Well, things are coming along! I cannot believe how quickly that 4 day weekend flew by! And we really didn't even do anything awesome with it. KR got home early on Wednesday and so we ended up going to the BX and buying lots of stuff. Found some rugs for the bedrooms, a mattress for the crib, a George Foreman Grill, and a baby monitors that weren't ridiculously expensive. Needless to say, I didn't get my pies done for Thanksgiving the day before like I had planned... and so when I woke up around noon on Thursday (I have been sleeping SO MUCH the past few weeks! Saturday, I woke up after 12 hours of sleep feeling so motivated! I cleaned the house, got laundry going, made lunch, made home made croutons, and after 2 hours I crashed and needed a nap. Pitiful!) I only had a couple hours to get the pies made. I was very,well, angry that morning. KR woke me up, and it was snowing. Snow is pretty and all, but we were planning on walking to our friends' place and currently, my winter coat is at it's end of this pregnancy - and I don't have any kind of boot yet, so I was pretty angry that it HAD to snow the day I had to walk outside and me falling? Not such a good idea. Not to mention the pop and pies we had to carry to their house as well. Anyways, so of course, our lovely European oven was too small to cook 2 pies in it at one time, so I had to cook them separately. And of course, each pie took almost twice as long as the recipe called for and so we were late. Didn't realize the pies were supposed to sit a while either, so one pie was still warm when it came time to cut them. It really wasn't a big deal in the end because there was so much food - and the same goes with being late. We were late, but the food was no where near ready yet so at least we didn't miss out on food, just company, and that was fine in the end. We had a good time, and had some pie to take home =)
Friday we ordered a computer and I ordered KR's Christmas gift, which may or may not get here by Christmas. And it's more likely that it won't. Yet another reason why being based overseas sucks. But we'll see what happens.
We started putting up the tree that day, and realized quite quickly that we didn't have enough lights for the tree. We also moved some stuff around and managed to get the rug down in our room. Friday, again, we went to the BX and picked up some little things we needed, but not everything, and by the time we got home, I crashed. I was done. Saturday, I don't even remember what we did... And Sunday, we finished up with as much of the tree that we could (We don't have ornament hangers and the BX was out of them AND paperclips - and I don't have string.) and watched the Bears game - and they won! Yay!
I guess that's really it for now. Nothing too exciting going on, just slowly getting my energy back and getting this place put together. Today, however, I don't see that happening. I am dragging today, and I'm hungry but I don't really want food. Still haven't gained weight, and I've lost 1.5 pounds in the past 2 days. Baby, what are you doing to me?! Hopefully, I'll find something that my tummy will like here soon.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
PS:
I'm really flipping sick of people I barely know telling me I'm crazy because I want to keep it a surprise whether we're going to have a girl or boy. Well, I think YOU'RE crazy for ruining one of the only happy surprises you get in life! Stop telling me I'm crazy - It's my decision and it's really not as hard to get stuff for a baby as you think. People have done it for thousands of years, so it's really not the end of the world if I decide to wait until birth day to find out!
Fortunate
Well, this blog comes a little late, but it was a crazy week last week. KR was going in early/coming home late, still have an apartment to get straightened out, I've STILL been nauseas most days (and boy, is it getting OLD), and it's been gloomy. I never used to have a problem with the cool, cloudy, dreary days, but perhaps I'm noticing it far more as I'm tied up in the apartment all day. KR still is working 10-7, so the majority of my day is spent alone and it looks like it's dusk all day long.
We got the rest of our Christmas decorations, and the BX totally reamed us for lights and ornaments, and the wrapping paper was so expensive, I couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money. In addition, we are looking for baby stuff, which we all know is expensive (and hard to come by on base with all those pregnant women wandering around), and we need to get a number of furniture items before February (b/c they're taking the rest of our FMO stuff away) and a new phone (hopefully with an answering machine and a flash button) and a new desktop computer. Our list of wants right now is pretty high, and with all the moving and changing in finances, we STILL don't have a budget in place, which sucks b/c hey, it's Christmas time and we really need to have an idea about what we can do for the holidays. My guess? We'll barely afford some gifts for each other, and Christmas cards, and everybody else is going to get nothing. Sucks, but our house still looks very white and boring, and that probably contributes to the gloomy days that I have.
