We pray. We think positive thoughts. We remain respectfully silent. We come together as a Coast Guard community to be there for each other, even if just in spirit when our family members are hurting.
Please keep the family members, friends, and shipmates of the missing crew members of the Coast Guard C-130 and the Marine Corps helicopter crew in mind when praying your intentions or sending positive vibes this week in whatever way you do or believe for our military members.
From CGBlog.org, I've borrowed the following, which was released by the AP:
Coast Guard identifies 9 missing in midair crash
By The Associated Press (AP)
The U.S. Coast Guard has identified nine people feared dead at sea following an air collision between a Coast Guard aircraft and a Marine Corps helicopter.
The missing crew members from the Coast Guard C-130 are all stationed in Sacramento, Calif., where their aircraft was based. You can read over at CGBlog.or for more:
http://www.cgblog.org/2009/10/31/prayer-request-for-the-following-families-and-their-comrades/
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Don't forgot to nominate a deserving military spouse!
Of course, we would advocate for Coast Guard spouses here at Waiting for Ships, but we appreciate all spouses, of every branch, who are supporting their loved ones in uniform. As such, we wish to remind you Military Spouse Magazine's 2010 Military Spouse of the Year contest is still accepting nominations at MSOY.MilSpouse.Com
There are currently 2 Coast Guard spouses nominated, I know there are so many awesome spouses out there that we can turn that list of 2 into a list of 200, maybe more.
Perhaps she is the Ombudsman at your spouses' unit who helped you through a rough patch. Maybe he's the volunteer at the downtown soup kitchen or your kid's soccer coach. He or she might even be the local youth pastor, a Red Cross volunteer, Spouse Association Membership Chair, or meals on wheels driver. We know recognition deserving people. We know giving and charitable spouses. They are our neighbors, friends, mentors and acquaintances. We just have to do our part in recognizing them!
Only 15 days left folks.
There are currently 2 Coast Guard spouses nominated, I know there are so many awesome spouses out there that we can turn that list of 2 into a list of 200, maybe more.
Perhaps she is the Ombudsman at your spouses' unit who helped you through a rough patch. Maybe he's the volunteer at the downtown soup kitchen or your kid's soccer coach. He or she might even be the local youth pastor, a Red Cross volunteer, Spouse Association Membership Chair, or meals on wheels driver. We know recognition deserving people. We know giving and charitable spouses. They are our neighbors, friends, mentors and acquaintances. We just have to do our part in recognizing them!
Only 15 days left folks.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Supporting everyone on the homefront.
So, we here at Waiting for Ships are obviously proud of our men in blue. That doesn't mean we aren't quite proud of our women in blue as well. While we don't have a resident CG husband, we do support our brethren. We do recognize that not all Coast Guard spouses are women. In fact, a number of us have friends who are 'dependent' spouses of the male persuasion.
Okay, let me stop right there. We do have a contributing writer here who is part of a active duty duo. How she and her husband make it all work, amazes me. That being said, he probably would have some interesting insight on being married to a Coast Guards(wo)man. How the heck would one even write that? Am I just chauvinistic here? You'll have to excuse me, because I'd just as soon call everyone "Coast Guardsmen", regardless of gender, but I digress.
One of my husband's good friends and a friend of mine as well is a retired fellow. He now plays the role of spouse, if you will; supporting his diligently working active duty wife. In fact, we just had the pleasure of visiting them, and I continuously ribbed the guy about donning an apron and attending spouse luncheons. Truly though, that's not how it goes, but you knew that didn't you?
Just like us wives, the husbands live their lives. They support there loved ones in blue and maintain their own identity. Male or female, husband or wife, active duty or not, it all comes down to loving the one you are with and respecting their choices, careers, talents, dreams, and so on.
To all you guys out there who wonder where the blog or website is about you, it's right here. We may be a bunch of crazy, silly, witty (I hope) women, but we have the same concerns and plights as you. We deal with the issues about how to tame the yard while chasing a toddler and your spouse is underway. We battle over the t.v. remote when our spouse is in port. We even argue about which one of us is a better BBQ expert.
Yes, even we stylish and bon-bon eating, high-heel wearing girly-girls ;) can PCS cross-country solo; burp the alphabet at a beer-drinking contest at the All Hand's Club (come on I can name a few); conquer WOW; and even change a flat tire (as long as we don't mussy up the manicure). You see, it's not about being a girl or a guy, it's about being a Coast Guard spouse. We adapt and mature as the ebbs and flows of this life bring us through both tough and smooth waters.
More to come on that, and if anyone wants to pipe in on what you want to read about pertaining to male spouses, let us hear it. We want everyone to feel welcome here.
