Life Lessons of a Military Wife

Last Steps Before Heading out the Door on Vacation...

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:58:00 +0000

Finally, time for a real vacation! We are heading off to Berlin on a week-long glorious vacation! The weather promises to be idyllic and everyone's mood in the family right along with it. I'll be sure to blog about this dynamic city after I get back! Before heading out the door, remember these quick tips.

I can't stand to "destroy" a book, even a travel book...just photocopy the pages you will need. This will also cut down on the extra weight you're dragging along. I've stopped buying travel books to an extent and just print some of the great travel pages online.
Separate your money..have your partner carry some too...don't carry it all with you in one place. Hide some in your sock, bra or waistband in addition to that...not all in your wallet...I keep most of my money "under wraps" so to speak. I had a friend who just came back from Italy who carried about 15 wallets with notes in Italian inside. It's almost a given that you will be pickpocketed there. He came home with only 9 wallets and never noticed a thing!
Call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know you will be out of the country. I've seen people's credit cards get denied..and then they wondered why...credit card fraud departments can be extra vigilant these days.
Take a photo of what is in your suitcase...if it gets lost on the airline, they always want to know what's in there..it may help with your claim too (and don't put valuables in there..but you already know that).
Make a copy of each traveler's passport and keep the copies separate from the originals. Also have another copy of your travel itinerary and flight information.

Don't forget to check out these tips as well. Any others to add?

Choosing Your Next Rental Home the Right Way

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

I've had quite a few friends ask me about choosing a rental house and what to look for. Many have never owned a home, and only plan to stay a year or two at their next duty station, so being smart, they are renting instead of owning. There are a host of lists going over the basic things to watch out for in renting a home, just google "renting a home, what to watch out for". After reading the articles, here are some points you may not have come across.

How many times in the news have you heard the story of a family renting a home, happily living out their life, dutifully paying there rent and then.....BAM.....an eviction notice is posted on their door? Why? Because the landlord had trouble paying their mortgage? Why? For a variety of reasons:

They lost their job
Their monthly escrow amount was changed to account for higher property taxes/insurance (I know our escrow payment on one of our homes is over HALF the actual mortgage payment that goes to principal and interest!)
Other expenses have risen in their lives, and they can no longer keep up

How can you keep yourself from renting such a home?

Be suspicious if they are over-anxious for you to move in and also don't require a credit check on you
See if the house has some minor defects (or major) that have not been fixed and excuses are made
See the condition of the yard (usually the first to go South)
Ask them matter-of-factly where they work
Go to the county property appraiser's website and check what they paid for their home, look up their mortgage amount and get a feel for what they are paying per month; see how much the property taxes have risen in this county (compare last year to this year)
Go to the county's court website and do a search for the owner; if there are any filings against them, such as foreclosures, you will find them there (you can also find other cases to include criminal cases, which can give you a read on the character of the owner as well)
Do work with a realtor, as they also can help you find the better rental homes, not just homes to buy; many owners pay a finder's fee to realtors who bring qualified tenants
Have your realtor give you a list of all the foreclosures in the neighborhood; if there are more than a half dozen (depending on how large the neighborhood is), bypass that neighborhood; there are also numerous websites that list foreclosures filings (many don't list the address but will list at least the street)
Check online for the homeowner's association if they have one; find their bylaws and read them; you may not want to live in a neighborhood with excessive restrictions; also read their community meeting minutes (many are online) and see if there is any bickering or or other issues the community is struggling with
Find out if your state is one of the many that will not evict you, even if the owner is facing foreclosure and you continue to pay your rent (many states have recently passed such a law; many banks will also work with you and would rather you stay in the home rather than have it vacant and neglected); obviously this is the worst case scenario, but know that you have rights if you find yourself in this situation

Do you have any tips you'd like to share about renting a home or apartment?

Help! I am moving overseas and have some questions!

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:18:00 +0000

Ah, the PCS season is upon us yet again this year! It caught me completely by surprise until I saw a half dozen moving trucks on my street all in the space of a week. My kids are also lamenting the loss of some of their friends. I've also cooked a meal or two, played taxi service and watched a few pets to help out where I could. Isn't it nice how, in a military community, you can rely on others to help out? I've also noticed my inbox is more full than usual, all with questions on peoples' upcoming moves. Please be sure to read my moving articles, as I do answer a lot of your questions there. The two questions I received today are listed below - involving traveling with multiple children and learning the host language after arrival.

Question:

Hi,

My husband has been stationed in Hohenfels Germany, he's already there, and I will be flying over with my 2 sons (3 & 1 yr old) by myself. I've read as many tips from everywhere as I can but when it comes to requesting my tickets from TMO - I was wondering if you can tell me what to expect. Can I request a bulk head row? Can I ask for certain flying times? I thought if I could fly out of the international airport at night, it might go better for my kids. Is there anything I should know about flying by myself? Have you done it? I have a dozen questions and no one to ask. Like -

Can I take a double stroller?

How many carry ons do I get?

How many pieces of luggage?

HOW AM I GOING TO GO TO THE BATHROOM ON AN AIRPLANE WITH 2 SMALL BOYS!!!???

I've never used one of those cart things, how would I go about asking for one?

I read somewhere you can sometimes get a bassinett for the plane ride? Have you heard of that?

Answer:

I have flown with two little ones. I took a stroller with the babycarrier/carseat for the little one. For the older one, I had a boosterseat (airplane approved) which I had in a huge diaperbag with supplies for both. I checked the older one's carseat at the front and got it before we got in the car at our destination. I then also had a backpack for myself and a frontpack baby carrier to carry the little one when my arms got tired and for when I wanted to load up the stroller with my bags. The stroller you can take all the way to the plane. You can gate check it, which means you'll get it back immediately after you arrive at your destination as you walk off the plane.

As far as on the plane, the flight attendants are very helpful if you have to use the bathroom. They always wanted to come by and hold the baby and the little one stayed in his seat with no issues when I flew. I just had his favorite things in his diaper bag...and this was before portable DVDs...didn't need them. The droning sounds of the plane are soothing and as long as the kids don't have ear problems, they should be fine. When you hear a screaming baby on the plane, it is almost always their ears and the pressure....do a google search for relief as it involves hot water and cups to relieve the pressure...sucking helps too, so pacifiers, bottles, breastfeeding, whatever it takes. Mine are 20 months apart, and I flew when the little one was 4 months old.

When you make your travel arrangements, ask about the bassinet. I am not familiar with them myself. Typically airlines keep the bulkhead seats to sell last, as this gives the airline and the flight attendants some flexibility in seating and helps when you have someone who needs more room or whatever. Go ahead and request the bulkhead, considering your situation, they might give it to you. Oh, one thing I almost forgot, at least from the East Coast, overseas flights leave in the early evening, so it fits in with what you are requesting.

