I’m currently devoting a decent chunk of my brain space to a project, hopefully coming to you this Advent season (could that be a hint)? So, that preoccupation is leaving me with little motivation to write meaningfully here. Lucky for you, I have many drafts just waiting to be renewed and sent out into the …
Lessons Learned in the World’s Tiniest Kitchen (Lesson 1)
I’m the primary cook in our house. Part of that choice is because I’m the one at home. Part of it is because, for the most part, I like doing it. I’m not a great cook, but as time has gone on, I’ve gotten more comfortable in the kitchen. But it didn’t start out that …
Proof of Life: Why Writing Matters to Me
A while back, as I was thinking through some ideas in my head, I wondered, “Why do I write?” What is it in my being that compels me to put pen to paper? Why do I feel more myself when I’m writing regularly? I had a health scare not long after moving here. Most of …
Contemplating Life with a Pro Golfer
I don’t watch golf. It’s one of those sports I don’t really understand (see also soccer and water polo). But I do watch the news. Don’t worry – I promise those two things are related. Earlier this week, I saw a news story about a golfer named Scottie Scheffler. Apparently, he’s a big deal. He’s …
You Are Not Late, You’re Right On Time
Most of these words came to me last week in a flurry. I sat down with my journal, and they poured out of me onto the page. I don’t usually write long form in my journal – it’s more for the day-to-day happenings, or maybe a note I hope to flesh out later. When the …
Your Orders Say Italy – Now What?
Italy was our most recent overseas duty station. While it brought its own unique learning curve and challenges (as all duty stations do), it was an amazing place to spend three years. We learned a lot while we were there and grew our family by two. We were stationed in Northern Italy. Of course, there …
Our First PCS with Kids: Products that Saved Our Sanity
PCSing with kids is not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot that comes with moving with children. Both of our children were born in Italy. While we had done some European travel while living abroad, this PCS was our first big adventure with both children. With 14 hours of flight time and a …
Moving Day is Here! What to Expect on Pack Day
It’s been a long road to get here, with blood, sweat, and tears (maybe literally). You’ve made lists, reservations, and flights. And today is a big box to check—moving day. Today, the movers arrive, armed with boxes and tape, ready to pack your whole life and send it across the country (or across the world). …
How I Moved My Breastmilk Across the World
Our most recent OCONUS move was from Italy to the States in October 2024. At the time, my second child was about six months old and still nursing. I had quite the freezer stash of breastmilk and wrestled with whether or not to try to bring it with us. To be honest, this was one …
What to Know About Unaccompanied Baggage
I married my husband when he was stationed in North Carolina. It wasn’t that far from where I was living, so it was easy enough to move down. Previously, I moved myself, with the help of family, into and out of college, then into my first apartment (and all subsequent apartments). A few carloads back …