I have to say, I am very, very glad we live on/near a large base because after spending a week in Camp Darby, Italy, it's safe to say, I would absolutely go BONKERS there. Most places are closed Sunday and Monday, they have weird hours, and the entire base is itty bitty. The bx is like the size of a Walgreens. The comissary actually ran out of MILK. Italy was a good time though, and I'm so glad we had the chance to go, even if it was all football. The boys won their championship, too, so it was a pretty exciting week. Now, we are back home, trying to get this place put together, and figure out where money is coming from.
Now, I get to go put a spread sheet together for all the finances, and make a list for the doctor tomorrow and for shopping tonight, and of course, do coupons since I am so far behind, and saving money needs to be a top priority right now.
We got the rest of our Christmas decorations, and the BX totally reamed us for lights and ornaments, and the wrapping paper was so expensive, I couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money. In addition, we are looking for baby stuff, which we all know is expensive (and hard to come by on base with all those pregnant women wandering around), and we need to get a number of furniture items before February (b/c they're taking the rest of our FMO stuff away) and a new phone (hopefully with an answering machine and a flash button) and a new desktop computer. Our list of wants right now is pretty high, and with all the moving and changing in finances, we STILL don't have a budget in place, which sucks b/c hey, it's Christmas time and we really need to have an idea about what we can do for the holidays. My guess? We'll barely afford some gifts for each other, and Christmas cards, and everybody else is going to get nothing. Sucks, but our house still looks very white and boring, and that probably contributes to the gloomy days that I have.
I have to say, I am very, very glad we live on/near a large base because after spending a week in Camp Darby, Italy, it's safe to say, I would absolutely go BONKERS there. Most places are closed Sunday and Monday, they have weird hours, and the entire base is itty bitty. The bx is like the size of a Walgreens. The comissary actually ran out of MILK. Italy was a good time though, and I'm so glad we had the chance to go, even if it was all football. The boys won their championship, too, so it was a pretty exciting week. Now, we are back home, trying to get this place put together, and figure out where money is coming from.
Now, I get to go put a spread sheet together for all the finances, and make a list for the doctor tomorrow and for shopping tonight, and of course, do coupons since I am so far behind, and saving money needs to be a top priority right now.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Top 8 Reasons Not to Road Trip in Europe
Sure, it's tempting. You're in Europe. You're so close to many amazing, beautiful, historical, and outright famous places. A day's drive from countless architectural and wonders of the world - and sometimes mere hours from different, new, exciting countries. But here are some reasons to stay out of the car and explore Europe in a different way.
1. Different countries have different rules. Duh. This only makes sense that each country has different rules when it comes to driving, insurance, appearance, and many other culture-specific points. For instance, in Switzerland and Austria, you need a (different) sticker on your windshield to drive in that country. Italy requires your car insurance information to be attached to your windshield. Germany wants a sticker that identifies information about your car's emissions. Not a big deal, usually not (too) expensive, but how do you know about them if somebody doesn't tell you? That's a good question. On our way to Edelweiss in the summer, we wandered over the Austrian border on back roads on the way, and upon our return home, were informed we were supposed to have a special sticker. We never were in a big city and never even stopped (truthfully, we hardly realized we crossed the border until we saw the sign that we were back in Germany) so it's hard to say if it really mattered or not. Either way, it's really scary hopping in the car and not knowing what to expect when you cross that border.
