I guess it's really happening.....

This was posted in our local paper last week:

NORFOLK

Three Norfolk-based Navy ships and thousands of sailors will leave Norfolk Naval Station next week for an overseas deployment, the service announced Friday.

The aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower and the guided missile destroyers Winston S. Churchill and Jason Dunham will head to sea Wednesday, according to a news release. They'll be joined by two other ships that will deploy the same day from Mayport, Fla., the guided missile cruiser Hue City and the guided missile destroyer Farragut.

In all, 6,000 sailors will go with them.

Carrier Air Wing 7 will deploy with the group aboard the Eisenhower.

The sailors will spend at least six months away, supporting operations in the Middle East and Europe, the Navy said.

The Eisenhower is commanded by Capt. Marcus A. Hitchcock. The group of ships -- what the Navy calls a carrier strike group -- will be lead by Rear Adm. Michael Manazir. 

As much as we've been anticipating this event in our family, it brings many mixed emotions. My first thought of course is how much the girls and I will miss Mike on this long journey. My second thought is can we just get this started already?? I feel like the last couple weeks seem torturous with the upcoming date of doom!!

But trying to look on the brighter side of things, I've started a list of PROS for him being deployed:

(mostly to make myself feel better about it all and not just focus on the obvious negatives)

• More closet space!! YEP! I'm taking over his closet ASAP and spreading out-- one should not let such precious hanging space go to waste!!
• The bathroom counter is now 100% mine! Not that he took up much space before, but every little bit counts in a woman's world.
• That being said......toothpaste will last longer.....and so will my hairspray (which he uses way too much of for a guy with a mostly shaved head!! :))
• 50% less laundry to do--thus saving on detergent and water (50% less showers too!) :)
• Savings on his cell phone $$!! Savings on car insurance $$!! Savings on his gym membership $$!!
• HUGE savings on gas with him not driving to work!
• Our K-Cup coffee pods will last more than 50%  longer....he always drinks more than me!!
• Grocery bill should decrease.....we eat a lot simpler when he's gone
• My babysitters will make a healthy summer income-- mommy needs some time to herself!!
• King size bed all to myself......as long as no children try to invade it......