OK, about 30 minutes after my last post the Internet in the living areas went down again...
Yesterdey it came up again, so HOPEFULLY it's up for good now.
Well, the Packers won. That's good. Connor asked me last week "So.umm..Dad, who are you rooting for." Really cute. I told him the Packers and he seemed relieved. Uncle Jeremy told him at one point I was going to be a Vikings fan now that Favre left. While we adults know enough to not believe a word out of Jer's mouth, Connor is still about a year away from realizing that. I think Samantha already knows. Favre looked as good as I thought he could have and Brady's injury makes things interesting. I think the Jets are only going to get better as Favre and his recievers get to know each other better. We'll see.
Kelli sent me a couple of boxes recently with some amazing pictures. Really made my day.
I have submitted all the paperwork needed by the Army to get promoted in a couple weeks and to leave Iraq this year to start School in January. Very Excited. Kelli and I are looking forward to the next year and a half. Lots of family time, lots of "us" time, and lots of golf! After that it's 7 months in Fort Benning (likely without the family) and then hopefully back to Colorado Springs for another 3 or 4 years. That'll leave me with about 4 years left, maybe working with a ROTC program or teaching at West Point or the Air Force Academy.
OK, gonna go grab chow and back to work.
Adam
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Why Bob Dylan is the greatest lyricist ever
I'd say my two favorite musicians to listen to are the Who and Bob Dylan.
The Who has the ability to sound like a full orchrestra. There is so much going on and it's all brilliant. Keith Moon somehow is the driving force behind it all, despite his subtelty. You don't even realize how brilliant he is until you tune every other sound out and focus only on the drums. He could have recorded albums with just his drumming. Obviously, the guitar playing of Pete Townsend is amazing, but I think it's Moon's drums that put them over the top. There's just so much energy and so much emotion in all of their songs.
Dylan on the other hand is not a great singer. He carries emotion to be sure, in his voice, but it's the lyrics that make him brilliant. He is more a poet than anything else, and put to simple guitar and harmonica the lyrics convey whatever emootion he wants them to. Examples:
Romantic
Your cracked country lips,
I still wish to kiss,
As to be under the strength of your skin.
Your magnetic movements
Still capture the minutes I'm in.
(To Ramona)
or
I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
And old men with broken teeth stranded without love.
Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn?
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give you shelter from the storm."
(Shelter from the Storm)
Spiteful
It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An' it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
I can't hear you any more
I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right
(Don't think twice, it's all right)
Loving
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
(Forever Young, written for his son)
or just plain goofy (or deep??)
Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief
Looks up at his hero the Commander-in-Chief
Saying, "Tell me great hero, but please make it brief
Is there a hole for me to get sick in?"
The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly
Saying, "Death to all those who would whimper and cry"
And dropping a bar bell he points to the sky
Saving, "The sun's not yellow it's chicken"
(Tombstone Blues)
Angry
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
(Masters of War)
and of course political
A South politician preaches to the poor white man,
"You got more than the blacks, don't complain.
You're better than them, you been born with white skin," they explain.
And the Negro's name
Is used it is plain
For the politician's gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.
(Only a Pawn in Their Game)
I actually just found out he wrote my favorite Zepplin song "In my Time of Dying."
It's all still powerful with no music.
I also have maybe a new favorite Dylan Song, which I just read the lyrics to. I think it fits pretty well into my situation right now, though it'd have to be titled "3 Months"
Seven Days
Seven days, seven more days she'll be comin'
I'll be waiting at the station for her to arrive
Seven more days, all I gotta do is survive.
She been gone ever since I been a child
Ever since I seen her smile, I ain't forgotten her eyes.
She had a face that could outshine the sun in the skies.
I been good, I been good while I been waitin'
Maybe guilty of hesitatin', I just been holdin' on
Seven more days, all that'll be gone.
There's kissing in the valley,
Thieving in the alley,
Fighting every inch of the way.
Trying to be tender
With somebody I remember
In a night that's always brighter'n the day.
Seven days, seven more days that are connected
Just like I expected, she'll be comin' on forth,
My beautiful comrade from the north.
There's kissing in the valley,
Thieving in the alley,
Fighting every inch of the way.
Trying to be tender
With somebody I remember
In a night that's always brighter'n the day.
OK, NO MORE DYLAN!!!!
Got it.
Thanks for reading my Ode to Dylan.
Adam
The Who has the ability to sound like a full orchrestra. There is so much going on and it's all brilliant. Keith Moon somehow is the driving force behind it all, despite his subtelty. You don't even realize how brilliant he is until you tune every other sound out and focus only on the drums. He could have recorded albums with just his drumming. Obviously, the guitar playing of Pete Townsend is amazing, but I think it's Moon's drums that put them over the top. There's just so much energy and so much emotion in all of their songs.
Dylan on the other hand is not a great singer. He carries emotion to be sure, in his voice, but it's the lyrics that make him brilliant. He is more a poet than anything else, and put to simple guitar and harmonica the lyrics convey whatever emootion he wants them to. Examples:
Romantic
Your cracked country lips,
I still wish to kiss,
As to be under the strength of your skin.
Your magnetic movements
Still capture the minutes I'm in.
(To Ramona)
or
I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
And old men with broken teeth stranded without love.
Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn?
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give you shelter from the storm."
(Shelter from the Storm)
Spiteful
It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
An' it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway
So don't think twice, it's all right
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
I can't hear you any more
I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don't think twice, it's all right
(Don't think twice, it's all right)
Loving
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
(Forever Young, written for his son)
or just plain goofy (or deep??)
Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief
Looks up at his hero the Commander-in-Chief
Saying, "Tell me great hero, but please make it brief
Is there a hole for me to get sick in?"
The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly
Saying, "Death to all those who would whimper and cry"
And dropping a bar bell he points to the sky
Saving, "The sun's not yellow it's chicken"
(Tombstone Blues)
Angry
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
(Masters of War)
and of course political
A South politician preaches to the poor white man,
"You got more than the blacks, don't complain.
You're better than them, you been born with white skin," they explain.
And the Negro's name
Is used it is plain
For the politician's gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.
(Only a Pawn in Their Game)
I actually just found out he wrote my favorite Zepplin song "In my Time of Dying."
It's all still powerful with no music.
I also have maybe a new favorite Dylan Song, which I just read the lyrics to. I think it fits pretty well into my situation right now, though it'd have to be titled "3 Months"
Seven Days
Seven days, seven more days she'll be comin'
I'll be waiting at the station for her to arrive
Seven more days, all I gotta do is survive.
She been gone ever since I been a child
Ever since I seen her smile, I ain't forgotten her eyes.
She had a face that could outshine the sun in the skies.
I been good, I been good while I been waitin'
Maybe guilty of hesitatin', I just been holdin' on
Seven more days, all that'll be gone.
There's kissing in the valley,
Thieving in the alley,
Fighting every inch of the way.
Trying to be tender
With somebody I remember
In a night that's always brighter'n the day.
Seven days, seven more days that are connected
Just like I expected, she'll be comin' on forth,
My beautiful comrade from the north.
There's kissing in the valley,
Thieving in the alley,
Fighting every inch of the way.
Trying to be tender
With somebody I remember
In a night that's always brighter'n the day.
OK, NO MORE DYLAN!!!!
Got it.
Thanks for reading my Ode to Dylan.
Adam
Helicopters, Internet, Kit, and more
SO we have been without Internet for a couple weeks now.
There are three sources available for Internet. The NIPR (Non-Secure Internet Protocol) which is the official government one at work doesn't allow certain pages like ESPN or the site. SPAWAR, which is what we have in the MWR, allows most sites, but is the slowest and there is normally a line for it. Sniper Hill is the commercial provider for this FOB, so I pay for it, but no line and no restrictions on websites.
When we lose a Soldier all Internet is shut offf until the family is notified, this is called "Blackout." We lost one 2 weeks ago, then about 5 minutes after Blackout was lifted we lost another. It took longer to notify the family this time. When Blackout was lifted again the SPAWAR didn't come up, something had broken when they shut it down the second time. Then very shortly after that (a few hours) the sattelite reciever Sniper Hill uses broke. So about 30 minutes ago all of them came up. Happy, Happy. Joy, Joy.
I realized there are a few things I do that most of you have never experienced, so I'll try and tell you a little about them. The first is ride on a helicopter. I do this so often I forget it's not a normal thing to do. The first few seconds of takeoff is unlike anything you could imagine. You just slowly rise up to about 15 feet and then slowly dip forward and WHOOSH! You're away. The helicopters here (Blackhawks) have all had their windows ripped out to avoid overheating. Consequently the wind whips through rather quickly. It's normally a nice breeze, but if you are foolish enough you might be sitting in the "Hell Seat." The "Hell Seat" on a Blackhawk is the rightmost and rearmost seat. It faces forward and due to the rotation direction of the main rotor and the engine exhaust on that side, whoever sits there is blasted with 120mph superheated air. It's like opening an oven door, but having it come out at 120mph constantly for the duration of your flight. It takes exactly one time to learn never to sit there. I have physically grabbed people and threw them into another open seat, lest they experience that. If you don't sit there, flying is cool. Sometimes we'll fly really low and be below the apartment buildings in the Green Zone. The only other thing you learn is about the flares. The Blackhawks have flares that shoot out to trick anti-aircraft missiles. Well at night you can be looking out the window at the lights of the city, especcially the Mosques, and POW! Flare goes right in front of your face and you're blinded for about a minute.
Yesterday out of curiousity I went to the Aid Station directly after mission. I steppen on the scalle with my full "Kit" on and weighed in at 227. I dropped my gear and weighed 166. So 61 lbs of "kit" is what I wear at ALL TIMES when outside the wire in 120 degree temperature. Unless I also throw on our dismounted IED defeating backpacks. They weigh another 40 lbs. So I LOVE dismounted patrols....
When I was back on leave people were always commenting about how cold I must be in only 90 degree weather. True, BUT when I'm here I am also covered head to toe. The only skin that is exposed to the sun are my cheeks. That's it. So while it was cooler, the sun really bothered me, since I hadn't had the sun on my skin for over 6 months.
