Ryan and Christy's Place

There's nothing quite like being able to see Ryan when I talk to him. It's reassuring, almost, as is hearing his voice over the phone. It makes me feel close to him, even though we're far away. One thing I've heard all through this deployment is that we're “more connected than ever before,” and it's true.

So I'm going to rehash an old post -- my love of the Web cam. If you have an Internet connection at home, and use it to talk to your soldier, I'd highly recommend purchasing one -- they're worth every penny, and cost anywhere from $20 to $200 at places like Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy, which I linked to above. Mine cost $20 and works just fine, thank-you-very-much. (Also, Target has a much better in-store selection, as does Wal-Mart, I've heard, which is why I didn't link to them.)

Web cams are easy enough to install with the software that comes in the package. After that, you could use an Internet messaging system to chat -- I'd recommend MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger. Both also have audio options -- which means you can talk into the Web cam, if it has a built-in microphone, and your soldier can hear you. (We don't use it, but we've tried it.) Downloads are free.

Also, something that Greensboro, N.C., blogger TheShu recently brought to my attention: the Web site Seeyoursoldier.org. He said: “(The site) was put together by myself and some other folks here in Greensboro to help military families and friends keep in touch. ... It has chatrooms set up for the different branches of the service. What's unique about it is that it offers live audio and video streaming in addition to text chat. There's nothing to download and, unlike a lot of the other messenger software, will work behind most of the military firewalls. So if Ryan has a microphone or a webcam with him, you can talk to him for free. Might want to give it a try sometime.“

I don't think I'm mistaken in saying that anyone can use it, not just people in Greensboro? It sounds great, especially if you don't want to download anything or can't get a messenger to work with your firewall.

Staying in touch -- there really are more options than ever before. Though, I have to say, there's still something magical about getting a handwritten letter.

-- Christy

UPDATE: The brilliant CaliValleyGirl also told me that Skype is an excellent messaging/Web cam service. Try it out!