Can we just move already?!

Thanks to the Coast Guard, we are approaching that time again, where we get to look at a list and decide where we might like to go. No, it's not 100% we'll get the first choice or any choice, but from what the hubby says, the detailers do their best to give you something on your list, even if it's the last choice.

There are lots of states. LOL. But for us, our options are limited to about 30-40 cities and from there, the process can be so stressful. Eliminating the "heck no, I'm not going there" choices were pretty easy. I won't say where those places are because I know how possessive and loving people can be about those particular places...but I will say that a lot of thought went into those "definitely no" places.

Then there are the "definitely, maybe." The angst is in the unknown aspect of it. Have we heard of the town? Sure. Do we know anything about it? Not really. Am I researching? Yes. Do I actually look at the statistic of Asian %? You bet I do.

There are a couple things we have to look at before it can be on our YES list.

1. Job. Is it going to benefit Ryan's career? Will he enjoy the job?

2. Housing. Are we going to be on the economy or is there military housing?

3. Schools. Now that we have a kid in school, we can't just pick a pretty place because it's pretty. It needs to be a good school too...and let me just say, finding out the truth about these schools isn't easy. Everyone wants to say their school is A-rated or the best.

4. Shopping. How close it is to a Target?! Is there a commissary or exchange?

5. How close is it to friends/family?

I'm struggling with all of it because I am so ready to move, but moving itself can be so overwhelming. We've done it a few times, so we know what to expect, but we are at a point now, where we are just ready to go.

#5 on my list is something that is weighing so heavily on where I want to go. No billets are open in Pittsburgh (not that I know of), but I miss my parents, I miss my friends there and even though my *blah* in-laws are there, I would go back...just to have a few years with my friends again. This isn't to say I would have a tiny bit of reservation. My 'Burgh friends know how awful the last few months of our time in Pittsburgh was before we moved to San Diego. BUT, I miss them dearly and seeing them this year has made me miss them even more. I'm just wanting to be around people that love us all the time...

I also know that going 'home' isn't an option right now, so what to do...what to do... Well, it's mainly resting on the job for Ryan. That will eliminate a lot of questions and once we get that narrowed down, it'll just be a matter of numbering 1-10. We'll see, I guess!

I'll post more as we get closer to narrowing our choices down and once we get a top 10, I'll be asking for info about those places!