Writing to Soldiers

Well, I didn’t make it camping this weekend. All FOUR of the girls that were going to go with me ended up flaking and as much as I had been looking forward to it, I didn’t want to drive alone. So, I stayed in the Valley and made the best of being home. It was a good decision since I was able to study for my impending Exams – I told myself I’d study in Jerome – yeah, right!

I’m taking a nutrition class this semester and am finding it very interesting. It’s only offered in the evening one day a week so the class goes from 7:15 until 9:45 p.m. – YUCK! It’s a long, late, information filled class and I am very tired by the time the “bell” rings. Since I am adjunct faculty at the college, I get six free credits a semester to continue my education and explore different subjects without spending loads of cash. I learned to be a yoga instructor for next to nothing – I only have to pay with time and effort…

I’ve been writing to soldiers who are fighting in the war, I get a new name once a week to send a letter and if I choose to, I can focus all of my effort on one soldier. It all started one morning when I was very frustrated that my flight to Belize was canceled... As I was going down the escalator, more than a little upset that I wouldn't be able to make my vacation plans for the day, a soldier behind me spoke up and said, "This is so terrible. I need to get to my troops, my men are waiting for me." His statement resounded in my head and I realized how much my vacation didn't really matter in the scheme of things. As we reached the end of our ride together, I turned to him said, “Thank you" and asked if I could have a hug - I gave him the biggest, most heartfelt hug I could muster and I decided then and there that I would make an effort to thank the soldiers. Even if I don’t believe in the war, I believe in our heroes.

Cool, Fresh Air - Ahhhhh

I am going camping this weekend. The family used to camp so much growing up in Wyoming... I hardly ever get to it now – I guess I’m not the camping aficionado I once aspired (or was forced) to be. The weather here has been dang hot (105) so I am looking forward to the cooler weather. I am going with a few friends to an obscure little mining town built on the side of a mountain called Jerome, Arizona. I really enjoy visiting and touring the town. It's quite small, a "ghost" town, with quaint little shops and amazing galleries filled by local artist's work. I'm looking forward to it. I have to laugh that I put quaint little shops since I cannot afford anything in these “not so” quaint shops. Like any tourist trap, they really put a high price on their goods! I’ll be better off stopping at the gas station on the way home to purchase any memento!

I got a nice surprise a few days ago - my Aunt sent me a wonderful arrangement of flowers. It’s a beautiful bouquet full of huge yellow sunflowers, bright orange lilies and earthy colored carnations... Very fall feeling, really pretty and they fill my senses with the wonderful smell of fresh flowers. I had them sitting on my desk for most of the week and they made me smile each time my eyes found them or my nose smelt them. I took the arrangement home for the weekend and they are STILL blooming and going strong!

Thank You Soldier, For the Gift of Freedom

I hope with all of my heart that you are doing well, healthy and in good spirits.

I am going camping this weekend. My family used to camp every weekend when I was growing up in Wyoming... I hardly ever get to it now – I guess I’m not the camping aficionado I once aspired (or was forced) to be. The weather here in Arizona has been dang hot (105 plus) so I am looking forward to the cooler climate. I am going with a few friends to an obscure little mining town built on the side of a mountain called Jerome, Arizona. . I really enjoy visiting, perusing and snooping in the town. It's quite small, a "ghost" town, with quaint little shops and amazing galleries filled by local artist's work. I'm looking forward to it. I have to laugh that I put quaint little shops since I cannot afford anything in these “not so” quaint shops. Like any tourist trap, they really put a high price on their goods! I’ll be better off stopping at the gas station on the way home to purchase any little mementos I “think” I need!

I got a nice surprise a few days ago - my Aunt sent me a wonderful arrangement of flowers. It’s a beautiful bouquet full of huge yellow sunflowers, bright orange lilies and earthy colored carnations... Very fall feeling, really pretty and they fill my senses with the wonderful smell of fresh flowers. I had them sitting on my desk for most of the week and they made me smile each time my eyes found them or my nose caught whiff of them. I took the arrangement home and they are STILL blooming and going strong!

I teach fitness at the community college. I'd been training at the college to become a Yoga Instructor and have earned a 200 hour certification which means I have been unleashed on unsuspecting students. My husband was my guinea pig for practicing the spoken delivery of yoga poses and says it's not yoga, but yo-OH-OH-OH-ga! He has learned a lot - mostly that he's probably not doing it correctly unless it's hurting somewhere.

Well, I truly hope that you are well. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and praying for your health, happiness and SAFE return home. Thank you for the gift of freedom and for your selflessness – I am so very proud of you.