tapping out!

famous for sarcasm, I'm using a new phrase (courtesy of WWE) to cover the stress of school, work (which I always previously THOUGHT OF as play), Mommy-ing, Wife-ing, Daughter-ing, Friend-ing and my lame-ass attempts to cover all those crazy bases.

Leah-I SWEAR I didn't forget your birthday, I had the mother of all migraines on Saturday...if my head hadn't been pounding, you TOTALLY would have been on my mind!

Lori-Evan's gift is somewhere...when I find it, I'm adding Ansley's just to be on the safe side!

*e* hope things got to you in good order, and,that you loved them, AND, that Coley's teachers have pulled their heads out of their asses, and, he's getting services.

Rahn-totally come in August!! I might be poor as s**t, but we will STILL manage to have a fantastic time. Luftansa is doing a special, we can get you to England for 69euro...around 120 bucks round trip, and Luftansa is a good airline! We can call it our REAL Amazing Race!! How cool would that be?!!can you read the sign?! No, I didn't make the concert, but next year...I'm there!

Louise-I'm glad to hear that you are safe, sound, having whoa lits of fun with neighbor, and making the most of being YOUNG! I owe you a serious email, I know it, you'll get one!

Jacob, Aunt Essie hopes you loved your bday box! And Ellie Belle, and Jack, we hope you had a veritable candy feast with the extras in the box for you! Chris, you got a Polish Shopping Basket-direct from Poland-all the Oma's here have them, and actually they are seriously handy! I have 2 or 3 myself!

Jules, I LOVE this picture of us, and it makes me excited for July!

Mom and Dad-I love you....

BIG sigh from the girl who not only is tapping out, but is counting out!!
Make that counting down-school's out June 13th!

umarmen und lieben
essie
the living proof of me turning 40-with Team Leader on the train to Munich, 10 April 2008

it's May?

seriously.

this is the quickie post...written waaaay too late on a school night, because after all my email madness following Team Leader's surgery, I've gotten pretty swamped managing our life...

and that's the understatement of the century!

He's okay-neither of us knew what to expect, and, while he's nowhere near his super-de-duper chipper self, he's doing alright. No one likes to feel down and out, and, for those who know TL well-he's a difficult guy to "keep down!"

With 2 of our 3 Harrisons playing soccer, me starting my second Masters Degree in Special Ed, school winding it's way into JUNE and summer, not having ANY job security for me, and our new D.O.G. (for real, a new dog)I'm a little bit bonkers right now.

For me to even admit it-HUGE-and now I'm off to sleep. It's a short night when you're waking up for middle of the night meds!

SOME DAY I'll post pictures-if you want to see amazing snaps of Germany, hit my link for the prickril's adventures in Germany, he's an amazing photographer and their family lives about 10 minutes from us.
umarmen und lieben!
essie

Calm after the storm...

Team Leader is out of the hospital.
Mom and Dad are safely back in the States.
I am trying to figure out how work is going to fit into this crazy busy life I've inherited...
and
if I have enough sick days to cover the time I've taken off dealing with all the madness!

*sigh*

And...while I'd LOVE to post photos from vacation, family nights, and the hospital...BLOGGER is being stinky, and, won't let me.

*bigger sigh*

umarmen und lieben
essie

finally!

Okay-so I'm going to begin with these photos...I have many more to post, but I actually have work to do before it's midnight and I am freaking out because I'll only have 5 hours before I have to wake up for SCHOOL!
(Um...yes. I do suffer from Sunday Night School Anxiety...last time I checked, wasn't I the teacher?!!)


Waaaayy up high at the Kaufhof with Gaia and GrandpaDad

Look at Me...Look at Gaia...We're in the Olive Store Window!
Mr. Ben, and his hair!


the revolving toilet...brought to you by Gaia!

the starter flakes...beginning the foot of snow...seen and felt outside our flat...that we woke up to...on the first day of our week in Oberstaufen...PRICELESS!

"Blog no. 145" OR "the one where 40 is 39 + 1"

Oh my gosh-

Where to start?
I have no words to describe the last week!

HA! Kidding!
Actually, as I downloaded my photos, I realized I have some serious blogging to catch up on,
blogging that includes photos.
I've been bad, and, that will now change.
Because folks, "40 is 39 + 1".
seriously-
Speaking with 2 days into 40,

40 is cool!

First-all my hugs, and, so much love to Lori, Lana, Leah, Jen, Chris, Tosh, Tommy, Miles, and Simon, Julie, Todd, "Honey Bear," "Ellie Belle," Harrison Family, and my sweet Erika for all the "e-love" a girl could ask for!
Trust me, for those not there...yet...(Froy Lana-heh!)...it's a great birthday, and you totally feel the love! You really do!
But-having my parents with me and MY family-that was fabulous!

Second-Chugging-well drinking really b/c the beer here is WHOA beer and not for playing-a "Muncher Weiss" with family and new friends in the HOFBRAU HAUS was really cool, and so yum delish!
I have a great new appreciation for beer, even though my heart still yearns for a "Lucky" (circa 1985 folks-such memories!) the above mentioned libation was worth the wait.

Third-who knew that I had taken so many snaps up til now?! honestly!

Fourth-my family is amazing.
seriously amazing.
I'm so lucky-I am.
What a wonderful group of people, and, I'll take them over anyone any day of the week...
warts and all.

Fifth-I've had my husband reaffirm the truth in his vow to protect me from all evil...including psycho German bicyclists who refuse to move their bikes away from perfectly good seating on a train ride to Munich (2 + hours away) so that "old people" can sit down...SUCH a funny story! That post will be titled with expletives...
big-well-biggish 4 letter words.
LOTS of biggish 4 letter words.
on the train...
biggish 4 letter words.

Sixth-I can walk my a** off thanks to increased lung capacity courtesy of the Alps.

Seventh-I am a "Carb-o-holic" and Germany is my enabler...

Eighth-I don't care that I love carbs. I love them, and am willing to do the work to get a big butt.

Ninth-I think the movie "Enchanted" is sweet...and the world should be a nicer place. I'm very worried that it isn't...
seriously, I am-I think we're "going to hell in a henbasket" and the nightly news scares the crap out of me.

Tenth-My mom has begun the next 40 years of my life as crazy as the first 40.
She thinks she's developed diabetes today because her crappy glasses broke and she can't see...
(Now I'm in BIG trouble for typing that!!)
heh.

It's okay...I'm 40 and well...I'll say it again, 40 is 39 + 1.
*Thanks Pres!*

umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben,
umarmen und lieben!
essie

pictures will be posted-promise, promise, promise!

Quickly!

40th bday tomorrow in...MUNICH!

Hofbrau Haus
HERE
I
COME!!

Having an amazing time in Oberstaufen-totally recommend it over Garmisch, something I never thought I'd say...

have to dash!
umarmen und lieben
essie

Love Song

March 27, 1993

I became your wife!

l.a.s.n. BB

*sidebar...more to come, it's been a wild day!*

The Adventures in Pooh Corner

I registered Pres for High School today.
My baby boy...
High School...

The place where REALLY big kids
go to school
with seriously younger kids
who think they are big.

In some ways they are-
big.
In other ways-
not so much.

I wanted to leave early this afternoon,
just to be on the safe side.
Pres was giving me stress;
"WHY Mom...WHY do we have to leave so early?!"
When I left school (in a snow storm mind you) today,
I raced home as fast as I dared (in a snow storm mind you),
to get home to him.

He was there.
He was waiting.
He was ( I think) ready and a little bit nervous.
So we took Gaia.
We needed Gaia.

It was a 3 generation registration!
heh.

