New way of life

Ever since I went to the military ball last spring I have realized that the military has its own customs and way of life. However, I don't think I realized how much I really had to learn until this past weekend, when I was trying to help Nathan get ready to leave for Missouri on Friday. We went to Ft. Carson here in Colorado Springs to try and get some of the paperwork done for Germany and Missouri, buy uniforms, etc. One of our first stops was the clothing and sales store, while Nathan was trying on uniforms I started looking at all of the signs and realized all of the specifications when it comes to washing uniforms. Apparently, the ACUs, the camo/everyday uniform, has some kind of flame protectant or something on it, so per the clothing store do not iron, do not dry and do not use any kind of detergent that has a brightener in it. All I could think is maybe Nathan might have to do his own laundry in Germany, I would be too scared of not using the authorized detergent or something. Then we tried to go talk to the transportation office about setting up our move to Germany, as we walked from the parking lot over to the building I tried to hold Nathan's hand, apparently that is a big no no in the Army when in uniform, I didn't know though. Nathan was very kind in telling me to let go, but still made me question what else I am not supposed to. I mean I want to be there to support him, but I also don't want to get him into trouble. So then I started thinking there should be an official Army manual to guide those in supporting their soldiers, they have official manuals for everything else why not for the women (and men) that support the soldiers. I am sure I will have lots to learn as time goes on, I only hope I do the best job I possibly can in supporting Nathan.

Beginning of our journey

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind for us. Nathan informed me on Thursday that he will be leaving in approx. 1 week for Missouri for 4 months, then coming back for about a month before moving to Germany. On Friday night we had our best game night yet, having 3 of Nathan's friends from ROTC and 1 of my really good friends from childhood over for dinner and then board games, this was the first time that we really talked to anyone else other than each other about our upcoming move.
With such a big move began a lot of decisions as to whether for me to move right away with Nathan or not, what to take, where to look for housing, etc.
We have decided that I am going to move with Nathan, hopefully right away with him granted we can get all of the paperwork done. I am going to start trying to apply for jobs, I have promised that if I cannot find a nursing job right away that I will take some sort of part time job. As for now, the plan is to take Ellie and Pixie, Rosie and Misty will stay with Jake, my brother, along with my mom.
Being the perfectionists that we are we have made Excel spreadsheets of things to do, questions to ask, etc. I am feeling more comfortable about the move now, and I hope Nathan is too :) I still feel that this is going to be our hardest move and the move that we learn the most during because first of all its our first move and second its so far away. I know that we can make it through it though with our strength in each other and support from our families.
As our weekend concludes I look back at everything I have felt over the last couple of days: happiness and excitement to be going to Germany, sad Nathan is leaving for 4 months, overwhelmed with having to pack everything up, apprehension in leaving my family, neurotic in making our spread sheet, etc. But as I said before I know that we can make it through the move and whatever it may bring with each other by our sides.