Aloha.

By now, the news has been plastered everywhere...no, not Crazy Charlie's hysterical one liners while he's on a bender. We are moving. The assignment gods at AFPC (Air Force Personnel Center) have bestowed their judgement to us peons. Their decision? Hawaii. We are moving to Hawaii. Even as I type those words, it still hasn't sunk in that it's real. We were actually apprehensive to say anything because we're so afraid that they'll take it back and say, "Oops! Our bad! You're not going there...you're going to some crap ass base with tons of snow in the middle of the country!" Let's hope that's not the case.

When Mark called to tell me, I was completely elated. Not just because of the tropical locale, the awesome food and the kick ass beaches. Yes, obviously, anyone would be stupid to NOT want to go. But we were happy for another reason: Family. Simply put, we are finally going someplace near family. In the 10 years that Mark has been in the Air Force, we have never been near family. We haven't had the weekend drop offs and visits, nor the quick trips home in the car (by plane, yes...which racks up the bills VERY quickly). Mark's parents live on the Big Island; so while we'll still be a few islands away, we're still in the same state. Plus, Mark's brother is 90% for sure transferring to Oahu in December. One big happy Roman family!

We will be departing Louisiana most likely sometime in late June. It is bittersweet. Sweet because it is time to move on and we were able to get the number one choice. Bitter because it means leaving behind friends that we have come to know and love as family. It is always the hardest part of the move. However, this time is proving especially difficult--some of these friends are like sisters to me. I let my guard down and became incredibly close to many of them. Now it's almost time to say, "See you soon!" I can't say good-bye...it's too final and too depressing. But if I say, "See you soon, or see you later!", then it's not *quite* as bad. :)

Mahalo Louisiana for the memories and the experiences. Aloha, Hawaii!