FINALLY settled in but it wasn't easy!

This is going to be a long post. Have LOTS to say.

The movers came like they were suppose to but late of course. I was very satisfied with these movers very friendly and accommodating.  My only complaint was they put my dining room table together completely wrong. I don't even know how they thought it was put together, when I wanted to slide it over a little so my son could play on the title the table just fell apart. Thankfully my husband was nearby to catch the table top or it probably would have cracked and cracked the tile. I had told the movers that we did not need them to assemble anything but the bed since it is easier with more people. Other then that hardly anything was broken. I think things became broken when they got "Shoved" into the storage crates. When the mover opened one of them up he was almost crushed since everything fell out on top of him. Thankfully it was just clothes and oddly shaped things. What was broken was a DVD rack. It was "cheapy" since it was from Wal Mart and made of partical board. Everything like that seems to get chipped or broken. My Dresser had a bent handle. Lot of force to bend a handle they were really shoving. Also a Torchiere lamp that I had to replace from the last move. I had 2 of the same Tochiere lamp one had a broken shade but was glued back together. The new one was perfect. When we received it the "fixed" lamp shade was completely shaddered and the new one was cracked. On the body the reading lamp portion was completely separated from the body. Some how all our other glass survived. Oh here is an important point of advice,

**When unpacking the boxes open up EVERY piece of wrapping paper.**

Even if you think it is for stuffing or there is nothing in it. LOOK! We had unpacked the whole kitchen and couldn't find the plastic piece that makes the microwave plate turn. We knew that it could only be in the kitchen boxes since they were the last thing packed. Thankfully we threw all the paper into the tall garment boxes. I opened up every piece of paper and finally found the plastic piece . A few other items were like that so be very aware.
So for the broken things the MOVING COMPANY reimburses you not the government. When you go to Transportation to turn in your paperwork they well give you all that information on what to do. The hubby hasn't showed it to me yet.

Ok so lets talk about this damn Property Manager of mine. When you are living in a predominately military town where they wouldn't exist if the post/base was there (Killeen, Lawton, etc)you are going to get royally screwed. They know soldiers need a place to live and if one soldier doesn't get it another one will. Thankfully I have gotten the workorders I have put in fixed. I just don't understand why they weren't fixed in the first place. "Normally" you wouldn't put a house up that looked like this,

To Be Continued (Laptop Dying)

Somethings wrong with this Picture

So thankfully this move has been a success. The packers arrived promptly at 9am. 2 women. They came in looked around and went to their truck (size of a uhaul) to gather their materials. They started packing the master bedroom. I had stepped out to changed my son's pamper and when I walked in most of the room had been packed. I don't really have nice breakable things so I wasn't worried about that. They were just so quick that honestly I don't think they had time to go through things. Whatever I had that was breakable was nicey packed and labled. I was very confident about these packers and would recommend them to others. The one thing I did not care for and actually really bothered me was when they packed a "valuable" item in a box they put the name of the item and the serial number on it. Since our things were to sit in storage briefly I was uncomfortable with this, but they said it was policy. I later called and was told it was. There was a brief 30 minute delay between the packers and the movers. Although it was nice that the packers were not the movers. The driver was a little annoyed that it was not mentioned in his paperwork that he also had to pick up at our storage unit. He was driving a semi and no way was he going to make it in the storage unit. His attitude quickly changed and he was very thorough and proficient with his inventory of our boxes. Actually he was almost a little to thorough and didn't leave for our storage until 4:30 pm. He arrived at 12:30. My husband went with them to our storage and helped them move the boxes from there because we were tired and hungry.
We went house hunting (rental) this past Monday and did find a house we did like BUT what a crappy property manager. When they charge the previous tenant for damages done I would think they would fix the damages before they tried to rent the property again. Well not this place. Most of the damages are things we don't mind replacing like torn screens but when a dog destroyed the siding on the house to expose studs and water pipes then I am going to raise hell.

