In the Army Now

My friend is about to depart for basic training in the Army.

I have many, many thoughts about this fact.

First off, let's establish the amount of time it would take for me, personally, to break down in tears during the first day of basic training: 5 minutes.

I'd also like to establish strongly that I believe ballet is as difficult, or more difficult, than any sport on the face of the earth. But I still stand by the five minutes. Why? It's not because I'm an artistic gal. I met this particular friend (who is about to leave for the army) in the ballet company I currently dance with, and she is an extremely talented and artistically gifted woman. And yet, she doesn't want to run screaming and crying at the thought of joining the military.

When I was just a mere teenager and thinking about my future, my mom hilariously suggested (just once, maybe twice at most) that I consider a career in the military. Mind you, this is not because she saw me as the type of person that would do, um, WELL in this environment. This woman raised me after all, and witnessed my many emotional moments. I think she liked the benefits given to those who have a career in the military and thought, "Awesome... I wouldn't have to financially support her forever." Understandable. What I don't get is how she could, for a millisecond, let my extreme emotional side and need to be "ok" with everyone slip her mind as she suggested, "Maybe you should consider joining the military." Hilarious, Mom.
***side note: I'm not saying my Mom, even for a second, was throwing me to "the wolves." I really believe she had my best interest in mind as far as education and long term benefits... Just sayin.

And I have arrived at my point: My need to be "ok," meaning relationally "clear" with my friends and others in my life, is paramount to me. Being screamed at for being a half inch out of line (although I've definitely experienced this in some ballet companies), or anything concerning having to face off against an "enemy" (unless we are talking about bugs) would pretty much give me an ulcer within the aforementioned five minutes. I will say this is a strength AND weakness of mine. I am constantly trying to find the happy balance between having a healthy peace between myself and everyone else, yet not constantly people pleasing.

That's all I have to say about this. Nothing deep today, just an admiration and deep appreciation for the diversity of people on God's green earth, and for my friend who is about to embark on this great adventure. I am sure she will last far longer than my measly five minutes and I can't wait to hear all about it.