Answers to the questions

I've been toying with starting a blog for quite some time now, but never really had anything to say that couldn't be said in emails or phone calls. But with Aaryk having re-enlisted in the Army, I've been getting lots of questions about that, our plans, Brian, and all that so I decided that this might be the best way to keep all my friends and family informed!

For those who don't know what a blog is, it's short for 'web log', and is a combination of an online journal, personal op-ed piece, and a little-bitty soap box to stand on and be heard.

Why the title- When I can't not write...? It comes from something I read from Richard Bach, a long time ago:

I do not enjoy writing at all. If I can turn my back on an idea, out there in the dark, if I can avoid opening the door to it, I won't even reach for a pencil. But once in a while there's a great dynamite-burst of flying glass and brick and splinters through the front wall and somebody stalks over the rubble, seizes me by the throat and gently says, "I will not let you go until you set me, in words, on paper." -From the introduction to Illusions

That thought kept coming back to me whenever I would consider starting a blog of my own. I didn't want to write just to 'hear myself talk'. So, this blog will be updated only when I feel I have something that MUST be said, whether it's about family, culture, news, or...whatever!

Please feel free to add your comments to whatever I write! If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you can always email me at ladydrake64@yahoo.com as well.

Now, the answers to the BIG question. What in the world possessed my husband to re-enlist in the Army?!

In no particular order:

• The education benefits- He gets free school while he's in (planning on attending University of Phoenix Online), and the Montgomery GI Bill when he gets out.
• Saving money for our long term goals. We want to open a store in Phoenix, and his being in the Army for 4 years will help get us out of debt, and bring that about sooner.
• He's a Soldier. He's always been a soldier, and he'll always be a soldier. The reason he quit the first time isn't there anymore, and he's missed being in the Service.
• Patriotism. He's been 'talking the talk' for years, and decided he wanted to 'walk the walk' as well.

I think that's enough to start, I'll write more when I can't not write!