tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50019218287377180782024-02-07T07:27:57.939-05:00.Boots in the Doorway.Air Force wife going through the journey of military life~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-28372397625806658262011-12-22T03:27:00.002-05:002011-12-22T03:27:44.313-05:00Christmas in Europe This is our first European Christmas and I kind of like it. I would like it more of course if our family was here. Holidays are always different when you dont have family around. Sure- this is not our first Christmas that we are not spending with family BUT the difference is the distance. There is something weird about being just so far from home. The feeling is weird I guess because it is that much harder to make it home for Christmas. If our family lived on the east coast it would be easier but alas out family is all the way in CA. That's is seriously far from here.<br />
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I do like it here because it is very festive and peaceful. It seems like the Christmas Spirit is just sweeter here. I love all the Christmas markets that you can go to. They are fully decorated and have all these cute little shops that you can just stroll along and have a nice family evening. They sell YUMMY Gluhwein that is warm sweet wine and Gluhbier that is warm cherry beer. It is only €2.5 and you give them a €2 deposit on the glass. You can choose to keep the glass or turn it back in for your deposit. They have different ones based on where you are and what the vendor has. hmmmm I can see a gluhwein cup collection starting. :-)<br />
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When we did live near our family I remember the holiday struggle with who's house to go to first and when. Who would we spend Christmas with and who would do all the cooking and so forth. Back then it seemed like a stress just to have Christmas. I have told my husband many times since we have moved that I miss having so many options to choose from. The stress of having to choose where to go and when sounds mighty nice now.<br />
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<u><b> It is true-- you don't know what you have until it's gone!!</b></u><br />
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No matter where you are or who you are with this Holiday Season remember to take a moment and think of all those who are alone, less fortunate or in harms way. Even if your times are tough there is ALWAYS someone who is worse off than you are. Keep your head strong and a smile on. This is a time of year to appreciate everything you have and think about what is important to you. <br />
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Many blessing to you and yours this Holiday Season!<br />
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Of course I am currently the worst parent ever since I don't let him do whatever he wants. AND, OF COURSE- I am the only parent he knows that is SOOOO strict and has rules.<br />
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His big thing is that he wishes I didn't care so much. Why can't I be like the other parents and let him do what he wants. <br />
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA<br />
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Oh- if only life was that easy. I know I am not the only parent who has rules and heck yeah I care! I carried you in my womb and my world has revolved around you since that moment. Geeesh!!! I am ready for these days to be done and in the past.<br />
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School is the best subject now. Why do homework??? Things that are simple turn into the hardest and most difficult challenges.<br />
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I wish we were closer to family so that we weren't the only ones trying to guide him. It's us against him he thinks. He doesn't even want to travel with us. SERIOUSLY- you don't want to go to Italy because that requires you spending time with us.<br />
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UGH! Each day is a different battle. Each day it is a different winner.<br />
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<br />~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-77921643446089571092011-10-05T15:59:00.000-04:002011-10-15T08:08:25.235-04:00I said I wouldn't get myself too busy.....Well- Fall is definitely here. The tree's are changing and it is beautiful. The weather has been kind of crazy here since we got here. Our summer was really late to say the least. Still in the 70's but we didn't get that temp until Sept.<br />
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It has been a while since I have been on here :-(
Bad blogger- I know. BUT I have been reading the comments and answering emails- at least trying in a timely manner.
I have no real great excuse for not writing. It just seems that whenever I think I am going to have tons of time I sign myself up for things and get too busy. It is amazing how busy a person can be with no job.<br />
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I tell you- keeping up with all the schedules and appointments for my family alone is so time consuming. Plus, I have been volunteering with various organizations on base and adding to my madness.<br />
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I am truly enjoying myself here that's for sure! It is almost overwhelming though because you fell obligated to go see everything and that's just not possible without giving yourself tons of time to do it in. I feel like we are so close to so many things that<i><u> I am being naughty if I don't explore everywhere</u></i>. I try to pace myself but I do get anxious if it has been a few weeks and we haven't gone farther than 30 miles from our house.<br />
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This past week I found a great basket store that is 3 stories. I thought it was just going to be a small basket store but oh man was I wrong. The wonderful thing about that store is the wide variety of items they sell and GREAT prices. There are baskets in every shape and design but so much home decor and decorations to make your mind go crazy- I LOVE IT!! I told myself I need to visit there at least once a quarter. :-)<br />
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-----------> It is located in Dahn and called (Korbwarenfabrik Hermann Frank). It is on the left right before you enter the village.<br />
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A<span style="font-size: small;">nother great store I found close to me is a German consignment store</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">called TiTi's and is in Landstuhl.</span> </span> Oh goodness me it was AWESOME!</span> I love all the German knick knacks and do dads.<br />
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Well, I'm off to do my busy stuff. Will post soon about some great volunteering I did that I want to share about.
Toodles for now!
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<b>REMEMBER to get out and explore no matter where you are :-)</b>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-21068575914167078852011-07-01T10:08:00.002-04:002011-07-01T10:20:48.884-04:00Help this 11year old reach his goal of thanking soldiersThis is a GREAT story on another way to help support the troops: <br />
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Rochester, NY, June 23, 2011 –<br />
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Stephen Goodman may seem like a typical 11-year old from Phoenix AZ, but Stephen has a goal that few adults, let alone 11-year olds, would undertake. Stephen wants to personally thank every United States soldier overseas, and working with Kodak, he’s already created 59,932 cards to prove that he’s serious.<br />
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So as part of an ongoing effort to support him, Kodak is launching a unique web page dedicated to his efforts. By visiting <a href="http://kodak.com/Go/StephenGoodman" target="_blank">Kodak.com/Go/StephenGoodman</a> supporters can read about this remarkable young person and his project, learn how to get involved, and view updates from Stephen himself.<br />
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Supporters of Stephen’s campaign can also log onto <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194794037235732"" target=_blank">Kodak’s Facebook page</a> and leave messages of encouragement which will be streamed onto his new site.<br />
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In 2010 Kodak first reached out to <b><u>Stephen, who was inspired by his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran,</u></b> and invited him to design his own card template using KODAK Personal Greeting Cards on the KODAK Picture Kiosk. In December of that year, the company donated 20,000 copies of the personally designed cards to Stephen to help him reach his goal. Since the original donation, Kodak printed 116,000 more cards and shipped them to him. Now, Kodak is giving people across the country the chance to show their patriotism and help Stephen directly.<br />
