"You did a good job as FRG Leader even though they made you cry a lot"

Hi Everyone,

I haven't blogged in forever because I now have Tendonitis in both hands. A month before I left California my wrists started to hurt. I thought I had hurt them working out or something. When I got back to Germany I went to the doctor and found out I had Tendonitis from using the computer too much. While I was in California I had to do a ton of FRG (Family Readiness Group) emails for the spouses associated with Jason's troop. I asked the doctor what I needed to do to get rid of the pain. He replied, "Don't use your hands for a month". HA, HA, HA! Yeah right! This is the month before the guys return and emails tripled not to mention putting together care packages, decorating the Troop Headquarters and Barracks, putting sheets on the single soldiers beds, getting my own house in order, and the fact that I am a "single" parent of two small children that still needed to be lifted up and carried often.  The doc sent me to physical therapy and made me some really uncomfortable plastic thumb splints that I hate with a passion not usually reserved for little inanimate plastic bits of nothing. Oh, and they are also a fabulous new fashion statement for me, don't hold your breath waiting for pictures. Once I don't need them anymore I will probably burn them in celebration. I finally gave up on the idea of not using my hands for a month and am just waiting until Jason gets back. I figure when he is home I will make him check my emails and respond for me. Really my job as FRG leader will be cut to nothing when the guys are back from Iraq. So I am sorry you all haven't heard much from me since I got back to Germany two months ago. I have been doing the bare minimum of emails for the FRG and no personal emails at all. The first couple pictures are outside the Nemesis Troop Headquarters and Barracks. The Troop Headquarters are where Jason's office's are and the barracks are where his single soldiers reside. The first time I saw the Troop sign I was so excited. His name is on the bottom and it is tantamount to having his "name in lights" for me. He also gets his own parking spot right in front. Okay, I know I sound lame but it makes me realize he is actually coming home soon. 
As for the title of this blog entry... I went to the Crown Jewel Bazaar this weekend. Every year in October, 50 European vendors come from all over and have stalls at the bazaar held on post. It's a ton of fun and there is always a lot of really neat furniture. This year I was prepared. I brought a bunch of cash and went the beginning of the first day to ensure that all the cool furniture wouldn't be sold out.

I found a really beautiful 'china hutch' type thing. It is spanish style and very subtle. I love it and had to share it with someone so here is a picture! I have put all my polish pottery inside. It is a nice place to store it all. You can see my pottery just a little without having to stare at it all day.
I spent a little more than I had wanted but did get them to take 130.00 dollars off the price and then got free delivery that usually costs 250.00 euro. When the lady mentioned that it was a really hard wood and will move well, I was sold. (Jason has banned me from buying anything at IKEA since every time we move the IKEA stuff gets trashed. Translation into 'Natalie Speak', "You can buy lots of real wood german furniture instead!") I was afraid Jason wouldn't be as thrilled as I was with the purchase so I sent him an email telling him about the piece. I told him that it was my "you did a good job as FRG Leader even though they made you cry a lot" present from him:)

The past month was a really hard one in dealing with FRG issues. The wives of my husband's troopers were great and very supportive of the things we did for the single soldiers.  Unfortunately I had a million things to do and there were some issues with other parts of the FRG 'chain of command'. They were stressed and it came out a little vicious at times. It got so bad that I was crying a lot and Jason gave me his support to quit as the leader. I am purely a volunteer and he said that if they are going to be rude to their volunteers they will lose them. I didn't end up quitting because I hated the thought of being a quitter. Perhaps not the best reason to stay but it worked out ok. Anyways, the point of telling you all that is so you can see that I really really deserve 5 expensive "you did a good job as FRG Leader even though they made you cry a lot" gifts from Jason! What a lucky guy he is that I am settling on only one or two:)
Jason's other "gift" from the Bazaar is two boxes with ceramic drawers. They are made in India but sold through a guy here in Germany. No idea what they are called except "cool"! Cheri found a pretty one when she was here visiting. I love them and this year the lady at the Bazaar had a great selection. When I arrived at the Bazaar I didn't know if I would find anything I really wanted to buy. When I saw the big box I was completely in love. I rarely see them in the shops and I've never seen one that vibrant or big. Don't you love the gifts my husband gives me!! He rocks:) Honestly, my favorite gift he's ever given me was our 4th aniversary gift. He got me a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Don't laugh! If you've never tried a Dyson you haven't ever vacuumed the way God intended:) It makes me happy every time I vacuum and that's saying something. Jason has since talked his mom into getting one that is especially for pets and she is also a major Dyson fan now.

That's about it for me. Jason comes home sometime soon. I wouldn't tell you when he was coming home even if I knew. Which I don't, so don't ask:) (Puts his flight at risk with the terrorists). The man has Top Secret clearance and you can all rest at ease that he knows how to keep a secret. Hasn't told me a dang thing. I will get a call a few hours before he arrives.

Hopefully my next blog will have pictures of Jason hugging the kids! Hope you are all doing well and have a Happy Halloween.

Love, Natalie