Military PCS: This is why we can't have anything nice

I remember my life before I had kids. My husband and I were newlyweds, setting off to begin a new and exciting life together. We carted our beautiful new furniture across the US to our first duty station searching for the best place that money could afford… at our BAH rate.

We had a problem though, we had a large dog. Many of the places we looked into stated that pets were not allowed. I never understood why since my dog was an absolute joy and cleaner then my dirty Marine coming back from the field.

Now it’s a decade later and I marvel at how destructive my children are. They have ruined carpets, broken several screen doors by running into them, busted toilet lids, and smeared poo on walls.

I am thankful that we live in base housing and we can simply pick up the phone and explain what happened and they send out their friendly reps the next day to repair the broken chaos in my home. We no longer have a nice home, we have a very lived in home.

Our furniture has been ruined due to several moves and being put into storage, along with years of abuse from infant spit up and toddler tear.

Someday I dream of buying new furniture, linens, and drapes and imagine what can beafter Marine Corps retirement. My dog has never made anywhere near the messes or annihilation that my children have done.

I think home rentals should rethink their dog policy and consider a “no kids” policy; it just may save a few carpets or walls. Until then, continue on my sweet children. Destroy and live your life to the fullest, because in a short time, we might just have to put plastic down on our furniture.

And this is why we can’t have anything nice.