Okay, let me stop right there. We do have a contributing writer here who is part of a active duty duo. How she and her husband make it all work, amazes me. That being said, he probably would have some interesting insight on being married to a Coast Guards(wo)man. How the heck would one even write that? Am I just chauvinistic here? You'll have to excuse me, because I'd just as soon call everyone "Coast Guardsmen", regardless of gender, but I digress.
One of my husband's good friends and a friend of mine as well is a retired fellow. He now plays the role of spouse, if you will; supporting his diligently working active duty wife. In fact, we just had the pleasure of visiting them, and I continuously ribbed the guy about donning an apron and attending spouse luncheons. Truly though, that's not how it goes, but you knew that didn't you?
Just like us wives, the husbands live their lives. They support there loved ones in blue and maintain their own identity. Male or female, husband or wife, active duty or not, it all comes down to loving the one you are with and respecting their choices, careers, talents, dreams, and so on.
To all you guys out there who wonder where the blog or website is about you, it's right here. We may be a bunch of crazy, silly, witty (I hope) women, but we have the same concerns and plights as you. We deal with the issues about how to tame the yard while chasing a toddler and your spouse is underway. We battle over the t.v. remote when our spouse is in port. We even argue about which one of us is a better BBQ expert.
Yes, even we stylish and bon-bon eating, high-heel wearing girly-girls ;) can PCS cross-country solo; burp the alphabet at a beer-drinking contest at the All Hand's Club (come on I can name a few); conquer WOW; and even change a flat tire (as long as we don't mussy up the manicure). You see, it's not about being a girl or a guy, it's about being a Coast Guard spouse. We adapt and mature as the ebbs and flows of this life bring us through both tough and smooth waters.
More to come on that, and if anyone wants to pipe in on what you want to read about pertaining to male spouses, let us hear it. We want everyone to feel welcome here.
Friday, October 9, 2009
After the Tsunami
Our friends over at CGBlog.org made a post about something very important involving some CG familes in American Samoa.
Please read it. Maybe you can lend a hand.
TSUNAMI ASSISTANCE
Please read it. Maybe you can lend a hand.
TSUNAMI ASSISTANCE
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Semi-Wordless Wednesday
Not my picture to post, but if you haven't seen the heart-wrenching photo that is sweeping the web about a little girl and her daddy who is headed off to war, click here for the photo and article. I know thinking about my own kids how sad a moment like this has to be for everyone involved.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
So much to do!
We got the official word! Yep, the man in blue received his message CGHRMS or whatever telling us where we are headed. I know, I know, we've known for over a week, but NOW it's far more real.
I'm going to find out about listing the house tomorrow and moving ahead with that piece. It's pretty bittersweet. We are not super attached to this place, but it was our starter home and the home we've spent most of our time as a family in so far. Before, we bounced around from condos to apartments and the man in blue was often underway. So, this has been 'home' to us.
If we cannot sell, we will try to rent. That's both scary and exciting. The word 'landlord' conjures up an image of a worried crazy person chasing down rent from an unruly tenant (okay, that's a bit much, but it happens). Our friends (yes they were a CG family) had a really bad experience last year when they were renting out there home. I really don't want to find ourselves in that situation. There renter worked them over good and they are good, no, GREAT, people. It was really unfortunate and made me really second-guess this next step for us. The good news is, there situation turned around thanks to their working together and making sacrifices, they found a resolution to their problem. Sadly though, they were out a lot of money and another CG family that was line up for the house was put in a bad spot too. :(
I'm trying to be optimistic though. We are elated to hear that the man in blue doesn't need to attend any pipeline training. Apparently, he has all the schools he needs for his next cutter, which is huge! That means more time at home with us before everything changes again.
We have a report date too, but that may change depending on our oldest child's school release date. She wants to stay forever, of course.
Yes, we told the kids. The oldest is really the only one who "gets" it. She held back tears when she heard. I was really proud of her for trying to be strong about it, but really it's a lot for a kid to take. They have so many emotions about moving and whether or not they will make new friends at a tender age, that it's heart-wrenching sometimes. Of course, if the man in blue retires as he wishes (before I had/have planned, hee - hee), she won't have to endure the moves through high school because he'll be retired by then.
Alright, that's all for tonight I guess. Just lots on my mind and so much excitement and anxiety in our house lately. It's time for a vacation.
Oh, yeah, I'm going on one soon.......more on that later.
I'm going to find out about listing the house tomorrow and moving ahead with that piece. It's pretty bittersweet. We are not super attached to this place, but it was our starter home and the home we've spent most of our time as a family in so far. Before, we bounced around from condos to apartments and the man in blue was often underway. So, this has been 'home' to us.
