be so hot/humid down here, and just the other day it was snowing back home. Now thats crazy. My roomie and I were joking last night that I'm going to go from frying eggs on the sidewalk to snowboarding...lol. What a busy end of the week I've got, which is WONDERFUL! It's def. going to make the days go faster!! Tonight I'm going birthday/baby shower/baptism shopping. Tomorrow a good size group of us will be attending the Latino Fest Carnival here at Fort Gordon after work. Friday evening, I'm going to be helping the Steeb's set up for Crimson's 2nd Birthday party, Saturday is Crimson's birthday party and then possibly going to the carnival again with the Steeb's after the party. Sunday is Mischa's baptism here at the chapel, and then a bbq out at the lake (I get to go get Zeke from CH Munson's and bring him too!! YAY!!!) Wow...what an exciting weekend I've got coming up!!!
What do you have planned this weekend?
You know what I don't understand, is how it can be so hot/humid down here, and just the other day it was snowing back home. Now thats crazy. My roomie and I were joking last night that I'm going to go from frying eggs on the sidewalk to snowboarding...lol. What a busy end of the week I've got, which is WONDERFUL! It's def. going to make the days go faster!! Tonight I'm going birthday/baby shower/baptism shopping. Tomorrow a good size group of us will be attending the Latino Fest Carnival here at Fort Gordon after work. Friday evening, I'm going to be helping the Steeb's set up for Crimson's 2nd Birthday party, Saturday is Crimson's birthday party and then possibly going to the carnival again with the Steeb's after the party. Sunday is Mischa's baptism here at the chapel, and then a bbq out at the lake (I get to go get Zeke from CH Munson's and bring him too!! YAY!!!) Wow...what an exciting weekend I've got coming up!!!
What do you have planned this weekend?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
It's Another Roller Coaster Day today...
My anxiety levels are high again today. Jackson's 1st Birthday, Russell's Homecoming, Kati's Graduation are all creeping up on me. It makes my stomach churn to not know if I will be home for these events or not. So, after talking it over with my Chaplain, I'm going to give myself a security blanket and buy the plane tickets home for that weekend. That way, if Uncle Sam hasn't yet released me, then I can fly home. If he has then I'll make it to where I can use the tickets for a different destination later on this year. I wish this all would end. And end soon.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Oh What A Concert!
Let me just start off by saying HOLY WOW!!! Saturday night I went up to Columbia, South Carolina with my good friend Shirley, and her husband Brice. We saw Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates Tour. It was really awesome!
First up we saw Luke Bryan, Gary Allen, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, and then Kenny Chesney.
My highlight of the night was during the Brooks & Dunn show. They were singing "Only In America" what a beautiful song! Towards the climax of the song the video panels showed 4 Servicemembers marching in a line. Next thing I know, I see them walking onto the stage. Shirley and I both jumped to our feet (tears are filling my eyes now remembering the scene!) anyway, we were soo busy screaming and cheering that it took me awhile to notice we weren't the only ones. All 44,430 plus people were on their feet screaming, clapping and cheering. The entire evening, no set of applause was as defening as when those servicemembers simply marched onto stage, saluted the audience, dropped their salute, turned and marched back off stage. Nothing was said to them, no one asked everyone to stand or even asked them to send their respect. They just did it. At the end of the song it hit me.
AMERICA STILL LOVES US
Us as the Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force, Marines, Veterans.
They LOVE, RESPECT, CARE for us.
America is so wrapped up in disliking the war, that they forget about the individuals who strap on their uniforms day in and day out, regardless of how we feel about the war. We put on our uniforms and we do what we have to to ensure our missions are complete. I am so proud of my brothers and sisters. Overseas, At the War, At Home, In Recovery. I love them more than I could ever put to words. I always have loved them, but joining the ranks and earning the title of Soldier made me love them even more.
Next time you see a service member, Retired, Injured, Part Time, Full Time, Active, Reserve, Guard, Veteran. Remind them that you still love them. Don't mention the war, just say thanks. I've yet to meet a brother or sister that when I've said thank-you, they didn't smile. Isn't that what life is about? Being happy? Loving it while we have it? Make someone's day.
I challenge you today. Make 1 person smile. That's all!
SPC Woodard
First up we saw Luke Bryan, Gary Allen, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, and then Kenny Chesney.
My highlight of the night was during the Brooks & Dunn show. They were singing "Only In America" what a beautiful song! Towards the climax of the song the video panels showed 4 Servicemembers marching in a line. Next thing I know, I see them walking onto the stage. Shirley and I both jumped to our feet (tears are filling my eyes now remembering the scene!) anyway, we were soo busy screaming and cheering that it took me awhile to notice we weren't the only ones. All 44,430 plus people were on their feet screaming, clapping and cheering. The entire evening, no set of applause was as defening as when those servicemembers simply marched onto stage, saluted the audience, dropped their salute, turned and marched back off stage. Nothing was said to them, no one asked everyone to stand or even asked them to send their respect. They just did it. At the end of the song it hit me.
AMERICA STILL LOVES US
Us as the Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force, Marines, Veterans.
They LOVE, RESPECT, CARE for us.
America is so wrapped up in disliking the war, that they forget about the individuals who strap on their uniforms day in and day out, regardless of how we feel about the war. We put on our uniforms and we do what we have to to ensure our missions are complete. I am so proud of my brothers and sisters. Overseas, At the War, At Home, In Recovery. I love them more than I could ever put to words. I always have loved them, but joining the ranks and earning the title of Soldier made me love them even more.
Next time you see a service member, Retired, Injured, Part Time, Full Time, Active, Reserve, Guard, Veteran. Remind them that you still love them. Don't mention the war, just say thanks. I've yet to meet a brother or sister that when I've said thank-you, they didn't smile. Isn't that what life is about? Being happy? Loving it while we have it? Make someone's day.
I challenge you today. Make 1 person smile. That's all!
SPC Woodard
Thursday, April 24, 2008
I'm bored...so...here's my 'Bucket List'
Emily's Bucket List
(my list of things I want to do before I kick the bucket)
I'd really really like to attend a Wrestlemania!!!
I would like to meet both John Cena and Hulk Hogan but even one would be awesome enough!!
Get a tattoo on my ankle in memory of my Grandmother and my service with the Army
Get Married!
Have a baby!
Take a Disney Cruise!
Visit the Statue of Liberty
Spend a St. Patty's Day in Chicago
Visit NYC at Christmas-time
Return for a camping trip at Alder Dunes!! I loved that place when I was little
Return to Estes Park, Colorado and hike up to Emerald Lake and take another freezing swim!
Visit Moorea and stay in a grass hut over the ocean!
Visit all 50 states at least once...(at least 32 down, 18 to go)
I'm sure there will be more to come, but for now this is all I can think of!! Stay tuned!
(my list of things I want to do before I kick the bucket)
I'd really really like to attend a Wrestlemania!!!
I would like to meet both John Cena and Hulk Hogan but even one would be awesome enough!!
Get a tattoo on my ankle in memory of my Grandmother and my service with the Army
Get Married!
Have a baby!
Take a Disney Cruise!
Visit the Statue of Liberty
Spend a St. Patty's Day in Chicago
Visit NYC at Christmas-time
Return for a camping trip at Alder Dunes!! I loved that place when I was little
Return to Estes Park, Colorado and hike up to Emerald Lake and take another freezing swim!
Visit Moorea and stay in a grass hut over the ocean!
Visit all 50 states at least once...(at least 32 down, 18 to go)
I'm sure there will be more to come, but for now this is all I can think of!! Stay tuned!
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