Army Life In Hawaii

Today I’m happy to be joining Mal & Sam for their link-up “The Real Military Wives of Blogland”. I’ll be honest and say that I wasn’t initially going to do this link-up. Not because I don’t think it’s creative or fun, but because being a military soon-to-be-spouse doesn’t define me. In fact, I avoid using that title at all costs, because I’m so much more than a (soon-to-be) wife and it makes me sad when women pigeonhole themselves in such a way. Another topic for another day…

In any case, just like every season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, here I am!

I suppose for anyone who is new around here, I should start with the basics. Dane is an Army Ranger and the main man in my life. We live in sunny Hawaii and are loving every moment!

Dane recently took command and I’ve never been more proud!

Here’s the part where things often go south for me in the military community: we have no children, we don’t live on post and I work full time (and some weekends!) so typically coffee groups & FRG events are out of the question.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with any of these things–plenty of our friends fall into all of the above!–this just typically means I’m the odd one out and I fully accept that. What I don’t accept is being judged for any of the above–not cool. My life, my choices, right?

We have one baby–she has brown fur.

For us, the Army is Dane’s job, not his life. Sure, it impacts some of the decisions we make as a couple, but we don’t let it run (or ruin!) our lives.

It would be kind of awkward if my job defined him, right? Right! I’m proud of him in all of his accomplishments professionally and likewise he with me.

What do I love? Spending time with him when we’re not working!

We love: Going to the beach, planning parties with friends, traveling the world, spending time with family on the East Coast, trying out new restaurants and bars, playing with our sweet puppy, Judy, tailgating sporting events, shopping (crazy, I know!), Chrissy Teigen, cooking, DIY home projects, planning our wedding, golfing/surfing/paddle boarding/running/Crossfit and the list could go on and on.

Where to next? Good question. Your guess is as good as ours 😉 Though we do have a pretty good idea of where it will be, we’re not counting our chickens yet, but will be headed that way next spring.

I think sometimes the term “military spouse” gets a bad name, which stinks. It shouldn’t be that way, because no two people are alike. If you’re stopping by today from the link-up I’d love for you to say “hello!” in the comments below. Be sure to tell me something about you, because of course, you’re more than just the other half of someone else who happens to be in the military 😉