Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Planning to Ski this Winter?

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Don’t plan your excursion before reading our military savings tips.

By Marguerite Cleveland

Ski Season is upon us but for those who love to ski the costs have skyrocketed in recent years with daily lift tickets crossing over the $100 mark. Here are some tips to enjoy this fun sport without breaking the bank by using your military discount.

  • Visit your military base’s outdoor recreation center. If you base is located within driving distance of a local ski resort they will often have rental equipment for skiing. This is greatly discounted for what you would pay at a large resort. Also check out the monthly tours, many installations offer ski trips.
  • Your installations’ Leisure Travel Services (LTS) is another place you should check for discounted lift tickets. Fort Carson’s LTS offers discounted Colorado Ski Resort lift tickets and passes.
  • Ski Resorts Websites. Most ski resorts offer some type of military discount and some are better than others with some being extremely generous. Do an internet search for Military Appreciation Days at Ski Resorts. Quite a few have special days offering 50% off and some even offer free lift tickets.
  • Season Passes. If you really love to ski and are within driving distance to a resort a season pass is the way to go.  To ensure the best deal purchase in the Spring. This is the time of year most resorts offer their best deals; some even have military discounts off the price of a season pass. Many also can be used for summer activities which increases the value. This year Vail Resorts offered a $99 military season pass to celebrate their anniversary and military heritage. Unfortunately it is too late to purchase this year but it is an example of why purchasing early and rack up huge savings.
  • Smaller Resorts. This is those fun Mom and Pop type places. You won’t have all the fancy chair lifts, gondolas and other amenities and some still have rope tows and t-bars but you will get amazing prices for a day of skiing. These are great for honing your skills and an economical place to learn to ski as well.
  • Learn to Ski Packages. Look on resort websites for these packages. They will include a lesson, rental equipment and a lift ticket. Sometimes the lift ticket will have restrictions but over all a good value. Some resorts also offer a multi-day package
  • GROUPON and other discount sites have some deals. Looking on GROUPON in Denver, you can purchase a discounted membership to the Mountain Sports Club which will then give you discounts like BOGO on lift tickets at some resorts as well as lodging and rental discounts. Also lots of deals on ski rental and gear on GROUPON.
  • Canada has what I like to refer to as the American discount which is an exchange rate very favorable to the US dollar. It works out to a 25-30% discount depending on the rate. Canada has quite a few ski resorts within driving distance of the U.S. border.

Photo taken at Whistler-Blackcomb
Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

When looking for more bang for your buck always check out your military discounts. So many businesses appreciate your service and are willing to show it with a discount. This year my family will be skiing for $99 each for the season because we planned ahead. That is less than the cost of one lift ticket at most places. One weekend trip will have little cost as we turned in hotel points for a free stay. Even though the preseason deals are long past with the tips above you won’t have to pay full price to enjoy ski season in your area.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

Three Ways To Enjoy the Military Ball

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*This is a guest post contributed by Catherine Hershey.

Military life gives us a lot of wonderful and difficult things and the yearly ball may just be at the top of both lists for some people. It could be your fairy tale night out with your partner dressed to the 9’s or it could be an awkward reminder that you don’t have friends yet in this new unit. And some people do not have a choice in their attendance. For many, it falls under the category of “Mandatory Fun”. But the common misconception here, as with many things in the military life, is that we have no choice. I believe we absolutely have a choice as to whether we enjoy the Ball or not.

  1. Get In the Appropriate Mindset: The military is difficult and requires a lot of sacrifice. The military ball is not a place you want to be thinking about how you are unhappy with your residence, your employment options as a spouse, your neighbors who smoke and make a lot of noise, the holidays and family gatherings your spouse has missed, etc. Take some time before the big day to reflect on why you joined this life, how meaningful your sacrifice is, and the part of you that have been enriched and strengthened by military life. Think about the people who do care a great deal about you and the people you are thankful to have met through military life. Intentionally focus your mind on the positive so you will be ready to participate emotionally in the ceremonial aspects of the Military Ball and celebrate with others around you.
  2. Make Peace With Your Date: Similar to the first step, it will greatly increase your enjoyment of this special night if there are no lingering resentments between you and your date. You will want to enjoy looking at him/her dressed in their best, smiling, dancing, talking to their friends, etc. So do yourself a favor and remember why you love this person so that you can look at them like they are the most stunning person in the room. If you need to, plan a coffee date before the event so you can get some quality communication in.
  3. Relieve some of the financial burden: Quick tips on this one are as follows: Don’t buy a new dress every year. There is so much turnover, there are going to be totally different people every year so cycle through them or wear the same one with different accessories for several years. Or better yet, find someone with their Ball on a different weekend and borrow their dress!
    If you don’t want to spend $$$ at the bar, but still want to have a good time, get some of your friends together to After-Party at a cheaper bar down the street.
    No matter how you count it, Military Balls cost a chunk of change, so consider setting aside $50 every month of the year for covering the expenses of your yearly fancy outing.

