23:28
Keeley Barr
I want a pretty header like Amanda or Amber's blogs!! How do you make those? Anyone? See thewilliamsbabies (except I think she's changing it...) or ambergallegos to see what I'm talking about! My blog is SO boring!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Friends Make Me Happy :-)
I FINALLY heard from Adri today!! I've called her a couple of times last couple of weeks AND facebooked her a bunch and she said she'd been trying to call me as well. Ah silly internet. Sadly we were disconnected and I couldn't call her back BOO but we had a good talk none the less. I also got a myspace message from Monica saying she'd call me this weekend. That was another friend that was MIA.
Last couple of weeks I've been VERY homesick. So has Matt. That's all we talk about at home is "home" aka Texas. It's especially hard when you hear about people you love going through hard times back home and you just want to be there with them for whatever they need. It feels like if we were stationed anywhere in the states then I could just fly wherever I'm needed and be there but alas I can't from here. (Yes, I said "alas." You know you liked it.)
What's even more frustrating is that the Army doesn't even NEED Matt here! Here's my logic: in Ft. Hood Matt worked on vehicles EVERY day. There was no one else but soldiers working there. Here in Germany Matt has worked on vehicles twice BARELY. They have contracted civilians doing his job. So in reality the Army is paying TWO people for the same job. How is that practical?? If they sent us back to Ft Hood that would be one less person here they're paying for (including COLA, etc)! Come on!!! I should run the Army... it's SO obvious that men run it.
But today Matt and I vowed to give it to God and to quit talking about it at home. It only makes the homesickness worse and it doesn't help anything. Just breeds more negativity. So yeah.
Good news: we got our passports in! Bad news: I can't get a hold of Lily and plane ticket prices go up every day! They've already gone up $27 in one day!! By tomorrow it may be to ridiculous for now....*sigh* I don't know. Guess it's in Lily's hands lol. Silly girl- who doesn't check facebook daily??
Other good news: found people from UTT on blogger. Now it'll feel like I'm still there with them at UTT gossiping in the offices hehehe ;-) Miss you guys!
Last couple of weeks I've been VERY homesick. So has Matt. That's all we talk about at home is "home" aka Texas. It's especially hard when you hear about people you love going through hard times back home and you just want to be there with them for whatever they need. It feels like if we were stationed anywhere in the states then I could just fly wherever I'm needed and be there but alas I can't from here. (Yes, I said "alas." You know you liked it.)
What's even more frustrating is that the Army doesn't even NEED Matt here! Here's my logic: in Ft. Hood Matt worked on vehicles EVERY day. There was no one else but soldiers working there. Here in Germany Matt has worked on vehicles twice BARELY. They have contracted civilians doing his job. So in reality the Army is paying TWO people for the same job. How is that practical?? If they sent us back to Ft Hood that would be one less person here they're paying for (including COLA, etc)! Come on!!! I should run the Army... it's SO obvious that men run it.
But today Matt and I vowed to give it to God and to quit talking about it at home. It only makes the homesickness worse and it doesn't help anything. Just breeds more negativity. So yeah.
Good news: we got our passports in! Bad news: I can't get a hold of Lily and plane ticket prices go up every day! They've already gone up $27 in one day!! By tomorrow it may be to ridiculous for now....*sigh* I don't know. Guess it's in Lily's hands lol. Silly girl- who doesn't check facebook daily??
Other good news: found people from UTT on blogger. Now it'll feel like I'm still there with them at UTT gossiping in the offices hehehe ;-) Miss you guys!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
4 Day Weekend
So the four day weekend started off GREAT! We went to the Wildpark which is like a free zoo but more like a nature conservancy- you walk through it and its all winding paths with no maps or anything. There are biergartens and different themed playgrounds scattered through out. We had a lot of fun with the hogs (WildSchwiens) and we were 2 inches from a huge moose! That's why its cooler than a normal zoo- its free and you get much closer to the animals! But its not as cool as a zoo because it had some weird animals on display. Deer, hogs, steer, and a moose but also bunnies, chickens, turkeys, and guinea pigs. Why?? I guess those are rare in Germany? Well the bunnies aren't- you see those every where here!
That's how I like to see deer- alive and breathing! I warned them to stay away from my family if they wanted their heads to stay on their bodies ;-)
That night we went to the bowling alley. I have a feeling we're going to become pretty good bowlers by the time we leave this country. Matt BARELY beat me 2 of the 3 games and then the last time he pulverized me. BUT in my defense I couldn't find a small enough ball for me so my fingers/arm were very tired.
