Denial Ain't Just a River in Egypt

If you're in denial that denial even exists, does that cancel everything out and make you a realist? Think about it. I'll come back to you.

I'm pretty sure it took me until just this very moment to realize that there are some pretty scary things about being married to a man whose life is "owned" by the American government. Up to this point, denial has served me really well. But suddenly, the presence of this 19-pound critter crawling around our house has caused me to pause and recognize the challenges before us. And I don't think that's a bad thing, either.

But first, I'll tell you what is so wonderful about military life. Just when our friends are around us long enough to realize how completely nutty we are, we say, "Peace out! Maybe we'll see you again next decade!" Interestingly, the time from that first meeting to the time they realize how crazy we are decreases drastically when they discover this blog.

Here are a few more perks to Air Force life:

1. Great deals at the BX on clothes even your grandmother wouldn't buy...but, hey, it's 75% off!
2. We've visited places we never knew existed before Brian joined the service.
3. We can easily find the "worst part" of town. Just head straight out the front gate of any Air Force installation and it's directly in front of you.
4. Each time I pick up the phone, I don't have to worry that the family member on the other end will say, "I was just in the neighborhood. Can I stop by? I'm sitting right outside your door and you're not answering it."
5. Never a dull moment. Not. Ever.
6. Two words: job security
7. Hubby + flight suit = smokin' hot
8. A wonderful community of people who know how to befriend each other quickly and who support one another completely.
9. Unspeakable pride for what my husband does and who he is.

There are literally thousands more reasons I love this lifestyle. But, let's be honest, if you wanted to hear all the sweet, sentimental stuff, then shows like Army Wives wouldn't be so popular, right?

Here are the things that I thought about this morning and felt compelled to share with you. So, if you're considering military life or know someone who is, this may provide some realistic insight. If you're already a military spouse and/or mother, then just ignore this part and keep on floating down that river in Egypt:

1. Because of my husband's career, my kid was labeled a brat while he was still in the womb. It usually takes people much longer to realize that our families are full of brats. Like at least a few hours.
2. Three words: "Change of plans." (Side note: If you don t like change, marry an actuary. Don't marry a service member.)
3. Two words: "We diverted." (Side note: If you NEED to go on dates, make plans in advance, or eat meals with your spouse, then this is not the lifestyle for you.)
4. Hubby + "Blues uniform" Monday = toddler-style nagging about how uncomfortable he is. They all do it. Every Monday. I think polyester pants are second on the list of most hated Air Force enemies. Just after "terrorists." 
5. Annoying acronyms. Brian: "I'm so mad! In G2, AMD put the ARCT with the SOG at the CP, but it was supposed to be the IP!" Katy: "I want to hit you in the face right now. Mainly because I understood that."
6. Married = no longer single. Right? Wrong! Better get used to taking yourself out on dates to the BX. Nothing says pathetic like talking to yourself at a table all alone in the middle of Burger King. Not that I've done that.
7. Uncertainty. Somehow it's the not knowing that makes this life so challenging. It's strange to know that you won't be in the same place next year but not have a clue where you'll be instead.
8. By far the most difficult part of this life is when we have to say goodbye. We've left behind more friends than we can count (at home and as we've moved around the world). We have left behind our families and missed so many important events in their lives. And, although I've been blessed to have Brian around 90% of the time, I have friends whose husbands have missed most of the first few years of their kids lives. It's heartbreaking and humbling to think of the sacrifice they've made for our country.

So, there I go getting all sentimental again. I pray that you recognize my tongue-in-cheek style of humor and know that I consider myself blessed beyond my wildest imagination to call myself Mrs. Captain Brian Morgan...or is it just Mrs. Morgan? Or Mrs. Captain Morgan? Or Her Great Captainess Morgan? Forget it. Just go hug a service member and thank them for the freedoms you enjoy: life, liberty and the pursuit of reality TV stardom.