They first move is almost here. After a few problems getting dates set, the movers will be here to pack everything Thursday. I don't know if I am dreading it or not. We have everything in one place and I need to go through it all and just throw crap away. This will be an experience for sure.
More to come...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Life and Death
Tomorrow is Christmas and while this should be a joyous time of year this year isn't. John and I came home from Texas this past Saturday only to find his grandmother was worse off than we had thought. We had bought her a little Ft. Sam Houston bear for Christmas and gave it to her later that night when we received home. I'm glad we had given it to her then, because that was the last time we really saw her alert. Grandma came home this last Monday with Hospice.
Shortly after Thanksgiving John and I found out we are expecting our first child. While the family is very happy for us, the news doesn't seem to matter. We had our first ultrasound yesterday and as soon as we got to his grandmother's house we showed her the ultrasound and told her about the baby; this would be her tenth great-grandchild. I only wish we could have seen her expression when she found out about the baby or when we showed her the picture.
Part of me feels like we were meant to give life to this child to not take grandma's place in the world, but almost to give her life again somehow through this child. I know she will be looking down at the baby and watching him or her grow. I know she would have loved the baby so very much. My husband and I never thought she would be gone before we had children. Things happened too fast.
Grandma Burns passed away this morning. Baby Pennington is due July 31st, 10 days before Grandma's birthday.
Shortly after Thanksgiving John and I found out we are expecting our first child. While the family is very happy for us, the news doesn't seem to matter. We had our first ultrasound yesterday and as soon as we got to his grandmother's house we showed her the ultrasound and told her about the baby; this would be her tenth great-grandchild. I only wish we could have seen her expression when she found out about the baby or when we showed her the picture.
Part of me feels like we were meant to give life to this child to not take grandma's place in the world, but almost to give her life again somehow through this child. I know she will be looking down at the baby and watching him or her grow. I know she would have loved the baby so very much. My husband and I never thought she would be gone before we had children. Things happened too fast.
Grandma Burns passed away this morning. Baby Pennington is due July 31st, 10 days before Grandma's birthday.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
New Home
Hard to believe our time in San Antonio us almost up. We leave here a week from Saturday to head home for home for the holiday before making our way to New York.
We are thinking about purchasing a house in New York depending on the housing on Post. Honestly, I hope post housing comes through but buying a house is exciting as well. We have been working with a USAA Realtor who has been great about sending up listings. He contacted us the night we got pre-approved for the loan.
So far I'm not super crazy about any of the houses we have seen and I really don't want to just settle. We hope to be either on post or buy a house by February so we have put a time crunch on ourselves. We have to find a place before temp. lodging ends. I know it will all work out.
I am very excited about getting to New York. Right now they have a ton of snow and while San Antonio is a tad chilly, I don't know if I am ready for the really cold weather. I'm going to miss San Antonio, but know we will have just as much fun in New York.
Anyway, thats all for now. Hope everyone is having fun for the holidays!
We are thinking about purchasing a house in New York depending on the housing on Post. Honestly, I hope post housing comes through but buying a house is exciting as well. We have been working with a USAA Realtor who has been great about sending up listings. He contacted us the night we got pre-approved for the loan.
So far I'm not super crazy about any of the houses we have seen and I really don't want to just settle. We hope to be either on post or buy a house by February so we have put a time crunch on ourselves. We have to find a place before temp. lodging ends. I know it will all work out.
I am very excited about getting to New York. Right now they have a ton of snow and while San Antonio is a tad chilly, I don't know if I am ready for the really cold weather. I'm going to miss San Antonio, but know we will have just as much fun in New York.
Anyway, thats all for now. Hope everyone is having fun for the holidays!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thankful
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I'm sure like everyone else I am thinking about what I most thankful for. My husband is at the top of that list.
I think living separate lives for the past few months has made us want to be around each other as much as possible. I feel blessed to have this appreciation for him; to want to be around him and want to spend time with him. Its probably because I know that there will be days when he isn't here.
I'm not going to lie and I have probably said this before, but when he isn't around it feels normal. I don't know if this is a good thing or not. He spend the last three weeks out in the field as part of his BOLC training and it didn't bother me. I didn't feel lonely or upset that he was gone, even if he wasn't that far away.
I'm so thankful for my new military family. This past year wouldn't have been the same without them, but I wouldn't want to have gone through this without them. They are amazing, strong women who I pray to be friends with for the rest of my life. We may not always end up in the same place or be spread across the stats, but they are there no matter what and I am so thankful for that.
What are you thankful for this year? Happy Thanksgiving!
I think living separate lives for the past few months has made us want to be around each other as much as possible. I feel blessed to have this appreciation for him; to want to be around him and want to spend time with him. Its probably because I know that there will be days when he isn't here.
I'm not going to lie and I have probably said this before, but when he isn't around it feels normal. I don't know if this is a good thing or not. He spend the last three weeks out in the field as part of his BOLC training and it didn't bother me. I didn't feel lonely or upset that he was gone, even if he wasn't that far away.
I'm so thankful for my new military family. This past year wouldn't have been the same without them, but I wouldn't want to have gone through this without them. They are amazing, strong women who I pray to be friends with for the rest of my life. We may not always end up in the same place or be spread across the stats, but they are there no matter what and I am so thankful for that.
What are you thankful for this year? Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tourist Tuesday
Hard to believe I have been in Texas for a month now. Because I will be visiting new places here and when we move to New York, I thought I would share some places to go. So far I have done quite a bit of shopping here, but there are some great shopping areas around.
The weather is always sunny and warm here, which makes La Cantera an even better place to shop. It is perfect for a nice afternoon of shopping.
The Shops at La Cantera is an outdoor shopping area. It has everything from Apple, Banana Republic, Very Bradley (10% military discount) Barnes and Nobles, Nine West, and many other popular shops. Even department stores such as Macy's and Nordstrom have their place at La Cantera.
There is a food court if you want to grab something quick from Subway or Chick-Fil-A, but there are several restaurants as well. One restaurant I have eaten at is Kona Grill. Kona Grill's menu includes salads, pizza and sushi. I was there for lunch and tried their turkey chili with a salad. It was delicious.
Right beside the Shops at La Cantera is Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Haven't made it there yet, but I'm sure we will.
Check out the link:
http://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/
http://www.konagrill.com/
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Deployment? So Soon?
So for those who may be starting to follow my blog, my husband is currently in BOLC at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. He left for basic this past April, which was quickly followed by Officer Candidate School and now here. Once he finishes BOLC, just in time for the holidays, we will head home, pack and head to Ft. Drum, New York.
I moved to San Antonio, even though he is TDY. I love here and from what John has been told there is a good chance we will eventually be stationed here. I have family here as well, so that has helped fill a few days and weekends spending time with them. My aunt's birthday is Friday, my younger cousin just turn 6 last week, and my another cousin is in middle school playing volleyball. For just a few short weeks I get to be part of their lives. I'm really thankful I moved here even if it is only 10 weeks.
We have also been fortunate that he hasn't had to stay at his hotel every night so he comes home when he gets released early in the evenings. I LOVE IT!
Now back to what this is really about.
John called on a break yesterday. He met a classmate going to Ft. Drum with us and he has already been talking with some of the guys from post there. Both he and John will be in the same unit and currently their unit is deployed. So what does this mean for us? There is a good chance that when we get to Drum at the of December, he will start training and deploy with the unit.
In less than a year we have gone through all the training and a possible deployment. I can't believe it happens this quickly. However, the good part of all this is that the unit in on the end of their deployment and will be back in April. A short deployment is better than a long one. Plus, he shouldn't deploy again for another year or so. Let's hope.
When we found out that this would be a short move we weren't sure if I would make the move or not. Everything changed so quickly for us that we had only a week to make the choice. I had already quit work and had planned to move anyway. I also wondered how long it would be before John deployed and would I regret not having this time with him. So things are just meant to be.
I moved to San Antonio, even though he is TDY. I love here and from what John has been told there is a good chance we will eventually be stationed here. I have family here as well, so that has helped fill a few days and weekends spending time with them. My aunt's birthday is Friday, my younger cousin just turn 6 last week, and my another cousin is in middle school playing volleyball. For just a few short weeks I get to be part of their lives. I'm really thankful I moved here even if it is only 10 weeks.
We have also been fortunate that he hasn't had to stay at his hotel every night so he comes home when he gets released early in the evenings. I LOVE IT!
Now back to what this is really about.
John called on a break yesterday. He met a classmate going to Ft. Drum with us and he has already been talking with some of the guys from post there. Both he and John will be in the same unit and currently their unit is deployed. So what does this mean for us? There is a good chance that when we get to Drum at the of December, he will start training and deploy with the unit.
In less than a year we have gone through all the training and a possible deployment. I can't believe it happens this quickly. However, the good part of all this is that the unit in on the end of their deployment and will be back in April. A short deployment is better than a long one. Plus, he shouldn't deploy again for another year or so. Let's hope.
When we found out that this would be a short move we weren't sure if I would make the move or not. Everything changed so quickly for us that we had only a week to make the choice. I had already quit work and had planned to move anyway. I also wondered how long it would be before John deployed and would I regret not having this time with him. So things are just meant to be.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Letting Go...Or Trying To
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;"
This has been my mantra lately. I don't know why, but I have a hard time of letting things go from my mind. I can't change what has happened in the past. I can't change my actions. I keep repeating this thinking it might somehow make things better; sooth my mind. It helps sometimes. These things are not necessarily horrible things, but things I wish that I could go back and change even for the slightest. For some reason I have a hard time just letting go.
Are you able to let things go? How do you do it?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
No Compromise
There are things that I know will come with being an Army wife, or a military wife for that matter, that I will simply have to pass or give up.
Back in July John and I had made the decision for my to go ahead and quit my job and I would make the move to BOLC. This was partly based on thinking all BOLCs were backed up, but more importantly we wanted to be back together again.
So Med Services came along, there wasn't a wait for BOLC, and turns out it was a short trip. Obviously we made the decision for me to move to San Antonio despite the short time and it is well worth it.
Part of me feels like I really needed to make the move because I had already given up my life back home. I wasn't at a job that I could have just given two weeks notice. (I could have but it wouldn't have ben fair) But as a military wife we change our lives sometimes not thinking things might go one way when another curve ball is thrown at us.
I can see how it can be easy to look back and say, but I gave up this and I gave up that because this or that was supposed to be happen. We need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I'm fine with the fact I quit my job and moved, even if for only 10 weeks. I am back with my husband for the first time in five months and I wouldn't trade that for anything. It might mean giving up a dream job or putting off school to relocate for a short time, but in the end being a family again means more than anything else in the world.
Again, I am new at this so the choices we have made are nothing compared to what is coming our way. What are some difficult choices you have had to make and how did you handle them?
Back in July John and I had made the decision for my to go ahead and quit my job and I would make the move to BOLC. This was partly based on thinking all BOLCs were backed up, but more importantly we wanted to be back together again.
So Med Services came along, there wasn't a wait for BOLC, and turns out it was a short trip. Obviously we made the decision for me to move to San Antonio despite the short time and it is well worth it.
Part of me feels like I really needed to make the move because I had already given up my life back home. I wasn't at a job that I could have just given two weeks notice. (I could have but it wouldn't have ben fair) But as a military wife we change our lives sometimes not thinking things might go one way when another curve ball is thrown at us.
