The latest

Hey everyone,

Wow, too long since I’ve written right, and some of you have reminded me. The last 2 months have been filled with ups/downs, trips and work. So, lots to say. I probably should break this up but I am gonna write it all, and you guys can take a break and come back and finish. So, July 20 something, Heli and Debbie came for a visit (thank you so much). It was really nice to share what we see and do every day with family. We love Germany so much and want to share the wonderful opportunity with everyone.

So Debbie and Heli came, and we gave them a day of rest, but that was all they got. From that point on we were off to Trier, Cochem, Koblenz, exploring gem mines and I drug them to every beautiful cathedral I could find. We even saw the ruins of the Roman baths in Trier. Lots of fun, but I am pretty sure they wanted to kill us for dragging them everywhere.

There were so many places I wanted to go, but we ran out of time. We talked about going to Amsterdam and to Belgium, but as you know Buddy developed a cancer in his abdomen, and to avoid putting him through surgery and recovery only to have it come back again, we put him to sleep.

It took Jesse and I a few days to really accept it and of course that put a chink in a few of our travel plans. Eventually, however, we made all of the travel and stay arrangements in Finland and were off to the home land. And OH was it chilly there. None of us brought a lot of warm clothes but we made it work. The first night we landed in Tampere and stayed in a Hostel right out side of the city. It was like a half way house. This older lady had many rooms to rent, plus a sauna and pool. So that night after grabbing dinner we got our suits on and enjoyed it. The next morning the super nice lady cooked us breakfast and sent us on our way. We toured Tampere for half the day seeing the oldest building (a really cool old church), and fresh local market where we snagged some Mustika Pirraka (blue berry pie), yummy. That afternoon we set off to Rauma to see Jesse’s great-great aunt, and after a short visit we were off to Turku. There we stayed in a cool hotel that looked like a warehouse, but actually had really nice lodging. It was right off of the water, had a sauna, and internet. That night we went to a Viking restaurant, had awesome food and a crazy experience.

The next day we ran all over the city on a Sunday, not really finding a whole lot open, so we decided to make our way to Helsinki. On the way, Jesse decided to take a detour to the islands of Arpeggio. There we got to see a Finish beach and enjoy a weird kebab plate, and walk on the beautiful pier. It was awesome.

Once we got to Helsinki, we were really excited. What a beautiful city with so much history. I had been dying to do some local shopping. We saw beautiful architecture, cathedrals, government buildings and then hit the open markets. There were so many people there selling goods. I was on the prowl to find that perfect Finish souvenir. It was very important for Jesse and I both to see where his family came from. We enjoyed the fresh fish, a tour of the coast (beautiful and informative) and a fun night out on the town what a blast. Jesse and I left Heli and Debbie in Finland, and from there they went to Estonia. There they visited more family on Jesse’s grandfather’s side.

A week later Heli and Debbie made it back just in time for the end of the Wittlich Pig fest and Jesse and my 7^th anniversary. We enjoyed showing them around and sharing with them the German traditions. We ate the traditional pork dinner, indulged in Crepes made with chocolate or apple. We also had a fabulous ride on the Ferris wheel. You could see the whole city.

A few days later Heli and Debbie left, and Jesse and I started getting back in the swing of things. One thing good about vacation is watching movies, tons of site seeing and long walks and runs. Getting back to reality was good and bad. Heli had inspired me greatly to run often and far. She beat out the 3 ½ mile trail day and night while she was with us. Now Heli, I am proud to say I am able to run 2 miles and am now working on the 3^rd one. Thanks for the inspiration.

Jesse is working Mid shift now…5pm-5am and will be until January. I am going back and forth between swings and days. We’re working really hard to balance photography, jewelry sales (which are going very well), Jesse started another class for his Masters degree, and family and friends time. I am booked with jewelry parties, and Jesse has ordered back drops, lighting and props. He has turned our bedroom into a studio, and will be ready to practice portraits on our friends soon. Novermber 2oth or so he will have his first huge gig. He will be set up for portraits for the whole base to take advantage of; with me as his side kick taking orders. So lots going on this fall.

My test scores came in from the Air Force qualifying test. They were only mediocre, but it is a small part of the whole package I have to submit in December. Jesse and I are excited of all the possibilities if he or I were commissioned, but we will both be happy and continue as we are now if neither of us make it.

