Phoenix Awards: Feb-July 2011

I am sorry I dropped this. I have been so internally focused over the past several months, between the losses in family and friends, PCSing Senior Jefe, moving my research forward, my Dad's health problems, and a million other things, it just got dropped. Plus, the person I had planned to give Feb's Phoenix award to went through some rough stuff at about the time I sat down to write the award and I felt that if I brought it up at that time, it might seem inappropriate.
I decided that now, since I can't focus on what I need to do, it's time to catch up. Prepare for a flurry of awards.

February's Phoenix had already impressed me with her strength and resilience, but after going through some serious stuff this year, she came back stronger than ever. She ended up the reluctant face of the struggles so many military spouses face and has really moved forward and become stronger. I had nothing but the deepest admiration for her in the past and I still have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for her now. February's Phoenix was initially going to be given the award for turning straw into gold, or at least for seeming to manage way too many plates at the same time. She deserves it for so much more though.

March's Phoenix is someone who I greatly admire and met face to face in DC this spring. She is a fellow nerd (aka archaeologist) and she is currently finishing AIT school to work in the Army Reserves. She is warm-hearted, funny, and down-to-earth. I love her to death and I really appreciate the opportunity I had to get to meet her in real life. Natalia of Army of Two, come on down...

April's Phoenix is someone who has recently come into my acquaintance. She started Real Military Wives TV, which is youtube videos by military spouses on every topic under the sun. I think the idea is great and provides some interesting perspectives on military life. April's Phoenix is ArmyWife101.

May's Phoenix is someone I have admired for a long time because she is the only military spouse I know who is university faculty. In May, I won a giveaway on her blog, a book of her poetry on being a military spouse. The book itself was incredibly touching because it spoke to so many of the place I have been emotionally and I found sincere solace in knowing I am not as alone as I often feel. May's Phoenix is Jehanne Dubrow.

June's Phoenix is someone who has quietly been there for me for what seems like forever. She's always known just what to say when I have felt like banging my head against the wall repeatedly. Her post this month cracked me up, which is one of the few times I have really laughed in a while. Her motorcycle helmet is welcome on my table anytime. June's Phoenix is Bette.

July's Phoenix is the Momma Bear of military spouses. She is our staunch defender and protector. She's also the one who bandages up everyone's wounds and makes sure we're all okay and taken care of. You can read more about her here. July's Phoenix is LAW.

I am sorry again for letting this pile up and then shotgunning all of it. If you want to put your badge on the blog, you can right click it and save the image to imbed in your blog.