What helps pass the time? The other ladies missing their men.

I will tell the story a million times over, other wives will agree with me, a "Wives Group" will not break your soul. If it's full of catty women, back-stabbers, and "thunder cunts," then no one will blame you for not partaking in the "fun."

But then what happens when all the ladies are dreamy, drink red wine like it's going out of style, have kids but respect your decision to not procreate at this time, and welcome you into their home for dinners, drinks, movies, cry fests, complaining, Bunco, book club, birthdays, bitch-fests....did I miss anything??...it makes the world a special place.

As the lone longtime-domesticated girlfriend (and advocate for sans-kids get-togethers which are met with cheers since the slogan is "Time away from my kids makes me a Happy Mom"), I'm accepted into this group as one of their own. While it takes a little more effort to get to base than other non-base dwellers, I'm always happy to join in on the fun whether a family-friendly picnic or wine drinking out on the town.

We've done everything from progressive dinners, to wine tastings, to movie nights, book clubs, and a few even helped me score that elusive Victorian chair that'll face a remodel later this year (let's just say Mama Ging is coming to visit - so I've got her name alll in helping me).

One thing I don't like: People who 'go home' for detachments/deployments. While visiting is one thing, there's something else about being "left behind" that I find strengthening to your soul. That and I'm one of the few who's still holding strong to the bullshit-ic thought that I can have a real 'career' while popping around the country after Mr. Wookie. While I may not make promotions because I leave too soon, dammit, I'm going to keep chasing my next resume addition and the bi-monthly deposits in my bank account. So while the mom with kids take off as soon as the boat is gone, I stay put - just me, myself, and I if I have to - because I live here - this is my home.

Although I'm starting to feel the bite of employment on my backside as the discussions of where port calls will take place. Place A? Place B? And thusly, who's dropping $$$ for a place ticket to port call "R" to spend a mere few days with their boy. To me, this doesn't sound like a sound investment. Spending $1,000 for 3 days seems overpriced (PLEASE, tell me if I'm wrong!). I feel like it's a better investment to spend $2,500 for the  two of you to spend on a 10-day adventure somewhere post-deployment. Anyone with me? Am I not seeing the light? Or am I the light?

So while the boys will be back from the boat this month from their summer-long exercise, I can't help but think about the future. Once Mr. Wookie shoves off for deployment, his time in California is essentially done since our tour will near the end once they return from the USS Actual Deployment. And what's more important to me? Keeping the homefire light and the bank account full, or taking a few days off here and there (and subsequently emptying a piece of the bank account) for some mid-deployment travel??

Decisions, decisions.

Readers, your insight is worthwhile. Navy ladies, please let me know how you've done!

Not my hat. The kids thought I should rock it.

And yes, this is the same night as the Victorian chair incident.

So until the planes land, the boat pulls in, the tri-walls are unpacked, and the stinky boots are loped over to the side of Mr. Wookie's desk, I'll hang here with my ladies. And pass the umpteenth wine bottle.