“When we heard Stephen’s inspiring story, we wanted to help in any way we could,” says Rowan Lawson, Director of Worldwide Marketing, for Kodak’s Retail System Solutions Group, “Personalized greeting cards are a meaningful way to share messages of encouragement and thanks, and our Personal Greetings made it a natural fit for Kodak to support Stephen’s endeavor - it’s truly an honor to help him pursue his goal.”<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">From June 30 until July 9</span>, customers can visit participating CVS/pharmacy and Bartell Drug stores to personalize and print Stephen’s original card design on the KODAK Picture Kiosk. A collection box will be stationed next to the kiosk where cards can be donated to Stephen and help him reach his goal of 180,000 cards. As an added incentive, Facebook users who “Like” Stephen’s program by clicking “Like” on <a href="http://www.kodak.com/go/StephenGoodman"" target=_blank">Kodak.com<http://www.kodak.com/go/StephenGoodman</a>, <b><u>can sign up to receive a coupon from Kodak for a free Stephen Goodman KODAK Personal Greeting Card</u></b> when they purchase one at a KODAK Picture Kiosk. This means each shopper using the coupon can donate one extra card to Stephen’s effort for free. The coupons can be redeemed beginning June 30 at participating CVS/pharmacy and Bartell stores. Customers can locate participating stores by visiting <a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=7965&pq-locale=en_US&product_perscards_patriotic=checked&CID=go&idhbx=findstephen"" target=_blank">Kodak.com</a>>go find stehen, entering their zip-code, then simply clicking “Find”.<br />
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<div style="background-color: cyan;">“A lot of soldiers who served in Vietnam, like my grandpa, never got any support or thanks for their service,” says Stephen. “I wanted to make sure that every soldier serving our country today knows they are appreciated and never feels forgotten.”</div><br />
For more information and to help Stephen reach his goal to thank all United States troops deployed overseas, <a href="http://www.kodak.com/go/StephenGoodman"" target=_blank">visit www.Kodak.com/go/StephenGoodman</a>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-89734092788258053242011-06-17T09:34:00.000-04:002011-06-17T09:34:55.084-04:00Good golly- where has time gone???Geesh- you would think I didn't want to write on this blog anymore considering how long it has been since I have written!!<br />
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Well- that is not true. Time has just gone by and I really have no excuse.<br />
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My hubs is in the states for the month and I am kind of jealous. He gets to go to so many stores and restaurants and he will understand what everyone is saying. He was able to spend time with family and go to places and understand what he was buying and seeing. <br />
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Don't get me wrong- I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE!! Would not try to PCS early and get back. There are toooooo many other things here that are so much better than the states.<br />
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I really like the recycling and how you bring your own bags to the stores. You don't get free <br />
plastic or paper bags to waste.<br />
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Most stores you pay a euro to use the shopping carts and then get it back when you return the<br />
cart. THUS- not a heap of carts all over the parking lots.<br />
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The pastries are yummy to my tummy!!<br />
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The history and beauty here is just amazing.<br />
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And so on and so on---LOL<br />
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School is finally out and summer is here. Or is it???? Where the heck is the summers I am used to. Sitting at the pool getting suntanned. Soaking up loads of Vitamin D and wearing super cute sandals. NOPE- not here yet. It is mid June and I am still wearing a sweater on most days. Goodness that seems like a crime.<br />
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Hope you all are soaking up some rays for those who can't yet!~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-68663397109360723442011-05-09T10:42:00.000-04:002011-05-09T10:42:48.936-04:00So this is the life....Well, I would be lying if I said I miss the states. It has been so wonderful here. So clear to me now why all my friends who had been stationed overseas before just talk and talk about it. I didn't really get what they were talking about but now it is obvious. <br />
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It is FABULOUS here!!<br />
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So much to see and experience. Yeah- the language barrier can make it rough sometimes. I did eat liver instead of steak but HEY that's how we learn. LOL<br />
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It amazes me when I talk to people and they haven's went and explored anywhere. Good golly- how can you not!! Maybe the language barrier scares them but I have not once not been able to speak with someone and get what I needed. The liver thing was my fault- I pointed to the food I wanted thinking I knew what it was. Everywhere I go the German's know English very well or they can find a coworker close by who will help.<br />
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I went on a USO tour with my family to learn how to use the train system and that was money well spent. We learned how to use the trains and we saw a great place. The USO has lots of great tours and ever changing. Some are pretty pricey but when you add up what it costs in gas to drive it is worth it. Plus sometimes after a long day of exploring I really don't want to drive home.<br />
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Overall, this place has so much history and beauty that I can see staying here as long as possible.I am getting used to the autobahn and learning to use the gas pedal more. Plus, trying to explore little villages here and there. They are all so quaint. You can just sit in an outside cafe for hours people watching and enjoying the weather. I always hear birds chirping away outside my window and can relish in the peacefulness of the surrounding area.<br />
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If you have the chance to visit Europe I highly suggest it!<br />
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~~~~Auf Wiedersehen~~~ <br />
Good Bye~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-19483825527506429792011-05-04T01:41:00.003-04:002011-07-01T10:25:08.291-04:00Entemanns Donut Day for the Salvation ArmyI found out about Entenmanns National Donut Day. If you go onto facebook and "LIKE" it they are donating $1 for every like to the Salvation Army.<br />
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That is EASY money for the Salvation Army, plus you can win an Ipad. Head over there<br />
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<div style="color: purple; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/Entenmanns" target="_blank"">Facebook page</a></span></b></div><br />
and check it out!! No harm done and no money out of your pocket, just a great and easy way to help out. :-)~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-74481367885026888122011-04-05T03:02:00.013-04:002013-08-15T09:08:50.918-04:00PCS tips and info for Ramstein AB, Germany<i>I PCS'd to Ramstein (Feb 2011) and kept notes along the way. I started taking notes when I was having a hard time finding out the basic information. This move was our 6th move and it was know where near like any move before. I am hoping this information will help you with a smooth transition. Please pass along this site to other friends who are moving and might need the info.</i><br>
<i>Remember to </i><i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> "Bloom where you are planted"</b></span></i><i>. It is up to you on what kind of experience you will have at each base you are stationed. </i><br>
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Stop right now and go and apply for your <b><u>passports</u></b>!! You need to make an appointment with Public Affairs for the picture and with the passport office. You should be able to make your passport appointment an hour after your public affairs appointment. Public Affairs will print your picture and hand it to you to take to your passport apt. Make sure you have an original birth certificate that is the extended version. The state department will not accept the short version or informational birth certificate. It MUST be the authorized one or long form certificate. Passports can take 6-8 weeks if not longer. <u>You must not delay in getting your passport</u>. Get off the computer and make the appointments now- no joke. :-)<br>
