I held off on answering these for a few reasons, but the biggest was the events of Thursday. I came home from subbing, got my computer and sat down to write this post when I saw everything pop up on facebook about Fort Hood. After making sure that everyone we knew there was ok, I sat glued to the TV for the rest of the day, in complete shock. I don't have the right words (who really does, though?) so I'll just say that the families of those injured and killed, as well as the whole community have been in my prayers and thoughts constantly. I can't imagine what that day was like. May God comfort and heal those affected by this, and make those living there feel safe again.
There isn't good way to transition from that to questions, but here goes. You asked, I'm answering!
lmc asked: "What has been the hardest part of this deployment? And what has been easier than expected?"
It's hard to pick one for each of those. As for the hardest, last Christmas was definitely very hard, especially since he had just left two weeks before. The whole thing was still new and fresh, and having a major holiday right then was just difficult. There are many more things that I could mention, but I think the one that sums them all up is the inability to call him, or to get an instant response to any question, problem, or exciting thing that happened. For weeks after he left, I would call his cell phone without thinking. Old habits die hard, I guess. Waiting for an email response, or waiting for the phone to ring can be really frustrating when you have a simple question. I don't want to complain though, because overall I have been very, very lucky in terms of communication. I have been able to talk to him on average about twice a week. Some weeks more, some weeks not at all, but on the whole, we've been very lucky and I know not everyone has that.
As for the easiest, I think I've just been constantly surprised at the fact that the year actually does go by, no matter how many times it seems like it never will. I had many people tell me that it's "easier done than said" and I think that's the best way to describe it. It seems so daunting when they leave, but once you get into it and establish your routine, time does pass. I was very surprised with my ability to adapt, especially after R&R. It was easier than I expected to get back into my routine of him being gone. I think I went into it, as I'm sure many people do, thinking that it was going to be the worst year of my life. Hardest, at times? Yes. But not the worst. I had projects to keep me busy, friends to hang out with, and two puppies that keep me sane (though sometimes drive me insane...) That's a long, vague answer to the question, but overall, even though some days I hit that "I'm so over this" point, he will come home in about a month, and it will all be over, contrary to how it felt last December.
MG said: "I want to know if you are listening to Christmas music yet!"
I am one of those people who is against anything Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving. The last 2 years, Starbucks has brought out their red cups early, and I'm not happy about it. So, no, I'm not listening to Christmas music yet! I do have to say that I've been very tempted this year. Last year I was kind of a Scrooge about Christmas, and this year I'm like a little kid since Chris will be home. So, yes I've been tempted to start doing all things Christmas, but I'm holding out :).
She also asked: "What are you making for Homecoming dinner?"
I am very fortunate that my husband loves my cooking. Over R&R, he didn't request one meal at a restaurant, instead he emailed me a list the week before with his requests: pulled pork in the Crock-Pot, lasagna, meatballs, etc. So, I have a lot of his favorites to choose from. If he gets home in the afternoon or evening, I'm planning on putting a pork shoulder in the Crock-Pot so that it's ready and waiting for us when we get home. Otherwise, I'll plan a big meal for the next night. I haven't quite decided what yet, but I'm leaning toward either lasagna or fresh pasta, two of his faves.
And, "What are you wearing for Homecoming?"
A little part of me is sad that he's not coming home in warm weather, because I can't go out and get a cute sundress :). Haha, but seriously, his will be probably around the 7th homecoming I go to for our brigade, and I think I'm learning I should find a mix between comfortable and cute. I'm leaning toward my new
jeans, and a cute top I have yet to find. I'm planning a Nashville shopping trip next week for that very item. We'll see how it goes!
Stacie asked: "What is the best thing about Clarksville?"
Hands down, I'd have to say my friends here. I have so many great women here that have made the two years I've been here so great. I'm so thankful for each and every one of them. As far as my favorite thing to do in Clarksville, I'd have to say Jazz on the Lawn. I love love love going to the winery with friends, drinking wine, listening to music, and just hanging out. Other than that, I love the Blackhorse restaurant, and being so close to Nashville.
She also asked: "Do you have an idea of where you'd want to go next?"
Well, we know we are headed to Ft. Rucker for the Career Course in April/ May. Beyond that, we really aren't sure. Dream posts would be Hawaii and Germany, and I'm really pulling for a spot to open up at Belvoir. While there are a few places we wouldn't really care to end up, I know we'd be fine anywhere and make the best of it. I'm just anxious to find out where we'll be going!
That's it :). Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!
