Bringing your iphone (or android) to Europe

It was inevitable.  Either you are pegged to go on a business trip somewhere in Europe, moving overseas or will be taking a little vacation across the big pond.  I've gotten a bit of mail from folks asking if they should bring their iphone or not and what pitfalls there might be.  First, you might want to read my general article on cell phones overseas in Europe.  There are quite a few differences from being stateside.  The biggest being that we use SIM cards over here, so if your iphone is CDMA technology, you are hosed...partly....although you should still be able to use it in the wi-fi mode, along with any ipod touch you may bring along.  Note to self, in today's global economy, don't bother getting a CDMA cell phone as the Americans are the only major players still using it!  Here are some things on making the transition smooth with your iphone when coming over here.

Check with your provider and find out what the roaming charges are.  If you are only coming over for awhile, then you'll keep your cell phone plan at home....literally.  Most providers have outrageous international roaming charges, but to do your due diligence, just find out what they are.  We've all heard about the lady with the almost $40,000 roaming cell phone charge and don't want to be in her shoes!

• Make sure you TURN OFF the roaming feature before you even begin your journey and get on that plane!  Even if you don't use the phone, you may be still charged data fees (which are higher) when your apps decide to do their updating and background work.
• The next step would be to put it in "Airplane Mode" and only switch that off when you plan to use it.  It's an extra safety net.  It will basically turn your iphone into an itouch and allow you to use any nearby wi-fi networks.
• Turn "Fetch New Data" OFF in all your apps.  You also don't want your email and contacts to constantly try to sync.  To turn off the Auto-Check functionality tap on Settings, then Fetch New Data, change Push to “OFF” and Select to Fetch Manually.
• You might want to reset your Usage Tracker to Zero tap on Settings.  Then General, Usage and then Reset.  This way, you'll be able to track your exact usage.

If for some reason, let's say you are coming from the UK and your carrier has some kind of partnership or lower roaming fees with a certain provider on the mainland, turn off the automatic feature setting when searching for a Carrier, under your iphone Settings Menu.  That way, if there are multiple carriers operating in an area, you can choose which one you want to connect to.

Make sure you have the Free Wi-fi finder app on your iphone and also have the offline database already uploaded on your iphone ahead of time, so you can check it out offline.  It doesn't list all the free wi-fi hotspots in Europe but many of them are there.  More keep getting added from folks like me who discover free wi-fi in our travels.  Also know that many coffee shops, parks in Paris, hotel lobbies and other public places have free wi-fi.  I don't know if it's standard Europe-wide but every McDonald's I've been in has free wi-fi.  Don't discount hospitals and other public buildings either.  I even went to a comedy show in Amsterdam, Boom Chicago...granted, the free wi-fi was for us to use Facebook and Twitter as we were waiting for the show to start...and during the show to make fun of some guy's Facebook page they had singled out of the audience, but hey, I could still check my stuff while I was in there!  I've even found free wi-fi in some stores, especially bookstores.

Most of the US bases or posts, even the NATO bases have wi-fi hotspots. All over Germany, in a pinch, I've paid the $5 for access at the onpost foodcourts, which is good for one week typically at that price (credit card needed).  Many of the USOs will have free wi-fi.  Be sure you note which communities have them (not all do unfortunately).  Here in SHAPE, Belgium you'll find free wi-fi at the SHAPE Library, the Rendezvous Cafe next to the GB Shopping Center and also at the SHAPE Club.  Be sure to also look online at locations you'll be visiting and see if you can locate any that way.  As long as the wi-fi is free, you can use your iphone or itouch for free at those hotspots.  Now what if you want more options when it comes to wi-fi?


There is an alternative out there if you strictly want to use your iphone with wi-fi...ANYWHERE in Europe..anywhere with cell phone tower access that is.  Even if your phone is still locked, you should be able to use it in wi-fi mode.  There's a little device you can rent, and if you are over here for a longer period, it will pay for itself many times over!  It's called Tep Pocket Wifi and provides wireless internet wherever you go.   They can even deliver it to your hotel or wherever you'll be on the mainland.  It works just like a wi-fi hotspot, but it's personal and fits in your pocket. Not only can you use it with your smartphone but also with your laptop and tablet PC.  Up to five devices can share the hotspot and you get reliable 3G coverage where available.  Who said Europe was backwards when it comes to technology?  Hey, we've got the high speed Germans who like to be at or near the forefront, so you know we are going to have good options.

Be sure to download the app TextPlus.  This app will give you a free stateside phone number where you will be able to send and receive FREE text messages.  With the free version, you can send up to 20 free texts a day.  If you want to send more or would like to do group texts (oh that sounds dirty doesn't it?) where you can send one text out to multiple people, then upgrade for around a dollar or so to the Silver or Gold version.  Please remember that many of the apps I'm mentioning are available in the android market too!

When I first bought my iphone, second-hand mind you...I used it for an entire week just via wi-fi while I waited for my SIM card to arrive.  One great thing about being around soldiers...a lot of soldiers have been looking to upgrade to the iphone 4, so want to get rid of their 3s...I can see the same thing happening when the next version comes out....so, if you are near a barracks or some soldiers, get the word out that you have QUICK CASH for their used iphones!

Now, if you are coming over here for a longer time period and would like to use the cell phone part of your iphone or handy as it's called over here, you're going to need it to be unlocked.  If you are under contract in the US with a carrier there, they are obligated by law to unlock your phone at the two year mark.  It's funny, but most cell phones over here, to include the iphone are sold UNLOCKED.  We don't have all these issues of AT&T and other carriers hogging all the prime cell phones and iphones.  We are also a few years ahead of the US in general with cell phone technology.  Why that is, I just don't know.  Maybe one of you can explain it to me, cause I'd sure like to know...it's been that way ever since I can remember...the newest models always come to Europe first...then the US...hmmmmm.

Anyway, SIM cards are sold like candy over here.  You can find them at most electronic stores, bookstores and even convenience stores.  Many of us over here don't have cell phone plans but buy minutes as we need them.  Cell phone plans tend to be a lot more expensive over here and are hard to get out of.  The average European will have whatever cell phone, which they bought unlocked and then buy the SIM card w/minutes separately.  I have SIM cards for every European country I typically travel to (along with their in country cell phone numbers).  Again, you can only exercise this option if your cell phone is UNLOCKED!

