The location thingie!

Snow, snow and more snow! Don’t try to tell me it’s “pretty” because it’s only pretty on day one…which is when this gorgeous photo was probably taken!  After that it becomes very monotonous and the lack of sunshine can be very depressing. Yes, I’m in Germany ~ while I know how lucky we are to be able to take advantage of European travel opportunities spring through fall, the winters really make me long for the Texas sun! It is not unheard of to go THIRTY days without a hint of sunshine here. In Texas, even in the middle of what we referred to as winter, you never went more than two days without seeing sunshine.

I feel guilty complaining about the cold, snow and sunless days when I know so many of you would love an assignment in Germany and may go twenty years just moving from one stateside location to another. Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits of being stateside verses being overseas. May through October I think we could easily retire here if we weren’t so far away from family, but when winter rolls in I start thinking about all the benefits of being stateside, and on American soil!

It’s kind of fun to be in a group of military families and listen to what everyone misses most about “being home”. It usually depends upon what part of the U.S. they call home, and the kids’ answers are always so different from their parents’.

I have friends who have done a three-year tour here, are back in the states, and would give anything to be back here. I have other friends who are here for six months and they just can’t wait to go back home. Family income plays a huge role in how likely (and how frequently) you are to be able to take advantage of European travel opportunities.

The authors of this Blog would love for you to share your thoughts. If you have lived overseas what did you like most and what did you miss most? If you’ve never lived overseas, tell us what aspect of it is most appealing to you …..Or tell us if you have no desire to be that far from home. Perhaps some of those who have done a tour in the colder parts of Europe could share ideas on how to get through the long grey winters (other than Gluhwein!).

Although we would definitely like to get some dialog going on this recently launched Blog, the real reason for sharing some of your own thoughts and experiences is to perhaps enlighten other military spouses and just to help all of us get to know each other a little better. We welcome your comments!

MZspouse