On Life

When we first found out that we were moving to Fort Sill, I was overwhelmed with negative comments. Some of the people had been here and experience first hand what the Lawton/Fort Sill area had [or didn't have] to offer. Most had not, but had 'seen on t.v.' or 'heard' about what it was like here. Not only were we moving to our first duty station, but it just so happened to be 1,000 miles away from our friends and family. It was nerve wracking, to say the least, and everyone else's two cents didn't help.

In the short time leading up to our move, I tried staying positive. 

I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry about it a few times, and I often had worries about what life would be like that far away from familiarity, but mostly, I was looking forward to our 'new' life together.

Life is what you make it.

After 7 months of living here, I'm writing this [mostly for myself], but also on the off chance that someone else can relate to how I was feeling.

This is what I heard:

There's nothing to do in Lawton.

The crime rate is terrible.

Better watch out, it's tornado alley!

This is how I feel:

There is so much to do in Lawton! You have to be proactive, but there are lots of things to do. Even if the things going on in town aren't your cup of tea, OKC is 1.5 hours away, Wichita Falls less than an hour, and Dallas is about 3 hours away. I guarantee you will find something to do with ALL of these big city choices so close by!

As for the crime rate, there are several websites that you can go to to check it out. For me, someone telling me how bad the crime rate in the town was did nothing but scare me. It certainly didn't stop me from moving because the move wasn't my choice to begin with. All I can say about that is either live on base, or live on the good side of town [which we do], and take all of the necessary precautions to make sure that you're not a victim due to your own stupidity [locking cars, deadbolts, windows, etc].

We haven't been here during 'peak' tornado season [March - May], but the weather hasn't been too bad here thus far. I've survived my fair share of tornadoes in Alabama, though.

There are always going to be people trying to ruin your happiness, trying to sway your opinion, trying to make you miserable. Misery loves company.

One of my biggest struggles is trying to see the positive in all situations, but at least I'm trying.

RedLeg Disappointment

If you follow me on twitter, you know that last night was a big night for us.

It was Aaron's RedLeg Social. 

In other words, all the guys in his unit [& their significant others] got together, had dinner, and found out their next duty stations.

I've been thinking about it since last week!

On our 'wishlist' we put:

Ft. Carson, CO

Ft. Bragg, NC

Ft. Campbell, KY

Ft. Stewart, GA

Hawaii

I was getting so excited thinking that we'd be closer to home, or in a more interesting place!

We got to the Patriot's Club around 6, & everyone was just waiting around to be let into the main hall.

Everyone else's nervousness/jitters seemed to calm me down, which was weirdly unexpected.

They finally started letting people in, and I got so confused. Everyone raced to the area where they had everyone's place settings displayed. We found out we were sitting at table 12. When we got to table 12, there was a plaque stating our new duty station.

Ft. Sill, OK

When Aaron told me, I just stood there, shocked.

I felt like I had been slapped in the face & I had to try really, really hard not to cry in a room of 150+ people.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Is this a joke?"

"No, this is the Army."

Don't get me wrong, I like it here for the most part. But I always looked at moving here to be a brief trip. We weren't expecting to be here longer than 6 months. I know I need to get used to this, but this is just how I feel right now. I know I'll get over this in a few days & be okay with it all. I know that no matter where we live, I will make the best of it for myself & my family. 

Wish List

Last night we finalized our 'wish list' for our next duty station.

It took us hours to look over our choices, research them, and decide what to put down.

It's crazy to think that by the end of the year we could be moving again.

But that's the Army, right?

Although it was stressful, trying to decide where we might want to go, it was also fun. 

I like change [most of the time] and I think that moving from time to time is going to keep things fresh.

Where is the best place you've ever lived OR where would you move if you could?

I'm back!

You can all breathe a little easier now ;)

Seriously, though...I'm breathing easier [aka less stressed].

There is a little stress left, but not too much.

If you follow me on instagram or twitter, or friends on fb, you know that we made it to our new duty station.

Of course, nothing went the way it should have [in my mind!]. We were thrown curve balls from every direction, but I think that we did pretty good at catching them & staying in the game. I've learned so much from this move, it's astonishing.

The biggest, most important thing I learned is that I am a strong woman [mentally & emotionally]. And that is giving me the confidence I need to be 1,000 miles away from my very best friends and family.

This is all for now, but stay tuned for the gory details of our trip and soon...a giveaway!

I Cannot Lie...

When I first found out that we would be moving to Oklahoma in May, I was upset and nervous.

I already had plans.

Adelei's first birthday party

Working until October to save up more money

Going to my nephew's 4th birthday party

Going to my niece's 1st birthday party

You know, family stuff.

But when I read: "You will be living off post", I panicked.

I have been living in a fantasy land. I thought everyone could live on post if they wanted. Boy was I wrong.

So I got my tail into gear and started researching housing areas.

