Wilkommen

I spent a whopping two months in Germany this year. It's the longest I've ever been away from the little dude (though not the longest that I've ever been separated from Shayne). Being there so long afforded me the opportunity to get so much done and become involved, personally and professionally, at a level I don't normally achieve as I tend to be more reclusive than not. I played on our directorates indoor soccer team, participated in Pet Watch '08 (a dog, two cats, three fish who had families that decided to take pet-free vacations), enjoyed BBQ's, attended Fruhlingfest, read over 40 books and so much more. I had a roommate this year. A roomie!! It was an adjustment but, compared to having communal showers, not that bad. To be ready for deployment, my medical needed updating. Our fine US Army had zero record of any immunizations they've ever given me. You can guess what that means. Ow. Ow. Ouch. "I want my mama!" I trained at the gym most every day and feel so much better physically than I have in a long time. In addition, had the best physical fitness test score that I've earned in a while. Woohoo!! One of the things I look forward to, on a very basic level, is the abundance of free chow that Uncle Sam provides for me. Brunch every Sunday at the mess is such a treat. Seriously. French toast, pancakes, omelets made-to-order, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, oatmeal, grits, fresh fruits, breakfast breads. Don't even get me started on the lunch part. All that's required of me is to roll my booty out of bed by 11 am. Then, as if I didn't get enough, I have to get out and get a bellyfull of German yummies. I managed half of a giant schnitzel with the accompanying fries, chocolate covered fruit, a deliciously spiced wurst mit brotchen, butter pretzel (my fave!), the most decadent chocolate ice cream you could ever imagine. Fortunately, I made some friends this year to share a lot of these experiences with. I would tell you more but this post is already alarmingly long. Enjoy the gazillion pictures about to follow.