what can i do to make a year go by faster while my husband is in Iraq?

Question

I am a newlywed, my husband is set to deploy for Iraq for a year. This is my first time going through this, I am 8 hours away from my family, and i will be here alone. If there are any wives out there that have been through this, what did you do to make time pass a little bit faster, or ease your mind

Answer 1

I am not a wife, nor is my wife off to war. But i'm 12 hrs away from my family, and Me and my wife did the long distance thing before we got married. So i was all alone in a new state by myself. However that gave my options. My Favorite was Exploring, and when you do this by yourself you get to play by your own rules with out the back seat commentary. If you are in a lame state/City, that might not be an option. Other options are
2.) Take time to get to know yourself, quite time
3.) Pick up a couple books you always wanted to read.
4.) Join that club you always wanted too
5.) Find a New Hobby!
6.) Work on that home project you've been putting off.
I don't know how often you get to chat with your husban via Email/AIM/Phone, but those are all options.
I'm sure your husband will be happy that you/will miss him alot, but i'm sure he wants your to be Happy as wll. Be a little greedy and make this time for you and do the things you wanted to do but never really had the time. All in All, this will keep you busy and not dwelling on the fact you miss your husband.
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Contact your husbands command to see if an on-base organization for wives (spouses) of deployed servicemen exists (one should already be set up). They can be an invaluable support network.

As has already been stated, try taking some classes & working on a degree if you don't have one yet. If you do, add to it with other areas of interest or a second degree.

Get a part/full-time job doing something you find interesting.

Get involved with the church or a community charity. Join a club. Work out!

Don't forget to communicate with your husband and talk about how things are going to be once he's deployed. Make sure you keep in contact with him when he's gone. Don't expect a lot of mail back - they get busy over there - but you keep sending him letters or packages when you can.

You can do this! Don't let it get you down! Jump in both feet first and embrace the challenge!

Answer 3

sorry sweetheart, there's nothing special you can do except think positive, hold your head up, be strong and keep busy. it would help to get a job if you don't already have one, set yourself up in a routine. get hobbies, things you do on specific days of the week and stick to it. make time to have fun, hang out with other spouses of deployed from your husbands squadron. surround yourself with good people who you can relate to, that are in your boat. break up the deployment with a trip home to see family here and there. it's very important that you think positive as well. many spouses in the military deal with depression as well as infidelity. make sure that you also make time to write and email your husband everyday, like a ritual. it will help you both maintain a healthy long distance relationship. send him uplifting care packages every 2 or 3 weeks or whatever you agree on. treat yourself to a day at the spa with girlfriends every few months....
i can't lie, it won't be easy but it's not impossible.
good luck to you.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the first 3 months are the harderst. Just try to keep yourself busy as possible and don't spend alot of the extra money either. Save that so you two can have a nice 30 day leave vacation with it. As far as the year go's, there are going to be some ups and downs. If you keep busy, you won't go stir crazy all by yourself.

Answer 5

You need to find a circle of friends who will keep you company and invite you to participate in lots of activities. Use the time alone to become a more intelligent and capable person. Learn new things and skills. Take classes. Do all those things you never had the time to do but always wish you had. Most importantly, remember that he is lonely too and will be thinking of you.

Answer 6

my ex b/f deployed 3 times while we were together...6mo at a time. get out there and meet new friends, get involved with the other military wives, stay busy...before you know it will be over.

if he is goin somewhere over there where he can call you from time to time that helps too...maybe won't think that at the time...but if he does do you best not to cry on the phone with him. he already knows how hard this is and it will only make it worse. i am such a softy that every time i talked to my b/f i cried as soon as i hung up.

Answer 7

My Father was in the service for 30 years (Navy Pilot). My Mother says part of her success in dealing with the absesnses was boinding with the other wives, and neighbors.

MOST military companies (and squadrens) have support groups. They have meetings, gatherings, and lean on each other as needed. Ask your husband to get a number from his comanding oficer that can contact other spouses with.

If there is not one already, perhaps you can organise one.

Answer 8

Write him constantly, call your family often, and join a support group for soldiers wives. Volunteering is also a good way to pass the time, and feel good about yourself.

Answer 9

My wife is in Iraq and I started going to night school and online school. The time passes by and I'm learning a ton!

Answer 10

You ain't EVER gonna make that time fly by... Physics won't let it... The only time that flies is the time you are together... When you are apart, it will feel like an etermity!! Sorry...