My Apologies for the Late Update

It has been a little hectic out here in Tejas.  I have had back-to-back exams and essays and finals coming up and my brain is about to explode...
Rey took a corporal's course for the past 3 weeks or so.  He basically played real, really motivated, marine, and learned how to sword drill.  Which is WAY cool, and you know it!!
He was able to switch with someone to main body, which is wonderful.  Now he will have a direct route back to me, instead of hitting like 4 stops, 1 day each...
We still aren't for certain when he is coming home, but it should be within the next couple of weeks, hopefully before Christmas!!
I will try to keep everything updated...

It's a bitter taste

I have noticed the past, oh, 2 months, that all the things that I used to enjoy, to find funny, or just bask in, aren't nearly as good without Rey.  We used to laugh at all these random inside jokes (DUH, he's my husband and we were together all the time!!) and my friends now don't crack up the way he does.  Its lame.
I still have this dead weight, sad pain in my chest.  I don't think it's going to go away until he comes home.
Rey informed me that we will be burning all the clothing he took to Iraq, because the whole country smells like, quote, "trash and poop".  His clothes are also turning yellow because the dust/sand is so fine you can't wash it out.
He has been keeping busy by working out, so that he doesn't try to strangle anyone for being stupid. 
Rey finally got to go to church.  He was only able to stay for sacrament because of his work schedule, but I am so glad that he got that much.
He took his external hard-drive to work with him, and had to go out on a job.  When he came back, oh it was broken.  Because stupid marines don't value other people's property.  Jerks.  And I can't send him the parts to fix it because I am not exactly sure what he needs to fix it...it's great.
I did fantastic on my last two exams.  I have 2 more right around the corner, and a ceramics critique tomorrow.
I found a job on base at the uniform alteration shop.  I get to assist those who are not only serving our country and protecting my freedom, but who are doing so with my wonderful husband.  It's the least I can do to show my gratitude.  It's not the best pay, and it is fast-paced and stressful, but I am thankful I get to give like that.
That's all for now.  Night night.

And the Good News Just Keeps Coming

Rey had a formation a few days ago, in which the CO of the squadron went in front of everyone to inform them that the last day of operation for the jets would be November 30th.  Therefore, the squadron would be slated to leave on the 4th or 5th of December.  YYYYAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!
I just might, possibly, maybe get my husband home for Christmas.  It isnt set in stone.  If something happens over there and they have to stay longer...but I am staying optimistic because I am SO ready for Rey to be home.
Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

I am married to a BRILLIANT man

Rey texted me on Sunday morning, informing me that he was being put up on a meritorious promotion board on Monday.  This means that someone higher up noticed that he has initiative, skills, and is basically awesome at being a Marine.  We have been praying for a better situation, better recognition for Rey because of hard work...we have been praying for a lot.
Rey blew them away.  The board didn't know what hit them.  Rey is BRILLIANT at what he does, and the best part is he isn't cocky about it.  He totally wiped the board clean, and won the sergeant board.  The one set back is that there aren't any sergeant openings in his MOS yet, but once one opens, he is getting it.  The board is even going to try to get one opened just for him, because he is that awesome.  The best part about it is he beat out a guy who constantly harps on the way Rey looks, how he can't do as many pull-ups as him, and how he is basically better than Rey.  But you know what?!  Rey won!!!  SUCKER!  (P.S.  Thank you to all those who prayed for Rey.  We know that your prayers and faith helped him on this board)
News at home in the (not-so) great state of Texas, I had a history test on Monday that I feel I did really well on, but I will find out tomorrow hopefully if that feeling is true.  I also had a government test in my douchebag class, and I also feel that I did well.  I feel I did better than my last one, at least.  Again, we'll see.  I am still looking for a job, still attending school, and still haven't put the dishes or the laundry away...

