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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / September 2003Thoughts on Rob's retirement OT (severely)
Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. True, this last year has been different than before, but there was still the thought that Rob was in the military. No more field problems with Rob coming home, hot, tired, dusty, muddy, happy, irritated or complaining about whatever went wrong. No more family support group meetings with women who understood when I said something like, "I need to get the wash machine fixed before Rob goes TDY next week, or it will break down." No more Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Organization day parties/picnics. No more overcooked hamburgers or half cooked chicken that is almost gone anyway by the stampede of single soldiers forcing their way in line anyway. No more 4 am wake ups to take Rob to work because one of our vehicles is on the fritz. No more picking Rob up from work at 11 pm because some test pilot decided that he was bored and wanted to test fly at 6 pm. No more Christmases, birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays with him halfway around the world from us. No more single parenthood. No more loads of olive underwear, chameleon (camouflage) uniforms, Lizard (flight) suits, or brown T-shirts. No more worrying that he'll be caught in a helicopter crash, die traveling between home or work, or that he'll be deployed and I won't get to say good-bye. No more complaints about his job, hours, cold feet, wet feet, lights on at weird hours, or any of the other complaints I used to have abut his work. So why in the h*ll am I so sad? Pam S. > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. Because it *was* your way of life for a long time, since you met Rob and it is a society unto its own. But we will still be here :) Karen > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. Because it was a way of life that you two lead for many years. Don't let anyone try to fool you will miss it after a while. The main thing is try and find something to get into. Vol. at VA or anything, but don't sit in front of that TV. I did that after I got out and it all most killed me. Now no matter what I'm on the go. I don't care what I have to take or how much it hurts get out of the house. BTW I still wake at five every morning. Eyes just pop open like I have to get ready for PT. Mike > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. change has a way of making us feel sad sometimes, even though the change is for the better. Don't worry, Pam - it'll pass once you've "adjusted" to the new. hugs, Brenda It's like - - - - well, it's sorta like misplacing your security blanket. After thirty years though it will have passed. Best to you and Rob.  SignaturePcolaPhil (Mostly a lurker) "'Remove SPAMNOT. for emailing" "Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there," - - - Will Rogers | Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems | strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] | | Pam S. <snippity> > No more complaints about his job, hours, cold feet, wet feet, lights on > at weird hours, or any of the other complaints I used to have abut his > work. > > So why in the h*ll am I so sad? Aww, Pam, you are mourning a lifestyle that you have greatly enjoyed and has brought you much happiness (the rose coloured glasses are looking after the rest). Us hoomins really don't like looking forward to change, we tend to think we are content when everything is "normal" and "familiar" even if the next change could be the best thing thats ever happened to us, often we are happy just to keep things the way they are because we are used to it and we're comfortable. Like when I cried after I left the moron I was with for too long - although I knew 100% that i was making the right decision and it could only be "up" from there on in, I still had to mourn the passing of an era. And so do you. Nothing wrong with mourning you know, you have to go through it as part of the "letting go" process. If you don't you'll always be living in the past, and I simply cannot imagine you & Rob and the rest of the Shirk family & affliates not moving on and living the life that presents itself to you in the fullest. Sure, there will be things you won't be doing any more, and you can visit those memories any time you like, but you'll also be doing stuff that you could have never have done while Rob was still in the Army as well. So, remember, some things will change, and you can't do anything about it. And some things won't no matter how hard