The Send Off

Yesterday was the day guys.

Mike's face says it all.

You would think that since this is my third time saying "see ya in several months" that it would be a little easier but, spoiler alert, it's not. If anything, the send off is almost a little harder since I already have an idea of what I'm in for.

 For some reason the guys in charge thought it would be really fun to have the marines report in at 3 a.m. and then load them up on the buses around 5. Even though they were kind enough to provide a ton of donuts and coffee, it doesn't really soften the blow or make the cold drive back home any easier.

To recap, Mike is headed out on what is called the Black Sea Rotational Force. He and the other marines deploying with him will be stationed in various locations around Europe so that they will be available for "crisis response". This is not considered a combat deployment (yay!) and from what I understand, they will mainly focus on training. As far as deployments go, this is one of the "good" ones and I am just thankful that he isn't returning to the Middle East.

Anyway... He is supposed to be gone for around six months, but nothing is ever certain until he's on a plane headed back home! While he's away, my biggest goal is just to stay busy. During Mike's last deployment, I was teaching 25+ dance classes a week and part time nannying for a very active 3 year old, so being busy was definitely not an issue. My situation has changed a bit since then though, and as much as I love being a house wife, it's a lifestyle that can very easily lend it self to non-stop Netflix, wine, and double stuff oreos... Yikes. But have no fear! I have a strategy to avoid the freshman 15 deployment blues.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I live to make lists. I have a specific way that I organize my grocery lists, I've been known to make a to-do list every night before bed, I make a packing list any time I travel... It's a little over the top. Of course deployment is no exception! I've put together a list of things I want to accomplish over the next six or so months and this is what it looks like so far:

Complete at least 50% of my "Household To-Do" list

I'm a little ashamed to admit that this list takes up an entire notebook page... There's just so much I want to do! It ranges from getting the rest of the furniture we want in the living room, to hanging shelves and curtains in our bedroom, to rearranging/attempting to organize the pantry.. This list is all over the place, but in my mind completely necessary.

Stay active and get (more) fit!

With the help of my shiny new FitBit and an extremely active 9 month old pup... This shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. It's really just a matter of motivation... See above regarding the wine and oreos ;)

Take advantage of the neighborhood pool and the beach down the street

This one really goes without saying... One of the greatest things about being stationed on Camp Lejeune is that there's a beach maybe 15 minutes from my house! We spent a lot of time at the beach last summer and I definitely plan to do the same this year.

and last but not least...

Manage the new house, three pets, and whatever else comes my way!

Using a weed whacker to maintain the backyard, driving Mike's car around the neighborhood once a week (it's a stick), bathing a 75 pound Labrador puppy (oh, and having him neutered)... These are just a few of the things that I will now tackle on my own. A little overwhelming? Yes. But I am extremely motivated and confident that I can keep things running smoothly by myself until my wonderful hubby comes home!

I am definitely ready for more nights like this! :)