I can see how it can be easy to look back and say, but I gave up this and I gave up that because this or that was supposed to be happen. We need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I'm fine with the fact I quit my job and moved, even if for only 10 weeks. I am back with my husband for the first time in five months and I wouldn't trade that for anything. It might mean giving up a dream job or putting off school to relocate for a short time, but in the end being a family again means more than anything else in the world.
Again, I am new at this so the choices we have made are nothing compared to what is coming our way. What are some difficult choices you have had to make and how did you handle them?
Monday, October 4, 2010
We're Here!!!!!!!
So we finally made it to San Antonio after two days. Staying with my aunt for a few days until we get things figured out. We are about 30 minutes from Fort Sam Houston, which isn't too bad. John is going out exploring tomorrow.
Everything went well for commissioning and we stayed busy. The flight down was a nightmare and my luggage got put on another flight because they noticed I switched flights. Luckily I have friends! My friend, Sheryl, was nice enough to take my to get a new outfit and shower at her place while Tracey was nice enough to take me to the social that night.
John and I did take the time to drive to Atlanta where we visited the Aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum. They are right next to each other so next time you are there you need to go. Military is free at the Coca-Cola Museum and there is a discount at the Aquarium.
Georgia was a great trip and I kind of miss Fort Benning. I will always remember it and all the great people I met. Even though I didn't love there it still kind of felt like home.
Now we are in San Antonio and I can't wait to see what the city has in store for us!
Everything went well for commissioning and we stayed busy. The flight down was a nightmare and my luggage got put on another flight because they noticed I switched flights. Luckily I have friends! My friend, Sheryl, was nice enough to take my to get a new outfit and shower at her place while Tracey was nice enough to take me to the social that night.
John and I did take the time to drive to Atlanta where we visited the Aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum. They are right next to each other so next time you are there you need to go. Military is free at the Coca-Cola Museum and there is a discount at the Aquarium.
Georgia was a great trip and I kind of miss Fort Benning. I will always remember it and all the great people I met. Even though I didn't love there it still kind of felt like home.
Now we are in San Antonio and I can't wait to see what the city has in store for us!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Changes :-)
We found out this past Wednesday that John has been accepted into Medical Services. We are moving to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas!!!!!!!!
More details to come. :-)
5 days until commissioning!!!!
More details to come. :-)
5 days until commissioning!!!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Happy Anniversary!
Two years ago I was getting ready, taking pictures and starting a new chapter in my life.
John and I were together five years before we finally got married. The last two years have shown us what love truly feels like and what it takes to really make a relationship work. My love for him is deeper everyday, and these last few months have really tested how much our relationships means to the other person.
Since John left in April it hasn't been easy, but I appreciate him so much more. I realize more than ever what a wonderful person and what an amazing husband he truly is. Distance does make the heart grow fonder.
Below are a few of my favorite wedding pictures that I thought I would share.
Happy anniversary Love!
Great Weekend!
Thank you Army for allowing my husband to come home for the weekend!
John came home Friday and I just got back from taking him to the airport. Honestly, it was great having him home instead of my going to GA. Life felt normal for a few days and having him around always makes life seem better.
We didn't do a whole lot while he was here and it didn't matter. He was home and we were together so that was truly all that mattered. Saturday we went to a great restaurant nearby for our anniversary. A bit pricey, but well worth it. The weekend flew by so quickly though and it is hard to believe that it is over.
It was hard to see him off today, but not as hard as other goodbyes. I am headed back to GA in 10 days for the last haul of OCS before coming back home and moving to Oklahoma. Right now we do have unofficial orders that his FA training will begin January 3rd at Ft. Sill. We are still waiting to hear back about Medical Services, so there could still be quite a bit of change in the upcoming weeks.
I realize that is so much to do, but we can't do anything until after he commissions and calls the branch manager to find out what he can do between commissioning and the start of training. We can't burn all the leave now because then we can't come home for Christmas.
Now I just have to get through the next 10 days and no more separations until he gets deployed. I hope it goes by quickly.
Happy Labor Day!
John came home Friday and I just got back from taking him to the airport. Honestly, it was great having him home instead of my going to GA. Life felt normal for a few days and having him around always makes life seem better.
We didn't do a whole lot while he was here and it didn't matter. He was home and we were together so that was truly all that mattered. Saturday we went to a great restaurant nearby for our anniversary. A bit pricey, but well worth it. The weekend flew by so quickly though and it is hard to believe that it is over.
It was hard to see him off today, but not as hard as other goodbyes. I am headed back to GA in 10 days for the last haul of OCS before coming back home and moving to Oklahoma. Right now we do have unofficial orders that his FA training will begin January 3rd at Ft. Sill. We are still waiting to hear back about Medical Services, so there could still be quite a bit of change in the upcoming weeks.
I realize that is so much to do, but we can't do anything until after he commissions and calls the branch manager to find out what he can do between commissioning and the start of training. We can't burn all the leave now because then we can't come home for Christmas.
Now I just have to get through the next 10 days and no more separations until he gets deployed. I hope it goes by quickly.
Happy Labor Day!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Home Sweet Post Housing...Or Not
It seems for a while I haven't had anything to talk about and all of a sudden tons of things are coming to mind. We did just go through branching and now we are planning (or trying to) the next step after OCS.
Call me naive if you will. I really wasn't sure what to expect when it came to housing. We thought living on post during training would be the best option for a number of reasons. 1) If we couldn't live together then I would at least be close when he can come home and 2) we won't be there very long.
So I call Ft. Sill today just to get an idea of what I needed to do. Well, it didn't get well and I knew it wouldn't. Since we don't have official orders yet we can't even be put on the waiting list for housing and housing for his rank has a waiting list of 2-3 months. What does this mean for us? We are going to have to get an apt.
Don't get me wrong, I really don't mind living off post. But what we have found that it is harder to find a place because we have two dogs. Or maybe that is just around here. Also, since we don't know where the good areas are in a new place that makes it a little tougher.
One resource that I hope is useful is relocation center. When I called about housing I was given a different number to call to help with housing off post. Has anyone has experience with this?
I know it will all work out. Just curious about the time between OCS and reporting that really has me wondering where home is going to be.
Call me naive if you will. I really wasn't sure what to expect when it came to housing. We thought living on post during training would be the best option for a number of reasons. 1) If we couldn't live together then I would at least be close when he can come home and 2) we won't be there very long.
So I call Ft. Sill today just to get an idea of what I needed to do. Well, it didn't get well and I knew it wouldn't. Since we don't have official orders yet we can't even be put on the waiting list for housing and housing for his rank has a waiting list of 2-3 months. What does this mean for us? We are going to have to get an apt.
Don't get me wrong, I really don't mind living off post. But what we have found that it is harder to find a place because we have two dogs. Or maybe that is just around here. Also, since we don't know where the good areas are in a new place that makes it a little tougher.
One resource that I hope is useful is relocation center. When I called about housing I was given a different number to call to help with housing off post. Has anyone has experience with this?
I know it will all work out. Just curious about the time between OCS and reporting that really has me wondering where home is going to be.
All About OCS
I'm not sure how many of you have had to experience going through OCS as the spouse, but like anything else that has to do with the military it can be exciting and stressful all at the same time. Any failure on a test can get you sent back to the beginning.
The best part is that I can talk with John on the phone, Skype with him on the computer, and because he gets weekend passes I can go and visit. Although, I have only gone down for the big events such as graduation and branching.
Officer Candidate School is a 12 week course for Army soldiers to teach them what it takes to be a leader in the Army. These are not just candidates from basic, but also prior service, reserve and guard as well. Each week they sit in a class room for lecture and go over things such as land navigation, history of the Army and various other topics. Tests, PT tests and Land Navigation are all part of their testing. With the tests they are given two tries to pass. It is best to pass on the first try because if you have to retake it the highest you can score is a 70%.
Depending on how well they perform on these various topics depends on how high they are ranked out of the class. Ranking is very important (although it matters more to some than others). The higher a candidate is ranked, they have a better chance of getting the job they want.
Week 6 is when they Branch. This means they pick what job they want for the next three years of their military career. Again, it is important to do your best because the person ranked the highest gets to choose their branch first and so on. The good news is that reserve, guard and prior service already have their branch before starting OCS so those are less people competing for a branch.
Each class is given a allotment list that shows the class how many slots are open in fields such as Infantry, Fiance, Transportation and others, along with details if any. A detail is when they choose one field to do for the next two years, but then they will switch to another field after that. John branched Military Intelligence with a Field Artillery detail. Should he not get Medical Services his job for the next two years will be FA and then he will go into MI. When the slots are gone, they are gone.
In week 7-9, which John is currently in, they are in the field doing Land Navigation and other activities. You will not talk to your solider while they are in the field, so it is like being in basic all over again. However, land nav is rough from what I hear. Out of John's class 60% failed the first day, 20 people failed the second day, and I hope everyone passed today. If they don't pass on the third try they are then recycled.
John passed the first day. I was really worried, but thankfully he was able to sneak a text to me letting me know he passed. So far he hasn't had to retake a test or anything, but no matter what I am proud of him.
At the end of all this is a social, formal and finally commissioning. I am excited commissioning because I can finally be back with my husband and all we have to worry about is getting through training.
Good luck to anyone is going through OCS or about to go through OCS!
The best part is that I can talk with John on the phone, Skype with him on the computer, and because he gets weekend passes I can go and visit. Although, I have only gone down for the big events such as graduation and branching.
Officer Candidate School is a 12 week course for Army soldiers to teach them what it takes to be a leader in the Army. These are not just candidates from basic, but also prior service, reserve and guard as well. Each week they sit in a class room for lecture and go over things such as land navigation, history of the Army and various other topics. Tests, PT tests and Land Navigation are all part of their testing. With the tests they are given two tries to pass. It is best to pass on the first try because if you have to retake it the highest you can score is a 70%.
Depending on how well they perform on these various topics depends on how high they are ranked out of the class. Ranking is very important (although it matters more to some than others). The higher a candidate is ranked, they have a better chance of getting the job they want.
Week 6 is when they Branch. This means they pick what job they want for the next three years of their military career. Again, it is important to do your best because the person ranked the highest gets to choose their branch first and so on. The good news is that reserve, guard and prior service already have their branch before starting OCS so those are less people competing for a branch.
Each class is given a allotment list that shows the class how many slots are open in fields such as Infantry, Fiance, Transportation and others, along with details if any. A detail is when they choose one field to do for the next two years, but then they will switch to another field after that. John branched Military Intelligence with a Field Artillery detail. Should he not get Medical Services his job for the next two years will be FA and then he will go into MI. When the slots are gone, they are gone.
In week 7-9, which John is currently in, they are in the field doing Land Navigation and other activities. You will not talk to your solider while they are in the field, so it is like being in basic all over again. However, land nav is rough from what I hear. Out of John's class 60% failed the first day, 20 people failed the second day, and I hope everyone passed today. If they don't pass on the third try they are then recycled.
John passed the first day. I was really worried, but thankfully he was able to sneak a text to me letting me know he passed. So far he hasn't had to retake a test or anything, but no matter what I am proud of him.
At the end of all this is a social, formal and finally commissioning. I am excited commissioning because I can finally be back with my husband and all we have to worry about is getting through training.
Good luck to anyone is going through OCS or about to go through OCS!
Monday, August 16, 2010
And We Are Moving To...
Over the weekend I was in Georgia for Branch Day. For those who don't know what Branch Day is, it is the day all OCS soldiers choose what their job will be in the Army for the next three years. Each Officer Candidate has been ranked based on PT scores, test scores and a few other things as well. Currently John is 40 out of 150 some. The lower you are ranked the less likely you are to get the job you want. However, for the most part everyone gets their first choice. Out of this class I would say there were abotu 10 who may not have been happy but only because of their ranking.
