Human Morale is delicate......**

What's up Blog!

This blog is a hodge podge of big events over the last few weeks.....

When you arrive at a new Unit, they have these events called "Hail & Farewell" parties.  At the events they introduce and welcome all the new soldiers/spouses coming in and also say goodbye to the soldiers that are leaving.  

I almost didn't go to ours because LEGS was being a jackball, but Mack guilt-ed me into going and I am really glad I did.  It was more like show and tell if you ask me.....they introduce and roast all of the new soldiers and the spouses.  

When they introduced me they announced my boxing ranking in the US (#7) and the whole room went crazy.  It felt good to finally celebrate my hard earned accomplishment like I should have 8 months ago.  It pleases me to have had this wonderful experience in boxing.  As part of our welcome we got flowers and a Gunslingers Pin which I fully intend on sending to Pops.  Since I have been here in NEVER NEVER LAND I have received more flowers than I have in my entire life- I sortive feel like a damn beauty queen!

I got the most amazing Birthday package from Queen Di, Cupcake and The Nurse.  Morale was very low when I received it so it really brightened our mood, and everything in it was so perfect- I told Queen Di it amazes me how well she knows what I like- its like she knows me better then I know myself!  

 

 

 

She sent me a bunch of gardening supplies so that I can start my garden here in Never Never Land.....


Here is me cooking our first home-cooked meal since we left Alabama with the 'survival items' we obtained on March 19th.

 

I made Spaghetti with red and white sauce.

 

This is LEGS doing the happy dance about dinner.

This is also the night that we were notified by Sir Bradford that the United States had bombed Libya.  Feeling completely in the dark and desperate we hurried over to our American neighbors house to catch up on the news, and talk to our families for the first time in several weeks.


How strange and far fetched is it that I have felt a connection to Anne Frank while being in NEVER NEVER LAND?  I have spent many days in my own universe pondering the issues of the world, starring out the window in curiosity and the mulling over the issues in my own life.  Just as I am sure many did during WWII, LEGS and I felt completely vulnerable and absent from the world when we heard the US was taking military action in the world, so in the dark of night we ran over to the neighbors house to see what was going on.


Living with less is certainly a humbling lesson for us and it surprises me how your morale and outlook on life can crater when you do not have the basic things you need in order to eat a home-cooked meal, have a decent nights sleep, or simply have a grasp on current events.


Over & Out


Just another few weeks in the life of unlikely military wife......**

LEGS' gets his dream car & Driving in Europe....**

Watch OUT BLOG, Here I come!

After many years of hard work, many weeks of obsessive searching, days of obtaining, minutes of hoping, seconds of desperation LEGS gets his dream car.......

A 2006 Audi S4, special addition oops Edition number 8 of 250.

And.....After many days of studying, minutes of anxiety and surely a few gray hairs ARMS got her License to drive!

Driving in Europe is a Privilege, not a right like in the United States.  Europeans take driving VERY seriously and place a very huge responsibility on the driver to have the knowledge and wisdom to drive cautiously and responsibly.  

Some random facts about driving in Europe:

Contrary to popular belief there is speed limits on the Autobahn.  There are speed zones which must be obeyed, and there are stretches of road where 130 kilometers is the limit- that is about 80 miles an hour.  However, Europeans drive much faster then this during the stretches where 130 kilometers is recommended BUT ONLY under the realization that they are supremely responsible if anything bad shall happen.  


In order to drive you must have a insurance policy that covers at least 1 million EURO worth of liability.


There are very few stop signs and stop lights, Roundabouts are how the Europeans control traffic.  


The roads around where we live are narrow, farm roads with lots of "twisties."


The hardest thing to learn is the "Right Before Left" rule.  If there are no other signs directing the flow of traffic who ever is traveling to the right has the right of way.....so it makes sense until people who would normally be able to drive on in the US stop just for you......


Random Thoughts and Info:

I drove the Audi and it totally kicks ass......it turns out LEGS has amazing taste in women.....and in cars...

He is teaching me how to Apex and shift better...just like a race car driver!!! .*D

Um....the FJ fits fine on the roads here in Europe.......

