Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Havent checked in for a while....sorry

dont even know if anyone reads this but here's an update.They are in their 5th week. They have 2 test scheduled. Mike received his first test back and he scored 100%. Hooah. LOL!

Anyway, I think most spouses that I talk to in this class are dealing with their So's becoming stressed. I have been talking to Mike for a few days listening to see how his spirits were holding up. I didn't see anything there so finally I asked him are you depressed or down. Maybe sad. He roared in laughter. He asked me why was I asking him crazy questions. I explain to him that was one of the topics with the spouses and I was concerned. He said that he was actually fine. He said that its all a mental game and seeing if they are going to break them or not. He told me you have to look at it as if you have a job to do and nothing is going to stop you from carrying out that mission. He also stated that finding some buddies that you can bond with is helpful. Being friendly makes it easier. So if you are preparing for this journey know that mental games will break you if you allow it. Some of the prior service people are having issues because they have been in charge for so long they forgot what its like to the low man on the totem pole.

Columbus Day is the first 4 day for the guys and they are thinking that they get a long pass with off post privileges. I will skip this trip. Not that I wouldn't love to see my husband but I think that financially its not a good idea. Graduation is a week long and I want to have all my extra money to spend during that time instead of trying to drive down for 7 hours, pay for hotel and food and haul the family back home. I want to really get a celebration going Grad week. If I spend on Hotel and food next month then I will be taking money out of my Grad budget. I really don't want to do that. We have a huge thing plan which we decided that was best to wait.


TA TA for now!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

BOLC II frustrations.

After talking to Michael yesterday my frustration grew about BOLC. I know it shouldnt but it does. I despise hear say. I want facts. I want to prepare for facts. I dont want you to tell me something different every week about the dang school.

Anyway, Michael was talking to a Captain about BOLC II and he said that it was indeed canceled (this changes weekly as well). Which is a good thing because BOLC III will start sooner and they will be finished a lil earlier. Then again they will have to snowbird until BOLC III. So that would mean either use up all of his leave to not snowbird or have him BS'ing doing busy work until its time for BOLC III to start.

DETAILS AND FACTS PEOPLE. I am a organizer. I need to plan. I know I know! Army life isn't about the plan but grrrrrrrr!!!!

A lil update

Mike is really enjoying being the CO. He said it keeps you busy but quite fulfilling. Unfortunately they lost two more soldiers; One because of his knees and the other has asthma. They will be a little busy this week. There will be runs, rucks, and tests. He is down to 145 lbs. WOW! The only thing they do is run must be. He went down there at 163.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

This weeks activities

4 Mile agility-Monday
5 ruck march-Tuesday
5 release run-Friday
Paper is due Friday
Everyone in 2 platoon passed the test they took Friday.
First sergeant working on giving Saturday pass back.
Leadership and Military Justice Test Friday


Not much to report. They have been busy with studying. I don't get to talk to him much. It's better than nothing.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Leading into week 3

I just got off the phone with Mike. Here's a lil update. Next week will be really busy. He said not to be disappointed if I don't get to speak to him much. They have a lot of land navigational stuff to do. The Constitution essay is due this week. A timed Agility run is tomorrow.


I think I already told you that yesterday was the last day for mass punishment. Everyone is responsible for themselves. Ummmm, he also stated that this class will be the last BOLC II class in Sill. I dont know what that means for any other post but just a heads up.

Cant think of too much else at the moment.

For the first time ever I left my phone in the house to walk the dog and take out the trash. Well guess what. He called 5 times. When I finally called backed it was awesome to hear the excitement in his voice. The man still has the hots for me. Isnt life grand. After 3 kids and 80 lbs, the man still gets excited to hear my voice. he he he he he....

Sunday, September 13, 2009

OCS ADDRESS

Posting this because the addy that the hubs gave was WRONG. :)

OC Doe, John
Class # 123-45, ____ PLT
_____ CO, 3-11th IN REGT (OCS)
7480 Riordan Street
Fort Benning, GA 31905

Saturday, September 12, 2009

My Army Moving Style

Since Mike has been in the Army the only move I am familiar with is a DITY move

Do-it-Yourself move.

Reason why, I make money doing my moves myself. This move has a great monetary incentive. The government will pay the member 95% of what it would cost them to move you professionaly up to a certain weight allowance. If it cost you less than the allowance to move you, you keep the rest. As long as the move doesnt stress me out, I think I will always make DITY moves. It is more comforting to me. I move my stuff. I take the special and extra care of my stuff. MONEY MONEY MONEY.

While utilizing the DI
TY program, you may use your own vehicle, or a borrowed or rental vehicle. You are entitled to travel allowances, per diem and mileage through the government. You also receive $25,000 insurance coverage. An advance monetary allowance for your move can be paid under certain circumstances.


There are four types of DITY moves.
  • Rental Equipment - You rent a truck or trailer, and receive an advance operating allowance based on mileage authorized and estimated weight of shipment. There is no advance on separation orders. You are responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking the shipment. Storage at destination is at your expense, with reimbursement.
  • You Load/They Drive - You pack and load a commercial moving van/truck, the commercial moving company drives to destination, and you unload and unpack the van/truck. The commercial firm must provide you with an ICC number or State/Federal Regulation numbers. You must request the company to provide weight tickets.
  • Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) DITY - No advance operating allowance on a POV DITY is authorized. You may use your own or a borrowed vehicle. If you are borrowing the vehicle, you must have written permission from the vehicle owner for all POV DITY moves. Current vehicle registration is also required. The POV must be a "cargo" type vehicle, not a vehicle that is designed for passenger transport. For more information, see the complete POV manual (available in Adobe Acrobat format).
  • Move in Connection With a Government-Arranged Mobile Home Shipment - Household goods that can be authorized for shipment at government expense but must be removed from a mobile home to satisfy safety requirement can be moved under the DITY program. Such items can include heavy appliances and furniture, air conditioners, awnings, etc.
The DITY Move Procedure

When you apply and carry out a DITY move, be sure to follow the steps below.

Part One: Pre-Move Arrangements
Step 1: Apply for the DITY move
Step 2: Decide on your type of move
Step 3: Arrange for rental equipment and moving services
Step 4: Confirm your insurance coverage

Part Two: Move and Settlement
Step 5: Pick up your operating allowance
Step 6: Calculate your property weight
Step 7: Keep receipts of all moving expenses
Step 8: Make your move, submit your claim settlement