You're not going to see those luggage carts until you get to baggage claim. Most have a money slot (so have quarters and 1 euro pieces with you as I have heard a quarter can be used instead of a 1 euro piece)...and then you return them to get your money back (German grocery stores do this with their carts too...the US should do it and maybe there wouldn't be carts all over the parking lots).

I would get one of the skycaps to bring your luggage to the check in. I hope I answered most of your questions.

Question:

My husband and I are from Puerto Rico and he just got his assigment to move in work in Baumholder Germany. Us being from PR and you must know this is a total change for us.

I'm worried about a few things already but I'll be checking some stuff out using your blog information. My husband sent me a program to start learning German, but I find it a little difficult to understand and I read in some part of your blog about German classes. Is this available on Baumholder base for the spouses?

Answer:

You should find that your base has both conversational German classes (typically run by the inprocessing center or the USO or some other entity) and then "real" German classes at the college level which you'll find at the education center. These are more intensive (you learn all the rules, etc) and cost more. The conversational should not cost more than 100 euro per 5 week term.

I think it's great that you'll be learning German. Many don't even bother as English is widely spoken, but it always shows class when you at least try to learn the language of your host language and you'll find the Germans respect you more for it.

Thanks again for your questions and enjoy your weekend!

My Two Cents on Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I promised to review the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch so here I am following through on at least one promise I made recently....or actually awhile ago...sorry. I have only stayed at the resort twice and was a day visitor once. Here are my impressions:

The resort is inside a secure compound with gateguards. This is a plus if you are of a more cautious nature, although I can tell you, I've never had any fear staying anywhere in Germany on the economy. I've stayed numerous times in small hotels and bed & breakfasts and felt safe there as well.

As you drive up, it is an impressive place...and large. I believe it has around 300 rooms. The first time we visited, it was during a four day holiday weekend during the holidays. Yes, it was beautiful walking into the foyer and breathing in the high mountain lodge atmosphere. That lasted all of two seconds before the first posse of kids cut me off in the large foyer. The place was hoppin'....with no parents in sight anywhere. Packs of kids, as young as four years old, ran around "loose" all around the resort, up and down the elevators and running and yelling through the halls. We only came by to have a meal at their Marketplace buffet area and to use the pool, which I think had a $10 fee for non-guests.

The pool was packed to the gills....as was the hot tub....kids everywhere. The rules say, no children in the pool area without a parent, but I'm not sure if this was followed on this visit. We did eat at the buffet, where there were overturned bowls, spilled food and a general array of messiness. It's no wonder my entire family got really sick the next day. This was the only meal that all of us partook in, so it was obviously suspect. The quality of the food was also suspect in that it was overcooked, watery and not fresh.

My second trip to Edelweiss Resort was with the boys to attend a conference. They price the rooms according to your sponsor's rank. I am thinking we paid around $125 a night, strictly for a room. We went during the week and found the atmosphere totally different than during our last visit. It was relaxed and somewhat peaceful. We must've had a handicapped room, as the floor space in the room (with two queen size beds) and the roomy bathroom was enough to conduct an Olympic gymnastic floor routine. We were also towards the back of the lodge, down one of the shorter hallways that ended in a dead end, so almost no foot traffic outside our door.

We only ate breakfast in the Marketplace, which was fine and lots of typical breakfast buffet choices. It was much more orderly than the last visit, and no, we did not get sick. We did eat dinner the night before at Zuggy's Base Camp, which was typical burgers and accoutrements fare. My 11 year old remarked that the portions could've been larger. I was never asked how my burger should come, ie well done, rare, etc....so it came about as well done as it could be.

The pool also was much quieter, and now that I was here a bit longer, I could tell the resort was starting to show some wear around the edges. Alas, I think it has taken some abuse just from the sheer volumes of visitors and will need some refurbishing soon.

Our third visit, was as a family of four. We attended a reintegration weekend of two overnights and a marriage seminar given by our unit chaplain. This was at no cost to us. Our children were also able to come and participated in some of the kids' activities and had a great time with some of their friends. This time, we had two rooms, each with two queen-size beds. The kids of course loved this...on second thought...my husband and I did too. Even though we didn't get adjoining rooms, they were right across the hall, and we did brief them on emergency situations and such and told them not to hang over the balcony and create a scene.

Since the Marketplace was included for all our meals, we decided to give it another chance. We did have a larger crowd than when I came with the kids, but it was not nearly as bad as the holiday season....still bearable. The hot tub was closed for a day and a half due to repairs, but they must've fixed it as it was open our last night there. The lodge also enforced the "no kids in the hot tub after 8:30 pm" rule, which was nice. I was amazed at how many little kids were still whoopin' and hollerin' in the pool right before closing at 10pm.

Oh, the Marketplace...they tried really hard with a Bavarian night with sauerkraut and wursts along with pork roast and some other fare, but they really shined the next night with the prime rib. It was very good. So I'm guessing it depends on which headchef is on duty that day. The second night, it seemed they were more attentive with the food being put out and the presentation of all the dishes, both hot and cold. As I said, high marks for the second night and as a highlight, and as a bonus, no one in my family got sick.

Our room location though was very bad...it was down the third leg of a very long hallway...not quite at a dead end, but it was still been on a major approach path. I am amazed at parents who allow their children to run up and down the hall after 10pm at night....no manners or supervision yet again. It's a good thing we hadn't planned on sleeping for awhile just yet.

All in all....yes, it's a nice place to stay, but it's not all what it's cracked up to be. As I said, I've stayed in nice bed and breakfasts all throughout Garmisch and Partenkirchen at half the price. I still love the German continental breakfasts with the boiled eggs and fresh rolls, meats, cheeses and jams. We stayed in one last year, where everything was homemade and the chickens were right outside our window in the grassy field next door.

I have a friend who swears by the Familotel Leiner in Garmisch. It is part of a national chain, but each hotel isprivately owned and all focus on families with small children. My friend (with four kids) was amazed at all the high chairs, strollers, sleds and things they had for her use. Her bill, much cheaper than ours, even included breakfast and dinner. Dinner was such a nice experience for her, as they had a playroom for the kids, right off the dining room, and they didn't have to worry about fussy kids...for once, she was actually able to enjoy dinner. The rooms had adjoining bathrooms, and the kids had a separate bedroom. They took VAT forms as well. I always take one along when I travel and am never shy when I make a major purchase or pay for a hotel room. You'd be surprised at how many do take the VAT and are familiar with it.

So, that sums it up. Yes, if you can get in, go for the Edelweiss. Do realize that at many times a year, getting a reservation is almost impossible. Follow their guidelines on their site and know that for the holidays, they do use a lottery system now. Stay away on those four day holiday weekends and during the December and January holidays, especially if you don't like screaming kids. Don't discount the many bed and breakfasts, and give them a chance. We still like them, especially when we are traveling with our dog...forbidden at Edelweiss Resort. Remember, you can still enjoy the resort and amenities, even if you are not a guest.