There's a line in "Pulp Fiction" "My Girlfriend is a vegetarian....which pretty much makes me a vegetarian." I think the only think that I am forced to abandon in my time with Kelli is some of my music. Dylan, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, and The Who. I suppose we don't listen to music much at home anyways, but one silver lining is rediscovering how much I love some of the music I haven't heard in a long time.
OK, I am needed right now, so I'll write more (assuming the internet doesn't crash again) about Dylan and the Who next time.
Adam
There are three sources available for Internet. The NIPR (Non-Secure Internet Protocol) which is the official government one at work doesn't allow certain pages like ESPN or the site. SPAWAR, which is what we have in the MWR, allows most sites, but is the slowest and there is normally a line for it. Sniper Hill is the commercial provider for this FOB, so I pay for it, but no line and no restrictions on websites.
When we lose a Soldier all Internet is shut offf until the family is notified, this is called "Blackout." We lost one 2 weeks ago, then about 5 minutes after Blackout was lifted we lost another. It took longer to notify the family this time. When Blackout was lifted again the SPAWAR didn't come up, something had broken when they shut it down the second time. Then very shortly after that (a few hours) the sattelite reciever Sniper Hill uses broke. So about 30 minutes ago all of them came up. Happy, Happy. Joy, Joy.
I realized there are a few things I do that most of you have never experienced, so I'll try and tell you a little about them. The first is ride on a helicopter. I do this so often I forget it's not a normal thing to do. The first few seconds of takeoff is unlike anything you could imagine. You just slowly rise up to about 15 feet and then slowly dip forward and WHOOSH! You're away. The helicopters here (Blackhawks) have all had their windows ripped out to avoid overheating. Consequently the wind whips through rather quickly. It's normally a nice breeze, but if you are foolish enough you might be sitting in the "Hell Seat." The "Hell Seat" on a Blackhawk is the rightmost and rearmost seat. It faces forward and due to the rotation direction of the main rotor and the engine exhaust on that side, whoever sits there is blasted with 120mph superheated air. It's like opening an oven door, but having it come out at 120mph constantly for the duration of your flight. It takes exactly one time to learn never to sit there. I have physically grabbed people and threw them into another open seat, lest they experience that. If you don't sit there, flying is cool. Sometimes we'll fly really low and be below the apartment buildings in the Green Zone. The only other thing you learn is about the flares. The Blackhawks have flares that shoot out to trick anti-aircraft missiles. Well at night you can be looking out the window at the lights of the city, especcially the Mosques, and POW! Flare goes right in front of your face and you're blinded for about a minute.
Yesterday out of curiousity I went to the Aid Station directly after mission. I steppen on the scalle with my full "Kit" on and weighed in at 227. I dropped my gear and weighed 166. So 61 lbs of "kit" is what I wear at ALL TIMES when outside the wire in 120 degree temperature. Unless I also throw on our dismounted IED defeating backpacks. They weigh another 40 lbs. So I LOVE dismounted patrols....
When I was back on leave people were always commenting about how cold I must be in only 90 degree weather. True, BUT when I'm here I am also covered head to toe. The only skin that is exposed to the sun are my cheeks. That's it. So while it was cooler, the sun really bothered me, since I hadn't had the sun on my skin for over 6 months.
There's a line in "Pulp Fiction" "My Girlfriend is a vegetarian....which pretty much makes me a vegetarian." I think the only think that I am forced to abandon in my time with Kelli is some of my music. Dylan, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, and The Who. I suppose we don't listen to music much at home anyways, but one silver lining is rediscovering how much I love some of the music I haven't heard in a long time.
OK, I am needed right now, so I'll write more (assuming the internet doesn't crash again) about Dylan and the Who next time.
Adam
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Doing well
I don't have much to say, but our internet has been down for 5 days, so I feel I should say something...
There has been a profound and noticable shift the last 6 months here in Baghdad. The Iraqi security forces are doing the vast majority of the work. The Government still struggles with getting things done, I think because they are still jockeying for positions in the new Iraq. The corruption is so much a part of their system it's almost immpossible to imagine it ever getting much better. Still, corruption was (and is) a part of many, many former Soviet Bloc nations as well as South American democracies, and I'd be pleased with an Iraq that resembled any of those nations.
Writer's Block...
more later I guess
There has been a profound and noticable shift the last 6 months here in Baghdad. The Iraqi security forces are doing the vast majority of the work. The Government still struggles with getting things done, I think because they are still jockeying for positions in the new Iraq. The corruption is so much a part of their system it's almost immpossible to imagine it ever getting much better. Still, corruption was (and is) a part of many, many former Soviet Bloc nations as well as South American democracies, and I'd be pleased with an Iraq that resembled any of those nations.
Writer's Block...
more later I guess
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Not so Sick
Been taking drugs to kill my little parasite, and I feel pretty good.
I was thinking about this...
Sadr City is a slum of AT LEAST 2.5 Million (up to about 3 Million)
It is a rectangle 3 miles by 4 miles.
That gives it a population density of....200,000 per square mile???
My math HAS to be wrong somewhere.
Monaco has a density of 43,000 per sq mile...
acording to a google search, Mumbai has a density of 46,000 and ranks #1 for cities of the world in terms of density.
BUT....
That is over the entire city, and Sadr City is not an entire city, it is part of Bagdad. You could take any small segment of a large city and have massive density numbers that don't reflect the entire city. Still, I find 200,000 to be obscene, yet I have NEVER, EVER, EVER heard anyone dispute 2.5 million.
This article DOES dispute it (ignore last sentence) and provides good visualization for Sadr City..
The neighborhood was built as a public housing project for the poor in the late 1950s and early '60s. The rectangle of roughly 125,000 homes northeast of central Baghdad covered an area about half the size of Manhattan, with streets in a grid, and simple brick homes of about 1,500 square feet, or about 140 square meters. These days, after decades of neglect under Saddam Hussein, many of the houses are crumbling and divided into multiple apartments.
Sadr City officials — including Rahim al-Daraji, Sadr City's elected mayor — claim that more than two million people live in the neighborhood, a third of Baghdad. If true, that would give Sadr City a higher population density than Calcutta and Hong Kong, something that demographers said was unlikely given the architecture.
Here's another article that suggests it is that high.
Although no official census was ever conducted, it is estimated that between a third and a half of Baghdad's entire population is packed into that small section of the city. In one Sadr City clinic alone, up to 1,300 children are born every week, and perhaps as many as 10,000 people live in each city block of Sadr City's northern side. A single battalion task force, supported by elements of the BCT, is trying to turn life around for approximately 2.5 million people crammed into a place of brutish, punishing squalor by design.
Hmm... Dunno.
But I am not moving here anyways.
Adam
I was thinking about this...
Sadr City is a slum of AT LEAST 2.5 Million (up to about 3 Million)
It is a rectangle 3 miles by 4 miles.
That gives it a population density of....200,000 per square mile???
My math HAS to be wrong somewhere.
Monaco has a density of 43,000 per sq mile...
acording to a google search, Mumbai has a density of 46,000 and ranks #1 for cities of the world in terms of density.
BUT....
That is over the entire city, and Sadr City is not an entire city, it is part of Bagdad. You could take any small segment of a large city and have massive density numbers that don't reflect the entire city. Still, I find 200,000 to be obscene, yet I have NEVER, EVER, EVER heard anyone dispute 2.5 million.
This article DOES dispute it (ignore last sentence) and provides good visualization for Sadr City..
The neighborhood was built as a public housing project for the poor in the late 1950s and early '60s. The rectangle of roughly 125,000 homes northeast of central Baghdad covered an area about half the size of Manhattan, with streets in a grid, and simple brick homes of about 1,500 square feet, or about 140 square meters. These days, after decades of neglect under Saddam Hussein, many of the houses are crumbling and divided into multiple apartments.
Sadr City officials — including Rahim al-Daraji, Sadr City's elected mayor — claim that more than two million people live in the neighborhood, a third of Baghdad. If true, that would give Sadr City a higher population density than Calcutta and Hong Kong, something that demographers said was unlikely given the architecture.
Here's another article that suggests it is that high.
Although no official census was ever conducted, it is estimated that between a third and a half of Baghdad's entire population is packed into that small section of the city. In one Sadr City clinic alone, up to 1,300 children are born every week, and perhaps as many as 10,000 people live in each city block of Sadr City's northern side. A single battalion task force, supported by elements of the BCT, is trying to turn life around for approximately 2.5 million people crammed into a place of brutish, punishing squalor by design.
Hmm... Dunno.
But I am not moving here anyways.
Adam
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sick
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardia_lamblia
So that's what's in my body right now.
It's been running around here, putting about about 10-20% of my platoon out of duty at any given time.
I feel under the weather, but I've been able to still function. I just went down to the aid station and got some drugs. Naturally they had told their medics "the next new case that comes in, get a stool sample."
Jeez.
Anyway, things are good. Just thought I'd write a quick note.
OK, having already established myself as a Ted Thompson HATER, I need to back him up a little.
There is no way to determine if he made "the right" decision this year. Even if the Packers go 6-10, IF 4 years from now, they are a consistent 10-6 team, constantly going deep in the playoffs, then it was the right decision. His problem in my opinion is that he gave up on the best team this year for a POTENTIAL good team over a 5 year stretch starting next year or the year after. SO if the Packers go 8-8 this year, I will not point fingers and say "told you so!" BUT if 5 years from now the Packers have not been back to the NFC title game, THEN it will be clear Thompson screwed up.
The reason I don't like this is because EVERYONE in Packerland assumes their QB will not get hurt. That's how it's been for a decade and a half. Ted Thompson is betting that Aaron Rodgers, who is VERY injury prone, will:
a. Not get injured
b. improve to pro bowl caliber
c. remain with the Packers for the next 7 years
If ANY of those fail to develop he's screwed, AND there is no reason (unless Rodgers told him behind closed doors) that he couldn't have told Rodgers he'd have to wait another year for his starting job. Brett could come out and announce this is his "Farewell Year" and Thompson could have given Rodgers a new contract for 5 years to show his commitment to his future.
This whole thing was awful. The two things I heard the most often that made the least sense:
"I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers." and "Brett has to learn a whole new offense, that's soooo difficult to do..blah blah...."
