There is so much going on around here all of a sudden, I didn’t quite know how to start the post. Let me see if I can go in order.

The above has been my reaction to finding out a huge piece of news:

We’ve been approved to transfer overseas to Japan! MarvMan was selected for orders in Japan, but there were a few snags with the overseas screening. Specifically for me. I mean, I guess that’s what happens when you’re married to a disabled veteran, no?

In the end, we were approved, and I’m… completely and utterly overwhelmed. There’s the shock, the excitement over such an incredible opportunity, tears over leaving our friends and family here in the States, and then, well… the absolute overwhelm when I realize all the things we have to do to get ready for this huge move.

On top of all that, MarvMan is taking the Chief’s exam today. Going from E-6 to E-7 is a huge step both in terms of advancement and responsibility. I can’t even begin to emphasize how important this is and the massive tradition behind the Chief’s Mess. There’s a greater set of expectations of Navy Chiefs, and to be here at this juncture already… I’m so proud of him. And where in the world did the time go? I hope beyond all hope that he makes it, but I also understand that this is his first time up.

For those not familiar with the way the military works (at least the Navy) – you don’t often make it on your first time taking the advancement exam. Especially for Chief. So my hopes for him are tempered with the realism that he likely won’t get advanced off this exam. If he doesn’t make it, I hope this proves to be a good learning experience and gives him a good marker for where he can improve next time. I know this has been a source of stress and anxiety for him, and I share in that in some small ways.

AND!

Because things come in threes.

I’ve been nominated for Military Spouse of the Year, and voting is now live for the first round.

Will you vote for me?

The link is here: http://msoy.militaryspouse.com/vote/

You have to click on Navy, and I’m on Page 2: Lindsey Clements. I wish I could link directly to my page, but I can’t, so bear with me here for the rest of the instructions. You have to click through into my profile and click the vote button there for the vote to count. Couple extra steps, but I’d be honored to have your vote.

What’s my platform? I’ll copy/paste some things from my profile for you.

In your opinion, what is one of the most important issues facing military families?

Mental illness and ease of access to mental health support services that provide a whole body approach to mental health. Having PTSD has affected so much more than my mental health; it’s affected my physical health as well. It hasn’t been until recently, through taking care of the physical, that I’ve been able to pay attention to the mental, and that I’ve even had the energy to really focus on the healing process, and so few care providers really look at the intersection of mental and physical health.

– See more at: http://review.wizehive.com/voting/view/msoy2014ec700cb0e60748892e86/38291/3508082/0#sthash.Q2ynELbD.dpuf

I hope you’ll vote for me so I can advocate for proper mental health care for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

Don’t forget to check out The OWL Project, too!

Thanks for coming along on this crazy ride with me!