In short ( yeah right) we’re doing great. We really enjoyed the Summer and are sad to see it go. It is already in the 50’s and I have seen fall leaves already. The amount of sunshine we get is dwindling…

We love and miss you all. Tyler congratulations on making black belt. That is really amazing.

Biker Babe

Hello everyone, I know its been over a month since I have written. Pretty much the same old same old. I worked swing shift this month at the hotel, so I was going in around 4 and getting off at midnight. It wasn't too bad. I enjoyed sleeping in and being on the same schedule as Jesse. And the shift itself was very relaxed, which gave me time to think and get some things in order. Jesse and I are still working hard to apply for Officer Training School. I am working on letters of recommendation from people, studying for the qualifying test, and trying to get in shape for their physical training. All we know in regards to time frames, is that our packages are due by the end of the year, and I will be handing mine over to a recruiter as soon as i find one who can work with me over here. I will be having a meeting with the commander of the services squadron where I work to discuss how things are progressing. So lately life in general has been revolving around that, and traveling, and selling jewelry. I have slowed down a bit from having so many parties, which is partly due to my evening work schedule, but I hope it will pick back up again with the introduction of the new catalog.

Coming up soon Heli and Debbie will be coming out. I am getting things done slowly but surely to plan trips and make the house comfortable for you guys. Really looking forward to you both coming. We were lucky to have friends who bought a bed they never used and offered it to us free of charge. Its just a matter of getting it from their house to ours. Now that we don't have a truck its difficult. Most people don't have trucks here due to the small roads and parking places here. Anyway, we have plenty of room and plenty to do here in Germany and it will be a blast.

Jesse is TDY right now in England. First time he's been gone in almost a year. Weird. I wasn't phased at first and the very first day it hit me and I was a little bummed. I am over it now...swinging into the work week and realizing I have so much to do. The week he is gone will fly by like nothing.

Jesse and I were able to enjoy last weekend together. He had made plans to go to Hamburg Harley days (five hour trip from here), and spend the weekend with guys, camping and partying. However, he found out that he had to leave Sunday for England and would have to go to Hamburg earlier without the guys. Well, then he invited me to go, and at first I thought, no way do I wanna ride a bike for 5 hours, hang out with a bunch of bikers and camp and then drive back the next day. The excitement he showed, however, at the thought of me going made me say yes. On one condition, that the new back rest and seat come in before the trip and that we get a hotel. We were lucky, it all came in.






So we went and had a really good time. The ride was difficult because after about 45 minutes i needed a break...Jesse obliged and this made our trip around 7 hours instead of 5. I really enjoyed riding with him and seeing the country side.

Anyway the Bike rally was really neat. There were tents lined up with food, Harley merchandise, vendors from all over, and tons of bikers reeling to show off their own bike. We enjoyed looking, and eating and riding all weekend. Thank you Jesse for taking me!!!









So I hope you guys enjoy the pictures and I miss all of you.

Jen

Happy Mosel Weekend

Hey All,
I am one tired cookie. So Jesse and I decided we wanted to participate in the Happy Mosel, one day a year that they shut down the main road along the huge river near here along the vineyards, and only allow bicyclers to ride through. Vendors come with food and wine and beer...the road is 70 some miles long. We had plans to ride about 38 miles one way and catch a train back to our vehicles. However, our German friends asked us if we would go riding with them the day before. So last Saturday Jesse and I (having no idea where we were going) drove to our friends house and rode our bikes (and i don't mean motor bikes, the kind you pedal)down to a bus station...from there the bus drove us 45 minutes to a town called Daun, and from there we rode ALL the way back to Wittlich....um yeah that was about 30 miles. We were absolutely, excuse me, I was absolutely exhausted...Jesse hammered out the 30 miles barely breaking a sweat....the first 4 miles or so was pretty much a steady slight climb and the rest of the trip was fairly flat or down hill (those were always nice).

So when we finally got home, knowing we were riding in the Happy Mosel, I toke a nice long hot bath, had dinner and passed out on the couch. I woke up to go up to bed and everything from head to toe was just burning....owwwwie.....Jesse gave me some pain killers and I went to sleep teary eyed....

The next day we did sleep in a little but met our friends to drive down to the Mosel. I was a trooper. I was determined to still ride, and I did. we rode along the river stopping and going to enjoy meals and an occasional glass of wine. About 10 miles down we decided to cross the river and head back the other way....Unfortunately we got a little lost and climbed a HUGE hill into the vineyards and by the time i got up there i was teary eyed again.....

