Hey y'all!
In my last post I talked a little about my new journey, how I was born and how exercise is very difficult for me. More importantly, understanding that it's OK to make me a priority...to take care of me, so I'm ABLE to care for others...is probably the single hardest thing I've ever had to learn. But, isn't that true for most moms?? Actually, I think women, in general, have a difficult time with this one. I've only learned that this is OK THIS year...at the age of 40. Up until this year, I had always seen that as selfish. What I'm learning is that it's actually selfish to run yourself into the ground to where you can't function for anyone.
That brings me to finding a name for this blog! That alone was difficult because it forced me to think about ME...and the intent of this blog! I originally intended on doing this just for my race in the spring, but then I thought, what if I had other stuff I wanted to write about? What if blogging got "good" to me? What kind of name would I use indefinitely? So, I put it "out there" for suggestions. The name chosen was suggested to me by a retired Marine 1stSgt (I modified slightly because people seem to have a problem with the spelling of my name.) and was well-liked by "the majority". But let me explain why I chose it and why it means so much to me.
My Grandpa served in the Marine Corps nearly 35 years. He retired a LtCol and was truly my hero in life. I remember him contributing to a book (or a few) on the Marine Corps, but specifically one about "Chesty" Puller because he served with Chesty in Okinawa and Korea. Yes, he used to tell me the stories. Grandpa always told me I had bulldog in my blood because I would never give up on things that I was passionate about. He, my Granny, and my Mama taught me that there wasn't anything I couldn't do...I just may have to do it differently than most people. I was singing the Marine's Hymn at age 3, and at age 5, my Grandpa was calling cadence to me as I marched up and down the driveway (as part of my physical therapy!). True story!
So, I spent my life wishing I could wear a uniform I knew I could never put on.
Fast forward to today. I just celebrated 5 years with the Marine Corps as a special staff officer to my battalion commander. My title is "Family Readiness Officer" and I'm the information and resource person for our Marines and their families. Prior to this, I'd spent about 6-7 years with the Army National Guard, serving in different capacities from a volunteer status to a regional paid staff position. With the help of the Wing Family Program Director for the state Air National Guard at the time, we formed an organization called CARTT (Community Area Resource Team for Troops). The intent for CARTT was, and still is, to enable a community distanced from a military installation to provide similiar support as an installation would to its military community - to almost mimic a military installation in ways. When I had outgrown my position with the Army National Guard, my friend, a Colonel I worked with, came to my office with the job description that I'm currently in, laid it on my desk and looked at me and said, "Kati, as much as we love you, we're your step-family. The Marines are your home...and it's time for you to go home." I will never forget those words, partly because it is so true, and partly because of the man and the soldier it came from. This man was one of my prayer partners and he, along with all the others I worked with were, and are, truly family to me. So much more than just co-workers.
"Home." That's what the Marine Corps is to me...probably because of my Grandpa and being raised with that desire in my heart. I have FAMILY in the Army National Guard (and I'm proud to say my stepdad retired from there!) and in other branches of service...and I LOVE them ALL. But, home for me is the Marine Corps and these men and women are truly family to me in more ways than I can ever explain. It's a small world and an even smaller Corps. To be considered as "part of the family" as a civilian is the biggest honor I could ever imagine. For me, it's like a dream realized, even though I don't wear the uniform. In a way, I'm walking in my Grandpa's shadow and I only wish he could see me now - that he could be here to experience this WITH me. The best I can do is to take care of my Marines and families the best way I know how and to the best of my ability...because that's the example my Grandpa set for me. He was THAT kind of Marine.
So, that said, "SemperKT" (originally, "Semper Kati") comes from the term "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful". I was truly humbled and honored that my friend, a retired Marine 1stSgt, suggested this name for my blog. In her words "All your friends and Marines know they can ALWAYS count on you, so there you go!" Means more than I can say...so, I'll just stop here.
Now, moving on to the journey...training for the Spartan 5K.
Stay tuned, y'all! It's gonna get good! :-)
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