These sorts of events are often overlooked as something we have to do or something that causes a lot of stress every fall. But when I talk about the Military Ball with people outside the military bubble, such as my sister, I am reminded about how cool it is we get to celebrate our service members in such a special way every year. Most adults do not have an excuse to wear formal attire and enjoy a nice meal with their friends. So, take a deep breath, identify and lighten the stressful factors, and enjoy your night out!

 

 

Legalizing Marijuana and Its Impact on the Military Community

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Should you smoke marijuana?

Marijuana is now legal in nine states for recreational use and in 30 states medical marijuana is permitted and now Canada has jumped on the bandwagon with legal cannabis. Before you light up a joint here are a few things you need to know. For service members, the answer is a resounding no. You can not use marijuana while you serve. We break it down here:

  • Marijuana is illegal under federal law, so even if you live in a state where pot is legal you can’t bring it onto a military installation. This includes your residence if you live on a military installation. If you are visiting a state with legal marijuana you can’t bring it home with you. Airports are under federal jurisdiction and while the TSA doesn’t actively search for drugs, if they see it or view it in your belongings you can be turned over to the proper authorities.
  • Military service members are subject to drug tests on a regular basis. Regulations prohibit Department of Defense personnel from unlawfully possessing, dispensing, selling, or using illicit drugs. Common courtesy would dictate if you can imbibe, but your spouse can’t you should not. It’s like eating a cupcake in front of someone who is dieting. According to an article on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website, a study found that nonsmoking participants exposed for an hour to high-THC marijuana (11.3 percent THC concentration) in an unventilated room showed positive urine assays in the hours directly following exposure. The Bottom line is if you are a service member; don’t take the risk of being around second hand smoke from marijuana. It is not worth the risk of failing a drug test.
  • Cannabis Vacation to Canada has its appeal, but remember you can’t take marijuana across the border and it will show on drug tests.
  • Public versus Private use. Most states allow use only in private. This means you can’t smoke or imbibe outside or in public places like bars or restaurants. In most cases a hotel room is considered private space, but you should verify with the hotel and also know that you are subjected to smoking laws and guidelines as well.
  • If you’re a family member that decides to partake in smoking marijuana you’ll probably wonder: What am I taking? Do your research and read labels. Cannabis is much like alcohol where there are a variety of types and potencies. You wouldn’t want to chug shots of grain alcohol your first time drinking. Certain types of cannabis will get you high while others will mellow you out. Before you light up get smart on the labels.
  • With marijuana now regulated you are unlikely to purchase an unsafe product from a licensed shop, but you need to be aware of basic safety issues. Do not imbibe and drive. Just like alcohol, moderation. Make sure you are of legal age. Do not share with minors. Abide by the regulations in your state.
  • Not a service member, but thinking about becoming a recruit? You may want to think twice before using marijuana. It could very well impact your eligibility to serve in the future.

****Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the author and is not an endorsement of marijuana use. The goal of the article is informational.****

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

So Your Child Wants to Join the Military

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Here’s how to help them navigate the process

By Marguerite Cleveland

My eldest son has decided he wants to join the Army. We are currently in the process of helping him navigate through the recruiting process and here are a few things we’ve learned.

Start Early

For high school students you must have completed your junior year and be 17 years of age to enter into what is called the Delayed Entry Program and you can only be in it for 365 days. This gives your child the best opportunity to enter the field that he wants.  Parents will be actively involved in the process and required to sign paperwork if your child is 17. Once they turn 18, they can sign and navigate the process on their own.

The optimal time to begin is the summer between the Junior and Senior Year. We waited until my son’s senior year had started and he ended up missing a few days of school. Have your child go to the website for the service he wishes to join and review what jobs he may be interested in and what the qualifications are. Have them think about things in their life that maybe a factor. For example someone that gets carsick might not be a good fit for the Navy. What are their interests? A more academically inclined student would do well at the Defense Language Institute learning a foreign language while a sports enthusiast might thrive with the physical challenges of an Army Ranger. Are they planning to make the military a career or serve and then go to college? Some military job training offers classes that many colleges will count as transfer credits.The Debate Surrounding Transgender Troops Serving in the U.S. Military

The Process

The first thing to do is take the ASVAB test which is good for all branches of the service. Many high schools offer the test. This test determines if you are eligible for the military and what jobs you are qualified for academically. Once they have test scores in hand they can look to see if they are qualified for the jobs they want.

