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By Alyssa, January 12, 2011 10:16 pm

I’ve mentioned this book before and the tragedy in Arizona reminded me of it.  You need to read, “The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect Us from Violence” by Gavin De Becker.  Now.  Do it.  Get it from the library.  Although I don’t agree with some of his evolutionary connections to human behavior, I think this book is by far the best defense against violent encounters.  It also clearly defines the difference between real fear that can help protect you and the crap worrisome fear that the media feeds us every day.

If you are a female and reading this right now, PLEASE do yourself a favor, and read this book.

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By Alyssa, December 9, 2010 11:02 pm

Thanks, Christy, for the comment on my last post.  As requested, here’s a few more details about my promotion board.

I appeared last week before a promotion board to be considered for early promotion.  Technically I’m not up for promotion until next year but my boss recommended me to the board.  If you’re not sure what a board looks like, here is a video I found on Youtube that is similar to what I went through…

I reported to two senior officers with all the formalities.  Three knocks on the door, “CPT Aarhaus reporting as requested, Sir”, and sat down to answer a bunch of questions.  Crazy that this was the first time I ever reported to a board.  I’ve held boards, been on the other side of the table asking junior officers and soldiers questions, but never reported to a board.  An officer board compared to an enlisted board is pretty mild, but I gotta say, I’ve got even more respect for the soldiers I’ve led that participated in multiple boards.

Yes, this is as uncomfortable as it looks.

Anyhoo, sweaty hands and all, I made it through the board, answered all of their questions somewhat intelligently, and found out I will be promoted sometime within the next few months.  I’m a Captain now, a company grade officer (Lieutenants and Captains are company grade), and will be promoted to Major, a field-grade officer (Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and Colonels are field grade). This move is pretty big because it means I’ll probably have to try to be much more mature than I’ve EVER been in the Army. Seriously, after I came out of the board I thought, crap, did they really just agree to promote me?  Do they know what a smart alec I can be?

Haus is excited about the pay raise, I’m excited to throw a promotion party, and the boys, although they don’t know it yet, will be excited to stab these onto my uniform when the time comes:

I won’t have to move jobs as I’ve been working in a Major’s position this last year… funny how the Army gets away with that.  The Colonel, otherwise known as Dad, will be leading the ceremony whenever it takes place and I’ll be sure to post lots of pictures.

So there you have it.  I’m getting promoted.  Major Aarhaus.  Or as some of my friends congratulated me, now you’ll be a Major pain in the you-know-what.

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By Alyssa, December 8, 2010 9:46 pm

Yep.  I’ve been busy.  So busy, in fact, that I’m going to list out the crazy happenings and let you pick what you want to hear about.

So here’s the list… what I did while not blogging:

-celebrated Bubba’s fifth birthday with a spy party

-stayed in a hotel while my floors were redone, with a dog and two small children… Haus too

-organized a History Fair for my homeschool group

-moved back into a house with brand new beautiful floors

-prepared a packet for an Army promotion board

-took the family on a trip to Idaho for Thanksgiving where we… herded sheep with a Prius, introduced Bubsters to Legos, ate a family raised 38-pound turkey, went to see lots of movies (Despicable Me, Toy Story 3, Tangled, The Town, Due Date, to name a few), got all teary when Bubba slept in my old top bunk, listened to Zeke scream for 20 minutes straight on the flight back to Denver

-read “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin De Becker, INCREDIBLE survival book for women, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

-edited my Advent calendar for the kiddos (here was last year’s calendar plan)

-got hired by a couple to doula for their birth… they are due in a few days and I can’t wait!

-completed my Bradley class with three couples

-reported to a promotion board, was interviewed, and selected for early promotion to Major… WOO HOO!

-went downtown with another couple for a fabulous dinner and show, The Christmas Carol.  Watched Haus try to stay awake during a musical. lol.

-spent all day yesterday with counter installers, carpet cleaner, plumber, and electrician… the kitchen is 98% done peeps, 98%!

Sooo, that’s what I’ve been up to plus a little toddler wrangling and Amazing Race watchin’.  If you want more details, pictures, and such, be the first to comment.  Leave a comment asking for details about something in this list and I’ll provide them within 24 hours.

24 hours!  What service, I tell ya!

Happy late Thanksgiving and early Merry Christmas!  Looking forward to hearing from you.

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By Alyssa, November 11, 2010 7:50 am

Thinking today of all the heroes I served with and the honor it was to have them as a part of my life. Wouldn’t be the person I am today without my Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine comrades.
You can send a care package, post a yellow ribbon, or wear red on Fridays. Sometimes the best thanks is just those simple words. Thank you. Thank you for your service.
Don’t let the sun set today without thanking a veteran.

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By Alyssa, November 4, 2010 7:57 pm

So I’ve got a goal to do something big on this blog starting at the beginning of the year, but I need your help.  Would love to hear one thing about the Army you wish you knew (non-political please, peeps).

Seriously, tell me.  Finish this sentence.

If there was one thing I’ve always wondered about the Army it’s…

Looking forward to hearing from you.