Okinawa, Japan, has its typhoons. California has its earthquakes. Twisters usually stick within tornado alley. The east coast has hurricane season. For each location and natural phenomenon type, there is a different type of preparedness. If you are relocating to the hurricane zone, you are new to this preparation. Don’t be left behind or left scrambling to prepare at the last minute – be prepared as soon as possible for hurricane season.

Hurricane season begins on May 15^th in the North Pacific and begins June 1^st in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The storm season lasts until November 30^th.

Plan

If you are moving to one of the hurricane zones, once you know where you are living, it is time to prepare for the storms to arrive. If you wait until a storm is announced, you may be too late to find the materials or supplies you need.

Boards for Windows – this can be in the form of storm shutters on the home you can close or plywood to cover the windows. Do NOT wait until a storm is on its way to purchase these. If you do, there may not be any plywood left.

Emergency List – know which emergency numbers you need to call in the event of an emergency in your area. This goes beyond 911. If there is a flooding or power outage in your home, know where these need to be reported to.

Emergency Supply Kit – This kit is meant to provide care to every member of the family to survive for several days after a natural disaster. Ready.gov has a build-a-kit downloadable list to make your own kit. The basics are one gallon of water per person for several days, food for several days for each family member, battery-powered radio and flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, masks for potential dust, plastic sheeting, and duct tape, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, manual can opener, local maps, chargers and back up batteries for cell phone. It is also recommended to have basic tools of wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.  Make sure to have matches and a fire extinguisher in the kit. Don’t forget about medicine for everyone in the family.

Grab and Go kit – If you do need to evacuate, these items are items you should carry with you should your home flood or be unable to reach it after the hurricane. Have a plastic container with important family documents, including birth and marriage certificates, cash, and prescription and non-prescription medication. Have several changes of clothes for each family member in the kit in addition to games, books, or entertainment for everyone in the family.

Nearest Hurricane Evacuation Route – this may seem like a crazy thing to be looking for when looking for your new home, but it is better to be familiar with it before you are in a mad rush to find it.  In the event that a hurricane evacuation is announced, you will need to utilize the hurricane evacuation route. This usually includes reversing major roadways to allow for more traffic to leave than enter the evacuation zone. If your job is one that would require staying put in an emergency such as this, make sure your family knows the route, and you know where to avoid going. Each state lists the evacuation routes on its transportation website. Read more about using these routes on the FEMA website.

Get the Car Ready

If a hurricane is imminent, make sure to fill your car’s gas tank and move vehicles under cover like a carport or garage. If your car is in a garage, consider moving your emergency kit to the car so it is ready in case a hurricane evacuation is announced.

Prepare Your Home

As noted above, prepare the home by boarding and covering the windows. This protects you from shattered glass from winds.

Clean up the yard to avoid any potential debris being blown by the wind. Move bikes and outdoor equipment like a trampoline, grill, and lawn furniture inside.

Take care to trim any loose branches or trees that could hit the home.

Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing and flushing the toilet if water is lost.

If you see downed power lines near your home, turn off the power to your home.

Check the battery in the carbon monoxide detector to make sure it is working without electricity in case the power goes out or has to be turned off.

Watch versus Warning

According to the CDC, a hurricane watch is announced when hurricane conditions are possible in a stated area within 48 hours.

A hurricane warning is when hurricane-force winds are expected to occur in a stated area. The warnings are typically announced within 36 hours of expected landfall.

Among these two, the local area may also announce a hurricane evacuation timeline.

In Case of Evacuation

If you do have to evacuate your home, unplug devices and consider disconnecting power, gas and water to limit power surges and flooding.  Follow the reported evacuation route, making sure to follow any emergency workers who may be directing traffic flow.

If Staying Home

If you stay home, make sure you can reach your emergency kit and necessary paperwork and medication. Do not leave your home to test the wind or waters – you are not Jim Cantore. Listen to the radio for any announcements, including an evacuation announcement.

If you are moving to an area prone to hurricanes, ask your new neighbors and locals where they recommend finding emergency supplies, where the hurricane routes are, and any other questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask ahead of hurricane season – this will keep you prepared for hurricane season.

Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May – are you ready for it? We have broken down gifts for moms based on the five love languages. Have Mom take the Five Love Languages Test to determine the best way to fill up Mom’s cup. Then, find the love language on the list and see what would work best for your family. Plan ahead to avoid rushing around with these ideas for the Mom in your life who serves in the military.

