Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Media

Morgan Freeman Served in the United States Air Force

by Leave a Comment

Whether you know him from his roles in Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, or more recently, Now You See Me, you are aware of Morgan Freeman’s exceptional acting abilities. In addition to his vast acting accomplishments, Morgan Freeman also served in the military. In the US Air Force.

Joining the Military

Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, TN. He was the son of a teacher and a barber and moved around a bit as a child. He lived in Mississippi, Indiana, and Chicago.

When he graduated from high school in 1955, he turned down a partial drama scholarship to Jackson State University to enlist in the Air Force. While serving, he was an Automatic Tracking Radar Repairman. Morgan Freeman served from 1955 to 1959 and rose to the rank of Airman First Class.

His Acting Years

Although he had his first acting role in a school play at the age of nine, it was after his military service that he moved to Los Angeles and began taking acting classes. His first Broadway debut was in 1967 with an all-black version of Hello, Dolly!

In 1971, he starred in a PBS Children’s TV show, The Electric Company. His first credit in a feature film was also in 1971, with Who Says I Can’t Ride a Rainbow. However, it was in 1989, when he appeared in four movies, Glory, Driving Miss Daisy, Lean on Me, and Johnny Handsome, that he really started to gain popularity.

The 88-year-old actor then went on to star in memorable roles in the 1990s, such as The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, and Kiss the Girls. In total, Morgan Freeman has 152 acting roles, 23 producing roles, and two directorial roles on IMDb.

Most recently, you can find him in the TV show Lioness, as well as the Now You See Me: Now You Don’t movie, coming out later this year. He has been married twice, although now divorced, and has four children.

Image Credit: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

by Leave a Comment

Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

I read my first Octavia Butler book, Kindred, a few years ago and loved it. I figured it was time to read Parable of the Sower. Originally written in 1993, this dystopian story is set in California in 2024. Although Octavia Butler passed away in 2006, she seemed to have predicted some of what we are going through currently.

Now, our world isn’t exactly like the world in the Parable of the Sower, but some of it rings true. California is undergoing a crisis, and getting water regularly is a problem. The young protagonist, Lauren, is 15 years old and lives with her family behind a makeshift wall of their neighborhood. If you leave the neighborhood, you are putting yourself at enormous risk. They try not to go out unless necessary. When they do, they take a lot of precautions.

Everyone is trying to survive, and Lauren is trying to figure out what she believes about God and the universe. She can also feel other people’s pain, which can be challenging at times.

The Parable of the Sower was one of those books where you go on a journey with the main character. She experiences a lot of tricky situations you have probably never experienced. It makes you think about what you would do and what decisions you might make.

In addition to this book, I am drawn to different dystopian novels. There is just something about them that pulls me in. I don’t see them as guidebooks for the future, well maybe a little bit sometimes. I do want to see how people handle these environments. I like how they strive for freedom and battle the ones in charge.

What can the “little guy” do when faced with such a change from the norm? What do relationships look like in this environment? How do they grow as a person through what they are going through?

Not everyone likes to read these types of books during our current unprecedented times. However, I find them comforting for some reason. I plan to read or re-read several other books this year. These include The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984, The Hunger Games, and The Parable of the Talents. It is the sequel to Parable of the Sower.

What’s on your reading list?

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts!

✍️

 Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? 

🌻

 Have advice for new military spouses? 

🌸

 Want to share about your duty station? 

🏡

If so…head on over to my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form to get started.

Parable of the Sower and Reading Dystopian Books in a Time of Crisis

5 Shows You Really Should Watch On Apple TV

by Leave a Comment

This post does contain affiliate links!

Woman watching TV eating popcorn

Have you been sleeping on Apple TV? Don’t. Plus, it is super easy to get a free trial. I have gotten them through the Target app and offered a free month after buying a movie ticket. But honestly? There are enough fantastic shows on that channel that it is worth the $9.99 a month you would pay to try it out if you can’t find a free trial.

For All Mankind

This show sucked me in and hasn’t let me go yet. Imagine if, during the 1960s, during the space race between us and the Soviet Union, they got to the moon first. How would that have changed things? Well, according to this alternative history TV show, a whole lot. Each season gives us a period of time and then jumps ahead, so we get to see many of the same characters through the decades. There are four seasons, with, hopefully, season five coming out sometime next year. Created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi.

Severance

Severance is a fantastic show. It’s about to start its 2nd season. The premise is about a group of people who have been “severed,” meaning their work self and their nonwork self are basically different people with different memories. Adam Scott is the main character in this one, directed by Ben Stiller.

Bad Sisters

You know those shows where normal people do something they shouldn’t, and it just leads to more and more issues? This is one of those, but it is about five sisters who live in Dublin. There is mystery, humor, and a quick binge. Sharon Horgan created and wrote this show, but also stars as one of the sisters.

Lessons in Chemistry

Based on the book by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry is about a woman, Elizabeth Zott, played by Brie Larson, who dreams of being a scientist in the 1950s. Unfortunately, this is not an easy thing to do as a woman during this time. She eventually takes a job teaching housewives how to cook on TV.

