Hello everyone, hope you all had an amazing weekend!
This weekend was very interesting for me. It was crazy fun, scary and breathtaking. Shawna and I decided to go meet up with one of the other Lt's and a friend and travel together to Garmisch, Germany to see the mountains. We headed out on Friday but didn't get to their military base until 7 PM or so we decided to just hang out there for the night and head to Garmisch in the morning. We got up early and saw a few sites near their base and took off. Garmisch was an amazing city with moutains surrounding it. On Sunday morning we all decided that instead of spending money on skiiing we were going to go hiking up one of the main mountains there. Our original plan when we started was to walk the trail half way up the mountain (about a 3 mile hike) to a pub that was built on the side and looked over the city.
Things were going well until the guys and Shawna decided to take a different path and try making our own trail and adventure up the mountain. At first things weren't so bad but after awhile the mountain got steaper, the snow started getting thicker and the weather got colder. I kept saying that I didn't think it was possible to get there, so I quickly became known as the debbie downer of the group. Many times the guys (or even I a couple times) would loose footing and slide back down the hill until a tree caught us...I know I tend to exagerate things but trust me when I say that I thought I was not going to see my family and friends again. I asked Shawna if she thought we would die today and she chuckled at me and said we would be okay. On the way up that girl stuck right behind me and even let me go first (it was easier to climb in the new snow rather than following someone's tracks because it was slippery). Many times she would help boost me and keep telling me how close we were...pretty sure I thought she was the most amazing person that day.
At one point up the mountain Shawna asked everyone if we could have any meal and drink when we got up to the top of the mountain, what would it be? The guys all named elaborate meals and fun exotic drinks and when it came to me, I paused and said "All I want right now is Mustard." The other guy said, "You are telling me that all you want when we get to the top is a packet of Mustard...you are crazy!" Shawna laughed and said, "No, that is what she calls Josh." He asked why and I said that one morning I woke up, looked at him and told him he was going to be my Mustard. He then asked if I was his Ketchup? :)
After 3 1/2 hours of hiking we reached a part of the mountain that the trees became VERY thick and the snow became unbelievable deep (4-5 feet). I looked at Shawna and told her I was soo cold and didn't know how much further I could go. She said that we were almost there. At that point one of the guys made it past a tree and said "Holy crap, we have a ways to go." I couldn't hold it anymore so I asked the guys if we could turn around. The leader looked at me and said, "Gretchen, I know you can do this and I have been on a lot of hiking trips and I am not turining around until I get to the top." I took a deep breath and explain to him that I knew my limits and I was starting to shut down, my mind was doubting and my body was becoming more weak and cold. I then just said that I would go back alone but knew that was what I needed to do. It was stated very strongly that that wasn't an option. I asked Shawna to come with me but she too wanted to get to the top. After trying a few more times to make it further (it took a long time to travel even 10 feet with the depth of the snow) one of the guys said to the other that they didn't think it was possible to make it to the top and it was best to turn around. So we did.
We started down and I spent a majority (at least 85%) of it on my bottom. It was a lot of scooting and sliding. It was soo steep that you could sit on your butt (in brand new fresh snow) and slide until you were caught by a tree or rock. At one point there was about a 200 ft drop...and as I was sliding down I was whited out by the snow...pretty sure that I thought I would hit a tree going that fast and die. When I finally stopped I looked up at one of the guys (who had already made the sled down) and pretty sure I took a deep breath just to make sure I was still alive.
After the hike, we all went to another military base nearby and used their gym to shower and get warm. We all had a lot of laughs about the hike and I apoligized for turning us around. I was forgiven and they admitted that it was the smartest option.
So I will be the first to say that I am soo happy to be writing this blog. I will try to post some pictures to show you the magnitude of the mountain but the pictures don't even justify it. Today I am the most soarest.....my bottom is black and blue and am unable to sit unless I put a ton of cushioning under me.
I am sure at this point of the blog, Josh is laughing at me because he thinks I tend to elaborate details of certain events. Not this time Mustard :)...just trust me.
Heard Josh' voice for the first time yesterday. He is doing well, he starts the busy part of his training today. He has not made it all the way downrange yet but he told me they leave for there in just a couple days. He is still very excited. I actually met with one of the wifes to talk and I got to see pictures of his Platoon and the people he will be working with. I heard very great things about his Platoon Sargent (his right handed man) and heard his Platoon is a group of amazing guys. I even got to see the equipment he would be using to do his route clearance missions...I had never seen the machines before. The pictures were unbelievable to see...it really touched me and I thought that he is doing work and reaching people that no one is able to reach. There were soo many pictures of Iraqi children and the troops were throwing soccer balls, flip flops and candy to them....in the background of a few of the pictures were large herds of camel. The scenery was gorgeous and I even saw the coolest picture of a flinstone house (looked unbelievable) that Saddam had built for his children.
Lastly, the bestest news ever came this past week! Joelle told me that she was going to come see me since the tickets were soo cheap now. Shortly I found that all the Cressman girls are coming. I pretty much freaked out and am still in a little bit of a shock. They will get here next thursday! Jen and Jessica will stay till about Monday and Joelle is staying all the way through Thursday. I am soo lucky to have them in my life! :)
I am off to the defax to eat lunch with some of the Lt's who take off for deployment tomorrow. I will keep you all posted with the adventures that Shawna will be up to this weekend. I miss you all tons and tons!!!
Josh did tell me that emails are great to get, so even if it is random do send them....and I can tell you that it is soo great to hear from friends and family!
Love you all!
