Tour for the Troops

Since we have been here in Turkey, there really has not been that much in the way of entertainment on base here. Before we got here they had Kid Rock and rumor has it they spent all the funds on him, so nothing could be done the rest of the year! Ha.
Anyhow, in October, word got out that Daughtry was coming to town. Sometimes it's best to not get your hopes up about something like this because you never know if it will happen or not. But deep down inside I was totally excited! I'm not the groupie, overwhelming fan but I definitely like his stuff; and he's not bad to look at!
Well, needless to say, last night was the night Daughtry came to town!! The AF Reserve Band, Daughtry and Gabriel Iglesias put on an awesome evening of entertainment for us. We had a blast! And by "We" I may mean my girlfriends and I more than my husband and I. He was excited about the comedy, but not as excited about Daughtry. lol

So, let's begin the night...one of my friends and I walked to where the concert was located. The concert was starting at 7, but "doors" were opening at 6. We got there about 545ish..saw a line of people and asked what it was for. (There was no information about meet and greets before hand). Ends up, the line was for people wanting to have their picture taken with Daughtry. Uh well, YEAH, we want that! We got our tickets and stood in line. Have I mentioned how cold it gets at night here?!! Okay, well let's be serious...it was cool enough that I only needed a sweatshirt and not a coat, but still! The difference between the daytime and nighttime temps is DRASTIC! *I digress.* So, we stand in line, freezing. At this time it was just the one friend of mine (her hubby) and me waiting. We had other friends coming so we kept a lookout for them and J-Twice. Fortunate for them, they got the LAST ticket for the photo op. (Lucky for her, bc she LOVES Daughtry!)

We finally get inside to where the photos are taken, shake the band's hands and snug in close next to Chris. hahaha (true story) I am still waiting on those pictures to be released and honestly, I'm not being very patient!

After that, The Air Force Reserve Band did a few songs, and then Gabriel Iglesias was introduced. "Fluffy Guy" is HILARIOUS!!!! There were a few kids in the audience, most especially in the front row, so he had to keep it clean. Luckily they announced that he would be doing an "after show" at the Club. J-Twice was mostly looking forward to that!

Once he was done, it was time to rock out with Daughtry! I stayed up front with my friends and J-Twice escaped to the back where his friends were. I was up front admiring, I mean photographing, for the first few songs and then escaped the madness to where J-Twice was. Which actually wasn't a bad spot, but it was freezing because it wasn't as crowded as up front. Either way, I enjoyed the show and thought it was great entertainment for the evening! I'll post a few pictures, but they're all on my Facebook so you can see them there!

After the show was over, we all stuck around for a bit and realised we had tickets to get our pictures taken with Gabriel, so we stood in a very short line for that and then noticed the band was out doing autographs and pictures. Umm...hellloooo...of course we were "groupies" and got everyone's autographs!!! Chris and his band were all so friendly! It was awesome. (Minus Chris' bodyguard, he looked rather un-friendly!) LOL

Okay, now it was time to head to the Club for the "Unclean" Comedy Show. J-Twice was all excited about this, only downfall was....they ran out of seats.  WHAT?! REALLY?!!?!? You can't let five more people in!?! AHHHHHH...... We begged everyone that walked by to PLEASE let us in...and we failed every time. We offered to fulfill the request for Grey Goose, we offered to fulfill the request for a lighter, ANYTHING...and we got turned down. Every. Time. :( You could see it all over J-Twice's face that he was highly upset. (Because he would have preferred to been there earlier and not waiting to get autographs and photos!) What's a girl to do?! Well.....THIS girl had a lucky streak! There was a gentlemen working "security" for the evening and I had previously met him a time or two before. I see him around base and the surrounding areas every once and a while. He looked at me and say "HEY!" I politely said, can you get us in,PLEASE!? To which he replied, yeah-go in! In which I had to tell him they wouldn't let us because we didn't have wrist bands! At that time, he took my hand and led me in the overflowing room and I hollered "Let's Go!" to everyone that was with me. And just like that, I was the rockstar of the evening. Granted, we had to stand the whole time, but it was so worth it! Gabriel and his crew are HILARIOUS! MANY thanks to George for getting us in! :)

And that, there, my friends...is the story of the year!  hahaha No, really, we had a great time and I'm so very thankful for Daughtry and Gabriel Iglesias and the Air Force Reserves to put on a show and travel to different countries,to include down range, to perform for the troops that are so far from home. Thank you!

