Time to Ditch the Raincoat…
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 7:00AM Ladies and Gentlemen, that day has finally come. I am speaking of that bewildering day at the end of a military assignment when you open a rather innocent-looking email and casually learn what’s in store for the next few years of your life…
For many a military spouse, assignment day is preceded by a lot of utterly futile strategic planning, to be followed by plenty of top-notch whining, some pacing around, and much stressing over whether or not it is a good idea to buy yet another pair of fabulous winter boots. All I can say is... I better wear the hell out of those boots in the next few months because they're gonna be pretty damn useless in FLORIDA!!!
Yes, my friends. Starting this summer, Jeff and I will be spending the next three to four years of our life sitting on the edge of Tampa Bay, drenched in that glorious and rare commodity that is sunshine.
No longer will I pay a small fortune for the privilege of parking in a parking spot that looks as if it has been designed for some toy-breed of go-kart and is located approximately one million miles from my intended destination!
No more shall I terrorize the fuzzy woodland creatures while driving home from work on the wrong side of the road at 3pm in the pitch dark!
Never again will I spend an entire day going to six different do-it-yourself stores looking for one lousy light bulb!
NO!
From now on, I will jump into my giant SUV, put on my shades, roll down my windows, and drive on over to Wal-Mart, where I will park for FREE in a roomy parking spot right next to the door. After casually strolling inside, I will pick up my light bulb, some milk, and maybe a spare tire or two before skipping over to the register, hugging a bewildered cashier and declaring, “Oh giant, evil mega-corporation, I’ll never take you for granted again!!!”
(Um…well maybe I’ll get one of those mini-hybrid SUVs instead. That makes me a better person, right? The small Asian children who made my light bulb will definitely forgive me if I drive a hybrid, RIGHT?!)
And my triumphant return to the aisles of Wal-Mart isn't even the best part!
As you may already know, my Dad was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer about a year ago, and although he and my mother have been doing well, being stuck on the other side of an ocean has not been very conducive to my sanity. Luckily, the Air Force decided that I already have more than enough crazy to go around, and chose to send us right on back to Mommy and Daddy before I start an epidemic and jepordize the whole mission.
In all seriousness, the Air Force really came through for us on this one, and we are very, very thankful. In fact, I vow to do nothing but sing its praises while chowing down on all-you-can-eat shrimp and sipping ice cold margaritas with all the other happy, sun-soaked Floridians....
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Reader Comments (23)
It's always great to be closer home, and not have oceans separating you from your folks. It's no wonder you're over the moon. Good to know that things have worked out for you.
I am so happy for you guys! It will be wonderful to soak up some sun finally and have the sun go down at 5pm in winter instead of 3pm! Yay for you both!
Ooh this sounds like a wonderful change in your life! Haha the only part I'm a little sad over is the lack of an excuse for winter boots because I loooove boots.
I know! I amassed quite a collection of lovely coats and boots during my stay in jolly COLD England. Now what will I do with them! Sigh.
LOVELY! Oh how I love Florida, well it's the sand, sun and glorious fact that it does not snow. ahhh... enjoy it!
Oh, lovely! I'm so glad you'll be back in the states!
I will miss you both.....but I know its what you want to I am pleased for you both ........who will make me a fab hot choclate now and be there just at the right time.
I just hope you will keep in touch Miss Kitty xxx
I'm really glad it worked out for you guys! I know it's early still, but we're going to miss you so much! Enjoy the sun!!!
Stopping by from SITS to say hello :)
Was curious where you were going? Going to peak around somewhere to figure where your leaving.
Florida? Wow, that's kind of like a foreign country. I'm new, so I don't know where you are currently, but I imagine you're pretty used to making the transition (I'm an Air Force brat!).
Congratulations and good luck packing!
Visiting for the first time from SITS.
How wonderful that you will be back home. I'm so happy that you will be closer to your family. Good luck with your move.
That sounds like good news! They really did come through for you guys and i think it would make life a whole lot easy for you now!!
Did i mention i love you're layout and you're blog?
Thanks for stopping by my blog!!
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Lady SUnflower
Congratulations! That's awesome news... You're gonna love Tampa. And I would be thrilled to live there too (we're in Upstate NY where it gets COLD!)
I'm hosting a blog carnival today about JOY and it would be great to have you link up... this post is certainly Joyful!!
How exciting! Florida's not that bad - I'm on the opposite coast, right across from Tampa :o) And you may get to use those boots oh, say... once or twice a year.
www.mamagooch.wordpress.com
I am so thrilled you will be back there to see your Mum and Dad and Lolly! However, I am sad I still have not seen you even though we are only a few hours apart now! Please say we will meet up before you go!
Hooray for such great news! I am visiting from SITS and am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I LOVE the name!
This post is wonderful, I can hear the joy in your "voice"!
Hello Kitty,
Am glad to learn about your move.
Good luck with everything :)
Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Hope to see you around.
Cheers!!
Haha! Too bad I only just found you -- I'll have to go back and read your older posts to get the full understanding of the saga that is "living in England." Congratulations on the transfer! I hope the move goes well :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog after my first roll call!
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Good for you!
Just dropped by from SITS to say hi; hope you'll do the same.
Your blog is fantasitc, I've enjoyed stopping by! :)
I'm so excited for you both, Kitty! I'm sure your parents are thrilled to hear the news as well. Hope to see you soon and catch up!
I fell in love with your blog a month ago, and there has been some serious blog neglect going on around here; I want to read more of your witty posts!!!
Hey cutie! I just wanted to let you know that the 'Year in Yes' 2010 calendar is officially for sale now, if you're still keen! Thanks for making Yes and Yes part of your day ;)