The kids and I have been back in Louisiana for two months now, and I'm absolutely loving it!
All of us are getting back into our own routines; Gabe is back into karate and Boy Scouts, and Sarah is doing preschool two days a week, ballet, and gymnastics at The Little Gym. We're busy every evening except for Thursdays and Fridays (though the kids usually go to sleep over at my in-laws on Fridays), and I like that we're involved in things to help pass time, make new friends, etc. Gabe has a few close friends at school, and seems to really enjoy his new life (relocating, for an older child, can be difficult and Sarah is fine with anything that comes along). If I'm not running errands, or going to doctor appointments for my ailments, then I'm usually spending my time decorating our new digs, or reading/researching in the Barnes and Noble cafe.
So much to do, so little time...but, I kinda like it that way. Idleness is the Devil's Workshop.
We rented a great apartment on the 3rd floor with an incredible view of the lake with fountains, and the pool (with outdoor fireplace). And, even though carrying groceries up the stairs is a pain in the butt, our butts are getting quite firm!
It seems that we got back to Louisiana at just the right time. My Dad had a small hemorragic stroke the week before Christmas. He has a high stress career (and does what it takes to be the best at it), and arrived at the ER with a blood pressure of over 200. He stayed in the ICU for about 4 days, was moved to a regular room for about 2 days, and then had a sudden drop in potassium and electrolyte levels that sent him back into ICU for another day or two. He's back home now, and resting. Luckily (very), he has no permanent damage, and hopefully, he will heed the warning and take better care of himself.
I will always be Daddy's Little Girl (yup, we clash our horns at times, but...), and I want him around for much longer.
The month of December was definitely a hectic one for all of us, with getting our household goods delivered, Dad getting sick, etc. January, it seems, will be much better along the lines of mental and physical rest. February brings us to Sarah's 4th birthday, and a trip back to Alaska for me. And early March brings Phillip home to Louisiana to be with us while he is on block leave from his deployment (he leaves the "sandbox" soon!).
Who knows what the future after that holds, but as long as all of us are safe, happy, and healthy, and TOGETHER, I don't think I'll mind a bit about what happens.
Take care, Y'all!
J~
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving...
Right now, to me, it's more than just a day of eating turkey and watching football. In fact, yesterday, I stayed in my pajamas all day, and ate leftover spaghetti.
I have a LOT to be thankful for. I am truly one blessed woman. I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, and I am thankful for the experiences of this past year. I'm slowly learning...
As you could tell from previous posts, I was not doing so well with being back in Alaska (from summer vacation). Ever since I was a teenager, I've dealt with clinical depression and anxiety. The Black Cloud comes and goes. It especially reappears when a I go through any major life changes; I do best when I have a routine to follow, and once that is broken, my brain goes haywire. (I am thankful that I have a husband who does his best to understand this...illness).
I tried my hardest to not fail myself or my family. I saw living in Alaska as a challenge that needed to be conquered. I was determined to have a positive outlook, and enjoy the adventure. Truth is, I knew that I was in trouble when we crossed the Canadian border.
Having grown up in small town Louisiana, and having been a lonely (almost only) child, I quickly learned as an adult that I could never do well in any near state of isolation. I need lots of people. I need lots of things to do. I think I've mentioned before that I'd most probably be at my best if I lived in a big high-rise near the ocean (Miami maybe...I dunno, I've never been there).
When I returned to Alaska after our summer vacation, I lost all motivation. I didn't want to go back, and hid my tears from the kids on the last leg of the journey home. We came home to a cold empty house (Phil is overseas at the moment), and I knew right then and there that I could not do it anymore. I'd purposely left Alaska and spent so much time in the Lower 48 during the Summer, to shorten the time that we had alone in Alaska without Phillip; waiting for him to come home from his second deployment in the year and a half that we'd been there. Even though I enjoyed the trips to New Jersey/NYC and Washington D.C., and then Louisiana and Gulf Shores, Alabama, I regretted that I left Alaska at all. Because leaving, and then coming home was so difficult.
I got so sick. I wouldn't eat. I did my best to take care of myself and the kids (and to hide any negativity from them). I couldn't fathom spending the Holidays in Alaska, and away from family in Louisiana. I couldn't see going through another harsh winter there either; I saw our first winter as adventure, the upcoming one...not so much.
I went back and forth, on a daily basis, on trying to decide what was best for all of us. Should I try to stay? Should I go home to family? I had my children to think about. Should I uproot Gabe from his school and friends? Leaving meant that when Phillip came home from his deployment, he'd come home to an empty house, and then we would have to spend more time without him, waiting for him to fulfill his commitment in Alaska. I didn't want to put any of us through more time, than necessary, apart. After weeks of worry on everyone's part (Phillip and family included), during a conversation with Phillip one morning, we both decided that it was best that I just go home.
