Deployment, Texas, and Backbends

Photo credit: Sarah Street Photography (Facebook and website)

My husband and I said goodbye earlier this month as I headed off to Texas and he headed off to his first ship deployment.  During our first separation, he went off to basic training.  During the 2 months, there were letters, a few phone calls for good behavior, and I had researched Navy basic training to see what he would be going through day to day.  I was working 2 jobs and would sometimes hop on Google maps at the end of the day to calm my mind by looking at where he was at the moment (my version of looking at the moon and knowing your loved one can see the same moon.. it gave me a sense of connection to him).  I spent all my free time exercising and writing letters (we have a HUGE folder full of boot camp letters).

Reunited after bootcamp

Our second separation was for my husband's IA (Individual Augmentee - being sent somewhere for a set amount of time to perform a job).  He went to Bahrain for what was suppose to be 9 months, but miraculously turned into only 6.  This was the longest separation, but was made easier by daily skype or phone calls.  With not much else to do besides his daily work shift, we talked for 1-2 hours at least once a day, but usually twice.  I spent my time exercising and traveling back and forth to my parents' home in western NY. 

Reunited after 6 months in Bahrain

This first official deployment has been the hardest on me so far.  Not knowing where he is, or what it's like to be on a ship has not allowed me that comfort I used to have during our past separations.  I also have been limited to short emails. No phone calls or Skype out in the ocean.  I'm looking forward to the ship going to different ports because that will mean I can (hopefully) get a phone call, or better yet, Skype.  Until then, I wait, and curse deployments daily.

To keep myself busy, I planned a trip to Texas, which knocked out 2 birds with one stone since I wanted to see her before I left for Spain anyways.  To make things better, we were able to coordinate my visit with her baby shower!  She's 34 weeks along as of this past Monday, and I was grateful to see her in this stage of her life, as she's the closest thing I'll ever have to a sister.  We met each other in preschool, and have been friends ever since (with a few sisterly spats along the way).  With some complications putting her on bed rest, her mother has been staying with her to help out.  With my visit, her mother took the chance to go home to NY and spend time with her husband, so I took over the cooking and cleaning.  Every day my friend would complain over me working in her home and not relaxing and enjoying my vacation.  I was her guest after all.  I would explain to her over and over that I didn't mind cooking or cleaning, and it kept me busy, which is a must when trying not to think of deployments.  I got to help organize the nursery and more importantly, I got to spend time with my best friend.  Long talks, some laughs, and lots of reminiscing.

My best friend and her adorable baby belly! So gorgeous!

During all of these events, I've been participating in a March daily yoga challenge to improve my back bends.  Every day a new pose is posted on instagram by the three host yoginis (beginner and advanced versions) and the goal of each pose is to either strengthen the back or increase the flexibility, or both.

If all goes to plan, I should be able to find out my travel itinerary for my move on May 1st. Until then, I'll be keeping busy with yoga, cardio, strength/circuit training, and visiting with family.

~ Until Next Time ~