7 Goodbyes

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to give you all a quick update on Josh and life. Josh and I said goodbye last thursday. From there he was put on lockdown and taken to a base (30 mins away) to fly out. I heard from him a couple times that day for he told me his flights kept getting delayed but he would fly out the next day. Friday he called me again and said once again his flight got delayed and he would fly out that night. So on Saturday he texted me in the morning and told me he was getting on the plane and would try to write me once he got there. So on Saturday, my sister and I (and a few other friends) ventured out to a festival at a castle. We were just hanging out when my phone rang and it was his ringtone. I was very confused and asked where he was. Turns out he hadn't moved and was still in Raimstein (the Air Foce base). So I did what any smart girl would do and asked if we could come see him. Turns out none of us had eaten so my sister, Shannon and I drove to Raimstein to have dinner with him.


A picture of the Girls and Kaiden at the Kusel Festival




That night we had so much fun at dinner but needed to say another Goodbye because he was scheduled to take off in the morning.



To make a long story short. Josh and his 8 soldiers (who were suppose to fly out on the ADVON (advanced party) group) finally took off yesterday after spending 6 nights in the terminal sleeping and had about 14 flights cancelled. Lucky for me I found out that after 7 Goodbyes it isn't so difficult to say Goodbye anymore. :) He was very excited to get there and I too was very relieved when he called me yesterday morning and told me this was it and he was leaving.


One last photo of Josh

The ironic part of the story is that the main body ended up flying out before the ADVON group. Each time a flight would get cancelled, the guys would get more and more frustrated. I tried to go see Josh as much as possible after work so this week I have been getting home between 1:30- 2:30 AM. So it is now time for me to catch up on sleep. Last night I was in bed by 8:30 PM. :)


The plane that FINALLY got Josh off to where he was suppose to go.

Hope everyone has a GREAT 4th of July. My sister, I and 3 other gals are flying to Berlin for the weekend so I will have to update you all when I get back.

Love,

Gretchen

Goodbyes :(

So all the preparing and anticipation finally arrived today. Josh left
for a year to go to war. I can't say that I was the strongest person but
I think I did pretty okay.



Yesterday afternoon I called my boss (She too is an Army spouse with three boys) to ask if I could have the afternoon off in order to spend some time with Josh. She told me that I can have as much time as I need and if I needed to take today off she would understand completely. I let her know that I think I needed to come in after just to be around people but I really appreciated all of her support. So when I got home at lunch to hang out with Josh I realized that my mind and body had not been in agreement. I told Josh that I "just felt really weird" and I think I needed to lay down. I went into the bedroom where I closed all the curtains and turned on my fan. When I do this Josh tells me that I become a hermit because I don't like sunlight in my eyes when I'm trying to sleep. I awoke 1 1/2 hours later to Josh sitting next to me (in the dark) typing an email on his laptop. It was 1630 at this time. He asked if I wanted to go to dinner or go workout and I told him that I wasn't hungry and didn't really want to get out of bed. (This is very unlike me because I usually am hungry all the time and am always up for doing something.) I was sad and just wanted to be where I was for the time and I needed him to stay next to me. He got up immediately, told me that I could no longer be a hermit and opened up the curtains. To my surprise it was a beautiful day outside. He took me to the soccer fields where we watched one of my good friend's kid, Kaiden, play soccer. He is 4 years old and he spent the majority of the practice picking flowers for one of the girls he had a crush on. They start young here in Germany I guess.



Last night I would not let Josh go to bed. We kept falling asleep on the couch after saying bye to our neighbors John and Abby. (I encourage everyone to follow my sister's blog because she has a blog titled "meet the cast" where she gives everyone in site into our friends over here.) I kept waking Josh up telling him that we couldn't go to sleep because that meant morning would come sooner. He was one heck of a husband and stayed up talking to me while wiping my tears away. I love that
bouy....I think a little too much.:)

This morning I woke him up at 4 am and asked him if he wanted to read a chapter of "The purpose driven life" together. He agreed and so I read it out loud to us. The chapter was about how on earth is temporary and we need to focus on our purpose here on earth because just like that our time will be done. It really made me realize that this year, even though it feels like it will take forever now, is only a small window in our life.