I've noticed in Germany, not all carriers reach all towns for some reason, so I always recommend people check their new area as well as what carrier their spouse might have for their military issued cell phone.  Many military units have iphones and blackberries they give to their key leaders.  If you use your own personal cell phone, most folks will then add minutes online through their carrier or buy the little tickets at the checkout.  These tickets will give them a code on their store receipt, which they then punch into their cell phone to reflect the new purchased amount.  You have a whole year to use up those purchased minutes.  These minutes cover voice and text messaging.  Many will even let you upload minutes thru Paypal or your local bank account too.

Now for those who want a bit more, then buy a SIM card through a carrier that offers it with data....usually 2 GB limit per month.  Here in Belgium, I use Mobile Vikings.  How do you know you went over your data limit?  Just by a gentle reminder.  Like everything here in Belgium, things are slow and not taken too seriously.  The only catch with this is that voice calls are more expensive than usual.  In that case, I mostly end up text messaging and using the data portion.  It offers roaming throughout the continent, but since those fees are a bit higher (even when receiving calls which are typically free with options, not data), I end up using my supercheap prepaid regular phone for use outside of Belgium for my voice calls.  Now, I still access free wi-fi on my iphone where available and end up carrying both with me on my travels.  Or, I'll just switch out the SIM card for an in-country one....I hope that makes sense!

If you will be in Germany at least 30 days and want a SIM card (and its respective German cell phone number) that will handle data and the use of your smartphone, check out FYVE and Smartmobil where you can get these services without a contract.  You will need a German address for these choices though and will need an UNLOCKED device.

If you have extra money to throw away and the thought of purchasing a SIM card in a foreign country scares you....or maybe you are one of those people who likes to travel but have everything set in place before you go, then go with Smart Free to purchase a European SIM card.  It's expensive, I'm not going to lie...more than I would pay, but again, it gives peace of mind BEFORE you leave.  That's why I am mentioning it here!  I've also known a few business people who were happy with Telestial.




One more thing...there is one more option for you if you like to fly by the seat of your pants...okay, so the other end of the spectrum then!  As long as you are tech savvy or know someone who is, then this is for you!  I've found yet again, that there are many soldiers out there who have mastered the art of jailbreaking iphones, and just getting the word out that you have one that you want jailbroken, can really free up your choices in Europe if your phone is NOT unlocked.  To indulge in all these goodies, your iphone has to be both UNLOCKED and JAILBROKEN.  Read this article here for the how-to on using your iphone in Europe after the jailbreaking process.

So now what?  Well, there are a whole lot of apps that can be a huge help in your travels throughout Europe.  But, since I'm done for today, I will end here and blog more about those choices later!

Video: Navigating a Volksmarch (what is it and how do I do one?)

I think my husband holds the record for the most volksmarches in our family...he's done hundreds of events and well over 2,000 kilometers...and that's being conservative.  So what is this volksmarch?  And why can it be so important to you?

Well let me tell you.  I'll explain it all below.  At the end, I've written some tips out in plain English.  If the video moves a bit too fast at that point (I tried to slow it down), pausing it should allow you to read what I wrote at the very end.  Lots of resources and websites to get you started in this great and relaxing sport too!  Come join me as I walk through a forest and the streets and farmpaths of a small town in Belgium.

More on Kindle and FREE Internet Overseas (plus another cheap tip at the end)

I've posted once before on the Kindle.  While Amazon continues to support this free internet feature while you are on the go, take advantage of it.  What am I talking about?  Do you mean I can use my Kindle while I am backpacking through the Alps without a wifi connection?  Yes...and here's how....

If you've looked at your newer model Kindle... I think this is only on the last few models....you can see there is an Experimental link in the Main Menu.  Click that and then go to the web browser.

Type the web address you want to visit....use the symbols key to type in @ and other symbols beyond the "period".  Yes, it took me a nanosecond to see there was such a key, as I was about to panic about not being able to type the @ symbol!

The web browser is kind of funky and some full featured websites will have trouble coming up....or will come up slowly, so try the mobile version of a site.  For example, instead of Yahoo.com, go to mobile.yahoo.com.

I had no issues checking email, tweeting or using Facebook...the main things I used when traveling this first time with my Kindle in wireless mode (usually I just keep that off...cause it scares me).  I also made sure I read the US headlines and frankly, that's how I found out about the earthquake and devastation in Japan...while enjoying a restful holiday in Ireland, up in the mountains and on the trail of "Braveheart", I decided to take a little snack break and read the news....sorry it wasn't any good news but glad I was able to stay updated on world events without a Smartphone (which I refuse to get until we are back in the US)....most plans are much higher than what you would pay in the US, and I am just too ultra-cheap to pay them....although, if you can't live without your phone tweeting and texting and just plain using it for data, try the favorite mobilevikings.com.  That's what most folks use around here who want the cheapness of prepaid AND lower-cost data capability.

Do you have any Kindle tips to share?

Arrghhhh......Where's my purse???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland - me & my vest

I am a creature of habit..most of us are I think.  You know how when you make that decision to do something completely different?  How it REALLY throws you off and into a panic, over and over again....after the first day, I hit a moment of enlightenment and never turned back!  Here's what I did.

I have a relative who works for an airline.  Every time I see him, he brings up the darn jacket.  This magical jacket has something like 20 pockets, and he breezes through security among other things...not having to take off his "no metal" belt, slipping out of his smooth-as-butter slip-on shoes and not having to worry about any kind of bag going through the gauntlet.  You see, he has this special SEV all-weather jacket....that has been around the world I would say...at least three times.

I finally broke down and bought one about a month ago.  I got tired of him bragging about his and frankly, I got tired of being a packhorse every time we went on vacation or on some day trip somewhere.  I just hate having something in my hands, especially now that I have a digital camera and an IFlip camcorder.

