Storming the Castle

"Maybe you think I was just out in the ladies' room all this time, but there isn't a word of truth in it. In case the question ever comes up, I was in Switzerland, that's where I was. It seems that there was some novel notion of Getting Away from It All, coupled with a wistful dream of Trying to Forget. And when the day comes that you have to tie a string around your finger to remind yourself of what it was you were forgetting, it is time for you to go back home." ~Dorothy Parker

I haven't been in Switzerland, or the ladies' room, for that matter (though I have been reading a lot of Dorothy Parker and wondering where she's been all my life). But somehow I prefer to adopt her reason for disappearing rather than own up to my own lame excuse of having a case of the "mean reds" when it comes to social networking, blogging included. I started this blog knowing that we were headed the way of the Army, necessitating the need for a what's-happening network. Funny how since our Army career officially began, my posting has been more sporadic than ever. One of the many things I need to work on.

How about an update?

I cannot believe we've been in Columbus for almost 4 months. Yikes. Jordan graduates on Thursday from IBOLC, the infantry officer training that he's been attending since we arrived. Week before last they invited the wives to attend their last big event in the field: the taking of an objective in a mock village on Fort Benning. They put us on the top of a building in the middle of the "town" so that we could have an aerial view of the action. They were firing blanks, using arti-sims and smoke grenades, and essentially "storming the castle," complete with men dressed as the enemy and even BBC camera men. I'll stop there before Jordan rolls his eyes at my pitiful attempt to accurately describe the action. 

I still find it hard to believe that this is what my husband does when he goes to work. Not your typical day job, eh?

Support by fire from the woods (if you can see them)

I really wish this picture wasn't blurry. There's something so moving about watching them rescue their wounded right in the middle of it all, even if this was just pretend.

It was probably strange for them to carry out their mission with a bunch of eager, picture-snapping women looking down on them, but I'm so thankful for the opportunity to see them in action. It's one thing for Jordan to come home and tell me about his day and quite another for me to be there in person.  I highly recommend a take-your-spouse-to-work day for all couples, even if it involves paper and staples instead of weapons and smoke. The insight will do you good.

Consider this update Part I. To be continued...