Latest:

Army Wife Network

Engage. Educate. Encourage. EMPOWER.

Author: Angie Andrews

Experience Relationships 

Thoughts on Love: In Loving Memory

Angie Andrews 2 Comments ,

I never thought I’d find myself more than 8,000 miles away and caught up in 13 hours of time zone difference when it was time to say goodbye.

Truthfully, I never thought it’d be time to say goodbye… because I loved you. So, I didn’t say goodbye. I said all I needed to say.

In a video message—slightly longer than three minutes in length.

I told you I wanted to talk to you, and visit, and that I was still here. I was just really far away. I said to let me know if you wanted me to call you and when. I told you I was fine and going through my normal “I can’t believe we just moved again…” funk—and threw in a cuss word (I don’t know about everyone else, but I only cuss around people I love and trust). I told you I was so glad to know you had so many people showing up to offer love and support, and I told you I hoped that wherever you were was nice—a good place.

Read more
Experience Military Life OCONUS 

The Sweetest Cheesecake

Angie Andrews 0 Comments , , ,

Thanksgiving this year turned out to be a first on a few levels. More than 7,000 miles away from the United States—definitely a first. Being the only female at our gathering—a first, except for the few years when it was only my husband and me having a two-person Thanksgiving. Only one person eating dessert before heading home—um, yes, possibly a first at all Thanksgiving gatherings that ever occurred everywhere.

All firsts aside, it was a memorable Thanksgiving.

We shared our home and meal with five soldiers, plus one stuck at the office on shift.

Our guests were all still living the barracks life, and so I seriously was not expecting anyone to bring anything besides their appetites. So, I was surprised to find out that one was planning to bring a cake!

Read more
Experience Military Life 

Thankful for Family Day

Angie Andrews 0 Comments ,

Happy November! There is no set time or place for gratitude—it’s welcome anytime, anywhere. However, November is traditionally a month for more widespread thankfulness.

Last year, I was sincerely thankful for hitting my one year writing anniversary with AWN. You may even notice my piece from last year started off the exact same way, “Happy November!” You will be hard pressed to find ways to separate gratitude from happy.

Read more
Experience Household 6 Military Life 

24 Wife Hours

Angie Andrews 0 Comments ,

The evening before he was set to have 24-hour staff duty, my husband asked me, “What are you going to do with your 24 wife hours?”

I had absolutely no idea.

Think about your own life for a moment. How often do you get any set period of time that is established as yours? Only yours.

You aren’t tied to anyone else’s demands, expectations, or even their company. No kids, no work, no obligations to anyone other than yourself. For 24 whole hours.

What would you say? What would you do?

Still at a loss, I started to actually think about his question and how I have this time that is most definitely all mine. Will I make it different than any other day? Would you?

Read more
Partner Posts 

Study.com: A Military Spouse’s Experience

Angie Andrews 0 Comments

There is a story that resurfaces from time to time in my family. The big punchline is that when I was in grade school, sometime around when report cards were issued, I asked my parents what would happen if I got a B. That about sums me up as a student.

I strive to do well, and as I have grown a bit older, I am quite aware that I am motivated by learning.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to do some learning that I feel was particularly eye-opening and valuable as a military spouse.

My opportunity was to use Study.com for some practice tests, and then work through the site using their available study materials related to the practice tests I had chosen.

Read more
Experience Health & Fitness 

My Hearing Loss

Angie Andrews 0 Comments

Last month, I had a few harder-than-usual days emotionally. Those emotionally off days were both tied to the same thing, and over the past 15 years, there’s been more than two hard days tied to that thing. Hearing loss. Early onset hearing loss.

Early onset is pretty key, so don’t be mistaking me for my grandmother’s age. I’m 35 years young, and that’s part of what bothers me with regards to my hearing loss. I was 20 when I was first fitted for hearing aids.

Read more