you try. But there is a big grey bit in the middle that is entirely up to you. Grab life by the 'nads and enjoy it for what it is: life. Many hugs & purrs. Remember, we are here. Yowie > <snippity> > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > brought you much happiness (the rose coloured glasses are looking after the > rest). Its an awful shock being out after a career. When I retired I found a lot of changes. The largest was not the not having to get up or being on duty 24/7 and all that. It was a fundemantal change in how I viewed and refered to myself. For 20 years I was a soldier. Its more than how you earn a living. Its a lot harder than moving from one job to another. During that time short hair had enough time to come back into style and soldiering went from being a disrespectful job to a respected and noble profession. I missed being able to tell people I was a soldier. Its tough working just for a paycheck after that. The next hardest thing for me was the routine of every day working. When I was in every day was different from the day before. Every day you did something different. I've been out four years and I still miss it a lot. I wouldn't go back now if I could. But I miss it still. > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. Changes are usually scary, and a little bit sad. You'll probably miss the camaraderie of the military and their wives. However, I'll bet it won't be long before you make new friends and find you're loving a more "normal" life. Joy Pam, we ALL went through a phase when we retired. After all you cannot just take 20 years or more of a way of life and just toss it as if it never happened. After 21 years of retirement, I still often have military dreams. I always will. Do I still miss the military?? At times, but most times not. There were the good times and the bad times and the so, so times. It will take you at least six months to come to the line to cross for adjustment. Until then you will miss the military as most kids miss school (I said MOST). However, you will still have those friendships you had while in the military. That part will never go away. You will move on to another chapter in your life and put it behind you as each day passes. If anyone here says the didn't miss the military after retirement, they were never in the military. Chin up, stomach in, toes out, now wipe those tears and strut on to a new life following the military life. Our hearts and minds go with you. > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. <snip> > So why in the h*ll am I so sad? Oh, Pam, I know the feeling. I cried when I left a job that I had had for nine years, though I hated the job itself, didn't much like my workmates, and had suffered sexual advances from a superior who was completely obnoxious to me. It's just the change from something familiar to something completely different. I had made up my mind overnight to quit when they wouldn't give me time off to attend an entrance exam to the university. I passed and entered the academic world, where I still am, now as an employee. The time is approaching when I think it's time to make a change again. I hope I have the strength to do it. The best of luck with whatever you two choose to do - is the "Merlin" still on the agenda? Purrs and hugs, Marina, Frank and Nikki > The best of luck with whatever you two choose to do - is the "Merlin" still > on the agenda? Rob is supposed to do the research on liquor licenses, practical applications, expenses and so forth, while I am supposed to get my butt back into school and get my teaching degree. It won't happen overnight, but Merlin's Castle is a very important future project for us all. Pam S. I'm so glad you left that job, Marina. I'm wishing you lots of luck finding a purr-fect job, SignaturePolonca & Soncek > Oh, Pam, I know the feeling. I cried when I left a job that I had had for > nine years, though I hated the job itself, didn't much like my workmates, [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Purrs and hugs, > Marina, Frank and Nikki <snip> Sounds like more pluses than minuses... >So why in the h*ll am I so sad? Because it's human to be afraid of change. Change is unsettling. In that way we're a lot like cats. :) Let's hope this marks the beginning of a happier life for your family. We'll be hopign it is. SignatureVictor M. Martinez martiv@FAKE.che.utexas.edu http://www.che.utexas.edu/~martiv > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. Oops, forgot to say Hoppy Purrday, Pam!! It's today, isn't it? Many shrimpies or the equivalent hoomin treat! The furry ones want to send sunny spots