Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Marriage Retreat

This past month was a blur of busy. Organization Day kicked off the crazy. They had it at BLORA. I enjoyed myself. But boy was it HOT! This spot had no shade and the little shade we found, the park ranger kicked us out of. The units did set up camo nets but come on it's still burning up outside. They had a few activities for the kids. They served sno cones before lunch was served. Lunch consisted of burger, hot dogs a few sides and best of all watermelon! Yum Yum. They reserved the air conditioned pavilion but it was mostly occupied by the officers. There wasn't enough seating for everyone and there were so many people in there that it wasn't even that cool. Either way my son and I had a good time but here's a heads up to everyone; If your going to have an Org day in 100 degree weather and make the soldiers stay out there for the full 5 hours let people know that maybe should bring 2 vehicles or something because my son was dying of the heat. It was just too hot for those little ones.
A week later hubby's unit hosted a marriage retreat. I will definitely attend another one of these. I had never been to one or really ever heard about them until I heard another wife mention it.  I decided this would be a good thing for the hubby and I to do to strengthen our marriage, maybe help out a few problem areas. "I" was all ready for seminars and discussions actually "Learning" something. All my husband was thinking about was a weekend without our son in a free hotel room. Well we did get both. We got to the hotel (we stayed in the Holiday Inn) and checked in. We sat around for a while then we were served dinner. The first class started after dinner. The class was called, "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage."

It was a 6 part class that was spread throughout the 3 days. This class was not only hilarious it was insightful. It made me stop and think and re-approach some things. It did change my way of thinking. Of course it went through hubby's ear and right out the other, but I know I did MY part to change and the rest is up to him. Oh, also daycare (free) is provided during these classes. After 2 parts of the series we were released for the evening. A few of us went out for a few drinks and to play some darts. The next morning we had breakfast and watched another 2 parts of the series and were then released for the rest of the day around 11:30am. Daycare was provided for the 2 classes and until 5pm that afternoon. I think that was good to let couples have a little free time. We were completely free since our son was with my parents. Another couple and us went wondering around town and called it an early night. The next morning they offered breakfast and a church service which we skipped and then finished the last 2 classes. We were given the book that corresponded with the dvd. Over all I had a very good time. I enjoyed meeting other people. There were some things I would have liked to change. Since we had to transport ourselves to San Antonio there were people showing up and all kinds of crazy hours. Check in was at 4. Some people didn't show up until after the classes were already over which was about 9pm. There should also be a little bit more mandatory attendance. A couple we know showed up Friday after all the classes, missed the first session on Saturday and didn't even show up on Sunday. These 2 are constantly and I mean always fighting. The 2 that needed it the most didn't even attend a session. I hate to see nice things get abused like that. Ruins it for the rest of us. oh well, I will certainly attend the next retreat I hope it is as insightful and this one was.

3 comments:

  1. Great to read your experience with this! Did they plan activities for you as well, or just the classes? We're looking into this for a kids-free weekend, seems worthwhile.

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  2. I've heard from others that activities have been planned or they are at a lodge where they have to stay. This is the first time I've heard we were released to roam around the city.

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  3. I have a friend that served in the military and she told me about a website that offers special discounts for military families. What I found surprising was that it not only offers discounts through national companies, they had local restaurants and merchants that offered great deals, some were owned by vets. They also had news, some hilarious jokes, information for people interested in joining the military and so much more! Has anyone else seen this sight and have you gone to some of the businesses listed. Please let me know. The website is: mymilitarypages.com

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