Find A Recruiter. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Visit the branches of all services and know that you can look at more than one at a time. Each service has different bonuses and jobs available at any one time. Keep your options open and look at everything.

Get your paperwork in order. Promptly fill out and complete any forms your recruiter asks you to. Be honest with all your answers. Your recruiter can help if you don’t understand a question. If your child ever had a broken bone or illness make sure you have copies of their medical records.  If you aren’t fit start working on achieving your fitness goals and know that there are screening weights you must meet to join the military. If your child is not a runner, they need to start. Programs like Couch Potato to 5K found online can help. Basic Training is much less stressful is you are physically fit.

No matter which branch you choose, you will go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to complete the enlistment process.  There you will undergo a physical and other screening and this is what ultimately determines whether or not you can join. There are 65 MEPS in the U.S and Puerto Rico and one may not be close to you. Your recruiting station will provide transportation, meals and lodging while you go through the process.

Enlistment

Once you complete the process at MEPS if the job is available you want, you can take your Oath of Office. At this point you will ship off to basic training or enter into the Delayed Entry Program with your training starting at a later date. For high school seniors this is two weeks after your high school graduation.

Once your child completes the process and enters into the Delayed Entry Program, they need to stay on track to graduate from High School, stay morally straight, don’t get any tattoos that violate policy and stay fit.  Soon they will be on their way to a bright future.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

How to Snag a Low Cost or Free Dress for Military Balls

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By Marguerite Cleveland

Military Balls are a fun, exciting event to attend and who doesn’t love seeing their spouse in a dress uniform. While a great time, attire for a formal function can get expensive. Here are a few tips to help reduce the cost.

  • Many military spouses clubs host events offering free dresses. Visit Operation Deploy Your Dress a military spouse nonprofit that collects new and gently used formal attire and gives it out for free to military and dependent ID Cardholders.
  • The USO hosts an event at military installations across the country called Operation That’s My Dress. If you are lucky enough to have this event come to your area, it is the full princess experience. In addition to a designer ball gown or dress there is a high energy fashion show and lots of swag. The best part, it’s totally free.  Visit The USO.
  • Check out the Thrift Shop on your installation. They often have great deals on formal gowns. Early in December and May are peak seasons for people to get rid of things. Local thrift shops and Goodwill are also good options. When shopping thrift shops think vintage to come up with a unique look. Consignment shops will give you a better option for picking up a designer dress and will often come at a higher price. I often find better deals when shopping sales.
  • Trade with friends. This is a great way to get more mileage out of your own dresses. Trade or borrow with friends. I’ve often lent dresses to other spouses. You can make a fun event out of it by inviting over a group of ladies and have everyone bring dresses they would like to trade.
  • Lastly shop when you don’t need a dress. Every time you are out at a department store make sure to peek in the formal dress section. I’ve often lucked out and found a gown for under $50. My biggest score was at a Laura Ashley Outlet and they had a rack of formal gowns and bridesmaids dresses for $7 each. Needless to say I stocked up. I even bought ones that didn’t fit me because I was sure someone I knew could wear it.

Before you pluck down big bucks for a gown, try a few of these suggestions. You never know what treasure you may find.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

Smithfield Foods Hosts ‘Bacon for Life’ Sweepstakes

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ATTENTION ALL BACON LOVERS! Did you know you could enter to win a lifetime of FREE BACON? Yes, that’s right, we said free bacon for life!

Smithfield Foods is hosting the ‘Bacon for Life’ Sweepstakes and one Grand Prize Winner will receive a lifetime of free bacon. Can you imagine what you could do with free bacon for life? BLT’s, bacon topped soups, bacon wrapped pork, maple bacon donuts, bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches, asparagus wrapped in bacon, baked bacon, bacon wrapped scallops, fried bacon, bacon and eggs, bacon and grits, bacon on the side, bacon wrapped figs, candied bacon, bacon for breakfast, bacon for lunch and bacon for dinner! The list goes on…get inspired by one of Smithfield’s recipes here.

Even if you’re not lucky enough to become the One Grand Prize Winner and earn free bacon for life, Smithfield Foods will award five First Prize Winners with a year of free bacon. Five Second Prize Winners will be awarded a bacon bicycle. Ten Third Prize Winners will receive a cornhole board. Five hundred Fourth Prize Winners will be awarded bacon pint glasses. And five hundred Fifth Prize Winners will receive bacon slap koozies. That’s A LOT of bacon swag!

