Random thoughts…

There are some things that you just are. Forever. For instance, I once told someone I was an MK (missionary kid), but he corrected me by saying, “once an MK, always an MK.” I may be grown up. My parents may not be missionaries any more, but I am still an MK. They say alcoholics are always alcoholics, and I’ve even heard “once a pothead, always a pothead.”

What about writing? And blogging? Once a blogger, am I always a blogger? (Even though I haven’t posted in over a month…?)

I’m just going to write, okay? I’m tired of trying to make things perfect! I’m just going to write.

Deployment

I know you’re all curious. Right? It’s been a year, and you’ve barely heard anything about deployment from me! It wasn’t my intention to let that happen. Actually, I intended to write about deployment a lot and really show you what it was like from my perspective. And now it’s over, and I haven’t done that at all.

Basically, deployment sucks, no matter how you slice it. The first month or two is supposedly the hardest, but for me it was at least 3 or 4 really hard months. After that, it got a little easier. The hard (low) times didn’t come as frequently, and I knew we were getting close to the half-way point. The 6-month mark was exciting and energizing, and we were, in some ways, lucky to have R&R in month 8 to look forward to. Our 2 week break was lovely and refreshing, but it was hard to say goodbye again and go back to online-only communication. For a little while, for me, it felt as hard again as it had been when he first left, but that faded, and the last 3 months or so passed fairly quickly.

Overall, I was surprised that I actually survived the deployment. I was surprised at how normal it began to feel to live alone, even though I still missed Hubby and wanted him home desperately. I was surprised that the whole year eventually passed, and it was over, and we had done it. I’m still surprised, I guess. But you can’t deny the facts!

I’ve been at a loss of how to write about all that as it was happening, and now the whole year has passed and I’ve lost my chance. But the good news is that deployment is over! Yes, hubby is home. He actually got home after 51 weeks, so my paper chain still has one link hanging up above the kitchen.

And yes, his redeployment (homecoming) was very exciting (and stressful…). I’m thrilled that he’s home! It has been great! There are adjustments and some struggles, and possibly some more of that to come, but nothing beats my joy at the simple fact that he’s home, now. And you, my few but loyal readers, deserve to know about it.

And I think that’s all I have to say for now. Things are beginning to calm down here, so I hope I will be able to get back into a routine of more regular posting. Until then… feel free to comment or send me messages or otherwise let me know that I’m still loved!

I am grateful for good, forgiving friends who are willing to be patient with me and all my flaws! Thank you, guys, for loving me in spite of mistakes and allowing me to be close to you! You know who you are!

I’m thankful for a God who cares about every feeling I have and doesn’t get mad at me for feeling what I feel. He is patiently teaching me that I can choose how those feelings do or do not affect my actions much more often than I thought I could. He is reminding me that even when I feel overwhelmed, he hasn’t left me, and even when I feel devastated, he has good things planned for me. So, I guess I’m also thankful that there’s a truth that is much more powerful than my human feelings.

My husband is someone I’m always thankful for. I’m so proud of him for surviving this deployment, and I’m so happy that it’s almost over and I will get to have him home with me before too long. I’m grateful that he has stuck with me, even when I’ve made it difficult. Not only that, but he’s always willing to look at himself and try to make changes to make himself better. At this rate, he should be literally flawless in another 5 years or so…

Finally, I’m thankful for my sweet kitty cat who, throughout the last few months, has become more sweet than ever. He rarely bites me any more, but he does cuddle me – lots. He’s great company. Did I really want to throw him in the dumpster a few months ago? lol

What are you thankful for this week?

Speaking of fur balls, my cat has gifted me with at least two of those in the last couple weeks. They are just great. Slimy and gross and surrounded by what I can only assume is a cat’s version of stomach acid. Doesn’t that sound nice? Thankfully, his retching has all taken place on the tile floor, not on any furniture or carpeting. And, you will be happy to know, I did not take any pictures to share with you all. Instead, you can just enjoy a cute video of Pumpkin the bunny rabbit!

Pumpkin has continued to amuse me with her antics. She has now discovered that she can jump up onto that bed in the guest room, and it is her new favorite thing to hop up there and bounce around. She just runs back and forth doing binkies sometimes, and it’s great fun to watch.

Tumbles, meanwhile, has grown more and more confident around the bunny. He is no longer running from her. He now chases her all around and chews on her playfully – though sometimes I warn him off when it seems to become too rough. He also explored the inside of Pumpkin’s cage once, and he frequently sticks his head inside for a drink of water when the cage door is open.

I wonder what they’re going to do next! I would like to see Pumpkin start to stick up to Tumbles a little bit more, maybe charge at Tumbles sometimes and make him realize he can’t just do whatever he wants. The more I have to intervene between them, the more Tumbles is going to want to play rough. The good news is, we now have an x pen for Pumpkin! I haven’t set it up yet, but once I do, it will give her a portable play space that Tumbles won’t be able to get into and she won’t be able to get out of, which will enable me to let her out of her cage sometimes without constantly being there to supervise playtime. Hooray!

I am not posting the Milspouse Friday Fill-In today because… I think the questions are meh. I think that’s why I stopped filling them in months ago! But I do have some other thoughts for you, and these thoughts include cute candids of adorable animals!

This Monday, I got an unexpected offer from a friend! She and her husband had gotten talked into taking a rabbit home from the pet store over the weekend, only to get home and realize they were not bunny people. They didn’t know what they were getting themselves into, and Marty and I were only too happy to take the bunny off their hands! Introducing Pumpkin, the 4 month old bunny. I’ve been told she is a Standard Rex, and she will probably grow up to twice as big as she is now.

