Tag: NEW

Tricare Updates

On By MichelleIn Healthcare, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Tricare is changing…. yes again! If you have been with Tricare for over the past ten years hearing there is some new change is nothing… well, new. It seems something happens every couple of years.

So what is new now? We now will have new regions. No more North, South, and West. That is right! If you are part of the West region, nothing has changed. If you were in North or South area, you are now part of the new East region. That is right; now there will only be two coverage regions within the United States, East, and West. This is good for one big reason unless you transfer from east to west coast or vice-versa then your region stays the same, and it is one less thing you have to worry about.

What else is new? New plans. Now Tricare Standard and Tricare Extra will become the new Tricare Select plan. There are some minimal changes to the plans, including prime which you can find out more about here.

Are there more changes? Probably, but these are the BIG changes going on.

Much Love,
Michelle

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I’m Back

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Well, it has been some time since my last post. Reason being that we are in the middle of our PCS. We have officially left Key West for good and are now temporarily in Norfolk. It will be a couple of months before we head out to Japan and I go missing for a little again until then I promise to try to stay up to date and post as much relevant information as my little hands can grab.

Talk soon!
Michelle

PCS Binder

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

So we all hate moving, well I think most of us at least do. I know my stress levels go through the roof, and now with an overseas PCS looming over me, I knew I had to do something. I created a binder. Yes, it may have been an over the top thing to do, but man did my stress go down.

First, I researched… a lot. I looked at a bunch of different examples of binders and created my own. I took the good, dropped the bad, and added what I found to be missing. I hope this helps you as much as it did me. My humble opinion is this works well for both CONUS and OCONUS PCS.

What you’ll need:
1 – zipper pouch with the three ring binder hold on the side
1 – 2 inch three ring binder. You can probably do smaller, but I put EVERYTHING in there, and 2 Inch was the right size for me.
Eight tabs.
And a packet or two of sheet protectors.

The Tabs:
1. Important/ Legal
2. Medical
3. Travel
4. Housing
5. Check List
6. Pet Info
7. Contact List
8. Shipping Info

The rundown:
1. Important/ Legal – Basically a copy of orders, marriage cert, birth certificates, school records, etc.
2. Medical – Vaccinations, medical records, the list of medications.
3. Travel – Hotel info, flight, car rental
4. Housing – Any documents in regards to housing both old and new. Leases, the release of the property so forth.
5. Check List – Can help keep you on track. Can put it on your first tab before move.
6. Pet info – All documents from vaccinations to microchip info. Airline hotel boarding.
7. Contact list – Numbers and addresses for exiting and entering command. Never know when your phone will die and you’ll need a number
8. Shipping info – All HHG info as well as any POBOX info you have.
Zipper pouch – Here I keep passports a pen and put all receipts for reimbursement.

Hopefully, you will find as much use out of this as I did.

Happy Moving!

PCS Binder

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

So we all hate moving, well I think most of us at least do. I know my stress levels go through the roof, and now with an overseas PCS looming over me, I knew I had to do something. I created a binder. Yes, it may have been an over the top thing to do, but man did my stress go down.

First, I researched… a lot. I looked at a bunch of different examples of binders and created my own. I took the good, dropped the bad, and added what I found to be missing. I hope this helps you as much as it did me. My humble opinion is this works well for both CONUS and OCONUS PCS.

What you’ll need:
1 – zipper pouch with the three ring binder hold on the side
1 – 2 inch three ring binder. You can probably do smaller, but I put EVERYTHING in there, and 2 Inch was the right size for me.
Eight tabs.
And a packet or two of sheet protectors.

The Tabs:
1. Important/ Legal
2. Medical
3. Travel
4. Housing
5. Check List
6. Pet Info
7. Contact List
8. Shipping Info

The rundown:
1. Important/ Legal – Basically a copy of orders, marriage cert, birth certificates, school records, etc.
2. Medical – Vaccinations, medical records, the list of medications.
3. Travel – Hotel info, flight, car rental
4. Housing – Any documents in regards to housing both old and new. Leases, the release of the property so forth.
5. Check List – Can help keep you on track. Can put it on your first tab before move.
6. Pet info – All documents from vaccinations to microchip info. Airline hotel boarding.
7. Contact list – Numbers and addresses for exiting and entering command. Never know when your phone will die and you’ll need a number
8. Shipping info – All HHG info as well as any POBOX info you have.
Zipper pouch – Here I keep passports a pen and put all receipts for reimbursement.

Hopefully, you will find as much use out of this as I did.

Happy Moving!

Oconus PCS with Pets

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Oh, those lovely little fur babies that become part of our lives and hearts. Normally moves are smooth with them, as long as you bring them food and water they are happy as can be. But what happens when you get orders overseas to Japan?

Many of the things I read up on said to leave them behind or prepare to spend thousands of dollars. While that may be true for some, it isn’t true for all.

