MilSpouse Friday Fill-in #33

1. During military separations (whether short or long) how do you keep yourself positive and motivated? submitted by Married/Single Parent
This probably sounds too simplistic, but by keeping busy. While the husband was at boot camp/tech school, I was in college full-time, bartending/waiting tables 4-6 days a week, and had lots of friends around to keep me occupied. During his lone 4 month deployment, I worked quite a bit and took trips to see friends/family/awesome bands every couple of weeks. I always had something going on/something happening in the near future to look forward to, so I wasn't only focused on how long it was until he was coming back.

2. What is your favorite concert you have ever been to? submitted by Young but Not (Completely) Dumb
Oh dear, this is a toughie. For much of my young adult life, I was a concert junkie. The first five concerts I went to involved huge amounts of luck/friends helping me pull off a massive cover up so my mom wouldn't find out I was in another city at a "sinful rock concert." I once saw the same band three days in a row in three different cities. I've driven to both Atlanta and Nashville (from Virginia) for a show, then turned around and driven directly back (not recommended). Then there was the time an ice storm turned what should have been a 45 minute drive to a show into a terrifying and slippery two hour drive with poor visibility, but we didn't turn back. In short, I frequently made very bad decisions in order to see really great concerts.
But back to the question. I can't choose just one, as there have been so many epic adventures. My third Tori Amos show (February 2003, Charlotte) was pretty cool, we had killer seats and I swear she made eye contact with me (I was literally leaning against the stage) during the encore when she played my then-favorite song. Radiohead at Bonnaroo (June 2006, Manchester) was once described as the best three hours of my life. I'm not sure if I'd still say that, but I will say that it was a masterpiece. The Flaming Lips at The Echo Project (October 2007, Atlanta) was fantastical. From the second row you're in the center of the confetti storm and Wayne Coyne's giant inflatable ball that he walks over the crowd in rolled directly over me. The Foo Fighters at Virgin Festival (August 2008, Baltimore) was awesome because they're the husband's favorite band and we had a nice view of Dave Grohl. The husband hardly ever goes to shows, so it was nice to go to a concert we equally enjoyed together. And last, but certainly not least, The Flavor Savers at Bonnaroo (June 2010, Manchester). There is just something about watching four grown mustachioed men in matching fluorescent pants singing 90s dance hits whilst busting out some smokin hot moves.

3. What do you miss most about your "hometown"? submitted by A Florida Girl and Her Soldier
My actual hometown is kind of craptastic, but I do miss being able to see my soulmate (and her new baby) on a regular basis. I miss so much about my adopted hometown (aka college town) though...my wonderful group of friends, my school, my favorite little indie restaurants, my super-winning trivia team, the walkability of where I lived.

4. If you could run in any race, which charity would you choose to support? submitted by Wookie and Co.
Either the Alzheimer's Foundation for America (for my Grandma) or the National Childhood Cancer Foundation (because kids with cancer are heartbreaking)

5. You find out Willy Wonka is your father, what 3 course meal do you INSIST he create in that stick of gum? submitted by A{muse}ing Mommy on a Pink Park Bench
Mmmm, because I miss Xenia Kebab Grille so terribly much, I would like their falafel, the Athena traditional Greek gyro, and baklava. Who wouldn't want chickpea and lamb flavored gum? Yum!