When we were first married, we made the decision to get a dog. We knew that it would be a lot of work, and difficulties could arrive if the military ever made the decision to send us overseas. Eight years and two full-size dogs later, we are faced with the difficulties of transporting our canines with us to Germany.
Hurdle #1: Airlines will not fly dogs if the outside temperature is above 85 degrees
Since we are moving in July, pretty much everywhere the temperature is above 85 degrees.
Hurdle #2: Dogs can go anywhere in Germany, provided they are on a leash.
My lab has NEVER walked nicely on a leash. She will follow directions and stay in close proximity but literally chokes herself every time we walk her (and we have tried a lot!)
Hurdle #3: It is a long flight across the ocean, and my lab has separation anxiety. I can just see us sitting in the cabin, listening to her howl, for the entire flight.
Hurdle #4: Finding a place to rent in Germany, with two large dogs.
Hurdle #5: The cost. Airline-approved kennels + dog fare + vet visits + a vehicle large enough to transport them. Honestly smaller dogs would be so much less work but I just can't stand the yapping!
Despite the abovementioned setbacks, we are determined to keep those members of our family, as part of our family. That is what we agreed to when we adopted them as puppies. I would not give away one of my children because they made life difficult for me, and I will not abandon one of my pets because I am not prepared. I have started talking to people who are in Germany, to get their advice, and made a plan to overcome all those hurdles.
Now if I can do it, why can't everyone else? Daily I see military members putting dogs up 'for sale' or 'to a good home', for the same reasons I have just mentioned. It makes me sick to see how many animals are being abandoned because they are an inconvenience to their owners. Sure being a dog owner is difficult. So it being a parent. So why does society condone people dropping off animals at shelters? Why are we not held responsible for our actions?
Now, do I ever regret having dogs? Sure!
Do I hate picking up dog poop? Yes!
Do I sweep my floor multiple times a week just because of dog hair? Yes!
Will I leave them with total strangers for the rest of their lives because I did not plan ahead? NO!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Spring
The snow is gone! After months of whiteness (sometimes greyness), the grass is once again visible and the birds are singing! I can't wait to spend more time outside, going on walks, to the parks and in our backyard. The last major storm of the season I spent with two good friends, who are also moving this summer. The three of us looked out at the blizzard conditions are commented on how nice it feels to know that we will NEVER live through another North Dakota winter! I have made some great friends here, and enjoyed many things about this area, but the winter weather is definitely not at the top of my list. I just can't enjoy the beautiful snow when it is too cold outside to play in it. On to Spring!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Great News!
After 8+ years of living in the 'Dakotas' we have finally received word that the military is shipping us overseas! Germany to be exact. Since J was out of the area the day he found out (as he usually is when something momentous happens...) I heard the news over the phone. I literally spent the rest of the day smiling uncontrollably and blurting the news to anyone with whom I came in contact (sorry random teenager who bagged my groceries). The timing could not have been more perfect. As I huddled inside watching another ND blizzard, I could say "It's my last winter here!"
I spent 3 years of my childhood in Germany and remember fabulous food, people and traveling all over Europe. Not to mention the fabulous slopes where I first learned to ski! We cannot wait to experience more life outside the U.S.
In order to more fully appreciate the culture, we are planning to live off-base, and I have already spotted some GORGEOUS places for rent. The only problem looming in my otherwise beautiful horizon is how to move 2 large dogs overseas in the middle of the summer, and then find a place willing to rent to us, with them. Those dogs joined our family 7 and 8 years ago, so we will jump through the hoops required to keep them with us (although certain logistical aspects are daunting). Apparently dogs in Germany are literally treated as family members and taken into many stores and restaurants!
I spent 3 years of my childhood in Germany and remember fabulous food, people and traveling all over Europe. Not to mention the fabulous slopes where I first learned to ski! We cannot wait to experience more life outside the U.S.
In order to more fully appreciate the culture, we are planning to live off-base, and I have already spotted some GORGEOUS places for rent. The only problem looming in my otherwise beautiful horizon is how to move 2 large dogs overseas in the middle of the summer, and then find a place willing to rent to us, with them. Those dogs joined our family 7 and 8 years ago, so we will jump through the hoops required to keep them with us (although certain logistical aspects are daunting). Apparently dogs in Germany are literally treated as family members and taken into many stores and restaurants!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
new goals
Last year I participated in a great program offered by the base called Soar Into Shape. The program promotes healthy habits such as eating fruits and veggies, drinking water, and daily exercise. Following that 10 week program, I began training for a triathlon. Summer kept me pretty busy with all the outdoor activities. Then...winter set in, and I have been lazy, spending lots of time baking and eating.
This year I am again motivated and have started the SIS program again, with a definite goal in mind. I have been counting calories and working out, with the help of myfitnesspal.com =)
Despite not owning a scale, I think I am already starting to see results, with one week down and eight more to go. I am still baking, but my proceeds are heading to my husband's office instead of my waistline. I enjoy exercise and can't wait to move my workouts outside onto the great trails (and new outdoor track!).
