Ball Weekend

We just returned from our deployment brief/ ball weekend. It was nice to be with others going through the same emotions, but it certainly made it real. I was doing completely fine until I sat in the room and saw those faces and was reminded of all my feelings from other deployments. I met some amazing women and was able to share my story in order to help new girlfriends, wives, etc. It felt good to have the courage to tell them after 6 deployments, I am still anxious and overwhelmed.

My deployment diet has started. My stomach has been in knots all weekend. Food sounds good, but quickly makes me nauseous. I think that once I get AJ out the door, and get into a routine I will feel less anxious.

In less then 12 hours our journey begins. AJ is in the garage packing and cleaning. I know that leaving us, even for the couple initial weeks, is going to be hard on him. I packed a card in his hygiene bag from Gracyen. I know he is going to miss us all, but especially his little monkey.

I hope to post ball picture soon!