I despise DTS and update on my upcoming travels

If you know what the Defense Travel System is, you’re military or a DOD employee. There’s also a 99.9% chance that you share my feelings toward DTS. In the near future, I’ll be traveling to complete two weeks of annual training for my Army Reserve unit. Before I leave, I have to fill out online forms regarding the trip and then wait for the forms to be approved. I’ve spent almost all of today and a fair amount of yesterday trying to input information. The system is completely counterintuitive, but the worst part is that it takes two or three minutes for every single page to load. Every so often, I get kicked off and have to log back in. That alone takes at least five minutes each time. If the forms don’t get kicked back to me for any changes, it should be approved soon. Then some of this weight on my shoulders will lift!

I had been dreading these two weeks, because I’ve never been away from Baby J longer than a night (once). I know; it’s just two weeks. I also realize that plenty of dual-military couples do this, but that’s exactly why I’m not planning on staying in. I’m not willing to be away from my son and any future children, especially when their father is underway or deployed. By the way, my opinion is not a negative commentary on dual-military couples. I’m not judging you at all! We all have different circumstances and needs.

Anyway, I’m at the point that I’m looking forward to leaving, even though that means being away from Baby J. The sooner I’m gone; the sooner I can do my job; and then the sooner I can get home.

I plan to keep up with reviews while I’m gone. I’ll have most evenings off as well as Internet access. Since I won’t have toddler distractions or have to worry about housework, etc., maybe I can even get ahead! Obviously, I’m taking my laptop with, as well as a few review products. There are several that I’m ready to write-up right now; I just need the time.

So that’s what’s up with me right now. As soon as I get off here, I need to tackle some laundry, packing, leaving emergency numbers for my MIL, etc.

How is your week?
Continue Reading

Review: Personalized Army mug from MyServicePride

MyServicePride sent me a personalized coffee mug to review.

 Personalized military mug from MyServicePride. Find out more on My Life: A Work in Progress
My iPhone camera and bad lighting don’t do this mug justice. The ribbon colors are actually very bright.
About:

MyServicePride.com specializes in personalized symbols of service for military members, retirees, and their families. Products include decals, plaques, t-shirts, water bottles, license plate covers, mugs, phone covers, and iPad covers. MyServicePride was founded by Sgt. Matt Massie, USMC, 1996 to 2006. Read more about his story HERE.

My Experiences:

My mug looks awesome! I chose the 15 oz. mug with a black interior and used the website software to design my ribbon rack based on the Army awards I’ve received. It’s dishwasher safe, and I’ve been using it almost daily for a couple of weeks now. It’s a good size for a coffee addict like me.

What I really like about MyServicePride is how they are constantly adapting and adding to their site. They are very willing to work with people to create custom designs. The staff at MyServicePride has also been collecting information to add National Guard awards. They’re looking for photos and help with documentation, so if you’re a member of the National Guard, visit HERE to see how you can help. It’s a massive project!

Since I ordered my mug, they’ve added some new designs. Rank insignia mugs are now available, and they look really sharp. I’m going to get Hubby the Navy one. You can customize each of the rank insignia mugs by service branch and rank, and include optional text. The Navy rank insignia mugs let you take customization even further, by adding the Sailor’s rate insignia.

Check out MyServicePride.com to see what they have to offer. You can even read personal stories from veterans and share your own. 

Continue Reading
1 3 4 5 6 7 11