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The active duty member can take the <b><u>driving test</u></b> before they leave the states so that they can drive once they arrive on station. This is HIGHLY recommended. You will be without a vehicle and will be relying on others if you do not pre take the test to get your license. below is listed where you can find he study materials and practice tests. It was so great for us to get here and hubby was able to rent a car the same day we arrived. Once we arrived he took his paperwork that showed he passed the test to the drivers test building and was given his license. Spouses can study for the test before arrival and take the test once they arrive. If you look at the study material and take the practice tests several times you will pass with no problems. You can get your international driving permit here in town. The cost is 15€ for 2 years. This allows you to drive outside Germany. You can also get one in the states before you arrive.<div><br>
Links<br>
---------> <b style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/default.htm" target="_blank"">Army USAREUR website for Europe driving information</a></b><br>
----------> <b style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.usareurpracticetest.com/index.asp" target="_blank"">Practice Tests and study guides</a></b><br>
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Sign up on the AHRN ( automated housing referral network) website to start looking at off base <u><b>housing</b></u>. It will show you what is available in the local area and you can get an idea of the things you like or not. This is the website that the bases now use for you to look for housing. The homes on the site have been pre-inspected by housing and are approved for use by military families. Base housing is typically a pretty long wait since they have taken down stairwell housing and replaced it with town homes. There are 3 base housing areas that you can chose to be on- Ramstein, Vogelweh and Landstuhl. Unlike BAH you get paid in OHA your actual rent cost and not more. It is in your best interest to find a place closest to you allowance since you do not get to pocket the difference. The AHRN website has a link to the OHA rates.<br>
----------> <b style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.ahrn.com/" target="_blank"">AHRN</a></b><br>
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Get an accordion file for you to <b><u>organize your move paperwork</u></b>. Also pick up some folders for you to keep papers separated. I had my folders marked- housing, school, TLF, misc and Household Goods. People keep giving you paperwork and if you are not organized you will not get paid for something or you will be delayed.<br>
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Have your sponsor sign you up for your <b><u>Post Office</u></b> box before you arrive! You can forward your mail to you but they will not hold it longer than 15 days prior to your arrival. There are 2 post offices on base one is for singles and one is for families. You will use this address your entire time stationed here. It is an APO address so you can send mail and only pay the US costs. Also, people will only pay the US costs when they mail something to you. Also-- you can ship FREE APO to APO. So if your spouse is deployed and has an APO address then you can ship a box for free. Went today and asked the post office for verification.<br>
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When traveling from the states to Ramstein most people might go through Baltimore airport. Use the <u><b>USO</b></u> rooms there! Many airports have USO rooms and they are there to help the military and their families transitioning and traveling. You can stop by and get free drinks and snacks amongst other things. Each person needs to have their ID card with them to enter the room.<br>
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The<b><u> international flights</u></b> are wonderful. You get a full meal service on your flight so don't buy a bunch of food right before boarding. I saw several people buy tons of overpriced airport food only to board the plane and get free food on the plane. The meal was very good and unlimited drinks. We were served dinner and breakfast. You will be VERY jet lagged upon arrival! Try to stay up really late the night before your international flight. You are going to jump ahead a minimum of 6 hours. This will cause you to not be on any kind of normal schedule for a while. Our first day here I did a bad thing and took a nap in the middle of the day- DON"T DO THIS!! force yourself to stay up so you can more quickly change your sleep schedule. Go walk around the KMCC or something. It took me 2 weeks to get on a normal sleep cycle because I did not stay awake the first day.<br>
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Bring a <u><b>GPS</b></u> preloaded with the Europe maps. This will be very helpful plus the GPS systems here seem very overpriced and the states has more of a variety. Once here you will want your GPS to do any exploring and to just find places in general.<br>
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When you get here you are going to want to get <b><u>cell phones</u></b> right away. Don't make the mistake of getting ansy and signing a contract before you do some research. Ask people any input they have. You can buy prepaid phones at the BX and 24 hour shoppette. They run around $20 and have 3 minutes of time on them. I went to Tmobile and bought my kids prepaid phones there and used my VAT forms. I paid $74 for 2 phones with 15€ on them PLUS a 2 year warranty on the phones. The BX has no money on them and has no warranty. When you buy things off base there is a mandatory 2 year warranty on all electronics. If you get into a contract just be aware they are 2 year contracts off base. Also- cell phones here are different. Whoever makes the call pays for the call. My kids have cell pines but if they run out of minutes I can still call them. Very convenient.</div><div><br>
Fax a copy of your orders to your cell phone provider and you get out of your contract hassle free but you need to do this BEFORE you are near your contract end date. They will automatically renew your contract otherwise.<br>
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If you sign up for <u><b>internet</b></u> service through T Mobile off base be aware that the contract is for 2 years! If you plan on moving on base you will have to buy out of your contract. All villages are different in the kind of internet you get. It is not always fast internet. So be aware and ready for slow internet.<br>
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The tax rate here is 19% for goods and 7% for food. With the <b><u>VAT ( value added tax) form </u></b>you do not pay this. The VAT forms cost a few bucks but when you buy 10 at a time they are cheaper. They are $4 each unless you buy 6 or more and then they are $3 each after the 5th one. You use them in Germany at any store that you are spending MORE than 50€ at and that excepts the form. You can ask at the customer service area of the store if they except the form before shopping. Since they cost money you don't want to just use it for a 10€ purchase.<br>
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Check out <a href="http://www.ramsteinyardsales.com/" target="_blank""><b><u>Ramstein Yardsales</u></b></a> for people selling good stuff. You can buy autos, phones, transformers, furniture--ANYTHING on that website.<br>
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Also check out <a href="http://www.everythingkmc.com/forum.php" target="_blank""><b><u>Everything KMC</u></b></a>. This is a great website to get info and ask questions.<br>
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911 here equals 112. Use 112 to make emergency calls<br>
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<u><b>Gas is rationed</b></u> here amongst other things. If you rent a car you can bring your rental receipt to the custom office to get your gas card. If your name is not on the car rental you can not get gas. Only the people with names on the rental agreement can get and use the card. Only the person who has there name on the gas card can get gas. I cannot get gas in my husbands car unless my name is on the ration card. Also, your ration card for the rental card will expire when your rental agreement is over. If you extend and keep your rental car longer you need a new ration card. NO EXCEPTIONS. we made this mistake and pumped gas and did not notice the ration card expired- we extended the rental car 1 day- we had to pay $105 for a small tank of gas. Not cool!!!!!!! Once you get your permanent vehicle your gas card is automatically refilled with your amount at the first of the month. The rental car gas card is a paper and your permanent vehicle is an actual card.Our car gets 400 liters a month and our truck gets 600 liters a moth. On your receipt it tells you ho much you have left. You can also add money to your card to use off base when traveling at Esso stations only.<br>
Here is more info on Rations-------> <a href="https://cpolrhp.cpol.army.mil/eur/overseas/employee_handbook/living/ration_cards.htm" target="_blank"">RATIONS</a><br>
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You can <u><b>get Euro</b></u> out of the ATM's on base and off. Your bank might and probably will charge a fee for this. No way that I know of to get around this. I have been told that you get a better exchange rate when you use the banks off base. Helpful information here------> <a href="http://www.everythingkmc.com/showthread.php?t=12822" target="_blank"">LINK</a><br>