November is ending...

I find it hard to believe that November 2011 is coming to an end! As I was putting my Christmas decorations up and fall decor away, I realised this is the last time I will be doing that in this house. Seems so crazy, the time here in Turkey sure has flown by. Now we sit and wait to see where we will be pulling the decorations out next.

But first, let me say a Happy Belated Thankgiving to everyone! We had a great Thanksgiving spent at a friends house with good company. Another thing for me to be sad about, the amazing military family we have made here, this is our last year to celebrate the holidays together. Or, I should say...our last year in Turkey to celebrate together, as who knows where the military road will take us all!



Before stuffing our faces and bellies!

Needless to say, I didn't take any photos this Thanksgiving. I forgot. We always take a "Family photo" at our Holiday celebrations and forgot this year! Such a shame! LOL 

***And a week later, I have revisited this post to finish it!***

If only I could remember anything I was going to write here! ha. Maybe about my Christmas decor I got up? You bet I was pulling it all out of the closet the Friday after Thanksgiving!!  I LOVE celebrating Christmas and decorating for it. It takes a lot to force myself to wait until after Thanksgiving. I would give anything to have a Hobby Lobby this year. I want more decorations and such...it's fun to change it up! Guess we'll have to wait until next year! (God willing there's a Hobby Lobby or such where we are located. Which is still not decided!)

Anyhow, enjoy a few pics of our decor..and we'll chat soon!



I had forgotten I did this, and couldnt figure out why the house smelled like coffee. haha



Entry Way Table..this is where HL comes in hand, this is boring to me.





Gotta have my Christmas Cottage Scentsy going!! :)



Most Prized Possession

Here in Turkey, we have a horrible time keeping the shelves stocked in the commissary (grocery for you non-military folks). If you remember this post about not having meat, that wasn't the last time that occurred...it seems to be a regular occurrence now a days. Rather frustrating, really.

Anyhow, with it being Thanksgiving in just two days I will let you guess what the most prized possession currently is....

You think you know??...


Should I take bets?.....


Okay, I'll tell you now...

It's CANNED PUMPKIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This lovely little can, right here, is what EVERYONE is looking for.


thank you, Google, for the pic

Quite frankly, because I LOVE Pumpkin and REFUSE to go a holiday without Pumpkin Pie...I picked up a few cans at least a month ago. And no, I am not sharing or giving up the extra can that I have. Well, okay..maybe if you offered the right amount of money for it (of course, by that I mean like $10,000 or more). So, sorry that others on base will be going without it, but I will be baking not just one, but two, of these amazing beauties for Thanksgiving dessert tomorrow..


again, thanks Google.

Which reminds me, I need to check to see if the Commissary has whipped cream tomorrow. ha ha I have one can but may need another. After all, my slices are usually as big as the one pictured above. :)

Another delicious pumpkin dessert I LOVE is the Pumpkin Roll. And yes, I will be enjoying a slice (or two) of that as well. 

Go ahead and judge me.


yes, you got it..Google again

You would do the same if you had cans of Pumpkin too!

Happy Pumpkin eating (or dreaming)!!!

**UPDATE** I had a couple friends on base that were needing some pumpkin and since I knew I was going to have some leftover, I decided to be an awesome friend and fulfill their pumpkin needs. Ha ha And I didn't even charge them the $10,000 I said it was worth! :) Meanwhile, I hope the pies and roll I made taste as delicious as they smell!

What to write...

