The phone rang at 9:34.
It was Tom calling from work.
“Yo,” I said.
“Yo?” Tom was a little confused.
“Yo,” I confirmed.
“Okay. Uh. Yo. Guess what? I have some news.”
News? Uh oh.
“What kind of news?” I wondered.
“I got orders for our next base.”
Oh.
THAT news.
We had been waiting to hear about where we’ll be going next for awhile. See, Tom is going to Korea for a year. He leaves in August. When he gets back we figured we’d be moving. We just didn’t know where.
“Is it....a good base?” I gripped the phone tightly. Awhile back the Air Force had tried to send us to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Yes, I might have pitched a fit about that only because I had heard awful things about it. Plus, it was another missile base. The base that we’re at now is a missile base. All we wanted was a bit of a change and it seemed like the Air Force wasn’t willing to give us one. Thankfully Tom’s supervisor was able to pull some strings and we got to stay here.
“I don’t know,” Tom answered. He was teasing me. He knows I have very little patience. I tried to read his voice but it was difficult. He didn’t sound upset...but he didn’t sound happy either. Oh my God, what if we got one of those Middle of Nowhere bases?
“Is it…Texas?” I crossed my fingers. I’d love to go to Texas since my family is there.
“No.”
Crap.
“Ohio?” I crossed my fingers harder.
“No.”
My heart was beginning to drop.
“Florida?” I squeaked out.
“No.” I could tell Tom was enjoying this.
“Could you just tell me then?”
“I don’t know...” Tom said playfully. He’s lucky he wasn’t home. I’d have jumped on his back and forced the news out of him. Granted he’d have probably easily gotten me OFF his back but then I’d have gone for his armpits because that’s where he’s especially ticklish. Really, we have a healthy relationship.
“Just TELL me,” I demanded. “Should I be sitting down?”
What if it was another crappy base?
“Sit down only if you don’t like Oklahoma,” Tom replied.
Oklahoma?
Oklahoma…
“Oklahoma where the sun comes sweeping down the plain...and the something something something....” I sang, off key.
“Huh?” Tom was perplexed.
“When I hear the name Oklahoma, I immediately think of that song in the musical.”
“Um okay. Anyway,” Tom said. “We’re going to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. Is that okay with you?” He said this sarcastically.
“I don’t know. Does it have a Target?”
Tom made a noise. “How would I know? I could care less about Target—”
“Tom, that’s blasphemy.”
“All I know is that I’m happy with the base,” Tom finished. “Please tell me that you aren’t going to freak out like last time.”
I drummed my fingers on the kitchen counter. “No freak outs here. Unless Oklahoma doesn’t have a Target.”
“I can almost bet that it does,” Tom assured me.
“Let me check.” I strolled over to the computer and typed in a quick search. And..phew! A Target popped up not far from the military base. “I’m good to go!”
“Great,” Tom said dryly.
“So when do we go?” I asked.
“Not until I get back. My report no later than date is the end of September 2011. I should get back in August so that’s when we’ll start the move. Unless the Air Force takes the orders away. I’ve heard stories where they’ve done that,” Tom grumbled.
“Oklahoma then,” I breathed. I typed in Tinker AFB in Google and a Murder-Suicide story popped up. “TOM! People have been MURDERED around the base.”
“People have been murdered around every base,” Tom reminded me.
True.
“TOM!” I shrieked. “It says here that there are gang shootings at certain areas. I don’t want to be shopping at Target and have to dodge bullets at the same time.”
“So avoid those certain areas. Sheesh,” Tom pointed out.
“I hope we get a big house. I have a lot of stuff,” I continued.
“You might want to consider getting rid of that stuff. You don’t need your old high school notebooks,” Tom said.
“But I do. Suppose I want to remind myself what the French word for door is?”
“Over the summer we’re throwing out a lot of stuff,” Tom said firmly.
I laughed and let him think that he was in charge.
“So Oklahoma,” I said.
“Oklahoma,” Tom repeated.
“Oklahoma where the sun comes sweeping down the plains!”
“I’m going now.”
“Are you saying you don’t like it when I sing?”
*Click*
Friday, March 12, 2010
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So. Oklahoma. . . *shrugs* I know NOTHING about Oklahoma. But I suppose it can't be ALL bad if there are Targets and plains! At least you know where your next stop is gonna be!
ReplyDeleteSo. Oklahoma. . . *shrugs* I know NOTHING about Oklahoma. But I suppose it can't be ALL bad if there are Targets and plains! At least you know where your next stop is gonna be!
ReplyDeleteWell congrats then if you have family in TX. You'll be close at least. We're from Texas (dfw area) but in KS now so we've spent a lot of time in OK.....driving through it.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously though. OK City is not bad at all. You'll like it.
Blessings, C
I was born in Oklahoma. It won't be too bad, and it is withing driving distance to Texas. Isn't that a good thing?
ReplyDeleteCould not imagine having to pick up and move all over the place due to a career. I hated the move I did almost 3 years ago to our house and THAT move was only about a 15 min drive!!