Words of Affirmation

1.     Personalized affirmation jar: Have everyone in the family write notes or pictures with their favorite things about Mom and reasons why she is loved. The littlest members can draw pictures of Mom. Use a mason jar and design the outside to your liking—consider fingerprint art or using handprints for everyone in the family. This is sure to be a tearjerker.

2.     Handwritten letter or card: You can’t go wrong writing all your thoughts on how awesome Mom is on a card.

3.     Personalized photo book: Add in those words of affirmation along with pictures of the family. Make sure to include photos of Mom!

4.     Wall Art: Choose Mom’s favorite quote or affirmation and have it printed and framed. You can also design and create the artwork at home and give it to Mom.

5.     Personalized Gratitude Journal: Have so much to say it wouldn’t fit in a jar? Have everyone write down their reasons for appreciation for Mom in a journal and hand it to her on Mother’s Day. Be sure to have tissues nearby!

Quality Time

1.     Plan individual dates: Whether you have a small or big family, quality time is not always easy to coordinate. Plan out dates with Mom for one-on-one time and write these on coupons. If quality time is her love language, this will for sure fill her up!

2.     Sign up for a cooking or baking class together. Check out the local library or community college for classes as sometimes they hold family events.

3.     Plan a family getaway: Whether locally or further out, plan a getaway together. Personalize this based on preference—hiking in a local park, heading out to a theme park, or checking off something from your travel bucket list.

4.     Family Project: Do you have a project you want to do? Perhaps you want to add a garden or renovate that older furniture piece. Make Mother’s Day the day you spend time together tackling that project and spending quality time together.

Physical Touch

1. Mommy Spa Day: Make a spa day at home with a complete foot bath, pedicure, manicure, and massage, all while giving Mom her physical touch. Include scented candles, body scrub, bath salts, and a soft towel.

2.     Aromatherapy Oils: Give mom the treat of oils for different occasions to rub on to address those occasions.

3. Massage Gift Certificate: Give the gift of downtime and relaxation with a gift certificate for Mom to get a professional massage.

4. Foot Massager: A foot massager for home or even work provides a relaxing way to take a break.

5.  Soft throw blanket: Look for a cozy blanket made of cashmere, fleece, or faux fur for a cozy blanket for Mom to snuggle up with. Want to personalize it? There are companies that will recycle t-shirts or even baby clothes into cozy quilts.

Acts of Service

1. Coupon Book: Give mom the ability to ask for things but without asking with a coupon book of things you can do for her.
2. Professional Cleaner: If you don’t have the ability or time to clean at home, hire a professional cleaner to clean the house deep. This is an act of service that possibly allows moms to have more quality time or much-needed downtime.
3. Subscription Service: Sign your mom up for a subscription service that aligns with her interests or hobbies. Whether it’s a meal kit delivery service, a monthly book club subscription, or a streaming service for her favorite shows, it’s a gift that keeps giving.
4. Car Wash: Take the car to get a car wash and detail, or hire a service that will come to her!
5. Tackle a Project: Is there a project around the house that Mom needs to do? Now is the time to do it!

Gifts

1. Ember Mug: Caffeine in all its forms is how most mothers function and an Ember Mug keeps a said cup of tea or coffee warm without the ten trips to the microwave.
2. Tea or Coffee: As said above – caffeine in all its forms. Mother’s Day is the time to splurge on the luxurious coffee or tea Mom enjoys but doesn’t usually purchase for herself.
3. Favorite Treat: What is the treat that Mom doesn’t get herself but loves? Surprise Mom with her favorite treat; it’s something she won’t really expect!].
4. A Book on her TBR List: For the reader Mom, give her the book she wants to read but hasn’t yet—and perhaps cut out some time so she can sit and read it.
5. Something Handmade: Whether it’s jewelry, artwork, or a paper flower, giving Mom a handmade gift is a gift and a gift of time.

These gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness, care, and a willingness to understand Mom’s needs, allowing her to feel valued and cherished on Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day!

May officially named Military Appreciation Month to recognize and celebrate those currently serving and previously served in the military. The month holds several specific holidays recognizing military members – Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the Friday before Mother’s Day in May.  Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May, and Memorial Day is the last Monday in May.