We decided to go back the way we came and head back the last 10 miles back to our cars....not so bad. I just kept cruising up and down the slight inclines and declines and even got a 2nd wind or 2....When we got back to the car I pealed my rear off my bike, stretched and plumped in the car. We finished off the day with a great dinner at a restaurant, no worry of how many calories after all that riding, and said good bye to our friends....all in all it was a great experience that i will enjoy again next year....52 miles in 2 days....whew. I have to get in better shape because next year Jesse wants to do the whole thing.

We went today in the hills around here and 4 miles kicked my butt. The hills are the toughest, but i will get conditioned...and then im gonna run over my husband...lol.

Lots of fun, enjoy the pics.

Ready for Spring

So, we have had the best weather for the last couple of weeks, too bad I was too busy and sometimes lazy to enjoy. Although, Jesse did try to kill me on a hike one day. We basically hiked out of our valley, straight up for a few minuets, seemed like an eternity. Any way it was still nice, once we got to the top and looked down it was gorgeous.

My Lia Sophia party went well, I sold 500$ worth, twice what i needed to have a qualifying party...awesome. I really like working with this company and am thrilled that i took the risk. I just can't wait until i slow down a little. I like being busy and doing things to better myself, but yowza. Im thinking about asking my boss to put me on swing shift so that i have an excuse not to do so much. Why do i have to be a people pleaser? I am happy though, I was so down for a while, but getting a job and keeping busy has made me sainer believe it or not.

The Prague trip went well also. 4 couples went, and we all caravaned there together...about an 8 hour drive with stops and a little stop and go traffic. Czec Republic is just a beautiful as Germany, and the weather was amazing. The city of Prague was quite dirty and littered with graffiti, but the architecture and history of the city made the trip. We didn't see very much considering we were there for a weekend, but it took us awhile to figure out how and where to go. There was a tram (a cable car basically) that picked us up in front of the hotel, and from there it was a matter of deciding what tram number and where to get off. After a couple of goof ups we were able to navigate the city well after that. I thought the country would be a little poorer than it was, but the city itself did not seem that poor. Im sure once you get away from Prague things get ugly.











The architecture was outstanding and very interesting. With my Religious studies i was able to appreciate the cathedrals, synagogues, and churches that were there, more so than the rest of my group. I read everything i could get my hands on and wanted to go into every building i saw. Unfortunately they charge for most everything... I thought it was strange to be charged to go into a church, but apparently that is how the city maintains it self because the country itself is on the poorer side. With that said we saw the Prague castle (not very impressive) and the ST. Vitus cathedral inside the castle. The cathedral was huge and beautiful. It contained a huge silver coffin in remembrance of one of the leaders of the Counter Reformation ( the catholic churches response to the protestant reformation).

I also saw a lot of Hussite shinery and churches. Jon Hus was one of the for runners in the Protestant reformation. He disagreed with the Church only holding sermons in Latin, and at the Bethlehem Chapel (which i did not get to see) he preached the first Catholic Mass in the Czec native language. After that he was burned at the steak and in the Old Town Hall square there is a huge statue in his memory along with 17 (or so) x's in the stone walk plazt that represent those who were beheaded in the name of reformation. Very interesting stuff to me, and sorry if im boring you all.

I also saw the Loretto shrine, which is a copy of a shrine in Italy that holds a chapel (with lots of elaborate gold decor) and a shrine to the Bohemian version of St. Mary ( i know im not explaining this well, but basically Mary was black in the shrine) There was also a treasury there which contained lots of ceremonial Catholic artifacts made from gold and diamond studded, absolutely amazing.

That was the gist of all what we saw, i really had a good time with the people who went and would travel again with them any time. They all said they would go back again, but I saw enough in Prague and want to spend my vacations going to other new places.... I cant wait to mark off my wish list...Italy, Greece, Ireland, etc....it keeps getting bigger too.

Well anyway we're doing well, trying to settle back in after a great mini vacation. and Im still busy as you know what...loving life though, and miss you all.