Saturday was a rainy day so we stayed home and watched movies all day. Then Matt had his last class for this term! He's free until the 26th...and then we lose our weekends again. I think this weekend I want to go to the Air Force base in Ramstein where they built an american mall complete with a Chili's!!!
Sunday we went to church although I was tempted to stay in bed because my throat hurt so bad. But we went and it was a really good service. Afterwards we went to the library where Matt loaded up on TV seasons...guess he's tired of Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, and Girls Next Door that I watch ;-) So we went to separate rooms and watched tv lol.
Sunday we went to church although I was tempted to stay in bed because my throat hurt so bad. But we went and it was a really good service. Afterwards we went to the library where Matt loaded up on TV seasons...guess he's tired of Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, and Girls Next Door that I watch ;-) So we went to separate rooms and watched tv lol.
Yesterday started off blah but it changed to sunny. However I felt even worse so except for cleaning my room I stayed in bed. Matt bbqed for us last night though. More tv alllllllll day. Poor Matt was stir crazy but didn't want to go anywhere without me.
Today Matt has CQ BLAH so I'm chilling at home with Elvis. Right now I'm watching Star Wars 5 (not impressed- I like the new ones). I'll upload some pix/video of Wildpark- the rest will be on Facebook. By the way Nana there is a Facebook for Dummies book ;-)
That's how I like to see deer- alive and breathing! I warned them to stay away from my family if they wanted their heads to stay on their bodies ;-)We watched this mean hog for EVER! Any time a another pig got near that fence on the other side this hog went nuts wanting to get through. He would even knock the smaller hogs out of the way and run right over them!
The video starts with hogs fighting then we got the hogs to bite Matt's boot again...the ending is the better part of the video. They were so cute!!
Der Mutton aka sheep. Baaaaaa!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Terrorist Email?
So I just got this message from the FRG saying "Be Alert" followed by an email I guess sent by Terrorists to the German's or American's in Germany? Not sure, just emailed the FRG to ask about it. The email is freaky though:
ALCON,
The below message was received by the Bavarian News Office. It warns thepublic of a possible upcoming attack in Germany. Please make sure allsoldiers and Family Members are made aware of the threat and to stayvigilant.
To the infidel nation of germany:
We grant you for the third time and specify the timing of the promised dayin the name of allah the most merciful the most gracious to muslims ingermany and outside of germany we say: Peace be upon you, and allah merciesand blessings too. For the infidel crusader nation of germany we say: Before the elections,shaykh osama bin laden (may allah protect him) and brother abu talhaaddressed you by: Peace be upon those who follow guidance.
After the elections we say to you: Death be upon you!! Death be upon thosewho want war!!
Lots of you germans saw the tv on the black days which passed upon: "london,madrid, new york and washington"..
The black tuesday of new york and washington; which the entire world stillremembers. The black tuesday of madrid; which everyone still remembers.And the black thursday of london; which everyone still remembers.
Surely, these arrogant nations were not warned about the attacks or itsexact days, contrariwise to you as we gave you the choice, and you choseblood, corps and destruction. We specified for you the time period, and thisis a gift your brothers in madrid and london will envy you for.
But, we will bestow another gift upon you for the third time, and we willspecify the date for you!!
We originally planned to give you the choice to choose it yourself, but wethen decided to choose it for you , carefully.. And precisely.!.
Well .. How about sunday? A beautiful day, and a holiday for you as ofothers who follow your religion!? After we chose thursday for london, tuesday for new york, Washington andmadrid, we are choosing sunday for you! Is it going to be a beautiful day!!?
Sunday ../10/2009
or
sunday ../10/2009
or
sunday ../10/2009
sorry, we will not grant you for a fourth time and tell you when. Surely, wehave decided it!!
One thing left .., the city to be attacked??
Is berlin going to wear the colors of new york?? Or will it be other citiesthat will have this honor? Like .. : Bonn .. , frankfurt .. , hamburg... ,or it might just be [--------------------]
angela merkel ... , surely you had the toast of victory..
We promise you .. , you will drink it over and over , but this time, it willhave a different taste and color!! This time the glass will be filled withthe blood of your people who elected you and chose war!!! Oh, by the way ,, we heard that you **** well .. And you frequently do ..
