On Monday and Tuesday I attended the annual meeting of the Military Officers Association of America. As a member of their Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council, I attended a panel presentation featuring seven senior military spouses (all wives) sharing stories and advice with new generations of spouses.
I think I most identified with the comment that after moving to a new location you spend nine months unpacking and setting up, nine months of living in the new location, and nine months of waiting to hear about the next set of orders. It sounds obvious once you hear it said out loud but you really ought to worry less about unpacking and more about meeting your new neighbors and getting to know your community.
At the meeting I think I was the only person without spouse flair. Nearly everyone had some sort of crystal, gold or pearl jewelry associated with their branch of service, and the designer of choice among everyone is Ann Hand. I had never heard of her but wearing her ‘patriotic collection’ is clearly shorthand for being a part of a club, particularly in Washington DC. Her home page features an inaugural pin for President-elect Obama. None of it is really my style, if you are wondering.
The spouse panel was a success with standing room only and it has been pretty cool to meet a lot of people who are very active in their community. My goal is to make as many connections as I can in the next six months, after having lived in the DC area for seven years. Better late than never!
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