For example, if what you have is cats or small dogs, the odds are that they can fly in the cabin with you for a small fee. Now if you need to add them as cargo, due to the larger size, and are traveling on orders, you can get a nice military discount on commercial flights. Just keep in mind a Patriot flight or military flight is always the cheaper option for larger pets. However, those get booked quickly so book as soon as possible.

But let’s rewind just a little, I, for example, have not yet made the big puddle jump. We are currently in the quarantine phase, but I’ll get to that in a minute. Here is a small step by step guide of what you need to do to prepare your pets for travel to Japan.

1. Microchip. If your pet already has one, make sure it is the new 15 digit microchip. The old ten digit is no longer acceptable for Japan. If you do have the ten digit one, you will need to do a new microchip.
2. Two rabies vaccination that is done AFTER the chip’s inserted. The second vaccine can be done 30 days after the first.
3. The rabies antibody test. It is a blood sample that is drawn after the second vaccine.
4. Quarantine or waiting period. This one is the “bad” part. It is 180 wait time or quarantine. The date of blood sampling is counted as 0. If you have to travel before the quarantine is over, you may still take your pets. Depending on the base you will be going to, you may finish the quarantine within the base “house, ” you get assigned, or you may board your pet with the base vet for quarantine completion.
5. If flying commercial, you must send in Advanced notification at the expected port of entrance. You can find all the forms needed here.
6. Vet visit clearing for travel.
7. Get all certifications. Individual information, microchip number, and date of implanting. Date of rabies vaccinations, effective period, kind of vaccine, product name, and manufacturer of the vaccine. Date of blood sampling for a rabies antibody test, antibody titer, and name of designated laboratory. Result and date of clinical inspection, as well as a USDA, stamped international health certificate.

As you can see, it is quite a few steps. We are currently on 4, and waiting to find out how we are flying over.

Hope this has helped you some in finding out how to get your pet over to Japan.

Mommy hospital bag, what to really take.

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

You have finally come around to making that pesky hospital bag. Whether you are 20 weeks pregnant or 35 weeks, it’s never an easy task.

I am sure you have heard it all by now, I know I did. From the must haves in the hospital bag to the just leave behind you’ll never use. And truth be told some were right, not to mention everyone’s experience is different. The reality is, it also has to do with your hospital and what they give. So here is some of my musts and leave behind, with a few extra tips along the way.

1. Non-slip socks. Forget the slippers or the shoes, just plain old socks. If you have your baby in the little bassinet beside you, you’ll still need to take a step to reach over for your bundle safely. If you already have socks on it makes it much easier than having to search for and put on shoes.
2. Hair ties. I don’t know how your labor will go, but my contractions came on my hair wash day. Now, I am a first-time mom and didn’t realize I had quite some time to shower and do my hair, but my panic and rush to the hospital had me in labor without my hair being done. Hair ties were my savior.
3. Boppy. That is if you are planning on breastfeeding. It will get you used to it for when you get home, not to mention much more comfortable than having your arm floating around while you and your little learn to bond.
4. Electronic chargers. Phone, laptop, e-reader, whatever electronics you take remember the chargers.
5. 2 comfortable sets of clothing. I had a natural labor, meaning comfy for me was a dress. If you have a c-section comfortable for you may be leggings. Plan for both occasions, you never know what turn things may take.

Now comes the maybe section. I brought toiletries, but my hospital gave me everything from toothpaste and brush to a hair brush, shampoo, conditioner. I also took makeup that I did not use. So if you are a big makeup user take it, otherwise leave it behind. You will be too enamored of your new bundle to worry too much about what you look like.

They gave me tucks (which are wonderful!) as well as pads, and the pain relief spray. I had heavy bleeding where I needed two blood transfusions, so I ended up sending my husband to buy me Depends because I leaked through the pads. Future pregnancies I will take depends, however, because they were much more comfortable than the mesh panties they give you.

I took magazines and some “entertainment” things to keep my mind off the pain (no epidural) but never used them. I just closed my eyes and tried to rest in between contractions. That is something I will leave behind next time, but it may be helpful for some. Especially if you do an epidural, you’ll want something to do to pass the time.

The don’t include section. Do not take too many clothes. For me, it was better to use the hospital gown because it had breastfeeding flaps. Much easier and if it got milk or blood on it I could just request another.

Nipple cream. I got about for “sample” tubes that lasted me up until four months postpartum.

Breast pads, I got two boxes of them from the hospital.

Never be afraid to ask for things. Alcohol swabs to clean the babies belly button. They may not give you the breast pads and cream unless you ask for it. Anything that may be for your well being and your babies, they will have so ask away. My hospital also gave me a bag of diapers and wipes, though I have heard some hospitals do not give wipes anymore. Like I said, ask for everything, worse case scenario you can send someone to the gift shop for you to get anything you may need.

Happy Packing!

Military Discounts

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

So we’ve all done it. Gone somewhere and wondered if they have a military discount, figure they don’t and just don’t ask. I know that at least on my end I get so tired of asking and hearing “no.” So here are some places that offer military discount for active, retired and active duty spouses.