instead of furious ladies called Isabel. -- Marina, Frank and Nikki > > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. > > Oops, forgot to say Hoppy Purrday, Pam!! It's today, isn't it? Many > shrimpies or the equivalent hoomin treat! The furry ones want to send sunny > spots instead of furious ladies called Isabel. Yup, I'm 48 today. Rob woke me up to say happy birthday, so I sang "Hoppy Purrday to me" back at him. For some reason he thinks I'm funny. Pam S. Estas son las ma~anitas que cantaba el Rey David Hoy por ser dia de tu santo te las cantamos a ti. SignatureVictor M. Martinez martiv@FAKE.che.utexas.edu http://www.che.utexas.edu/~martiv >> > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >Pam S. "Hoppy Purrday, dear Pa-am!" We hope you will have a happy new year. Elisabet and Hugo Katt >>Yup, I'm 48 today. Rob woke me up to say happy birthday, so I sang >>"Hoppy Purrday to me" back at him. For some reason he thinks I'm funny. >> >>Pam S. Happy Birthday!! I didn't know we were the same age. 1955 was a very good year, no? Sherry >>> > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. >>> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >We hope you will have a happy new year. >Elisabet and Hugo Katt I hope you had a very Hoppy Purrday with many shrimpies. Suz Iron Chef Macmoosette Thank Heavens There's Only One =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= Chocolate heals all wounds. > > > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. > > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Yup, I'm 48 today. Rob woke me up to say happy birthday, so I sang > "Hoppy Purrday to me" back at him. For some reason he thinks I'm funny. Hoppy Purrday from over here as well. Hope it was a good one! Yowie > Yup, I'm 48 today. Rob woke me up to say happy birthday, so I sang > "Hoppy Purrday to me" back at him. For some reason he thinks I'm funny. Happy Birthday, birthday buddy!! Every year, we're the same age for exactly one day. :) Then I turn a year older the next day. Joyce - "One more year to go, before the big 5-0". (Eeeek!) Just wanted to re-post this since nobody seemed to see it <whimper, sniff>: > > Yup, I'm 48 today. Rob woke me up to say happy birthday, so I sang > > "Hoppy Purrday to me" back at him. For some reason he thinks I'm funny. > Happy Birthday, birthday buddy!! Every year, we're the same age for > exactly one day. :) Then I turn a year older the next day. > Joyce - "One more year to go, before the big 5-0". (Eeeek!) in article 1YMab.22855$dk4.714905@typhoon.sonic.net, jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt@sonic.net at jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt@sonic.net wrote on 9/19/03 7:12 PM: > Just wanted to re-post this since nobody seemed to see it <whimper, > sniff>: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >> Joyce - "One more year to go, before the big 5-0". (Eeeek!) Well, Hoppy Purrday!!! > Just wanted to re-post this since nobody seemed to see it <whimper, > sniff>: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > > Joyce - "One more year to go, before the big 5-0". (Eeeek!) Hoppy late Purrday to you, Hoppy late Purrday to you, Hoppy late Purrday dear Joyce, Hoppy late Purrday to you. Pam, Rob, and the NC nine > Hoppy late Purrday to you, > Hoppy late Purrday to you, > Hoppy late Purrday dear Joyce, > Hoppy late Purrday to you. Thanks!! Little sister! :) Joyce >Hoppy late Purrday to you, >Hoppy late Purrday to you, >Hoppy late Purrday dear Joyce, >Hoppy late Purrday to you. > >Pam, Rob, and the NC nine Sorry Joyce I hope you were blessed with many shrimpies, lobster, or what ever your favorite treat is. Suz Iron Chef Macmoosette Thank Heavens There's Only One =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= Chocolate heals all wounds. Ooops... missed that one. Estas son las ma~anitas que cantaba el Rey David Hoy por ser dia de tu santo te las cantamos aqui. :) SignatureVictor M. Martinez martiv@FAKE.che.utexas.edu http://www.che.utexas.edu/~martiv > Ooops... missed that one. > Estas son > las ma~anitas > que cantaba > el Rey David > Hoy por ser > dia de tu santo > te las cantamos aqui. > Gracias!! How can I find out the melody for this? I want to sing it! Joyce >How can I find out the melody for this? I want to sing it! I found several versions online, I liked this one the best. If you get a chance, get the recording made by Pedro Infante or Jorge Negrete. Those guys rock! (in a traditional ranchero music kind of way)... :) http://www.montereybay.com/smitty/mananitas.html SignatureVictor M. Martinez martiv@FAKE.che.utexas.edu http://www.che.utexas.edu/~martiv > Just wanted to re-post this since nobody seemed to see it <whimper, > sniff>: Aww, Joyce, I meant to post a Happy Purrday, especially since you're the same age as my eldest sister. How could I forget? Anyway, here it is, I hope you had a very happy purrday with many shrimpies and sunny spots. -- Marina, Frank and Nikki > Aww, Joyce, I meant to post a Happy Purrday, especially since you're the > same age as my eldest sister. How could I forget? Anyway, here it is, I > hope you had a very happy purrday with many shrimpies and sunny spots. As a matter of fact, I did have some shrimpies - went out for Vietnamese food and had spring rolls (a "burrito" of rice flour wrapper with pork, shrimp, and veggies inside). Tried not to get much sun, though - it was hot here! Two of my friends bought me a DVD player!!! (I'm unemployed or I would have bought one myself.) I've been watching episodes of Six Feet Under that I borrowed from a friend. Thank you! Meow! Purrrrr... Joyce > Just wanted to re-post this since nobody seemed to see it <whimper, > sniff>: [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > > Joyce - "One more year to go, before the big 5-0". (Eeeek!) Oops! Happy Birthday, Joyce! I hope it was a good one. :-) ------ Krista > Oops! Happy Birthday, Joyce! I hope it was a good one. :-) Thanks, Krista! It was. Joyce Happy Birthday belated, Joyce, from all of us in south FL who used to live in your area of the country. Can you see Mt. Diablo from where you live? Of course we couldn't see it from Sunnyvale then, but relatives who lived in the Belmont hills had it in their living room picture window for our viewing every time we were at their apartment! We had to shove their cats out of the bay window seat as they effectively blocked our Diablo sight.......one of our funnier memories of our CA residence era.... : > Oops! Happy Birthday, Joyce! I hope it was a good one. :-) : : Thanks, Krista! It was. : : Joyce > Happy Birthday belated, Joyce, Thanks! > Can you see Mt. Diablo from where you live? No, Mt Diablo is on the other side of the hills - I'm in Oakland. > relatives who lived in > the Belmont hills had it in their living room picture window for our viewing > every time we were at their apartment! Nice! > We had to shove their cats out of the > bay window seat as they effectively blocked our Diablo sight....... "Cats are not like windows". :) Joyce Happy purr-day! Have a great one! Best wishes, SignaturePolonca & Soncek > Oops, forgot to say Hoppy Purrday, Pam!! It's today, isn't it? Many > shrimpies or the equivalent hoomin treat! The furry ones want to send sunny > spots instead of furious ladies called Isabel. > > -- > Marina, Frank and Nikki > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > Pam S. Major, major hugs and purrs, Pam. Christine >Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems >strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > >Pam S. {{{{{Pam}}}}} Every change is a loss, and every loss needs to be mourned. Once the mourning is done, the joy of new opportunities will come through, and you will enjoy your new life together as long as you have it. Best of luck to you both on your new road. Blessings, Ginger-lyn It's an end to an era. Hugs, SignaturePolonca & Soncek > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. <snip> > So why in the h*ll am I so sad? > > Pam S. You've pretty much nailed it on the head. The military IS a way of life, much more than most professions, and more than most non-military folks realize. Afterall, none is us would have made it to retirement if we were in it for the money. 12 hour days were pretty much the norm for me, not to mention the time spent in the field, TDY, deployment, etc. I'm sorry to hear that his unit is deployed and he will miss the traditional retirement ceremony. About ten months after I retired I went to the my old unit's organization day. Of course some folks had moved on by then, but still had a great time. >Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems >strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > >Pam S. > Tomorrow, today, September 17 is Rob's last day in the army. It seems > strange to know that we won't have the same life that we were used to. ...> So why in the h*ll am I so sad? > Pam S. Hi Pam, Changes are hard, but you can keep your military friends. We still have friends from when Jim was in Army helicopter school in 1966. And, of course, you still have RPCA. Good luck on Rob's retirement. I hope you both have many healthy and happy years together in your new life. Annie |
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