Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

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Get an Extra Boost this Military Spouse Appreciation Month!

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Get an Extra Boost this Military Spouse Appreciation Month!

This is a sponsored post by AAFMAA!

Charlene G Wilde, Assistant Secretary of AAFMAA

As MilSpouses, our lives are truly a combination of adventure, uncertainty, service, sacrifice, and many other things in between. And let’s face it, the truth is sometimes being a military family is downright challenging. Whether it’s working to juggle your kids solo — when just surviving a trip to the grocery store can feel like climbing Mount Everest — to feeling the pressure of having to take care of the household operations while your servicemember is away, there aren’t many dull moments (or any maybe in your case!)

First off — if any of the above speaks to part of your life and experience as a MilSpouse so far, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. With that in mind, I wanted to share an opportunity that could give you and your family an extra financial boost. Your servicemember spouse may be able to qualify for a benefit of AAFMAA Membership called the CAP Loan.

AAFMAA’s CAP Loan is an easy, smart, and affordable way to get some additional cash. It’s open to ranks E-5 to O4 and you get $5,000 at just 1.5% APR with five years to repay. The best part? There’s no credit check, no fees, no prepayment penalties, and you can use the money for whatever you need — whether it is to tackle projects around the house, take a family trip, or something just for you.

As a member of the AAFMAA team and a MilSpouse myself, I can tell you this is a great opportunity to take control and move toward the financial empowerment we all want. Your military lifestyle and your unique needs as a military family are important. You deserve the expertise and understanding of a not-for-profit organization that has been exclusively serving the military community with smart, secure financial solutions for over 140 years. Helping MilSpouses like you achieve a secure, confident financial future for your military family is our only mission.

On Military Spouse Appreciation Day and every day, at AAFMAA, we are here to help you breathe a little easier through your day-to-day life. We stand together as MilSpouses and military families, and AAFMAA is right beside us.

Interested in the CAP Loan? Learn more on our website at www.aafmaa.com/cap or call us at (800) 991-0268 with your servicemember spouse to start their application for AAFMAA’s $5,000 CAP Loan today.

How AAFMAA Can Help Military Spouses Financially

5 Military Spouse Friends You Need When You First PCS

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5 Military Spouse Friends You Need When You First PCS

When I first moved to Fort Campbell, I made friends with someone who grew up in the Clarksville area. While I didn’t go into the PCS with that goal, I just wanted to make friends, I realized how helpful that really was.

She told me about a lot of the great places to take kids, where to get a nice meal and other things about the area I might not have been able to figure out on my own, at least not for a while.

Most military spouses want to make friends when they PCS, but doing so isn’t always easy. Sometimes you can go months and months without finding anyone to connect with. That being said, if you can, look for these types of friends, because if you can find them, that will make your PCS, and your experiences at your next duty station a little bit easier.

The Friend Who Grew Up There

Finding someone who grew up in the area is such a smart idea. They can tell you about the city, where to go, where not to go, etc. They can introduce you to their friends, and help you get to know your new city, which is important. Having a local connection will also help you get to know your local civilian community.

The Friend Who Is More Outgoing Than You

One of the best things that can happen to an introverted military spouse is making friends with an extroverted military spouse. That person can be your connection to so many other people.

She will invite you on play dates, and introduce you to her neighbors. She is connected and can help you step out of your shell and get to know more people without having to do it 100% yourself.

The Friend Who Knows Post

You will also want to meet someone that knows post or base, really really well. They will know when all the kid’s activities are, they will know which CDC Hourly care center to use, and will help you get connected to some of the programs they offer, such as MOPS and PWOC.

Moving to a new installation can be so overwhelming but finding a friend that knows the place will go a long way, whether you live on or off post.

The Friend Who Has Kids The Same Age As Your Kids

If you have kids, finding friends who have kids the same age as you is such a wonderful thing. Even better when all your kids get along. You can get the kids together, while you guys hang out.

If your spouses are both deployed, have a sleepover, or even take a trip together. There are so many ways to connect when you are in the same stage of life as someone and your kids all get along.

The Friend Who Just Moved There Too

Finding friends who are also new to your duty station can be a good idea too. Why? Because you guys can learn about the place together.

There is something comforting about knowing you are not the only one who gets lost on the way to the commissary or who can’t figure out when Gate 5 is actually open.

Being a military spouse can mean moving every few years. When you move, you have to make new friends. And if you aren’t doing the moving, your friends probably are.

