Our "move" across the border....

So, it's been a while. I have to say the Belgian way of life and the weather especially has actually run my life these past few months. It's funny how, while they "advertise" 4 seasons here there are really only two: light and dark. It's a Europe wide thing actually....at least in the Benelux, so those of you who have suffered through the darkness- you know what I mean. My way of thinking actually goes along the lines of: if it's gonna be dark cold and generally crappy- at least let it snow so I don't have to feel so guilty for not venturing outside my house today.
I know many will not agree to the snow part of that statement- but really- can you enjoy hot cocoa with pepermint candy canes quite as much if there isn't just a bit of snow outside??

We have been entering the base community very slowly this PCS. I think it is a multitude of reasons, most being the fact that we all felt more culture shock in this move than any other so far. I know, you are thinking I should quit whining that since we've lived in Europe for almost 6 years- moving just across a border shouldn't be so different. Let me tell you pal- IT IS!
Language is probably our main problem here, (Uhhhmmmmm, French is impossible HARD!) Second, is the sheer expense of just living. Let me explain.  Most countries welcome the US Military and their SOFA agreements actually attest to that fact by allowing us not to pay that country's taxes and generally be able to live just a teensie bit cheaper better.  I suppose most European countries understand as well that the pain in the ass slight hassle that we have to go through just to fill out tax free paperwork will deter some idots people from doing it at all.  So they'll always end up getting their money out of us in some way anyway, eve if it's only through more sneaky legal means (such as positioning traffic cameras in every cow pasture at every intersection  just to insure they catch us speeding at some point.)
But here in Belgium, the government seems to have decided that if we're going to be here- they are going to milk us for all we have pretty much try to make our lives as difficult as possible in every way least of which is the fact that as renters we end up paying much more than rent in the long run....but that's another story.

So, now that I have subjected you to my whining negativity and since I have pretty much done nothing but complain about Belgium- here are some things I DO enjoy for my many optimistic friends who will need to hear that I still have a bit of joy left in me.

I love the base here, it is simply great. SO many things to do. There is a theater for movies and another one for productions, a truly awesome bowling alley that serves yummy pizza and beer (wine too for those of us who swing that way.)

The school is nice, and gives us a chance to experience yet another style of abuse teaching after being in the German school system for 4 years prior to this. (I think we can all agree that having a parent teacher conference in English is much easier than in a language not our own.)

We recently became involved in the theater program here and on top of us loving it, it is serving the dual purpose of getting me out of my cave house. The production at the moment is "The Wizard of OZ". Bria is thriving and has apparently found her calling as an actress of the stage. The production has spared no expense...pyrotechnics (FIRE!) and video effects are all part of this fabulous show. I only wish our friends and family could be here to see it. But alas, that is what they make DVD cameras for right?

I am truly thankful that we decided to take the plunge and accept the time commitment that a theater project entails- I have met some wonderful and talented people and find myself smiling so much more these days. I predict more of the same in our immediate future.

The PWOC here is also fantastic. I got sidetracked at the beginning of the year and wasn't able to participate in the bible studies, but am back to it right after the holidays. It is so nice to fellowship with other women of the same faith. What a wonderful group of women!

Well, as there is a pile of dishes to clean up after our weekend, and a meal plan for the week that really needs to be accomplished soon before I have to resort to tuna casserole and mystery meat sandwiches for the whole week which would cause a mutiny complaints from the troops I am sure! 

Until we meet again.

My First Attempt

Well,

I think I was the only aspiring writer to NOT have a blog, so I am going to now "give it a go" so to speak. I can't promise greatness, only truth in advertising. My family is unique, as I truly hope everyone's is....but as we are a tiny little US Military family and we hold both severly traditional and also exceptionally modern views, my thoughts may not be for everyone. I am a mostly right wing-ish conservative, although I have to say - I am on the fence about a few things....we won't go into it now- it would just be too much for our first chat.

So welcome. I hope you enjoy a peek into my life. I'll try to make it interesting- but you should mostly expect real. I am not one to sugar coat the icky- or make the boring more exciting. What you see is what you get.

More later....I have things to do.