We are closing in on the end. In a week, we will be getting our second to last paycheck from the military. (Thank goodness they never did away with once a month pay, but really, that was my biggest concern back then? LOL) Sure we have retirement coming in after that, but heck, that's squat--but don't get me wrong, it's a hard earned, much appreciated squat!
We got our first ever electricity bill. What do you mean it isn't included in our rent and you won't pay me if I don't use it all???? Water? That costs money? Oh dear, the hot tub is heated with gas?
I'm thinking we should live by candlelight....or by lantern? This whole settling into the civilian world is new to me. We have never ever rented a house. We've never had to take care of a pool and hot tub....I'm totally not complaining about those two perks though. We never had to learn how to take care of sprinklers, or have such a huge lawn that I can't mow it with just a weedeater.
Did you know that they pick up trash more than one day a week in the civilian world? I had no clue! What's better is that I have no idea when they pick up the trash because, well, it's Gunner's job!
The house seems huge to us, and I actually don't have enough/right size/right color curtains to cover the windows regardless of the 10 houses we have lived in previously. I am thinking I am going to create re-adjustable curtains for military families.
We have a two car garage. Do you know how much stuff you can fit in that? (I'm blaming it on the fact that we haven't had time to unpack, not on anything else, I repeat, not on anything else.)
We are back in the land of mexican food. Heaven.
I joined the "Biggest Loser" at work. I am probably way too competitive for this. I have to win, as there is money involved. I told my crossfit coach I joined. He's as competitive as I am. He rides me, and questions everything I eat. I love it. Count on me to win, win, win and my clothes to fit, fit, fit!
So while I settle into civilian life, I am starting to mourn the military life. No deployments? (That's good, but also bad, because let's be honest, those homecomings ROCK!) My kids will no longer be able to wear "My dad fights for freedom, what does your dad do?" tshirts. Of course there is always the me factor, in that for over 10 years, we have never lived together longer an about 15 months. Yikes!
I have friends that are getting ready to PCS now, and I am totally jealous, but of course while we were doing our first PCS to Germany, they were probably in junior high, or as my children remind me daily, it's called middle school.
I'm thinking early bedtime tonight so I can work tomorrow, then lounge in the pool the rest of the weekend. I think now would have been the ideal time for me to be a SAHM!
P.S. Gunner has been home for 5 months. Amazing!
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8 comments:
WHOA!!! Big adjustments!!! And garbage twice a week? Weird...
I hope you have fun with this new chapter of your lives!
1985. What's that you may ask? That is the year my mother began to have the same sense of panic. That is the year I graduated from High School and dad out of the blue said, Hey, I am retiring. The same year that my parents were going to have to pay for college.
We survived. My mother is now very comfortable. Dad found a nice job that supplemented the retirement income. Mom never had to work. You will be fine.
I take it you have always lived in housing? We live amongst the civilians off base and we only have trash once a week... I wish they came more for our recylcing bin though!
You will make it through this phase in life just fine! I can't wait to read about the journey!
We went through the same panic 5 years ago. My 82nd Airborne Paratrooper hubby retired and we did a big move and everything. It was definitely tough, I hear you! My husband had a hard time adjusting once out, but over time has slowly civilian-ized. He still holds others to high standards and is very intolerant of others lacking pride in how they look and act, though. Don't think that will ever change. Just breathe, gurl! :-) Oh, BTW, I'm taking a supplement called Cinch 3 in 1 Boost by Shaklee. I've lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks with no change to ANYTHING! I was shocked! They have a whole line of weight loss stuff that many swear by. I'm actually starting the whole line in a week. I am a distributor, but only to help local non-profit groups and fundraisers in my area. If you're interested in it, though, and go through my site, I give 5% to Wounded Warrior Project. Just let me know if you want any more info on it! Take care!
Ha! You crack me up! See, I totally nailed it on my blog about having things in persepctive. Geo and I had actually considered getting out after the baby was born, so much that he put his resignation in, but the whole concept of no more military adventures and being stuck in the same place F-O-R-E-V-E-R scared the mess out of us and we reconsidered. Good luck with your transition (to put it in terms we understand!)
I am so glad I found your blog. My (army)husband and I are enjoying your post. While reading your blog we are so relating to so much of what you have to say. I am looking forward to how the retirement life goes. This past August Tim could have retired but we have decided to give it a couple more years.
OMG I am going to be stalking your blog religiously because I already have that panic and Mr. M is over a year from retirement. To say I am nervous about not being military anymore is a true understatement and I am hoping to maybe follow you and learn as you learn. Being civilian really scares me!!
Great post here. Congrats on your retirement and new beginnings, after the Army.
I'm sure the transition will be tough at first, but it will grow on you.
After all, civilian life isn't that bad either. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and concerns. And best of luck in the Biggest Loser competition at work.
Regards,
Chuck
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