After the initial panic, thinking I had lost my purse...unfortunately it took my brain a bit to wrap itself around this new concept...I noticed a definite change.  Once I had myself convinced that there really was NO purse or bag, something strange happened.  I felt free, became more relaxed and could focus more on my surroundings....I took more photos and videos than I ever had!  I held my kids' hands and skipped down the sidewalk.  I could shop using BOTH hands and didn't get paranoid when strangers stood close to me.  Freeing...there's that word again and the perfect description!

I am positively sold on the lightweight travel vest. I chose the vest (order one or two sizes larger), because I figured I could wear it in the winter under a coat (which is what I did this last time around to Ireland)...or in the summer over a short sleeved shirt.  My particular model vest has 22 pockets.  I admit, the first day, I had trouble remembering where I put what...and caught myself digging a few times when I tried to find my camera or wallet.  The manufacturer puts a little laminated card in EACH pocket, giving you ideas of what to put in there.  I initially left the cards in there, so I would know their recommendations...they designed it after all.  In a few of the pockets there are also hidden inner pockets as well as keyrings, clips and snaps.  I also liked the see-through pockets with side zippers and that most of the zippers are on the inside of the vest for safekeeping.  The vest also has perfect velcro snaps and openings to run your earphone cords or any other kind of cord.  There is even a strap that will hold your waterbottle upright in either side pocket. >

I went through airport security with only my suitcase...without a carry-on bag or anything else.  It was freeing to just whip off the vest and put it in the bin.  The guy behind the machine even asked if he could look at my vest, cause he had never seen anything quite like that:-)  He ran it through the machine again just to show his buddy how everything was laid all out.

The best part is that you don't feel like a packhorse.  I was amazed that it wasn't heavier with all my necessary crap in there.  Speaking of crap, here's what I carried around on my trip.  I think anyone would've been shocked had I emptied all my pockets and lined it all up!

I carried:

• wallet
• cell phone
• collection of pens & pencil
• walking map and brochures
• Kindle (a HUGE pocket in the back that hangs just right)
• magazine
• two packs travel Kleenex
• small bottle hand sanitizer
• sunglasses
• small bottle of lotion
• small first aid kit
• sandwich; energy bars
• bottle of water
• mp3 player w/headphones
• passport; plane tickets
• digital camera in case
• IFlip camcorder in case
• small stuffable shopping bag
• GPS in case

Do a passport photo for free from home

I know there are passport booths all over the place.  Even overseas, sometimes you'll see a booth at the PX....but, I have TONS of photo paper at home and a perfectly good printer that can print photos.  So how about doing your photos at home for free?

Just stop by the site below and take your photo and then print it out on your own photo paper.

EPassport Photo

Perceived Guy Gifts

I think that most of us are beyond the tie and sock gifts....or the powertools and such...but with some "guy birthdays" approaching in my extended family, I thought I'd better run through some ideas.  Hopefully, some guy on here will see them and advise me on any perceived corrections.  And then I will perceive as to whether I will change my mind or what.

Here are the types of things I am giving the once over:

Music giftcards.  Do most guys buy music or do they listen to what you are listening to?

• Those superthin and indestructable wallets at All ETT Billfolds.

Fleece is always good, and I like that I can find it on sale most of the time just about anywhere.

Camelbacks for the active guy who likes to hike or run...but only the real thing or else he'll look like a poser...ditto if he doesn't do a lot of physical activity.

Books....all my guys read military history books...the gist is to get them one they haven't read yet.  My husband also likes to drink beer, and when I got him this large book (that just came out last year), he thought he had died and gone to heaven!  I told him he can take the star stickers and put a sticker on each pages/beer that he's tried:-) He just gave me a blank stare and drank another beer on the list.  Guess I've been working at the school a wee bit too long now. 

Sports massage....all guys want it I think (cause all girls do), but we don't want to buy it for ourselves...or at least I don't....I feel like I am being vain if I do it for myself (cause it's not like I'm some Olympic-level athlete or anything)....but maybe a guy feels different?

Sport jerseys...but, you do have to know their favorite sport, team and size...that's a lot to try to figure out, but I see guys over here wearing soccer jerseys and of course in the US, you'd be hard pressed to find a guy without a basketball, hockey or football jersey!  Again, don't get the fake or non-authentic stuff.

And no....no cigars...I don't like to promote things that are bad for your health, although I thought the guy smoking the cigar did look pretty sexy...ah well.  Do you have any ideas you are willing to share?

Let's help a Chaotic Mom out!

I wanted to take the time to share a project to and from military wives....all of us, that a fellow blogger, Chaotic Mom, is working on.  Wouldn't it be awesome to be a part of this project?  She is looking for wives across the services (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines), regardless of your husband's rank.

I've already joined her in her ambition here, and if you want to be a part of military wives helping other military wives, read below.

Here's the gist of what she needs:

If you are interested in sharing your military spouse experiences, please prepare and submit your essay to her by March 15, 2011 to be considered for inclusion into her book. Please include a personal biography (up to 90 words) and any photographs you would like to be considered for publication. The photographs could include a personal headshot, creative gift ideas, etc. For more information, send an email to: milspousebooks@gmail.com. Information is also being posted on the Facebook page “Military Spouse Books”.  Please share this essay call-out with as many spouses as possible. We all have something special to share with other spouses. Don’t worry about what to write, just WRITE. All accepted essays will be edited with the submitters’ approval before publication.

The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2011.

Free French Lessons (and other languages)....ABSOLUTELY, yes, free!

So I've been here in the French-speaking part of Belgium for 6 MONTHS and still can't speak the French fluently...I say speak, cause I can muddle my way through something in writing and if I listen ever so closely, I can at least catch the gist of the conversation.  As soon as someone parles though....I freeze up like a deer in the headlights!  Maybe I should start drinking, because I read once that when you drink, all inhibitions go out the window and regardless of what garble comes out, at least you are trying to speak the language.  With all that in mind, I've collected some FREE French lessons from a variety of sources.  It would help if I studied every day (I do not)...and also not to compare my French to my German, which I learned as a small child and can speak fluently (Note to parents:  Start YOUNG with WHATEVER other language you speak or the grandparents speak...it is invaluable, will help their brains ....GROW and will make your children seem incredibly smart when they are adults).  Let me know if you progress faster than me, so I have someone to compare myself with.