Gretchen
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Just Me and God :)
Josh and I met one night out. I was too shy so Joelle gave him my number. He called me mid week and when I called him back he was walking to sign his papers to join the Army. He signed with his little sister and Mom next to him. After I met him, I had no idea what the Army lifestyle entailed (even growing up as what my mom calls an "Air Force Brat"...but I think I stayed sheltered and never thought to ask the questions I ask today). I quickly learned after Josh left summer after summer....that this life was going to be a challenge. I fought very hard with both God and Josh to depart Josh and I's relationship. I told the Lord that I needed a relationship with someone who knew Him too....He kept telling me that things would work out. During the summer of 2006, Josh left for Japan (do attend another school) and I took off for Northstar camp for boys..Josh and I talked once a day for sometimes only 2-3 minutes. We both became very independent but the more time that when by Josh would tell me that he needed us and (with me pulling closer to God) I explained that he may not be the direction I can go. Josh told me to just TRUST him. When I returned home, Josh and I attended church together one Sunday. We came out and after we got in the car, I asked Josh what he thought. He let me know that while he was in Japan he came to know the Lord....I cried a lot and could not believe how much I doubted. At that moment in life, I learned the power of prayer and how amazing the Lord can be if you just trust Him.
Every time that Josh and I separated, I would thank the Lord that he wasn't going to a dangerous place. I would keep saying "at least it isn't Iraq." Yesterday morning, Josh left for the place I thought I would NEVER be okay with. Two days before I read that life is a Test and a Trust. I drove aways knowing that this girl was being challenged and I needed to just Trust my Test.
So although it is not a piece of cake, I am doing it. Yesterday I came home and got a few hours of sleep...after calling Joelle to cheer me up. I debated if I should call anyone because I was sad but I knew that she would be sad with me for a second and then focus on what was important. I had a very busy day and later made it out to enjoy the paper work of the military by trying to file claims....I would be happy if tomorrow not another sole told me "you need to keep this piece of paper."
The captains wife called me last night to see if I wanted to go to dinner with her. Shawna and I are heading to Garnish this weekend to ski...we are meeting two other officers there, but I told her that next week would work better. She was great to talk to...and told me that once people find out whose wife I am and that I am a nurse I will be stretched thin. She said I need to learn how to say no....I told her that that wasn't my best quality. :) I told her how excited Josh was and she said that they will keep him very busy once he gets downrange.
I was telling Shawna this morning that it is nice to be around people who are going through the same thing. It makes me think that life is never THAT bad and it can be what you make of it. She has a very good outlook on life and says that after she dated someone who's brother became paralzed she thought..."My family is in good health, I am still breathing, life is good." I liked that :)
So today I am ready to make some phone calls today (so get ready)....I am happy, so don't feel bad for me. I know some days are going to be really good and others not so great but I am pretty sure that is part of the Test.
I love you all and think you all are so great and supportive :)
Love,
Gretchen
Ps. Josh wrote this morning, he made it to his first stop (I don't think I can write the place on here). He hadn't slept yet but let me know that they have a few days before they start....so he was going to be doing a lot of reading and writing....hopefully love letters :).
Every time that Josh and I separated, I would thank the Lord that he wasn't going to a dangerous place. I would keep saying "at least it isn't Iraq." Yesterday morning, Josh left for the place I thought I would NEVER be okay with. Two days before I read that life is a Test and a Trust. I drove aways knowing that this girl was being challenged and I needed to just Trust my Test.
So although it is not a piece of cake, I am doing it. Yesterday I came home and got a few hours of sleep...after calling Joelle to cheer me up. I debated if I should call anyone because I was sad but I knew that she would be sad with me for a second and then focus on what was important. I had a very busy day and later made it out to enjoy the paper work of the military by trying to file claims....I would be happy if tomorrow not another sole told me "you need to keep this piece of paper."
The captains wife called me last night to see if I wanted to go to dinner with her. Shawna and I are heading to Garnish this weekend to ski...we are meeting two other officers there, but I told her that next week would work better. She was great to talk to...and told me that once people find out whose wife I am and that I am a nurse I will be stretched thin. She said I need to learn how to say no....I told her that that wasn't my best quality. :) I told her how excited Josh was and she said that they will keep him very busy once he gets downrange.
I was telling Shawna this morning that it is nice to be around people who are going through the same thing. It makes me think that life is never THAT bad and it can be what you make of it. She has a very good outlook on life and says that after she dated someone who's brother became paralzed she thought..."My family is in good health, I am still breathing, life is good." I liked that :)
So today I am ready to make some phone calls today (so get ready)....I am happy, so don't feel bad for me. I know some days are going to be really good and others not so great but I am pretty sure that is part of the Test.
I love you all and think you all are so great and supportive :)
Love,
Gretchen
Ps. Josh wrote this morning, he made it to his first stop (I don't think I can write the place on here). He hadn't slept yet but let me know that they have a few days before they start....so he was going to be doing a lot of reading and writing....hopefully love letters :).
Friday, January 30, 2009
It's Friday!!
Hello, hello!
This could be the best day ever for me. I am not sure why but I woke up in an extremely good mood today. Not sure why because I was a huge grouch when I went to bed :)
This week has gone by soo fast for me. Not sure how it is already Friday. This week Shawna and I stirred up some trouble on the base. On Wednesday we went to a boot camp class, where I completely died and she made everyone look pathetic. That night she came over for dinner and we acted like little girls the whole night and just sat around giggling. Josh called and I told him that we were going to have one of his Swisher Sweets...he said no, but we did anyway :). Somehow we looked at the clock around 11:30 and couldn't believe it. It was a blast and both of us agreed we hadn't had that much fun since being in Germany.
The next day I couldn't move from the stupid boot camp class and luckily Shawna called and got me off the couch to go on a walk. I couldn't believe this but found out that it is INSANELY cheap to fly here. She had bought a ticket for some of her girls earlier in the day to fly to Spain for 10 Euros (at the most that would be $15). We decided that we were going to fly to Morocco, Africa one of these weekends that she has a four day. She was told it was one of the most beautiful places in the world and it only costs 50 Euro. Also, in two weekends she has to go to Belgium for work...so asked if I could come with. All I can say is the Lord does amazing things and she was put in my life at the perfect time!
