It is really easy to get to this point on Thursday and wonder if I have any small successes this week. They are there I just have to find them through my own critic.
First, Monday was Veteran’s Day. I am a US Navy Veteran and I decided to enjoy the day. I went out to lunch at Applebee’s, for my free meal, with a friend of mine. Instead of rushing home to do dishes, we decided to go to the mall. You would have to know me to realize just how much of a rarity this is for me. I am not a shopper, in fact there I times I loathe shopping. That evening I went out to dinner, for another free meal, with a good friend of mine. We had a great dinner and she embarassed me exceedingly by showing the waiter my picture on my DD-214. I could not find my VA ID, so I took my DD-214 with me instead. I can’t believe I joined the Navy 14 years ago.
I have mixed emotions about my military service. I am proud of serving my country, but I am heart-broken about what this country is becoming. I was a Russian linguist and I am not happy with what my previous employer is doing to violate everyone’s privacy. It pains me to have been a part of that power grab, even though my work was “lawful”. I am thankful that I was able to be a 9-11 relief worker, so it is a mixed bag. My success was to embrace and celebrate my service. While it is nice to hear “thank you for your service” most of us Vets don’t know what to say. We were just doing our jobs.
Second, I have written quite a bit on my blog this week. It is always a step in the right direction when I write regularly. I figure I will keep writing and see what happens. I do need to get back to writing my novel. The solid idea is there, now to get it fully to the page. It is a Catholic thriller, I guess would be what you would call it.
Third, I am remembering to be thankful for the life I have been given. This year has been insane for us. I have had to call two ambulances for my husband because of his debilitating migraines, I had emergency surgery for a miscarriage and lost our 3rd baby, our daughter was in the hospital for 3 days with a staph infection, a friend nearly died of eclampsia, a good friend from the Navy died suddenly in July, we moved into our new house, and we have been fixing problems in the house. It is one of those years you just want too see end. Strangely, I have a deeper faith and gratitude for life. I have never understood the adage that suffering makes us stronger. It’s like I woke up one day and it all made sense. I could see God working in my life. Even though this year has been difficult, I have a greater faith and prayer life. I am beginning to understand how He is refining me in the furnace.
What about you? What are your small successes for the week?
Swimming the Depths 
wow, thank you for your service to our country!
You’re welcome, Lisa! It is hard to do my awkward “you’re welcome” in writing. I usually don’t know what to do when people thank me..LOL.
Say you’re welcome, and give yourself a hug which is what I could do if I were able to thank you in person!
I will work on it. It really is awkward for most of us Vets. We appreciate it, but also feel like it was our job. I will work to confidently say “you’re welcome” in the future. 🙂
I am in awe of writers who write novels. 🙂 I’m sure that God’s refining fire will show up in your written work.
Thank you! That is very kind of you to say. I am trudging my way through. We will see how it goes.
A novel–so exciting! I love to write but only produce nonfiction. I very much enjoy reading fiction, however! (If you ever need a beta reader, chase me down.)
Will do!