Knowing that the countdown clock on our time here in Germany is ticking, makes me appreciate this place a little bit more. Sure, there aren’t many races, and I don’t have a job, but it could be oh-so-much worse. In fact, I have it pretty darn good right now. In full on Sound of Music style, here are a few of my favorite things…
Favorite things about living in the middle of nowhere:
- This is the prettiest place I’ve ever lived. We have water, we have hills, we have valleys, we have trees, we have little creatures. Add in the fact that it’s peaceful and quiet, and it’s pretty amazing.
- Sometimes it’s fun to run into people you know at the store. While I don’t like it when I’m just want to buy tampons and leave (true story), it’s fun to socialize when you are just killing time at the PX.
- Geronimo loves it here. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my little pup run around the yard with his big toothy smile on.
My running route. Pretty even on a drizzly day.
Favorite things about being part of an Army community:
- Solidarity! I survived the deployment in (what felt like) total isolation. The only people I knew who were in my same shoes were virtual friends on twitter and in the blogosphere. Here, we are all going through it together. When I need to complain, there are people that I can complain to who know exactly what I’m talking about because they feel the same way! Having people that I can call “my people” is a nice feeling.
- Some of Stephen’s best friends are here. Band of Brothers isn’t just a show; there is a real brotherhood between men who have been deployed together. People are starting to PCS out of here (sad), but I’m glad that we get to spend time together.
Stephen and a few of his buddies at our pasta party last week.
- Tax free grocery shopping at the commissary. I’m pretty p.o.ed that the commissary doesn’t carrry some items that are basic staples in my diet (hummus, plain yogurt for smoothies, my brand of frozen pizza), not paying tax kind of balances it out. (Supposedly the food is cheaper, too, but I can’t tell a difference.)
Favorite things about living in Europe:
- Great food! Sure, it’s not Tex-Mex (the best food in all the world), but it’s pretty darn good. And ice cream is practically its own food group here. I can’t hate on that.
- Everything is so close. And when I say everything, I mean everything in the world! The Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Alps, Big Ben, fairy tale castles, it’s all a train ride away. Or, if you want to drive, you can hop on the autobahn and go as fast as you dare.
Prague, just 2 hours away from home.
- One day I will be totally baller and drop, “Oh yeah, when I lived in Europe…” into casual conversation.
Best things about my life right now:
- I get to live with my husband.
- I get to live with my husband.
- I get to live with my husband.
The past year was a range of sad, scary, rocky, frustrating. The future (as it always is with the military) is fuzzy and uncertain. But right now, things are good. I can’t let stupid stuff (like the lack of hummus) get me down. Priorities, yo.
Your turn! Tell me something good about your life right now!*
Way to be positive! I wish I could borrow some of your positivity, because right now? I’m not feeling an ounce of optimism. As far as good things go, I am enjoying one last fall (and the beautiful changing foliage) here in DC. It sure is pretty!
You can’t go wrong with beautiful foliage. I’m not used to so many colorful leaves, so I’m sure soaking up the fall-ish-ness here myself.*
My first thought when I was at the commissary at Ramstein was “why is everything so much more expensive??!!!” My cereal is about 2 bucks at home but here it’s over $4
Right? I used to get a big (and delicious) frozen pizza for two bucks. The cheapest one here is $3.50, but it’s Kashi, which is much more expensive at home. I guess it all evens out in the end.*
So very glad you are with Stephen again and enjoying life!
My life? Football, football, and…oh yes….football! Fall in Texas.
Haha! It is football season in Texas! I love reading your updates and seeing pictures you post from the games!*
I read this and I was like.. I’m one of those virtual friends! But yeah it will be really nice to actually be in the Army community soon. So happy for you two!
You are totally one of my virtual friends! Deployment sucks, but at least we went through it together, sort of. You know what I mean!*
My life is awesome when I’m not sick. Clearly the most awesome thing of late was our trip to the llama farm though.
Did you scream “Llama!” It seems like a llama farm is the appropriate place to do so.*
I’m glad you are able to enjoy the time you have remaining in Germany!
I’m giving it the old college try!*
Great positivity! And always remember how envious all of us stateside are of you and all your incredible travels!!! =)
Aw I love this post
There are many good things in my life right now but the best thing is that I am not stressed about anything at the moment! That’s unusual for me. Gotta enjoy it while it lasts 
Being stress-free is priceless! I hope you are able to soak it up!*
Awww…I love this post!
I’m glad you are making the most of Germany, and you can just look at it as mini vacation..lol! At least that is what I’m telling myself right now..it’s okay to not work for once and just enjoy life. And how freaking awesome that you get to do that in Germany, and with your hubs! Woo hoo!!