2. Tolls are expensive. Some European countries only have toll-highways. And while I am used to the whole "toll road" atmosphere from living in the 'burbs of the Chicago area, Chicago tolls are nothing compared to European tolls - and I will no longer complain about the $1.80 toll going into Rockford from the Marengo/Woodstock exit. The two countries we have driven through so far that require tolls are France and Italy. France was a huge shock, even though we'd made the drive once before and knew what to expect. The drive to Paris is a mere 4 hours from our location (per French and German speed limits) and round trip, we paid about €55 in tolls. Do the conversion to US Dollars and that's about $75. Just to drive there and back. The drive from the border in Italy to the Pisa exit was about the same, price-wise. Just to drive through the one country and back. And that doesn't include gasoline - which brings me to the next point.
3. Gasoline is expensive. As a military family stationed overseas, we are rationed gasoline per car per month. (I don't know how this works if you have more than one car as that does not apply to us.) We are able to buy gasoline on base as the rationed rate, which is more expensive than what it would be if we were stateside, but by far cheaper than if we were buying gasoline on the economy. If you need more than you are rationed, then you simply pay the "economy" price for the area where you are stationed. When you take road trips, however, that changes, and your wallet really feels the pain. If we were to stay in Germany, there are ways we could still use the rations for gasoline (though it's confusing, and I don't quite get how that works); leaving the country, things change. They also use liters, not gallons, to measure gasoline, so it takes a little math to figure out exactly how much you're paying per gallon. (They also don't use 87 octane grade in Germany, so you have to use a more expensive grade to begin with!) So it costs approximately €1.40/liter for gasoline. That is (according to today's exchange rate... It's not 4pm yet.) about $1.91/liter. There is just shy of 4 liters to a gallon. So the easiest thing is to multiply by 4, and subtract a little. $1.91 X 4 = $7.64/gallon (rounded up). Or do it this way: €1.40 X 4 = €5.60 = $7.62/gallon. Either way, subtract a little off that and you have damn near close to $7/gallon. Our tank in our 2010 Ford Fusion holds 16 gallons of gasoline. That's $112 for a tank of gas!
4. Europeans don't know how to drive. Or maybe they are far superior at driving than Americans, but either way, it scares the hell out of me. They drive far faster, much closer together, and take a lot more risks than foolish Americans do when driving. They also don't seem to understand the concept of merging when lanes end. This is frustrating because a simple lane ending shouldn't cause a traffic jam... but it does. Because they don't merge until there literally is no more road for them to drive on. And then the people in the moving lane are too stubborn to let them in. They also don't seem to register that speed limits signify a speed LIMIT. They will drive as fast as they possibly can until the last possible moment and then slam on the breaks forcing everybody behind them to stop short. The result? Lots of close calls and me with elevated blood pressure freaking out.
5. Language barriers. Obviously Germany speaks German, and Italy speaks Italian. But what does Switzerland speak? I had to message somebody from high school to find out this question, as we'd be driving through that country. I felt stupid, I should know this. I live a few hours from the border! My response: "Most people speak German, but it's a Swiss German, not what you're used to. And some people speak French, and some people speak Italian. Oi! What a headache!
6. Money Issues. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc and Germany and Italy use the Euro. We didn't exchange money for Franc so we hoped we wouldn't need it! And either way, both currencies are more expensive than the American dollar! Cha-ching!
7. Construction. Maybe this is just because of the luck we hit on the drive back, because I know they have lots of annoying construction in the states as well, but the road construction is seriously annoying and seriously slows you down. They always seem to narrow highways down to one lane, which is very ridiculously narrow by the way, and then open it for a whole 2km and then narrow it down again. This goes on for maybe an hour of traveling time, and before you know it, your arrival time has crept that much further away from you.
8. Bathrooms are either disgusting or expensive. They are at least fairly often along the highway. We all know Europe charges for their bathrooms. I think I've known this for as long as I could use a bathroom by myself. But when did the fee go up to €,70? Stand was usually €,30-,50 but when you convert it, that 70 cents is almost a dollar back home - JUST TO PEE! No wonder train stations wreak of urine. Granted, some of them that you pay for are extremely clean - and that is greatly appreciated. The ones that don't have a gate at their entrance are pretty disgusting. Some don't even have toilet seats. Thanks. That's really nice.