Each class gets a slot allotcation sheet that tells them how many job openining there are in Infantry, MI, Transportation and others. Candidates go up one at a time (in the order they are ranked), choose a job and then say, "I am Officer Candidate Pennington and I choose...". Prior service, guard and reserve already have their jobs going into OCS so they go up and state "I am" instead.
Anyone wanting to do Aviation, Medical Services or Engineering must fill out a packet. Aviation and Engineering both found out about their positions, but Medical Services have not. John is hoping for Medical Services.
So because we are still not sure about Medical Services John still had to pick a branch he wanted. Right now he will be doing Military Intelliegence with a Field Artilery detail. This means John will go for training at Ft. Sill, OK and do in FA for two years and then go and train to be in MI. Fingers are still crossed for Medical Services to come through though.
Each class gets a slot allotcation sheet that tells them how many job openining there are in Infantry, MI, Transportation and others. Candidates go up one at a time (in the order they are ranked), choose a job and then say, "I am Officer Candidate Pennington and I choose...". Prior service, guard and reserve already have their jobs going into OCS so they go up and state "I am" instead.
Anyone wanting to do Aviation, Medical Services or Engineering must fill out a packet. Aviation and Engineering both found out about their positions, but Medical Services have not. John is hoping for Medical Services.
So because we are still not sure about Medical Services John still had to pick a branch he wanted. Right now he will be doing Military Intelliegence with a Field Artilery detail. This means John will go for training at Ft. Sill, OK and do in FA for two years and then go and train to be in MI. Fingers are still crossed for Medical Services to come through though.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
What Do I Want?
I don't know why, but I think it is interesting that people are asking what I want or what I am going to do when we move. To be honest I don't know and I haven't thought about it. The only thing I know is that I am continuing with classes and hope to take two in the Late Fall term.
Right now my focus is on preparing for the transition at work and making sure everything is set for John and I since he can't be here to take care of things. Most of my focus is on us and what our next step is, but is that wrong or bad? A friend asked me what I was going to do and I told her I didn't know. I need to find what my talents are and what I am good at. I also told her that right now my focus is on John and making sure out family is set and he is happy. She said to me, "but you need to be happy as well". I'm happy as long as John is happy.
So much is going through my mind right now. One bad thing about making all these new friends is that most of them are moving to GA now. I know I am not the only one moving, but I do feel like I am missing part of his life. We talk every night and more on the weekends, but sometimes a conversation can only get you so far. I miss waking up to him or coming home and having him there. I keep trying to tell myself that in just a few months this will all be over and we will be together again.
It probably doesn't help that this has been a horrible week.
Right now my focus is on preparing for the transition at work and making sure everything is set for John and I since he can't be here to take care of things. Most of my focus is on us and what our next step is, but is that wrong or bad? A friend asked me what I was going to do and I told her I didn't know. I need to find what my talents are and what I am good at. I also told her that right now my focus is on John and making sure out family is set and he is happy. She said to me, "but you need to be happy as well". I'm happy as long as John is happy.
So much is going through my mind right now. One bad thing about making all these new friends is that most of them are moving to GA now. I know I am not the only one moving, but I do feel like I am missing part of his life. We talk every night and more on the weekends, but sometimes a conversation can only get you so far. I miss waking up to him or coming home and having him there. I keep trying to tell myself that in just a few months this will all be over and we will be together again.
It probably doesn't help that this has been a horrible week.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Lost
I feel completely lost right now. I'm only at my job another eight weeks, I don't know where I'm moving to, I don't know what I am going to do when we move and my best friend isn't here. I feel really lost without John here.
I finished my class this past Monday and don't have school until the end of August. Hopefully I can keep up with this blog more and get other things done that need to get done.
We have been talking at least 30 minutes every night. Sometimes I think it was easier to write letters because you couldn't get mad or frustrated at one another. You could just write how your day went and tell them how much you love them. Now I am backing to trying to consult him about certain things and the evenings seem like they go on forever waiting for the phone call.
Several girls went down last weekend and some are going this weekend and it makes me miss him even more. It makes me wish I lived even a few hours closer because it would be easier to go and visit. At the same time I know he needs to stay focused. Right now he is ranked 40 something out of 140 or so candidates. I am really proud of him for doing so well. Everything counts in OCS, EVERYTHING!
Branching is in three weeks. I am looking forward to seeing John, but know finding what his job is will only be a temporary thing. He is still hoping to branch Medical Services, which we won't find out that day. He did get his application in and everything is set for it, but now we just have to wait and see. If he doesn't get that it looks like he wants to go Artiliary with a Chemical detail.
Does it get easier at they get promoted or is there always something you can't get out of the Army?
I finished my class this past Monday and don't have school until the end of August. Hopefully I can keep up with this blog more and get other things done that need to get done.
We have been talking at least 30 minutes every night. Sometimes I think it was easier to write letters because you couldn't get mad or frustrated at one another. You could just write how your day went and tell them how much you love them. Now I am backing to trying to consult him about certain things and the evenings seem like they go on forever waiting for the phone call.
Several girls went down last weekend and some are going this weekend and it makes me miss him even more. It makes me wish I lived even a few hours closer because it would be easier to go and visit. At the same time I know he needs to stay focused. Right now he is ranked 40 something out of 140 or so candidates. I am really proud of him for doing so well. Everything counts in OCS, EVERYTHING!
Branching is in three weeks. I am looking forward to seeing John, but know finding what his job is will only be a temporary thing. He is still hoping to branch Medical Services, which we won't find out that day. He did get his application in and everything is set for it, but now we just have to wait and see. If he doesn't get that it looks like he wants to go Artiliary with a Chemical detail.
Does it get easier at they get promoted or is there always something you can't get out of the Army?
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Little Bit of This & That...
So sorry! I got home last Monday from GA and left this past Friday for Charlotte. I am finally home and not going anywhere until August when I am headed back to GA.
First piece of good news....I AM MOVING AFTER OCS! We finally decided that I am moving once OCS if complete. We don't care if we have to pay for the move we just want to be together. I put in my notice at work so things are coming together.
Ft. Benning is really nice. The area around it is ok and most places to eat are at least 15 minutes away, but not too bad. The Infantry Museum is a must see for anyone who goes down that way. Sadly I know my way around post better than John.
There were two bad parts to my week: 1) it took 8 hours to process all the OCS people Thursday; 2) John had duty from 4-8 am Saturday morning.
We are in week two of OCS. So far, so good for us, but John said they have already lost about 15 people just in the first week. I am still nervous that something will happen and he will have to be recycled, but everything happens for a reason. I can't stress about it.
Branch day is in a month. This is the day we will find out what job John will have with the Army and where we will go for training. I've heard it is boring, but I want as much time with him as possible. This is going to be a big day for him and if he wants me there I want to be there.
John's Top Three Job Choices:
1) Medical Services - Ft. Sam Huston, TX
2) Chemical - Ft. Leonardwood, MI
3) Air Defense - Ft. Seal, OK
Medical Services opens a slot for you if they feel you are qualified so we basically have to plan as if he will get his number two choice. There are a few prior service people that have joined his company at OCS that want Medical Service and It doesn't really matter to me what he gets as long as he is happy with what he is given. I know that the job he is given, he will be given for a reason.
He made me really happy the other night. While texting he told me joining the Army was the second best thing he has every done. That made me feel really good. His happiness is all that matters to me.
PS if anyone wants my e-mail pennington9608@gmail.com or find me on Facebook
I promise pics to come soon!
First piece of good news....I AM MOVING AFTER OCS! We finally decided that I am moving once OCS if complete. We don't care if we have to pay for the move we just want to be together. I put in my notice at work so things are coming together.
Ft. Benning is really nice. The area around it is ok and most places to eat are at least 15 minutes away, but not too bad. The Infantry Museum is a must see for anyone who goes down that way. Sadly I know my way around post better than John.
There were two bad parts to my week: 1) it took 8 hours to process all the OCS people Thursday; 2) John had duty from 4-8 am Saturday morning.
We are in week two of OCS. So far, so good for us, but John said they have already lost about 15 people just in the first week. I am still nervous that something will happen and he will have to be recycled, but everything happens for a reason. I can't stress about it.
Branch day is in a month. This is the day we will find out what job John will have with the Army and where we will go for training. I've heard it is boring, but I want as much time with him as possible. This is going to be a big day for him and if he wants me there I want to be there.
John's Top Three Job Choices:
1) Medical Services - Ft. Sam Huston, TX
2) Chemical - Ft. Leonardwood, MI
3) Air Defense - Ft. Seal, OK
Medical Services opens a slot for you if they feel you are qualified so we basically have to plan as if he will get his number two choice. There are a few prior service people that have joined his company at OCS that want Medical Service and It doesn't really matter to me what he gets as long as he is happy with what he is given. I know that the job he is given, he will be given for a reason.
He made me really happy the other night. While texting he told me joining the Army was the second best thing he has every done. That made me feel really good. His happiness is all that matters to me.
PS if anyone wants my e-mail pennington9608@gmail.com or find me on Facebook
I promise pics to come soon!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Perfect Weekend!
I had the perfect weekend with John. Even though his Basic Graduation wasn't a big deal to him, I am still proud of him. He was so handsome in his Class B and ACUs.
We did get Thursday night through yesterday morning together. The OCS guys were processed in Thursday, which took FOREVER! It took about seven hours to process everyone through, so we lost pretty much the whole day. I can't wait to go back down. Only about another month to go.
He had his first PT test this morning and I am hoping it went well. It determines everything for OCS. I am sure he did well, but I am still so nervous. Several guys didn't get to class up yesterday and thankfully John did. I don't know what I would do if any of this got postponed. my guess it that my bags would be packed and I would be living in GA for a bit.
Saying goodbye this time wasn't as hard as when he left for Basic. I guess because I know we will be able to talk and I will be down there in just a few (I hope short) weeks. It still feels lonely without him though. Being in his arms was the best feeling.
Anyway, more to come along with pics!
We did get Thursday night through yesterday morning together. The OCS guys were processed in Thursday, which took FOREVER! It took about seven hours to process everyone through, so we lost pretty much the whole day. I can't wait to go back down. Only about another month to go.
He had his first PT test this morning and I am hoping it went well. It determines everything for OCS. I am sure he did well, but I am still so nervous. Several guys didn't get to class up yesterday and thankfully John did. I don't know what I would do if any of this got postponed. my guess it that my bags would be packed and I would be living in GA for a bit.
Saying goodbye this time wasn't as hard as when he left for Basic. I guess because I know we will be able to talk and I will be down there in just a few (I hope short) weeks. It still feels lonely without him though. Being in his arms was the best feeling.
Anyway, more to come along with pics!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Two More Days!!!!
Well everyone, the time is almost here. The car is packed (and I overpacked!) and ready to leave after work today. In two days I will FINALLY get to see my husband and have an actual conversation with him. I can't even begin to tell you how I feel right now. I'm nervous and anxious; my nerves have made me sick to my stomach. I'm tired but I can't sleep. We only got a 15 minute phone call yesterday, but this close to seeing him I don't care. I will take the 15 minutes.
I had the hardest time saying goodbye to Traveler this morning. His hopped in the car before we went on his walk and he stared at me as I packed it up. I wish I could take him to see his daddy. I know Trav misses having his daddy around.
John sounds more positive about getting Thursday night with me. We still don't know about Sunday night, but again I will take what I can get. Five minutes is better than nothing at all. Honestly, I think we are getting very spoiled with the extra time.
Anyway, more to come later. Hope everyone has a Happy 4th! Will post pictures and info as soon as I can.
I had the hardest time saying goodbye to Traveler this morning. His hopped in the car before we went on his walk and he stared at me as I packed it up. I wish I could take him to see his daddy. I know Trav misses having his daddy around.
John sounds more positive about getting Thursday night with me. We still don't know about Sunday night, but again I will take what I can get. Five minutes is better than nothing at all. Honestly, I think we are getting very spoiled with the extra time.
Anyway, more to come later. Hope everyone has a Happy 4th! Will post pictures and info as soon as I can.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I Need A Vacation from Vacation
So in the last month I have been to Columbus, OH, Charlotte, NC and I just got back from Baltimore, MD. I am EXHAUSTED! I need a mini break from all these trips. When I came home from Charlotte I didn't even bother to pack away my bag or anything because I left this past Friday for Baltimore. Hopefully I can get rest this week because I leave after work next Monday for Ft. Benning, GA! So glad it is only a week away.
Another busy week though. I need to try and write two papers, pack, haircut, mani/pedi, belated birthday dinner, work, get ahead at work for next week so I don't leave behind so much, more homework...shew.
So my birthday was OK. I guess it didn't help that I was in a car alone driving to Baltimore where no one knew it was my birthday. Otherwise I would have spent the day off doing something with my mom, I'm sure. I saw her Friday morning before I headed out and as soon as a co-worker said Happy Birthday I broke down. 26 isn't a big deal anyway.
And then he tells me I may not be able to go down for our anniversary because the last three weeks there they are out in the field and only come back on Sundays to shower and call home. Well, all this starts before our anniversary and even though its a holiday weekend I can't go down for two days. Hopefully, it will all work out and I can go.
On a positive note...
It sounds like because Sunday is a holiday I may get more time with John. Rumor has it the OCS guys may process in Thursday rather than Friday and get released until Monday morning at 8 am. Of course we won't know for sure until at least Thursday. But, that would be great to have Thursday and Sunday night with him. More time than I expected.
I did get an hour phone call yesterday. We talked more about the move and next week. We can't wait to see each other and honestly will take any time we can get with one another. I miss him so much. I miss his kiss, his touch, I miss his laugh and the way he laughs at my when I do something silly. I miss it all. He is hoping they can have their phones during personal time this week since they finished everything today. That would be great since I can't send letters anymore.
Another busy week though. I need to try and write two papers, pack, haircut, mani/pedi, belated birthday dinner, work, get ahead at work for next week so I don't leave behind so much, more homework...shew.
So my birthday was OK. I guess it didn't help that I was in a car alone driving to Baltimore where no one knew it was my birthday. Otherwise I would have spent the day off doing something with my mom, I'm sure. I saw her Friday morning before I headed out and as soon as a co-worker said Happy Birthday I broke down. 26 isn't a big deal anyway.
And then he tells me I may not be able to go down for our anniversary because the last three weeks there they are out in the field and only come back on Sundays to shower and call home. Well, all this starts before our anniversary and even though its a holiday weekend I can't go down for two days. Hopefully, it will all work out and I can go.
On a positive note...
It sounds like because Sunday is a holiday I may get more time with John. Rumor has it the OCS guys may process in Thursday rather than Friday and get released until Monday morning at 8 am. Of course we won't know for sure until at least Thursday. But, that would be great to have Thursday and Sunday night with him. More time than I expected.
I did get an hour phone call yesterday. We talked more about the move and next week. We can't wait to see each other and honestly will take any time we can get with one another. I miss him so much. I miss his kiss, his touch, I miss his laugh and the way he laughs at my when I do something silly. I miss it all. He is hoping they can have their phones during personal time this week since they finished everything today. That would be great since I can't send letters anymore.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Birthday Blues
So tomorrow is my birthday. Normally I would go around counting down the days and celebrating the whole month. But now I just want to forget that it is even coming since John isn't here. It just isn't the same.
He sent me a birthday card which I received Monday. I broke down as it was just another reminder that he isn't here. I know this won't be the last birthday he misses. Back in March we went to Charlotte to visit with our friends and they were nice enough to let me go to the Apple store. I have been wanting a Mac and John let me get one for my birthday....three months early.
I know my co-workers are going to sing to me any minute because I am off tomorrow to go to Maryland. A friend I met through Facebook sent a package of tissues (for when I cry at graduation), an American Flag and a few other things. I thought that was sweet. Her boyfriend will graduate with John on the 30th and go over to OCS with him as well. She has been trying to make it better for me.
I feel bad because my mom calls and keeps saying, "its almost your birthday" and I just keep saying, "I'm not celebrating". I just want people to forget it this year. It doesn't mean anything to me if my Love isn't here.
He sent me a birthday card which I received Monday. I broke down as it was just another reminder that he isn't here. I know this won't be the last birthday he misses. Back in March we went to Charlotte to visit with our friends and they were nice enough to let me go to the Apple store. I have been wanting a Mac and John let me get one for my birthday....three months early.
I know my co-workers are going to sing to me any minute because I am off tomorrow to go to Maryland. A friend I met through Facebook sent a package of tissues (for when I cry at graduation), an American Flag and a few other things. I thought that was sweet. Her boyfriend will graduate with John on the 30th and go over to OCS with him as well. She has been trying to make it better for me.
I feel bad because my mom calls and keeps saying, "its almost your birthday" and I just keep saying, "I'm not celebrating". I just want people to forget it this year. It doesn't mean anything to me if my Love isn't here.
Busy, Busy, Busy Bee
Things have been crazy in the last few weeks. I have been to Charlotte, NC and I am headed to Maryland this weekend for a wedding. Lets not forget homework, packing, laundry, unpacking, dogs and a sick grandmother are all added in the mix. Right now I am just tired and want nothing more than to go to bed.
I am excited about the wedding this weekend. John's friend from high school is getting married. He was actually a groomsman in ours, and John and I were both upset when we learned he wouldn't be able to be in their wedding. However, last week the couple asked me to do a reading at their wedding since John could not attend and play his part. I was very honored by this, especially since I've only met the bride once and the groom a few times. We do keep up with one another on Facebook though. I just hope I don't get up there and have a breakdown.
The last week or so I have been more emotional than ever! I think the closer it gets the more eager I am to just get down there and see him. I now have to stop sending letters and I hope we get more calls. Letters are how I talk to John. I know I could still write them and give them to him, but it isn't the same. I know he looks forward to mail time and all the push ups he has to do. I can only hope they will be replaced with more phone calls.
Come on June 30th!
I am excited about the wedding this weekend. John's friend from high school is getting married. He was actually a groomsman in ours, and John and I were both upset when we learned he wouldn't be able to be in their wedding. However, last week the couple asked me to do a reading at their wedding since John could not attend and play his part. I was very honored by this, especially since I've only met the bride once and the groom a few times. We do keep up with one another on Facebook though. I just hope I don't get up there and have a breakdown.
The last week or so I have been more emotional than ever! I think the closer it gets the more eager I am to just get down there and see him. I now have to stop sending letters and I hope we get more calls. Letters are how I talk to John. I know I could still write them and give them to him, but it isn't the same. I know he looks forward to mail time and all the push ups he has to do. I can only hope they will be replaced with more phone calls.
Come on June 30th!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Letter Romance
I'm not going to lie. The last seven weeks have almost seemed like a romance you might watch in a romantic war movie. Girlfriends and wives at home waiting to hear from their love through a letter or a phone call. It brightens up your day when you get either one.
We live in modern day where conversations have been replaced with e-mails and text messages, but I get letters. Before the days of "you've got mail" couples had to send letters to one another and had no other form of communication. I'm sure even then letters took a little longer to get anywhere.
By no means do letters replace the sounds of a voice or the touch of your love. When I read them though I pretend he is talking to me. I hear his voice in my head as I read the letter. In the last 6 1/2 years we have been together I have very few cards from John. He isn't one to express himself too much or write, but he writes me everyday right now. I am so thankful for each letter that comes. Even if it is a short one.
Letters can help you express yourself in ways you may never otherwise have. Its so much easier to write something down sometimes then it is to say it. When I get a letter I forget about my cell phone and my computer. When he goes off to OCS I think I am going to miss the letters. Not that I won't LOVE seeing him on Skype or talking to him on the phone, but I will miss coming home to see if I have something in the mail.
I was talking about a friend the other day and explaining how I get letters almost everyday and how that is the only form of communication we have. She thought it was romantic and I agree. Its a great feeling coming home to a letter filled with love from someone so far away. I know he thinks of me. I almost want to curse the mail on Sundays when it doesn't run and Tuesday when I never get a letter. But only a few more weeks.
Its just a sweet letter romance. :-D
We live in modern day where conversations have been replaced with e-mails and text messages, but I get letters. Before the days of "you've got mail" couples had to send letters to one another and had no other form of communication. I'm sure even then letters took a little longer to get anywhere.
By no means do letters replace the sounds of a voice or the touch of your love. When I read them though I pretend he is talking to me. I hear his voice in my head as I read the letter. In the last 6 1/2 years we have been together I have very few cards from John. He isn't one to express himself too much or write, but he writes me everyday right now. I am so thankful for each letter that comes. Even if it is a short one.
Letters can help you express yourself in ways you may never otherwise have. Its so much easier to write something down sometimes then it is to say it. When I get a letter I forget about my cell phone and my computer. When he goes off to OCS I think I am going to miss the letters. Not that I won't LOVE seeing him on Skype or talking to him on the phone, but I will miss coming home to see if I have something in the mail.
I was talking about a friend the other day and explaining how I get letters almost everyday and how that is the only form of communication we have. She thought it was romantic and I agree. Its a great feeling coming home to a letter filled with love from someone so far away. I know he thinks of me. I almost want to curse the mail on Sundays when it doesn't run and Tuesday when I never get a letter. But only a few more weeks.
Its just a sweet letter romance. :-D
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I'M A GLEEK!
So one of my new favorite shows is Glee. I get on iTunes each week to download some of my favorite songs from each episode and I have all the soundtracks.
Well tonight is the season finale where they are performing at regionals. Of course I downloaded the soundtrack as well, which includes songs by Journey. The first song is "Faithfully", which Finn and Rachel sing together.
"Wondering where I am lost without you, And being apart ain't easy on this love affair, Two strangers learn to fall in love again, I get the joy of rediscovering you, you stand by me I'm forever yours faithfully " Journey
Well tonight is the season finale where they are performing at regionals. Of course I downloaded the soundtrack as well, which includes songs by Journey. The first song is "Faithfully", which Finn and Rachel sing together.
"Wondering where I am lost without you, And being apart ain't easy on this love affair, Two strangers learn to fall in love again, I get the joy of rediscovering you, you stand by me I'm forever yours faithfully " Journey
John and I have been by each other sides for almost seven years now. He supported me in going back to school and I support him in joining the Army. I feel lost without him here. When I have a bad day I don't have my best friend here to make it better or at least listen to me.
This song is so appropriate for any military couple who has gone through a deployment, separated during basic or being apart for whatever reason. This can go for couples who are often apart for whatever reason. A friend told me that each time her husband comes home it is like getting to know each other all over again and falling in love all over.
This song is so appropriate for any military couple who has gone through a deployment, separated during basic or being apart for whatever reason. This can go for couples who are often apart for whatever reason. A friend told me that each time her husband comes home it is like getting to know each other all over again and falling in love all over.