Rocket...I'm Flying on a Rocket

I feel like I haven't talked to Rey is forever, but it has probably only been a day or so.  I sort of lose track of days and time and such.  I am getting sick, and it is killing my need to stop sleeping and end the depression.  I basically want to sleep and do nothing all day long.  It is a miracle I get up for school...trust me.
A rocket was fired at the base a few days ago.  Rey said it malfunctioned right before crossing the wall or something, and ended up blowing up the ground just outside the base.  I am sure that if it had hit, it would have been devastating.  I am also sure that there are angels protecting my husband with everyone's prayers and faith and love.  I try not to think about the imminent danger he potentially faces every day.  I also try not to think about the military forces who have it much worse than he does in the middle east.  I really miss him.
Last night I went to my first honky tonk in decades it seems.  It was huge, and smoky, and twangy.  I don't think that I am a boot-scootin feind like I used to be.  I had a good time laughing tho.
I had a job interview, and they said they were going to call me today to set up a second interview...jerks.  Seriously, don't make empty promises.  If I wasn't a good candidate (which is EXTREMELY hard to believe), thank me for my time and get on with it.  Don't instill false hope. 
I have 2 rather large tests Monday and Tuesday.  Oh joy.  I know I will do well on one of them, but the other is with that d-bag government teacher I aforementioned.  Who knows how that will go.  I am tempted to write about rainbows and love...the hippie.
There was an attempted terrorist attack in Dallas.  A man drove a vehicle he believed to be armed with explosives into the underground parking garage, and called a number from his cell-phone that he believed would set off the bombs.  I am so so thankful it was unsuccessful.  Because I am SO not in the mood for getting in trouble for beating some serious trash.  I have sacrificed a lot for my freedom, thank you very much, and I am now resorting to physical means to jack with anyone who tries to take it from me.

Iraq Update

Before Rey left, we decided to play dress up. It was a fun, cheap (well, in reality, it has cost us a lot of heartache, suffering, and separation...) and silly way for us to spend a little time together. This is one of the reasons why I love my husband so so much. He completes me. As you can tell in our "bonnie and clyde" photo.

Rey has been gone for just over a week now. It BLOWS. He went to Maine, Spain, and Italy, and then on to Iraq. The guys on trail crew all got totally wasted each stop, and Rey got some pretty funny pictures and videos which I'll post soon. He is working the midnight to noon shift, which really means 11 to 2...and sleeping the rest of the time. I'm sure when his body figures out the time schedule, he'll be able to play a little out there. Rey said all the jets are having problems right now, so he is very busy at work.

Yesterday, an unidentified convoy attempted to approach the base. At 6 miles out, they were greeted with good old marine f-18 force, and escorted away from the area. There was another incident of less consequence that Rey told me about but I can't remember it. It goes to show you that there really aren't any "safe zones" in a war zone. Even on an airstrip.

The chow hall food is delicious, according to my delirious, overly tired, and probably starving husband. But, the cooks are air force, so it actually may be edible. His barracks room, AKA can, is smaller than our second bedroom closet. Seriously. And he shares it with a roommate. LAME. It is hot and gross there, and very sandy.

I have still been looking for a job. I learned how to lay hardwood floor today. I'll be adding that to my resume, I'm sure. I made an AWESOME teapot in class, and am planning on making a series of that shape and form because it is just that cool (pictures to come).

It was Rey's birthday today. It sucked that we didn't get to spend it together.

Iraq

Rey left for Iraq yesterday morning. He was supposed to leave Wednesday, but due to unforseen maintenance issues, I got to have him for one more night.
I miss him. I feel incomplete without him. It is still surreal at the moment; the big breakdown hasn't hit yet. I'm sure its gonna suck when it does tho...

In other news...
A few weeks ago a dead body was found behind our apartment complex. I opened the door to the police officer with a shotgun, who, instead of being alarmed, politely asked me to lower the weapon and then put it down. Yes, that is Texas for you. Turns out, the popo are ruling it a suicide. I am not a fan of death and corpses...

I have a DOUCHEBAG government teacher. If I don't end up in prison for stabbing him in the jugular by the end of the semester, it will be a miracle.

I am again taking pottery, and making a whole bunch of stuff. I am gravitating towards bowls for some reason...hey, I like bowls, okay. They can hold my popcorn.

We have yet to receive our insurance check for the break-in. Way to go, Mr. insurance company. I am filing a formal complaint...AFTER they disburse our funds...

We have 3 cats now. I'm taking in strays apparently. Back off, I love them. They keep me company, and partially sane.

I am sick. Stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches. I'm just waiting for the fever; heaven knows these Texans are rampant with the swine flu.

That is all for now. New updates when I get to talk to Rey. He is in Spain for who knows how long, then to Italy, again for who knows how long. Then off to Iraq. You guessed it, we don't know how long he'll be there either. I am unsure as to whether he can check his email or anything of the like, so I am basically playing the wait game.

Welcome to Texas...

