OH BOY! ??? Virginia Ladies I need help

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive May 2005: OH BOY! ??? Virginia Ladies I need help

I got a phone call from dh this morning while dropping the kids off at school. It seems we won't be relocating on the base and he won't be going to Iraq either. He has just been given orders to Virginia Beach. He will be the Gunny for the Intel school at the USMC Detachment facility in Virginia Beach. So we are still moving just a lot sooner and a lot farther than we thought. I have tried to look up the area Dam Neck and so far I can't get any information. His orders have just been given to him over the phone and we are waiting on the hard copies which should take 2 weeks and then we can start moving. He has to check in no later than August 1. So much for Okinawa. Any info on the area would be a great help. I am so happy that he is going to a nondeployable assignment for the next 3 years but at the same time I want to cry. I know it sounds selfish but I had the next year planned out and we were going to be debt free after this next deployment, dd was all set for State Preschool and I had already planned out next years classes and signed up for next semester. Oh gosh I still have to break the news to ds. Ok, lemonade anyone????

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 03:31 pm:

Wow, what a shock Kristie!! I don't know much about the Virginia Beach area, though I have family in Williamsburg and my dad went to VCU (great school by the way, if you are looking to enroll!) I could ask him if he knows anything about the area you'll be in. Anyway, big hugs... I'm in the middle of packing for a spur of the moment move, so I feel for ya! Good luck, and I'm glad your DH won't be going to Iraq.

By Cat on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 03:35 pm:

Don't you just love when the military throws you a loop like this??? lol Okay, deep breath. Now, Virginia isn't bad. Where are you origanally from? Bea should be able to help you out, not only being retired military but being in VA! It's great he's going to be non-deployable! My dh has been for the past 3 years or so because of medical issues with his shoulder, and now that he retired he won't be going anywhere. I do have to tell you though, if you're used to him being gone for any length of time, having him around ALL the time will be a difficult adjustment. It was for me. My dh couldn't even go TDY. He was never really gone much anyway, but the 1-2 week breaks every few months were kind of nice. I don't expect the moms here that have their dh's around all the time to understand that, but I know some will. I can't help you out much with the area or differences because I've never been to the west coast. We did spend 2 years in Maryland (actually 3 1/2, but split up and at different places) and dh is from North Carolina so we've spent lots of time there. The weather isn't too bad. Very hot and humid summers. MD had true winters, but NC isn't too bad. We got married in Raleigh in Feb and people were in short sleeves. Moving is always stressful, but I find it kind of exciting, too. Okay, so yes, I'm wierd. lol Big hugs to you and you will get through this. Keep your chin up and let the news sink in. I'm sure you'll find that excitment I'm talking about.

By My2girlygirls on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 03:54 pm:

I live in Norfolk,VA. It's about 20 minutes from Va. Beach. I am not military but could probably help you out in letting you know which neighborhoods you DO NOT want to live in. DH and I grew up here so we are a little partial! There is tons to do around here. let me know if I can help you.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 04:27 pm:

Bea's email is in her profile, and I'm sure she would love to help you too.

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 05:01 pm:

Crystal, Good luck on your move, I'll be thinking about you. VCU is a university isn't it? I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet but I will keep it in mind.

Cat, We are originally from Cali. It never ends with the military. I don't know why this came as such a shock to me I usually feel these things coming but I guess my radar is off.

Sarah, Any information about the neighborhoods would be great. I'm scared half to death about this move. I can not find any information about the Dam Neck?? All I know is that its in Virginia Beach somewhere. I don't think our move to Okinawa was this stressful. I have a final tomorrow, a final friday and a essay due, and 2 finals on Monday and the only thing I can do is search the web for this place. I'm sure once the intial shock wears off and I have a hard copy of his orders in hand I'll be fine.

I'll be sure to send Bea an email.

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 09:03 pm:

Thanks Krisite... you too! Hmmm... you need boxes? LOL I'll have plenty!

By Amyl on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 11:15 pm:

You might want to look under Oceana, Virginia, it is in the same location. We are getting ready to move there as well and have bought a house in the Lynnhaven/Indian Bridge area. We lived there once before and I loved it, they have a wonderful beaches, and there is always something to do. Williamsburg is about an hour away and DC is about 3 hours away. I can't wait to go back. Good luck!! I know you will like it.

By Jann on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 07:33 am:

I don't know anything about the military, but that is a lovely area!!

By Jackie on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:05 am:

I live in Va beach We live about 10 miles from Dam Neck.. Va beach is a HUGE area.. If you need help deciding where to live(Will you be in base housing)let me know. You can e-mail me at Jackie0824 at yahoo.com (Moderator edited email address to prevent spammers skimming)..if you have more questions. We have been here for 11 yrs. My husband use to be in the Navy(thats how we ended up here)but has been out for about 6 yrs now. I know some areas better then others.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 07:02 pm:

We should plan a get togeather.

By Clarabel on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:09 pm:

Congratulations ! He's not going to Iraq!!

I grew up in Va.Beach and then spent many years in California.It is very different than Ca.!!

This area has grown alot since I was a kid.There is a lot of development and a lot of housing.Some beautiful neighborhoods.Very military friendly.The schools here are much better than average in most neighborhoods but there are still a couple of sketchy areas.
It is a safe and enjoyable place to raise children. There is a lot going on but it is still cleaner and more laid back than a truly urban area.If you are buying or renting a home,I would recommend Red Mill or Fox Fire.There are also some very expensive newer developments around that area.I don't know what your price range is.Feel free to ask me anything.

