There is no need to be strong all the time, and even less of a need to maintain an image of strength in front of others. 

We have been taught to be strong, be tough, stand tall, etc. That is all well and good, but don't be too hard on yourself when you can't do it all of the time.

My friends and family look to me as a pillar of strength, and I would say that is pretty much true. However, with embarking on this new life, I have learned that it is perfectly OK to cry in front of others. As a matter of fact, I have found that a hug is a wonderful way to take away some of the pain of saying, "Good-bye" to my husband when he goes back out to sea.

Sharing your feelings with others who are going through the same thing is very comforting, rewarding, and helpful. Don't be afraid to give it a try. I know I am probably one of the most stubborn people alive to always want to keep my emotions in check around others, but I have found that once in a while, I am thankful to let it out.

The Long Awaited Shore Duty

It is official! We are finally on shore duty. :) We did find out that Chris had to have a forced extension of another 10 months of sea duty if he wanted to continue to keep submarine pay. What does that mean? Well, instead of the 6 months that he would have left to stay in the Navy after shore duty, he now has a year and four months. They sure know how to sucker punch. KA POW!

We have decided to stay focused on the positive things, and will cross the bridge of the forced extension once we get to it. Focusing on the good things: Shore duty means he will be home and not have to float out to sea for 3 years, unless a major issue ensues. We did receive orders to stay in Hawaii, so we do not have the stress of a major move and relocation in the near future. He will be working with some great men, some of which he worked with on the Cheyenne. This is a good thing, because they already know his solid work ethic, drive, and determination. He will not have to make a new name for himself, as that is already established.

A great big hug to all of our friends on the USS Cheyenne for some really great memories! The support and guidance from some of the ladies, here, are well beyond outstanding. Sometimes, I wonder how I would have gotten through without you. Chris talks very highly of some of the men from the boat, and it's easy to see why when their wives are equally amazing. 

We are celebrating a huge milestone, and with it comes the many opportunities that will come with embarking on the beginnings of yet another road traveled.

I am so proud of my husband for all he does for our family, for me and for you, but mostly ... for the whole world. It's a huge responsibility, and I feel it is a great honor to be by his side.

Shore duty ... HERE WE COME!

Creating the Perfect Scenario

I tend to create these perfect scenarios of what life should be like, and when life decides to wear the pants in the family, I then find myself scratching my head in disappointment.

Life doesn’t always work out in the way we imagine would be ideal. We can either resist it, feeling crushed when we don’t get exactly what we wanted, or accept reality at every step of the way, and adapt to make the best of what we get. 

I have decided that one of the things that I shall attempt to work on this year is to stop spending time on creating this perfect world in my mind, and start focusing on reality.

I want to learn to adapt to the new challenges that come into our lives instead of constantly resisting what is out of my control.

Thus begins a new journey into changing some life-long habits. Can it be done? Well, I never make a promise that I can't keep, so I shall promise to try.