What ever happened to predictability?

So we got orders today... Whidbey Island WA.  Not what I was expecting.. I wanted, no had already moved us in to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma and had us making monthly trips to St. Louis and Indy to see family. And of course we would continue there until Alexis and Corbin graduated and probably retire there.

Well of course the Navy doesn't do what you expect, it doesn't even do what you hope, in fact it usually picks something you least likely thought to ever happen and says BAM here you go and your welcome.

So in about eight months and 3,108 miles I will be a resident of a very rainy island in the tippy top corner of the country. I'll practically be a resident of Canada. So what do I do with this development .. I could cry.. oh wait did that a couple of times today.. to my sister and random strangers and co workers and parents and any one who would listen to poor pitiful Sarah who is moving to another land. Or I suppose I could do what the Navy Wives always do and roll up my sleeves and get to planning. I can't be upset because then the kids will be upset and my husband certainly doesn't want to drag a whining crying wife and two whining crying kids three thousand miles away from their family.

So the cons have been listed.. distance from family:two days or an expensive plane ticket, weather: well its no sunny florida, but it can't be much worse than the frozen tundra of Maine and we loved it there, and I don't think I can think of any more so on to the pros

I know two very best friends are not only anxiously awaiting my arrival but already helping me plan, check. I am bringing one already established best friend across the country with me, check. I have flexibility, patience and a sense of adventure, check. I like beautiful spacious scenery and small town atmosphere, check. I am only 4 and a half hours from Seattle, 6 hours from portland oregon(Aunt Tiz lives there) and 3 hours and 33 minutes from the coolest place to visit, Forks, WA of course :)

I think as much as I crave the predictable "let me pick it" lifestyle I didn't sign up for that.. I wanted adventure, we wanted something new and exciting or we wouldn't have signed up. I know this will be a great time and I know I will make it a great place for my family.. I can definitely use some sagacity and serendipity in this situation I just have to look for it because its not just going to jump out and say HEY Sarah this is so cool stop moping...

So now I'm ready, I've put Oklahoma to bed and said good night and maybe someday and now I am ready for another ocean, another town, another outlook and another day.. So look out Whidbey because here come the Myers.

Packing Up the Baggage

When preparing for a trip the first thing to do is decide what to pack. After all you are leaving your home, and thus leaving your comfort zone. Is this a long trip? A short one? Is this an adventurous trip or maybe one back to a place you've seen before?

Then you say to yourself, "How much crap do I want to have to haul around with me while I'm gone?" Or maybe you say, "Who's waiting for me at my destination that can supply me with what I need?" Or do you say, "I need it all and I can't bear to leave one thing!"

I have plenty of things to carry, my health, my finances, my marriage, my family, my past, my self doubts, and my affect on others. Among the other clutter I have packed low self esteem, confusion, anger, fear, impatience, and regret. I threw in some desire, passion, and willingness to learn, and of course I packed my Swiss army knife. My bag feels heavy but I am going to move my feet forward because I am in search of a transformation.

 I know what my job description is: mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, student, chauffeur, chef, etc. I know that I am diligent, dedicated, and driven. I strive to set an example and take care of those around me, but the person I usually forget to tend to is me. What do I like, what do I want, where should I be heading?
Flexibility has turned into codependency and I need to reclaim my self.

I chose the two title words because I know I can't forget to pack them on this trip. I have to be wise, discerning, and thorough and also I hope to have good fortune and discover unexpected things along the way.

I am embarking on a trip. I am packing up, leaving town, and seeking some adventures. I am probably over packed, but since I don't know where I am heading I suppose I can get rid of things along the way. Well I suppose that's not entirely true. I know I am heading forward, out of the brambles and onto a path. I can't see the end of the path or whether it has forks, but I did remember my compass, my canteen, and my boots in case the going gets tough.

Bon voyage, Adieu, Auf Wiedersehen, Sayounara!

I am off to new lands and new adventures. I am going to try new things and change old things.

Here's to a serendipitous and sagacious Sarah!