As so many others in the Coast Guard right now, we’re waiting on Orders. This means we’re waiting for someone to tell us where we’ll be serving and what Bob’s new job will be. We’re weighing the “dream sheet” we sent in months ago with our preferred locations all over the country against all the other places they could still send us. We’re hoping we don’t get the call from our Detailer (Assignment Officer) that nothing on that list is available.
This particular time of transfer season is always one of the hardest for me. I’m on the cusp of the moving process, but I have nothing to plan for yet. And no inkling except that our first two choices on the “dream sheet” are already taken. As most of you know, I’m a planner. I need to start planning! And I can’t. Instead, I’m cleaning out closets so we don’t end up moving any unnecessary items (a tedious, but essential job).
The worst part is that I want to talk about it, but talking doesn’t do too much except remind people that we’re moving. Our families are really awesome about the Coast Guard’s transient lifestyle and understand why we do it. But they have heard each place on the list a few times, so I’m sure they have preferences and are also waiting to hear how close or far away we’ll be for the next few years.
Our local friends are probably tired of us talking about the impending move and I worry about how these discussions will affect our friendship. We’re not new to this life, but they are, and I want them to know that it’s not callousness that brings it up. It’s inevitability. I don’t want either of us to be blindsided. It’s going to be painful to leave and that’s why we start mentally preparing ourselves and loved ones early.I know I’ve gotten a little whiny here (and probably in person, too, if you’ve spoken to me lately!), but I don’t want to give the impression that we have this crazy difficult life. My husband has a great job that he loves and we both really enjoy the Coast Guard life in general. Moving can be a pain, but it’s such an adventure to live in different places! Everyone has unique challenges and this particular one is a part of military life that most people don’t get a glimpse of.
I want to commiserate with my fellow military wives who have been through the waiting. It’s great to have friends in the Coast Guard and other branches because they’ve been there and know how you feel. I also want all of the friends we’ve made along the way to know how much they mean to us, even when we’re talking about our next move. Each and every one has a special place in our hearts and I hope we have a special place in theirs.
I’m almost positive that when the day comes and we no longer have to wait for orders, I’m going to say “Wait! Can’t someone just tell us where to go? Please???” And I would appreciate no one forwarding me the link to this post when that happens. 🙂
What about you? Have you moved around a lot or are you a military family? What do you do to prepare?
****Update! Right before posting, we received orders! Guess where?
AwesomelyOZ says
That’s so exciting and yet scary and inconvenient at times I’m sure. New Orleans sounds like fun! Best of luck packing and preparing/planning Tabitha! Happy Friday! -Iva
Autumn Kinsey says
Iva, I’m Autumn, a weekly contributor to the blog! Luckily, Tabitha won’t have to move, it’s just me! Thanks for your comment, it’s completely true!
Rorybore says
I have a military family across the street from me and I so feel for the wife whenever her hubby goes on assignment. They don’t have to physically move, but the nature of his job is that he could be called away in the middle of the night and gone for 3 months. or 3 days. Or a couple of weeks. And he cannot say where, when or why. It must be so stressful, but they are the very picture of grace and patience and just Goodness!!
God bless them – and you – for your service.
Oh, New Orleans!! Now I would not mind be sent there at all for a little while. First, is way warmer than Canada, and I LOVE cajun food.
Ashlee Thomas says
Congrats! We’re being stationed April 1st in Honolulu HI, talk about dream sheet!!!! Our second baby will be born 2 months after arriving to the island! Best of luck! Xx
Autumn Kinsey says
Ashlee, I’m so jealous! We’d love to do Hawaii for a tour! Enjoy your time on the island!