This year I am again motivated and have started the SIS program again, with a definite goal in mind. I have been counting calories and working out, with the help of myfitnesspal.com =)
Despite not owning a scale, I think I am already starting to see results, with one week down and eight more to go. I am still baking, but my proceeds are heading to my husband's office instead of my waistline. I enjoy exercise and can't wait to move my workouts outside onto the great trails (and new outdoor track!).
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Pet Peeves
my current list of pet peeves:
when someone puts me on speaker-phone
people using bad language (especially in front of my daughter!)
narrow-mindedness
children being mistreated/abused/neglected
people who expect help but never help in return
bad-mouthing the military/America
people who refuse to learn something new, because 'this is how I do it'
bad breath
running late
freezer burn
when people use the wrong there/their/they're
when teachers lick their finger to pass out papers (gross!)
redundancy - ATM Machine, PIN Number
having to walk through smoke to get in a building
people who are always negative
when someone puts me on speaker-phone
people using bad language (especially in front of my daughter!)
narrow-mindedness
children being mistreated/abused/neglected
people who expect help but never help in return
bad-mouthing the military/America
people who refuse to learn something new, because 'this is how I do it'
bad breath
running late
freezer burn
when people use the wrong there/their/they're
when teachers lick their finger to pass out papers (gross!)
redundancy - ATM Machine, PIN Number
having to walk through smoke to get in a building
people who are always negative
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Super Saturday
I am in charge of the activities for Relief Society for my ward. If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here. We usually have one big event that takes up most of the day on a Saturday (hence the name). It involves classes, food, and projects. (some people would say crafts but I'm not very crafty so I call them projects). I had a great group of people who helped with the decorating (since I have not been blessed with any artistic sense) and the setup, and the food.
The project that I was in charge of (as well as everything else!) was a can rotator. Here are some of the MANY pieces that J and I cut in preparation for the day:
shelves,
legs,
and edges
In hindsight, I should have limited the number of crafts people were able to sign up for, since this particular one took at least 20 minutes to complete (and I had supplies to make 35 of them). We offered a variety of other useful and cute projects but honestly my time and energy were focused purely on this table. Next time (if there is a next time...) I will do some things differently, but mostly I think the day was a success!
The project that I was in charge of (as well as everything else!) was a can rotator. Here are some of the MANY pieces that J and I cut in preparation for the day:
shelves,
legs,and edges
In hindsight, I should have limited the number of crafts people were able to sign up for, since this particular one took at least 20 minutes to complete (and I had supplies to make 35 of them). We offered a variety of other useful and cute projects but honestly my time and energy were focused purely on this table. Next time (if there is a next time...) I will do some things differently, but mostly I think the day was a success!Friday, January 21, 2011
Snow
Snow, snow and more snow! Now, I am a fan of winter. I love winter sports, especially ice skating and snowboarding. I love the beauty that freshly fallen snow creates. I love playing in the snow and watching it fall. I even love a good day of being snowed-in.
Lately, however, I feel like I have had enough. The snow is still beautiful, but it just keeps falling! I am also beginning to feel vitamin D deprived from lack of sunshine. Last winter, I had no problem with going outside, to the gym, to the play area, or wherever. This year I just want to curl up in a blanket and read.
When we lived in SD, we would get a huge snowstorm...then all the snow would melt away. The first time it snowed here, I didn't even bother shoveling. I figured it would disappear in a few days. I bet that first snowfall is just the beginning layer to the massive piles that are now everywhere.
My favorite thing this year has been the snowblower. Whoever invented that wonderful device deserves a huge hug. Now, it's an older model and far from perfect, and leaves a rusty puddle in my garage, but man oh man can it clear my driveway!
Today I am also thankful for a sturdy snowshovel, boots, gloves, hat, scarf, facemask, goggles, snowpants and woolen socks!
Lately, however, I feel like I have had enough. The snow is still beautiful, but it just keeps falling! I am also beginning to feel vitamin D deprived from lack of sunshine. Last winter, I had no problem with going outside, to the gym, to the play area, or wherever. This year I just want to curl up in a blanket and read.
When we lived in SD, we would get a huge snowstorm...then all the snow would melt away. The first time it snowed here, I didn't even bother shoveling. I figured it would disappear in a few days. I bet that first snowfall is just the beginning layer to the massive piles that are now everywhere.
My favorite thing this year has been the snowblower. Whoever invented that wonderful device deserves a huge hug. Now, it's an older model and far from perfect, and leaves a rusty puddle in my garage, but man oh man can it clear my driveway!
Today I am also thankful for a sturdy snowshovel, boots, gloves, hat, scarf, facemask, goggles, snowpants and woolen socks!
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