DON'T YOU DARE SCROLL DOWN AND RUIN THE SURPRISE! I MEAN IT, PEOPLE! ;)
Around 7:30 pm last night, just as we were about to finish our dinner of baked fajitas (a healthy dinner staple in our household as of late), D jumped up off the couch with his iPhone in hand and shouted "CASEY, THE EMAIL!!!" The email?!? We'd been waiting 3 months for this thing. With Olivia Pope screaming orders on the TV in the background, tears immediately started welling up in my eyes. We both looked at one another with panic...suddenly, neither of us were ready to open it. Isn't that how it always goes? You wish and pray and hope for something and the instant you're about to get it, you second guess your level of readiness? We'd been expecting this assignment notification any day. We were angry it was taking so long and we'd both become discouraged...but the second it was within our reach, we froze. We both had to take a second to compose ourselves…to let the realness of the moment sink in. We were about to know where we will begin the next chapter of our military journey…the next chapter of our married lives. This email could tell us where we'll start a family…buy a house, even. This is where we'll spend the next 3 to 4 years celebrating Christmases, birthdays, and entertaining visitors (pending that they'd want to visit us at this new destination). The heaviness of the pit in my stomach was almost enough to make me puke. Being on the precipice of a huge life-changing moment like this is hard to describe. It's a flurry of hopeful thoughts, scared thoughts, and excited thoughts all at once. The time had come and there was no going back.
In true military fashion, this email wasn't one you just open and your fate would be written out in bold, perfect letters. Jumping through hoops is another one of the Air Force's favorite games. We had to click around and log into things, certify we understood terms and continue breathing. Finally we'd reached the link that would reveal our next duty station. Still not ready to take the plunge, we locked our arms together and said a short prayer. No matter the location, no matter how far away from our families or how difficult the job, we were giving it up to God. He's always been faithful in blessing us with good things, things we never knew we wanted or needed, and we were sure that no matter the news, His plan and provision would continue to be the song of our hearts. As ready as we'd ever be, we opened our eyes and clicked the link:
Get your Coppertone, bikini, and Mickey Mouse ears ready, because Team Coté is moving to…
From the land of lederhosen, bratwurst, and cloudy skies to the land of sunshine, seafood, and the "Happiest Place on Earth"…I've got to say, we're both STOKED about our new assignment!! While this particular Florida base wasn't on our dream sheet (I never even knew this AF base existed, to be perfectly honest), as it turns out, this location might be better than what we were originally gunning for. We'll be right on the Atlantic ocean, a 9 hour drive from our North Carolina home, 2.5/3 hours from Miami & Tampa (hello, CRUISING!!), and just a 1 hour drive from Orlando and Disney World!! If you knew what a HUGE fan D and I are of Disney World, you'd know we're positively DYING over our proximity to the Mouse! We were so worried we'd end up in an area with nothing to do or see and no one would ever come visit us. Thankfully, that'll be FAR from the case! Needless to say, our families are thrilled. It was a lot of fun calling everyone last night and letting them in on the news we'd all been waiting for. Some days I think they were more impatient to know than we were! It warmed our hearts to know they're so excited to get us back stateside again. And interestingly enough, while I'm still sad about leaving Germany, I'm actually really looking forward to getting to Florida! Now that we know we're not moving to Montana or some unknown corner of the world, we're excited to get this moving ball rolling and make our way back to America. Funny how one little email can change your perspective, huh? I bet you guys knew that would happen, didn't you? ;)
So, the wait is finally over. Once again, I didn't do a great job waiting, but maybe by the 4th assignment I'll be a patience pro. Now begins the exciting, but stressful few months of planning and prepping for our big move. I can honestly tell you I'm least looking forward dealing with movers and packing and the logistics of it all, but it's gotta be done. Thank you guys SO STINKIN' MUCH for hanging tough with me as I lamented about all our life uncertainties these last few weeks. Your encouragement and support was much needed and so very much appreciated!! Keep it coming, won't ya? We Took the Road Less Traveled is moseying on to the Sunshine State…hope you'll join us for the journey!!
[And if you're a Central Florida blogger or military spouse, email me!! I need friends! HA!]
Congratulations!!!!!! When Fredrik applied for school we had that moment of we were to log into a website and find out where we would live for the next three years and it was so weird for having such a big thing out of our control!
ReplyDeleteFlorida seems like a great move for you being so close to home now, I mean that is just a one day drive you can do long weekends at home!
