Tuesday Tidbits

Sean will be home this evening. I'm planning my welcome home outfit as we speak..er...type.

I was walking to the gym today and witnessed something that made my day. A mom was pushing her daughter in a stroller going one way, while another mother was pushing her son in the other direction. As they passed, the little boy leaned towards the little girl and screeched in a menacing way. I laughed so hard. The mom saw me laughing and just shook her head at her son. I told her watching that made my morning.

Parking on post is a nightmare. I honestly wish sometimes that soldiers that lived in the barracks either

A. Had access to a parking garage.
B. Weren't allowed to bring their vehicles.

I mean..is it really necessary for you to drive from your barracks to the PX for lunch? I think not. It's like a half a mile walk at most.

Another rainy looking day here, although it has yet to rain. I've added needing a trenchcoat to my rainy day attire list.

I finally found two rooms for us and another couple for Oktoberfest. It's a ridiculous amount of money and I can't believe we are paying it for one night. As God as my witness this lack of planning will NEVER happen again.

I got some pictures in that I ordered from some of my sorority date parties. HILARIOUS. One is Woodstock themed and one is a paint party. Maybe one of these days I can scan a pic so you can share in the hilariousness.

Rainy Day

I woke up this morning to a rainy, cool day here in Italy. So cool in fact that Boomer was shivering and willingly let me put his hoodie on him.

Yes my dog has a hoodie. Don't hate.

I had a productive first part of the day with cleaning and working out then before I went to work Boomer and I decided to take like a two hour nap. Rainy days always make me sleepy.

It's time for me to buy galoshes. My pant hems got wet today just walking into the PX. Obviously this needs to be rectified and soon. Since it's payday today, I don't see a better time then the present.

Word on the street that El Asshat is leaving the USO by this Sunday. I think I'll celebrate that day. He's been as douchey as ever and I actually had to restrain myself from today from telling him what a jackass he is. I swear I've never met someone that I've disliked quite so much in my entire life.

Oh and did I mention that when all of us were making our Oktoberfest plans that the boys insisted we were going to camp out? I, being the sane one, asked if everyone really wanted to camp when it was probably going to be cold in Germany in September. People brushed my question off. Now that I've talked to Sean everyone has abandoned the idea and wants a hotel room. The week OF Oktobefest. So....for the last two hours I've been frantically searching every site imaginable and pulling out my trusty Rick Steves guide to see if I can find a hotel for a decent price. It's not looking good.

See..this is why I like planning ahead of time. So I don't end up running around at the last minute like a chicken with my head cut off.

I Can't Believe I'm Admitting This

Last night I was in total veg mode and made the mistake of watching this:



Yes...The Notebook.

I've never watched it all the way through. In fact, I really don't like sappy, love movies like this. I much prefer comedies. However, there was nothing better on AFN and because it was that time of the month I watched it. Big mistake. By the end of the movie I was crying. Ok..not just crying, I was sobbing.

Completely unlike me and thank goodness noone else was around to witness my sobfest. Well, except Boomer and I have the feeling he won't be telling anyone.

I'm so ready for this week to get here. Sean should be home Tuesday or Wednesday and then this next weekend we are headed to Oktoberfest. Should be an adventure, that's for sure!

We Have Communication!

All day I've been staring at my phone and waiting for some sort of contact from Sean. Finally as I'm getting home from work I notice a text message from him. I was so excited it's not even funny. We talked for a few minutes on the phone and now we are texting. This has totally made my day!

Now..to answer a question from yesterday.

If you are looking for the recipe for mozzarella dip, look no further. You can find it here.

Also I have found two pairs of boots I really like. One pair is $100 cheaper than the other, but both have their merits. Unfortunately the website I found them at will not let me save the picture, so if you would be so kind, would you mind looking at this link and then this link and telling me which you like best?

Last, but not least....some of you know I also blog on shejustgotmarried.com. Well, they are currently having a giveaway and I thought I'd share it with you guys.

Basically it's a book on how to deal with your in-laws, so if any of you out there feel like pulling your hair out when you deal with them, then this book is for you.

Check it out here.

Lazy Day

I have the day off today and it's been wonderful.

I worked out, paid a bill, cleaned on the house a bit and tanned. Other than that? I've done nothing. Including doing my hair or make-up. I'm currently watching a Ryan Reynolds movie now because well.... I *heart* Ryan Reynolds.

I'm in a shopping zone right now. It's all I can do not to browse my favorite websites and order a bunch of stuff. Must. Resist. Temptation. My biggest concern right now is a pair of boots for the winter. I know what I want and what I want to spend, now I just have to find it. Suggestions?

I'm really hoping that I'll get to talk to Sean tomorrow. I believe tomorrow is Banner Day and I'm thinking they might let them have their cellphones back. I have so many things I want to tell him and this no communication drives me nuts!

I'm making mozzarella dip this weekend. Be jealous.

Things Are Looking Up

I have some good news regarding my job. I still haven't gotten to talk to Sean about it, BUT the new director is now here and she can't stand the guy that is here as much as the rest of us. She and I have already talked about my schedule and me wanting to quit because my schedule was changed and other things...and she told me she had no problem working weekends and she and the other new person working would do their best to support me and my schedule needs for this deployment.

However...I have yet to discuss with her me wanting to go home for Christmas or needing time of during the summer, so I'll just say I'm staying here at the USO....for now.

In other news and not the good kind...I've messed up my right foot. I think I did it when I walked in flip-flops three days straight while I was in Naples. I'm thinking it's a tendon and it's so bad at times that I limp. If it doesn't get better in a few days I have a feeling I'm going to have to pay a visit to the doctor. So let's all keep our fingers crossed that it gets better, shall we?

Thank you everyone who stuck around for three days of pictures. I appreciate it. If you are interested in seeing more just let me know and I'll email the link you when I get them all edited.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Day 3: Royal Palace of Caserta

Before this trip I'd never even heard of the Royal Palace of Caserta. Obviously I haven't really studied my Italian history to know that the Spanish used to rule in the southern part of Italy. The palace is in the Baroque style and was started in 1752.

It was very impressive and my favorite part were the mile long gardens at the back of the palace.

I literally took tons of pictures of the inside, but I'll spare you and only pick a few.



The outside of Caserta



The inside of the palace



One of the beautiful chandeliers



One of the many ornate decorations



This was one side of a massive nativity scene. If you look closely you can see the manger scene.



One of the awesomely cool statues in the gardens



Looking back at the castle. Can you imagine having these gardens in your backyard?



The statues at the very top of the gardens.



The waterfalls at the top of the gardens.




Me! After the long hike to the top.