Here in Germany we have not seen the sun for days, the leaves are all over the ground and the feel of pending snow fills the air.  The news online screams of protests towards Wal-Mart, early Thanksgiving sales and Black Friday deals I really should not miss.

I tried to explain to a German women about the history of Thanksgiving and somehow it felt very far away and lost among the hysterical behavior of those in the news. I began thinking and wondering, “What in the world was going on in the United States?” Did the Pilgrims realize that this is what would become of the holiday?

We will celebrate Thanksgiving here and the PX will of course be open early Friday morning to crazed shoppers trying to get their “specials” and the parking lot at the PX will be full with cars. Music will be  blasting songs of good tidings  and the kids will be screaming to see Santa at extra volumes of loud. There will be pushy parents screaming and shoving to get that perfect picture of their kids on Santa’s lap; the American tradition lives on.

I plan on enjoying leftover turkey, music, a glass of wine and shopping online….how about you?

The day began with my teenage daughter telling me that her 2-year-old computer decided to go blank. She no longer could use it.

“See”, she said holding it up as evidence. The screen was blank with little lines going up and  down the screen.

I shook my head. Knowing that I had no idea where the warranty was or the receipt.  Thinking that maybe we really did not have one anyway.

“And, I have a paper due next week.” Her eyes big, wondering what was she ever going to do.

Me, I was thinking about the photos, documents and everything else that was  now lost forever. I sighed deeply thinking back to a past summer when she had spilled chicken noodle soup all over the keyboard and screen. I had triumphed over that small disaster by taking a blow dryer to it and drying the keyboard. This time, I could see it would not be that easy.

We all knew that the computers would not last forever but really, when do you ever take such a thought seriously? Me, not till the thing is dead and gone. From the looks of the computer, it was dead and most definitely gone.

It always seems to me that these sorts of technological malfunctions always seem to occur right before the Holidays. I am not sure but I really am starting to believe it is a conspiracy against my pocketbook. That all computer companies gather around and decide that the shelf  life  of a computer will always end on or about December.

Though it can be difficult to swallow the purchase of a new computer, it is truly to my advantage, or so I rationalize, that I will get a holiday bargain for it. Some sort of dollars off, percentage off or buy this and you will get this offer will be afforded my way.  Making me feel okay with this large purchase that generally never includes all the programs you need and therefore, you hear the continued draining of your checking account.

So, off we go to the PX or otherwise know as, “the only place to get an electronic device” and shop the 5 computers that are available to us. We find the best of the lot; middle of the road in price and leave. And yes, it was marked down $70.00 for the Holidays.  It took us all of ten minutes to find the one among the 5 that we liked.

It was not long before my daughter and I were having a “discussion”  about who in the family would use it, where we keep it and most definitely no eating or drinking near it; we did get the warranty. I think in some small way we were bonding over the purchase of the new computer. We were so happy about the purchase and even got all the programs that it needed…included, no extra charges. For us it was a simple install and not long after getting it set up she was navigating around all her favorite sites.

I sank happily into to the couch thinking thank goodness that should be all for now.

Shouting from the other room I hear my husband shriek, ” Hey, my computer is all messed up.” Thank goodness I know they have more available at the PX and they are on sale…for the Holidays.

The day began with my teenage daughter telling me that her 2-year-old computer decided to go blank. She no longer could use it.

“See”, she said holding it up as evidence. The screen was blank with little lines going up and  down the screen.

I shook my head. Knowing that I had no idea where the warranty was or the receipt.  Thinking that maybe we really did not have one anyway.

“And, I have a paper due next week.” Her eyes big, wondering what was she ever going to do.

Me, I was thinking about the photos, documents and everything else that was  now lost forever. I sighed deeply thinking back to a past summer when she had spilled chicken noodle soup all over the keyboard and screen. I had triumphed over that small disaster by taking a blow dryer to it and drying the keyboard. This time, I could see it would not be that easy.

We all knew that the computers would not last forever but really, when do you ever take such a thought seriously? Me, not till the thing is dead and gone. From the looks of the computer, it was dead and most definitely gone.

It always seems to me that these sorts of technological malfunctions always seem to occur right before the Holidays. I am not sure but I really am starting to believe it is a conspiracy against my pocketbook. That all computer companies gather around and decide that the shelf  life  of a computer will always end on or about December.

Though it can be difficult to swallow the purchase of a new computer, it is truly to my advantage, or so I rationalize, that I will get a holiday bargain for it. Some sort of dollars off, percentage off or buy this and you will get this offer will be afforded my way.  Making me feel okay with this large purchase that generally never includes all the programs you need and therefore, you hear the continued draining of your checking account.

