Thursday Ramblings

We are getting back in the swing of things here.  W has started 2 day preschool, which has given me 2 free mornings a week.  I am so used to multi-tasking with a toddler that I find it hard to know what to do with all that free time.  So I have started working out both mornings for about an hour.

I just left a Zumba class.  One of my good friends on base is the teacher.  I am going to try to go to at least 2 classes a week.  As far as exercise goes, it is the best thing I have found-but I still hate every second.  I despise exercise-everything about it.  I know it is good for you and gives you more energy and blah blah blah....but I still hate it.  Getting sweaty and stinky, being out of breath and feeling like you want to pass out-all not cool.  And the thing is, I am actually in pretty good shape right now, or at least better shape than what is usual for me.  And it still doesn't get easier or more fun. 

I need to revisit this post- http://3tigersinturkey.blogspot.com/2011/02/inspiration.html.

That being said, I still hate to exercise.

9-11

‎"We have learned that terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength; they are invited by the perception of weakness. And the surest way to avoid attacks on our own people is to engage the enemy where he lives and plans. We are fighting that enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan today so that we do not meet him again on our own streets, in our own cities." 

 

-George W. Bush

(Thank you Casey for the quote)

 

Thank you to Luke, Katie, Brandon, and so so many others that are out there fighting for us so that we might not experience a day like this again.  God Bless America!

We're Baaaacccckkkk.......

After a LONG-but not altogether terrible-trip, we are finally back in Turkey.  A few bullet points for your Wednesday:

• I forgot how slow you have to drive here.  I am used to driving in America.  I nearly took out 2 joggers last night.  Must. Slow. Down.
• Jetlag in a 3 year old is pure torture for all involved.
• My little house feels like a cave.  The ceilings are sooo low.  This will take getting used to again.
• Back to using old fashioned ice trays.  I would kill for an ice maker.  It's the little things, you know?
• Our social calendar is nearly booked and we have been back 12 hours.  Love our Turkey friends!
• Nothing says "home" like looking out of the airplane window on landing and seeing minaret after minaret and mosque after mosque.

Hopefully our readjustment period will go smoothly and sleep cycles will return quickly.  I already miss the States, but it is good to be home.

Packing up in Bama

It's a process I've become all too familiar with.  Packing, shipping, planning, preparing.  It has begun for us again.  After a fun summer back home, the time has come to get ready to go back to Turkey.  Boxes of new clothes and toys have been shipped.  Passports and residency books have been located and organized.  Suitcases are being pulled out.  Sigh. 

I know it will be different now.  We are entering the "home stretch" of this assignment.  Less than one year from now, we will be moving.  I also go back knowing fully what to expect (and not expect) from Incirlik.  I am better prepared to handle the unique challenges and opportunities that living abroad can bring.  And I am energized and refreshed by a long visit at home.  I am looking forward to reconnecting with all of my friends and watching W reunite with his.  Sure, the location is far from ideal-but it will be good to be home.

In the meantime, I have suitcases to pack.

Destin Memories

Life's A Beach.....

Where in the world are the Stebbins now?  Destin, Florida!  We are spending the week in the sand and surf with Ryan's family.  Good times.  There is an Air Force base right down the road, and I keep thinking about how great it would be to call this place home for a bit.

I find myself also thinking about my return to Turkey.  It's just around the corner now.  I am having the same mixed feelings I had when I was preparing to come home for the summer.  One one hand, I am sad to leave the States and the ease and comfort of American living.  On the hand, I can't wait to see my friends and settle back into our "normal" routine.

Hopefully, I can put it all out of mind for a few more days, and just enjoy this time at the beach and relax with family......

Easier said than done.

A Good Day

We went to Auburn for Fan Day 2011.  It was such fun to go back to the Plains and reminisce and show off my Alma Mater to some new friends.  War Eagle everyone!

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