I found some good ones, and some not-so-good ones.

It just so happens that, the ones in our price range, were in questionable areas.

My heart sank.

We wanted a house.

But I carried on with our search because living in a hotel until we could find a place was not an option in my mind.

After two days of researching, I found a property full of townhouses.

I contacted the leasing office for more information, and was elated. It's in a nice neighborhood. Close to base. Close to a Hobby Lobby [haha!]

We could get a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse for less than what we will be getting for BAH, which means we could use what was left over to pay utilities.

*whew* After 'finding' a place, we still had to apply, put down a deposit, pass a background and credit check.

Luckily, everything fell into place seamlessly.

To say that securing a home for ourselves lifted a lot of stress is an understatement.

It wasn't until all of this happened, that I started to get excited about moving.

Now, when people ask me how I feel, I'm not bitter.

Yes, it will be hard moving 16 hours away from my family, but I knew this was coming.

At this point in my life, I think it's time for us to go. To travel. To be on our own. To depend on each other more than we do our family.

& I'm excited to tell you all about it along the way!

Sweet Home....Oklahoma?

We found out for sure today that we will be moving to Oklahoma. I'm nervous & excited. I'm a little overwhelmed.

We knew that Aaron was going to have to go there for his training. But I guess I just assumed that we'd actually get stationed some where else.

But there it is, in black & white....PCS [permanent change of station].

So, for the next month, we'll enjoy the Alabama heat, our family and friends, all while he finishes school and I train someone to take my place at work.

Then in May, it's off we go!

To new places & new faces.

Oh what an adventure lies ahead of us!

It's Official

T-3 months & we're out of here!

Or, this apartment at least.

Aaron found out that he is leaving June 1st for BOLC [Basic Officers Leader Course] in Ft. Sill, OK.

What we don't know yet is if Adelei & I will be able to go with him, or if we will have to stay here.

In March, we should find out what our first duty station will be.

If it isn't Ft. Sill, we will stay here, hopefully rent a town house until October & wait for him to come home & to move us where ever!

If it is Ft. Sill we will be able to move with him at that time.

I'm so excited.

And nervous.

But this is definitely going to be an adventure!

The Wait Is Over...Sort Of.

We got the big news today.

WE'RE GOING ACTIVE DUTY!

*phew*

It was a tough decision I'm glad someone else had to make for us.

Wake Me Up When September Ends

For months we have known that September is the month that we would find out what's in store for our future.
National Guard or Active Duty Army.
Here we are, 18 days in, and I'm constantly thinking about it, wondering when the big day is.
My head has been going crazy with 'what if's'.
Of course there are pro's & con's to both.
Active Duty means moving out of Alabama, seeing the world, financial/job security, ability to be a stay at home mom, health insurance, housing, having to move away from family.
National Guard means staying close to family, being able to 'put roots' down/buying a home, having to get a full time job.
Either one could possibly mean deployment.
I wonder if they're going to wait until the end of the month to tell us, or if we'll find out tomorrow.
For a planner, this is torture. I just need the peace of mind.
Luckily, once we find out, we'll still have 7 months to plan for our life as a National Guard family...deciding where we want to live, applying for jobs, etc. If it's Active Duty, it's another waiting game. We won't find out details about his BOLC or first duty station until Spring 2012.
*sigh*
This is definitely a test of patience.

Update on Life

Warning: This post is going to be all over the place.

Aaron made it to Kentucky safe and sound. He called me last night to let me know he had finished in-processing, and then gave me some bad news.
You see, when he found out that he was going to Air Assault school, they sent him a list of things he needed to bring. I helped him get all of his stuff together, and we even made a special trip to the closest base to get the supplies he didn't already have. ANYWAY....what they didn't tell the guys is that they needed BRAND NEW uniforms/gloves/camelbak/wet weather gear. Everyone just brought what they had. So Aaron, as well as all the other guys that brought 'old' stuff, had to go buy alllllllllllll new stuff.

UMMM....seriously?? So there goes at least half of his paycheck, just on 'new' stuff, when I know GOOD and WELL that the stuff he had was more than sufficient.

Moving on.....Thank you guys for thinking of me! I got the job and I start on Monday. The lamest part I can think of right now..........I always have to have my hair in a ponytail AND I have to wear a visor. L.A.M.E. Oh well, at least I have a job now.

And last but not least....
Kami's new house came in the mail today. For so long we were opposed to buying her a kennel.
Until this happened.
Yep. We were gone for 30 minutes last week and she chewed through the bathroom door.
That was just the icing on the cake. We dropped a lot of money on her 'house', but she was just acting too crazy when we left. BTW we found out it's because she has separation anxiety, which she is now taking all natural tablets every day to help with that.

So, I'm leaving now to go spend time with my grandmother and aunt. Hope you all have a great Mother's Day weekend!!