Congrats on the good news, Casey! I can imagine that a long three-months wait is almost unbearable but you've been rewarded for your patience :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about your move back to the states - seeing many photos of Disneyland :D
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I actually know exactly where you'll be stationed, when my family took a trip to Florida we stayed in the AF base housing there. :) I'm so excited for you! When we get back to the states we may have to come visit. ;) What a great place to be stationed, you guys are super lucky!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Sounds like some nice sunny days are headed your way. I couldn't imagine having to wait for that email, I don't think I would ever be able to be patient!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a hard wait, but so happy it's over! Sunshine here we come! :)
DeleteYay that's so great!!! Very happy for you both! xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Florida looks like fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eve!
DeleteCongrats! And lucky. I'd love to be sent to Fla. My life would actually become full circle because I was born there. Who knows where there will send us though.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brittany! My husband was born in FL...so he's pretty excited about returning to his home state (even though he considers NC his home, too!). We can't wait! :)
DeleteHooray for orders!! Close to family, and in a warm and sunny place with plenty of opportunity to travel and see/do? Sounds like you were rewarded for your patience!
ReplyDeleteAh praise the Lord y'all finally got it! And wow what an awesome place to be! Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, amen!! Thanks, girlie!!
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ReplyDeleteWoohoo! Congratulations, Casey!! So happy you guys finally know where you next chapter will be played out. I, for one, can't wait to follow along! I so love your blog and I'm sure Florida will have plenty of adventures to add to your little space of the web. Yay for finally knowing! :)
ReplyDeleteYeyah! How exciting, I'm really happy for you guys! You'll never have to endure a dark German winter again! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteYay! Such an awesome place to be moving too. I'm so glad that you like your future destination. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finally finding out! So happy you were able to get the e-mail and that you are happy with your next stop on your journey. Enjoy your last few months in Germany!
ReplyDeleteI'm really kind of jealous right now! I absolutely love Florida and Disney World. I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could. Not sure I'd be able to work there though. I'd be wanting to spend all my time lying in the sunshine, walking the beaches, and hanging out with Mickey and the gang. And don't even get me started on how much time I could spend shopping at the outlets.
ReplyDeleteVery happy for you and D!
I look forward to living vicariously through you and your posts.
CONGRATS!!! I can't imagine how exciting/nerve wrecking it is to wait for orders!!! This is my first duty station with G and his orders to Japan weren't exactly planned, haha! I'm soo excited for you guys! I can see you guys traveling not only through 'Merica but the Caribbean, Central/South America! <3 <3 Now you can be as stress-free as PCS-ing will let you ;).
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! That is definitely a do-able distance from NC!
ReplyDeleteHUGE congratulations on a) your destination and b) surviving the wait to find out! I'm looking forward to reading about lots of trips to Disney, Orlando and the many many cruises I know you two will be taking over the next few years :) x
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! & welcome to the sunshine state!!! I just moved back last August and let me just say that it was sooo awesome not dealing with a winter this year!!!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! You know where you're going!!! I'm so happy for you Casey!!! And Florida!!! Not too shabby at all! :)
ReplyDelete(when I get happy, the exclamation points come out to play)
YAY!!! So exciting! I'm so glad for you that the wait is over and that you're thrilled with where you'll be. My brother and sister-in-law (and 2 nieces) live in Jacksonville and love it. If you were further north, I would make her get in touch with you! I'm so jealous about your proximity to the ocean and Disney World. I would be so happy. You know you can get in-state discounts right? Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteWhoohoo! Florida!! That's great news. So glad the wait is over! Let me know if you have any CONUS PCS questions ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! FINALLY! :) It was SO hard not to just scroll right down. Once again, God has been faithful, and even if you were going somewhere awful, He'd be there too :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Glad that you got your assignment (finally) and even more so that you are happy about it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!!! As a fellow Floridian (North Florida - just south of Tallahassee) I want to say welcome to the Sunshine State!!
ReplyDeleteWe are Disney annual pass holders and visit the Orlando area as much as we can. Just think of how awesome it will be to have Florida Resident Discounts when visiting the Mouse!! :)
I'm excited for you both!!! :)
Best of luck in the Sunshine State!
ReplyDelete~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
*100 Books to Read in a Lifetime Giveaway happening now!*
YAY! Congratulations! I probably would've frozen when getting the email too! Excited to hear about your transition back to the US!!
ReplyDeleteDangit I thought because of the title it would be Houston!!! But yay for Florida!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteyay!! So glad it was a good assignment and you can finally start planning your new home!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! So happy for you, and happy that you're happy! :)
ReplyDeletegreat news, pleased for you :)
ReplyDeletethewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk
Yay, that's awesome! I have friends stationed in the general area and they loved it! I don't think anyone ever gets patience when it comes to waiting though. LOL
ReplyDeleteYAY! Things have an amazing way of working out, don't they? So happy you'll be closer to your family as well...and Tucker dog will love Florida!!
