Things I find ironic about military shopping abroad

From my friend Libby @ Diary of an Air-Force Wife - Keep up the good work overseas and give that beautiful family hugs from the pirate twins and me.

As a stay at home mommy and wife shopping for the house and the family is a big part of my job. Here are some things I found to be a little giggle inducing along the way.

Germany statistically rains 85% of the year, yet the BX does not carry rain jackets, rain boots or warm weather clothing. However, they do have a very wide variety of swimsuits, sandals and essential summer pool equipment. For that ever so average enlisted member sitting in the rain relaxing at their personal pool.

Second, in a career field where being on time is considered late and be early is considered being on time an alarm clocks is the number one item needed in making this possible it puts a smile on face that the BX does not sell ANY type of alarm clock; they do however sell six different types of 62" screen TV's.

On a base where following the US laws of car seats for children under age and weight is mandatory it is strange to see that the BX does not sell car seats. They do however sell many (MANY!) designer diaper bags.

In a job where you are required to iron your uniform daily it is funny that they do not sell ironing boards here, but they do sell many different types of irons. Though you can only by milk by the half gallon you can by many types of whisky by the gallon. Even though all the floors in base housing are hardwood the BX does not sell furniture leg protectors. They do sell a very nice selection of lawn mowers (more then a quarter of base housing is apartment living).

When shopping for shampoo you can find mostly what you need at the commissary but for all your conditioning needs you must shop at the BX on the other side of the base. You can find all your cookie sheet needs at the BX, but it doesn't do you any could because none of it will fit inside the oven.

You can also find a very large variety of drop in toilet bowl cleaners; although german toilets do not have visible, accessible toilet tanks. German toilets are designed to only provide water when flushed (meaning there is no standing water at any time) Though you will never find a toilet bowl brush in the BX.

If you are someone who like to use those throw away toilet brushes you will find many different types of refills, but you will not find any type of handle to hold those refills. For your mopping needs the commissary provides many types of floor soap, none of which can be used on porous floor tile, or hardwood; all base housing is hardwood, with all kitchen and bathroom floors being unsealed porous floor tile.

German voltage is 240 and all light bulbs need to be that voltage, the BX however sell a very large selection of 110 voltage lights.

Well as you can see there are a few things that make shopping here on Base a little surprising at times; maybe they do it to keep us on our toes.
:)
love always
us

Hold still while we shit on you again

Submitted by Libby a.k.a. the military matriarch

Dear friends and family,

As of Sept. 18, 2006 President Bush has cut all mid-tour Budget. To be more simple he has cut the money that would have allowed Ben to come home in Oct. Without that money Ben and many like him will not be able to come home for the holiday's to see their family's. Some of theses men and women did not get the chance that Ben did in June to come home. Some have saved up all their "promised" days to be home for a whole month at a time. Ben and I are doing all we can to make coming home in Oct. happen. I'm not sure yet how we are going to or if we are even going to be able to but we are sure as heck going to try. But many in Korea right now will not get this chance thanks to our President. Please give them your prayers, that they find peace with this news. As for right now we have to plan on Ben not being here. I am working on coming to grips with this but I am going to need your help. The idea of Ben not coming home now is heart breaking to me and the girls. So please do not talk about it around them. I don't want to get their hopes up and not be able to follow though. They've had their hearts broken to many times already.

thank you all and we love you.

libbie and the girls