Missing our pup today

I think Brody is going to really LOVE his new home. I know he's going to love the pool. But I know as much as he's going to love it there, we're going to miss him more! 

He was our first baby. It's hard getting used to him not being there... even getting used to him being in the way  and being under foot.

We picked up a huge bone to distract Brody. He loved that one too!! Getting Brody over to San Diego was a huge step toward leaving. It kind of brought the leaving aspect of this PCS to the forefront. Just a little while ago I was talking to my sister and she said it breaks her heart that Brody is gone because it just means that leaving is getting closer. I told her I try not to think about it. It's true too. I try to avoid the leaving aspect and thinking about the "Good-byes" to come. Thats the part I'm looking forward to the least. It's sort of pre-deployment-esque. The build-up is there yet I just want to get it started.... tear off the band aid, if you will. 

In other news I'm considering a Going Away Party. I had some ideas which lead to my finding out that my homies were going to plan me a Surprise Going Away Party.... maybe letting someone else plan it and host it would be a great idea after all. hmmm.

Marathon super sad, busy Weekend.

It all began on Thursday morning, 3AM. We're up drowning our Brody in Benadryl, getting ready for the day and completing our final stages of packing, toiletries and such. We proceeded to the airport by 415, with two bags, Brody and his kennel in tow. After a mere 45 mins we were finally checked in on our flight and then we completed our journey through security and to our gate. I should preface the next bit by saying I'm not a fan of United Airlines right now. For those of you who have traveled with a pet know you have to provide a Health Certificate from your Vet. Well my Vet included a memo about temperatures and basically United either didn't care or didn't inform their employees on the tarmac of the memo's specifications. Our poor pup sat on the tarmac for 45 mins in 18 degree weather. The memo stated that the dog should not be subject to temperatures under 30 degrees for  more than 15 mins.... yea, you do the math... I was not and still aren't overly thrilled with United and that situation.

We made it to my in-laws in San Diego and Brody began exploring his new home. He loves it there, the sun, the pool, his tennis balls. Thursday night we accompanied my in-laws to an award dinner for my father-in-law.  It was a great time, and I did go with the braid in my hair... it looked really good but I don't have any pictures. Boo! It wasn't all shoomzing and cocktails though, there were some laughing and really funny moments. My husband was the talk of the town though... so many people came up to him, thanked him for his service and started telling Kevin their own war stories. I was so proud of him. I also discovered that I actually really like seared Halibut. I'm not a fish fan.... never have been, but I'm open to trying things and I was happily surprised that I liked it. The party was great, Kevin and I were so happy to be there to share in Neal's special moment.

Other than the party we hung out around the house with the pup and family. I also got to catch up with my good friend Noel, I try to see her every time I go to San Diego. I love her!!! It was so nice to have dinner and catch up with her.

Today was rough. We had to say goodbye and leave Brody. It was really sad and there were a few tears but at the end of the day we did what we think is best for Brody. Sometimes doing what's best isn't easy or necessarily what you want. Today being a grown up was sad and not at all fun.

C'mon people...

if you haven't entered my giveaway then you NEED to! 

I need your assistance with my new bloggy title and lets face it you'll get something free out of the deal also so basically it's a win-win deal!

So c'mon help a girl out.

In other news, we're making headway in a lot of areas lately. 

We have someone interested in renting the house for at least a year and possibly interested in buying. I'm really hoping they lean toward the BUY option then the house will be out of my hair and I won't have to worry about it anymore! 

Also have some ideas lined up for our car situation but I'm not really sure how it will play out. 

Only thing... I'm still very torn about Brody. I want to do what is best for him and everyone that I've spoken to at Baumholder says that large dogs are miserable there. Does that make me a bad owner to know this going in and take him anyway because I want him with us?

The thought of him not coming with us makes me really sad. 

But part of being his owner is knowing what is best for him and doing that. 

Now I'm depressed and can't come up with anything else to talk about. 

What a crappy post. 

Enter the giveaway.  =)

Busy Bee

Since last week's MAJOR announcement I've been super stressed busy. So many of you bloggers in Germany or with experience have been so kind to share your wisdom with me over the course of the last week. I appreciate all the advice! We are still really excited for the opportunity and all of the adventures ahead. BUT... we have started to come to terms with the fact this process and experience isn't going to be all rainbows and smooth sailing. Based on what we've heard about the housing at Baumholder we are leaning towards leaving Brody with my gracious mother and father-in-law in lovely San Diego. I'm really heartbroken over this choice but I really feel like it would be the best thing for our precious 90 lbs golden retriever. You see with my luck (and with high probability) we'll wind up in a 900 sq ft apartment on the 4th floor. While we would definitely make the time to take Brody out on walks, we just feel like it wouldn't be fare or best to have him with us. =(

I also contacted our banks who our car loans are with and found out one of them can't be taken out of the country. BOO! Before everyone corrects me and says that "they" will only ship 1 vehicle, I already know this. But it fits our current situation best to pay out-of-pocket to ship it. So, I'll be trying to refinance the car to a bank that will allow us to take it out of the country. Chores.

I'm also hoping that my husband's command will allow him to go to the Levy Briefing so that we can have a hard copy of the orders. We all know you need them in hand to accomplish anything. Yes, I know I have approximately 5 months to get things done but I'd prefer to be ahead with time to kill versus BEHIND and scrambling. Also, we need them in order to apply for HAP before it goes bye-bye the 1st of September. Which well would save our lives but I'm thinking we won't qualify for based on when we purchased our home.

Lots to think about and lots to still do.

On top of all my "chores" I'm stressed over how to approach my new job and this PCS. I would love to talk openly about it and share my excitement with my co-workers. I just don't think it's the smart play. I'm torn though because I feel like I'm being dishonest. I have no intentions of leaving them in a lurch; and fully intend on giving them plenty of notice but I think that since I'm still so new that if I tell them the situation they'd say "Congrats, but don't come back Monday." Seriously people, from an employers perspective why would they want to invest anymore time into someone you know isn't with you long term? You wouldn't, right? Well there's my issue, I need the pay check until I leave.

Well, I'm off to convince myself that today will be better (you know, later) and that all of these things will work out for the best,  however they are supposed to.