His closest friends (minus one who goes tomorrow) were there
with their parents
rocking back and forth on their heels.
Murmuring about "Freshman Fridays"
and classes to take.

We agreed on:
Honors English/World History
Biology
Geometry
Spanish I
PE
Guitar I
and computer programming class.

It took 3+ hours.

I didn't cry, although I did gulp a big big gulp when the counselor reviewed the credits necessary for graduation...only 26.
That's the number that will keep my son home, until he is gone, and is a much bigger kid than I'll ever be ready to accept.

Now, sitting at this computer, I am crying.
Now, in the living room, he is playing a vicious game of Uno with his Grandma, little brother and sister.
He laughs.
I cry...
the dichotomy amazes me.

Our safe little world, Pooh Corner, changed tonight.
And...
The Hundred Acre Wood, with this milestone,
became one acre larger.

whew!

okay-catching up on life at Casa Harrison just might do me in-here goes!

Mom and Dad come on Tuesday for 6 weeks!
Hip
Hip
HOORAY!

We haven't seem them since we left the States last August.
They will be here for 6 wonderful weeks...
They will be here for our 15th anniversary.
They will be here for my 40th birthday.
They will be here for Spring Break in Germany,Austria, and the Alsace (?) region of France...

They will be here for Team Leader's back surgery.

yup.
You read right.

back surgery...serious surgery, but in the hands of a professional and not the burned out military doctors who might not BE trauma surgeons, should be a good thing.

He's having the surgery on the economy (in Heidelberg).
I trust his surgeon, who took the time on Valentine's Day, to walk me through the entire procedure...with pictures. I'm glad that we'll have the support of my parents, physically right here to hand hold, because every little bit helps.

Let's see...other interesting news...
3 friends had babies/became grandparents/or became aunties!
Hugs and Love go out to:

"evansen"
"kameron"
and
"jayden"

ALL BOYS!

What else...
I finished my Switzerland quilt block AND my Poland quilt block.
Yay me!
(Pictures will follow-I swear.)
Next month (b/c we are skipping April due to holidays) we will make France!

Work news...
I rearranged my classroom last Friday-kiddos have NO idea and will walk in tomorrow to the devestation and havoc that only one naughty Leprechaun ("Coughlin McSmiley") can create.
I'm getting ready to wrap their potatoes as soon as I'm finished with this post.

40 issues...
I have all the songs just about ready for my "Lyrical Round" 40th Birthday CD scrapbook collection! (Whoa, mouthful!)
I have the paper, I have the chipboard accents, I have the stickers, I have the mailing box...now I need to put it all together. I don't expect to have it back before the Fall, but the idea of knowing it's out there-
out there being made-
being made by folks who I love
folks who I love and love me back-
I can hardly keep from jumping up and down!

And now, I'm rambling, and I know it!
Happy St Paddy's day-almost-

umarmen und lieben, everyone!
essie

For Alex

Touched by An Angel by Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave.

And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.

Yet it is only love which sets us free.


Lana, Doug, Erika, Gabby...our family won't forget her.

Love Letters

Do you write them?
My parents did.
My Grandparents did.
I do.
But, after our phone call this morning
I realized that I maybe
just maybe
I don't.

Team Leader read my blog for the first time in a while last night.

A little background to catch you all up; I've been a raving b**ch lunatic this week,
and
have made my fair share of monumental apologies in response to said
"Dr. Jeckel/Mrs. Hyde" behavior.
The FOUR apologies I've made so far, were directed at him, as
he has been the beneficiary of my freak.

Anyhoo, he said that reading this blog let him into a side of me he feels he doesn't know.
I told him that my family and friends have always said that my writing style mirrors how I talk. Apparently, I don't talk to him the way I talk to all of you...
Hmm...
I told him that we don't write to each other, maybe that's the issue, and that he does "know" this side of me-really he does. I also suggested that we maybe needed to try writing to each other.
I don't think he bought it.
He told me he doesn't like to write letters.
I told him he needed to try.

I've changed monumentally as a person since I met and married him.
I've said 1000 times if I've said it once:
HE is the person who knows how to manage me, and occasionally I'm a b**ch to manage.
He's the face I wake up to-when he isn't saving the world from devastation.
He's the snore that I miss when I'm alone at night.
He is the worst eater ever.
He is a neat freak, not in a bad way-anymore :)
He is a tremendously hard worker-in spite of a seriously broken back-seriously.
He's the guy who encourages me to take time for myself and tunes me out when I complain that I get no time to take for myself.
He's the man who challenges my fantastic European driving sensibilities and always thinks we're going to crash.
He's the father of my children, and yet, he still claims them!
He's my husband.
He's my partner.
He is the love of my life.

THIS letter is the first letter for him.
umarmen und lieben, BB
xoxox
BB

Am I, or not?

What Esther Means

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

This is Team Leader's hidden meaning...

how funny is it that we have the exact same paragraph on travel? Hmm...

What Anthony Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Good Lovin'

On my younger brother's 37th birthday
(Happy Birthday Angus! Your present is coming-we love you!!xox)

my friend became a mother...
for
the
very
first
time!

my friend became an aunt...
for
the
very
first
time!

This family had a day of
VERY
good lovin'
thanks to the arrival of a
teeny tiny little boy,
with a very large name:
"Evansen George Fekete"

Like me,
Little Evansen will have a monogram that reads
'EFG'
How cool!?!
(Initials, and birthdays, we're all about the sharing in this neighborhood!)

With his birth, this family got their wish, and not a moment too soon!

Little Evansen,
may you dream big dreams
may you have your hearts desire
may you wish on stars
may you cherish each day
may you always feel the devotion that welcomed you home...

Gabby, good job, sweetie-good job!

umarmen und lieben
essie

For the Fek Family

All our thoughts, prayers, hopes, dreams, and wishes are with you today!
We are SO ready to welcome our newest "neighbor" to the 'hood!
xoxox
umarmen und lieben
E,T,P,D,and B

Don't read this post if you didn't watch the Superbowl!

The NY Giants won the superbowl in the last 40 seconds of the game-good for them!
Not so good, for the NE Patriots, who didn't...win, that is.

I only root for the Redskins, as many of you already know, so this superbowl (like many prior) really wasn't that important to me. I know that one day my guys will make it to the big time again, and then the entire sporting world will know what I already know; that sometimes it takes all the heart in the world to prove your might, and that if you continue to believe, anything is possible.
Even a superbowl win by the Washington Redskins!
I guess I'm an optimist...worked for Boston Red Sox fans, right?!

Went to the second block of the month for my Eurotrippen Quilt (*kudos to B for always making me smile when I read her blog, and say the name of my quilt).
Had a BLAST but have an entire section of the block yet to finish-this one was an ass kicker, so snaps will go up when it's done...hopefully on Thursday

Had a meeting in Heidelberg today, so no teaching of the kinders, and b/c I'm becoming more OCD by the minute made a late night trip to my classroom last night JUST to make sure all was in order for their first day without "Mrs. H." I haven't heard screams yet, and the school day ended over 2 hours ago so I'm thinking it's okay to go back tomorrow.

Got to wear my new puma purple suede boots today-they rocked, and I love them!Probably so not the fashion ideal for many folks, but they work for me, and at 60euro from 120euro, I thought it was a bargain "must have."

not much more to say...just felt the need to blog...

umarmen und lieben all!
essie

Hold the phone!

Where did January go?!

**On the 9th of February, we will have been in Germay for six months...amazing!**

Today was conference day at for the elementary schools in our district...I had 10 set up, out of the 26 in my class, I was mildly productive. Not bad...not quite 50% but whose really counting anyway!