Hardly anyone knew what I was going through. I hide my feelings well. But, a good friend of mine who knew what was going on (partly because of what I wasn't saying, she said), told me that the Peace that I was feeling at having made a decision, was proof that I made the right one. A close family member reassured me that it sounded to him like my decision was not a selfish one; if anything, I was doing it to be a better wife and mother.
It was a long process, but the kids and I finally got the Official Orders to leave Alaska on Early Release of Dependents.
On Halloween night, I took the kids trick-or-treating. We came home and got ready for bed. Usually, at around 9 pm, we would go upstairs and cuddle for a bit in my bed before going to sleep. On that particular night though, I told Gabe that we would have to stay up later to wait for a special packet of information (that Daddy was sending over via UPS) to be delivered that would help us with the move. When the doorbell rang, I asked Gabe to get the door (as I was fumbling with my camera, and pretending to look at Halloween photos). He fully expected to see the UPS man.
I was able to get video of two very surprised and incredibly happy children, as Phillip walked through door; he'd come home on Emergency Leave to help us with the whole sticky relocation process. I can't tell you how Thankful I was that he was there to help us, and that we got to be together for that brief (but very busy) amount of time.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, November 9, the kids, the cat, and I said goodbye to Phillip and to Alaska. He went back to his duties overseas soon after we left Fairbanks.
The three of us are content to be back home. Even Pichou, the cat, who wasn't so keen on airplane travel, seems excited about, and comfortable with her new surroundings.
This evening, I'm so very Thankful for having the support of family as the kids and I make a new life here in South Louisiana, until the four of us can be together again on a new assignment. Gabe is in a new school, and adjusting to new classmates. Sarah will start a new pre-K next week. We'll getting back into the swing of things with karate and ballet classes soon. I've found an awesome apartment with a lake view, and fountains to listen to. And, the kids are with Phillip's parents in Texas right now, visiting family for the holiday while I get some much needed mental and physical rest.
I can't totally poo-poo on the whole Alaskan experience. I made some genuine friends there that I will miss dearly, and hope to see again in the future.
As for the "Black Cloud", it's still there. It's just not hanging directly over me. It's moving off to somewhere out in the distance, and hopefully won't return again anytime soon.
I have a LOT to be thankful for. I am truly one blessed woman. I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, and I am thankful for the experiences of this past year. I'm slowly learning...
As you could tell from previous posts, I was not doing so well with being back in Alaska (from summer vacation). Ever since I was a teenager, I've dealt with clinical depression and anxiety. The Black Cloud comes and goes. It especially reappears when a I go through any major life changes; I do best when I have a routine to follow, and once that is broken, my brain goes haywire. (I am thankful that I have a husband who does his best to understand this...illness).
I tried my hardest to not fail myself or my family. I saw living in Alaska as a challenge that needed to be conquered. I was determined to have a positive outlook, and enjoy the adventure. Truth is, I knew that I was in trouble when we crossed the Canadian border.
Having grown up in small town Louisiana, and having been a lonely (almost only) child, I quickly learned as an adult that I could never do well in any near state of isolation. I need lots of people. I need lots of things to do. I think I've mentioned before that I'd most probably be at my best if I lived in a big high-rise near the ocean (Miami maybe...I dunno, I've never been there).
When I returned to Alaska after our summer vacation, I lost all motivation. I didn't want to go back, and hid my tears from the kids on the last leg of the journey home. We came home to a cold empty house (Phil is overseas at the moment), and I knew right then and there that I could not do it anymore. I'd purposely left Alaska and spent so much time in the Lower 48 during the Summer, to shorten the time that we had alone in Alaska without Phillip; waiting for him to come home from his second deployment in the year and a half that we'd been there. Even though I enjoyed the trips to New Jersey/NYC and Washington D.C., and then Louisiana and Gulf Shores, Alabama, I regretted that I left Alaska at all. Because leaving, and then coming home was so difficult.
I got so sick. I wouldn't eat. I did my best to take care of myself and the kids (and to hide any negativity from them). I couldn't fathom spending the Holidays in Alaska, and away from family in Louisiana. I couldn't see going through another harsh winter there either; I saw our first winter as adventure, the upcoming one...not so much.