If you or your spouse is in the Army, you know that Rosetta Stone language training online is available to you for free...in something like 30 different languages.  You can sign in only with the active duty member's AKO account information.

If you don't have access to that or want to try something else (or in addition), try these below.  Many of these sites also have opportunities to learn other languages as well.

• Life Mocha is the poor person's language program and site, because it tries to mimic what Rosetta Stone is trying to do.  Their very basic lessons are free.  You can also connect with other learners, and they really try to foster a sense of community.  I have fun with it every now and again still.
• Coffee Break French is great, because you can download each lesson to your MP3 player or Ipod.  I like that the lessons are short, hence the name "coffee break".  They are already into their third season of lessons!  No need to purchase them if you don't mind clicking on each set of lessons, then on each individual lesson to download.
• The University of Texas first year French program is online and is FREE too, regardless if you are a student or not.  You can download the individual chapters and exercises, wordlists and videos directly to your computer.  I am a third of the way through the program, and I am astounded at the quality of the materials.  I printed all the chapters, and put them in a binder.  I even make myself do some homework.  
• This site recommended by my French teacher at the Language Center on SHAPE has been a big help, especially in my listening skills.  It is very interactive and allows you to take a test as well.  Try it out!
• "My" French Language Course on Wikimedia Commons is just as good as any other French learning coursebook.  It's a PDF file, and you can download it for free.....all 222 pages of it!
• Your local library also has DVDs and may even have old cassette tapes lying around.  Ours here in SHAPE must have at least 15 different French programs to choose from.  While I am using the program, I download the lessons to my computer and MP3 player for ease of us.  A few of the programs I noticed cost hundreds of dollars online, so it's worth it to check them out.  If your local library does not have the resources, you can try inter-library loan (ILL).  Almost all libraries do this now...just get the CDs or DVDs from another library:-)

 As a sidenote, in addition to the language courses on SHAPE, which cost about 100 euro for newcomers (in the first 6 months after arrival), you can also check your local Belgian commune, where night courses cost about 50 euro for learning French.  

You know, I bet there are many more sites out there...hidden under all the outward fluff.  We just have to find them!  If anyone has come across any free language sites, please post them here for all to enjoy!

Why I have changed my mind about Twitter (and you should too!)

I like to keep most things simple.  My dad had been hounding me for well over a year to make the move to Twitter.  I kept saying NO...I mean, yet another site you have to go check and keep track of passwords and just stuff in general?  No-uh....didn't want to do it.  He had already pulled me kicking and screaming to Facebook...and at the time, that was enough for me!  Well, I have changed my mind...and you might be surprised why.

My first wall of resistance with Twitter, other than what I mentioned above was being overseas with a prepaid phone where you pay for EACH text message.  I knew messages come in every few seconds if you follow more than a dozen different people or "Twitter feeds", so obviously cost prohibitive if you wanted to monkey around with this thing.  The second thing I thought of was why would I want to read the musings of some random people around the world...stuff that I would never need...mostly....either that or more stuff to waste my time over....reading and musing over!

Well, a few weeks ago, we were scheduled to fly out of Brussels Airport back to the US...and then the big snow of 2010 hit Europe, paralyzing half a dozen countries and wreaking all kinds of havoc.  I signed on the usual news channels online...news was slow incoming, and if I hadn't had Facebook and a local Facebook group I joined (SHAPE Families), I wouldn't have known what the roads were like nearby.  But really....my next biggest concern was our flight when I heard on the Belgian news that flight operations were being affected by this monstrous storm....but no real details, especially in the days coming....in the days we were supposed to make our way by train up to Brussels

So, I signed up for Twitter and immediately found @eurocontrol and @BrusselsAirport to follow and WOW...up-to-the-second information on exactly what was going on at not just our Brussels Airport but all the European airports...not just text updates but uploaded photos and real-time information only seconds old.  Twitter was also the first place I read about the shortage of icing fluid because there was a ban on all heavy trucks in Belgium and northern France, where those shipments were coming from.  I was also able to see and hear which flights were leaving and what the terminal looked like.  I even was able to find some local Twitterers here in Belgium and found our current road conditions on our local highways and other local delays, as well as what trains were running behind....the news sites didn't pick up that information til later...much later, and posted their information then.  It's also when I realized I bet some of these news outlets actually follow Twitter to get their most current news.  You just have to know who to follow to make it work for you.

So my advice to you:

• Find some Twitterers or maybe it's Tweeters who talk about the things that interest you...and sign up for those feeds only.  
• If you've got a contract phone with FREE text messaging, then link those feeds to your phone.  If not, you're going to have to rely on checking Twitter on your computer.
• Many stores post short specials and discounts ONLY on their Twitter feeds, and if you monitor your favorite store there, you can catch the discount before it disappears.  I just saw one that was good for one day only, and the info was ONLY posted on the store's Twitter feed....hmmmm.
• Connect with your favorite celebrity...I'm not saying I'm a big fan of Ivanka Trump, but it was neat hearing about her adventures on her two day backpacking journey in Patagonia (and I was astounded she had coverage there!).
• If you have a favorite blogger you can't wait to read, many who use Twitter will announce on their Twitter feed when they have a new blogpost up.  It beats having to check your newsfeeds through RSS or visiting each blog, one by one.
• You can also get last minute traffic updates as well as weather, as it happens...search for the ones in your area.
• If you have a topic you are interested in, you can also look at trends and follow those to get the latest information.  Each trend (look at your mainpage on Twitter), has a "#" sign to signify that it's a trend.  I see people following the Royal Wedding plans and others talking about their 2011 New Year's resolutions.

Do you use Twitter?  If so, why do you think it's useful?  If not, why are you staying away?  Be honest:-)

Pack up the kids and leave for a year

Many of you know that I choose a lot of the books I read, in the imperfect method of walking through the stacks at my local library, perusing the bookshelves and looking for the spine of some random book to catch my eye.  Here's one that caught my eye, and by the time I was done, I had let wet laundry sit in the washer for half a day, and I burned the night's pasta dinner...but I was determined to get to the end.  I like books that talk about peoples' experiences.....people who have done things I've never done....and probably won't get to do, because my life is at a different stage or path.  Who here hasn't at least fleetingly dreamed of selling everything and packing up the family, only to travel around the world for an ENTIRE year?  That's what this book is about.

