Happy New Year and prosperous tidings to you all!
Now, that I've gotten that out of the way, figuratively speaking, I'm freaking out!
Surely, I'm not the only spouse in a downright frenzy over the impending season of change. A friend wrote today of her excitement for what this year was to bring. For that, she is right. Excitement, but elation? I'm not quite sure at this juncture.
Our quaint home marketed to the masses, sits, unmoved. I’m determined to remain confident that it will sell. Of course, my stress level is heightened not only by the stagnant housing market, but also because I’m trying to find not-so-crummy-affordable-housing clear across the country. We live modestly, but I do have standards. I trust that something good will come our way.
My mother, bless her heart, suggested perhaps the children and I stay behind if we are “stuck”. While we have entertained that notion, GEO-baching just isn’t super appealing right now. Still, Semper Gumby will prevail in odd occasions and will allow that to happen if there are no other options.
There are always options. We could live in a tent. Camping is amusing. It definitely would meet the “excitement” criteria. The man in blue would be underway largely for our tour in the new locale, so one adult and three youngins’ to a tent is manageable and MAD! Alright, that’s out.
Shacking up with someone else. Oh, I don’t think I could impose. They’d have us out on our mooching backsides within a week no doubt, even if it were family, who will be within a couple of hours of the new location. Besides, sharing my home with another adult outside of my husband is something that has been long forgotten. Roommates are just not my thing. I’m far too headstrong to change my personal living habits and intolerant of others' laziness. Moreover, I appreciate and respect my friends too much to subject them to my irrationality daily. After all, we’d probably not be friends before long.
Oh and schools! We cannot even begin to look at schools until we have an inkling of where we will closet our clothing and park the cars. No matter though, my eldest announced last week she’d like me to homeschool her. Hmmmm. Yes, there are significant appealing aspects of that and I have contemplated it considerably. Still, the man in blue made an excellent point about her and her sister having the distraction of a school setting while he’s deployed. Sometimes he knows a thing or two. What about me though, me and the little one who’s not in school yet. We’ll be home. Alone. Together. Eeep! Yes, the man in blue also suggested that perhaps, just maybe, I don’t work for this next tour.
I just reclaimed my career a little over a year ago. I don’t know what to think. Emotions are swirling around my head and heart on this piece. I unquestionably wouldn’t be bored, so that’s not why I hesitate on this matter. I have more than enough to fill my day. Though, it’s the luxuries we have become accustomed to with my paycheck filling the home coffers. We eat out when we want. We go on dates. I buy pretty unmentionables. I take my kids to the movies when I want. Without me working those things will temporarily fall by the wayside. I know, I know, it’s all temporary. Heck, I say that all the time. Why can’t I get myself to feel okay with it thought?
I think what I need to do is center myself. A return to simpler things will likely be the next step to make this PCS manageable and happy for all of us. I guess I would need the pretty unmentionables, if the man in blue is underway anyhow, but my kids do need my attention and love. That should be enough to help center me for the next few years. To my neighbors, whoever you may end up being, I may need a sitter for a few minutes here and there for my sanity and bring over a pitcher of cocktails on move-in day, will ya?
Showing posts with label brats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brats. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2010
Sunday, September 6, 2009
There is nothing so sweet as a reunion between a parent and a child.
Patiently waiting with impatient children, I stood in the crowed and bustling airport the other night, surrounded by many other folks also awaiting the return of their loved ones. Finally, after what seemed an eternity to the kids, we saw the face of one of the man in blue's team walk in the hurried crowd. Focused on getting his attention, thinking my husband must be right behind him, the children and I stared and waved frantically. Of course, much to our surprise, the man in blue had already spotted us and was coming toward us from another direction. Well, when my children saw him, they could not get out of their own way fast enough.
Their faces lit up with brilliance and their feet moved jack rabbit fast. Pummeling him with their little selves, the children enveloped daddy with their welcoming arms. Of course, my younger daughter beat the other two to the punch and wrapped her arms and legs around him as if she had not seen him in a year. It was the best feeling in the world to know to watch this reunion, and I know my husband felt the same.
You see, my younger two children have not had the luxury of cutter deployments. So, they are not seasoned like my oldest daughter. She is pretty understanding of the routine, well as much as a kid can be. She knows that anything can happen and tries to go with the flow. She is a trooper for sure. Our younger children, however have only really known or at least are only old enough to remember the recent trips, which are, on average, shorter than stereotypical CG deployments. My younger daughter was born when my husband was assigned to his last cutter, but she was really too young to have any knowledge of what was going on. Now, though, she is fully aware and has expressed that daddy really should not have to leave. Period.
