Clearing Fayetteville

I've done it! I'm out of Fayetteville, I didn't think I'd make it but I did.  The next hurdle is the passport.  Technically it takes 6-8 weeks to get a passport.  I'm at about 3 1/2 weeks at this point, but I'm hoping for some quick service.  I tried to get an update and this is the response I got:

We are powerless when it comes to producing the official passport unless the State Department issues. They are the issuing agency not the DoD Education Activity; they are a third party agency that we hold no influence over. You must be aware that it can take 6 to 8 weeks to issue a passport and anything before that is not rushed due to a tentative travel date. That is not to say they do not take that into consideration, but it is a fine balance. The State Department is charged with validating all credentials for proper issuance.

So basically, I'm SOL.  I'm supposed to leave next Sunday, August 7th, but I have a feeling they are going to DRAGGGGGG their feet as with everything. I will have to push my departure back.  As a person who is prompt and on top things this is torture, but patience is a virtue and all that.

What a difference!

Oh my, what a difference a week makes.  This time last week I was totally spazzed out, no place to put my belongings, no flight from Orlando, but things have worked themselves out today.  I moved all of my home items into storage.  With the help of Kenchasa and Jean the packing of my home is taken care of.  I spoke with the travel people and will have my flight to Orlando tomorrow.  As a reward for my hard work, I'm going to eat some junk food and fall asleep early.  That's typical of me, but it means SOOOOOO much more today!

How Bad Do You Want It?

So, the high-gloss new car smell has worn off of this move.  Ft. Bragg is making me really work to get out of NC. I WAS working furiously to get my paperwork done, physical completed, and packing my apartment.  Then I walked into the Solider Support Center and they smacked me in my face.  I mean they put their hands through baby powder and then smacked me in my face.  I have to be out of my apartment by 7/31.  The power, cable and internet will be off by 7/29.

I walking in thinking "Yeah...they can have me out by then, I mean they've got two weeks - right?" WRONG! As the woman so frankly told me "It's not going to happen, give that up." It's the DoD's "high saturation period" (their fancy words not mine)  and they are backed up for at least a month.  What's a girl to do??? Move everything into storage and beg Jean to be there when they pack it up. Crisis one averted - for now.

Next, I go to get my plane ticket. I had PLANNED to fly out from Orlando, so I could spend time with family and friends before I head to the Far East.  However, that dream was shot down as well.  Apparently my orders need to be "amended" for such an outrageous request. So I leave yet another office, traumatized and heartbroken. They've sent me the ticket with the Fayetteville departure just to sprinkle salt in the wound.

Maybe I'll fly from Orlando - maybe not. Either way, I will make it.  I can smell the rice wine vinegar and envision myself shopping in the 1000 Yen Store. The 1000 Yen Store is a hybrid of the Dollar Store and Ikea.

How did this happen?

How in the world did I get a job in Japan?!?!

Well, it actually started two years ago when I took the job for DoDEA in North Carolina. I knew working for DoD could provide some possible travel opportunities, I just had to "do my time" in NC. In January, I applied to DoD again, but only for positions overseas. They are hard to come by, but being in the DoDEA system totally helped me out. Anyway, last week I got put on two referral lists for jobs in Japan and Korea. I did my interview on Wednesday and was selected for the job on Friday. I don't think this move will be nearly as fast as my move from Florida, but it will be somewhat fast. I won't know my true timeline until I receive my official packet next week.

Now, WHERE am I going....
I'm going to Atsugi NAF, Yokohoma, Japan. It's located about 40 minutes west of Tokyo. I don't know a ton about the place, but if you google Atsugi NAF you can get some good info.