Third Attempt

This post marks the third attempt to blog this week... I have been unable to successfully complete a post - or a sentence, for that matter - due to the rambunctious pack of pups that has overtaken my townhouse. In order to complete this post without interruption, I have sequestered myself in a peaceful, quiet place better known as the kitchen counter.

They run, leap, bark, chew, play, snooze - all in unison. No lie, if one lays down to rest they all join in; likewise, if one hears something in the middle of the night they all join in chorus to alert me to potential danger (I am puzzled as to what awakens the oldest at 0400 every morning...). They really are good pups and they make a great play group. Who needs the dog park when you have three rowdy pups in the vicinity and doggie daycare?

My days are certainly not in short supply of laughter and photo ops. I have camera phone at the ready so I can send a quick snapshot to their parents in daily attempts to boost morale and share the laughter. I take my part in the healing process very seriously. 

After seeing some pictures I posted to Facebook of the pups playing, my father-in-law called and asked if I was selling tickets to the wrestling match! These pups sure know how to have a good time.

And so, to close out this third attempt I leave you with this snapshot of the fun: 

Love and Deployment

Today feels just like any other day during deployment because every day I miss my soldier. All this talk of flowers, candy, and chocolate is ridiculous... all I really want is a hug and kiss from my husband. To feel his warmth would be a delight. The thought of his homecoming is what sustains me. But I know that I am not alone; all over this country there are incredible men and women apart from their beloved because the mission comes first. Barely legible letters, midnight phone calls, bruised care packages - these are the ways we say "I love you". And, I truly believe that these magnificent moments make separation bearable. 


Each day I pray that my husband and all our soldiers return home safely; asking St. Michael to bless them and keep them from harm. I remind myself that love is patient and endures all things; love never fails. I believe love conquers deployment with ease.  


To my friends who are far from their loved ones, hold strong and remain steadfast. Your tears are welcome and embraced, so long as you wipe them from your cheeks and remind yourself of the many blessings in your life.


To my friends who have been reunited with their soldier but wait patiently for full recovery, the circumstances may not be ideal but be thankful you are with him and he will be well soon enough. Your fears are understood, your anxiety understated, your strength inspiring. 


To my friends who are able to touch, smell, and taste their lover - do it! Your happiness is beautiful and should be celebrated. 


Happy Valentine's Day, friends.


"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflates, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Uncelebrations

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy 5th mesiversary to me and my husband! That's right, friends, today marks five months of wedded bliss. Well, not quite bliss but at least it is a milestone. I'm sure I would be much more cheerful if my husband was actually present for the occasion - it does, after all, align rather closely with St. Valentine's Day. But, I know that moping over the circumstances of deployment would be fruitless. Instead, I would much rather lavish in the happy thoughts of his safe return from down range. He will be home this year, ya know. Very exciting stuff! As always, the mission comes first.

Also, it is our puppy's 9 month birthday! A most momentous occasion, indeed. It is a pity that he is afflicted with yet another bout of puppy poops on this somewhat special day, but I'm sure he will rise above - he always does. Enjoy this lovely snap shot of my little guy:

I know it seems a bit queer to celebrate these seemingly ordinary occasions; however, I must comment that it is these singularly bland milestones that make my life so stinking wonderful. No really, each day is a gift and should be celebrated in one way or another - even if it means digging deep and remembering hard to conjure up a special, beautiful and terribly ordinary reason to celebrate.

So, happy tenth day of the second month of the beginning of the second decade of the second millennium!

The Great Blizzard (continues)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

No lie, this afternoon it was 38 degrees and slightly overcast; by 1730 we were in the throws of a full out snow storm! The only thing I can compare it to is hurricane rains but snow. In the 90 minute conversation with my mother-in-law over 10 inches accumulated at my back door. Of course, snow fall and the wind work together to achieve such astounding results - but still.

Alas, at least I can be thankful that it is the pretty, fluffy, powdery snow as opposed to the icy, stinging snow. The powder is so much more pleasant to watch as it falls and significantly easier to shovel - a major win, if you ask me!

As a friend, and fellow milspouse, has commented regarding the snow, "Embrace the suck." I baked cookies, took care of my taxes, and finished laundry. Old Man Winter is going to need to be a bit more creative to scare this "seasoned" pro. Throw me in the midst of Snowpocalypse - fine, I shall dance and make snow angels. Face off with the Abominable - alright, let's have a snowball fight. Just, give me warm showers to warm up and recoop and I'll be fine.

Sitting in the Shower

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

We've all done it, or at least we should. I am not ashamed to admit that I often settle my bottom just under the faucet and let good old H2O do its magic. We've seen tearful scenes from Hollywood of a distraught damsel seeking answers and solace - that, friends, is certainly not my reality. Some nights I'm just tired - physical or emotional - and I need that constant cascading shower to pour over my head and replenish my energy. Other nights I just can't seem to warm myself under blankets and I turn to old faithful for encompassing, foolproof warmth. It may occasionally be a necessity to rinse product from my hair following a lovely up-do or to soothe aching muscles after shoveling snow. Even still, whatever the reason, rest assured, sitting in the shower can work wonders on my woes. Give it a go one of these days - trust me, you will feel better.

The Great Blizzard (so far)

For real, friends. I have never seen this much snow in my life - and it just keeps coming. But it sure is pretty.

Today is a perfect day to relax with a good book, clean the bathtub, and take care other household business in preparation for my husband's redeployment home. I better start with the least desirable... bathtub scum. But, alas, it needs to be done and what better time to do it then when I am snowed in, right?

This morning was interesting, indeed. I woke up at 0500 to get ready for work, and by 0530 the post was on a 2 hour delay so I went back to bed. When I awoke the second time at 0730 to feed the dog and again begin to get ready for work I received a call that the post was closed. So, like any self-respecting Army wife I ate breakfast, made a few calls, and took care to ensure the windows and doors were free of snow dunes in the event of an emergency. Still shocked, mind you, that Fort Drum is closed! If it is bad enough that the post is closed then it is definitely a sweatpants and slippers kind of day. So, that is exactly what I intend to do on this wonderfully snowy day.

I would caution those who are experiencing winter storms all over the country... if it isn't an emergency do not leave your home! It isn't worth it, whatever it is. I promise. Simply accept and enjoy the warm, snug, and calm day at home. If your family is home with you, then break out the boardgames and favorite movies. Take the time to get a little bit done around the house. Most importantly, spend quality time with your family and make every moment count. It isn't all that often that the North Country shuts down - so enjoy it!

This first installment of "The Great Blizzard (so far)" will continue as the snow falls.