PCS Diary: Fort Benning Week One

Jun 29, 2018

I can't believe it's already been an entire week since we moved into our first home. To be honest, I already feel like we've been here a month at the rate I've unpacked this place. Justin and I have both settled into our new roles, him as a Lieutenant and me as a stay-at-home-wife. I have been enjoying making our little house a home and cooking every night... even cleaning! Yes, you read that right. I feel so recharged and ready to take on whatever life throws at me which is not what I was expecting to feel but I'm so blessed that that is how I'm feeling right now.

Since my first PCS Diary, Justin and I have gotten to explore our new city a little more and found this amazing mural wall just off Broadway where all of the good food and drinks are. We have a constantly growing list of places to eat and I can't wait to share our favorites with Y'all. Aside from that, Justin has officially started his training as of yesterday so that's also changing up things around the house now that he's getting to have more of a schedule.

TOP | universal thread top (similar) | SHORTS | 5" chino shorts in tan |

SANDALS | cognac leather sandals | BAG | r. riveter colonial blue hobby (c/o) (similar)

We found the dog park

One of the most exciting things to happen this week was discovering that we are less than a mile from the dog park! Gatsby and Hemingway are having so much fun walking to the dog park and then running their hearts out in the evenings. We are still trying to re-socialize Gatsby with other dogs since he can be a little leash aggressive but so far he seems to be doing really well, at least when there is a fence between him and the other dogs. Having a dog park close by is so nice for getting their energy out at the end of the day when it starts to cool down because sometimes it's just too hot during the day to take them outside!

Surprise staff duty

I spent our fourth night in our new home alone. Welcome to the Army, right? Justin got tasked for staff duty which was a surprise to both of us because they couldn't' find anyone else to do it. He literally put his uniform on so fast and ran out of the house without even thinking that I would be left carless for the next 15 or so hours and he hadn't eaten since lunch. Everything ended up fine but it was a bit spooky being in such a new place alone. I was so thankful to have the dogs with me!

Life without a microwave

Funny enough, the night Justin got tasked for staff duty we were going to have leftovers from the night before I thought this was a great idea until I realized how hard it is to have leftovers without a microwave. To be honest, I haven't missed the microwave at all except for when I ways eating semi-cold leftover spaghetti by myself in a camp chair in the living room. Anyways, I don't think we're planning on getting a microwave but feel free to take bets on that.

Finding a church

I knew one of the first things that I wanted to do when we moved in was find and get involved in a church. Finding a church is the perfect way to plug into a new community. That being said, it can be really hard to find a good one, especially when you're picky about pastors like I am. I knew we wanted something modern and nondenominational so I did a quick search and found Crossroads on the post. Last Sunday we went for the first time and I was actually blown away. It was everything I had said I had been looking for and so many people greeted us and instantly made us feel welcome about coming (even if we were totally overdressed). We're definitely going back this Sunday and I just have a good feeling about it.

Trying Zaxby's for the first time

The other reason I like our church is that it's literally right across the street from Zaxby's. Neither of us had had Zaxby's before so I was really excited to try it and I think it is going to become our post-church lunch spot. So many people on Instagram suggested the Zalad's so I'm definitely trying one of those this weekend. Also, their sweet tea is so freaking good!

Trying out the on-post laundromat

So being the typical newlyweds that we are, Justin and I don't have a washer and dryer yet. We're waiting until we get reimbursed from our move to purchase those babies and I seriously can't wait. Naturally, we've already needed to do laundry in the week we've been here so we made the adventure to the laundromat for the first time. Now, I'm 26 and I've never been to a laundromat or used one. Pro tip: BYO detergent. We learned the hard way that most of the stuff they sell in the vending machines is going to be out. Luckily there was a post exchange right across from the laundromat. Justin ran to get detergent and miraculously made it back right before a downpour of rain. It was a trip Y'all.

I hope you guys are loving these PCS Diaries! They are so much fun to write and I know in a few years I'll love reflecting back on them as well. Remember that the blog will be on a bit of a hiatus next week as we officially rebrand to the AM Coffee Collective which launches in exactly ONE WEEK. I can't wait for you guys to see and be a part of everything that's been going on behind the scenes!