Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Oy vey....

It's been months. Literally: week after week after week. But I guess delayed is better than never. So much has changed as Summer has dwindled its way into the beginnings of Fall, but all the transition and movement has seemed to pan out well so far. Patrick has officially left for his second tour in Afghanistan. I have posted his address at the end for the few of you who read this and might find the desire one day to send him a note. Or a package of skittles. Or a photo of something colorful. He would appreciate any and all of them. Meanwhile, Wilson and I have moved into the studio apartment beneath my brother and sister-in-law's house while I hunt and apply for jobs. So far, the mission has been as difficult as I had imagined it would be, but I have had two responses from the 150+ jobs I've applied to. If things work out as planned, I'll have one interview for a Publications Production Manager with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and one for a Marketing Assistant with a River Preservation Organization in Hood River, Oregon. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

As far as the small pleasures in life, things have been a bit hectic for me to be able to stop and enjoy myself. I'm not liking this very much and keep reminding myself to sit back and relax, enjoy the mountains, my lovely family, the fresh air, and my downtime while I can. Thankfully, an amazing weekend is in store for the 30th, 1st, and 2nd, when Anna and I are making the adventurous trek to San Francisco to see my dear friend Aubrey, her new downtown flat, and some excellent bluegrass at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park. I am thrilled. It's been far too long since I've explored the city with either one of these golden friends of mine and similarly far too long since I've gone exploring. I truly cannot wait.

My heart has been aching at its usual persistent "deployment pace" these days, and my heart mates have (as always) come through as such an amazing support system for me. Kristine and I talked a lot this week about letting things go, giving our fast-paced brains, our strained hearts, and our tired bodies a break and appreciating what is in front of us. Her patience and persistence through e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. is such an inspiration to me and I was so grateful for her understanding.

New friends have been just as much of a blessing these days, as I finally connected with the fiance of one of Patrick's friends/fellow Marines from his new platoon. Besides being freakishly similar to me in a strange amount of ways, Monica has quickly found a soft spot in my heart with her uplifting personality. We're set on training together (long distance, seeing as she is from Illinois) for a half marathon in the spring. She wanted to come out to the West Coast for a visit anyway, so a goal and some motivation for a healthy distraction has been awesome!

All in all, I am feeling so very lucky and learning to take every day as it comes. I have been able to hear from my husband more often than I could have ever imagined, and his "closeness" when he can't be close has eased so many heartstrings. Sending love out into the universe tonight, for anyone who might need it.

my sweet boy


SGT Rowe, Patrick S
3/7 Lima Co HQ PLT
Unit 41570
FPO AP 27-1570