Talked to Josh this week. He had a little more fun at the training then I think he thought he would. I am sure he can tell you all more but he was pretty excited because he got to see this robotic (pretty sure I just made up a word) device that finds IUDs. They also did some shooting, so I think he had a pretty good time. He didn't get nights off like he thought he would but last night when I called him he was bowling. Said he bowled a turkey but still ended up with a 126. Haha, only Josh could pull something like that off.
I was suppose to drive to Frankfurt Airport today to pick up an X-girlfriend of one of the officers (he wanted to see her before deploying) but turns out her flight got delayed and she won't be coming in till tomorrow AM. So no driving on the autobahn for me today :).
Tonight, Shawna and I want to take the guys to Coyote Ugly. It's a bar just like the movies and does fire and dancing on the bars. I hope the guys go for it :). We are having the superbowl party at our apartment but it doesn't play here till midnight on Sunday, so it is going to be one late night. I have to find a fun appetizer to make so if anyone has suggestions, please send them my way. On Saturday, Josh says we are dressing up and he is taking me out...he said he wanted to splurge before leaving :).
Well I hope that you all have a great weekend. Also, I hope that you guys don't get too bored with my postings. Sometimes I try to read them over and I can't get through it all.
Miss you all, love you more!
Truly,
Gretchen and Josh
This could be the best day ever for me. I am not sure why but I woke up in an extremely good mood today. Not sure why because I was a huge grouch when I went to bed :)
This week has gone by soo fast for me. Not sure how it is already Friday. This week Shawna and I stirred up some trouble on the base. On Wednesday we went to a boot camp class, where I completely died and she made everyone look pathetic. That night she came over for dinner and we acted like little girls the whole night and just sat around giggling. Josh called and I told him that we were going to have one of his Swisher Sweets...he said no, but we did anyway :). Somehow we looked at the clock around 11:30 and couldn't believe it. It was a blast and both of us agreed we hadn't had that much fun since being in Germany.
The next day I couldn't move from the stupid boot camp class and luckily Shawna called and got me off the couch to go on a walk. I couldn't believe this but found out that it is INSANELY cheap to fly here. She had bought a ticket for some of her girls earlier in the day to fly to Spain for 10 Euros (at the most that would be $15). We decided that we were going to fly to Morocco, Africa one of these weekends that she has a four day. She was told it was one of the most beautiful places in the world and it only costs 50 Euro. Also, in two weekends she has to go to Belgium for work...so asked if I could come with. All I can say is the Lord does amazing things and she was put in my life at the perfect time!
Talked to Josh this week. He had a little more fun at the training then I think he thought he would. I am sure he can tell you all more but he was pretty excited because he got to see this robotic (pretty sure I just made up a word) device that finds IUDs. They also did some shooting, so I think he had a pretty good time. He didn't get nights off like he thought he would but last night when I called him he was bowling. Said he bowled a turkey but still ended up with a 126. Haha, only Josh could pull something like that off.
I was suppose to drive to Frankfurt Airport today to pick up an X-girlfriend of one of the officers (he wanted to see her before deploying) but turns out her flight got delayed and she won't be coming in till tomorrow AM. So no driving on the autobahn for me today :).
Tonight, Shawna and I want to take the guys to Coyote Ugly. It's a bar just like the movies and does fire and dancing on the bars. I hope the guys go for it :). We are having the superbowl party at our apartment but it doesn't play here till midnight on Sunday, so it is going to be one late night. I have to find a fun appetizer to make so if anyone has suggestions, please send them my way. On Saturday, Josh says we are dressing up and he is taking me out...he said he wanted to splurge before leaving :).
Well I hope that you all have a great weekend. Also, I hope that you guys don't get too bored with my postings. Sometimes I try to read them over and I can't get through it all.
Miss you all, love you more!
Truly,
Gretchen and Josh
Thursday, January 29, 2009
26 Random things about me....
1. I love the condiments ketchup and barbeque sauce. However, it has to be Heinz and Sweet Baby Rays. I eat them in access and use more condiment than food with each bit.
2. I am obsessed with Monkeys. I could sit at a zoo all day and be entertained by them. For some reason, Josh and Joelle think that it is really cool to tell me how “not cool” they are and how they want to kill every monkey.
3. I guess when I was really little and people use to come up to me and tell me I was cute, I would try to bite them.
4. To make things even worse: When I was little I would stand in this special corner in the kitchen and pull out real knifes at my older brother and sister while they were babysitting. That way they could never punish me or get close to me.
5. I really did not like my sister until she left for college. Infact, I HATED her. Now she is one of my bestest friends and has taught me a great deal about life. At one point in my life she took me under her wing and took AMAZING care of me. She also takes amazing care of my puppy Tyson.
6. I am a huge daddy’s girl! I think the absolute world of him and always dreamed of marrying a man JUST like him (I always told him that I would).
7. When I was in grade school my older brother, Gregory, would always ask me to watch movies with him. He always paused all of the beginning first parts of the movie to write down ALL of the movie information: director, star actors/actresses, music, etc , etc.. And EVERYTIME after he was done with the beginning credits the popcorn would be done and I would fall asleep. He still continued to want me to watch the movies with him.
8. The closer I get to growing up and one day watching a child, I realize how much mother did to raise all of us 4 children. Sometimes I wonder how in the world she managed to do it but a lot of times I just pray that I can have HALF of the strength and love my mother had….and pretty sure that would A LOT of love :)
9. When I was in 3rd and 4th grade my younger brother, Michael, and I would go to subway and each get a foot long sub. I would get tuna and he would get seafood and we would trade half of our sub for the other one. I am not sure how we at so much but we did! We learned quickly that very few subways serve seafood subs.
10. I got married 5 months ago to my best friend. I never thought I could be so in love with a person but have been told that it will fade….however, I find myself wondering how I got so lucky from day to day. He challenges me more than I ever thought possible. He knows me inside and out and treats me like I am the most important thing in the world.