ReplyDeleteHope Oklahoma treats you well...maybe someone should call that Target and warn them about you. I've read the stories ;)
I"M IN OKLAHOMA!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt least "ghost" most likely won't go with you :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, and I was so hoping it was Luke AFB! :) Glad you found a Target near where you'll be living and I hope you like it. It's not very nice of him that he hung up on you. He should have at least stayed on long enough for you to finish the song! :)
ReplyDeleteWell I hope that works out for you. It's true that it is closer to Texas. That's a plus. I think you are pretty easy going to pick up and leave every few years.
ReplyDeletesounds good. I have never heard anything bad about Okalahmoa
ReplyDeletexx
A lack of a Target is definitely a deal breaker. I understand your pain.
ReplyDeletephew...there's a target....we're, i mean you're, going to be ok :) yay for oklahoma!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard anything bad about Oklahoma. It's good (or maybe not?) that you have plenty of time to research Oklahoma and to prepare to live there. I really laughed at "I don’t want to be shopping at Target and have to dodge bullets at the same time.” Can't say that I blame you there! :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd if they don't have Gymboree there, you can shop online!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've had family that has worked at TAFB. :) I'm from oklahoma. I'm sure you will enjoy it!! That is some really exciting news!
ReplyDeleteGlad things are working out better for you...too bad he couldn't get the Airforce Base here in NC....DANG IT ALL TO CRAP!
ReplyDelete...but just in case they do change his orders, it's called Seymour Johnson AFB....oh...and it does have a Target!
Dang, I was hoping it would be McChord! Lol...you would love WA...try to get here someday.
ReplyDeleteAt least you have lots of time to get use to the move. I would like that!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice to see some long(er) range planning going on by the AF.
ReplyDeleteI had to look to see where it was - Oklahoma City huh... where the government building was blown up... probably a few ghost from that wandering about...
I'm just hoping the Korea thing goes smoothly... one thing at a time for this old guy.
My friends family lives in OK and they were stationed at Tinker a looonnng time ago, but I think she liked it alright. I've only ever driven through.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, there was an opening in OK for my husband's job, but I told him no thanks. Darn! Should have told him to go for it and maybe we could have been neighbors. Kind of.
I always think of that song too!
♥Spot
Oklahoma always puts a song in my heart too! Glad I'm not the only one.
ReplyDeleteOklahoma. Hmmm. Well, at least it's not Nebraska! I know what you mean about Target...I live in a small town, but I was completely unwilling to move here until I found out that there was indeed a Target. I'd be lost without it.
ReplyDeletemy hubs is from oklahoma... i don't mind it much (though i'll always be partial and love my home here in georgia)... ok IS a pretty place in some areas, and the weather isn't that bad... i think you'll wind up liking it!!
ReplyDeletehave a lovely wkend!!!
My Mom was from OK and my aunt and cousins still live there. I've spent a lot of time in OKCity and it's nice. One of my cousin's is married to a guy stationed at Tinker so it can't be all that far from OKC. It's a great place for kids. And there are NO ghosts in OK. Pretty sure you'll like it!
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry your hubby will be deployed to Korea for a year. Mine went to Saudi Arabia for a year at the start of the Iraq War. He retired last year after 25 years in the Air National Guard.
I'm practically crying with laughter over your love for Target. I totally get it. I have to drive 45 minutes to get to Target. :(
ReplyDeleteOK sounds okay. Closer to Texas is a bonus. :) Great news for you guys.
ReplyDeleteThe Oklahoma City area will be able to give you your fill of Targets for sure! :)
ReplyDeleteI get that catchy song in my head when I hear the word Oklahoma. Now I'll be singing it all day long. Thanks! <3 lol
I'm not sure Oklahoma is something to get excited about . . . but it could be worse..right? I dunno.
Tom is going to Korea for a YEAR? Oh my...I don't know if I could handle that.
This should be interesting. :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Oklahoma - tulsa town. But we love our targets and shopping too. the malls even have gymborees and childrens place. I think you will get along nicely.
ReplyDeleteYAY! Oklahoma! And a TARGET! Wonderful news.
ReplyDeleteSo are you happy about Oklahoma? I couldn't quite tell...all that singing could be masking something...
ReplyDeleteBUT IS THERE A GYMBOREE?!?!?! OH THE HUMANITY!!! I'd hate to think what would happen if there wasn't one in the area.
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny! Like many people have pointed out, you'll be closer to Texas, so that is good. Why were you hoping for Ohio?
ReplyDeleteIt could definitely be worse than OK!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the wavin' wheat, can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain! Ooooooooklahoma, every night my honey lamb and I sit alone and talk, and watch a hawk makin' lazy circles in the sky. We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand! So when we say, --huh? What? I've gone too far??? Well, haven't I warned you not to get me started on show tunes??? Sheesh! (At least you'll be next door to Texas!)
ReplyDeleteWow...Oklahoma! Sounds fun! Lol...sorry I have no idea what to say to that one! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletewow Oklahoma!! that will be interesting!!! thats kind of cool that you guys get to move and try out different places. it will be cool to hear about how the move goes and about your new place when it happens! exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteI sing it too...
