First off, I'd like to say that I cannot believe that we have been in VA for over 3 years! I feel like it was just yesterday that we were putting in our dreamsheet for our transfer here. Ahh, its excited, nerve-racking, daunting, etc. I love the idea of seeing the country on the military's dime, however, this time around, its so much more difficult since we have older children.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the military life. every 2-4 years, you PCS (Permanent Change of Duty Station). Sometimes, you get to put in a "dream sheet" of places that are open that you would like to go to. They call it dream sheet because you're dreaming if you think you're going to get anywhere on it! Usually you put your list in November of the year before you move and then you wait...wait...and wait...until the detailer (the Warrant Officer who assigns you your next place) creates you orders. They have until March 31st of your transfer year to assign you orders, so hopefully you hear before then. Then somewhere between May-July, you move! Movers come, pack your stuff, and you leave! This lifestyle is not for everyone, however, I love it!
Last time we did this, C was just 5mths old. She had NO idea how much effort and work was put into creating our list. This time around, I had to research schools, recreational stuff, housing, etc. Its a lot of work on my end. However, out of 99 openings, we created a list of 30. Our top 10 picks are within NC, SC, FL, Netherlands, NY & VA. We're hoping that we get one of those picks!
Hubs & I tried to explain to our daughter, who is almost 4, about this whole experience. We used our best friends, who just recently transferred to OR as an example. What we were not expecting was the load of guilt that she served on a plate to us. "I dont want to leave my park and friends. The PARK will REALLLLY miss me. Maybe we can move to OR to be with L. Or maybe Grammy and Pappi's house." I told her its very exciting and we will find new parks, friends and all sorts of good stuff. She liked the idea of school too. I also explained that we will still have these friends from here and that they can come visit and have sleepovers, etc. She totally loved that. N, well, he will only be just 2 when we move, so I don't think he will miss the park as much as her....
I will miss this place that we've called home for the last few years. I would have never thought that I'd say that when we first got here. We live in the boonies, next to a farm. One stop light town. No Targets, Walmarts, malls for miles, including a $17 toll bridge. However, we've made this place a home. Made some great life long friendships, grown closer together as a family, enjoyed the nature and animals around our home and the closeness to the Chesapeake Bay. This place will always have a special place in our hearts.
Now we wait...this will go to the back of our minds for now. Hopefully in the new year, we will get orders to our new home. I knew what I was getting into when I married my husband, and I wouldn't change it for anything. Its most definitely an exciting lifestyle that suits this family :)
No comments:
Post a Comment