Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Choices

I knew this time would come, I just didn't know it would be so soon.

When I got married almost three years ago, it was pretty obvious that I was marrying into the military. I mean, seriously, the man standing next to me was wearing a uniform. Was there any doubt that during the 13 years to follow that there would be at least several moves?

No, not really.

We still have about one and a half years left here, but already we have to start thinking about where to go next.

So far, it looks like the choices are between the Seattle, San Diego, and Norfolk areas.

If it were all about me, I'd choose San Diego. Great weather, beaches, friends nearby, not too far of a move from where we are now, etc.

But it's not about me. It's about Playette and what's best for her. We have to think about the fact that she'll be three years old, into IEP-land, and needing some good preparation for starting school.

Basically, we just need to research these three places and rank them for the detailer (person who decides BD's next duty station).

I'm coming to you all for feedback. What do you know? What have you heard? What would you do?

Any info on any of these areas would be extremely helpful. The blogosphere reaches far and wide. Maybe you know someone who knows someone?

7 comments:

sheree said...

I know that San diego is where I would go and I would *think* there would be a plethora of resources there for Malea. That's me being kinda selfish though because I know we could still visit if you moved there. ;)

My second pic is Seattle because I usually have a layover there when I visit my dad in Montana ;)

Did that help at all? lol

Shelley said...

I don't know what branch of service your husband is in, but since all 4 branches are around Norfolk, I'd tell you to seriously consider that area!
We are an Army family and we just moved from that area last summer. It has a TON of resources for your family and your daughter in particular. There are TWO awesome Ds groups in that area. Both have play groups, tons of resources and lots of great parents willing to give you lots of help through your journey. They were a priceless asset to our family and in fact, are the main thing I miss about Virginia.
Norfolk also gives you the opportunity for a lot of great therapies and if you need it, excellent medical care too. There are a lot of doctors in that area that are wonderful for kids with Ds. Again, something I miss.
It's also nice to be so close to so many things to do and so many places to see. Being surrounded by all 4 branches of the military is nice too....since you can pick from shopping at the BX, PX or NEX :)
I could share so much more! If you do decide to seriously consider that area, I'd be happy to put you in touch with some fabulous contacts that also have children with Ds. They can steer you in the direction of what schools are best and all the other services. But, trust me when I tell you that everything you could want and more would be right at your fingertips!

Lisa said...

'Course, if you moved to SD, you'd be closer to me . . . Okay, seriously, I don't have any advice, but I understand your dilemma. We've talked about moving away from here for a couple of years, but now with Finn's Dx and needs, it certainly changes how we would make a choice about moving.

Michelle said...

I wish I had some advice, but I don't know what any of those locations offer in terms of services. Joe only has 4 yrs left until he can retire, 3 yrs once he gets back from the deployment. We've talked many, many times about where we want to retire too (considering we're both air force brats, we don't have a hometown) and we want to, obviously, find a place that will be good for Kayla, but we have no idea how to even begin looking/researching out the information LOL It's hard trying to figure out where to go. Good luck w/your decision.

AZ Chapman said...

ow man y are moveing we have to meet up first

Jessica said...

I live in the Lacey/Olympia area and my husband is National Guard at Ft. Lewis. We are about an hour and 15 minutes south of Seattle. I honeslty don't know how Washington compares to other states except that it pales in comparison to New York. I have been happy with Drew's services so far and i know if our insurance would cover private pay there are a lot of great therapists around. Especially up north were I'm assuming you would be. You're Navy right? The weather here is certainly not as warm as San Diego but it is a truly beautiful area, and Seattle Childrens is a really great hospital. If you do decide to move here - let me know. A play-date may be in order :)

Lynne said...

I know! It's crazy that we are already having to think about what is going to happen next. This will be my first move/husband living away, if you don't count Iraq. Yeah we knew it going in, but that doesn't make it any easier does it? I would think that any of those areas would have good resources though because, at least Seattle and San Diego are big cities.