It Gets Better?

Just when Jordan thought his week couldn't get any better...


You know, just hanging out with Mack Brown. Jordan was giddy like a 10 year old with Hannah Montana. It was so cute. Me, well, I may or may not have said, "Jordan has been a huge fan since he was little (aka you are old), he cries every time you lose (aka you lose a lot)." Oops.

Oh well, I thought it was really nice of Mack and the other coaches to come out to meet the troops. They are also going to Turkey and Iraq.

In other news, only four days of school left!!! And I don't think I ever mentioned but I have decided to go back next year. Crazy? Yeah probably. I just feel like that's what I need to do. Plus, we get to wear jeans everyday next year. That will make my mornings a little better right? Only 10 days until I can head to the states and buy some jeans! :)

Enjoy your weekend!

Butter Bars No More

This morning Jordan was promoted to 1LT! Yeah! The ceremony was wonderful. First, his boss said some funny things about him, and also said some really sweet things about working with him. My delayed promotion complaint on the blog even got a shout out thanks to his wife, Leslie, reading the blog. Thanks Leslie! :)


Jordan was very blessed to have the opportunity to be the XO for his group the last year. His boss (and his wife) were very good to us, and I know Jordan is truly grateful for the experience.

After that we got to pin on his new bars. Yeah! I was much quicker this time! The other person pinning on Jordan's new rank is the guy I mentioned awhile back who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is back and doing well. Yeah!


Then Jordan got to give a quick speech to thank people and talk about what he has learned. He did really well!


Yeah Jordan! (Look Leslie- your head is on the blog!)



And a big thanks to Sarah for coming along! We loved having here there. She even got recognized from blog pictures. Why she decided to match me I'm not sure :) This is the second time we have done that!


And since this whole post is one big brag I will show you what my sweet husband gave me as a promotion gift. I know what you are thinking. Yes, I am the one that gets a gift when he promotes, and that's they way it should be. :)


Didn't he do great?! I was so impressed! What a fun day...

Countdowns

1 Day Until Jordan's Promotion
3 Days Until Recital
6 Days Left of School
6 Days Until our 3rd Anniversary
13 Days Until I go to Texas
29 Days Until My Birthday

It's a lot easier to deal with today when I have so many awesome things coming up. Mexican food for the first time in a YEAR in 13 days. YES!!!!! Oh yeah and an anniversary too. Mmmm Mexican food.... :)

Berlin

Well we made it back safe and sound this morning. We had an AWESOME trip! Sarah and Will came along with Jordan and I for the long weekend. Luckily we found an apartment for a great price.

The first day we took a bike tour around to all the main sites. (Fat Tire Bike Tours, highly recommend them!)


We saw Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, Hitler's Bunker, an old watchtower, Brandenburg Gate, Luftwaffe Ministry, the Jew memorial, Bebelplatz, Museum Island, Reichstag, Postdamer Platz, Soviet war memorial, Tiergarten Park, and the Victory column. Whew! We were tired. Then at night we saw hookers. Too bad I didn't get a picture. They had some sweet boots. (Here we all are at the Berlin Wall.)


Side note: They take you to a beer garden half way through then expect you to ride a bike. Sarah and I may or may not have done wheelies while flying down a hill, dead ending into a pathway full of old people. It may or may not have been real close to being ugly. After that we stuck to our bells and squeak toys.

The next day we headed out to see a few things in more detail including the Brandenburg gate, KaDeWe department store, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church, and the Holocaust museum. What we didn't expect to see was the gay nudist area of the park. Jordan tried to take a picture of one particular dude who wasn't exactly attempting to keep things covered, but fortunately for all of us, he was not able to. Amen. (Below is the Memorial Church, left as is after bombing during WWII.)


Sunday we had another tour, this time a tour of Third Reich/Nazi history sites. (Insider Tours- great!) All four of us were very interested in this aspect of history, and although we already knew a good deal about it, I felt like we still learned a lot. Once place we visited was where the Pentagon of the Nazi party had been, and where the execution of the top Generals involved in Operation Valkyrie took place.