I just wanted to let you know that I am doing okay right now. Right before Josh left he called my sister and asked if she would come stay over with me tonight. Without hesitation she said she would clear her schedule and be there. I am very lucky to have a sister like her.



On top of that, when I got to work I had a ginormous bar of Milka chocolate and a bottle of wine at my desk from Kristy (the girl who works in my office with me). Then I opened my email to find numerous emails from other girls here letting me know they were thinking and praying for me. I feel very loved today.:)

I know you all will be wondering and thinking of Josh (and please keep him in your prayers), but I will do my best to post blogs so you all can know how he is doing and adjusting over there. Some things I might not be able to say but I will give all the details I can.



I hope everyone has a great weekend. Thank you for all the love and
support.

Love,

Gretchen

Long time!

Sorry everyone for I haven't written in a long time!

I will give a quick update and write more later....if that is okay.

My sister, Meaghan, arrived on Tuesday in Germany. She moved here to work as the Chiropractor here at the same clinic I work at. :) She will not be "working" for a few weeks yet for the equipment they ordered for her has not yet arrived. She will be one of the first (if not the first) chiropractors practicing in Europe for the military...so that's very exciting! Tricare (the military's health care) did not fun Chiropractors before so she will be starting up the chiropractic section for the military.

That has been our focus for this past week. Josh and I are working hard to get her settled in and try to find her a house....I will keep you updated.

Josh's parents arrive this Thursday and than we will fly out on Friday for Rome for 4 days...I CAN'T WAIT! We will be in one of the most romantic cities on Valentine's Day so I am looking very forward to the adventure.

Josh is staying busy with work. He has a couple months left as a platoon leader. He will be sad to leave his platoon but he is excited to see where they move him to next. My job is going well....some days are great, some days are silly but I will explain more later.:)

Since I have wrote Josh and I have been to Switzerland and Brugge Belgium. Both places were AMAZING and we would love to go back. I almost died coming down the ski slopes in Switzerland....they were no joke:).

Okay, I have to escape to bed...for I have an early morning tomorrow. I hope you are all doing well and you have a GREAT time watching the super bowl tonight.

Love you all!

Gretchen

1 month & 3 days later.

Okay I think I am in a little trouble since it has been soo long since I have written. My family came and went…and I have been meaning to write about it all but have been putting it off because of all the craziness.

My family showed up the day before my birthday (the 9th of Oct) and stayed the entire week. Josh and I had woken up early that morning to pick them up at the airport which is about a 1 ½ hour drive. That morning (it being a Friday) it took us a little over 2 hours because it was a working day so we got stuck in a lot of traffic. On top of it all, Josh and I both had to pee really bad so we pulled over at what they call a “WC” which stands for “Water Closet.” (Josh and I are not the greatest to be in a car for long road trips because we both drink A LOT of water...not sure whose worse). Note to self..never stop at a "WC", they are extremely disgusting and I begged Josh to keep driving so we could find a gas station. Before I knew it he was parked at a WC. I couldn’t watch him go and not me so I did so as well….however, I found I was more disgusted than ever…..no more stopping at the WC.

Once we got to the airport we found my parents right away. I was a happy camper…once again I forgot how exciting it is to see familiar faces. To make the day even better we stopped at Globus (my favorite market) on the way home to get appetizers and wine to have for lunch. We came home and chatted for awhile while my Dad and Josh drank Guiness and the girls had wine. The 3 travelers (my mother, father and sister) all took a nap and just as I was about to ask Josh if he wanted to run to the store with me I looked over and he too was passed out. Once everyone was rejuvenated we headed over to the Ota’s (one of the providers at the clinic) where she was having a birthday party for me….I even got 2 cakes…one made personally by Josh :)

