What to say?

Today I was asked to write an article for my husband's battalion newsletter. Which got me to thinking... what do I write about. Anyone who knows me knows that when it comes to talking about military life as a military wife I cant shut up. But what do I say to a captive audience who really has an idea of what this is all about. Do I tell a funny story? Talk about the amazing friendships I have found? Discuss the feelings I have had when people have made me feel like my husband's job isnt as important as their husband's job even though they wear the same uniform? All of the above? I know that even though we as spouses are all different we fight some of the same battles on a day to day basis. Sometimes we hold our heads high and sometimes there is one straw that breaks the camels back and we have to let it all out. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Its all about me!

As a brief intro about today I will tell you that over the past few weeks (ok months) I have determined that there are an awful lot of selfish people out there. The strange thing about it is they think everyone else is selfish. It blows my mind! Maybe Im one of them and I dont even know it. Could I be a delusional self - lover... well that sounded kinda gross but you get the point. There are those out there, we all have them for friends, that think no matter what shitty thing happened to you today whatever happened to them was worse. It could have happened to them today, yesterday or in the fourth grade but whatever it was it tops whatever bad thing you wanted them to make you feel better about.
Upon reflecting on this phenomenon I found an old writing of mine circa 2008. I wrote it before my husband deployed and we were still just young fools in love. I believe it was deployment number 2 for us? Maybe it was number 3. Hell, who knows the point remains the same. Sometimes we need a reminder that in this life there are other people along for the ride with us.
Enjoy my little story of pre - deployment self- realization:

So here it is 8:30pm (whatever that is in military time) on the last weekend before he deploys and I ready myself for dinner. Truth be told I have been readying myself for our last date night for at least a month. He, however, is packing his gear and I do everything I can do distract myself from everything that this task means. I straighten my hair, put on the dress that he likes so much, pretend that it doesnt piss me off that we are going to miss the movie that he told me he would take me too, put on my make up, straighten my hair again... then I notice he is still in sweats and still checking his gear list. So I, in aggrivation, take my engagement ring off and set it by the sink. I dont know what exactly this is supposed to symbolize but I figure whatever it is I dont want him to notice so I decide that Ill start doing dishes and laundry... all while wearing my little black dress. I begin to think to myself "self what the hell are you doing..." My former self would never in a million years wait for a man. In fact it was something that I was proud of. But now the dishes are done and he is is still packing gear... and there are more things in varying colors of camo that have accumulated next to the washing machine. I suppose thats a hint that they need to be washed. In stead of taking my ball and going home I pick up all things camo and stuff them in the wash... and begin to ponder his call to duty. Thus I begin to think about my call. I mean for God's sake I have a masters degree. I am in law school. I am not a confused little housewife that does dishes, and laundry, and waits for him to take me to dinner. At least I thought I wasnt. But then I remember that this isnt about me... not even a little bit not even at all. My call to duty is the same as his. Yet we go about it in different ways. I put my ring back on and I tell him that I love him. I empty the washing machine as I hum the Marine Corps hymn and my eyes begin to tear. I love my country and I love him. This isnt about me not even a little bit not even at all...

Day 1 - No one is here but it is a start!

So I have always wanted to write a book about my life as a Marine wife. As a recent law school graduate and having just celebrated my one year wedding anniversary I am learning something new every day.
One thing I have found out for certain is that as a military wife there can be no part time friends. You are in or you are out. More often then not it seems that most people are out. The ones that do stick with you through the moves, deployments, fights with your spouse, moving again, crying, celebrations, homecomings, babies, dogs, long drives home, and nights on the couch together crying over movies that no one else dare admit they even watch are the ones that will forever be a part of your life.
I suppose that this blog is my Tengo Yankee... my thank you... to them. The wine drinking ladies that dont leave my side. They are the ones that get what its like to be a military wife. I hope that this blog proves entertaining. If not well, sorry, it will be a place for me to let it all out. After all, when your husband is off playing superman more then half the year, every year. Someone else has to hear you bitch!