 

We were told that when the inspector comes out to go over our move in checklist with us he will "decide" whether things need to be replaced. If this is blatantly obvious that this needs to be fixed then I am going to raise all kinds of hell. It was a nice house, was available now and was a good deal that's why we overlooked it. Tuesday is when the inspector comes so we'll see what happens then. Also they gave us the wrong zip code so when I called USAA to move things over the agent noticed that I had the wrong zip. That meant I had to call all of our utilities over AGAIN because I was given the wrong zip.  
Tell me since when has it taken 3-5 business days to have the electricity turned on! I have paid a prorated rent but can't "move in" until the 31st because the electricity isn't on. I really feel like I am being scammed.

I am SO tired.

Tomorrow's the day the movers come and thank god they do. I am so over this move already and it hasn't even begun. One day it was June the next it was Aug 12th the day before the movers. I had be preparing for this day for weeks but yet some how everything seemed to be done at the last minute. The hubby of course still isn't ready well I guess he's going to be S.O.L while my son and I are smooth sailing. I am just a ball of emotions. I am anxious, excited to be going home and scared. I have heard so many horror stories about the movers. My dad also decided he wanted to finally tell me everything the movers stole throughout his career. Thanks Dad, way to make me feel better. Well wanted to write a before and after post so my emotions and feelings are true. Still have a few things to pack and attempt to fall a sleep. Since Saturday I haven't slept well. My mind has been running a hundred miles a minute. Finally when this is over I can have a good nights sleep on my air mattress (lol) hey, better than sleeping on the floor. Well I'll have all the details for you tomorrow.

That was it?

So yesterday morning a rep from the moving company came for our "presurvey." She was on time which was very refreshing. She was nice, polite, and very helpful. She went through all our bed rooms, closets (Eek, how embarrassing that was) and our cabinets and drawers, mentioned things that needed to be taken down or taken apart. She also gave us some info about the movers. She then followed my husband to our storage unit. She suggested to my husband that she put all his power tools into one of our tough boxes and put a lock on it. That sounds like a excellent idea, but I'm sure we will be held liable for that box since it will be previously packed. Unless I can have the movers pack it and I lock it up after? I don't know we'll see. I hope everything goes smooth. I read a post on the Military Spouse Message board that a woman has had her whole tv stolen. Are you kidding me? I have personally never had problems with the movers except when I was little my mother caught one of them going through her jewelry box. He was making sure she didn't have anything valuable he said. My last move they broke my beautiful Tiffany style Torchiere lamp. They left the glass on it and stuck it in the truck. That was stupid. Other than that nothing. I have always been nice to them and try to butter them up with drinks and snacks lol but I just want them to be happy.
Today my son went to his first birthday party. He had a blast. He is starting to be very social which is good. I guess those playgroups came in handy. He hit his first Pinata too. I told him to hit it and he looked at me like "What? Is this a trick" ha ha I've been having problems with him hitting so this was probably counterproductive. but after I did a swing with him he went to town and got a few hits in. After that he actually sat and ate and behaved. It was a miracle. I was very proud of him. Maybe one day it will click, "Hey if I behave and do what I'm told momma is happy. I can pretty much do what I want." ........ Nah!

Finally... I have a date for the movers

So the hubby called that 1-800 number that was on the packet he got from JPPSO. When he called they said ."Oh yeah we have your paperwork." umm ok so were they even going to call us. We have a "presurvey" with them on Friday at 0900. They said it was to check out what we had and what we would need. We also have to take them to our storage unit. They are just going to love packing that especially since it looks like Monster Garage. We also got the day we requested for them to come and pack us up which is the 13th. They will come between 0800-1700. Wow that really narrows it down. I hope they have enough help. We live in a 2 bedroom apartment and our storage unit is like a "garage." Oh well we'll see how it goes.
Friday hubby is to pick up his TA-50 from post laundry lets hope everything is clean and will pass CIF. Oddly my husband has to turn in a set of OD green coveralls. What since does that make. I don't understand why mechanics don't get issued coveralls every "6 mos" like acu's are "suppose" to be issued. He has had the same bdu coveralls for the past 4 years. Luckily he found someone to trade with. I hope he gets some new coveralls when we get to hood.

