We were awoken at 330am by the school calling to tell me that we were having a 2hour delay due to the snow that had fallen. It's been snowing off and on for 3 days now, but had not stuck around until today. They are overly cautious about the weather here because people live all over, not just in one town, and no one wants to be responsible if someone got into an accident. So school started at 10am today. I have had an overly easy day due to many kids being gone and many classes not doing school work to keep all the classes on the same track. It was nice getting a little extra sleep, but I hope it doesn't ruin the weekend. Andrew got to sleep in as well. Our neighbor gave him a ride today.
We hope to go out to eat with friends tonight and go back to the mall I went to last weekend tomorrow. Our clocks change tomorrow night, and Sunday I head to the Easter Market. I will be sure to take pics to share with you all. I hope it's nice out for the trip.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Busy
Sorry it's been so long since, we (I) have written, but with the new job and all I haven't had the time or energy to get on here and write. I have been going to bed early. The new job is going quite well, I enjoy the ladies I work with, but the kids are turds. I have to catch the bus at 630am, with my friend Veronica, who is an aide in the kindergarten room, and catch it after work too. Only downfall is our work hrs. are 8-230, we get to school at 715 and the bus doesnt leave until 3, so we do a lot of waiting or working for no money. The bus we ride home on sucks because many kids from the middle school ride it to our base instead of riding on their assigned school buses. They do many naughty things and I am the one who enforces not breaking the rules. My goal is to be the lady they all hate ;). I think subconsciencely I am getting back at all the kids who annoyed me in school by doing stupid things. Veronica hopes to switch to the elementary on our base because the teacher she works with is a nut, if I didnt like the ladies I work with, I would do the same. The kids I work with are basically LD with a few behavior issues. My job is very easy, I go to class with certain students, keep them on task and take notes. I get to eat lunch with adults and get a long lunch.
Our couch finally arrived Thursday and it is HUGE. We had to rearrange to get it to fit. The delivery guys had quite the struggle getting it into our apartment. Now we need to figure out tables and rugs.
Friday we went to a spring bazaar on base. We bought truffles, cheese, meat, and some mini donuts. They had vendors from all over Europe selling their wares, but nothing struck me.
Saturday Veronica and I went to a mall we hadn't been to. It is now my favorite place to shop. I bought some new clothes for work and hope to go back to get a few more things.
Sunday we were lazy all day and Andrew went to the movie 300. He thought it was pretty good.
This coming weekend, Veronica, her daughter, and I are going to a Easter Market and Easter Egg musuem, in Germany. The following weekend, the three of us are going to Italy. Andrew decided not to come on these two trips. He plans to go with me in April to France. His trip to the USA has been postponed for a bit. He has more to do here before they send him to the US. He just finished a four day weekend, and is gradually getting used to his new group.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
HIRED
The week has flown by, I spent three days babysitting (620-345) and had interviews the other two days. The first interview was for a position in an after school program on our base, running their computer lab. The second job was at the middle school on another base, integrating a couple of special needs individuals into the regular ed classes. I was the only person interviewed at each of the jobs. It sounds like both have been open for quite sometime. I took the school position because it pays better, I get summers off, and it is a better fit. I start Monday at 740am, but "get to" catch the bus at 630am. This will take some getting used to. I have adjusted my sleep schedule to nonemployment. As of Tuesday, I would have been unemployed for 6 months exactly, perfect timing to get a job. I will miss the freedom of being jobless, but look forward to having something to do M-F, especially while Andrew is gone.
Last nite we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant. We tried to go to a Mexican restaurant a bit further from home, but unfortunately they weren't open, even though their sign said they were. I really wanted to try a new place, but I suppose I have a few years to get to go.
This morning, I drove downtown with my friend, Veronica, to an outdoor market. I purchased some fresh carrots, strawberries, and potatoes. After, we headed to the gym to watch our husbands participate in a dodgeball competition. Andrew's team got first place!!! Now he is recuperating from abusing his body. We plan to go out with friends tonite for dinner, but the weather is getting very rainy and windy. So I may decide I need to stay in.
Last nite we went out to eat at a Chinese restaurant. We tried to go to a Mexican restaurant a bit further from home, but unfortunately they weren't open, even though their sign said they were. I really wanted to try a new place, but I suppose I have a few years to get to go.
This morning, I drove downtown with my friend, Veronica, to an outdoor market. I purchased some fresh carrots, strawberries, and potatoes. After, we headed to the gym to watch our husbands participate in a dodgeball competition. Andrew's team got first place!!! Now he is recuperating from abusing his body. We plan to go out with friends tonite for dinner, but the weather is getting very rainy and windy. So I may decide I need to stay in.
Monday, February 19, 2007
President's Weekend
Andrew arrived home over a week early, Thursday afternoon instead of next weekend. He now knows how to ski, 8 days of skiing will make a person pretty good. At least, when you're in shape and athletic to start with. He starts with his new company on Tuesday and has more training coming up.
