Wow....
Before I write anything else, the following needs to be said:
As of 12:36 p.m. (or so), I have spent 15 years being married to one rockstar of support and general awesomeness. Love you, Pete, and may we have many, many more years of happiness (and craziness) together.
As far as everything that has happened in the past 24 hours. Unexpected? Completely and totally. I wrote a post yesterday as I was hurt by an explanation that made little if no sense to me. When I am hurt, I write. It's cathartic. I also felt like sharing, as I had received so much support from the State Department in the past. From the way my husband zipped home from Iraq to his follow-on posting that allowed him a good amount of flexibility. I had the support of the FS community, bloggers and otherwise. Yet, now I was being told that my one post was somehow inappropriate?
I did what I felt was right. I shared that with my friends, with my tribe...my FS community. They weighed in and shared their thoughts and feelings, so much so that yesterday I received a call from the Washington Post (I did not contact them) and as of this afternoon, two stories have been published. Other media outlets also picked up the story. I did not do this for attention or to have my name out there. I did this because I needed a release. I felt that I was being wronged, not because I was removed from the blog roll, but the reason why.
I could have handled any of a thousand explanations, but I did not get that and, yes, it stung. No, it's not my list. Yes, they can update the list anytime they want. However, they came to me. They asked me to participate and I felt a little notice or a reasonable explanation as to why I was removed was not out of the question.
I honestly have no idea what has happened in the blog roll world at State today. I do know that by 12:08 p.m., my blog was back on *the* list and for that, I am thankful. I am grateful that it was realized that perhaps I do provide a service to others, even if I use words that may not be comfortable for everyone's eyes or ears. However, sometimes, we need to hear those words. Sugarcoating life doesn't make it any less messy. It just makes it much harder to navigate when we truly need assistance.
Thank you to everyone who has shown their support via blog posts, comments, emails and via FB and Twitter. And, yes, that includes the State Department, who also posted this notice late this afternoon: http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums.
I apologize for the short posting, but 15 years only comes around so often and we must celebrate this special "nanniversary" (according to Nick). Before I depart for the evening, though, I'd like to leave you with an even longer list of blog posts* that bouyed my spirits and reminded me that I am not the only one who enjoys a little honesty now and again. Enjoy!
Whale Ears and Other Wonderings
Like Nomads, But With More Stuff
*If I missed your link somehow, I'm very sorry. Please send to me or leave in a comment and I will include.
http://webtexans.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/staying-abreast/
For you.
Posted by: Nomads By Nature | May 18, 2012 at 03:52 AM
love this post! Happy Anniversary - I wish you both many more happy and healthy years together.
Posted by: Anat | May 18, 2012 at 06:54 AM
Love the news article Jen, and I'm glad to see you back on the list. I will blog for you when I get home.
Posted by: Lisa Stewart | May 18, 2012 at 07:25 AM
You said "boobies" in another post, ha! I really think you should start a line of custom nipple cozies and make something off the whole experience. You were on Drudge yesterday... "Nipple Cozies, keeping nipples safe and warm during recovery, but also on any chilly day" - you could do a lot of great marketing around this.
Posted by: Nipple Cozy Supporter | May 18, 2012 at 08:50 AM
Happy Anniversary, Jen! I am sorry the whole boob craziness happened right before it. Hope you did something special to celebrate your 15th. It's our 15th this year as well...
Posted by: Daniela | May 18, 2012 at 11:28 AM
No one deserves a Happy Nanniversary as much as you! I hope you got to thoroughly enjoy the day with your fab hubby!
Posted by: Heather Dray | May 18, 2012 at 04:48 PM
Ms. Mastectomy salutes your bravery and honesty!
Posted by: Robyn Michele Levy | May 20, 2012 at 12:48 AM
no need to link to me. just wanted to say sorry i'm late.
http://thebfilesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/better-late-than-never.html
Posted by: bfiles | May 20, 2012 at 09:18 PM
I have never commented but have been reading your blog for about a year now. I even went back and read all of your blogs from the beginning. I am an aspiring FSO and your blogs make things so real and are certainly a real portrayal of FS life, with kids, and medical issues and REAL LIFE things. I want to thank you for being so open and honest! Your blog is a perfect example of what NEEDS to be on the blog roll!
Also, Happy Anniversary!!
Posted by: Samantha | May 21, 2012 at 10:21 AM
http://webtexans.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/did-you-know/
You just keep handling all on your plate with such grace! Just wanted to let you know that Cosmo 'had your back' too! -- thought you'd enjoy the chuckle. Take care, keep writing, keep thriving! We enjoy hearing about your adventures, obstacles, and wisdom.
Posted by: Nomads By Nature | May 24, 2012 at 04:13 AM