PCS

Moving away from your tribe is arguably the hardest part of a military permanent change of station (PCS). You spend between two and five years (give or take a year or two) building relationships, finding those people who are...

You’ve watched the moving truck roll down the street, turned in the keys, piled the kids clutching man’s best friend into the car, and waved “bye house.” Whether there are days or weeks between this moment and the next when...

Recently, my husband's military record changed to reflect that he now has an "exceptional family member." Prior to the diagnosis, nothing appeared amiss. Afterwards, I experienced an array of emotions ranging from shock and anger to hurt and fear. We denied. I cried. But, as all...

Gone are the days when I can just pack a small carry-on, drink my coffee, and read a book while I wait for my next flight snuggled up against my husband. I used to watch traveling families and smile as...

Snail Mail Still Matters I am entrenched in our on-demand, instant gratification world of communication. Landline phones and calling cards seem so outdated that it’s hard to imagine I once saved babysitting money to buy a 500 minute calling card...

Unless you've been living under a rock (pun totally intended), you've probably heard about or seen The Kindness Rocks Project (or one of its MANY offshoots) in action.  The concept is simple -- brighten someone's day by painting rocks, hiding them...

A long time ago, I was told that I was trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I wanted something in my life to go a certain way and, well, it just wasn't. As a particular...

"You're really hard on her," my friend told me. I knew it was true, and I knew it was awful.   This was almost four years ago, and I can recall it as clearly as the block of cheese I...

In terms of military assignments, I’ve been pretty fortunate. Even for some locations with mixed reviews, I have always found something positive about my time there. Bloom where you’re planted and all. What I never expected was to instantly and...

We are stronger together than we are alone. It’s a nice idea, but having spent the past 30 plus years as a fiercely independent woman, the idea of asking someone for help isn’t really in my wheelhouse. Neither is...

I love bath time with my son. He's three months old and thinks I'm awesome. Every splash is hilarious, and every silly face I make is the greatest moment in his life. He makes me feel like the best...

As moms in the military community, it's important to educate ourselves on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If left unchecked or untreated, it can potentially lead to substance abuse, violent behavior, or suicide. What is PTSD? Everyone has painful memories, right? But not...