So, off we go to the PX or otherwise know as, “the only place to get an electronic device” and shop the 5 computers that are available to us. We find the best of the lot; middle of the road in price and leave. And yes, it was marked down $70.00 for the Holidays.  It took us all of ten minutes to find the one among the 5 that we liked.

It was not long before my daughter and I were having a “discussion”  about who in the family would use it, where we keep it and most definitely no eating or drinking near it; we did get the warranty. I think in some small way we were bonding over the purchase of the new computer. We were so happy about the purchase and even got all the programs that it needed…included, no extra charges. For us it was a simple install and not long after getting it set up she was navigating around all her favorite sites.

I sank happily into to the couch thinking thank goodness that should be all for now.

Shouting from the other room I hear my husband shriek, ” Hey, my computer is all messed up.” Thank goodness I know they have more available at the PX and they are on sale…for the Holidays.

When I sat down to write I had so many stories to write about and I could not figure out which one would be the best. Being true to myself, I always try to think about what would be most interesting for someone to read. I recognize that many of you who read my blog are not affiliated with the military and fewer have had the benefit of living overseas. As I collected my thoughts, I knew that there would be one topic everyone, including me, was thinking about; the drama surrounding General Petraeus.

I have been reading many different articles about what has happened and have heard more about this story on AFN (Armed Forces Network). I will confess, I wish in some small way that I could have written a book about these events. I would not be sitting here in Military on post housing if I had.  With each twist and turn I hold my breath like I am turning the pages of a newly released novel.

Then it got me wondering, how could this happen? Now a days we are addicted to our computers with not much emphasis on the power  our computer holds over us because we use them without  thinking.  That is the problem, we do not think about what we say.  How many times do we log in, give an opinion on the article, picture, email or whatever without thinking about who will see it. Those words are forever connected to us and sometimes we even cringe at the content of those posts after we have calmed down. We can delete the content but it never truly goes away.

I can recall the daily discussions I have with my teenage daughter to not write anything on Facebook or in messages that could be perceived in a different matter than what the words were intended. I know that she is tired of hearing this from her over protective mother who sounds more like a drill sergeant at times than a Mom.

It may be just a coincidence but in the last few days I have found quite a few re-posts starting with, “I am sorry about the last post, I was not thinking.”

When I sat down to write I had so many stories to write about and I could not figure out which one would be the best. Being true to myself, I always try to think about what would be most interesting for someone to read. I recognize that many of you who read my blog are not affiliated with the military and fewer have had the benefit of living overseas. As I collected my thoughts, I knew that there would be one topic everyone, including me, was thinking about; the drama surrounding General Petraeus.

I have been reading many different articles about what has happened and have heard more about this story on AFN (Armed Forces Network). I will confess, I wish in some small way that I could have written a book about these events. I would not be sitting here in Military on post housing if I had.  With each twist and turn I hold my breath like I am turning the pages of a newly released novel.

Then it got me wondering, how could this happen? Now a days we are addicted to our computers with not much emphasis on the power  our computer holds over us because we use them without  thinking.  That is the problem, we do not think about what we say.  How many times do we log in, give an opinion on the article, picture, email or whatever without thinking about who will see it. Those words are forever connected to us and sometimes we even cringe at the content of those posts after we have calmed down. We can delete the content but it never truly goes away.

I can recall the daily discussions I have with my teenage daughter to not write anything on Facebook or in messages that could be perceived in a different matter than what the words were intended. I know that she is tired of hearing this from her over protective mother who sounds more like a drill sergeant at times than a Mom.

It may be just a coincidence but in the last few days I have found quite a few re-posts starting with, “I am sorry about the last post, I was not thinking.”

So, I went to the commissary / grocery store yesterday to get a few things.  Feeling a bit upset about the election, I decided to get a  couple of sandwiches to “lift” my spirits.  So, went I went to the  deli counter  and I noticed everyone was in the backroom.

I shouted out, “Excuse me, I would like a couple of sandwiches.”

They yelled back, “We do not make sandwiches till 10 o’clock.”

I looked at the clock  behind the counter and it read 2 minutes after 10.

I yelled back, “The clock says it is after 10.”

One worker came out from the back room, extremely frustrated that I interrupted his conversation and yells at me, “Not till 10 lady! Sandwiches are not made till then.”

I point to the clock on the wall , “But your clock says it is after 10.”

He took down the clock and mumbles, “Its battery operated.”

And proceeded to change the time to 5 of 10.

“See, it is 5 minutes to 10, we do not make sandwiches till 10!”  He walked away shaking his head.