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If you have USAA and you plan on <b><u>buying a car</u></b> here they will not give you a new car auto loan. They do not give ANY oconus new car auto loans only personal loans. You must go to a local bank and get the loan through them for an auto loan. Also, <u>typically</u> your car <u><b>insurance</b></u> will go up dramatically here. You are required to have $9million---yes I said MILLION- dollars worth of coverage.<br>
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If you are <u><b>shipping a vehicle</b></u> from the states to Germany be sure to call your insurance carrier and let them know. They will change the type of insurance you have and it is cheaper for the duration of the vehicles travels. Also, make sure to get <b><u>rental insurance</u></b> for your property. Through USAA we pay $20 a month for rental insurance. If your car is not paid off and you are still financing it here is some info on shipping your vehicle and the rules -------> <a href="http://www.everythingkmc.com/showthread.php?t=12227" target="_blank""><u>Shipping Financed Vehicles</u></a><br>
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When and if you find a home off base you will need to sign up for the <u><b>UTAP (utility assistance program)</b></u>. This is for everyone regardless of rank. This saves you 19% on your utility bill. It costs $77 to sign up but well worth it. Utilities here are read once a year so save some of you utility money to make sure you are not short at the end of the year. You may be only paying 65€ a month for something and really it should have been 90€ a month. At the end of your yearly cycle they will collect ALL the money that is due or give you a refund of overpayment.<br>
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If you are a spouse when you get here make sure you attend the <b><u>Spouses Newcomers Briefing at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. </u></b>It is every Monday from <a href="tel:0830-1430" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2">0830-1430</a>. You will be given LOTS of great info on what to expect here and just some good knowledge in general. The sooner you take is upon arrival the better.<br>
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If <b><u>SATO made your travel reservations</u></b> you MUST call them before you leave to confirm you are traveling. They do not tell this to people and constantly there are problems with tickets because of this. We did not call and our plane was set to leave at 0630. When we arrived our tickets had not been paid for so we had to pay for them right there or miss the flight. Plus this altered our seats on all our planes. Also, our hotel wasn't paid for so we ended up paying for that as well. Of course those items are repaid on a travel voucher but it was a pain!! Something that you should not have to deal with.<br>
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<b><u>The items that are rationed here are coffee, hard liquor, gas and cigarettes. </u></b>For gas you will get a ration card that is used only for getting gas and your receipt will tell you what you have left. For autos you get 400 liters a month and nothing rolls over. Every first of the month your number resets. Trucks get 600 liters. Coffee, hard liquor and cigarettes are on a paper card that you carry with you. It is ILLEGAL to allow ANYONE to use ANY of your rations. <br>
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<u><b>Before leaving the states get your haircut, by some new clothes and get all your records you can to bring with you</b></u>. Upon arrival you do not want to try and find clothes or a hairstylist. You will already be overwhelmed with other things. I got a copy of all our immunizations, school records and copies of our dental xrays to bring. This helped IMMENSELY. Nothing gets here quick so if you don't bring it with you then you will probably be waiting a while for it.</div><div><br></div><div>The dreaded German language! Do not fear that you will not be ale to do anything except for on base. You will miss out tremendously if you only shop on base. Through the military library you can sign up to use free language classes. They use Mango and Rosetta Stone. Very usefull and will help you with the basics. Locally there are a ton of language classes available to take- some are free and some aren't. <br>
<br>Schools- Ramstein has K-12 schools. They have 57 busses for all the students. You do not need to preregister. When you arrive you can then register them.</div><div><br></div><div>
Finally-- you do not need to bring your washer and dryer. Actually, the Air Force does not allow it. The base has American and German washers and dryers they loan to you. Some people did not bring any of their 110V appliances. I did and am thankful. We now live on base and can use both 110V and 220V. <br>
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Since I am a visual person I thought I would show some visual aides-- :-)<br>
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This is a wall plug. You can plug your vacuum in easily in each room. Love it</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxDgH6Tz-Go/TZXWzAj9XSI/AAAAAAAABic/w1gslMltx9g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxDgH6Tz-Go/TZXWzAj9XSI/AAAAAAAABic/w1gslMltx9g/s320/001.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
OK- so I blew up my computer because I was unaware there was a switch on the back that is for changing the voltage. Can you guess where the switch is in this picture? It is the red thing. Would NEVER have guessed that since it is NOT labeled. Anyway- make sure you switch it over before plugging in your desktop. You can use a pencil or something small and strong to flip it over.<br>
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These are the adapters for you to plug your American electronics in<u><b> IF</b></u> it can take up to 240Volts.<br>
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This electronic CAN take up to 240V so I just need an adapter. (pictured above) Look where it says input<br>
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This CANNOT go up to 240v so I have to use a transformer if I want to use this electronic.<br>
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This is my Keurig (must have item-my treat each day) that I have to plug into the transformer to use. There are different size transformers. This is one of the biggest at 1000Watts. The base gives you 2 to borrow while you are here. They only had the largest available when we got here. I do not leave it plugged in as it does get costly when you live off base with these. </div>
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I hope this information has helped someone. I really believe that information is power and I am hoping that my recent move can help some others. If you have any questions you can email me at bootsinthedoorway@yahoo.com. <u>Do not send hate mail because I have this fabulous -DELETE-button that I use for haters.</u> I am simply trying to help out and this was my experience. If you had a different experience then great- if you have more info I can add then shoot me an email. :-)<br>
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~Cheers~</div>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-78266167997075394002011-03-21T03:24:00.002-04:002011-03-24T05:34:53.791-04:00The begining of our Germany adventureAaahhhh The beauty of Germany! A picture does it no justice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BNy14znp9yo/TYJDSyem_vI/AAAAAAAABgY/hAKHRFDdl0Q/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BNy14znp9yo/TYJDSyem_vI/AAAAAAAABgY/hAKHRFDdl0Q/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I took this picture as we were driving around looking for houses. Such beauty<br />
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Anyway- house hunting is interesting to say the least. It is almost as bad as black Friday shopping. LOTS of people and minimal houses available. Whoever gets their first is the winner of a place to live.<br />
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Kind of crazy but that's what happens when the base does construction and upgrades and loses over half the family units it had. I am glad they are upgrading and making new homes but it sure makes it that more of a tougher move overseas.<br />
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We used the "Automated Housing Referral Network" website that the housing office now uses. BUT if you just use that then it might take you seriously longer to get a house. We also used the Kaiserslautern American website and Ramstein yard sales. Both sites and additional units to look at. With so many people looking for housing you really have to be on the ball and have a plan. I would check the websites early in the morning and make calls to up my chances. Plus check the websites throughout the day to see if any newbies snuck there way in.<br />
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We were very fortunate to find a house near the base and very spacious. We LOVE our view and our close proximity to the base. My kids are able to take the bus to school and walk to the stop. We have wonderful neighbors below us that make it all that much better.<br />
