Happy first Friday of February, friends! I wish I could say we’ve made some sort of progress in terms of plans regarding our move to Korea this summer, but we’re pretty much still in the proverbial military holding pattern. It’s to be expected and, thankfully, we have plenty of time before things absolutely need to fall into place. Nevertheless, we’re trucking along, and I’m glad to finally be into February – my birthday month. We have some things to look forward to, and focusing on our wins for the week keeps us sane even in the most insane times. So, let’s focus on the positives, shall we?
Wins for the Week
1. We’re one step closer to Mieke’s surgery
I think I mentioned it before, but Mieke will be having a nasolacrimal surgery before we move this summer. Porter had this surgery in 2019 just after she was born, but he ended up actually having the surgery twice. Both Porter and Mieke were born with a congenital nasolacrimal duct defect that causes their overflow tearing and subsequent gross drainage from their eyes. They’ll use a probe to open her tear duct and insert a flexible tube that should resolve the issue. Thankfully, they think we’ll get it done before we move.
2. This was my first full week back to freelance
After careful consideration regarding our upcoming move and all the things, I resigned from my full time job in favor of freelance and photography. We think this will allow me the freedom to prep for our move, the availability to focus on my health, and creative time to do things that fulfill me – and us. It’s been a refreshing plot twist and, though I miss my coworkers, I’m excited for big things to come.
3. We wrapped our third hike of the year
Hiking Winter Block was a fun one for us, and it was neat to tackle yet another winter hike. We didn’t start hiking until late spring last year, so this year feels like we’re ahead of the curve. Though COVID has much of Korea locked down, the hiking trails are open there, too, and I’m excited to explore around our new duty station after quarantine.
4. We started our Korean lessons
When we initially put Camp Humphreys in our number one slot within Ryan’s marketplace, we said that if we got it, we’d focus on learning the language. Well, it’s our time! We bought a premium Talk to Me in Korean membership, and we’re loving the few things we’ve learned so far! And yes – it’s not much. I can say “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you,” “yes,” and “no.” Lots to learn 😉
5. My TSA PreCheck was approved
I’ve been saying that I was going to get PreCheck for the past few years, but I just never got around to it. As a military spouse, whenever I used to fly with Ryan, I got PreCheck as long as we were on the same reservation. That changed in 2019 though, and I finally bit the bullet and had my TSA PreCheck appointment on Monday. I found out yesterday it was approved, and I got to add my known traveler number to our upcoming Colorado reservation. Who knew I’d be so excited not to remove my shoes?
As we wrap this first week of February, I’m completely aware how close (and yet how far) we are from this move. Winter in Washington can feel eternal – especially when it rains for weeks on ends – but we’re making the best of it. I made a point last year to start hunting the good, and I feel like by doing this each Friday, I’m able to see the positives more clearly than ever.
So, tell me – what are some of your wins for the week?