We travel a lot.  We travel a lot with kids....up to now, kids from babies to preteens....so I caught myself either laughing, commiserating or wanting to say "I told you so", throughout the book.  I also caught myself writing down the names of some of these fabulous locations, in hopes that someday, I can make it out to some of the ones I had never heard of before.

The gist of the book, is this guy and his wife sell almost all of their wordly possessions to include their house and car and trek across the globe to a variety of locations with kids in tow.  Now, we're not talking backpacker-style....we're talking a suitcase and backpack for each including the baby (a mistake he found out later as they had way too much stuff)....and staying at some flea-bitten out-of-the-way places with some luxurious five star worthy palaces in between.  What an experience!

At one point, a hippo almost overturns their boat and really, hippos you should be more afraid of than almost any other animal...they can become that territorial and aggressive.  His daughter has surgery in Thailand (thumbs up for Thai healthcare).  He almost loses his daughter in a riptide in Australia, and the mother is beside herself with white-knuckle fear along the rim of an active volcano, holding her toddler on a leash....yes, a leash which they ended up ditching later as they were consistently getting laughed at by non-Americans or just given THAT look.  They also eat some of the most amazing food....Sardinia, here I come!...and pet everything from an ostrich to a baby elephant.

But I think the neatest thing about this family's journey and the book is seeing  the similarities to my life....reactions of the children to things......mistakes made while traveling....all things we have experienced, as we've also been to many of his European destinations he wrote about for the book.

Is it a literary masterpiece?  No, and it doesn't profess to be.  The author isn't skilled enough to make you "feel and smell" like you are really there....but, that's beside the point...I don't think I evoke that either when I write, but it's a very nice read that tells a good story, and even though the author has a little tiny bit of a chip on his shoulder, I still liked reading it.  I closed the book more enlightened than when I started, and that should be your goal with most books I think.

I'm already anxious to go back to the library and start walking the aisles again.  Before I end here, let me put in a plug for the USAREUR library system, which is what we have overseas here in Europe.  All the military libraries are connected in Germany, Italy and Belgium to name the bulk of where the libraries are physically located.  Substantial money is spent keeping up the collections and attaining new material.  At least one library or the other will have a slew of all the bestsellers, and even if your library doesn't carry it, we can use inter-library loan (ILL) to request that book.  We also have access to our accounts online, along with other databases, reviews and many other useful things.  Believe it or not, the libraries even rent out DVDs...and here on SHAPE, they have DVDs on both systems (as Europe and the US code their DVDs, so unless you have a DVD player that plays all regions, you can only play DVDs for the US market if you bought your player in the US and vice versa if you bought it over here).  They also have Wii, Playstation and DS games to include the Wii add-ons, like the surfboard or whatever it's called....all can be checked out.  We are also lucky here at SHAPE because Chievres also has a library, and you can return items to either library...they work closely together.

So that's my little plug for today....for this book and for our library system.  I'll see you all next year!  I'm taking a break to be with my family and hope to see and hear from you next year!  Wishing all my readers the best for 2011!.

Swapping the kids' clothes

I consider myself blessed that the boys have a cousin who wears designer clothes whose mother regularly sends us a box of goodies. I almost never buy them new clothes except for underwear and socks! But, wouldn't it be great, I thought, if you could connect with others in a safe environment and swap nice kids' clothes with almost no strings attached? Apparently, this idea has already been realized!  I have a guest blog entry today from a mom who started out this site where you can do just that!

Enter....thredUP....

thredUP is where America’s busiest parents exchange boxes of clothes that no longer fit their kids for stylish ones that will. We coordinate swaps among a group of your closest friends AND connect you with thousands of families nationwide and on bases overseas. There’s no bidding, no auctions, no rifling through consignment racks, and no cranky kids to drag all over town. All swaps are done online, with scheduled home pick-up and delivery in CONUS, post office delivery service OCONUS.

Finding reasonably priced new or gently used kids clothes can be impossible when you are focused on more important aspects of your move. In honor of Veteran’s Day this year, we have opened up our domestic kids clothing swap to military families living OCONUS at APO/FPO addresses.

At thredUP, we know that coordinating clothing swaps is hard – especially when your closest friends live all over the world! Getting parents together and getting all the sizes right is always a challenge. Tag sales are a ton of work, often for very little payoff.

So what can I do on thredUP?

Pick. Pay. Prepare and Send.
Pick a box of gently used clothes you’d love to receive for your child.
Pay for shipping.
Prepare and list a box of clothes your child has outgrown.
When someone picks your box, send it free of charge (we even have the Postal Service pick-up the box at your house in CONUS).

We manage the quality control and review process and take care of all the details to make sure you get a quality exchange.

“As a military wife, I'm forever in transition. As a military-wife-mom, I'm forever moving and looking for reasonably priced clothes for my children,” says Sara Gibb, Chief Military Mom and thredUP’s newest executive. “thredUP lets me exchange clothes that no longer fit my kids for great items that will, from anywhere in the country. Not only is it affordable and convenient, but the service allows me to stay connected with friends and family wherever the Navy says I call home.”

Military families can upgrade their FREE basic membership to any level of PRO Membership at a 33% discount. In addition, military families are given at least one additional pick per month (without the need to swap out a box!).

We are open to ALL parents, not only military! Currently over 36,000 members strong, thanks to our 1400+ military families we are also trading on over 140 bases in 11 countries. All families can also swap boxes of gently used toys – happy swapping!

Get your heartstrings tugged on NBC tonight

I cannot attest to the quality of this TV movie, but if you feel like having a tug at your heartstrings this holiday season regarding a military family, be sure to check it out.

Here is the blurb:

On Friday, December 3, P&G and Walmart will release “A Walk in My Shoes,” the third collaboration in their Family Movie Night series.