If you have any things to add, please do so below.

No Waiting Outside for Dogs in Germany

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Our dog absolutely loves it over here. In fact, I think he believes he's even more of a person than what he thought back home. Whenever we go out on the economy, he gets to go along. It's no wonder we see dogs everywhere. Did you know it's illegal to leave a dog alone at home for even just a few hours and God forbid you ever tie up your dog outside?! That would warrant a visit by the Polizei!

And with that, here is my incomplete list of where I've seen dogs and their owners in my journey throughout Germany, where I probably normally would not expect to see a doggie in a similar place in the US:

the local mall - yes, doggie shops with me in the stores, and then when we take a break at the cafe, he lies at my feet
any good restaurant - all good doggies are allowed here...no begging and stay under the table
the hardware store
the clothing store
the Rothenburg Crime Museum - yes, I was surprised to see one here too
the subway and the train - yep, they're allowed, at least in Germany
many, many small B&Bs and hotels - the only place that wouldn't allow our dog was the American Edelweiss Resort in Garmisch
the flowershop

Where have you see dogs in Germany?

Buyer Beware in Germany - Contracts

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

PCS Season is right around the corner. At least 75% of you who are moving back to the States this year will be going through the motions this summer. Hey, I got time, right? Wrong! The Germans look at contracts a whole heck of a lot different than we do in the States. Here are some things you should be thinking about now.

Germany is a land of order, and with that, you must cancel your contracts in writing. Most services and companies require you to do this at least three months out. Check your bills now. See what you are paying automatically, ie what is being taken out of your account every month, every quarter, or in the case of ADAC (the German version of AAA), once a year. See what else is going out every month and make a list of names and phone numbers you'll have to call.

Many of these services have forms you can fill out and fax in or mail in. Find out what they are now by calling or writing them. Call them and say you are moving in five months and for them to send you the forms or ask what you need to do. If you get something and can't read it, stop by your local Army Community Service, as they typically have someone on staff who can read German and can translate for you on the spot.

Here are some of the bills you may have:

Electric
Heating
Water
Landline Phone
Cell/mobile phone
ADAC
in country car insurance
TV or satellite service
Internet
Rental contract

Please be sure though you stop by the housing office before you send anything into your landlord. You want to make sure that you are indeed leaving, because if you turn in your termination notice, and then later you don't move, the law will be on your landlord's side, and you maybe be forced to move. Be cautious with that one.

If you know of any other contracts or things you may have to cancel, please post them here.

Never Thought I'd be Gambling

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Wow...what a few weeks it's been! Going from part-time to a full-time manager position makes you feel like you've been thrown to the wolves. The learning curve was steep for me, but since I had a chance to clean out the email inbox (over 300 emails)....and many of the overstuffed drawers and loose papers around the office....and made a few of my lists, I feel I am in a better position to do my work. So what do I do?

I'm a Tour Manager. I set up at least twenty day trips per month with some overnighters over the long weekends thrown in for good measure. Almost all are bus and van trips, and we go all over Germany...mostly, as well as countries that can be reached in seven hours or less, which is just over a good half dozen. It's a dream job really. Yes, we have our bread and butter sightseeing tours, but we also do what I want to do. My mind is spilling over with ideas, and I'm pretty excited about sharing some of those destinations with our community and fellow travelers.

I actually bought one of those digital voice recorders to change the subjet...and not the one where you say what row and space your car is in...but one where you can put your voicenotes in folders and can find them again. In a job with lots of moving parts and lots of ideas flowing, I think it is a necessity! I had a few nights where I did wake up thinking, oh my God, did I forget to order a bus, book a city guide and what if my tour escort doesn't show up or did I put gas in the van....you know, the typical "I just started a new job and don't feel comfortable yet" feelings. I think this is the first weekend that was virtually low stress.

And why do I think I'm gambling? Because setting up tours is a strange bird. You set up a tour in hopes of people signing up. As it gets closer and you don't get the numbers you initially budgeted for or you get more, you start crunching the numbers. Then comes decision time? Do I cancel the tour? Do I upgrade to a larger size bus? Do I need to "buy" another city guide, because in this particular city, a city guide will only take 20 people? And other such questions...so yes, you are gambling, because twice now, I did not cancel a tour, because I had a good feeling, and both filled up at the last minute. So far I haven't lost money on a tour, but I bet it will happen, and there I will be explaining myself on the red carpet. But other than that, it's low stress....no really.

So, if you are in Europe, have been in Europe and have some great ideas to send this way, please do! I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, if you just started a new job, please share what it has been like for you!

FREE Multi-day Tickets to Disney for Military Families

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:06:00 +0000

It has finally happened. Or at least the first time since I can remember. Disney is now offering FREE multi-day tickets for your military family in a program they are calling "Disney's Armed Forces Salute". The Disneyland parks have a different deal than the Disneyworld Parks in Florida, so be sure to read below.

Here is Disney's Press Release:

Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military
With Free, Multi-day Admission to Theme Parks in 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida / ANAHEIM, California (January 4, 2009) – As Disney Parks ask “What Will You Celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America’s military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney’s U.S. theme parks.
With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.
“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are grateful for their service and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.”

At Disneyland Resort in Southern California:
Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.
Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.
For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:
From January 4 to December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary five-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five, five-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009.

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Page 2 -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Salute U.S. Military…

Ask about the great rates that may be available at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.
For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Other Offer Details:
· Complimentary "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" tickets for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort may be obtained only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists.
· Please see a participating U.S. military base ticket office for an exchange certificate for the complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. The exchange certificate will need to be redeemed for such ticket by the active or retired military personnel at a Main Entrance theme park ticket window (maximum of 1 such complimentary ticket per service member, regardless of where the exchange certificate is obtained).
· "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for family members and friends may be purchased only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (or their spouses, but not both).
· “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows.
· Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for family members and friends at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort) will receive exchange certificates to be redeemed by such military personnel (or their spouses) for tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows (one ticket per exchange certificate).
· The military personnel (or spouse) will be required to present valid military identification (which, for activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, also includes orders showing active status between Jan. 1, 2008 – Dec. 23, 2009 for the Walt Disney World Resort and between Jan. 4, 2009 – June 12, 2009 for the Disneyland Resort) for all ticket transactions (including to exchange and redeem the exchange certificates for the tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows). A valid ID may also be required for admission.
· "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets are limited to five per service member (regardless of place of purchase and whether purchased by service member or spouse) and all five must be purchased at the same time. Accordingly, no service member (or spouse) may purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at any military base ticket office if that service member (or spouse) previously purchased "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (whether at that same military base ticket office or at any other military base ticket office or place).
· First day of use of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Disneyland Resort must be no later than June 12, 2009 and tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or June 25, 2009, whichever occurs first. Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Walt Disney World Resort is Dec. 23, 2009.
· Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days. "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" complimentary tickets may be used only by the service members to whom they are issued. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets may be used only by the friends and family members for whom they are purchased.
· This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

What Will You Celebrate?
Military personnel taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their stay. Beginning in January, Disney Parks will embrace a newly identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.
In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts ask guests “What Will Your Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones –a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney experiences.
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CONTACT: DISNEYLAND RESORT P.R. 714/781-4500

WALT DISNEY WORLD PUBLIC RELATIONS 407/566-6397

Quality or Quantity?

