I married my husband fresh out of college. We moved into an apartment, then a townhome. Like many newlyweds, we followed the same pattern: apartment, puppy, house, and eventually, babies. After living in a tiny apartment during my senior year of college, I was more than ready to make a home with my new husband in every sense of the word.
We hadn’t planned on buying a house so soon. But four months into our marriage, we drove by a home with a for sale sign in the front yard and fell in love.
Author: Michael
When you think of the Midwest, cornfields may quickly come to mind. But the heartland of the U.S. isn’t only the Wizard of Oz and Little House on the Prairie. The Midwest is full of interesting cities and towns and has so much to offer. From nature and agriculture to history and zoos, there’s something for everyone.
So if you’re stationed in or near the Midwest, here are a few places to check out on your next long weekend getaway.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska has it all. It has something for the history buff, the animal lover, the adventurer, the foodie and the artist.
Newport, Rhode Island, was once the playground to Gilded Age millionaires each summer. Known for its stunning coastlines and natural beauty, Newport is still a major summer vacation destination and home to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport. If you’re headed to Newport, you’re in for a treat. With wonderful restaurants, museums, history, hiking, and more, this is a dream duty station.
Location
Newport is situated at the southern end of Aquidneck Island.
Military life does something strange to friendships. On one hand, you’ve got civilian friends who don’t quite get the constant moving, the deployments, or the weird nuances of military culture. On the other hand, you’ve got military friends who understand it all …except you’ll probably never see them again after one of you heads to your next installation. It’s this constant push-and-pull between two worlds, and somehow, you’re supposed to build meaningful connections that can survive the chaos.
I’ve been there. So many of us have.
Military housing isn’t known for sprawling spaces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t host an unforgettable gathering. Whether you’re living in an on-base apartment, a townhome, or a house with less-than-ideal square footage, milspouses know that home is what we make of it, and the same goes for our gatherings. Tight quarters just mean your guests will get a little cozier, a little closer, and leave with memories that feel bigger than the space itself.
Homecoming is supposed to be a joyous reunion, But if we’re being honest, it’s more like an emotional rollercoaster that none of us really signed up for. You’ve spent months or maybe even a year living separate lives. Now, suddenly, you’re supposed to mesh them back together like nothing’s changed. Spoiler alert: everything’s changed. So, where do we even start?
The Emotional Whirlwind of Homecoming
When your spouse steps off that plane, it’s like a scene straight out of a movie. But the movies don’t show the awkwardness that can settle in once the initial excitement fades.
Military spouse life can be rewarding, but it’s no secret that it also comes with its own set of challenges. While the community is often strong, there are times when it can feel a bit competitive or even judgmental. If you’ve ever been part of a group where it felt like everyone was measuring their experiences against each other, you know the feeling.
Managing a military household is no small feat. Between frequent moves, unpredictable schedules, and the demands of military life, finding and maintaining a career can seem nearly impossible for military spouses. However, in today’s digital world, there are more opportunities than ever for flexible jobs that allow you to manage your household while building a fulfilling career. Here’s a practical guide for military spouses on how to secure flexible jobs that fit into the unique rhythm of military life.
Amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was grappling with unprecedented levels of isolation and loneliness, a unique organization emerged with a distinctive mission to reconnect veterans with each other and their communities.
Veterans in Pickleball, founded in 2022, was born out of a desire to make a difference in the lives of veterans, many of whom had become increasingly isolated during the long, dark days of the pandemic.
For military families, financial planning can be especially challenging. With frequent relocations, deployments, and unexpected life changes, staying financially motivated requires careful planning and resilience. A lot of people believe that joining the military takes care of your financial woes, and while yes, there is a sense of financial security, financial management requires ongoing work. This guide offers practical strategies to help military families set goals and stay on track for long-term financial success.
Managing finances can be particularly complex for military families.