Why I Work From Home

A couple months before my huge life change to legit Army spouse, I was really forced to evaluate my career moves. To speak candidly, it was really a devastating blow to lose the job I held in New York City. Despite the slight depression that set in when my former employer told me they wanted someone in-house, I knew there was more out there for me.

I've been writing career-related topics for NextGen MilSpouse because it is just too close to home. The transition from full-time civilian professional in New York City to collecting freelance/contract work as an Army spouse at Fort Belvoir has been a challenge. I could have just went from one job there to another job here in the D.C. area, but the unpredictability of Army life just convinced me that it might just be better to establish a home office.

For one, we were slated to go to Fort Hood. That was the plan -- then, just a handful of months before the PCS, we were moved to Fort Belvoir. I was already looking for opportunities in the Austin-area and had some game plans in mind. The fact that life can change at a moment's notice made me think of ways to make my career just as moldable as the military.

I LOVE to communicate. I enjoy sharing resources, life and everything in between. The career I chose allows me to do what I love -- and I wanted to continue doing what makes me happy.

So, I started to plan around the idea of setting up a home office. My husband and I looked for two bedroom homes/apartments with the intention of one room being an office (slash guest room). I continued my commitments to write for some awesome websites and now, I work for an amazing firm that allows me to share great resources to MilFams and personally connect with equally amazing women and MilSpouses.

My former employer knows that I'm freelancing and if any opportunities open up, the door is open. Having the ability to make my own schedule is amazing and quite liberating. There is a bit more work to maintain a home office. All expenses are on you and things can get costly. You really have to be willing to put some money down to get yourself ready. I went to an accountant, so they could help me understand what I'm getting myself into because math/$$ isn't my forte.

Read more about my story about working remotely on NextGen MilSpouse. 

I recently launched a professional website to help highlight some of my skills. I've been picking up on web design here and there (mostly on WordPress). I would love your input! http://racheltringalimarston.com/home/

For all the MilSpouses out there that are thinking, I can't hold a career while being involved with the military. It IS possible! Just like the sacrifices our spouses made to the military, we have to sacrifice a bit on our options, but not entirely. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!

The Fourth of July at Virginia Beach

Hurricane Arthur couldn't wreck our weekend!

My husband and I drove down to Virginia Beach Thursday night as planned. We booked our hotel stay ahead of time -- and because we utilized a discount, we had to pay upfront with no refunds. I knew once we got ourselves there it would be okay. The goal was to get to Virginia Beach before the storm. Goal accomplished.

Of course, when we got there, things were closing up early and the boardwalk was empty because the storm was literally minutes away. We saw news crews setting up and reporting on how Virginia Beach was preparing. They postponed the fireworks show to July 5th and thank goodness we made plans to stay till Sunday, July 6th.

Anyway, as soon as we got back to our hotel room, our phones began to ring like sirens because we were in an area that had a Tornado Warning (that means, it's imminent!). Well, the conditions at Virginia Beach from 1-2am were really bad. Needless to say, I was on edge because I dislike tornadoes. The hurricane was pretty much on it's way north and we were getting the hurricane tornadoes. After the warning went away, I figured the best thing I could do was try to sleep through the hurricane. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as it was made out to be and the Fourth of July was actually BEAUTIFUL!

The only gripe was that the waters were still extremely dangerous. Literally, you couldn't really swim in it. On July 4th, we didn't even try to go to the beach. We spent our time at the hotel pool. My husband and I (along with a handful of other idiots) did get in the water on July 5th, but we practically spent our time just trying to stay on our feet. The waves were so intense and scary. I didn't want to get past my knees because I was certain the rip tide would take me away. I can't imagine how it was on the Fourth!

The fireworks show on July 5th were nice. I really liked sitting out on the beach and watch the fireworks get launched from the ocean. It was such a nice feeling. It's really funny to think that the Fourth of July holiday is one that my husband and I have luckily been together for it in the past four years! Even last year when he was in Korea, he was home on leave. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it would be like this for next year!

All in all, I had such a great time at Virginia Beach. I love the mellow vibe and the beach area was just what I needed. We've already decided we would come back again. Sadly, not this summer because my husband will be headed out for a TDY, but hopefully next summer!

What I Miss About Austin, Texas

The weekend before last, I was back in Austin, Texas again. Although, it's been for an unfortunate circumstance, it's nice to see so much of my parents. Since I've moved away for college in 2004, I would only be back in the area twice a year-ish.

When I was in college from 2004 to 2008, I would spend an extended amount of time at home for summer and the holidays, but it quickly shifted to just a couple of weeks a year after I graduated.

Every time I would come home from then would be such a treat -- and my trip would always end before I did everything I wanted to do. My last two visits home were bittersweet. It was very sad to come home for my grandmother's death and really quite difficult to get through -- but it's really made my think about the things that I've missed the most since leaving Texas. Besides my family (which is by far the number one thing I miss the most), there are a TON of things about Austin specifically I miss....

