Coming Home for Chirstmas!!!

I am sitting at the airport, waiting on my flight, which has been delayed. By tonight, I will be sleeping in my own bed! HAHAHA!!! AHH, this is awesome! I've never been so homesick before.

See ya in a few,

Party Like Iraq...

Party like Iraq star!

2!!!

5

Feeling Fobbish

6 days and a wakeup! Only 6 full days left!

Word has it that we will be completing our 7k road march on the 22nd. It's going to be a LOOOOOONG day. Up at 0400 or 0430, walk 4.375 miles with about 60lbs of gear, probably in the snow, up hill, both ways. Actually, our 5k march was in the snow, with a sand base. Then we'll travel to the airport, likely taking 1-2hrs, pass through security...................5hrs later, get on the plane, drive from the airport to home. Probably pretty late. But then, the next day, I'm back at my home church! Oh, it's so close, I can almost taste it!

The past few days, we've been training on patrols. We've been using blanks for training, and I'm disappointed because I haven't had anything to shoot at! I've got 400+ rounds to fire and I've only shot 3! Speaking of weaponry (sp?), I went to the range, on perhaps the worst day, weatherwise, possible. It was foggy and rainy. It was in the mid 30s to lower 40s and it rained and rained and rained. When it let up for a bit, it was still a drizzle. I couldn't see any targets past 150m, and there were targets out to 400m! I managed to hit them anyway. Just send enough bullets in the general direction and you'll hit something! But laying there in the mud and sand with cold rain falling, wow! I was soaked like I jumped in a pool. It was crazy. That was a bad day.

Supposedly, the rest of our time here is going to be crazy busy. Like, up at 0430, asleep by 2300. 4:30am and 11:00pm to you civilians. 5 and a half hours a night. Ya, I'll be getting some sleep when I get back.

Anywho, 6 days and a wakeup!

This morning, I finally got a chance to make it to chapel, and what a difference it makes. It's amazing how quickly one's prospective can get off when there's no reference point visable. There's something about fellowshiping with other believers that brings everything back into prospective. Maybe it's just the reminder that other people are going through the same thing.

I met someone today that plays drums and guitar in a worship band. We talked for a bit about churches and songs and such. They're going to the One Thing festival over new years. http://www.fotb.com/ Had I known in advance, I'd go too, but alas, that's for another year.

Less than 2 weeks!!!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Though I need a telescope and night vision to see it.

I found out the chaplin MIGHT be able to stay. He's supposed to find out today. Plus, it's only 2 weeks till I come home!!!

Temporary Blindness: The conclusion

My eye has finally nearly healed. Just slight blurryness remaining. Man, was that an ordeal! I should be back to regular training this afternoon. I've got one more appointment on monday.

I just found out that our chaplin is non-deployable due to medical issues! He was a good guy too! I'm going to miss him. It's really unfortunate because I was just starting to get to know him too. Supposedly, they're going to transfer in another chaplin. I really hope so. It's good to have that one person you know you can talk to that's right there with you.

Ok, a complete shift of topic...I just heard about my friend's art show.....best story I've heard in a long time!

The saga continues...

I just heard this story this morning. My friend was called into an administrator's office last week. They thought he might be considering shooting up the school!! For his art show he redid a well known ad, National lampoon's "If you don't buy this magazine i'll shoot your dog". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon He found the add over Thanksgiving break and redid it to say "Go to my art show or i'll shoot your dog". Overall, the show itself went really well. However, that wasn't the end of the issues. My friend's top art teacher, the students are supposed to buy their frames from his frame business, but my friend refused to spend that kind of money. Also, The student's are supposed to use the graphic place he recommends to do your art show announcements....$500 by the way for the cards. He refused. So in retaliation (sp) the teacher refused to send his's referral letter to a college in Maine! Last update, things are being straightened out. I have to say, that's one of the most rediculous things I've heard in a long time!!!

Check this out!