STILL no movers

This new DPS website is really starting  to piss me off. This is why I hate everything become automated. Why can't we just have real people! So I filled out the paperwork for household goods on July 6th. It is now Aug 3rd and we haven't heard a word back. We got delayed a week because the site didn't tell us to turn in a hard copy into JPPSO.  When I check our status on the DPS website its says "Offer Accepted and Presurvey Pending." Umm ok what does that mean. My husband went into JPPSO today and asked what the hold up was and they said we needed to call a 1-800 number to see what was going on. The movers should have contacted us already. Something better happen soon. I requested the movers be here NEXT week. I don't want to get a phone the day before saying, "Hey, we're coming" I have things to plan. We are doing a partial dity move so I have some things to separate.  Why did we go automated my last move (was still active) walked into JPPSO, did the paperwork, and 3 days later was on the phone with the movers. Nothing about this PCS has given me more drama than this website. Actually this being my first move as a "spouse" and with a child has been a piece of cake. Maybe because I am so organized (ha ha) The hubby starts clearing on the 9th lets see how that goes. He took his TA-50 to the post cleaners today. They tag it and bag so it is a guarantee go at CIF. (Central Issuing Facility) They told him it would be ready on Friday.
Well on a happier not I had a Mom's Night In with my playgroup tonight and it was the most fun I have ever had. The group of women who were there were awesome. No drama what so ever. The hostess provided us with a 3 course Fondue dinner. Ahh it was Excellent. I was stuffed. We had excellent conversation. I mean I really enjoyed myself. Too bad I have to leave I will really miss these girls.
I have been working on my home inventory and I never realized how many tools my husband has. Geez he  can open his own garage. Half of my inventory is his tools. This inventory has been a lot of hard work but I know it will pay off. Just 2 weeks ago there was a fire in the apartment building across from us and 3 apartments lost everything. 4 apartments had smoke and water damage. That really hit home. It opened up my eyes and made me realize I have to have an inventory. When our insurance would ask what we lost I wouldn't know. A fire is so traumatic and I know I wouldn't remember things unless they were big like a sofa and bed. At least now my mind is at ease.
Made my appointments for eye doctor and my annual pap. I will run out of birth control during our move and don't feel like messing with it during our move so I did it now. I really want to make this move like a mini vacation. No worries.

DITY Moves AKA PPM (Personal Procured Move)

It's been over a week since the hubby turned in our application for HHG. (household goods) and still no word. It's been 2 weeks since we turned submitted it electronically. When I went to the DPS website, it said they had received it and was up for approval. Who knows how long that will take. I mainly went there to add a new shipment to my request. We are doing a PPM (Personally Procured Move) formerly know as a DITY move (Do it yourself) Thankfully doing the PPM paperwork wasn't nearly as tedious as the HHG move was. Very short and to the point. Once again when I hit submit it said nothing about taking the paperwork to JPPSO but when the hubby turned in the other paperwork they told him to bring our PPM paperwork as well. Hopefully that is a glitch that they will soon fix. Here is the information I got about PPM.

• Vehicles are to be weighed Empty and Full
• Driver, passengers and any unauthorized items are to be removed from the vehicle.
• Gas tank is to be full when weighed empty and full
• Must weigh at a "Certified" weigh station

• Weight Ticket Identification
• Imprint or official stamp with Name and Location of Weigh Station
• Signature and title of the official certifying the weight
• Legible imprint of weight and date
• Name, Rank/pay grade
• Identification of vehicle weighed

•   45 days from start date of move you need to turn in:
• Original Copy of DD 2278 (Application for DITY move)
• PPM checklist / Certification of expenses worksheet
• Rental Contract (If Applicable)
• Original DD 1351-2 (Travel Voucher) with addresses and dates
• Certified empty and full weigh tickets for each vehicle and each trip
• Orders
• Vouchers for advance operation allowance (if applicable)

NOTE: Operating expense receipts such as gas, tolls, etc are not required to be submitted with settlement. However, it is the member's responsibility to retain moving expense records for tax purposes as monies paid in addition to actual moving expenses may be subject to Federal Income Tax.
Directly from DTS website concerning PPM/DITY moves.

And of course upon arrival to new duty station turn in PPM claims to JPPSO office within 45 days



For ADDITIONAL information on PPM/Government moves please click on the following link...