Later that afternoon we visited the famous Berlin Zoo. What an awesome zoo! Plus, springtime means lots of cute little babies. I think I smiled the entire time.




Then we ended the day with some great beer and crappy food. Oh well, at least we had good friends to share it with.


Although Berlin was never on the top of my list of places to see, I am very glad I went. Did you know that Berlin is 9x bigger than Pairs and 20x bigger than Manhattan? So much to see. Plus, it's one of the most affordable capital cities to visit in Europe. Everyone should go!

For more pictures- Click Here

Tschuss!

Off to Berlin with Jordan, Sarah, and Will. See ya soon!

An Open Letter

Dear Office Depot,
Last week I attempted to order printer ink and computer cleaning wipes from your online store. However, when I got to the checkout I saw a note that APO orders required special handling and would be done over the phone. Easy enough, or so I thought.

When I called the number listed on the website, I was then given an error message saying that the number was out of service and given an additional number to call. Upon calling the second number I spoke to a customer service agent who could not comprehend that I was speaking of an APO box and not a PO box. I was then transferred to another agent. After speaking with said agent I was told the only way to order was to email my order to a given address. They would get back to me within 24 hours with further instructions.

However, it took your APO department 5 days to respond to my request. Even then the response was that printer ink could not be shipped to an APO address and that my 3 dollar computer wipes would carry a shipping charge of 25 dollars. 25 DOLLARS.

I couldn't help but notice that your site offers free overnight shipping to stateside addresses. While I could understand the outrageous shipping charge if you were in fact shipping overseas, you are actually shipping to a US address where the only difference is a customs form.

Your blatant disregard for quality service to military members and their families living overseas is appalling. As a teacher I frequented your store for any supplies I may need. However, after seeing your lack of service and gauging of shipping charges, I will now take my business elsewhere and encourage others to do the same.

Awards and Crazy Kids

First, thank you to Stephanie, J.J., and Melissa for the awards! J.J. gave me one that comes with responsibilities, so here are the 7 things that make me awesome...



1. I can make it through a 30 Day Shred workout without stopping.
2. I have a Mac.
3. I can wipe noses, tie shoes, and teach reading at the same time.
4. I have been to 4 continents.
5. I am republican.
6. Jesus loves me. (See # 5. Ha!)
7. I would rather have Burger King than steak.

And now for a funny kid story...
Me- "Bobby, are you talking?"
Bobby- "Yes Ma'am"
Me- "And is there something that you need to be talking about right this minute?"
Bobby- "I was talking about how much I love you."

Dang. Schooled by a 5 year old. What can I say to that?

Did I mention I have my computer AND cord back? Life is good. And so is this new blog design :)

Frustration

Have you ever met someone who wants to make everything into a competition? They rejoice in your failure and harbor jealousy for your success. Even talking to them is emotionally draining.

I don't share with you my travels, work outs, or any other experiences to "brag" about my life. I am simply sharing. I think most of you know this and are so supportive.

It's just that some people DON'T.

Let it go.

Things You NEED

1. This oh so cute coffee cozy. Who wants to use that boring brown cardboard sleeve when you can protect your precious hand with this precious thing. It made made $1.20 gas station coffee look pretty. Well, until I spilled it all over the floor. Whatever.



2. Eye makeup primer. Sara, Lindsay, and Melissa have all mentioned it, and I must say I am now a believer. I had to buy the German version, and I am still very happy. I put a little on before my eyeshadow, and my eyeshadow stays on all day long! If only I could put it on my entire face...


3. A super cute camera strap. I mean, if you are going to look like a tourist you might as well look like a cute tourist. Also helps you look cute while being climbed on by a crocodile.


4. A jewelry file big enough to hold all your stuff while still looking cute. Extra bonus if you can get it at your BX and save lots of money!