–Avis Car Rental – U.S. Military and Federal Government employees get free collision/LDW insurance coverage, no underage driver fees, unlimited mileage and competitive rates on official business or personal.
–Budget Car Rental – With the offer code BCD U088801, military members receive discounted rates when booking a rental car online.
–Hertz Rental Cars – Members of the military receive discounted rates and unlimited mileage through Hertz Rental Cars. Free upgrades are also offered if space is available.
–Aeropostale-Get 10% off on all purchases in any Aeropostale store nationwide.
–Kohl’s-Get a Kohl’s 15% military discount by presenting a valid US military ID in selected Kohl’s branches nationwide. Not all Kohl’s participate.
–Nike-Active, retired, reservist US military personnel and their families get 10% off in Nike-owned stores including Nike Stores, NikeFactoryStores, NIKETOWN and NikeWomen in the US and Puerto Rico. Present a valid US military ID for verification.
–Oakley-The program is for active duty military, reserve, federal and local law enforcement, fire, EMS and those holding military retiree credentials. Must have a valid .gov or .mil email address entered during registration confirm your approval. The discount is available through their USS Standard Issue website.
–Old Navy-Every Monday Old Navy gives you 10% off your total purchase with valid Military ID! Just show your ID at check-out for your savings!
–Sperry Boat Shoes & Clothing-Sperry gives a 15 percent military discount online following Troop ID verification. Offer includes active duty service member, retirees, spouses, and dependents.
–Apple-The Apple Federal Government and Military Employee Purchase programs is available to Military Personnel, National Guard and Reserve, and their families, along with employees of the federal government. You can get a military discount on iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs through Apple’s Military/Government Purchase Program.
–Best Buy-Best Buy Military discounts are available at some locations, typically 10% off. Call ahead and ask. Best Buy offers half off Geek Squad services for military families.
–1-800 Flowers-Save 15% on flowers and gifts by going to 1800Flowers.com or call 1-800-FLOWERS (356-9377).
–Pro Flowers-Visit Pro Flowers to see special military discounts.
–Costco Wholesale-Join Costco as a new member and receive over $50 in savings for all Members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families.
–Home Depot-A year round 10% discount up to a maximum $500 at all U.S. locations to active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. Must present a valid military ID. A 10% discount is also offered to all other military veterans on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Note: Many Home Depots are reported to provide a Veterans 10% discount year round.
–Pottery Barn-Active duty, military retirees, and their families may receive a 15% discount on their entire in-store purchase. Offer valid in-store only, and excludes prior purchases, gift cards, taxes or shipping & processing fees. Please show valid military ID or family ID card.
–Yankee Candle-Military personnel and immediate family receive 10 percent discount. Present a valid form of military ID at checkout in retail and outlet stores. For online orders, military should email or fax a copy of their order confirmation to info@yankeecandle.com to receive the discount.
–Zales Diamond Store-Military members receive a 10% discount on any item that is not already discounted. To get the discount, you must call Zales to have it applied.
–PODS-Military members and veterans are eligible for discounted storage rates through PODS.
–United States Postal Service (USPS)
The Postal Service offers free Mili-Kits that contain all the supplies needed for shipping items to military members overseas.
–American Airlines Cargo-Ship your pets for 50% less than the regular published rates. Active members of the US military forces, as well as their dependents, may avail of this discount, which applies to animal shipping for personal use only.

As I said, these are just a few places. Remember whenever you go someplace just ask!

Found a place offering military discount I don’t have listed? Message me, and I’ll update the list!

Happy Shopping

Michelle

Express shipment for OCONUS PCS

On By MichelleIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

So that day has come, it is time to decide what to pack for your express shipment. The main question is, what can’t you live without? While you may want to say everything, you may have to narrow it down a bit. Here is my list of musts for express shipment.

– Plates, silverware, and dishes. Ok, this is more of personal preference. Realistically you could always go to the commissary and get disposable plates, cups, and silverware.
– Some pots and pans. Don’t take all now, you will still be living in your home for a bit so send maybe one pan and one pot to help you get started in your next location.
– Some Mugs, cups, and glasses.
– A few Bath towels. Oh sure, you could buy more, but it is an expense that can be prevented.
– A few sets of sheets & blankets. Very important, especially if you are using loaner furniture. This will help make your place feel more like your own.
– Kitchen towels & pot holders
– Kitchen necessities (Wine bottle opener, bottle opener, can opener, sharp knife or two, etc.)
– A mop/broom/vacuum. You will want to clean sooner rather than later.
– Mattresses w/ accessories (pad, box spring). This is one of those things you can hold off on if you are ok with using the loaner furniture for a bit longer.
– Folding chairs, small tables (until your other stuff arrives)
– Small, simple tool set (hammer, pliers, etc.)
– Sports or exercise gear or baby toys and furniture. Won’t normally have space for both, so it’s time to choose which you will pick.
– Coffee maker. In my household, this is very important.
– TV, you want to take at least one. Especially if you have littles.
– Desktop Computer w/ accessories (cords, printer, etc.)