A couple of posts ago, I wrote about my exhaustion. My life has been so busy lately in good and bad ways. Today, I went to church and then I LOUNGED - napping on and off and watching reruns of America's Next Top Model. It has been delicious! Wow, I needed to recoup and am glad I took advantage of this afternoon.
So why did I need to recoup? Well, I've been away from home for the last few weekends with WWII re-enactments and visiting friends and loved ones. It's been a blast, but sometimes a person just needs to veg out. But I'm so thankful for the things I've been able to do recently.
On a different note, I wanted to mention that I've been single for a couple of months now and have entered the scary world of dating. So I've been asking advice from lots of different people in different areas of my life. I think it's crazy that men joke about never figuring women out when I think men are much more complicated to decipher. I need a translator sometimes. And yet, I persist. But the one thing I have decided upon re-entering the dating scene is that no one really knows anything about it. You really can't base any judgement on pop culture or media because it's not real. But each person's experience is so unique and different that advice doesn't seem to help anyone else. How many dates makes a relationship? When should you consider being exclusive? Why hasn't this person asked me out? Should I ask them? Should I call, text, or email? Is it too early to give a gift? What is over the top? Am I being too clingy? Am I being too distant? There are a gazillion articles about dating on the internet addressing these issues. And everyone has an opinion, so I'm stating mine. There is not a right answer. What one person might find clingy, another might find romantic. Maybe one person is sick of getting texts, but another person really likes them. Maybe that person is waiting for an invite instead of inviting the other person. It's so complicated. I think the best thing to do is act the way that feels natural to you and hope you meet someone who appreciates you for you. Trying to fit a mold is a mistake. If I do what is natural to me and someone doesn't dig it, then it's time to move on anyway. Trying to be something I'm not is just not going to work. And it's really exhausting. I find it tiring enough just to deal with being me. I don't have time to be something or someone else. And I like feeling like what you see is what you get. I love to play games, but not in relationships - romantic or otherwise. Who has time for it? If you have time for it, you have too much free time and need a hobby.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sons of Valor IV - Dalzell, SC March 2009
My Facebook status says I am bruised like a banana, and I truly am. But the event was great! Sons of Valor is a concept event WWII tactical closed to the public. Reenactors come from all over to participate in a simulated battle that uses scoring to determine a winner. I refer to these tactical events as "boys with toys" and paintball in WWII. There were some technical difficulties and some delays, but overall, the event was fantastic. I arrived on Thursday night bearing food for the guys already there. I brought my tent and sleeping bags to start setting up my camp. The guys helped me set up the tent. Our company CO then convinced me to stay overnight and hang out. We had a lot of fun around a campfire relaying stories of past events. Many of the guys involved in WWII re-enacting also participate in Civil War reenacting so there were lots of fun stories about other people's antics as well as our own. For the first time in a long time, I have to admit, I felt included and accepted. It's a difficult hobby for a woman to link up with a group that is mainly guys, but my group has been incredible for keeping me involved and included. But this was the first time I have felt really included by participants outside of our unit. And it was rewarding. But I digress...
Friday morning, I got up early and drove home, showered, had blood work done (routine, nothing is wrong), helped my roommate get her cats in their carriers for a vet visit, and then headed to work. After a couple of hours of very distracting working, I headed home. I made enough spaghetti for 30 people, packed, and got into my uniform. Then I drove out to my cousin's house and picked her up. We loaded her stuff and headed out. As soon as we rolled in, we were rushed to our campsite to get food to our guys. The tactical maneuvers were starting early. We rushed down and unloaded the food and the rest of our gear. Then my cousin and I hit the vendors. We were beckoned to take over the registration tent which we manned from 6pm to 11pm. It was slow at times, cold and dark too, but it really gave us a chance to meet a lot of people as we checked them in. Two German reenactors really spent time hanging out with us, and my cousin and I were very grateful as it made the time go MUCH faster. One of the Germans that visited offered to give us a tour of his camp so after 11pm, we strolled down and met some of the German reenactors which was a treat. I rarely get to spend much time meeting Germans just because of the way most of the events are set up. This reenactor also promised to let us ride in the halftrack after the battle. What a nice fella!
