Week 1

So, we have made it through 0 week and now Week 1 is also drawing to a close...

They said that the trainees would be allowed one 15 minute phone call per week and that it would most likely fall on a Saturday or Sunday, but the times were completely erratic so those of us at home should be available from 6am to midnight both days...just in case. Jason had already made one phone call - the one that was about 3 minutes long where he read the letter that gave me his address. I was desperately hoping that it did not count as his call for the week.

By midnight Sunday I knew it must have. He wasn't going to call. Monday began the official 'Week 1'.

I tried to keep busy. I went to visit the lovely Erin Hodge and Co. Saw an old friend and made a new one. I tried to  convince myself -and let others convince me- that Jason didn't really need to hear my voice - he was probably doing just fine without me...

We set up a little swimming pool and let Lucy try it out. She was much more entertained by playing naked on her towel. Thursday I took her to Birkdale Commons to play in the fountain and go to Barnes and Noble to look at all the touch-n-feel books. On the way I almost had to pull over because my eyes were filled with tears. We had made this trip right before Jason left and I sooo wished he was there with us again. On a happy note: We found a Star Wars ABC's board book at B&N.

Thursday night as I tried to put Lucy down (and she refused to cooperate) the phone rang. I looked down and saw Jason's picture on my cell! Hooray! Totally unexpected! I was shaking through the whole conversation and trying not to cry (If I cry I can't talk so that wouldn't be very useful). He sounded pretty rough - said there was lots of yelling but he had managed to not be singled out much. He was staying hydrated, getting used to the eating schedule (waaay different from his old one), getting fast at making his bed with hospital corners, and missing us so much.

Their TI is exceptionally tough and had already assigned them levels of responsibility usually reserved for the 4th week. That will probably end up good once they get the hang of everything, but right now it's causing a lot of stress because added responsibility on top of EVERYTHING being completely new is a LOT to learn and tons of guys are getting yelled at a lot for making mistakes.

Jason is in charge of scheduling for his whole flight, and checking people in and out. Talk about a detail-oriented and stressful job...but he will learn and be great at it I have full confidence in him.

He says he is glad he has Lucy and me as motivation, otherwise he would just want to come home now. I could hear the emotion in his voice when he talked about wishing he could just hold and play with Lucy in person. It broke my heart. I hate being helpless and I have never felt it so strongly. My husband, whom I love with all my heart, is miserable and I can't do a thing for him. He has offered me his shoulder to cry on countless times, and now when he needs me I can't offer anything but a few minutes of my voice and a few letters and pictures. I feel like he's pulling 90% of the load and I'm a cripple. *sigh* but someone has to take care of Lucy and worry about money and bills and selling the house...which is important too.

Friday was my birthday...My 30th. Lucy, Grandbob, Nina, and I went to Outback for dinner. I had steak. I got a new digital camera from my family and had fun trying it out. When we got home there was an edible arrangement and seriously chocolate cake. I bent (broke) my no sugar rule - Since it was my birthday. I was on the verge of being emotional all day, but managed to refrain until I went to bed.

Saturday we went to the mall - Bob and Anita gave me a few gift cards and I had a lot of fun spending them and hitting a big sale at The Children's Place with Anita while Bob walked around the mall with Lucy. Also, my knees decided that running was absolutely out of the question... for the rest of my life (we are talking excruciating pain)...so One day after my 30th birthday I went to Target for new insoles for my shoes, flax seed oil, and glucosamine. That was a bit depressing, but hopefully they help.

Tomorrow is Sunday. The 2nd of 8. Since Jason got to call on Thursday I am not expecting another call this weekend...although I will carry my phone at all times...just in case.

Please God, make time go by faster!