The next day we were suppose to head to Brugge, Belgium with the Ota’s for two nights to eat some waffles, drink some Delirium beer (my favorite) and hang out. We woke up the next morning and got the car all packed up. Right before we took off Josh realized he didn’t have his phone…after looking for it for quite some time we were able to find it…but had seen that he had missed quite a few phone calls. It turned out that one of his soldiers had been in big trouble and he needed to stay in order to deal with it. So we planned to head out the next day and stay for one night. That night while he was taking care of his soldier and the issues he got ANOTHER phone call that stated ANOTHER one of his soldiers was in trouble (this never had happened before) so he had to report to the Military Police station the NEXT night which messed with our Brugge plans. So we decided instead to make day trips for those two days during the weekend. It wasn’t a completely failure because on my birthday my family and I went to Trier (a cute town an hour from Baumholder) where we did some shopping , sat at an irish pub and ate really good German food…(possible some of the best I’ve had so far). I told Josh later that his soldiers better sing me happy birthday…:). The next week Josh had his soldiers do an extra PT (physical training) sessions that started at 0500....after they completey there first session they started their original session at 0630-0800. So I guess they didn’t completely get off the hook.

The rest of the week we took day trips. We did a Rhine River cruise. We passed by 8 castles and the scenery was gorgeous. On the way home we drank some wine and played cards. I always thought that the River cruises were for old people but I think I was wrong…I would definitely do it again. Other day trips we took were to Idar-Oberstein, Trier and Ramstein.

The following weekend my family had to fly out early Sunday so my parents came up with the great idea to spend the weekend in Frankfurt (they call it the Manhattan of Germany). I had never been so I said that it sounded good to me. So Friday morning we took off for Frankfurt. When we got there I had no idea what I was walking into…my dad had picked the nicest hotel I had ever seen. Inside it had old antique cars that were completely cleaned up and displayed. The lobby was huge with a bar, a restaurant, cigar lounge and additional café. The rooms were amazing as well. We headed out to see the Old part of Frankfurt (the only part that survived during WWII). It was pretty cool because it was just a tiny square with a great big church in the middle. The more places I go the more I am amazed to find different places in Germany that were bombed with only a couple things and a church left standing. That church usually being the main church in that town.

Our weekend theme was the song “Brandi Alexander.” My sister asked me if I had ever had a Brandi Alexander and I had no idea what it even was. It turned out that the hotel had a Brandi Alexander so I had to try it….the song was correct about them (you all should listen to the song…it will make you curious).

Needless to say I had a great birthday with my family. I didn’t end up beating up any of Josh’s soldiers even though I was all talk at the time…in fact towards the end of the week I kinda felt bad for them for having to wake up so early…but more bad that Josh had to be the one doing it...it took a lot out of him..but he was a trooper.

After my family left, I got sad. Josh had to cheer me up but I think he was expecting it because the past visitors he had felt the same way….We were both just thankful to have people come see us…it was such an amazing time....thank you Mom, Dad and Meg!

This past week has been craziness for Josh. I told him the other day that it was crazy because I was going to bed before him and he was waking up before me…which would be around 0400 some mornings. This morning he had to be out of the house by 0445 because he will be at the shooting range all day..he told me that I should expect him home around 0200 in the morning….so last night I packed him 6 sandwiches for the day…I guess that seems like a lot but at least it will help him survive in the cold and avoid eating the MRE (meals ready to eat)…they don’t taste very good...and aren't very healthy.

I know this email is getting long but I have to tell you all the most exciting news of all. Two days ago I bought us train tickets to go to Paris for Thanksgiving! We get to go for four days and the train tickets weren’t too bad at all…plus the train ride is only 2 ½ hours!

I will most likely be writing before thanksgiving but incase I didn’t get to I wanted to spread the word because it will be hard for Josh and I to not be around family for the holidays.

Hope everyone is doing well…we miss you all!

Love,

Gretchen (and Josh too):)

Battle with the Big H :)

On Tuesday night, Jim and Shaeffer (Josh’s two friends visiting for the week) took a train to Trier and were meant to get in about 7:30 PM..just in time to grill out. So I got everything ready while Josh went to pick them up. After about an hour we found out that the boys had boarded the wrong train…so they wouldn’t be in till 10 pm or so. So Josh came home and we decided to grill everything inside and they could at least have left overs.

