Have you heard the term Mando-Fun? The word is used to describe mandatory military events intended to be fun. Although, most events are not required or mandatory there is definitely a certain expectation put on military members to attend. It's an interesting dynamic of being a military family. Some military members put greater emphasis on military social events than others. I think I'm married to one of those emphasizers.
I have always prided myself as open minded. Friendly. Love my military family. Sadly, the older I get the fonder I become of my jammies, a glass of wine, and
How I Met Your Mother on Netflix to occupy my weekend nights. If I'm going to be with people, I want them to be my friends. I just do.
Maybe it isn't old age? Maybe I've attended my fair share of parties... promotion parties and re-enlistement parties... and going away parties... and lately... retirement parties. Ok... is it just me or does it seem like the military likes to party?? Maybe just the Marine Corps?
There is a rich history and tradition when it comes to military social events. I suppose there is something endearing about a bunch of young military vets sitting around discussing the Marine Corps. I suppose. And there are few things cooler than being in a room full of Marines at any given time. I'm sure the same goes for any branch of service. You can't help but feel proud to be a part of it.
If I had to choose my (second) favorite party, then I would choose retirement. *Marine Corps Ball is my favorite but I can't choose that one for this post* Retirement parties are a major cause for celebration. I have always felt retirement parties are a much needed pat on the back for 20 years of service and sacrifice. I always know I am going to see some oldies but goodies at the retirement. People who were senior when we were junior. I love to play catch up. I also can't help but catalog away ideas for my husband's retirement. Believe me, when we say goodbye to the military life we are going out with a bang! Go big or go home.
Linking up with Eights On The Move
Go big or go home, that's it. Thanks for haring your photos, you two look wonderful!
ReplyDeletegreat photos! my brother is a marine! semper fi!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I wish my dad had a retirement party! After 21 years of service, he just bowed out quickly (he said, when he was done, he was done). Granted, he wanted to retire at 20 years, but 9/11 happened...and his retirement was delayed. :-/
ReplyDeleteBTW, LOVE the pictures!
You look beautiful in that dress, girl! Thanks so much for sharing & linking up :)
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely not just the Marine Corps. The Air Force pilots party like... constantly. They even have beer in their flight room. And by "beer," I mean "kegs." Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteYou guys look wonderful and I love your dress!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! I've been to my fair share of out of control Army parties. Hahaha. I think it's the military in general. I had honestly never heard the term "mando-fun", but I definitely know about mandatory fun events. LOL I think I'll start using your word. (:
ReplyDeleteYou both look great!! Tell me about it-Marines sure love a good party! Still looking for my dress for the ball this year. Have any good websites that you know of?! I always have such a hard time finding a reasonably priced dress!
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower!! :)
I am LOVING! that outfit! The dress is killer :)
ReplyDeleteHaha...mando-fun! Sometimes I'm into it, and sometimes I would much rather be on the couch with jammies, wine, and a sitcom! ;)
ReplyDeleteThose parties sure do look fancy and fun. Of course, they would lose their luster if I had to go all the time!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think military parties are awesome! Am I lame for saying that? probably. But I don't think they will ever get old.
ReplyDeleteHot mama! I miss the military parties, including the ones that typically ended up in our backyard all those years with the single Marines hanging out with us doing a cook-out. *sigh* - happy news is, my brother just got selected for WO, so we'll be having a few more parties soon! As someone else said "go big or go home!"
ReplyDeleteforgot to also mention, we also called these events "volun-told" (as in you were told it was voluntary, but also told you had to go" (gotta love the vagueness there).
ReplyDelete