During my three-week hiatus between jobs after moving from Missouri to Colorado, I found myself watching an array of reality shows that got me thinking about what some people believe is reality.
Let me ask you this: How many military spouses do you know walk around in a pair of $500 shoes, carry around designer purses, drive high-end luxury vehicles, or have a full-time nanny raising their children' I don't know of any.
Those so-called real housewives on TV think they have it hard, but as an outside viewer into their lives, all I see is a lack of appreciation for what they have and no understanding of sacrifice. Concerns over social circles, salon appointments, making sure the nanny is there to raise their children and what party to go to next has my stomach turning.
Like many of the military spouses out there, I juggle two children - an infant and a school-age child, which is tough enough for anyone. Compound that with a full-time work schedule, a husband that has irregular work hours, preparing for his upcoming deployment, and staying involved in Family readiness group meetings, activities on post and company and battalion events ... that's more than most of those reality housewives will do in a lifetime.
Sometimes I wish for just a second that I could have that luxury lifestyle I see on those shows, but then I snap back into reality and realize I can achieve my own fantasy life with the resources the Army and Fort Carson offer to dependents - and so can you.
The installation has several fitness centers with various hours to accommodate most schedules and, on top of that, offer free group classes and personal training sessions to help achieve your goals.
With five child development centers on post, there are plenty of programs offered to help the working parent or to alleviate some stress for the spouse left behind during a Soldier's lengthy deployment. Programs, such as the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, provide financial assistance for military families in need of child care, and can make it more affordable and accessible.
To acquire top name brand items, all you have to do is make a quick trip to the post exchange, which carries a wide variety of products. Now you can achieve the luxury look of those reality TV housewives for a fraction of the price.
An Army housewife, whether, working or not, can handle these situations with grace, determination and minimal complaints, because we know what we got ourselves into by marrying a Soldier. In our reality, those are the sacrifices we make for love, but in return I think we have it pretty good as Family members.
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