"I stole your shampoo!"

It's pre-meps night. For all you non military people... it's the Mlitary Entrance Processing Stations, which are located around the country. The enlistment process occurs at each of these stations. In my case, this is where I prepare for take-off so to speak. I'm at the hotel right now. It's not to shabby. My parents just dropped me off, which i think i might add i did VERY well.... no tears. I think it's a little different knowing that I'll be coming home again in just a couple weeks. i'll still miss alot in those short weeks. but eh. it happens. I like to pretend that I'm going off to college. It doesn't really seem all that bad or scary that way =] tricky... i know!

Veterans Day

Veteran's Day has gone unrecognized by me for most of my 18 years of existence. Only last year did I start to fully appreciate it after joining the Army National Guard in February. And this year knowing that I'll be celebrating this holiday surrounded by glorious sand in 2009, it means even more. I received so many texts messages saying thank a soldier for serving today. And all I could think was... hey now. I'm one of them. It was a weird feeling. I haven't done anything to be thanked for... yet. It was like the lady who came out of nowhere in the bread aisle at Walmart. She gave me the biggest hug and said with a thick southern accent, "I just wanted to say thank-you for your service. You are doing an honorable thing." That was the last time I wore my uniform in Walmart... or anywhere in public really. Not because I'm not proud to wear it... but because I don't quite feel like I deserve a thanks just yet. Give me a month and I'll be ready.