ReplyDeleteSo, I just checked and you'll be 4.5 hours away from Savannah. The husband will be gone late summer through fall, so I'm thinking we may need to meet there for a weekend. Sound like a plan? Seriously though, so happy you'll be closer to home and in a fab location. It's like the PCS people knew you guys love to cruise :) Have you heard about that blog conference on a cruise next year? We're very seriously considering going on it...(but that's a longer email for another day)
ReplyDeleteI happy that you've finally heard where you'll be stationed next! I can only imagine the flood of emotions you experienced waiting and finally receiving the email! Where you'll be in Florida sounds wonderful! No lie, I was secretly hoping to have you relocated to somewhere in the Midwest so we could be friends... :) LOL.
ReplyDeleteYay! Bloglovin actually ruined the surprise for me. The display picture was all of the Florida pictures. So I knew before I even scrolled down but that is so fun! What fun to start a family so close to Disney! You can do lots of travel in Florida. Just beware of tropical storms and hurricanes!
ReplyDeleteHI! I'm in Orlando - welcome to Florida! I love living here it's a lot of fun! Are you guys going to Patrick AFB?
ReplyDeleteHolly
sunshineandgrey.blogspot.com
What a crazy exciting way to find where you will be living for the next few years! I've always found military life so interesting after dating a naval officer myself back in the day. Congrats on the awesome news!!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo congratulations!! (Although as a Montana native, it's a gorgeous state and people definitely would have come to visit ;)). What a great location! Right near Orlando, Disney World, Harry Potter World (maybe just I would be excited about that!) and cruises! There's a lot of old history in Florida you can visit, too, if you miss the history of Germany.
ReplyDeleteYou must be feeling so relieved! Congrats again :)
i'm so excited for you guys!!! i spent every summer in cocoa beach growing up and have a lot of great memories from that place!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, that is so exciting!! I am extremely jealous of your proximity to cruise ports… Miami is the best place to leave out of (hello, caribbean!!). Can't wait to follow you on your journey back to the states.. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! This is amazing! I am not sure if you remember, but my boyfriend and I are looking to move in two new places for a year each. He is choosing Norway or Germany, and I chose Florida! His choice is the one we are going with first, so no real plans have been made about Florida, since it is farther down the line. However, I work for CSC - a government contractor, and I would most likely work at the MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa when we do start our Florida residence.
ReplyDeleteI love that you love Disney! I am obsessed with Disney World, so much in fact that I created a Disney blog in addition to my current blog, but it is still in its preliminary phases.....I have alot of work to still do on the layout and such.
Whenever I hear about someone that is moving to Florida or loves Disney World, my eyes grow large. We are currently having issues with getting jobs in Norway, so we may end up doing Florida first.
I am very excited for you, and I CANNOT WAIT for your Disney World trip posts!
Woohoo! Congrats on FINALLY getting those orders! I remember when my husband called to tell me where our first PCS move would take us, and I literally held my breath. The anticipation is nuts. I'm so happy that you guys can finally start planning!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! What a huge difference but so exciting! My husband and I are planning a trip to Orlando in September to check out the additions to Harry Potter World (yes, we are HUGE nerds).
ReplyDelete~Elena
the20-somethingproject.blogspot.com
Hey Montana isn't that bad. ;) Wyoming is way worse.
ReplyDeleteBut congratulations. What a weight off your shoulders finally knowing where you're headed! What a good feeling.
I'm heading to Raleigh next week to visit a friend and see if I like the area. Then I'll make the big decision if I want to start applying to jobs out there and try to make a big move. Big life changes are scary and kind of fun at the same time.
Good luck to you both! Enjoy the journey.
This is so exciting! Congratulations on your fun moving news :)
ReplyDeleteOh what a beautiful place to get stationed at!! Whoop, whoop! Yay for sunshine!!! We'll be cruising out of FL in September!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome?? Congrats!
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! How awesome!! :) SO excited for y'all and this next season in your adventures!!! :) I LOVED LOVED LOVED how you worded and shared your experience of finding out your new orders in this post. Thank you for being so open and allowing us to join in on this journey with you!
ReplyDeleteHugs!!
:) Rebecca
Congratulations! What a relief to finally know! We'll be nearby-ish over in Alabama... I'm definitely looking forward to a little Florida (gulf-side) time and bringing up my core temp after a few years in England. Sending you all of the good vibes and best wishes for a smooth PCS!
