Not much has been happening since I last wrote. On Thursday last week very very early (something like 3 am) Shaun left to go to Afghanistan. He is only there on a course for 10 days and should be back early next week. He will then have some time off before he deploys in early April for 6 months. When he left last week and I saw him in desert uniform I have no idea what happened to me but I couldn't stop my tears. I mean there was no reason for them - he will be back soon and he's been away far longer recently on various exercises. But I think seeing him in that uniform brought me back to reality and the fact that very very soon he will be gone for 6 months and I will have to deal with it. I really did not want him to see me cry but I just couldn't stop those damn tears. He went on this course with two junior officers. One of them is married and they live next door to us so in a way that was easier for me because Kate (his wife) and I could spend some time together.
I know I am not always overly excited about the life in the Army but with Shaun being away these days everyone has been very nice. I got invited for a dinner and cinema last weekend. I was invited by young officers to a dinner in the Officers' Mess (ok, ok, I should probably send my single female friends), tomorrow I am for for another dinner with an army couple. In addition people have been calling, texting etc. The support has been great and that is what is great about the life "with" the army.
The training has been going well. Last Saturday my triathlon club organised a swimming gala (swim meet for all my North American friends) just for the club members and some guests. The idea was that anyone could sign up for any number of races and we, who do not normally compete in swimming, would have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere. I thought it was a great idea and very well organised. I competed in 3 races and was reasonably happy with how I did, but I was ecstatic about one thing - I actually DOVE OFF the blocks. I've never done that in my life (yes I did "bomb" as a child) and was terrified, but I loved it.
The picture at the beginning of this post is from a Thanet 20 mile running race three years ago. On Sunday I will running the same race again. That should be....interesting to say the least. Hopefully the rain we have had recently will be gone and the horrible cold wind that froze me on my run this morning will be nothing but a breeze.
13 comments:
Diving off the blocks is HUGE!!! Still haven't done it myself. Maybe one day... ;) Anyway, I can't even imagine how hard it must be with Shaun away but it sounds like you have such great support which I'm sure makes a difference! Thinking of you!
Oh, and good luck in your 20 miler! Keeping my fingers crossed for some nice weather!
Congrats on your DIVE!!! WOO-HOO!
Sending you a hug... the sacrifices your husband (and you) make for your country are so very honorable. Hang in there, girl!
Good luck with the race!
I LOVE to see pics of you. I swear you look different in EACH picture! :) You look tall! :) haha.
Yes, I have a ton of respect for all the soliders and sacrifices you all make.
KEEP up the awesome training and the fact you told me you went off the blocks earlier this week made my day! YAY!
Hey ADC!
First - I LOVE the term 'swim gala'. It makes even the toughest 'swim meet' sound glamorous. ha ha - fantastic!
Second - about the deployment...I know - I doing the tears thing as well...Its like our own emotional way of dealing with the stress and sadness. Just hang in there - everything that you're going through is totally normal. One moment you're fine and the next its like... WTF? :) Sounds like you've got A LOT of great support - so that's excellent. There can never be too many invitations out to dinner, right?
I'm thinking of you!!
Oh - great photo at the top...you look fierce! Have a great time this weekend!!!
Hang in there! i can only imagine how hard it must be to have him away. I'll be praying for both of you.
Wow good luck on the 20 miles! I hope the weather holds for you. I am also happy to hear the army "family" is taking care of you. That's nice to know. Hang in there!
See, now I could participate in swim galas. Swim meets don't sound as fun.
A "Gala"!? I love a "Gala." So, do you run on "The Street." (The sign in the background of your picture.) You Brits are funny the way you like to label obvious things.
I love the idea of a swim gala...sounds like something you need to get dressed up for.
Very cool that you dove off the blocks!
It must be so hard being away from Shaun so much. Glad you have some good support there while he's away.
Sorry you got a little teary eyed! You're very tough and I respect you and your toughness so much!! You're amazing!! That's exciting about the swim Gala and about the upcoming race! Lots to look forward to right!
I hope by now Shaun is back and you guys are enjoying some time together before he leaves again. I can't imagine how hard that is.
And congrats on diving off the blocks. I know I do it so incorrectly but it's kind of fun.
hiii!!
i know i am late to the party (or gala) but i am just now catching up on everyone. i dove off the blocks too, i think the same day as you?? so fun!
hope you are well. i also caught up on my birthday wishes finally...
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