In a strange way, we know that these shorter trips are a blessing because the man in blue does not have to be gone long, but it also gives the kids a little taste of things yet to come (possibly). Who knows where we will end up next, but we are not ruling anything out.
So, he is home. I slept better the other night than I had the whole time he was gone. What is it about that? I know I am not the only one falling asleep with the television on and lying next to a really big pillow in hopes of providing a false sense of comfort. Of course, also waking periodically through the night (after FINALLY falling asleep) to check the phone, the cell phone and every other noise you hear. Oh, boy, am I glad to have him home.
It is more than that though. We have had such a nice time since he has returned. We even were able to take the kids to the beach yesterday for some fun family time, savoring the last big weekend of the summer. My favorite part of it all was just watching the kids splash in the waves with dad as I inhaled the salty air and felt the sunshine on my body knowing what a lucky woman I am and recognizing wonderful homecomings can be.
Their faces lit up with brilliance and their feet moved jack rabbit fast. Pummeling him with their little selves, the children enveloped daddy with their welcoming arms. Of course, my younger daughter beat the other two to the punch and wrapped her arms and legs around him as if she had not seen him in a year. It was the best feeling in the world to know to watch this reunion, and I know my husband felt the same.
You see, my younger two children have not had the luxury of cutter deployments. So, they are not seasoned like my oldest daughter. She is pretty understanding of the routine, well as much as a kid can be. She knows that anything can happen and tries to go with the flow. She is a trooper for sure. Our younger children, however have only really known or at least are only old enough to remember the recent trips, which are, on average, shorter than stereotypical CG deployments. My younger daughter was born when my husband was assigned to his last cutter, but she was really too young to have any knowledge of what was going on. Now, though, she is fully aware and has expressed that daddy really should not have to leave. Period.
In a strange way, we know that these shorter trips are a blessing because the man in blue does not have to be gone long, but it also gives the kids a little taste of things yet to come (possibly). Who knows where we will end up next, but we are not ruling anything out.
So, he is home. I slept better the other night than I had the whole time he was gone. What is it about that? I know I am not the only one falling asleep with the television on and lying next to a really big pillow in hopes of providing a false sense of comfort. Of course, also waking periodically through the night (after FINALLY falling asleep) to check the phone, the cell phone and every other noise you hear. Oh, boy, am I glad to have him home.
It is more than that though. We have had such a nice time since he has returned. We even were able to take the kids to the beach yesterday for some fun family time, savoring the last big weekend of the summer. My favorite part of it all was just watching the kids splash in the waves with dad as I inhaled the salty air and felt the sunshine on my body knowing what a lucky woman I am and recognizing wonderful homecomings can be.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Gift Giving
Looking for a birthday or holiday gift for your favorite Coastie Kid? Here are some items I thought I’d pass along:
Lego CG Helicopter
Coast Guard Monopoly
Coast Guard Rescue Set
Coast Guard Matchbox Hero Set
CG Mack Truck & Container
Lego CG Helicopter
Coast Guard Monopoly
Coast Guard Rescue Set
Coast Guard Matchbox Hero Set
CG Mack Truck & Container
And, for the little kid/teen who dreams of growing up to become a member of this elite sea-going service (pardon the very abbreviated enlisted rate list, and sarcasm; it’s my *sad* attempt to be humorous). These items are sure to get them prepared.
Maybe… if I’m brave one day I will share with you my tongue-in-cheek list of gifts for certain career paths/ranks. Maybe.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuggin' at the ole heartstrings.
One of my daughters was looking at some photos tonight, which featured my man in blue in uniform, a cutter he was once stationed on and other similar photos.
She broke out into a melancholy song and here are some of the words in as much order as I could capture:
(Disclaimer, all teary eyes aside, she knows many more Coasties, and yes, that was all improvised, I couldn't catch it all, and I did giggle a bit. I was typing this as she serenaded her Daddy).
She broke out into a melancholy song and here are some of the words in as much order as I could capture:
You always go away but I still love you
Your the father that I can never forget
Because the only Coast Guard guy I know is my father
When he goes out on the boat, I always make him a welcome sign
I love you more then I love you the best
Your the father that I can never forget
Because the only Coast Guard guy I know is my father
When he goes out on the boat, I always make him a welcome sign
I love you more then I love you the best
(Disclaimer, all teary eyes aside, she knows many more Coasties, and yes, that was all improvised, I couldn't catch it all, and I did giggle a bit. I was typing this as she serenaded her Daddy).
