tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225269.post-1095042854881937752004-09-12T18:23:00.000-07:002004-09-20T13:55:05.400-07:00I don't think that being a Navy wife is one of the toughest jobs in the world, however, it's also not one of the easiest. <br /> <br />Me and my husband just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. Fortunately, we were lucky to celebrate it together (we went to see <a href="http://www.buffettnews.com/">Jimmy Buffett's concert </a>in Chicago- really cool!!!), partly because I was able to spend this summer with him in Great Lakes, IL. Now, he is gone again. He just left few hours ago to train with the Marines in San Diego, CA. Him joining the Navy was our mutual decision, about a year ago; both of us were really attracted by the opportunities to travel around the world. Now, when the reality is here, it is tougher than our dreamed visions. We are still glad we have made such a decision, however, any time he leaves it evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, it is the excitement of traveling, and on the other hand it is the misery of separation from each other. <br /> <br />I recall the first time I saw a sticker saying: "Navy wife - toughest job in the world" and I was wondering how someone could consider it a "job." Now, being the insider, I understand it much more: I take care of the house, my car, my dog, (no kids yet), my life etc., and I also get paid for it. My husband gets some extra money for being married to me, although in the goverment terminology it is for having a "dependent." Studying for my master's degree in sociolinguistics, I really hate that term for number of reasons (partly because it is nothing like that in our relationship), but - the extra money is handy. <br /> <br />For a few of those who had the patience to read my little "Fleck in Space" post I have a couple of ideas to comment on: <br /> <br />1. <strong>Can being a Navy wife be considered as a job?</strong> <br />2. <strong>Is the term "dependent" appropriate for a Navy wife?</strong> <br /> <br />To me it is just weird that there are two completely opposite terms for one thing: "dependent" and "a job." I just know that I am never going to put that sticker on my car and I also hope to keep all my relationships on an independent and equal level. <br />sonickahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17556194120329082314noreply@blogger.com