I'm really at a loss for what to write here. There really hasn't been anything too exciting going on. The last couple weeks have been slow but at the same time, passing by rather quickly. I find it hard to believe that Thanksgiving is actually THIS Thursday!!!
This past Friday, we attended an ALS (Airmen Leadership School) Graduation. Unfortunately, I missed James' graduation because I was still home in Ohio when his occurred. But our buddy 'ol pal, Kevin, graduated this time so we went to cheer him on. It's always fun to see everyone looking nice in their Blues, and any girl loves an excuse to put a dress on. Right??? Okay, maybe not. But either way, it was fun! :)

Any many congrats to Kevin, for being awarded The Distinguished Graduate and The Diamond Sharp awards. 

Kevin and his wife, Erin

 The week before, Erin had just returned from a 6 month deployment (or vacation,either way! ha ha) so we all went to Karaoke night on base and had a good time. The boys serenaded us girls with "You've Lost That Loving Feeling". Rather comical if you ask me and I would PAY to have them do it again and actually record it! I am almost positive, I will get them to do it again soon! ha ha (Even though they claim us girls have to do a song first, but we'll see about all that!) I have warned that I only karaoke from my seat, and that's without a microphone! (Or with a Ketchup bottle, either or) Just sayin', it's probably better for all of us that way!

Okay, well ummm..I don't know what else to tell ya'll...so I will leave this until Thursday when I'll be back to wish ya'll a "Happy Thanksgiving!!" and to tell you all about ours. :)

Happy Veteran's Day

Many, many thanks to all who have served this great country. From Sea to shining Sea.

We're Alive...

I am officially a blog-slacker. It's been about 6 weeks since I have posted any kind of update.

Needless to say, there really has not been that much going on.  But I also have missed blogging some important events.
James was finally promoted to Staff Sergeant at the beginning of October. Yay for me and shopping money, ha ha. Totally kidding. He's enjoying the extra responsibility that comes with that extra stripe. (but only sometimes-ha)

My friend, K, had her baby at the end of September so I've been enjoying my "baby snuggling" with her. :) Us girls are back into a routine of getting out and about. Just a couple weeks ago we made an adventure downtown because we're all tired of being on this base. I think it's safe to say this little one enjoyed her time out..

I just love her face in this pic

 Another highlight of October was Trick or Treat night...J-Twice was rather upset when I told him each child gets one piece of candy. I finally figured out this year why the candy always goes so quickly when he hands it out...he admitted to giving a handful to each child. Wow.

"Dexter" and "Waldo"

At first we had a lot of candy left and then we got bombarded with Turkish children. They are fun to watch because they don't really know about it, they just see all the American children going door to door and walking away with bags full of candy. A few of them learned "Happy Halloween" vs. "Trick or Treat", they don't wear costumes, and they just hold their hands out and put the candy in their pants pockets. :) Just another way to show the difference in all the cultures of the world.

That's about all of the excitement we have experienced here lately.  Not a whole lot going on.  On the other hand it's hard to believe that we have reached our 15 month mark of our time here in Turkey. That means we only have 9 months left, this time has flown by!!! I can not believe it's November already, where has the time gone!? We still have a lot more traveling that we would love to do so time needs to slow just a little bit.  It's in the plans to actually be able to go home for Christmas this year. Very much looking forward to that. We loved our time spent with our "military family" at the holidays last year but it will be nice to be with our family and friends back home. After the beginning of the year we will do some of our traveling and see what we can cross off our list. But most importantly, my parents are planning on visiting next Spring and I cant wait!!!! :) Should be a good time! And, after the beginning of the year, we should be finding out where our next adventure in this military life will be taking place! We're excited to see where the road leads us.

Okay, I don't really have anything else to update here, so stay tuned to see if I can actually keep up with this blog this month. Happy November to all my readers!

Welcome back to Turkey...