 

Don’t wait! Enter now. Here’s how:

  1. Purchase or Mail In (No Purchase Necessary)
  2. Enter Code
  3. Chance to Win

Sweepstakes ends December 31, 2018 11:59 p.m. E.T. *For more details and Official Rules, visit www.baconforlifesweeps.com

Can You Still Vote Absentee in the Mid-term Elections?

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By Marguerite Cleveland

With the November, 2018 Election coming up it is nonstop coverage on local, national news and social media. Typically turnout for midterm elections is less than in a Presidential election year but 2018 could see record voting. There seems to be a lot more energy about voting this year. If you procrastinated, can you still vote absentee in the mid-term elections? The answer is maybe and is state specific. Here are a few tips and things you need to know to navigate the process.

  • Call or go into the Voting Assistance Office at the installation you are stationed at. They are very helpful and provide the following services: information on voter registration and the absentee ballot procedures, material on the voting process, how to request an absentee ballot and mailing the completed forms. Assistance is available to all uniformed service members and their eligible family members and some eligible civilians.
  • Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program at www.FVAP.gov. Click on the tab for military voters. Then click on Voter Registration and Ballots. This will give you a map of the United States. Click on your state to find out the dates to request and mail in a ballot.
  • Will my absentee ballot be counted? According to www.Vote.org, “Yes, all votes are counted, whether they’re cast in-person or by absentee ballot.  It is a common misconception that absentee ballots are only counted during very tight races.  This misconception stems from two things: one, absentee ballots are often counted for days after the election since many are coming from abroad; two, absentee ballots are often a small percentage of all voted ballots.  Many elections have a clear winner, so the absentee ballots that are still being counted after election night don’t affect the results as predicted right after the polls close.  As absentee voting becomes more popular, however, an increasing number of elections are decided by absentee ballots.
  • Your home of record is where you came into the service. Your voting residence is the state on your LES for tax purposes. These may or may not be the same. When registering to vote; register for the state on your LES. Do not register to vote in the state you are stationed at! Registering to vote is one step to making that state your residence and if you are in a state that has state income tax it could have a big financial impact. Also be aware that your spouse does not automatically share the same voting residence. Refer to your Voting Assistance Office for help if you aren’t sure.

In the future, plan ahead so that you can vote in your state’s elections. When you PCS, make sure you update your address with your state. If you need to register to vote make sure you do so by the beginning of October which is the cutoff for some states. Your vote does count so make sure your voice is heard no matter where you currently live.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

Honoring Our Veterans

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by Marguerite Cleveland

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon Sets the Standard

Veteran suicide continues to be an appalling statistic with an average of 20 veterans committing suicide each day. One thing that many veterans miss when they return home is that sense of comradery and brotherhood they experienced while serving in the military and especially if they saw combat. For the past 15 years, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon have hosted a “Celebration of Honor” at the tribal owned Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon. This 5-day celebration brings together veterans and active duty military service members together to honor their service. The tribe has a long history of its members serving in the Armed Forces and there are Veterans from eras dating back to a senior member of the tribe, World War II Veteran Ed Ben. The tribe also provides space for personnel from the VA and veterans support groups which can help Veterans find assistance for medical, mental health or financial problems they may be experiencing.

The Field of Honor at sunset overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Chinook Winds Casino. Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

One of the highlights of the event is the Field of Honor which is a stunning display of 1000 full size flags set up on the casino grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Veterans of Oregon, a nonprofit group has a dedicated cadre of volunteers committed to ensuring that the service and sacrifices of every Veteran will never be forgotten. They set up the Field of Honor at events throughout the state of Oregon. The group also presents an Honorable Service Medal, made in America to those who have served honorably in the Armed Forces. The medal is for residents of all states but must be presented in Oregon. During the course of the 5-day event, volunteers reach out to the Veterans and encourage them to apply for the medal with a simple application verifying their service. On the last day of the Celebration of Honor a medal ceremony is held. The moving event presents veterans with this medal honoring their service and it is very emotional for many.

The Oregon Wall of Honor and other military displays were set up on the casino grounds. It was so interesting to see Veterans connecting and sharing their stories. The Vietnam era Veterans are very involved with ensuring that what happened to them when they returned home does not happen again. Jesus Montes is a Veteran who served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. “When I returned home from Vietnam, people threw trash and tomatoes and called me a ‘Baby Killer’,” he said. Montes volunteers with nine different Veterans groups. “I reach out to the younger guys because I know exactly what they are going through,” he added.  Montes suffered from PTSD and the effects of Agent Orange and found that seeking help made a world of difference for him.