First. No matter where he ended up, someone was losing their job. So crying for Rodgers if Brett had stayed is a little silly, since you'd end up crying for someone no matter what. Starters lose their job all the time.
Second. Pennington started for Miami the same day Favre started for the Jets. I didn't hear a SINGLE story about how hard it was for him to learn a whole new offense and find chemistry with new guys around him....
just saying.....
Adam
So that's what's in my body right now.
It's been running around here, putting about about 10-20% of my platoon out of duty at any given time.
I feel under the weather, but I've been able to still function. I just went down to the aid station and got some drugs. Naturally they had told their medics "the next new case that comes in, get a stool sample."
Jeez.
Anyway, things are good. Just thought I'd write a quick note.
OK, having already established myself as a Ted Thompson HATER, I need to back him up a little.
There is no way to determine if he made "the right" decision this year. Even if the Packers go 6-10, IF 4 years from now, they are a consistent 10-6 team, constantly going deep in the playoffs, then it was the right decision. His problem in my opinion is that he gave up on the best team this year for a POTENTIAL good team over a 5 year stretch starting next year or the year after. SO if the Packers go 8-8 this year, I will not point fingers and say "told you so!" BUT if 5 years from now the Packers have not been back to the NFC title game, THEN it will be clear Thompson screwed up.
The reason I don't like this is because EVERYONE in Packerland assumes their QB will not get hurt. That's how it's been for a decade and a half. Ted Thompson is betting that Aaron Rodgers, who is VERY injury prone, will:
a. Not get injured
b. improve to pro bowl caliber
c. remain with the Packers for the next 7 years
If ANY of those fail to develop he's screwed, AND there is no reason (unless Rodgers told him behind closed doors) that he couldn't have told Rodgers he'd have to wait another year for his starting job. Brett could come out and announce this is his "Farewell Year" and Thompson could have given Rodgers a new contract for 5 years to show his commitment to his future.
This whole thing was awful. The two things I heard the most often that made the least sense:
"I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers." and "Brett has to learn a whole new offense, that's soooo difficult to do..blah blah...."
First. No matter where he ended up, someone was losing their job. So crying for Rodgers if Brett had stayed is a little silly, since you'd end up crying for someone no matter what. Starters lose their job all the time.
Second. Pennington started for Miami the same day Favre started for the Jets. I didn't hear a SINGLE story about how hard it was for him to learn a whole new offense and find chemistry with new guys around him....
just saying.....
Adam
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Back in Iraq after 18 days mid-tour leave
Well, I have had my batteries recharged!
Of course it was an exhausting process...
In my 18 days:
we had an overnight camping trip to the mountains
a 3 day stay in Estes Park
a "Kelli and me" 10th anniversary 2 day vacation in Boulder
took in a SkySox game
visited the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Museum with my Dad and Jan
spent a night in a local hotel with a water slide
built some stuffed animals with personal voice messages for the kids and Kelli
went golfing with my brother
went golfing with Kelli
went golfing with Joe and Kathy
checked out Tom's new house
talked with Shawn about winning the war in Iraq and more importantly the whole Favre debacle
had a block party to hang out with neighbors
won 3 of 4 Yahtzee games I played
destroyed Kelli in Cribbage
walked Connor to and from his first day in Kindergarten
hung out a couple times with my Mom and Frank
tore down the gym in the basement with help from my brother, Connor, and Samantha, while my dad watched
cleaned out the basement
cleaned out the garage
saw the new Batman movie
nearly finished up the paperwork I need to start school in January
jeez...I think there's some more, but I'm starting to get exhausted again just typing it all....
Anyways, I am back now and eager to finish this deployment out. A few milestones are ahead and I will mark my time with them.
SEP 10th or so Officially get orders promoting me to CPT. With these I can put in for my 30k bonus (taxed at 25%...luckily tax season will hit and bring that all back)
OCT 1st I will pin on CPT
NOV My replacement should show up sometime in NOV and I'll get him trained up
Late NOV/Early DEC I will redeploy to the Springs
Mid DEC Clear Fort Carson and finish up post deployment medical evals (a PAIN)
Xmas Vacation back to Wis/Illinois
Early Jan Vacation with Kiddos and Kelli to Disney World
Mid Jan register for classes and prep for school
Late Jan begin 18 months of schooling to finish degree.
Jun 2010 - show up for work somewhere....
There you have it.
Adam
Of course it was an exhausting process...
In my 18 days:
we had an overnight camping trip to the mountains
a 3 day stay in Estes Park
a "Kelli and me" 10th anniversary 2 day vacation in Boulder
took in a SkySox game
visited the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Museum with my Dad and Jan
spent a night in a local hotel with a water slide
built some stuffed animals with personal voice messages for the kids and Kelli
went golfing with my brother
went golfing with Kelli
went golfing with Joe and Kathy
checked out Tom's new house
talked with Shawn about winning the war in Iraq and more importantly the whole Favre debacle
had a block party to hang out with neighbors
won 3 of 4 Yahtzee games I played
destroyed Kelli in Cribbage
walked Connor to and from his first day in Kindergarten
hung out a couple times with my Mom and Frank
tore down the gym in the basement with help from my brother, Connor, and Samantha, while my dad watched
cleaned out the basement
cleaned out the garage
saw the new Batman movie
nearly finished up the paperwork I need to start school in January
jeez...I think there's some more, but I'm starting to get exhausted again just typing it all....
Anyways, I am back now and eager to finish this deployment out. A few milestones are ahead and I will mark my time with them.
SEP 10th or so Officially get orders promoting me to CPT. With these I can put in for my 30k bonus (taxed at 25%...luckily tax season will hit and bring that all back)
OCT 1st I will pin on CPT
NOV My replacement should show up sometime in NOV and I'll get him trained up
Late NOV/Early DEC I will redeploy to the Springs
Mid DEC Clear Fort Carson and finish up post deployment medical evals (a PAIN)
Xmas Vacation back to Wis/Illinois
Early Jan Vacation with Kiddos and Kelli to Disney World
Mid Jan register for classes and prep for school
Late Jan begin 18 months of schooling to finish degree.
Jun 2010 - show up for work somewhere....
There you have it.
Adam
Monday, May 26, 2008
Suffering from TMB
Yesterday when I put my gear on for our daily patrol I felt some back pain.
"This ain't good" I remarked aloud to myself.
An hour later when we arrived at Sadr City I got out of the vehicle. I took 3 steps and then nearly doubled over in pain. My back was spasming and I couldn't straighten it out. I managed to walk the hundred yards to the aid station where the doctor told me I was suffering from TMB...Too Many Birthdays.
I pointed out I'd actually missed the last four because of deployments or field time so I thought those didn't count. Turns out those count double.
Anyways I got some drugs and I managed to tough it out through gritted teeth the rest of the day. I am still in pain, but it's not as bad today.
Kelli and the kids seem to be doing well. Kelli bought me a new car a week ago, a 2008 Santa Fe that she and the kids love. I should be home for my vacation in almost exactly 2 months, so we're very excited about that. Connor worte me a letter inviting me to watch wrestling with him over at Grandpa Franks. While it is mainly a guy think, Samantha told Kelli. "But mommy, WE don't like wrestling, but SOMETIMES we do."
That's about Samantha to a "T"
Samantha watched Dancing with the Stars with Grandma Rita and every new woman who came out brought the comment "Now THAT'S a pretty dress I'd like to have."
Kelli typed the other day "...that's where we got Connor his scooter and I think I'll buy one for Sam this time."
All I could think of was Sam is like 16, why would he want a scooter???
Turns out it wasn't my cousin's son she was talking about, but my daughter. I have completly given up on calling her "sam", though maybe I'll hold out hope.
Most guys here tell time by sports, that is, when the NFL Playoffs come, we go home. I have a month by month "things to look forward to" to get my through the remainder of my time.
June - My 33rd Birthday and submitting my Leave paperwork
July - 4th of July at war (feels more important to me), our 10th Anniversary and beginning of Leave
August - Finishing up leave
September - getting my Promotion orders and putting in the paperwork to get my 30k bonus
October - Promotion to CPT
November - Packing up and mailing stuff home, because....
December - Return Home
A few of those things may come a month early. It's POSSIBLE to be promoted in September, though unlikely and it is also possible to come home in November, but that too is unlikely.
Kelli and I have been talking about how to spend the 30k bonus (after taxes I initially get like 25k, but will get it all back when I file taxes next year).
We'll spend like 5k on a family vacation to Florida in January
4-5k finishing the basement by adding a bedroom and a playroom for the kids (and reclaiming their current playroom as my study)
up to 10k on a motorcycle come springtime (and after I get a license...)
and a few thousand around the house and landscaping
Things over here have been getting better. My BDE crippled the insurgent's ability to launch rockets and mortars into the Green Zone and the wall we built to divide Sadr City has overnight changed the landscape (both literally and figurativly) of the bottom 1/4 of Sadr City. Behind those successes the Iraqi Army brokered a deal and now has control of the next 1/4 of Sadr City. The plan now is to drop so much money into that 1/2 of Sadr City to "Reward it" for cooperating, that the remaining half will see the tangible benefits of co-operation (like East Germany and North Korea). I am very optomistic. Everywhere I went in Baghdad EXCEPT Sadr City was flourishing and now perhaps Sadr City will as well. The allies needed 11 months to finish Germany after D-Day, though it truly was a foregone conclusion. We will need time too, but I think if Sadr City doesn't explode in the next month our chances to truly win this war are nearing certainty.
I heard a woman say "I respect your service and support the troops, but I am sorry to say I just don't believe in the war." My inital answer to her was
"ohh, it exists..."
My follow up was that she would believe in the cause if she were here.
Outside the computer center is a big sign that says "No smoking within 50 feet" Under that is a well used butt can with chairs next to it.
The Packers will get 9 wins this year.
The Bears will get 7
Lions and Vikes will get 8
Rockies will fail to make the playoffs, causing millions of sprained ankles as their ...fans....all jump off the bandwagon.
I have to take 3 science classes and 1 has to have a lab.
Health and Fitness
Personal Nutrition
and the one with the lab....
Topography and Orienteering
Yeah, that's how I roll.
