I have so many ideas for
Flashback Friday...
it's hard to know where to start! Today's feature is all about ME! I'm putting this one out early, since I'll be gone all day Friday. Enjoy...
Patrick's mind was blown looking at these pictures. He said, "Mom! You're like two different people!" My kids have always known that I served in the military...but I guess they were only aware of it in some abstract way. It was kind of fun sharing these stories with them. Even though I LOVE being a mom and I was SO happy to get out of the military so I could stay at home with my children, I am VERY proud of my service. I'm especially proud to have carried on the Parks' family tradition of military service. (Isn't it sweetly ironic that it was carried on by the only GIRL in the family, too?) So far, all of our kids want to join the military. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
So...let's get this party started! Let's start with a photo from my graduation trip. This was my last big hurrah between high school and boot camp. There's a reason I start with this photo. Notice the lovely locks? My friends could not bee-leeve I was going to cut my hair for boot camp. Let's face it...they couldn't bee-leeve I was joining the military, period! One of my friends (not pictured here) even said that only ugly girls join the military! (What up wit dat? I have met many hotties in the military, trust me! Sheesh!) Anyway, let's just say that the military was not a real popular choice for girls graduating high school in Whitebread, Utah...but I've never been one to go with the flow.
I probably could have gotten in trouble for this one (or the guy that let me do it) but what are they going to do to me? At least I'm not including ANY of the photographic evidence of any hazing incidents of which I have knowledge! They'll have to subpoena me!
This is how I landed my husband! NO, I did not hold a gun to his head...he just thought this was pretty hot. Did I mention that he was an armorer? Guns were his specialty...and now he's not allowed to carry one (it's a Geneva Convention thing).
Yes, this is really Gerald McRaney. This was during "Major Dad's" heyday. This was also my first Marine Corps Ball. Cliff and I were newly married.
When Troy was about 6 months old, I got an all-expense-paid trip to Camp Pendelton for Field Medical Service School. For almost 3 months (except weekends, when I came home to visit), Cliff got to play Mr. Mom while I did stuff like this:
Who needs expensive teeth whiteners? Just cammie up your face, and those pearly whites will sparkle!
Don't I look fab? This is after a sixteen mile "hump".
In an effort to put a positive spin on the torture, my Aunt Sue referred to my little vacation at Field Medical School as "the spa".
It was a great workout, that's for sure!
These are my instructors...Sgt Erickson and HM1 Carter. They look nice...looks can be deceiving!
Graduation morning Summer 1993
This picture cracks me up! Someone didn't get the memo, I guess!
Look closely at this photo. Click on it to enlarge. Now scan the whole thing. Imagine that old Sesame Street song playing in your mind ("One of these things is not like the other...")
If you can figure it out, leave the answer in the comments...I'll send you a prize!
Even though I loved my time in the Navy, THIS is the best.
Sweet Baby Jake
The people that joined at the same time I did are retiring now (and the kids that are joining are young enough to be my children). I am regularly asked if I wish I would have stayed in. Not a chance. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve my country. It was the best thing for me at the time. I learned so many important lessons that have helped me in life...but if I had stayed, I certainly wouldn't have had these four amazing children...and there is no other joy or satisfaction that can top that which they have brought into my life.
Flashback Friday...
it's hard to know where to start! Today's feature is all about ME! I'm putting this one out early, since I'll be gone all day Friday. Enjoy...
Patrick's mind was blown looking at these pictures. He said, "Mom! You're like two different people!" My kids have always known that I served in the military...but I guess they were only aware of it in some abstract way. It was kind of fun sharing these stories with them. Even though I LOVE being a mom and I was SO happy to get out of the military so I could stay at home with my children, I am VERY proud of my service. I'm especially proud to have carried on the Parks' family tradition of military service. (Isn't it sweetly ironic that it was carried on by the only GIRL in the family, too?) So far, all of our kids want to join the military. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
So...let's get this party started! Let's start with a photo from my graduation trip. This was my last big hurrah between high school and boot camp. There's a reason I start with this photo. Notice the lovely locks? My friends could not bee-leeve I was going to cut my hair for boot camp. Let's face it...they couldn't bee-leeve I was joining the military, period! One of my friends (not pictured here) even said that only ugly girls join the military! (What up wit dat? I have met many hotties in the military, trust me! Sheesh!) Anyway, let's just say that the military was not a real popular choice for girls graduating high school in Whitebread, Utah...but I've never been one to go with the flow.