I am left standing there. Mind you, I still want a sandwich, nothing seems to have changed except the time.

I guess when you are the only game in town it is okay to behave in such a matter and customer service does not need to be a concern of yours. I mean really, who is going to fire you? You are a government employee who has the right to work as fast or slow as you want. No one needs to tell you that you are being rude. Why care, the government will provide.

In some ways his actions made me think about the election. He no longer has to work for me. The government will keep him employed and give him the benefits that he needs in order to continue living.  As a society we are heading in this direction, people like me are just an interruption in his day.

As I was pondering these thoughts another employee decided to step in and asked me what sandwiches I wanted. I looked at him with hope and smiled.

“Oh, thank you, I appreciate you helping me. I would like…”and I completed the order.

Maybe all hope is not lost.

Maybe he is just a new government worker.

Maybe …..he voted for Romney.

So, I went to the commissary / grocery store yesterday to get a few things.  Feeling a bit upset about the election, I decided to get a  couple of sandwiches to “lift” my spirits.  So, I went to the  deli counter  and I noticed everyone was in the backroom.

I shouted out, “Excuse me, I would like a couple of sandwiches.”

They yelled back, “We do not make sandwiches till 10 o’clock.”

I looked at the clock  behind the counter and it read 2 minutes after 10.

I yelled back, “The clock says it is after 10.”

One worker came out from the back room, extremely frustrated that I interrupted his conversation and yells at me, “Not till 10 lady! Sandwiches are not made till then.”

I point to the clock on the wall , “But your clock says it is after 10.”

He took down the clock and mumbles, “Its battery operated.”

And proceeded to change the time to 5 of 10.

“See, it is 5 minutes to 10, we do not make sandwiches till 10!”  He walked away shaking his head.

I am left standing there. Mind you, I still want a sandwich, nothing seems to have changed except the time.

I guess when you are the only game in town it is okay to behave in such a matter and customer service does not need to be a concern of yours. I mean really, who is going to fire you? You are a government employee who has the right to work as fast or slow as you want. No one needs to tell you that you are being rude. Why care, the government will provide.

In some ways his actions made me think about the election. He no longer has to work for me. The government will keep him employed and give him the benefits that he needs in order to continue living.  As a society we are heading in this direction, people like me are just an interruption in his day.

As I was pondering these thoughts another employee decided to step in and asked me what sandwiches I wanted. I looked at him with hope and smiled.

“Oh, thank you, I appreciate you helping me. I would like…”and I completed the order.

Maybe all hope is not lost.

Maybe he is just a new government worker.

Maybe …..he voted for Romney.

Lately it feels like there are a few too many things going on.

I guess you could say there have been too many interruptions and not enough closure on things I think are important.

Here are a few things I hope will end soon.

1) The election. I really hope that it ends soon. I, like I think most of you, want to just be done with this election as it feels like it has been going on forever. Just put someone in office and let’s deal with what will happen next!

2) Wondering about where we will be living in a few months. I guess that one will take a few more months to decide where we will be landing once home in the US.

and…

3) Will my sister call me. Ever since Hurricane Sandy she has been without power and no power means no phone lines. I know she is okay because she has spoken to other family members but not me….makes me wonder  .

So, with these things on my mind along with the other important things like, will there be a turkey at the Commissary for me to buy I have not been able to think clearly and without interruption.

Now  I hope with  a new week on hand, those interruptions will start to go away and time will be easier to manage…then again…the big decision to decorate or not for the Holidays seems to be creeping into my mind.

Excuse me, I need to….

Lately it feels like there are a few too many things going on.

I guess you could say there have been too many interruptions and not enough closure on things I think are important.

Here are a few things I hope will end soon.

1) The election. I really hope that it ends soon. I, like I think most of you, want to just be done with this election as it feels like it has been going on forever. Just put someone in office and let’s deal with what will happen next!

2) Wondering about where we will be living in a few months. I guess that one will take a few more months to decide where we will be landing once home in the US.

and…

3) Will my sister call me. Ever since Hurricane Sandy she has been without power and no power means no phone lines. I know she is okay because she has spoken to other family members but not me….makes me wonder  .

So, with these things on my mind along with the other important things like, will there be a turkey at the Commissary for me to buy I have not been able to think clearly and without interruption.

Now  I hope with  a new week on hand, those interruptions will start to go away and time will be easier to manage…then again…the big decision to decorate or not for the Holidays seems to be creeping into my mind.

Excuse me, I need to….

The other day I read this post, “Could we please get gas for under $3.20?”  I realized that the question was an innocent one, one that was full of exasperation as gas prices are extremely high. Though my response to the post was probably not exactly what the person asking the question may have been referring to.  If you want to to get gas Overseas at United States prices and you are in the Military, you are rationed it or pay double the price; the economy price.

