The one year assessment

365+ days here in the Stuttgart Germany area and how do we feel about it?? (I am not counting the time in the apartment - althought I will not get that time back, its erased!)

I am currently reading a book called The Happiness Project. Its a month by month focus on just being happier - I love it and wish the author Gretchen was actually my friend. We try to get together monthly with my buddies here to chat about the month and as another wonderful excuse to share an afternoon together. I have tried to get my family in the states to join on - but maybe the pace of life there makes them put blinders on and drive forward - that being said, maybe I am getting better at life here.

This month the Happiness Project refers to a Happiness Fog. You see it all around, but when you try to further investigate it, the 'evidence' it not clear. The month focused on Parenthood which I have been trying to focus this past year as well. Being a stay at home mom has been a source of MANY days hearing Nick run around emptying every box of toys that he owns and Shane asking when his food is coming and me just trying to get life together and get out the door to kindergarden. On Monday of this past week I woke up, showered, brushed my teeth and was READY before ANYONE woke up - AMAZING and I felt great all day. As if I was ahead of the game. Well, Tuesday I woke up 5 minutes after Nick and felt as if I was chasing the 8 ball all day (no I never caught it) that was how the rest of my week continued.

I am living the theme of 'the years go by so fast, but the days are so long!' and trying to find the pleasure in each day. On Monday(yes, the same Monday where I was up early and ready), my cars gas guage was ON EMPTY. (note, gas stations are not open on Sunday) so I drove to the nearest Esso (going to a different gas station result in a $100 fill up as opposed to the $30 fill up, so yes, its worth the drive) I arrived to the station and it was PACKED. Cars were literally stacked in the street. of course I said to myself, crazy germans, if you were open on Sunday this wouldn't be a problem. But as I got closer, I noticed the note on ever pump said - NO DIESEL. Serously? Did Monday morning sneak up on your guys?? No Diesel?? So off I head to find ANOTHER Esso (yes, another 20 minutes on the road) thankfully I made it - but that my friends, is life in Germany. My diamond in the rough that day - I got to listen to Bobby Bones Podcasts for an extra 40 minutes and Shane got a longer nap!

My shining star when I think of the frustrations of Germany.....

they deliver beer - could they really be all bad??

So here's the age old question - 'when are you coming back?' to which I will aswer on the blog where EVERYONE can hear, we have NO idea. I am thankful that Chris enjoys the folks at MC Dean. He is challenged. He is clearly needed and there is plenty of work here right now. Also, his job affords me the ability to stay at home and pursue other interests (right now I am thinking about tackling a fitness instructor position - there I said it, now I have to do it right - 50+ certifications later, I will let you know... Test #1 is Friday 9 April, #2 is 29 April and yes, I should be studying as I write this!)

Chris has asked several times if I would like to work at MC Dean - of course working as husband and wife may not be our best decision (even though we make a killer team)- so it goes out to the rest of you! If you are the kind of person and family that wants this adventure - apply now! The offer is there!

I should also say that we will come home once all our friends and family finally come out here for their Eurpoean vacation!! Imagine that?!

Until than here's hoping Chelcy can atest that my phone calls that sound as if I will hurl myself off the nearest tall building or have removed all my hair in frustration are fewer and further between. Its been a struggle - but we are stronger for it! I must run, the beer delivery truck is here..........

Love you all!

Its official - we have lived here long enough for me to recover our breakfast chair backs - its about darn time - if you cannot already tell - I love Ikea, it just feels like home.