Here are some other blog posts about friendships and making friends during military life:

When An Introverted Military Spouse Needs To Make Friends

The Six Degrees of Separation of Military Spouse Friendships

5 Myths About Military Spouse Friendships

Finding Meaningful Friendships In Military Spouse Life

How To Make Friends When Your Kids Are All In School

The Military Spouse’s Guide to Making Friends in a Social Media World

18 Military Spouse Memes When You Just Need A Good Laugh

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18 Military Spouse Memes When You Just Need A Good Laugh

Sometimes, and some days, you just need a good laugh. Here are 18 military spouse memes that should at least put a smile on your face:

Military Spouse Memes

Oh, I have done this a couple of times, and once, I even dropped my ID in between the seats and couldn’t find it. That was embarrassing.

Military Spouse Memes

I know some are lucky and can get stationed by the beach…but for others? It just never seems to happen.

Military Spouse Memes

Please, for the love, do not pack my trash!

Military Spouse Memes

Ya, Kentucky and Tennessee are beautiful, but not when you want to be adventurous and travel around Europe for 3-5 years.

Military Spouse Memes

Yes, yes the commissary will be. Maybe going to Kroger or Walmart on those days would be a better choice?

Military Spouse Memes

They sure do! Forever and ever! And ever!

Military Spouse Memes

Pretty much! Good thing Netflix is so good at making some amazing shows.

Military Spouse Memes

Yep, when I do have to use mine, I have to make sure I don’t accidentally use his.

Military Spouse Memes

For reals! Can you even PCS without freaking out at least once?

Military Spouse Memes

Yes! What is your drink of choice?

Military Spouse Memes

Wait…was it 37043 or 95406? I can’t remember anymore. What state am I even in?

Military Spouse Memes

Target! Yes! Just show me where the Target is!!!

Military Spouse Memes

Ouch! At least that means they are home right?

Military Spouse Memes

If only we could always be at the same duty stations as our friends!

Military Spouse Memes

Oh, the decisions we have to make. You really don’t want to have to buy a new heavy coat but do you really want to save it for a few years?

Military Spouse Memes

Make sure you learn what these mean! And try not to get them confused…;)

Military Spouse Memes

I bet you feel accomplished now!

Military Spouse Memes

Right? Could be somewhere north of here, west of here, south of here, or 2,000 miles away, who knows?

Well, I hope these military spouse memes cheered you up and made you laugh a little. Enjoy your military spouse life!

When You PCS and Have To Leave Your Job

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When You PCS and Have To Leave Your Job

This is a sponsored post for T-Mobile with Sofluential Media!

Things are going great for you. You love your job, your kids are in a good school, and life feels right where it needs to be. But then, your spouse comes home from work one day with the news, you guys are PCSing to the other side of the country. And you leave in four months.

You panic. You can’t help it. What will you do? What about your job? What about your career?

If you have ever been in this situation, you know how stressful it can be. When you work hard on your own career, a PCS can take all that away. But it doesn’t have to. Here are a few things you can do that can help:

Breathe and come up with a game plan

I know it isn’t easy to do, but don’t panic. Remember, you are not the only military spouse to deal with this. You also need a game plane. Figure out what jobs are available where you are moving and what you might want to do. Some spouses take a PCS as a time to change things up. They might decide to go back to school, or even change their career path. Create a list of steps you need to take to go from your job at your current duty station to a job at a new one. That will help keep you calm and allow you to see exactly what steps you need to take.

See if you can take your job with you

This won’t work for every job, but see if you can take your career with you. These days, more and more companies are allowing their employees to work from home. You want to see if this is even an option before you quit your job. Even if it hasn’t been done before, your employer might be up for giving you a chance to do so.

Keep your resume updated

Make sure your resume is updated and then you will be ready to apply for jobs when the time comes. If you have been at your job for a while, your resume could be vey out-of-date. Work on getting that sorted out and you will be more ready to start your job search in your new city.

Look for companies that support the military and military spouses

There are companies out there that go out of their way to support the military and military spouses when it comes to employment. T-Mobile is one of these companies. The fact of the matter is that Veterans and military spouses face significant challenges when it comes to employment. Overall, veteran unemployment rates now hover around the national average, but nearly 53% of the US military experience some period of unemployment within 15 months after leaving the military, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The military spouse unemployment rate is at least 4x the national average. This is of course due to having to move around, and not being able to grow their careers like their civilian counterparts are able to do.

Here is what T-Mobile does for the military community when it comes to career support and hiring veterans and military spouses.

●  T-Mobile knows that veterans and military spouses do make a significant contribution to their workforce, and so they are committed to hiring 10,000 veterans and their spouses by 2023.