Have I mentioned that I have "Thug Mommas" in my classroom?!
Well, I do, and they are the women who huff and puff and try to yell your door down when they feel put upon by their child's teacher.
I had a conference lined up with my biggest Thug Momma, and, naturally because it didn't suit her-she didn't show...or call...just didn't show.

(And I wondered WHY OH WHY her little man would come to school with shoes on the wrong feet, girl's pants, a plummer's crack to beat the BAND, and had such limited self help skills that he would wait for his shirt to take ITSELF off!
seriously.
He waited for the shirt to come off and told my assistant it (the shirt) wasn't moving! Anyhoo!!)

The Thug Momma took a day off from parenting.
I'm bitchily (did I just make up a word there?) assuming she takes off puhlenty of parenting days as I write this...
In spite of her, I found the time to completely revamp how I'm going to do my Centers with this class.
Which worked for me, I just hope that something-anything-she does this weekend, works for him.

umarmen und lieben
essie

There she is...

Miss America 2008

This year the Miss America pageant took a "reality check" spin on life as a beauty queen and opted to "revamp" the image using a reality based pre-pageant show.
I'm shallow enough; I know it-I bit.
I watched the show, and then, I watched the pageant.
To my happy surprise the young woman who won will spend the next year advocating for her platform: Public Awareness of Eating Disorders.

Apparently even little girls who dream of becoming Miss America aren't immune to the unrealistic body image that society favors and then places as the "body to be" on our beautiful daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and friends.

Our new Miss America survived an eating disorder and has lived to tell.

She is one of the lucky ones...speaking as another one of the lucky ones, I hope she does everything she sets out to do this year as the voice for those who can't speak, won't speak, are no longer here to speak...

My bigger hope, that people somehow learn to listen.
Good Luck Miss Michigan!

umarmen und lieben
essie

(Still on the soapbox: It is about time.
She had my vote at "Hello")
RIP Alex

Good Things Saturday...a day late

Looking back on the week that was:

*I love my iPod.
*I love that music was fantastic when I was in High School (circa 1982-1986...is that giving away too much?!)
*I like going to the gym because...3 day work weeks are fabulous and WHOA stressful
*I obsessed on new nameplates for my Kinders and created something nothing sort of a masterpiece! Won't THEY be surprised on Monday when they come into class?!
*You can tell your family you want little (if anything) to do with them AND still love them
*christmas trees come down faster than they go up. Now, what to do with the huge empty space in the living room? Hmm...I smell new decorating project or two...
*oil changes DO make cars run better..particularly on the Autobahn
*McDonald's does indeed make the best fries...even in Germany
*The Apotheke is so handy-fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. I love that I can go there and get exactly what will do the trick when "Heuschnupfenallergien*" takes over Team Leader's head AND they always give you fun little samples of neat little things. I love neat little things.
* "Heuschnupfenallergien" is the biggest word in the world for something everyone experiences: HAY FEVER
*ex-pat blogger buddies clue you in on the things that make "heuschnupfenallergien" happen: Hazelnut and Alder Trees in early bloom
*Skype rocks. Being able to talk to parents, family, friends, and family that you make when they spend a semester in Florence...a really good thing!
*FINALLY, hearing that your beloved Daddy has made a step, an elliptical step, in the right direction...nothing in the world will beat that folks.

A year and a half ago, my sister in law took her health into her own hands and lost over 100 pounds. By doing so she gave our family years; years of future time to share with her, for which we are all grateful, and remain inspired by her determination to have and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
SHE is the person I keep referring to when I work to muster motivation in my Dad.
The past decade has been brutal for our family, but together, WE have survived.
More important, Daddy, has survived.
He worked out for 5 minutes for the first time yesterday. My sister in law told me that her first 5 minutes on the treadmill almost killed her...but she didn't give up and now she literally runs marathons.

Daddy, I know how hard this is for you.
We push you because we want you to stay.
We push you because we need you to stay.
It's 100% personal.
"Your work here isn't done."
Don't forget that.
Make that your motivation to make 5 minutes become 6, and so on, and so on...
I love you-I'm so proud of you-YOU CAN DO THIS!
Dassie

the week that was ladies and gentlemen!
umarmen und lieben
essie

Happy Birthday

DADDY!!

I love you,
I miss you,
and
I hope next year we can celebrate all the January birthdays here!

xoxoxox
Dassie

"Weekend Update"

The drama of Mr. Nasty Moving Rep continues...very frustrating...
Apparently I needed to know his CV, because that's what he sent me.
A single spaced seriously long email all about what the Army does that his company isn't responsible for and that "[he's] been in my shoes."
literally...my shoes...somehow I don't think so.

And here I was thinking doublespeak was reserved only for politicians!

Folks, I swear this guy is good enough to be running for office-the big one even-heck if GWB could be president, why not the silver tongued Moving Rep?!

I decided to take my simmering anger to the next level and replied by thanking him for said doublespeak and requesting the professional courtesy of 3 available dates for a meeting-for US
to hash out the particulars...
to answer questions...
for him to feel the power of my wrath.
That's right, gloves off!

(Pause while I take my anger management pill!)

On a happier note, I'm reading a blog that has a gratitude friday entry-
very nice thought, to end the week with the things that make life good, that's real power there.
Good stuff.

I checked in on the blog of an essie-pal who I have on my link list.
She's due any day and the 5 of us here couldn't be more excited and grateful for the little soul we're all desperate to meet.
Love her.
So love her sisser, who taught me to meet your neighbors, know your neighbors, love your neighbors, and mean it.
Because we need our neighbors, all the time, even when we think we don't...
We do. xox *e*
(BTW, I wore my 'A' shirt today and if Gab hasn't had him, he's coming soon...just feels like it.)
Her blog was nuttin' but love today.
More good stuff.

I got the album that I'm going to use for my birthday "Lyrical Round."
Holy Mess!
So excited...instead of doing a tradtional circle journal scrapbook, I'm going to burn a cd of super essie inspired songs and send it to any friend who wants to participate.
Then
that person will burn a cd, add it to my book and send it to someone else.
When it's done...it will be sent back to me.
I AM PSYCHED!
And, anyone who wants to can play along, just let me know!
(Some already have...yippeeee!!!)
Still more good stuff.

I guess today became "Good Stuff Saturday" somewhere along the way...that works,
right?

umarmen und lieben!
essie

WTF-SERIOUSLY

How do things like what I'm about to post ALWAYS happen to our family?!
SERIOUSLY
Do we have some fricken LIGHTNING ROD attached to us somewhere that we can't see but is clearly sticking out far enough to SCREW us with?!

UGH

So, today, Team Leader had to meet with the moving rep, regarding our PCS claim (what was damaged, lost, or stolen during our move to Germany)
He told me what happened...
and then...
He told me he wished he hadn't.
The following is sitting in the inbox of the person who will now have to deal with me.
Lucky him.

"Mr. S-

I am H-'s wife, Esther. I have spoken with my husband about your meeting today and I must take this opportunity to let you know I am shocked by what he told me. Shocked, infuriated, livid-you choose-I think it is in everyone's interest that we reschedule and you and I have a chance to sit down to discuss the particulars of our move.

First, At NO time were we EVER told that we had to provide ORIGINAL purchase receipts for missing personal goods. I have grave concerns over this statement. If I have misunderstood my husband, please, feel free to elaborate and/or correct me. When I turned in our information, I told the soldier beginning our PCS Claim file that we were never given an inventory from the movers when our Unaccompanied Household Goods were picked up; in fact, we believe that the moving company FORGOT we were on their schedule 10 July, and when they did show up at 5:00p.m. the evening of the 10th what was "packed" was thrown into boxes without any thought or care.

What arrived here that second week of August was in tatters; the remaining items (that I inventoried) were STOLEN.

They are GONE.