As soon as I stepped off the plane, I remembered where I was! It was so hot and humid, I forgot what it was like.  After checking in with passport control and waiting forever on our bags, I was finally able to hug J-Twice's neck. It had been way too long. Our lovely neighbors were heading out the following morning to PCS back Stateside so we went to dinner with them shortly after I had arrived.  One downfall to this assignment being so "short" is the turnover is so quick. We just met these neighbors in late November and they are one fun couple. We are sure going to miss them.  That and the fact they are the only "neighbors" in our court that we actually speak to. LOL Besides that, we have awesome "neighbors" all over the neighborhood! One friend was upset because I said we didn't have any cool neighbors anymore...ha ha silly kid. (He lives around the corner.)
Any how...I was home 3 days before I decided to head out to the track with J-Twice for some exercise. Mind you....I had been running every morning for most of the summer..and then got on a 6 week hiatus. Not good!!!! Especially not good when he decides it is time for some sprint runs. Ha. A week later, my legs are still achy. This is where I messed up. I exercised that day, and that was it.  Apparently I wasn't as adjusted to the time as I thought. Last week was a little rough, but I made it through. The time has finally arrived that I am adjusted and getting along just fine. So we got back into the workout routine last night....and will stick to it. (I insist!!!)
Another way I was welcomed back to Turkey was my housing issues.  Last summer, I can't even tell you how many times we had to call maintenance to come fix our air conditioning. It was constantly going out. Ridiculous, I tell you.  Sooooo....go figure when after being home for A WEEK, my A/C wasn't working.  Okay, so maybe it's my fault  that I like the front door to be opened to let in some light during the day. hahaha I only say this because I was politely told by J-Twice " I never had a problem when you were gone". So what!! Shouldn't be happening! But a quick filter change and clean out of the A/C system, we were good to go again. EXCEPT...ONE PROBLEM...I also found a leak of some sorts in our guest room.  I happened to be in there sweeping the floor one day and noticed the floor was wet. Eh, not sure where that came from but, no big deal. Wipe it up and move on.  And then it came back. After calling that issue in to maintenance, and them not fixing it, and J-Twice calling back and fussing, me basically clearing out the room (because water was beginning to reach the other side of the room),and them coming back out and fixing it...this is what we got....

Yes, that my friends...is a picture of the floor they had to tear up because there was water under it. How wonderful.  So they came back the next day and replaced the tile, but only replaced it with a color that doesn't match the rest of the room, at all. But that's okay...because there are lots of spots like that in this house. ha ha Have I mentioned how old this house is, and that we are in one of the UN-renovated houses here on base.Yeah, fun. So much for "you reap what you sow"," leave a house how you would expect another" when we moved. But as I continuously remind myself, we have 10 months left!!!!
Okay, so enough of that complaining. I could be living in a house much worse than this, right?!!

So besides those two little issues, my time back in Turkey has been just wonderful. I've spent lots of time with my friends, whom I missed so much. I have gotten to spend every single night with my husband, man I missed the heck outta him. I've enjoyed the Turkey heat, even when it seems extreme, because I know it is much cooler back home and truth be told, I'd prefer the hot weather. And I'm looking forward to our traveling opportunities. 

Stay tuned for many more adventures in the Jorge household.

The time has come...

The time finally came that I had to return to Turkey.  I was so looking forward to it, but at the same time sad to leave friends and family behind, yet again.  Like my mom told J-Twice...by time he retires, I should be pretty darn good at "goodbyes", which I prefer to call "see ya later"s.  It has been quite a while since I have posted a blog. And because I know I have so many followers, ya'll are deeply saddened by this. ha!

Since my last post, my family went on vacation to Myrtle Beach and we had a nice, relaxing time. Made me miss the days of my extended family going..aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents...I couldn't help but reminisce about those days as I laid on the beach catching rays, watching the waves crash. But it also made me miss the days of when our friends would tag along as well. One of these summers we will relive those days. I can only hope.