Adam
"This ain't good" I remarked aloud to myself.
An hour later when we arrived at Sadr City I got out of the vehicle. I took 3 steps and then nearly doubled over in pain. My back was spasming and I couldn't straighten it out. I managed to walk the hundred yards to the aid station where the doctor told me I was suffering from TMB...Too Many Birthdays.
I pointed out I'd actually missed the last four because of deployments or field time so I thought those didn't count. Turns out those count double.
Anyways I got some drugs and I managed to tough it out through gritted teeth the rest of the day. I am still in pain, but it's not as bad today.
Kelli and the kids seem to be doing well. Kelli bought me a new car a week ago, a 2008 Santa Fe that she and the kids love. I should be home for my vacation in almost exactly 2 months, so we're very excited about that. Connor worte me a letter inviting me to watch wrestling with him over at Grandpa Franks. While it is mainly a guy think, Samantha told Kelli. "But mommy, WE don't like wrestling, but SOMETIMES we do."
That's about Samantha to a "T"
Samantha watched Dancing with the Stars with Grandma Rita and every new woman who came out brought the comment "Now THAT'S a pretty dress I'd like to have."
Kelli typed the other day "...that's where we got Connor his scooter and I think I'll buy one for Sam this time."
All I could think of was Sam is like 16, why would he want a scooter???
Turns out it wasn't my cousin's son she was talking about, but my daughter. I have completly given up on calling her "sam", though maybe I'll hold out hope.
Most guys here tell time by sports, that is, when the NFL Playoffs come, we go home. I have a month by month "things to look forward to" to get my through the remainder of my time.
June - My 33rd Birthday and submitting my Leave paperwork
July - 4th of July at war (feels more important to me), our 10th Anniversary and beginning of Leave
August - Finishing up leave
September - getting my Promotion orders and putting in the paperwork to get my 30k bonus
October - Promotion to CPT
November - Packing up and mailing stuff home, because....
December - Return Home
A few of those things may come a month early. It's POSSIBLE to be promoted in September, though unlikely and it is also possible to come home in November, but that too is unlikely.
Kelli and I have been talking about how to spend the 30k bonus (after taxes I initially get like 25k, but will get it all back when I file taxes next year).
We'll spend like 5k on a family vacation to Florida in January
4-5k finishing the basement by adding a bedroom and a playroom for the kids (and reclaiming their current playroom as my study)
up to 10k on a motorcycle come springtime (and after I get a license...)
and a few thousand around the house and landscaping
Things over here have been getting better. My BDE crippled the insurgent's ability to launch rockets and mortars into the Green Zone and the wall we built to divide Sadr City has overnight changed the landscape (both literally and figurativly) of the bottom 1/4 of Sadr City. Behind those successes the Iraqi Army brokered a deal and now has control of the next 1/4 of Sadr City. The plan now is to drop so much money into that 1/2 of Sadr City to "Reward it" for cooperating, that the remaining half will see the tangible benefits of co-operation (like East Germany and North Korea). I am very optomistic. Everywhere I went in Baghdad EXCEPT Sadr City was flourishing and now perhaps Sadr City will as well. The allies needed 11 months to finish Germany after D-Day, though it truly was a foregone conclusion. We will need time too, but I think if Sadr City doesn't explode in the next month our chances to truly win this war are nearing certainty.
I heard a woman say "I respect your service and support the troops, but I am sorry to say I just don't believe in the war." My inital answer to her was
"ohh, it exists..."
My follow up was that she would believe in the cause if she were here.
Outside the computer center is a big sign that says "No smoking within 50 feet" Under that is a well used butt can with chairs next to it.
The Packers will get 9 wins this year.
The Bears will get 7
Lions and Vikes will get 8
Rockies will fail to make the playoffs, causing millions of sprained ankles as their ...fans....all jump off the bandwagon.
I have to take 3 science classes and 1 has to have a lab.
Health and Fitness
Personal Nutrition
and the one with the lab....
Topography and Orienteering
Yeah, that's how I roll.
Adam
Friday, May 9, 2008
Life
Things are still pretty good here, mailing address is the same, just don't write Camp Taji on it if you have the unit #.
Article on a golf course in the Green Zone, which is the safest place in Iraq when missiles from Sadr City aren't zooming in...
http://www.latimes.com/sports/custom/morningbriefing/la-sp-briefing8-2008may08,0,7897915.story
I am doing good, been listening to Liz Phair and The Flatlanders mostly, both amazing.
I took some more pictures, I'll post them when I have time. Any requests or themes?
My mid-tour Leave will be at the end of July into August. I plan on having one weekend for any and all visitors with the rest of my time locked away with the kiddos and Kelli. I'll let you guys know when, but I think it'll be the 26th and 27th with that friday and monday open season as well. We'll house we can and direct anyone else to hotels or tents in the backyard.
Jer showed me a video worth watching "Battle at Kruger." Pretty amazing example of life and death and the fine line between on a South African Wildlife Refuge.
If anyone happens to swing through Iran soon, please kill Moqtada Al Sadr for me. Thanks
Adam
Article on a golf course in the Green Zone, which is the safest place in Iraq when missiles from Sadr City aren't zooming in...
http://www.latimes.com/sports/custom/morningbriefing/la-sp-briefing8-2008may08,0,7897915.story
I am doing good, been listening to Liz Phair and The Flatlanders mostly, both amazing.
I took some more pictures, I'll post them when I have time. Any requests or themes?
My mid-tour Leave will be at the end of July into August. I plan on having one weekend for any and all visitors with the rest of my time locked away with the kiddos and Kelli. I'll let you guys know when, but I think it'll be the 26th and 27th with that friday and monday open season as well. We'll house we can and direct anyone else to hotels or tents in the backyard.
Jer showed me a video worth watching "Battle at Kruger." Pretty amazing example of life and death and the fine line between on a South African Wildlife Refuge.
If anyone happens to swing through Iran soon, please kill Moqtada Al Sadr for me. Thanks
Adam
Sunday, May 4, 2008
New Base, New Attitude
"Everything is Better at War Eagle"
That's the motto CSM Dailey and I are telling everyone. Nearly everything is better. I have a trailer with a new bed, fridge, civilian purchased internet, and 2 roommates. This is a small base, so chow is quicker though not as extravagent. The laundry turn around is 8 hours. The majority of the base is concrete so I don't fear mud when it rains nor do I trod through deep gravel. Everything is much, much closer together which cuts down my "commute" time to and from work and also emboldens me to disappear for awhile since I am only 5 minutes away at all times.
Bad things. Porta Johns are horrible here and the showers run out of water every day, which is odd, since this place used to be a water filtration site and the Tigris is literally a stones throw away. However, new latrine and shower trailers are on the way.
Life is better.
Adam
That's the motto CSM Dailey and I are telling everyone. Nearly everything is better. I have a trailer with a new bed, fridge, civilian purchased internet, and 2 roommates. This is a small base, so chow is quicker though not as extravagent. The laundry turn around is 8 hours. The majority of the base is concrete so I don't fear mud when it rains nor do I trod through deep gravel. Everything is much, much closer together which cuts down my "commute" time to and from work and also emboldens me to disappear for awhile since I am only 5 minutes away at all times.
Bad things. Porta Johns are horrible here and the showers run out of water every day, which is odd, since this place used to be a water filtration site and the Tigris is literally a stones throw away. However, new latrine and shower trailers are on the way.
Life is better.
Adam
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
new game
instead of punch-bug
we play punch-three to a moped
I am beating my driver 4-3
Adam
p.s. moving to new base shortly, but unsure when we'll be down there for good. It looks like we'll be bouncing back and forth for awhile. I LOVE my job....
p.p.s. btw, I hate my job
we play punch-three to a moped
I am beating my driver 4-3
Adam
p.s. moving to new base shortly, but unsure when we'll be down there for good. It looks like we'll be bouncing back and forth for awhile. I LOVE my job....
p.p.s. btw, I hate my job
Saturday, April 12, 2008
long days
Still working long days, but I think I can get to this site from work now using the Arabic portal homepage...
Looks like Tiger will need to stage a massive comeback or I will lose a bet with my Father-in-law. That could cost me dearly, I would have to pay for green fees next time we go golfing.
On the plus side I won a 25 cent bet with the BDE CSM over the existence of the word "Pixilated." He used to work at Websters (true story) and said no such word. He said there was a word that was similar that meant crazy (he was right) but I told him it applied to digitalization of an image. I was right.
Yes!!
Adam
Looks like Tiger will need to stage a massive comeback or I will lose a bet with my Father-in-law. That could cost me dearly, I would have to pay for green fees next time we go golfing.
On the plus side I won a 25 cent bet with the BDE CSM over the existence of the word "Pixilated." He used to work at Websters (true story) and said no such word. He said there was a word that was similar that meant crazy (he was right) but I told him it applied to digitalization of an image. I was right.
Yes!!
Adam
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Still very busy
OK, first off, I can't believe how little time I have for myself currently. I am trying to make more time and I have a few ideas, but suffice to say I am very busy. I have internet in my office, but it won't allow me access to this site, so I can't update it. I think what I'll do is write journal entries at that computer and then once a week get down to the computer lab and post them all.
A few good things about my job. First, I travel all around the BDE sector so I've seen a bunch of friends from Carson and even a few from Huachuca. Second, I get to watch the live video feeds from a bunch of aircraft, so when we see bad guys launching rockets or putting in IEDs I get to watch our retaliation. It is a VERY satisfying feeling....
Finally everyone openly feels for me. Whether it's pity or pointing and laughing, I know people feel bad for me...
So I got that going for me....
which is nice....
Anyways, the Masters is coming up and I'm going on a limb and picking Tiger Woods. Only because he has a daughter named "Sam" too.
Anyone remember that scene in "Cool Hand Luke" where "Lucille" is washing her car? We had a CBS reporter here the last two days....and with an Australian accent. I had some great conversations with her photographer on everything from the war to football. I felt bad for him since everyone was fawning on the hot blond with the aussie accent. He was really cool. Not that she wasn't, but it was clear she knew what she was doing and she seemed to like it.
We should be moving to another base within a month and I'll have internet in my room there. That will enable me to keep up with this better, and since the new base is much smaller I'll feel more comfortable being out of the office for an hour or so at a time.
