In less than 2 weeks, P, Crazy Dog and I will be on a plane to Raleigh, NC (US Airways, Uncle LeRoy's contracted airline, does not allow pets so we must use an alternate airline and fly into Raleigh instead of Fayetteville).
The last week was filled with appointments:
The next 2 weeks will be just as busy:
All this while still picking cotton at the place that pays me.
Oh, did I mention that a one of my cousins thought it would be a great idea to visit me, starting Monday? Because I knew that I would be very busy trying to move, I attempted to discourage her from coming, but I said to myselfDiane (you know the story) let her visit, then you could really use the
So, along with the appointments in the coming weeks, I'll be playing hostess also. Wish me luck.free labor help.
**********************************
Remember the "Genius" that had information regarding millions of veterans/active duty/reservists/national gaurds stolen from his house?
Initially, Uncle Victor wanted to give those affected (or is it effected?) free credit monitoring:
Today, I ran across this very interesting story, and since this was not discussed on our Uncle LeRoy issued news service here, I thought I'd post it:
More information can be found here:
As I was reading the questions and answers, I said to myselfDiane (that's what I call myself) someone is doing a LOT of damage control, offering up all this information. Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
Then I remember that I did receive a letter from him last week. Maybe there IS some truth to the answers. Maybe.
I give Uncle Victor a few points for coming forward with the information concerning the breach of security, but I take the points right back because they waited weeks to inform the general public.
Posted by Margaret
7:39 PM
|
First and foremost, I'd like to send a shout out to Christian Zaccardo of the Italian team. Thanks a lot for the goal, without you, team USA wouldn't have a chance of advancing.
Vielen danke, Christian.
******************************
I felt courageous yesterday and ventured downtown (by train, of course) to the World Cup celebration. To sum it up, I have just one wordOhmygoodness!!!!
There were SO many people there. I've been to Oktoberfest and the Bad Durkheim Wine Fest (two of the biggest), but neither compare to the festivities downtown.
Here are a few photos from my little stroll:
This is the main area, the Fan Fest area:
On a stretch of road called Fan Mile (imagine the Epcot Center at Disneyworld stretched for a mile), many countries and vendors had their own tents, selling food and souvenirs. The Trinidad and Tobago team was represented by a tent that didn't sell food or drink, but instead, they blasted the team song from speakers. Fans of all teams were stopping by and dancing, and having a wonderful time (this was my favorite tent).
GO SOCA WARRIORS!!
This picture is from a tent selling something in relation to 'Wacky Tobacky' or 'Wacky Weed'. I'm not sure what they were actually selling, but when I passed the tent, I noticed that 'military' looking folks were avoiding it like the plague (I'm sure Uncle LeRoy was staking it out).
The Ultimate Fan (not the guy in the Italy wig)...
These two guys had a wonderful idea...they labeled their balcony above Fan Mile the 'First Official World Cup Balcony. They even yelled down and told someone that they could rent it for the evening during the US/Italy match for 500 euro for the prime real estate. What a deal.
The US flag was everywhere. There is an official protocal regarding the presentation of the US flag, and I'm sure that it does not include wearing it like a cape to gain superhere status:
or wearing it like a skirt. Patriotism at it's best:
The balloon maker's hat is a replica of the World Cup trophy, made of balloons:
The next game here in Kaiserslautern will be Trinidad and Tobago against Paraguay on Tuesday. The movers will pick up some of my furniture that day, but if they finish early enough, P and I will go down to the festivities.
Posted by Margaret
2:34 PM
|
For you viewing pleasure, I present P's T-ball pictures:
******************************************
The World Cup has officially begun, and it's been brought to my attention that despite the increased security between the boarders, 3 known British hooligans have slipped into Germany. Evidently, these are 3 of over 3,000 that have been banned from traveling to the game.
I'll just say this, if someone is able to recognize you out of a sea of hundreds of thousands of people, you've REALLY got a bad reputation.
******************************************
The next game to be played here in Kaiserslautern is the US against Italy on 17 June. It shall be the party of all parties downtown. I think I will venture on down to the festivities, but I'm not sure if I want to take P...there ARE hooligans running loose.
The 20 June game here in Kaiserslautern is Paraguay against Trinidad. GO SOCA WARRIORS!!!!
Posted by Margaret
10:27 PM
|
To everyone who offered up homebuying advice, thanks. I really appreciate it. Today I bought a book about buying a home, and I plan to read it before I leave here. I also found out that the World's Busiest Air Base is having a 3 hour home buying seminar tomorrow evening. Today, I reserved a seat for myself.
I'm sure it will be interesting.
**************************************
This afternoon, P and I had another one of our discussions:
P: Mom, do you know that you call my teacher by the wrong name almost everyday when you pick me up?
Me: No, I don't, I call him Mr. A *that's what the kids call him*
P: You do call him by the wrong name.
Me: What did I call him?
P: When you pick me up, you ask him how my day was, and he always says it was good. Then you say 'Thank you, Jesus.' Jesus is not his name, you know?
Me: Oh...thanks for correcting me.
**************************************
All weekend, I tried to pre-clean before the packers and movers come in a couple of weeks. P volunteered to clean her room, and she's decided to get rid of about 90% of her toys. I told her that she should keep some, because she'll have a playroom at the new house, but she said she really only wants her books, art supplies, TV, DVD player, computer, and movies and nothing else.
So, I've got 3 boxes of really nice toys that need new homes.
***************************************
The World Cup kicks off in just 4 days. The city I live in will host 5 games, starting 9 June, the city will have a 31 day party. Yes, a month long party. Where you ask? In the ENTIRE downtown area. All day. All night.
If anyone needs something to do 9 June-9 July, come on over, if you don't have tickets to the games, you can just party downtown. I won't charge you to rent my couch. Maybe.
Posted by Margaret
9:57 PM
|
Yesterday, I found out that my Super Secret Documentation has been approved, so it's officially official...we should be on our way by this time next week (by on our way, I mean packing and shipping stuff).
A couple of days ago, I had a talk with myself. I said:Diane (I call myself Diane) you need to buy a house when you move to North Carolina.
So, it's been decided...I shall buy a casa once we move to the states. There is only one slight problem...I know absolutely nothing about purchasing a house!! I have but one purpose this weekend...to find a book that explains the house buying process. But, until I do that, I have a question for you, yes you right there, reading this. If you have taken the plunge and purchased a home, and could give 3 important pieces of advice, what advice would you give (if you feel more comfortable emailing me, please do so)?
I've been told that NC has a pretty good first time home owner program, and I am currently trying to translate the text into something that I can actually understand. Also I am eligible for Uncle Victor's home loan program, but my goodness...what a process!! I'm still searching for that elusive Broke Single Parent Purchase Program.
P has one request for the new house...she NEEDS 2 rooms. One for her computer and 'other' stuff, and one for her bed, and in her words, That does NOT mean that I'll be sleeping there.
Posted by Margaret
11:26 PM
|