I probably could have gotten in trouble for this one (or the guy that let me do it) but what are they going to do to me? At least I'm not including ANY of the photographic evidence of any hazing incidents of which I have knowledge! They'll have to subpoena me!
This is how I landed my husband! NO, I did not hold a gun to his head...he just thought this was pretty hot. Did I mention that he was an armorer? Guns were his specialty...and now he's not allowed to carry one (it's a Geneva Convention thing).
Yes, this is really Gerald McRaney. This was during "Major Dad's" heyday. This was also my first Marine Corps Ball. Cliff and I were newly married.
When Troy was about 6 months old, I got an all-expense-paid trip to Camp Pendelton for Field Medical Service School. For almost 3 months (except weekends, when I came home to visit), Cliff got to play Mr. Mom while I did stuff like this:
Who needs expensive teeth whiteners? Just cammie up your face, and those pearly whites will sparkle!
Don't I look fab? This is after a sixteen mile "hump".
In an effort to put a positive spin on the torture, my Aunt Sue referred to my little vacation at Field Medical School as "the spa".
It was a great workout, that's for sure!
These are my instructors...Sgt Erickson and HM1 Carter. They look nice...looks can be deceiving!
Graduation morning Summer 1993
This picture cracks me up! Someone didn't get the memo, I guess!
Look closely at this photo. Click on it to enlarge. Now scan the whole thing. Imagine that old Sesame Street song playing in your mind ("One of these things is not like the other...")
If you can figure it out, leave the answer in the comments...I'll send you a prize!
Even though I loved my time in the Navy, THIS is the best.
Sweet Baby Jake
The people that joined at the same time I did are retiring now (and the kids that are joining are young enough to be my children). I am regularly asked if I wish I would have stayed in. Not a chance. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve my country. It was the best thing for me at the time. I learned so many important lessons that have helped me in life...but if I had stayed, I certainly wouldn't have had these four amazing children...and there is no other joy or satisfaction that can top that which they have brought into my life.
(Lisa...can we still be friends if I grow my hair out again?)
13 comments:
Oh my gosh you look like a BABY! But look how tough you were. haha And I give on the 'where's Waldo' thing.. I searched that thing high and low and can't see anyone out of place. Maybe I need to go back to Kindergarten. Just TELL me! Ha!
Love you!
How fun to read your flashback! I didn't even know you were in the military in that sense... Very fun pictures. The where's waldo thing is that your hair is out of your hat right? Out of uniform as it's supposed to be tucked in or pulled back? Let me know if I'm right. And that would be fun for you to grow your hair long again. If it grows out in the same way it was in your HS grad picture we'd be twinners.
Nope...as a woman in the Navy as long as it is off of your collar, you are in regs. It is something that is subtle...but once you see it, you won't believe you missed it.
Tooooooooo easy, Doc! It's dude with cheesy mustache . . . ooops, there are a few of those . . . and one female with one I think!
Ok, seriously, its pasty white female Doc . . . dang seems to be 2 of those also.
OK ok I got it. One dude, obviously from Texas 'cause he is doin' things his own way . . . the guy second row from top and third in from our right is NOT at Parade Rest. Prolly got his hands in his pocket!
Whats my prize?
Dad
Not even close...sorry. It really is easy. Once you figure it out, you won't believe you missed it!
I wuz just playing around with you, you know, playing possum! It's the 7 foot tall Combat Doc who looks like he is really in the second row.
Whats my prize???
Dad
Nope! Seriously, Dad...Coree got it in about 3 minutes! There is something unique to just one person...like he/she didn't get the memo.
ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!! Even COREE got it??? Cadre aside, all are in green, all have caps, suspenders and boots . . . FLIP!!
I was an observation aviator in Vietnam ya know. Guess ya got me. Now WHERE is that reading glasses prescription . . . .
Dad
Oh and if it is that your mask webbing is clipped to the wrong spot I am gonna SCREAM!
Dad
OK...I'm going to email it to you privately, and then you will kick yourself that you didn't see it.
Ok I think I got it! You are the only one showing your pearly whites! Everyone else is wearing their I'm in the military and I'm mean face and you have your sweet smile on! Am I right...huh..huh!
Love ya
Minetta
Minetta gets the prize!! When I looked at this picture several years later, I noticed that I was the only one smiling. It totally cracked me up. I swear that they didn't tell us not to smile!
You're a smart girl! Look for something in your mailbox!
Carrie
Sweet! That was so much fun. I love reading your blogs!
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