Where have I been?
Dang, it's been a long time since I've said anything to ya'll!
Doesn't that sound like a true American hick's accent? Hahahaha!
Seriously though, what's been going on?
Since we last spoke, a lot has happened. Between being offered a job, getting our household goods delivered, visiting the states and cleaning up after my husband; I've been extremely busy. On the bright side, we finally have our family reunited and ready to start this adventure, whole and happy. It has been a really rough transition for the both of us, but receiving our goods from home really helped. You never really know how much you take your material items for granted, until you go two months without them. Also, pets! They really bring a different kind of energy to the home. Mike's rabbit Peter is doing well in his room and Archer has become quite comfortable here in the house in Germany. The ride here was interesting, but I will get into that later. I have my Xbox, kitchen items and my bed! Mike is also excited for the Xbox entertainment center as well as his guitars! He was really missing them but was able to have an entire week to himself to become reacquainted.
I wanted to post this because the challenges I have faced as a true Army wife, living on post with the rest of the Army, have been truly new and different compared to what most think would be challenging. I have found that it isn't so much the whole being away from each other concept. Granted, we haven't been away from each other much, but I actually like my time alone at home while Mike is at work. I also realize that these men are soldiers first and downrange is where they WANT to be. That is something I am learning about my husband and still learning. It is an honorable trait and one that not many bear and there is something to be said about a man who is OK with being away from family for some time, in order to defend our country. As I said before, some challenges that I face as an Army wife that my friends and family didn't see at home are things like convenience stores and restaurants, friends, normal television, and even going so long with out my normal items. Although I don't read a ton of books, my little mini library of psychology books and funny tales means so much to me and the fact that it is back in my home makes me happy. Also, going without a normal bed for so long was just ruining my mood in general. Although it is a bit small for the two of us, my bed is wonderful now that it has arrived! Towels, blankets, and even my kitchen items were totally taken for granted. It is crazy what you use everyday to cook that either your parents provide or you just assume will be there. For example, baking pans, teaspoons, and cooking utensils I found were the most challenging things to live without, surprisingly! Not to mention extra plates when your dishes are dirty.
All of these things sound so material, but the truth is that after living with such convenience for so long, we forget how to function without these things. It not only forces you to change your way of doing things, but not having those simple comforts such as a fuzzy blanket on the couch, really dampens the mood. In addition, Mike's main outlet- his guitar, was in storage and in our shipment, gone, for two months. Other than basic training, he has never gone that long without it! It definitely creates tension in the home! Having Archer back home though makes so many things better. We don't have to worry about who he is bothering, or where he is pooping! Ha! He's got a safe and comfortable place to stay with Mom and Dad :) He was a little freaked out in the car and when we first got to the airport, but once he was comfortable he slept for almost a day straight. As soon as we got home, we gave him food and water and he was regular once again. Don't think there are any infections or anything wrong, thank goodness!
Aside from the whining about all our stuff not being here, I have realized that it is somewhat of a lonely life. I am okay with having my alone time, but I would give anything to have some of my best friends here.
Lastly, I am working on getting my paperwork done and health screened for a job I was offered! It is with the Child and Youth Program and Outreach Services. Basically we help plan events and when the daycare centers are short staffed, I jump in and help out. It is a pretty big 'per diem' position but it is better than nothing. Hopefully I will start after July 4th sometime.
I think that pretty much covers what has been up with us. Mike's work from Germany starts pretty soon. He will have crazy hours and limited time to do anything pretty much. That will last for 9 months. This means no leave until after that is over! Start getting your Christmas care packages ready to ship, family! ;)
Love you all,
Ryanne
Doesn't that sound like a true American hick's accent? Hahahaha!
Seriously though, what's been going on?
Since we last spoke, a lot has happened. Between being offered a job, getting our household goods delivered, visiting the states and cleaning up after my husband; I've been extremely busy. On the bright side, we finally have our family reunited and ready to start this adventure, whole and happy. It has been a really rough transition for the both of us, but receiving our goods from home really helped. You never really know how much you take your material items for granted, until you go two months without them. Also, pets! They really bring a different kind of energy to the home. Mike's rabbit Peter is doing well in his room and Archer has become quite comfortable here in the house in Germany. The ride here was interesting, but I will get into that later. I have my Xbox, kitchen items and my bed! Mike is also excited for the Xbox entertainment center as well as his guitars! He was really missing them but was able to have an entire week to himself to become reacquainted.
I wanted to post this because the challenges I have faced as a true Army wife, living on post with the rest of the Army, have been truly new and different compared to what most think would be challenging. I have found that it isn't so much the whole being away from each other concept. Granted, we haven't been away from each other much, but I actually like my time alone at home while Mike is at work. I also realize that these men are soldiers first and downrange is where they WANT to be. That is something I am learning about my husband and still learning. It is an honorable trait and one that not many bear and there is something to be said about a man who is OK with being away from family for some time, in order to defend our country. As I said before, some challenges that I face as an Army wife that my friends and family didn't see at home are things like convenience stores and restaurants, friends, normal television, and even going so long with out my normal items. Although I don't read a ton of books, my little mini library of psychology books and funny tales means so much to me and the fact that it is back in my home makes me happy. Also, going without a normal bed for so long was just ruining my mood in general. Although it is a bit small for the two of us, my bed is wonderful now that it has arrived! Towels, blankets, and even my kitchen items were totally taken for granted. It is crazy what you use everyday to cook that either your parents provide or you just assume will be there. For example, baking pans, teaspoons, and cooking utensils I found were the most challenging things to live without, surprisingly! Not to mention extra plates when your dishes are dirty.
All of these things sound so material, but the truth is that after living with such convenience for so long, we forget how to function without these things. It not only forces you to change your way of doing things, but not having those simple comforts such as a fuzzy blanket on the couch, really dampens the mood. In addition, Mike's main outlet- his guitar, was in storage and in our shipment, gone, for two months. Other than basic training, he has never gone that long without it! It definitely creates tension in the home! Having Archer back home though makes so many things better. We don't have to worry about who he is bothering, or where he is pooping! Ha! He's got a safe and comfortable place to stay with Mom and Dad :) He was a little freaked out in the car and when we first got to the airport, but once he was comfortable he slept for almost a day straight. As soon as we got home, we gave him food and water and he was regular once again. Don't think there are any infections or anything wrong, thank goodness!
Aside from the whining about all our stuff not being here, I have realized that it is somewhat of a lonely life. I am okay with having my alone time, but I would give anything to have some of my best friends here.
Lastly, I am working on getting my paperwork done and health screened for a job I was offered! It is with the Child and Youth Program and Outreach Services. Basically we help plan events and when the daycare centers are short staffed, I jump in and help out. It is a pretty big 'per diem' position but it is better than nothing. Hopefully I will start after July 4th sometime.
I think that pretty much covers what has been up with us. Mike's work from Germany starts pretty soon. He will have crazy hours and limited time to do anything pretty much. That will last for 9 months. This means no leave until after that is over! Start getting your Christmas care packages ready to ship, family! ;)
Love you all,
Ryanne
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