Despite all this, you can still have a very nice time along the road. I love road trips back home, and if you can afford the expenses and miles on your car, you can really enjoy the sights along the drive. We saw the Swiss Alps, Tuscan mountains, many other sights along the way I snagged pictures of. Just remember to consider all the options and plan ahead for the extra costs along the way - because you will, no doubt, have them.
Happy Traveling!
1. Different countries have different rules. Duh. This only makes sense that each country has different rules when it comes to driving, insurance, appearance, and many other culture-specific points. For instance, in Switzerland and Austria, you need a (different) sticker on your windshield to drive in that country. Italy requires your car insurance information to be attached to your windshield. Germany wants a sticker that identifies information about your car's emissions. Not a big deal, usually not (too) expensive, but how do you know about them if somebody doesn't tell you? That's a good question. On our way to Edelweiss in the summer, we wandered over the Austrian border on back roads on the way, and upon our return home, were informed we were supposed to have a special sticker. We never were in a big city and never even stopped (truthfully, we hardly realized we crossed the border until we saw the sign that we were back in Germany) so it's hard to say if it really mattered or not. Either way, it's really scary hopping in the car and not knowing what to expect when you cross that border.
2. Tolls are expensive. Some European countries only have toll-highways. And while I am used to the whole "toll road" atmosphere from living in the 'burbs of the Chicago area, Chicago tolls are nothing compared to European tolls - and I will no longer complain about the $1.80 toll going into Rockford from the Marengo/Woodstock exit. The two countries we have driven through so far that require tolls are France and Italy. France was a huge shock, even though we'd made the drive once before and knew what to expect. The drive to Paris is a mere 4 hours from our location (per French and German speed limits) and round trip, we paid about €55 in tolls. Do the conversion to US Dollars and that's about $75. Just to drive there and back. The drive from the border in Italy to the Pisa exit was about the same, price-wise. Just to drive through the one country and back. And that doesn't include gasoline - which brings me to the next point.
3. Gasoline is expensive. As a military family stationed overseas, we are rationed gasoline per car per month. (I don't know how this works if you have more than one car as that does not apply to us.) We are able to buy gasoline on base as the rationed rate, which is more expensive than what it would be if we were stateside, but by far cheaper than if we were buying gasoline on the economy. If you need more than you are rationed, then you simply pay the "economy" price for the area where you are stationed. When you take road trips, however, that changes, and your wallet really feels the pain. If we were to stay in Germany, there are ways we could still use the rations for gasoline (though it's confusing, and I don't quite get how that works); leaving the country, things change. They also use liters, not gallons, to measure gasoline, so it takes a little math to figure out exactly how much you're paying per gallon. (They also don't use 87 octane grade in Germany, so you have to use a more expensive grade to begin with!) So it costs approximately €1.40/liter for gasoline. That is (according to today's exchange rate... It's not 4pm yet.) about $1.91/liter. There is just shy of 4 liters to a gallon. So the easiest thing is to multiply by 4, and subtract a little. $1.91 X 4 = $7.64/gallon (rounded up). Or do it this way: €1.40 X 4 = €5.60 = $7.62/gallon. Either way, subtract a little off that and you have damn near close to $7/gallon. Our tank in our 2010 Ford Fusion holds 16 gallons of gasoline. That's $112 for a tank of gas!
4. Europeans don't know how to drive. Or maybe they are far superior at driving than Americans, but either way, it scares the hell out of me. They drive far faster, much closer together, and take a lot more risks than foolish Americans do when driving. They also don't seem to understand the concept of merging when lanes end. This is frustrating because a simple lane ending shouldn't cause a traffic jam... but it does. Because they don't merge until there literally is no more road for them to drive on. And then the people in the moving lane are too stubborn to let them in. They also don't seem to register that speed limits signify a speed LIMIT. They will drive as fast as they possibly can until the last possible moment and then slam on the breaks forcing everybody behind them to stop short. The result? Lots of close calls and me with elevated blood pressure freaking out.