While Josh and I were eating dinner, I could tell that he was disappointed that the guys weren’t going to be back till later. Josh wasn't saying much so once our conversation became me, myself and I, I blurted out “what is your problem" and he was like "nothing, I was just going to ask you to lay on the couch with me." I said "Oh." Then he was like, "so do you want to" and I said "no, there is no point in doing that." (Not sure why in my mind there wasn't a point to laying down). Then he went and laid down on the couch and I started crying... (I’m pretty unbelievable-I know).…so he looked over and said..."are you really crying" and I was like "yeah, but I don't know why" and of course started crying more. Then I told him how he is a boy so he doesn’t understand how girls work and that a girl would understand me. He started laughing and then once I listened to what I had said and I started laughing also. I looked over at the early birthday package Joelle had sent me and I had received that day and cried more. At this point Josh was finding this more humorous than anything because I couldn’t stop laughing or crying. Eventually I chilled out but couldn't believe how awesome Mr. Big H (aka...hormones) was being....and I am going to blame this episode 100% on them. Josh puts up with quite the load sometimes.

Last night we all four went out to dinner at Zumstern...one of my favorite German restuarants across from my Clinic. The guys had taken our car to Bingen and Rudesheim for the day. They said they had a blast and Shaeffer was happy because they saw some pretty ladies. When we got back from dinner we decided to start a game of hearts. We ended up staying up pretty late and playing but it was well worth the late night because the last hand Josh gave me the Queen and was soo happy with himself. So I had no hope but to shoot for the moon….I somehow ended up successful and then rubbed it that I was the winner and made them all loosers….shouldn’t mess with the best (k- I’m now done being cocky). :)

The guys are taking the train today to Munich to see Dachau concentration camp. (We went there with Josh’s parents and after about 30 mins I became physically sick to my stomach…it was good to see but I don’t want to ever see another one again.) So Josh will take the train on Friday morning to Munich to join them for fun Octoberfest festivities. Jim states they are sleeping on a park bench tonight because they don’t have a hotel reservation.

I work tomorrow and then have train tickets to head out on Saturday morning (with a couple friends) to catch Octoberfest for 24 hours…I will let you all know how it goes.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! And I hope this blog finds you having a happy Thursday!

Love, love, love,

Gretchen

Another happy Friday :)

I called Joelle last Friday and caught her on her way to Ames, Iowa (where Dane went to College) and were Joelle and I spent many weekends hanging out and listening to Damon Dotson (one of our favorite bands). Before I graduated from college I officially made Ames one of my most favorite places in America…don’t judge until you go there. J Needless to say, I got really sad while I was talking to Joelle and said that I wanted to be in the car with them. We both kinda laughed about how silly we are about missing each other and then I let her go. (The worse part about being sad about this incident is that no one else understand except for Joelle because we were the only ones to make the trip. Josh never made it to Ames so it is hard for him to get what was soo great about Ames.) Once I hung up the phone the tears started rolling. Josh was already asleep so I ran into bed and told him I was sad and HAD to wake up to make me feel better. He tried to wake up but just couldn’t so I told him he would be in trouble and then laid there thinking. When I woke up in the morning Josh had no recollection of me coming to bed…he knows what to say to get out of trouble :).

We picked up one of Jim’s (Josh’s best man) friend, Johnny, from the train station last night. He is coming in for a couple nights to see Jim who we are picking up on Saturday to be here for a week. Jim and Johnny met while studying abroad in Spain. Michael, another one of Josh’s friends from Officer Training Course is coming in on Saturday to visit also for a week. Both Josh and I have to work but the two of them (Jim and Michael) are going to travel around via Train. Next weekend Josh is taking Friday off to head to Munich for Octoberfest with his guys. I was told this was strictly a Man’s event so I agreed to stay back. A week later I got an email from a couple neighbors saying they were heading there so I jumped on the idea and bought own my train ticket to Munich. We are only heading up for one day but it should be pretty fantastic. Josh will take the train back with me while his Friends will head to the airport….this week is going to go by fast.