To my Love, I'm forever yours, faithfully.
Jaded?
From what I heard many military wives become jaded. This really makes me think because I don't want to be a jaded military wife.
Already I have experienced frustration with the Army. I was told to contact one person to request the weekend with John, but there was someone else I was supposed to contact. I still don't know at this point if I will get the weekend with him, and will more than likely have to hang around Friday to find out. I know this is just a small taste of what is to come.
What I really want to know is what makes us jaded?
Things change and I have to learn to roll with the punches. A new friend of mine says her fiance says, "only worry about the things you can control". This is so true. But what I keep thinking to myself through the frustration and stress is that this is what is making him happy. This is what he wants right now and I need to be here to support that 100% no matter how often the Army changes its mind.
Is it that after so long we get tired of giving up our lives and putting them backseat to the Army life? I hope that I can keep the positive attitude through the years as we experience more and more what this life has to offer us.
Like marriage things are not always easy. Some things you have to work harder at to get the result you want. You have to come to a compromise with certain things in order for both parties to be at least somewhat happy. Now, I realize that it will be more the Army way or no way at all.
I do believe that we are going to have to work harder to make sure the other person knows how much we care and love them. I am scared of deployments and being away from one another, but I know that I have to keep my faith and trust in him and let him know I will be here when he gets back. I can't let our frustrations with the Army affect our marraige. I hope I can avoid becoming a jaded military wife.
Already I have experienced frustration with the Army. I was told to contact one person to request the weekend with John, but there was someone else I was supposed to contact. I still don't know at this point if I will get the weekend with him, and will more than likely have to hang around Friday to find out. I know this is just a small taste of what is to come.
What I really want to know is what makes us jaded?
Things change and I have to learn to roll with the punches. A new friend of mine says her fiance says, "only worry about the things you can control". This is so true. But what I keep thinking to myself through the frustration and stress is that this is what is making him happy. This is what he wants right now and I need to be here to support that 100% no matter how often the Army changes its mind.
Is it that after so long we get tired of giving up our lives and putting them backseat to the Army life? I hope that I can keep the positive attitude through the years as we experience more and more what this life has to offer us.
Like marriage things are not always easy. Some things you have to work harder at to get the result you want. You have to come to a compromise with certain things in order for both parties to be at least somewhat happy. Now, I realize that it will be more the Army way or no way at all.
I do believe that we are going to have to work harder to make sure the other person knows how much we care and love them. I am scared of deployments and being away from one another, but I know that I have to keep my faith and trust in him and let him know I will be here when he gets back. I can't let our frustrations with the Army affect our marraige. I hope I can avoid becoming a jaded military wife.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
What I Learned From SATC 2
So I went to see Sex and the City 2 tonight. If you haven't seen it then stop reading. I'm not giving the whole movie away, but just a portion that really hit home and reenforces what I have been thinking all along.
So as you can tell from the previews Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha all head to the middle east for a week. While there each lady is given her own butler. Carrie finds out that her butler's wife lives in India. They see each other about every three months when he can afford to fly out to see her. Carrie asked it that was hard on them and he told her that it didn't matter. Each time they are together it is special.
That is the outlook I need to have on this. While John is only in basic now, we have many separations ahead of us. I need to remember that we still love one another while we are apart and we need to cherish each second we have when we are together. Who knows how many deployments will come and go, but I know that when he comes home everything will be ok and we will enjoy the time we have together.
So as you can tell from the previews Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha all head to the middle east for a week. While there each lady is given her own butler. Carrie finds out that her butler's wife lives in India. They see each other about every three months when he can afford to fly out to see her. Carrie asked it that was hard on them and he told her that it didn't matter. Each time they are together it is special.
That is the outlook I need to have on this. While John is only in basic now, we have many separations ahead of us. I need to remember that we still love one another while we are apart and we need to cherish each second we have when we are together. Who knows how many deployments will come and go, but I know that when he comes home everything will be ok and we will enjoy the time we have together.
You asked, I told
Hey Army Wife, thank you for the questions.
John will actually stay at Ft. Benning for OCS, so there will be a short distance from where he is now at Benning to where he will be going for OCS at Benning. After e-mailing a commander, I have been granted permission to drive him from BCT to OCS Friday morning. Still not sure at this point if I will get the weekend with him or not, but I will take the short drive.
John would like to do something in the medical field, He is very interested in lab work and research. All I can really think about is Nicholas Cage in The Rock where he has to diffuse the bomb or the whole place blows up. I am not sure where he would go for that. I have heard Ft. Hood, Texas is where they do their Medical training.
Ideally we would like to be stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. We have friends that live in Charlotte and we love going down to visit them. I am actually going down there next weekend and they are nice enough to let me stay with them on my way to GA to break up the trip.
I do work and I plan to keep on working. However, I am nervous about finding a new job. If we do get to make the move to BOLC B I am nervous about finding a temp job for just a few months, but I know it will all work out. I won't have to work, but I want to contribute. I'm nervous to look for a job when we get stationed as well because depending how far as are from base I worry that some employers will look me over because they won't there is a chance I won't be long term.
When it became official that John was joining the Army I started to think about my career a bit more. I never wanted to be a stay at home mom because I didn't want to waste my education. I am currently working on my masters and really don't want to finish it if I am not going to use it. Ideally I would like to find a job I can do from home or take any where with me. I have a undergrad in both Advertising and Marketing and my masters will be in Integrated Marketing Communications. Really though, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, so that doesn't help the situation.
However, my thoughts have changed because I know we may not be in the same place for more than three to five years at a time and it would be nice to be able to stay at home with the kids. John's mom stayed home with him and he enjoyed the memories he made with her. I come from a single parent household so I was in daycare or my grandmother watched me. I try not to think about it too much now because we don't even know where we are going. Right now though I do plan to work and when we have kids we will look at the situation again. I just don't know what I would do if I didn't work, especially when he is deployed.
The hardest sacrifice? I don't know if I have honestly come across that yet. Right now though it is probably giving them my life. I don't just mean me and control over my life, but I also mean John. He is my world, my soul mate and my best friend. I feel like I handed him over. They tell us when we can talk, when we can be together.
As someone who has to plan everything I am slowly learning that I need to just let things be sometimes. With the Army you never know what is going to happen, well with the military in general, and you just have to go with the flow. We have been told that going to Ft. Bragg is likely because it is such a huge base, but there may not be an opening for what he wants. You can't plan anything and have to roll with the punches.
What did I think of the Army? Not really sure. I dated a guy in high school that was a year older than me. Going into my senior year of high school he left to be Marine. While it wasn't like anything I am going through now with John, I should have known I was meant to be a military wife.
I don't want to be jaded. I want to be positive about the situation because this is what he wanted. He seems happy. I realize that I am not always going to be happy with the Army decides to do with him, but the Army is family now and we just have to work it out and deal with it. I don't always get along with John or my parents, but they are family.
I never knew anyone in the military really until I met John. He is from an Air Force family: his dad, his grandfather, a few cousins, his oldest brother, a few uncles, so he knew the military life. He lucked out though because his dad was stationed at the same base for 16 years before they moved to where they are now.
I am excited for what the future holds for us. Even though there are going to be rough patches, I look forward to the opportunities the Army has in store for us. I would love to go overseas and be stationed for a few years and explore the world. I've lived within an hour of the same place my whole life and traveled only to less than a dozen states. The rewards out weight the downfalls.
John will actually stay at Ft. Benning for OCS, so there will be a short distance from where he is now at Benning to where he will be going for OCS at Benning. After e-mailing a commander, I have been granted permission to drive him from BCT to OCS Friday morning. Still not sure at this point if I will get the weekend with him or not, but I will take the short drive.
John would like to do something in the medical field, He is very interested in lab work and research. All I can really think about is Nicholas Cage in The Rock where he has to diffuse the bomb or the whole place blows up. I am not sure where he would go for that. I have heard Ft. Hood, Texas is where they do their Medical training.
Ideally we would like to be stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. We have friends that live in Charlotte and we love going down to visit them. I am actually going down there next weekend and they are nice enough to let me stay with them on my way to GA to break up the trip.
I do work and I plan to keep on working. However, I am nervous about finding a new job. If we do get to make the move to BOLC B I am nervous about finding a temp job for just a few months, but I know it will all work out. I won't have to work, but I want to contribute. I'm nervous to look for a job when we get stationed as well because depending how far as are from base I worry that some employers will look me over because they won't there is a chance I won't be long term.
When it became official that John was joining the Army I started to think about my career a bit more. I never wanted to be a stay at home mom because I didn't want to waste my education. I am currently working on my masters and really don't want to finish it if I am not going to use it. Ideally I would like to find a job I can do from home or take any where with me. I have a undergrad in both Advertising and Marketing and my masters will be in Integrated Marketing Communications. Really though, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, so that doesn't help the situation.
However, my thoughts have changed because I know we may not be in the same place for more than three to five years at a time and it would be nice to be able to stay at home with the kids. John's mom stayed home with him and he enjoyed the memories he made with her. I come from a single parent household so I was in daycare or my grandmother watched me. I try not to think about it too much now because we don't even know where we are going. Right now though I do plan to work and when we have kids we will look at the situation again. I just don't know what I would do if I didn't work, especially when he is deployed.
The hardest sacrifice? I don't know if I have honestly come across that yet. Right now though it is probably giving them my life. I don't just mean me and control over my life, but I also mean John. He is my world, my soul mate and my best friend. I feel like I handed him over. They tell us when we can talk, when we can be together.
As someone who has to plan everything I am slowly learning that I need to just let things be sometimes. With the Army you never know what is going to happen, well with the military in general, and you just have to go with the flow. We have been told that going to Ft. Bragg is likely because it is such a huge base, but there may not be an opening for what he wants. You can't plan anything and have to roll with the punches.
What did I think of the Army? Not really sure. I dated a guy in high school that was a year older than me. Going into my senior year of high school he left to be Marine. While it wasn't like anything I am going through now with John, I should have known I was meant to be a military wife.
I don't want to be jaded. I want to be positive about the situation because this is what he wanted. He seems happy. I realize that I am not always going to be happy with the Army decides to do with him, but the Army is family now and we just have to work it out and deal with it. I don't always get along with John or my parents, but they are family.
I never knew anyone in the military really until I met John. He is from an Air Force family: his dad, his grandfather, a few cousins, his oldest brother, a few uncles, so he knew the military life. He lucked out though because his dad was stationed at the same base for 16 years before they moved to where they are now.
I am excited for what the future holds for us. Even though there are going to be rough patches, I look forward to the opportunities the Army has in store for us. I would love to go overseas and be stationed for a few years and explore the world. I've lived within an hour of the same place my whole life and traveled only to less than a dozen states. The rewards out weight the downfalls.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
IT'S JUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So at the end of THIS month I will finally get to see my Love! I can't wait to see him for the first time in his uniform and watch him graduate. I couldn't be more proud of him. He seems so happy with what he is doing. This past week John qualified as a Sharp Shooter on his first attempt, which he was really excited about. I still get letters almost every day from him. I didn't like the long weekend though.
The good news is he should get to leave post the weekend after graduation, so he will get to stay the night with me. I CAN'T WAIT! The bed seems so lonely without him there. I may also get to drive him to OCS on Sunday, which I have mixed feelings about. It will be great to get the extra time with him, however it will probably only make it harder for me to say goodbye. I cried the entire time at the hotel when I took him to Beckley for him to ship.