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Coastie Baby!
A new baby will be joining this Coast Guard family in about 8-9 months. Oh, wait, not mine. No, no, I have enough of those tiny creatures.
I am talking about a dear friend of mine. Of course, she has not yet made the news public, so I can only speak vaguely. Still, I am uber-excited for her and her husband. They have been close friends of ours for quite some time. My man in blue has served with her man at two units now and they have a great relationship.
Anyway, I am tickled pink (or blue) for them.
So, what to get a new Coastie baby? I suppose the first thing would be to figure out where the baby will be born. Yes, they are in fact awaiting orders. So, no one knows where they will end up next. I wish and hope they can stay in an area close to us so I can be there to greet the bundle of joy in his or her first few weeks. Though, I know she would prefer to be near her family when the baby arrives.
I was lucky enough to be within 3 hours of my family when I had each of my children. I know not many can say that. In fact, I have friends who have given birth all over the map. What a neat thing to explain to your children as they get older. It gives some additional uniqueness to know they possibly each have their own state that they were born in.
Alright, moms out there, how many Coastie babies do you have and how many different states have you given birth in. Let us see how much of the map we can cover.
I am talking about a dear friend of mine. Of course, she has not yet made the news public, so I can only speak vaguely. Still, I am uber-excited for her and her husband. They have been close friends of ours for quite some time. My man in blue has served with her man at two units now and they have a great relationship.
Anyway, I am tickled pink (or blue) for them.
So, what to get a new Coastie baby? I suppose the first thing would be to figure out where the baby will be born. Yes, they are in fact awaiting orders. So, no one knows where they will end up next. I wish and hope they can stay in an area close to us so I can be there to greet the bundle of joy in his or her first few weeks. Though, I know she would prefer to be near her family when the baby arrives.
I was lucky enough to be within 3 hours of my family when I had each of my children. I know not many can say that. In fact, I have friends who have given birth all over the map. What a neat thing to explain to your children as they get older. It gives some additional uniqueness to know they possibly each have their own state that they were born in.
Alright, moms out there, how many Coastie babies do you have and how many different states have you given birth in. Let us see how much of the map we can cover.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"I don't want daddy to leave."
My kids were born into this fluctuating CG life. They really don't know much else. Accept for the fact that awhile back daddy was gone all the time and now he's home more often than not. When discussing the possibility of moving next year with our children, the subject of another cutter came up, not surprisingly. While it would be advantageous for numerous reasons for the man in blue to go back to a cutter, my eldest child was less than thrilled. To be honest, she was devastated.
I was actually surprised by her tears. She knows her daddy travels. She used to be so accustomed to it that when he did come home it threw her schedule completely off and she just as soon would have had it be her and mommy again. Anyway, now that she is getting older and more cognizant of her father's job and how far away he could go and for how long the separation might be--she is troubled by it far more easily.
The little ones, well, they are a tad bit more resilient. They are still in the 'go with the flow' years where they just know that at least one of us will always be home with them at night, after school. Their big sister however is sensitive to this and starting to show signs of separation anxiety and we still have a year before we will even see orders let alone possible PCS.
Perhaps we brought it up too soon.
I was actually surprised by her tears. She knows her daddy travels. She used to be so accustomed to it that when he did come home it threw her schedule completely off and she just as soon would have had it be her and mommy again. Anyway, now that she is getting older and more cognizant of her father's job and how far away he could go and for how long the separation might be--she is troubled by it far more easily.
The little ones, well, they are a tad bit more resilient. They are still in the 'go with the flow' years where they just know that at least one of us will always be home with them at night, after school. Their big sister however is sensitive to this and starting to show signs of separation anxiety and we still have a year before we will even see orders let alone possible PCS.
Perhaps we brought it up too soon.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Thank you USCG
Thank you for being a fairly family-friendly service. Thank you for giving me my husband when I need him. I know that doesn't always happen, and I've had my share of gripes when you took precedence over some things in my life, but lately, well lately you rock.
That's right folks. I said it. I'm grateful, like so many of you, for what the Coast Guard allows and provides for my family. A lot of you have given thanks lately, so I wanted to chime in too.
I started a new job a couple of months ago. As such I am on your typical probationary period. So, they tend to frown upon you asking for things, like days off, times to leave early etc. Still, with children, sometimes a mother has no choice. Things come up. Children get sick, schools close for a day, and what have you. I have been very fortunate though. While it could be due the man in blue's current position, I must still say I'm so thankful. He has been able to take off for illnesses, doctor's appointments and closed school days. Had he not been able to, I might have lost my job by now. Heck, with three kids, a lot can happen even in just a week's time.
