Why Quick High School Graduations Rock

Obviously with the pandemic going on, high schools had to cancel graduations. People were upset. My son even admitted he was a bit bummed. Until I told him that regular graduations last hours. Then he was like, "Oh never mind. But I did want to walk the stage."

My son's school announced that they'd do a brief in school graduation with rules. Masks on. Temps checked. All of that. And you know, it worked for me! Here's why.

1. They're more personal. My son got to see some of his teachers and actually speak to them since there wasn't a million people around.

2. They're fast. No waiting hours. He got to go across the stage, which is what he mostly wanted. He didn't have to do it with hundreds of other students.

3. My son liked the gifts. I never got any gifts from the school for my high school graduation. Tommy got a cool sign and shirt.

4. They're more convenient. Tommy's graduation would have been at the Alamodome, which is downtown and a pain to get to with traffic. This one was at his school. Close by. Easy to get to. And there were lots of photo ops!

5. There are more memories. With an hours long graduation, it can get boring. Minds wander. With faster ones, you can really take in what is going on. There's no time to be bored!

2020 will be a year to remember, that's for sure. But we'll always remember this graduation. And look back on it fondly.

What about you? Did you have any fast graduations this year?

Why I Didn't "Go Home" When My Husband Deployed

Whenever my husband had to deploy, I was asked by friends if I planned on going home until he returns. I know my parents would welcome me with open arms and I appreciate it. I appreciate them.

I remember when Tom went to Korea for a year, people were surprised to learn that I wasn't packing up my kids and going home.

So why is "going home" not for me?

Let me explain.

1. I feel like I am home.

My home is with my family--as in my husband and children. Maybe I feel this way because I was a military brat. We were always moving around so I didn't grow up in one home. Even when my husband is gone, it's still my home, with my belongings.



2. I like my own things.

As in, my television. Yes, I watch a lot of ridiculous shows on it. My father would not like these ridiculous shows. He has his own schedule of things he watches every night. There is no place for Real Housewives. There is a TV upstairs, but it's in the same room where my son sleeps, so I'd be missing a lot of my programs. Yes, I would watch them online but it's not the same. I also like having my books around me.


3. I need junk food.

My parents don't appreciate junk food as I do. Of course they indulge, but not as much as I do. They mean well, but I can imagine comments being made, "Another candy bar? How about I cut you up some carrots?"


4. I didn't have a baby.

Whenever my husband left, my kids were at least over the age of three. Maybe if I had a baby I'd have considered going home, but honestly, I doubt it. I just really like my possessions and space too much.


5. My kids would have to leave their schools and enter a new one.

Sometimes when my husband left my kids weren't always in school yet. But when they were, it didn't make sense to pull them out of a school and away from their friends. I'd want my kids to have stability.


6. I'm able to visit my family. 

I might not go live with them, but we do visit. So it's not like I'm completely without family.



7. I have my own schedule of how I like to do things.


If I moved in with my parents, this might be messed up. I would no longer be the only adult so I'd have to respect their wishes. When my husband is gone, I already have enough on my mind so I'd be irritated if I couldn't do things the way I wanted to do them.


8. I can manage.

With the help of friends, I'm always able to survive deployments. Of course I have moments when I feel like I can't do it--but my friends are the ones who help remind me that yes I CAN do it. Or they'll invite me over for chocolate and cake. Chocolate and cake can fix anything. (And a lovely cocktail can help as well..)

Did you go home when your husband deployed? Or if your husband is not in the military but has gone away due to work, would you go home? 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....



.....to be booking the Disney dining reservations this week. I'm hoping to get Be Our Guest and 50's Prime Time since those are where Tommy really wanted to eat.



.....to be relaxing at home for the 4th of July. My husband will be grilling some food. But the virus is spreading all over our area again, so it's best to be at home for the moment.



.....to be watching Hamilton with the kids on July 3rd on Disney +. We've never seen the show but LOVE the songs.



.....to currently be reading You Were There Too by Colleen Hoover. It's fantastic so far!



....to have picked up these 4th of July cookies. They're delicious. And patriotic.

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