Tonight I have to bake Jim a b-day cake. His birthday is tomorrow and we are picking him up so I have to make it as special as possible. Mary Jo if you have any tips send them my way. I will update you all after the man’s week adventure. I am happy because I get to ask unlimited questions to the boys about life and love. :)

Sorry this blog was short. I was trying to think of what to write and couldn’t really think of too much. All I could think to write about was work, eat and sleep….I need to become more exciting. :)

Talk to you all soon. Love and much missing from Germany.

Gretchen

Happy September 1st!

Josh drove his fam to the airport yesterday morning. They were visiting for 2 wks and 2 days and I am not going to lie I thought that it would not be nearly as fantastic as it was having them here. Right before they came, I have to admit that I was having a hard time imagining now sleeping in my bed….even though it had just as soft of blankets….does that make me high maintanence? I also had to give myself little pep talks that it would be “okay” if the house wasn’t always spotless. For the record though I told Josh the last night that I was really starting to like the guest bed.

The Saturday they came in I begged Josh to let me come to the airport too. (It was going to be a very tight squeeze fitting 6 people into the highlander with luggage.) But I woke up trying to reason with him that I would sit on the floor. He gave in after a couple of hours…so I was very happy! When we picked them up we had a 6 pack of Belgium beer waiting for them. When we got back, we grilled out and just caught up.

The first week they were here Josh had time off so he got to travel with them and just hang out. They were able to go to BernKastle-Keus, Idar-Oberstein, Ramstein (to see how an Air Force base compares to Army….really no comparison) Belgium (I am spacing the name of it) and Luxumbourg. I am sure they went a couple more places but I can't remember them. The next weekend I took Friday and Monday off so we flew to Cinque Terre, Italy. This is a place in Italy that has five small villages scattered throughout this cliff. To get to each village you can either travel by train or hike village to village. We spent most of Friday traveling but ended up getting there and heading straight to the water to swim. Afterwards we had a late night Italian dinner….I am obsessed with Italian food. The next day we got going early in plans to hike until we couldn’t take it anymore. (We were staying in the farthest town, Monterosso). The first hike took a little under 2 hours to complete. Joelle had warned me how beautiful it was but no words could really explain how unbelievable it really was. At times, we were walking right along the edge of the cliff with only 2 ft of walking path….the key to survival was Josh carrying a backpack of 3 Nalgeen water bottles for us. Without the water we would have all passed out…no exaggeration. When we made it into the 2nd town around noon we went right for the beach. After cooling down, we had some lunch and the kids hiked one more town. The rest of the weekend was filled with eating, relaxing and more site seeing….too much fun!

When we got back to Germany, Josh had one day off while I went back to work. Each night we either grilled out, made dinner or went out to eat. Josh’s fam got to meet all our favorite friends. J Once Josh started going back to work, things changed a little bit. He started getting more tired and the first night he came to bed and got really quiet. I asked him what was up and he said he just really liked his family. I smiled and agreed with him. I told him he should go hang out with them more so he got right out of bed to go read his book in the living room. Each night after that he expressed at least 1 time how much he really liked them. After awhile I got sad too.

So Josh’s family came and went….at times I got tired but the fact that I had so many people to ask questions to made it all worth it. Being so far away, Josh and I both agreed that we get caught up in work and Germany that we forget how much we really love and need our friends and family back home.

Today I got told that I get to go TDY (temporary duty) to a conference for 4 days in the beginning of October. The best part is that it is in Garmisch, a gorgeous place in the German ALPS. (When Joelle and her sisters came to visit we went there and it quickly turned into Joelle’s favorite place of all.) Also, I found out that most of the providers are going as well as myself and another nurse….so it should be good hang out times. Josh said he is going to turn the place into a bachelor’s pad for a week.

Well I should go now. I wish you all a happy 1st of September. Miss and love you all!

Love,
Gretchen