No Waiting Outside for Dogs in Germany

Our dog absolutely loves it over here. In fact, I think he believes he's even more of a person than what he thought back home. Whenever we go out on the economy, he gets to go along. It's no wonder we see dogs everywhere. Did you know it's illegal to leave a dog alone at home for even just a few hours and God forbid you ever tie up your dog outside?! That would warrant a visit by the Polizei!

And with that, here is my incomplete list of where I've seen dogs and their owners in my journey throughout Germany, where I probably normally would not expect to see a doggie in a similar place in the US:

• the local mall - yes, doggie shops with me in the stores, and then when we take a break at the cafe, he lies at my feet
• any good restaurant - all good doggies are allowed here...no begging and stay under the table
• the hardware store
• the clothing store
• the Rothenburg Crime Museum - yes, I was surprised to see one here too
• the subway and the train - yep, they're allowed, at least in Germany
• many, many small B&Bs and hotels - the only place that wouldn't allow our dog was the American Edelweiss Resort in Garmisch
• the flowershop

Where have you see dogs in Germany?
Read more on this article...

Buyer Beware in Germany - Contracts

PCS Season is right around the corner. At least 75% of you who are moving back to the States this year will be going through the motions this summer. Hey, I got time, right? Wrong! The Germans look at contracts a whole heck of a lot different than we do in the States. Here are some things you should be thinking about now.

Germany is a land of order, and with that, you must cancel your contracts in writing. Most services and companies require you to do this at least three months out. Check your bills now. See what you are paying automatically, ie what is being taken out of your account every month, every quarter, or in the case of ADAC (the German version of AAA), once a year. See what else is going out every month and make a list of names and phone numbers you'll have to call.

Many of these services have forms you can fill out and fax in or mail in. Find out what they are now by calling or writing them. Call them and say you are moving in five months and for them to send you the forms or ask what you need to do. If you get something and can't read it, stop by your local Army Community Service, as they typically have someone on staff who can read German and can translate for you on the spot.

Here are some of the bills you may have:

• Electric
• Heating
• Water
• Landline Phone
• Cell/mobile phone
• ADAC
• in country car insurance
• TV or satellite service
• Internet
• Rental contract

Please be sure though you stop by the housing office before you send anything into your landlord. You want to make sure that you are indeed leaving, because if you turn in your termination notice, and then later you don't move, the law will be on your landlord's side, and you maybe be forced to move. Be cautious with that one.

If you know of any other contracts or things you may have to cancel, please post them here. Read more on this article...

Never Thought I'd be Gambling

Wow...what a few weeks it's been! Going from part-time to a full-time manager position makes you feel like you've been thrown to the wolves. The learning curve was steep for me, but since I had a chance to clean out the email inbox (over 300 emails)....and many of the overstuffed drawers and loose papers around the office....and made a few of my lists, I feel I am in a better position to do my work. So what do I do?

I'm a Tour Manager. I set up at least twenty day trips per month with some overnighters over the long weekends thrown in for good measure. Almost all are bus and van trips, and we go all over Germany...mostly, as well as countries that can be reached in seven hours or less, which is just over a good half dozen. It's a dream job really. Yes, we have our bread and butter sightseeing tours, but we also do what I want to do. My mind is spilling over with ideas, and I'm pretty excited about sharing some of those destinations with our community and fellow travelers.

I actually bought one of those digital voice recorders to change the subjet...and not the one where you say what row and space your car is in...but one where you can put your voicenotes in folders and can find them again. In a job with lots of moving parts and lots of ideas flowing, I think it is a necessity! I had a few nights where I did wake up thinking, oh my God, did I forget to order a bus, book a city guide and what if my tour escort doesn't show up or did I put gas in the van....you know, the typical "I just started a new job and don't feel comfortable yet" feelings. I think this is the first weekend that was virtually low stress.

And why do I think I'm gambling? Because setting up tours is a strange bird. You set up a tour in hopes of people signing up. As it gets closer and you don't get the numbers you initially budgeted for or you get more, you start crunching the numbers. Then comes decision time? Do I cancel the tour? Do I upgrade to a larger size bus? Do I need to "buy" another city guide, because in this particular city, a city guide will only take 20 people? And other such questions...so yes, you are gambling, because twice now, I did not cancel a tour, because I had a good feeling, and both filled up at the last minute. So far I haven't lost money on a tour, but I bet it will happen, and there I will be explaining myself on the red carpet. But other than that, it's low stress....no really.

So, if you are in Europe, have been in Europe and have some great ideas to send this way, please do! I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, if you just started a new job, please share what it has been like for you!
Read more on this article...

FREE Multi-day Tickets to Disney for Military Families

It has finally happened. Or at least the first time since I can remember. Disney is now offering FREE multi-day tickets for your military family in a program they are calling "Disney's Armed Forces Salute". The Disneyland parks have a different deal than the Disneyworld Parks in Florida, so be sure to read below.