Military Appreciation Discounts

Many businesses across the nation offer discounts to the military in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Some of these discounts are offered year-round – like the Waves of Honor program offering free admission to active duty military and their family members at Busch Gardens, Sea World and Sesame Place locations.  Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission for active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military and veterans, and up to three direct dependents on Memorial Day weekend. In the past, Legoland Discovery Centers have offered a higher discounted admission for the month of May to military members than their baseline military discount. These businesses offer discounts or free admission to thank military families for their service while allowing them to spend quality time together.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside to recognize military spouses’ contributions to supporting their Active-Duty partners. The unpredictable schedules, deployments, reintegration, training and separations are all managed by military spouses at home. President Ronald Regan established Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 as part of Proclamation 5184. Many installations and units will celebrate military spouse appreciation with special appreciation events.

If able to, show your military spouse appreciation by thanking them for all they have done, giving them a day off, or simply doing things to help that he/she may not like to do around the house. Record a video expressing your gratitude if you are deployed or out of the area when Military Spouse Appreciation Day occurs.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May. Armed Forces Day is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate military members actively serving. President Truman announced the formation of the holiday, specifically stating, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense”.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May as a way to reflect on and remember those who served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. While it has only been an official holiday for about 60 years, it has been a day set apart since after the Civil War.

Honor those who served by visiting memorials. Washington, DC, has several memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and World War II Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is near Constitution Gardens with three distinct parts: Three Soldiers Statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The Wall lists over 58,000 names of those who passed serving in the war. The Korean War Memorial honors those who served and lost their lives with statues representing the armed forces and a list of those who lost their lives in the Pool of Remembrance. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million individuals who served during the war with a memorial with representation for the 48 states and seven federal territories.

Outside of Washington, D.C., the World War II Museum in New Orleans is a great place to visit, learn about the war, and remember those lives lost on not just Memorial Day but every day. Check your local area for memorials that may be specific to your location. There may be ceremonies on Memorial Day specifically to honor those who paid the ultimate price, and this provides an opportunity to take the time to honor and remember them.

Contact your local military cemetery to see if they need help laying flags or flowers on the graves of those who died in service.

While Military Appreciation Month may be just a month, military members serve every day around the globe. Thank you for your unwavering service.

Maintaining open communication and continuing to date each other are essential pillars in nurturing a thriving and lasting marriage. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of the importance of investing time into the relationship. This is especially true for military couples, where the busyness of life is coupled with deployments, training, and lengthy separation from each other. Find ways to connect to build the relationship up and build resilience.

Use Your Unit Resources

Ask the unit chaplain for events at the unit. Some units have dinners with presentations by the chaplain on topics of interest like communication, the Five Love Languages, or reintegration.

If your unit has a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), ask if they are holding events. Date night events held by the unit are great ways to enjoy fellowship with your spouse, have tasty food and maybe enjoy an activity together. We have been to Date Night events with a “Paint and Sip” theme, and others solely working on reintegration through open communication.

If you have children, ask about events with childcare. Most events run by the chaplain’s office offer free childcare, but some may charge a nominal fee.

• CREDO

The Navy sponsors the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) program. The CREDO program offers retreats and workshop programs for Navy and Marine Corps families. The program is divided into regions: CREDO Southwest is based out of San Diego, CREDO MidAtlantic in Norfolk, VA, CREDO Northeast in Connecticut, Pacific Northwest in Washington, Hawaii, Okinawa and Europe in their respective areas.

These areas hold various programs, specifically look for Marriage Retreats. Most, if not all, marriage retreats do not include childcare but some families have swapped childcare for friends so they can each attend a retreat over the year. The marriage workshops do often include childcare, so if that is needed for you and your spouse to get out for a date together, then let that no longer be a barrier!

Date Your Spouse

It is not easy dating your spouse. There are so many variables pulling at the spouses – work, life, the house chores, the car chores, taking care of children. Dating your spouse is an investment in your relationship that pays rich dividends. Carve out that time to date your spouse. So, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun outing, or simply a date at home, make the commitment to date your spouse regularly – it’s the key to keeping your love story alive and thriving.

Date Night In

The reality for military families is that the frequent moves make it difficult to have consistent, known childcare. If you recently moved or are in the season without a babysitter but need one to have date nights out on the town, it might be time for date nights in.