Dark Matter

Dark Matter is a sci-fi dream! Based on the book by Blake Crouch, this is the story of a professor, Jason Dessen, who is abducted into an alternate version of his life. If you love alternate reality stories, this one is for you. It will also keep you on the edge of your seat. Staring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly.

Other Apple TV Shows Worth Checking Out

I haven’t watched all of these shows, and some of them might not be for you, but they can be worth checking out:

Ted Lasso, Sillo, Shrinking, the Morning Show, Foundation, Lady in the Lake, Sugar, and Pachinko.

What are your favorite Apple TV shows???

Why You Should Dive Into Books During Your Next Deployment

by

Why You Should Dive Into Books During Your Next Deployment

This post does contain affiliate links!

Twilight. I read all the Twilight books during one of our deployments. A friend told me about them, and even though I was already 30 years old, I dove right into that series.

I am a huge reader. I usually average about 70 books a year and would love to read more. I always have a couple of books going and always aware of some of the newest books that are out there.

I love most types of fiction, from a sweet romance to a crazy sci-fiction story. I read paper books, on my Kindle, and audiobooks. I always have at least one book with me. I also enjoy certain types of non-fiction, such as memoirs or fun topics that interest me.

There is not one day that goes by where I don’t read some part of a book, I just can’t do it. Reading is like brushing my teeth for me. Reading is just something I always do.

During deployments or any time my husband has been away from us, books have become even more important. I love to get lost in a series, read about some other time in history, or another place that I can’t physically visit at the moment.

I love a good binge-watch but there is something about getting lost in a good book that just takes me away from what I am dealing with and heals my soul a little bit. Stories are so very therapeutic and perfect to dive into during a deployment.

A good book can warm your heart, allow you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and distract you from something you would rather not think about.

Reading a good book can be a form of self-care and as military spouses, we know how important that is. Reading can keep you busy and staying busy is a must during a deployment.

If you haven’t picked up a book for a while, maybe now is the time? There are so many good ones. So many books to get lost in. So many books that will take you to another place.

If you are feeling lonely and missing your spouse, a book can put you in a better mood. If you are having a rough time with the kids, a book can make you laugh, and help you feel better. If you are dying to be somewhere else, a book can take you all over the world.

On a practical level, reading a book before bed can make you sleepy. If you are having trouble falling asleep when your spouse is deployed, try reading in bed. My Kindle is right by my bed so if I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, I can read for a bit in order to do so. Works about 90% of the time 🙂

If you would love to read and feel like you don’t have any time, let me make a few suggestions.

  • Try audiobooks. You can listen to these while you are doing chores, while driving, or going on a walk. Use your library card with either Overdrive or Hoopla to check them out for free.
  • Always have a book handy. Put one in your car, put the Kindle app on your phone, or stick one in your purse. There are so many times you might have to wait somewhere and if you have a book on you, you can read a chapter or two. Jessica Turner’s book, The Fringe Hours: Making Time For You is a great read all about finding those extra moments.
  • Don’t think you have to read a book all in one sitting. I think part of the reason I can read so much is that I don’t feel the need to finish a book all in one sitting. If that were the case, I would never finish anything. Be okay with a chapter here and there, whenever you have time, and you will be able to get your reading done.
  • Read in front of your kids. Reading in front of your kids is totally fine. Just make sure they are safe, and you should be okay. You can read while you nurse, read while they are at the playground, or whenever you feel comfortable. Obviously, this is going to be an age thing and things will change as your kids get older but I don’t think kids growing up watching their parents read is ever a bad thing.
  • Join a book club. If you are really struggling, join a local book club. Usually, a book club will have one book you are supposed to read each month. Beyond that, at your book club, people will be talking about all the amazing books they are reading, and that can get your inspired too.
  • Join Bookstagram. Did you know that there is a name for all the accounts that share books on Instagram? Bookstagram is a wonderful place. I started an account just for books called The Fiction Book Cafe last fall and so glad that I did. I can talk about all the books I am reading and learn about what other book lovers are reading too. Make sure to join me over there 🙂

Need some suggestions on what to read?

For a sweet love story, check out One Day in December by Josie Silver, One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid, or The Bride Test by Helen Hoang.

For a book with a twist, check out The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, or Lock Every Door by Riley Sager.

For an amazing story that spans many years, check out Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, the Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, or Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane.

For a fantastic historical fiction book, check out Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, or The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner.

For an emotional story, check out An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel, or The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

For a really amazing memoir, check out Educated by Tara Westover, Becoming by Michelle Obama, or Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land

For a book about time travel, check out the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, or 11/22/63 by Stephen King. 

Looking for more suggestions? Check out my Goodreads and connect with me there too 🙂

How has reading helped you during a deployment?

