A few weeks ago I made my first "big" change since JD deployed in December; I cut my hair. Now, I must clarify that it's not a drastic change, but I did cut a few inches off of my rather short hair. A big decision because I was in the process of growing it out. Luckily, my hair is something that changes somewhat regulary and little surprises JD.
After my haircut, though, I started thinking about all of the ways that we may change while our loved one is away. Whether they are gone for training or a school, TDY, or deployed. If their absence is for any significant amount of time, there are sometimes emotional changes as well as physical changes for those of us at home.
There we are, living our lives together and WHAM! They're gone and it's all on us. Everything, no exceptions. We do what we have to do and we're usually stronger for it, but that doesn't mean it's easy. We pay the bills and manage the checkbook, take out the garbage, mow the lawn, get the oil changed, do the laundry, take the pets to the vet, dress and feed the kids, etc... Sometimes, with all of these responsibilities come changes; maybe we get a new haircut/hairstyle or start an exercise program, both of which make us feel better. On the flip side, maybe we don't have time to get our hair done, much less exercise.
I admit that I am a bit of a control freak by nature, so JD's absence doesn't change too much of the dynamic in our household; I am usually the decision maker (of day to day activities and purchases) and calendar planner. I already have control of the check book and pay the bills, as well. There are many spouses out there, however, for whom these responsibilities are an added stressor when their loved one is gone. Even if we're doing all the same things we usually do, it's somehow different when we know we have to do them.
Aside from all of the added responsibilites that may force us to change, there are sometimes aspects of ourselves, or our lives, where we welcome change. I'm not going to pretend to know what those things might be for you, but I'm hoping that you'll share with us here at SpouseBUZZ.
C'mon ladies and gents, what or how have you changed while your loved one was away? Go ahead, 'fess up! I'm even willing to share a secret of my own; the first time JD was deployed to Iraq, I acquired a tattoo!