So, I'm rambling. I know. What I am getting at is that I'm just a really happy gal right now. I can only hope this continues for awhile so I can continue to see the CG in a brilliantly positive light. ;)
That's right folks. I said it. I'm grateful, like so many of you, for what the Coast Guard allows and provides for my family. A lot of you have given thanks lately, so I wanted to chime in too.
I started a new job a couple of months ago. As such I am on your typical probationary period. So, they tend to frown upon you asking for things, like days off, times to leave early etc. Still, with children, sometimes a mother has no choice. Things come up. Children get sick, schools close for a day, and what have you. I have been very fortunate though. While it could be due the man in blue's current position, I must still say I'm so thankful. He has been able to take off for illnesses, doctor's appointments and closed school days. Had he not been able to, I might have lost my job by now. Heck, with three kids, a lot can happen even in just a week's time.
So, I'm rambling. I know. What I am getting at is that I'm just a really happy gal right now. I can only hope this continues for awhile so I can continue to see the CG in a brilliantly positive light. ;)
Saturday, September 13, 2008
BRATship envy.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a military brat. Moving ever few years, exploring new area and meeting new people, what could be better? Alright, I'm sure there are those who fall on either side of the fence, those having loved being a military kid and those who despised all that came with it.
I find it slightly comical that Wikipedia refers to military brats as being part of an American subculture. Sounds so underground! Of course, Dr. David C. Pollock included military kids in a group he titled "Third Culture Kids". Who knew there was so much discussion and labeling of military children? One explanation of Third Culture Kids comes from Interaction, Inc. and it goes as follows: “Third culture kids (TCKs) are not new, and they are not few. They have been a part of the earth’s population from the earliest migrations. They are normal people with the usual struggles and pleasures of life. But because they have grown up with different experiences from those who have lived primarily in one culture, TCKs are sometimes seen as slightly strange by the people around them."
I'm sorry, but what? Honestly, that describes a large percentage of the world's children. Aren't all kids strange? They have odd habits sometimes, they do funny things. Of course, they have been a part of the earth from earliest migration, it's that whole which came first the chicken or the egg thing. Seriously? Perhaps this is way over my head and I'm not on that intellectual plain to comprehend the delicate and complex issue at hand. Maybe this guy actually trying to come up with something brilliant here and he had knowledge that not everyone possesses. It all sounds a little Indigo Child to me, of course, many things may be opposite, but you get them point. I am hugely digressing here. Anyway, like me, people (who didn't grow up military) seem to be fascinated with brathood.
I suppose I wouldn't have liked being analyzed and labeled by doctors, philosopher and psychologists. Still, aside from that, the life intrigues me. My children are, obviously, military brats. Ironically, *takes voice down to a whisper* they have all been born in the same hospital. Shhh. I don't share that with too many military wives, it's insanely unheard of, and I'm very lucky to have had my three kids delivered by the same OB staff. True story.
Nonetheless, they will have lived in different locations. They will have stories about my husband's comings and goings. They will have pictures, scrapbooks, treasures and other memorabilia to collect throughout the years that will tell a tale of their military family and the travels they endured. They will, in my assessment, have a leg up on some of their civilian friends for they may very well be exposed to more ethnicities, cultures and religions in their childhood because of our situation. Oh, wait, that's also a personal thing. I do think any parent, civilian or military, can give such exposure to their child. Still, I do think it kind of goes hand in hand with the military life. You know, the whole nomadic life experience thing.
My biggest concern is that of moving schools. Okay, I take that back. I have a teeny concern about it. There are options. I'm okay with moving a bunch during the elementary school years. Still, what comes of these kids when they get up their in age and start seriously establishing themselves in school districts? Is it terribly traumatic on them to uproot them and replant them during junior year of high school? (My husband thinks this won't be an issue for us, but I've got him doing 30 years whether he likes it or not. ;) ).
When I start to think about this I remember my junior year of high school. We had this girl move to our district from who-knows-where. Her dad was in the service. She had just been named her high school's junior prom Queen the month before she moved to our school. She bragged about it and made it her 'break the ice with the home team' information. Well, our school's prom was the next month. We were late in the year. The girl actually brought her sash to our prom. Wouldn't you know it, she even walked around the junior girls circle thingy to be judged (how cruel, is that anyway?) to hopefully make prom court. Well, I kid you not, this chick actually got chosen as Queen of OUR junior prom too. Then, she moved over the summer (nods head) and didn't even go to school with us senior year. we never heard from her again. We had a theory that her dad wasn't really in the military, that they just moved so she could collect prom sashes.