Sunday is a good day to practice such hobby, isn't it?
How about making your dish that day: A shoulder.. Or a head of a germancitizen?
Our date is on ************
to our supporters (al-ansar) : This is your day, do not hesitate, post it ongerman forums, send it by email, do not waste your time translating it, theyhave between them some of those who speak our language and who willtranslate it for their masters...
The end.*.*mou10ra11bitt18oun25*
ALCON,
The below message was received by the Bavarian News Office. It warns thepublic of a possible upcoming attack in Germany. Please make sure allsoldiers and Family Members are made aware of the threat and to stayvigilant.
To the infidel nation of germany:
We grant you for the third time and specify the timing of the promised dayin the name of allah the most merciful the most gracious to muslims ingermany and outside of germany we say: Peace be upon you, and allah merciesand blessings too. For the infidel crusader nation of germany we say: Before the elections,shaykh osama bin laden (may allah protect him) and brother abu talhaaddressed you by: Peace be upon those who follow guidance.
After the elections we say to you: Death be upon you!! Death be upon thosewho want war!!
Lots of you germans saw the tv on the black days which passed upon: "london,madrid, new york and washington"..
The black tuesday of new york and washington; which the entire world stillremembers. The black tuesday of madrid; which everyone still remembers.And the black thursday of london; which everyone still remembers.
Surely, these arrogant nations were not warned about the attacks or itsexact days, contrariwise to you as we gave you the choice, and you choseblood, corps and destruction. We specified for you the time period, and thisis a gift your brothers in madrid and london will envy you for.
But, we will bestow another gift upon you for the third time, and we willspecify the date for you!!
We originally planned to give you the choice to choose it yourself, but wethen decided to choose it for you , carefully.. And precisely.!.
Well .. How about sunday? A beautiful day, and a holiday for you as ofothers who follow your religion!? After we chose thursday for london, tuesday for new york, Washington andmadrid, we are choosing sunday for you! Is it going to be a beautiful day!!?
Sunday ../10/2009
or
sunday ../10/2009
or
sunday ../10/2009
sorry, we will not grant you for a fourth time and tell you when. Surely, wehave decided it!!
One thing left .., the city to be attacked??
Is berlin going to wear the colors of new york?? Or will it be other citiesthat will have this honor? Like .. : Bonn .. , frankfurt .. , hamburg... ,or it might just be [--------------------]
angela merkel ... , surely you had the toast of victory..
We promise you .. , you will drink it over and over , but this time, it willhave a different taste and color!! This time the glass will be filled withthe blood of your people who elected you and chose war!!! Oh, by the way ,, we heard that you **** well .. And you frequently do ..
Sunday is a good day to practice such hobby, isn't it?
How about making your dish that day: A shoulder.. Or a head of a germancitizen?
Our date is on ************
to our supporters (al-ansar) : This is your day, do not hesitate, post it ongerman forums, send it by email, do not waste your time translating it, theyhave between them some of those who speak our language and who willtranslate it for their masters...
The end.*.*mou10ra11bitt18oun25*
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Job Update and Germany Videos
Job Update: So I filled out my paperwork to sub BUT it could be up to another 2 weeks before I can start. I have to wait for my paperwork to get to the district office and for them to mail me back a letter with my start date. In the mean time I have to go back to the school and do a 10 year background check. Supposedly it takes 3-4 HOURS to complete on the computer! And they want exact dates of employment, supervisor names/numbers/addresses AND all that for references for the times I was unemployed. BAH! Good news: Subs make $99 a day for a full day and $49.50 for a half day of work. She said she has subs working 4-5 times a week so that's good news! So now its just time to wait....and wait....and wait....