●  T-Mobile also wants all veterans to be able to land their dream jobs after serving their country. That is why they have an ongoing partnership with FourBlock to help with the transition from military to civilian workforce – and even helped launch an online course so everyone can take advantage!

●   When a military spouse employee in one of T-Mobile’s retail stores has to move because of the military, they have a formal process in their to request a transfer to another retail store within 50 miles of their new location. They do their best to make it happen every time.

●  T-Mobile has an employee network group, the Veterans and Allies Network, that is specific to supporting and advocating for the military and their families. People can share stories across the company, and the network provides feedback on how to make T-Mobile the best place to work for veterans, military and their families.

If you are looking for a new company to work for, T-Mobile can be the right one. As a military spouse, you want to look for companies that do support the military and military spouses. As you can see, T-Mobile definitely fits that description.

We Went to See the New Live-Action Aladdin and We Loved it

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Aladdin Was So Much Better Than I Thought

I am here for every single Disney live-action remake. I love that they are doing this. I find them so much fun and love taking my kids.

That being said, I wasn’t super excited about this new Aladdin after I saw the preview. I was worried the movie just wouldn’t measure up for some reason. I was worried I would be disappointed.

I was in junior high when the original movie came out in 1992 and I remember loving it back then. I have seen the movie a few times since then but it has been quite a few years.

We went opening night to see this live-action Aladdin and walked out of that theater super impressed. Sure, the movie was a bit cheesy, and Aladdin is a musical, so if you don’t like musicals, you won’t like this movie, no matter what else I have to say about it.

The Plot

The plot is pretty much the same as the cartoon, with some changes. One of the biggest is the reason why Jasmine needs to find a husband. In this one, her father, the Sultan wants to marry her off for alliance reasons. However, she wants to be the next Sultan, even though she is a woman and not allowed to do so.

They also make some clothing changes and have added characters, such as Dalia, who is Jasmine’s handmade.

The Cast

Overall, this was a pretty amazing cast. Since the movie takes place in an Arabian setting, although fictional, most of the main cast is from Arab, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Southern Asian descent.

Aladdin is played by Mena Massoud, whom you might have seen in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. I enjoyed him as Aladdin, and I felt like he brought personality to the role. He very much became Aladdin for me.

Jasmine is played by Naomi Scott, who was the pink power ranger in the new Power Ranger movie. She was truly amazing in the role, showing us a very strong Jasmine who knew what she wanted, even if it seemed impossible that she could have it. She sings a new song, “Speechless” which is pretty amazing and I think the lyrics were pretty perfect.

The genie is played by Will Smith. He was pretty funny in his own way and he really worked as the genie for me. I wasn’t a huge fan with the way he looked like when he was in his genie form, something was a little off about it, but not enough to ruin the movie. I think the late Robin Williams would have been happy with the way he played this role.

Dalia was played by Nasim Pedrad, who you have seen on Saturday Night Live. She brings some of her humor to the role and allowing Jasmine to have a friend was smart. And I loved her storyline!

Jafar, played by Marwan Kenzari was okay in the role. Some have said he doesn’t seem scary enough but I thought he was, although a lot of his power came from his staff, not from him himself.

Navid Negahban as the Sultan was also a good choice. He played Jasmine’s father as supportive but also someone who felt a bit stuck in his choices because of tradition, and of course, influenced by Jafar.

My Final Thoughts On The Movie

The setting did look like a set in some ways, but it works and I couldn’t help but start singing along to the lyrics during the songs. I loved too that they kept the same animal companions and there were many laugh-out-loud moments.

If you have small children, they will probably do okay in the movie but there are just a couple of darker scenes having to do with Jafar.

One of the things I love about these Disney re-makes is remembering the original movies, and watching the stories in a different light, and this movie checked that box. I loved how much more modern Jasmine was, how she went after what she wanted, and what she brought to the film. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, so I will stop there but I think if you are a Disney fan, you will like this one.

Have you seen the new live-action Aladdin yet? What did you think?

9 Reasons Why PCSing Can Be Amazing, in GIFs

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9 Reasons Why PCSing Can Be Amazing, in GIFs

Are you moving this summer? Summer is PCS season and so many military families will be going to a new duty station in the next few months. Some military families will be excited to PCS, and others, not as much.

PCSing can be such an amazing thing. Moving is a fresh start, and while super stressful, can be an exciting part of military life. When I talk to military spouses who have been doing this forever, they have such a fantastic list of places their family has called home.

In case you are feeling down about your future PCS, or maybe you just want a laugh, here are 9 reasons why PCSing can be amazing…in GIFs.

