My "Home"

As a military spouse we get the unique privilege of seeing and living in different places that we may not have ever expected to. In the almost 9 years that Kyle and I have been married we have lived in North Carolina, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and soon to be Kansas. What an amazing journey and adventure it has been. 

A few days ago I read a post by the awesome and fellow military spouse Carolann at Finding Ithaka and I thought it would be fun to play along and answer the questions that she shared.

1. Where were you born, where did you grow up, and where do you currently live? 

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Yes, you read that right, I was born and raised in Sin City haha. As of right now I call Louisiana home but will be leaving Cajun Country in June. 

Fun Fact: My SIL's Grandma designed the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

2. What made you leave your home state?

I got married. I honestly had no desire to leave Vegas. My whole family was there (my family has relocated to Florida within the last few years) I had a great job, a house, and I was comfortable. However, Kyle changed all that. We got married on a hot June day and loaded up what I could fit in my car and headed out for NC the next day.

3. What type of reactions do you get when you meet new people and tell them where you are from?

Oh gosh, don't even get me started haha! I have been asked what casino I lived in, did I gamble when I was little, did my parents have normal jobs, and did I go to school. Of course, I also get the standard "oh my gosh, that is so cool!!!". 

4. What was the easiest/hardest part in adjusting to your new state?

I really did not have a hard time adjusting to Louisiana. I embraced the small town life because we had just come from a bigger city (El Paso) and I think we were both looking forward to a more simplistic life. If you know anything about Fort Polk or the surrounding areas you know that it is very small. For any bigger restaurants and shopping we have to drive at least an hour to get to it. We have a Walmart and that's about it, that was a small adjustment but it wasn't hard.

5. Images, words or sounds that sum up the experience you’ve had so far.

Life Changing: We had our daughter here and it will always have a special place in our hearts.

Family: We have been able to have so much time with my family. Not many military families are lucky enough to live close to family. We have had the last few years of being close to them and I am so thankful.

Charming: It may be a small area but it has so much charm and so much to offer. It is stunningly beautiful with all of the greenery it has to offer.

6. Your favorite food or drink item in your new state?

Crawfish and Beignets!!! Yes please!! You can't come to Louisiana and not partake in these delicious items. 

7. What’s the one thing you said “yes” to in your new city that you wouldn’t say “yes” to, back home?

Trying new foods! I was never an adventurous eater living in Vegas, I stuck to what I was comfortable with and never expanded my horizons. Living in Louisiana you are almost forced to try new things because the variety of food is huge. Believe me I would have never thought of eating etouffee, alligator, or boudin but now I love those foods!

8. Are there any cultural norms/phrases in your new state which you cannot stand?

To be honest no. I have not come across anything that has bothered me enough to really take note.

9. What are the cultural norms/phrases in your new state which you enjoy?

Kindness. I have to say that everyone I have encountered has been incredibly friendly! I have been in situations where I needed a little help and have always had people jump to help. People here really treat everyone likely family and I love that.

10. What do you enjoy most doing in your new state?

      To be honest, everything. The food, the culture, the scenery, the activities, and the people. We have loved living here the last 2 1/2 years and we will be sad to say goodbye when the time comes in a few months.

 Feel free to grab the questions and play along!