Rationed gas? Really, you ask. Yes, it surprised me too when I first landed overseas but now it is an everyday realization that if you want to get gas your option is to go to the military installation gas station and fill up. There is only one station and the price, is the price. No options, no competing stations, no specials. You get what they have at the price they post and that is it. Period. Another option is to go to designated gas stations that accepts your ration card and not all gas stations accept the rations card.

When you get your gas and pay for it you need to present your card that has your rations for the vehicle predetermined on it and it will calculate how much  gas you have left for the rest of the month.  Your predetermined amount is granted to you when you register your vehicle and is calculated by an average monthly usage for the type of vehicle you own.

If you go over the rationed amount you pay what everyone else does on the economy and that price is usually double. Sounds fair, right?

I am not so sure but Here’s the thing, Americans love their big SUV‘s. I love mine as it carries everything. Over here, we have stopped using it as much as we did in the States and have taken up a more conservative view on gas intake. Using public transportation when we need to, think twice before we travel somewhere and make many stops along the way and even have bought a more cost conservative vehicle that gets great mileage.  So, in one way by being “forced” to think about my gas consumption has made me more aware of how much I use.

On the other hand, I miss the freedom that I had to “shop around”  to various gas stations and use my vehicle as I wish and not have to worry about how much it will cost me.  I miss the days of taking long drives to where ever. That freedom seems to have been taken away and admittedly I miss it.

I am not sure if it is because I am locked to a certain rationed gas amount or that I enjoyed the freedom of doing what I wanted, when I wanted without the concern of how much gas I used.

Then again, with gas at $3.20 or more in some States, I may be more compelled to think before I hit the “freedom of the road.”

The other day I read this post, “Could we please get gas for under $3.20?”  I realized that the question was an innocent one, one that was full of exasperation as gas prices are extremely high. Though my response to the post was probably not exactly what the person asking the question may have been referring to.  If you want to to get gas Overseas at United States prices and you are in the Military, you are rationed it or pay double the price; the economy price.

Rationed gas? Really, you ask. Yes, it surprised me too when I first landed overseas but now it is an everyday realization that if you want to get gas your option is to go to the military installation gas station and fill up. There is only one station and the price, is the price. No options, no competing stations, no specials. You get what they have at the price they post and that is it. Period. Another option is to go to designated gas stations that accepts your ration card and not all gas stations accept the rations card.

When you get your gas and pay for it you need to present your card that has your rations for the vehicle predetermined on it and it will calculate how much  gas you have left for the rest of the month.  Your predetermined amount is granted to you when you register your vehicle and is calculated by an average monthly usage for the type of vehicle you own.

If you go over the rationed amount you pay what everyone else does on the economy and that price is usually double. Sounds fair, right?

I am not so sure but Here’s the thing, Americans love their big SUV‘s. I love mine as it carries everything. Over here, we have stopped using it as much as we did in the States and have taken up a more conservative view on gas intake. Using public transportation when we need to, think twice before we travel somewhere and make many stops along the way and even have bought a more cost conservative vehicle that gets great mileage.  So, in one way by being “forced” to think about my gas consumption has made me more aware of how much I use.

On the other hand, I miss the freedom that I had to “shop around”  to various gas stations and use my vehicle as I wish and not have to worry about how much it will cost me.  I miss the days of taking long drives to where ever. That freedom seems to have been taken away and admittedly I miss it.

I am not sure if it is because I am locked to a certain rationed gas amount or that I enjoyed the freedom of doing what I wanted, when I wanted without the concern of how much gas I used.

Then again, with gas at $3.20 or more in some States, I may be more compelled to think before I hit the “freedom of the road.”

There is so much that needs to happen before we can come home to the United States. The list goes on and on but as we prepare we realize that we will need to adjust to a new culture, again.

I did not give this much thought until I was talking with my teenage daughter who has been living overseas for the past 3 years. She has gotten use to traveling here and that means that when you cross a border to a new country you need to make sure you have your passport with you. To her, it is natural to carry a passport and present it to border patrols, if needed.   Though, I will admit, with open borders one generally does not need to show it. One has it for the ” just in case” moments. Her daily routine though of presenting identification to be on Post is that you need to show ID. These checkpoints provide security to the Post.  She has learned that you need an ID to go somewhere. Without it, can cause major issues.

We got talking about moving back to the States. We are considering moving to the New England area. Moving between States is normal and I was explaining to her how close Rhode Island is to Massachusetts, that going back and forth between the States is a normal everyday event.

