Shoveling

I took a lovely walk through the snow yesterday and learned that when you walk on an unshoveled sidewalk for a few miles it takes double the time to get to your destination. I definitely got my workout. I needed to get out of the house and needed to run a few errands, so I headed down to the shops near the mall. I hadn't investigated any of them before. I found a couple good bakeries, another grocery store, a german $ type store, a pet store and several other descent stores. My little trip ate most of my day away. I visited with the neighbor a bit and made dinner.
Last night a workman, who was doing his job, decided to shovel and break ice, next to our apartment at 1130pm-130ish am. I went out at about midnight and asked him how long he would be at it. He informed in German that he was told to do it. Someone reported that it was dangerous in front of our apartments, and it needed to be cleared asap. Which meant at midnight. Personally, I feel that the sidewalks in front of our apartments were clear enough (had been shoveled by people who live here) and they should put their focus on all of the main sidewalks throughout base that haven't even seen a shovel. But what do I know! I went to inquire today about whether or not this is normal and was told that it must have been consiered an "emergency". Geez! Luckily I didn't have to get up at 530 like Andrew, but he did have to get up :(.
I went to the dentist today for my free cleaning and it turned out to be only a screening, next week I will go back for my cleaning. They gave me a free toothbrush, and not a dumb generic little thing, its a oral b batter powered one, fancy fancy. I also determined that I need to get dental insurance just in case I do have something go wrong, it's only $11 a month. They have a orthodontist on base, but they are selective on who gets that service. You have to really really need braces or come to Germany with them. I need them to fix my cracked retainer, and the guy said he may be able to help me out. The hygenist told me to sweet talk them to get what I want, she said whether or not he helps me depends on how the doc is feeling that day.
After my appt. I bought ingredients for chicken noodle soup, a shovel to clear out our parking space, and paid our cable/internet bill. Found out we may finally have a phone on Feb. 2, the company isn't very good at corresponding with the office on base to confirm dates etc. The lady said to come back next week and it may be done earlier. Luckily, I have all the time in the world to stop by there all the time to inquire. Their office is moving on the 4th to the other base....too many things are moving away. I will now have to ride the bus to the other base instead of walking down the road.
We are going to a movie tonight, Freedom Writer's. Not sure about the rest of the weekend, possibly drive to the Wal-Mart thats 35 minutes away, or go look at furniture. I just want to do something other than be inside our apartment, but the snow kind of limits that.

Snow snow go away...

snow snow snow snow....it has finally hit us :(
Andrew thought his day was to be only delayed, but ended up getting the day off after driving all the way to work. I didn't realize that we even had snow until I was ready to leave the house at 945am. I heard kids playing outside and knew I wouldn't be walking to town to run errands with friends. It just keeps coming down, they said 6-8 inches, I think we have about 6 already. I did a little shoveling of the walk out front to help out. We still need to purchase a shovel, although I have a feeling they will be sold out pretty quickly. I had a little hot chocolate with the neighbors, while Andrew went to work out. Just baked some Betty Crocker double chocolate cookies to take back to the neighbors. Not sure what's in store for the rest of the day. Hopefully, the snow will stop for me to make it to town tomorrow.

Slow times

Time flies when you're doing nothing....Andrew returned Friday after 4 days away for training. He enjoyed the German food while away. I spent most of the week compiling a different version of my resume. Every job I apply for seems to require different forms, formats, etc. I applied to be a substitute teacher and to be a teacher assistant. I just want a job to occupy my time.
We didn't do much over the weekend. Went out to eat with friends on base Saturday night and to the movie Stranger Than Fiction Sunday night. Today I ran errands on base and off base. We ditched Vonage and are in the process of hooking up a house phone. It will only be 2.9cents a minute to the USA. I walked to the mall near base with my friend Mandi. Purchased a house phone and alarm clocks (most things are available on base cheaper but sometimes its the opposite). Alarm clocks from the USA don't keep time correctly here, it deals with the power difference. Same goes for portable telephones from the USA, they won't charge here. Also picked up a large basket/bag thing for shopping off base. Grocery stores etc don't bag your things, you have to bring your own. Needless to say you don't see Germans buying a lot at one time. Also, a German fridge is like half the size of an American one. Mandi picked up some fresh bread, bakeries all over, and we got some soft serve yummy icecream. I earned it by walking there and back. The power of having one vehicle, it makes me walk everywhere.
I attempted to go to the grocery store on base to get a couple items, but my luck it's closed on Mondays. So we are relying on wonderful frozen pizza for dinner. Not much else happening. Andrew's preparing for his next training, he will be gone 3.5 weeks in February. Hopefully, I will be employed by then. Cross my fingers and toes.