I received three letters yesterday. In one letter he said he wants me to move with him to BOLC B, which I would love to do. I hope we can work out. Just a few minor details to discuss. :-)
Well, thats all for now!
If anyone wants to know anything or has ideas please let me know. I know I need to write more frequently.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
The good news is he should get to leave post the weekend after graduation, so he will get to stay the night with me. I CAN'T WAIT! The bed seems so lonely without him there. I may also get to drive him to OCS on Sunday, which I have mixed feelings about. It will be great to get the extra time with him, however it will probably only make it harder for me to say goodbye. I cried the entire time at the hotel when I took him to Beckley for him to ship.
I received three letters yesterday. In one letter he said he wants me to move with him to BOLC B, which I would love to do. I hope we can work out. Just a few minor details to discuss. :-)
Well, thats all for now!
If anyone wants to know anything or has ideas please let me know. I know I need to write more frequently.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Books, Books and More Books.
Being the new military wife that I am becoming, I have purchased a few books suggested to me by other military wives. They are coming in slowly so once I get started I will share my thoughts. Please be patient as I am also in school and the next month is going to be crazy busy!
If you have any suggestions please let me know. Books I've ordered:
"Married to the Military"
"Chicken Soup for the Military Soul"
"Separated by Duty"
"Army Wives"
"Faith Deployed"
Hope everyone is having a great day!
If you have any suggestions please let me know. Books I've ordered:
"Married to the Military"
"Chicken Soup for the Military Soul"
"Separated by Duty"
"Army Wives"
"Faith Deployed"
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Not Now!
So the last few days have not been the best. John's grandmother is in the hospital and it doesn't look good. After speaking with my father-in-law last night we decided not to tell him anything yet. Is it the best decision? I don't know if there is one.
On the one hand this is his family, the only grandparent he has left. He has a right to know. But I don't want him to worry or be sad. I don't want him to leave the beginning of his career. Honestly, I don't know what he would do. I wonder if this would fuel him even more to want to get through basic or make him want to come home to be with his family. I really don't want training to be postponed and I feel that that is selfish of me.
If anyone can answer this please do. I know I am to contact the Red Cross if anything bad happens, but is that only for a death? If we decide to go ahead and tell him the situation I would rather do it on the phone and right now I don't know when I am getting calls and for how long. I had my first call in over a month this past Sunday, but only for 10 minutes. That conversation is NOT how I want to spend 10 minutes.
At this point there isn't anything we can do but sit and spend time and hope for the best. My heart is breaking for my in-laws and the rest of the family. We have been together for seven years and I thought for sure she might get to see us have children. They weren't that close, at least I don't think they are. We were over there every holiday and major event. He comes from a huge family.
I feel somewhat like an outsider. It's different when it isn't your family, even though they have been my other family for several years. They are keeping me up to date on everything when I call and they are not excluding me from anything, so I don't know why I feel that way. I feel helpless, but there isn't anything anyone can do.
It hurts me to know my husband is 10 hours away and has no clue what is going on at home. I feel like I am betraying him.
On the one hand this is his family, the only grandparent he has left. He has a right to know. But I don't want him to worry or be sad. I don't want him to leave the beginning of his career. Honestly, I don't know what he would do. I wonder if this would fuel him even more to want to get through basic or make him want to come home to be with his family. I really don't want training to be postponed and I feel that that is selfish of me.
If anyone can answer this please do. I know I am to contact the Red Cross if anything bad happens, but is that only for a death? If we decide to go ahead and tell him the situation I would rather do it on the phone and right now I don't know when I am getting calls and for how long. I had my first call in over a month this past Sunday, but only for 10 minutes. That conversation is NOT how I want to spend 10 minutes.
At this point there isn't anything we can do but sit and spend time and hope for the best. My heart is breaking for my in-laws and the rest of the family. We have been together for seven years and I thought for sure she might get to see us have children. They weren't that close, at least I don't think they are. We were over there every holiday and major event. He comes from a huge family.
I feel somewhat like an outsider. It's different when it isn't your family, even though they have been my other family for several years. They are keeping me up to date on everything when I call and they are not excluding me from anything, so I don't know why I feel that way. I feel helpless, but there isn't anything anyone can do.
It hurts me to know my husband is 10 hours away and has no clue what is going on at home. I feel like I am betraying him.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The Army Wife Prayer
The first deployment seems so far aways. Who knows when. It seems like it will come sooner than I would like, but right now I can barely think about anything past graduation. I know that while he is away I will need to pray more than ever. I know that while he is away he is away because he is serving his country. Not just protecting me anymore, but protecting a whole country.
I found this prayer and while it says it is an Army Wife Prayer, I believe it can go for any branch. We are always waiting for our loved one to come home and realize they are out their doing a duty. And while they are out, we have a duty at home. To pray for them and make sure they have someone supporting them and loving them. They need us as much as our country needs them.
"The Army Wife Prayer"
Dear Lord,
Give me the greatness of heart to see the difference between duty and his love for me. Give me the understanding that I may know, when duty calls him he must go. Give me a task to do each day, to fill the time when he's away. And Lord, when he's in a foreign land, keep him safe in our loving hand. And Lord, , when duty is in the field, please protect him and be his shield. And Lord, when deployment is so long, please stay with me and keep me strong.
Amen.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What Makes A Family
Family used to consist of mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and so forth. The older I get though; I realize family includes others as well. Two of my best friends I met in sorority in college. We have become so close that I consider them my true sisters. I am Auntie Ashley to my friend’s baby, who will be one in July.
According to Wikipedia (because it is such a trustworthy source and all), family is defined as an exclusive group of people who share a close relationship —a unit typically (or "traditionally") composed of a mated couple and their dependent children (procreation) in co-residence. I agree that it is a group of people sharing a close relationship. A unit.
I have met a group of women on Facebook, on a Ft. Benning page. Some mothers, some girlfriends, fiancés, wives, but all are going through what I am going through. We are without someone special in our lives right now. Without each other who knows how we would be handling the situation.
The last three weeks have been and rollercoaster ride and we have been there to try and make each other smile, laugh or even cry together. I am amazed and thankful for my new family and can't wait to see what is in store for us.
Families are those who are there for you regardless if they are blood related. They don’t have to be the ones living the closest to you or the ones you see every holiday. The ones I consider family are the ones that are there even when I don’t want them to be. The ones that lend a shoulder, cry with me, laugh with me, through good and bad. The ones there just to hang out.
According to Wikipedia (because it is such a trustworthy source and all), family is defined as an exclusive group of people who share a close relationship —a unit typically (or "traditionally") composed of a mated couple and their dependent children (procreation) in co-residence. I agree that it is a group of people sharing a close relationship. A unit.
I have met a group of women on Facebook, on a Ft. Benning page. Some mothers, some girlfriends, fiancés, wives, but all are going through what I am going through. We are without someone special in our lives right now. Without each other who knows how we would be handling the situation.
The last three weeks have been and rollercoaster ride and we have been there to try and make each other smile, laugh or even cry together. I am amazed and thankful for my new family and can't wait to see what is in store for us.
Families are those who are there for you regardless if they are blood related. They don’t have to be the ones living the closest to you or the ones you see every holiday. The ones I consider family are the ones that are there even when I don’t want them to be. The ones that lend a shoulder, cry with me, laugh with me, through good and bad. The ones there just to hang out.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Falling In Love All Over Again
This is not the first time John and I have not been together. I have had the occasional family trip here and there before we got married. However, this is the longest we have been seperated from each other in the almost seven years we have been together. Lets not forget there are not phone calls. I accidentally called him the other day. It wasn't the first time I had to stop and think about what I was doing.
A friend of mine is a Marine wife. Her husband has been in the Marines for about eight years now. She said seperations only get harder. I have to admit at first I was surprised by this, but she brought up a good point. When they come home you fall in love all over again and get to know each other all over. I am kind of looking foward to getting to know my husband all over again, even though we have been together for so long.
I thought that I would just have to get used to the fact that we were going to be apart a lot and I needed to get used to this feeling. I thought eventually it would get easier, but it isn't. I don't know if that is good or bad. But I liked the idea of getting to know him again and I believe it will add something more to our relationship.
You don't have to be seperated from your husband or loved one though to continue to fall in love with them. I think that is just the beauty of being married and being in a relationship where you truly love the other person. After we got married I developed this whole other love for John that I didn't think was possible. And even though he isn't here with me, I continue to fall in love with him all over through his letters and just knowing he loves me.
Distance does make the heart grow fonder.
A friend of mine is a Marine wife. Her husband has been in the Marines for about eight years now. She said seperations only get harder. I have to admit at first I was surprised by this, but she brought up a good point. When they come home you fall in love all over again and get to know each other all over. I am kind of looking foward to getting to know my husband all over again, even though we have been together for so long.
I thought that I would just have to get used to the fact that we were going to be apart a lot and I needed to get used to this feeling. I thought eventually it would get easier, but it isn't. I don't know if that is good or bad. But I liked the idea of getting to know him again and I believe it will add something more to our relationship.
You don't have to be seperated from your husband or loved one though to continue to fall in love with them. I think that is just the beauty of being married and being in a relationship where you truly love the other person. After we got married I developed this whole other love for John that I didn't think was possible. And even though he isn't here with me, I continue to fall in love with him all over through his letters and just knowing he loves me.
Distance does make the heart grow fonder.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I'm a Military Wife...What Does That Mean?
I used to be just a wife. A wife who worked, came home, cooked and tried to take care of her husband. What would any other wife do? But now I am also a military wife and what does that mean?
Being a military wife seems like a whole other job. It is my duty to not only support my husband for his decision, but to also attend events and possibly host parties. Do I mind? Not really. But I have to admit I feel like Joan Cleaver with the military strips, if that makes any sense. To me I think it is to also means supporting other wives and husbands who are going through the same thing.
But I think most importantly being a military wife means supporting my husband while he fights for our country. It means giving him the strength to want to go out and do his job knowing it is going to mean something and make the difference. Honestly, it makes me want to become a better wife.
It is still early in the game, but I am curious to see where this title takes me.
Being a military wife seems like a whole other job. It is my duty to not only support my husband for his decision, but to also attend events and possibly host parties. Do I mind? Not really. But I have to admit I feel like Joan Cleaver with the military strips, if that makes any sense. To me I think it is to also means supporting other wives and husbands who are going through the same thing.
But I think most importantly being a military wife means supporting my husband while he fights for our country. It means giving him the strength to want to go out and do his job knowing it is going to mean something and make the difference. Honestly, it makes me want to become a better wife.
It is still early in the game, but I am curious to see where this title takes me.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thank You For All You Do
So when I tell people my husband is in the Army they say "Thank you" for what you do. I understand the "Thank You" for him because he is going out and risking his life to protect this country. Well he will be. But a "Thank You" to me?
As a military wife I know I am going to have to give up my rights somewhat. I won't be able to plan anything because who knows when John will be deployed. I have to get used to the idea that I will have to go months (hopefully not a year) without my husband while they send him to fight in a country. They will control where I go and when I leave. My life is now an Army life almost as much as John's is.
I know it will make John happy to have this kind of life. This is what he wants and I am very proud of him for doing it. I just want him to be happy. I am proud of any of the men and women serving out country, but I know it takes a lot to want to put yourself through the training.
So here is my Thank You moms for giving us the men and women who serve. Thank you to the wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, and fiances who stand by their solider as they fight for our country. And Thank You to the soldiers who put their life on the line everyday.
