update

Things are happening so fast, it's hard to catch up. I find myself slowly immersing in a roller coaster of emotions as the reality of leaving my family behind draws near. The thought of leaving the home I've known for 14 years brings shivers down my spine. I refuse to let go. But it's part of a process. Part of life.
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Hubby secured a job as a recruiter in the US Army. We will be moving stateside (Ohio) next month. It will be a different experience. We will not be around the military. It'll be civilian life for us for the next 2 or 3 years. That means no PX, no commissary, no Tax free benefits. The upside is, NO DEPLOYMENT to Iraq. There's WalMart of course, where I plan to do most my shopping. And I can also take advantage of AAFES online.

My last day of work is the 31st of May. It will feel weird. Plus, I'll miss the moolah. I just hope to find a decent job in the states. But I'm in no hurry. I plan on staying home until the kids are settled.

Our household goods will be picked up the 4th and 5th of June. Packers will come in, pack, load, and leave. When we get to the next duty station, packers deliver, unpack, leave. Nice, eh? All at the army's expense. I do need to get a supplemental insurance for our high valued stuff. The army only reimburses 70% of the cost in case of damage or loss. Better safe than sorry.

Now the bad part. We are only entitled to ship 1 car for free. That means I'm paying for my car to be shipped. And because we opted for door service, we're paying triple the regular rate. Saves us the hassle of picking the car up from the port (Baltimore) 8+ hours away. So I guess it's worth it.

Amidst all the stress, angst, uncertainties, it's important to always keep a positive attitude. It's hard, but manageable.
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Steven turned 4!!!

One fine morning

Wednesday morning...workplace....doing nothing but hurling jokes at one another. Laughter echoes throughout the hallway. It's a good day. Everyone's in a good mood.

Gosh, I'll miss them when I leave.

Update

I've always considered myself as the human compass. My navigation skills are exceptional. I pride myself in finding my way in and out of a totally unfamiliar territory. And I'm not afraid to pull over and ask for directions when lost. That's why when we bought the new car, Navigation system was out of the question. I mean, what am I, S-t-u-p-i-d??? I can find my way around, yah know.... I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for something I don't need.

But, this is our last summer here in Germany and we plan on taking little trips here and there. And if you want to hear hubby & I argue, just sit with us in a car. Truth is, I feel sorry for the guy. I'm such a control freak and I just can't keep my mouth shut when he's on the wheel. I'm probably the worst backseat driver in the whole entire world. So we did ourselves a favor and bought this new toy . It's nice, I tell you. Best part is, it came with US/North America disc as well.

We'll be in Ramstein Air Force base tomorrow for Alexis' European Spelling Bee competition. By the way, I found out she'll be competing against 8th graders from all of Europe as well. Geez, it'll be like David & Goliath. Imagine a 4th grader, 9 yr old girl going against a bunch of teenage middle schoolers. I haven't told her yet because I didn't want to alarm her. Next week, we're headed to Tropical Islands near Berlin. Easter break will be spent touring Trier, Luxemburg, and Brussels. Ahhh, there's just so many things to do but very little time left.

weekend gastos

I was outnumbered. Two against one. Mom & Steve against the strong-willed Rhada. It was a battle I fought bravely, and LOST. A losing battle from the very beginning, because I, myself wanted it as much as they do.......



*multi-system JVC DynaPix HD LT-Z46ZF7

Tsk tsk. Kawawang blog. Basang sisiw na sisinghap-singhap at humihingi ng katarungan. Isang update lang. Isang-isa lang, bago man lamang matapos ang taon. Panis na panis na ang excuse. Busy daw. Busy-busyhan kamo.

Geez, I'm being too hard on myself. Sa totoo lang kasi, medyo mahirap gampanan ang papel na ginagampanan ko sa ngayon. Magpapasko, at mahirap ang malayo sa minamahal. Mahirap maging "ama at ina" all at the same time. Medyo senti mode nga ako habang nagbabalot ng mga regalo. Si Steve kasi ang "official tagabalot" ng mga regalo kapag magpapasko. Nagkukulong siya sa kwarto, at kung ano-anong dekorasyon ek-ek pa ang ginagawa nya para lang mapaganda ang balot. Hay naku, stop na nga muna ang chuvah chu chu bago magkabahaan ng luga, este luha dito. Anyway, nakachika ko na naman siya kanina sa telepono. Pinabuksan na rin nya ang regalong ibinigay niya sa akin. Laking gulat ko ng tumambad sa aking paningin ang isang "hot pink" iPod nano. Kakulay ng celfone na ibinigay nya sa akin last Christmas. Akala ko eh bra at panty ang laman nung malaking kahon. Napakagaang kasi eh. Utang muna ang mga peechurs. Kapag nagkaroon ako ng mas madaming time eh makakapag-update din ako ng maayos. Ngapala, may konting problema ako dito sa blog na ito. Hindi ko makita yung pinaglalagyan ng title ng post. Kaya tuloy lahat ng post ko eh mga walang pamagat. (as if madaming-madami na akong post hehe)

Siyangapala............MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON SA INYONG LAHAT!!!!!