Too many months without the men folk....

means that I have to have a different frame of mind when I call one of my girlfriends on the phone. For so long, when I would call them, of course there is a female voice on the other end. The boat has been home a month now, but subtract the vacation weeks, I have only been making these phone calls for a few weeks. It totally throws me for a loops when a male voice answers. I have a momentary pause....who did I call, and who is this answering the phone? For my wonderful San Juan friends, I will try to remember that your husbands are home now, and have every right to answer their telephone.

The perfect outfit...

...is now sitting in my closet. Well, actually it is on the bed. If it is anything like the other clothes on the bed it might be there for a couple more days. The important thing is, it is now in my possession. My own personal rules dictate that it be weather appropriate, and functional for (semi) everyday wear. My outfit meets both of these requirements. Homecoming is still a long ways away, but it is nice to accomplish these little milestones. It helps to make it feel like it is coming sooner.

I was amazed at the last homecoming about the outfits I see people wear. I mean really, there is no reason to wear a "hoochie-mama" skirt in forty degree weather. I have less issue with shoes, but I really don't see the purpose in six inch heels on the pier either. I could really care less what other people wear, but I just don't understand why some women think that homecoming day is the perfect day to show off the boobs or the behind. Your sailor knows what these look like, he will enjoy being home regardless of whether he (and the rest of the crew) get a showing of "the goods." So why not find a cute (and warm) outfit, and save the peep show for home?

Early Morning Phone Calls

I will admit, my favorite time of the day to receive phone calls from my husband is during the wee hours of the morning, EST. This of course only applies to the days when he is making phone calls from distant lands, and time zones. If he continues this practice of calling me on the telephone when the boat is here in Groton, CT, he's got some 'splainin' to do. Getting a phone call at 4am means that there is nothing is going to interrupt a nice conversation. There will be no background noise if I am in a store. There is no worry of other phone calls ringing in, and I won't have to find the phone because it is always on the night stand.

The hardest part about waiting for phone calls is the actual waiting for the phone call. It is very emotionally draining to be carrying the cell phone with me everywhere, worried that the second the phone is out of my hand, will be the second he calls, and I am unable to answer. Though I miss talking to him, it is almost a relief when they are unable to call, because I can rest easy knowing that I will not miss an opportunity to talk to him.

I will continue to wait patiently for my phone calls until they leave, but am anxiously waiting for the day when my good morning will not require a very expensive phone card, time zone calculations and country code.

U.S. Submarine San Juan Visits South Africa - US AFRICOM News

U.S. Submarine San Juan Visits South Africa - US AFRICOM News

So even if I cannot remember exactly where the husband is planning to go, the world news agencies will keep up with it for me. Its pretty cool that they get to go play games with other countries. Hopefully the husband will bring me a souvenir native to Africa......a diamond!

Update: No sooner than I posted this, but the husband calls!

Out to Sea Wallhanging

This adorable wallhanging was a gift from Willow, and Willow's creative MIL. Though I don't have much "sub" stuff around the house, I loved it, and am excited to hang it up. I just need to find some great photos to go in the openings!

Excuses Excuses

So my husband has been in port for 27 hours (as of this posting), and has not seen fit to call me yet. It has been two and a half months since I have been able to speak with him, and I am not very happy. I am taking theories as to what, besides sheer stupidity could be the root of this problem.

• Blew up the boat, and restricted to quarters? (Of course then quarters might be in pieces)
• Assigned to babysit NUBS in a local daycare center
• Someone stole his wallet, including credit card and ID, far from the boat (yes there are already charges) and he is sitting with a homeless sign somewhere on the island.....

Any other theories?

Its an Anniversary....

...for my husband and his mistress, the United States Navy! Congrats LT! So, this is more or less a formality. Every Ensign makes it to JG, two years after commissioning. Every JG makes it to LT, four years after commisioning (after two years as a JG).  I think that at some point, making LT required some sort of selection process.  I am not sure when exactly that ended. The next promotion to LCDR is not an automatic promotion. I don't think that he is going to be in the navy long enough to concerned about this promotion, but no one knows what the future holds!

Yes, I know that this is not a picture of the husband, but they are the only sexy Navy Lieutenants that I can oogle over at the moment. The husband has been adequately supplied with a new poopie suit with appropriate collar devices. He will have to update the others on his own. But the new coveralls were previously sent to the boat with another sailor who met up with the boat.

Navy Ball, sans the Navy Boy

This is the hair. I loved what Sonia did. I t is getting longer, and I didn't want to cut too much off. Also we are experimenting with the bangs. I had to take the dog for a walk after the hair, and before the "prom," hence the track suit.

Willow was my lovely date. We had a fantastic time, and its definately sad that the boys couldn't be there with us, but you've got to "make lemonade." Thanks Willow for suggesting that we go!

