Pre-Move

I have had several requests to start a blog of our upcoming adventure. I figured since there is a blizzard outside my window and I am jobless for a little while, it's a perfect time to brush up on my writing skills before the real traveling begins. So to start my first blog, I'll give you a brief overview of what is going on in our lives and what exactly this adventure is.

James (my husband) is a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and works as a deputy budget officer. He has been on active duty for close to 3 years and it is officially time for us to PCS (permanent change of station; aka: move) to another location. Lucky for us,we have been given the opportunity to live in Turkey for the next two years! In February we will be taking a road trip with our pup, Birdie, out to Baltimore where we will catch a flight to our new home. Pray that our rickety little car can make one more big trip for us!

When we moved from college to our current duty station we moved everything ourselves, so this is our first time having to use TMO. (Transportation and Moving Office) For those that aren't sure of the process (we are still learning) when you PCS overseas, you will have three different pickups. The first is called unaccompanied baggage and is picked up by a moving company about six weeks prior to you leaving and will arrive at your new home close to the time you arrive. Each pick up has a weight limit (this depends on your rank and whether or not you have dependents) and unaccompanied baggage is going to have a lighter limit. It will be comprised of anything that will make you more comfortable. For example, linens, towels, pillows, golf clubs, pots and pans, toys, games, shower curtains, bikes, etc. The second pick up is called, household goods and is going to be picked up about a week and a half before you leave. This pick-up is comprised of everything else in your home such as televisions, couches, dressers, tables, beds and again your rank will determine your weight limit. The third pick up will be around the same time as your household goods but is called, long-term storage. This is for anything you don't want or are not allowed to take with you. For example, we are not allowed to take our propane bbq, lawn mower, weed eater or washer and dryer.

With all of that explained, our first pick up is next week! It's still a bit surreal and seems like we're just pretending. My house is beginning to look rather sad and barren. I don't have one thing on the walls, except for what seems like hundreds of nail and screw holes and the donation pile seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Today I began taking pictures of all of our furniture and electronics just so that all of our bases are covered if things are damaged or missing after the move. I am in charge of all the fun stuff that James doesn't want to do. I guess it's better than being at work!

As of now our plan is to travel as much as possible during the two short years we will be there. Golfing at St. Andrews, meeting up with one of my best friends in Greece while she's on her honeymoon, Paris for our anniversary, skiing in the Swiss Alps with one of our favorite couples. We'll have to figure out how to fit work into the schedule!

We will try to keep this as up to date as possible and let you know how we are doing and what we're up to. Please feel free to make travel recommendations, give travel/living abroad tips or ask any questions!