As soon as I get the chance i will be posting pictures...everyone take care,

Jen

Living La Vida Loca

So it has been a while since I have posted...lots has transpired. The weekend of the 29th was the Dining In, and it was a blast. I'm going to include some pics, but i wish i had more. Our theme was Shrek. All squadrons had some sort of fairy tale theme, from Thumbleina to Wizard of Oz, there were lots of great costumes and decorations. But, of course, ours rocked out. One table of ours was the swamp table, where we had bugs, ear wax candles, and a cauldron full of a punch. We all had whoopi cushions and proceeded to fart during the entire ceremony...it was a riot. Our other table, connected by the famous onion carriage on a road, was the far far away kingdom. One of our girls made an awesome castle, and we had the Hollywood theme, just like the movie, with the palm trees, bill boards and the Hollywood Far Far away sign. It was awesome...no wonder we met twice a week to get things done. The characters were awesome too....We had Shrek and Fiona, puss in boots, the donkey, the stepsister transvestite, and many more. But the best part was our skit, we did the Far Far away idol featured on the 2nd movie. It was a hit. We all worked so hard on everything and were sure we were going to win for best skit or table, or costumes. Well at the end of the night, we had hardly won anything, until they got to the last award, "best over all"...and we won baby. Our girls were ecstatic. This really was a sweet victory because most of us feel like outsiders on the base. All of the squadrons are tied into the 52 fighter wing, in some way but us. We're known as the terminal for travel, but we are so much more, and so many squadrons don't even know we exist, but that night we won, and everyone knew who we were....it was awesome.

















After that night I enjoyed a day of recovery before going back to work on Monday. Since then I have been settling in to my job, and feeling more comfortable....there is so much to remember, and I am finally catching on to most of it.

So if you thought I was MIA for the last couple of weeks, wait until May. I am booked from this weekend until the middle of May. From the trip to Prague, to all of the business my parties are raking in, I barely have time to breathe.... I tend to hibernate when I get home and run around on my days off.

Jess and I are doing well. He is looking into reapplying to become an officer, as am I. Who knows what the future holds, but we're both excited about it. I know most of you think I am restless, but the truth is, I'm just searching for my niche in life. As much as I enjoy being Mrs Gariepy, i really want to find something that is my own. And party planning was never my dream. I greatly appreciate my new job, and am working hard at, but as far as the future is concerned, I have big dreams, and plan to pursue them.

We've been enjoying our crazy weather....from sunshine, to another few days of Snow and rain, we're seeing it all. I hope the weather will be nice in Prague in a few weeks...I'm looking forward to cute outfits in the summer.

I miss everyone, and I'm sorry I've been neglecting everyone. I will try to do better. Love you all.

Easter Weekend

Well we woke up to snow again today. It has snowed on and off all week, but not really sticking. Yesterday at work we received a weather advisory for lots of snow. We only got about 3 inches, but i had to drive home in the stuff coming down last nigh after Bunko. I stopped to help this guys, which is something i never do, but his car was in a ditch and he was waving me down. He turned out to be an American, and I let him use my cell. I don't know how he did it, but he ran off the road and jumped the ditch across an adjacent road and landed on the other side of it in the ditch. He was lucky he didn't get hurt.

We got another busy weekend ahead. Today im gonna clean up the rest of this place and then i have a Dining In meeting at 3pm. After that we're meeting our German friends at a restaurant for Jesse's birthday. He has his hands full today. We agreed to keep our neighbors' lab while they go to Paris, and she is not fixed. Buddy is so in love. He is a different dog when he is around her...so much so i want to get a female dog now. Then he'll have something to keep up with all the time. So tomorrow is Easter. Kind of wish i was back home doing the traditional family lunch and watching the kids Easter egg hunt. We were invited to a Gourmet Dinner (everyone brings something gourmet?) Sunday night so at least we can celebrate in some way.

Then it is off to work on Monday...5am comes so early. (Claire and the girl dog just met and Claire doesn't like her....some mixed stares and hissing took place). Anyway I am still really enjoying the new job and the people. It really is fortunate to finally have something good going on.

Okay off to start the day. Happy Easter!

Its a Monday

Wow my weekend was busy. Friday evening when i got home I felt like i had plenty of time to get some things done, but I was wrong. I was trying to close out my jewelery party(that i hosted the week before) and it took 2 hrs because our internet is so lame. Then my neighbor called and asked me to come over to her Candle Light party. That is how it is over here, everyone is always hosting or doing something, and i feel like i have to do it all, especially if they come to my stuff.... Anyway by the time i got home and ate, i had one hour to work on a few things. Pour Jess has been coming home to a messy house, ha ha. Now he has to pitch in more.

