Fly away... in a few days.

Next week I'll give you all the gouge on how to fly Space A! Forget first class, these C5 Galaxy planes have built in soundproofing.

What to do, what to do?

Are you bored. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Rather than sit outside and work on your tan lines while simultanously inhancing your risk for skin cancer, try one of the following:

1. Stop by Navy Marine Corps Relief Society to see how you can volunteer. If you’re super lazy - like me - you can sit at home and clip coupons.
2. Check out the Fleet and Family Support Facebook page and be amazed at all the upcoming trips and classes you can take for free! The lunch and learn classes are my favorite!
3. Make someone’s day by sending them a letter. Try letterstosoldiers.org.
4. Pull out your “40 Day Trips from Rota” book and start planning!
5. Turn up the radio and start dancing. Not now. Wait ‘till the AFN music starts up again. Dancing for ten minutes can help burn up to 100 calories!
6. Go finish that last load of laundry or come to my house and finish my last load of laundry.
7. Make your kid’s day by showing them the art of popping bubble wrap. They sell it at the Mini-Mart.
8. Visit the library and check out some books, movies, or even music. Not to mention, they have a ton of fun programs going all summer long.
9. Head over to American Red Cross and buy your Disaster Supply Kit or find out how to brush up on your CPR skills. It’s always better to be prepared.
10. Visit rotaspouses.blogspot.com and tell me what you like to do when you’re bored.

No matter how you decide to spend your day, enjoy it!

The Housekeeper and the Gardener

When we arrived at our new home in Rota, Spain I was quickly informed that I needed to hire a gardener and a housekeeper. The gardener I hired. The housekeeper I did not. “I’ll be too spoiled” I thought, “I’m not working full-time and my mom won’t be insisting that I make a nine hour drive to see her every other weekend. I’ll have plenty of time and I enjoy cleaning.”
That was a year ago. As of today, I’m not sure where my duster is, I can’t remember the last time my floor was mopped, and thanks to a little grime on my windows, there’s no need to close the shades! Don’t get me wrong, my house is perfect presentable. Just don’t look under the bed, or the couch, or anywhere else that dust bunnies might be lurking. Saying this out loud makes me think I should I ask around for the phone number of a good housekeeper. Do they wash and fold the laundry too?
You see, the time I had allocated to daily cleaning chores has now been captured. Between making my sweet Caroline laugh and finding new plants for the gardener to take care of, I’m just too busy.
My mom always had two signs in her kitchen. One said “Marta Stewart don’t live here.” The other read “clean houses never last, hugs and kisses do.” I may ask her if I can borrow the second sign.
Now, put down that broom! Or bring it to my house.

Don't repeat it!

Did you ever play the game “telephone” when you were a kid? You whisper a sentence in someone’s ear, they tell it someone else, who tells it to another person, and by the end of the games that sentence is nothing like the original. “I like Minnie Mouse turns into “I keep rats in my house.” It’s all fun and games, until it becomes real life. Then it just turns into plain old embarassment.
I’d like to thank my dear friend Laura for letting me this story. Laura is pregnant and I received word from a mutual friend that Laura had delivered and several people wanted to bring her meals.
This news, while exciting, made me a bit nervous. Laura wasn’t due for at least another month. So I gave her a quick phone call. Here’s how the conversation went. “Hi Laura! Congratulations!” “Thanks, Rachael. Exactly why are you congratulating me?” At this point I’m thinking “boy Laura sure sounds chipper for someone who just gave birth. I wonder what drugs they sent her home with?” Instead of asking that terribly rude question I said “on the arrival of your bundle of joy, of course.” To my surprise she replied with “I’m still pregnant.”
WHAT!
Only after five minutes of conversation did we finally figure out the rumor started. Laura’s husband teaches at DGF. He took a day off work and didn’t tell anyone why. (Gasp!) His students, while he was gone, wrote on his board “it’s a nino!” Some other folks drew conclusions and said Laura’s husband must have taken the day off because Laura had her baby. I received word, from someone who is not even associated with the school, that Laura had her baby! Laura laughed and laughed. I turned bright red and was very thankful that we were on the phone instead of Skype.
Moral of the story... if you don’t know it’s a fact, don’t repeat what you hear!

School is out!

School is officially out. Don’t panic; there are plenty of places you can take the kids when they start to drive you crazy. I know you love them with all your heart, but sometimes we all need a break.

Since your house cleaner’s on vacation, your husband’s TAD, and all your favorite sitters just flew back to the states, let’s talk about your options.

Aqualand is open and has big slides for your big kids and a very large play area for your little ones. The nearest location is about 15 minutes from base in el Puerto de Santa Maria just past the big bull. You can save a few euro by purchasing tickets online at aqualand.es.

Can’t drive that far? No problem. The housing pool is open on the weekends from noon to 8pm. As of June 18th, they’ll be open every day except Mondays. A water slide, shaded kiddie pool, and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks are just a few perks this pool offers. You can pay by the day or pony up for a season family pass. Prices vary by rank and more info is on the MWR website.

If you just can’t stand the thought of putting on a swimsuit, take a 25 minute drive to the Jerez Zoo! Family passes are 42 euros and they are open from 10 to 7 every day except Mondays. This zoo is home to many animals and now includes a larger botanical collection. Your little ones will love to ride the zoo’s train and if you get a season pass, the restaurant on site offers a discount!

Don’t sit in your house and groan about the lack of Target’s and Chucky-Cheese’s. Get out and play this summer. Not only will the extra sunshine boost your energy with some vitamin D, you’ll also be building great memories with your family.

That’s today’s Spouse’s Sanity Break. For AFN Rota, I’m Rachael Tisdale.