As a military wife I know I am going to have to give up my rights somewhat. I won't be able to plan anything because who knows when John will be deployed. I have to get used to the idea that I will have to go months (hopefully not a year) without my husband while they send him to fight in a country. They will control where I go and when I leave. My life is now an Army life almost as much as John's is.
I know it will make John happy to have this kind of life. This is what he wants and I am very proud of him for doing it. I just want him to be happy. I am proud of any of the men and women serving out country, but I know it takes a lot to want to put yourself through the training.
So here is my Thank You moms for giving us the men and women who serve. Thank you to the wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, and fiances who stand by their solider as they fight for our country. And Thank You to the soldiers who put their life on the line everyday.
Friday, May 7, 2010
On The Up and Up
I know it has been a few days since I have written. I should be happy I don't know where this week has gone, but all of a sudden feel like I have so much to do.
I have received a letter from John almost everyday this week. Tuesday was the only day, but I had two Wednesday to make up for it. It is great to read what he has been up to. This week they have done the gas chamber and completed an obstacle course. I heard his Platoon has the best time for the obstacle course. However, he has had to do quite a few push-ups due to others getting them in trouble or the team not completing a task.
One woman I am talking to won a contest on Ft. Benning's Facebook page by answering a trivia question the quickest. By doing so she was able to pick a company to have photos taken of and she chose C Company, which is John's company. Her husband, along with a group of us, all have husbands/sons/fiancés/bfs in the same company so we were all thrilled to death when we heard Sarah won. The pics got posted yesterday and John was in about five of them.
I can't really say it enough how great it is to have such a great support system with the women I have met. We all understand what the other is going through and it makes it easy for us. We are all excited for each other when someone gets a phone call or a letter, and are sad for one another when the others haven't received anything. It is great to have them because we share information with one another. We all get bits and pieces of info, but we are able to share it with each other.
More and more each day I try to feel truly blessed for what I have. My husband and all the letters I am receiving, my life, my new and old friends. John has been going to church and started talking with a Chaplain. He isn't much of a religious person, so it is nice to see this side of him. It is inspiring.
Well, that is all for right now. More to come soon.
I have received a letter from John almost everyday this week. Tuesday was the only day, but I had two Wednesday to make up for it. It is great to read what he has been up to. This week they have done the gas chamber and completed an obstacle course. I heard his Platoon has the best time for the obstacle course. However, he has had to do quite a few push-ups due to others getting them in trouble or the team not completing a task.
One woman I am talking to won a contest on Ft. Benning's Facebook page by answering a trivia question the quickest. By doing so she was able to pick a company to have photos taken of and she chose C Company, which is John's company. Her husband, along with a group of us, all have husbands/sons/fiancés/bfs in the same company so we were all thrilled to death when we heard Sarah won. The pics got posted yesterday and John was in about five of them.
I can't really say it enough how great it is to have such a great support system with the women I have met. We all understand what the other is going through and it makes it easy for us. We are all excited for each other when someone gets a phone call or a letter, and are sad for one another when the others haven't received anything. It is great to have them because we share information with one another. We all get bits and pieces of info, but we are able to share it with each other.
More and more each day I try to feel truly blessed for what I have. My husband and all the letters I am receiving, my life, my new and old friends. John has been going to church and started talking with a Chaplain. He isn't much of a religious person, so it is nice to see this side of him. It is inspiring.
Well, that is all for right now. More to come soon.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Letter numero dos
So I received another short letter yesterday, but no complaints. A letter is still a letter.
John is doing well. He had written it during laundry duty, so he isn't getting much time for anything. Has been gone for two weeks now, but it seems much longer. The sad part is there are still eight weeks until I'm on my way to GA. It seems like FOR-EV-ER (like the way the boy says it in the Sandlot)!
The good news is a girl I met through the Ft. Benning Facebook page won a contest today. Because she won she can choose to have a picture taken of any company, so she chose ours. She husband is in the same company as John and pictures will be posted Thursday. YAHOO!
I miss my love so much. It is getting easier, but when something exciting happens or when I'm down talking to him is what always made me feel better. At least I have a groups of ladies who know how I feel. I miss my best friend.
John is doing well. He had written it during laundry duty, so he isn't getting much time for anything. Has been gone for two weeks now, but it seems much longer. The sad part is there are still eight weeks until I'm on my way to GA. It seems like FOR-EV-ER (like the way the boy says it in the Sandlot)!
The good news is a girl I met through the Ft. Benning Facebook page won a contest today. Because she won she can choose to have a picture taken of any company, so she chose ours. She husband is in the same company as John and pictures will be posted Thursday. YAHOO!
I miss my love so much. It is getting easier, but when something exciting happens or when I'm down talking to him is what always made me feel better. At least I have a groups of ladies who know how I feel. I miss my best friend.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A litte bit of everything
So it has been a couple days since I have posted anything.
I did receive a letter from John yesterday. It was short, but I'm happy I got one. He is doing well. He has been issued a gun and is still getting used to it. His group got in trouble the other day and they had to do twice the push ups. That doesn't sound fun at all.
Things are getting better for me. I think it largely has to do with the great group of women I have met this week who are going through the same process as I am. It is wonderful to have someone to talk to everyday about what is going on and they care how I am doing. There are so many groups and discussions out there that it is hard to keep up with it all. Right now there are about five women I've met whose significant other is graduation with John and going to OCS with him as well.
Don't get me wrong, I still miss him and can't wait to see him. His graduation is July 1st so in about 8.5 weeks I will get to see my love. The good news is graduation is a day earlier than we expected. The bad news is I have to send a request to spend the weekend with my husband. He is supposed to report to OCS July 2nd. BOOOOO!
Well, about to start my day. Have a great one everyone!
I did receive a letter from John yesterday. It was short, but I'm happy I got one. He is doing well. He has been issued a gun and is still getting used to it. His group got in trouble the other day and they had to do twice the push ups. That doesn't sound fun at all.
Things are getting better for me. I think it largely has to do with the great group of women I have met this week who are going through the same process as I am. It is wonderful to have someone to talk to everyday about what is going on and they care how I am doing. There are so many groups and discussions out there that it is hard to keep up with it all. Right now there are about five women I've met whose significant other is graduation with John and going to OCS with him as well.
Don't get me wrong, I still miss him and can't wait to see him. His graduation is July 1st so in about 8.5 weeks I will get to see my love. The good news is graduation is a day earlier than we expected. The bad news is I have to send a request to spend the weekend with my husband. He is supposed to report to OCS July 2nd. BOOOOO!
Well, about to start my day. Have a great one everyone!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Distracted
So many things are going through my mind right now. Where am I going to stay? How am I going to get down there? When will his first check come in? Will I get to spend the weekend with him after graduation? I'm going crazy! It's hard to concentrate on anything else. And all I want to do is talk to John and I can't. GRRRRR! I wish there was someone you could call that would have all the straight answers and not give you the run around. Welcome to the military life I suppose.
I have met some great women throughout the past week, however. Some moms and some wives/ girlfriends. Each of us has had different information, but together we have been able to at least put some things together. It is so great to have these women to talk to on a daily basis and to have someone knowing how you feel. They are all going through what I'm going through and it isn't easy for any of us.
Off to start the day. T-minus two months till Family Day.
I have met some great women throughout the past week, however. Some moms and some wives/ girlfriends. Each of us has had different information, but together we have been able to at least put some things together. It is so great to have these women to talk to on a daily basis and to have someone knowing how you feel. They are all going through what I'm going through and it isn't easy for any of us.
Off to start the day. T-minus two months till Family Day.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
First Call
I received my first call from John last night since basic has begun. Five minutes is hardly anything, especially since I missed his call twice. Silly me. It was so great to hear his voice. It is Amazing how someone'e voice can send so many emotions through you, but good emotions.
His graduation will be July 1st, it seems. Which is one day sooner than we thought, but I'm not complaining. The bad part is that he has to report to OCS the next day. When I receive the information in the mail I will be able to request to get to spend the weekend with him. I hope I get more time with him. Nine weeks apart and two days together isn't enough to make up for lost time.
I'd have to say I am one of the luckiest people. I have a husband whom I love more than anything and I know he feels the same way. Even though we have miles away from each other and can't communicate, I love him more each day.
When he left I realized how much he did for me and now I have to do everything on my own. This isn't a bad thing, but I took this for granted and hope I appreciate him more when we are finally together again.
When I get up in the morning I know I need to look good for work, but mostly I wanted to look good for him. Now that he is gone it seems as if I have forgotten how to dress myself or I don't care as much. Hopefully I don't look awful.
Have a great day!
His graduation will be July 1st, it seems. Which is one day sooner than we thought, but I'm not complaining. The bad part is that he has to report to OCS the next day. When I receive the information in the mail I will be able to request to get to spend the weekend with him. I hope I get more time with him. Nine weeks apart and two days together isn't enough to make up for lost time.
I'd have to say I am one of the luckiest people. I have a husband whom I love more than anything and I know he feels the same way. Even though we have miles away from each other and can't communicate, I love him more each day.
When he left I realized how much he did for me and now I have to do everything on my own. This isn't a bad thing, but I took this for granted and hope I appreciate him more when we are finally together again.
When I get up in the morning I know I need to look good for work, but mostly I wanted to look good for him. Now that he is gone it seems as if I have forgotten how to dress myself or I don't care as much. Hopefully I don't look awful.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
My Soldier, My Love
This is my husband John. He left for Ft. Benning, GA last week and officially started basic yesterday (Tuesday). He is in Alpha Co, but not sure what unit.
Again, thank goodness for instant communication. This was taken with his cell phone.
Instant communication
So while I am having a hard time being away from John there is an upside to this. Thankfully I live in the day where I can send an e-mail, get a call anywhere I am, and see John through a computer screen. While all of these luxuries won't come until OCS, it will still be nice to have them. Until then, it is pen and paper.
Another great tool is Facebook. I know everyone who is anyone is on Facebook, and while it seems pointless sometimes it can have a great purpose. Today I found a group for Ft. Benning. It was great to see so many people posting as once with questions and information about their sons and husbands. I even managed to find a few people who have someone going through at the same time as John.
If you haven't found any support groups, please look for them. Even if you know someone who has been through what you have been through it helps to have someone who is going through it at the same time.
Another great tool is Facebook. I know everyone who is anyone is on Facebook, and while it seems pointless sometimes it can have a great purpose. Today I found a group for Ft. Benning. It was great to see so many people posting as once with questions and information about their sons and husbands. I even managed to find a few people who have someone going through at the same time as John.
If you haven't found any support groups, please look for them. Even if you know someone who has been through what you have been through it helps to have someone who is going through it at the same time.
Friday, April 23, 2010
And so it begins
So this has been a long week. Hardly any sleep, little to eat, long hours at work, turned in a paper late, really behind on homework, car still isn't fixed correctly, and Traveler (our Beagle) decides to somehow get hurt so he is now on medicine the next two weeks. Thank goodness it is Friday!
So now that he has left, I actually have something to write about.
Monday John left for MEPS and Tuesday was driven down to Georgia to being the process. Tuesday at work was hard, especially after I received a yummy Edible Arrangement. The bouquet included 20 chocolate covered strawberries. My love was thinking of me. :-D
So I have to admit I have been spoiled this week (and not just with chocolate covered strawberries). John and I texted back and forth Tuesday so I talked to him just like any other day for the most part. Wednesday and Thursday night we spoke for about a half hour before it was lights out. And today....about three times with texts in between. :-D Oh how I will miss the sound of his voice. He was sweet enough to have someone take a picture of his and send it to me. He looks wonderful in his ABUs.