I had hoped to go out of town this weekend, but we ended up staying close to home. Andrew's good friend from highschool was only 2hrs from our home, but we were unable to reach him to meet up. We also decided to not go to another fasching parade. I thought I'd better save something for the next few years. The big trip of the weekend was to Re-al, it's like Super Wal-Mart. We purchased some cheese and meat to try. Also this weekend, we each went to a movie, Norbit for me, and Rocky Balboa for Andrew, and rented 4 movies. Although, the weather is turning quite nice, and we need to get out to enjoy it. Hopefully, the skies will stay clear.
I got an email from the school system where I applied for a job. I am 100% qualified for 4 positions, now I just have to wait until one opens. Although, I have no idea how many people are ahead or behind me.
I had hoped to go out of town this weekend, but we ended up staying close to home. Andrew's good friend from highschool was only 2hrs from our home, but we were unable to reach him to meet up. We also decided to not go to another fasching parade. I thought I'd better save something for the next few years. The big trip of the weekend was to Re-al, it's like Super Wal-Mart. We purchased some cheese and meat to try. Also this weekend, we each went to a movie, Norbit for me, and Rocky Balboa for Andrew, and rented 4 movies. Although, the weather is turning quite nice, and we need to get out to enjoy it. Hopefully, the skies will stay clear.
I got an email from the school system where I applied for a job. I am 100% qualified for 4 positions, now I just have to wait until one opens. Although, I have no idea how many people are ahead or behind me.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Poltringen-Fasching Parade
What a unique day, I have had....
Rain rain go away. It poured as I awaited the arrival of the tour bus. Fortunately, it ended by the time we arrived at the parade and stayed away until we started our walk back to the bus after the parade. God had his eye on us all today.
First off, let me explain what fasching is. Fasching (German word for Carnival) is the high point of what the Germans call the "fifth season" of the year. It is a pre-Lenten celebration, intended as one last fling before the fasting and austerity of lent and others see is as a way to scare away the evil spirits of winter. Today we went to Poltringen for its parade. It was an Allemanische Fastnachts parade, which included bands and groups in costume with hand-made masks that are often passed down from generation to generation.
Rain rain go away. It poured as I awaited the arrival of the tour bus. Fortunately, it ended by the time we arrived at the parade and stayed away until we started our walk back to the bus after the parade. God had his eye on us all today.
First off, let me explain what fasching is. Fasching (German word for Carnival) is the high point of what the Germans call the "fifth season" of the year. It is a pre-Lenten celebration, intended as one last fling before the fasting and austerity of lent and others see is as a way to scare away the evil spirits of winter. Today we went to Poltringen for its parade. It was an Allemanische Fastnachts parade, which included bands and groups in costume with hand-made masks that are often passed down from generation to generation.
The people in costume were very kind to the children, they would stop and place candy in each child's hand. They also liked to play tricks on the adults. They put confetti down women's shirts, which happened to me, they put straw in their hair, they pick them up and potato sack carry them down the street, they put smears of colored paint on their faces, two guys grab a girl(one lays down, they lay the girl on top, then the other lays on top of her, next they log roll with her between them),and they also send girls through a netting machine, similiar to the netting on a Christmas tree. This is when you see the differences in personal space between here and the US. Many other masked people posed for pictures and walked the street with their small children, all in costume.
I really had a good time, ate a great wurst sandwich, bought a few beers for Andrew, and purchased a mini version of a mask made out of plaster of paris.
AND made a new friend, who has asked me to babysit her daughter a few times a week. The mother just started a job at an elementary school, as an assistant teacher, she applied in Sept., and wasn't offered a job until January....so I need to be patient....
Tomorrow, I have a massage scheduled which is much needed after tonite's workout....too long on the elliptical machine...
I really had a good time, ate a great wurst sandwich, bought a few beers for Andrew, and purchased a mini version of a mask made out of plaster of paris.
AND made a new friend, who has asked me to babysit her daughter a few times a week. The mother just started a job at an elementary school, as an assistant teacher, she applied in Sept., and wasn't offered a job until January....so I need to be patient....
Tomorrow, I have a massage scheduled which is much needed after tonite's workout....too long on the elliptical machine...
Friday, February 9, 2007
Sunny day
Well, today's weather livened my spirits, that is after I laid around most of the day. The sun is shining and people on the track are running in shorts and long sleeve tshirts. I am not included in that, but it is a descent temperature. One in which included the long lost sun.
I had to wait around the house for our loaner furniture to be picked up, after which, I went to the gym to regain some energy. Now, I have to wait for the store to call to say our new couch has arrived and wait on its delivery. I have determined that it may be a good thing I don't have a job because, who would be home to wait for deliveries?