Rey came back from training in San Diego on a Sunday night. The very next day he went class with me, so that we could utilize all of the time we have left together before he deploys. Sounds reasonable, dont you think? We were coming up the stairs to our apartment when we noticed that the front door was bowed at the lock, and Rey made the comment that he thought the door had been kicked in.
They stole over $6000 worth of things. The things dont really matter, but it still blows that we were robbed. We live on the 3rd floor. It makes no sense that they would come all the way up the stairs to see what we had unless they already knew. The police officer who took the report (and refused to lift any prints...thanks for doing your civil duties, bro) said that it was extremely likely that the robbers (about 5 or 6 of them) had been watching me for a while to get my schedule down. That is creepy.
We are now proud Texas gun toters, and it turns out that I am an AWESOME shot. Next step: concealed handgun license. I will never feel that violated or vulnerable again. It is the worst feeling knowing that some dishonest, asshole stranger was going through all your things, saw where you love your husband, ruffled through your diary and drawers, and duffels and desks...they left nothing untouched except what means the most to us. Suckers missed the meaning of family, honesty, and religion. I am almost sad they didn't steal a Book of Mormon...
I finished my ceramics class and made some REALLY awesome things, in my opinion... Rey is yet again on night crew; work 6:30 to 6:30 and sleep til 1, its a rough time trying to get anything done together. I still cant find a job, and we adopted a stray kitten.
Life is good. I have my husband and my beliefs, and trials are for our benefit.

Training

Rey is in San Diego for training. And by training, I mean, the jets are flying, so he gets to fix them.
It seriously SUCKS being here alone. The few friends that I have are crazy busy, I can't find a job, and I can't keep spending 6 hours at one class everyday. It makes my street cred go way low.
Rey is being worked to the bone. 10-12 hour days, 7 days a week. On top of that, he is on night crew, so he goes into work at 4:30 and goes to bed between 4 and 6 every morning. It really throws off our communication, and is turning him into a complacent, abused zombie.
I am in a ceramics class. It's pretty fun. I'm drowning myself in it so i don't drown in my loneliness...
They call us Brother and Sister California out here. I'd say we're reppin' it hardcore.

1 whole year

Rey and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary on the 7th. And by celebrated, I mean, watched it come and go...lol. It was a hectic time with moving and everything, but I will never forget waking up and having Rey roll over and kiss me and whisper, "happy anniversary." It will be one of the happiest moments of my life. I love him. And I love knowing he loves me too. We have worked hard together, and we are making the best of things, and we are happy. It is crazy to think of how much more I love him now than a year ago, and I am excited to know it will only grow exponentially.

Texas

It's hot. Let me clarify...it's HUMID.
We left on a misting (literally) Saturday afternoon, after loading the u-haul all morning. We put the kittens in the cab, got a snack, said a prayer, and took off. We stopped in Phoenix the first night. We had spent 3 hours that day listening to Bone Crusher (the boy kitten) cry incessantly because he was uncomfortable. Lucky guy, being able to vocalize what I was feeling. We snuck the kittens into the room, because a $200 refundable deposit is retarded. The shower was deceptively HUGE, and it was nice to clean up after a sweaty, furniture-moving day. Rey's friend Karey was there with his fiance, and we shared a (crappy) continental breakfast the next morning before setting out.
We drove for decades and stopped in Pecos, Tx. NEVER stop in Pecos, Tx, unless you feel like being dinner to a billion mosquistos. No freakin joke. I was outside the car for less than 5 minutes and had like 30 bites. They bit my ankles...I had pants on! How is that even possible?! We yet again snuck the cats up to the room, cuz this time they just weren't allowed (but we aren't called rebels for nothing), and walked into an oven.
The room was hot and humid and disgusting. The shower didn't help cool us off, and Rey kicked off the top blanket because it was gross anyway. Halfway through the night, I had to put my snow gear on because i was freezing. Nothing new. We woke up achy, and took off, the relaxed kittens in tow. They had learned to sleep the whole way by now, and play all night...not the best trade off, but oh well. We hit a Mickey-D's and got some nasty breakfast sandwiches, in the audience of some serious hicks, and yet again blessed the open road with our presence. We passed the smokestack and the castle, and landed in another universe.
Fort Worth was humid and sticky the day we arrived, and really windy. We got the keys, cut a check, and put the kittens in the laundry room. If we weren't exhausted enough from the drive, we tested that exhaustion with unloading what we could. Up 4 flights of stairs. Maybe next time it will be worth the extra hundred-a-month for the bottom floor...
Our nearest neighbors are cows. They are beautiful bovines, with a couple of calves. I can't complain; they keep their partying to a minimum.
The Schrodel's moved in the next Wednesday. Our little dysfunctional family. We spend way too much time together, yet hardly know anything about one another.
Rey goes back to Miramar in July, most likely.
Our room is a disaster. It is still boxed and packed, and I'm fine with that. I'm done unpacking for now.