About Law School:
1. What made you want to go to law school? A couple of reasons: I like our country and our system and I want to be a part of making it stronger and better; I am good at it; and I want to make a good living.
2. If you weren't in law school right now, what would you be doing? I’ve always wanted to go to law school so I’ve never really had an alternative. I would likely work in a law firm or at a business so I could still be partially involved in my interests. I've also thought about teaching, but I would want to teach at the college level.
3. What do you want to do with your law degree? I want to do international, military and public law – maybe even something in JAG (but as a civilian) and be a judge someday. I would also be interested in teaching law.
About Al:
1. How did you meet your man, and: We met at work 5 years ago, (see the link “Me, Him and Our Story” above for more details) but never really dated at that time. He left for the Army and I went on with my life. We stayed in touch and our paths crossed again a couple of years ago…
2. how did you know he was the one?! I said “I love you” about 4 months into our relationship. (I’m not a love-at-first-sight kind of girl; I need time for my head and heart to get on the same page.) We had spent the weekend out at the farm with his parents, 4-wheeling with his friends and drinking like crazy. We came home from the bar at 3 AM drunk and I told him I loved him. Ha ha. The next morning we talked about it again and repeated the sentiment in the harsh light of morning! I didn’t know he was “the one” until a few months after that. We were having a conversation, on the phone of course, about what he meant to me and what I meant to him. I was starting to feel like I was more devoted (mostly because he never really shares his feelings, typical guy…) and he said the following (paraphrased): “You’re like my piece of cardboard. When one of my table legs is a little wobbly or off-balance, you come right in and balance it out. You keep me in place.” I was pretty much hooked!
3. what is your favorite and least favorite thing about dating a military man?
Favorite: (Besides the practical need for a military force to keep our country strong...) I LOVE the pride and the ceremony, I LOVE the uniforms and I love how great of a man he is in part because of what he does. Did I mention I like the uniforms? ha ha.
Least favorite: The distance (obviously) and the fact that he's at his "boss's" mercy for literally everything!
4. What is your favorite character trait about your man? He’s the hardest working man I know, whether it’s work, life or our relationship, he gives it everything he’s got. The second is his sense of humor.
5. Least favorite? He’s fiercely independent. This means that he doesn't reach out, ask for help, or tell me when something's wrong. He's great for the Army because he naturally "embraces the suck" of life and figures he can handle it all on his own.
6. What is your favorite physical trait of your man? His arms: complete with muscles, tattoos and a farmers tan. Really though, I love how strong he is and how they look when holding his rifle or gripping a four-wheeler. Mostly, I love how they feel around me and that they’re going to hold only me, forever.
7. What are some nicknames you have for the Mr? Other than the mean ones? ha ha. I call him Al, which is the short version of his name, but other than that I don’t have any.
8. What is one of your favorite things to do with your love? Anything new, especially if it gets us outside and active. Since I’ve known him, I went 4-wheeling for the first time and climbed a couple mountains in Texas. I love doing these things, having new adventures, seeing new places and just getting out and about.
9. What's the best thing you do for your boyfriend? I would like to think supporting him, loving him and waiting for him while he fights for our country is the best thing I do for him.
10. What's the best thing your bf does for you? Makes me laugh. That man can pull me out of a funk like no one’s business. He is also VERY good at giving me a kick in the pants when I get lazy, tired, or just want to throw in the towel on various endeavors.
About US:
1. You mentioned a time line for when you plan to get married... when's that? When I finish law school (about 2 years).
2. 6 years of knowing eachother is a long time with out a ring... do you think it makes it harder for you to still be in the "girlfriend" role? We haven’t actually been together the whole time. We met about 6 years ago, but we only dated briefly (if you can even call a few random make-outs and a dinner or two dating) before he left for boot camp. It wasn’t until about 2 ½ years ago that we re-acquainted ourselves and started dating. Plus, we knew we needed to do the whole thing at our pace, by our rules - especially since it's so easy to rush into a military marriage for the security and the benefits, etc... We didn't want that to affect our decision and now we can make it without that influence.
3. Did you or do you currently live with your main squeeze? Nope. We have never lived together. We’ve spent our entire relationship long distance. It was really important to both of us to pursue our individual interests before we started a life together. We’re ready to stop that now!
4. Are kids in the near future? Near future? I would say in the next 4 years.
5. How many deployments have you and your bf been thru together? This is numero uno. He spent his first two years out of boot camp in Korea, but we were not together then.
6. Does he plan on making the military a career (aka lifer)? We’ve gone back and forth. At this point, he is leaning towards No. He wants to have a family, finish his degree, and find a new way to challenge himself and he feels like none of these things are conducive to staying in the Army. I am supportive of whichever decision and we are open to coming back if he chooses to later on.
About Me:
1. What is your favorite character trait about yourself? I am loyal, honest and emotional - unfailingly (all of them to a fault, sometimes.) What you see is what you get and I am not easily embarrassed or offended.