I have much to learn still about caring for a rabbit, but she is happy and growing more comfortable with me every day, so I guess we’re doing alright for now! Many people do not realize that rabbits can live up to 10 years and sometimes longer! They can also be litter-box trained. Many rabbit-owners give their bunnies free reign throughout their house (after bunny proofing, to make sure nothing important or dangerous gets chewed up). Even if that’s not the case, rabbits need exercise and need to spend a good amount of time outside of their cages. They are not low-maintenance pets, so they are definitely not for just anyone, but it has really been a joy having Pumpkin here so far, and Marty can hardly wait to come home and meet her!

If you’re wondering about how Tumbles handles sharing his home with a rabbit, have no fear! The hunting-instinct that made Tumbles such a threat to Birdy does not seem to be a problem with Pumpkin, mainly because Pumpkin is confident and willing to stand her ground against Tumbles rather than run away. In fact, Pumpkin often chases Tumbles, and they have a grand ole’ time! I’ve posted a couple videos of the two of them on YouTube.

Have you ever had a rabbit? What was your favorite or least favorite part of being a bunny-slave? What veggies did your bunnies most enjoy? Pumpkin seems uninterested in cucumber and only slightly interested in carrots, and I am slowly going to be introducing more and more options to her to find something she loves.

I am thankful today for… fruit! Fruit has got to be one of God’s best inventions. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t find my favorite brown pears and tangelos at the grocery store today, so instead I got some yummy plums and delicious black cherries, bananas, and mangoes. Mmmmm.

Also, I’m grateful for a husband who loves me enough to buy me the perfect water bottle that I didn’t even know I needed! Purple, and with a built-in straw. And it doesn’t have a weird taste, either.

And my iPhone. I can’t forget that. I have grown to love it over the last couple weeks! I especially enjoy being able to turn on worship music while I’m still in bed when I’m having trouble getting up.

What are you thankful for this week?

Wife of a Sailor hosts this weekly meme for military spouse bloggers.

1. Have you (spouse) ever considered joining the military and what do you think of dual military couples?
   I actually thought of joining the Army before Hubby did, back when were were just friends. I’m glad I didn’t, though, and I wouldn’t consider it at this point. I don’t know how they handle it. One spouse in the military is hard enough!
2. What is your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?
   I love lazy Sunday afternoons. Naps on Sundays after church are very nice.
3. What do you usually do for the 4th of July holiday?
   I don’t have a “usual” any more, and I actually don’t have any plans for this year! I don’t feel like fighting the traffic on post to go to the fireworks and carnival thing, and I don’t feel like driving to see family. I will probably make a pizza and watch the fireworks from my backyard.
4. If they could make an Olympic event JUST for you that you know you’d medal in, what would it be?
   Seriously? I don’t think I could medal in anything! I’d say crocheting or cooking or singing, but I’m not an expert at any of those things. Besides, I’m not very competitive.
5. What have you been doing to get yourself bathing suit ready for the summer?
   I may be overweight, but I’m already bathing-suit-ready. I love swimming, and I’ve never let my weight stop me. I just haven’t gotten many opportunities to swim yet this summer!

Wife of a Sailor hosts this weekly meme for military spouse bloggers. I participated twice before, and I can’t remember why I stopped! It’s fun, and I’d like to try it out again! Here are today’s questions…

(Click to see previous Fill-Ins)

1. When you vacation what type of vacation do you like to take (beach, historic, adventurous, food oriented, etc.)?
   
   I am always, always up for a beach vacation. I’ve never lived near a beach, but when I was younger I would visit my dad in the summers, and we would spend a weed or two in Florida fishing off the pier and fishing/swimming at the beach – sometimes watching the July 4th fireworks there. I love the ocean!
2. What is your best memory associated with a song (you know we all have tons!)

   My first ever real date was with my now-Hubby while he was on leave during his second deployment. We had an amazing night in Ft. Worth, TX, starting with sushi (my first time!), and ending with a moon-lit carriage ride around the city and a sweet drink at a jazz bar. In the middle of all that, we went to a concert to see Alpha Rev, a band we’d never heard of before but ended up absolutely loving. Every time I hear the song American Jesus I remember that night and how perfect it was. (No, it’s not a Christian song. I actually don’t know what it’s about. Ask my Hubby.)

3. If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with your time?
   
   Well, would my husband also have no obligations? I think we would probably make a trip to Australia and then go tour around Europe for a while. Have a very lengthy second honeymoon! lol This probably sounds rather selfish of me, but I’ve been so long without him, I really can’t think of any less selfish ambitions I’d want to focus on! Maybe finding/buying some land and building a house? Can you do that in 6 months?
4. What is one thing about you that people do NOT typically notice at first that you wish they would?
   
   The only thing that really comes to mind is… when people meet me, they ask what I do. And somehow I always end up sounding really pathetic, and they’re not sure what to say. I wish people could recognize that even without a day job and without being a student, I still keep busy and I still have a brain. I “do” lots of stuff! In fact, right now I’m finding myself slightly overcommitted with my various goals… I’m studying one book with my Sunday school class, another book in another Bible study at church, another book with a different group, plus I’m doing my daily Bible study, and I’m reading various marriage books and novels, managing our finances, trying to become a better housekeeper, trying to potty train my cat (still!) and grow various plants and stay active!

5. It’s a summer of sequels, and if you had to live in one of each of the following “worlds” (there are three total) which would you choose and why? 
   –X-Men: Be a Mutant, what would your power be?
   –Harry Potter: Be a Witch or Muggle?
   –Twilight: Be a Vampire or Werewolf?

   Obviously I would be a witch in the Harry Potter world. That one interests me most. To actually live around vampires? I don’t think I’d like that…