All my latest news...

[mijan]

So, let's start with the small stuff.

First, I have a sunburn.  Which sucks, but I'll survive. 

Second thing is better; the reason for the sunburn.  I spent the day down at the horse-farm, and had a good time removing rocks from the main paddock, as my way of working off the fee for the lesson.  (I got the sunburn while working in the paddock.)  I rode Western this time, because the horse I was going to ride (Jim, a bay thoroughbred gelding) had been ridden Western by this guy who didn't have a clue what he was doing.  Kept blaming poor Jim for his own imcompetance.  It's like, "Hey buddy, just because you don't have a clue how to ride, don't blame the horse!" 
Anyhow, I rode for the first ten minutes or so without stirrups.  It's a good way to develop balance, seat, and all that fun stuff.  I actually do it pretty well.  I hate doing it in a Western saddle, because the damn saddle is so big, I don't feel like I'm in contact with the horse.  Plus, they're nowhere near as comfortable as English saddles.  I'm also not terribly fond of Western bits.  I hate neck-reining.  I far prefer direct contact with the horse's mouth for control, with both hands on the reins.  I'll be riding English on Thursday, thank goodness.

In other news, I've done another edit to the fic I just posted, one LJ post back.  I'm still waiting on my beta.  Oh, and for "Eclipse," Lucinda has apparently been quite sick lately, and hadn't actually been working on it.  I wish she'd told me.  Anyhow, she promises the chapter by next Saturday.  I hope you can all be patient with me.  I'm as anxious to get it posted as you are to read it.

Comments

[crimson-stained.livejournal.com]

*misses already*

[enderxenocide.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Oh, you'll be so missed! I'm absolutely THRILLED that you won't miss the premire! That would be just, guh. And, of course I want to send you care packages. Let me know when you get the adress!

And more horseback riding! *is jealous* The only good thing about sunburns that eventually they'll be tans, but keyword there is "eventually". You know, I never thought of it that way, but the "not feeling contected to the horse" thing, that makes a hell of a lot of sense. Seems like I've been missing out! I'm just so used to it, it feels like a second-nature.

I can't wait for chapter 9! It's well worth the wait, though.

love, Rooney

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

Wah!

I'll send you a care package. Just give me your address when you get it. :) Um, not sure about whether edible foodstuffs (like chocolate, mmmm) can be sent overseas though. I'll check.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

I think they can be legally sent, but they might get rather beaten up along the way. Simple letters are really plenty to send, especially if you live overseas.

*huggle-glomps*

[oconel]

*hugs*

I'll miss you and your post, girl.

I don't mean to pry but why did you get involved with the military?

[mijan.livejournal.com]

I've been in the Army for three and a half years. Since BEFORE September 11th. I "got involved" for several reasons, not the least of which was that I wanted to serve my country. I can write another post sometime, but the whole thing is a very long story.

Either way, I take a lot of pride in what I do. I'm a commissioned officer in the United States military. Yes, there are problems going on right now, but nothing's perfect.

[oconel]

I'm afraid you misunderstood me. I knew you had been in the Army, the thing is that I never asked why before. My question had nothing to do with Irak if that was what you were thinking.

I asked because I wouldn't like to be trained to be a soldier. I don't like guns and I'd like to understand the reasons why somebody decides to do it. Just that. Sorry if my question bothered you somehow.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Oh no, it didn't bother me at all! I just misunderstood.

Initially, I had considered the Army, but the thign that pushed me to join WHEN I joined was when my first university went bankrupt. My family had no money, and I was stranded with a pile of loans and half of a degree plan completed. I needed to do *something*, so I decided "hey, I can do pushups," and I joined the Army. It was that simple.

Call it the tough-guy mentality. I've always been a physically competitive person. I play sports, I LOVE challenges, and the Army presented me with a wonderful challenge. It's not all about guns, believe me. It's about learning skills, teamwork, learning to give and follow orders as part of a team, putting your fellow soldiers before yourself, and putting your duty above everything. It's about trying new things, learning to conquer fears (not that I ever really had any), going new places, meeting new people, experiencing things that most people will never do.

Honestly, I don't like "guns" either. Civilian hand guns, specifically. I fire an M-16 A2 rifle, not a "gun." I don't like civilians with guns. Too many accidents. For soldiers, weapon safety is one of the BIGGEST priorities in the Army. That aside, I DO like to shoot. It's a skill, and I'm very good at it. I also like to throw grenades. What can I say? It's fun.

In contrast, I hate makeup, shopping, expensive clothes, shoes, and other girly things that you would expect most 23-year-old women to enjoy. So, I guess, to each their own. Hope that helps!