I've been listening to a Podcast from Crosspoint Community Church. This last Sunday, they did something amazing: A reverse offering! That's right, they gave money out to the attenders!!! The topic of the sermon was how loving and giving go hand in hand. And how can a church teach about giving when it's not willing to give itself? You can read about it below.

http://crosspointcc.blogspot.com/2007/12/gift-of-giving-cash-giveaway.html

Also, be sure to check out the accompanying podcast.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=268842654

Temporary Blindness cont....

Day 4: My vision is returning slowly. Apperently I had early stages of pink eye at the time that I was sprayed. Plus, the pepper spray dried into small crystals. When I cleaned my eyes that night, the crystals scratched the cornea of my left eye. Between the eye trying to heal and the pink eye, my eye blurred up with discharge. I've been granted 48hrs of quarters (time off) to heal, so it's not too bad. I've been catching up on important things, like podcasts, blogs etc.

The past few days, the weather took a turn for the worse. Sunday morning, it was around 28 degrees with snow on the ground. This is the day we did a 5 mile road march, wearing 30lbs of body armour. It warmed up to the lower 40s, and that's when we got sprayed.

"In an Army training event, individuals were sprayed with 5% OC. The spray pattern was a single pass horizontally along the eyebrow with eyes closed. The initial contact causes no discomfort, but when the eyes are opened, a burning sensation is felt immediately. The spray makes it nearly impossible to open the eyes and have useful vision. This is the primary effect when first sprayed. There is no incapacitation, and the performance of physical tasks is still possible, but after approximately 15 seconds to one minute a severe burning occurs wherever the spray has come in contact with the face. The sensation is reminiscent of the after-effects of a burn from scalding water. Comparable eye pain would be putting contact lens cleaning solution into one's eye, but much more lingering and distracting. The pain persists for quite some time, about 45 minutes of intense burning. The only relief was to press the face against air conditioning vents. Washing was not possible as oil-based OC is not water soluble." -- Wikipedia

We stood there with our eyes closed and they sprayed our eyebrows. We then had to open our eyes and run through a defensive course. We had to defend ourselves using a foam baton against mock enemies. About 2 minutes after being sprayed, we got our face washed with water. Let me tell you, the water was such a shock, it literally takes your breath away. The water was so cold! When your face is on fire, it feels good, but wow. We then spent 10-15min in front of a large fan before packing up and leaving. I'm pretty sure this past Sunday was the worst experience of my life!

Fortunately, things are getting better now.

P.S. If someone threatens you with pepper spray.....just stop. It's not worth it!

What a day

I am temporarily and partially blinded in one eye. OC spray is no joke! Please note, it's ONLY temporary. Details later.

What a long week! We went through the gas chamber a second time. (First time was basic training). This time, however, we had to cover our skin with this charcoal like stuff to decontaminate ourselves. We came out looking like coal miners! Then later this week, we were given a drug test! Yay....wake up at 3am! Thats right, we were up at 0300 and kept up all day. That was a blast *rolls eyes*!!! A few days ago, we did some unarmed self defence training that used principles from Akido. It was pretty crazy! If you did the move right, you could knock the opponant on the ground with minimal force! They also taught us pressure points! Ask me about em when I'm back in town, I'll demonstrate a few! :)

Eventually, I've been told, I will be receiving pepper spray to the eyes! I am NOT looking forward to that. OOOh, and I got to drive a HMMV (pronounced humvee). I'm sure this will get old, but the first time was exciting!

Ok, link time!

First, Paul Potts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxOytYLlhiQ&feature=related
I heard about this in Rob Bell's podcast.

Second,

The 9 Most Bad Ass Bible Verses.
*disclaimer: Site have profanity (If you can't already tell by the title)
From my friend's blog. http://www.arkaonco.blogspot.com/

Laters,

Frustration

Have you ever met someone that is disorganized? It's almost like watching a guinea pig. It seems like they hop from one activity to another with no plan or order, yet each day seems haphazardly like the one before and the one after. An overall pattern, but not to the point that you could look at your watch and make an accurate guess as to what the guinea pig is doing. My unit is lead by a bunch of overpaid guinea pigs.

