A Night out with the Cav Wives - - More than Expected

So I will admit it. The first time I went to the Wives coffee sponsored by the wives of the Cavalry Squadron, I wasn't looking forward to it. I was going more for the Mr. and to represent myself as his wife, as opposed to actually wanting to go. I've heard a lot about how officer's wives can be. You all sit in a circle, dressed up, waiting for someone to talk.

I got to our post on a Wednesday. I got my invitation that Saturday and the Coffee was on the following Tuesday. When I read the invitation, I was far from excited. I didn't want to go. I told the Mr. my feelings ( I don't know anyone, I don't know the area, etc.) and he pushed for me to go and just give it all a chance. In all fairness, I made as many excuses as I could think of. I really didn't want to go. So that night, I hopped in my car, plugged in the address to my GPS, and began driving.

The whole way there I was nervous. I was making a first impression and really had no idea how it would go. This was my first encounter with other wives since the Mr. and I got married. I didn't know what they were like, only rumors I heard. My Grandmother was an enlisted wife for 20 years. She told me stories of how officer's wives treated enlisted and I wasn't sure I wanted to be a part of that.

I arrived at the hostess's house ten minutes early and took my time getting out of the car. I felt like my stomach was in my mouth, I was that nervous. I've always considered myself the kind of person who can talk to anyone. There might be some awkward pauses for a little, but eventually I can get a steady conversation.

When I walked into the living, there were only two other wives there. I sat down and they were talking amongst themselves. I listened and nodded, but I didn't get involved right away. As it got closer to the start date, more women were pouring in. The SCO's wife (the squadron commander's wife) sat down beside me and we started talking. Soon enough, I was talking to all the women around me.

As the night moved along, I really started to enjoy my time with those women. And it got me thinking: These women have been moving around for how many years? They have been in my position at least once in their lives. And then I started to feel bad. I thought they would be the stereotypical wives: caddy, prissy, stuck up, only desiring the finer things in life. But no, these women drink beer, joke around, and have fun the entire evening. So it was a whole lot more than expected.

The next night I saw one of them at the FRG meeting. The next night I saw all of them at the Hail & Farewell. And tonight I will see them all again at Bunco.

Now, I have no idea what Bunco is, other than a dice game. And I never heard of it before I got to the South. I think I need to read up on it a bit. I'm looking forward to another fun, competitive, and relaxing evening. Wish me luck!