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After living in TLF for 5 weeks we finally moved into our new home. It was an empty home with just borrowed furniture from the base but BABY STEPS. It was something. :-) So thankful the base even has loaner furniture no matter how crappy that hard as rocks bed was at least I didn't sleep on the floor. :-)<br />
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No pooping on castle grounds- geesh<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdCNVfD958A/TYb689fpRBI/AAAAAAAABgc/t_ehMVt8hJU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdCNVfD958A/TYb689fpRBI/AAAAAAAABgc/t_ehMVt8hJU/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My first bakery visit was a YUMMY one<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZ4FNlZkA-8/TYb7ivWdgcI/AAAAAAAABgg/Yw1h2jdgkM8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZ4FNlZkA-8/TYb7ivWdgcI/AAAAAAAABgg/Yw1h2jdgkM8/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A local church. So beautiful even in a foggy haze<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYqFuDWZz7c/TYb7tqcY3KI/AAAAAAAABgk/juanEwyi1B4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYqFuDWZz7c/TYb7tqcY3KI/AAAAAAAABgk/juanEwyi1B4/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I have never seen a snowflake actually LOOK like a snowflake. LOL I know that sounds weird but I was amazed at how beautiful and artistic the snowflakes are here. This is on my daughters jacket<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SOUSit3LpnM/TYb70tXnqMI/AAAAAAAABgo/FB5dD-PJ1fU/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SOUSit3LpnM/TYb70tXnqMI/AAAAAAAABgo/FB5dD-PJ1fU/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTfJ0DvMmwI/TYb770f5zQI/AAAAAAAABgs/YSm5h9pg0H8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTfJ0DvMmwI/TYb770f5zQI/AAAAAAAABgs/YSm5h9pg0H8/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-83530120658231403042011-02-22T03:52:00.002-05:002011-03-17T13:19:47.497-04:00So this is RamsteinCannot believe we are finally here. It seems so unreal. Everyone tells you so many wonderful things about living in Europe and all that you will do and see. Now we are actually in Germany and it seems weird. We landed and were all tired after some serious lack of sleep.<br />
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You get on the plane at 9 at night and land during the morning at 10am and it only took 7 hours. We had dinner and breakfast and watched 3 movies. Plus napping in between since you can't really get comfortable on the plane to get real sleep.<br />
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We are off the plane and ready to conquer Europe!!<br />
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Oh wait- <b>we have no car or home.</b> First we need to check into the hotel and get a drivers license so we can actually drive to see everything. Hubby took his driving test before we left the states so thankfully he was able to get a rental car the first day here.<br />
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We were taken to our room and hubby left to run errands. The hotel seems weird because the appliances are in German and I have no idea if I can use the plugs. I look for the trusty hotel book that is left in ALL hotel rooms to give you information about the base, hotel and local area. <i><b>NO BOOK!!!</b></i> You have got to be kidding me-- I am in a foreign country and this is the hotel that chooses NOT to use those handy dandy books. WOW of all the places this is the one place where I really need that book.<br />
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So I call the front desk and no they really do not have those books plus she is unsure if our room has any American outlets. Guess I will wait till hubby gets back so he can tell me. The last thing I need is to blow up my laptop or something with the wrong voltage.<br />
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First task.......<br />
Begin taking notes for future spouses who will be arriving here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTbVnujo3ug/TWN5ds6jPgI/AAAAAAAABdw/ANuXaILxquE/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTbVnujo3ug/TWN5ds6jPgI/AAAAAAAABdw/ANuXaILxquE/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So- I need to do laundry. YIKES!! Hubby starts the washer and hopes he picks the right buttons. Over 2 hours later our laundry is done. Not going to push those buttons again.<br />
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Found appliance manuals in kitchen drawer-- THANK GOODNESS. At least they left that~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-15336162810398760082011-02-16T12:56:00.000-05:002011-02-16T12:56:28.697-05:00off to RamsteinMan- when you take a flight at night and arrive in the morning it is WeIrD!!!<br />
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I was hoping to be tired so I could sleep on the plane but I wasn't tired enough.<br />
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It was a long day but finally we were on the plane and headed to our Germany destination. So much excitement brewing inside and anxiousness to see the sights.<br />
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We checked in at 3pm and our flight didn't leave until 9pm. That was a long wait in between at the airport. Luckily we took advantage of using the USO room available to all military and their dependents at Baltimore Airport. They had free snack, wifi, tv and assorted other things. It was a nice break from the regular airport area. My children and I showed our ID's and had our hand stamped. We then checked out the snacks and ordered from the nice volunteer gentleman behind the counter. I think he has been volunteering there too long because he didn't seemed thrilled that we were using the service. I got the feeling that he preferred the actual military member to use the service but HEY we are a part of the military too. That's ok- the kids and I ordered some snack and proceeded to relax and eat them. Hubby was in the line still waiting for us to return. :-)<br />
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Once we checked in we were glad to see that we were assigned seats. So many people have different experiences and so I had heard so many different ways we might get seats. Luckily, we were seated behind one of the dividers so we had plenty of leg room and our own personal screen in front of us for the movies.<br />
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After getting settled and getting up in the air they fed us a tasty dinner. The kind that you used to get every time you flew in a plane. There was plenty of food and I was glad we didn't purchase food before boarding the plane. Although it was a late dinner it was great to have a full stomach to help with the drowsiness. They even gave us hot towels to wipe our hands before our meal. Very nice! Then we had 3 movies to watch and breakfast before we landed. They treated us great and the flight only could have been better if I had a window seat to lay my head.<br />
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At one point during the flight an Airman got up to use the restroom that was near us. Unfortunately for him the door didn't close as he thought. LOL He started taking his pee and my son said "um sir" and he turned and realized we were all looking at him.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><u> IT WAS HILARIOUS!!!!! </u></i></b></span>We didn't see anything because his back was to us but his face was so funny. The shock was obvious. As he tried to close the door and stop his pee at the same time we worked hard to keep our laugh in. Poor guy .<br />
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As we arrived at Ramstein we picked up our belongings and noticed the floor wet. YIKES- the bathroom area on the other side of the divider was leaking through the floor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NASTY Glad we didn't have anything on the floor. <br />
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Day one in Germany is off to an interesting start~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-85910731780028012802011-02-13T12:23:00.001-05:002011-02-13T12:23:26.853-05:00Moving is tiresomeWell, we made it out before the storm hit big!<br />
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We have been wanting some serious snow all winter and the day it decides to come is the day we leave. What a day that was. As we are driving to the airport the blizzard conditions were starting. We didn't even think our flight would get out but it did. Out of Wichita we were one of only a few flights that actually left. We landed in Chicago not knowing if we were going to get out.<br />
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We were set to fly from Chicago to Baltimore but only if we could beat the storms. Fortunately we left Wichita at 6 am and were due to leave Chicago at 10 am. The storms were not supposed to hit Chicago until that afternoon. We had a chance!! I was surprised and bummed that the airports don't have free wifi. Luckily someone near me did not have a lock on their wifi and I was able to use it. Hey--<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> I'm not a hacker so no harm done. :-)</b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aU--Yxzwas/TVgRXsTm7XI/AAAAAAAABco/21F-1XI-0BE/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aU--Yxzwas/TVgRXsTm7XI/AAAAAAAABco/21F-1XI-0BE/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The sky was so beautiful above the storms that were brewing below.<br />