11. I think the world of Josh’s family. The dynamics of the family are like no other. I have found that Mary and Dave will drop EVERYTHING for any one of the children….lately it has happened so often that at times this allows me to wonder how they both still have a job. Brittany and Danielle are two of the most brilliant and gorgeous girls I know. Brittany acts far too mature for her age and Danielle has taught me a great deal about being strong when it comes to relationship. I guess you could say that I am slightly obsessed with the family :)
12. The Kirschling family is the BOMB diggity. We can fight like cats and dogs but I love them all more than Monkeys. With the fighting comes love and making up and I think that is the best part about it all. Each time we get closer as a family and I have found that I really on each family member in a very different way. My little brother, Michael, is the funniest of us all- he has the ability to make the whole room laugh. Meaghan always brings the fun and the wits to the table- she is said to be the daughter who can do anything (cook, paint, sew, dance, etc) Greg….ahh, he has taught our family a great deal about finding inner strength and living life to the fullest, I respect and look up to him more than I ever thought possible. My mother, she is one heck of a mom-she loves her children more than any other mother and when she wants to accomplish anything I have found that if her mind and heart both want it, she can just do it (with no other help). I always find this incredible. My father- I have never been able to find the perfect words to describe how much I love him. I can tell my father anything and find that he helps me most learn how to walk with Jesus. Many times, I learn most by just watching him but I am always amazed at what a lucky daughter I am. (sorry that was a really long number 12).
13. Josh and I always argue who has a better best friend. I always tell him that his best friend never gives him hand and foot rubs, and he tells me that my best friend never cuts my hair in JUST boxers. This past week when we went without cell phones, my phone rang A LOT due to my best friend and he got jealous. So I say I currently have the better best friend! Joelle and Jim will continue to be an arguing issue for us for awhile :)
14. I drink a lot of water during the day. At night I will sometimes wake up to pee 4-5 times. I always say it taste’s soo good and I can’t stop. However, Josh gets mad and argues that water does not taste like anything!
15. A recent email from my friend, Carly, made me realize how sometimes you just need to splurge and tell people how much they mean to you. It also made me realize how lucky I am have such great friends.
16. One day my roommate Kristen and I got board at home so we decided to have an Olympic competition. This involved: first to drink a gallon of water the fastest, most pushups, most situps, most jumping jacks, best splits and most facebook friends. I won at all except splits and facebook friends. But it was that day that we both went and asked each other friends to be ours. Still today I don’t know about 50 of my facebook friends because they aren’t really mine.
17. I love the color pink. I would have pink everything if I could. The Ruds even put up pink Christmas lights for me this X-Mas. However, everyone tells them that it looks like “breast cancer” awareness outside their house.
18. I love the sense of touch. Hands down it is the best sense! It sounds weird to a lot of people but I am sticking to it!
19. I never thought at 24 that I would be married and living in Germany. I also never thought that I would need to be as independent as I am. Have also learned how much I need the Guy upstairs to help me and guide me from day to day.
20. I love swisher sweet cigars but can only have one occasionally.
21. Recently I have been very jealous of Minneapolis, MN. Now it houses all the coolest people and am very jealous that my older brother and sister get to live together and do things that I love together- work out, make smoothies, grocery shop and watch “The Bachelor.”
22. I am obsessed with the grocery store and cooking. Sometimes when I am sad I go to the grocery store to just look around. It always makes me happy, so many colors and the people are fun too.
23. Cribbage is my favorite game right now. I have gotten to be very good at it from playing it everynight with Josh.
24. I love to travel and since I am in Germany have been doing a lot of it. I consider myself very lucky but can’t wait for my visitors to come play with me :)
25. When I am 35, I am going to complete a full Triathlon!
26. I sometimes think how far away I am from my family and friends. If I start thinking about it too long, my heart starts to literally hurt. My advice is that everyone (including me) needs to take more advantage of the present and the people you are blessed with in your life, because someday that situation might change.
Thanks for the idea megs! That was really fun.
2. I am obsessed with Monkeys. I could sit at a zoo all day and be entertained by them. For some reason, Josh and Joelle think that it is really cool to tell me how “not cool” they are and how they want to kill every monkey.
3. I guess when I was really little and people use to come up to me and tell me I was cute, I would try to bite them.
4. To make things even worse: When I was little I would stand in this special corner in the kitchen and pull out real knifes at my older brother and sister while they were babysitting. That way they could never punish me or get close to me.
5. I really did not like my sister until she left for college. Infact, I HATED her. Now she is one of my bestest friends and has taught me a great deal about life. At one point in my life she took me under her wing and took AMAZING care of me. She also takes amazing care of my puppy Tyson.
6. I am a huge daddy’s girl! I think the absolute world of him and always dreamed of marrying a man JUST like him (I always told him that I would).
7. When I was in grade school my older brother, Gregory, would always ask me to watch movies with him. He always paused all of the beginning first parts of the movie to write down ALL of the movie information: director, star actors/actresses, music, etc , etc.. And EVERYTIME after he was done with the beginning credits the popcorn would be done and I would fall asleep. He still continued to want me to watch the movies with him.
8. The closer I get to growing up and one day watching a child, I realize how much mother did to raise all of us 4 children. Sometimes I wonder how in the world she managed to do it but a lot of times I just pray that I can have HALF of the strength and love my mother had….and pretty sure that would A LOT of love :)
9. When I was in 3rd and 4th grade my younger brother, Michael, and I would go to subway and each get a foot long sub. I would get tuna and he would get seafood and we would trade half of our sub for the other one. I am not sure how we at so much but we did! We learned quickly that very few subways serve seafood subs.
10. I got married 5 months ago to my best friend. I never thought I could be so in love with a person but have been told that it will fade….however, I find myself wondering how I got so lucky from day to day. He challenges me more than I ever thought possible. He knows me inside and out and treats me like I am the most important thing in the world.