Second, with respect to the family heirlooms that are missing, HOW am I meant to provide original receipts for items that were passed down by deceased family members?! My husband shared that in your opinion, it would have benefited us to have our household inventory appraised every few years or so, because "how much is an antique worth?" Not helpful advice after the fact, wouldn't you agree? I was given that armoire 27 years ago on my 13th birthday. It's French. That's what I know. I find it strikingly odd, that the representative of the moving company has all sorts of advice when it comes tofacing and possibly accepting responsibility for damages, but NO advice prior to the pack up.

Third, I understand that you shared with my husband the fact that some soldiers are "cut checks that they then don't use to repair or replace" is it ANY of your business how a family chooses to move next, particulalry when the items that made them FEEL AT HOME are broken beyond repair or stolen by unscrupulous moving employees? Who are you to assume that we are "deadbeats" who just want the cash? THESE WERE PIECES OF OUR LIFE THAT WERE DAMAGED, AND/OR STOLEN DURING OUR MOVE TO GERMANY FROM NORTH CAROLINA. We didn't ask for this, but, this is what we got. We're talking about wedding crystal, children's furniture, family heirlooms, a file cabinet with TEACHING PLANS inside it-who in G-d's green earth wants a file cabinet with someone else's lesson plans for crying out loud? What I want, is my stuff, and since YOU and the MOVERS can't provide it, I think the on-ace of responsibility should fall on YOUR shoulders NOT mine.

This is outrageous.

Fourth, I didn't select the companies that packed our things, the Army did. Had it been up to me, I would have interviewed reputable companies with unblemished records, compared expense estimates and selected a company based on many more things than a low ball bid-which is what I believe the Army does-lowest bid gets the job. Instead, left at your mercy, I now have to prove what WAS mine, actually belonged to me. If I'm wrong, I'd LOVE for someone to prove me different, because I really can't help but smell something fishy here. It's awfully conveinent for you to have all the burden of proof placed on me-the victim.

Going back to my first issue of concern, if anyone had bothered to inform me or my husband that original purchase receipts were "required" for partial replacement (as I now understand we don't make the new window of opportunity for full replacement because our things arrived here 6 weeks prior to your new cut-off date) I would have stored or sold EVERY ITEM WE OWN before we left. That way I wouldn't have to go through the heartbreak of leaving our home, to find that what we arrive to in Germany is nothing but pieces of what we sent.

Finally, this is the most ridiculous situation I could possibly imagine being in-this system is shameful and IN NO WAY supports the soldiers and their families who are moved at the Army's whim without any thought or care about their personal belongings. I am outraged by this new information, and, if you can't help us or answer my great concerns then please BY ALL MEANS forward my email to your superior and I'll gladly talk to that person. As it stands, I am planning on going back to the Claim Office AND to Legal Aid-someone dropped the ball here and it sure wasn't me.

Esther H-"

Does it show that I'm really frustrated, or do ya think he might call security after reading this...hmm...
sucks to be him I guess!

"We're not a Burger King...

...you don't get to have it your way"

was what I said to two of my little boylies today at lunch when I stopped them
MID SPOON FLICK
as they tried to start a food fight in the cafeteria!
(Have I mentioned that they are 5...five...cinqo...fumf...5)

I took the spoons...forks...sporks...from them and had to turn around before I laughed out loud from the looks on their faces.

I love Kindergarten-I really do!
umarmen und lieben
essie

I'm not a tourist...I live here!

(Part II)

My mantra yesterday morning as I drove off post into the German darkness to make the first of many, many, many early morning trips to my new job in Mannheim.
I thought it as I turned onto the exit...
I murmered it as I entered the Autobahn...
I said it as I prayed the GPS would turn on...
I screamed it when the GPS froze and performed some type of illegal action rendering it utterly USELESS.

UGH

I made it...relying heavily on any and all of the landmarks that I had noted on earlier trips...and I met the teacher I'm replacing and all the little one's who now know me as "Mrs. H."

wow!

another year...I get a classroom space for me, me, ME! It's chock full (26 little bodies full) of unique personalities, carefully selected names, cherished small people whose faces smile trust, and sweet, and happy, and a teeny bit mischievous...

I've decided it's a good thing.
Even if the GPS never works again.
I'll find my way with the 26 of them.

umarmen und lieben!
e

Big Blogness today

3 days...72 hours...whoa a LOT has happened!

Friday, I got the job.
Yup.
I got the Kindergarten job.
I'm the teacher for 6 months and then...G-d willing I'll be rehired for next year to teach
OR
better!

Saturday, Gaia's Birthday: we love you and miss you, I took the rotters to the Hauptsrasse and got 2 new "dos"... if you look closely, you'll see the GREEN streaks that this one, this first born child, INSISTED to be the only thing that would secure his happiness in life.
ACK!
this one just got caramel highlights...now the problem is in the stark realization she looks seriously older than she is.
ACK!
this one is convinced he is a WWE wrestler and is campaigning as I type for his shot at something totally BLOND.
ACK!

Sunday, today, I spent the day in a fabulous quilting class working on this quilt block of Brandenberg Gatefor what will become our family "Eurotrippen Quilt!" (Rights for the name must go to my fellow ex-pat in Germany: "B" whose blog you all must read. The name of the quilt is "Travel Europe" which I really couldn't live with, so B, I hope it's alright and if need be, I'll make a Euro quilt for you!) Next month we'll be making a block for Switzerland and I cannot WAIT!

Tomorrow, I go to my current school for my last day, and Tuesday, I'm off to Mannheim as "Essie the Teacher!"

Light a candle.
Say a prayer.
Look to the sky and think positive thoughts for me...our kids (who have to wake up earlier now)...and my husband (who has to help them get ready in the mornings now)!
umarmen und lieben
e

10 more

I went through our kitchen, after attempting to create various holiday meals with most of my kitchen gear missing (thanks to unscrupulous moving employees who know Pampered Chef when they see it), and decided that I needed to make 2008 the year of the upgrade.
I've always had a red-ish kitchen, and, I like it that way. (So no major changes in color-that-I've decided.)
Currently I'm using my favorite quilt top(previously used as our Christmas Tree Skirt) as a curtain in the kitchen. I love, lovE lOvE the scrappy vintage feel it gives my basic military prison style kitchen-paired with the red wine bottle with bamboo growing like crazy cakes, and a photo of Doodle-Bug in a mosaic frame,it's a happy place!
What I need, are cooking and baking SUPPLIES, it's almost like going back to the basics here folks with one minor problem...while I'm only Julia Child/Rachel Ray/Bobby Flay/Pampered chef in my MIND (another sometimes happy place)I do like to have what I need...I'm also operating on a beer budget (for now), a hard pill to swallow when you have champagne taste.

Sadly, I need lots and lots! Well, maybe I don't actually NEED lots and lots, but I'm wanting lots and lots, that is for certain!~

Where to start? I have no idea. This is majorly frustrating (um...do people my age say "majorly?")Give me your favorite shopping haunts and I'll start looking for:

1. baking dishes (including cast iron and/or ceramic)
2. cookie sheets
3. pots and pans (including a wok)
4. champagne glasses
5. beer glasses
6. cocktail glasses (assorted-natch!)
5. fondue set and a rice cooker (does that count as two-I think it might)
6. prep dishes
7. salad furniture (you know, the ginormous wood bowl, with stand and tongs)
8. basic white platters for serving
9. waffel iron
10. a skillet-a big skillet-a REALLY big skillet

(+1 more...a fabulous new kettle...mine is dying!)

umarmen und lieben
essie

Esther's Top Ten for 2007 and What to Expect in 2008

I've decided to make up my top ten list from 2007 and add my resolution top ten for 2008. Maybe I'm a simpleton, maybe not, but here they are for your reading pleasure AND for me to reread when I break one...