Note to all the FJ haters:  When the FJ was purchased we lived.....in ALASKA.....with 3 DOGS......a vehicle that would dash through the snow, survive a wreck on the Glenn Highway, Drive on the beach to go fishing, make it out of the ditch, hold up to mud, grime, snow, and other Alaskan elements, transport three dogs, and give the impression of LEAD FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY was completely necessary and vital to not only travel but to survive.  

Please also note, the FJ has been already utilized to make one seven year old boy VERY happy with a bouncy house, gather garden supplies, and has held up incredibly well as far as Blue Book Value..... 


Over & Out


Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife.....**

Re: Living Like a Nomad.....**

What's up Blog!

Here are some pictures of our life as nomads......please see the blog titled "My life as a Mennonite..." if you have not read it already for details....

First all you want is a couch.......here is our beautiful ARMY issued couch....

Then you want a coffee table complete with doggie illustration on the side......Classy isn't it?

 

The PLUSH comfy ARMY issued bed.....also known as the Back-Breaker or Joint Pain Delight......

 

When things get dirty.....you clean them up....with a state of the art broom.......

A simple meal on a paper plate........

Then one day you realize......you want more......

Over & Out....

Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife.....**

Isolation v. Reality....**

Hey Blog....

Obviously I need to go on a diet and start watching what I am putting my mouth.....which proves to be difficult when you are very isolated, lonely and when there isn't much to do.  Incredible discipline is necessary....


I have spent most of my days knitting, living in a world of my own thoughts, un-poisoned by any other outside influences, I stare out the window for long periods of time, I reflect, debate, and ponder the future.  While I rather enjoy a life where I do not worry about the goings on in the world I wonder.....What is going on?  I wonder if the world is ending and I just simply don't know......is that a good thing....or a bad thing?

Turns out its a bad thing......

On March 3, 2011:

Two US Airmen were fatally shot at the Frankfurt Airport.  Another two American Servicemen were wounded when a lone gunman opened fire on a US Military bus parked outside the terminal building.

Investigators are pursuing what German media described as "substantial evidence" that the 21-year-old Kosovan suspected of carrying out the attack had links with Islamist groups in GERMANY. There is concern that more attacks may be in the works.

The suspect, who is believed to have worked at the airport and grown up in Germany, has been identified by the Kosovan government as Arif Uka, originally from the northern town of Mitrovica.

Police are investigating reports he shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) before pulling the trigger and are examining his Facebook account, which details what appear to be Islamist beliefs.

Police believe the attack was premeditated and the suspect must have known the bus would be there at that particular time. The vehicle allegedly had US air force number plates but the airmen, who were on their way to a big US base in Ramstein, were not wearing uniforms, reported the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

The dead and wounded servicemen have not been named, but the US air force has confirmed they were all UK-based military policemen en route to Ramstein to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Germany has not had a terrorist attack like those in Madrid and London in the past decade, but three of the 9/11 attackers lived in Germany, and security officials acknowledge that it remains a breeding ground for Islamist radicals.

Here is my facebook post for March 4, 2011.

'In light of the tragic events in Frankfurt I felt the need to step back into reality, I want my family to know that I am safe and sound- you know how LEGS operates and we are on high alert, please take a minute to mourn the death of the two airmen that were shot and killed in the very same airport and on the same bus that I was in just a few weeks ago, I am seriously upset about this, but refuse to be frightened...**'

Obviously I was incredibly upset and wrote a plethora of pages in my journal ranting in anger over the situation.  When things like this happen I always get angry at the people that in my life have minimized my apprehension and anxiety over the possibility of these things happening. 

I wonder what I am supposed to feel? Fear? Vulnerability? Should I become a hermit? Should I just forget it ever happened? And that its real? Should I live in shame because I am American? Should I accept this burden because I was just a girl....that fell in love...with a man who selflessly and faithfully serves his country?


Its just not fair.....

and I shudder and weep to think of the families who were already sacrificing so much for these men to deploy.  They just went through all the heartache and desperation of saying goodbye and now they were shot and killed before they even left the damn airport!?!