OK, gotta run, I'll post more as soon as I can.
Adam
A few good things about my job. First, I travel all around the BDE sector so I've seen a bunch of friends from Carson and even a few from Huachuca. Second, I get to watch the live video feeds from a bunch of aircraft, so when we see bad guys launching rockets or putting in IEDs I get to watch our retaliation. It is a VERY satisfying feeling....
Finally everyone openly feels for me. Whether it's pity or pointing and laughing, I know people feel bad for me...
So I got that going for me....
which is nice....
Anyways, the Masters is coming up and I'm going on a limb and picking Tiger Woods. Only because he has a daughter named "Sam" too.
Anyone remember that scene in "Cool Hand Luke" where "Lucille" is washing her car? We had a CBS reporter here the last two days....and with an Australian accent. I had some great conversations with her photographer on everything from the war to football. I felt bad for him since everyone was fawning on the hot blond with the aussie accent. He was really cool. Not that she wasn't, but it was clear she knew what she was doing and she seemed to like it.
We should be moving to another base within a month and I'll have internet in my room there. That will enable me to keep up with this better, and since the new base is much smaller I'll feel more comfortable being out of the office for an hour or so at a time.
OK, gotta run, I'll post more as soon as I can.
Adam
Thursday, March 20, 2008
New Job
WOW.
Very, Very, Very busy with my new job.
It is very challenging and very important to everyone around. I really like everyone I work with. Everyone is very friendly as well. I ride in a helicopter nearly everyday and go on patrol at least every other day.
The office conditions are nice, a phone I can use to call the states during my off time (Usually after midnight) and an aide for the COl and me. My own fridge, coffeemaker, microwave and Internet, but the internet blocks odd things.
I can check Hotmail, but not Gmail (the one I use for this journal)
I can check pgatour.com but not espn.com
Living Conditions suck though, currently in a 40 man room on the top bunk. We are really crammed in there and I think the S1 (MAJ Lockhart) and I are going to find some empty building and move in there.
Kelli is doing well, she was more nervous about this job than I was. I have SEEN my new bosses temper, but the only time I really screwed up, He was very forgiving. HOWEVER, I know that if I make the same mistake again it will be bad.
I explained to Connor that Brett Favre had retired.
Very sweet conversation. Some of his comments:
"That's sad."
"Who will wear number 4 now?"
"But where will the Packers get a good quarterback from?"
"But I wanted him to stay"
"So he'll never play on Lambeau Field again?"
This was preceeded by a 15 minute monolouge by him about The Undertaker and his moves (described in great detail) and an explaination of what a "2 count" was.....
Kelli often talks about "that poor dog" which he uses as his wrestling partner, since he's not allowed to wrestle with people. After that conversation, I too feel for that dog.
My new mailing address is
1LT Hoffmann
Unit 6067
HHT 3 STB, 3BCT, 4ID
Camp Taji, Iraq
APO, AE 09378
Well, I am not going to spend much more of my unprecedented 7 and a half hours off with this, so take care.
Adam
Very, Very, Very busy with my new job.
It is very challenging and very important to everyone around. I really like everyone I work with. Everyone is very friendly as well. I ride in a helicopter nearly everyday and go on patrol at least every other day.
The office conditions are nice, a phone I can use to call the states during my off time (Usually after midnight) and an aide for the COl and me. My own fridge, coffeemaker, microwave and Internet, but the internet blocks odd things.
I can check Hotmail, but not Gmail (the one I use for this journal)
I can check pgatour.com but not espn.com
Living Conditions suck though, currently in a 40 man room on the top bunk. We are really crammed in there and I think the S1 (MAJ Lockhart) and I are going to find some empty building and move in there.
Kelli is doing well, she was more nervous about this job than I was. I have SEEN my new bosses temper, but the only time I really screwed up, He was very forgiving. HOWEVER, I know that if I make the same mistake again it will be bad.
I explained to Connor that Brett Favre had retired.
Very sweet conversation. Some of his comments:
"That's sad."
"Who will wear number 4 now?"
"But where will the Packers get a good quarterback from?"
"But I wanted him to stay"
"So he'll never play on Lambeau Field again?"
This was preceeded by a 15 minute monolouge by him about The Undertaker and his moves (described in great detail) and an explaination of what a "2 count" was.....
Kelli often talks about "that poor dog" which he uses as his wrestling partner, since he's not allowed to wrestle with people. After that conversation, I too feel for that dog.
My new mailing address is
1LT Hoffmann
Unit 6067
HHT 3 STB, 3BCT, 4ID
Camp Taji, Iraq
APO, AE 09378
Well, I am not going to spend much more of my unprecedented 7 and a half hours off with this, so take care.
Adam
Monday, March 10, 2008
News
Briefly....
I have been chosen over all other LTs in the BDE to be the Platoon Leader for the BDE CDR's Personal Security Platoon.
It is an honor, though one I didn't seek.
I will leave my Platoon, Troop, and Squadron in 8 days.
It's going to be very sad for me to leave my Platoon.
I don't know what my living conditions will be at my new base. I hope that I will continue to have internet in my room, but I've done such a horrible job of updating this anyways.....
Please don't send me any more mail until I get the new address out through this and email channels. All mail already sent will find me, so don't despair.
I will keep you all informed.
Adam
p.s. The mustache will have to go...sorry to all the fans...
I have been chosen over all other LTs in the BDE to be the Platoon Leader for the BDE CDR's Personal Security Platoon.
It is an honor, though one I didn't seek.
I will leave my Platoon, Troop, and Squadron in 8 days.
It's going to be very sad for me to leave my Platoon.
I don't know what my living conditions will be at my new base. I hope that I will continue to have internet in my room, but I've done such a horrible job of updating this anyways.....
Please don't send me any more mail until I get the new address out through this and email channels. All mail already sent will find me, so don't despair.
I will keep you all informed.
Adam
p.s. The mustache will have to go...sorry to all the fans...
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Long time, no write
OK, it's been awhile.
We've been real busy. The sector is flaring up a bit, as the remaining insurgents fight hard to try and remain power brokers in the area. They are failing. We are hitting them hard and the populous is overwhelmingly on our team.
In personal news, I got a few packages recently, one from my Dad and Jan, containing a dozen boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I've found the way to gain favor in the eyes of my men is less about inspiring them to succeed or challenging them to grom, but mainly giving them stuff. This is groundbreaking stuff. Napoleon said with a handful of medals he could conquer the world. I say with a dozen Girl Scout cookies, I can conquer Baghdad.
The other box was from my cousin Jen and her husband Bill. It had some snacks, a game, some pics, and a handful of Magazines. The magazines were Maxim, SI Swimsuit, and Mad. A post-it on the magazines stated the obvious "From Bill."
So Favre retired. Very, very emotional. I didn't tear up the first time I went into Lambeau, I was too drunk. But the second time I did. I think the first Packer's game I watch on TV I will cry. The Packers have been a major part of my life, and for NEARLY all of it, that has meant Favre. Oh well. Life goes on, and as long as Rodgers wins 4 games a year (Sweep the Bears and at least splits with the Vikes and Lions) I'll be happy. OK, content.
My neighbor Jenna's class is sending me a box soon with some toys for the kids here. The things I am asked for the most from the kids here are:
Pencils or pens (I think chalk might also be good)
Oops.
gotta go
We've been real busy. The sector is flaring up a bit, as the remaining insurgents fight hard to try and remain power brokers in the area. They are failing. We are hitting them hard and the populous is overwhelmingly on our team.
In personal news, I got a few packages recently, one from my Dad and Jan, containing a dozen boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I've found the way to gain favor in the eyes of my men is less about inspiring them to succeed or challenging them to grom, but mainly giving them stuff. This is groundbreaking stuff. Napoleon said with a handful of medals he could conquer the world. I say with a dozen Girl Scout cookies, I can conquer Baghdad.
The other box was from my cousin Jen and her husband Bill. It had some snacks, a game, some pics, and a handful of Magazines. The magazines were Maxim, SI Swimsuit, and Mad. A post-it on the magazines stated the obvious "From Bill."
So Favre retired. Very, very emotional. I didn't tear up the first time I went into Lambeau, I was too drunk. But the second time I did. I think the first Packer's game I watch on TV I will cry. The Packers have been a major part of my life, and for NEARLY all of it, that has meant Favre. Oh well. Life goes on, and as long as Rodgers wins 4 games a year (Sweep the Bears and at least splits with the Vikes and Lions) I'll be happy. OK, content.
My neighbor Jenna's class is sending me a box soon with some toys for the kids here. The things I am asked for the most from the kids here are:
Pencils or pens (I think chalk might also be good)
Oops.
gotta go
Friday, February 22, 2008
A day off and a friend returns
So today was my second day since arriving in Iraq that I have not gone outside the wire. It was a good day. I first went running with my Gunner, SGT McPherson. We ran a decent distance and finished it off with a massive hill. It hurt, but I needed it. Kelli has been working out like a demon to get into “trophy wife” shape, so the least I can do is not be as much of a fat slob. Then I did some paperwork and finished watching “The Inside Man.” It’s the second straight Spike Lee flick I have watched, the other being “25th Hour.” Both great flicks and both have aspects that can be related to Iraq. Next I went to the PX to buy some speakers for my laptop. The ONE complaint I have with my laptop is that even at full volume it is pretty quiet for movies. The speakers I had got dropped and one of them doesn’t work, so I figured I get some decent ones this time. Suffice to say the PX (as always) did not have any of what I go to buy, so I instead bought some air fresheners for my room, some baby wipes for emergency showers and TP, and some Kleenex. Then I went to drop off and pick up some laundry. About a month ago I turned in a pair of gloves in my laundry and they lost one. They never found it, so instead they gave me 3 other pairs. I guess I finished on the positive side, but I did love the gloves they lost. They have since instituted a “No Gloves” policy, so it’s nice to know I am helping make policies….