"TT for 2007"

10. There were many visits from loved ones in VA...always fantastic!
9. There were many visits to see loved ones in FL...happy reunions!
8. Home improvement took on a new meaning thanks to Maxwell, Samson, and some very
pesky moles in the yard...
7. Ben won the "Speed Stacking" tournament for 1st Grade
6. Dollie graduated from Elementary School
5. Preston won the Poetry Slam for the 7th Grade
4. I made it through the most challenging year of teaching so far-with no bruises,
and teammates who became the closest dearest friends a girl could ask for
3. Tony announced the biggest family news to date: a move to Europe
2. We packed up our life,said goodbye to NC and VA, making the move...across the pond...to Heidelberg Germany
1. Heidelberg became our new home-nothing short or a miracle, nothing short of amazing!
(+1. AND living with my family gives me grey hair-STINK!)

"What to Expect in '08"

1. To get the family eating more healthy foods-sorry, it's a life long quest of mine, apparently...
2. To relax more-like my friend *e* says "a kindler, gentler, me"
3. To travel-working on that-talk to me after Spring Break
4. To stay healthy...MAN, am I ever sick of being SICK! This should cover the exercise resolution, right?!
5. To read every night before bed
6. To write my parents every week
7. To start planning for the holidays NOW...this will absolutely help out with #2...even if it really implies that I'm somehow a little manic, or OCD
8. To finish what I start, and on Sunday, I'm starting a paper pieced quilt with a quilting class that has a European Travel theme...I've quite possibly bitten off more than I can chew and I know it!
9. To maintain a kick a** scrapbook of the crazy things we do here in Germany, as we do them, not days, weeks, months, or YEARS later
10. To keep thanking G-d for all the blessings of this life-my life-our life.
(+1. To find a hair salon that can actually DEAL with MY hair and cover up this new grey! Holy Mess!!)

Happy New Year!
umarmen und lieben,
essie

Heard of Murphy's Law? Here's the Rule of Essie

It's new year's eve in Germany, as I post this, but because my computer still thinks it's in the States, it's not.
Go figure...

I am supposed to go to a job interview this morning-on new year's eve-
a Kindergarten job interview.
Automatically you think: "Woohoo for Es!"
Not so fast.

I've had a bad cold since we got out of school last week.
I'e tried to deal with the sore throat and nasal nasty without the use of serious medication...call me crazy, but after my nightmare experience last Spring at the hands of military doctors,in the US, I'm a teeny tiny gunshy!

** Digressing slightly: There's no telling what could happen to me here, and, um...even though we do have a medical facility on another post (which IS where I'm making Team Leader take me first), I've heard plenty of stories about people who have ended up getting medical help on the economy. Have I mentioned previously that my German is limited to getting me out of JAIL and ordering kaffe und kutchen?!! This could be an interesting start to the new year wouldn't you say?! **

Back to topic: SO, in an effort to stave off the Avian Flu or MRSA or whatever the h**l is trying to infect my body I've made hot toddies, eaten more oranges than I thought humanly possible, stayed hydrated, forced myself to eat chicken soup, drunk my way through 2 -not one, TWO- bottles of pediatric Triaminic Night Time Cough and Cold, ONLY to wake this morning

THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

to wake, to BOTH of my eyes fused shut.

seriously. They were shut.
I stumbled into the bathroom and managed to wipe my eyes OPEN with a water compress. Have you ever had to do that...stumble through a hallway as your cell phone alarm rings it's little bastard head off to wake your sorry butt up?
Not so fun.
(At least I didn't hit my shins or anything-wow-that wouold have really ticked me off.)

Back to the eyes; are they itchy, no.
Do I think its Pink Eye, no.
Have I any proof that it ISN'T Pink Eye, no.

Am I flippen pissed?!!
YES

Seriously...IS this my life?!
Fingers crossed this principal is going to understand and not think I'm blowing her off b/c it's new years eve. If only I could go back to yesterday, the 30th, and go to the Doctor, saving me the stress and worry that I'm avoiding right now by typing this post.

UGH @$%%!!!&###@!!!!

I think it's time to go to my "Quiet Happy Place."
back later

We love Santa

For lots and lots of reasons, we do, love Santa.
I'll post photos of the paper carnage later; I had to change the video code, as it made me cry to open up my blog!

This update is courtesy of the flashbacks that THIS EXCELLENT choice (made by the Big Man in Red for Momma and Dad) gave us!

Lana-I can shut my eyes and recall listening to Thriller in your BASEMENT-

Was it really that long ago?!
enjoy all!

umarmen und lieben
e

Fröhliche Weihnachten, Everyone!!

I had to change the music-Norah, forgive me-maybe you'll like dancing to this...give it about 40 seconds and I promise it will "lighten up" and you will be abble to baby bounce your way around Momma and Daddy's office!

(This isn't meant to be a downer post-)For some reason, this song made me think about growing up in Alaska. It reminded me of Toblerone chocolate bars, those crazy dark chocolate ORANGE flavored things we'd get in our stockings (um, those were actually not so yummy Mom, and I'm sure it explains why I don't like fruit flavored chocolate), and icicles that were over 2 feet long. Growing up in Alaska was the best thing my parents could have ever given my brothers and I. We were far away from people we loved, and people who loved us, but we always had the original 5. (Okay, it was REALLY the Original 3 but for today I'll let you 2 boys in the club!)It meant that we had to rely on one another "FAMILY LOYALTY" and "QE2 behavior" became things we had to incorporate into our daily lives; some days we were really good at it, most other days, not so much! What growing up in Alaska did give us was a sense of how large the world really was, and, what opportunites were available to us if we wanted them.

Not so different from what Team Leader and I have done by bringing our family to Germany. Funny.

During the holidays it's natural to think about special times behind us, and, look forward to sharing adventures before us. 2007 has been full of many surprises for our family, and I can only imagine what 2008 has in store, regardless you are all only as far away as a heartbeat...

I'll post photos before bedtime!
umarmen und lieben
essie

p.s. you have to play the video-it's not looping-ergh!
pp.s Thank you Mausi!! You know I'm still trying to figure this language thing out!!
I hope you had a happy holiday!!

Santa..FIRST sighting!

We're six hours ahead and have been baking cookies all afternoon for Santa and the reindeer. Mr. Ben has written a special letter JUST for Rudolph, and a "Christmas Eve" candle is burning as I type.

Our cards aren't 100% in the mail yet, but they'll all get to you, we promise!
For now, enjoy this update and check out the NORAD site with your own little elves-it's worth it~

umarmen und lieben,
(Frohe Weinachten!)
essie

"Mr. Ben has a Birthday in Germany!"

Yesterday was his big day, and celebrate we did...Beginning in the early hours of the morn when Ben came into our room to "wakey wakey" and get a serious move on the day! From there he managed to rouse his older siblings to get his paws on THIS: a special delivery birthday box Next came a hysterical viewing of Alvin and The Chipmunks, and YES, the kids are ALL sitting in the FRONT ROW of the theatre We ended the "never ending party" with fuN, fUN, FUN at the bowling alley.
Ben had a great day, which was all we wanted for him.

While he missed you all like crazy-cakes, his philosophy on overseas birthdays made absolute sense to me:
Ben lived and learned that your birthday can be anywhere...
the people who love you, just because they can't be where you are-it doesn't mean that they don't still love you, it just means that in the big scheme of things, they couldn't make it.

How perfect IS the mind of an eight year old?!
How much more could we love him?!

Our "baby" forever, but now, Ben is very much our "Big Guy" and the Harrisons...
we just got a little older and a whole lot smarter!