I went back and forth, on a daily basis, on trying to decide what was best for all of us. Should I try to stay? Should I go home to family? I had my children to think about. Should I uproot Gabe from his school and friends? Leaving meant that when Phillip came home from his deployment, he'd come home to an empty house, and then we would have to spend more time without him, waiting for him to fulfill his commitment in Alaska. I didn't want to put any of us through more time, than necessary, apart. After weeks of worry on everyone's part (Phillip and family included), during a conversation with Phillip one morning, we both decided that it was best that I just go home.
Hardly anyone knew what I was going through. I hide my feelings well. But, a good friend of mine who knew what was going on (partly because of what I wasn't saying, she said), told me that the Peace that I was feeling at having made a decision, was proof that I made the right one. A close family member reassured me that it sounded to him like my decision was not a selfish one; if anything, I was doing it to be a better wife and mother.
It was a long process, but the kids and I finally got the Official Orders to leave Alaska on Early Release of Dependents.
On Halloween night, I took the kids trick-or-treating. We came home and got ready for bed. Usually, at around 9 pm, we would go upstairs and cuddle for a bit in my bed before going to sleep. On that particular night though, I told Gabe that we would have to stay up later to wait for a special packet of information (that Daddy was sending over via UPS) to be delivered that would help us with the move. When the doorbell rang, I asked Gabe to get the door (as I was fumbling with my camera, and pretending to look at Halloween photos). He fully expected to see the UPS man.
I was able to get video of two very surprised and incredibly happy children, as Phillip walked through door; he'd come home on Emergency Leave to help us with the whole sticky relocation process. I can't tell you how Thankful I was that he was there to help us, and that we got to be together for that brief (but very busy) amount of time.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, November 9, the kids, the cat, and I said goodbye to Phillip and to Alaska. He went back to his duties overseas soon after we left Fairbanks.
The three of us are content to be back home. Even Pichou, the cat, who wasn't so keen on airplane travel, seems excited about, and comfortable with her new surroundings.
This evening, I'm so very Thankful for having the support of family as the kids and I make a new life here in South Louisiana, until the four of us can be together again on a new assignment. Gabe is in a new school, and adjusting to new classmates. Sarah will start a new pre-K next week. We'll getting back into the swing of things with karate and ballet classes soon. I've found an awesome apartment with a lake view, and fountains to listen to. And, the kids are with Phillip's parents in Texas right now, visiting family for the holiday while I get some much needed mental and physical rest.
I can't totally poo-poo on the whole Alaskan experience. I made some genuine friends there that I will miss dearly, and hope to see again in the future.
As for the "Black Cloud", it's still there. It's just not hanging directly over me. It's moving off to somewhere out in the distance, and hopefully won't return again anytime soon.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hey There!
Pictures have been added to the Alaska Bound photo collection.
The kids and I have been carrying the camera around more lately, so that we can capture images of life in Alaska while we are still here.
More on that last statement later...
Take care everyone!
J~
The kids and I have been carrying the camera around more lately, so that we can capture images of life in Alaska while we are still here.
More on that last statement later...
Take care everyone!
J~
Monday, September 19, 2011
Quote for the day...
"Many of the great achievements of the world
were accomplished by tired and discouraged
men and women who kept on working."
-Anonymous
I've been busy lately.
My desktop computer is still broken; I had someone come to the house to see what was going on with it, and she couldn't figure it out (I was told that if she couldn't, then no one could). I'll have to bring it in to an actual fix-it shop to have it worked on. It's unable to read any kind of connection from internet, or my son's gaming joystick. I just need to find the right place...I have other priorities at the moment.
I'm still dealing with homesickness (guess that I had too much fun this summer in civilization), and I really wish that our family didn't have to be going through another separation. After a while, it just gets to you. I no longer see deployments as an adventure, or battle to be conquered. I can't really come up with the proper words to tell you what it's like anymore.
But, I'm working on a major Attitude Adjuster, and when I get through it, I'll let you know how it went.
Until then, take care everyone. And thanks for visiting.
I'll be back soon.
Promise.
J~
Sunday, August 21, 2011
It's going back Up again...
Slowly.
But, I'm getting back into a routine. Cleaning house helps. School started, and that helps too. I've got someone coming over to fix my desktop computer.
Baby steps.
Can you do me a favor? I see on my Feedjit, down below, that I have some really cool visitors from lots of different places (lots from The Ultimate Female). I'd like for you to click on "Follow" (or "join this site" to the right of the page) so that I can get an idea of who you are. Or, leave me a comment to introduce yourself.
It's just a curiosity.
Have a great weekend!
J~
But, I'm getting back into a routine. Cleaning house helps. School started, and that helps too. I've got someone coming over to fix my desktop computer.
Baby steps.