Comments from Transportation 

Working on planning my move

So I officially have 43 days left till we get the heck out of Colorado Springs. YAY! So I made myself a PCS packet I put a copy of the orders, pad with important dates, list of what I would like to take with us and a list of possible homes. I will add my home inventory once I get that done. I finished the house my I still have to inventory all of my husband's tools. Sigh, being married to a mechanic. I would like to make a "booklet" with picture and a description, serial #, model #, Where I bought it and if I have a receipt underneath. I would put this in our fire box. My pad of paper has the day we are leaving, a slot for when the movers are coming, that stuff. I also have a letter from the apt manager stating that I have submitted my 30 day notice. We have had problems in the past with other apartment managers so now we take precautions for everything.
A friend of mine recommended and excellent website that can help you find homes to buy, rent, or sell. It is specifically for military families.

"Automated Housing Referral Network" 

Also if you go to the housing office website for your post they might have a list of available homes as well.  Also links to military friendly realtors, low income housing, and WIC/Head start. 

I am so not looking forward to this trip. We have to drive both vehicles and as usual I have to drive with my son. Have no idea how I am going to do it. I am also debating on what types of toys to take for him. He loves dinosaurs and cars so I will be taking those, but I would like to take one of his ride on cars. i don't know if we have room for it though. He will be staying with my parents until we find a house. My parents have a huge patio so he would have all the room in the world to ride. I'm just not trying to pack our vehicles. I feel very uncomfortable when those things stay outside in the parking lot while we are a sleep in the hotel. I'll just have to see. When the movers come to pick up our stuff I plan on doing a "dry run". We will pack our vehicles to see what doesn't fit. I don't plan on taking a lot just duffel bags full of clothes for the 3 of us. That will go in the truck. (My husbands truck is lowered on airbags so the bed has been cut so the frame sits on the floor) I my car I plan on having a gym bag with clothes/hygiene for our 2 day drive, 2 air mattresses, a few pots/pans, plastic dishes/utensils, some toys, my makeup (hee hee I'm kind of a fanatic) actually I guess that's about it. Oh and the firebox. I might have room. It's just those things are so bulky. I don't know I'll figure it out

Fighting with JPPSO... Or whatever its called

INFORMATION ABOUT GOVERNMENT MOVES

Using the Website

So a week ago my husband went down to JPPSO (Joint Personal Property Shipping Office) (You know the people who move your stuff) and found out that now the Air Force handles everything and that you now do everything on the computer. I am about tired of doing everything on the damn computer I want to talk to some one. Anywho, so he comes home and we go to this "website" and it takes 5 minutes to load a page. We get to the page where we are about to fill out the paperwork and .... :whistling: :jeopardy theme song: NOTHING. After 30 minutes of going through 4 pages it freezes. We try 3 more times and I am about to throw the computer out the window. Today we tried it again and got through. There have been a lot of changes to the PCS move process that I would like to bring to your attention. These are VERY RECENT as a friend just did there "paperwork" 2 weeks ago with a real person. So here we go:

•  It is not JPPSO anymore it is DPS (Defense Personnel Property System)
• When going to the "JPPSO" office you will receive a paper with a web address
• http://www.move.mil
• When using the website it is better to use Internet Explorer. Firefox took Forever! Explorer was fast.
• When you receive your password copy and paste is what worked for me. Typing always got kicked back. You get 3 chances then it locks you out for an hour.
• Make sure you have time to fill out the information it took me a little over an hour to fill everything out. I am not sure it will save your work if you log out.
• When you schedule a new appointment you will be asked, "Is this a PPM?" PPM is a Personally Procured Move. Formally know as a DITY move (Do It Yourself)
• It stated that your weight allowance was based on pay grade. But from what I hear it is usually about 8000 lbs
• There is a lot of information so I suggest you have your printer on if not a pad and pencil. I have most of the important stuff if you would like to reference me. 
• When filling out pickup and dropoff addresses and dates. I have a pickup date but not a dropoff date/address. (Haven't found a house yet) So for dropoff date I put his report date (we will arrive 2 wks earlier) and for address just put the city. I will update if it happens to get kicked back. I mean how am I suppose to know when and where to drop it off at.
• You are allowed 90 days of Temporary Storage. Which means they will store your furniture for 90 days while you find a place to stay. You can extend that time but will be charged.
• Military personnel are allowed an EXTRA pickup and delivery. If you have a storage unit they will go to it and pick up and if you have one at your new location they will drop off. They will only go to Government or Commercial storage units.
• PBP&E [Pro Gear] AKA TA-50 (all that military junk) DOES NOT count towards your weight allowance. Weight needs to be claimed in the paperwork or it will not be transported. 
• You will be to pick a "counseling center" They will go over your application and contact you with any discrepancies  or further information. Look for Air Forces Bases around you to see who could be you counseling center. Any changes that need to be made with your scheduling will have to be made with this counseling center.
• There is a spot for preferred and not preferred moving companies. If you have a favorite company or one your heard is bad here's your chance. Remember not a guarantee.