Here are some ideas for date nights in after putting the kids to bed:

• Cooking Class at Home: Choose a new recipe or cuisine you both want to try and cook it together. Turn it into a fun cooking class with YouTube tutorials or cooking websites guiding you through the process. Sign up for events from the USO, as they offer virtual cooking classes with renown chefs like Duff Goldman.
• Movie Marathon: Pick a movie series or genre you both love and have a movie marathon night. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and enjoy a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your home.
• Board Game Night: Dust off your favorite board games or try out new ones. Engage in some friendly competition while enjoying snacks and drinks.
• Home Spa Night: Transform your home into a spa with candles, soothing music, and luxurious bathrobes. Take turns giving each other massages, facials, or foot soaks for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening.
• Book Club Date: Select a book that interests both of you and take turns reading it aloud to each other. Discuss the plot, characters, and themes over a glass of wine or cup of tea for a literary date night at home.

Air Force Give Parents A Break Program

The Air Force has a special program called Give Parents A Break (GPAB). The program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and provides relief for active-duty Air Force and Space Force parents who are experiencing stress. Families are referred to the program and given a certificate for free childcare, which is offered once a month.

By prioritizing communication, support, and mutual understanding, military couples can cultivate a strong and resilient marriage that withstands the demands of military service.

Balancing a career and family life is a challenge for many individuals, but military spouses face unique obstacles due to the demands of military life. With frequent relocations, deployments, and the uncertainty of being part of a military family, finding the balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities can seem daunting. However, with careful planning, support, and a positive outlook, military spouses can navigate these challenges and commit to a career and a family if that is desired.

One of the first steps to successfully balance career and family life is to prioritize communication and collaboration with your spouse. Open and honest discussions about career goals, deployment schedules, and family needs can help both partners understand each other’s priorities and create a plan that accommodates both career aspirations and family responsibilities. While the realities of the uncertainties of the military schedule and last-minute changes do not make this the fail-safe, this provides an opportunity to at least communicate the needs and goals. This does not mean that the active-duty partner can always pick up the slack when the military spouse has heavier demands, but other solutions can be discussed.

Flexibility is key for military spouses seeking to balance their career aspirations with the demands of military life. Flexibility in the schedule. Perhaps the active-duty spouse said they could do childcare pick-up but now cannot due to work schedule, a flexible option is necessary. Whether this is a friend who can do pick up, or a job for the military spouse with flexible hours. Military spouses may need to explore flexible work arrangements, such as remote work opportunities, freelance or contract work, or part-time employment. These alternatives can provide the flexibility needed to accommodate military obligations while still allowing spouses to pursue their career goals.

Networking and building a support system are essential for military spouses seeking to advance their careers while balancing family responsibilities. Connecting with other military spouses, local community organizations, and professional networks can provide valuable support, resources, and opportunities for career advancement. Online communities and social media platforms can also be valuable resources for connecting with other military spouses and accessing job opportunities, mentorship, and career development resources. There are groups on social media for every time of employment that discuss not just job opportunities but training opportunities as well.

Seeking out employers who support military families can also make a significant difference in balancing career and family life. Military-friendly employers often offer programs and policies specifically designed to support military spouses, such as flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and relocation assistance. Researching and applying to military-friendly employers can increase the likelihood of finding a job that accommodates military families’ unique needs while still offering career growth and advancement opportunities.

Support through taking care of oneself is essential for military spouses. Self-care practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can help military spouses maintain their physical, emotional, and mental well-being amidst the demands of military life. Prioritizing self-care benefits the individual and enhances their ability to effectively manage the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities.

Finally, maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of adversity is crucial for military spouses navigating the complexities of balancing career and family life. Military life often comes with unexpected challenges and changes, but approaching them with a proactive and adaptable mindset can help military spouses overcome obstacles and thrive in their careers and family roles. By embracing flexibility, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, military spouses can achieve a harmonious balance between their professional aspirations and their family commitments.

In conclusion, balancing a career and family life as a military spouse requires resilience, flexibility, and support. By prioritizing communication, exploring flexible work arrangements, building a strong support system, seeking out military-friendly employers, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges of military life while pursuing their career aspirations and fulfilling their roles within their families. With dedication and perseverance, military spouses can achieve a fulfilling balance between their professional pursuits and their commitments to their families, ensuring that they thrive both personally and professionally despite the unique challenges of military life.