He's been busy too though because he is doing school, and trying to be the perfect air force guy so he can win an award, so he has all of these taskings all of the time. So our weekend off turned into both of us being pretty busy and exhausted this morning. He had to get up too, ha ha, because he is volunteering for career day at the base High School...see isn't he a good little NCO.

Sunday morning we actually had a brunch with some good German friends of ours...ever since we moved we don't see them too often....We use to live in the same town and saw them all of the time, now we live 30 mins away and they feel like its really far to hang out. European since of distance is really different in the since that everything in their Country is a days drive or so. For us in the States, i guess we look at it differently...most of our friends and family all live 20 to 30 minutes away, not necessarily in the same town, so we're use to driving far, especially for vacation. Anyway every time we want to make plans with them they say, 'lets me somewhere because its a long drive.' Craziness, but that is cultural differences for you. We had a great breakfast at this diner that is suppose to be American style, but there are no pancakes on the menu, among other things. Our friends said they were disappointed because it was more like German food, (which in my book was fine...the best croissants you have ever had.) I miss them so much. We suggested that we go out to dinner this Saturday to celebrate Jesse's bday (haven't even done that yet...sad)

Im working 3 days this week. Getting use to it and a little more comfortable, but it is definitely challenging (which is a good thing). Lots to remember and screw up, so they keep me on my toes. I really am enjoying the people i work with and the job.

I miss everyone, i haven't talked to anyone on the phone in a while, so maybe i will be able to catch someone soon.

ok, better get back to work

jen

Time flies

I have totally forgotten what its like to have a job....don't you laugh! My days off are almost gone, but i did get a lot done...its good to be busy.

Today is Jesse's birthday, he's only 27 still now for 6 years...he he, he's a little sensitive. I can't believe he and i have known each other for almost 10yrs now...crazy how time flies. I hate we didn't get to spend his birthday together. He is working this evening and the next, and on Saturday I have a show, and Sunday I have meetings...pore guy, it may be next weekend before we can celebrate. He wants to go out to eat for his birthday....

I said i would post some pictures of the snow we had, so i will add some on here and myspace. It was so gorgeous....we were the only ones to get so much...15 miles away on base they got hardly anything...we had 4 inches. Jesse and I went for a long walk with the dog, and on the way back he had the bright idea of snow boarding down the hill in our neighborhood, so he got his gear and i drove him up the hill and he waited for me to get to the bottom. He took off while i recorded an mpeg, and he hollered all the way down....he had a blast. If I owned skis i would have been right there with him.







Alright, i have to go to a meeting now, and then its home to work on biz stuff, and early to bed...5am comes so early.

later,

Jen

Update

Hey Everyone,
I started this new blog in order to keep everyone more informed and more up to date. I love talking to you all and this is an awesome way for me to download thoughts and daily happenings to everyone. Now that i have started this new job, i will have less time, but I don't want to go weeks with out keeping in touch.

Okay so the new job. This week I started a new position at the on base lodging facility. It is basically the base Hotel, and they manage 2 other on base facilities where people also stay. A few years ago this base only had a fighter wing, and now with the addition of Jesse's squadron (manages the cargo aircraft which also provides transport to military members in large and small numbers) there is a huge amount of people coming to our base who need lodging. So my job will be to meet and greet and help these people, as well as those just passing through on vacation, check in and out and enjoy their stay. I have spent the last 2 days being oriented and trained on things. Its not really difficult at all, and i think i will do fine. I will know more about it Friday when i actually go through all the training of my daily duties.

Also this week i will be off 2 days that i will spend cleaning, so weird not being home to do it, and preparing for the Dining In event that our spouses are going to on the 29th....its coming up quick. We're having meetings every week and scrambling to get everything done.

My business stuff is going well, by the end of this month, I will have had 3 parties, so night bad for one month...I hope that my work schedule will still permit me to stay this busy, but the truth is I will be switching shifts every now and then and working on weekends often. As of right now I am on days and no weekends, but i know that will change soon.

Jesse and i are doing well also, with this new job, our financial situation looks bright, and we'll probably be doing some small trips soon. I am trying to plan a trip to Prague soon, so i have to get on the ball with that.

I took some pretty pictures of the snow we had, so i hope by the next time i post i will have them on here.

Okay, gotta head back to work now, so tata for now....

Jen