“One minute you will be traveling down the highway and be in Rhode Island then the next exit will be Massachusetts.” I was explaining to her.

Her startled look  made me stop and pause. She looked a little confused and I asked her. “What seems to be the matter?”

“How many checkpoints do we need to travel through each day to get to the next State?” She stated quite calmly.

Here’s the Thing….her innocent question made me realize that she has learned a lot by living here in Europe.  She has not traveled  across State lines and not be checked for a passport or not have to stop to show an ID before entering a new area. I suddenly realized why she had a puzzled look. I was not thinking about things from her point of view. She only knows about carrying identification and that has become her world.

It has made me realize how many things that are taken for granted in the States.  That being able to just freely move among States will be a new concept.

“None”, I replied to her.  ”We will not have to show ID to cross State lines. That’s one of many freedoms we have as being Americans. We can travel freely among the States.”

She smiled.

There is so much that needs to happen before we can come home to the United States. The list goes on and on but as we prepare we realize that we will need to adjust to a new culture, again.

I did not give this much thought until I was talking with my teenage daughter who has been living overseas for the past 3 years. She has gotten use to traveling here and that means that when you cross a border to a new country you need to make sure you have your passport with you. To her, it is natural to carry a passport and present it to border patrols, if needed.   Though, I will admit, with open borders one generally does not need to show it. One has it for the ” just in case” moments. Her daily routine though of presenting identification to be on Post is that you need to show ID. These checkpoints provide security to the Post.  She has learned that you need an ID to go somewhere. Without it, can cause major issues.

We got talking about moving back to the States. We are considering moving to the New England area. Moving between States is normal and I was explaining to her how close Rhode Island is to Massachusetts, that going back and forth between the States is a normal everyday event.

“One minute you will be traveling down the highway and be in Rhode Island then the next exit will be Massachusetts.” I was explaining to her.

Her startled look  made me stop and pause. She looked a little confused and I asked her. “What seems to be the matter?”

“How many checkpoints do we need to travel through each day to get to the next State?” She stated quite calmly.

Here’s the Thing….her innocent question made me realize that she has learned a lot by living here in Europe.  She has not traveled  across State lines and not be checked for a passport or not have to stop to show an ID before entering a new area. I suddenly realized why she had a puzzled look. I was not thinking about things from her point of view. She only knows about carrying identification and that has become her world.

It has made me realize how many things that are taken for granted in the States.  That being able to just freely move among States will be a new concept.

“None”, I replied to her.  ”We will not have to show ID to cross State lines. That’s one of many freedoms we have as being Americans. We can travel freely among the States.”

She smiled.

Sometimes it is good to look around and see what you have before you go and try to find more things.

I had misplaced a video that was done when I read my book Madison & the Amazing Car to the elementary kids here in Germany. That day was so much fun and yes, I was extremely nervous but excited to be sharing the book. The USO sponsored the appearance and the Armed Forces Network (AFN)  Eagle mascot walked around with me as I talked and signed books in each of the classes.

The interview with AFN was so much fun! For weeks after the reading they played it on TV!

Click to watch the interview.

Madison & the Amazing Car reading

Here’s the Thing….sometimes a passion  can be overlooked when one thinks that other things may be more important.

So…I am dusting off the cover of the book and sharing with it you.

Buy it here if you want.

Share it with your friends but always remember each day is an adventure….some things can get Lost BUT then they are Found.

   Click here to buy the book.

Sometimes it is good to look around and see what you have before you go and try to find more things.

I had misplaced a video that was done when I read my book Madison & the Amazing Car to the elementary kids here in Germany. That day was so much fun and yes, I was extremely nervous but excited to be sharing the book. The USO sponsored the appearance and the Armed Forces Network (AFN)  Eagle mascot walked around with me as I talked and signed books in each of the classes.

The interview with AFN was so much fun! For weeks after the reading they played it on TV!

Click to watch the interview.

Madison & the Amazing Car reading

Here’s the Thing….sometimes a passion  can be overlooked when one thinks that other things may be more important.

So…I am dusting off the cover of the book and sharing with it you.

Buy it here if you want.

Share it with your friends but always remember each day is an adventure….some things can get Lost BUT then they are Found.

   Click here to buy the book.

It is amazing how fast time goes by. It has been quite a long time since I sat down and wrote about what has been going on with our experience here in Germany. Each day seems to be moving along very slowly. When I thought about if I had written, it surprised me to see how long it has been since I had been here last.

Time has a way of warping itself to make one believe that it is either passing quickly or slow. Even still, we are now starting to count the days till we are back in the good ol United States.

