Non-rank and Privilege

So I'm a little lifted about life, moving and being back in the Air Force community, I'm feeling up for it. I think it was watching Kevin fly again that did it, it was such a beautiful thing. It's sinking in I have only a couple more days on the beach, and it's really okay. This vacation at the beach has been a tonic for me, but I'm mentally moving forward now, just in time.

I heard the joke about the "beach" in New Mexico three times when I was at the squadron the other day, and I managed a little laugh every time. It's painful to have everyone tell me how we're going to have such a good time there. When you're going somewhere good they don't have to try so hard to be positive.

I saw one of the guys who moved out there and got settled before he came here for training. He's actually from my hometown and was in Japan with us, so he might have a similar perspective on good places to live. I looked him right in the eye and said, "We're going to have a good time out there, right?" He met my gaze and seriously waited a full five seconds before launching into all the positives.

That's fighter-pilot talk for, "It sucks." It's like when they don't like a guy...they'll start by saying how great he is, list all his good qualities and only drop a hint there might be a flaw. If they like someone they just say, "He's such a good dude." Enough said.

So yeah, I know what we're getting into. I also know how to find the best in a place and take advantage of it. There will be some cool mountains nearby for hiking and biking, and I can get into that. There are no great restaurants, but there has to be some kick-ass Mexican food there--has to be--plus I plan to get back into cooking. And the sunsets are apparently enchanting--to what else could the license plates be referring with that "Land of Enchantment" emblazoned on every one? UFO sightings? Alien encounters?

Really I haven't been worried about living in New Mexico, I'm pretty much always up to live somewhere new for a year or two. It's the living on-base I've been worried about.

We've never done it. We've always tried to keep the USAF as a job, not a life, but when you get to this level there's no getting around it, I'm afraid it's going to be pretty all-encompassing. We're going to have some regular social obligations--I'm going to have to perfect a non-awkward version of the "smile, stand up and wave" as we're introduced at every event.

Hell, I'm not sure I have a version of that in me...

The house is big, beautiful and new. There are enough bedrooms for me to have my own office in one and a Pilates/yoga gym in another, with still a spare. The garage is huge if we needed to re-buy all the yard tools we've sold, but we won't--get this--Someone is going to do our yard for us. I feel like I have to whisper it. Okay so there is a perk I can get comfortable with...I guess I'll be taking that one.

I will not, however, park in a "Colonel" parking space at the gym, BX or commissary. I am not a damn Colonel. This is just principle and a point that needs to be made over and over to every officer's spouse--WE DO NOT WEAR RANK. This will be my way of restating it every day...I'll walk across the parking lot like every other non-handicapped person in the world.

The gym is supposed to be one of the best in the USAF, so I've got that going for me. The pool is new, so I'll take up swimming again since I suck at it, and there's a little Starbucks-ish place in the Officer's Club for when I need a good coffee.

Perfect, right? It's all right there, so incredibly convenient and close--Which is why I'm afraid I'll want to escape it. It's okay, we aren't moving to Stepford...right?

I can ride my bike to everything--Except I'll be required to wear a helmet, and maybe a safety vest--DORKY, if smart. I'm afraid that's enough of a deterrent though. So maybe I'll get my scooter going--Except I can't drive it until I've taken the "Motorcycle Safety Course" (actually a good idea for me); I'll have to wear closed-toed shoes (okay, can do...), a helmet (again, smart, and not that dorky on a motorcycle), long sleeves (okay maybe, but in summer?), and gloves. Whew. By the time I get all that on I'd be halfway through my workout if I'd have taken the car.

Living on-base will be super-convenient for Kevin, he'll be working long hours. There will be zero commute time, he can run home for lunch, and I might be able to watch him fly from the back patio. Cool.

It will be like the smallest of small towns and I like to be anonymous. I don't want to be that crazy "Colonel Robbins' wife" that's known for riding that wacky scooter or walking her dog at all times of the day and night. Or, and I can hear it now, "Is that Colonel Robbins' wife? Wow she sure runs slow...I think she's put on weight. Maybe she should pick up the pace..."

Yeah? Well maybe you should...

Just kidding, no one's going to care what I do, it's just I know I might be a bit of an oddity wearing my sun hat and walking everywhere with my ridiculous-looking, fox-like dog. I was one in DC, but there oddities are the norm.

Our next door neighbor is the Wing Commander, which sounds horrible and intimidating, except he and his wife are long-time, easy-going friends, so that part will be fine. Actually it will be more than fine if I get into trouble. I've recently realized if I get a ticket for having my dog off-leash or for speeding maybe I can run next door with a bottle of scotch and apologize instead of having to have my husband "notify his commander" of my "violation." Not that I'm asking to get around rules or consequences...I DON'T WEAR RANK.

I can't be reminded too often, I might start to get used to my husband's special treatment, it's human nature. For crying out loud I'm already taking the yard work for granted and I haven't even crossed Texas yet.