“One of the best THINGS TO DO sometimes is simply to be.”

George (and I) are about to face his first deployment. I am doing okay with this notion. Until about a month ago, I wouldn’t even acknowledge that it was actually happening. I have a lot of thoughts on deployments, but since I have never actually had my husband leave, I don’t truly know what to expect. I think I do, but I’m sure I don’t.

We started dating when I was 18. (I turned 19 six weeks later). Before he would even call me his girlfriend we had a long talk about what it would be like to date a guy in the military. We both knew how strongly we were connected, and I knew dating him would put me in for the long haul. At this point, he was still in ROTC, but knew he’d be headed off soon. We discussed long distance relationships and deployments—how much they would suck etc. He gave me fair warning. But somehow, I never really thought a deployment would happen… well- I know it would happen, but it just felt so far off that I didn’t think the time would ever actually arrive.

WRONG.

Here it is. What’s that Ferris Bueller quote??? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” No kidding.

This will be a relatively short deployment. I feel like I can’t even complain for a second because I know so many other military spouses have their husbands leave for many many more months than what we’re going to do!

I had an idea to keep my chin up. I’m going to make a list of things to do while he is gone- and actually accomplish them. I’m going to excel at many of them, squeak by with others, but all in all, I’m going to make a list and DO IT!

Here’s what I have so far:

1. Finish our wedding scrapbook. (Our third wedding anniversary is almost here, and I am not even close to being done with it. I’m SO BAD!)
2. Finish 18 hours of college credit. (This is already in the works… I’m taking 9 hours now, and I’ll do another 9 from April-June… Yes, I know I’m a rock star. And just FYI, I only have one more class after those, and then I’ll FINALLY get my degree in August!!!)
3. Eat (and cook) at least 3 vegetarian meals a week.
4. Learn (AND USE) some more Japanese!!! (7 words or phrases a week… that is totally doable!)
5. Visit family and friends in Georgia! (Get excited folks)
6. Get a plant. (And keep it alive)
7. Plant flowers. (And keep them alive)
8. Read books. (I’m open to suggestions)
9. Make my bed in the mornings. (Easier said than done)
10. Run.
11. Organize our storage area.
12. Organize (and keep it organized) our guest room!
13. Find 2 new bands to love. (My Beatles and Taylor obsessions are great, but I need to be more than a 60 year old woman, and a 13 year old girl.)
14. Take a military hop somewhere exciting. (Singapore, Hawaii, Thailand… Or maybe all 3.)
15. Teach Cheyenne to jump through a hula hoop. (Don’t laugh, this a serious one)
16. Plan a fabulous vacation for George and me to take when he gets home.
17. Get a ‘bikini body’ (For our vacation.)
18. Learn to navigate the train systems here all by myself.
19. Sign up for an ITT tour, and take one! (ITT is information, ticket and travel. They do tours and group trips and lots of other really fun things, and I’ve never actually taken one)
20. Send George lots of packages, love letters, and baked goods.


What do you guys think? Do you have any suggestions of more things to do?

If you would like George’s address while he’s gone, please e-mail me for it. He would LOVE to receive fun mail from family and friends while he’s there. (And just for the record, I like mail and packages too!!!)

Peace, Love and Sushi,

Chelsea