After a somewhat cold and restless night, my cousin and I stumbled out of our sleeping bags at 5:45 am. We dressed and filled the canteen. From that point, we did some hurry up and wait time. Evidently, there was a lot of trouble with several vehicles so transportation to the engagement area became a problem. As non-combatants, T (my cousin) and I were almost the very last to be taken over. Most of the morning was spent waiting for soldiers to come back and need aid from us (we were sporting nurse impressions). The person we had thought was bringing bandages was unable to make the event, and we were not aware until we were in the field. So T, being a good sport, took off the white t-shirt I had loaned her to wear under her jumpsuit, and we used a pocket knife to cut it up and make bandages. We felt quite rough and tumble. One of the HQ guys came back to the "aid station" and advised us the battle might be moving so we should hop in the jeep and go with him. We did. As we crossed a creek that the engineers had built a bridge for, the bridge gave way, and the jeep got stuck in the mud. The three of us got our and tried to help push as the driver tried to move the jeep. I was still behind the jeep when he decided to try to back up. T and the HQ fella about had a heart attack watching as the jeep driver nearly mowed me down, but I had a strong sense of self preservation and jumped basically into the thickest mud puddle to escape. So I was wet and muddy, but unharmed. It was pretty funny, actually, and the jeep came out of the mud.
After some indecision, we ended up back at the end of the road, pulling the water buffalo closer to the battle, and helping guys refill their canteens. The morning got warm fast, and the guys were all exhausted. My group had been out in the field all night and was still fighting in the day. Now, I'm not knocking any other groups, but my guys always impress me with their tenacity. They really take their roles as 82nd Airborne reenactors seriously. They're usually first in and up front. And they hang in there. After an unofficial lunch break, T and I caught up to them, and they looked tired. But when it was time to go, they got up and went without complaint. I'm always very proud of them.
T and I were also actually allowed to follow along behind the fighting force after lunch. Our CO reminded me to stay 30-40 yards behind the fighting, to stop when they stopped, and move back when they moved back. My need to not anger our CO made me overly cautious, and we stayed so far back that we actually lost sight of the fighting force and got left behind. Why I felt the need to not anger the CO, I don't really know. He's never been mean or anything, but I just don't want to see that. So T and I stood in the middle of the woods looking at each other with the "what do we do?" expressions. Finally, we heard gunfire. I said, "Well, I guess we should go that way." We cautiously made our way in the direction of the fire fight and took cover whenever we spotted anyone until we were sure who it was. We spotted Germans three times, but managed to remain unseen (even when one of them pee'ed in the woods in our direction). After what seemed like an eternity of walking, crouching, and low-crawling through bushes, we finally happened upon some Allies. Who should be with them? The CO who gave us the "where have you been?" look. Lots of looks during reenactments. Anyway, he walked over and asked. We told him, and he just kind of laughed at us. He then gave us an example of what 30-40 yards looks like. I'll admit - my bad. One of the event coordinators happened to be with this unit. He came over and told us to stay with him as most of the fighting was over, this group was being split up for one last heavy push, and we wouldn't be able to help much. So we stuck with him and had a good laugh about getting lost. The halftrack approached, and we took off our helmets to indicate we were out of the game. The vehicle stopped, and our German friend offered us all our promised ride. We greedily accepted and climbed up and in. As we rode back into camp, Allies gave us more looks. But it was all in good fun. We had our barbecue dinner, did some more bull-shooting, then packed up and headed home.
I was in bed by 9:30pm and slept until 11:00 am. I hate that I missed church again, but my body just would not cooperate. Wow, was I beat! Plus, I am embarrassed to admit I allowed myself to get really off track with my vitamins and protein over the weekend so by Sunday night, I was pretty sick feeling. But this morning, I feel much better (after two protein drinks, more sleep, and some vitamins). I worked out this morning and was not as sore as I expected. By this afternoon, I may be singing a different tune! Enjoy the pics.
Friday morning, I got up early and drove home, showered, had blood work done (routine, nothing is wrong), helped my roommate get her cats in their carriers for a vet visit, and then headed to work. After a couple of hours of very distracting working, I headed home. I made enough spaghetti for 30 people, packed, and got into my uniform. Then I drove out to my cousin's house and picked her up. We loaded her stuff and headed out. As soon as we rolled in, we were rushed to our campsite to get food to our guys. The tactical maneuvers were starting early. We rushed down and unloaded the food and the rest of our gear. Then my cousin and I hit the vendors. We were beckoned to take over the registration tent which we manned from 6pm to 11pm. It was slow at times, cold and dark too, but it really gave us a chance to meet a lot of people as we checked them in. Two German reenactors really spent time hanging out with us, and my cousin and I were very grateful as it made the time go MUCH faster. One of the Germans that visited offered to give us a tour of his camp so after 11pm, we strolled down and met some of the German reenactors which was a treat. I rarely get to spend much time meeting Germans just because of the way most of the events are set up. This reenactor also promised to let us ride in the halftrack after the battle. What a nice fella!