11. I think the world of Josh’s family. The dynamics of the family are like no other. I have found that Mary and Dave will drop EVERYTHING for any one of the children….lately it has happened so often that at times this allows me to wonder how they both still have a job. Brittany and Danielle are two of the most brilliant and gorgeous girls I know. Brittany acts far too mature for her age and Danielle has taught me a great deal about being strong when it comes to relationship. I guess you could say that I am slightly obsessed with the family :)
12. The Kirschling family is the BOMB diggity. We can fight like cats and dogs but I love them all more than Monkeys. With the fighting comes love and making up and I think that is the best part about it all. Each time we get closer as a family and I have found that I really on each family member in a very different way. My little brother, Michael, is the funniest of us all- he has the ability to make the whole room laugh. Meaghan always brings the fun and the wits to the table- she is said to be the daughter who can do anything (cook, paint, sew, dance, etc) Greg….ahh, he has taught our family a great deal about finding inner strength and living life to the fullest, I respect and look up to him more than I ever thought possible. My mother, she is one heck of a mom-she loves her children more than any other mother and when she wants to accomplish anything I have found that if her mind and heart both want it, she can just do it (with no other help). I always find this incredible. My father- I have never been able to find the perfect words to describe how much I love him. I can tell my father anything and find that he helps me most learn how to walk with Jesus. Many times, I learn most by just watching him but I am always amazed at what a lucky daughter I am. (sorry that was a really long number 12).
13. Josh and I always argue who has a better best friend. I always tell him that his best friend never gives him hand and foot rubs, and he tells me that my best friend never cuts my hair in JUST boxers. This past week when we went without cell phones, my phone rang A LOT due to my best friend and he got jealous. So I say I currently have the better best friend! Joelle and Jim will continue to be an arguing issue for us for awhile :)
14. I drink a lot of water during the day. At night I will sometimes wake up to pee 4-5 times. I always say it taste’s soo good and I can’t stop. However, Josh gets mad and argues that water does not taste like anything!
15. A recent email from my friend, Carly, made me realize how sometimes you just need to splurge and tell people how much they mean to you. It also made me realize how lucky I am have such great friends.
16. One day my roommate Kristen and I got board at home so we decided to have an Olympic competition. This involved: first to drink a gallon of water the fastest, most pushups, most situps, most jumping jacks, best splits and most facebook friends. I won at all except splits and facebook friends. But it was that day that we both went and asked each other friends to be ours. Still today I don’t know about 50 of my facebook friends because they aren’t really mine.
17. I love the color pink. I would have pink everything if I could. The Ruds even put up pink Christmas lights for me this X-Mas. However, everyone tells them that it looks like “breast cancer” awareness outside their house.
18. I love the sense of touch. Hands down it is the best sense! It sounds weird to a lot of people but I am sticking to it!
19. I never thought at 24 that I would be married and living in Germany. I also never thought that I would need to be as independent as I am. Have also learned how much I need the Guy upstairs to help me and guide me from day to day.
20. I love swisher sweet cigars but can only have one occasionally.
21. Recently I have been very jealous of Minneapolis, MN. Now it houses all the coolest people and am very jealous that my older brother and sister get to live together and do things that I love together- work out, make smoothies, grocery shop and watch “The Bachelor.”
22. I am obsessed with the grocery store and cooking. Sometimes when I am sad I go to the grocery store to just look around. It always makes me happy, so many colors and the people are fun too.
23. Cribbage is my favorite game right now. I have gotten to be very good at it from playing it everynight with Josh.
24. I love to travel and since I am in Germany have been doing a lot of it. I consider myself very lucky but can’t wait for my visitors to come play with me :)
25. When I am 35, I am going to complete a full Triathlon!
26. I sometimes think how far away I am from my family and friends. If I start thinking about it too long, my heart starts to literally hurt. My advice is that everyone (including me) needs to take more advantage of the present and the people you are blessed with in your life, because someday that situation might change.
Thanks for the idea megs! That was really fun.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Four "F's"
Good news, bad news and good news!
1. Good news: I made my first friend this past weekend. She too is from Minnesota, but she has a much more northern accent to me. She is here for the next four months in charge of 17 post grad teaching students. She has to manage all of them and their progress, so she has her hands full. The craziest part about her job is that they gave her a car and but didn't require her to take a driving test. Even crazier is the fact that 5 of her students are in Berlin so she has to travel 4 hours (one way)on European roads with no GPS system once or twice a week. She is staying in the Langerhoff Inn (where Josh and I stayed for about a week) for the entire 4 months. So she only lives a few blocks away.
2. Okay number two is both good and bad news. Here it is...Josh will be deploying the 4th of February. The good news is that Josh is very excited for this. He told me yesterday that this is all he has been thinking about since he graduated but added that he REALLY hopes he is not dissapointed. The good news for me is that we don't have to do a full year for the time and I really can't complain because every wife on this base has been away from their husband for the past 6 months. His company commander wrote him a very nice email this past weekend introducing himself and explaining a little of what Josh would be doing. Josh will be taking over a Platoon after he gets downrange (once he completes his inproccessing in Kuwait) which is around 40 soldiers. I think I told you all that the current Platoon Leader's (the officer he will be taking over for) wife is a nurse at the clinic I will be working at. She introduced herself and she is also young and very nice. Also, I don't think they have any children.
Speaking of which, Josh and I saw Marley and Me yesterday at the theater on base and although I loved the movie...it opened my eyes to having children and pets. Josh really liked the movie and said that he was definately glad he got married and he said that he knew one day he really wanted all of that. I told him no! :)
This morning at 4 am I drove him to his company birgade because he is doing a week of pre-deployment training about 6 hours away (yet still in Germany). He was looking very excited to the week and really hopes he is able to learn some things. All of his buddies informed me that they have nights off so they are going to take him out.