This past week I was even asked, “How much time do you have left?”

The question made me twist my face, hunch my shoulders and put my hands in the air because, I really have no idea. I am not sure if the Military will come along later after typing this and say, “You are leaving in a month” or if some emergency (Red Cross message) will send me homeward. There is no way of knowing.

Each day is full of uncertain changes that may occur and even the best planner of a day can be derailed by a single moment. Days turn to weeks and weeks turn into months and time just keeps on ticking.

Counting days or hours never seemed to be a part of my daily activities when I was not in the military. Deadlines would come and go but it never seemed to hold the weight of military living where huge adjustments to family life seem to be looming daily.  That carefree spirit that possessed my soul seems to have learned how to conform to the structured bureaucratic style of military life.

But, behold, time will change that and that in itself is wonderful.

It is amazing how fast time goes by. It has been quite a long time since I sat down and wrote about what has been going on with our experience here in Germany. Each day seems to be moving along very slowly. When I thought about if I had written, it surprised me to see how long it has been since I had been here last.

Time has a way of warping itself to make one believe that it is either passing quickly or slow. Even still, we are now starting to count the days till we are back in the good ol United States.

This past week I was even asked, “How much time do you have left?”

The question made me twist my face, hunch my shoulders and put my hands in the air because, I really have no idea. I am not sure if the Military will come along later after typing this and say, “You are leaving in a month” or if some emergency (Red Cross message) will send me homeward. There is no way of knowing.

Each day is full of uncertain changes that may occur and even the best planner of a day can be derailed by a single moment. Days turn to weeks and weeks turn into months and time just keeps on ticking.

Counting days or hours never seemed to be a part of my daily activities when I was not in the military. Deadlines would come and go but it never seemed to hold the weight of military living where huge adjustments to family life seem to be looming daily.  That carefree spirit that possessed my soul seems to have learned how to conform to the structured bureaucratic style of military life.

But, behold, time will change that and that in itself is wonderful.

I have been given the SUPER SWEET BLOGGER AWARD from

Terris Kitchen, Thank you so very much!

Here are the rules for the Super Sweet Blogger Award:

1. The nominee has to thank the person that nominated them  ~ Done
2. Answer the 5 Super Sweet Questions ~ See below
3. Nominate a baker’s dozen of other Super Sweet Bloggers and let them know.

Cookies or Cake?  I love cake. Like love how it tastes, feel and melts in your mouth. Mostly watching my husband make cakes is the most fun.

Chocolate or Vanilla?  Both take the cake. I love how each flavor can complement each other. Cake that has multiple layers needs to have both.

What is your favourite sweet treat?   I love chocolate chip bars. They are my favorite to make and to eat. It seems that every time I make them, they are gone in a few minutes. Not sure if it is me eating all the bars or if my family sneaks in and eats a bunch.

When do you crave sweet things the most?  Right before I go to work out. It drives me crazy.

If you had a sweet nickname what would it be?
Mad Maddie….

And here’s the Baker’s Dozen…

1) The Ranting Chef

2) Tiny Lessons Blog

3) The Call Me Loopy

4) Griffins Grub

5) Masala Art

6) Keeping up with the Holsbys

7) Anonymous Tales in Montreal

8) Beauty still remains

9) Not so fancy Nancy

10) Glen Pendlay

11) Homes U Dream of Team

12) Beyond Paisley

Congratulations to all and THANK YOU for the award!

I have been given the SUPER SWEET BLOGGER AWARD from

Terris Kitchen, Thank you so very much!

Here are the rules for the Super Sweet Blogger Award:

1. The nominee has to thank the person that nominated them  ~ Done
2. Answer the 5 Super Sweet Questions ~ See below
3. Nominate a baker’s dozen of other Super Sweet Bloggers and let them know.

Cookies or Cake?  I love cake. Like love how it tastes, feel and melts in your mouth. Mostly watching my husband make cakes is the most fun.

Chocolate or Vanilla?  Both take the cake. I love how each flavor can complement each other. Cake that has multiple layers needs to have both.

What is your favourite sweet treat?   I love chocolate chip bars. They are my favorite to make and to eat. It seems that every time I make them, they are gone in a few minutes. Not sure if it is me eating all the bars or if my family sneaks in and eats a bunch.

When do you crave sweet things the most?  Right before I go to work out. It drives me crazy.

If you had a sweet nickname what would it be?
Mad Maddie….

And here’s the Baker’s Dozen…

1) The Ranting Chef

2) Tiny Lessons Blog

3) The Call Me Loopy

4) Griffins Grub

5) Masala Art

6) Keeping up with the Holsbys

7) Anonymous Tales in Montreal

8) Beauty still remains

9) Not so fancy Nancy

10) Glen Pendlay

11) Homes U Dream of Team

12) Beyond Paisley

Congratulations to all and THANK YOU for the award!

