101 THINGS TO DO WHILE YOUR SOLDIER IS DEPLOYED

1. Get a glamour photo taken 
2. Get a family picture made 
3. Make a video.  Just you or you and the family
4. Make a scrap book 
5. Send a "voice letter" and a mini recorder 
6. Write a poem
7. Have the kids make cards and small presents to send down range or overseas
8. Take a class from ACS
9. Further your college education
10. Learn to speak German, Italian, Spanish or any other language you have wanted to learn
11. Take up painting
12. Learn to draw "On the Right Side of Your Brain"
13. Take an aerobics class
14. Start a fitness program
15. Set goals with a timeline to achieve by re-deployment
16. Start a book club
17. Start a walking club
18. Start a gourmet club and meet each month for a "country of choice" dinner
19. Form a kid's play group
20. Form a babysitting co-op
21. Go downtown and poke your head into the little shops
22. Take up a weight training program
23. Start a weight loss group
24. Sign up for "Families In Training (FIT) at the Health Clinic
25. Go on a trip given by the Recreation Center
26. Learn to ski
27. Learn to Budget and….Just Do It!
28. Set a goal for an amount of money to save by redeployment
29. Take a cooking class
30. Learn to cook heart smart and low fat with your favorite recipes
31. Think about the reasons you fell in love with your soldier and tell them
32. Make up fun coupons that your soldier can redeem when they return
33. Have the kids make up coupons to redeem when dad/mom comes home
34. Make a calendar with the kids.  Mark off the days until dad/mom returns
35. When you write your soldier, tell them how many more "sleeps" until you are together again
36. Plan something fun to do when they return
37. Go to the church of your choice
38. Find motivational materials and books to read
39. Get a make up make over
40. Make over your spiritual life
41. Quit smoking
42. Get into your favorite outfit again and wear it at re-deployment
43. Get involved with your FRG
44. Be a key caller
45. Plan a fun activity for FRG
46. Call and check on your friends to be sure they are doing fine
47. When you call your friends, try to have a uplifting message for them
48. Do to others as you would have them do unto you
49. Record movies for your soldier and send them downrange
50. Let your soldier know that you are strong and doing fine.  That's usually their biggest worry.
51. Start a book reading hour for a group of children
52. Go to a concert
53. See a play
54. Treat yourself and your family to brunch or family night
55. Keep your thoughts and actions pure.  Be a positive influence
56. Join a Bible Study
57. Start a Bible Study
58. Take a computer class
59. Learn to meditate
60. Adopt a single deployed soldier.  They need letters too
61. Write down some fun, uplifting things to talk about so that you make the most of your minutes when your soldier calls
62. Organize your files
63. Organize your storage and closets.  Get rid of that useless "stuff" you keep moving around
64. Organize your time and life
65. Start a journal.  Be sure and write down something you accomplished that day no matter how small….it's something!
66. Make a list of positive affirmations and recite them daily
67. Make a collage.  Cut pictures out of magazines or words of your goals.  As you accomplish them, write a date next to the picture
68. Organize your videos and CD's
69. Call on God daily.  His line is never busy and He always has the right answer
70. Try a new hair cut.  Update your look
71. Don't forget to celebrate Holidays with the kids.  It's important to keep things running smoothly
72. Send dad/mom the pictures your kids color.  He/she will cherish them
73. Go to a spa for the day
74. Get a facial
75. Go out and get that full set of acrylic or gel nails you keep thinking about
76. Get a pedicure
77. Get a manicure
78. Treat yourself to a bubble bath, soothing music and candles.  You deserve it!
79. Even though your soldier may be gone during a Holiday, get gifts anyway and save them for their return. 
80. Plan a wonderful evening for when your soldier returns.  Share it with your soldier or keep it a secret if you like
81. Record some music for your soldier to send down range
82. Write a children's book about military life
83. Put those photos in a book that have been stored in a box
84. Keep your in-laws posted on what's going on and let them know you are okay
85. Visit your family
86. Go to a Flea Market
87. Take up rubber stamping
88. Call ACS and see where you can volunteer some time each week
89. Make some candles
90. Take up photography
91. Learn to weave a basket
92. Learn to quilt.  You can also do it on a sewing machine
93. Join a community club
94. Go to lunch with friends
95. Try to get in touch with a friend that you have lost contact with
96. Try to get in touch with a relative that you have lost contact with
97. Watch your favorite old "chic or action” movies and make some popcorn
98. Watch "Waiting to Exhale" and appreciate the one you are with
99. Rent some good comedies, invite your friends over and laugh yourself silly

100.Rent some children's movies, put an air mattress and blankets out on the living room floor and have a fun night with the kids

Be very proud of your soldier.  Realize that they would much rather be home with you and the family. 

Know that you, as well as your soldier, are playing a very important part in ensuring that we as Americans, live a life that has many choices and we are helping others to have a small part of what we take for granted each day. 

Show love for God, your country, your family, and yourself.

Live Strong!

Phyllis Ward is the author of God’s Temple-40 Days to Total Transformation, Christian Fitness Coach, and Personal Trainer.  For more information about Phyllis or her services please visit www.godstemple40.com or email her at phyllis@godstemple40

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