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I see the new year is upon us! Yes, I am about a week behind the rest of you. I am at a crossroads with my beloved blog. I just received a promotion at work to a full time mangerial position....yes, my wonderful part-time job, with just the right number of hours and on the most coveted days...is now not mine anymore! I guess this is bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I have eased myself back into the world of full time work. On the other side, my days of deciding what I want to do (on my time off) are now gone. That brings me back to my blog.

Since I don't have all the extra time I had before, my time is now limited in coming up with new ideas and writing blogposts. I absolutely love blogging and writing, so have decided to post only when I have something interesting or valuable...or at least in my eyes....to say. Please continue to email and ask questions and of course post your comments. I still get about thirty or so emails a day...mostly from new Army wives. I hope to continue to help where I can.....my main purpose in even blogging in the first place. And for those of you who do blog every day AND work full time, I would obviously love to know your secret!

So, adieu readers for today. Continue to stay strong in the new year. Take a look back and see why I don't do new years resolutions if you need something thoughtful to get you going today. Happy and wonderful 2009 to you all!

Did You Know About the Army Relocation Program?

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I just got another email from a brand new Army wife. I already directed her to some of my posts on moving, especially overseas, where she is going. But in addition to that, here is another resource for you. The Army actually has an official program on moving. Where was this five years ago?

When you know your new duty station, you can investigate the Army's Relocation Readiness Program of your new post...here is Ft Eustis' program to give you an idea of what I am talking about. Army Community Service (ACS) runs this program. Find an Army post in your area and google "the name of the post, ACS, relocation readiness program"...get the resources now...before you move...and specific to your location. You can also read more about the program at Go Army Relocating.

Has anyone used this program?

Make Your Own Car Collision Kit

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

I recently had a friend get in a car accident. Luckily, it was just a fender bender, but ever the Boy Scout, he was prepared. He told me if he hadn't had this little kit put together, he would've been lost. Getting in an accident does that to you, he said...you kind of are in shock and don't think clearly. As long as you remember you have this kit in your car, you're good to go.

USAA and most insurers make it easy with at least supplying you with an accident report form. Be sure to print off two copies and put them in your glovebox. This form also tells you, step by step, what to do in an accident, to include calling the police and getting contact information from any witnesses, as well as trading insurance information with the other driver. One quick blurb I also want to throw out there, on the advice of my friend...even if you are at fault...never, never admit guilt. Let the police look at the facts and make their own determination. He was actually at fault, but since the other driver quickly took responsibility...you can guess what the police had to say.

I'm not exactly a rocket scientist, so get an idea of what you need to get together by looking at this. Also add these vital pieces to your kit:

A few pre-printed cards with your insurance company name and phone number, along with your name on it. You'll want to give one to the other driver, as well as any witnesses. Don't put your phone number or your address on there if you can help it. I don't know...I have visions of stalkers and people getting on your case when things don't go their way.
A cheap disposable camera with a flash. Document what you can after the accident...and before you have to move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. You want to be able to show exactly what happened, as well as document the exact damage. In a pinch, don't forget your camera phone. Many cell phones do have them.

Have you ever been in an accident? What did you do and how did you handle it?

You Don't Need to Pay for a Babysitter

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Will you be sitting at home on yet another weekend? Why? Is it because you don't want to pay for childcare or you feel it's just too expensive? There are alternatives that worked great for me when our two boys were little.

Try:

Trading with another person you trust. I'll watch yours and then you watch mine. Offer to do the watching first. You'd be surprised how great this works out.
Start a babysitting coop. When we lived in Colorado, our neighborhood already had one set up. We had bylaws, meetings and everything. As our little ones grew, it turned into a "Girl's Night Out". After all these years, I am STILL in contact with a few of these ladies.
Trade tit for tat. This means you offer a "like item" for their babysitting services. For example, if you have an elderly neighbor who may still be spry enough to handle your kids, how about you mow their lawn or prune their hedges? Make sure it's something they need or really appreciate....ask them for ideas first...and make sure it is something somewhat reciprocal in value.
Check your local Child Development Center or YMCA for options. Many have monthly "Parents' Night Out" sessions. They typically fill up fast, but stay on alert for the days and times. Our local YMCA actually offered this service FREE of charge.

What do you do when you want a night out or some time without the little ones? Please do share!

Things about Neuschwanstein I Didn't Know and Other Visiting Tidbits

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

We did end up going to Neuschwanstein and its "sister" castle, Hohenschwangau this week. Here, the weather is piss poor, muddy and cold too...not fun holiday weather. Down in Schwangau, where these castles are located, there was still snow, it was sunny with breathtaking views and snow glistening off the castles and dusting the trees and surrounding forest...what a sight! And all only two hours from where we are stationed. It really makes me realize we should make the effort to get out more. While at the castles, I did learn a few fun facts. I'm also glad we prepped ahead and planned our journey and reserved tickets ahead of time. It made the day much more enjoyable and I can honestly say it was stress free!

We planned ahead by picking a day where it wouldn't be as crowded as usual. The ticket office phone center (yes, they do speak English) was able to help me pick the best day to visit. I also was able to reserve our tickets online for a small fee. When we arrived, I breezed past the throngs of people waiting in line and picked up our tickets....all in a timespan of 15 minutes from parking to getting on the footpath to our first stop, Schloss Hohenschwangau, the Mad King Ludwig's boyhood home.

To recap:

Pick a day that historically, is not as busy as others (which can be difficult at these two castles, two of the most treasured German points of interest). Yes, we had crowds but nothing like it would've been on an overloaded day. There is a new tour going thru Neuschwanstein EVERY FIVE MINUTES (who was the genius who made that run so efficiently I wonder?). Also make sure you check their website for their holiday schedule and any other special events that may draw huge crowds or close the castles.
Check the weather report online. We didn't mind that it would be cold, but I think we would've minded wet and cold. If you are a diehard, you may benefit though from bad weather...smaller crowds I would think. Many of the crowds on this fine December day were taking a break from their daily skiing.
If you have a GPS, go ahead and program it in. Also check that your car is in working order, and if it's winter, be sure you have "winter items" in your car. We made the mistake of not checking the washer fluid beforehand....ooops.
Follow this checklist before any major outing. You'll thank yourself later for it.
Pack a lunch. Most likely, you'll arrive around lunchtime, and we were able to leisurely eat while we waited for our tour time at the first castle.

