on homecomings w/ DropCam!

Homecoming videos are my absolute favorite! I may a bit partial but there is nobody on this planet that doesn't get goosebumps all over when we watch a soldier coming home. Back, before I went alumna in my sorority, we would all watch these and bawl. So precious. Recently, as we get closer and closer to the half way point of this deployment I've been planning all these things that I would like to do for C and with C. We've been talking about finally throwing an official engagement party, planning a trip way out west to go camp and surf, and more particularly we've been talking about the little things like grocery shopping and cooking together. Isn't it crazy that when you're significant other has been away for a while you start to miss the mundane little things. It's just more fun when you have your love by your side at Whole Foods trying to decide what exactly would you use a crab apple for?
The folks over at DropCam asked me if I would check out their holiday homecoming videos and see what I thought. Y'all I couldn't say no! My roomie and I sat down to watch these, and cue in the happy tears! My absolute favorite one was the Dog! It's number 4 on the list. Chewy will freak out after C is home, and it's going to be even more precious because he's a great dane! Is there anything more adorable? I couldn't not share this with you guys.
So no matter what the season is in your life, I know that this will remind you that somewhere out there in the world there is family being reunited with their soldier. There is no better joy. As for the rest of us spending this holiday season without our special someone, we can watch these videos and feel a little better in preparation for that homecoming!
Y'all be sure to check out their products as well, I'm thinking about getting one of those bad boys so C can feel closer to home.
PS. I'm aware that the quality on that picture is horrible. It was from the Pre-deployment blog this summer, and between awful lighting and camera quality, this is the best I've got.
N.

deployment bucket list

One of the biggest thing I've learned from the army is learning to take every situation with a spoonful of sugar. C always teases me about my unceasing optimism but it really is a blessing. I'm also a big list maker. I love crossing off little tasks off my to-do lists so I thought what better way to get through this deployment than make a little to accomplish list.

1. Eat clean. I've been meaning to go mostly vegan for years now. I'm going to try my hand at this over the next nine months. I hope to share a few recipes on this little thing.

2. C is getting my crossfit. It's something I've wanted to get into for a very long time. Recently a crossfit gym has opened up in my little college town. We are planning to do the same WODs each day, obviously for him while he's in another continent. ;)

3. It's my last year of undergrad...going for all A's!

4. C and I bought Project Life so I plan to keep up with that.

5. Save money.

6. Read atleast three books.

7. Run some sort of a competitive race.

8. Stay optimistic and positive.

9. Focus on adventure.

Hoping for a swift and positive deployment.

on deployment

The season is upon us. Deployment. I remember when we first started dating almost four years ago, I wouldn't even say that word out loud. My girlfriends would always tease me about my dread of the word but somehow I got over that through the years. We overcame many obstacles over the years being in a long distance relationship and when we finally officially commissioned lo and behold he got stationed across the country. Once we got in the groove of things we got word that he was up for deployment for 9 months. 

This may sound silly but I already have various little white boards in my apartment with a countdown that reads "274ish days till deployment is OVER!" C has been my rock through all this, and we know that we got this. 274ish days is a long time but at the same time its a minor bump through the rest of our lives. When I get to wishing through times like this, I wonder if I would really like to end up with a man with a tradition 8-5 job? But then I remember all the things I am because of the army, I mean I am a stronger woman and our relationship has stood trials that most civilian relationships don't face. C wouldn't be the man he is without the Army. So I've realized that I wouldn't have it ANY other way. 

I have a long list of things I want to accomplish before C is home again, for good, for a while. I'll share my deployment bucket list soon. My moto through these next 274ish days is that I can't do this but I'm going to do it anyway. Missing the person you love is something that isn't the easiest thing in the world but I've learned that perception is everything. Mind over matter. Constantly. 

Here's to a swift 9 months of separation. And a lifetime of togetherness. 

-Nisha