In the Military, there is a huge importance placed on the chain of command. Every soldier, from the brand new private, all the way up to 3 star generals have someone of higher rank that they report to. I, as a private first class, have no business talking to a 3 star general, I report to a Staff Sergent. However, I find that most of the time, he has no clue what's going on. Neither does his supervisor, or his supervisor, or his supervisor. If I want to find out what's going on, I'd have to jump straight to the higher ranks. This is highly frowned upon. However, I don't fault any of my supervisors as the problem lies higher up. Those on top are fighting for control and forgetting that us lower ranks are present. Every day, it's a suprise.

Needless to say, it's hard to fearlessly follow your leaders when your confidence goes about as far as you can throw them. At least those I will be on missions with are competent. In any case, it's frustrating to no end to have no idea how to run your day. I just have to take it one day at a time.

Short update. I will be home for Christmas!!!

This is what I would have posted on the 19th of November

November 19th, 2007
I've settled into my new New Jersey home. We moved in to a FOB. (Forward Operating Base) and they have us in tents. It's cold out here. It's not too bad, we have heat and electricity and bunk beds. It's out door toilets and showers and a separate chow hall. As it gets colder, it's going to be harder to leave the tent. However, when I was living back home, I was in a building without food or plumbing for a few years. I'm sorta used to this! They have a recreation center here. It has a large screen TV with Satellite as well as a projector for movies. They were installing some additional stuff today, but I'm not sure what. Also in there is a bunch of workout equipment. I'm going to try to get in there often. We'll see how that goes. We're supposed to get wireless internet out here too, but it's down at the moment. I used a public computer to post this. Well, just popping in to say hello. Send me mail!!! Call my parents, my sister or my church for my address. The only off-limits items are stuff you can't ship anyway such as weapons and fireworks and stuff. Well, that and alcohol.

This is my last post from the state. NOTE: not from the states, but from the state. Today we had a send off ceremony which included the local police department and the Patriot Guard. It was really cool, but it was also really hard. Seeing my family and saying goodbye is something I hope to never have to do again! I've been mentally preparing myself for some time, but nothing can quite prepare you enough. It is good to know I am not alone.

En Route

I'm in the final stages of in state training. Scrambling to make sure I have everything I need. Fortunately, the past two days have been many times better than the 14th. I'm still busy as heck, but it's manageable.

More later....

Sigh....

Before I say anything I'll regret later, I'll just say,

I had a really bad day.


...................sigh..............

CLS Certified

From this past Thursday till tomorrow, I've been in a class for CLS certification. CLS stands for Combat Life Saver. They teach me the basic first aid skills needed to save a life on the battlefield. This includes stopping bleeding to correcting a collapsed lung. I even had to start an IV today! That's right, I stuck someone with a needle, and they stuck me! I got it on my first try......and guy I was sticking......he missed twice! I've only got two arms, so I was done being a pincusion. I don't like needles anyway! However, at least I know I can do it. So next time you need an IV, give me a call! I promise I'll charge less than a doctor!

Tomorrow, we have a short test, then we're released for the rest of the day! I'm taking the oppertunity to spend it with my family so I'm driving home. I also get Monday off as well!!! It'll be nice to see them once more.

Quick little post. I uploaded some pictures to Facebook recently. Below is a link to a series of pictures I took of Steve H. This is using film, and no photoshop or any editing of any kind was done to this pictures. Anyone who knows me would know that anyway. :)



Enjoy!

http://niu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2146578&l=ae186&id=30823954

Ratatouille

First off, I don't like posting twice daily. However, if you look at the time of the post, the last post was just after midnight before I went to bed, nearly 23 hours ago. Thus, it's been technically one day since the last post, so HA! :)

I just saw this movie for the first time. Man, is it good! I heard a review for the movie that had little good to say about it and I was worried it wasn't going to be good. However, it turns out that like most Christian movie reviewers, they completely missed the point. I swear, christian reviewers would give the worlds best ice creme 1 star because the font used on the packaging wasn't right and the overall color was a bit yellow for their liking. Nevermind the fact that the remaining 97% of the product (99.72% of what actually matters) was exceptional. They miss the ocean for a cup of water. Or as Jesus said, "You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." (My reference here is that for most christian movies, you have to swallow a camel, (put up with poor story, horrible acting, and bad camera work) just to be sure you are free from gnats (anything rated more than PG). Link at end of post.