They run the tours like absolute clockwork. When you reserve your tickets online, you also reserve your tour language and time you'd like to tour. The latest you can pick up your tickets before your tourtime, is one hour before, so be sure to plan enough time to drive down, get parking and walk up to the ticket center, where you pick up those tickets (and pay for them). We were running about 20 minutes behind schedule, but our reservation that we downloaded from the internet had a handy phone number you could call to change your tour times....no problem at all.

Once we arrived, we parked in one of the lower parking lots. You do pay a small fee. If you stop at the bathroom by those lots, be sure you have some Euro, as a visit costs ,50 cent a pop. Bypass all these souvenier shops. If you must have something, buy trinkets directly at either of the castle giftshops...you'll save about 10-20% off the price. I was surprised to see they didn't have any of their Christmas items on sale....at any of the stores. If you park in the upper lots closer to the castles, you'll end up paying more and have to navigate around the throngs of people who ignore you as you try to drive by them or have to contend with horses and wagons and big tour buses.

Many tourists come just to visit Neuschwanstein, so the crowds at Hohenschwangau are thin. If you buy tickets for both castles, a package deal, they route you thru Hohenschwangau first. Be prepared for lots of walking of steps and of course the road or trails up to Neuschwanstein. I don't know what the Italian family was thinking, pushing their 90 year old grandmother up to Neuschwanstein. I know each tour had tons of steps within each castle.....if you have trouble with stairs, call the ticket office and ask about wheelchair accessible tours. Perhaps there is another option for those not able to walk. I seriously hope so for poor grandma.

Yes, there were horse drawn wagons...no, not carriages...taking people up to Neuschwanstein, for a fee. Feel free to wait....a LONG TIME to get on one. We just hoofed it on our own. It's a leisurely walk along a paved road to the top. There are also numerous trails through the woods, which were all closed due to the snow and ice. Even the Marienbruecke was closed. This spot offers some fabulous views of Neuschwanstein. The buses that typically run up to Neuschwanstein were also not running, as the roads were a bit too icy going up. The walk takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, and should be your first choice.

Now for a few bits of information my kids enjoyed hearing on the tours (have the kids up bully their way up front to be near the tourguide and hear what is being said):

King Ludwig's brother, who should have inherited the throne, Otto was his name....turned mad, ie crazy at the age of 24. Wonder if that had any bearing on what they said about Ludwig?
King Ludwig's mother married his father at the young age of 16. Both parents had their own floors at Hohenschwangau castle and the kids were relagated to a building just outside the main building. So much for family togetherness.
One of the parents' wedding gifts, from over 150 royal Bavarian families, was a battle ax and shield...how romantic and newlywed-oriented.
There is a loaf of bread on display under glass in Hohenschwangau that is well over 100 years old.
King Ludwig did have wedding plans but chickened out a few days before the event with no explanation.
King Ludwig's father Maximillian had a brother who became the King of Greece. This is why the Greek flag has the Bavarian colors of blue and white.
King Ludwig overextended his finances to a point of being heavily in debt and before the bank could gain control of all his castles and assets, the Bavarian State had him declared crazy so they instead could gain control of everything. Without this move, Neuschwanstein may not have been a public treasure.
The last surviving relative of Hohenschwangau died in 1912, and the next year, the first tour was conducted. Since Neuschwanstein belonged to King Ludwig and not other family members, his castle was opened up to the public much earlier.

Have you been to either of these two castles? Do you have any tips to share?

Tis the Season - Our Christmas Traditions

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Wow...it really is the season. We were lucky to all be together this holiday season...and this year, instead of hectic running around from one event to another, we chose to stay home. I did go mid-morning to see one of our battalion newborn babies at our local hospital...it is always wonderful seeing a Christmas baby...but otherwise, we stayed home and enjoyed each other's company. Here we are in Germany...and no snow this year for Christmas! The sleds stayed parked where they were.

Last night, we stopped by our neighbors for dessert and good cheer. It is always nice to catch up with our stairwell neighbors, and we are extremely lucky not to have the in-fighting and passive aggressivity that some of the other stairwells have. Of the five out of eight families who were here, two of those will head out skiing for New Year's and one family had a total of 14 guests visiting from out of town and planned to stay in. I couldn't imagine the logistics of them going anywhere as a group anyway. We wrapped up coming back to our apartment, checking out Santa on the Norad Santa Tracker, singing a few songs, reading the Christmas story and then leaving cookies...and in a new German tradition...beer...out for Santa. Each child also left a note...how sweet.

I retreated to the guest room to do my frantic wrapping, under the auspices that I had to wrap some of dad's gifts. I am happy to say that more was not best this year...we REALLY toned down the giftgiving and materialism. Each child had about nine gifts, mostly books, and my husband and I...just a few. As every year, both the dog and the cat each got a gift too. Then...exhaustion and into bed and sugarplums dancing in my head...this is the first year we decided to bypass the Nutcracker Ballet...but that is yet another story. It must've literally been on my mind.

Since I had planned ahead and baked our traditional Christmas Stollen a few days ago, we were able to have that for breakfast. One day I will have to post the recipe...it tastes MUCH better and is more flavorable and more moist than the ones you buy in the package. The recipe was handed down from my husband's grandmother, who migrated to America from Cologne. It's nice to think about those who came before us, while I prepare this decadent treat.

Once every one is dressed, beds made, full breakfast tummies, out comes the camera and video camera and the unwrapping commences! It's always fun to watch the facial expressions when gifts are opened...both the good and the bad...and mmmoooommmm! Come on! We always save the gifts that came in the mail for last, and my father did not disappoint with some out-of-the-ordinary books and of course a wii. I resisted for so long....guess I need to enter the gamer world now too, to an extent. It'll be nice to see what all the hullabaloo is about.

Since dinner last night was lowkey with some pasta with cream sauce and some smoked salmon...a Christmas Eve favorite, today's menu was more robust and included prime rib with horseradish sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, crispy grilled asparagus, a vinaigrette German green salad and sparkling grape juice in the "nice" crystal glasses. I am still full as I sit and write this. I honestly think that this year, I won't get an opportunity to eat my Walker's Shortbread, which my husband religiously gifts me....every single year...is he trying to get me to go fat?

And tomorrow...we'll try something different. We decided to take a trip down to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangua, two of Mad King Ludwig's castles....just for the day. Otherwise, more hanging out and enjoying the holiday before the big New Year's Eve Party we plan to attend...again, as a family. Let me just bask in it for now....as next year promises to be a whirlwind. Good night and happy holidays to you all!

What are your family Christmas traditions?

Look at that Face!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I always wondered when someone was going to put together a collection of the crying, screaming, squirming children sitting on Santa's lap. Looks like it's been done. Looks like I will wait til next year to see if I can get it from my local library.

Do you have such a photo in your own collection?