2 days until the big guy arrives-ho ho ho!
umarmen und lieben
essie

Quiet Morning

It's 6:36 am and currently I'm the only one up-I was on the phone 7 hours ago, Skyping away with my family over the thrilling beginning of trips to the post office and all the boxes that simultaneously made their way from VA to DE and DE to VA!

Serendipity IS a funny thing.

Everyone sounds good, although my youngest brother (Brother 2)is convinced that all of the food products we sent secretly have pork products in them! A huge conspiracy to throw him off of his Kosher eating habit, no doubt! :)We did manage to bully him into eating some choco-duo spread, which WE know he will learn to love-QUICKLY-thanks to a sweet tooth that has never let him down. My Dad immediately went for practically everything, launching my other little brother (Brother 1)into hysterical but outrageous comments about Daddy's not so small girth. Daddy lunged for (my favorite) "stroop wafels" while Brother 1 went for wasabi peas. Mom went for the new seasonal Ritter chocolates in rotwein and weiswein (red and white wine) truffel.

Some things don't change no matter HOW far away you are.

I loved talking to them, and listening as they opened box after box, our boxes from them were opened and presents were put under the tree. Mr. Ben started counting and sorting; his big brother and sister joined him, and watched the pile begin to grow.

It's a quiet morning in Germany, and across a very large pond is a family full of night owls, who I'm certain are still talking about our phone call, laughing about our phone call, and eating their way through an early Christmas.

It's a quiet morning in Heidelberg, and on this side of the pond there is a family wrestling the warm covers off tired little bodies, waking to the memories of voices that love them. Voices who declare EVERY YEAR that it won't be a huge holiday, just nice, and somehow manage to turn "just nice" into so much more...

We love and miss you and hope you have a beautifully quiet morning-
umarmen und lieben,
Essie
ps...photos from Kriskindle Markts in Ladenburg and Schwietzingen below, not perfect snaps as there are a zillion people at these things, but I'll try to get more uploaded for you to see why

wow.

Who would have ever thought that our family would celebrate Hannukah in GERMANY?

seriously.

While it wasn't the Hannukah that we know and are familiar with, thanks in great part to our family and friends who share the festival of light with us, it was Hannukah.

Our Hannukah.

Our new Hannukah...complete with new Hannukah traditions, like "First Night, First Pizza!"

We had 8 complete days and 8 complete nights celebrating and continuing our family traditions with new friends who, like many of you, didn't know what it was all about before hand. Though we might not be with you all in person, the spirit of Hannukah that we shared with you all at home (and now abroad) reflects the spirit of all holidays celebrated this season.
Love, peace, and comfort to you all.

I get goosebumps just saying it out loud:
"Hannukah in Germany."
a milestone-

now it's onto Christmas
umarmen und lieben,
essie

Okay...because I'm equal opportunity esther....

this is for my favorite NON sleeper, Little Miss NORAH!

Who happens to be very interested in being a pet owner ONE DAY when her parents get brave! She's a little girl who LOVES animals and really shouldn't be denied, if you ask my opinion! She loves to dance, and really likes any music that will get that baby bootie shakin!
Hence, the Crazy Frog, who will stay on blogger...
She's a peach, a cutie patootie, a sweetpea and a "Honey of an O!"
Her mom is one of my dearest friends, who, I miss like crazy. Today's post is a surprise for them!

I miss you lots and lots Skaries!!
umarmen und lieben
Harrison

Live well, laugh often, love much.

Over here in Germany, I've quickly learned how to "live well."
I didn't take much, just a trans-atlantic time difference, and some cultural things to acclimate to, but it wasn't that tough.
"Laughing often"... not so tough either, particularly when you've got friends who post photos like this for you to crack up over!


"Loving much..." hmmm...it's the one that gets me every time.
I do.
I love much, and sometimes I feel like I'm going to burst as consequence.
I love my family much.
I love my friends much.
I love my friends families much.
That's a whole lot of love.
And...with all the love of people and things, I had to post today that I just love this babyHe doesn't know me the way I'd like for him to-distance is a stink of a dictator...

He and his parents celebrated some pretty tremendous milestones last month.
They are fabulously terrific people who deserve a lifetime of loving this baby.
You know what, they get that, they get to live, love, and laugh with him.
They will get to live with him through his challenges and his triumphs.
They will get to love him when he is sleeping (no pun there La)looking and thinking "wow."
They will get to laugh in new discovery with him.
They get HIM.
And he...he gets them!

I don't know who to thank for their tremendous gift, all I can do is say thank you, and then send all my hugs and love long distance to the three of them.
Congratulations Angels!
"Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much!"

umarmen und lieben
E

Best phone call-holy mess-answer to a prayer, maybe, yes!

Oh my heart!
I am a person who has met and made some wonderful, amazing, and simply fabulous friends.
I know how lucky I am.
Some people are fortunate enough to have one person to count on, I've got more than my fair share-I know how lucky I am.

I miss you girls...boy, do I miss you!
Our little posse of 12, we were great.

I know that getting to Rockfish was nothing short of a miracle, but what happened next...well, it was a once in a lifetime year.

This little video is for all of you...however...comma...you have pause the Crazy Dancing frog before you listen to Celine, because (like all the brainiacs in Room 13trying to turn ON the speaker phone,) I don't know how to make this work any other way!

BTW: Vaughn, Carter, PULEEZE-get your mess together and get on Skype so we can conference call with Rockfish!!

Mulvey, you can tease me for the Celine song later-remember, I've got your back WTF, OVER! And, for the record, I'm not taking the Crazy Frog off because Norah likes dancing to it, and what Norah likes, Norah gets!

(Besides, she's waking Skarie up at "o-dark-thirty" and they need something to keep the momentum going!)



umarmen und lieben,
Harrison
ps-Watkins, you are SOO SOO right...after the hour we were on the phone, Skarie's kids would have spent all that time coloring...hee hee!

Holy Mess! We have internet!

wow-it feels like FOREVER since I was able to log on AT HOME!
Success in another area...I found my Kodak Easy Share disc!!
Pictures have been downloaded and voila! there will be photos for the whole wide world to view! (ps-remember some of us have been under the weather, so subjects may look like c.r.a.p. thank you!)
Still more success, as we have managed to purge our home of the nasty sickness that had contaminated our quarters for far too long...just in time for the Christmas Markts to begin, begin, BEGIN.

The tree is up, I'm finishing up our new stockings as we type, (the family stockings were left in the states, just in case)and I actually have some gift boxes ready to be mailed. Thanksgiving was nice, different, but pleasant. The weather cooperated and on Saturday we enjoyed a day pricing gifts for the kids on the Hauptstrasse. Merchants were putting up their holiday market cabin stalls, and roasted chestnuts were wafting through the air...it's definitely beginning to feel like Christmas.

ho ho ho,
umarmen und lieben,
essie

ugh

our internet is down.
i'm still sick.
i'm tired.
the library computer won't let me onto my flippen blog.
it's ticking me off.
ugh...

BUT

it's friday!
it's friday!
it's really, really friday!
(that's for Turnie...Rahn...Traci Cope...and a few others who i used to Happy Friday Dance my pants off with!)

umarmen und lieben
essie

Is it just me?!

**disclaimer: I'm sick. Headache, body ache, entire face pains me when I sneeze, SICK. It's a long weekend and instead of doing anything fun, I've spent it inside, feeling like c-r-a-p! I'm grumpy and tired of my family, who can't do anything right around me. I need a 100% attitude adjustment and I know it-consider yourself warned and proceed with caution!**

Right now Team Leader and our neighbor are watching Green Street Hooligans...a movie that Elijah Woods made, I dunno why...he just did.