You get to have a new, or at least new to you house

Maybe it isn’t everything you ever dreamed of, but you will be able to make a home somewhere new, and sometimes that is refreshing. Even if it does look like a pineapple.

via GIPHY

Find new friends!

I know how hard saying goodbye to your friend circle is and doing so if never easy. But after a PCS, you have a chance to make new friends. Some of them will be in your life forever, and if you are struggling with friends at your current duty station, you can look forward to starting over somewhere new.

via GIPHY

You can get away from all the annoying bugs your current duty station has

Some duty stations get the nastiest bugs, others? Not so much.

via GIPHY

You love the snow and are excited about being in a place that gets some

But be careful, I heard that Colorado just got a bunch at the end of May. Be careful what you wish for.

via GIPHY

You hate the cold and now you won’t even need to own a coat

But even in Hawaii, you might want a sweatshirt, or so I have heard.

via GIPHY

You want a big reason to get rid of all the stuff you said you would get rid of years ago

Does it give you joy? No really? Does it?

via GIPHY

You need some space from your family who happens to only live two hours away

At first, being two hours away sounded lovely, until that meant you were required to go to every single family function. You love your family but you really want some space.

via GIPHY

You want to see the world and you figure that Germany is the perfect place to start

From Germany you can see most of Europe, and then beyond. It will be fabulous…hopefully…you do have two babies.

via GIPHY

You are finally going to be at the same duty station as your best friend

Finally! The PCS gods looked your way and you and your BFF will have the time of your lives, even if your spouses do have to deploy.

via GIPHY

This post contains affiliate links!

There’s a great resource in our community that can be helpful in this process. Our friends at  and HomeScout have partnered together to allow for an easier experience. 💁‍♀️

Through PCSgrades, you can read reviews by our fellow military families for both on and off base neighborhoods, see photos and interactive maps of those areas along with school ratings. 🏫

Once you find a neighborhood you like, you can search for properties in that area using HomeScout which uses active MLS listings, the exact same data used by realtors. Throw in the cash rebates military families can receive through realtors found on PCSgrades and some great mortgage discounts…and it’s a win-win. 🤩


Please click here to get started—>>>

What to Watch on Netflix This Summer

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What to Watch on Netflix This Summer

The summer is almost here! Are you ready? My kids get out next week and the weather is starting to heat up here in Tennessee. Soon, we will be going to the pool on a regular basis, BBQing in the back yard, and being a little more low key than we are during the school year.

I am also pretty excited at all the amazing shows that have been added to Netflix or will be sometime this summer. Netflix has really stepped things up, and I love it!

So whether you are not sure what to watch after the Game of Thrones finale or you are in desperate need of some good binge-watching, here is my guide of what to watch on Netflix and Hulu this summer:

The Society

This show will suck you in right away! And once you finish, you will want the second season to start as soon as possible. The Society is a teenage drama, that seems to start out like any other teenage drama. The teenagers leave for a field trip, but have to turn around, and once the buses drop them back off, they soon learn that everyone else from the small town has disappeared. Think Lord of the Flies meets Pretty Little Liars.

Wine Country

This movie is super fun! Six friends take a weekend trip together to Napa Valley to celebrate one of their 50th birthdays. These ladies are so funny, and most of them have been on Saturday Night Live at one point so you know they know how to make you laugh.

Workin’ Moms

This is a Canadian television show about, working moms. There is humor and there are a lot of moments that many will relate to, especially if you are a working mom. Can’t wait for more seasons to come on Netflix.

Derry Girls

Derry Girls takes place in 1990s Ireland. Follow Erin and her friends as they try to deal with teenage issues, amidst the political conflict of Northern Ireland in the 1990s. This is a super quick series you can finish in one night but then, you will want more.

Dead to Me

Dead to Me is amazing! Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini work so well together. The set up of this show is that Jen, Christina Applegate has just lost her husband and meets Judy, Linda Cardellini at a grief group. The two become friends and things go from there. What I love about this one is that every episode there is a new reveal. You can also finish this in a weekend as the episodes are short.

Outlander, seasons 1-2

Finally! Outlander is an amazing show about a time-traveling nurse from the 1940s. However, up until now, it wasn’t available on Netflix streaming. Outlander will be on Netflix later this month, just seasons 1 and 2. But if you haven’t watched the show already, you should. It’s amazing.

