Trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents...

[taphest]

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

Tap,

I do say moment of clarity because arriving in Houston some 6 months later with 2 duffle bags of clothes and $900 to my name with NO job in 1982 was truly "clarifying" to the extent of fright.....me and 50 Mexicans looking for jobs at the Stop-N-Go on a Sunday morning....Oh boy....

We're actually considering a move to Houston as we speak.

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

I do see the apprehension and to some extent, can understand you and your husband's anxiety. Take heart in the fact that you are coming out of the Marines at a time when it's "okay" to be one and less of what we saw when I got out (legacy Viet Nam images and treatment come to mind). While it is true, and you should sincerely be proud of this, you are coming out of time that is admirable and rightfully so. Leverage it. Being an ex-Army/Marine/Navy/Coast Guard/Reservist is a "good thing" in 2011....

Great point! Although I have great respect for Marines, hubby is in the Navy.

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

America is expensive but, you are in Okinawa....other than the cheap maids and food, you won't miss the rock all that much.

Actually, we will miss the "rock". This is certainly what one would call the simple life. Living in Okinawa has been great. It has taught us that simple is better. Unfortunately, I am wrestling with how to live a simple life in the states w/o sacrificing a decent education for our kids.

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

You might, however, want to LOWER those expectations when you get out. You will need a coat, you will have more free time, you will be able to choose and not look over your shoulder any longer. You will be free. And in your case, you earned it.

Freedom to do as we choose...Priceless!

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

And, if for ANY reason you don't really like what you see, you can always go back in within 6 months and not lose a stripe or any issue with the Marines. They love experience.

As I said earlier, hubby is in the Navy. Once he submits his retirement papers, that's it.

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

Who knows? Maybe you too will be able to afford a Honda Accord (used, although late model?), a cheap house (add 30% monthly for maintenance over time), and the same myopic job market we are all slogging through. But, then again it could be worse. Your husband could still be risking his chimichangas for our incessant whining over such matters to the tune of IED's and 7.62's flying his way with little notice and sometimes, entirely without.

And to think we've spent the last 22 years waiting for this day?

Originally Posted by Caleb Longstreet

However, I do have to say, living simple has a charm all it's own. Somehow I lost that a few years back but, have been racing to it ever since. It is the only way in my opinion to actually have a shot at success. In this case, think outside the box because more often than not, that's precisely what you will be in if you pursue this "American Dream".

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement and have been spending the last few months trying to fully embrace and accept this mindset. Thank you for your 2 cents and for serving our great country!