First FRG meeting....

Well, this morning we are on our way to the first FRG meeting. The first thing I plan to ask about is whether or not everyone else thinks Tricare stinks like I do. I have had the worst experience with this whole insurance change. Maybe it was just my bad luck, but the first primary care physician we were assigned turned out to be horrible so I requested a change. They approved the change right away, but now we have to start the whole process over. And that means waiting a month for the first appointment to get everthing set up so all the referrals can be made, again. So as of right now, I can't do anything. I can even see the doctor I have seen for five years because I don't have a referral. Everyone I have talked with about Tricare has not had great things to say about the coverage.
I understand that we are not close enough to a military post or base so things are a little different and there are a few more hoops to jump through. But, JEEZ, its hard enough for your spouse to be deployed, why does the insurance have to be difficult as well. I guess I just don't understand why your family is expected to make all these sacrifices and changes, and rightfully so because it comes with territory. So, why can the insurance be better and less confusing? The insurance is completely manageable, I guess I just thought that after almost five months of activation this would all be worked out. We will get it straight. Who knows? Maybe I will figure it all out before he gets home?? HA!!
Hopefully today I will receive some tips and advice from people who have been through this numerous times. I guess I am just a novice at the deployment. It is so much better now that we have settled into a routine. So far nothing has happened that I can't handle. I guess I shouldn't speak so soon. Some car trouble, garage roof leaking, and impending puberty.
Only thing about the car trouble is finding a ride when your car is being fixed. We live about 45 minutes outside of the city, so it can be a little tricky. Thankfully I have really good friends that don't mind driving out to the "boondocks." (Thanks Les) As for the garage, we have made our first insurance claim on our house, (thanks Hurricane Katrina) and after the deductible we have, oh, about $39 to fix the problem. Yeah, very helpful!
As for puberty, having a 12 year old in the house is quite interesting. Especially when you have had a crash course in parenting over the past two years. The little one is my stepdaughter, she lives with us full time. So, before Jeff left I had about a year and a half of being a new parent. I am so lucky to have her around. She is an amazing child that always teaches me something. We have had no problems adjusting to each other. In fact, I think she was craving some female guidance. Don't get me wrong, Jeff has done a wonderful job. It has just been the two of them for several years. She got a double whammie having a Dad that is a police officer and in the Army. But when it comes to learning to shave legs, crushes, and all the other girly stuff, I think I arrived just in time!! I fell in love with both of them. As I tell his Mom all the time, I needed them as much as they needed me. So, I look at this time with her as a great chance for us to get to know each other even more. This will be our chance to really get comfortable and become even better friends. So far so good! Thank goodness she is still into Care Bears and playing kickball with the neighborhood kids!