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A Bit About Myself

December 9th, 2012 at 05:04 am

Here's a little bit of information about me that will probably put things in perspective.

I'm 36 years old and currently legally separated from my spouse for the last 2.5 years. I have two beautiful adult daughters (one just got married) and one beautifully rambunctious granddaughter (and another grandchild on the way).

I use to work in a call center for an insurance company (was an agent in 21 different states for auto/home insurance) and later for a bank. After 7 years of working at the bank and 3 years in the same position I received a raise of .98% (it literally only added $600 to my pay at the end of the year).

After taking a look at my life and realizing more things needed to change (by this time I was already separated) I re-started working towards a goal that I had started almost 10 years ago. To join the military.

The reason I did so was because I wanted to have a career and not just a job. I wanted something that I chose and I wanted to be able to retire when I reached retirement age. I no longer wanted to "survive" and I wanted to start living my life. I knew that this was a way for me to move forward despite a certain disadvantage (I currently PAY alimony but that will end in 2016).

I lost a lot of weight (about 60lbs) and joined the U.S. Army Nov 2012. I actually turned 35 years old in basic training (and no I wasn't the oldest person their. i'll leave that to my good friend

Text is Sandy and Link is http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/face-of-defense-soldier-5_n_1294053.html
Sandy who was 51 years old and what we like to call a PT Beast!! she ran the 2-mile run in 16min 30sec!).

After basic I then went to AIT for job training and went to visit my family for 2 weeks after I graduated. I then went to my first duty station and after I arrived I discovered we were deploying to Afghanistan which is where I currently am residing.

The good thing about Afghanistan is that during deployment, I can really pay off bills and accrue savings. The con is that you miss your family terribly. There are a lot of people here that will be debt free when they get back. That will not be me but at least I'll be on the road to being debt free. I know that if I get deployed at least once more that more than likely I will be or VERY close to being free of debt.

I can do this. It's no biggie. Just make a plan and stick to it. Things change and I'll need to be able to roll with the punches. But it's all good. It's my life and I finally feel as if I am in control of it.

5 Responses to “A Bit About Myself”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1355065789

    I clicked on your link about Sandy! I was surprise someone that age could even get in the Army. Good for her!! And, of course, you as well. We appreciate your service.

  2. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1355101281

    I echo CCF...we appreciate your service. Good goals while you serve our country. I hope your tour goes safely and that you are able to enjoy the benefits of your work when you return home.

  3. Sian Says:
    1355118106

    thanks! i was amazed by her when i got there (it's funny that she has a 20yr old son and i have a 21 & 24 yr old. & I'M the grandmother lol!) i love her and still keep in touch. we were the oldest female although there were other 30 year olds. i'm just glad i don't look my age. but i'm gettin sick and tired of ppl thinkin i'm 18-24 years old. hahaha. it IS an issue in the military. they'll think that i'm not "experienced" if i'm that young... ugh lol

    and we appreciate ya'lls support!

  4. Jerry Says:
    1355134783

    Congrats on making this huge career change, and thanks for serving... IMHO we definitely need people with life experience to lead themselves into the service, as well as the young bucks just out of HS. I served as a field medic (Navy Corpsman) with the Marines in my early to mid thirties, so it can definitely be done! I am motivated by your 51 year old friend's PT ability, and it offers me some insurance that it's not to late to get back into fitness! Good luck in Afghanistan, and take good care...
    Jerry

  5. Sian Says:
    1355296099

    thanks jerry! she inspired me as well. i talked to her a lot durin bct because we were basically in the same position with us bein the oldest. & u're right, it's never too late for fitness! =D

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