By Bea on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 12:38 am:

Okay Kristie, we'll be neighbors. I live in Newport News...right across the bridge tunnel. I'm a frustrated tour guide, so if you want to know about this area, just ask. I'd love to help and to show you around when you get here.

By Jackie on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 08:46 am:

Kristie
I got your e-mail. I will respond to it today,and get some phone numbers for you.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 09:47 am:

Wow, thats far away! Have fun there. I didnt know he was PCSing soon. Arent you thrilled that hes finally getting out of that unit? Good Luck!

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 11:40 am:

Bea and Jackie, Thank you so much for the info. It has been so crazy here. I think we almost have an 4 bedroom town house locked in. Its in Virginia Beach and only minutes from the base we are going to be at. I can't wait to meet the both of you.
Melissa, its really really far. Its going to take us 4 days to get there. I wasn't planning on moving for another year so I feel like I have so much stuff that I am leaving undone. I had my heart set on going back to Okinawa and dd starting kindergarten there. Maybe we can go after Virgina Beach. Who knows what the military has in store for us. Dh said he would never go east coast. ha ha. Either way now I can get my Home is were the Marine Corps sends us sign with the duty stations dangling off. Virginia will be our 4th duty station. Well I better get off the computer and study for my finals. I have 2 left and they are both tomorrow.

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 11:41 am:

Oh I forgot, the townhouse is in/at Harper's Square.

By Jackie on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 03:13 pm:

Kristie-is Harper Square military housing? I know where Harper rd is..YOu will be living very close to the beach. Im about 10miles from there. We will have to get together. It will be neat meeting another mom from Momsview.

By Insaneusmcwife on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 07:48 pm:

It's out in town. It is off of Intruder Circle, The elementary school will be Corporate Landing which is year round and 1/2 day kindergarten. But I want to try to see if I can get a waiver to Birdneck because it's not year round and the kindergarten is full day. I don't mind driving the kids. We are just waiting on our credit/background check and then we can pay our deposit.

By Jackie on Sunday, May 22, 2005 - 09:24 pm:

Ok, well Im not quite sure where the townhouse is, but like I said I know where Harpers road is. My friends kids go to Birdneck elementary.

Yes most schools in Va Beach, the Kindergarten is 1/2, there are a few full day ones. My kids go to Pembroke Elementary, it is not year round, and Kindergarten is 1/2 day. My daughter is in Kindergarten this yr, she goes from 8-11:10.. Im glad its not full day, I would miss her if she were to be gone all day.. yes, Im a big sap LOL...next yr she will be in 1st and they go all day, 8-2:30.
Are you gettingmore excited now?

By Insaneusmcwife on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 12:28 pm:

Yes but I'm still scared. It's a big move. I have a bad habit of worrying about things that I can't take care of right away. Like where am I going to work, what and I going to do with dd while I work, etc. The fear of the unknown, lol.

By Clarabel on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 11:42 pm:

Ok, I had a friend that lived on Intruder.
It is a very basic townhouse community, not exactly new.Brick buildings, the apartments are a little run down . There is a park/playground for kids.I don't know if there is a pool or tennis court.It is right there near the base and the Navy exchange.
The family I new that lived there were Navy, which most people at Harper's square are.
They, however,did not like it.
As far as the school , I will ask my mil , she is an elm school teacher in the area, so she should know.
It's totally normal to be scared and overwhelmed, this is happing fast for you,Aug 1st, right?
Btw, that was funny about the lemonade.
Actually it's more like sweet tea in Virginia.Especially in the summer, and lots of it.

By Insaneusmcwife on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 12:33 am:

Were they in the apartments or the townhouses? Are the townhouses run down? We are planning to leave Cali on July 1. I have 1 month to get this house packed but the good news is I took my last 2 finals today and turned in my key volunteer roster this evening so I will have more time to focus on the move. I heard at our key volunteer meeting tonight that our orders are in they just need to be printed. So the ball is rolling.

By Clarabel on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 01:46 pm:

It was a two story townhouse.When you walk in, there is a small living room on the right and stairs on the left, then the kitchen is in the back, with a counter that opens to a small eating area.There were sliding glass doors behind that leading out to a patio.
I just went over there once, I don't know what the upstairs was like.
It was carpeted. I don't know if all the units are the same.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, May 26, 2005 - 12:17 pm:

I'm wondering if it was a 3 bedroom that you were looking at. The 4 bedrooms according to the floor plan are decent size. We measured our living room compared to the measurements of this place and it is about the same.
We were accepted yesterday and I just sent via paypal our deposit. I wish they had outside pictures of the place so I could show the kids. Its hard to just tell them we are moving without a visual. They faxed me over the address so I can get the phone and tv set up

By Clarabel on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 03:52 pm:

I can't promise you, but I will be in that area this weekend and I will try to take some digital pics for you.I will try , there may be too much going on. I would suggest posting again about this and maybe some of the others that are closer can go over and take pics too.

I would need to see it too, it helps with the transition.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 04:04 pm:

if you could that would be great. I'll get you the address when my husband comes home.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, May 27, 2005 - 09:43 pm:

I don't see a email address in your profile. If you send me an email I will give you the address.

By Jilly on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 09:18 pm:

Hi there, I live in Chesapeake currently but we're transferring to CT (DH is Coast Guard) this summer. We are renting out our condo in the Great Bridge section of Chesapeake - it will be available Aug. 1 with an option to move in earlier on/about July 15.

It's a three bedroom, two floor condo on the water overlooking the intercoastal waterway. I'd be happy to give you more info about it if you want! Email me at beingjill at gmail.com.

Best of luck with the move!

By Insaneusmcwife on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 01:26 pm:

Thank you for the offer. We have already signed a lease on a 4 bedroom townhouse.