“A Walk in My Shoes” (airing on NBC) follows a military family who lost their Marine father/husband in Fallujah. Through the story, the audience is given a glimpse into the family’s life and learns that while extremely difficult, it’s their struggles and adversity that ultimately bring them closer together.

The Family Movie Night concept are the direct result of P&G and Walmart listening to parents – particularly moms – who said they said they wanted more entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together.

Here are the details:

Title - “A Walk in My Shoes”
Friday, December 3 at 8/7c on NBC

Thanks, and if anyone wants to provide feedback after the show, please post it below!

Just a glimpse into the life.....

I just finished a book I never would've chosen to read in my life.  Every once in awhile, I like to walk through my library's "new book" section....just to see what the library gods at my local library have ordered for our latest reading pleasure.  I neglected to mention that I DO like to read books that either detail an out-of-the-ordinary profession or activity....it just has to be something that I don't personally do or am familiar with.  Well, boy did I pick up something unusual this time around!

I can probably count on two...maybe three hands how many bars I've been to, in my life!  I know, I guess I am not as worldly as I want people to think I am.  Even while I was in Venice recently, I looked IN the window of the famous Harry's Bar and had my son pose in front of that window....but never went inside.  And to make things worse, if anyone in my extended family brings up anything about bars, I can already see my husband getting a smile on his face to yet again, share that awful story of what happened on a beach trip to Italy back when we were lieutenants...when I was introduced to some frothy peach...stuff...for lack of a better description.  The worst  is, I can't even remember, so I cannot deny or confirm anything he says....I can just be careful that he doesn't add anything every time he tells it...he is so fond of that story and relishes it every time (embelish...relish...)!

So, the latest book I grabbed is called Behind Bars by Ty Wenzel.  It's basically the story of a female bartender in New York City.....wow....I had no idea humans can be so transparent, funny, stupid or (insert your own adjective here)....AND that there is a real ritual that gets followed "at the bar"...and just the little stories she shares....kinda makes me feel thankful for what I have.  She also describes what happens to people of all walks of life and everything in between, when they feel.....lonely and forgotten.  How sad life can be for some people.  I also did not know how much money is to be made in bartending if you go with the right hotspot!  Second wow!  I guess you have to figure out  if your body and mind can take the abuse before you cash out from what Ty writes.  Read it...it's interesting....yes, it has some profanity and some other things you may not be comfortable with....her constant lighting up got on my nerves...who still smokes in bed?.....but it is eye-opening and interesting, and that's enough to get me reading something.

Do you have any similar book recommendations?  I'd love to hear about other books that detail a life that is so unlike my own!

Look at that Face!

I always wondered when someone was going to put together a collection of the crying, screaming, squirming children sitting on Santa's lap. Looks like it's been done. Looks like I will wait til next year to see if I can get it from my local library.

Do you have such a photo in your own collection?

Overheard and Overseen

Have you ever walked by a conversation and heard a snippet that made your brain skip a few beats? Or that gave you a good laugh. How about finding a piece of paper blowing around. I know I recently found a little piece of notepaper stuck to my car door...it was a windy day, and it was just plastered there. You know, I couldn't just crumple it up without looking at what it said. It was just a note that someone had put on someone's car to call them...nothing earth shattering. What is it about the human condition that we are so nosy. I'm just going to admit it right here. I honestly can't help myself sometimes. If you tend to overhear conversations in passing or look at little notes that cross your path, you're going to enjoy the time wasters below!

Overheard in New York - Now I haven't been to New York since I was a very little girl, so I have no memory of what it must be like. I envision this metropolitan place, where you can get just about anything, and be confronted with a sea of humanity from all over the world. This blog absolutely cracks me up...some of it can be raunchy, but some of it is downright funny.

Post Secret - This blog is actually quite depressing, so I don't visit it too often. The gist is that people send postcards to this blogger with their deepest...and sometimes, darkest...thoughts and confessions. It just makes me feel sorry for people mostly, although you can find some lighter fare too. This guy has also made a ton of money putting these postcards into books.

Found: The Best, Lost, Tossed & Forgotten - This is a book, although I think it stemmed from a magazine. These guys just started collecting notes that were cast off, whether on purpose or not. Think....shopping lists, love notes, notes on people's doors or cars and that kind of thing. Some are truly bizarre. I remember one note that had a typical laundry list of things to do, and oh BTW, one of the things on the list was also to kill someone...huh? There is amazingly enough a second book too.

Do you know of any other books or websites that follow along with this theme?

NikkiFitness is Kickin' My Butt Workout DVD

Don't tell anyone, but I haven't gone to the YMCA in a week...my excuse is that I haven't been feeling well, and I've been just so busy getting ready to move...at least that sounds legitimate...but who am I fooling? I am sorely out of shape...could probably stand to lose 10...no, even 15 pounds around here. I'm also going to use the excuse that I'm a military wife and most times, we have to run the household by ourselves...we can't count on anyone else because of our husband's schedules...not to mention if we have little ones either crying or crawling around, getting the breakfast dishes cleaned up can be a feat. I admit, I absolutely love our YMCA when I get the chance to go...but what about those times I don't feel like being around people or I just can't squeeze in the time to get there...what if I want to get moving in a skimpy workout outfit...as motivation I say...but not enough to stand in front of a crowd in that get-up.....or what about when we move and there is no YMCA? What options are out there? I recently did a workout video from my library...boy, was it boring...I don't believe how people can stomach that stuff for longer than a few minutes. Obviously, I can say I was prejudiced before popping in the Military Wife Workout, but since I like to say I have an open mind....I was pleasantly surprised.


After literally dripping in sweat after the 30 minutes..which actually breezed by faster than I thought...I reflected on what makes this video different...the good and the bad...

• Since the info is at the bottom of the screen, once you get familiar with the types of exercises, you can do this workout to any kind of music...that's different.

• I wanted to rest between sets...no rest...this is interval training at its purest...the only way you are going to melt that fat off as quickly as possibe the experts say. I'm sure once I get the hang of it and get in better shape, it won't be such a daunting task, and I'll be able to follow along better to boot.

• You do need a set of weights if you're not a beginner, so you have to plan for that. On the flipside, that is how you can make this DVD more challenging...add more weight.
  

