Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I Didn't Expect This

Yesterday was my first deployment ceremony ever. I've been two a couple of re-deployments, once to photograph my friend and her husband and once as a representative of the USO.

I met my boss yesterday at the USO and we proceeded to where the group deploying was gathering at. It was a small group, about 22 people, so the ceremony was very informal. We set up some drinks and snacks and got our goodie bags together to give to the soldiers as they left.

I didn't anticipate having a sad feeling, but I did. We actually had several regulars of the USO deploy with this group and the thought that I wouldn't be seeing them for a year was sad. One of them actually asked me if I'd be there when he got back. I assured him he was stuck with me for the next couple of years, so he had nothing to worry about.

I know it's going to be even worse when Sean's brigade deploys. Not only will I be saying goodbye to my husband, but I'll be saying goodbye to practically the whole population of the post.

I do love my job, but I have to say this part of it really sucks.

Now for some cheery news.

I have recieved almost everything I've ordered in the last few days. I finally broke down and ordered the eyeshadow primer that my make-up guru Sara has been encouraging me to get for the last six months. I was beyond tired of my eyeshadow creasing by the end of the day.



Plus is this not the cutest bottle? Makes me feel like I'm in I Dream of Jeannie!
Now I'm just waiting for my copy of 501 Italian Verbs to get here. It's time I got to work on my conjugating!

I'm debating whether or not to go to Venice this weekend. I don't have anything planned on Friday or Saturday so I'm thinking it might be a good idea. However, another part of me thinks I should go to one of the smaller towns that are around that I haven't explored yet.

Oh and a big thank you to everyone who left such nice comments about my pictures. You guys encourage me in so many ways and for that I thank you!

12 comments:

Jon and Steph said...

Venice for the weekend would be great! You'd have a great time!

I'm so sorry that you had a tough day.

Jessica Lynn said...

Personally, my vote is to see another part of Italy that way you don't get into a routine of going to the same place all the time! Then again, Venice is awesome! did you ever check out Murano and Burano right next door to Venice?

Kebi Cedawna said...

I would think deployments would be the hardest part too.
It's great thought that you've already begun to make some great friendships and things are different than it was in LA.
I sent you an email, it's short, but good. :)

Fidgeting Gidget said...

Venice is fun, but be prepared for tons of people and to pay 8 euros for a Coke....I would recommend just drinking wine. And you can't take pictures in St. Mark's, either....which kinda sucks. I'd do the little towns instead!

lola said...

I've been to a homecoming thing at the airport for soldiers and airmen that were flying through BWI. It was really heartwarming. I would much rather see that end of things than the deployment end..

As for where to visit, I just saw a friend's pictures from Amalfi Coast and it was gorgeous! If the weather is nice, it might be a phenomenal trip! :)

Heather said...

Oh, how I wish I could be debating on whether to go to Venice for the weekend. Really. My choices all include small, rural Alabama towns. Nowhere near as exciting. Needless to say, I'm jealous! Enjoy wherever you choose to explore. :)
And I'll be waiting on a review for the eyeshadow primer! I hate creasing eyeshadow.

Becca said...

My husband has been home for 5 years and I STILL get choked up at anyone's deployments and redeployments. It's tough.

If you go to Venice, go ahead and wander off the usual path. We found the best Chinese restaurant when we took a wrong turn. I haven't been to Murano or Burano before either, I'm looking forward to them. I've been watching the Travel Channel to get geared up!

Anonymous said...

Amen about deployments and how they completely SUCK!

A large Sum of the population at Ft. Richardson left when my husband left too. Its so weird :-(

SS said...

You have obvioulsy made a positive connection with the men/women you work with. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job.

New beauty products are good for the soul! Timely arrival.

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I use that!!!! I discovered it last summer and it's amazing!!! You will not be sorry using it. I put it on and my eye shadow last ALL day!!

I'm sorry you had to see people you are about deploy. It's so hard! Stay strong!

jlc said...

(In response to your comment:)

Margherita di Savoia... my best friend has a condo there.

But we spent most of the summer back and forth from Mola di Bari. And then later headed up to Rome. Heaven. :)

Windy City Kelley's said...

I love, love, love that eye stuff. But be careful not to get it on your lashes because it clumps REALLY badly.