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We were so lucky to get out of Chicago. As we were on the runway there was 12 planes behind us in line. The last of the planes that were going to get out. We landed in Baltimore with no issues and had plans to stay the night.<br />
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With leaving so early in the morning I am very glad we did not have to fly out that same night to Germany. We went to our hotel and enjoyed our evening and got plenty of rest. We knew the next day would be a long one.<br />
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Ah- departure day. It is a weird feeling knowing that you will be leaving the country that you love so much. Not knowing when the next time you will be on American soil is kind of weird. I am so ready for a new adventure and new places to see.<br />
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This is our plane-- the biggest one I had ever been on. It seems to big to be in the air.<br />
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The distance we will be traveling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPX43Xi1npQ/TVgTE-5Q5XI/AAAAAAAABc4/d83cpfWWkwc/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPX43Xi1npQ/TVgTE-5Q5XI/AAAAAAAABc4/d83cpfWWkwc/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>WOW-- that's a loooooooong way!<br />
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</a></div>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-86505010810140111292011-01-25T11:27:00.001-05:002011-01-25T11:28:32.121-05:00The funny and odd stuff with a PCSWell, we are in full gear of the lengthy process to move overseas. A good friend told me this move would be so different then all our other moves and boy was she ever right! So far our mishaps, odd and funny things have been:<br />
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---On our passport application we gave the wrong official birth certificate. Apparently there are 2 types of birth certificates and they need the long version. We were not informed of this. Turned in our passport application the first week of December. We leave in 6 days and 2 of us do not have passports.<br />
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---Our official orders have an added child that is not ours on the back side. LOL I actually know the mother and think it is funny but odd.<br />
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---We drove to Dallas to ship our vehicle and were told that we would be reimbursed upon our return. Upon our return we were then informed that we would be reimbursed in Germany---OK??<br />
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---Our unaccompanied baggage was picked up but is going to arrive the same date as our regular household goods. Apparently-- we should have shipped it a month before we left, not a week. Did anyone tell us--NO <br />
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---Our movers for our main HHG shipment were scheduled to be at our house Mon, Tues and Wed. They came Mon to pack us and said "We will be back on Wednesday". OK- so why the heck did you schedule Tuesday. What a wasted day in the hotel- but OK :-)<br />
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---The packers can't ship "certain" liquids. I can understand that. He was packing my kitchen and left the dish soap on the counter. I assumed my sponge that has dish soap in it would then remain as well. Which is good because I need it for cleaning. NOPE- apparently you can ship the soap if it is in a handle sponge but not in its original bottle?? OK unfortunately I caught that too late and it was already packed not to be found.<br />
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---I had a bottle of wine that was 90% empty on top of the fridge. Surely he wont pack that since it is liquid and nearly empty and they have 20 bottles of liquid that they have set aside that they wont pack. NOPE- I caught him rolling it in packing paper getting ready to put it in the box- SERIOUSLY?? LOL I informed him he could leave it out because I will definitely be finishing that.<br />
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-- My husband emailed the MPF 3 weeks ago wondering what other out-processing he needed to do. <b><u>Yesterday</u></b>, they sent him a LONG sheet that he needs to complete. LOL It is mostly online now but since the time is short and close it was recommended he walk to all the destinations-- sure thing. :-)<br />
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I am sure all the funnies will continue. Take each moment as it is and don't worry or stress about too much. If I did I would need MORE wine bottles. LOL<br />
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The adventure continues...............~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-6933634037726407382010-12-21T15:45:00.000-05:002010-12-21T15:45:36.893-05:00It's a lot of work to move overseas!!Wow- life has been a whirlwind!! Once we got our orders to Germany it has been simply chaotic. So much to do and check and follow up on.<br />
<br />
We finally received our official orders. You really can't do all the super important stuff without those. Now we can finally schedule our household goods to be picked up and ship our vehicle. Plus add in the Holidays at the same time make for some serious chaos.<br />
<br />
We took a trip home to see family and left our 2 dogs with them. :-( It will be a much easier move without them plus we can travel freely while overseas but I sure do miss them. I fell like I lost 2 of my kids. I am SOOOO thankful that our family was able to take them in. It is such a huge relief to know that good, caring people are giving them the love they need. It has made for a much easier transition then I expected for our daughter and me.<br />
<br />
We still haven't sold our house but it IS the Holiday season. Not too many people looking to buy a house during Christmas. Luckily we have 2 prospect even though they want to wait until January.<br />
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I know that God has a plan and it all will work out.<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Remember to say a prayer for all our troops and there families left behind.~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-12916000972423657882010-11-02T10:40:00.001-04:002010-11-02T10:40:33.078-04:00Next episodeWell, we are on to the next episode....... selling our house-- for real this time. LOL<br />
<br />
We met with 2 realtors and are getting new carpet put in so that buyers will not have a reason to say no to our house. :-) Luckily our house is only 5 years old with the biggest yard in the neighborhood. We are banking on the yard to seal the deal.<br />
<br />
Our goal is to sell it in 60 days and then possibly leave early if the commander approves it. Once the house sells we really don't have any reason to stick around.<br />
<br />
We found homes for both dogs. My mother in law is taking our yorkie. I knew it would be easy to find her a home- who doesn't want a 3 pound cutie patootie yorkie??? Every time I would ask someone if they could take our big dog Copper they would ask about our yorkie. LOL We did find Copper a home- pending that he gets along with the other dog in the house. My brother in law will be taking him. I will be so sad when we drop them off but fortunately we found family that could take them. Copper was such a pain to start with but now is a FABULOUS dog. He has his moments but we ALL do!<br />
<br />
It's so weird knowing that we are actually leaving. I waited so long to get orders and it seems too good to be true. I am weird and I always think-- <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Life can't be THIS good. When is the bad stuff going to start"</b></span>.<br />
<br />
I will continue to enjoy the high of the good life and be SO THANKFUL for all our blessings for they are many. GOD is good.<br />
<br />
Have a wonderful and Blessed day!! :-)~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-27810159473541826172010-10-27T20:42:00.000-04:002010-10-27T20:42:30.099-04:00WOW- What a Whirlwind!! ORDERSGoodness- time is going by fast. It is so different with him home now. Still readjusting and getting used to things. He is used to just taking care of himself and I am used to making all the decisions. Sometimes is tough and we seem to be disagree a little more but it is getting better.<br />
<br />
And we FINALLY got our much anticipated orders.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">WERE HEADED TO RAMSTEIN!!! </span><br />
<br />
I am so beyond excited. It is weird that we finally have orders. I have been of course looking up tons of stuff and it can get overwhelming but it is worth it. The hardest thing right now is going to be selling our house. We will NEVER buy a house again while we are in the military.<br />
<br />
