Damn VA

I know many Veterans get frustrated with the Veterans Affair Administration – their services, the people, their processes, and the length of time it takes to get anything done. It just shouldn’t be this frustrating when dealing with an organization that was creating to care for our nation’s Veterans.

But there is good news because it is not all bad. It is not always a day of frustration when going to VA appointments. There are some good people at the VA who truly care about our experiences with the organization.

I called last week and talked with a few of them. I had to make several appoints and renew a prescription for medicine. The first lady was so nice and helpful. She was patient and told me what to do in the event my appointments were not scheduled in a timely manner. The second lady was just as nice. She said ‘ I want to make sure I do this right.’ That’s great! Then I will be patient as you do what you need to make sure I get the appointment I need in a timely manner.

It always boggle my mind when I hear Veterans talk negatively about the VA, especially the medical facilities because my experience has always been good to great. I always advise them to be engaged in your medical care. Talk with openly and honestly with your doctors and don’t just accept anything thrown your way. Often time the pain is internal and can’t be seen by just looking at you, through an x-ray or MRI, or properly recorded in your medical records.

Good medical care through the VA takes effective communication with your doctors and active listening from the Veteran. #BattleBuddy don’t write off the VA because it was created to care for us specifically. Hold then to that promise and hold the people who represent that organization accountable. You’ve sacrificed so much for our country, now enjoy the reward of the benefits you justly deserve.

Today is cleaning day! Uugh! More specific – clean our office day. A day of filing, organizing, and creating systems to help better save and find information. Something that is very necessary before the new school year begins.

I have to be honest, every time we’ve moved staying organized has become more and more difficult. It seemed like our worldly possession multiplied overnight while I slept. The disorganization has now reached the point of no return without professional help! At least that’s how it feels.

That is definitely one thing I miss most about the military – order and organization. It makes life simple. Everything has it’s place or position. And things are GOOD when everything is in its proper place.

Don’t get me wrong – I like a little spontaneity in life. I’m not a total bore! But with certain things in life there has to be order or chaos will take over. I’m especially keying in on order now as we prepare to send the kids back to school.

My daughter is heading to the 7th grade. She is looking to do more and bigger things in her business – she’s a published author of three books, working on her fourth. And she wants to start back up with dance and violin lessons. Add all of this to everything I have going on in my own business and now the plate is full and overflowing.

I don’t like operating in chaos and disorder. I feel rushed – always late. I feel flustered – like I’m missing or forgot something. I feel frustrated to point of not wanting to do anything – hence ‘clean up day to organize the office.

#BattleBuddy I can tell you from first hand experience – maintain order in your life after the military. Whether it’s regular works out (hmmm), keeping a separate calendar for your VA appointments, order in your home, organization in your business, or organizing your garage after moving – don’t even get me started on this one!

Order and organization helps me feel in control, think more clearly, stay on task, and accomplish goals. Do I get off track sometimes – absolutely! I just don’t focus on beating myself up about it like I used to. I know I can always regroup and get back on track – fall back into the system I created for myself or improve where needed. Figure out where you can create more order in your life and focus on that. And if you’re good – got your life in order and your home is all organized – then come on by and help me organize my garage! I’ll buy the pizza and cold beer!