It is just my opinon folks!

So I post on a separate website often. It's intention is for all of us here at Ft. Riley to be able to vent, talk, ask for advice and so on with each other. Sometimes I get annoyed enough with something to write on there. Anyhow, I thought I would copy and paste the 2 biggest topics I have started lately.

Stay at Home Moms:

Okay so for those of you that have me as a friend on Facebook saw me go on a bit of a rampage last evening. My family, complete Strangers and some "friends" recently have been irritating me to the point of explosion. And I may have taken it out on Facebook nation.

It seems like whenever you get asked "What do you do for a living" it begins a nasty battle. I am a Stay At Home Mom, a PROUD stay at home Mom. I wear that badge as one of my best accomplishments. However the general public dosen't seem to always understand this. I get everything from "Oh so unemployed" - Okay so I am not getting paid in cash for my work, but I am getting paid in baby smiles and bonding time. Sure that wont pay a bill, but it fills my heart. I get from friends "Since you aren't doing anything anyway......" What makes you think I am not doing anything? I do lots and lots thanks! Or from FRG and other clubs "Well you have time to volunteer, you don't work and you have time".... Wrong!

I happen to have my son on a pretty rigid schedule and I have a clean home. I have dinners cooked, and activities planned. Why is it because I have chosen this path in life I am looked down upon? It isn't as though I am staying home and neglecting him, eating cake and watching TV. I am a very active part in my sons life. We keep very busy!

I guess the main thing that bothers me is that these people try and make you feel bad for it. I mean I obviously understand everyone has their own view on parenting. Everyone has their own styles, and preferences. I respect that, What I do not respect is someone trying to force their ways on me. I don't run up to every Mom and say "Disposable diapers, your horrible" or "You work, what a bad Mom" so why do people want to do that to me?! I don't tell anyone how to do things, they need to not tell me how to do things also.

Another important thing to keep in mind is daycare isn't cheep out here. I would end up giving my entire check to someone to watch Elijah so I can work. Literally. I have priced daycare. I think I would bring home $50 and that is it. What's the point in missing out on EVERYTHING for $50?

My Second topic was about planned pregnancy to avoid a deployment:

There is something bothering me, and as an adult I would like to have a calm and intelligent discussion about it. I'm really hoping that it happens, and that this dosen't turn into a huge dramatic mess like things have a habit of happening.

I have a friend who recently joined the army. I am pretty happy for her, except I was talking to her and I said "Is your new unit scheduled to deploy anytime soon?" She told me that she wasn't sure, but not that she'd heard. Then she said "It isn't like I'd deploy anyway, I would get pregnant to avoid it"

I kind of took a step back. I was pretty irritated about it, I wont lie. I was talking to my husband later about it and I said "I have very little respect for females that get pregnant to avoid a deployment". I was thinking about it more, trying to see all sides of it, and honestly the more I thought about it the more upset it made me. Not only are you bringing a life into the world based on a desire to NOT do something, but I feel its shamefully done.

I realize I have never gotten on that plane myself, so I can't say I know the feelings that go on. I have put my husband on a plane though, and I know that side. I can't say "I understand you are afraid" or anything along those lines. However I do feel like YOU signed a contract and joined a military knowing it was a time of war. If this is the first time the thought of a deployment has crossed your mind, well you didn't think joining through. I think its a breach of contract personally. I understand accidents do happen, but to intentionally plan to get pregnant to avoid something is just plain irresponsible (You are letting down your unit) and dishonest.

I got to thinking about it more also, because there are men that avoid a deployment by claiming to have this or that. I was thinking about how this is the female version of that. I guess I have no respect for anyone intentionally dodging deployment.

Now don't get me twisted, I understand there are legit things that keep you from deploying. I understand things happen and that you may not be 100% healthy. I am not knocking those people! If you are hurt, honestly hurt, this isn't my complaint. If you got pregnant on accident then okay. I guess I am saying if you are intentionally avoiding a deployment I have no respect for you. I guess it might sound mean, but that is how I feel. How do you feel??



So there were the opinions, and I guess I felt strongly enough about both topics to post here! LOL.