Bazaar Fun

A few months ago, I didn't even know what a Hollyday Bazaar was. I also didn't know how to publicize an event on such a grand scale, but I guess you learn something new everyday. I'm still in awe that we spent a few months with our nose to the grindstone, and transformed a plain ol' Army hanger into a bazaar wonderland.

The morning of, I was blown away at the line of HUNDREDS clamoring to get in. We were offering free 'swag bags' full of goodies to the first 350, and we ran out in FIFTEEN minutes. We were up against four other big local events, and if I had any doubt about how our turnout would be, my mind was eased that morning.

I mostly ran around as a floater/photographer, but our FRG {Family Readiness Group} had a taco stand fundraiser, so I wrangled up some friends and we volunteered for that too. Even Will came to help, which definitely made my day.

But Will wasn't the only one that had me smitten. I have been volunteering with a lot of 'important' spouses that I'm already pretty stoked about rubbing elbows with, but when the Command Team spouses know you by name...it's pretty unreal. I liken it to being a fangirl to celebrities in the civilian world. To me, these people are celebrities as cheesy as that sounds.

Wanna know the best part? We raised $23,000, yes THOUSAND, dollars this year! I still can't believe that a small force of volunteers can pull something like this off, but I guess our small force is a force to be reckoned with, and I'm just honored to be a part of it. That's why this is the hardest I've ever worked for free, and possibly harder than even when I was getting paid. Meaningful trumps a paycheck these days, I guess.

Now, I'm just ready to take a break and enjoy the holidays. Time is flying by, and I'm not ready for what comes next. The next move could come with a lot of factors to consider, so I'll just be living in the moment for now. Happy December 1st!!