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you that it isn't Ft. Sill. Whew! We were there for 3 and a half years....and it's the Armpit of the World! However, I was only 4 hours from my Texas home, and that was a GREAT thing! Ft. Sill had no such thing as a Target. I've got a few work connections at Tinker, and I haven't heard anything negative about it. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI served a mission for my church in Oklahoma. I had to wear a dress everyday. So we sang ...Oklahoma where the wind goes blowing up our skirts!"
ReplyDeleteBesides wind it has the most lovely people ever! Congrats'
I served a mission for my church in Oklahoma. I had to wear a dress everyday. So we sang ...Oklahoma where the wind goes blowing up our skirts!"
ReplyDeleteBesides wind it has the most lovely people ever! Congrats'
I've been to Tinker! It was a lot of fun. I love Oklahoma. (where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. And the waving wheat sure smells sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain!) Congratulations! :)
ReplyDeleteTarget really is the be all end all....
ReplyDeleteAnd again I ask, "ya gonna write a book? Cause this shiz is genius!"
Oklahoma is closer to Texas than Korea. What is the French word for door? Or the French phrase for 'moving house to Oklahoma near a Target but not near the shooting areas'?
ReplyDeleteEverytime I hear Oklahoma I sing, "I'm just a girl who can't say no, I'm in a terrible fix!" Hahahaha
ReplyDeleteI thought for sure he was gonna say TX and I was gonna recommend about 5 different bases right near me. *sigh*
It seems like you manage to have everything done the way you want it to? How on earth do you do it? Oklahoma huh? You know what that means...more interesting stories for your friends out there...I can hardly wait
ReplyDelete:) How exciting! Hope the move goes well, but i'm sure we'll hear lots more about it between now and then!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, those shootings only happen near Walmart!
ReplyDeleteI kid.
I seriously need to live near 2 Targets in case one doesn't have what I need, I just head to the other one!
I hope that things work out at the Oklahoma AFB. I live near TAFB and there are 2 targets within driving distance!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe invest a family set of bullet proof vest before you venture out to the local Oklahoma Target. All kidding aside, I can relate to the military life. I am a military brat. My dad was in the Army for over 20 years.
ReplyDeleteOklahoma has a Target and a cool song?! Good times!
ReplyDeleteWe live in OKC, it's great here...well I think so! Tinker is in Midwest City which is right beside OKC. We have plenty of Targets and Gymborees (and Gap, my love!) We also have a professional basketball team now, and they are doing pretty well this year. Hopefully you'll like it pretty well. Hot and windy during summer, cold and windy during winter...are you sensing a theme, it's usually windy. We do get a lot of storms in spring and tornadoes, but you'll get used to that.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Hope the move goes well, but i'm sure we'll hear lots more about it between now and then!
ReplyDeletework at home in india
So I can call you the Tinker Belle?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like the new assignment.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank God for Target.
Whew....thank goodness there's a Target! Happy days ahead in Oklahoma I'm sure :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine having that conversation. I would make a SUCKY military wife.
ReplyDeleteHope it's a great new place!
Haha you are too funny! And that's about all I can remember from that song too. Oooooook-lahoma where the wind blows gently down the plain!
ReplyDeleteI'm a sooner, so I'm biased, but OKC is awesome. There are lots of nice areas and hundreds of Targets and Gymborees!!! They have all the shopping your heart desires and the cost of living is rather low. I miss Oklahoma City!
ReplyDeleteI arrived at your blog around the time of the mooted Montana relocation and I remember how unhappy you were. I'm glad Oklahoma sits better with you. :)
ReplyDeleteComing over from SITS to say hello! Oklahoma could be fun?? And maybe closer to your family?? :) Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteSo I don't know anything bad about OK - but I don't know anything good about it either.
ReplyDeleteAs long as it has a Target - you will be fine, just like I would.
Fun for a change, no matter ;)
stopping by from SITS - wow, you've got a fair amount of time to plan for your move! glad you were able to not go to another missle silo :)
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about OK except the movie and the song, but I'm sure it will be fine - as you say, at least they have a Target :)
Well, Oklahoma is CLOSE to Texas.... closer to your family then where you are now, and a lot closer then where you were before!! THAT has to be good news!
ReplyDeleteYou'll love it there, really. Yes, the closest mall is apparently known for its gang activity (per my friends who still live there...I moved away about 4 years ago) but there's some great malls not too much farther, and Moore is just down the highway with some great stuff (awesome movie theater, Kohl's and other shopping). Yes, they have lots of Targets, too. =)
ReplyDeleteWait...he said he DIDN'T CARE if there was a Target?? I'm not even sure I understand those words...
ReplyDeleteOklahoma? Well, it isn't Florida, but it isn't Montana either. I wish I could enlighten you on some of the local stuff there but...can't. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHi, I live in Norman, just about 20 minutes south of Tinker. My hubby used to work at Tinker. It's not so bad. 3 Gymbo's two Baby/Kids Gaps and a Crazy 8 just opened too. Plenty of Targets. You will be okay. I just discovered your blog and have laughed and laughed all afternoon which is why I am just now commenting on this.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Carrie! A Crazy 8 too? Sweet!
ReplyDelete