This past weekend went by very fast. We unpacked all of our household goods on Friday and even though I got tired half way through and tried to get Josh to take a nap with me, we managed to get it all done that day. Josh even took me to the furniture store to look into buying a couch. Turns out we have to purchase it this next weekend because they are in the middle of inventory. He couldn't believe how excited I was. On Saturday, we drove back to Trier and walked around and went shopping. I got mad at one point because we walked into a cafe and we couldn't tell if it was seat yourself or order at the counter. They had a million deserts so I wanted to stay but since we didn't know how to order we just left. Josh got frustrated because I was but eventually I realized I was being silly and stopped once we found another cafe. We sat and chatted for awhile and then met up with all the other officers for dinner in Trier. Later that night we went over to one of their houses for drinks. I could NOT believe how nice of place a single guy was given. (Two story 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house) It was the cutest Germany house (practically brand new) and some of the walls were even painted pink. I was in heaven and told him that he is going to have to give Shawna (the Minnesota friend) and I his keys when he deploys so we can come there. Shawna told me that I hadn't seen anything yet for the other officer has a house in the middle of the woods and she said when she looked out the window she thought she was in Ireland because of the beautiful scenery and all the horses in the pasture. Perhaps in a couple years we can move off base too. :)
Well I am off to run some errands. Yesterday Josh and I were able to skype with our family for about 3 hours and his parents asked him how he was going to do all of his little things while he was deployed. He said, "Mom, you know how you taught me to make those 'to do lists' when I was little, I now have started making them for Gretchen." He thought he was pretty funny but later I learned that he was serious....he's got in trouble but I guess I agreed to doing everything. Hmmm...thanks Mary and Dave for the 'to do list.'
Well I hope you all had a great weekend and a great start of the week. I will be on skype and internet for good so look forward to hearing from you and talking with you!
Truly,
Gretchen and Josh
1. Good news: I made my first friend this past weekend. She too is from Minnesota, but she has a much more northern accent to me. She is here for the next four months in charge of 17 post grad teaching students. She has to manage all of them and their progress, so she has her hands full. The craziest part about her job is that they gave her a car and but didn't require her to take a driving test. Even crazier is the fact that 5 of her students are in Berlin so she has to travel 4 hours (one way)on European roads with no GPS system once or twice a week. She is staying in the Langerhoff Inn (where Josh and I stayed for about a week) for the entire 4 months. So she only lives a few blocks away.
2. Okay number two is both good and bad news. Here it is...Josh will be deploying the 4th of February. The good news is that Josh is very excited for this. He told me yesterday that this is all he has been thinking about since he graduated but added that he REALLY hopes he is not dissapointed. The good news for me is that we don't have to do a full year for the time and I really can't complain because every wife on this base has been away from their husband for the past 6 months. His company commander wrote him a very nice email this past weekend introducing himself and explaining a little of what Josh would be doing. Josh will be taking over a Platoon after he gets downrange (once he completes his inproccessing in Kuwait) which is around 40 soldiers. I think I told you all that the current Platoon Leader's (the officer he will be taking over for) wife is a nurse at the clinic I will be working at. She introduced herself and she is also young and very nice. Also, I don't think they have any children.
Speaking of which, Josh and I saw Marley and Me yesterday at the theater on base and although I loved the movie...it opened my eyes to having children and pets. Josh really liked the movie and said that he was definately glad he got married and he said that he knew one day he really wanted all of that. I told him no! :)
This morning at 4 am I drove him to his company birgade because he is doing a week of pre-deployment training about 6 hours away (yet still in Germany). He was looking very excited to the week and really hopes he is able to learn some things. All of his buddies informed me that they have nights off so they are going to take him out.
This past weekend went by very fast. We unpacked all of our household goods on Friday and even though I got tired half way through and tried to get Josh to take a nap with me, we managed to get it all done that day. Josh even took me to the furniture store to look into buying a couch. Turns out we have to purchase it this next weekend because they are in the middle of inventory. He couldn't believe how excited I was. On Saturday, we drove back to Trier and walked around and went shopping. I got mad at one point because we walked into a cafe and we couldn't tell if it was seat yourself or order at the counter. They had a million deserts so I wanted to stay but since we didn't know how to order we just left. Josh got frustrated because I was but eventually I realized I was being silly and stopped once we found another cafe. We sat and chatted for awhile and then met up with all the other officers for dinner in Trier. Later that night we went over to one of their houses for drinks. I could NOT believe how nice of place a single guy was given. (Two story 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house) It was the cutest Germany house (practically brand new) and some of the walls were even painted pink. I was in heaven and told him that he is going to have to give Shawna (the Minnesota friend) and I his keys when he deploys so we can come there. Shawna told me that I hadn't seen anything yet for the other officer has a house in the middle of the woods and she said when she looked out the window she thought she was in Ireland because of the beautiful scenery and all the horses in the pasture. Perhaps in a couple years we can move off base too. :)
Well I am off to run some errands. Yesterday Josh and I were able to skype with our family for about 3 hours and his parents asked him how he was going to do all of his little things while he was deployed. He said, "Mom, you know how you taught me to make those 'to do lists' when I was little, I now have started making them for Gretchen." He thought he was pretty funny but later I learned that he was serious....he's got in trouble but I guess I agreed to doing everything. Hmmm...thanks Mary and Dave for the 'to do list.'
Well I hope you all had a great weekend and a great start of the week. I will be on skype and internet for good so look forward to hearing from you and talking with you!
Truly,
Gretchen and Josh
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Happy Hump Day!
Hello everyone!
Tried to think last night while I was lying in bed what I could write to tell you all. Due to the fact that I kept thinking and couldn't think of too much, I couldn't fall asleep and once I did I dreamt that the base here was located in Minnesota and we got to go to dinner with everyone. Then I woke up and all the fun faces I was seeing was not real and I was sad. I think that I dreamt that because I talked to Joelle before bed and when I got off the phone with her I told Josh that they were all going out for her birthday. We both were silent for a second and he then said, "Why didn't she invite me?" I said, "I know, guess we aren't cool enough..or maybe it is because you decided you wanted to live across the country." We laughed and joked about it for a little awhile...then he fell asleep and I layed there for the next few hours.