It is one habit that I am self-conscious towards. It is the one thing that makes me feel like I am doing something to get rid of the extra weight I have acquired over the years.  I go to the gym and work out.

This can be a very difficult thing to do. To actually go out there in public in workout clothes can have its challenges but the gym here is very forgiving; not many people  are at the gym when I go. There is one class but often times participation is very low. I enjoy how I can “slide in” and get my work out done.

Each morning I try to decide if I will go today or not. I contemplate when I went last, try to figure out if I should go and rationalize staying home is better.  So, when I finally do get there, it is a major feat. I ceremoniously hand over my ID card to the front door office girl (who is always fit and skinny) to hear it beep into the system as if to say, “Yes, I made it here do be happy for me.”

Today was no different except I was hungry very hungry and could not get food, cake specifically off my mind. All I wanted was cake. Any kind of cake would have served me fine. Chocolate on chocolate, a swipe of yellow cake with vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting on carrot cake or vanilla cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles or some sort of sugary topping.  All I knew was that I was battling the invasion of cake.

I knew that today of all days I needed to workout and I would be able to hand over my ID card and hear its declaration, “I am here” with much pride and drive.  Quickly I stepped up to the front desk and began handing over my ID when there in front of the fit and skinny office girl was a piece of chocolate cake.  The icing was oozing with the delightful smell of sugar and little chocolate bits.  I melted where I stood staring at the cake with a longing. My ID beeped but somehow I missed the delightful feeling of how I had made it there to work out.

I did stay for a short time. Long  enough to break a sweat.

I decided that on some days you can have your cake and eat it too.

She better not have a piece of cake at the front desk tomorrow.

It is one habit that I am self-conscious towards. It is the one thing that makes me feel like I am doing something to get rid of the extra weight I have acquired over the years.  I go to the gym and work out.

This can be a very difficult thing to do. To actually go out there in public in workout clothes can have its challenges but the gym here is very forgiving; not many people  are at the gym when I go. There is one class but often times participation is very low. I enjoy how I can “slide in” and get my work out done.

Each morning I try to decide if I will go today or not. I contemplate when I went last, try to figure out if I should go and rationalize staying home is better.  So, when I finally do get there, it is a major feat. I ceremoniously hand over my ID card to the front door office girl (who is always fit and skinny) to hear it beep into the system as if to say, “Yes, I made it here do be happy for me.”

Today was no different except I was hungry very hungry and could not get food, cake specifically off my mind. All I wanted was cake. Any kind of cake would have served me fine. Chocolate on chocolate, a swipe of yellow cake with vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting on carrot cake or vanilla cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles or some sort of sugary topping.  All I knew was that I was battling the invasion of cake.

I knew that today of all days I needed to workout and I would be able to hand over my ID card and hear its declaration, “I am here” with much pride and drive.  Quickly I stepped up to the front desk and began handing over my ID when there in front of the fit and skinny office girl was a piece of chocolate cake.  The icing was oozing with the delightful smell of sugar and little chocolate bits.  I melted where I stood staring at the cake with a longing. My ID beeped but somehow I missed the delightful feeling of how I had made it there to work out.

I did stay for a short time. Long  enough to break a sweat.

I decided that on some days you can have your cake and eat it too.

She better not have a piece of cake at the front desk tomorrow.

Today, I am going to take you on a journey that goes beyond the typical “Military living adventure” and ask for you to buckle up, think about more than the world sitting in front of you and reflect on what your life’s passion is.

Today started off as a typical military day when I picked up the Stars and Stripes off the front door mat at 0530 this morning. I realize that not many of you venture to the Stars and Stripes but for me, it is a way to somehow capture a glimpse of home. I seem to always go straight to the back of the paper where I can find the little tidbits of what’s happening in the States. Usually I do not read nor am I moved by the Opinions page but today sparked a different thought pattern.

There was this headline, Food porn won’t fill an empty stomach by Nina Burleigh that caught my eye.

Food porn,  ”What in the world?”

So I began to read and started to realize she was comparing Gordon Ramsay‘s food shows to how 1 out of 4 American kids are in “food insecure households”. She continued to detail in her opinion on how the shows, “Hell’s Kitchen“, “Master Chef” and “Hotel Hell”,

…provide the bread for our version of ancient Rome‘s reliably distracting bread and circuses.  Except now there is no real bread involved, only the virtual, mouth-watering, food-porn sort that merely whets the appetite for “More, sir.”

