Belated Friday Fill-in: July 4th edition

Sorry I have been so late with getting this up. I spent ALL DAY FRIDAY running around getting errands run and it totally didn't dawn on me until today that it was the weekend.

1. Have you (spouse) ever considered joining the military and what do you think of dual military couples? submitted by Project Army Wife
   
   Many, many moons ago I thought about it. I wanted to be a submariner. Yeah, back then there was no such thing as a girl on a sub. They tried desperately to recruit me, but I wasn't going to do it unless I could do what I wanted. Ironically, they still chase me from time to time because of my mad science skills, but now that I see what Senior Jefe goes through, there's no way in hell. I wouldn't make it a day. I enjoy being treated as an equal and having my opinion be considered valid regardless of how many days I've been on the job.
   
   That said, I have the deepest respect for dual military couples. What they are doing is damn hard. It's like what Senior Jefe and I are doing with two careers that come first in different places, both of which require geographic mobility, but then adding in deployments and shit. That's brutal. So yeah, dual military peeps are awesome and they sure are making an incredible sacrifice.
   
   
2. What is your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon? submitted by A Few of My Favorite Things
   
   Honestly, putting my feet up; having a real meal; chatting with people I care about and not worrying about all the stuff I need to do would be perfect. It is, however, rare.
   
   
3. What do you usually do for the 4th of July holiday? submitted by Anchor’s Away
   
   I usually spend some time alone reflecting on the sacrifices people have made for us to get this far. I watch the fireworks and get choked up at the national anthem, which was written over Ft. McHenry (named after one of my family members).  If I am lucky, I get to spend some time with my family.
   
   This year, I am working all day. I have to do some very detailed imaging with the scanning electron microscope for a paper I am writing. Nights, weekends and holidays give the best resolution because less people in the building translates into less vibration in the building and thus better resolution on the images.
   
   
4. If they could make an Olympic event JUST for you that you know you’d medal in, what would it be? submitted by Pants are Confusing
   
   Procrastination. I have been writing a manuscript for 2 weeks. Well, I have been procrastinating for 2 weeks. If you added up all the time I spent in front of the computer writing, it would add up to about 12 hours for 6 pages (+figures and no, I am not done).
   
   
5. What have you been doing to get yourself bathing suit ready for the summer? submitted byNot Just an Army Wife
   
    I lost my one piece Speedo. I found a great deal at TJMaxx for a new TYR 2 piece (it was the only real swimsuit, not bathing suit, in my size) for $20. I bought it, feeling all self-conscious about wearing a 2 piece in public and headed to the indoor pool. It fits perfectly and is really comfortable for lap swimming, which is what I have been doing to get in better shape. And the reason I tell you this whole story is because I was all stressed about wearing that 2-piece until I looked around and saw that there were young women there who were half my age who were carrying much more weight than I do in their 2 pieces. So now I am not worried about what I look like in my suit. I am just trying to enjoy the feel of the water on my skin and hope that I create a healthier me this summer.