I have recently relocated to Montgomery, Alabama (Maxwell AFB).
One question looming, as I unpack the house, navigate through a new city, get my family settled, is how much do I invest of myself in this community?
Our time here is short. As I write, we are 3-months down of an 11-month stay. Already the powers that be in Military Assignments are working on our next assignment. I liken it to “Assignment Roulette,” as we truly have no control where the next assignment will be (although I’m hoping, not so secretly, that it’s DC!).
I think the holding pattern of thinking “I’m only here for 10 months – why bother?” is prevalent among the milspouse community here because of the nature and timing of the military school environment. The local community, while welcoming, also knows it’s a revolving door of military families.
I can’t think about the next move yet, when I have a life right here and now to live presently and fully. I do not want to be in a holding pattern. Instead, I am using this time to pursue my self interests. For the record, I considered working but my resume/track record/present career goals need a major overhaul before this is a viable option, but one that needs to be addressed before the next move. (I will be exploring this topic at length this year because military spouse employment opportunities and challenges are a real issue for our community.)
I have decided that this is my year of writing and working out, aka fun & fitness. These are things that I always want to do, but I frequently pushed them off my to do list at our last duty location in Texas. I am writing and working out, no excuses. I am making connections, making new friends and acquaintances. I am volunteering.
I will leave Montgomery a better person, or at the very least, more fit.
How are you using your time and talents in your new location?
Valerie
Perpetual Newcomer 