For Aunt Kelly

Hey Aunt Kelly,
Remember you were surprised I told you it was not dark outside yet? Well, I took these pictures at 9:20 p.m. I wanted you to get a feel, and I did not use the flash. I am sure its a lot different over there! The pictures don't give it justice, but you get the idea.

Finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

Hello Everyone,

I have finally fixed my comment problems on the setting page. Now EVERYONE can comment!! If you do not have an account on Blog spot, you would comment under the Name/URL selection. When you click that selection, type in your name, and do not worry about the URL part, just leave it blank. Hopefully, this will give a lot more people to interact on my blog.

As you already know, I went to Justine's baby shower last week. As part of her gift, I jazzed up her baby wipe container, and I wanted to show everyone. If you would like one, I am charging $10 for supplies and time. I can do one in any theme: safari (shown), specific colors, sports, ballerina, themed (cars, whinnie the pooh, etc.) Enjoy!


My girlfriends (Tiffany, Jessica, and myself) tried to go dress shopping on Wednesday for the military ball. Italy makes it really hard to find what you need. However, if you need any kind of spice, food, or lingerie....you are all set. We need long elegant dresses and Italy just does not seem accustomed to those kind of things. I still have ways a way to go, but I wanted to go ahead and get this checked off my list. I am nervous to order online, but if I have to, I will. Otherwise, I will be having the old prom dresses coming out of the closet in the states. Say some prayers I find one because I would really love to have a new one.

On Thursday, I had my LAST physical for my new job. During the physical, the doctor I was seeing said my last name Rauwolf comes from a plant called Rauwolfia...or something like that. It is used in many medications that help reduce blood pressure, and I thought that was pretty cool. Apparently, I am going to need that plants help soon because my blood pressure has been pretty high lately. I wondered when it was going to start to rise though due to the family history and all (DAD!!) The nurse that conducted my blood pressure, temperature,weight, and height was a BUTT!! When he asked me if I drank, I said no truthfully, and he responded with a, "Yes you do...you are lying." When he asked me what medications I took, I said Loestrin 24 Fe, and he responded with, "Is that the birth control shot because you look like the type that would get the shot"...No! But the one that really ticked me off was this one: He asked for a ball park weight and I told him 113. However, he insisted he still have me get on the scale...So, when I did, it read 115, and he made a fat comment!! And when I said excuse me, he replied with, "I'm sure weight fluctuates in short girls." I don't know, but who has conversations with patients like this!!! I was definitely mad, and this close ( ) to telling his supervisor! Anyways, I had to get another shot that day! Apparently, my Tetnis shot expired and I had to get it again. It did not hurt when I got it, but man, I am definitely making up for it now. It is very sore, and all last night I kept turning on my side and making it hurt!

Yesterday, the Chief of Housing wanted to have a meeting with me. You guys all know I have been having trouble with this housing thing. And, I know Dad and Gregg would not tolerate it, so I went up the chain, and I did it all by myself! I sent emails out to supervisors explaining how much trouble I was having especially since housing explained to Gregg before he left that they would take care of me, and it would be a piece of cake. Anyways, the Chief of Housing...HMM...well, he said Gregg and I have the chance to take on a Villagio house; However, I already know Gregg's answer, "HELL NO." Villagio is like a suburb RIGHT NEXT to Post. Only Americans with children are allowed to live in there. All the houses have plenty of storage (cabinets, multiple closets, etc.) and are two stories. The reason Gregg does not want to live there, and I understand his reasons are: He does not want to have to go through a gate check to go home (scan military card), there are too many Americans that he knows and does not want people coming over to the house whenever they want. Also, kids are known to run into your yard and pick all your flowers out of your garden, and there is a lot of construction going on in there. I agree with the reasons, but the place is nice. I really don't care, but I want Gregg to go look at them again just in case. The Chief of Housing also allowed us to look at more three bedroom places. FINALLY, the answer I wanted! So, next week when Gregg gets back, we will go look at more houses. Wish us luck!

Today, I have to be in boot camp cleaning mode. I have not done a thing with Gregg gone, so I have to catch up on it all today. This is not going to be fun! Also, I have to go back to the grocery store and pick up some things I forgot..UGH! Gregg called me in the middle of it yesterday, and I lost all concentration.

So, tomorrow, Gregg will be coming home in the morning! I'll try to keep updating, but this next week seems VERY BUSY!! But, I know I can do it! Until next time, later!