THINGS THAT WILL COST YOU

• If the weight allowance is exceeded
• Shipping to a unauthorized location (not your duty station or place you will be)
• Requesting Special Services (Special routing, special loading)
• More than one shipment made

WHAT THE MOVERS WANT YOU TO DO BEFORE:

• ELECTRONICS: Disconnect all electronics/appliances. Prepare all electronics (??)
• Hose to Washer unhooked and drained. Dryer vent cleaned
• CLEAN dishes and clothes will be packed. Dirty items will not be
• Leave China in china cabinet and clothes in closet/dresser
• If you have original containers leave them next to the object
• DO NOT PACK ANYTHING
• DO NOT unpack NEW items
• Outdoor items must be disassembled (i.e Swing set, playground, shed, chain link fence) Chain link must be rolled up
• Whatever the movers disassemble they will reassemble. You might be told to disassemble things
• MOST IMPORTANTLY:
• Whatever you are taking with you make sure is not in the house. (keys, tickets, clothes, toys)

NO hazardous, corrosive, flammable objects or Ammo, building Materials will be transported. Also NO Propane Tanks


I will update more as I go. Hope this was helpful. If I missed anything or if you have more information please let me know and I will update the list. T hanks and good luck with your move!

*ADD ON*14 July 2010 : It's been over a week and no word. Hubby went to JPPSO and EVIDENTLY your are suppose to print off the forms once you complete them and take them to the JPPSO office. I wish the computer or someone would have said that! 


For ADDITIONAL Information left by an Army Transportation Rep please click the following link

Comments from Transportation 

Where has the time gone?

It's really been this long since my last post? Ok so my late new years resolution is to write at least twice a week. Well since that last time not much has happened. They did come inspect my house but just came in sat on my couch and watched tv for a few minutes than left. I was pretty pissed I cleaned all day so the could watch tv. I actually cleaned my sons room. WTF. oh well. My husband has been working on his truck and it's driving me crazy. It's been almost a month and a half now. And since his truck is out of commission he's been taking my car. Needless to say my patience worn thin lost my temper with my kid and would up in the hospital with chest pain. I knew this kid was trying to kill me. Been going to a lot of playgroups. If your a stay at home mom and don't know what do with your kids join a playgroup. Go to Meetup and look for a playgroup near you. I live in Colorado springs so I am a part of "Connect-the-Tots" (my shout out) a wonderful group of woman and some awesome kids. Today my dog decided to become cujo so I have decided its time to give him away. I love the mangy mutt but he has become too brave and I don't want him to bite my son. I have found him a home an hopefully everything goes well. Well have to finish crocheting some things for a baby shower. Be back soon

