Hello Everyone!

Lots of news to share. It is actually almost 5 Am here, I woke up about 30 mins ago and just couldn't wake Josh so I decided to come out and write a little. Especially since this might be the last blog for a few days (explain later).

Josh and I are still not completely switched over on the hours. I still don't sleep much at night and we have been waking every few hours. Yesterday we had a full day of class and in processing classes to attend, so by the end of the day our brain was completely fried. I honestly had such an overwelming feeling in a really long time...and I think Josh had an even more intense feelings. However, I justify that he is more use to it and can handle it better. (smiley face...for some reason ever time I try to put a smiley face in here it shows up as the letter "J" so I am now just going to say the word.) Needless to say we both got home around 5 PM, made dinner, and I crashed for an hour while he studied for our driving test. Once I woke we both studied for a bit before he crashed for the next hour. "smiley"

During the day, I have actually been getting these intense headaches. So I told myself they were from the elevation (which I guess is only 1500 ft or so above sea level- one of the Specialist yesterday told us that we are basically at the foot of the Alps) but Josh told me it is probably from such a lack of sleep. I think he's right. So yesterday with all the information about the different culture, base and personal military issues related to the soldiers, my head was not a happy camper.

Our day started yesterday around 7 Am. A specialist picked us up and brought us to the first part of our inprocessing. We were given information about our the culture, integration classes, tons of info related to military personal, dental, finance, healthcare, the european hospitals etc etc. One thing I learned was that 15 mins from our base is THE largest hospital in Germany called Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The cool thing about this is that it is on a military base so my Minnesota and Missouri nursing license will carry over. The even cooler thing is that this is THE hospital that they Blackhawk all the causilties from Iraq and Afganistan to. So I got pretty lucky to be in this location of the country.

One of the ladies gave me a tour of the building we were in, which got me affliated and comfortable with the many different services the army will offer me (especially when my bouy is gone). Things such as the Family Readiness Program, counseling regarding employment and resume building, appointment scheduling etc etc. Josh spent the chuck of the late afternoon in the Finance office were he crunched numbers all day. When I came back to the buiding one of the soldiers was joking around and told me that he was in trouble and things were getting serious in there because they saw him throw a calculator on the table.

During lunch, Josh and I decided to try our luck on housing. We went to the housing office where we were told that Families HAVE to live on base. So they gave us 3 keys to 3 different looking apartments, we got in our car with the Specialist (whos job is to drive us around all day) and went. We picked the 3rd one, which was on the 3rd floor. We both decided that the layout was a little awkward but it was spacious and I wanted it because the kitchen is on one of the highest hills on base so we are able to overlook all of Baumholder and the base. It is pretty redonkulous "Smiley." It had it's own separate room for a dryer and washer, large combined living and dining area, a spacious bathroom, a kitchen, two bedrooms with the master bedroom having it's own vanity mirror and makeup counter. We decided with the time crunch to borrow government furniture until we purchase our own. That entails bed for both rooms, couches, dining room table, lamps etc. Once we decided on this apartment, Josh went to his Financing brief while I went to the "lending closet" with the Specialist and borrowed all kitchen appliances and supplies till our household goods come. The Specialist brought me to the Px (kinda like a smaller version of walmart on base) where I purchased a few things for the apartment. I went to the inspection and got the keys to our new place. Pictures soon to come! So we move out of here (Langerhof Inn) and into the new place all by Thursday. We will probably be out of internet for a little while so that is why I am writing such a detailed blog now. "smiley"

You are all probably wondering about Josh, his leaving and the timing. Nothing is set in stone right now with dates so I don't want to say something when I or he doesn't even know. One thing continues to told to me over and over again by the different Specialist and Sargents and that being "Nothing is for sure in the Army." As soon as he knows we will let you all know but it looks like it will be sooner than later and the return could range anywhere from June to early September. Will keep you posted!

Josh and I are staying very strong. It has been a definate rollercoster but we are very self aware how much we need each other right now. We will remain positive and forgive each other daily. We are very fortunate to have such a great family and friends who care about us- knowing that helps us IMMENSELY! "smiley."

Josh just woke and made me laugh when he poured his first cup of coffee stating "I will probably need at least two of these today." Perhaps it is only funny to me. "Smiley"

We are up and at em ready to start today. We love and miss you all!

With love,

Gretchen and Josh

Ps. Feel free to give friends and family the website to the blog if they are interested to know how things are going.