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.