Anywho, back to the story. In the movie, we have Remy the rat, who can cook creatively. Remy decides one day that he's not going to settle for the typical rat life. He leaves behind friends and family to be what he's supposed to be. Then we have Linguini the human, who can physically cook, but is as creative as a slug. He runs into Remy, and through some cartoon magic, the two pair up and begin making some amazing dishes. However, when asked about his skills, the fear of being rejected by his peers gets in the way and he begins to take credit for his "skills". Remy at this point, leaves Linguini on his own. Suddenly, Linguini doesn't know how to cook anymore. Linguini is quickly reminded of where his skill truely comes from and brings Remy back on board. If you haven't seen an important, and very biblical lesson yet, then you are blind.

Lastly, in the movie we have the ghost of Gusteau who first gets Remy interested in cooking. He also guides him as he learns, and gives him a verbal kick in the pants when things are down. Gusteau was a famous cook that had died a few years ago. Yet, all he can do is give suggestions and advice. The final choice is up to Remy himself. Gusteau was ultimately the source of all the cooking.

I feel like a combination of Remy and Linguini. As Remy, I am not satisfied with "normal" life and I have to do more. I can't join the rat race (pun unintended) like everyone else. God has so much more for me. It's who He's made me! Secondly, I feel like Linguini as I have been given a gift. Rather, gifts. I know I have skill, but I have to remember where those skills really come from. I know that I can loose them as easily as they came to me.

I think what this movie does so well is it captures, in a tangible way, another mystery of God. God is a creative God and I believe he inspires his children to be creative as well. Often in subtle ways. Like Gusteau, he inspires people to be skillful at something, and he encourages them when they're down. Yet at the same time, he is like Remy and gives us the skills. We must be ever-mindful of their source. In the end, Linguini is running a successful restaurant with Remy as the head chef. Linguini does not advertise the source of the cooking so as not to scare people, but neither will he deny the true source if asked. Hmm......it all sounds so familier.

So, that is my review of the movie. I bring it up because I relate to the movie a lot, and I think it is a well executed movie. Highly recommened.

And as promised, the link is.....
http://www.independentchristianfilms.com/news/article_2007-07-30.asp
(read with caution, and do not let the sun go down on your anger)

Time Away

I've only been gone 6 days, yet it feels like forever. I'm thinking it's because I can't say I have - days left before returning (meaning single digits). It's more like - - - days (meaning triple digits) and it seems forever. However, life is still good. It's all a growing process.

Tomorrow, I get the day off, sort of. They're sending me to another location for more processing and tomorrow is all for traveling. It'll be nice. Sleep!

Speaking of which...

Trust, or lack there of, in the media.

In June 2007, there were 101 US soldier deaths. In October 2007, there were 34. IED attacks are down 78%. Believe it or not, the surge is working! (Gasp!)

I found this online...an interesting read. (Written in 2004)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1225799/posts

"Death may not be a final medical diagnosis but the state of being dead is final! Are the deaths of our courageous soldiers any more final than those who die on our own streets?
On September 8, 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported (The Conflict In Iraq, U.S. Toll in Iraq Reaches 1,000) that through September 7, 2004, 1,000 US soldiers lost their lives in Iraq due to both hostile and non-hostile actions. This is certainly a tragic loss correctly reported in the media and mourned by the US populace. However focusing exclusively on these statistics does not provide the much needed perspective.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report of May 24, 2004, the number of murders reported during calendar years 2002 and 2003 show a comparable death toll exists in several US cities. Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City reported 1,168, 1,246 and 1,184 murders during the subject 24-month period.

The average monthly death toll for US soldiers in Iraq is 55.6 deaths per month while the average reported murders per month in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City are 48.7, 51.9 and 49.3 deaths per month. The murder statistics in the US cities are for hostile deaths only — whereas the death toll in Iraq includes both hostile and accidental deaths. This makes our own murder rates in LA, Chicago and NYC even more appalling. Yet there is not an equivalent amount of reporting or hand wringing.