The market is so rough right now and we only have a short time to make it happen. It should go on the market next week and hopefully sell soon. Such a stress just thinking about it. YIKES<br />
<br />
Anyways- back to Germany. WHO has been there recently????<br />
<br />
Dish the goods folks!<br />
<br />
I need some good info. Base housing, schools, cell phone service.......... You know- the usual stuff. :-)<br />
<br />
I kind of want to live off base but we can't decide. SO if you have been there do you prefer on or off base????? You are going to be my poll. LOL<br />
<br />
Have a fabulous week! :-)~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-2426734567212726892010-09-17T14:22:00.001-04:002010-09-17T14:23:02.465-04:00HE'S HOME!!!Hubby is officially home from Iraq!!! I cannot believe he is actually home. He returned a couple of days ago and I think the weirdness of having him home if finally wearing off. Just having him drive home from the airport was weird. I am so used to being the sole driver-- amongst other things. It's weird having a second parent and decision maker. It's weird having a problem with the car and he deals with it. It's weird going over the bills together. It's weird having a body sleeping next to me. It's weird not being by myself during the day while the kids are at school. It's weird, just plain weird!!<br />
<br />
And OH SO LOVELY AND THE MOST WONDERFUL THING EVER!<br />
<br />
Even though there is so much weirdness I know that will all go away and we will be back to our routines. I am sure he had information overload the first day with the kids talking a mile a minute and checking out all the changes around him. Plus just seeing so much color as opposed to all the grey, blah, dirty, dusty place he was in.<br />
<br />
He has 2 weeks off of work and he is enjoying every minute so far. We have plans to go out of town the next 2 weekends to just do fun family stuff.<br />
<br />
I was so nervous about so many things and so far everything is fine. I think it really helped that we both took a reunion and reintegration class. The kids are thrilled he's home- especially our daughter who is daddy's girl.<br />
<br />
I have to catch myself correcting the kids when I now have another parent to help. I find myself not allowing him time to discipline and I really need to stop that. There is a ,ot more other things that I have to think about and consider in dealing with things. Me being the sole decision maker is now done and yet I was used to it by this time. It's hard to not want to just keep doing what your doing and allow them to help only when you are desperate. You feel like you have accomplished so much by surviving and dealing with everything and then its over. It's a weird feeling-like OK-I have done everything myself but now I need to stop myself from doing everything. lol<br />
<br />
It was great last night to see him and our son wrestling like old times. It is so wonderful that he can give our daughter kisses goodnight and she goes to sleep with no more tears. She feels safe and secure again. Our dog was happy he was home until he noticed he was spending a little more time outside. I had spoiled him and let him stay in with me most every day. He provided a sense of security for me and he is a GREAT listener. :-) Hubby thinks he needs to spend more time outside since he is an outside dog. Well- he is inside today. I am not going to kick him to the curb just because hubby is home. After all- he still is a GREAT listener.<br />
<br />
One of my friends told me to now be a stranger now that my husband is home. I know what she means. Sometimes when our spouse is deployed we find a surrogate parent in a friend who we can rely on and call anytime. Then we can forget about them when our spouse returns. I had this happen to me and i was very hurtful. I know that the person did not mean for me to be hurt and still wanted a relationship but it all changed. She would call everyday and we would go shopping and so forth. We had built a bond from the deployment. Then her hubby came home and I rarely heard from her. It's not her fault and I am not mad because of this BUT it still was hurtful.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for God and all the many blessings he has provided our family. So thankful this deployment is over and we can move on.<br />
<br />
NOW WHERE ARE OUR PCS ORDERS!!!!! I'm ready to move :-) On to the next thing..........<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxK8mWvcI/AAAAAAAABZI/GtqS4Fq4zCE/s1600/Chris+comes+home+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxK8mWvcI/AAAAAAAABZI/GtqS4Fq4zCE/s320/Chris+comes+home+006.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We decorated the front yard</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxaOYuE4I/AAAAAAAABZg/eoH8tbo66jo/s1600/Chris+comes+home+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxaOYuE4I/AAAAAAAABZg/eoH8tbo66jo/s320/Chris+comes+home+001.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our free banner we got from Buildasign.com/troops</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxSe3rKRI/AAAAAAAABZQ/iuSDuOstyY4/s1600/Chris+comes+home+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxSe3rKRI/AAAAAAAABZQ/iuSDuOstyY4/s320/Chris+comes+home+014.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We can see him coming!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxYkGpSGI/AAAAAAAABZY/BhMAOqRpCD4/s1600/Chris+comes+home+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TJOxYkGpSGI/AAAAAAAABZY/BhMAOqRpCD4/s320/Chris+comes+home+017.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A long awaited hug!!! </div>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-43902963827940681962010-09-06T16:16:00.000-04:002010-09-06T16:16:23.255-04:00He's coming home- mixed emotions!!I can't believe it but hubby will be coming home in the next few weeks. It seems so surreal. Like it is not true. I think about how long he has been gone and wow it's time for him to come home.<br />
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I am of course BEYOND excited! Finally another parent to help out. He can fix all those things on the house that have been neglected. Someone to watch TV with at night. Just to be able to get a hug is going to be phenomenal. <br />
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Then I am worried because I didn't accomplish everything that I thought I would while he was gone. Plus- the kids and I have really become closer and I am slowly figuring out my teen son. My son and husband are so alike it is amazing. I am worried about them fighting and butting heads since they are both so stubborn.<br />
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I have been taking care of everything and now I am not going to be the sole decision maker. Time to share the responsibilities. <br />
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I also know that all my worries need to not be worries. LOL Silly emotions.~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-18983170024066963422010-09-01T21:37:00.000-04:002010-09-01T21:37:12.044-04:00Back on trackOk- so my smiley face is back. I feel much better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TH78MZZj4TI/AAAAAAAABY4/LWFO5D8B1BM/s1600/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TH78MZZj4TI/AAAAAAAABY4/LWFO5D8B1BM/s200/sunshine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for ALL your comments. It really, truly helps. I feel so much better when I can read that other people are going through the same things and all your words of encouragement.<br />
<br />
I am still keeping really busy to help the time fly. Actually- I think I just keep busy because I like it. :-) All has been going good these last few days. My daughter has started volleyball and school is going good for both of them so far. I really enjoy my free time during school hours. It is so peaceful!! Just me and my doggies.<br />
<br />
It's funny because this weekend is a holiday weekend but it is just another weekend for us. The kids get out an extra day on Monday but hubby isn't here to get it off. We don't have any plans so really it is just another weekend with an extra sleep in day- woohoo. I think I will have a "Lost" marathon with a nice glass of wine.<br />
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Here is a picture of me and my wonderful kiddo's at a local garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TH78qHebgQI/AAAAAAAABZA/m1pweRMyV00/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kKeEWZWCwZ0/TH78qHebgQI/AAAAAAAABZA/m1pweRMyV00/s320/108.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Hope you all have a great rest of the week and enjoy your weekend.~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-48382338974464124372010-08-27T22:34:00.001-04:002010-08-27T22:54:39.480-04:00Bizarre-Strange-ConfusedThose are just some of the word describing me right now.<br />
<br />
Wow- not sure what I am going through. I need to look up emotional stages of a deployment. I am feeling so weird. I am tired all the time now. I don't really want to do anything. yesterday I sat on my couch and stared aimlessly for over an hour. <b>BIZARRE</b>! I never take naps- NEVER- I took 2- yes 2 this week. <b>BIZARRE</b> I forced myself this morning to go meet some other spouses for coffee. I typically love going and look forward to it each week. not today!<b> BIZARRE</b><br />
