Goodbye Summer.

There is just something about Labor Day weekend that makes me feel I need to go to the beach. Yes, it is the unofficial end to summer; however, Southern California won't see Autumn for another two months. In reality, we could go to the beach any weekend of the year but it won't be Labor Day :) There won't be families and groups of friends celebrating until the last ray of sun falls below the horizon. It will just be another glorious day to take for granted and the vibe will be all wrong ;)

Hello September.

The subtle arrival of my favorite month! The flip of the calendar puts my mind in overdrive. I immediately want all of Starbucks fall menu, trips to Disneyland, and cooler weather. Waking up to 60 degree temperatures gives me hope that autumn is right around the corner!

Adopted!

Jack found a forever home! I was beginning to worry about him. Every week we'd bring him to his adoption fair and six hours later we we're back to pick him up. A new interested family every Saturday that always fell through. Third time is a charm! We sure will miss Jack. He was a really great dog! But we are learning most shelter dogs are really great dogs! 

Wishing him and his new family the best! #adoptdontshop

Back in the Swing of Things

After seven weeks of summer vacation, school is back in session. A big woohoo that things are going smoothly. The kids and I are getting to be good at this absence thing. We sure miss the Marine and fingers crossed one of these years he can be home to experience Back To School and celebrate an August birthday. We've had a pretty long streak without him during this time of year. Always a reminder not to take time and small moments for granted. You never know when the Marine Corps will come calling!

Where'd That Damn Thing Go?

Have you seen it? I must have misplaced mine about 16 years ago. I could really use it right now. 

I've been trying really hard to hold my shit together. But man, separation is hard. Temporary single parenting is hard. Being thousands and thousands of miles from your spouse is hard. Strained communication on top of it all is hard. Trying to suck it up because technically this isn't a deployment is hard.  

I want an easy button! Not standard issue for most military families. Not even sure what that looks like. A nanny? Family visitors? No job? Trip to the spa? Maybe just a good cry. I've been doing plenty of that this time around. Man, I remember when I use to be a powerhouse with these separations...ok can I just call it a deployment?!? No tears. Head down, push push push through months of whatever to get it done. This time I was crying by day 2. New record!

I wish I were a lot of things right now. Mostly just better at handling things without feeling like bursting into tears. 

Does anyone else go through this during deployments or TDYs? The sadness, loneliness and feeling overwhelmed by added responsibilities? Geez I feel like a really good candidate for some meds right now! Oh well might as well be honest, right? Lord knows I need to get this out of my self and get through this mood :/