Four Reasons Why it is Nice to be Married to a Marine

1. They are detail oriented

We decided to invest in a microwave and a toaster over the weekend. I chose the appliances based on the color scheme of my kitchen. Tim chose the appliances based on their watts and amenities.

2. They read directions

As soon as we brought our appliances home, I rearranged my kitchen to fit the new appliances. Tim opened the box and read the directions.

3. They give detailed instructions

“Now,” Tim said. “There are a few things you will want to notice about this microwave. First, it has a six button time selection…”

“Now,” Tim said again, “there are a few things you will want to notice about this toaster. It has a defrost selection, a bagel selection, and a reheat selection. You can reheat, defrost, and toast your bagel at the same time.”

4. They inspect what they expect

“Now,” Tim said. “It is time to test the microwave.” Tim put a cinnamon bun treat in the microwave and chose the one minute time selection button. “This is a very powerful microwave,” he said, looking at the smoke that came out.

5. They look good in uniform

They look good, and they know it. Note to unmarried girls: Marines know that they can get an easy date. The trick is to find one that wants a long-term relationship. Believe me, the good looks do not make up for the stressful life, and love is not something that you fall into, it is something that you choose.

On Camp Barrett

When I drove on base yesterday evening, the enlisted Marine checking my ID had chipmunk cheeks. I don’t know how they talk without losing their wad.

By the way, a military town is a good place to play the license plate game. I’ve seen two Hawaii plates and one Alaska plate.

Usually it is still dark out when I drop Tim off in the morning. As I drive around the loop and head back home, lieutenants in their forest camies will cross the road in front of me. Thankfully, I haven’t hit any yet.

Camies are the camouflage outfit that Marines wear. A Marine with his camies is like those Sally Secret dolls that were popular fifteen years ago. They have six pockets in their pants, and four pockets on their blouses. A pocket for the notepad, a pocket for the keys, a pocket for the cell phone, a pocket for the pen, a pocket for granola bars, and pockets for dirt samples that turn up in your washing machine.

I got to meet a Marine woman, Lori, last Friday. We went to her home for a Bible study. She was in for seven years, and retired right when her first child was ready for kindergarten. She said that the thing that confused her most was how she could get “those big guys to do what I say right away with a ‘yes ma’am’, but not my little girls.” During the Bible study, explosions in the distance shook the house. Lori explained to us that they must be doing mortars on Camp Barrett.

It is funny how we can watch NBC or CNN and know where our neighbor is. He flies on Marine One – the president’s helicopter (we haven’t met him yet - he stays with our neighbors – I guess he doesn’t need a permanent home).

There are a few ladies at church whose husbands we haven’t been able to meet because of their jobs. It’s not unusual to ask them what their husband does and find out that they don’t entirely know themselves. It seems like everyone we’ve met is either in the military or the Secret Service. We have met some nice non – military families, though. We had a lot of fun at the McCall’s house a few weeks ago – they have a daughter and a son who are toddlers. We got to eat and play games with them, and learn about child rearing. I have never stepped on so many plastic wands in my life as I did that first time we visited!

Please pray for Tim and for the other Christian guys we’ve met at TBS. They’re up against a lot more than field exercises and academics. Respect among peers is a big part of succeeding at leadership. It is difficult to know how to maintain a testimony for Christ and keep the respect of your peers.