Trick or Treat

Well, I made it to Frankfurt, and I’m happy to report that I feel GREAT! This trip was very different from the last one. The 8½ hour flight seemed to go by much more quickly. Of course, the plane wasn’t full and there were no crying babies this time. Also, the donut-shaped neck pillow is incredible. I recommend investing in one of these if you’re taking a long trip where you have to sleep sitting up. That thing definitely helped me sleep comfortably.

While on the plane, I began to read the new book that I bought just for this trip, Ken Follett’s World Without End. I’ve been waiting for it to come out in paperback and so when I saw it, I knew it was the perfect book for this 30 day assignment. It’s a 1000 page book, and I’m already almost 100 pages in. It’s so good. To any readers out there who are looking for a good book: I recommend its prequel, The Pillars of the Earth. I’ll probably be recommending World Without End when I’m finished too.

The first thing I did when I got to the hotel was – get this – go to the gym. That’s right! After about 8 weeks of no exercise, I actually got myself there today. A friend had told me that she finds that getting to the gym as soon as possible helps to reset her internal clock. Other friends told me to just stay awake until 9-10pm (Germany time) to get myself on the different time schedule. I sort of took their advice. I did take a 3 hour nap after the gym, but made myself get up and will stay up till 9 or 10. All I have to say is that I feel so much better right now than I did last time upon arriving here. I think it’s a combination of being able to sleep on the plane and getting the workout. Anyway, after 40 minutes on the elliptical machine, I got on the floor to do some crunches, but while resting after that first set, I almost fell asleep, so I decided crunches were not in the plan for me today. Maybe tomorrow…

Speaking of tomorrow – That’s when my 8 hour orientation happens. I’m not really looking forward to it. What the heck are they going to tell us in 8 hours?? I do know that they are serving breakfast and lunch, so I will be grateful, because the cost of food at this hotel is outrageous. Speaking of food & this hotel: I don’t know how I missed this the last time, but they have a coffee shop in the lobby! Maybe it was closed the last time I was here, or maybe I was just so out of it from the flight that I didn’t see it. Anyway, I was pleased to be able to sit in the lobby with a well-made cappuccino (They do cappuccinos right in Europe!!) and enjoy the ½ hour of free internet that the hotel provides to guests every day. (This is new since the last time I was here too.) I am such a junkie, though. A half hour of internet access flew by for me.

I’m beginning to get more excited about this assignment. I think that a big part of my problem was that I was not looking forward to the jet lag. Last time, I had it for the whole first week I was here and then I was sick while I was here and when I got home. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again. I'll keep you posted.

Monday Mayhem

Today, I stood in line at the court house for 4 1/2 hours, so that I could vote early. Can you believe it? I still cannot believe it took that long! I am so glad that's over. I guess that was a small price to pay to exercise my right to vote.


As you probably guessed, I voted early because I will be in Germany on 11/4. I leave on Thursday - 2 1/2 short days from now. I'm a little bit more excited that I was last week, especially since I found out where I will be going. I'll be in Hohenfels for 30 days. Hohenfels is in the eastern part of the country, 1 1/2 hours north of Munich. I'm excited about going to a different part of Germany. I also learned that I'll be staying in the hotel on the Army base where I'll be working. A little bit disappointed about that, but I'm sure it will have it's benefits too.



On a different note, we had a great time at Fara's shower on Saturday. So many wonderful friends and family members drove a distance to show up and gift Fara! I was pleased with the party. I have to post at least one picture but will spare you and not post all 75 that were taken. The darling gifts have only caused me to feel more excited about my soon-to-be-born niece or nephew. The baby is due just 2 days after I get back from Germany. I'm hoping he or she doesn't decide to enter this world early. I'm sure Fara would disagree with me on that ;)

And, since this is my blog, I had to post the pic of Fara holding up the bear I brought the baby from Luxembourg (notice the Luxembourg flag on it's scarf).

Counting Down... Again!

Well, I've begun another count down. This time, I'm counting the days until I leave to go back to Germany. 12 days. I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but I'm not terribly excited about leaving this time. In fact, I'm kind of wishing I were going to an assignment someplace closer. I'm not looking forward to the jet lag or adjusting to the time change. Of course, I haven't received my Task Order yet, so I'm wondering if they're going to pull me at the last minute. I don't think I would mind, except for the lack of pay :-)

Anyway, also counting down to Fara's shower date - 7 more days. Then , I guess we'll start counting down to delivery. I can't wait to be an aunt! I wonder if I'll ever want to leave for an assignment again...

Fara, Mom & Me

12 OCT 08: Doesn't Fara look precious at 7 1/2 months?

Picnic & Beignets

I had a great time with Carmen and the girls yesterday. We took a picnic lunch and ate in Jackson Square, walked around the Square a bit and went to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!

Navy Ball

I had the privelege of going with Kevin to the Navy's Birthday Ball on Saturday night. the event was fun, but I only took one not-so-good picture during the entire evening. I have to post it anyway, because Kevin looks handsome even though I'm blurry. Maybe we can get a couple more pictures from another guy who took a few as well...