Can you do me a favor? I see on my Feedjit, down below, that I have some really cool visitors from lots of different places (lots from The Ultimate Female). I'd like for you to click on "Follow" (or "join this site" to the right of the page) so that I can get an idea of who you are. Or, leave me a comment to introduce yourself.
It's just a curiosity.
Have a great weekend!
J~
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Downs...
No Ordinary Life it is. We'll have our ups, and we'll have our downs.
Since I returned to Alaska last week, it's been really DOWN.
I haven't even updated my FB status since then, because I have nothing good to say.
I was ready to come home to my house and things. I was ready to get back to a routine. I'm not so sure about that anymore. I liked it better living out of a suitcase at my in-laws house. At least we were close to loved ones.
Though we had a wonderful time home, I think that the break in routine from Alaska living has severely messed with me. The wind has been taken out of my sails (to put it simply), because I miss Louisiana, my family there, and my husband. Alaska is, to me, a really lonely place, and I really don't look forward to spending any more time here than I have to. Some people come here, and LOVE IT. I'm one of the group that pretty close to hates it. I need City. I need people.
And to make matters worse, my desktop computer is not reading my wireless adapter or an ethernet cable, so I have no internet on my big screen.
I'm very slowly easing myself back into the swing of things. I keep trying to remind myself that I used to find some positive things about living here. I'll be okay. I'll get by. I always do.
This one's gonna take a LOT of time though.
J~
Since I returned to Alaska last week, it's been really DOWN.
I haven't even updated my FB status since then, because I have nothing good to say.
I was ready to come home to my house and things. I was ready to get back to a routine. I'm not so sure about that anymore. I liked it better living out of a suitcase at my in-laws house. At least we were close to loved ones.
Though we had a wonderful time home, I think that the break in routine from Alaska living has severely messed with me. The wind has been taken out of my sails (to put it simply), because I miss Louisiana, my family there, and my husband. Alaska is, to me, a really lonely place, and I really don't look forward to spending any more time here than I have to. Some people come here, and LOVE IT. I'm one of the group that pretty close to hates it. I need City. I need people.
And to make matters worse, my desktop computer is not reading my wireless adapter or an ethernet cable, so I have no internet on my big screen.
I'm very slowly easing myself back into the swing of things. I keep trying to remind myself that I used to find some positive things about living here. I'll be okay. I'll get by. I always do.
This one's gonna take a LOT of time though.
J~
Sunday, August 7, 2011
It's time to go home (to Alaska, that is).
So, I mentioned that there is no place like home, and I sincerely mean that; I love being here in Louisiana. It's been an awesome trip down so far, but after being away from our house, and normal routine for almost 6 weeks, I think we're all realizing that it's time to go back.
I miss my bed.
We miss our cat.
We really miss Phillip.
Sarah cries often for her Daddy. And, her toys...her best friend, Kendra. I think that once she gets back to Alaska, her little world will be right again.
I'll post again soon. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures that posted in our Photo Collection (...memories). I have yet to put captions on the photos, but...well, ya know, I tired.
We just got back last night from a week in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
J~
I miss my bed.
We miss our cat.
We really miss Phillip.
Sarah cries often for her Daddy. And, her toys...her best friend, Kendra. I think that once she gets back to Alaska, her little world will be right again.
I'll post again soon. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures that posted in our Photo Collection (...memories). I have yet to put captions on the photos, but...well, ya know, I tired.
We just got back last night from a week in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
J~
Sunday, July 24, 2011
So, like I said...
Our cat, Pichou (the one with the blue flower on her collar), looks quite content in our her new surroundings.
While I'm happy that she seems to be enjoying herself, and has made a new friend in Max, I'm worried that she may be a bit lonely without his companionship when we bring her back home after our vacation. I also hear that the children of her temporary home are getting quite attached to her.
Any cat experts out there wanna share your thoughts on this? Really. Comment. I want/need your advice on this.
With that being said, I see that at least 34 people have an interest in my blog (followers, etc.). Thanks! It means a lot to me. It really does.
And, after vacation, when I have access to a real computer (not this teeny, tiny little laptop), I will do some major catching up on everyone else's blogs.
Because, I really do enjoy reading about what everyone else is up to. The creativity that flows through the blogosphere inspires me.
Have a good day, Y'all!
J~
With that being said, I see that at least 34 people have an interest in my blog (followers, etc.). Thanks! It means a lot to me. It really does.
And, after vacation, when I have access to a real computer (not this teeny, tiny little laptop), I will do some major catching up on everyone else's blogs.
Because, I really do enjoy reading about what everyone else is up to. The creativity that flows through the blogosphere inspires me.
Have a good day, Y'all!
J~
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