Home Vs. Away

I find that being in a relationship with someone in the forces means there is often common ground with others. They might be in the same position or have previously been in the same position at some point in their life. This could be someone at work, a friend of a friend or more recently the hair dresser. Everyone has different experiences with some similarities, and there are a number of things you could talk about, but there's just one thing bothering me currently.

"No, I don't move to be with my partner, I am based here and this is where I stay - he can always come back to me. I would not move to be with him, I have a life too".

Now I am not saying this is the wrong view, I am not saying it is the right view. I am saying that I am struggling with this view.

I look at this view like 'these females are strong women who have found their place in the world and are unwilling to uproot what they have achieved for themselves. They don't want to lose the bonds they have with friends and their family is incredibly important.'

So what about me? I move to be with Michael. I have only recently moved flats because he's moved bases. Does this make me a weak, dependent female? Will I follow him for the rest of my life? Do I not know my place in the world, are my relationships not as strong or important?

I don't believe any of those things. I move to be with Michael because it is my choice. Because I would rather have an adventure than continue with the familiar. Because I want to know numerous cities like the back of my hand, and how am I going to do that if I don't move around? Because I enjoy life more when he is in it, and I would be unhappy with myself making the choice to not have him in it. I know I have a base at home in Devon and I always will - my friendships remain strong and the ties I have with my family are unquestionable. I know the people I want to make the effort with, and it's been a good weeding process for the one I don't. I am a strong independent woman, and the decisions I make are in the best interest of myself but also my relationship.

I don't regret any of the choices I have made. In fact, they have resulted in successful employment, and even a transfer to a job that I have wanted for a long time. If I hadn't moved to be with Michael, I would never have had the opportunities I am experiencing currently. Michael and I even talk about him being posted to other countries for a year and me getting to go along for the ride and experience that too; what an incredible opportunity. How could I pass up on an adventure of that magnitude?

Do you think I'm just being silly? That it's not something worth worrying about, because everyone is different and they will do what suits them. I am of that view, but I guess I also wanted to justify why I do what I do and make it clearer in my head.

Enough rambling, good night.

The move, part one

I have so much stuff. This is what the van took from my house- 

 

This is what my car had to take-

This is what the van looked like in the end

We drove to michaels camp the night before so we didn't have a ridiculous wake up call, and then signed for the flat first thing. Whilst waiting for the cavalry to arrive, we tried out the breakfasts at a local pub (not the nicest in all honesty). And in Michael's haste- his tea was ruined. 

We then went on a huge food shop to build our store cupboards up (I swear it's healthier than it looks haha) 

We unpacked for the rest of the day, and made sure things found a home (if not their forever home) and then relaxed with our first meal - spinach and ricotta tortellini with cheese sauce and fine beans. You'd better believe Michael complained about no meat even though he'd had a full English that morning! 

The Pre-Move

 

There has been a lot going on over here - constant packing, list writing, sorting and sourcing. These are some snippets of the journey we're currently taking! 

 

 

newsnewsnews

Have you seen Dizzee Rascal's new video? It is clever and I like it. I think you should watch and enjoy it too.

So I have some great news! I got a full-time grown up job! I have been struggling if I'm honest, I've been to a few interviews and none of them quite worked out. So I decided to apply for some jobs that were advertised near Michael's army base - which is 3 hours away from home. It was a brave move, because it not only means I'd have to relocate, it also means Michael and I will be moving in together, that we'll be renting (boo), and that I'll officially turn into an adult - no more pretending.

Well. I went for the interview the day after we flew back from Prague. slightly jet-lagged and more than tired, I came out thinking that I could have done a little better but that I hadn't messed anything up. I waited for agesssss for their decision - over a week! But they explained this was due to the fact that the team I chose wasn't a viable option for their service anymore but they still wanted me so they wanted to figure out where I could be placed. I'm really pleased with the actual job, as there were two choices and I got my top one, woohoo! I haven't got a contract or anything yet, so lets hope it all still goes ahead else I'll be back with my tail between my legs, eh?

But now there is a lot to figure out - what stuff we have, what stuff we'll need to get, how we'll get it there, what we can afford, where we're going to live etc. but the Queen of organisation has it down, and clearly made a pinterest board already. Oh and lists galore are going down too, I do love a good list! Unfortunately this might take a lot of my focus at the moment so there may be a few 'moving' features that I've discovered and want to share, but we'll see :)

Do you have any tips for me?!