Deep Discounts on....Stuff

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:39:00 +0000

I suspect most of you have most of your Christmas shopping done. I see that many online stores have last minute specials and free shipping going on. If you really like to shop at a particular store, be sure to get on their email list...that's how I get my coupon codes, as well as googling the store's name and "coupon code". I've even talked about how to get almost brand new and nice furniture at rock bottom prices last year, even before the economy tanked. But did you know there is another option to get dirt cheap stuff for next to nothing other than by dumpster diving?

I know our economy is in a bad state...and this may be causing all these great deals to pop up online I am noticing just today. Being stationed over here in Germany, we just don't see much of it, but my MIL keeps me up-to-date of how terrible things are getting in her area. In fact, it is so bad, that business is booming for former realtors in her town who are now cleaning out the foreclosed and abandoned houses...how sad is that? Check your online yellow pages (or Better Business Bureau listings or your local bank) for companies in your area who are doing the cleaning and find out how they get rid of the items from these homes. What about all those small businesses who are not able to get loans to float themselves to do their payrolls or buy new inventory? There is tons of stuff to be had...right now, for pennies from these businesses.

To find the bulk of this stuff from companies who buy this kind of stuff...well....in bulk, all you have to do is google "unclaimed freight" and your city and/or state. Also try "freight salvage" or "truckline or truckload salvage". See what comes up in your area. Thanks to one of Clark Howard's guest who called in this little tip.

Do you have any tips of your own on how you save money with your household purchases?

Don't Want to Forget

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Here we are up to our ears in Christmas cookies, garlands and in my house...pine needles from a tree that is obviously not getting watered enough. As I sit here wrapping gifts and mentally going over my Christmas Dinner shopping list, I am thinking of our extended family...the soldiers.

Please take a break from your hustle and bustle and stop by Great Americans to see where ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary deeds....and a reminder to say a few blessings for all our men and women who will not get to spend the holiday with their family but are determined to carry out their jobs so we can enjoy the season.

One Soldier's Sacrifice - watch more videos

Do It Yourself Fundraising Ideas

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

If you've spent any amount of time in a Family Readiness Group, you know that money always seems to be short in doing what you want to do with your families. I actually was in an FRG once where EVERYONE got tickets to a great amusement park or got a large percentage of their formal ball tickets subsidized. I also remember...now I'm just talking fundraisers in general...our children's school would always send home this crap, whether it was chocolate or wrapping paper to sell. I would rather just write a check and be done with it! But here I am, heading up an FRG and have to be somewhat creative so we can make some money to spend.

Here are some ideas to get your creative braincells churning. I know I don't have any, so I have to dig in my memory for some of the things that have worked in the past and have included those as well. As with everything we do in an FRG, you gotta make sure you swing this stuff by your legal section. We had another unit on our post over here in Germany want to raffle off their commander's parking spot...what a great idea, right? It was great alright until legal slammed it down. You can't raffle off government property and this spot on the ground was deemed government property...so they weren't able to do it....but, they could raffle off...or should I say "give an opportunity" to slam a cream pie in the commander's face...doesn't seem fair, does it?

I found some interesting fundraising ideas on the site below.

Fundraising Ideas

Some things that we've done in the past include....

Brat burns. That's what they call it over here in Germany. You grill bratwurts or hotdogs and sell them with a soda and chips. Now, as an FRG you can't solicit anything, so you stick out your coffee can and have a sign for a suggested donation amount.

Bakesales. But these are going the way of the dodo bird...I have never found them worth it, but it you have a lot of sweet tooths in your unit, it may pan out.

Anything on CafePress. This is a great inexpensive way to take advantage of personalized printed items. You can use your unit crest or insignia as long as your commander approves it. We've done baby onesies, shirts and even Christmas ornaments which we will "sell" at this year's holiday event. If you open up your own store on Cafepress...with your one logo or design (that is the way to keep it free), you can get discount and bulk pricing.

Get an extended family member to donate something to raffle off...or should I say, you sell an opportunity for this item...in some states, raffles are illegal too without proper authorizations...make sure you know the rules. We had a generous mom donate a $100 Michael Garman statue. We also had some ladies make some table centerpieces, which will also get raffled off at our holiday event.

Get involved in community events. We recently collected items for a community fleamarket. Our ladies were very generous with all kinds of things, and it only took a handful of us to actually run the sale tables.

What do you do to raise money for your FRG?

A Different Kind of Home Party

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

We've all been to the Tupperware, Pampered Chef and other home business "mooch off your friends' generosity and how much they are willing to spend" party. They can be fun....but, I always feel guilty when I have one, because really, you are only getting "free stuff" because your friends are overindulging. That's not right....or it doesn't feel right to me....so I don't do it anymore. So now I've come across this other idea. Remember all that 80s jewelry and junk you have that you know is worth something, but you'd be too embarrassed to take out into the light in case someone saw how ugly it was? How'd you like to get all your friends together, collect all that jewelry up and all of you make some money doing it?

That's the idea behind Gold Parties. I've never been to one, but I like the concept. You purchase a kit to measure and process your gold pieces, and send them in for cash. Sounds great so far, although the price is a bit steep for the kit...$700. I guess you'd have to get a whole lot of friends together who had a whole lot of gold to make this worth your while....but I still like it. Has anyone tried it?

I Can't Imagine Being this Lazy....BUT....

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

I really can't imagine being this lazy....I dream about it sometimes, but....I just can't make myself do it....at least at this point in my life. What am I talking about?

It's having someone else do the work....your work...when it's someone's birthday, or a holiday or any other special event. Yeah, I know our lives get busy, busy....mine too...and somehow, I always pull it out of nowhere to recognize that special someone with something I think they would treasure...or at least I think they would like. I used to let my life get in the way and gasp.....I actually forgot someone's birthday once....it was embarrassing, and I will truly never forget it. So, now I signed up with Amazon's free gift service. I put in everyone's birthday and all the other holidays and get an email reminder a few weeks out....just enough time to get a card or gift out in the mail....and not necessarily from Amazon. Then I get another reminder the day of the event, so I can call. I'm on email twice a day, so this works out perfect for me. I've also used Memo To Me in the past with good success.

But should I ever get lazy...or just overwhelmed, in addition to gift baskets you can send out from a variety of websites, I like these other options too:

Jacquie Lawson personalized cards. I finally broke down and got a subscription to a full year's worth of personalized interactive cards....many hilarious, cute and thoughtful. These are not your run-of-the-mill e-greeting cards. Be sure to check them out.

Fairy Tale Memories Deployed Designs. These ladies must be master scrapbookers. They will personalize cards for you....using a variety of materials, stamps and ideas...to make it look like it came from you....actually....better than you! I like that you can sign up for their subscription service and have all your holidays and birthdays taken care of for the entire year. I bet you need deep pockets for that particular option....but it is a fleeting thought. Maybe when my husband becomes President, and I have a list that spans twenty pages....that would be a viable option.