Reasonable people can disagree about the wisdom of going to war in Iraq. But objectivity requires that these deaths be put in perspective. Do we continue to condemn death in Iraq while simultaneously ignoring the concurrent deaths in our own cities — or should we consider all violent deaths a terrible waste of life?"

Anywho, life is good up here in Arlington Heights. I miss people already, but it's not to bad up here. There are, gasp, sidewalks! There are places open past 10! Oddly enough, there's a plethora of wonderful restaurants within walking distance. The local Wal-Mart closes at 10pm and ISN'T super!

In other news, I've got a PT test coming up in a week or so. Please keep that in prayer. I admit, I got a little lazy after getting back from AIT. I've been working out though, and especially hard the last week so it's not like I'm not trying. And lastly, I've already begun to be stressed out about all this Army S......stuff. It's mostly just the realization is sinking in. It's hard knowing that life is about to get a lot harder, and have no choice but to push forward. Motivation is hard to come by. Well, time to shower, change and head out for some nice sushi!

JulietAlphaSierraOscarNovember, Out

My New Blog

Well, here it is, the night before I leave. Well, leave Washington that is. I spent a few hours playin' guitar with Erik and Stephen tonight and we set up a single mic to record the whole thing. It's anyone's guess how the recording turned out. It sounded good in the room. That may very well be the last time I play guitar for a year! I'm hoping to be able to buy something cheap over there. We'll see how it goes.
This past week has been crazy, mentally. Every time I go to do something, I ask myself if this is worth my time. It's like time management times 1 billion! I've had a hard time enjoying myself this week because I keep wondering if I could be having more fun or doing something more worthwhile. All the while, there's tasks to be finished, and I'm forced to ask myself, do they really need completing? What's really important here? If there's a lesson to be learned in this, it's don't get so behind in life that you get to this point that I'm at. Live every moment like it's your last. Do make plans, do create goals, but don't get so wrapped up in them that they become your life. If God throws you a curveball, don't swing like you would for a fastball. Be ready to adjust your plans for what has come. In the grand scheme of things, what's really important? Hold on to those things and be flexible with the rest. You never know what will happen next.
As I'm sitting here in my room, I'm asking myself, how do I pack for a year? What am I bringing that I don't need? What am I forgetting that I do need? It's really hard for me to get my mind around it. I suppose I could have stuff shipped, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.
People have been asking me two things: "How can I pray for you?" and "What do you need?" To answer the first question, I need prayer for adjusting to the new environment. I'm not talking just the climate (though that will be tough!). I'm also talking about the living space as well as the things I have to leave behind such as guitars and civilian clothes. Things that don't usually mean much until you've been without them for some time. I'm also praying that God will bring someone into my life over there that I can talk to on a personal level. Mainly for those times that I can't communicate with those back here. I'm an emotional guy (yes, I admit it) and sometimes things get to me and I just need to vent. God's blessed me with wonderful friends here that I can do that. I pray he will provide over there as well. Also, keep my mother in prayer. I know this is going to be hard on her, though she doesn't tell me so. She can use your support during this time. This is true for the rest of my family as well. God has truely blessed me with a caring family. I will miss them for sure, especially my little brother!
To answer the second question, there's really not much I need right now. Later on, however, I would appreciate letters! During basic training, letters kept my sanity levels on track. Even something seemingly rediculous like a churchwide invite to an event I obviously wasn't going to be at was comforting. I felt like even though I was far away, that I was still remembered. Another suggestion is for you to send me disposable cameras in the mail and I'll fill em up and return them to you. You can even send a request sheet (IE, I want 3 pictures of camel spiders, 2 of you and 1 of your roomates).
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a general holiday greeting and a Happy Birthday! As odd as it sounds, I will be gone for every holiday and every birthday so I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Halloween, April Fools Day, Happy New Years, Happy Superbowl, Happy Easter, Happy Canadian Boxing Day, Happy Casmere Pulaski Day, Happy Valentines Day, Happy Women's History Month, Happy Birthday, and in case I don't see you again, Good afternoon, good evening and good night!