As a military spouse, you know better than anyone that orders can pop up out of nowhere, you can expect to move every few years; yet you always manage to find yourself in the same spot. The dust has settles, the kids start to make friends, but you feel like the awkward new guy; not knowing anyone and let's face it - having just your cat to turn to gets a little old.

So where can you go from here? Well, luckily, some of you are wired with the "can do" attitude, and you delve right into mom-and-tot groups or you chat up your treadmill neighbor at the gym without a second thought. However, there are also some of us that like our bubble of a house just fine, and need a solid shove out of your front door.

Here are some ideas to get you out of the house and meeting up with your new found friends in no time.

Get to the gym. Two birds, one stone - You get a good sweat going, and there's always someone else in class with you. Zumba seems to be the hottest class amongst moms; with classes being held at Wilson

Gym on North Fort Lewis. Not blessed with the coordination? Get to a spin class or join a personal training group. Heading out for a post recovery smoothie is much nicer with company.

Head to school. No, I am no condoning heading to the frat houses; I mean walk your kids to school, and pick them back up at the end of the day. The lull that ensues is a great opportunity to chat up other moms, and you can connect with your children's friends as well.

Don't have kids? No biggie. Research local clubs; book, knitting, scrapbooking, running/hiking/biking, wine tasting... you name it; it is in the area for sure. Just typing in the local zip code into www.meetup.com brought up over 40 meetups in the area, ranging in everything from photography, to open mic nights.

Check out the church. If you and the family head to church every Sunday, scope out what is available to you there. Bible studies, various ministries, even community services - all of these groups can help you in making connections. Also, most churches offer childcare during events, so keep that in mind as well.

Lastly, get involved with groups right here on post. Ask your military man/woman when the next Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting is, and dive headfirst into some responsibilities. Not only will this keep you busy, but making some friends will be easy. The Lewis Community Spouses' Club always has luncheons going on, as well as a variety of on post events they are a part of. Check them out at www.jblmlcsc.org. While they are not a physical group, a great place to connect is with the Joint Base Lewis McChord Army Wives & Moms on Facebook. This network of helpful ladies will give you suggestions on where to get a great manicure, but will also be willing to meet up with you for coffee on a dreary Pacific Northwest day. 

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