Army life at its best... and worst

So the last few weeks have been rough with the late nights hubby has had. A portion of his company is scheduled to deploy next month and they are working hard to prepare everyone for that. The day before yesterday was a bad day for me... Hubby hasn't been feeling the greatest and wanted to go to the doctor but as I tried to call for an appointment, we discovered that he really didn't have much time that he could go in. He was working hours that don't allow for family time or time to take care of himself. I was frustrated. I decided that I was done. If he wasn't appreciated, why should I step up and help those who weren't appreciating him? I would not get involved in the FRG (Family Readiness Group) during this deployment, I would not help or volunteer for anything.

After a very long night spent at the ER and then some very willing soldiers who stepped up and took over so that hubby didn't have to worry about his platoon yesterday, I had some thinking to do... My desire to help others is stronger than my frustration with some.

I have struggled with what direction to go in my career... After an FRG meeting/deployment briefing last night, I know that I am here to help others, to guide others and to listen to others. I have SO much pride in my husband and the life that we live. I am strong and my strength is more than I need... So, I will offer that strength to those who need it. After a Change of Command ceremony today in which our new company commander took her place in the company, a lot of thinking and some sleep... I am ready. I will work with the FRG this deployment. I will work with the company to better the family aspect of it. I will use my knowledge of this Army life that we lead to help other, newer or not as familiar spouses navigate this sometimes draining, many times frustrating, most of the time exciting and almost always rewarding life we have chosen. As so many of us families have learned to do... Embrace the suck! That is just what I will do! I will embrace it and run with it! After all, who's going to make things better if everyone gives up??

New adventures.......

So we have finally been able to settle in as an active duty family again!!! After the last post, we received orders to Fort Stewart, Georgia. About 25 miles southwest of Savannah, GA and right around a 2-hour drive to the FL state line. As far as location, so far... the jury is out. We've enjoyed being closer to the beach, but we have yet to explore very far with the unpacking and setting up home.
I guess the journey here needs a post... After receiving our orders, I was able to get movers scheduled. We weren't very far in to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season so I didn't plan on having an almost 4 week wait! After getting that scheduled, I planned my cross-country drive. The packers came on Friday, 16 April and the house was almost completely packed in about 9 hours. The weekend consisted of goodbyes with friends, church family and one more 'Sunday lunch' at my mom and dads. The movers came on Monday and loaded the truck. At about 1530 (Yes, I've almost completely adopted the military life!), the truck drove away with our HHG (Household Goods) headed for GA. Monday evening was movie night with some friends & family and then on the way home, I stopped at Kristi & Eric's for one of the hardest goodbyes... The one to my sister & the kids. I stayed at my parents house on Monday night and planned to head out early Tuesday morning. Mom made chocolate gravy & biscuits for breakfast and my brother & his kids came over. Dad & Brent loaded up and tied down my truck... About 9:45, Ruger & I headed out! That morning of goodbyes was a very hard one as well... Said goodbye to my Granny & Gerald, my parents and Brent and the kids. On to the road trip... I made it almost to Tucumcari, NM very late, or early on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday night, I met a very good friend from our early Army days for dinner. (I used to babysit her little girl while she was in college). After dinner, I headed up to Wichita Falls, TX to stay the night at Sheppard AFB. Thursday morning, I left for Haslet, TX to visit with my best friend from our early Army days... Angie and I finally got to meet her daughter, Miss Katelyn. We had lunch and visited for a couple of hours. After our visit, I set out for Magnolia, Arkansas to stay the night with some of my cousins and visit with some other cousins. We had a good visit! Finally, on Friday, I was bound for 'home'... Fort Stewart, GA! I made it to Ft. Stewart at about 0230 on Saturday morning. I was FINALLY back with my husband after almost 7 months of living in different states!!! Kind of interesting that I got to visit with two of my three best friends from our early Army days on my cross country journey back to being an active duty family.
Wow!! Typing it out makes it look A LOT longer than it felt! Pictures of the house will follow in a few days when the boxes that need to go to storage are out of the way and my house is completely finished! More about our adventures in Georgia thus far to come....... For now, off to eat breakfast and conquer the day!