5. Language barriers. Obviously Germany speaks German, and Italy speaks Italian. But what does Switzerland speak? I had to message somebody from high school to find out this question, as we'd be driving through that country. I felt stupid, I should know this. I live a few hours from the border! My response: "Most people speak German, but it's a Swiss German, not what you're used to. And some people speak French, and some people speak Italian. Oi! What a headache!
6. Money Issues. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc and Germany and Italy use the Euro. We didn't exchange money for Franc so we hoped we wouldn't need it! And either way, both currencies are more expensive than the American dollar! Cha-ching!
7. Construction. Maybe this is just because of the luck we hit on the drive back, because I know they have lots of annoying construction in the states as well, but the road construction is seriously annoying and seriously slows you down. They always seem to narrow highways down to one lane, which is very ridiculously narrow by the way, and then open it for a whole 2km and then narrow it down again. This goes on for maybe an hour of traveling time, and before you know it, your arrival time has crept that much further away from you.
8. Bathrooms are either disgusting or expensive. They are at least fairly often along the highway. We all know Europe charges for their bathrooms. I think I've known this for as long as I could use a bathroom by myself. But when did the fee go up to €,70? Stand was usually €,30-,50 but when you convert it, that 70 cents is almost a dollar back home - JUST TO PEE! No wonder train stations wreak of urine. Granted, some of them that you pay for are extremely clean - and that is greatly appreciated. The ones that don't have a gate at their entrance are pretty disgusting. Some don't even have toilet seats. Thanks. That's really nice.
Despite all this, you can still have a very nice time along the road. I love road trips back home, and if you can afford the expenses and miles on your car, you can really enjoy the sights along the drive. We saw the Swiss Alps, Tuscan mountains, many other sights along the way I snagged pictures of. Just remember to consider all the options and plan ahead for the extra costs along the way - because you will, no doubt, have them.
Happy Traveling!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Struggling Today
Yeah, yeah, I know, blog number 2 in just a few short hours. This does not bode well, but today, like many days before, I'm struggling. KR won't be home for a few hours still (I really hate this 10-7 shift.) and I can't seem to get myself energized/motivated to get ANYTHING done. I'm drinking a coke to hopefully get a bit of a caffeine boost, but I really, really don't want to be reliant on caffeine - especially since it's not good for baby to have too much, although that number is extremely high so I shouldn't have a problem being half ways dependent on caffeine for some energy. I feel so bad b/c I can't seem to get anything done and I don't know how to get motivated. I'm tired/drained, and always hungry, and I'm having a hard time getting anything done. Even working an hour around the house is a challenge for me. I haven't really gained any pregnancy weight, but I know the rest of it is pregnancy-related and it's really not "bad" except that I can't do anything and I feel bad that KR gets stuck doing more than he should have to, or doesn't get a decent dinner b/c I can't cook or get nauseas cooking. I just feel very bad that KR is getting stuck with so much to do and I just feel like I'm being a lazy piece of ass.
On that note, I am going to catch a nap and hopefully afterwards I will feel a little better. This is my "frumpiest" part of the day, after all...
On that note, I am going to catch a nap and hopefully afterwards I will feel a little better. This is my "frumpiest" part of the day, after all...
Baby Fever!
