Getting "Plugged In"

For those of you who have moved in the past you should know exactly what I'm talking about.  You move to a new place and it becomes a mission (sometimes a lengthy one) to get to know all the new places and find things to get you out of the house.  I'm finally at the stage in the move where I've got time to do this and at this point in my life I'm pretty darn good at it.

Step 1 - Figure out what YOU like to do.

I personally enjoy play groups, book clubs, volunteer work and crafting.  Because of this normally our bases ESC (Enlisted Spouses Club for those of you not skilled with Military acronyms ;-) )  is a good fit for me.  They normally do monthly meetings that have childcare and a guest speaker, this month on how to help the national cancer society followed by belly dancing lessons (that'll be a BLAST!).  They also do a ton of volunteer work around the base and set up groups to deliver meals to new Moms ect.  They are also a fantastic rescource when your spouse is deployed.  So all in all great for us.  I also find all the local play groups I can and attend each at least once before decided which one/s are a fit for me and my kids. 

Step 2 - Put your big girl panties on and GET OUT THERE!

Yep that's right.  I know darn well it's terrifying to go somewhere on your own where you know nobody.  I've been there multiple times throughout my life but if you don't do it you will spend your entire time at any new location bored and lonely which will manifest not only in your attitude but in your marriage and your relationship with your children.  Trust me, they will not bite.  The worst thing that could happen is that you don't like the group and hey, you're no worse off right?

Step 3 - Keep trying!

You are bound to run into groups you don't like.  One's who don't hold the same values as you.  Others that may still act like they are in high school.  But I PROMISE that you will eventually find a place that you feel happy in!  You will meet people you enjoy being around and make some new friends along the way.  You'll experience things you've never experienced before and you won't spend your entire tour somewhere locked up in your house with no one to talk to in person.


So my first steps start this week.  We have story time at the library on Tuesday, a play group to attend on Wedensday and on Friday I've entered a "Best Dish" competition our squadron is hosting.  Meeting new people and possibly winning my husband a couple of days off! 


So to those of you out there in my shoes I wish you luck and am so proud of you for putting yourself out there.  I'm a shy person at heart but I take the "Fake it til you make it approach" and it works for me :-D


Now I'm off to go put my big girl panties on :-)