Holiday update

[aadler]

 
No Thanksgiving news per se, just latest stuff in my life.

Open first cut — Military Issues’

My unit is attending a special dinner at the beginning of next month’s drill, in dress uniform (or, for those of us who don’t have dress blues, Class A uniform with a white shirt and bow-tie), and I may or may not get in a bit of trouble there. Someone in our overall chain of command — well above unit level, probably way up — issued a regulation that those of us who had mobilized to Iraq and Afghanistan could only wear the combat patch of units to which we had been assigned … and, in our command, we’re never assigned to anybody, we’re attached all over the place. Result, you can either wear the command patch on both shoulders (retarded) or eschew the combat patch entirely.

Well, I’m not going to do either. Somebody gets a fit of ego and makes a decree that goes completely against what the combat patch is supposed to be for in the first place … Nuh-uh. I don’t wear Class A very often (twice in the last six years), but when I do put it on, I want it to signify the truth, not some mandated illusion.

Quick shift of subject: remember what I noted in my last post, and doubtless in various places before that? that changes in the world situation could alter our deployment before it begins? Well, the outrages taking place in India right now could well be one such. It’s hard to avoid the suspicion that Pakistan (some elements of the country, at least) have their fingerprints on the current terror-siege, and India is frankly a more important ally than Pakistan. An Indian reaction could shift our own international stance, and that would re-draw a number of significant lines. Just watch as it develops.

Close cut

Open second cut — Fanfic Issues

Three days ago, I did a single page on “Queen’s Gambit”. Day before yesterday, two pages. Yesterday, three pages. This one continues to fight me every step of the way, but I’m gradually getting there. And it will feel SO good to have it behind me …

I was notified yesterday that someone has nominated “Jasmine Tears” in the latest round of the Fang Fetish Awards. I had fairly good luck in the last round at Fang Fetish (“Precious Cargo” and “Solitaire Till Dawn” took their categories), so I can be hopeful of my chances as well as gratified at the recognition. This hasn’t been a great year for me in terms of turning out stories, but all the ones I’ve done have been well received. Feels nice.

Close cut

Open third cut — Family Issues

My son and daughter made the drive here from center-state yesterday, so that they could be with Susan and me for Thanksgiving. We’re cutting very close on our budget; Susan’s bank account now has $8 in it, mine has $4, but automatic deposits go in as of midnight. Susan’s nursing license arrived in the mail, which was a relief, it would have expired in two days, and they’re very picky about letting you practice without a current license.

My daughter is hoping to test out for her GED before the spring semester begins at the community college where my son began his higher education; I don’t know how realistic that is (she has a tendency to underestimate tests the first time through), but I’m all in favor of her getting back in where she left off four years ago. My son should finish his associate’s degree this semester, and expects to complete his bachelor’s a year from now. Finally, Susan may or may not be able to finish her doctorate in a single year of dedicated study (and it is dedicated, she spends six to ten hours a day on my laptop, including the days she does twelve-hour shifts at work; I’d be dead from lack of sleep by this point), which will qualify her for higher employment at the VA.

It’s funny. My daughter has been away from home almost constantly for the last four years, and at last she’s back for more than a brief visit … but I’ll be leaving for Iraq next year, and my son wants to spend a year in China after he graduates, and Susan may relocate out-of-state if she changes positions. Change, change, nothing but change.

Close cut

Okay. Let’s see if I can get some more writing done.