[oconel]

Well, it does help and I agree totally about civilians with guns. I can imagine firing a gun or throwing granades as funny, but I can't see myself following orders that meant that I had to kill someone (I know that's not the only thing soldiers do, but it's the one I have problems with). I'm not so naive as to think that I couldn't kill anybody under any circumstance, but still I don't get it.

Anyway, it's your career and it makes you happy. That's what matters.

I totally agree about makeup, expensive clothes, shopping and stuff. I hate to be labeled as a woman so that the people expect some kind of behaviour because of that.

[hidden-gems.livejournal.com]

You're in the army? I had no idea -- shows how little I know about some people, even though I really like them... **sighs**

I'll miss you *a lot*! It's going to seem quite empty out here without you. Hey, maybe during that time I'll finally get round to reading "Eclipse" and "Only Your Shadow" -- no, I haven't forgotten! And who knows, maybe I'll ask for your address so I can send you my reviews! **grins**

[mijan.livejournal.com]

It's okay. I haven't gone advertising it. I try to keep my personal life away from online, for several reasons.

Anyway, yes, I've been in the Army for three and a half years. I enlisted in Nov. 2000, and now, I'm a Lieutenant. It's a big part of my life, and I may make a career out of it. (But I still like to have fun, and I still like my Harry Potter stuff.)

:D

[hidden-gems.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's impressive...

[coffee-n-cocoa.livejournal.com]

Of course I'll send care packages. Even better, I live in the KC area which is only a couple of hours away from Ft. Leonard Wood, so if you ever get a day pass....;)

[mijan.livejournal.com]

You live in Kansas City? (Or close) !!! What are you doing for the release of PoA? I had originally planned to go to the line party in Boston, but now, I don't think I'll be able to do it, because I have to report to FLW on June 6th. I had REALLY wanted to go in costume (in fact, I had a dream about it last night), but I need people to go with.

And as for the offer for something to do on day passes... *SQUEEEE!!!* Somebody loves me!!!
*glomps*

[coffee-n-cocoa.livejournal.com]

They have an IMAX theatre in KC, and hubby and I are considering seeing PoA there. However, I'm sure I won't mind seeing it more than once...:D

[mijan.livejournal.com]

SQUEEE! I've never been inside an IMAX theatre. Are you doing the midnight show? Are you going in costume? Are you sure you wouldn't mind going to see the movie with an over-excited 23-year old female Harry Potter? *grins insanely*

[just-marzipan.livejournal.com]

Four months? WAAH. *Clings*

I shall miss you *pokes and gropes you*. I shall try and send something If I can, food might not be a good idea because it might go icky but I could send something. Possibly. (The list of things I want to send to people is getting longer and longer. I’ll have no money left by the end of this…)

~Blue

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Don't send food. I'll have plenty to eat. A letter is enough to make my day, trust me. :)
*huggles*

[just-marzipan.livejournal.com]

A letter it is then. I know you'll have plenty to eat but I am perfecting my poisoned fairy cakes (or do you guys call them cupcakes?) and It would be funny to inflict them on you* *grins* *licks*

~Blue

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm... cupcakes...

[dark-eyed-amy.livejournal.com]

Wah.

I can't believe you're going. *sobs*

However, I DO want you to have a good time so I'm not going to make you feel all guilty. *hugggggggggggggs and is careful of sunburn*

[mijan.livejournal.com]

The sunburn has already faded into a tan, m'dear. I'm good like that. You may glomp freely. :D

And if you wish, like I said, I can give you my mailing addy while I'm away. I LOVE getting care packages and letters.

[orolin.livejournal.com]

Eeeek - sunburn! *passes over some aftersun cream*

Ah, the Army calls! We'll miss you over at GnH, but Rice and I will look after everyone! :)

~Kirsty

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Yes, duty calls. For I may be a captain-ish person in the fandom, but in RL, I'm a real Lieutenant, and certain responsibilities come first.

I know you and Rice will look after everything. You've been an active shipper for longer than I have! Bring them much love and even more gutter, and I'll visit whenever I can. :D
*tackle-glomps the First Lieutenant*

[klave.livejournal.com]

*waves...or should I be saluting you?*

Have as much fun as you can doing Army-type stuff (and I guess you have at least some fun since you seem to enjoy it) and when you get an address post it because I want to mail you!

~K

[mijan.livejournal.com]

I will! I promise!

[klave.livejournal.com]

Question: What should I write about?
Question: Is there anything you might want/need and be unable to obtain that can be easily mailed from England?

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Nothing in particular. Just write about whatever comes to mind. You can also leave me e-mails, because I will be able to access my e-mail occasionally.