This movie is about British Football Gangs...the self proclaimed "Hooligans" who (for some cro-magnon reason) are SO devoted to their local football teams that they will actually KILL people over won and lost matches. While this is a fictitious account of a real situation, football gangs have been a thread woven into the fabric of hardcore sports fans for as long as I've been alive-forever for all I know. What I don't understand is why!

Why is a won or lost match worth beating someone into a pulp?
Why does society condone the behavior?
If it isn't being condoned, then why is it accepted?

And why do people need to make movies about this stuff, and sound over the beatings with beautiful local music, is it to make a dramatic point, or is it creative license?

Why do guys like watching this?! Honestly!!
It's shit. I HATE IT.
I hate thinking that people are so simple that they will live and DIE over a sporting match. Literally.

WTF!!!

No one can change my mind in thinking that if more women were in charge that the world mightn't be as violent...You can call me naive, but women make hard decisions every day, and if I hear ONE MORE TIME that a woman couldn't be president or hold high political office because she couldn't make the "hard calls" I WILL SCREAM!
It's a weak excuse that feeble minded pundits have declared to justify the political machines that send young soldiers into war again and again and again.

Yup. This is what happens when Team Leader puts a movie on that pisses me off.
I start out with a rant about the movie and suddenly I'm furious about the state of the world, and ready to imply that the state of the world rests squarely on the shoulders of all the dummies currently in charge (that would be the guys).

BTW, speaking of young soldiers, in our local newspaper there was a campaign for wounded soldiers and their haircuts. Specifically, if we (patrons at the commissary) purchased a brand name of products, the product company would donate a percentage of the product price to WOUNDED SOLDIERS WHO HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR HAIRCUTS!
WHAT?!
Read this again: these soldiers have come back from war...they are wounded (any type of wounded, mind you)...and adding insult to injury HAVE TO PAY FOR HAIRCUTS!

Some of these kids are missing arms, legs, BOTH, some have traumatic brain injury-WHATEVER! The military is making them pay for their own haircuts?! Don't you think they have bigger things to worry about...like rehabilitation, perhaps? And how much would it cost the country to bone up for these required haircuts? (They are required, that was also mentioned in the campaign.) Honestly.

That, in my opinion, is more shit...so folks, I guess it is just me tonight...crazy, pissed off, annoyed, sick as a DOG, ME.

Next time, I'M picking the movie.

It's a rainy day Wednesday in Heidelberg

just thought I'd post a little post...no startling insights today.
I spent a gaggle of geese sending two boxes to florida.
I really wish I could just send a gift card, but I can't...no, I can't.
I'm definitely a "presents are fabulous" kind of girl.
I love shopping for fun things that will make folks smile.
At least, I hope they smile, no one has ever told me they didn't like my gift choice-maybe people are too polite.
hmmm...
anyhoo, it's been fun "window" shopping, "actual" shopping, and "internet" shopping!
I got these http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?itemId=15897 for our dining room wall-a big boring wall that is about to be painted a soft shade of chocolate brown (oh yes it is!) that I hope will highlight the cards when they go up!


I'm DYING for all the Christmas Markts to start up...my ornament fetish is starting to show...and while I don't want to rush the holidays, (I really do want to linger and enjoy, really I do) there is something very familiar about the hustle and bustle holiday shopping creates.
hmmm...
looks like I did have something to say afterall :)

umarmen und lieben,
essie

Happy 5th Birthday to the greatest Niece IN THE WORLD! We love you Ellie-Belle!

It feels like we've hardly been in Germany at all, but when I write it down "from August to November" I realize that we've actually been here now for 12 weeks!

WOW!

Halloween was fun; interesting and different, but fun nonetheless. We did miss our "usual crew" of partners in crime, be them in NC or VA, we thought and spoke of you all and hoped your night was fun-filled as well.
In Germany, we had: One MIA (missing in action) teenager, one CB (chasing boys) jester, and one Harry Potter from Task 1 of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. We also had two country-bumpkins and a candy passing Momma involved in our Halloween Adventure. Due to construction no one could door-to-door trick or treat at our house, so I brought our "Scarrisons" candy pail with us and gave candy out to all the little kiddos we saw. There was a Halloween Fest (Germans LOVE their fests, folks!)on Post which was nice, and WARM!

(Yup, it was chilly, no foolin'!)

At one point Team Leader looked at me and said
"Um...we're actually trick or treating in GERMANY!"

Crazy, and true, yes we are, honey!
Happy Fall, Ya'll!
umarmen und lieben!!
essie

ps-Biggest Hugs and payment help go to Vaughn who called me on my GERMAN CELL PHONE last night and had me crying happy friendship tears in the Rewe! (local grocery store, where Germans were staring at me like a crazy person!)This is SO not the cutest snap of us, but it is all I have! xoxoxoxox

Where have I been?! :)

wow.
we've been nuts at "Casa H"

For starters, just as I was getting my laptop to "play nice" and let me upload photos, Team Leader gave it to a good friend of ours who was heading to Iraq. With no time to spare, the computer "left the building" before ANY of our photos could be burned onto a cd...including ALL the pictures I took of broken or damaged items for our moving claim!

yup...just a teeny bit frustrating...BUT we love this guy, and he needs to be able to communicate with family and friends more than I need these photos!

What I'm trying to figure out now, IS, how to upload photos from my camera (an ANCIENT Kodak Easy Share) without any of the software-that went missing LONG before we moved to Germany! Any thoughts...any sites that are better than others?

Throw me a bone folks, or it will be a while before I can make this blog "purdy!"

Back to Casa H...
we're finally getting our mail, as it catches up to us-sometimes it's happy mail (letters and catalogs) sometimes, it's not...BILLS. (Was I wrong to think those would stay in the States when we moved here and magically take care of themselves?!!)
And, it appears that as we left the States, some serious baby making mojo was left in our wake, as no less than 6 friends have emailled to confirm pregnancies!

Talk about wild!!

We are very thankful for these blessings, and the continued exciting news,however...comma...we must add better all of you than US! The idea that there will be new faces to meet when we come back to visit next year brings huge smiles to us, and I am secretly shopping all the cool Euro Baby stuff, in preparation. Shh...don't let Team Leader know!

My job still rocks-I can't say enough how much I love working with these kids-so lucky am I...so, so, lucky! (Can't believe I'm getting paid for it, to tell you the truth!)There is the potential for some seriously exciting job-ness to happen, and if it does, it will happen FAST. That's all I can say, and, to keep fingers and toes crossed for me!

The weather here has changed...Fall is cold in Germany! Woohoo Cold! We left our heaviest gear in VA...it was still at the Farm when the movers came, and we kind of forgot about it...forgot about it until we all froze our behiney's off last week when the temp. dropped about 8 gazillion degrees. Making matters even more FUN, facility management has torn up our parkinglot to make way for a "new and improved" version! Construction began a week ago, and so far we've seen people actually working 3 times...this madness is scheduled to continue for 7 more weeks!

I am in the early throws of holiday shopping, sending out a cyber-invite for Pampered Chef to anyone who wants kitchen stuff...it's fast and easy friends, and will be delivered to the address of your choice! Holiday bazaars are everywhere currently, and I'm finding all kinds of fun european treats/gifts to share some of our life here with those of you back home.

Cant say enough how much each of us, misses every one of you...remember, happy mail is always a good thing!
umarmen und lieben!
essie

for those of you wanting to see photos

the Dell computer Go-ds blessed me and somehow my laptop opened up for business today!

photos are being added to previous posts as we speak!
umarmen und lieben,
essie

"A long time ago..we used to be friends..."

