One of the rewards of being involved with the Armed Forces is attending a Military Ball.  My husband's Battalion had theirs on Friday night at the renowned Carolina Inn in Pinehurst, NC.  The Ball was a culmination of 15 months of serving in Iraq.  It was to show gratitude to those who served abroad and those spouses who served at home in their absence.  The hard work and dedication was obvious.  

After I got there my husband told me we would have to stand IN the receiving line to welcome the Soldiers and their wives/dates.  Had I known that, I would have been prepared for the 800+ handshakes and the 2 hrs we were standing in line.  Thank God I had on some shoes that were cute and comfortable.  The night began with the Colors being posted followed by some really good food.  When I heard the Commander speak I know why everything went so well.  Our unit had a lot of sponsors and fundraisers to offset the cost.  Out of pocket expenses ended up being about $21.  The way things were laid out you would have thought it was one of those paid Presidential events. :)  After all of the mandatory fun was over, there was a live band standing by to play for the next 2 hrs.  The whole night was one I will always remember. 

Finally the clock struck midnight and my husband and I were slowly turning into our usual OLD selves...the night was over. 

P.S.  With all of those prospects, I wished I could have stenciled Realtor across my forehead. :)