Black Mirror, season 5

For my science fiction nerds, Black Mirror is coming back for season 5. I am so happy about this! Black Mirror is pretty much Twilight Zone for the technical age. If you want to start this series, do not watch episode 1 of season 1, just skip it. That episode turns people off of the series and doesn’t even really show what the series is about. Start with the 2nd episode 🙂

Dark, season 2

For those that really love time travel and crazy stories, Dark is a great choice. Dark is a German show, so you will either need to watch with subtitles or with English dubbing. The show is pretty much Stranger Things meets Back to the Future. And season 2 will be on Netflix in June.

Stranger Things, season 3

Speaking of Stranger Things, we are going to get a third season on the 4th of July. Stranger Things is about a young boy who goes missing in the 80s, with a very ET meets Stephen King feel. If you haven’t started this series, this summer is the time to do so.

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Whether you are pcsing this summer or not, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo can get you in the decluttering mood. Watch Marie Kondo work with families to see what brings them joy and get rid of what doesn’t to make their homes a more relaxing place. Although this came out quite a few months ago, this summer is the perfect time to watch and get inspired.

OA

After missing for seven years, a young woman comes home, with new abilities and a mission. OA is quite the adventure ride and the 2nd season just came out. If you like crazy stories that keep you guessing, you will like this one.

Russian Doll

Watch Natasha Lyonne, of Orange is the New Black, in this comedy-drama about a woman who gets caught in a time loop. At the end of her birthday party, she dies, then comes back to the same day. She gets stuck in this never-ending loop. This series is pretty bizarre but quick to watch as well. And don’t forget, the last season of Orange is the New Black will be out the end of July.

Have you watched any of these shows? What are you most excited about this summer?

Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

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Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

This post is sponsored by Shepherd’s Men!

Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

It’s a tragedy: Every day, 22 U.S. veterans take their own lives – a needless loss of 8,000 service members a year.

Too many veterans don’t get the help they need, but experts say everyone should get involved to help save a veteran’s life.

The Problem

Returning veterans may experience divorce, joblessness, homelessness and hopelessness.

The often-devastating effects of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS), plus the loss of their military community support, can cause a downward spiral.

Symptoms of mTBI include headaches and problems with balance, sleep, vision and memory. Emotional signs include depression and anxiety. But today’s treatment approaches and therapeutic technologies offer hope for veterans feeling overwhelming physical and emotional pain from these invisible wounds of war.

What You Can Do

1. Be observant about behavior changes. For many veterans, the physical symptoms of mTBI are not obvious. Be on the lookout for loss of interest in meaningful activities, personality changes, social isolation and substance abuse.

2. Reach out and spend time together. Let a veteran know he or she is not alone. Meet for coffee or go for a walk. Listen and encourage them to seek help.

Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide

Horticulture therapy is one type of recreation therapy provided to cli­ents at the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Ga., as part of a compre­hensive treatment approach.
Photo Credit: Louie Favorite

3. Tell veterans and their families about helpful programs. Encourage caregivers, spouses and friends to seek help on behalf of a veteran.

The SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Ga. has transformed the lives of more than 550 veterans and their families through an innovative program – with zero suicides. The program provides up to 12 weeks of intensive rehabilitation at no cost to the veteran. Therapy focuses on mild to moderate brain injury and psychological concerns of those who served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001. Treatment plans are customized for each veteran’s needs. The program is open to all post-9/11 veterans, including those with other than honorable discharges.

Because of its intensive and comprehensive therapy, rehabilitation and life coaching, SHARE has become a model for centers nationwide. Experts in working with veterans provide medical consultation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and cognitive therapy, recreation therapy, case management, neuropsychology, chaplaincy and counseling.


Jessica Rodriguez is a former nurse and now a full-time caregiver and wife living with her veteran husband, Jorge, and their two daughters in Griswold, CT. Jorge, a veteran of The Iraq War, graduated from the SHARE program. Jessica credits SHARE with validating, diagnosing and treating Jorge’s injuries when many others had dismissed them. Today, he is walking, talking full sentences and able to engage in community activities with better focus and retention than before his treatment.  
Photo Credit: Shepherd’s Men

4. Volunteer or donate to organizations battling the epidemic of veteran suicide.

5. Support fundraisers and events, such as the Shepherd’s Men Run. Annually, a team of committed volunteers run seven days of half marathons in multiple states wearing 22-pound flak jackets—to increase awareness of treatment options and suicide prevention for veterans. Shepherd’s Men have raised millions for this heartfelt mission.

Learn More

Veterans and those who want to help can call 404-603-4314 or visit www.shepherd.org/share and www.shepherdsmen.com.


Balance therapy with a SHARE client
Photo Credit: Shepherd’s Men