Now go out and stimulate the economy!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good?
My computer is back! YYEEAAAHHH! With an additional 4 GB (MB? I don't know.) of memory too! However, I won't get my cord in until next week so please continue to be patient!

The Bad?
After asking one of my students to sit down today (she was talking in line), I proceeded to get the other kiddos ready for lunch. When I ask Miss Sassy Pants if she was ready to rejoin the class and reminded her of my expectations for the line she said, "Whatever." I kid you not. A kindergartner. I was TICKED! After lying about what she said then finally admitting it she and I had a long chat and she ate lunch alone, followed by 5 minutes out of recess. Miss Sassy Pants has another thing coming if she thinks that attitude is going to work for me. (Mostly because I am a grown up version of her. Ha!)

The Ugly?
Jordan has now been in the AF for 2 years (and 2 days!), so he should be promoting (to 1LT) right? Well, as it turns out, his promotion is delayed because he is not allowed to promote before those who graduated the same year from the AF Academy promote. Never mind that he commissioned before them in the first place! As if that wasn't silly enough to delay his promotion by half a month, I found out they will also delay his PAY for half a month. So he misses out on a half a month of pay for the rank that he has earned just because he went to ROTC instead. Crazy, no?

Anyway, it's good to be back. I'm looking forward to being all the way back soon. Thanks for all your comment love! :)

Sorry!

1. Sorry I have been super lame-o when it comes to commenting on your blogs. I promise I am reading them and enjoying them, it just takes so long to type on this tiny iPod. The title of this blog alone took 5 freaking minutes. Then add in word verification and I start reaching for the prozac! Same applies to new people who commented. Be patient, I'll get back to you soon!

2. My new diet basically consists of not eating BK, and having protein shakes for dinner 3 times a week. In two weeks I'm 0 for 2. Whoops! I'm also working out, dancing, and will start the 30 day shred tomorrow. I must lose 10 pounds so I can gain it back in chick fil a when I go home.

4. I'm typing this here because I can't get my iPod to scroll down. Ahhhh! Anyway, last random thought is about our upcoming trip with Sarah and Will to Berlin. We finally have a place to stay! Yeah! Has anyone been? Suggestions on things to see?

Okay that's all! Bye!

3. Took my computer in yesterday and will have it back by Friday with 4 extra GB of memory! Yes! The people couldn't have been nicer. The exact opposite of dell customer service! I was proud of myself for backing up my files last week. I was also very proud that I did halfway decent with my german.

My Mom

I am truly blessed to have a wonderful Mom (and Dad) who has set an example of what a Christian wife and mom should be. My Mom has been through a lot with her family, and has still come out somewhat normal. :) Plus, while she may have messed up with my sister, she raised me to be a great adult. I wish I could be there with her today. :(


Love you mom!

And as if I am not blessed enough I also have a WONDERFUL mother in law, and a nearly 90 year old grandmother in my life. My MIL is a shining example of a Proverbs 31 woman and a servant for God. My grandmother is the sassiest lady you will ever meet, and also loves the Lord. She has terminal cancer and is looking forward to going to heaven, but I tell her she can't go yet!

How lucky am I to have all these awesome women in my life?
(Sadly since I don't have my computer- I don't have a picture of my Nanny to post. Below is a pic of Jordan and his Mom in Metz.)
*Update: Or not. The picture won't show up. Grrr. I want my Mac back!*

Miss you guys! See you soon!

Le Sigh

Today started off with a field trip, and while stressful, it was great! We went to this park, and there was so much to do! Playgrounds, slides, animals, boats, etc. I highly recommend it to anyone with kids in this area. Unfortunately for me, my students were too little to go on most things alone, which meant their old teacher was riding bumper boats and climbing on pirate ships. I had fun, but I am TIRED!

In computer news, the charger is not the problem. Booo. This means I need to take it to a repair facility, the closest one being about half an hour away. Not so bad except that they are only open Monday-Friday from 9 to 5. That's nice. We will see how that goes on Monday. I would love to upload pics of my living room for Kelly's home tour, and pics of the town fest we went to tonight. Dang it.