1. TEX-MEX -- Seriously, the food is amazing. I have yet to find a killer enchilada outside the state border. I'm sure it's just as amazing south of the border, but it doesn't have the Texan flair. Chuy's, Texican Cafe, Maudie's Tex-Mex are among my favorite places to eat and all originated in AUSTIN. Luckily, Texan transplants are bringing the goodness of Tex-Mex to other parts of the country, so those restaurants just might be in your neck of the woods. I just found out they are opening a Chuy's in Fairfax this Fall
...best news EVER.

2. Barton Creek Greenbelt -- I think my love for hiking plus swimming started at the Greenbelt. It's a lush and green area deep in the middle of Austin that has amazing swimming holes. You can take your bike, pup, and friends.

3. The Heat -- Yes, I miss the 100 degree weather. I miss practically perfect weather all-year round. 70 degree winters, yes please. After battling through snow storm after snow storm in the Northeast, I think I've given it a good go.

4. BBQ -- The BBQ stands on its own. The food in general rocks in Texas. I love Rudy's, County Line -- and you can't forget the Salt Lick. DROOL....

5. Cost of Living -- I can't deny that I miss no-state-income-tax! Also, I'm sure I can get more out of $2K than a 500 sq-ft apartment. Let's face it, I would rather pay $.25 cents less a gallon than more.... I also think this is one major reason people are flocking to the great city.

6. Salsa on EVERYTHING -- Eggs, rice, beef, chicken, and whatever else you can think of...it's the choice condiment for Texans -- or hot sauce...ok, salsa and hot sauce.

7. The sheer amount of relatively affordable things to do. Get your dinner and movie on at the Alamo Drafthouse...get your run on at Lake Austin...get your mini golf on at Peter Pan Putt Putt...live music, it's everywhere. There is always something to do!

Shenandoah National Park Awesomeness

Summer is in full swing!

Last weekend, my husband and I kicked it off with a weekend trip to Shenandoah National Park. With July right around the corner, we're realizing that our days are numbered till he TDYs to Arizona. He leaves at the very beginning of August, literally the first weekend.... This is our first summer together since we've been married -- and we plan to make the most of it -- although we're pretty broke.

The move and wedding put a strain on our financials and we want to spend some more time saving up before we do something big. So, we've pieced together a series of micro vacations (aka day or weekend trips) around the greater Virginia area.

The first of the handful of planned explorations at Shenandoah National Park was a hit! -- We had an AMAZING time! Honestly, I didn't really know what to expect. I quickly put together the trip because I realized how crunched for time we were and I knew my husband really wanted to conquer Old Rag Mountain based on a conversation he had with a co-worker. After researching Old Rag Mountain, I discovered that there were lots of other great opportunities to explore the park area! Literally, as soon as we entered the park, a black bear was crossing the street...you heard me right...a BLACK BEAR! Of course, I was driving, so I didn't get as good of a look at it because it all happened so quick and I was just concerned for not harming the bear. Also, because how unprepared we were with entering the park, my husband did NOT have a camera ready. I was pretty disappointed because that was the first and only bear we saw all weekend. We did, however, see lots of other adorable and interesting wildlife!

We drove-up on Saturday and spent the day leisurely hiking around the park. I was completely and utterly impressed with the surroundings of Shenandoah. The park is extremely beautiful and I didn't want to leave. I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to the park. Even if you aren't the outdoorsy type, there is something to be seen here. We stayed at Skyland Resort, which had such a charming rustic feel to it -- and was completely modernized. You could also camp in the park, so it really has everybody covered.

Then, on Sunday, my husband and I hiked to the top of Old Rag Mountain. It. Was. So. Intense. For real, I can't believe we made it. We weren't really as prepared as others because we didn't bring enough water. Also, I didn't realize how much UP we would be hiking or rock scrambling. We were very lucky to run into a generous couple that gave us their extra water. Seriously, if it weren't for them, we wouldn't have made it the full circuit. So, a special thank you goes out to the awesome couple! We wouldn't have been able to do it without you!

My husband and I got a complete hike high when we finished the nearly 9 mile circuit height (were at 3 miles of it climbed 220 stories up!) that we were already planning our next visit. It was such a huge accomplishment we did as a couple and we were so unbelievably proud of ourselves. Woohoo!

Then, the next day happened....when we were unable to move our bodies because we were so sore. My arms were throbbing because of the upper body rock climbing we did. Needless to say, we're fully recovered now and ready for our next adventure!

A little tidbit - Active Duty military families get to go inside every single National Park for FREE! All you need to do is tell the gate person and they will give you an annual pass...not kidding...check it out!
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm