Hi! Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love it if you all became regulars and followed me and my husband through our military journey. I should start by telling you a little about myself and then we will get to the good stuff (like how we’re packing up and moving to Alaska)!
My husband Rich (aka “Ranch”) and I have known each other for 11 wonderful (and long) years! We met while working at The Disney Store back home in Chicago. For most of our dating relationship, we were in separate zip codes. First, him attending college 5 hours away at Southern Illinois Univeristy and then commissioning into the Air Force and training in Florida and Oklahoma. By year 7 I was fed up with the long distance thing and decided to pack my bags and join him in Tornado Country! Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed my time here in Oklahoma; I’ve made some amazing friends and experienced things that I never would have in the Windy City. Plus, this is where we welcomed a new addition into our little family, our gorgeous black lab Rocky! And in 2009 we finally decided to tie the knot amongst friends and family in Walt Disney World. We’ve spent the last three years enjoying our new roles as husband and wife, sampling all of Oklahoma’s finest BBQ, cheering on our beloved Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks whenever we are lucky enough to watch them on OKC t.v., perhaps an occasional stop at one of the fine casinos and simply enjoying all that Oklahoma has to offer…all the while knowing that sooner or later we’d be calling a new place home.
In the wonderful life as an Air Force Wife (AFW), you never now when the day comes that you are told you are PCSing (Permanent Change of Station) and we were hoping to be able stay here for a few years. As luck would have it, we are currently in our 5th year of being stationed at Oklahoma’s Tinker Airforce Base. We were asked by the A.F. to make our wish list of places we would like to move to as Ranch advances his career. After careful consideration, we compiled our list of 5 locations. Our list included Italy, Utah, two different locations in Germany and our number one choice, Alaska. Ranch turned it in and we crossed our fingers hoping that we would be assigned to one of our top destinations.
A few months ago, my husband came home from yet another long day at work and announced that we are officially relocating…..to Alaska! We were assigned our top choice which is extremely rare in the military world!
My first reaction was, “Seriously?!? We are moving to Alaska?” closely followed by “When are we leaving?” “Is my dog going to be eaten by a bear!?!” “What do they wear in Alaska?” and “Do they have Chipotle?”
After the dust settled, the excitement of our new adventure had begun! Alaska! Many people opt for an Alaskan cruises but how many people can say they lived in Alaska? My “Alaskan Bucket List” quickly started to grow. Snowboarding, hiking, whale watching, Aurora Borealis, mine for gold at Porcupine Creek with the crew of Discovery Channel’s hit series, Gold Rush! The list goes on and on.
Understandably I’ve also had some moments of pure anxiety. There are so many questions I would love to have answered right now but I know that is impossible. I do know, however, that the Air Force is an amazing organization that takes care of their own and I just have to trust and believe that everything is going to be alright.
The last few months I’ve had time to organize myself and my home…..as much as possible. I am hoping to use this blog not only to stay in touch and to document our adventures but also to have an outlet to share my many concerns, fears, excitement and plans! I also hope to post pictures as often as I can of our outdoor (and indoor) adventures so that you too can experience Alaska and all its glory!
If you have any tips, questions, concerns, ideas or anything at all please feel free to leave me a comment!
Coming up next: 19 Days on the Road…..Yep, that’s no error….Nineteen long and glorious days on the road….
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