Anyway, I'm so completely off topic. LOL
So, I guess for kids like THAT, it can be fun and cool. Still, what of the kid who doesn't really fit in and doesn't do well in new situations? Do you just homeschool or tell them to suck it up? You could GEO I suppose, but man, that can be tough too.
I'd love to hear some brat stories and see your experiences. What have your kids been through thus far? Do you think the Coast Guard brats are any different than other service brats? How so? (You like the homework assignment?) :)
I find it slightly comical that Wikipedia refers to military brats as being part of an American subculture. Sounds so underground! Of course, Dr. David C. Pollock included military kids in a group he titled "Third Culture Kids". Who knew there was so much discussion and labeling of military children? One explanation of Third Culture Kids comes from Interaction, Inc. and it goes as follows: “Third culture kids (TCKs) are not new, and they are not few. They have been a part of the earth’s population from the earliest migrations. They are normal people with the usual struggles and pleasures of life. But because they have grown up with different experiences from those who have lived primarily in one culture, TCKs are sometimes seen as slightly strange by the people around them."
I'm sorry, but what? Honestly, that describes a large percentage of the world's children. Aren't all kids strange? They have odd habits sometimes, they do funny things. Of course, they have been a part of the earth from earliest migration, it's that whole which came first the chicken or the egg thing. Seriously? Perhaps this is way over my head and I'm not on that intellectual plain to comprehend the delicate and complex issue at hand. Maybe this guy actually trying to come up with something brilliant here and he had knowledge that not everyone possesses. It all sounds a little Indigo Child to me, of course, many things may be opposite, but you get them point. I am hugely digressing here. Anyway, like me, people (who didn't grow up military) seem to be fascinated with brathood.
I suppose I wouldn't have liked being analyzed and labeled by doctors, philosopher and psychologists. Still, aside from that, the life intrigues me. My children are, obviously, military brats. Ironically, *takes voice down to a whisper* they have all been born in the same hospital. Shhh. I don't share that with too many military wives, it's insanely unheard of, and I'm very lucky to have had my three kids delivered by the same OB staff. True story.
Nonetheless, they will have lived in different locations. They will have stories about my husband's comings and goings. They will have pictures, scrapbooks, treasures and other memorabilia to collect throughout the years that will tell a tale of their military family and the travels they endured. They will, in my assessment, have a leg up on some of their civilian friends for they may very well be exposed to more ethnicities, cultures and religions in their childhood because of our situation. Oh, wait, that's also a personal thing. I do think any parent, civilian or military, can give such exposure to their child. Still, I do think it kind of goes hand in hand with the military life. You know, the whole nomadic life experience thing.
My biggest concern is that of moving schools. Okay, I take that back. I have a teeny concern about it. There are options. I'm okay with moving a bunch during the elementary school years. Still, what comes of these kids when they get up their in age and start seriously establishing themselves in school districts? Is it terribly traumatic on them to uproot them and replant them during junior year of high school? (My husband thinks this won't be an issue for us, but I've got him doing 30 years whether he likes it or not. ;) ).
When I start to think about this I remember my junior year of high school. We had this girl move to our district from who-knows-where. Her dad was in the service. She had just been named her high school's junior prom Queen the month before she moved to our school. She bragged about it and made it her 'break the ice with the home team' information. Well, our school's prom was the next month. We were late in the year. The girl actually brought her sash to our prom. Wouldn't you know it, she even walked around the junior girls circle thingy to be judged (how cruel, is that anyway?) to hopefully make prom court. Well, I kid you not, this chick actually got chosen as Queen of OUR junior prom too. Then, she moved over the summer (nods head) and didn't even go to school with us senior year. we never heard from her again. We had a theory that her dad wasn't really in the military, that they just moved so she could collect prom sashes.
Anyway, I'm so completely off topic. LOL
So, I guess for kids like THAT, it can be fun and cool. Still, what of the kid who doesn't really fit in and doesn't do well in new situations? Do you just homeschool or tell them to suck it up? You could GEO I suppose, but man, that can be tough too.
I'd love to hear some brat stories and see your experiences. What have your kids been through thus far? Do you think the Coast Guard brats are any different than other service brats? How so? (You like the homework assignment?) :)
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