Well for starters I may be the best packer in the United States. Actually, scratch that. There are probably more military spouses out there that can do it better than me because they also have kids to pack and they've moved more times than I have. That would be an awesome competition though. Championship Packing. Go military spouses!
I've also grown to know myself better, and be confident in who I am. Here's an example. It might rub you the wrong way, but that's not my intent.
There are people you meet along the way that you know you'll keep in touch with, and those you know you won't. You may not discover it right away, but over a few weeks you'll learn who will last. I'm not saying I dislike those I don't stay in contact with, and I'm not saying that keeping in touch means regular contact. But some people are worth the investment and some aren't. For me, that's strictly based off of the connection we've made. I may like a person very much and enjoy their company, but if they don't fill some sort of need I have, and I don't fill a need they have, then chances are we won't stay in touch. Because I move so often I think I'm faster at recognizing who will last and who won't. Capiche? No? You want examples? Okay.
In Illinois I made four very dear friends. We all had recently graduated college, were starting our first jobs at the same company, and were newlyweds or engaged. We filled each other's need for camaraderie. We navigated transition into marriage together. We navigated transition into the workforce together. Now, I'm still in touch with all four women, though the four of them don't all still hang out. Get it?
In North Dakota my coworkers were once again my social network. I was comfortable as an adult in the workforce, but I learned so much about communication with others due to the numerous people I worked with and for on a daily basis. A high school student thinks and communicates much differently than a coworker who is near retirement. Multiple heart-to-hearts with my coworkers of all ages led to an understanding that differences make the world interesting and provide for a lot of growth if you're willing to compromise. Serious growth happened there.
I also had two groups of girlfriends in ND that filled my cup. Air Force spouses who could commiserate with me when Air Force demands infringed on my daily life, and an eclectic group of women (single, married, kids, no kids, twenty-something, forty-something, etc.) who leaned on each other for support in all aspects of life; the ETC, as we so lovingly called it. And no, I won't tell you what it stands for. It's a secret. Tee hee! The point is we needed each other for various reasons.
Like I said, the connections made determine if the investment is worth while. So imagine my surprise at forming some good connections in just three short months in Texas. Good enough that I'll really miss these people. Sorta sad, but very cool.
I am actually very excited to move to Dover. It's been the final destination all along. This pit stop in Texas just added to the adventure. I'm excited to move into our new house and sprawl out! Lord, do I want to have space again! And lots of windows to let in light! Amen. So today we pack the car and trailer, and I will be thrilled to have a place to sit for our last night in the ghetto box.
At least we still have room to walk through, but Lord I can't wait to have more space! Amen. Tomorrow we drive off into the sunset and into a week of visiting family in Michigan before reaching Dover. I will do my best to keep up with daily posts so you can see how truly transient we are. Ready? All aboard!
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