Interrupted
My Life Thus Far
Naval Law, Custom and Tradition...
Today was a proud day, even for me (and I lean towards
hating the Navy at all costs). Snookums' re-enlistment
ceremony was today! Snookie called me at 8am this morning
and asked me if I could have myself and the girls' ready
to come aboard the ship at 10am (of course I could). When
I got there, Snookums met me on Delta pier (the pier where
the Stennis is docked) and escorted us on. After climbing
6 ladder wells and getting to the point of near collapse
from exhaustion, we arrived on the bridge level of the
ship (the highest point of that big mast-looking thing on
the flight deck, where they steer the ship). I turned the
corner and entered the bridge and there was all of his
division, lined up at attention. It was quite the sight of
pomp and circumstance. I wanted to turn heel and high tail
it out of there, but I didn't. I was there for Snookums.
After offering Snookie the opportunity to discharge from
the Navy and reciding the Oath of Enlistment with him, the
Commander presented him with all his certificates. A
certificate of Honorable Discarge (he had to be
symbolically discharged before he could re-enlist), A
certificate of Re-enlistment and A certificate of Re-
enlistment Incentive (the bonus and 96 hours of liberty {3
days off}). I also got a certificate. I got a letter of
appreciation from the department of the Navy, but I'm
guessing that's standard for all wives when their husband
signs another chunk of their life away. Snookie also got a
really big plague with a letter of commendation from the
Commanding Officer of the Stennis and it was signed by his
entire division with words of congratulations. It was all
really quite touching. I'm glad I was able to be there. It
actually restored a teeny-tiny bit of my patriotism and
pride in what my husband does. It beats other jobs, I
guess.
To make my feelings about the Navy even more lovely, when
we went to the ATM today (to get money for gas) there was
a lovely little gift of $7,000 in our checking account.
The rest of the $13,000 will be given in installments, but
$7,000 isn't shabby! I'm going to be a very good girl and
I'm NOT going to shop it away. Maybe a little shopping
will be done, but nothing major.
Annie had a great dentist's appointment. She didn't have
the least bit of a hard time, she had no cavities and
she's in perfect health. I'm doing a good job teaching her
to brush and floss. How bad would it be for the daughter
of a dental assitant to have bad teeth? It can't be a good
thing, that's for sure.
I took my wedding ring back in to get sized down to 4 1/2.
I couldn't stand it twirling around my finger like that,
so we braved the holiday traffic and I got it done while I
waited. Now it fits snug (not too snug), just perfect.
Since our day was going so fabulously, we decided to
celebrate Snookie's happy occasion as a family. We went to
Bremerton Lanes and bowled 3 games (something we haven't
done in ages), then we went to Tony's pizzeria for dinner.
I gave myself total license to gorge on a Hawaiian pizza,
but even though I tried, the best I could manage was 2
pieces. I still came in at 1,080 calories for the day. It
seems like, no matter how much I may want to over eat now,
I just don't have the physical ability to do it. I feel
very ill after attempting it, so it isn't worth trying.
Maybe this new lifestyle is finally sticking, after all!
I'm going to go now, I'm starting to feel sleepy. I didn't
sleep well last night (why, I don't know). I woke up at
4am and never went back to sleep and we've been running
all day. Gen is coming over soon to bring Christmas
presents, so I can't go to bed yet. I'll just go repose
myself on the couch. Ciao.
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