I blame Gabby for the 4 day weekend Team Leader and I spent watching the first 2 seasons of one of the BEST SHOWS EVER:

VERONICA MARS!

um...gabby...we didn't feed our kids, they finally just plopped down in front of the tv. (I guess if you can't beat 'em and they won't feed you, then join 'em!) This show ROCKED and I can't believe it was cancelled!

witty, smart, funny writing
witty, smart-ass, funny Veronica
wicked, smartie, we LOVE Logan
Weavil...how often do you find yourself rooting for the Biker Gangbanger?!!
and how cute is Enrico, playing a great Daddy to our favorite modern-day Nancy Drew!

Gabby, we are waving our tv freak flag way too loud and strong right now, but wow
it was fun! I had way too many favorite lines to quote, but the one that got me laughing off my behiney...

Logan: "Take it easy, Jump Street!"

Probably Disc 4 Season 1.
Not sure though
because
we watched 12 discs!!!
It's official.
We're way too scary, and are whoa big fans!

thanks a lot!
umarmen und lieben
essie

"Gluklich Geburgstag" Biggers!

okay-so my word by word translation might not be the best,
BUT,
our son is
14.

He's 14 now.
The day is over.
His young adulthood is in front of him,
His early years are behind him,
the world, they say, is his
oyster.

His...oyster.
Our...heart.

We love you.
Momma and Daddy

(pictures to come...I know I owe lots and lots, but pictures will come!)

P.S.

Please check out the link to the Breast Cancer website.
It has a "click" link that provides a free mamogram everytime someone clicks.

This is a real website, with real support for those who cannot afford healthcare.
I have good healthcare and couldn't imagine life without it-could you?

Go ahead...click up the counter, and help.

umarmen und lieben
e

Checking in:

Happy Birthday Team Leader!

I would post photos, but our laptop with all my pictures on it won't let me go online right now (boo hiss!) so eventually, there will be pictures on this blog, for now I'll do my best to describe the festivites and events of the last week!

Team Leader turned 42 on Thursday...he had been away all week and made it home just in time for "Orange Dreamsicle" cake and Ribeye steaks. Mr. Ben had picked out the plates and party favors, his favorite favor: the trick candles that we put on the cake! (Never let it be said that some of the Harrisons lack a great sense of humor!)

A "Dogtown Skateboard" hoodie is on the way for my 1st child...Team Leader...and when I finally have a paycheck, maybe a new skateboard deck. We all relaxed and sat back to enjoy some 2 seasons ago re-runs of ER.

The new job-love it.
love it.
love it.
Mr. Ben loves having me at school with him, and, truth be told I still like being there with him.

Dollie couldn't be any more excited about volleyball-next big shopping trip is to get her the shoes she needs for her first game in 3 weeks.

This weekend-more of the same-empty the rest of the packing boxes and submit our damages claim as soon as possible. It's not fun, but, the weather is really finicky right now so being inside doesn't bother me too much.

No startling insights this week, Fall is right around the corner and the only thing I am missing is a FIREPLACE!

umarmen und lieben,
essie

Yay Doodlebug!

Guess who was one of the few 6th Graders to
MAKE
THE
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
VOLLEYBALL
TEAM....

Oh yes, she,
DID!
Yay Doodle!!

Well, nothing beats a Monday, folks!

(Side bar: This is my 101st post-yay me!)

It is also the end of my first day here at Patrick Henry Elementary...LOVED it!
I have a "runner" though, so, that means that whoa cute comfy flats are in order
AND maybe a few pairs of whoa yikes pointy flats to keep her in line!
(Just joking-really-that's for VA folks!)

Wahoo, you're right, there is no school anywhere near as great as the one that let us share a magic door with dancing beads...BUT the SPED resources are top notch, and the programming is wonderfully appropriate. I love that-making learning wonderfully appropriate-what a great freakin job!
Not having to deal with report cards or conferences...HUGE bonus for the time being,
PLUS, I get to walk home for lunch!!

Finally after 16 years,
I
get
a
real
lunch
break!!

Two big yippee-ki-yays: the music teacher said that today had been the most receptive day in TWO years with my runner/student and my principal asked me to do an inservice in two weeks!
Today must have been about twos...

No "deer in the headlights" reaction this year.
I miss my 1st grade buddies, and my K-1 feel the love girlfriends...but today, I got to sit with SPED at our faculty meeting!
How cool is that?!

umarmen und lieben
essie

I'm back!

Hallo Friends!

It's been a busy week at Casa Harrison...we went to a wine fest in Bad Durkeheim on saturday-lots of fun, although Ben was crazy mad for not getting on any of "the circus rides of death" and had to eat the largest plate of pasta EVER...however, fun was had by all and photos will be posted later-I promise!

News on the job front has changed: you are reading news from the newest Special Ed ParaProfessional at Patrick Henry Elementary! I get to work with the kiddos I love...Kindergarten and First Grade without any of the headache of report cards and conferences!!

Woohoo!

I get to walk to school with Mr. Ben, and leave school with Mr. Ben.
I have my perverbial foot in the door, and have some (very small mind you) income to contribute to the family coffers! Perhaps we'll make it back to the US this winter afterall!

(Secret wish: I just want to be able to afford some of the yummy purses and boots I've seen since we got here! Shh!! I am that shallow, I'm learning!)

Birthday love to Becca, Jenna, Lori, Luke, Jared, Team Leader, and Mrs. Mary Stright! If I've forgotten anyone, I AM SO SORRY-these are the dates I've got (stuck in the curls, mind you) thanks to my lost calendar!!!!! UGH!!

Preston's big day...next month...14...YIKES!! Still can't believe it!

umarmen und lieben
essie

2190

days ago our world changed completely.

Last year, I wrote about my memories of the day-the early day, and everything that happened next...

Today, for a few minutes, I saw sun in the sky.
Today, for a few minutes, I felt promise in the fresh brisk air
Today, for a few minutes, I heard hope in the sounds of children's voices carrying across the playground.

This year, I write about a break I see in the clouds that are looming overhead-light that is peeking out from behind darkness.

umarmen und lieben
essie

"Dear Gaia"

Please get your papers in order.
Our Momma makes us do all kinds of terrible chores that we KNOW other kids don't have to do!
You must come to Germany and save us!
We are getting dishpan hands, smell like the recyling bins, and our laundry...it's all sorts of colors!!
We need you here!
Make GrandpaDad bring you to us...
We're desperate, and will pay you back with marzipan...
What do you think?!

umarmen und lieben
Biggers, Wee, and Number Three!

I Heart Ladenburg

Back to a favorite place for our first Street Fest!
Uncle John would have LOVED it-
stalls everywhere,
people everywhere,
food vendors everywhere,
the Harrisons...
everywhere!

**blogger is currently being stinky, more photos later!**

Do I or don't I?

Take the assistant job I was offered last week?
It's half day...9-12, in Mannheim...with a VERY experienced Special Ed teacher who is great, and I would learn so so much from...
There is another possibility, and I'm throwing my hat in the ring there too, but this is here now.
What kind of terrible person would I be if I took this job, then got the other one, and left? I honestly have no clue what my chances are with the other job, but I do know that the list of potential applicants is SHORT, so I have that in my favor.

Chime in folks...the bills are coming in, and we aren't used to one paycheck! After last year's nightmare, there isn't a retirement to cash in to float us, and there are things I want to see!!

*UGH*

A year ago

I started this blog-funny how much can change in a year...
naturally, you get older
naturally, the seasons change
naturally, you find ways to stay busy
naturally, you fall into a familiar routine
naturally, you, change.

A year ago, Team Leader and I spent the day making thishappen.
Now we have this
It's nowhere near as fabulous as our house in NC, but this crazy government issue flat is our h.o.m.e.

It's funny how a strange foreign place can feel more like home than you expected...
It's funny how much can change in a year.