Our Mid Sib has expressed a great interest in military service. And unlike her brother, who was strictly focused on the Naval Academy, she is open to all branches, including academies and ROTC programs. (I love her thought process - "Everyone who can serve should serve. And I'm capable of serving.") She's obviously seen plenty involving the Naval … Continue reading Mid-Sib behind enemy lines: West Point
It's just about time for one of my favorite examples of N*ot College and I know I won't be the only one tuning in - it's SWO Ship Selection or as I like to call it, the SWO Game Show. For those who are not 100% familiar, this is when the Firsties who received surface … Continue reading Tune in to the USNA Game Show: SWO Ship Selection
Christmas break always goes by too fast (though, to be honest, Mid Sib had a much shorter break than the Mid). Still, we managed to make some memories. And now we prepare for The Dark Ages ...
Every since Induction Day, most posts from fellow Academy parents about their Mids returning to The Yard have carried a variation of, "it never gets easier to say goodbye." Honestly, I haven't found that to be the case, but it's clear to me that's about to change. The Summer Block home is good for a … Continue reading A reprieve from the toughest goodbye since Plebe Year
I never met or interacted with Midshipman 1/C Matthew Christopher Sears. I may have interacted with his parents on one of the many USNA-related Facebook pages, but nothing I can recall. And certainly, I am not the only USNA parent in that position. But I'm also among the many who believe in the #YourMidIsMyMid mantra … Continue reading A somber, #YourMidIsMyMid holiday moment
It's been a rough week for those of us associated with the Naval Academy. While it's always inspiring and exciting to see the Army-Navy game (despite bitter cold and interminable security lines), it was gut-wrenching to listen to Army sing second. With the sting of that defeat still quite real, along comes news of an … Continue reading The Academy is great, but not perfect
There are no two ways about it, 2018 has not been a good year for the Smiths. Scratch that, 2018 has sucked out loud and I am genuinely looking forward to kicking it to the curb (though, frankly, the way our luck has been going, there's no guarantee that 2019 will be any better). That … Continue reading Being thankful while trying not to be selfish