• Speaking of beginners, it's easy to get behind and confused because the DVD does move quickly along from one exercise to the next exercise, but that is the nature of interval training.

• When I first started the DVD, I thought there was a thunderstorm brewing...turns out it was just the wind...it was a bit distracting at first, but once I got into it, I didn't hear it anymore. Note to technical staff...get that wind sound out of there...it would sound more professional and less "home video-ish" without it..the birds chirping are okay.

All in all, this is a good workout and not another rehash of what's already out there. It is priced a bit high when you look at the competition though of different workout videos. I think the creator would make more overall in the long run if she lowered the price to $12.99. But that is just nitpicking and my opinion. If the $19.99 is the difference between you sitting around on your duff and working out, then by all means, it's worth it to you. The creator also has a website at Nikki Fitness and is also a fitness commentator on Military.com, so this is not just a fleeting project for her. She seems to be genuinely interested in helping military wives get a workout that truly works.

Has anyone here tried this particular workout? Any other DVDs out there that are worth doing? Your thoughts on getting in shape and working out in general?

Don't Send Another Expensive Hallmark Greeting Cards

I do it all the time. I have a case of stamping stuff....you now the stuff you can make greeting cards out of. You'd think by now I would've mastered how to make my own greeting cards. Well, I haven't. Every time I try to make one, I think it is not creative enough, and I end up not sending it. I've even tried printing off cards on my computer. I'm guessing my printer isn't professional enough for that either. Off to the store to get a generic Hallmark card. I bought three yesterday at $2.99 each? When did they get so expensive? Were they always so pricey? Thanks to one of the blogs I regularly read, I've found another solution that may fit the bill for me. Maybe it's something up your alley as well.

Please take the time to pop over to Jaden's Steamy Kitchen. She is a food blogger with some hilarious posts and recipes, but more importantly, she has a knack for photographing her food creations, also known as food porn. This is how she got involved with Send Out Cards. You can upload photos to templates or make your own. Add your own text in whatever font and even scan and add your own honest to goodness signature. The best part, is that they will mail your card for you. See the video on how it's done here. I discussed once before how important thank-you cards are. This is the perfect solution, and all at a cost LESS than running to the store and picking up some run-of-the-mill greeting card. Try it and let me know how it works out! BTW, if you make your own greeting cards and would like to show us how it's done, we'd love to see some photos! It would be great if you could post some of your creations for the rest of us artistically challenged folks.

What's It Like on the Other Side?

For most of my life, I have been solidly middle-class. With human nature being as it is...downright nosy....we often wonder what it's like on the other side. If we are cash poor, we want to know what it's like to live the high life and what it's like to drop a few thousand dollars on dinner. If we are rich, at least by American standards, we still have an urge to want to see what it's like to have next to nothing in our society. How do those people survive and go on? We don't want to be in their situation...but we still want to get a feel of what it's like without getting our hands dirty. So, how do you get to be a fly on the wall and run with the experience?

You knew I was going to start talking about books, didn't you? I personally don't have an experience with either side, just what I have read. If you're like me and like to read about everything that's ever been written, you may have already seen these. If not, see below. I mean no disrespect here by commenting and mentioning these gems...just trying to broaden peoples' horizons. For the most part, these books are not "how to" but a snapshot into the lives of others. If you can think of any other books out there that follow along this thread, please mention them in the comments.

Reading List for the those who consider themselves not "up to par" with the Joneses:

Mediterranean Summer: A Season on France's Cote d'Azur and Italy's Costa Bella by David Shalleck and Erol Munuz. Before I read this book, I had to make sure I had a full tummy. I suggest you do the same! This first class chef spent a summer, sailing around the Mediterranean on a multi-million dollar yacht for a very upper class Italian couple. He was their chef and in the book, he takes us through all his trials and tribulations and demanding menus! Ah, the high life it was...even for him as an employee!

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. Most know about this book. You won't find the ritz and glitz in here, just simple stories from everyday people who made millions and live like they didn't. Still, an insightful and favorite book that will motivate you to want to join its ranks.

Confessions of an Heiress: A Tongue-in-Chic Peek Behind the Pose by Paris Hilton, Merle Ginsberg, and Jeff Vespa. I know this book is bottom-of-the-barrel and not worth the paper it's written on...but still, it is a peek into the life of a super rich girl who won't have to work to earn a dime the rest of her life, and that's why I'm including it here.

Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich by Robert Frank. Richistan is definitely about all the new found "haves" and not the "have-nots" in our country. I am dumbfounded at the amount of money these people give out who are detailed in this book. Talk about a blow to your ego! I think I need to try to get into one of the elite butler schools mentioned in the book.

All the Money in the World: How the Forbes 400 Make--and Spend--Their Fortunes by Peter W. Bernstein and Annalyn Swan. I read Richistan before I read this one. I thought it would have stories more along that line. Well, you do have to wade through tons of charts and statistics, but there is a little bit of meat on this bone, with a peek into the lives of the ueber rich. If you thought the Richistan folks threw money around, wait til you read about the Forbes 400 crowd! My God in heaven!

Money for Nothing: One Man's Journey Through the Dark Side of Lottery Millions by Edward Ugel. Ever wonder what it's like to win the lottery? I tinkered with whether to put this book under the "have" or the "have nots" category, 'cause most of the folks in the book ended up losing their millions, to the point of being miserable the rest of their lives. The guy who wrote this book used to work for a company that would give lottery winners lump sum millions instead of their usual lottery payments. Nowadays, most lotteries give winners the lump sum choice, so many of these companies are out of business now. But nonetheless, you realize that just having money without the education and "know how" can quickly slip through your fingers and be gone before you know it. Read about the nonsense these folks spent their money on and how it changed most of their lives for the worse.


Reading List for those who have everything but want to see what the "have nots" are doing:

My Secret Life on the McJob: Lessons from Behind the Counter Guaranteed to Supersize Any Management Style by Jerry Newman. I had a whole new sense of what it must be like working behind the counter in fast food. Even though this book focuses mostly on managers and what they do wrong (and sometimes right), it still glazed the surface of what it must be like, surviving on a fast food paycheck. It also made me reconsider my attitude and demeanor when I order my next Happy Meal.