Honestly thought, hearing his voice has made me feel better and better each day. He begins basic officially Tuesday and I know that from that point on speaking with him will be rare.
While this time apart will be hard for us and as much as I hate to be away from him, I am so proud of him and so proud to be his wife. I know I am only following in the steps of many military wives who would have a million stories to tell about their own military experience. This is going to be an amazing journey for us and I can't wait to see what is in store.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Two more days
So time is getting closer. Monday I will be dropping John off at his Hotel in Beckley and saying goodbye.
I realize that is isn't goodbye. I will see him 4th of July weekend, which right now seems forever away. It is going to be hard to go without talking to him when I have a rough day or just being with him in the evenings. Hopefully school and work will consume as much of my life as I think it will.
Obviously I will make it through. I'm not the first person to go through this and I won't be the last. I look forward to what it ahead when he finishes. Plus, with deployments telling him goodbye is going to become a part of our lives.
If anyone has an advice or tips please share.
I realize that is isn't goodbye. I will see him 4th of July weekend, which right now seems forever away. It is going to be hard to go without talking to him when I have a rough day or just being with him in the evenings. Hopefully school and work will consume as much of my life as I think it will.
Obviously I will make it through. I'm not the first person to go through this and I won't be the last. I look forward to what it ahead when he finishes. Plus, with deployments telling him goodbye is going to become a part of our lives.
If anyone has an advice or tips please share.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Trip pictures
So I am finally getting around to putting up some pictures from our trip three weeks ago. What an amazing weekend!
Our wonderful cabin, which came with a hot tub. :-)
John zipping through the air.
Friday, April 9, 2010
What we take for granted
This week I have had something heavy on my heart. Like I mentioned, a co-worker of my mom's lost her husband in the coal mining blast in West Virginia. Jason was 25 and Amanda 28. They had been together for 10 years, 10 YEARS, and married less than two. My heart breaks for her. It makes me realize the things we take for granted in life.
In 10 days I won't be able to sleep next to my husband, call him when I have a bad day at work, or go to the movies with him. But I know that I will see him in July for his graduation and that after all this is over we will be together again. Deployments may be another story.
A co-worker of mine has had a long pregnancy. She found out around Thanksgiving that her little boy had a heart condition. Kathy has worked and fought and spread the word about the condition. She even got Governor Manchin to recognize it. Jacob is almost two weeks now and he is such the little fighter. His first surgery went well and he is making excellent progress.
I hope you take the time to think about what you have. Cherish your baby's smile and forget the argument you had with your spouse. I hope for myself that I remember what I have and be thankful. It can be gone in an instant.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thankful for my life
I live in West Virginia, which is big on coal mining. My grandfather was a coal miner and it the life for so many others in this state.
Yesterday afternoon there was an explosion at one of the mines killing 20 miners. One of which was the husband of someone who works with my mom. That was the first thing I checked this morning and I can't get it off my mind. They are a young couple and got married the same year John and I did. Such as sad situation.
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201004060065
It is times like this we need to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives. While everything may not go like we think, there is a reason for this. We just have to remember that the love we have in our lives can go away at any minute.
Once John has completed his training and starts to deploy, I realize he will be putting his life on the line every day. Miners go everyday with the risk of explosions and what not. I pray that I am never get the phone call, but I realize it could happen.
I am thankful for my life, my AMAZING husband, my family. Please take time today to be thankful for those in your life.
Yesterday afternoon there was an explosion at one of the mines killing 20 miners. One of which was the husband of someone who works with my mom. That was the first thing I checked this morning and I can't get it off my mind. They are a young couple and got married the same year John and I did. Such as sad situation.
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201004060065
It is times like this we need to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives. While everything may not go like we think, there is a reason for this. We just have to remember that the love we have in our lives can go away at any minute.
Once John has completed his training and starts to deploy, I realize he will be putting his life on the line every day. Miners go everyday with the risk of explosions and what not. I pray that I am never get the phone call, but I realize it could happen.
I am thankful for my life, my AMAZING husband, my family. Please take time today to be thankful for those in your life.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Being Adventurous
So we are in the final month before John leaves for basic April 20th. I have finished my first graduate class and started my second, Brand Equity Management. Between work and school it is amazing I can still have somewhat of a life.
This past weekend John and I went away and it was AMAZING! Our last weekend with just the two of us before he leaves. We rented a cabin at Cabins at Pinehaven right outside of Beckley, WV, and it was nicer than I thought it was going to be. The cabin includes a small kitchen and hot tub. Perfect for just the two of us.
Saturday we went zip lining at Ace Advanture Center. Zip lining is basically hooking yourself to a cable and swinging yourself to another tree. Keep in mind I'm not the adventurous type and really dislike roller coasters, so this was something out of the ordinary for me. The longest line was 350 feet, which also went really fast.If you too are scared of roller coasters, this one is not recommended. I enjoyed myself and while I did get scared on a few (because you basically made yourself drop) it wasn't too bad. I may try it again.
Once we finished zip lining we went Wine Tasting at Daniel's Vineyards. For $3 we tasted about nine wines, not including the red wines we passed on. We ended up purchasing a desert wine, Blackberry, which is their most popular.
The weather was beautiful all weekend. Sunshine and at least 70. PERFECT! All in all is was a wonderful weekend, and a much needed getaway. I am amazed everyday how much I love him. I can't wait to find out what is in store for us.
Pictures to come soon.
This past weekend John and I went away and it was AMAZING! Our last weekend with just the two of us before he leaves. We rented a cabin at Cabins at Pinehaven right outside of Beckley, WV, and it was nicer than I thought it was going to be. The cabin includes a small kitchen and hot tub. Perfect for just the two of us.
Saturday we went zip lining at Ace Advanture Center. Zip lining is basically hooking yourself to a cable and swinging yourself to another tree. Keep in mind I'm not the adventurous type and really dislike roller coasters, so this was something out of the ordinary for me. The longest line was 350 feet, which also went really fast.If you too are scared of roller coasters, this one is not recommended. I enjoyed myself and while I did get scared on a few (because you basically made yourself drop) it wasn't too bad. I may try it again.
Once we finished zip lining we went Wine Tasting at Daniel's Vineyards. For $3 we tasted about nine wines, not including the red wines we passed on. We ended up purchasing a desert wine, Blackberry, which is their most popular.
The weather was beautiful all weekend. Sunshine and at least 70. PERFECT! All in all is was a wonderful weekend, and a much needed getaway. I am amazed everyday how much I love him. I can't wait to find out what is in store for us.
Pictures to come soon.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Getting closer
So we are now down to about a month and a half before John leaves for basic. I'm not nervous for him, but excited. I know this is what he truly wants to do and look forward to all the opporunties that are about to come our way.
I started my Masters eight weeks ago and only have one more left. Hard to believe that my first class is almost complete. I know the time he is gone will pass by and before we know it we will be stationed and starting our new life together.
I think about where we will be and what we will be doing this time next year. We will have our own home and hopefully planning an adventure. Although, I have already been told there is a good chance he will deploy. As an officer it was suggested to him that he may want to volunteer for deployment. This will give him a chance to learn and learn to listen to others about decisions. This will make him a better officer.
With all this change I have been looking into starting my own event planning business. I tend to be a very organized person and loved planning my wedding. I always want to help others plan their events as well. More to come on this later once I put together more of a plan.
Have a great day!
I started my Masters eight weeks ago and only have one more left. Hard to believe that my first class is almost complete. I know the time he is gone will pass by and before we know it we will be stationed and starting our new life together.
I think about where we will be and what we will be doing this time next year. We will have our own home and hopefully planning an adventure. Although, I have already been told there is a good chance he will deploy. As an officer it was suggested to him that he may want to volunteer for deployment. This will give him a chance to learn and learn to listen to others about decisions. This will make him a better officer.
With all this change I have been looking into starting my own event planning business. I tend to be a very organized person and loved planning my wedding. I always want to help others plan their events as well. More to come on this later once I put together more of a plan.
Have a great day!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Goin' Places
I love planning little getaways with John. When looking for a place for our Honeymoon we wanted something quiet and peaceful. We didn't want to go somewhere where we felt like we would be missing attractions if we didn't go out. We chose this great Ski Resort in Vermont, and while it wasn't ski season it had a lot to offer. I would love to go back during ski season.
This past September we celebrated our first wedding anniversary by going to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet, peaceful trip. It was such a wonderful weekend and I am so thankful we were able to take that trip since he will be at Officer Canidate school this year.
We do plan to go away for the weekend in March. One last trip to get some alone time and just be together before he leaves. Time seems to be going by so quickly which right now is great. We are both ready for training to come and go.
We often go to Charlotte, NC to visit our best friends Jen and Josh. I love it down there. We do hope to get stations at Fort Bragg, NC which is about two hours from them. Much closer than we are now.
Places I'd like to go (in no particular order):
This past September we celebrated our first wedding anniversary by going to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet, peaceful trip. It was such a wonderful weekend and I am so thankful we were able to take that trip since he will be at Officer Canidate school this year.
We often go to Charlotte, NC to visit our best friends Jen and Josh. I love it down there. We do hope to get stations at Fort Bragg, NC which is about two hours from them. Much closer than we are now.
Places I'd like to go (in no particular order):
- Italy
- Maine
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Sweden
- Back to New York City
Friday, February 19, 2010
Here we go
It was just this past October when my husband went to his officer interview in Ohio. He signed his contract two days later and was given a ship date of April 20th. That was four months ago and it is hard to believe that in two months I will drop him off at the recruiting station. I can see the tears pouring now.
I am scared and nervous all at once for him. How do you go from having easy contact to your best friend every day to not even being able to call if you have the worst/best day of your life? I am so proud of him for wanting to do this. It takes courage to be able to fight for our country and have someone yelling in your face everyday. Fear is not an option.
As for myself? I am excited to get past the training and just to get settled with him somewhere. I am looking forward to the adventures and new friends. This time next year I will be in a different place away from friends and family. I realize that many others are in the same position as me. Not knowing what to expect or think. I realize my life is going to change tremendously, but I don't know if I fully know how much.
Already we moved in with my in-laws so that I am not alone while he is away. I have given my notice at work. To keep busy I enrolled into grad school, which has already proven to take up quite a bit of time...a plus when he is gone.
Thankfully, my husband comes from a military family so they are able to give me some idea of what my life will be like. My sister-in-law and a few friends have provided tips and advice. I realize too that sometimes you just have to live it to really understand it. I guess we will see what lies ahead.
Welcome to my journey as I become the military wife.
I am scared and nervous all at once for him. How do you go from having easy contact to your best friend every day to not even being able to call if you have the worst/best day of your life? I am so proud of him for wanting to do this. It takes courage to be able to fight for our country and have someone yelling in your face everyday. Fear is not an option.
As for myself? I am excited to get past the training and just to get settled with him somewhere. I am looking forward to the adventures and new friends. This time next year I will be in a different place away from friends and family. I realize that many others are in the same position as me. Not knowing what to expect or think. I realize my life is going to change tremendously, but I don't know if I fully know how much.
Already we moved in with my in-laws so that I am not alone while he is away. I have given my notice at work. To keep busy I enrolled into grad school, which has already proven to take up quite a bit of time...a plus when he is gone.
Thankfully, my husband comes from a military family so they are able to give me some idea of what my life will be like. My sister-in-law and a few friends have provided tips and advice. I realize too that sometimes you just have to live it to really understand it. I guess we will see what lies ahead.
Welcome to my journey as I become the military wife.
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