Not looking to debate. Just wondering how you all are feeling as we move closer to war. I flipped on Good Morning America this morning and they were showing a tent of sorts that filters the air for you. They were just giving an alternative to the plastic sheeting and duct tape. This was just unnerving to me this morning. I know the President will speak tonight and I don't think there is any chance we will not go to war SOON.

It's just been on my mind. I am not looking forward to hearing about casualties, military or otherwise. I am hoping to hear about lots of white flags coming up!

Just wondering if this is worrying anyone? Or are you feeling angry? Or just trying not to think about it? Do you think it will have no affect on you? My thoughts are there today, especially with our troops.

By Colette on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:15 am:

My thoughts are with the troops and their families. I am worried about what may happen over here as well, and I am worried that Dh is flying across the country this week.

so I guess you could say I am worried.

By Mommyathome on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:33 am:

I am definitely worried. Glad that my DK's aren't in school yet. I like to have them with me all the time right now. I'm scared to think that there will bill a large number of casualties on both sides. I'm hoping and praying that our day to day lives will be able to continue on as normal as possible during war. Hoping that my DH's job won't be affected. Just the usual worry I guess.

Do you guys think that the war in Iraq will affect our day to day lives here? Other than, of course, the normal worry.

By Karen55 on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:34 am:

In a word, I'm feeling anxious this morning. I am not at all convinced this is the right thing to do and I'm finding it very unsettling, to say the least.

By Feona on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:36 am:

The speech therapist said they were stopping all the truck on Sunrise highway. Very strange. I guess I am so busy I can't be scared.... Loads of laundry to put away...

By Melanie on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:38 am:

Yes, it's on my mind as well. Especially since dh is away and my dad is traveling. I am hoping they will both be home before anything happens, given the very real threat that terrorist activity may increase when we strike.

My prayers are with the troops and their families.

By Familyman on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 11:45 am:

Yup. Now that we KNOW it's coming it's really time to sit and think about the casualities that are going to happen. Troops are going to be put in danger. Baghdad is going to have a really really bad day. Thousands and thousands of Iraqis are going to die. Kids on both sides are going to loose dads. Probably whole families on the Iraqi side. I really hope the chemicals and biologicals are kept under wraps and the terrorists around the world don't use this as an excuse to strike.

By Trina on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 12:10 pm:

I'm anxious but trying not to think about it. I don't want my kids to worry or be scared. They're much too young to comprehend what's going on, and I don't even want to try to explain. Many prayers for all the soldiers and their families.

By Angellew on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 12:13 pm:

As the consummate worry-wart, I am afraid and nervous about EVERYTHING!!! I could go on and on... casualties on both sides, bad news on the tv every day, chemicals and biologicals threatening my child, as well as everyone in this country, etc. The list seems endless. It is at the forefront of my thoughts today!

By Nanaoie on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 12:37 pm:

My best friend just spoke to me,she got an e mail from her husband in kuwat(spelling?)he dropped a few hints.............3 days till someones birthday........he must mean war in 3 days,it's very scarey, she has 3 kids and they are all scared.I am for them.prayer....thats what we all need.

By Ginnyk on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 12:41 pm:

Sad, frightened, depressed and angry.

By Jackie on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 01:11 pm:

Yes it is a very scarey time. I live in a Military town, and there are so many military wives who are so scared and worried. Thankfully my husband is out of the Navy now so one less worry for us. I do feel bad for the ladies I come across whose husbands are overseas.

By Palmbchprincess on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 01:47 pm:

I'd really prefer not to talk about it, considering I have to hear about it constantly, an everyday it's a different rumor on when my DH is leaving. I wasn't thinking about it until I got online, and that's all AOL talks about.

By Mechelle on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 02:18 pm:

Been too busy to even think about it.
It crosses my mind every now and then, but I haven't watched the news or anything.

By Eve on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 02:23 pm:

Palmbchprincess, believe me, I never really bring it up. You are right, it is everywhere. For good reason though, we need to be informed, but it is tough! Especially for military families.

For me the anxiety comes from not knowing what is to come. I feel silly worrying about something happening here. We've been so immune to it for so long, that it's such a new thing. For me atleast. Have people worried like this since WWII? Did we worry during Vietnam that our soil would be attacked?

During Desert Storm, I knew one person who went. I was 17, a senior in HS and it didn't phase me in the least. I was only worried about what was going on around me--School, boys, hair, makeup. Now, I have a family,a baby,a house. More to worry about.

Here's another question. Are you doing anything to make yourself feel better? Are you stocking up on canned goods and water, duct tape and plastic? Are you donating blood? Are you praying more? How are you coping?

By Palmbchprincess on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 04:00 pm:

Eve,
I know you meant well and were curious, I did not mean to come across angry or anything. I do feel that I need to respond to a few of your last comments. I was 10 when we went to Desert Storm. It never really affected me, because I was so young. And when you speak of anxiety, you cannot imagine the anxiety we are going through. I could get a phone call while typing this message, and they could tell my DH "You have 4 hours to report to the battery, 24hour lockdown tonite, and we leave at 2300 tomorrow". That would be it. It is more nerve-racking than you can imagine. I'm not trying to make this a "pity me" thing, just trying to give you perspective on why my mood about this war is so stand-offish. Not to mention, as you said, we have families and kids to worry about now, so I'm terrified of what's going on in our world, and what will happen to us. So anyway, I'm sorry if I came off rude, I'm just in a miserable mood today.