The best thing to happen came on my way back from the laundry. I saw SSG Tracy and SPC(P) Nelson talking outside Nelson’s room. They were talking to someone I didn’t recognize from behind. When I turned the corner and saw who it was I was ELATED. It was SPC Gucwa, who had finished his rehab from the IED that wounded him on 29 Jan. He looked great and was excited to get back outside the wire again. 1SG wants him to spend a couple weeks in HQ to evaluate how he’s doing, but knowing Gucwa he’ll be out of there and back to the PLT ASAP. Gucwa is a big guy and we joked about how it was the extra insulation that kept him from getting hurt worse. Every training exercise we’ve done, Gucwa was always a casualty for two reasons. First he was usually my gunner and as PL I tend to be in the thick of things. Also because he’s so big (fat), the people running the training couldn’t resist forcing us to carry him around. So of course we were used to carrying him around….
In addition to that things are good. War is easy. Chow is good. Weather is perfect. Internet has been touchy.
Kelli sent me a mix CD that is amazing. She clearly spent a lot of time and thought on it and it was touching. Samantha turned three a week ago and had a good birthday. Lots of pink presents. Connor is a wrestling fanatic now that football is over. My mid-tour leave is slotted for the May-June timeframe. I’ll be giving up the PLT right before that. If I come back to Iraq after that I’ll be in a staff position somewhere, though I may be on a small three man team that advises and works with the Iraqi Army. It’s EXACTLY the job I want and the other two template officers are MAJ Stephenson and CPT Poche. They just happen to be the two guys in the Army I get along with the best and I respect the heck out of both of them. It’d be an all-star team in my opinion. We’ll see.
Jenna’s class sent me some questions a month or so ago and one of them asked about lizards in Iraq. Lo and behold yesterday on patrol I spotted one, so I snapped of a few pics. Hopefully the kid who asked about them will get a kick out of them.
That about finishes up my random thoughts for the day. Maybe I’ll try and tape and post a video message using my webcam. I’ll let you know.
Adam
The best thing to happen came on my way back from the laundry. I saw SSG Tracy and SPC(P) Nelson talking outside Nelson’s room. They were talking to someone I didn’t recognize from behind. When I turned the corner and saw who it was I was ELATED. It was SPC Gucwa, who had finished his rehab from the IED that wounded him on 29 Jan. He looked great and was excited to get back outside the wire again. 1SG wants him to spend a couple weeks in HQ to evaluate how he’s doing, but knowing Gucwa he’ll be out of there and back to the PLT ASAP. Gucwa is a big guy and we joked about how it was the extra insulation that kept him from getting hurt worse. Every training exercise we’ve done, Gucwa was always a casualty for two reasons. First he was usually my gunner and as PL I tend to be in the thick of things. Also because he’s so big (fat), the people running the training couldn’t resist forcing us to carry him around. So of course we were used to carrying him around….
In addition to that things are good. War is easy. Chow is good. Weather is perfect. Internet has been touchy.
Kelli sent me a mix CD that is amazing. She clearly spent a lot of time and thought on it and it was touching. Samantha turned three a week ago and had a good birthday. Lots of pink presents. Connor is a wrestling fanatic now that football is over. My mid-tour leave is slotted for the May-June timeframe. I’ll be giving up the PLT right before that. If I come back to Iraq after that I’ll be in a staff position somewhere, though I may be on a small three man team that advises and works with the Iraqi Army. It’s EXACTLY the job I want and the other two template officers are MAJ Stephenson and CPT Poche. They just happen to be the two guys in the Army I get along with the best and I respect the heck out of both of them. It’d be an all-star team in my opinion. We’ll see.
Jenna’s class sent me some questions a month or so ago and one of them asked about lizards in Iraq. Lo and behold yesterday on patrol I spotted one, so I snapped of a few pics. Hopefully the kid who asked about them will get a kick out of them.
That about finishes up my random thoughts for the day. Maybe I’ll try and tape and post a video message using my webcam. I’ll let you know.
Adam
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
With apologies to Mr. Rodgers
Just looked it up.
He threw two passes and completed them both against the Vikes in the 34-0 thriller.
He threw two passes and completed them both against the Vikes in the 34-0 thriller.
Little Cheesehead in CO represents!
Quick Note
Shawn sent me some pictures of his Nordic brood. I told him it was so cliché to say it, but they had all grown so much (Except Shawn and Denise, who both looked good.) I also told him the following two stories about Connor, which I guess I might as well share.
I got a letter from Connor. Kelli transcribed everything he said and it was a good letter. It discussed not needing a car seat when he’s 10. Not wearing pull-ups at night and staying dry. Classes at the gym with obstacles, etc… He asked Kelli if he could draw on the envelope. She told him only on the back. So he took the envelope into the playroom and WROTE on the back “Go Packers.” He copied it off his “Go Packers” magnet, and except for an extra “p” which was backwards, it was all correct.
Second story is also Packers related (why didn’t I teach him physics instead of football?) Said to Kelli “Mommy, next time I go on Lambeau Field, can I show Brett Favre my helmet with the circle on the back?” Ok, the thing is, Kelli never got around to getting a circle sticker to put on the back of his helmet, so he just drew one on there with markers. It rubs off after a week or so, so he just redraws it.
Reminded me of one last Connor story. Luckily it doesn’t involve the Packers.
OK, it does.
Kelli and the kids were at my Mom’s house with another couple watching a game (I don’t think the Packers) and they were talking about what a great gig Favre’s backup has. No one could think of the guy’s name. Kelli calls out to Connor (remember he’s four years old) “Connor, who’s the other quarterback for the Packers?” Connor thinks for a second and says “Aaron Rodgers.” WHAT??? As Jer would say "Es Verdat?" The thing is, I THINK Aaron Rodgers has only played in one game this year and that would be a Thursday night game that Connor would not have seen. Maybe he played in the Carolina game and Connor watched that at his Great Grandma’s house with my dad. In any case….are you serious?
Adam
Shawn sent me some pictures of his Nordic brood. I told him it was so cliché to say it, but they had all grown so much (Except Shawn and Denise, who both looked good.) I also told him the following two stories about Connor, which I guess I might as well share.
I got a letter from Connor. Kelli transcribed everything he said and it was a good letter. It discussed not needing a car seat when he’s 10. Not wearing pull-ups at night and staying dry. Classes at the gym with obstacles, etc… He asked Kelli if he could draw on the envelope. She told him only on the back. So he took the envelope into the playroom and WROTE on the back “Go Packers.” He copied it off his “Go Packers” magnet, and except for an extra “p” which was backwards, it was all correct.
Second story is also Packers related (why didn’t I teach him physics instead of football?) Said to Kelli “Mommy, next time I go on Lambeau Field, can I show Brett Favre my helmet with the circle on the back?” Ok, the thing is, Kelli never got around to getting a circle sticker to put on the back of his helmet, so he just drew one on there with markers. It rubs off after a week or so, so he just redraws it.
Reminded me of one last Connor story. Luckily it doesn’t involve the Packers.
OK, it does.
Kelli and the kids were at my Mom’s house with another couple watching a game (I don’t think the Packers) and they were talking about what a great gig Favre’s backup has. No one could think of the guy’s name. Kelli calls out to Connor (remember he’s four years old) “Connor, who’s the other quarterback for the Packers?” Connor thinks for a second and says “Aaron Rodgers.” WHAT??? As Jer would say "Es Verdat?" The thing is, I THINK Aaron Rodgers has only played in one game this year and that would be a Thursday night game that Connor would not have seen. Maybe he played in the Carolina game and Connor watched that at his Great Grandma’s house with my dad. In any case….are you serious?
Adam
Monday, February 11, 2008
Writer's Cramp induced Ramblings
Blah…….
So it’s been awhile (way too long) since I wrote anything here. I’ve been so lethargic lately. I can’t convince myself to do anything but go on patrol and sleep. I’ll obviously knock out the occasional paperwork too, but I’ve been so lazy it’s disconcerting.
Hmm. I don’t know if that’s completely fair. I was very busy up until two days ago inventorying and packing up my guy’s gear. A very tedious and labor intensive process. Every single item written down and described in Armyspeak.
Socks, Green, calf-length.
Trousers, denim, American Eagle Brand, Comfort fit, 34-36.
Or words to that effect.
Anyways, the local businesses are hurting, because the Checkpoint has been temporarily moved to the other side of the street, where there are no shops. This means all of those businesses are closed since there is no way anyone could get there after the security changes. We are trying to convince the IA to go back to the way it was, but it’s tough. The Arabs are a very communal group though, so herd times are always not as hard because of the automatic help from family in times like these.
Mag earns my comment of the post last time. Granted only about 10 people in the world understood the joke, but those 10 people appreciate it. If I could get bumper stickers that said “rather be bowhunting” wouldn’t I HAVE to put them on my vehicles?
“Oh I’ve been to Praque.” GREATEST LINE IN MOVIE HISTORY
We got 4 new guys a few days ago. Of the four:
One was born in Elgin and lived in Schaumberg and Skokie
One was born in Wisconsin and lived on 40th and Villard (by the Stop and Go)
One was born in Wisconsin and looks like it
The last one has nothing to contribute in that manner…
They’ll go out for the first time today, I’m sure they’ll do fine.
Kelli sent me some great pics of her and the kids (and I’m in a few) and it got me to thinking. People often ask me what I’d like mailed to me. Pictures would be a great surprise. I haven’t seen some of you in so long it’s amazing. Just a sampler:
Mag- last time I saw you……4 years ago? Write me some witty emails or letters. Remind me why you , Kelli , and I should have all married each other. Kelli and I bought the DVD for Kicking and Screaming and the inside cover is a crossword with quotes from the movie! It’s awesome!
Alex “la Machina” – WOW…I think just after Connor was born, so almost 5 years? You married WAY above your class and had a baby since then, right?
Aaron – Samantha was a newborn I think the last time I saw you. You too, have married and reproduced since I saw you last…I’d say you married above yourself as well, but since you are a man of god, I guess you get status points for that.
Jessica?- The other, other woman I should have married? Jeez. I don’t even remember.
I really appreciate all of you (not just those above). One reason I have always been able to maintain my idealism in regards to helping Iraq despite my personal (and my family’s) sacrifice is that you have all made my life so blessed. I am not religious, but in OCS a speaker quoted Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I firmly believe this. You all have given me so much, and I thank you so much for it.