Well, we moved last Wednesday, despite some last minute drama and difficulties with the inspection, etc. Basically, on Tuesday at 5 minutes to the end of the duty day, the inspector callIed KR and told him to cancel everything b/c the apartment failed the inspection. Low and behold, no body answered their phones so everybody was still coming, and when KR met with the inspector on Wednesday, it failed b/c of some piece missing from the oven (that was fixed while he was there waiting to sign the paperwork) and because of a spot that the painters missed. Dealing with the movers went smoother than expected, though our place still is a disaster, but the living is mostly put together, and the kitchen is too except for all those random papers we have to sit and go through (boo). The rooms are still a disaster - and we are down to one bathroom, which stinks. The fourth floor business is absolutely killing me. I can't believe how weak I've gotten! It's only 3.5 flights when I used to make it up 5 flights before I'd be dragging. Still haven't been feeling so well, but I'm pretty sure it's because of my eating. Due to the move, we haven't been eating well, or often enough, and I really, really suffer when I don't have what I need inside me.
In other news, we are having a baby!. And other than me not feeling good, it's really good timing (besides the obvious million things going on business). Baby will be born before KR's up for deployment, so there are no worries about a pregnant woman in labor driving herself to the hospital. I just might have a newborn to take care of by myself, but I know he'd rather be there for me for the birth. In the end, only time will tell b/c he may not get deployed, or he might. There's really no way to know until the orders come down. I used to say I'd go home if he got deployed, but if I baby and possibly a job, I'm going to have to stay here. Again, only time will tell...
We had our first ultrasound on Thursday and everything in that department is going well, only they changed my due date b/c apparently baby is bigger than they expected. We are now due May 13, 2011. Baby apparently would not stop moving and KR thought that was hysterical b/c he had ADHD and so he was all proud of himself to see a similar characteristic. I just groaned b/c I was a good child and his children are going to be payback to him for his behaviors and just plain mean to me. This child is already taking everything out of me - it's horrendously pitiful who drained and weak I am. And yet, I still have no room to complain based on what I've heard other women have had to endure.
The actual picture, of course is surprisingly good. KR and I were able to distinguish some of baby's limbs and other random body parts. This was only a picture of a picture since our scanner is not quite set up yet.
In other news, we are heading to Italia on Wednesday. And supposedly we are leaving at 0400. REALLY?! I am not looking forward to that wake up call... Also, we're driving, and 10 hours sitting in a car with my pregnant bladder?! So not looking forward to it! We are going to supposed KR's football team as they play in the Europe-wide championship tournament. We're hoping to at least make it to Pisa, as Rome is pretty far and Florence is still a little over an hour away.
All right, I better get going. Even though I just ate an hour ago, I am still hungry so I better fill up before I start feeling icky again. I also should attempt to get something productive done today as well! Ciao!
In other news, we are having a baby!. And other than me not feeling good, it's really good timing (besides the obvious million things going on business). Baby will be born before KR's up for deployment, so there are no worries about a pregnant woman in labor driving herself to the hospital. I just might have a newborn to take care of by myself, but I know he'd rather be there for me for the birth. In the end, only time will tell b/c he may not get deployed, or he might. There's really no way to know until the orders come down. I used to say I'd go home if he got deployed, but if I baby and possibly a job, I'm going to have to stay here. Again, only time will tell...
We had our first ultrasound on Thursday and everything in that department is going well, only they changed my due date b/c apparently baby is bigger than they expected. We are now due May 13, 2011. Baby apparently would not stop moving and KR thought that was hysterical b/c he had ADHD and so he was all proud of himself to see a similar characteristic. I just groaned b/c I was a good child and his children are going to be payback to him for his behaviors and just plain mean to me. This child is already taking everything out of me - it's horrendously pitiful who drained and weak I am. And yet, I still have no room to complain based on what I've heard other women have had to endure.
The actual picture, of course is surprisingly good. KR and I were able to distinguish some of baby's limbs and other random body parts. This was only a picture of a picture since our scanner is not quite set up yet.
In other news, we are heading to Italia on Wednesday. And supposedly we are leaving at 0400. REALLY?! I am not looking forward to that wake up call... Also, we're driving, and 10 hours sitting in a car with my pregnant bladder?! So not looking forward to it! We are going to supposed KR's football team as they play in the Europe-wide championship tournament. We're hoping to at least make it to Pisa, as Rome is pretty far and Florence is still a little over an hour away.