World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Veteran Jesus Montes shares his story. Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Veteran in crisis, should call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at Veterans Crisis Online or send a text message to 838255.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

 

Military Shoppers Travel and Rewards

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By Marguerite Cleveland

Love to travel but prices cramping your style? Did you know Militaryshoppers.com has a travel club that you can join for free?  The Military Shoppers Travel Club is a program you sign up for online and you can use to receive discounts on all kinds of travel, including resort stays, flights, car rentals and activities. It allows travel businesses to show their appreciation to Active Duty military, those retired and the Guard and Reserves of all branches by providing special military discounts. In addition, the club offers contests, sweepstakes and prize drawings.

Score discounts at over 700,000 hotels in 198 countries worldwide.  More than 3000 family resorts in some of the hottest vacation destinations offer discounted 7 night stays. Top names in car rentals and flight participate in the program. View the activities section to get ideas for fun things to do on your next trip.

The stunning Skamania Lodge located on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge is one of more than 700,000 hotels and resorts offering discounts through Military Shoppers Travel and Rewards Program.                      Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

The travel club works on a point system. Each point is worth $1 towards a travel discount off the public rate. The amount of points you can use varies based on the property, flight etc. Each time you book through the club you earn points towards your next travel.  There are three levels, Blue, Silver and Gold. The first level is Blue which is free.  This level starts you out with 100 points worth $100 USD. This is a complimentary annual award. At this level you receive discounts off Hotel nightly stays, tours, flights, car rentals, and save up to $50 off weekly stays.  You will earn 10 points for every $100 you spend.

If you travel more frequently a premium membership might be of greater value.  The Silver Level is $4.99 per month or $49.99 a year.  This gives you similar benefits to the Blue level but at a higher reward level.  Your complementary annual award points are 250 which equates to $250 USD. You will earn 15 points per $100 spent and you will get a discount of up to $100 towards a weekly stay. Shopping is added to the discounts you will receive.

Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

The best value is the Gold premium value which is $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.  This level gets you 500 complimentary annual award points for a $500 USD value.  You will earn 20 points per $100 spent. The weekly stay discount is up to $200 USD. This level adds cruise discounts and a concierge service.

Visit www.militaryshopperstravel.com or click the link on the www.Militaryshoppers.com site to learn more about the travel club. With the Blue level a free option, you can sign up with your email address and look around the site to see what discounts can benefit you and your family.

 

 

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com

What Will Your Forever Home Look Like?

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On her 30th move this military spouse’s forever home was unexpected.

By Marguerite Cleveland

After my 29th move, my husband and I began to seriously discuss where we wanted to live after retirement. This was surprisingly stressful for me because unlike most people I had literally moved every few years and sometimes twice in one year since I had been born. I had lived in so many amazing places the thought of just picking one and not moving again was quite scary to me.

The nice thing about moving so many times is that I had lived in everything from a tiny studio apartment to brand new homes built to our specifications. I lived in barracks rooms and historic mansions. Early on I envisioned my forever home to be one that was modern, upscale and large. Over the years, testing out all these homes and watching countless HGTV shows about renovating my vision changed. I knew I wanted an older home. They are just built better. We are soon to be empty nesters so we also wanted to downsize.

As we began our search we narrowed the location down pretty specifically to a small historic town near the base we currently lived at. Unfortunately we began shopping when it was a seller’s market with limited inventory and massive bidding wars. There were so few homes that we ended up putting in halfhearted offers on a few and were almost relieved when they were rejected. Then one day a home popped up. From the front it was very unassuming and looked like a squat log cabin. We almost didn’t look at it because we didn’t want the maintenance of a log cabin.

We decided to check it out during an open house. When I walked into the house and out onto the expansive deck with an incredible view of the Puget Sound, I knew I was home. I can only equate the feeling to what I felt when I found my wedding dress. I got pretty teary eyed I have to admit and tried to maintain my cool so the listing agent didn’t know how excited we were. The house was tiny but had enough room for our family and a large detached two car garage to hold all our stuff so we could downsize. It was at the top of our budget so we put in a lower than asking price knowing in this market we were unlikely to get the home. Much to our surprise, the counter offer was lower the asking price. We gladly accepted.

We have been in our forever home for three months now and it fits. Our big renovation plans are on hold as we discovered we are comfortable as is and don’t need more space. Downsizing fits us and it’s nice to know we are settled for retirement. Every time I step out on my deck and watch the sun set over the water I feel at home and finally after all those moves at peace.

What do you think your forever home will look like? Do you think your plans will change as the years go by? Whether big or small, you’ll know it’s the one because it will feel just right. Tell us your experience or thoughts in the comments down below.

 

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com