One needs a military ID in order to get on a military base. If you don't have one, you will have to drive to the visitor's center, show them your license and proof of insurance and they'll issue you a pass. It's a pain...especially if you've temporarily lost your military ID card.

This morning, before I drove out of my garage, I took my military ID card out of my wallet and put it on top of my bag which was resting on the passenger's seat. Ten minutes later, just as I was approaching the entrance gate, I noticed my ID card was no longer on top of my bag.

What could have happened to it? I never turned quickly or went up a steep hill. It was a flat, boring and quick drive a mere 2 exits up the freeway.

I felt a sense of panic as it was too late to turn away from the gate. I was going to have to go through and explain to the guard that somehow, I lost my ID on the drive there.

I rolled down my window as the guard put up his hand gesturing me to stop (I wonder what would have happened if I had sped through the gate, right by him...kidding, I would never have done that). "Sir, I took my military out and put it down in my car and now I can't find it." I explained, embarrassed.

He looked at the driver's license which I was hoping he'd think was good enough and just let me through. "You'll need to pull over and find it if you really have your card in the car.

Did I really look like I was lying? I even had the post's DCAL on my car windshield! I really did not want to take the extra time to go to the visitor's center when I had my own ID.

Knowing the rules were the rules (and that there was a long line of cars piling up behind me), I pulled over. Within a couple of minutes of frantically rummaging around my car's front seats, the ID appeared...just like that...in the tray below the emergency brake. I swear it wasn't there before.

I waved to the guard that I found it. He sent someone over to inspect its authenticity and alas, I was on my way.

I decided from now on, I will just keep the card in my wallet until I actually get to the gate.

Yesterday, Oliver and I went to the Change of Command ceremony on post. The event signified the change of the battalion's Colonels. The battalion was assembled on Watkins Field on Joint Base Lewis McChord (why they changed the post's name from Ft. Lewis to that, I'll never know) and the soldiers were in formation by company.

Oliver and I sat in the bleachers to watch the event. Of course, from that far away, I couldn't tell which soldier was Max, let alone which company was his.

Oliver's favorite part of the ceremony was the band...he particularly liked the buglers and the drummers. He seemed to get a kick out of the marching too. Every time the band rested and someone important spoke, Oliver would look at me, point to the band and ask me to make them play "again!"

When Max marched his company by where we were sitting, Oliver waved and called out to dad. I don't think he understood why Max didn't look at him and wave back. I tried to explain it, but who knows...

Personally, I was really thankful for the Army's band. Not only was its contribution spirited and nice, it kept my toddler entertained for the duration of the ceremony!

I finally feel settled from the move...well, at least the Internet is up and running. Without it, I felt like I was in a time warp!

I've joined the Family Readiness Group (FRG). I am the co-leader of the FRG for the company Max commands: Charlie Company, 1-17 Infantry. The FRG is a command sponsored organization of spouses who provide support and activities to increase the resiliency for soldiers and their families, particularly during deployments.

It's been interesting reintegrating into the Army wife culture after living away from it for over a year. Not that I wasn't an Army wife in San Francisco; there just wasn't that community around me (but,there was a lot of family and many good friends there!).

I know the women I've joined here at Ft. Lewis (now called Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but I can't bring myself to call it that) went through a very challenging year together. They, as FRG leaders, helped all of the Gold Star Families (families who have lost family members in war) who were coping with their losses, and at the same time, worried about and missed their own spouses.

I met a lady whose husband was a company commander just like Max. He was killed last August, shortly after they deployed. She gave birth to their baby girl, whom he never got to meet. I don't think one day has passed that I haven't thought about her. I don't know her well, but she is one of those people who seems to exude positive energy. I admire her strength...the strength she's had to get through the past year and the strength she'll have to have for the future of raising her three children. And to imagine what it must feel like to be around all her friends whose husbands have now returned...

One really amazing thing about the community...it's like a big family. I look forward to getting to know everyone while we are here.