After a somewhat cold and restless night, my cousin and I stumbled out of our sleeping bags at 5:45 am. We dressed and filled the canteen. From that point, we did some hurry up and wait time. Evidently, there was a lot of trouble with several vehicles so transportation to the engagement area became a problem. As non-combatants, T (my cousin) and I were almost the very last to be taken over. Most of the morning was spent waiting for soldiers to come back and need aid from us (we were sporting nurse impressions). The person we had thought was bringing bandages was unable to make the event, and we were not aware until we were in the field. So T, being a good sport, took off the white t-shirt I had loaned her to wear under her jumpsuit, and we used a pocket knife to cut it up and make bandages. We felt quite rough and tumble. One of the HQ guys came back to the "aid station" and advised us the battle might be moving so we should hop in the jeep and go with him. We did. As we crossed a creek that the engineers had built a bridge for, the bridge gave way, and the jeep got stuck in the mud. The three of us got our and tried to help push as the driver tried to move the jeep. I was still behind the jeep when he decided to try to back up. T and the HQ fella about had a heart attack watching as the jeep driver nearly mowed me down, but I had a strong sense of self preservation and jumped basically into the thickest mud puddle to escape. So I was wet and muddy, but unharmed. It was pretty funny, actually, and the jeep came out of the mud.
After some indecision, we ended up back at the end of the road, pulling the water buffalo closer to the battle, and helping guys refill their canteens. The morning got warm fast, and the guys were all exhausted. My group had been out in the field all night and was still fighting in the day. Now, I'm not knocking any other groups, but my guys always impress me with their tenacity. They really take their roles as 82nd Airborne reenactors seriously. They're usually first in and up front. And they hang in there. After an unofficial lunch break, T and I caught up to them, and they looked tired. But when it was time to go, they got up and went without complaint. I'm always very proud of them.
T and I were also actually allowed to follow along behind the fighting force after lunch. Our CO reminded me to stay 30-40 yards behind the fighting, to stop when they stopped, and move back when they moved back. My need to not anger our CO made me overly cautious, and we stayed so far back that we actually lost sight of the fighting force and got left behind. Why I felt the need to not anger the CO, I don't really know. He's never been mean or anything, but I just don't want to see that. So T and I stood in the middle of the woods looking at each other with the "what do we do?" expressions. Finally, we heard gunfire. I said, "Well, I guess we should go that way." We cautiously made our way in the direction of the fire fight and took cover whenever we spotted anyone until we were sure who it was. We spotted Germans three times, but managed to remain unseen (even when one of them pee'ed in the woods in our direction). After what seemed like an eternity of walking, crouching, and low-crawling through bushes, we finally happened upon some Allies. Who should be with them? The CO who gave us the "where have you been?" look. Lots of looks during reenactments. Anyway, he walked over and asked. We told him, and he just kind of laughed at us. He then gave us an example of what 30-40 yards looks like. I'll admit - my bad. One of the event coordinators happened to be with this unit. He came over and told us to stay with him as most of the fighting was over, this group was being split up for one last heavy push, and we wouldn't be able to help much. So we stuck with him and had a good laugh about getting lost. The halftrack approached, and we took off our helmets to indicate we were out of the game. The vehicle stopped, and our German friend offered us all our promised ride. We greedily accepted and climbed up and in. As we rode back into camp, Allies gave us more looks. But it was all in good fun. We had our barbecue dinner, did some more bull-shooting, then packed up and headed home.
I was in bed by 9:30pm and slept until 11:00 am. I hate that I missed church again, but my body just would not cooperate. Wow, was I beat! Plus, I am embarrassed to admit I allowed myself to get really off track with my vitamins and protein over the weekend so by Sunday night, I was pretty sick feeling. But this morning, I feel much better (after two protein drinks, more sleep, and some vitamins). I worked out this morning and was not as sore as I expected. By this afternoon, I may be singing a different tune! Enjoy the pics.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Exhaustion
It's written on my face in big, bold letters today. But it's all right. It's the exhaustion of having good things going on in your life that are keeping you busy. Next weekend is my big WWII re-enactment weekend in Camden, SC. Woohoo! I'm overly excited and hyper. I need to work on packing and repacking my gear, but I pretty much have something planned every evening this week too. But it will all work out just fine because Sons of Valor IV is going to be a great time!
I apologize my last couple of posts have been so brief, but I really am lacking in time. It should slow down some next week.
Catch me if you can!
I apologize my last couple of posts have been so brief, but I really am lacking in time. It should slow down some next week.
Catch me if you can!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