Watching the waves crash

View from the pool

 After we returned home from that trip, I was in Ohio for 3 days, did my laundry, packed my bags again,and headed to KY! This was my last trip to KY for this long trip home to the States. It was finally time for Shawna Joy to get married!!!!!! I headed down on Wednesday morning, we had a bridal shower for her Thursday night, rehearsal and preparation Friday night and the wedding festivities on Saturday.  Talk about a busy couple of days.  One of the best parts of that weekend, besides celebrating the wedding of course, was seeing a friend that I haven't seen since our wedding, 3 years ago! That would be my lovely friend, Nikki!!!  I was sooooo excited to see her! Even though it had been 3 years since we had seen each other, to me, it seemed like we just picked up where we left off. It was so good to see her and meet her boyfriend, Brett. We all had a great time together. This is where I wish we were Stateside so we could all vacation together. One day, my friends. One day.


Nikki and Brett

Carter, Shawna and Collin



Shawna and I

Cake Cutting!!

The lovely Nikki

One of the best friends a girl could ask for, Bethro!!

Now after spending 5 days in KY, I was heading back to Ohio to do laundry, pack my bags and head back to Turkey!!! My time home flew by, it was so great to be able to be home as long as I was but it was so great to be getting on a plane and  heading back to my "home".  My home where my husband,friends and life were waiting for me.  I felt like I was missing out on a great deal by being home in Ohio for so long, but at last..here I am! Of course, by great deal I mean traveling! lol We have lots of places we still want to visit during our short 10 months left here so we're looking forward to all of that.
Needless to say, I over packed my bags, said my "see ya laters" , shed a couple tears and was on my way to Turkey! But not without a little bit of stressing that I wasn't going to make the flight...as only seems typical of traveling back overseas on Space Available flights! I swear there has GOT to be a less stressful, easier way to do this thing! :)

 Until next time, America!



Dad and I before I headed out...



August is almost over?!!

Really, where the heck did August go?!!!! Was it not just 29 April like umm..yesterday? Have I really been in the States for 4 months already? Wowzers! It's definitely time to go back to Turkey!! And I am heading there soon! Just a few more weeks and I get to go back to my husband, home and friends whom I've missed SO much! J-Twice tells me the kitchen and laundry room miss me as well....or it could just be his way of saying HE actually misses me being around. ha. But I also just remembered....I will FINALLY get to see my new dining room table and chairs..and the million and a half rugs J-Twice purchased when I first left! Everything is going to be like brand new to me again! Can't wait!  Since I've been gone all summer, there have been lots of people leaving and joining Turkey..so sounds like I will be meeting lots of new faces once I get back also. Nothing like making more friends!

Shawna's wedding (the reason I am still in the States!) is just a mere 2 weeks away from Saturday!!!!  I can't believe my best friend is finally getting married!! SO excited for her, she deserves the BEST! A couple weeks ago, a few of us girls took a trip to celebrate her Bachlorette party in Nashville...it was a blast!

We started the day off with lunch, mani/pedi's, shopping, a couple of the girls got tattoos ( I couldn't decide what I wanted), and then dinner at a Sushi restaurant..YES...I tried Sushi..and I admit, actually kind of liked it. That was either because it was actually good or because I wouldn't allow myself to swallow until it was all able to be swallowed (tasting as little as possible). ha ha And then had a night out on the town. It was fun! I didn't take my phone or camera so I have no proof of me trying the Sushi, just take my word! :)

I got to spend quite a few days with the kiddos I used to nanny for. They are a blast, never a dull moment with them. Made me miss them even more, I hate how grown they are now and I'm missing out! The boys are both playing football and the girls are both cheering. They are the cutest kids ever. I forgot how much you are ready for school to start at the end of the summer! Their mother and I just kept giving each other the look of "OMG! Seriously!?" But it was so much fun and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Next week, my family (minus my brother and husband) is heading to the beach. I'll be back in Ohio for a couple days and then heading to KY to celebrate Shawna and Will's wedding. Three days after that, I start my journey back to Turkey! This summer has surely flown by, and I've enjoyed just about every minute of it! No, really...I've enjoyed every minute of it! I couldn't ask for a better family to take care of me while I've been home all this time.  Being here for so long will probably make it hard to leave again, but knowing I will be home soon after (just not for a long, extended period of time) will make it just a little bit easier. And knowing that my family plans to come visit Turkey next year will definitely give us something to look forward to.