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. An absolutely heart wrenching story of what it's like to be on the bottom, scraping by on a pocketful of tips. This lady didn't even have a place to stay or her own bank account...something I never thought would be possible in America. This'll also make you think twice the next time you visit your local greasy spoon.

Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream by Adam Shepard. If you can get through the cussing, find out what it's like to start with nothing but $25. Follow this homeless man's journey, trying to chase an American dream. Yes, the book is a bit flawed, cause the guy is pretty educated and has the education to help himself and is only doing this temporarily for the book, but still...it's a look through the looking glass into poverty and what some may see as hopelessness and others see as opportunity come knockin'.


The Working Poor: Invisible in America by David K. Shipler. Read stories about those who are at the very bottom of our economic ladder. The one highlight of this book? The author does give some ideas of what our government can do to make these ranks smaller. You can be sure my sons read this book before they gently get nudged out of the nest.

Flat Broke with Children: Women in the Age of Welfare Reform by Sharon Hays. What is it like living on welfare? Why is it so difficult to get off welfare? Share insights into the lives of those caught in the vicious cycle of a state-sponsored leg up or do you call it a hand-out?



Have you read any books along these lines lately? Anything to add on the books mentioned above? Feel free to post a review!

You CAN read eBooks on ANY mp3 Player...Right Now!

I know every once in a while, I like to go off on a tangent and talk about my Zune. Now, I've never had an iPod before, and maybe that's where I am a little bit sheltered, but I am constantly finding good things to do with my Zune. An mp3 player is not just for music, videos and pictures. I don't accept the official party line that neither the Zune nor iPod supports PDFs or eBooks! So, I did a little trolling around the internet. I found a nifty little program that WILL let me read eBooks on my device. Yes, you can do it on the iPod or any other device that reads picture files too. Here's how.

I recently downloaded Suze Orman's Women and Money, after Oprah gave it away for free the other week. Since I don't spend too much time on the computer, I haven't read it yet but would like to. I spend a lot of time in my car....waiting...running errands...then waiting in line...doctors' offices....wherever...waiting. Up til now, I've been listening to some of my favorite talkshow personalities and hosts via podcast, as well as watching some documentaries and movies I had downloaded to take along. Now, I do like to look around and smell the roses and take in the scenery too, don't get me wrong...but, I just can't get away from sinking my teeth into a good book every now and then along with these little electronic stimulations. I am like my father, in that everywhere I go, I either have a newspaper or book in tow. I can't even go to sleep at night without reading...anything, even if it's a package label if that's all there is...but again, I am digressing and getting off topic!

I have about ten eBooks on my computer, from various sources, darn it...that I'd really like to read, and I am NOT buying another electronic device, ala Amazon's new Kindle. I found and downloaded some free software called eBook to Images. The gist is that this program converts every page in your eBook (in whatever format it is originally in, to include PDF images) to bitmap or jpg files, your choice. It won't convert any pictures in the book, just the written word, which is the most important part anyway.

Here are some screenshots of the program, as well as some photos of how your eBook can look on your device. You can even add page numbers, change the orientation, image size/resolution and a few other things. At first I thought the letters would be too small to read, but the Zune has such a nice large screen (larger than the iPod), that so far, I have no sign of any eyestrain.

When converting your eBook with this software, be sure to use the settings below to get the best possible copy.

• Screen width and height should be 320 x 240.

• Click "page numbers" and "rotate 270 deg".

• Keep the black background and white lettering; I've found this leaves nice and crisp lettering and is easier to read.

• Font no smaller than size 10.

• Click "ignore trailing returns".

• Click "Convert to images" to start the process.

• Once the software is done, click "Show Results" to see where the folder was deposited on your computer. On mine, it was put in the "My Documents" folder.

• For the Zune, put this converted book folder (I renamed mine with book title and author) into your "My Pictures" folder. When it is time to sync with your mp3 player, you should see the book folder listed there along with all the other picture folders you have.

• When viewing in your mp3 player, make sure you have your shuffle feature turned off and view each jpg in order, page by page.
  

It's just a little annoying seeing the original book page numbers mixed in with the new page numbers the converting program put in there, but otherwise, I enjoy being able to read my eBooks away from the computer.

How do you read your eBooks? Do you have a PDA or do you read them on your computer? Or do you not even do eBooks? Now I'm wondering what else I can do with my Zune....what is your favorite gadget? Do you have a favorite little program that makes your gadget perform even better?

Skinny Songs for Skinny-Wanna-Be Butts?

I recently got a CD in the mail for review. It's called Skinny Songs, and the lady who put this CD together, is a weight loss survivor herself. She says that there isn't a lot of motivational music out there, huh? And that is why she came up with this music CD. My impressions?

Well, it looks professionally enough put together. I think it's a bit strange that none of the artists are listed for any of the ten songs on the CD, as they are truly very talented and have great singing voices. I think the founder and lyricist of Skinny Songs, Heidi Roizen wrote all the songs and then had other people do the singing and producing.

Now I must say, the songs are very upbeat and do lend themselves to those songs you like to sing to. I can imagine doing a workout or even cleaning the house, keeping up with the beat. The songs range from country to hip-hop, and there is probably a music genre for everyone in here. What kind of rubbed me the wrong way though, was the annoying lyrics. Some sound just plain silly. You can read some of the lyrics here. Also, if you are sensitive in nature, this is not for you, cause Heidi doesn't beat around the bush of what makes you fat and keeps you there. I had to rewind a few times, thinking I heard something off-kilter...yep, sure did.

Be sure to listen to some music samples and you can also read about Heidi Roizen and her journey. I do like her t-shirts that say "objects in mirror will get thinner than they now appear". The full CD is a bit pricey at $14.99. I can find A-lister artists at much lower prices, and their stuff won Grammy Awards. I don't think she should be charging so much, especially if she doesn't even care to put the artists' names on the label. But, this Heidi must have friends in high places, as she did show up on Martha Stewart at one time. Not everyone gets there I suppose. So, if you need some inspiration and want to check out a little something different, be sure to have a listen.