a man in uniform.

my best friend is officially a kitted military private in training. or something like that. and let me tell you - he looks DANG good in his army greens. mm. :)


actually, i'm not gonna lie to you, blog. it freaked me out. he was so happy, and he looked so natural wearing the camo pants, green PT shirt, long sleeved micro fleece jacket, and the camo shirt. he had his beret - even though it's the wrong color - and his flags. and the 20 pound boots. and the wool socks. and the sock liners. 


he unpacked all like.. 6 of his duffel bags. in his bedroom. which is not even big enough. not to mention, it's a mess. seriously, i had to maneuver my way through the gas mask, sleeping bag innards and shell, ground sheet, duffel bags, boxes of shoes, wash basins, towels, PT uniforms, boxers, fleece pajamas, rain coat, mukluks, 6 pairs of gloves/mittens, toques (we are canadian, people!), flashlights, helmets.. ALL in army green. it put a whole new meaning to ''a sea of green''. 

*actually, a funny story. he went up to calgary with a sergeant and another girl in his regiment, who we'll call 'clifton', for lack of a better name. while she was getting all her goods, carter kindly packed her duffel bags. clothes in one, winter clothes in another, sleeping bag in one, accessories in another. but when clifton packed his, she just threw everything in to random bags. which is actually why he had to unpack everything. anyways, so he was looking for his beret, and couldn't find it, so he texted her and said, 'clifton! where is my beret?' and she replied.. 'in your duffel bag.'


well, clifton, i don't know if you realize this, but there are actually 4 duffel bags here! so he said.. 'clifton.. i have 4 duffel bags!' and she said.. 'the green one.'


no freaking duh! they're ALL green!!


'c'mon, clifton.. which one!'


i don't know what she ended up saying, but he found it. the wrong color though. apparently, since he's in artillery, it's supposed to be a green beret. he has a black one. which would put him as a tank driver? yeah, i dunno. but he's gotta get it fixed!


anyways, i'm really proud of him, regardless of any fear, apprehension, or anxiety i might have about the current situation. he's doing what he loves, and it shows. :) 

In Flanders Fields 
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.