If we cannot sell, we will try to rent. That's both scary and exciting. The word 'landlord' conjures up an image of a worried crazy person chasing down rent from an unruly tenant (okay, that's a bit much, but it happens). Our friends (yes they were a CG family) had a really bad experience last year when they were renting out there home. I really don't want to find ourselves in that situation. There renter worked them over good and they are good, no, GREAT, people. It was really unfortunate and made me really second-guess this next step for us. The good news is, there situation turned around thanks to their working together and making sacrifices, they found a resolution to their problem. Sadly though, they were out a lot of money and another CG family that was line up for the house was put in a bad spot too. :(
I'm trying to be optimistic though. We are elated to hear that the man in blue doesn't need to attend any pipeline training. Apparently, he has all the schools he needs for his next cutter, which is huge! That means more time at home with us before everything changes again.
We have a report date too, but that may change depending on our oldest child's school release date. She wants to stay forever, of course.
Yes, we told the kids. The oldest is really the only one who "gets" it. She held back tears when she heard. I was really proud of her for trying to be strong about it, but really it's a lot for a kid to take. They have so many emotions about moving and whether or not they will make new friends at a tender age, that it's heart-wrenching sometimes. Of course, if the man in blue retires as he wishes (before I had/have planned, hee - hee), she won't have to endure the moves through high school because he'll be retired by then.
Alright, that's all for tonight I guess. Just lots on my mind and so much excitement and anxiety in our house lately. It's time for a vacation.
Oh, yeah, I'm going on one soon.......more on that later.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ironically, I've been virtually speechless.
I haven't posted in four days. Shocking, I know. I'm still trying to absorb the recent news. We still haven't seen the official orders, but they should show up sometime in the next two weeks, or so I'm told.
Right now, we are focusing on how to prepare our home to list it for sale. Another option we've considered is renting, but we are not 100% sure we are going to do that given we will be moving 3,000 miles away. That being said, we've had multiple offers for pseudo property managers. Nonetheless, it's a daunting concept. We may entertain it in time, but currently for sale the house must go.
Additionally, I've learned that housing is NOT an option for us where we are headed. So, that's a bit frightening. We were hoping it was a least something we could fall back on if we couldn't find a decent rental. Alas, it's not. We've been perusing the online newspapers and conversing with some folks we know out there. The rental market is not too shabby, and hopefully BAH will cover what we need.
I just learned that my children will be in two different schools. That kind of stinks as I was hoping the older two could actually attend the same school. The baby (not so much a baby anymore) will either be home with me or need preschool. Yes, I am considering staying at or working from home again. I am not sure what the market holds for my degrees and/or professional experience. As such, I can't really make a decision on that yet.
Oh, and I found out some fantastic, more than terrific, news. A friend of mine is going to be living within 30 - 50 miles from me. She and her hubby are doing the GEO thing next year, which will take her to a home practically next door to me, more or less. I can't tell you how much better this has made me feel.
'Til next post.
Right now, we are focusing on how to prepare our home to list it for sale. Another option we've considered is renting, but we are not 100% sure we are going to do that given we will be moving 3,000 miles away. That being said, we've had multiple offers for pseudo property managers. Nonetheless, it's a daunting concept. We may entertain it in time, but currently for sale the house must go.
Additionally, I've learned that housing is NOT an option for us where we are headed. So, that's a bit frightening. We were hoping it was a least something we could fall back on if we couldn't find a decent rental. Alas, it's not. We've been perusing the online newspapers and conversing with some folks we know out there. The rental market is not too shabby, and hopefully BAH will cover what we need.
I just learned that my children will be in two different schools. That kind of stinks as I was hoping the older two could actually attend the same school. The baby (not so much a baby anymore) will either be home with me or need preschool. Yes, I am considering staying at or working from home again. I am not sure what the market holds for my degrees and/or professional experience. As such, I can't really make a decision on that yet.
Oh, and I found out some fantastic, more than terrific, news. A friend of mine is going to be living within 30 - 50 miles from me. She and her hubby are doing the GEO thing next year, which will take her to a home practically next door to me, more or less. I can't tell you how much better this has made me feel.
'Til next post.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
It's only been few days, but what a rollercoaster ride.
So, I've gone through every possible emotion thus far. Okay, not denial. I'm sure that will come when we are actually physically leaving this place behind.
I cried like a baby at first. Felt like someone punched me in the gut. I was literally sick. Part of me thinks it was just the initial blow and reality of it all. The other part of me thinks it was excitement. I know, a weird way to express excitement.
We've told our families and most of our friends by now. I don't think anyone was expecting this, especially my mom and dad. They (everyone here that we know and are related to) have all been spoiled because we have been here so long, they never thought we'd actually transfer out. Well, folks, it's happening.
I've come to terms with it. What else can I do. I won't bloom where I'm planted; instead, I plan to enjoy the crap out of this upcoming extended vacation. I have already started exploring options for jobs (eh, just ok) and the landscape for excursions (way cool). I'm going to be out of my element, but I'm pretty adaptable. I think it'll be just fine and then some.