I am NOT the housekeeper

So this morning the hubby wakes me up when he got home from PT to tell me that I have to clean the house because they are going to do a "home inspection" on Wednesday. (yes, they can check you off-post housing they just have to give you 24 hrs notice) "Oh great" I say. I try to fall back asleep but I couldn't because the thought of someone coming into my house to honestly see what kind of wife I am (It's the truth. I used to think the same thing) pissed me the hell off. Just because I am a stay-at-home mom right now doesn't mean I devote my live to cleaning the damn house. I have a 1 yr old son who is like a sponge who I need to  get to talk, read to, color with, build a fort with. "Forget the damn house." Is what I say. If I have time to do it I will. Now don't get me wrong my apartment is clean. I vacuum, wash dishes, blah blah blah. The things that keep me stationary is whats hard to do with the monster around like, washing dishes, folding clothes is pointless, sweeping and mopping leaves footprints, and forget cleaning the bathroom I might as well just give my son a can of paint to sniff. I do all those things when/if my son takes a nap but more than liking at night once he's a sleep. No big deal it takes me like 20 minutes to do everything. While I was lying in bed I just kept thinking,"let them tell me something." These punks I'll give them a peace of my mind. Since I was too mad to sleep anymore I got up and started to do some cleaning. I actually scrubbed the floors, really scrubbed around the toilet and bath tile and picked up little things here and there. I wanted to do more but the monster woke up. Washed him up, got his breakfast and turned on Handy Manny for him to dance to while he ate. Then I realized that damn dogs bed stinks! So I started washing his bed and kennel. Kicked his but because he tried to take food from my sons table. I laughed because he had no where to hide. Later in the afternoon I put the monster down for a nap and made myself some pizza rolls as I was cleaning out our "mail holder" I kept hearing doors slam in the hallway. "That damn 'jimmy' guy probably doing laundry again! "I thought. He does laundry everyday.  He's been here a month and has done laundry everyday all month. What the hell is he washing? A sock at a time? I hope he realizes our water bill is a community tab. Probably going to pay $50 this month. This guy is strange he also has the vacuum running all day. What a weirdo. I have to do laundry downstairs because he freaks me out. Finally in the evening when the hubby got home he tells me they aren't coming to see the apartment until 1900. wtf! Oh, and they have a check list to go by. You have got to be freakin' kidding me. I felt my anger and all my hatred for the stupid BS coming.  I have big plans for Wed. since it's suppose to be in the 60's my son, dog, and I were going out to soak up the sun, and stop being hermits. My son goes to bed at 1900. If these punks don't come until 1900 (more like 1930) my son is not going to be a happy camper. I know they are going to want to see his room to make sure he is in a "safe environment" since they have had issues before, so I can't but him to sleep anyway. That and my Cujo wannabe dog is going to bark up a storm when they come inside. Needless to say I am not at all pleased with this. How about I Skype them a tour of our house. lol I could only wish.

My Life Story

So this is officially my first blog entry. Well  I was born and mostly raised in San Antonio, Texas and yes, this is where it all began I was an Army Brat. My dad was in the army and every time I saw him in his uniform I felt proud and I always told myself that's what I want to do too. I saw the life of balls, company parties, my dad pretty much did what he wanted. Little did I realize that my day was MEDCOM so he never would deploy not that it mattered because this was all pre- 9-11. He is now retired and is doing other things but I always knew this is what I would do. When I graduated high school I said this is it I'm off to join the Army. Little did I know (Again) that I couldn't join with braces. Finally (a year later) I enlisted and was on my marry little way to Ft. Lost in woods (Leonard Wood). I had an extended stay there due to an injury to my knee. I made it all the way but right before the final FTX (field training exercise) and I bruised the crap out of my knee cap and strained a ligament. After recovery I graduated a cycle later and went back home to Ft. Sam, where my dream all started. I have always had a hard time with school so it didn't surprise me when I had to get recycled because I failed the NREMT. It was rough. I was at school all day and when we finally got released, we got yelled at the rest of the night. During personal time I had to iron my uniform and shine my boots (Tells you when I was in) and by the time all the was done it was time for bed. I would try to study after bed check but while waiting for that to be over I would fall a sleep. So when I got recycled I made it a point to get tutoring and try to make the DS realize that I need to study. I passed and Whiskey school was a breeze. After AIT I went to Ft. Hood. I was in the aviation unit there. Did a lot of stupid things. Some I would take back. A few months later we crossed the pond to Iraq. Wasn't too bad. Did some stuff, saw some stuff, want to forget some stuff. You know... the usual. This is where I met my husband, while standing in a guard tower at 3am. What a story to tell the kids right? Came home, got married shortly later. While in Iraq I signed my dream list to get the hell out of aviation, so I got orders to Ft. Carson. (Hubby followed shorty later) Ft. Carson... Best home town in the army my ass. I was assigned to an MP/Infantry unit.This is where my career ended due to my pregnancy but my psycho b***h platoon sergeant was the icing on the cake. After she told me to have an abortion because I was having my son to spite I realized there is no way I can come back to working with this broad after my son is born. After I ran shit, got awards, taught her soldiers, did her work and let her take credit. I was done.  My husband is still there with a retarded ass support unit but we'll get into that later.  So I am now an Army wife taking care of my son and wondering what our next adventure will be.