Anyway, I know I am making fun of this, but I just wanted you to know that it IS okay to farm out making someone feel special and happy on their birthday or another holiday, when the stress of doing it yourself is making your life miserable. It IS the thought that counts, and if you take at least a few minutes on that special day to call that special someone, then you have at least my seal of approval for whatever that's worth!

What do you do to keep track of those special events and to celebrate those special days?

Things I Learned at My Unit's Last Holiday Party

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Our annual holiday party is now over for the year. It was a party for most who attended, but for a small handful of us...it was some serious work...that started about a month ago. We opted to rent a community club...a nice large room with a bar area, plates and flatware provided, along with a sound system and a stage for Santa. We had it catered by a favorite restaurant and had everyone bring their favorite dessert. We provided sodas, water and juice boxes, along with some traditional German hot drinks set up in crockpots. Our teenagers set up craft tables along the side to keep the little ones entertained and busy. We also had a door prize type of raffle, a raffle for a donated $200 statue and sold limited edition ornaments and some we made ourselves on CafePress. We ended up with a very tidy profit, tired feet, but many happy partygoers. In looking back, here are some tips I can share that we'll keep in mind for next year.Ideas may include:

You can't do it all. Delegate tasks and do it early. A holiday party committee with regular meetings in the two months before the event is a stellar idea.
Email invites are great but also budget for snail mail invites and signs around the battalion, company and barracks areas. Also make sure First Sergeants put the information out in formation and at staff meetings.
Sell ornaments with your unit crest or insignia. This can be a huge moneymaker. We spent about $4 per ornament (we had a bulk order plus a shopowner discount) and charged $10 each. We uploaded our battalion crest and wrote in the name of the unit below on one of Cafe Press' oval ornaments. It was a big hit and a great memento from our unit. We set up our one shop and our one product (this keeps it free) and ordered our items early. Even though we had a small handful of defective ornaments, Cafe Press immediately sent out replacements and told us to discard the defectives...great customer service. Turn around time to our APO address was only 10 days.
Secure donations to raffle off...or sell opportunities to win (whichever is legal in your area). We had a soldier's mother donate a Michael Garman statue. We also got some items from our local USO and other generous donors to raffle off. Someone's father was the member of a military organization, and they sent two checks to buy items. We had a separate raffle for the statue and another one for the door prize items. We used regular raffle tickets for the door prizes and for the Garman, we used a deck of cards. We cut each card in half as a person purchased a "ticket", we kept one half and they kept the other.
Identify who will set up and clean up. We did ask the company First Sergeants for help and details to do the heavy lifting and work...but the spouses were also knee deep in the work as well. The most labor intensive work was bussing the tables and running the commercial dishwasher in the back...keeping the plates and flatware coming. We were willing to do this because it gave us a huge break on the rental of the facility. Had we gone with another facility that provided this service for us, we would've spent twice as much. Also, let the companies know, we need a detail of x number of spouses from each company to help out.
Be creative at your party. Try something different this year, see below.

How about...

Potluck rather than catered (assign each company a type of dish)
Use FRG funds to purchase juiceboxes, ice and sodas
Have each company responsible for setting up and running a craft table
Have the unit bring a laptop and projector for a slideshow. Start soliciting early, through email, for photos or have people mail in CDs. Have one person in charge of putting that together.
Identify a sound system and microphone so that everyone stays informed what activities are going on and are upcoming; it may also help to have a whiteboard posted with times of all the scheduled events
Fundraise by selling holiday themed items specific to the unit (like ornaments) and sell raffle tickets for donated door prizes
If you opt for catered food, have people bring desserts to share
Reserve a location early (at least 6 months out or more)
Reserve a Santa suit as early as you can or consider paying $300-500 for a rental quality suit you can then rent out to other units every year
Instead of having people wait in line for Santa, give out numbers or have people sign up on a numbered list and call out the numbers in groups of five or ten

Even with our success, I would've done a few things differently. That is why our committee is having an AAR on Friday...just like the greensuiters do...after every event we plan and run, we look at the event afterwards...what went right and what went wrong...what we could've done better and what we'll keep for next time. It'll make it that much easier the next go-around, even if you have all new people doing the arranging. Next year, we may consider doing an event just for spouses...perhaps a dining out. Maybe we can set up "Photos w/Santa" for the kids or a kids' holiday party separately. We would also have a back-up microphone and send someone over to the place, early the morning of (the unit who had the place the night before, for lack of a better word...trashed the place and lost the microphone and there was a bit of scrambling as we got them to come in and help clean up...although we never found the microphone). But otherwise...it was a fun party....now...looking forward....we have to concentrate on our PX giftwrapping fundraisier and baking cookies for our single and unaccompanied soldiers...

How does your unit do its holiday parties?

Loser Gifts that are..hopefully...not on Your Giftlist

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

I just can't believe how anyone would pay good money on any of the gifts on Dave Barry's Annual Christmas List. I guess that's why they are on there...because we just can't believe it. Get a good belly laugh or two by reading these.

I think I have a few of my own I'd like to add as well:

That thing in the photo. My first thought was...wow, her head and arms exploded...but then again, maybe it's meant to hold jewelry...earrings? Is this something you give someone you don't really like? Where would you even find such a thing?

The Peticure. This is apparently crap, like most of the other as-seen-on-TV items. This thing is supposed to work like a Dremel and grind down your pet's nails and file away the dust in a cute little vacuum-like container. Doesn't work..it's flimsy...barely works on a Chihuahua and is made of the cheapest materials possible. Learn to use a Dremel instead.

The Moo Mixer. This thing will last about a day...it creates some kind of a vortex to mix your chocolate and your milk, directly in the drinking container. Also add that your kid will make an absolute mess in the kitchen as they learn about centrifugal force and what it can do.

Twirling Spaghetti Fork. How lazy can you get? Another battery-operated gadget that will end up in the trash. Watch your kid spray bright red spaghetti sauce all over your white walls with this one...forget it..and quickly...

The Peter Petrie Egg Seperator. Look...you will terribly upset the cook on your list if you get them one of these...it is not funny and not comical but just nasty. This is not funny...might be mildly amusing for the non-cook, but what do they know about separating the yolk from the rest of the egg anyway.

Edible Underwear. I know you're trying to be sexy or your significant other wants you to look sexy...this won't do it. Do you really think this stuff will stay up...where it's supposed to be? It'll be down by your ankles and not because your significant other made 'em go there. Or it'll disappear in your crotch as you walk from the bathroom to your bed.

Anything you think is artistic to anyone artistically inclined. They know art better than you...plus they have more than you'll ever know. Stick with things you know. And no...things from Hallmark and the Franklin Mint are not considered art items.

And lastly, my favorites....regifted items that are clearly regifted. I have no problem regifting items that may be of use or joy to the next person...but please don't regift items that have been used or are so well worn to be noticeable...unless it's an antique...Merry Christmas and happy shopping.

What have been your "favorite" gifts throughout the years?

