Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Back In The Boot

I'm happy to say that after my long blogging hiatus that I have returned to Italy and should be back to blogging regularly again.

I have mixed feelings about my visit to the States. As most of you know, it was R&R for us and to be quite honest, it wasn't what I expected. I honestly thought I was passing this deployment with flying colors, but after R&R it's quite obvious that I, as well as Sean, won't come out unscathed from this deployment. R&R had its good times, but it also had its share of bad times and to put it mildly, it didn't end up being what I expected at all.

Sometimes I think it would just be easier not to have R&R, it's so hard to welcome someone home that you haven't seen in months, just to send them off again and at least for us, I believe it was hard for Sean to adjust from being in a war zone to just kicking back and relaxing.

My trip to NYC was a blast and of course I took a ton of pictures, some I will be sharing later this week once I get them uploaded and edited. So be prepared for lots of pics and stories about my trip!

Now I'm just trying to readjust from being back in the States to being back in Europe. I'm actually pretty homesick right now. More so than I have been in the last year. I'm hoping in the next week or so that will kind of pass and I'll get back to enjoy living here.

Make sure you come back tomorrow! I'm hosting a stop on a tour for author Susan Wiggs, who has a new fiction book on a military marriage. I'll be giving my review of the book and also featuring a guest blog from Susan.

28 comments:

❈ Annie - Blonde Glambition ❈ said...

YAY!! You're back to blogging!! I've missed your posts. I have mixed feelings about R&R too. It really plays at the heart strings. I know you will find your inner strength though. The first few days/weeks following R&R are just emotionally draining....blah. But just think, now it's on to the next homecoming...the BEST one :) Can't wait to hear about all of your travels!! And welcome back!!

My Army Brats and Me said...

Glad you had some time together. One of my girlfriends husband never takes his R&R for that very reason. Anyway glad everyone is safe and look forward to the time going fast for you.

d.a.r. said...

R&R was fun...don't get me wrong, but I felt like I was just passing time until he left again. I couldn't really enjoy any of it because all I could think about was "only 11 days left...only 10 days left...".

Hang in there, everyone copes differently and you are definitely put in a more difficult situation with being a billion miles away from everything that is comfortable and familiar. Praying for you...

Jessica Lynn said...

I'm glad you're back! I've missed your posts, too. So sorry R&R wasn't what you imagined, but now you're one step closer to having him back, right?!

tootie said...

Welcome back! Can't wait to see your NYC pics!

Erin said...

That is what I hate about R&R. I personally think it is just a big tease!

SarahEileen said...

I swear just yesterday I stopped by your blog trying to figure out if you were ever coming back to blogland! I'm glad you're back!

I'm sorry about R&R. Everything deployment related kinda sucks, huh? You're strong tho and I have no doubt that you (and Sean) will bounce back from this whole thing stronger than when you started.

BTW, from what my husband has told me, his unit will be replacing your husband's at the end of the year. Ironic? Small world?

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back and that overall you had a decent trip.

Carissa said...

I'm sorry that R&R was a disappointment. It's always so hard to know what to expect. For us, R&R was good, but it took me a long time to adjust to having Zack back after he got home from the deployment for good. A few months in I was beginning to wonder if we would ever return to "normal". But day by day it got better. I don't know if it will ever be like pre-deployment, we both grow and change during that long of a time period, but you find a new normal and fall in love all over again. Try not to stress about it now, there's no use. Take care!

Lindsey said...

Glad you had some time together! But I'm glad you're back to blogging!=)

Unknown said...

I'm worried about R&R... my husband comes back in a few days and I'm worried about re-adjusting afterwards.

Natalie said...

Glad you are back to blogging! Sorry your visit wasn't what you expected. I really think you military wives are so brave and strong!

Mary Teresa said...

I know some of our guys are going on a male trip to somewhere without family to avoid the tension that R&R can create. I'm sorry it wasn't what you pictured and I know I'm thinking about you especially as my first deployment looms close.

Allison said...

It was always hard to come back to Europe after spending time in the states...I think you forget how much you miss being home if you just don't visit, ya know?

Looking forward to seeing your pictures!!

Tasha said...

It's good to see you back on my blog list! I'm sorry R&R wasn't what you expected. :-( Can I just say that I totally admire you for being so strong and supporting your husband while he serves our country! I admire the sacrifices that you make, that he makes, and that all of our military people make! I can't wait to see your NYC pics! :-)

Honey said...

Glad you made it back to Europe. I'm sorry r&r was difficult, but it's got to get better from here as the deployment counts down. Hang in there!

Sarah said...

I'm sorry to hear that your R&R wasn't everything you'd hoped it would be. I don't know how we would handle it. But it's scary to imagine. BUT it's over and done with and hopefully you've learned lessons that will help you out in the future. Not to mention it sounds like you still had a pretty good time! Glad that you're back.

Anonymous said...

SOrry to hear about your R & R. Susan Wiggs is one of my favorite authors. I had not heard about this book. What is the name?

Expat Girl said...

Welcome back! I have missed you! I am sorry to hear about RnR I think we all just build it up so much in our heads and then its such a tease when we have to say goodbye so soon after. I am definitely dreading another goodbye again. I hope you get through the homesickness soon. I cant wait to see your pics!

Emily said...

Glad to have you back to blogging :) Hope the home sickness goes away soon!

Alia said...

R&R is a mean mean tease! I'm sorry it wasn't what you planned, but if it makes you feel better I'm happy you are back! I love reading your posts :)

stefanie said...

I am glad you are back!!! I am sorry R&R wasn't as you expected it to be.

Goodnight moon said...

Welcome back, although, I wish you were still in your lovers arms:)

I've lived in Israel and Ireland growing up, (my dad was a Marine), and it is so hard to come back to the states after being overseas for so long.

Americans are different, aren't we?!?!

Good luck adjusting back...I look forward to your pics:)

Ashley said...

I feel the same way about R&R! It's like by the time you and they adjust to them being here it's time to adjust to them being gone again...so emotionally exhausting. I can't wait to hear about nyc :)
It's one of my favorite places to visit. I wouldn't want to live there but I love visiting!

Mira said...

I'm sure you are well aware that military life is not a joke and that's R&R is not a game. It's real life. You're not the only one who experienced it this way. I have frineds who went through a night mare during R&R. Just relax for a few days and you'll enjoy Italy all over again. Get your self some great food and wine. :)
Hang in there! If you miss little bit of America, come to Aviano! :)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Yay! I'm glad your back! I missed your blogs!

Kebi Cedawna said...

Yay, I'm so glad you're back!

Lisa said...

Glad to see you're back! I definitely missed reading your blog!

We didn't get R&R, but P was lucky enough to have his deployment shortened and is home now. Even if he didn't have it shortened, he wasn't planning to take it. But I'm glad you had some time with Sean! Looking forward to photos!!