Until next time!

July Memories

The month of July absolutely FLEW by for me. Mostly because J-Twice was finally able to come home, Stateside, for a visit. Still wishing he was here because I am missing the heck out of him! It had been 11 months since he had been in the States and he would get rather jealous of the things I was doing, places I was eating while he was "stuck" in Turkey. The night of 29 June was one of the best nights of my life...I was beyond ecstatic to see him...when he walked out of the terminal and just to see his smiling face..lit up my world! The following days were about to be amazing.


Our first day together after 9 weeks apart

We ate at every restaurant we've been talking about missing for the last 10 months, we shopped our hearts out, took road trips together, laughed together, loved each other and just enjoyed each others company.  I sure missed the heck out of him while we were apart.

J-Twice's buddy, Ben, lives in Seattle and came for a visit while he was home. Those two together are something else...let me tell you!! Ben was in town for 2 weeks, and they spent just about every day together and caused trouble while they were together! :) Even if they try to tell you otherwise.


Our new friend,Ian, Ben and J-Twice

In Columbus we have Red, White and BOOM! for the 4th of July and it's a huge deal. Thousands of people gather downtown and watch fireworks. I haven't been in YEARS but James was insistent upon going this year so we went. It was crowded and overpriced, but had a good time anyways.

After spending a few days in Columbus, we headed East to our old stomping grounds, DC.  I never, in a million years, would have thought I would have missed that place but boy do I ever! Most of all, I miss the fabulous friends we made there.

We arrived on the 4th of July, so we watched fireworks from the water front on base and then headed out to Adam's Morgan to reminisce about the good times.
 I sure do miss the heck out of this beautiful lady. She was my rock while J-Twice was deployed.  We may not talk often, but when we do, its like no time has passed at all. I only wish I could be there for her the way she was for me when her hubby deploys here in a couple weeks.

The following morning we drove to Ocean City so J-Twice could get his toes in the sand and jump around in the waves. (Such a kid, I tell ya!) We only stayed one night since we were on such a tight schedule but we enjoyed it anyhow.

All he ever talks about when we mention Ocean City is Thrasher's Fries...so that was a MUST before we left...even if it meant he had to have it for breakfast. And he enjoyed every bit of it...that is...until i put WAY too much vinegar on it (so HE says!) haha

Another FABULOUS person we have in DC is J-Twice's cousin, Tina. She is a rockstar!!!! Fabulous, I tell ya!

It was SO nice to have some kind of family while living in DC. We always had such a great time together and she cooks Puerto Rican food amazingly!!!!!!! Needless to say, we crashed her house while staying in DC and J-Twice was LOVING the home cooked PR food. lol Another good thing Tina is good for..the night life! This chick loves to go out and knows EVERYONE!! We had another fabulous night out in Adams Morgan and had a wonderful time spent together. Even Ben! When he wasn't put in time out for saying something ridiculous! :)

This was just the first week J was home! Oy Vey! Back in Columbus...we went to "wing night" so we could finally get some good wings. Needless to say...the wings served at "wing night" on base in Turkey are by far..the most nasty things ever!!! J hung out with his buddies and/or my brother, nightly. We don't need to mention what that included! :) LOVE YOUUUU!!! We hung out with his mom a few times, and one of his brothers. I don't have a lot of pictures of the rest of his time home but I do know that he had a great time visiting. I only wish he was able to stay as long as I am. Or that I choose to go back home with him. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed my time home, and spending all this time with my family has been fabulous..but I'm ready to get back to my regularly scheduled life now!

Here's to counting down the next 6 weeks and enjoying the rest of the memories that are to be made.