Yesterday, I went to a resume class where they taught me how to put a federal resume online. It was a very beneficial class to take especially saying that she told me that people pay a person thousands to do it for them. After the class I met with the Lt Coronel at the clinic to discuss jobs and my experience. I had previously sent her my resume but realized later that I could have made it much better. She sounded very interested but said that the process of hiring can take a couple months.She also had me meet and interveiw with the head nurse and she too was from Minnesota. She told me that she loved listening to me talk. She was a huge vikings fan and had three little boys who also were. She gave me a tour and introduced me to the staff. It was very neat and a very nice clinic...she said it was the largest clinic in Germany. So we will see what happens, I will keep you all posted.
Josh is spending the week in training. Yesterday they practiced rolling in a vehicle (not sure what kind it was but I know that it was a machine with hydralics that caused them to tip over) and each time they were given a different situation where one of the soldiers was killed so the other soldiers had to safely get them out of the vehicle. I asked if it hurt and he said only when he was the one killed and he had to be limp. When they undid his seatbelt, he fell onto his head and that hurt a little...sounds to me like it would be pretty painful. He had fun. Today he goes to the range to pass a shooting test...think he will have another fun day.
I am off to work on my resume, hope you all are doing well! We STILL miss you all very much :).
Love
Gretchen and Josh
Tried to think last night while I was lying in bed what I could write to tell you all. Due to the fact that I kept thinking and couldn't think of too much, I couldn't fall asleep and once I did I dreamt that the base here was located in Minnesota and we got to go to dinner with everyone. Then I woke up and all the fun faces I was seeing was not real and I was sad. I think that I dreamt that because I talked to Joelle before bed and when I got off the phone with her I told Josh that they were all going out for her birthday. We both were silent for a second and he then said, "Why didn't she invite me?" I said, "I know, guess we aren't cool enough..or maybe it is because you decided you wanted to live across the country." We laughed and joked about it for a little awhile...then he fell asleep and I layed there for the next few hours.
Yesterday, I went to a resume class where they taught me how to put a federal resume online. It was a very beneficial class to take especially saying that she told me that people pay a person thousands to do it for them. After the class I met with the Lt Coronel at the clinic to discuss jobs and my experience. I had previously sent her my resume but realized later that I could have made it much better. She sounded very interested but said that the process of hiring can take a couple months.She also had me meet and interveiw with the head nurse and she too was from Minnesota. She told me that she loved listening to me talk. She was a huge vikings fan and had three little boys who also were. She gave me a tour and introduced me to the staff. It was very neat and a very nice clinic...she said it was the largest clinic in Germany. So we will see what happens, I will keep you all posted.
Josh is spending the week in training. Yesterday they practiced rolling in a vehicle (not sure what kind it was but I know that it was a machine with hydralics that caused them to tip over) and each time they were given a different situation where one of the soldiers was killed so the other soldiers had to safely get them out of the vehicle. I asked if it hurt and he said only when he was the one killed and he had to be limp. When they undid his seatbelt, he fell onto his head and that hurt a little...sounds to me like it would be pretty painful. He had fun. Today he goes to the range to pass a shooting test...think he will have another fun day.
I am off to work on my resume, hope you all are doing well! We STILL miss you all very much :).
Love
Gretchen and Josh
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hallo!!
Sorry that you haven’t heard from us in awhile, it has been a very busy week. Josh got more on his inprocessing accomplished and started to prepare more for his deployment. I attended a course called “R.O.C.K” where I learned the culture, a little German and the bus system. My instructor was amazing and we had so much fun together. There were only 5 people total in the class, 4 of them being a set of couples so the instructor and I spent a majority of the time together which was a plus for me because I could ask her any questions..and you can only imagine the amount of questions I asked. (smiley).
The first day of the class we visited the Baumholder museum. Lots of history but it was cool to see…it definitely made me realize how very little I know about even our current war. The next day we all took a bus into Idar-Oberstein. She brought us to this nice lunch place and taught us how to properly manage in a restaurant. In Germany, you never put your knife down. You cut while you go along and you scoop your food with your knife. When you are done, there is a certain way to place your utensils on the plate and if you want more there is also a way to place it. The restaurant had the freshest salad bar and potatoes I had ever tasted…it was unreal. The third day of the class was the best day! Again she brought us into Idar-Oberstein via bus, we switched busses and headed to Globus. It is sort of like a Sam Club. The instructor told me to come with her and she taught me thee coolest things! This place was a grocery store heaven for me but it was neat because it was all German food and everything was in German. She took me and we tried so many things. I was proud of myself because I was trying different sausages and cheeses. I came home at the end of the day with a large Globus market bag. Josh said that I had too much fun and that we wouldn’t be going to the grocery store for awhile. They had an entire isle of JUST different kinds of ketchup. She showed me the best kinds of chocolates that they only have here. It is a German brand called “Milka” and I will have to send some to you all because it really is the best kind of chocolate. I also purchased these espresso chocolates..where they are an entire espresso shot covered in dark chocolate….and when you bit into it is liquid (never had anything like it).
That night we had 4 of the lieutenants over for pizza and drinks. That was fun and the next day we hopped back on the bus because I had to show Josh Globus. He admitted it was pretty cool but I don’t think he had as much fun as I did. We than took a bus to the middle of Idar-Oberstein where we walked to the top of this castle. It was very cool and I have to post pictures of the top, unbelievable view. It was a whole day of traveling but definitely worth it! That night I made us this German dinner which was meat covered in cabbage with potatoes and carrots. We both agreed we could eat that meal again!
