Germany: Week 2 Post Jet Lag

Two weeks in and we've conquered jet lag, house hunting, eating out in public PROPERLY (yes, there's a right and wrong way to eat a pizza here), driving the autobahn, getting a ticket off the autobahn [cue eye roll], and found an asian store to bridge the food gap for our filipino necessities. It's been so overwhelmingly busy and wonderful in the last 14 plus days. There's two parts of this experience that needs to be factored in here: The, "I left America and yes, I know this is a different country" and the military side; the side that actually is my constant currently. I truly thought that being a Navy brat would have prepared me for this transition, but being the parent and the wife of the service member makes me realize that our military mommies really took the wrap for all of us. From the in-processing chaos to the "keeping the peace at home" when in reality we haven't had a home of our own for the last 98 days. I've grown accustomed to washing laundry the same way we eat; everyday. I've done some shameful things as a minimalist such as, take more than enough salt and pepper packets from the food court just so I don't have to buy another shaker of salt and pepper, I've hid my complimentary coffee packets (with to-go mugs and lids) so that our housekeeper would give us more while we're still living "free" here in TLF, and last but not least, I realize I have acquired a very large haul of *sigh*.... hotel toiletries from all our stays at hotels and Inns since I've moved out. I'm not proud of it, but I justify this questionable action with, "it's for my guests I plan to over the next three years." So, for all you tentative visitors, know that you will have quality guestroom toiletries from across the country, literally. On the real, it's been so much fun here in Germany. Last weekend, our new friends invited us to our first German festival called, "The Festival of Pigs" or better known to the natives here as, Saubrennerkirmes in a town called Wittlich. The story behind it all is just so funny, you just have to read about it yourself. Anyways, I realize there's a few things Germany does right: 1. Recycling 2. Respect 3. Rest Yes, recycling. Duuuuuuude. It's crazy intense here, like, you'll get fined for having trash separated improperly crazy here. I'm not gonna go into it here, but if you are interested for whatever reasons, leave a comment and i'll put something together in detail. Respect. We need more of this back home. Everyone here respects everyone, from their neighbor to their cats (don't run them over [cats] you'll get fined for leaving a mess). As an American, we're so self-involved that I don't think we notice it when it's happening. We're spoiled with unlimited data and access to the internet so easily that we don't really take the time to notice the things and people around us. We just got our cell phones this week and we're only given 2GB, TWO GIGABITS MAN.... per month. So yeah, I don't use it unless it's completely necessary. Wifi's the thing here and sharing with a thousand people gets pretty challenging momentarily. But where was I, ah, respect! Yes, everyone seems to acknowledge each other no matter at what awkward distance they may be. It just doesn't happen here [the awkward stare that turns into regret instantaneously but you need to commit to the eye contact so you don't seem rude, glance]. Germans are great hand shakers. You feel their generosity in their firm yet kind grips. They are blunt, but kind. Efficient yet patient, and altogether good people and I feel honored to live among them. This leads to my last point of priority: Rest. They have set times for quiet time which is every day from 6-8 morning and night and all day Sunday. If America actually set time aside to rest, I feel, in my opinion, we would be more...harmonious. Lol! That's just my opinion. Anyways, kids awake and flying imaginary airplanes around me so I better close out. For all of our family and friends back home, I'm sorry you haven't recieved personal text messages or emails yet. Still working on settling in. Thank you for being so patient. We do miss you all so very much. So here's to Friday; Happy Friday everyone!!

Germany Day 1

It's been so surreal. I can't begin to describe the excitement and enthusiasm I have for breathing in European air. I've dreamed of always traveling the world. I never thought it would be this way. I've picked up my life and just decided to change everything about and it hasn't stopped changing since 2013. I am so grateful for this life God has given and although it's nearly midnight here, I feel only the afternoon drowsiness of 3pm PST. I've meet so many amazing people just trying to get here. A few mere mortals following their dreamers, and others dreaming of living an immortal life here in Ramstein. It's amazing what hope can do. It's transformative. It's such a positive rush of energy that even the most jaded soul feels awaken by the scenic view filled with fifty shades of green, mixed with robust character and thriving vigor. Despite having travelled with more luggage than my husband and I combined can carry, plus our 1.5 year old son (who slept soundly through all the layovers and long flights) we made it safely and soundly to our destination. But this is just the beginning. Oh the plans we have, the sights we'll see, the people we'll meet and more importantly the people we will become. May we be more kind, more receptive, more loving, more understanding, and wiser through our shared experiences from now until furthermore.