Now, if I can just persuade some of my dear friends to somehow manage to get orders there too.
I cried like a baby at first. Felt like someone punched me in the gut. I was literally sick. Part of me thinks it was just the initial blow and reality of it all. The other part of me thinks it was excitement. I know, a weird way to express excitement.
We've told our families and most of our friends by now. I don't think anyone was expecting this, especially my mom and dad. They (everyone here that we know and are related to) have all been spoiled because we have been here so long, they never thought we'd actually transfer out. Well, folks, it's happening.
I've come to terms with it. What else can I do. I won't bloom where I'm planted; instead, I plan to enjoy the crap out of this upcoming extended vacation. I have already started exploring options for jobs (eh, just ok) and the landscape for excursions (way cool). I'm going to be out of my element, but I'm pretty adaptable. I think it'll be just fine and then some.
Now, if I can just persuade some of my dear friends to somehow manage to get orders there too.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The word came down.
The man in blue can expect orders shortly. We learned this within the past 30 minutes.
I am going to break the news to my parents tomorrow. I may even make the drive out to where they live, which isn't nextdoor, but still close enough.
*cue sad sappy music*
After looking at the local information on schools, housing, jobs, I am a bit more optimistic than I was yesterday. I now have to figure out how go about selling a house here and finding a new job there. At least I found out now instead of March or April.
I am going to break the news to my parents tomorrow. I may even make the drive out to where they live, which isn't nextdoor, but still close enough.
*cue sad sappy music*
After looking at the local information on schools, housing, jobs, I am a bit more optimistic than I was yesterday. I now have to figure out how go about selling a house here and finding a new job there. At least I found out now instead of March or April.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thank heavens for good friends.
A dear friend talked me off a ledge tonight. Alright, you all can assume I'm being ridiculously dramatic. Let's just get that out in the open. (Thanks sweety, you are the best. I appreciate the phone convo more than you know!)
REALITY....I am a huge fan of my husband and his career. Another obvious statement. I am a huge fan of the benefits the Coast Guard provides for us and the life we have enjoyed thus far. I am a huge fan of the endless possibilities.....or, I thought I was.
Point being. Things have changed. Don't get me wrong, I'm still super excited for PCS season. Nonetheless, things are changing so quickly (or at least the "maybes" are changing so quickly), literally day-to-day around here. I don't know which end is up or when this crazy ride is going to stop. I swear, if we have to endure this roller coaster of emotions (speaking completely about me here), for too long I'm going to go bonkers.
Seriously, though. Having watched PCS season from a nice cushy homesteading seat before, this is so far (and it's early yet folks) a very eye-opening and frightening experience.
Today, two things happened. (1) The man in blue had a dwindled down list; and (2) I realized I may not be able to visit family for 3 years once we move. Not too bad in most folks eyes and I normally wouldn't mind it. It's the kids though. I know, I know, many families do it and they are still happily breathing. I'm just not sure which is going to be worse, the tears from the kids or those from the nutso family members.
Today, my gumby suit is just a little deflated. Here's to a restful night (after I conduct more internet research on yet another new possible opportunity) and that I will be wearing those fabulous rose-colored glasses in the morning.
Note: I said opportunity--see I CAN be positive about this experience. Gosh darnit, I intend to be, no matter what comes my way (just not tonight). :)
REALITY....I am a huge fan of my husband and his career. Another obvious statement. I am a huge fan of the benefits the Coast Guard provides for us and the life we have enjoyed thus far. I am a huge fan of the endless possibilities.....or, I thought I was.
Point being. Things have changed. Don't get me wrong, I'm still super excited for PCS season. Nonetheless, things are changing so quickly (or at least the "maybes" are changing so quickly), literally day-to-day around here. I don't know which end is up or when this crazy ride is going to stop. I swear, if we have to endure this roller coaster of emotions (speaking completely about me here), for too long I'm going to go bonkers.
Seriously, though. Having watched PCS season from a nice cushy homesteading seat before, this is so far (and it's early yet folks) a very eye-opening and frightening experience.
Today, two things happened. (1) The man in blue had a dwindled down list; and (2) I realized I may not be able to visit family for 3 years once we move. Not too bad in most folks eyes and I normally wouldn't mind it. It's the kids though. I know, I know, many families do it and they are still happily breathing. I'm just not sure which is going to be worse, the tears from the kids or those from the nutso family members.
Today, my gumby suit is just a little deflated. Here's to a restful night (after I conduct more internet research on yet another new possible opportunity) and that I will be wearing those fabulous rose-colored glasses in the morning.
Note: I said opportunity--see I CAN be positive about this experience. Gosh darnit, I intend to be, no matter what comes my way (just not tonight). :)
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