Speaking of quotes that inspire me..I got a plaque from my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bob as a commissioning gift. It had the following:
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
It’s from JFK’s Inaugural Speech and I think it is a tremendous statement. I hope our leaders never forget how important it is that we spread that message. We will do whatever it takes. It has taken years and years in Iraq, but I think the world understands we are committed to victory now.
I just reread the whole speech and came upon this one as well:
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
Actually here is a link to the speech, it’s pretty darn good…
http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres56.html
Ok…this post was rambling and borderline embarrassingly nostalgic. I almost erased it several times, but I haven’t written anything in a long time and I can use posting this as a stabilizer that may help me get off my butt and go work out or study some more Arabic or anything but sit in this trailer and rot.
Love you all,
Adam
So it’s been awhile (way too long) since I wrote anything here. I’ve been so lethargic lately. I can’t convince myself to do anything but go on patrol and sleep. I’ll obviously knock out the occasional paperwork too, but I’ve been so lazy it’s disconcerting.
Hmm. I don’t know if that’s completely fair. I was very busy up until two days ago inventorying and packing up my guy’s gear. A very tedious and labor intensive process. Every single item written down and described in Armyspeak.
Socks, Green, calf-length.
Trousers, denim, American Eagle Brand, Comfort fit, 34-36.
Or words to that effect.
Anyways, the local businesses are hurting, because the Checkpoint has been temporarily moved to the other side of the street, where there are no shops. This means all of those businesses are closed since there is no way anyone could get there after the security changes. We are trying to convince the IA to go back to the way it was, but it’s tough. The Arabs are a very communal group though, so herd times are always not as hard because of the automatic help from family in times like these.
Mag earns my comment of the post last time. Granted only about 10 people in the world understood the joke, but those 10 people appreciate it. If I could get bumper stickers that said “rather be bowhunting” wouldn’t I HAVE to put them on my vehicles?
“Oh I’ve been to Praque.” GREATEST LINE IN MOVIE HISTORY
We got 4 new guys a few days ago. Of the four:
One was born in Elgin and lived in Schaumberg and Skokie
One was born in Wisconsin and lived on 40th and Villard (by the Stop and Go)
One was born in Wisconsin and looks like it
The last one has nothing to contribute in that manner…
They’ll go out for the first time today, I’m sure they’ll do fine.
Kelli sent me some great pics of her and the kids (and I’m in a few) and it got me to thinking. People often ask me what I’d like mailed to me. Pictures would be a great surprise. I haven’t seen some of you in so long it’s amazing. Just a sampler:
Mag- last time I saw you……4 years ago? Write me some witty emails or letters. Remind me why you , Kelli , and I should have all married each other. Kelli and I bought the DVD for Kicking and Screaming and the inside cover is a crossword with quotes from the movie! It’s awesome!
Alex “la Machina” – WOW…I think just after Connor was born, so almost 5 years? You married WAY above your class and had a baby since then, right?
Aaron – Samantha was a newborn I think the last time I saw you. You too, have married and reproduced since I saw you last…I’d say you married above yourself as well, but since you are a man of god, I guess you get status points for that.
Jessica?- The other, other woman I should have married? Jeez. I don’t even remember.
I really appreciate all of you (not just those above). One reason I have always been able to maintain my idealism in regards to helping Iraq despite my personal (and my family’s) sacrifice is that you have all made my life so blessed. I am not religious, but in OCS a speaker quoted Luke 12:48 “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I firmly believe this. You all have given me so much, and I thank you so much for it.
Speaking of quotes that inspire me..I got a plaque from my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bob as a commissioning gift. It had the following:
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
It’s from JFK’s Inaugural Speech and I think it is a tremendous statement. I hope our leaders never forget how important it is that we spread that message. We will do whatever it takes. It has taken years and years in Iraq, but I think the world understands we are committed to victory now.
I just reread the whole speech and came upon this one as well:
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
Actually here is a link to the speech, it’s pretty darn good…
http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres56.html
Ok…this post was rambling and borderline embarrassingly nostalgic. I almost erased it several times, but I haven’t written anything in a long time and I can use posting this as a stabilizer that may help me get off my butt and go work out or study some more Arabic or anything but sit in this trailer and rot.
Love you all,
Adam
Thursday, January 31, 2008
War Interupts my Vacation
5 troops hurt in Iraq checkpoint bombing
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 30, 2008 12:03:22 EST
BAGHDAD — A bomb exploded at a checkpoint Tuesday in Baghdad, wounding five American soldiers and three civilians, the U.S. military said. Iraqi officials claimed it was a suicide bombing and said two people were killed.
The attack occurred just after noon as women were being searched before being allowed to enter a commercial street in the predominantly Sunni Amariyah neighborhood in southwest Baghdad, according to a local police official and an Iraqi army officer.
Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a U.S. military spokesman, said initial reporting indicated it was not a suicide attack but a bomb that was left at the checkpoint and later detonated. He said no deaths were reported, but five soldiers and three civilians were wounded.
So now you know how my last few days have been…
I’ll spare you the details, but my patrol was hit by an IED that wounded five of the eight of us on the ground. Myself, SGT McPherson, and PFC Le (Thank God he was OK, he was our Medic) were all uninjured. Wounded in the attack were SPC Watson, SPC Gucwa, SPC Griffen, CPL Edwards (a Delta Company attachment), and PV2 Collins. They are all OK, but some are out of the fight for good. I expect SPC Gucwa and CPL Edwards to be back within three weeks and SPC Griffen to be back in three months. SPC Watson and PV2 Collins may or may not return to us. In any case everyone still has all of their body parts and is in good spirits.
As for myself, I was hit in the butt and arm by flying debris, but I am fine. I hope that nothing I did or failed to do led to this, but all I can do is keep doing the best I can do. I was so very impressed by the actions of all of my guys, especially Le and McPherson on the ground. We were very, very fortunate that no one was killed. The IED was composed of explosives surrounded by steel ball bearings. When it exploded it sent the giant BBs flying through the air at us. It is normally a directional weapon, meaning it is designed to send the BBs in a general direction rather than just in every direction. For a multitude of reasons this ended up being a good thing and nearly all of the wounds were to the legs. This type of IED is incredibly lethal against unarmored targets, but due to the circular shape of the BBs doesn’t penetrate armor very well. Still, all of the wounded had at least one BB lodged into them, and the doctors left most of them in. I’m not sure how they’ll get through the metal detectors at airports, but thank god that may be the only long lasting problem they have from this.
In any case, we soldier on. Less than 24 hours later McPherson and I were back on the ground in that exact same spot securing the checkpoint again. That which does not kill us makes us stronger and I think my PLT (and of course myself) will be stronger and better prepared to avoid any other potentially deadly attacks against us in the future.
Adam
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 30, 2008 12:03:22 EST
BAGHDAD — A bomb exploded at a checkpoint Tuesday in Baghdad, wounding five American soldiers and three civilians, the U.S. military said. Iraqi officials claimed it was a suicide bombing and said two people were killed.
The attack occurred just after noon as women were being searched before being allowed to enter a commercial street in the predominantly Sunni Amariyah neighborhood in southwest Baghdad, according to a local police official and an Iraqi army officer.
Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a U.S. military spokesman, said initial reporting indicated it was not a suicide attack but a bomb that was left at the checkpoint and later detonated. He said no deaths were reported, but five soldiers and three civilians were wounded.
So now you know how my last few days have been…
I’ll spare you the details, but my patrol was hit by an IED that wounded five of the eight of us on the ground. Myself, SGT McPherson, and PFC Le (Thank God he was OK, he was our Medic) were all uninjured. Wounded in the attack were SPC Watson, SPC Gucwa, SPC Griffen, CPL Edwards (a Delta Company attachment), and PV2 Collins. They are all OK, but some are out of the fight for good. I expect SPC Gucwa and CPL Edwards to be back within three weeks and SPC Griffen to be back in three months. SPC Watson and PV2 Collins may or may not return to us. In any case everyone still has all of their body parts and is in good spirits.
As for myself, I was hit in the butt and arm by flying debris, but I am fine. I hope that nothing I did or failed to do led to this, but all I can do is keep doing the best I can do. I was so very impressed by the actions of all of my guys, especially Le and McPherson on the ground. We were very, very fortunate that no one was killed. The IED was composed of explosives surrounded by steel ball bearings. When it exploded it sent the giant BBs flying through the air at us. It is normally a directional weapon, meaning it is designed to send the BBs in a general direction rather than just in every direction. For a multitude of reasons this ended up being a good thing and nearly all of the wounds were to the legs. This type of IED is incredibly lethal against unarmored targets, but due to the circular shape of the BBs doesn’t penetrate armor very well. Still, all of the wounded had at least one BB lodged into them, and the doctors left most of them in. I’m not sure how they’ll get through the metal detectors at airports, but thank god that may be the only long lasting problem they have from this.
In any case, we soldier on. Less than 24 hours later McPherson and I were back on the ground in that exact same spot securing the checkpoint again. That which does not kill us makes us stronger and I think my PLT (and of course myself) will be stronger and better prepared to avoid any other potentially deadly attacks against us in the future.
Adam
Monday, January 21, 2008
Now What??
Great News!!!!
I told you yesterday about our list of most painful moments for Packers fans. I could only come up with nine….Now I have ten!
I’ll say this. The Giants were the better team yesterday. There were some goofy breaks for both teams and overall I think the Giants had a few more lucky breaks their way, but hats off to them. They lost to the Cowboys twice in the regular season, then go into Dallas and beat them. They then have to travel to Green Bay, who beat them handily in the regular season, and outplay the Packers. They deserve to play in the Super Bowl. Toomer and Burress were making catches that were incredible in the best of conditions and Manning took precisely what was given to him and didn’t try and force it. Their RBs time and time again were hit 4 yards back and fell to the line of scrimmage or better. It happens. I think the Packers are the better team, but they lost to a team that rose to the occasion.