4. What is your favorite character trait about your man? He’s the hardest working man I know, whether it’s work, life or our relationship, he gives it everything he’s got. The second is his sense of humor.
5. Least favorite? He’s fiercely independent. This means that he doesn't reach out, ask for help, or tell me when something's wrong. He's great for the Army because he naturally "embraces the suck" of life and figures he can handle it all on his own.
6. What is your favorite physical trait of your man? His arms: complete with muscles, tattoos and a farmers tan. Really though, I love how strong he is and how they look when holding his rifle or gripping a four-wheeler. Mostly, I love how they feel around me and that they’re going to hold only me, forever.
7. What are some nicknames you have for the Mr? Other than the mean ones? ha ha. I call him Al, which is the short version of his name, but other than that I don’t have any.
8. What is one of your favorite things to do with your love? Anything new, especially if it gets us outside and active. Since I’ve known him, I went 4-wheeling for the first time and climbed a couple mountains in Texas. I love doing these things, having new adventures, seeing new places and just getting out and about.
9. What's the best thing you do for your boyfriend? I would like to think supporting him, loving him and waiting for him while he fights for our country is the best thing I do for him.
10. What's the best thing your bf does for you? Makes me laugh. That man can pull me out of a funk like no one’s business. He is also VERY good at giving me a kick in the pants when I get lazy, tired, or just want to throw in the towel on various endeavors.
About US:
1. You mentioned a time line for when you plan to get married... when's that? When I finish law school (about 2 years).
2. 6 years of knowing eachother is a long time with out a ring... do you think it makes it harder for you to still be in the "girlfriend" role? We haven’t actually been together the whole time. We met about 6 years ago, but we only dated briefly (if you can even call a few random make-outs and a dinner or two dating) before he left for boot camp. It wasn’t until about 2 ½ years ago that we re-acquainted ourselves and started dating. Plus, we knew we needed to do the whole thing at our pace, by our rules - especially since it's so easy to rush into a military marriage for the security and the benefits, etc... We didn't want that to affect our decision and now we can make it without that influence.
3. Did you or do you currently live with your main squeeze? Nope. We have never lived together. We’ve spent our entire relationship long distance. It was really important to both of us to pursue our individual interests before we started a life together. We’re ready to stop that now!
4. Are kids in the near future? Near future? I would say in the next 4 years.
5. How many deployments have you and your bf been thru together? This is numero uno. He spent his first two years out of boot camp in Korea, but we were not together then.
6. Does he plan on making the military a career (aka lifer)? We’ve gone back and forth. At this point, he is leaning towards No. He wants to have a family, finish his degree, and find a new way to challenge himself and he feels like none of these things are conducive to staying in the Army. I am supportive of whichever decision and we are open to coming back if he chooses to later on.
About Me:
1. What is your favorite character trait about yourself? I am loyal, honest and emotional - unfailingly (all of them to a fault, sometimes.) What you see is what you get and I am not easily embarrassed or offended.
**I have to add this because it’s funny: While I was writing these answers I was web-camming with Al. When I got to this question I told him what it was and he said, “Boobs.” I gently reminded him that boobs were a physical trait and not a character one. Then I told him he should come up with something in my personality instead...(Men!)
2. Least favorite? I’m opinionated & loud-mouthed. I don’t beat around the bush and while many times I appreciate these qualities, they do get me in trouble once in a while. Sometimes I think demure is a better way, but I only know my way…
3. What is your favorite physical trait about yourself? My legs, because they're strong, beautiful and have carried me many miles (and I hope they carry me many more); and my eyes, because they are unique and expressive.
4. Do you work out? As much as possible. I am terrible with self-discipline when it comes to working out. I wonder if it’s because I use all my self-discipline elsewhere. Nonetheless, when I can get to the gym or outside, I try to!
5. What are some of your nicknames? My mom calls me "sunshine." Most of my friends just call me Melissa or Mel. Al calls me "baby."
About Everything:
1. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? I have a long list of places – I really like Boston and San Diego. Al and I are looking at Colorado Springs/Denver but since I’ve never been (YET) I don’t know my opinion on that…
2. Least favorite? I’m opinionated & loud-mouthed. I don’t beat around the bush and while many times I appreciate these qualities, they do get me in trouble once in a while. Sometimes I think demure is a better way, but I only know my way…
3. What is your favorite physical trait about yourself? My legs, because they're strong, beautiful and have carried me many miles (and I hope they carry me many more); and my eyes, because they are unique and expressive.
4. Do you work out? As much as possible. I am terrible with self-discipline when it comes to working out. I wonder if it’s because I use all my self-discipline elsewhere. Nonetheless, when I can get to the gym or outside, I try to!
5. What are some of your nicknames? My mom calls me "sunshine." Most of my friends just call me Melissa or Mel. Al calls me "baby."
