Final Countdown

We are at just 10 weeks until I'll be sitting on a lawn chair and watching my belongings get packed to travel 8000 miles away.  It's that time in the moving process where emotions start taking over and I get extremely sentimental and well, let's just say it-sappy.

This happens each and every time, even at the duty stations where I may not have the best memories.  I always make some good friends and it is definitely hard to think about not seeing them on a regular basis.

Now is the time that I plan and relish in lunches, get togethers, coffees, girls night outs and just plain chatting with someone.  Somehow most of my recent outings have been planned around cupcakes!

I really value these true friendships and will miss them so much, especially during those first weeks of a new move when I don't know anyone and have no connection yet.  And it's these true friendships that I try to focus on during these last weeks and not those friendships that are there out of convenience.  I've been burned more than I care to count from women who pretend to be my friend, then ditch me as soon as something better comes along. Those I can do without.

Lots of plans are being made for getting together before I leave and quite frankly, just hanging out with my friends is all I need.  Lots of laughing, talking and maybe a fair amount of wine too!  That's what I'll miss-just being with those that matter.

What I'm looking forward to the most is having our family together, in one house, and not through a computer screen.

After 8 months of being separated during the week, it is definitely taking it's toll on us, especially a certain 7 year old someone who has taken to acting out recently.  we are so ready to be together again, have dinner at the same table, and just giggle and share together like we do best.

I'm ready to go, but also doing that super slow walk to the finish line and grasping every bit of friendship along the way.

Comments

[Lisa Swift]

Such a bittersweet time in your lives, Christa. I wish you the best of luck as the move approaches and I hope you fill that remaining time with as much love and hugs and friends (and cupcakes) as you can. :)

[Tammy D]

Oh, I can so relate! I am moving in 11 days and have so many people to see and say good bye to. Every drive down a road locally I think, is this the last time I will drive here? I just try to live in the moment and savor it. And at the other end you will all be together so it will all be worth it. Good luck on your move and enjoy the cupcakes while you can. :)

[ConnieM]

I understand~I was wondering where you were in your move process. Glad you all will be together soon!!!

[Danielle]

Happy for you that the time is getting close to when you all can be together again. I know it must be tough right now. Hugsxxxx

[ginnyh]

I wish you well in your move and everything that comes along with it!

[Ellie A.]

Sending big hugs & hoping the next 10 weeks move about smoothly & quickly so you are able to be all together again!

[Tara LeClaire]

Thinking of you and your family during this transition period in your lives, Christa. Can't help but be also excited for you for all the new memories lying ahead :)

[Chris]

so glad you will all get to be together again soon, sorry it is taking a PCS half way around the world to make it happen. Good luck with your adventures, and thank you for scrapping and sharing your layouts!

[Cassi]

it'll be wonderful for your family to be reunited. thinking of you during this stressful and emotional time.

[Marcy]

I have never moved!!! I'd be a total wreck!!!

[Mary Jo]

I just can't even imagine what that must be like!!
I do know what you mean about the computer screen though. That is how the kids and I talk to Mike when he is on a project.
But at least he is home on weekends.
Still it's hard.
I really hope your move goes smooth for you.
And I hope you find some really great women over there for support :)

[Christa Paustenbaugh]

Oh  my, you are right around the corner with your move Tammy!!  where are you headed?  Good luck in this last week and a half with all you have going on!

[AmySorensen]

Christa, i think you're so brave! I'm also happy for you that you're savoring the lingering moments. I so hope the move goes well!

[Christa Paustenbaugh]

Thank you Amy!  I dont feel so brave most of the time-just blindly navigating my way through!

[Angie Gutshall]

I can tell you are excited to be close again! And I'm sure it's scary too. But it will all work out ;)

[Jennie M]

I COMPLETELY and TOTALLY understand. Good luck and enjoy yourself. :)

[Stephanie]

Good luck to you!!

[SarahYoo]

I'm going through the same things here Christa. Our stuff ships in 6 weeks, and we fly out on June 1st for our tour in the US. This week is all about Visas, paperwork, medicals and Hep B shots. I'm trying to enjoy the journey, when the stress doesn't get in the way lol. But it's worth it in the end.

[Christa Paustenbaugh]

Oh wow, you are right around the corner to getting here!  Good luck on your journey over and hopefully the stress stays to a minimum!

[Bella StyleBook]

I remember those times oh so well. We are a retired military family now, but moved a whole lot of times during my husband's career. We never made it to Japan, but did try. Instead we were stationed in Holland, The Netherlands and we all loved it there.

[Christa Paustenbaugh]

Oh wow, the Netherlands would be amazing I think!  I bet its so beautiful there!