Fresh Mountain Air

Kelly: I'm spending a few days in Garmisch, Germany at the foot of the Alps, for a Resiliency Training. I won't bore you with the details of the training, but attending has made me realize that I certainly have the skills required to pursue CEU/CME workshops on self-care! Nuf said. The weather has been rainy and cold...not so much fun, except that cold and rain at sea level means a view of snow-covered peaks from my balcony. I've met some cool people and have seen several people get hooked on yoga after one session!

The part of this trip that has been the most difficult for me is certainly the food, or lack thereof. The nice young man in the lunch buffet line (the only restaurant available to us at the conference center is the buffet, unless I want to eat pub food, which won't happen) assured me that yesterday's vegetable soup was gluten free. The knots in my stomach at 2:00 PM told me otherwise. Ugh. I found a health food store where I was able to stock up on some fruit and gluten-free snacks such as rice cakes, pretzels, and dried coconut. However, I don't like consuming so much processed crap and my body feels sluggish and tired after doing so. I'm already ready to return to fresh veggies and simple fish. Simple. I'm also looking forward to seeing my honey who will be home shortly before I return, assuming traffic isn't a nightmare tomorrow.

I'm going to tuck myself in for my last night of sleeping at the foot of the Alps breathing pristine, mountain air :)

A Wash

Kelly: This weekend was a bit of a wash, metaphorically and physically. I was supposed to be in Garmisch for training this weekend, with a side trip to Munich on the way home with Matt. The training was cancelled for a myriad of questionable reasons, so we were left with a free weekend. We decided to Volksmarch on Saturday in France, because everything in Germany was closed due to the May 1st holiday. So, we packed our backpack and headed west. The skies grew darker and darker, but we pressed on, knowing that the German weather is as fickle and changeable as a moody sister (not that mine are moody :)) When the rain was coming down so hard that we could no longer see the road, we knew that there would be no Volksmarching for us. So, we listened to a series of British-accented "Recalculating...recalculating" as our GPS set a course for Cora...a French department store with a knock-your-socks-off selection of cheese, great bread, and hard cider. We arrived at 11:00 to find a completely empty parking lot. Apparently, Germany isn't the only country who celebrates May 1 by closing down all shopping centers. Frustrated and caffeine-less, we returned home. Mialley barely opened her eyes as we trudged through the door and unpacked. We spent the day completing chores and looking at real estate...the latter more fun than the former. A friend had suggested the movie "Date Night." Matt and I hadn't been to a movie since we lived in the states, so we thought we'd try seeing a movie in the German theaters. The theater, which was less than 10 minutes from our house, was modern and clean, and served alcohol (of course). The movie was cute...a cross between Mr. and Mrs. Smith and American Pie. I finished the second book my Jeanette Wells...staying up way too late.

We went to the commissary early today to avoid the lines and hoards of screaming children. We left just as the masses began to flock in. As we were leaving, we spotted a Starbuck's to-go cup...Matt was convinced it was a mirage. We set out to investigate and stumbled on a coffee shop on base that was open on Sunday and sold Starbuck's to-go coffee. My hubby was a happy camper, which might have been why he volunteered to cook brunch :) Soon after, we left for our local pre-Volksmarch walk. The club leaders of the Ramstein Roadrunners (our local Volksmarching club) take this really seriously. They returned to Europe for the sole purpose of running this club! We ventured out with about a dozen others on the 6K trail to ensure that the markings were sufficient for next weekend's big event. The rains let up just as we left for the walk. We were surprised to see the inter-connecting trails in our own neighborhood! I can't wait to try them at our own (slightly faster) pace. I love being more active as the weather has improved. We returned home and made gluten-free chocolate chip cookies as the rain fell in quater-sized drops.

This week is going to be a busy one! Work picked up a lot last week, and I have articles to write and notes to finish. I have to give an evening training Tuesday. Matt will get our volunteer assignments at the Roadrunners club meeting Tuesday. Matt is going to help a friend assemble furniture one night this week. I have a TDY to a local base about one hour away on Friday...and hopefully some walks and bike rides in between!

The contrast

Kelly: Yesterday, I was on call, and I got called a lot! I was a bit grumpy about it at first, given that my Saturday was spent entirely at the hospital, but then I realized that the people whom I see are serving our country. They are in harm's way on a daily basis, and the least I can do is give my Saturday to try to help them. So, the contrast to the fast-paced Saturday is compared to today's slow morning. Matt and I lingered over breakfast, drank tea, and looked at real estate...a perfect way to spend the morning. We were looking at homes in Frederick and Matt found an article about the real estate market there in the USA Today...We will have a place there, someday.

We received more snow here last night. I don't know where the forecasted 10 inches went??? We got about 3 inches of snow on top of slush. I happily shoveled the snow this morning...M and I really have switched roles! The neighbors spent about 3 hours shoveling their sidewalk, driveway, and the road in front of their house. I spent my after-shoveling time making gluten-free chocolate muffins in honor of Ava's 1st birthday. Matt surprised me with ice cream, and we had our our celebration. It wasn't the same as being home with family, but she was certainly close to our hearts. Happy Birthday, sweet niece!

My face is still peeling...I had an allergic reaction to something. I've looked like a chemical peel gone bad for about a week now. Matt continues to tell me that it looks better, but I'm not so sure.