I got out the PCS ring binder today! Why, oh, why is this
move thing called a “Permanent Change of Station” (PCS) when it’s going to last
2-3 years and then happen again? Oh well, I have more important things to do
than argue about a poorly-named situation.
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| It feels like we are in a "doorway moment" in life |
Does anyone else keep their PCS ring binder tucked away
as-is for next time? Ours sat in our first home in Germany for nearly 3 years,
and has rested here in Stuttgart for 1.5 years now. Why reinvent the wheel when
it’s the same thing again?
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| We went to Mainau AGAIN... stop and smell the roses amidst the uncertainty |
Task #1 = clean out leftover paperwork from the last move,
such as old utility close-out bills from our former place. Ensure empty plastic sleeves and fresh lined notebook paper in every tab.
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| Recent trip to Indiana |
Task #2 = make notes of what is going to be different. Some
tabs are the same, such as “current home” and “new home”, while other tabs need
adjusting. Our last move within Germany was door to door, and we loaded the
cats into our cars that we just drove to the new place. Moving across the ocean
involves 2 different shipments: everything in our house, and a smaller load of things
we need more quickly. We are considering not shipping a car, since we are moving to snow land, thus needing a vehicle more sturdy than the beloved Prius.
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| Another painting class at the arts'n'crafts center |
Task #3 = start filling in sections as feasible. For
example, a list of items to give away or sell before we move. Give away house
plants, an older carpet, etc. Sell IKEA glass-fronted cabinet that will never
survive the move. Make veterinarian appointments for the cats. Phone numbers of
temporary lodging (military hotel) in all locations. Research housing options
in the new location. Rent or buy?
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| One of three pools at our local community "Freibad" (outdoors) |
Not in the ring binder: begin clearing out our belongings
more ruthlessly than before. Donate, throw away, shred, or keep? We are in the “hurry
up and wait” phase, which will drag out seemingly forever, and then lickety
split we’ll be in zooming around mode. Stay tuned! Any PCS ring binder tips?
