The Joys(?) of PCSing

Completing a Permanent Change of Station or PCS is turning out to be a bit more challenging than I realized. On top of the bureaucratic nightmare of paperwork and "out-processing," I now am unemployed with no idea what I'm going to find when I get to my next base. From an emotional perspective, PCSing just sucks. I'm so sad about moving away from the friends I've been able to make over the last five years. Most of them are German, although a few are retired military members. I've had a serious problem making friends with military spouses so I'm not looking forward to trying it again in Japan. I have few career advancement options because the DoD is not hiring civilian positions for which I can qualify. And the best part is how frustrated I am with my husband who approaches moving from a completely different place. I would like to write lists and be prepared in advance for everything. He'd rather wait until the last minute and deal with whatever arises on the spot. At least we have planned some vacation time in between bases. But it will be back in our home state with family obligations so I'm not exactly sure how relaxing it will be. I'm going to try and look at this as an opportunity to rethink everything. How can I try things a new way and break bad habits? How can we get better at communicating, find educational tools for Natalie and for me, and return me to my creative roots? I've been reading a book that's got me thinking about spirituality and remembering how it used to work for me. I'm wondering if turning back in that direction would make a difference for me. This blog is a series of random thoughts that is, unfortunately, serving as my journal since the journal is packed and on its way to Japan right now. Oh, the joys of PCSing.

I need to dance

Once again I come back to dance. I just watched a beautifully done short video about an investment banker who became a Tango dance teacher and met the woman of his dreams after, and because of, 9/11. It makes me want to dance more, too. When we get to Japan, I'll have priorities like getting a job and getting Natalie into a good school. But not too far down the list is getting myself into a ballroom dance studio. I need it. Really need it.

New Home Possibilities

Japan. Tokyo. It could be really amazing. But I'm hoping we don't go. I have this weird feeling. It's not fear. It's not even as strong as dislike. I just don't feel entirely committed to living in Asia. Natalie will likely have wonderful educational opportunities. And we'll be in a city, instead of out in the boonies. It will be exciting again, like it was when we first came to Germany. But I likely won't be able to get a very good job again, if at all since we'll be there such a short time. Conflicted, is a better word, maybe. It could be so amazing. But it could be a big pain in the ass. I just wish we could have gotten UK. Maybe a future tour after Chris is finished with school and gets commissioned. I swear, if something goes wrong in Korea, I'm taking Natalie back to Arizona on the first plane out.