Deployment Day #86

Today my oldest daughter called me a hermit. She mentioned that she was going to a Thirty-One Gifts party this weekend and wanted to know if I wanted to go with her.

I told her that I might go, but it would just depend on what needed to be done around the house, blah, blah, blah.

She responded with something like-

“Mom, you are a  hermit, you need to get out of the house!”

Here’s the thing. I probably am a hermit. I like my house. I like my family. I hate driving in ice or experiencing temperatures below 65 degrees. Also, I see no need to leave the house when I have two children who are capable of picking up groceries.

Here’s the other thing. When I leave that means one of the older kids are in charge. While my kids do a good job of making sure no one takes a trip to the ER while I’m gone, they do not do a good job of keeping things picked up. So when I get him there is always more work.

They have to help me take care of things, but it is just one more thing I have to do. Which is just one more thing I don’t have time to do.

Here’s the other, other thing. Suddenly, on October 30, 2013, I became defined by this deployment. Most of the interactions I have with people involves discussing the deployment.

I get it. It is a big deal.

But I’m kinda over it. This deployment, while a gigantic part of our lives, is not who we are. Sometimes I feel like if all we ever talk about is the deployment, we aren’t really living, we’re just muddling through.

So I stay at home, avoiding the cold, icy roads, and talking about the deployment. Oh and also- I really hate doing my hair. Some of you have awesome, roll out of bed looking wonderful hair.

I do not.

I have sort of curly, sort of straight – doesn’t usually want to behave hair. I have a thing about going out dressed like the People of Walmart, so most of the time leaving the house is just not worth it. Especially considering I like it here.

For those of you who are now seriously concerned about my well-being, I’m fine. Really. I’ve actually always been a hermit. My entire family can vouch for me.

Plus would you want to leave a dining room table that looks this awesome? 

I don’t think so.

My husband has been deployed to the Middle East for 274 days.  These are my real thoughts expressing my heart during his absence.  I appreciate your prayers and kind words as we cope, adapt, and carry on without him until August 2014.  To read from the beginning, click here.