All right, I better get going. Even though I just ate an hour ago, I am still hungry so I better fill up before I start feeling icky again. I also should attempt to get something productive done today as well! Ciao!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Touristy Trips and a Favorite Visitor!
October 21, 2010, my mom flew into Frankfurt Int'l Airport. I can't believe it's over already. We did a total of 2 touristy trips, which is a lot less than that huge list of day trips I put together for us to do while my mom was here. I had all these places in different nearby countries picked out to visit, and the different things in the towns to do there. Either way, we had an amazing time. We visited Burg Nanstein & Burg Lichtenberg
Annnnd, I'm rambling! It just feels so good to blog again. I have missed this.
KR took a few days off while my mom was here and we ended up researching hotels in... Paris! We discovered a great deal just outside of Disneyland Paris and since none of us had ever gone, we decided to drive to Paris and visit the parks. KR and I have explored Paris (in fact, he proposed to me in front of Notre Dame), so I am bummed we couldn't take my mom into the city, but we just didn't have the time or energy to venture future into the country. We got the park hopper tickets and managed to hit both parks in one day. I made it 12 hours in the park with only one meal, one snack, and my fake Converse shoes, which are oh-so-uncomfortable. We barely made the shuttle back to our hotel by the time we got dinner at McDonald's in the Disney Village.
I am pretty sure that this is my favorite castle. I didn't have the energy to climb the stairs and explore the upper levels of the castle, but it was SO gorgeous!
We also did well at hitting the rides. It was still mad crazy crowded, but we managed to time things well enough so we hit all the coasters but one we didn't care about, our favorite kiddie rides, my mom's favorites, and a few randoms to kill some time.
Annnnnd because I haven't posted one yet: all of us on the Thunder Mountain RR!
one day. Burg Lichtenberg is the largest ruined castle in Germany - and it's only about a 20 minutes drive from our apartment. Also: FREE! Free parking, open to the public, gorgeous views, and free potties. It also helped that it was a gorgeous day. We took a day to explore base and show her where we'll be living in just a few days, and took an evening to visit some stores off-base with my mom. We also got infested by wasps, and we decided to cover the lights in the ceilings one by one (and they filled up quickly with dead wasps, how lovely!) and, today being our last night in this apartment, we are very thrilled to be done with this disgusting hassle. I do feel sorry for the new tenant. I have a growing list of things I have to do before tomorrow. We managed to find a used but amazing deal on a dining room table since FMO is taking the majority of our furniture, which leaves us with very little to move, and very much to buy. Thank God for people selling used items!
Annnnd, I'm rambling! It just feels so good to blog again. I have missed this.
KR took a few days off while my mom was here and we ended up researching hotels in... Paris! We discovered a great deal just outside of Disneyland Paris and since none of us had ever gone, we decided to drive to Paris and visit the parks. KR and I have explored Paris (in fact, he proposed to me in front of Notre Dame), so I am bummed we couldn't take my mom into the city, but we just didn't have the time or energy to venture future into the country. We got the park hopper tickets and managed to hit both parks in one day. I made it 12 hours in the park with only one meal, one snack, and my fake Converse shoes, which are oh-so-uncomfortable. We barely made the shuttle back to our hotel by the time we got dinner at McDonald's in the Disney Village.
I am pretty sure that this is my favorite castle. I didn't have the energy to climb the stairs and explore the upper levels of the castle, but it was SO gorgeous!
We also did well at hitting the rides. It was still mad crazy crowded, but we managed to time things well enough so we hit all the coasters but one we didn't care about, our favorite kiddie rides, my mom's favorites, and a few randoms to kill some time.
Annnnnd because I haven't posted one yet: all of us on the Thunder Mountain RR!
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