Just imagine for one minute that these men/women are just like you.  They have families, they have pets, they eat dinner every night, and they are just out there trying to make a living, many of them escaping a life of poverty, EXCEPT an occupational hazard is CONSTANTLY being a TARGET.....


Heavy sigh.....tears......ANGER......RAGE.......


Over and Out....


Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife......**

What day.....is it?

Hey BLOG!

Let's just skip the weather report and the illustrations until I catch up....

On February 28, 2011 I had a very depressing day.  I almost did not post this in the blog because I find it to be so very embarrassing, but then I would not be honestly depicting our lives in NEVER NEVER LAND.   

A month straight of EATING. EVERY. SINGLE. MEAL. OUT. became very apparent as I put on one of my favorite pair of jeans and split the a** out in them.  It was particularly upsetting as my clothing supply is very limited as it is.  

What's even more amusing is the ONLY reason I was getting out of my pajamas was to go to the local Bakery and Meat Shop at LEGS' request.  I called him for moral support and instead was treated very poorly.  Here is the text I sent in retort:


" You know, you could be nicer to me when I call.  I'm doing the best I can with no car, no German, and no help. To top it all off I ran, did push ups and P90x Ab Ripper jut to rip the a** out in my already lame collection of jeans just to get your grumpy a** some meat and bread....yes I texted ALL this on this sh*tty F'IN phone SIR!"


Who says marriages are perfect? And who says transition is easy?  Not I.


I remember this day now because I wrote my Sister a letter and I recall doing so in a foul mood, and specifically complaining about LEGS' bad behavior.

On March 1, 2011.  LEGS and I woke up, while we were drinking our tea bag style Folgers coffee (yuck) I requested today's date for the purpose of writing in my journal.  

LEGS: Very casually checked his watch and said 'Its March 1st...'
ARMS: In my mind.....'Jesus......we both forgot today is my birthday....NICE...' Once the realization came to me I smiled.....
LEGS:'Why are you smiling?'
ARMS: 'Happy Birthday to me!'
LEGS:' Omigod....Happy Birthday Baby....I don't know how but I promise I will make this up to you.'
ARMS:' Its okay babe, I just mostly find it funny today is my birthday and we BOTH forgot.'

At this point I am wishing I had the luxury of the internet because I know many people have given me warm birthday wishes on facebook and that would be a great pick me up.

I had to go to the Doctor, when I weighed in at 152 lbs, I wanted to commit suicide....yes.....on my birthday......

My Birth DAY was a little sad, but my BIRTH NIGHT was made all better by going to a new friends house.  She had amazing food and I got to emotionally pork out.....

Menu:


Brie Cheese with bread and Pomegranate Spread
Cream Cheese filled Pepperoncini and Olives
Stuffing
Dumplings filled with Meat covered in gravy
Angel Food Cake with Strawberries and Whip Cream
Red Wine and the Schnapps the neighbor gave us


This SAVED my life.....


Over & Out


Just another day in life of unlikely military wife.....**

ARMS learns to Barter....**

DEAR BLOGGY FACE HEAD! I AM BACK AT LAST AND OH HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU!!!

Weather Report: Today it is cloudy and "kalt" (Cold).  However, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous this past week, clear, sunny and generally warm.  It has reminded me very much of a clear sunny day in May in Alaska.

On Saturday February 25, 2011 I left Never Never Land for a quick visit to the Asian Market in the Czech Republic.  I was cordially invited by "Mack" who was formally know as "Squirrelly" to join some ladies on a trip to the Asian Market.

We left early in the morning, hopped on the autobahn and arrived at the Asian Market which was just across the Czech Border.  I brought my passport, just in case, however the Czech Repubic has a open border so nobody stopped or checked us.   

I was very anxious about the trip for several reasons, one I was spending time with girls I didn't know- so in my mind I was wondering if they would like me? The ever annoying question of "What should I wear?" And would I like them?

I was also anxious about leaving the country too, in my mind I was having thoughts of a possible 'Broke Down Palace' situation where we get into trouble in another country and for some reason cannot get out.