About Everything:
1. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? I have a long list of places – I really like Boston and San Diego. Al and I are looking at Colorado Springs/Denver but since I’ve never been (YET) I don’t know my opinion on that…
2. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I don't want to jump the gun, but I would say successfully completing law school AND dealing with Al's deployment at the same time. It's been an extreme test of my heart, my head, my discipline and well, my sanity. Second to that would be getting accepted to the Navy OCS program.
3. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Be debt free, buy a house and a Mercedes, then I’d let Al invest the rest since he’s really good at that and I’m a complete idiot about it
4. what is your favorite food or type of food? Italian – literally any pasta!
5. What is your all time favorite pass time? I like being outdoors. Anything active and in the sun. Otherwise, I like reading, writing and music. Oh, oh. And shopping. Could I shop outside in the sun - if so, that's #1! :)
6. If you could be best friends with one celebrity/well-known person, who would it be? Why? Natalie Portman – Beautiful, funny AND Harvard educated! Or Sandra Day O'Connor - One of the most amazing people (and woman) to ever sit on the Supreme Court!
7. Who is your favorite musical artist/group? I certainly CANNOT pick a favorite. I love country music the most, but I also really like blues-y stuff life Michael Buble and rock n’ roll like Aerosmith and Hinder. Honestly though, I really listen to a little of absolutely everything.
8. Do you have any pet peeves? Bad drivers! I feel like so few people on the road know the basics of turning, signaling, merging, and the appropriate use of the fast lane. I have terrible road-rage, especially when I’m in traffic!
9. Do you watch Tough Love Couples? (I'm watching it right now)- OMG! I LOVE that show! It’s one of my only guilty pleasure shows, but I really enjoy Steve!
10. What's your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? (everyone has to have at least one) Really, Tough Love Couples would have to be it. Although, I watch some America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, which arguably fit into that category.
11. What's your favorite flower? Tulip
12. Where would your dream vacation be to? It’s a tie between a Mediterranean Cruise (so I can see Greece) and Germany (where my mom grew up!)
13. What's your favorite dish to cook (your specialty)? I don’t cook. I think I am adverse to homemaker duties! I am working on getting better at this…
About Blogging:
1. What made you want to start blogging? I’ve always enjoyed writing. With Al across the world and no fellow mil-SOs near me, this was my way of reaching out, getting it out of my system and helping my family and friends understand what I was going through.
2. How long have you been blogging? Just about 3 months
3. Do you have a lot of friends, outside of the ladies, on this blog that are going thru a military relationship? Not really. That’s why I started this blog. Al is normally stationed at Ft. Bliss in Texas and I am in Minnesota, so any of the SO’s I would normally be in contact with, I am not. We do have a couple that he grew up with here in MN that are going through a deployment, but otherwise, my blog ladies are my life!
3. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Be debt free, buy a house and a Mercedes, then I’d let Al invest the rest since he’s really good at that and I’m a complete idiot about it
4. what is your favorite food or type of food? Italian – literally any pasta!
5. What is your all time favorite pass time? I like being outdoors. Anything active and in the sun. Otherwise, I like reading, writing and music. Oh, oh. And shopping. Could I shop outside in the sun - if so, that's #1! :)
6. If you could be best friends with one celebrity/well-known person, who would it be? Why? Natalie Portman – Beautiful, funny AND Harvard educated! Or Sandra Day O'Connor - One of the most amazing people (and woman) to ever sit on the Supreme Court!
7. Who is your favorite musical artist/group? I certainly CANNOT pick a favorite. I love country music the most, but I also really like blues-y stuff life Michael Buble and rock n’ roll like Aerosmith and Hinder. Honestly though, I really listen to a little of absolutely everything.
8. Do you have any pet peeves? Bad drivers! I feel like so few people on the road know the basics of turning, signaling, merging, and the appropriate use of the fast lane. I have terrible road-rage, especially when I’m in traffic!
9. Do you watch Tough Love Couples? (I'm watching it right now)- OMG! I LOVE that show! It’s one of my only guilty pleasure shows, but I really enjoy Steve!
10. What's your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? (everyone has to have at least one) Really, Tough Love Couples would have to be it. Although, I watch some America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, which arguably fit into that category.
11. What's your favorite flower? Tulip
12. Where would your dream vacation be to? It’s a tie between a Mediterranean Cruise (so I can see Greece) and Germany (where my mom grew up!)
13. What's your favorite dish to cook (your specialty)? I don’t cook. I think I am adverse to homemaker duties! I am working on getting better at this…
About Blogging:
1. What made you want to start blogging? I’ve always enjoyed writing. With Al across the world and no fellow mil-SOs near me, this was my way of reaching out, getting it out of my system and helping my family and friends understand what I was going through.
2. How long have you been blogging? Just about 3 months
3. Do you have a lot of friends, outside of the ladies, on this blog that are going thru a military relationship? Not really. That’s why I started this blog. Al is normally stationed at Ft. Bliss in Texas and I am in Minnesota, so any of the SO’s I would normally be in contact with, I am not. We do have a couple that he grew up with here in MN that are going through a deployment, but otherwise, my blog ladies are my life!