Thank God for Little Black Dresses

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

I can't believe this week is getting away from me! I hosted an ornament exchange for the ladies yesterday...which was a lot of fun...then today is my Christmas Party for work, tomorrow is a community coat and tie event and Sunday is our battalion party, Sunday with Santa! I don't think I ever had the beginning of December so jam-packed! And I am just now thinking of what in the world am I going to wear tomorrow? Coat and tie means I have to wear a halfway decent dress! Argghhhh! I haven't even gone shopping...and won't have time either....I have another baby to visit, at a hospital on the other side of town...and a dental appointment today...not to mention when are we going to go get a tree??!!! And what about the centerpiece of I have to somehow come up with between now and the time of our party on Sunday? Why am I doing this to myself?

Well, there is at least one thing I can control and cross off my list right now...what I am going to wear. Thank God for the little black dress. I actually have two of them. One is a very basic A-line dress that I can wear at a funeral or dress up with a necklace or fancy scarf and wear it in the evening. The other is a little more lowcut and out of some kind of silky material...but if I wear that...I'd better wear some extra support hose to "hold it all in". So, in the next hour, I will pick one of those, pick a necklace and earrings and some basic black pumps...and be done with it. Don't you love little black dresses? Which one is your favorite?

Giddy with Ornaments

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

So I went to the Weihnachtsmarket this weekend, aka the Christmas Market...now I remember why I love Germany. There is just something different over here when you stroll by the stalls, filled to the rafters with all kinds of goodies to eat and drink, traditional Gluehwein but also beer, wine and other liquid pleasures....not to mention Lebkuchen, Nuernberger little wursts, the ubiquitous crepes filled with everything under the sun and then some....and who can forget all the German pastries and cookies...and this time around, we stumbled upon a traveling Finnish section and indulged in elkburgers and smoked salmon...is this the life or what? The day was clear, bright and crisp...a traditional German day at the market with people bundled up but enjoying themselves. But food aside, I was on a mission...to find a traditional German Christmas ornament.

Tonight I am having the battalion ladies over for an ornament exchange. BTW, this is a low frills but entertaining and fun event. I like to do one every year. It's less labor intensive than a cookie exchange, and if you have everyone bring a dessert or appetizer...which also means minimal work for them...and you...usually....all you have to do is clean the house a bit and send out email invites...easy, right? Plus, it's nice to get to know more of the ladies in your unit, who may not otherwise come to the FRG meetings. It looks like we'll have a nice turn out, and one of our ladies already told me she was going to bring some special eggnog....uh oh.

So, let me end here...so I can finish cleaning the house. Luckily, I chose to put up Christmas decorations last weekend....still no tree...but the rest of it should make up for it. Oh, and my ornament...I found a beautiful handblown glass ornament, painted with a typical German winter scene....hope I can keep my hands off it long enough to give it away....sigh.

Spouses Need a Battlebook Too

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

You know how our husbands in leadership positions have something called a battlebook? Sometimes it's called a continuity book. It's a binder with all the pertinent info he needs to do his job. So he's going to have info on there on his soldiers and what he does day-to-day in his job for quick reference. If you are a leader in your Family Readiness Group, then you need one too. I started out this last go around...as the leader of our Battalion FRG, totally disorganized. I don't know if I was just in denial or just didn't want to deal with it....I had papers and things everywhere and anywhere. Now that I have it organized in a binder, life has gotten SO much simpler. Here are my recommendations on what to keep in your book.

Spouse rosters. Try to get your rosters in a telephone tree format. That means one spouse (after being asked) is in charge of the section or squad her husband is in. It does not have to be the officer's wife or someone high ranking. Just someone willing to call the few people on her list, should important information need to be passed on. Yeah, we all have email...and we get lazy and just fire emails out there, but I personally believe it fosters unit cohesiveness to use the phoneline...yes, even among the wives...and shows that you care when you call, even if it is just to check up once a month, especially when the guys are gone. Some FRGs also run their lists with the key caller in that squad calling the next person and then that person calls the next one...the last one calls the first one again to say "mission complete"....kind of like the telephone game. However you do it....just do it...you'll thank yourself later....especially if there is a crisis or a rumor starts to make its way through the unit. I also keep a copy hidden away in my car should I need it in an emergency.
A section on the monthly FRG steering meeting. If your unit has an FRG steering meeting, for example, once a month, the company FRG leaders get together w/myself and the Sergeant Major's wife (we co-lead our FRG). All the agendas, notes and later, the minutes from each meeting go in here. I write my notes directly on the agenda instead of a notebook...easier to follow along. Once I get six months' worth, I file away older items in a file cabinet in a huge FRG folder (I'll tackle that at a later date).
Another section for your monthly FRG meetings where the whole unit is invited to attend. Ditto goes for here.
Welcome/Hospitality. Since we have a welcoming committee, I try to stay on top of rosters of new families coming in. We have a budget and like to welcome each new spouse with a bag of goodies. I also stash away new welcome ideas, such as pamphlets, things to buy, catalog resources, stores downtown and that kind of thing. Thank God we have a welcoming commitee chairperson, but I like to be a part of what is going on....you know me...just enough not to interfere with someone else's great ideas!
Finances/Budget/Treasurer. Everything related to money goes in here to include our FRG spreadsheets. I used to carry around our SOP, until my binder got a bit too heavy. So that is now packed away in my bookshelf. Always stay on top of the money, and if you can help it, get a treasurer, so that you remove yourself from any conflict of interest in handling the finances.
VMIS. I blogged about this great tool before. Manage all your volunteers and volunteer positions.
Armyfrg.org. We just added our unit to this great resource. Keep everyone from your unit connected! They have an announcements section, photo albums, message boards and a few other resources that come in handy...the best part...is that this site is secure and only people assigned to your unit can register. Any notes I think of I want to add to this site, go in here.
A section for each company. When someone from a company hands me a piece of paper that I deem important...it goes in here...be sure to frequently purge this section. I must say since we do most things by email now, it's not overflowing and is pretty much empty.
Workshops. Our community frequently has workshops...I like to put the copies of slides or notes in here until I get a chance to really read them. Then they get filed away.
ACS Info. Our Army Community Service has so many classes, events and resources, I like to keep their course schedule and general notes handy in here.
Gift Log. We voted to award a volunteer every month and use battalion monies to purchase that gift. I also log every baby gift, which comes out of the "LTC and Mrs. Battalion Commander" Fund, ie our own pocket. It can be expensive, but if you set limits, it can surely be doable while your husband is in command. I did this at the company level too. It shows that you care and are interested in their lives.
CARE Team section. Just a roster of who our currently trained CARE team personnel are. What is a CARE Team?
Current Event Planning. For example, if your next event is "Sunday with Santa", all the notes from the planning meetings go here, as well as any to-do lists. Once the event is over, file it away for next time.

Do you have a battlebook? How do you stay organized in your FRG?