ReplyDeleteYay I am sooooo excited for you!!!! :)
ReplyDeletethe preview photo in Bloglovin' totally ruined the surprise for me, but whatever :) that's exciting! you have an assignment! a nice change after those winters in Germany. :) I bet you're going to be pretty popular as a vacation destination now
ReplyDeletethe preview photo in Bloglovin' totally ruined the surprise for me, but whatever :) that's exciting! you have an assignment! a nice change after those winters in Germany. :) I bet you're going to be pretty popular as a vacation/visit destination now!
ReplyDeleteEeek, so glad y'all are happy!! And yay more cruises!
ReplyDeleteYaaaaay! That's fab news! So excited for you both! Even more new adventures are just around the corner! I don't envy the packing and shipping though...nightmare! Just think...it will be worth it in the end! Hello Sunshine State!!
ReplyDeleteThat'll be fun!!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad you're leaving Germany BUT at least you get to go somewhere awesome! I say season passes to Disney World would be an excellent investment =)
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you and Hubby!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!! My company is opening up a Florida office soon.... I am dying to get on the list for that assignment!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm guessing you're going to Patrick AFB. That was our last duty station and we fell in love! After living there we decided that Florida will be our forever home once my husband is retired from the Air Force. Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful beaches- we sure do miss it!
ReplyDeleteYAY congrats!!! That's so exciting and so great that you'll be close to home :)
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear your great news! We will be state neighbors now! (Georgia girl) I know how you feel about waiting and waiting for news and once it comes you freeze. I have been waiting for an acceptance letter to nursing school and I finally got it yesterday; I could bearly stop shaking to open the envelope!!! I will be praying for you and D while you go through the moving process, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for We Took the Road Less Traveled!
ReplyDeleteyay yay yay! how exciting! So happy that you'll be back in the states! My SIL recently moved to a base in western FL and seems to be enjoying the state so far. so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you finally found out. I've been waiting in anticipation for you!
ReplyDeleteYeahhh!!!! So excited for you girl, that's exciting! While i'm sad you won't be in California, Florida will be fun!! Woo Hoo!! Thanks for sharing your good news with us! xoxo Katie
ReplyDeleteI discovered your blog today on bloglovin. Wow, I have a new favourite! I am also living an expat life in Bangkok but I am originally from Germany. Quite funny that you have lived in my home country.Wanted to see how it is like for foreigners. Good luck for your new destination! I keep up with you.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the next chapter in your lives! Very exciting. Kari
ReplyDeleteHello! So, I'm a fairly new reader to your blog and have been lovin' it so far. Funny thing, I found out I am moving to Orlando last Friday!!! I'm moving down to the sunshine state May 16th. I couldn't be more excited! I'm nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time! Congrats and good luck with the move! =)
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting!! Congrats! I'm so excited you got a great pick! I can't wait to see all of your crazy FL posts and travel adventures from there! :)
ReplyDeletehow exciting for the both of you!!! from my grey London end, it seems like a dreamworld to live somewhere drenched in sunshine (and so close to mickey!! disney is the best). so happy for you xx
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Honestly, I'm already looking forward to your Disney recap posts! ;)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Casey! It's always a relief after all the time spent waiting. I actually just moved to Tallahassee (partly...well mainly...for the FL resident Disney pass discount). Best of luck with the move and settling in!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That is great news!!! Florida is such a beautiful place and I'm super jealous you'll be so close to Disney. If you're missing Germany, I guess you can just head to Epcot and pretend :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you! I know you will love being in Florida -- warmth year long! Excited for this new journey for you and the hubby!
ReplyDeletexo
Congratulations, Casey!! I'm from Miami, FL so this makes me very happy to hear. You are both going to have so much there. Can't wait for you to tell us all about your little adventures there, so I will visit once I'm there again. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! I love Florida! Plus, you're SO close to the Caribbean. :)
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing next destination! I have been following you for a while and Florida will be quite a contrast to Germany. I am terrible at being patient when it comes to such important life decisions. We had to wait a month to find out whether my partner would get his job in Dubai or not and it was the most nerve racking month of my life.
ReplyDeleteBut good things come to those who wait right!
We're pretty thrilled about it! While it will be quite a different place than Germany, we're so happy to be returning to beaches and sunshine. After 3 years without it (or at least a lacking of it from time to time), we've missed it so much! Good things DO come to those who wait!! Thanks, Mimi!
DeleteMy brother is stationed there right now and LOVES it. I would be happy to put you in touch with him to help with some of the ins and outs. MaryannG03@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that! From what we've been told, it's a wonderful area of Florida to live in. Send over any info he's got! :)
DeleteThis is SO exciting! I loved my trip to the area- so excited for you. :)
ReplyDeleteA little behind on this news but so excited for you guys!! We currently live in Pensacola and love love LOVE Florida so far! There is so much to do within driving distance and if you are a summer girl, you cannot beat the weather :)
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