Gotta Love the Army Life

Those of you that are in the military or grew up in military families know that plans can change at the drop of a hat. This is the story of my life! A month ago, I found out that I'd be put on orders to go to Fort Riley after I finish grad school. I got used to the idea and actually started researching places to live. Then yesterday, my beloved branch manager calls and says he has another proposition for me....one that would take me to--of all places--Fort Bliss, Texas which is located in El Paso. First of all--Texas? Second of all--Texas???? What the heck? My mom always says I'm an easy sell and I took his offer after a few minutes of deliberation.

What sold me on Fort Bliss was:

1. 1. the fact that it is a 2-year assignment, which means I won't be there that long and I'd most likely be on a deployment (which I need).
2. Two of my best friends live in Texas (one at Fort Hood near Austin and one at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio) as well as two uncles (also in Austin).
3. I was "guaranteed" an assignment to Fort Carson afterwards.

Well, #2 technically doesn't count (refer to map). Can you believe that it takes the same time to drive to either San Antonio or Austin that it does to drive from El Paso to Colorado Springs? Freakin' Texas!

#3 is the biggest reason...and I will make sure that somehow that deal doesn't fall through in two years or I'll be pissed!

My parents are okay with it too since it's within driving distance. My dad was stationed at Fort Bliss years ago when he attended the Sergeants' Major Academy and he's been bugging all of us to go back for a visit. Now he has his chance. I must also add that we, as a family, went to Fort Bliss back then attend his graduation. Even back then, I wasn't impressed. The only memory I have of the place is that is was brown and beige everywhere, dry and hot as hell. Supposedly, many improvements have been made to the post. My dad and I will be going down there in the next month or so to find me a place to live. Then I'll get to see if the place has changed for the better or not!

Malu is actually thrilled at the thought of living someplace new, which was a relief. I love the fact that he's so open to stuff! He also entertained the thought of switching Reserve units since a new Psy Op unit has opened up in El Paso.

So all in all, I'm okay with the assignment. Now I still have to figure out what to do with the house and to get in the mindset of moving to Texas. I am looking forward to the Tex-Mex cuisine to say the least! Funny, after watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies, I had vowed never to stop at gas stations if I ever had to drive through Texas. Now I'm going to be living there. Go figure!