What's Next?

That's a huge question. Sooo many people have asked what the next adventure I have in store. That is partly decided but also flexible. Some of you may know that a goal of mine is to live on every continent. I consider "living" to be about 6 months or more. The idea behind this is to get a more inside look at different cultures and lifestyles and to have a base from which to travel. Thus far I have North America, Australia, and Europe done. I have applied to a range of jobs from National Parks within the US to a research station in Antarctica to cruise ship jobs. We will have to wait and see what happens. I am excited about the idea of starting a new life somewhere. The specific location is still yet to be determined.
As of now my plan is to leave Germany on Nov 19th and spend 10 days in Spain. I'll then be in Vermont for a week or two before I drive south to the Florida Keys with my mom as co-pilot. Once in Florida I have a job for a few weeks at the camp I've worked at previously, then nothing for several weeks and then back to camp for the Spring season. If something else comes up we will see how things go.
What are your suggestions for places that I should work?

13 months later...

So last night was my last night of work at Edelweiss and I've had lots of people asking me what did I wish I knew before that I know now. So I've been thinking and here's what I've come up with...
1. Make a budget for yourself. Figure out how much to spend on food each month, how much you can spend on clothes, etc so that you can have enough money to travel.
2. Don't buy too many things because it is hard and expensive mailing home lots of boxes and suitcases.
3. Watch what you eat and drink... be careful shopping for yourself and of staff cafe. Exercise.
4. Buy things second hand to help save money. People are leaving all the time, talk to them and buy stuff off of them.
5. Use as many of the free resources as you can. Request movies from the library rather than paying to rent at the PX.
6. Research trips ahead of time and double check dates before you click confirm! And don't forget your passport! (Sorry Elizabeth!)
7. Enjoy Garmisch, it's a beautiful town with alot to offer... you just have to search sometimes.

Other notes and ideas...
Calling in sick when you aren't... isn't worth it. Someone will see you and tell and it will come back to bite you. Plus you are just screwing over your co-workers.
Get to know someone from every department because if you need help with something you have a person to contact. Know who the bosses are so you don't make yourself look like a fool.
Be careful what you post on Facebook! From pictures of you doing questionable things to negative comments about your boss or co-workers, just don't. It makes you look bad.
If you have an idea on how to make something better let your boss know. Not only will it make you look good, something might get done.
Be careful of what you say to people. Whether at work or in the Abrams. This place is a gossip mill and word will travel. Also guests can hear alot more than you think so if you're going to complain about them do it far enough away that they don't hear.

So in summary Edelweiss isn't perfect and it has it's issues. I have learned that first hand. But it is still a job that you can put on your resume and you should take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered. Your specific job may not be the most glamorous but guess what, that's life.
Travel, and learn from your experiences. Grow as a person. Mature into a worldly citizen. Appreciate the soldiers and remember that freedom isn't free.

Fest Season?

So I realized that I never posted about fest season! How could I!
So back in August the first fest was Garmischerfest located just around the corner from where I live. The experiences included lots of beer, umpa bands, and lots of friends. A new experience for me was witnessing people standing on tables and having everyone at your table lift you up and drink a beer... I didn't try it because 1: I couldn't chug a liter of beer and 2: I was nervous about falling off the bench which was on the ground and the idea of standing on a table that's about 8 feet up in the air, no way!
There were a few nights where there was an entrance fee and many reserved tables. One of those I was able to go early and saved a table for friends that were working and had dinner before the band started playing. It's lots of fun when almost everyone in the giant tent is standing on a bench singing and jumping and dancing to the music.
Next was Partenkirchenfest which was in the other half of the city so a taxi ride each way was required. Similar events happened here but one exception was a stone lifting competition. It was an interesting spectacle! We had no idea that one of our co-workers, Joel from accounting, was participating. The competition was broken up into different weight classes. Joel put in his best effort but didn't win. From the name you'd think that they were lifting a large rock but this was actually a weight with a handle on it. Very interesting to say the least.
I also got to go to one of the band nights at Partenkirchenfest as well which was lots of fun as well. I still don't understand why Germans love the song Country Roads so much.
Next was Oktoberfest which was held in Munich. I only was able to go once but it was a blast. It was a girls trip with Holly, Haley, and Morgan. We went on several rides and then enjoyed some beers both in the beirgartens outside and inside the tents. We had a great time and made lots of great memories.
I have posted some pictures on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2116024&id=44801562&l=e7d6f56b03
The album also includes Morgan's going away party.