Coffee Break #23
Happy August, friends! Summer is flying by, and I can’t believe we are weeks away from the start of school. Our August is a bit packed with a quick getaway and prepping two kids to head back to school full time (hooray!) But before all that, it’s time for our monthly behind-the-scenes check in! In this month’s Coffee Break, I’m sharing really exciting news related to our next relocation (yep, it’s that time already!), as well as a big step for me here on the blog. So grab your favorite drink and a snack, and let’s catch up!
Catch up on past Coffee Break posts HERE!
We’re Moving – Yep, Again!
Just last week, Greg received some very exciting news that has essentially been his entire career in-the-making. He was selected for Command, which means he will be given the awesome opportunity to lead a battalion of Marines. Greg has worked so hard all these years…always ready, always eager, always prepared to do whatever the Marine Corps asked or needed. But being selected for Command is hardly a “given,” and it’s something you’re never certain will happen. Seeing his name on this very exclusive list has him feeling both humbled and honored and me beaming with pride while also buckling up for another exciting chapter.
As you might suspect, a new job for Greg usually means another move for us. So with this assignment comes a move back to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina sometime next Summer!
In the almost 17 years we’ve been doing this, we have never been back to a base that we’ve already lived on (we’ve repeated general locations, but not exact bases). Long-time readers might remember that 6 years ago, I couldn’t wait to get out of Camp Lejeune, even saying that “I’d never ever ever ever move back there again.” But time heals a lot of “wounds” and changes a lot of perspectives. We’re ready and beyond excited to be living in a place that is rich in the community, traditions, and memories that make military life so great.
Interestingly, we have also never known this early where we’re moving next. Assignments typically come down in late winter; the planning begins shortly after, with the move happening just a few months later. Knowing almost a year ahead of time brings some interesting opportunities and challenges. We are 99.9% certain we will live on base this time; and since there is one floorpan available to us (that I’m very familiar with since we’ve lived down there before), you better bet I’m already scheming and dreaming of what’s going where. A move one state away is also very different logistically than moving across the country or around the globe, so we are already trying to plan how seamless we can make this transition for our entire family.
That said…we’re also really aware that we have almost a full year left here, and we don’t want to spend it just waiting for this next adventure to begin. We’ve been given the unique opportunity to “read ahead” in our story, but that doesn’t mean we can leave this current chapter unfinished. So while we’re wrapping our brains around moving back to North Carolina and what that might look like, we’re also trying to stay grounded in the here and now and soak up our remaining time with family, friends, and our Nation’s capital!
I’m Hiring!
In recent months, I’ve started to accept that I’ve grown my site about as far as I can on my own. Don’t worry – this doesn’t at all mean I’m done creating content for you guys…in fact, quite the contrary! My favorite part of this job is the content creation, but there is SO much more that has to happen behind the scenes in order to grow and evolve with the ever-changing Internet landscape. For years, I have downplayed or neglected certain aspects of this gig, simply because I can only do so much in the time I have available. But now after years of hustling on my own, I am finally in a position to hire a Virtual Assistant to pick up that slack and propel me forward!
I am sharing this here for a few reasons. First, these Coffee Breaks are where I catch you up on “life behind-the-blog,” and this one is a big step for me emotionally, financially, and professionally. But also, because I want to get the word out! I would love nothing more than to hire someone who is intimately familiar with everything I do here. So if you are interested in a Virtual Assistant position, please check out the Job Application and apply if you’re a good fit. Also feel free to forward the link along to anyone you know who might be interested!
FLASH SALE! | Back to School Organization
With the return to a somewhat traditional school year for a lot of us, you might find yourself scrambling to get more organized. To help you out, I’m having a FLASH SALE on many of the back-to-school-themed kits in The Organization Toolbox! Click below to snag some of my most popular kits at a 30% discount!
Ask Megan
Friends, I’m running out of “Ask Megan” questions! If there’s something…anything at all…you’d like me to answer in a future Coffee Break, just use the form below!
That’s it for this month’s Coffee Break. Thanks for catching up with me, and I hope you have a great month ahead!
Megan
7 Comments on “Coffee Break #23”
Tell your hubby “Congratulations!” That promotion is certainly recognition of his hard work and abilities.
Congrats for the promotion! I’m sure it’s a team effort
What wonderful news, Megan! Greg – you have surely earned this sign of respect and confidence from the higher-ups! All the best to you both. And a whole year to plan – that will be one organized move, I bet.
For myself, I am back working full-time, but I have the end in sight – October 29th. It’s all I can do to show up and keeping coming back til then, and I am grateful that I will be able to relax. First I have to hire a replacement. I’m tired of trying to stuff new technology in this old tech brain. I am just tired in general! I have been reading but that’s all I have energy for now. Looking forward to re-doing my curtains a la Megan after October.
So glad for your good news – I know Henry will be the best big brother at showing the littles the ropes at Camp Lejeune! Good luck – Tenney
Congrats to your husband (and you!)
One thing that helps me not check out too early mentally or emotionally is that I schedule on the calendar (actually write it down!) when I will start move prep. Then when thoughts about moving logistics come up I remind myself, “It’s not April 15 yet — I don’t need to think about that until then.” It’s really helped me stay present where I am.
Hey Alexandra!
That is such GOOD advice! We’ve been able to keep the logistics part alone (although, we did hustle to get on the housing list), but it’s definitely been hard emotionally. Our oldest son is pretty much ready to go now…and I may have just bought the two little boys twin beds for the next home 🤪 Because of COVID we don’t feel like we really planted roots here, so we’re all kinda ready to get on with it. 8 months!
Sorry for the delay in getting back to this comment, but wanted to be sure to send along my thanks!Megan
Wow, huge congratulations to Greg on this achievement! *salute*
I’m so happy for both of you on this next new adventure! It’s sure to be exciting, rewarding,and fulfilling for all of you. 🙂
Superwoman, I know you’ll take care of all that needs to be taken care of with your usual grace, spirit, and savvy. 🙂 <3 xoxox
Thanks so much, Vanessa ❤️