But the one thing I was the most anxious about was 'bartering.'  At the Asian Market you shop around and if you see something you like, you barter the price of the item with the store owner.  I had heard that they are very aggressive about selling things to you.  I know some of you find this funny, but they idea of bartering the price of an item gives this former boxer some serious nerves.  


I was in luck, I had a pro-barterer on my team.  We arrived and I carefully watched as the girls started to get items at a fraction of the cost they started out at.  The store keepers were pretty aggressive about selling things, but I found if I did not make eye contact with them or say anything I could shop around in peace.  


As guilty as I feel about it, the way to barter is to first start out very low on an item- which is quite insulting usually- but if you start low you have lots of room to move up in price.  


The booty: I scored some things for my family, a new wallet for LEGS and a knock off designer purse for myself.

PS- Don't make me feel bad about this- the US dollar is getting its ass kicked by the Euro right now, have you seen the prices of basic items in Europe? I think not......

Over & Out

Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife....**

My Life as a Mennonite......**

Hey Stranger,

Weather Report from NEVER NEVER LAND: For several weeks it has been clear sunny and frigid cold.  But the last few days have been more bearable.  I find many similarities in NEVER NEVER LAND to Alaska, the way the sun rises and sets, how cold the cold is and how liberating it feels when it reaches 40 Degrees.

I do not have internet yet.....but I am going on my third week of no internet.  I have had many requests for the return of my blog so here is a short excerpt of the highlights of my two week internet detox, part 1 (the early part of my internet detox.) 

The first day in my new house.  

I hear the city church bells at the center of the town we live in.  Across the street, the neighbors have chickens and roosters, so through out the day the Roosters crow periodically and no matter how many times I hear it, I always smile.  We live in the country so seeing tractors on the road is perfectly normal.  If we open the windows or step outside it smells like manure.

The stairs in our house are antique, they were probably the original set of stairs placed in the house during the 1950's.  So they are steep and Karmella has a hard time navigating them.  They also creak very LOUD and A LOT which I don't mind because nobody will be able to sneak up on me in the middle of the night.  

Based on the structure of our house it was built in the 1950's.  The first owner's were a older couple, when the husband died the wife sold the house to the young girl we now rent from.  The girl we rent from completely re did the inside of the house.  

We have been told that after WWII and the Cold War, the Germans collected up the rubble of the leftover bases and used them to fill the walls of their houses, so as creepy as it sounds we probably have War ruins in our walls.  

I have been busy baking cookies and delivering them to the neighbors to make a good impression.  We have been told that the older Germans love Americans because they remember how bad it was before we entered WWII, but we have also been told the Farmers do not like us because the helicopters have been associated with killing certain livestock.   


My reception has been mostly positive.  One lady right across the street gave me a bottle of bootleg schnapps she personally brews when I brought the cookies over.  They seem to adore Karmella, but LEGS and I work very hard to keep her from barking.  My cookies have been rejected twice, nothing more humbling then a German telling you NEIN when you offer up cookies with a big beautiful smile.  

I have found it to be incredibly frustrating, embarrassing and have felt completely awful for not being able to speak GERMAN.  I have mad old ladies litterally curse when I tell them I can only speak a little 'Duetsch.' Everyday I am learning more and more vocabulary, and am ambitiously trying to learn- this is also nearly impossible without being able to reference the internet. 


I have also felt like I have lived like an Amish or Mennonite these last few weeks.  I found a broom downstairs in the cellar of the house, its a very old broken broom and I have been using that to sweep our house.  I have no telephone or internet so no outside influence of knowledge of the world.  The only pot of I have is issued from the ARMY, the bottom of it is so warped that I have to hold it steady on the stove and literally watch the water boil. 


My internet detox has gone smoothly and has mostly been annoying.  At first I was just aggravated that I couldn't look up the weather, or how to do a certain stitch in knitting, or quick reference Fahrenheit for Celsius.

Most of my days are spent in silence, knitting in my own thoughts.  I thank God for Karmella because she helps me feel less alone.  

Just another day in the life of an unlikely military wife.....**