It appears that the vision of a child in tattered clothes holding up a bowl asking for some more food is her vision of such said shows. I would disagree and express that she is clearly missing the point.

These shows are not about  food. They are about having a passion. Doing something that is in your heart that you alone can express and give to others. It is about finding your way and learning from others and understanding how to work in many different environments.

If Ramsay’s,

...spectacles of psychological abuse and opulent food preparations play out in front of millions of viewers. For too many of them the  ”dinosaur s***” on the loser plate looks pretty darn good.”

bothers you then do not watch the shows. Better yet, leave the tag line of your upcoming book out of the end of the article.

Today, I am going to take you on a journey that goes beyond the typical “Military living adventure” and ask for you to buckle up, think about more than the world sitting in front of you and reflect on what your life’s passion is.

Today started off as a typical military day when I picked up the Stars and Stripes off the front door mat at 0530 this morning. I realize that not many of you venture to the Stars and Stripes but for me, it is a way to somehow capture a glimpse of home. I seem to always go straight to the back of the paper where I can find the little tidbits of what’s happening in the States. Usually I do not read nor am I moved by the Opinions page but today sparked a different thought pattern.

There was this headline, Food porn won’t fill an empty stomach by Nina Burleigh that caught my eye.

Food porn,  ”What in the world?”

So I began to read and started to realize she was comparing Gordon Ramsay‘s food shows to how 1 out of 4 American kids are in “food insecure households”. She continued to detail in her opinion on how the shows, “Hell’s Kitchen“, “Master Chef” and “Hotel Hell”,

…provide the bread for our version of ancient Rome‘s reliably distracting bread and circuses.  Except now there is no real bread involved, only the virtual, mouth-watering, food-porn sort that merely whets the appetite for “More, sir.”

It appears that the vision of a child in tattered clothes holding up a bowl asking for some more food is her vision of such said shows. I would disagree and express that she is clearly missing the point.

These shows are not about  food. They are about having a passion. Doing something that is in your heart that you alone can express and give to others. It is about finding your way and learning from others and understanding how to work in many different environments.

If Ramsay’s,

...spectacles of psychological abuse and opulent food preparations play out in front of millions of viewers. For too many of them the  ”dinosaur s***” on the loser plate looks pretty darn good.”

bothers you then do not watch the shows. Better yet, leave the tag line of your upcoming book out of the end of the article.

To the person who said:

It is not that hard to have a Soldier Deployed.

Yes it is! It SUCKS!

You have no idea and in a way that is okay. You are lucky to not have to deal with the overwhelming wave of uncertainty that follows you around like a thunder-cloud that will not go away.

You are not thrown into the unknown when that news story becomes ”breaking news” and comes from the same place your loved one is residing and protecting. To boot, you are trying to remember when you spoke last and if you will get a call soon so you know they are okay.

Your day does not start with wondering if someone will come knocking on your door and tell you they are hurt or worse, dead.

You can go ahead and just know that the world is being taken care of by those who go out there and actually walk among the bad guys and attempt to make things better.

So, when you are complaining about how bad you have it, know that there are those around the world who are taking care of your selfish behavior and yes, dying for it too.

Not the reaction you were looking for? Well maybe next time you need to stop and think about what you are saying and decide if you want  a true answer or a bubble gum one.

Here’s the Thing….you mean well but your statement can be answered in many ways and often times it is glazed over and filled with positive, flowery comments.

You are not going to get that here.

It is no fun.

Deep down inside most would agree.

To the person who said:

It is not that hard to have a Soldier Deployed.

Yes it is! It SUCKS!

You have no idea and in a way that is okay. You are lucky to not have to deal with the overwhelming wave of uncertainty that follows you around like a thunder-cloud that will not go away.

You are not thrown into the unknown when that news story becomes ”breaking news” and comes from the same place your loved one is residing and protecting. To boot, you are trying to remember when you spoke last and if you will get a call soon so you know they are okay.

Your day does not start with wondering if someone will come knocking on your door and tell you they are hurt or worse, dead.

You can go ahead and just know that the world is being taken care of by those who go out there and actually walk among the bad guys and attempt to make things better.

So, when you are complaining about how bad you have it, know that there are those around the world who are taking care of your selfish behavior and yes, dying for it too.

Not the reaction you were looking for? Well maybe next time you need to stop and think about what you are saying and decide if you want  a true answer or a bubble gum one.

Here’s the Thing….you mean well but your statement can be answered in many ways and often times it is glazed over and filled with positive, flowery comments.

You are not going to get that here.

It is no fun.

Deep down inside most would agree.