Hi it’s me, the Wife

Well here I sit reading what might be Mark’s final blog report for this tour and thought why not make a post myself.

So I’m thinking about the past 6 months which in fact were actually 10 months in total and some of you are thinking huh?  Yes Mark was gone for 6 months, but in fact the 2 month breaks home in between for me don’t count.  During the 4 months we couldn’t get into a routine and Mark basically had to stay in the “mode.”  The first 2 months home were great, kind of like a little honeymoon if you will and the 2^nd break home was “Hell”

When Mark came home I was sick and sick of being sick.  Mark was very cranky and had a little depression happening I think.  There were so many emotions, that neither one of us could get a handle on it.

It has been very, very difficult getting used to this whole Military lifestyle. 

I have a great deal of admiration for the wives of military husbands with small children and have learned a lot.

I don’t know how they do it, I really don’t!!

I have learned to be quite self sufficient in doing the things I hate doing. I have also come to really appreciate the things Mark always does for me!

Examples you ask, well…Taking out the garbage, putting gas in my car, making supper (god I can’t wait to have a good meal again;) making my tea in the mornings, running small errands while I’m at work ETC!!

During this past 10 months we have missed a lot of things together, which were difficult for me.  We have been together 10 yrs this March (I think, Ron and Larriane help me out here lol) and this was the first time for both of us to be apart for so long.

We tried to celebrate everything during his breaks, but it wasn’t the same.

We (the girls and I) spent Christmas together with Mark on a web cam, well in 8 days we are having our family Christmas when he gets home.

Speaking of web cams; Thank god for technology!  I don’t think I could have made it all this time without the computers.  Also with a web cam I was able to feel like I was right there in the desert with Mark, except I wasn’t afraid of what might be flying over my head. Also in 8 days, I can finally relax and get good nights sleep and so can Mark.  We can finally stop worrying about each other; well we will never stop worrying.  But it will be a different kind of worry.  I Love you Mark!!

I want to thank you all for the Support and Love you sent to Mark while he was away.

OH Ya, remember what Mark posted in his blog?  You know, the part that said “my family needs me back and I need them back. I am really looking forward to being home and plowing all that snow that never seems to stop falling and give my baby a break.

You did?  Great!  Now I have proof HAHAHA don’t worry I’ll be nice to him, for a week or so!!

 

From the Military Wife to Be (hint hint Mark)

AKA Lana/Mom

Thank you

~S.O.T.~

 

PS. Please don’t stop supporting our troops, they are still over there and need it!!!!!

8 Days a week!!

Well folks, I know its been some time since my last update. Since returning from KAF to the "safe zone" our internet has been in a bad state. The only computers available here on camp have a 30 minute limit, I felt that it was important to spend that time...when I could get on them, to chat with Lana back home, all the time thinking about those of you diligently checking my blog looking for the next update!! Well, where to start, we returned from KAF to find ourselves deep into work, and relatively busy, not a bad thing, the last thing you want to do with 16 days left in the trip is too sit around and do nothing. I have had the chance to go into town and get away from the camp for a bit, saw Cedric, remember he is the fellow that has 2 young children back in the Philippines supporting them, his girlfriend and his parents. Well, Cedric finally got promoted to supervisor, he was happy to tell us and then the conversation turned to the upcoming UFC fight on TV. As we were getting ready to leave, he said if we come and see him one more time, he will be sure to send us "home" with some Cinnamon buns from the store. I may just have to make the effort, they are really tasty!!
About a week ago, Cam and I were able to find information that told us that we were eligible for a 48 hour R&R period at the camps expense. Well, my father has always taught me...if you don't A.S.K you don't G.E.T. So, we staffed the memo up and in a very short period, we were granted a 24hour R&R, we will take it, so plans were put into motion and we were of to Abu Dhabi, to a five star resort with almost everything included, the food was awesome, the rooms were great and the weather was perfect. It was everything that this crew needed to finish the remaining 11 days on tour. As you can appreciate, you live, eat, sleep, work, play with the same 10 guys for 6 months you will start to "get sick" of seeing them. It was the prefect way to rejuvenate ourselves for the home stretch and end this thing on a really good note.
So here we are with 8 days remaining, and yes that song has been stuck in my head all day, I want to say a week left, but its an 8 day week. We are going to be extremely busy and my only hope is that we don't get home and we are to tired to do anything, but I'm sure that won't be the case. My 6 months is all but done and I am feeling really good about the tour, although, I have ZERO desire to ever come back here. Been there, done it, and I even have several T-shirts to show for it...my family needs me back and I need them back. I am really looking forward to being home and plowing all that snow that never seems to stop falling and give my baby a break. I Love you Lana and you certainly have been a trooper during this time while I have been away...THANK YOU!!!
So as I sign off, with no guarantees if this will be the last one or not, all I can say is, Stay tuned...till next time!!

Support Our Troops
~M