168

My welcome home sign came in the mail today!

It turned out wonderful and makes homecoming seem more real!

I couldn't decide what to say or what kind of picture to put on it.... I wanted a picture of me, Marine, and our dog but couldn't find one I liked. And I love this one of Marine and the dog and since thats our family I thought it was appropriate. I know he will like it :)

Thanks to BuildaSign.com ~ They do a fantastic job!!

Day 165

Still not sure of a definite homecoming date but they have let us know a "range" (very vague term) of when Marine may be returning home.

Homecoming.

This has become my favorite word in the English language. lol

I called today and booked a room. They fill up quick. I had to guess on the days but I can always change them if need be. And staying at the place on base that we stayed at before deployment is super cheap!! For seven days it is about the price of what two nights would be at a hotel. So you see why I wanted to be sure to book one.

Hopefully I did ok at guessing on the days {fingers crossed}.

Did I mention I ordered my homecoming sign?

Its simple. Nothing to embarrassing to Marine.

Now to just count the days.

Phone calls have been more frequent lately which has been great and a real morale boost for both Marine and myself.

So many things I would like to share but they are things that will have to wait until he returns. OSPEC -- gotta respect it :)

Day 159

Being a military significant other you learn to handle things on your own.

Paying the bills, getting the car fixed, making decisions.... the list could go on and on.

Its not always easy, but ask any military SO and I guarantee they would tell you they wouldn't trade it for anything.

Be thankful for family and friends.

Last night I had to go to the emergency room. Chest pains. Turns out I have some sort of inflammation in my chest. What caused it? Don't know. When will the pain go away? The couldn't really tell me that either.

Medicine and rest are what the doctor ordered. The medicine I can do. Rest is another thing entirely. I'm not good and laying around and just doing nothing. I'm much to active of a person.

I'm very thankful for my mom.

The repeat question of the night was wanting to know when my last period was and if I was pregnant. One conversation went something like this:

Nurse: "Are your pregnant?"

Me: "No."

Nurse: "Are you sure?"

Me: "Yes."

Nurse: "there is absolutely no way you could be pregnant."

Me: "None what-so-ever."

Nurse: "Your positive?"

Me: "My fiancée has been deployed almost six months."

Nurse writing on paper, "Ok definitely not pregnant."

Day 156

I know what a wonderful man my Marine is. He is kind, caring, selfless, generous.... just to name a few.

I attended a cookout today. A going away party for my little Army Brat brother - yes deployment seems to be a part of my life that I will be in for some time.

While at the cookout I was approached by a family friend who was a former teacher of Marine's. She said so many wonderful things about him.

Later that evening when spending time with family friends I am also told other stories about Marine and his youth. On days when I miss him its always nice to hear stories about him. Funny stories or serious stories. Doesn't matter if I've heard them a million times already. I love to hear them. It makes him feel closer.

I am so proud of the wonderful man I will marry May 2011.

Day 151

Tonight I packed my last care package.

Wow that sure is great to be able to say!!

Day 147

The end is in sight!

The word "homecoming" is actually being mentioned in emails and recordings from the Family Readiness officer. Such a simple word with such a powerful and emotional meaning.

The months have drug by but at the same time I have stayed so busy it seems they moved by rather quickly. So many things I wanted to have done before he gets home. I know I will never finish all the to-do-list in time. But I'm ok with that. Its only purpose really was to keep me busy and it has definitely done that!

As we prepare for homecoming some common concerns I hear circulating are, "what if he's changed?", "I've changed what if he doesn't like this new me?"

I can see where some may feel insecure. I know in the past few months I've changed. I've learned to step back and take a look at the big picture, something I always thought I was good at doing anyway but turns out that perhaps I wasn't. I've learned not to sweet the small stuff - and for a over-anal Virgo that has been quite difficult.

I'm sure Marine has changed to. I mean I can't even begin to imagine the things he has to do or things he has seen.

But at the end of the day he is still him and I am still me. Everything will be fine. Sure it will take some readjusting on both our parts, but that's normal I suppose.

Now to just keep staying busy so that the days will continue to pass quickly!

Day 138

I read the news way to much and research way to much on where Marine is at.

At least that journalism degree is coming in handy for something.

During this deployment I have made several wonderful new friends; all girlfriends/fiancées/wives of guys that with Marine. I have also learned that not all girls are nice and instead like to create drama. But that can be true in any situation where there is to much estrogen. lol

Marine's unit's satellite phone is broken but he was able to call a few days ago when he was at another base.

It's always so great to hear his voice. He has lost 20 pounds since he's been gone (and believe me he didn't have 20 pounds to lose). The weight-loss is due to wearing all that gear and walking around in the hot desert patrolling. Needless to say I plan on fatting him up, a mission that will start as soon as he steps foot of that bus.

So many other details I would like to say but they must wait till he returns home (OPSEC rules). So for now I am left alone with my rambling thoughts.

Still just taking it a day at a time. Counting down the days.

Another day down, another day closer.