Beer Tent @ Oktoberfest 2009
Residence Palace in Wurzburg Summer 2009
Rothenburg ob der Tauber Market Square Summer 2009
Goodbye Video at the airport
On the plane to Germany
My First Train Ride (to Wurzburg) Summer 2009
I have a few less "entertaining" videos I'll post later. Except I really want this chapel video to post but it won't!! GRRR
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Oktoberfest is SO overrated
Ok so prepare for some ranting. We were told you have to get to Oktoberfest by 8 or 9am if you want to get into a tent. So we decided to take the train with the Barreto's because it was only 30euros for all of us ($15 a couple). The train was supposed to be in Munich by 8:39am according to online schedule. That's the ONLY REASON we agreed to take a train that left at 5:26AM!!! But instead the train didn't get there until 9:45am. We could of driven and left at 8 and gotten there the same time OR taken a later train. By the way- don't take the train to Oktoberfest if you have kids. ALL rules go out the window. We describe it as a Frat party on Wheels. Seriously- these teenagers bring mini-kegs on the train and plastic cups and just pass out the beer- at 5 in the MORNING!! They had music playing and were smoking- right in front of No Smoking signs by the way. Groups of these people (all decked out in there German Traditional Attire I might add) are seriously polishing off Capt. Morgan's Spiced Rum and cokes at 8am. CRAZY!!! These people are bred to drink hard. We were joking that Americans might as well hook ourselves up to Alcohol IVs to catch up! Guys would jump off the train at every stop to pee right there on the platform. Once I counted 7 guys lined up peeing on a fence (this is not illegal in Germany by the way- you see it on the side of the rode all the time). And the last part of the trip from Nurnberg to Munich- the longest part, 2 hours- the guys didn't even have seats they had to stand the whole way. Bah! Well we brushed it off oh well you live you learn. So we get to Munich train station and the lines are like hundreds deep for the women's bathroom (oh to be a man) so after finding a different one we were on our way. We walked over to Oktoberfest and looked around and were like- ok its a big carnival. Seriously as far as rides/booths go, the Houston Rodeo is just as good (except for one big roller coaster). What's cool is the 16 different beer tents that are way elaborate (see facebook for a few pix- video to come!) and well we knew we wouldn't find a seat getting there so late but oh well right? We'll buy some beer and walk around. EHHH Wrong!!! Now we saw why people were getting so drunk on the train. You can't buy BEER at OKTOBERFEST- except in those tents!!! And you can't walk out of them with the beer. There's no walking around OKTOBERFEST with BEER?!?!?! Are you getting how shocked we were??? Jen and I sent the guys into one tent to stand and drink a beer just to say they had beer at Oktoberfest. We did walk around 2 tents- one pretty tame because it was all reservations only and the other was CRAZY- THAT'S the REAL Oktoberfest *sigh*. After that we walked around and ate the amazing German fest. food. Kartofel Puffers with Tsatski sauce = YUM!!! Matt had his meter long bratdog and corn on the cob and pommes fritas and we split some weird thing. It was like a whole wheat pita with cream cheese, bacon bits, and chives on it. Pretty good! I never did go and get my shokobanane (chocolate covered banana on a stick!) =-) We bought an Oktoberfest mug and rode one ride then left. The train ride back- O.M.G. It took FOREVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!! For some reason the ride from Munich to Nurnberg (which was 2 hrs the opposite way) took like 3 hours. Then we had to catch a ride to Bamberg THEN Schweinfurt. We were on the train from 2:30-7:11pm. Tired and exhausted we went to an Italian restaurant that tasted yummy but tore up my tummy alllll night. And apparently they must have cooked Barreto's calzone next to some fish or something because he went to the hospital at 1am covered in hives. This morning at 8am Jen called and asked for me to come sit with the baby and if she could borrow my car to be with him. DUH! So the baby and I with Elmo chilled this morning. He's out and fine now but they don't really know what caused the reaction.
So that's my first Oktoberfest story. Sorry to disappoint- we were pretty disappointed as well.
Good news though- principal emailed me this morning to say she approved my application and we're just waiting on the background check and then I can start. I thought background checks take like a few weeks but hopefully not!!!!
So that's my first Oktoberfest story. Sorry to disappoint- we were pretty disappointed as well.
Good news though- principal emailed me this morning to say she approved my application and we're just waiting on the background check and then I can start. I thought background checks take like a few weeks but hopefully not!!!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Prayer Request
Ok I know all you TX people are still sleeping but I've gotta get this out! So after weeks of waiting to hear back about substituting and one follow up email later I finally called the school. The secretary said she remembered me and no the principal had yet to review my application but she would remind her and call me back this afternoon!!!!!!!! PLEASE REMEMBER THIS TIME TO CALL ME!!!!!! She also asked how long I'd been in Schweinfurt and when she heard it was only a few months she was so like "Oh that's great!!." I also asked about volunteering and she said they would email all the teachers letting them know I was available but then she said "But we'll discuss that when you come in."
Please pray for this!!!
Please pray for this!!!