On Saturday we wanted to try our luck with the trains so we headed out around 10 am. There is this deal that if you pay 27 Euro for up to 5 people to travel via bus and train within the Rheinland region. We looked at the map and decided to go to Trier (a city we have been told we must go see). Chances were we missed one of our busses so we didn’t make it to Trier till 3 pm. The other lieutenants were much smarter and drove (which was about a 45 min drive going over 100 on the autobahn). So when we rolled in they were about ready to leave. We all decided to go see the Ampitheater before so Josh and I were able to walk around the city for a couple hours before we left. It was a pretty neat city, they had tons of cafes and pubs within this huge shopping area and strip. We walked into this cathedral which was also an unbelievable site. Some of the details in the walls and art was breathtaking. The best thing about Trier was they even had some American shopping stores so I was a happy camper. Josh says he is going to take me back tomorrow to shop a little.
Last night we got home and I was tired so I told Josh to go out with the guys. He had a much good time and they even experienced a couple Irish car bombs (a drink). He came home and woke me up and said that one of the guys had offered to take us to Kauserslaughter to rent a car (for a much cheaper rate than we are able to get her on base). So today we drove there to get a car….we ended up with a tiny For Fiesta. It is quite the sight to see. We all went out to breakfast afterwards. For breakfast they are big on meats, cheeses, spreads and hard rolls. It is actually very tasty. Afterwards we went exploring and drove onto two of the Air Force Bases nearby. The 2nd one we stopped at was unbelievable. We went into their BX (kinda like a walmart- on Army Posts it’s called a PX) and it was the coolest BX I had seen. It was 2 stories high and had everything you could ever imagine. When you walked in they had about 8 shops that were European stores before you even got into the main BX shopping area. We also stopped at their Commissary (grocery store) because I had heard so much about it. Again I was in heaven!!
We got home not too long ago and decided to read for awhile…which turned into an 1 ½ nap. Seems that since we have purchased our new bed that we have attended a little too much too it.
Josh said it was the best purchase he has ever made!
I hope all is well, and I will try not to take so long again to write. Soon we will have internet and a home line (that we can make cheap phone calls from) so you should all be hearing much more from us.
Josh and I send our love and hope you all had a great weekend!!
Grechend and Josh
The first day of the class we visited the Baumholder museum. Lots of history but it was cool to see…it definitely made me realize how very little I know about even our current war. The next day we all took a bus into Idar-Oberstein. She brought us to this nice lunch place and taught us how to properly manage in a restaurant. In Germany, you never put your knife down. You cut while you go along and you scoop your food with your knife. When you are done, there is a certain way to place your utensils on the plate and if you want more there is also a way to place it. The restaurant had the freshest salad bar and potatoes I had ever tasted…it was unreal. The third day of the class was the best day! Again she brought us into Idar-Oberstein via bus, we switched busses and headed to Globus. It is sort of like a Sam Club. The instructor told me to come with her and she taught me thee coolest things! This place was a grocery store heaven for me but it was neat because it was all German food and everything was in German. She took me and we tried so many things. I was proud of myself because I was trying different sausages and cheeses. I came home at the end of the day with a large Globus market bag. Josh said that I had too much fun and that we wouldn’t be going to the grocery store for awhile. They had an entire isle of JUST different kinds of ketchup. She showed me the best kinds of chocolates that they only have here. It is a German brand called “Milka” and I will have to send some to you all because it really is the best kind of chocolate. I also purchased these espresso chocolates..where they are an entire espresso shot covered in dark chocolate….and when you bit into it is liquid (never had anything like it).
That night we had 4 of the lieutenants over for pizza and drinks. That was fun and the next day we hopped back on the bus because I had to show Josh Globus. He admitted it was pretty cool but I don’t think he had as much fun as I did. We than took a bus to the middle of Idar-Oberstein where we walked to the top of this castle. It was very cool and I have to post pictures of the top, unbelievable view. It was a whole day of traveling but definitely worth it! That night I made us this German dinner which was meat covered in cabbage with potatoes and carrots. We both agreed we could eat that meal again!
On Saturday we wanted to try our luck with the trains so we headed out around 10 am. There is this deal that if you pay 27 Euro for up to 5 people to travel via bus and train within the Rheinland region. We looked at the map and decided to go to Trier (a city we have been told we must go see). Chances were we missed one of our busses so we didn’t make it to Trier till 3 pm. The other lieutenants were much smarter and drove (which was about a 45 min drive going over 100 on the autobahn). So when we rolled in they were about ready to leave. We all decided to go see the Ampitheater before so Josh and I were able to walk around the city for a couple hours before we left. It was a pretty neat city, they had tons of cafes and pubs within this huge shopping area and strip. We walked into this cathedral which was also an unbelievable site. Some of the details in the walls and art was breathtaking. The best thing about Trier was they even had some American shopping stores so I was a happy camper. Josh says he is going to take me back tomorrow to shop a little.
Last night we got home and I was tired so I told Josh to go out with the guys. He had a much good time and they even experienced a couple Irish car bombs (a drink). He came home and woke me up and said that one of the guys had offered to take us to Kauserslaughter to rent a car (for a much cheaper rate than we are able to get her on base). So today we drove there to get a car….we ended up with a tiny For Fiesta. It is quite the sight to see. We all went out to breakfast afterwards. For breakfast they are big on meats, cheeses, spreads and hard rolls. It is actually very tasty. Afterwards we went exploring and drove onto two of the Air Force Bases nearby. The 2nd one we stopped at was unbelievable. We went into their BX (kinda like a walmart- on Army Posts it’s called a PX) and it was the coolest BX I had seen. It was 2 stories high and had everything you could ever imagine. When you walked in they had about 8 shops that were European stores before you even got into the main BX shopping area. We also stopped at their Commissary (grocery store) because I had heard so much about it. Again I was in heaven!!
We got home not too long ago and decided to read for awhile…which turned into an 1 ½ nap. Seems that since we have purchased our new bed that we have attended a little too much too it.
Josh said it was the best purchase he has ever made!
I hope all is well, and I will try not to take so long again to write. Soon we will have internet and a home line (that we can make cheap phone calls from) so you should all be hearing much more from us.
Josh and I send our love and hope you all had a great weekend!!
Grechend and Josh
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