Messy Bun, Dog Hair, & Somehow Making It Work

September is giving “fall tease with a side of heat wave,” and honestly? I’m just over here trying to keep it together. Messy bun, lukewarm coffee, and a to-do list that’s somehow longer than it was in summer.

Between the post-PCS haze, new school routines that don’t feel routine, and the usual layer of dog hair that’s become part of the décor, this season is already full. Still, we’re showing up—maybe a little scattered, definitely tired, but all in with heart and probably a leash in one hand. 

In our house, “somehow making it work” looks like: 

• Healthy snacks in almost every diaper bag/ backpack. 
• Dog hair on every piece of clothing I own. 
• Dinner that may or may not involve chicken (again). 
• Letting go of the picture-perfect and leaning into what’s authentic.

Look, I know it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one fumbling through this season. Social media will have you believing everyone else’s house smells like fall candles and not wet dogs, but here’s the truth: you’re doing better than you think.

Your dogs don’t care that your hair’s in a bun for however-many days in a row. Your kids won’t remember if dinner was chicken almost every night this week. What they will remember is that you showed up. That you were there. That you made a space for love and laughter, even in the middle of the mess. 

So, if this season feels like survival mode with a side of Fruit Rolls and dog drool – same. You’re not alone, friend. We’re all out here figuring it out one fur-covered day at a time. 

However, when you do have a minute to catch your breath? Treat yourself to something that makes life easier (and maybe saves you some money too). Find Out More with My Military Saving and check out our Food & Drink section to find something besides chicken—because this season’s hard enough. Let’s not make it harder.