Why We Love Fort Polk

A lot of people we know are PCS'ing, just PCS'd or are in the process of getting orders. So many of our friends are being spread out all over the globe and it is awesome to see it all unfold. In the midst of all this you see the different reactions that others have to the news, they are either extremely supportive and think it's a great place or you get those people who just choose to be negative. 

During our last two moves all we heard was how we were going to hate Fort Bliss and then Fort Polk. Both of those statements could not be further from the truth. While Kyle's unit could have been better we loved Fort Bliss and would not be opposed to going back at some point. 

I do have the say we got the worst reactions when we told people we were moving to Polk. However, 90% of those people had only been here for a JRTC rotation, so of course it sucked because they were in the field the whole time and being critiqued by those training them. 

Here is a quick run down of why we love it here:

*It's not a traditional unit setup for OPS Group. Kyle is essentially his own boss, he makes his own hours and manages his own training time. He is able to get more done this way and it has been awesome for him, plus he gets to jump again.

*There is no FRG, now I loved being involved at Bliss and Bragg but man it's nice to have a break.

*The post is small! It doesn't take me 30 minutes to get from one end of post to the other. 

*Everyone is extremely nice, it is truly the Southern way and it's nice to be back in this part of the country.

*I was able to get a job relatively quickly, this was a huge relief. With it being a smaller post it made going through the application process a lot quicker.

*I can get same day Doctor appointments without it being a fight, woo!

*We have a lot more family time, even though when rotations are here Kyle is in the field for 2 weeks we still have more time together than we did when he was in command.

*We are close to family which is a HUGE plus.

*The weather! Need I say more?! Mild winters with hot summers....yes please! I'll even take humidity over dry heat (and I grew up with that lol)

You just can't beat the green!

*We love the small town vibe, we have realized over the years that we just aren't big city people anymore.

*The things to do within driving distance (Louisiana in such a cultural melting pot) are amazing, the festivals, fairs and other historical events just can't be beat. 

We are happy to be here and can't wait to see what the next couple years have in store for us!

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!!

Thursday Thoughts

I am finally feeling human again! After having a 101 degree fever for 2 days it finally broke Tuesday night and I am so happy. 

*In honor of feeling better I have plans to get my haircut this weekend, I have been meaning to get it done for a while but kept putting it off. This is what I am thinking:

I like having shorter hair and I think this is such a cute and fun style. What do you all think?!

*We received all of our tax documents, so it's time to get that done. Yay for the money already being spent before we get it haha.

*Kyle has a 4 day weekend coming up which will be really nice, since I've been out of town and he has been in the field we haven't spent much time together. 

*I am finally able to register for my final class and submit my application for graduation! WAHOO!!!

*I am anxiously awaiting House of Cards coming back at the end of February but I need shows to pass the time, any recommendations?

Happy Thursday!

Dreaming Of A Vacation!

Three years ago this week we were enjoying our first trip to NYC. We took a train from NC and it was amazing. Can we go back?! Actually I would like to go anywhere at this point, it has been far too long since we have taken a vacation with just the two of us.

Is there a place you want to visit!?

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!

Homeward Bound

In a few hours I will be on my way home! I have had a blast in Florida with family and I can't wait to visit again. The only crappy thing is that I'm sick, yes I'm going to be that person on a flight but I can't do anything to change it. 

I have a week off before my next set of classes start which I will spend resting and getting better.

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

Thoughts on Friday

Even though I have been on vacation for the last week I've still be trying to get some things done...here is what has been going on lately.

*Yesterday, we ventured back out to Destin to do a little shopping, having lunch and take the kids to the beach. It was a little chilly but so fun to watch them run around like maniacs. It was absolutely gorgeous, since I have never been to a Florida beach so it was definitely a treat.

 *I am still working on getting my background check approved for my new job. Yesterday, I finally got the last few steps completed and it looks like my training will start on February 5th. Thank goodness!!

*Kyle submitted his top 4 choices for ILE (Intermediate Level Education) yesterday and 2 of the locations on his list are Australia and Estonia, how cool would it be to get one of those places!? 

*We have our first race of the year next weekend and I can't wait! It's an afternoon run on Alexandria so it should be a lot of fun. 

*I finished my current classes yesterday! I am just waiting on the final grades for them, and I am now only 9 classes away from graduating, thank goodness.

*I only have a few more days in Florida before I head home, I have loved every second of being here but Emma and I ready to get back home to our routine and to Kyle and Fishy. :)

I hope you all have an awesome weekend!

Marathon Training

Yesterday marked day 1 of marathon training! I could not have asked for better scenery than this. I do have a plan that I am going by but I won't get down on myself if I alter the plan at times.

I will be running the Riverboat Marathon in Winnsboro, Louisiana on April 19th. I am ridiculously excited and hoping that Kyle can run it with me.

Happy Wednesday!

An Amazing Weekend!

On Friday we celebrated an amazing day, my brother retired after 20+ years of service in the Air Force. The ceremony was held at the Air Force Armanent Museum and it was amazing!!! This is the first time my family has all been together since our Mom passed away 3 1/2 years ago. It was like no time had passed at all. We are a very proud military family! 

          

After the ceremony we headed back to their house for the after party. Wow it did not disappoint. The food was catered by a Philippino restaurant and it was delicious!! There was a ton of alcohol (a little too much lol) and we all let loose and had an awesome time. There were a lot of awesome people there and everyone was like family. We laughed, cried, and just enjoyed the festivities. 

        

           

  

Kyle headed back home on Saturday and the last few days have been spent helping my sister get her house setup. We did however take a trip out to destin yesterday with our sister in law and it was gorgeous!

I'll be here for another week enjoying family time. I hope you all had a great weekend!