The Air Force Ball

This was our very first time going to the Air Force Ball.  We've been in for several years, but it was always a bit pricey for our budget or we couldn't get a babysitter or it was just bad timing.  This year it was kind of a requirement.

In order to be a well rounded Airman and (hopefully) stay in until we are ready to leave, it's important for Chris to do well at work, to do community service regularly, and to support the mission of the air force.  In order to support this time, Chris was on the Air Force Ball committee.  He was in charge of the seating and helped plan the event.  Now seating doesn't seem like a big deal unless you've done a wedding dinner before.  I have never done one so to me it was difficult to understand.  His job was to properly seat every attending airman, his guest, and any guest speakers and/or attending dignitaries.  If that wasn't enough, rank is very important and must be preserved even in this social setting.  Meaning, unless you have a good reason or a special request there should not be a lieutenant sitting at the same table as a colonel.  You should not have an basic airman sitting with a chief.  Not only would they be uncomfortable with each other, but it would be inappropriate.  So you take 1,200 people with all those requirements and preferences and then try to seat them.  Not so easy.

Me with some of my friends from Church

silly girls! sparkly shoes!

don't the guys look so handsome?  first time Chris has ever worn his mess dress!

So as the date for the ball crept closer Chris' stress level crept higher.  Eventually he let me know that we were going to be attending the ball.  Until he told me I had no idea were even going.  We didn't really have a reason, but since I'd never been I had no real desire to go.  I was kind of excited.  I got to pick out a new dress and get some new shoes.  I even youtubed a hairstyle and makeup.  It was fun.  I enjoyed getting all made up.  One thing I especially enjoyed was the free child care the committee set up.  The tickets were plenty expensive so not having to pay a sitter was really thoughtful.
We saw lots of friends there and met some new people.  I loved seeing all of the dresses and uniforms.  I enjoyed the meal even when we all realized the AC wasn't working.  I enjoyed the speeches and the awards.  I even got to dance a little bit in my sparkly silver shoes.  We had a great night and while the ball part was really fun, the stress for Chris leading up to it was a relief to let go.

Maybe we'll even go next year.