Andrew is having a good time on his winter training. We talk nightly for a few minutes, which makes this time away easier, as well as, abnormal for regular time away. No cell phones in those cases. He has learned to ski, which I have seen as a vacation of sorts, fun times etc...but I failed to remember he is in the Army, so skiing means all green attire, and a huge green pack on his back while he is skiing. I know how tough skiing can be in the beginning, imagine a lot of added weight and non ski type clothing. Yuck! He has about 2 more weeks away. He is near Austria, still in Germany.
I am planning to take another day bus trip on Sunday. We are going to a fasching parade, a pre-lent carnival or sorts. People are dressed in costume, with handmade wooden masks that have been passed down from generation to generation. It will be interesting to experience. Hopefully, I will find some great food to eat while I am there. I will be sure to put a couple pics on here when I get back.
I had to wait around the house for our loaner furniture to be picked up, after which, I went to the gym to regain some energy. Now, I have to wait for the store to call to say our new couch has arrived and wait on its delivery. I have determined that it may be a good thing I don't have a job because, who would be home to wait for deliveries?
Andrew is having a good time on his winter training. We talk nightly for a few minutes, which makes this time away easier, as well as, abnormal for regular time away. No cell phones in those cases. He has learned to ski, which I have seen as a vacation of sorts, fun times etc...but I failed to remember he is in the Army, so skiing means all green attire, and a huge green pack on his back while he is skiing. I know how tough skiing can be in the beginning, imagine a lot of added weight and non ski type clothing. Yuck! He has about 2 more weeks away. He is near Austria, still in Germany.
I am planning to take another day bus trip on Sunday. We are going to a fasching parade, a pre-lent carnival or sorts. People are dressed in costume, with handmade wooden masks that have been passed down from generation to generation. It will be interesting to experience. Hopefully, I will find some great food to eat while I am there. I will be sure to put a couple pics on here when I get back.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Chilly...
Well, n0t much is happening here. Although, I did take a German cooking class on Saturday. We learned how to make berliners (jelly donuts), german potato salad, and schnitzel. They all tasted pretty good, but I don't forsee ever making them again. The teacher didn't really teach us, she basically made the recipes and we helped a little. She gave us a list of ingredients for each, but didn't include instructions. Andrew informed me that I need to be able to make the donuts again :)...We will see...
Sunday, I took Andrew to the other base for his trip. I think it entails, 2 weeks of skiing, and a week of some other cold weather stuff. I'm sure his athletic self will take to the slopes well and he will come back an avid skier. I do know from experience that the skiing is going to leave him a tad bit sore.... he will be back towards the end of the month...
In the meantime, I am not doing much, as usual....working out, etc. I went to the movie Catch and Release yesterday, it was a cute love story. This morning, I went to the dentist to get a mold taken of my teeth and picked up the retainer they made this afternoon. It's great to have speedy service and to walk in and out without paying a cent. People outside the military and also in the military don't realize how great the benefits are. We don't pay rent, heat, electricity, house repairs, medical, basic dental, get loaner furniture, no tax on base, free bus rides between bases, etc....This is why people who get out of the military reenlist. They don't factor in the cost of bills they do not pay in the military.
A couple of friends of mine and I are going to the grand opening of the new PX/BX, on the other base, on Wednesday...they took all the small stores from our base and put them all under one roof with more stores and several new fast food places, more american food choices. Taco Bell, Burger King, and Anthony's pizza have gotten old on our base. This means if I want to do any American shopping, besides groceries, I will have to take the bus or take the car when Andrew's not using it. The new stores will be on the base that he works. Also, I have to get our loaner furniture picked up and set up delivery for our new couch. I'm very ready for its arrival :).
Sunday, I took Andrew to the other base for his trip. I think it entails, 2 weeks of skiing, and a week of some other cold weather stuff. I'm sure his athletic self will take to the slopes well and he will come back an avid skier. I do know from experience that the skiing is going to leave him a tad bit sore.... he will be back towards the end of the month...
In the meantime, I am not doing much, as usual....working out, etc. I went to the movie Catch and Release yesterday, it was a cute love story. This morning, I went to the dentist to get a mold taken of my teeth and picked up the retainer they made this afternoon. It's great to have speedy service and to walk in and out without paying a cent. People outside the military and also in the military don't realize how great the benefits are. We don't pay rent, heat, electricity, house repairs, medical, basic dental, get loaner furniture, no tax on base, free bus rides between bases, etc....This is why people who get out of the military reenlist. They don't factor in the cost of bills they do not pay in the military.
A couple of friends of mine and I are going to the grand opening of the new PX/BX, on the other base, on Wednesday...they took all the small stores from our base and put them all under one roof with more stores and several new fast food places, more american food choices. Taco Bell, Burger King, and Anthony's pizza have gotten old on our base. This means if I want to do any American shopping, besides groceries, I will have to take the bus or take the car when Andrew's not using it. The new stores will be on the base that he works. Also, I have to get our loaner furniture picked up and set up delivery for our new couch. I'm very ready for its arrival :).
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