<br />
I'm feeling so many emotions at once right now. I am so mad at my van- I just got it fixed yesterday and spent $370 on it. Today- it dies on me. The exact reason why I got it fixed yesterday.UGH So far this deployment- my heater broke, garage door opener broke, van broke-twice-, fence broke, mower broke, sump pump broke and flooded some of the basement, master bath toilet leaked into downstairs room and my kitchen sink leaked. I'm sure there is more. All while I am taking care of 2 dogs, 2 vehicles, a house and bills. Not to mention my 2 kids- my daughter who absolutely adores her dad and is going through some self esteem issues. Plus-my son, which is a 13 year old teenager-UGH!!<br />
<br />
<i>I feel so tired, worn down, sad, angry.......</i><br />
<br />
I literally would love to just sit at my kitchen table- put my head on it and just let my arms hang down for hours and hours. Not moving or thinking. Just sit there. I don't even want to sleep- even though I am SO tired, I don't want to sleep. <br />
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Call me a whiner, complainer- whatever. Don't really care. I know that we signed up for this and I am not saying that I don't want to be a military spouse or that I can't handle it. I'm just saying...........<br />
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I don't know what I'm saying really. LOL Maybe I'm just going through a moment. I hope it ends soon. I have so much I need to be taking care of and yet I can't seem to accomplish anything.<br />
<br />
I know there are worse situations. I am aware that I truly don't have it that bad. I am thankful that we are all healthy and blessed with a roof over our head. I am thankful for the love of my family and all they my husband provides for us. I am thankful that we are ending this deployment soon. I am thankful that his job does not regularly put him in harms way. I AM thankful.<br />
<br />
But still---- I feel..........................BLAH (blank face staring at computer screen)<br />
<br />
I'm sure none of this has anything to do with the fact that my husband has been gone since Jan 30th and I miss him more than I could ever explain.~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-17800720790615688672010-08-25T12:28:00.000-04:002010-08-25T12:28:35.739-04:00What was I going to write??So- I am having a brain fart! As I lay in bed last night I was thinking about writing and had a great title and everything. My brain was flowing and was excited to write today.<br />
<br />
Apparently while I slept the anti blog fairy came and stole my thoughts.<br />
<br />
I've got nothing!! Yep- NOTHING. :-(<br />
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It will bug me all day. I have learned my lesson to at least get up and write myself a note or just get the computer and write.<br />
<br />
Here's to hoping your mind is processing better than mine. :-)~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-37629841901385361192010-08-23T14:13:00.001-04:002010-08-23T14:13:07.309-04:00Did time slow down??Good golly it feels like time just slowed way down. It is probably due to the fact that we are on our last few weeks before this deployment is over. Everything has just been speeding along and now that it is so close it feels like it is farther away than before.<br />
<br />
It doesn't help that I am real excited to get our orders in Oct and know that we will be starting a new adventure. So much is going to be happening starting in September for us. I guess i should brace for the storm to come- homecoming, orders, selling house, promotion.................<br />
<br />
I will enjoy the slow time because I am thankful that it felt like time was going somewhat fast since he has been gone. I almost thought that maybe I wasn't busy enough- and then I looked at my calendar and KNEW that wasn't it.<br />
<br />
Hope all of you who are going through a deployment that the time continues to go quickly.~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-17983248419136695552010-08-19T07:02:00.000-04:002010-08-19T07:02:00.802-04:00We put our base choices in!So after reading everyone's thought and getting many opinions from friends- we finished our list.<br />
<br />
Our choices are:<br />
<br />
Livorno, Italy- Army Base<br />
Aviano, Italy<br />
Ramstein, Germany<br />
Hickam, Hawaii- this was not on his original list b/c he is not sure if he qualifies for the job. So this is our hail mary of sorts.<br />
<br />
Eglin, FL<br />
<br />
We don't find out until October. Now is the dreaded wait time. I am not looking anything up or getting my hopes up. It is so hard when you spend time researching a base in hopes of getting it then you don't. I REALLY want us to go overseas. It is just such a great time for us to be able to go and our kids to remember and enjoy it.<br />
<br />
Off to pray to the PCS gods for the next couple months!! :-)~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-76203580851230188372010-08-17T19:21:00.000-04:002010-08-17T19:21:43.635-04:00UGH- Homeownership AND hubby deployedMan oh man. You know Murphy's Law. Of course we have our own Military Murphy's Law that we all are aware of. You know- everything breaks when your husband leaves. Well, that is currently what is going on in my world.<br />
<br />
I had that leak a few months back and turned all the water off in my bathroom. Well, I had the plumber come yesterday and everything was fixed. Turned out to be my toilet seal- $100 and all fixed. I was THRILLED!!! So worried that it was going to be some major leak or something and dreading to find out reality.<br />
<br />
Well- I was excited too soon. This morning my sump pump went out. After all night and morning of rain it decided it was done working for me. ( a sump pump is in the basement of some houses and removes the water from the foundation) Anyway- I went to go start laundry and saw some water. Hmmm I had the plumber here yesterday and I thought he fixed everything. great- he must have missed something--- right!<br />
<br />
<b>NOPE</b><br />
<br />
<u><i><b>Whole new problem</b>.</i></u> My sump pump stopped sending the water out but it is still coming in and now all my lower drains are stopped and overflowing. <span style="color: red;">Just fabulous!!</span> I start trying to self fix the issue. Power is on, breaker is good and the pump is just making a weird clicking sound. Oh wait- no time to try and fix the issue the water is coming and now overflowing in the bathroom next door.<br />
<br />
I call the plumber and he is at another job but will get here as soon as possible. Oh No!! please be soon!!<br />
<br />
<br />
I start bailing water. One pitcher at a time, up and down the stairs. I have to pour it outside since my drains are full. After 12 dumps the water looks the same. :-(<br />
<br />
Plumber calls and is on his way- it had only been 20 minutes. THANK GOODNESS<br />
<br />
He was wonderful- Started working fast right away and fixed the problem quickly. He could tell I was a little frazzled and was so nice. So I now have a new sump pump, lots of towels to wash and a new bill on the way.<br />
<br />
Honey- are you coming home yet????????~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001921828737718078.post-46031588152830233502010-08-16T22:39:00.000-04:002010-08-16T22:39:18.591-04:00Recipe Swap!!!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">HOW FUN!! </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://acusandabcs.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx142/MrsGambizzle/Buttons/acu.png" /></a></center><br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is having a Recipe Swap. I LOVE recipes so here is one or two that I would like to share-- ENJOY!!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<b>Easy Crab Cakes</b><br />
<br />
1 cup boiling water<br />
1 pkg stove top stuffing<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 cans crab meat<br />
1/4 cup butter<br />
1 lemon<br />
<br />
Add boiling water to stuffing mix in large bowl. Stir until moist. Let stand 5 minutes. Mix eggs and crab meat in separate bowl. Add crab meat mixture to stuffing. Melt butter in pan and shape crab meat into patties. Cook on med heat until lightly browned.<br />
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<b>Marinated Cheese</b>- SO SO yummy!! Serve this cheese over crackers to WOW your guests.<br />
<br />
Block Cheddar Cheese<br />
Block Cream Cheese- extremely cold. Set in freezer for a few minutes before cutting<br />
-MARINADE-<br />
1/2 cup olive oil<br />
1/2 cup white or red wine vinegar<br />
1 bottle diced pimento's (drained)<br />
3tbs parsley<br />
Garlic Cloves chopped or minced<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
3/4 tsp basil<br />
<br />
Mix together all marinade ingredients in a pourable container. MIX WELL and place in fridge.<br />
<br />
Cut both cheeses in same size small rectangles. Place cheese in container alternating between the 2 slice into rows. cream cheese/cheddar/cream cheese/cheddar......... <br />
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Pour marinade over cheese and let sit in fridge for 2 hours. Serve with crackers. :-)</div>~Cheryl~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851270305433489559noreply@blogger.com4