Use the GameStop Military Discount the Next Time You Go to the Mall

by Leave a Comment

GameStop Military Discount

Whenever we go to the mall, there is one store I know my boys will always want to check out, that’s GameStop, and they have a military discount too. From new and used video games, to fun characters, and t-shirts, this store has so much for the gamer kid, and well, gamer adult too.

History of GameStop

Did you know that GameStop has a connection to Barnes and Noble? Here’s how…

GameStop basically begins in 1984 when the store Babbage’s was founded. Babbage’s started selling Nintendo games in 1987 and then in 1994, the company merged with Software ETC. and created the NeoStar Retail Group.

Then, in 1999, the GameStop brand was launched in 30 stores in strip malls. They also then launched the website. That same year, Barnes and Noble bought Babbage’s Etc. This led to Barnes and Noble having control over GameStop until 2004.

GameStop acquired EB Games in 2005 which expand their operations to Australia, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. The company has acquired many others over the years including some Radio Shack locations if you are wondering what happened to those places. At one point they had MovieStop stores which sold new and used movies but that didn’t last.

And you have probably heard of the GameStop short squeeze that happened in 2021. The movie Dumb Money tells the story of what happened and it is pretty interesting!

The GameStop Military Discount

The GameStop military discount is for 10% off and is available to members of the military and law enforcement. You can use the military discount in-store, however, the following items are not eligible:

  • New video game
  • New accessories
  • New video game systems
  • New tablets
  • PC Hardware (including, but not limited to, monitors & components)
  • Televisions
  • Gift Cards
  • POSA cards/time cards & points cards
  • Downloadable content (DLC)
  • Candy & Drinks
  • Books & Magazines

While it is a bit of a bummer you can’t use the discount on new video games, you can on used video game, and they have a great selection. You can also trade in your own used video games for money or store credit. They also have used video game systems.

Show your military ID at the store, your Form DD214, or you can verify your military status through online platforms.

Using Military Discounts

Military discounts can be a fantastic way to save a bit of money. From 10-15% at a retail store, to 30% off or more on tickets to your favorite amusement parks. If you are ever unsure about if a store or location has a military discount, just ask them if they do and be understanding if the answer is no. But it’s always great to be able to save a little money.

Is the Regal Unlimited Pass Worth it?

by

Is the Regal Unlimited Pass Worth it?

Last year I bought a MoviePass. At first, that meant that I would pay around $10 a month to see unlimited movies. I could watch one movie a day, every day for the whole month. This sounded SO amazing!

I love going to the movies. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I will even go by myself, and I find doing so very relaxing. But the cost of tickets, even with a military discount, can add up. But MoviePass was going to solve that problem. And I was here for it.

I got my MoviePass in May of last year, and it worked well at first. But then, sometime in July, things fell apart. That was the beginning of the downfall of MoviePass. After that, they kept changing how the pass worked and would only let us see movies from a list. At first the list idea wasn’t too horrible, but eventually, when the movie for each day was the same all week long, I knew I was done.

I also had heard that Regal was going to add their own subscription plan. I couldn’t wait, and then, about a month ago, it finally happened! I signed up the first day I could.

I am now at the month mark and I am in love with this Regal Unlimited Pass. I saw eight movies during the first month, and I hope this is going to be around for a long time.

I do have to pay almost $20 for my pass. Depending on where you live, you might have to pay a little more. I can see any movie I want, even more than once. I also get 10% off of concessions.

I can easily buy my ticket on my app, and pay a $.50 charge or I can buy the ticket at the theater, showing them my app. I can also buy tickets for my family or friends when buying my own ticket. They make it all super easy.

If I want to see an RPX or 3D movie, I just have to pay a small fee to upgrade my ticket. If I go to Nashville, or even home to California where the theaters are more expensive, I would just have to pay a $1.50 charge for them. If I lived near those places and went often, I could upgrade my pass to pay a little more each month.

For us here in the Fort Campbell area, once I see two movies a month, I have paid for my ticket. I go a lot more often than that, and with the pass, I can go even more than I usually do.

You do have to be 16 years old to have a pass, but hoping they might come out with a family plan in the future. I don’t receive Regal Rewards points for my movie, but I do for any other tickets I buy as well as concessions.

So what did I see in August?

Here is my list:

  • Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (saw this twice)
  • Ready or Not
  • Aladdin
  • The Kitchen
  • Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
  • The Art of Racing in the Rain
  • Angry Birds 2

I am looking forward to this fall and all the amazing movies coming out. I love love love having a Regal Unlimited Movie Subscription Pass and think it is 110% worth having.

Should YOU get one?

Well, how often do you go to the movies? Is cost an issue for you? Check out how much your local Regal Unlimited Pass would be and decide for yourself. It quickly pays for itself if you are a movie lover like me.

If you don’t have any Regal Theaters nearby, AMC also has a pass. The AMC pass is a little different but could be worth getting if you like going to AMC. Keep in mind too that both AMC and Regal has a small military discount of $1 off. At our local theater, it is a special, military ticket.

Now, go enjoy some movies! I know I plan to 🙂