My accessories for the evening included my fabulous hat/headband, along with my little fur cape, and fantastic gigantic ring (not shown). Robin in the blue dress was my stylist yesterday. Without her, I would have come in the dress that won the "eenie meenie, miney, moe" debate, and I definately would not have had the hat.

Sleep Talking

The husband's email yesterday was very cute. He told me that the ENG reminded him of me (scary)? So, as I continued through the email, I was waiting for the punchline, just as you are now. On board, the husband is in a stateroom with the ENG (Engineer on the boat) and the CHOP (Supply Officer on the boat), and as it turns out Eng also talks in his sleep at night.  He also made it very clear, that much prefers to listen to my sleepy mumblings than those of the ENG. I think its cute.

The nights I talk in mysleep, are the nights when I am totally wiped out and exhausted. I have been having alot of those lately, but there is no one to tell me what secrets I might be revealing. I was discussing with a girlfriend, what sleep conditions might disqualify you from submarine service. Sleep walking could be a hazard on a submarine?

MEDEVAC off a submarine....

I am sure everyone is very curious what happens if someone needs to leave the submarine. Its not exactly an easy task, and I am sure it is is a very expensive process. I remember being told by our XO's wife prior to the last deployment that it is a very dangerous activity, and if we were smart we wouldn't want our husband to leave the boat this way. I understood what she was saying, and I had seen THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, where they had sent one of the Baldwin brothers out to the "Dallas. This video is real, and kudos to both the submariners and coast guard crew for a safe execution of this very dangerous maneuver. I hope the evacuated crew member is safe and well soon!

If Dr. Seuss were in the Navy....

So it is still such a long way off, but I got to thinking about it tonight, and it just came to me. Enjoy!


‘Twas the night before homecoming

And out on the pier
Not a creature was stirring
‘Cept for the watch standers near

The hustle and bustle
Of the San Juan return
Could almost be heard
It was almost their turn

The parking, the crowds
Are headaches for sure,
Don’t worry, Its worth it
Just one midnight tour!

The deployment was over
Stand down was near
The women were primping
The children would cheer

Ready your cover
Ready your gear
It is time to meet us
The date, it is here!

The ORSE is completed
The paperwork done
Just blow that horn
And come out for the sun

I see my dear sailor
The heart missed a beat
With flowers in hand
He is always so sweet!

It takes a strong wife
To wait for that vessel
It’s a hard navy life
But each moment is special

If you’re unlucky, like me
And he’s stuck with duty
Don’t fret don’t you worry
You’re still such a cutie

Dinner on the boat
Can be quite a treat
Even if the air
Smells like dirty feet

So one more wakeup
‘Til my day is here
He can finally come home
And leave that darn pier.

Now, My sailor is home
You know what comes next
So leave me alone,
Its time for some CENSORED.


*************
Now don't steal my rhyme
Neither the stanza nor verse
I claim it as mine
And fraud is the worst

If you're a putz
And don't like my writing
Leave me a comment
And you can try rhyming!

But all just the same
Comment love is so sweet
Thanks for visiting my blog
You are all such a treat!

CNO Open to Putting Women on Submarines

Read Full Navy Times Article Here

I don't quite know what to think about this. Perhaps this is the brainchild of an admiral who didn't have any sons to become the next generation of submariners. On one hand, it doesn't quite seem fair that they should be excluded from the fun times of days without showers, sharing racks, boat smell, NR critiques, but why in the world does a woman want to be stuck in a tin can with 100 other sailors? Eventually the submarine pier will be proportionally populated with skirts, but what good really come of this? Who wants a group of whiny women stuck without makeup and curling irons?

I won't lie. I like that this is still an old boys club. However, the deployment brings enough drama with the rumors that go on about the wives. I suppose these men just don't want to feel left out, and want to start their own adultry rumors. I don't have have any questions about faithfulness in my marriage, but when you go months at a time, eating, sleeping, and not sleeping with the same people stupid things happen. Does this drama really need the assistance of months without sunshine?

The bubblehead makes some good points about it here... Bubblehead's blog....

Detailer's Wives Briefing

Or is it "Detailers' wives' briefing" or more simply Detailers come to Groton to talk to the women-folk. I truly appreciated this briefing. I am sure the detailers' briefing for the guys at SOBC was similar but questions I am sure were vastly different. It was very informative. The powerpoints had alot of very small information, and I forgot my glasses, but I feel better knowing that information I already knew was actually correct, and the information I didn't know was easy to digest. I am sure alot of it is fluff to make me feel better, and convince me the navy holds a very lucrative future. I did get the opportunity to ask some questions that have been driving me nuts for months.