Over a Week

So, it has been over a week, and I thought I would give an update on what has been going on!

Sunday - I went over to my friend Tiffany's for the night and had taco's with the girl's. It was a nice little group of us just enjoying each others company and trying to get out of the house. We were suppose to watch a movie that night, but ended up talking way into the night. That's how good of a bunch these girls are!

Monday - I ended up laying out at the pool with Justine. It was my first time this year in a bathing suit, and it did not look pretty. I am stark white, and I know I was blinding everyone that passed by. It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining and the heat was turned up! After that, I got to spend a little time with my favorite couple. The Cardinale's. It never gets old with them. Since Gregg has been gone, we didn't have a chance to hang out as much, but it was definitely nice to catch up with the week we missed.

Tuesday - I hated this day. Basically I had to go sit and kill time on post and wait for my appointment I did not know was at three o'clock. Yes, I got on post at eight in the morning and killed time doing NOTHING till 3. I was bored out of my mind. I checked my mail, filled out paperwork for my job, ate lunch, and walked. My appointment consisted of a eye exam and a PPD immunization. It was a hot they gave in my arm and I was not allowed to touch, scratch, wash, anything for two days. It wasn't too bad, but I just hated having to watch it constantly.

Wednesday - I had to wake up early again on this day to meet my two gals (Tiffany and Jessica) and go to Key Caller Training and Treasurer Training. It was a very boring morning of me sitting at a desk listening to people ramble on about stuff I could read about at home. It was nice to go through it with some friends though. Key Callers are people who call other wives in your platoon giving them information on what is going on, deployment information such as leave, deaths, homecomings, etc. I am also the treasurer of our FRG for Chosen Company. I wanted to be Co-FRG leader, but Gregg was not sold on the idea, but treasurer was okay. I haven't really done anything yet, but we are about to have a bunch of fundraisers that will need me front and center. We are trying to raise as much money as possible so we can send flowers to families who have lost ones in this next deployment, company t-shirts, care packages for the boys and more.

Thursday - Jack had a dental appointment this morning. He did so well, and I was very proud of him. When I went to go pick him up, he was still loopy from the happy gas they gave him; so, he was very funny to watch. He slept through the whole day which was good, and he looked so cute. I also had to go back to the clinic today to have my PPD test checked on. It was still red, but not bumpy so I was good to go! I have been trying so hard to get all this stuff done for my new job, but it is definitely a pain, and I don't want to do it again! So hopefully, I love my job!

Friday - I got to spend the day with my neighbor Dana and her baby boy Jericho. I love them! They are the nicest people, and are so helpful. It was nice to get out with them, and it made the time pass so quickly. We first went and worked out and that is something I am going to have to do more often. I have gained some weight since I have been here and Dana is a great motivator. Later that night, I went to Tiffany's to babysit. While I was there, I finally got to watch Bride Wars. It was a cute movie. Also, spending some time with Tiffany was great girl time for me.

Saturday - I went shopping for Justine's baby shower gift. I did not have a hard time because I knew what she needed. She needed all the necessity stuff that gets used everyday. I even threw in some sunscreen because I am definitely getting Justine and baby out of the house a lot. Later that night, all the girls (Tiffany, Jessica, Jen, and myself) all met up at Jessica's that night for dinner! It was crazy fun! We could not decide between lasagna or enchilada's...so, we had both! We were all so full that we couldn't eat the chocolate cheesecake she bought. I know what you are thinking...girls didn't have their chocolate. I was full, wanted it, but didn't have any because I didn't want to be the fatty mcfat fat that opened it! lol.

Sunday - Dana, Jericho, and I headed to post for some last minute items. It was definitely a quick trip, but it was nice to have some company when I run errands. Later that night, Justine had her baby shower and the hostess' did an AMAZING job! The food was delicious, the games were fun, and the conversation was good. Justine definitely made bank on all the gifts.

Today - I went to the pool with Justine and Tiffany. It was a perfect day to layout. The sun was a little behind the clouds, but that actually was a good thing. I did not get overheated today, and I still got red only being out there for two hours. After that, I had to go pick up medicine, check mail, throw trash away...and I think that's it. Now, I am just chilling at home looking at all the stuff I have to clean before Gregg gets home...Goodness, its a lot!

I hope you guys enjoyed this boring update. Hopefully I will get some good posts in soon. Gregg comes home in 5 days, and I am counting down! Until next time, later!