Finally catching up!

I realize it's been FOREVER since i've written. I know, i'm a slacker. But for the past few weeks i've been crazy busy. Not the fun kind of busy either, the work 3 jobs and take 5 classes kind of busy... There were days when I thought about writing, but didn't want to bore anyone with my mundane day-to-day stuff, so I figured i'd just wait til I had something to write about!

I started a new job! I LOVE it! I'm a receptionist at an eye doctor's office and it's such a cool job. Very nice change from waiting tables! Unfortunatley it's only part time right now, so i'll have to keep Kooter Brown's part time too. The money from doing both is good, and it is nice to stay busy so time goes by faster, but some days it can feel a bit overwhelming!

So I had a whole new kind of adventure this weekend! It was Stephen's birthday on Thursday so I had made plans to go see him. (He thought we were coming Friday though so it was a surprise that we made it for his birthday!) This time though, we DROVE to Texas. All 12 and a half hours in one day. It was an experience. Honestly, the drive wasn't too bad and very worth it.

We had fun. Spent Thursday and Friday night in Wichita Falls, and went to Dallas Saturday. Unfortunatley it rained all day while we were in Dallas, so we didn't get to really see all that we wanted to see. The hotel was beautiful and Dallas is a really fun place. Hopefully at Thanksgiving we'll actually get to see more of it! I don't really care what we do honestly, these days only getting to see Stephen once a month just a weekend together is nice even if it's rainy! We ate at some cool restaurants, did a little sight seeing in both Witchita Falls and Dallas, and just had a chance to relax.

I've met several his friends in the AF now. I can say honestly that's the best part of the whole Air Force experience. It's so cool to meet people from all over the country. Even though these guys came from all over the country they now have a bond that links them together. It's fun to listen to them talk, you realize that all there are vast differences in where they grow up, being so close in age, they all can relate pretty well. Besides just meeting his friends, it's been awesome meeting other girls going through the same thing. I may have written about this before, but through many different facebook groups i've met other fiances/girlfriends/wives, whose husband is in the same stage. It's nice to have that kind of support system. To ask questions, to compare airline ticket prices, to just talk to someone who understands how it works. Meeting all these incredible people is by far the best part of the whole experience!

As much as I love the experience, and I'm so proud of Stephen. This isn't easy by any means. (Those of you reading this who have a loved one in the military, you know what i'm talking about!) I got home last night from a long weekend and a long drive home, I had laundry to do, the dog needed walking, and my homework is piling up. I think ahead to the week ahead, I have class and homework to do all day today, Wednesday I work both jobs back to back, Thursday I have 2 tests, class, and work a closing shift. I need to get ahead on some homework, our wedding plans are in need of some immediate attention. On top of all the things that have to be done everyday, the dog needs walking, apartment has to be cleaned, bills paid, car cleaned... I was already tired and grouchy from the long weekend, and now all these thoughts crashing in. I felt so overwhelmed! I just wish Stephen was here so I could say, "Honey, can you take the dog out while I finish this online quiz?" Or," Can you please put the clothes in the dryer while I run to the store." Or "Would you mind calling the Officer's Club tomorrow so we can set up an appointment for Friday." But he isn't here, so I don't have that option. That to do list is all mine! It's exhausting at times and very overwhelming. But in the end, I can handle it. I felt like I was going to burst in to tears, but after a shower and some dinner, i was ready to tackle the laundry and homework. I walked the dog before climbing into bed for an early nights sleep. It wasn't so bad. Yes, I want him here with me. Always. I miss having date nights, and rare free days getting to curl up on the couch and watch a movie together, I miss being able to come home at the end of the day and vent over dinner. But these days, those things are just different. I get date nights, once a month. I get to vent, but it's on the phone or over Skype. I count days until the next time I see him, but it's all worth it in the end, I just have to constantly remind myself of that! I lean on my amazing family, close friends and God. And I take comfort in knowing i'm one of the lucky ones now that can just pick up the phone to talk to Stephen when I need his support. I count those blessings because I know for some their significant other isn't somewhere they can visit or call... So for all those who are serving both in the military and as their support system, Thank you!! :)