Staying in or getting out is such huge dilemna. The state of the economy is a huge proponent for staying in. Its hard to thinking about walking away from such great security when so many industries are still suffering. The bonuses are definately a very stong motivator. But at the same time, how can you sacrifice the time you lose for the COPAY. Time that you have apart is time that you can never get back. When you have children and family missing those moments is not something that I want Drew to have to have do. Its a huge sacrifice for service to your country, and perhaps not so bad if you get to put time on hold while you are away. You cannot stop time. You cannot help but miss birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths, and all those wonderful events in between.

Navy Network Information Center

Update: 6/9/2011:  This is probably the post where I get the most hits, and before I get any more crazy comments (which are moderated), I thought I would set the record straight. I have since learned that NNIC shows up ANY time someone is accessing my blog (or anyone's site) from a Navy Controlled computer. Whether that be some admiral in Washington DC, a petty officer on the Enterprise, or a land locked recruiter at his computer in Kansas City, it will all show up the same. So conspiracy theorists, put your theories to rest. No one is stalking you.

I am intrigued. Someone from here has been scoping me out more than once! Apparently they find my ebay purchases and VS PINK pants exciting. I am sure I have been flagged because I occasionally talk about our crazy navy life. Or perhaps the crazy women of the San Juan have started to ruffle more feathers than those of the BB housing office. Perhaps they are worried I am going to divulge national secrets amongst my my musings. No secrets to be had here. I think that is the one thing that I find most annoying...I can ask my husband a question that seams pretty innocent, but the lack of comment and the nasty look that follows indicates that information is not for my ears. I love secrets, and living with a man who has more than me is a royal PITA. Honestly, I could really care less about classified submarine tactics. I just don't like it that he knows something I don't know. (Seriously, if he knew how many licks it took to get to the center of the tootsie roll pop, and couldn't tell me....it would drive me insane!) I will have to live with this disappointment. I will have to be satisfied knowing that he did something very cool or very boring in the time he spends away from me, and thats about it. Occasionally I hear stories about the removing of stateroom doors and san tanks exploding. I get to hear about the mushroom omelets, float tests, and the halo marathons. I suppose these topics are probably the most exciting day to day activities for him anyway.

I will continue to be intrigued that Big Brother is watching...maybe they will leave a comment next time!

Surprise Gifts

I found this lovely surprise at my door yesterday. It is from my secret buddy. There is nothing better than these types of surprises to brighten my day. So far my secret pal has surprised me with Dominos Cheesy bread (yes the delivery man showed at my door with cheesy bread), ice cream accessories, treats for Mack, cookies for me, and more.

To whoever you are...thank you! You brighten my day and make the hardest moments easier to bear!

Yay For Email

I received an email today for the husband. This is always exciting, but the question of the day is, why is it so exciting? He is my husband, I know that he misses me. Of course, it is nice to hear/see it. I know that he is alive, because that news would definitely not come by email. There is is nothing that (I NEED to know) he can tell me that I cannot find the answer to on my own. After all, being a navy wife means that you have to be able to manage everything on your own. It means being independent and self-confident. For some (thankfully not me!) it means being both a mother and a father. It means making important decisions on your own, and learning to live them.

It is quite a conundrum. Though I don't need the emails, I am always depressed when they don't come. If I get emails every day for a few days, I expect emails every day. I get dissapointed when they dont come every day. When I get emails every three days, I expect an email on that third day. If I don't get one my poor computer gets quite a work out as I feel compelled to check my email every 15 minutes. Drew's circumstances are hardly predictable, and its not fair to have my emotions directly tied to my gmail account. I suppose this is why there astronauts wearing diapers, reality dating shows, and a holiday that is celebrated with red and pink chocolates. We all just want to be wanted, we want to be missed, we want to be loved. We want a best friend. I am so happy that I married my best friend. Even if I don't get to see him everyday, he makes me feel special.

Skype!

It is so hard constantly waiting, but the boat pulled into the lovely city of Chania, Greece. This is Drew's third time to that port. It is nice to be able to talk to him. I was lucky, and Drew gave me my birthday present before they left. It was a new computer, perfect for talking on Skype. It has lots of wonderful featurs, and we got to explore many of them last night while talking on a video call.

Its nice to be able to talk, but it is even more special to be able to see each other. He tells me that at 7pm Groton time, (2am Chania time) there were multiple people sitting outside the rec building to use the wireless internet transmitted from the building. The building was closed, but many people were all talking to their families.

I am looking forward to another skype chat this evening!

Surviving!

Well, Drew is blowing bubbles again, and I am surviving, thanks to wonderful friends. It is hard, but its also part of the game we decided to play. It is easier to understand why there are so many failed marriages in the military community. When you take normal issues and add the "m" factor, it makes life hard. I am so thankful that we put in the extra effort to show appreciation for each other, and have learned how to work together.

I am slowly finding my routine. I am looking forward to a fun summer with lots of things planned. Hopefully, I can remember that while I am trying to make the time pass quickly, each moment is truly a gift. It is easy to try to get through the day. But, I know someday I will look back wonder where those moments went.