Hello from Iraq!

Hey, been awhile since I've posted pictures. So here's some pictures, and even a video!
At the shooting range



A lot has happened in a short period of time! First, the "dangerous, unnamed event" is over. Several of us flew over to another base to pick up some vehicles, and drove em back. As you may or may not know, roadside bombs continue to be a threat. While measures taken by the Army have significantly reduced the danger, there is still a chance of something going wrong. Thank you for your prayers.

Also this week was the Taji Idol. A talent show our unit's chaplin put together. I have the last 30 seconds of the song I performed. I got 4th place. There was no mike stand or music stand, so another soldier filled in.

Every Saturday, a few of us get together for a band practice for the following Sunday. The individual members often change from week to week. The first recording taken from the Sunday night service. Someone near the camera was practically tone deaf so don't mind the singing. (I'm playing bass).

The second video is after the service, showing the band members more closely. There are two people not seen in the first video. The guy in the gray Army T-Shirt plays the keys (though not on the song shown) and the black guy is playing the Djembe, but he's off to the right of the drums and out of the frame.

Today, the temperature in the sun hit an all time record (according to my personal records).

Extrapolating the temperature scale out to that point, I estimate it to be either 160F or -100F. Shade temperature usually hovers around 120F.

Lastly (pardon the language),

Army Uniform: $150

Pair of boots: $100

Two shotguns: $750

Looking like a badass on your own blog: Priceless!

I'd like to thank the following people for their support:

My 4-H club, the Clover Patch Kids, for their delicious brownies and snacks! (BTW, had they qualified for the contest, they probably would have won!)

My family, for their unending support and for being a voice back home (and the award winning brownies! *Hint hint)

My grandparents, for their support as well, and for some wonderful brownies! No one can beat my grandma's brownies! Unfortunately, they also did not qualify for the contest.

State Farm of Bloomington, IL. I just received three large care packages with enough goodies to make me fat again! Don't worry, I shared.

Saint Marks Lutheran Church of Washington, IL for their care package. This one, I'm keeping to myself! :)

Crosspoint Community Church of Eureka, IL. Specifically, this is a blanket thanks to the individual memebers who have sent me cards, letters and boxes. On Aug 24th, 2008, they celebrated their 5th year, and a church here in Iraq, celebrated with you!

My girlfriend, for being understanding when I can't always get back to her in a timely manner.

My friends, for keeping me updated on the social happenings, and for not forgetting about me.

And everyone else for your prayers!

Some upcoming events:

On September 11th, our whole unit is doing a 5k commemerative run. On September 28th, a few of us are doing a 100 mile bicycle ride as a satillite of the annual 100 mile ride done in HI. One of the units here is from HI and they're coordinating the event. This is where you all come in....we need sponsers. I have a bicycle, but it's a $60 PX special with a broken pedal and worn out shifters. In the next few days, I need to make a decision on bike purchase. I have an option to buy a new bike and have it shipped here, then ship it back home to use at NIU. I am strongly considering that. Several of us in the unit are also in need of a few add-ons such as a biking jerseys (to keep cool), new tires, water bottle holders. If you would like to sponser the race, rates start at $0.05 a mile, up to $5 a mile (hahah!). Otherwise, we could use a spokesperson back home to talk to the local bike shops to see if they're willing to donate/provide discounts in support of the troops.

Stay cool, ya'll

JP OUT!