i could tell you, but you probably wouldn’t believe me
last night, the whole fam went to my dad’s squadron’s christmas party. i’ve been to a few of these things in my years as an AF brat and every time i’m reminded of how ironic it is that these are some of the people leading the country. as i spend a lot of time talking about on my blog, it’s true that the AF is a family - and families should work hard and play harder as the saying goes. so it’s good to see the raucous fun that ensues at an AF holiday party.
for starters, there were (male) officers dressed up as santa and mrs. claus, there were elves, speeches, dancing, sing-a-longs, rousing renditions of the AF fight song, and scavenger hunts. i’m pretty sure it would be quite weird for a “civilian” who happened upon this type of party. and even though it’s somewhat frightening to me to see my parents cutting a rug (as it were), it’s good to know that there’s a sub-culture that - no matter where we go - i have an instant connection with. a sub-culture where you don’t have to explain who you are, or why you don’t have a hometown, or that you may not be able to see your family for months on end yet still rely on them for your support system.
i don’t really have any close, personal military brat friends, but when i sit at a table with five other brats i’ve never met, and come away feeling like i’ve known them my whole life, i’m thankful for my unique little sub culture.
on a side note - i won a free massage in the raffle! my favorite! there probably won’t be much japan-related news til after christmas as familial obligations (like christmas caroling - woo hoo) continue to increase :-D. we are going karaoke-ing with a bunch of people the day after christmas. now THAT should be interesting.