Progress :)

The best thing about this time apart is that we can talk on the phone!!! The last time, when John left for Basic, we were only able to communicate through letters (yeah, like snail mail, kids). We've been talking and talking whenever we can - which is part of why my ears are still red, though the hives have been fading away. ;) It's been helping us be strong and keep going.
We are on the housing waiting list. :) In 2-3 weeks we should have a place to live. It kind of feels like the part of the roller coaster ride where you're climbing and climbing and things are about to start getting scary and moving fast. ;) I've been trying to stay focused on preparing to move. Washing and sorting and discarding and donating and so on. Since John was promoted recently, we will be able to live in a nicer place than we expected, possibly a 3-bedroom! That is a relief for me, because I won't be getting rid of as much furniture as I thought. I still don't want to cart a ton of stuff out there, though, so I will keep trimming down our belongings. :)
Miles and I have been adjusting better than expected, as well. It's like we just switched back to our other rhythm. Miles definitely keeps a closer watch on me now than he did with Johnny around. Instead of sitting in the same room, he sits RIGHT next to me on the couch. (He requires his own cushion, of course. There is no cuddling unless it's on his terms. :D ) The kitty has needed more attention because he misses his daddy - and I am just not as fun to play with as John is. ;) I've even been cooking, which was hard for me when we were apart before.

I've written more of the details on how John is doing on his blog at spyder311.blogspot.com if anyone is curious. He joined his unit today and loves the intensity he's found there. He's been craving it since he finished AIT in February. I love that about him. :) He enjoys a challenge and he likes to work hard. It's so refreshing to me because it often feels like life is about cutting corners or dodging responsibility. But Johnny relishes the task and strives to exceed expectation. It's awesome.
We, sadly, will be apart for Christmas. But, we decided to take a friend's advice and celebrate it together after we are reunited. We'll put up a tree and lights and wrap presents and everything. :) And we'll be able to talk on the phone together on the 25th, so it will still be a merry day. We'll just stretch it out and let the Christmas Spirit hang out with us for a while. ;)
Everything is going to be ok. No matter what. :)