A Letter to My Dog

 

 

It has been one week since you passed away and I have been so sad. The crying comes in waves. Today, I sobbed so hard as I've done since you've been gone. It's hard not having you in my life. I feel so lost without you. 😭💔

You came into my life at just the right time - at the height of my service-connected VA disability compensation. You were my emotional support buddy and my traveling buddy. My quirky, peculiar Princess. Thank you for adding so much to my life and everyone else who had a chance to meet you. I will miss you so much. I love you. 

 

Forever in my heart.

 

R.I.P L 

(2009-2021)

 

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Hello Beer, My Old Friend. I've Come To Hang Out With You Again.

In the military, alcohol "comes with the territory" as the saying goes. For most anyway. In the Navy especially. Sailors - and the military in general - have a harsh reputation with alcohol. Mostly centered around negative connotations of irresponsible and erratic behavior that follow those under the influence who can't handle their liquor. I've had my fair share of stupid moments in uniform. Our motto: "Work hard, party hard." That's how we rolled. 

However - that is another story for another time. If you are a beer connoisseur and like to try different craft brews and travel to different areas to do so - I highly recommend the Piney River Brewery.

This past weekend, I was hanging out at a local brewery in the middle of nowhere, Missouri. There are two locations: the Piney River Tap Room on Historic Route 66 in Waynesville, Missouri and today, at the source of it all - the Piney River Brewery BARn in Brycus, Missouri. 

This brewery is a gem of a place despite being located in the middle of nowhere. Founded in 2010, it is now the pride and joy of sleepy small town, Missouri. Using locally harvested ingredients and water from the Ozarks, beer lovers everywhere can now add this to their list of beer places to embark upon - a unique Ozarks experience you don't want to miss! 

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Cheers-ing to good times!

The Sister/Brotherhood

The time is 19:27 (7:27 pm) Central time and I'm on a mini excursion in St. Peter, Missouri. It was a weekend plan to meet up with a couple of girl friends - whom I deem as my "sisters-in-arms." One was undergoing some cosmetic surgery so we rallied together not only to be her support system, but also to help her get situated after surgery. 

This was not just a weekend getaway on a whim, but also in the continuance of camaraderie - of what we call the "Sisterhood," or in the most common term, "Brotherhood." We haven't known each other long. As a matter of fact, we met by way of our counselor who coordinates our support group centered around women veterans who have a history with Post-Traumatic Stress and/or Military Sexual Trauma. It took one meeting to create the bond we have and now we are sisters-in-arms forever. 

In the military community, the sisterhood or brotherhood is defined by the companionship and bond of one's "Battle Buddy" on the left and the right. When we are in a hostile environment or off-duty and out somewhere "on the town," we are paired with another for shared accountability, teamwork, safety and conduct. It is known as "The Buddy System." We always go out by two or more. It is a connection that spans the test of time and space. It is a bond that is only understood by those who have served. 

We might have put away our uniforms, but the discipline, training, deployments, experiences, lifestyle and memories are with us forever. 

In this manner - as three women bonded together in the camaraderie of our shared service to the oath we had sworn by so many years ago, we continue to stand by our values and the love we have for one another, for our nation, for our families and for the flag.

You Are Worth So Much More Than This

 In case you haven't been told lately,

You matter.

YOU are ENOUGH.

You have INFLUENCE.

You are a GENIUS.

You have a contribution to make.

YOU have a gift that others NEED.

You are the change.

Your actions DEFINE your impact.

YOU MATTER.

(Source: Angela Maiers, "You Matter Manifesto")

Welcome 2021

2020 was quite a year, right? Most of us wore PJs and cozy clothes while working from home (I know I did!!)  It's probably fair to say most of us wore yoga pants more days than we actually did yoga (Me, guilty again.) If you’re like me and would rather just roll out of bed with messy hair and no makeup just in time for telework, might I just recommend a thing or two?

It's 2021 and we should be back to the office...or so many of us wish. Right? Or is working at home your dream? Well, for what it's worth, 2020 provided many of us more time at home to spend with family and to do some of the home-y things that we have put off. While most of us are still working from home while vaccines continue to dole out for Covid-19 treatment, it doesn't mean we can't be all dolled up just because we have to wear masks when we go out.

When it comes to your makeup, ring in the New Year with a New You! Jumpstart your resolutions with self-care and wellness essentials that support your inner and outer beauty. 

Beauty is more than skin deep. It starts at your very core.

Re:tune Inner Beauty, for example, helps you feel good on the inside so you can look great on the outside! Key supplements such as collagen deliver nutritional support to help maintain a more youthful and radiant appearance. 

Keep your routine relaxed, mask, sanitizer and hand wash at hand, and before we know it - we'll get back into the groove in no time...hopefully.

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The NEW YOU in 2021 never looked so good!

VALENTINE’S DAY IS FEBRUARY 14TH

Love Is All You Need

           From Galentine’s to Valentine’s, self care to let’s share, spread the love with great gifts waiting to be unboxed.

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