Big things are happening. Change is on the horizon.

For many people change is a trigger for fear and trepidation. Yet change is a constant. For me I have been changing regularly most of my adult life. Having been in the Air Force for 20+ years, they tend to move you around a lot. Change every 3 to 4 years was a given and it was never as easy or as welcome as we wanted. For me it was an opportunity to do something new with my same employer, while for my wife and kids it was new jobs, new organizations, and new friends. Do for me it was always easier than for my family.

Although I often relished the opportunity to do something different, moves weren’t fun. The stresses on the family were tremendous and I applaud them now for looking to the future and preparing as they did to make it as easy as possible. Marianna would scout out the Boy Scout troop, the churches, the neighborhood activities, and the schools, all the while trying to find something for her to do professionally. Moves were incredibly hard on her as I would often immediately jump into my new position and often jet off to some other city leaving her is a new town with children and little support. For that I have regrets.

The shoe is on the other foot now, and I can’t be more excited. After nearly 13 years in the same house, we are moving from Ohio to New Mexico. As I probably stated in a previous post, this move is a fulfillment of a promise I made Marianna when we became an Air Force family: She joins me and the Air Force will tell us where and when to go and, when I retire, she can tell me where and when to go.” This is the place:

The time is at the end of this month.

And I’m really excited about the move. Yes there is uncertainty. I am working to stay with my current company for a few years at least. However, the prospect of having to commute weekly to either Albuquerque or Colorado Springs is becoming less and less attractive. There are few professional opportunities in line with my experience in the area we are settling so that leaves working from home or doing something completely different. My initial thought is to foster a work from home option with my company to see if that is possible. I am laying the ground work for that as the move day approaches.

Beyond that, everyday that ticks by puts a bigger smile on my face. I have been stagnant in my daily work in a very siloed organization and am looking to grow in so many ways. I am excited to hike mountains and canyons, discover new fishing holes and to camp under the stars. I look forward to building a homestead of beauty and tranquility with Marianna. To have friends and family visit and to explore new skills.