Here is Disney's Press Release:

Disney Parks Celebrate U.S. Military
With Free, Multi-day Admission to Theme Parks in 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida / ANAHEIM, California (January 4, 2009) – As Disney Parks ask “What Will You Celebrate?” and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America’s military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney’s U.S. theme parks.
With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.
“For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We are grateful for their service and hope ‘Disney’s Armed Forces Salute’ will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends.”

At Disneyland Resort in Southern California:
Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.
Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.
For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:
From January 4 to December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary five-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five, five-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009.

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Page 2 -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Salute U.S. Military…

Ask about the great rates that may be available at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.
For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base. Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Other Offer Details:
· Complimentary "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" tickets for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort may be obtained only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists.
· Please see a participating U.S. military base ticket office for an exchange certificate for the complimentary “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket for the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. The exchange certificate will need to be redeemed for such ticket by the active or retired military personnel at a Main Entrance theme park ticket window (maximum of 1 such complimentary ticket per service member, regardless of where the exchange certificate is obtained).
· "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for family members and friends may be purchased only by active or retired U.S. military personnel, including active members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (or their spouses, but not both).
· “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort can be purchased only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort), or at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows.
· Military personnel (or their spouses) who purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets for family members and friends at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort) will receive exchange certificates to be redeemed by such military personnel (or their spouses) for tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows (one ticket per exchange certificate).
· The military personnel (or spouse) will be required to present valid military identification (which, for activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, also includes orders showing active status between Jan. 1, 2008 – Dec. 23, 2009 for the Walt Disney World Resort and between Jan. 4, 2009 – June 12, 2009 for the Disneyland Resort) for all ticket transactions (including to exchange and redeem the exchange certificates for the tickets at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows). A valid ID may also be required for admission.
· "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets are limited to five per service member (regardless of place of purchase and whether purchased by service member or spouse) and all five must be purchased at the same time. Accordingly, no service member (or spouse) may purchase "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at any military base ticket office if that service member (or spouse) previously purchased "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (whether at that same military base ticket office or at any other military base ticket office or place).
· First day of use of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Disneyland Resort must be no later than June 12, 2009 and tickets expire 13 days after the first day of use or June 25, 2009, whichever occurs first. Last day of use on “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” complimentary tickets and "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets at the Walt Disney World Resort is Dec. 23, 2009.
· Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days. "Disney’s Armed Forces Salute" complimentary tickets may be used only by the service members to whom they are issued. "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets may be used only by the friends and family members for whom they are purchased.
· This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

What Will You Celebrate?
Military personnel taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their stay. Beginning in January, Disney Parks will embrace a newly identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.
In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts ask guests “What Will Your Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones –a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney experiences.
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CONTACT: DISNEYLAND RESORT P.R. 714/781-4500

WALT DISNEY WORLD PUBLIC RELATIONS 407/566-6397 Read more on this article...

Quality or Quantity?

I see the new year is upon us! Yes, I am about a week behind the rest of you. I am at a crossroads with my beloved blog. I just received a promotion at work to a full time mangerial position....yes, my wonderful part-time job, with just the right number of hours and on the most coveted days...is now not mine anymore! I guess this is bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I have eased myself back into the world of full time work. On the other side, my days of deciding what I want to do (on my time off) are now gone. That brings me back to my blog.

Since I don't have all the extra time I had before, my time is now limited in coming up with new ideas and writing blogposts. I absolutely love blogging and writing, so have decided to post only when I have something interesting or valuable...or at least in my eyes....to say. Please continue to email and ask questions and of course post your comments. I still get about thirty or so emails a day...mostly from new Army wives. I hope to continue to help where I can.....my main purpose in even blogging in the first place. And for those of you who do blog every day AND work full time, I would obviously love to know your secret!

So, adieu readers for today. Continue to stay strong in the new year. Take a look back and see why I don't do new years resolutions if you need something thoughtful to get you going today. Happy and wonderful 2009 to you all! Read more on this article...

Did You Know About the Army Relocation Program?

I just got another email from a brand new Army wife. I already directed her to some of my posts on moving, especially overseas, where she is going. But in addition to that, here is another resource for you. The Army actually has an official program on moving. Where was this five years ago?


When you know your new duty station, you can investigate the Army's Relocation Readiness Program of your new post...here is Ft Eustis' program to give you an idea of what I am talking about. Army Community Service (ACS) runs this program. Find an Army post in your area and google "the name of the post, ACS, relocation readiness program"...get the resources now...before you move...and specific to your location. You can also read more about the program at Go Army Relocating.

Has anyone used this program? Read more on this article...