Lastly in this post o' randomness- I know bunches of you signed up for Rue La La. Will you do me a favor and let me know if you purchase something? I want to know if they really do give credits out. Gracias.

That is all. I am now going try to lay hands on my computer to bring it back to life.

Tschuss!

Stole Jordan's Computer!

And now I can blog again! Yeah! The subject today? Parents.

Dear Class Parents,
I am not here to entertain your child. I am not a video game, and I am not a DVD. Do not expect me to jump through flaming hoops so that your precious pumpkin head can be excited at every possible moment.

My job is to teach your child, in this instance to teach your child sign language. I am volunteering to teach this subject as a curriculum enrichment for the kids. There is no curriculum for me to follow, there are no supplies for me to use, and there is no budget for me to purchase items. I design and purchase things because I truly enjoy sharing sign language with others. I design bingo games, outdoor trips, purchase videos, etc. I apologize, I will try to put more effort in during all my spare time.

You tell me your child is, "bored" with the class. That he would rather not come. What can I say to that?
a. Cleaning the house is boring to me also, but I do it. Some days I don't want to get out of bed, but I do it. Get over it.
b. Perhaps your child would be less bored if he actually, oh I don't know, participated. Just a thought.

By the way, did you know it is teacher appreciation week? Well it is. Thanks for making me feel so appreciated.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Clark

MacBook power cord broken. Of course they don't ship replacements to APO addresses. Hopefully I can blog again soon. Blogging from an iPod is not easy! Don't miss me too much! Just think sassy thoughts and pretend like they are from me!

Books and Blogs

In my last post I mentioned loving to read, and Meagan asked what I was reading. I figured now (not that I am desperate for blogging ideas at all) was a good time to share my thoughts on some recently read books.


The 19th Wife
I REALLY enjoyed this book. I read it after reading Escape by Carolyn Jessop. While this was a fictional account of the FLDS type cults, I found it very interesting. Kept me reading to the very end!





Bright Lights, Big Ass and Such a Pretty Fat
I'm a big Jen Lancaster fan, and had already read Bitter is the New Black (LOVED!), and was anxious to read more. Our book club chose Bright Lights- big mistake. Bleh. It's too disjointed. I recommend if you do read it, that you read it in spurts. On the cruise I picked up Pretty Fat. So much better! This one had more of a flow, but was still the same funny Jen. If you do not like sarcasm and/or critical people, these books are NOT for you! Several in my book club may or may not have said I reminded them of Jen Lancaster. Uh oh.


The Mermaid Chair
This book is by the same author as The Secret Life of Bees (great book and movie!), so I thought I would like it. Sadly, I did not. It was another mid life crisis book, and at this point, I just can't relate. If it goes to the big screen, I totally see Diane Lane playing the main character. Mmm kay?



The Thirteenth Tale
Love, love, love, love! A story about an reclusive author who invites a young biographer to tell her story, one that has been lied about for years. The author writes a set of stories called Thirteen Tales, but only includes 12. The biographer attempts to find out the rest of the story. Kept me interested from beginning to end. Made me think, and of course, made me cry. Read it!



Bible Study: Esther
I have done several Beth Moore studies and really enjoyed all of them. Beth was truly given the gift of teaching, and it shows! While I learned a lot from this study, I didn't feel as if I "grew" as much as I did with other studies. Maybe it was because I did Daniel, another old testament study, last semester. Might be better to mix old and new!


The Power of a Praying Wife
A re-read, but always a good one. One of the two books I recommend to every wife. (The other being Five Love Languages) It's always good to have a reminder of how important prayer is, not only to our spiritual life, but to our marriage.


Currently Reading: The Virgin's Lover and Fish!



On the Shelf:

Anything to add?