By Jodes on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 07:22 pm:

My husband and I were engaged when he was deployed to desert storm, our wedding had to be post poned because of that war, he was there for 7 months, and it was the scariest time of my life!! On one hand, I am scared about a war happening now, more scared for the men and women and their families than for myself and my family (my husband was honorably discharged from the army 5 years ago). But, mostly, I feel confident that the outcome of a war will be for the best for our country and Iraq, as well as Iraq's neighboring countries. I support the war and our troops and trust that if their was a peaceful solution to this problem, we would have found it by now.

By Bobbie on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 09:14 pm:

I am scared and angry but this has gone on way to long. It is time to get on with it. My sister is ready to go and is just waiting for her orders. And my fear isn't going to stop any of this from happening.

By Jayne2 on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 09:48 am:

I am worried, frightened, sad and mad as h#ll!

By Colette on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 10:01 am:

I am wondering if we are going in earlier since Sadaam is refusing to leave.

By Melanie on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 10:20 am:

I doubt it, Colette. I think we have to give him the full time like we said. Besides, it gives the Iraqi people and anyone else who is in Iraq time to move to a different location if desired or, at the very least, prepare their homes.

By Mechelle on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 11:58 am:

Well, I heard this am (Woinderful news to wake up to this am my clock radio was going off) that the war will being tomorrow night (Wed.) at 7:00 pm Illinois time.

By Familyman on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 12:56 pm:

Currently I'm most worried about something happening on US soil. All they have to do is realease a biological agent that freaks people out enough to warrant a regional or national quarantine. Then you have people hoarding food and water, runs on the banks, and noone going to work for a week and no national production for a week. That would be really really bad. Any loss of life would suck but the utter chaos that could ensue is what bothers me. Just wait and see I suppose.

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 01:33 pm:

Seth,
I, too, worry about those things. Not to mention the whole problem with N. Korea. I think they will look at this war on Iraq as an opportunity for the "mice to play while the cat's away" situation. Like if we are so distracted with Saddam, what will they be doing in the meantime? Here's another problem I see with this whole deal. Bush tells Saddam to go into exile. Let's say he actually complied. He would just take over another country like he did in Iraq, why not? And there is the issue of his sons. No matter what becomes of Saddam, death, exile, or jail, his sons will take over where he left off. Is this going to turn into another S. Korea, where our military has to be constant presence in order to keep the bullies out? What a mess we are in, not to mention the mess the rest of the world is in. I think I'd like to move to the Islands and never look back sometimes!

By Candace on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 03:15 pm:

Crystal, that was my question of concern last night to DH. I wondered what N. Korea would do once we start with Iraq. I just hope we have enough protection still on the homefront to stop any problems if they do come in the "back door" while we are looking at Iraq. I am so freaked out by this. When Desert Storm started I was 19 and my ex boyfriend was sent over there, but that was the only connection I had to it and my interest is much more active this time. I hope that doesn't make me come across as if I didn't care. I was just young and involved in my own life. I am thinking of you and Amy every time I hear any news on this. I don't know how I would react or function in you shoes. Has anyone else heard anything about what Mechelle posted? About it starting Wed evening? Bush did say 48 hours. I don't know, I am all for joining you in the Islands!

By Bea on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 04:39 pm:

I feel like someone attending a tea party with vultures circling overhead.

By Familyman on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 05:20 pm:

Where I used to rock climb in college there would often be vultures circling on the upcurrents right off the edge of the cliff. It was creepy.
But I agree, it's the waiting that really sucks. We live in this super efficient information transfer age and we know that we're all going to find out the second the first bomb drops but we just have to sit and wait for it to happen.

By Semperspencer on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 06:54 pm:

I am very nervous and anxious too, my husband, like Crystal's, could be called to leave at any moment. It is really frightening for our family and other military families. And I'm pregnant right now....great timing, huh?

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 08:12 pm:

Here's my beef about the whole thing. Our state doesn't have enough troops left in the state to protect us. The homeland security council contacted all governors telling them to have troops around the states "important buildings" and monuments etc. But, guess what? We have no troops left in our state. I hope this war is quick and to our advantage. I am really getting quite concerned about everything.

Maybe we could go to a deserted island and call it "the momsview island" hehe.

By Mechelle on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 09:18 pm:

No, we still have a few troops left here.
My Cousin is seeing a man that is stationed in Hawaii. "When the last man is stands" as they call it his unit, or whatever they call it will be called out. I am not sure what he's into the Army, Marines or what....But he says they are far and few between but there is still a few left here in the US.
I can't stand this waiting game. But whatever happens happens, there is nothing we can do about it.

By Feona on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 06:46 am:

I must be nervous because my body twisted up like a pretzal. I was in the gym and I could see my right should was lower by about 2 inches. I went to the rolfer to get straightened out. Can't walk around like a pretzal.

By Brooke327 on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 04:16 pm:

I'm scared and very nervous for all of the men and women who serve for our country . And I am sick my mom and step dad are in the carribean and not expected back until 3/22 and I am worried they may not be able to make it back. Someone told me they are stopping some flights does anyone know if thats true?? I just want them home safe.

By Mechelle on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 06:01 pm:

I haven't heard anything about stopping flights Brooke.
Can you call the air port nearest you, and maybe they can tell you??? If flights are being stopped?

By Bobbie on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 10:06 pm:

They are making their first advances.. Bush to speak at 10:15.

By Karen55 on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 10:15 pm:

Listening to it now...................... UGH!

By Mommyathome on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 10:29 pm:

I did hear that there would be some flight restrictions. I can't remember where though. I'm sure the airport has a big list of whats going on though.

I was doing "ok" until they broke in with the news that the first hits had been made. Then shortly after that the President gave his speech that it has officially begun. Now it is really sinking in. Here we are in the middle of a war. Lot's of prayers here for a speedy victory.