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It's amazing how one moment can change your life.
(I know, it sounds very profound and deep.)
9 years ago today, (seriously?? nine?) Randy returned home from his very first deployment, and one moment essentially changed my life.
I remember every single detail about this day, and I honestly hope I never forget. I remember the drive down to North Carolina, and the excited energy, the constant chatter to stay awake, the VERY early morning breakfast on the road, me getting changed in the Burger King bathroom on base, and then not-so-patiently waiting and reading a book in the rental car.
I remember a Marine wife passing out tiny yellow ribbons for us all to wear.
I remember the screams of delight as the buses drove towards us... then away from us to make a stop at the armory... then towards us again... and past us when they missed the entrance to the parking lot.
I remember seeing one smiling face through the dark tinted windows of those glorious buses.
Then, this.
I immediately knew I was right where I belonged.
For better or worse, this one moment- this one hug- has defined who I am, and who I have become over the last 9 years. It has taken me on a journey that I had never even considered, but somehow is exactly the journey I am meant to be on.
200 days.
6 months, 16 days.
28 weeks, 4 days.
4,800 hours.
Essentially- a long freaking time.
In the last 200 days I have:
-Redecorated my living room
-purchased an iPhone
-survived Easter with a stomach bug
-flew to California
-traveled home to Pennsylvania twice
-decided to move to North Carolina
-successfully completed a solo PCS move in the middle of a deployment with 2 cats, a dog, and my mommy.
-lost 15 lbs (I still have 5 freaking more to go.)
-saved enough money so I could be unemployed and incredibly bored until a good job comes along
-Unpacked 136 boxes in the new house. (I left the one labeled "Hats" for the boy to take care of.)
-Exchanged lots of emails, letters, packages, and pictures with my guy, and received many calls from an "unknown" caller.
It has been a long 200 days. Not as long as past deployments- I've said it before, but this non-combat deployment aspect makes a HUGE difference on my stress levels- but still long enough that I can feel myself slowly going crazy with anticipation. I am very ready for this deployment to be over- mostly so I can see if my husband and I are actually capable of living under the same roof again. After 3 years of doing the geo-bachelor thing- we are taking bets on how long before we both get sick of each other!
I am ready for him to be home to see where he lives- I sort of feel bad that at the moment, he needs directions to get to his own house. I am ready for him to see his dog. I am ready for him to take out the trash, walk the dog, clean up the kitchen after I cook dinner, help me with laundry, help me with cleaning... the list goes on and on.
I am just ready for us to be a team again. I am exhausted, and really ready to hand off some responsibilities. As easy as I make it seem as I manage every aspect of both of our lives, I'm tired. I'm ready for him to make me crazy because he seems like he's not listening- then repeats every word back verbatim when I yell at him about not listening.
In a few days, it will be October. Then I will finally be able to say that my guy will be home NEXT month!
I'm going to be honest.
I'm bitter and cranky. I am not so happy about the 6 month mark this time around.
Let me explain.
For the last 4 deployments, 6 months down would mean leave dates, mail cutoff dates, and some sort of beginning of hints of return dates. At this point, we would be a handful of weeks away from homecoming.
And now I still have two freaking months left. It doesn't sound like a lot- especially because at this point, 6 months is a pretty decent chunk of time- but right now it feels like a lifetime. Especially with everything happening in the world right now- I just want my guy home. Now.
BUT- at the end of the day, we are 6 months closer to homecoming- so I will try to stay focused on that.
I'm still bitter though.
anyway....
Highlights of month 6:
- road trip to Florida for our cousin's wedding! We had a fantastic time playing tourist, and of course seeing family. I got to spend a lot of time with Emma- so it was definitely worth it. Next time though, I need to factor in the next day drive when I am drinking and dancing the night away!
-I completed 250 sit ups a day for the entire month of August. This was to help raise money and awareness for my favorite organization- Hope for the Warriors. In total, I did 7,750 sit ups. For someone who does not work out, I am pretty proud of myself! (I am also working on another guest blog for Hope for the Warriors- so stay tuned for that!)
-Day trips, beach time, and dinner dates with friends- I am still so happy to be back!
-I UNPACKED THE LAST BOX!!! 41 days after our household goods were delivered- the last box was unpacked, and everything inside was put away. I'm also just about done decorating and organizing the house overall- I just need to pick up a rug for the dining room, and a TV stand for the boy's "man cave".
-FaceTime! The boy was FINALLY in port- so we were able to chat, and he was actually able to take a tour of the house. Have I mentioned lately how grateful I am for technology??
I also got a lead on a job, but the downside is, the company is still waiting to hear if the contract is approved, so I am also waiting... In about a month though I should know either way what's going on. Good thoughts and positive vibes are appreciated- not just for me, but that the contract is approved!!
Whew- it was a busy month. I am glad to see it go though. I am continuing to focus on the positive as much as I can... and hopefully my bitterness will go away soon.
Stay tuned!