And, as if I have not bored you enough. I have more. This time, it's a blog design! I recently redid Stevy's blog. Stevy is a friend from home, and my college roommate. I had fun making it for her. Stop by and tell her how cool her friend (that would be me) is :)


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Tell me if the formatting is all crazy on this, k?

Crazy Eights

So I saw this on Melissa's Blog (New Girl on Post), and thought it would be fun to leech on and play along. My goal is to post every day this week. We will see how that goes!

8 Things I Look Forward To...
#1.) Chick-Fil-A
#2.) Mexican Food
#3.) Shopping in a Mall
#4.) Having a disposal
#5.) Jordan's promotion
#6.) Our cruise in September
#7.) Being done with grad school (even though I haven't started!)
#8.) Going to Berlin with Sarah and Will

8 Things I Did Yesterday
#1.) Went to the Commissary
#2.) Napped
#3.) Wiped my cat's butt (no kidding, sadly)
#4.) Started a diet
#5.) Worked on Stevy's blog design
#6.) Napped again
#7.) Broke diet with cookies
#8.) Played online

8 Things I Love
#1.) Shopping online
#2.) Traveling
#3.) Reading (I can't read fast enough!)
#4.) Moscato
#5.) Belgian cherry beer
#6.) My neice and nephew
#7.) Fox News
#8.) Sunshine

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
#1.) See my family
#2.) Lose some weight
#3.) Decide whether or not to work next year
#4.) Stop coughing
#5.) Take a nap
#6.) Get a laundry fairy
#7.) Know where our next assignment is
#8.) Make more money

8 Shows I watch:
#1.) Cops (Net Flixx)
#2.) Big Love (Net Flixx)
#3.) Army Wives (Online)
#4.) Oprah
#5.) My...
#6.) TV...
#7.) Super...
#8.) Sucks!
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PS- 26 of you have signed up for Rue La La. Hope you like it! :)

I Broke The Seal

I am no longer a Lilly Pulitzer buying virgin. I logged on to Rue La La last night and there it was. The perfect Maxi dress for me. According to the size chart I would be a size 4. Oh gosh I hope so because I looooovveee this dress!


How cute will that be with a pair of sandals. Ah. Le sigh. And the coolest part? This dress is usually 378 dollars. 378?!? Can you imagine? My wedding dress was free and my prom dress was less than that! I got it for 89! Yes, that is still expensive for a casual dress, but it is a very nice dress. Fully lined and well made.

Do you Rue La La? If not, you should! It's not an Old Navy type place, but you can find good deals on nice things. Lines from Spanx to Lilly to Balenciaga!
Click here to sign up!

And while I am at it, if you haven't signed up for Ebates, you need that too! You just click through them for normal online shopping (Gap, Target, almost anything!) and get a rebate check. We got 40 back from Christmas shopping. Sweet! Click here for Ebates!

(Yes, I will get some sort of "reward" if you use these links, but other than that, these are not paid advertisements. These are two sites I really do use and love!)

Bloggy Stuff

First, thanks to Cole and Jane for this lovely award...

I am so excited! Thanks for your sweet comments as well.

Next, I will tell you about some giveaways. But don't enter them.

More Wine Please is giving away a great monogrammed tote. But why do you need a tote?
Nester is giving away some great plate and platter pieces. You have enough plates.
Windowboxes and Weissbier is giving away a gift of your choice. You hate gifts.

And finally, I will participate in the Prom Queen tag. Thanks Jill!


Here are the rules...
1. Upload your prom picture.
2. Don't forget to include the year it was taken. Again, don't be shy. The older the better.
3. Grab the "Prom Queen" button on my sidebar and add to your post.
4. Copy and Paste the rules to your blog
5. Tag 5 others!

Here it is...

I had to tape my boobs up to fill out the dress. Sad isn't it? I'm pretty sure the tape sweated off about 5 minutes after this picture was taken. And yes, my booty really was/is that big.

I tag...
My Sister, Stevy, Cole, Jane, Sarah, Allison, Meagan, and Jeri