Let’s start with the promotion shall we. Sometimes I forget to mention the truly amazing, strong, fierce, women that I am surrounded by daily and M is no exception. Being in the military definitely is a good reason for it but even my friends back home are strong, fierce, opinionated. I met M because we are house neighbors, she lives in the same building as me, and she is a member of the Army.

It just so happens she was promoting to Major (Now she out ranks me and can order me around if she so chooses) and she invited me to come along. How privileged I felt! Any excuse to get out of work is a good one and so I woke up early to drive to the NATO base to see her promoted among her office and friends.

She’s Amazing!

Don’t worry, we’re never too old to act a little crazy even on promotion day!

Her gang, 2 officer’s from Denmark, and her BFF who flew in just for the night for the promotion. Don’t worry she works for an airline.

At the end of the ceremony we all raised a shot of jack and had a toast, that happens at 1100 every day at the club M and the 2 Denmark officers are a part of. Afterwards there is a 1 minute moment of silence and this is something I want to recognize in the future. It gave me goosebumps.

Afterwards we all went down the road for a luncheon at an Italian restaurant. The wine was flowing freely, so freely that we ended up with 2 open to go bottles. Ohh Italy.

Now the Promotion and After Party do not have anything in common. M was on her way to Sicily for the weekend with the officers from Denmark and I was off to a galla event, one that my office was putting together.

One week before this day, I was approached about coordinating a party that our department would throw, but we would be inviting anyone who was interested in attending. I was immediately designated as the social event coordinator (which I’m not sure if I will get out of this role any time soon) and so it began. We made the event on Facebook, did a little bit of planning and set the date.

Which so happened to be the same day as the promotion. Saying goodbye to M on her way to the airport I was picked up by one of the guys in my office, just getting off work (drank a little bit too much at lunch) and he took me to our first stop of the evening.. the party bus stop.

Boarding the bus we headed to our first destination. Our Captians house. To cause a ruckus and demand he join us for our escapades.

Hold up the beers boys.

Cheers to all these awesome guys, their wives, and everyone that came out for the party.

There were a lot of jokes, as you can see, quite a bit of laughter on the bus.

Look at F’s intensity as he crushes that can. It was turning out to be a very fun night from the get go.

Arriving at our Captians house we stayed for a few drinks and a couple of toasts and then it was right back to the bus to head to the party!

Things were getting pretty serious on the bus.

Cheers to this beautiful woman. D in the house!

Okay so we’ve had  few drinks.

I told everyone to stand up but now I’m thinking they should probably sit down.

Then we arrived at the building and there was this moped.

Then there were all of these cool things, including this gothic style table.

So we sat down at it.

Then came the moped again. That thing was pretty popular throughout the evening. Everyone wanted their turn!

This is how you have dinner at a table like this.

“What up man?”

Then there was this old radio and what better man to ponder its existence then the one that’s dressed to impress.

Then there was about 3 different fire pits like this throughout the place. Did I ever tell you how much I love a good fire?!

Then there were a couple of pianos. Not very in tune but M never misses a moment to show off his skills.

Then there was this photo, which we were impersonating. HA!

Finally all of the guests started arriving. This guy! One of our last few weekends hanging out. He’s off to Kuwait on deployment for the next 6 months 🙁

D wanted some love too!

Then the dancing began.

Questions were asked and answered.

The DJ began and the dance floor filled.

He had so many moves he almost had to be held back.

Then the zumba instructor got involved and everyone was in awe.. as you can tell from the faces.

She started leading the dances, cuz she’s so fancy!

Friends came and went.

Even the boys thought they could impress us with a few moves.

The guy we were able to hire for the night. He works over at the hospital.

Then swinging was involved.

The man who made it all happen in the hat everybody.

When the dancing gets serious, it’s serious.

Then there were best friends who are completely adorable.

Then there were thermal hot springs that they left open for us. Ended up being very popular!

More people joining the fun.

Then there was a good idea to start throwing people in. I feel like it always come to that. But not the best dressed guy!

Don’t worry he was able to fend them off with his fists of steel.

The people in the thermal baths started to try to coax the rest of us in. I clutched onto my camera possessively. No water for me tonight.

Couldn’t resist. haha.

Serious look.

Then there were people telling stories animatedly with their eyes closed.

Laughter was had.

Then a scratching of the head. Not sure what he’s saying?!

All in all it turned into an awesome night. We had almost 70 people come and we had posted it less than 7 days before hand. The DJ continued till 0300 and even after he was finished we sat by the fire chatting and carrying on. It wasn’t until almost 0430 when my head hit the pillow.

This article appeared first on The Cassey Excursion.