Which brings up the list…in no particular order ten painful memories I have thanks to the Packers:
1. Super Bowl loss to Denver ‘97 season
2. Giving up 4th and 26 to the Eagles in the playoffs to lose 2004
3. Rice fumble non-call and TO’s sick TD catch jan 3rd 99
4. Atlanta killing the Pack in the playoffs to hand Green Bay it’s first EVER home playoff loss 2003
5. Vikes playoff win (slaughter) in G bay
6. 21-6 loss to ‘boys in 96 in dallas
7. Up 31-14 on the chiefs in the fourth quarter : lose 40 34 in OT 2003
8. 11/16/97 8-2 Packers lose to 0-10 Colts (Packers won the rest of their games to finish…13-3)
9. Loss to Giants yesterday
10. Favre’s 6 INT loss to Rams
There is more to comment on each one, but first I’d like Packers fans (and others) to comment as they wish on these moments or add some of your own. Obviously there are a few Vikes and Bears fans that read this, so feel free to add your Triumphs over the Packers to continue my pain.
I can’t see why the son wasn’t arrested in this article…
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/packers/2008-01-16-father-arrested_N.htm
Adam
I told you yesterday about our list of most painful moments for Packers fans. I could only come up with nine….Now I have ten!
I’ll say this. The Giants were the better team yesterday. There were some goofy breaks for both teams and overall I think the Giants had a few more lucky breaks their way, but hats off to them. They lost to the Cowboys twice in the regular season, then go into Dallas and beat them. They then have to travel to Green Bay, who beat them handily in the regular season, and outplay the Packers. They deserve to play in the Super Bowl. Toomer and Burress were making catches that were incredible in the best of conditions and Manning took precisely what was given to him and didn’t try and force it. Their RBs time and time again were hit 4 yards back and fell to the line of scrimmage or better. It happens. I think the Packers are the better team, but they lost to a team that rose to the occasion.
Which brings up the list…in no particular order ten painful memories I have thanks to the Packers:
1. Super Bowl loss to Denver ‘97 season
2. Giving up 4th and 26 to the Eagles in the playoffs to lose 2004
3. Rice fumble non-call and TO’s sick TD catch jan 3rd 99
4. Atlanta killing the Pack in the playoffs to hand Green Bay it’s first EVER home playoff loss 2003
5. Vikes playoff win (slaughter) in G bay
6. 21-6 loss to ‘boys in 96 in dallas
7. Up 31-14 on the chiefs in the fourth quarter : lose 40 34 in OT 2003
8. 11/16/97 8-2 Packers lose to 0-10 Colts (Packers won the rest of their games to finish…13-3)
9. Loss to Giants yesterday
10. Favre’s 6 INT loss to Rams
There is more to comment on each one, but first I’d like Packers fans (and others) to comment as they wish on these moments or add some of your own. Obviously there are a few Vikes and Bears fans that read this, so feel free to add your Triumphs over the Packers to continue my pain.
I can’t see why the son wasn’t arrested in this article…
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/packers/2008-01-16-father-arrested_N.htm
Adam
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Stream of Conscience
What to Say…
I realize that I haven’t posted anything in awhile, so I’ll ramble on for awhile and hopefully hit something close to a theme…
I went to the blog page today and couldn’t figure out how to log on because everything on the banner was in Arabic. I must have changed my location somewhere in the profile and it just assumed I wanted Arabic as my language…I’ll try and figure out how to even post this, let alone change the language back to English.
Things are going well. The guys have adapted VERY well to our less aggressive mission. It’s tough to maintain a relaxed and friendly posture, while maintaining the ability to switch back to lethality literally the second it’s required.
How ‘bout them Packers? Wow. They have looked so good the last couple of months. Of the three teams left that aren’t the Patriots, I think the Packers are the only one who have a decent chance of beating the Patriots. I’m not laying even money on it of course, but the Packers CAN beat them. I know I am looking past the Giants, I can’t imagine the Giants winning. I was chatting with my brother Jer today and we were talking about where losing to the Giants would rank in our most painful moments in Packers history. We came up with seven very specific moments, and we’ll try and boost that to ten and publish that list. We can vote on it and come up with the rankings for those moments.
As far as the weather today, I bet there are a few Packers who wish the Giants hadn’t beaten the Cowboys last week…maybe some Giants as well ;) According to one website I found… At wind-chill temperatures of -18, skin will develop frostbite if exposed for more than 30 minutes.
So have fun with that.
Went for a run today. Second time in the last few days, both about 4 miles. I have found some nice routes, both around lakes here on the FOB. Today’s route took me past palace after palace. It’s pretty neat to see these gorgeous buildings now being used as barracks or unit headquarters. I always feel better after a run and I am proud that I’ve been able to shrug off the aches and pains of wearing heavy gear for seven hours a day to then go running. I need to start working out as well, but right now I’m happy with running a bit. One downside to running outside as opposed to on a treadmill in the gym is that I can’t wear headphones outside. Listening to music has always helped me when I run. It helps me ignore the boring monotony of running and also helps me keep up a quicker pace by listening to fast paced music.
I have been borrowing my buddies TV for the last couple of weeks to watch the Packers games. One nice perk of AFN is the commercials. If I told you there were no commercials, that would be true, but inaccurate. There are instead Public Service Announcements. Imagine you and your co-workers made a commercial espousing the merits of Safety. How awesome would that be? Suffice to say there are not a lot of them that aren’t painful. Plus, there are not a lot of them made, since who wants to make these painful TV spots? So you see those same ones over and over. Making even the good ones painful…
Well, according to my clock the official local time as expressed in military date time group, it is 201939CJAN2008 and the game is on at 210030CJAM2008, so I might try and take a nap and wake up for the game.
Chow,
Adam
I realize that I haven’t posted anything in awhile, so I’ll ramble on for awhile and hopefully hit something close to a theme…
I went to the blog page today and couldn’t figure out how to log on because everything on the banner was in Arabic. I must have changed my location somewhere in the profile and it just assumed I wanted Arabic as my language…I’ll try and figure out how to even post this, let alone change the language back to English.
Things are going well. The guys have adapted VERY well to our less aggressive mission. It’s tough to maintain a relaxed and friendly posture, while maintaining the ability to switch back to lethality literally the second it’s required.
How ‘bout them Packers? Wow. They have looked so good the last couple of months. Of the three teams left that aren’t the Patriots, I think the Packers are the only one who have a decent chance of beating the Patriots. I’m not laying even money on it of course, but the Packers CAN beat them. I know I am looking past the Giants, I can’t imagine the Giants winning. I was chatting with my brother Jer today and we were talking about where losing to the Giants would rank in our most painful moments in Packers history. We came up with seven very specific moments, and we’ll try and boost that to ten and publish that list. We can vote on it and come up with the rankings for those moments.
As far as the weather today, I bet there are a few Packers who wish the Giants hadn’t beaten the Cowboys last week…maybe some Giants as well ;) According to one website I found… At wind-chill temperatures of -18, skin will develop frostbite if exposed for more than 30 minutes.
So have fun with that.
Went for a run today. Second time in the last few days, both about 4 miles. I have found some nice routes, both around lakes here on the FOB. Today’s route took me past palace after palace. It’s pretty neat to see these gorgeous buildings now being used as barracks or unit headquarters. I always feel better after a run and I am proud that I’ve been able to shrug off the aches and pains of wearing heavy gear for seven hours a day to then go running. I need to start working out as well, but right now I’m happy with running a bit. One downside to running outside as opposed to on a treadmill in the gym is that I can’t wear headphones outside. Listening to music has always helped me when I run. It helps me ignore the boring monotony of running and also helps me keep up a quicker pace by listening to fast paced music.
I have been borrowing my buddies TV for the last couple of weeks to watch the Packers games. One nice perk of AFN is the commercials. If I told you there were no commercials, that would be true, but inaccurate. There are instead Public Service Announcements. Imagine you and your co-workers made a commercial espousing the merits of Safety. How awesome would that be? Suffice to say there are not a lot of them that aren’t painful. Plus, there are not a lot of them made, since who wants to make these painful TV spots? So you see those same ones over and over. Making even the good ones painful…
Well, according to my clock the official local time as expressed in military date time group, it is 201939CJAN2008 and the game is on at 210030CJAM2008, so I might try and take a nap and wake up for the game.
Chow,
Adam
Friday, January 11, 2008
And Tomorrow...Pigs FLY!!!!
Ok, I woke up this morning still in Iraq.
It was snowing.
Snowing.
SNOW.
First time it's snowed in Baghdad in over 40 years.
Ok, to motivate people to provide feedback, I have included all the comments posted with my replies. I know, some of you have emailed me directly, but that isn't enough for me to mock you publicly. On to the roasting...
mag said...
Hi Adam! I'm really loving your blog and feel that I should reciprocate. When you were in Kosovo I believe I kept you updated on Ally McBeal so just let me know which bad tv show you'd like recaps on this time.
As for your light bulb situation, I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere. How many 1st Lieutenants does it take to change a light bulb? None, they don't have the clearance.
(Sorry if this post shows up twice. I typed one and lost it somehow so had to type it again.)
January 11, 2008 7:46 AM
My dear. I have emailed tech support of this website to find out if the posted time is your or my local time. If it’s your local time, LT Graham and I came up with that joke hours before you. My lawyers will be contacting you. Even if you came up with it first (doubtful) our punchline is better: “It’s a trick question, it can’t be done without a work order and two KBR workers. As for TV shows I’m confused, you’re suggest Ally McBeal was “bad TV???” I’m very confused and might go see the Chaplain about this….Thanks, I didn’t need this. I don’t know how many times you expect me to say this, I know. I know. I shoulda picked you. Got it.
Alexander said...
Hey Meyer Lanskey ... We saw how effective a well-thrown chair is to get people moving in Hohenfels once. I suggest you try this tactic next time you need a bulb and/or linen. And about the liberating Cuba thing... when you do start that up, let me know... you know I'm down!
January 10, 2008 8:28 PM
Alex, the chair was thrown at an officer though..the analogy becomes scary for me at that point. The only thing I remember about that Hohenfels (was it that one? There were so many…) was the beer at 6:42 am…..Until the day I die, we will ALWAYS have that.
theweasel said...
Oh, and make sure on your next mission you pick up some Tiger Tails at one of the local markets. Stay away from Choco Tot Tot's though, they are horrendous.
January 7, 2008 5:55 PM
Tiger Tails? I’ll ask for them. Knock Choco Tot Tots one more time and see what happens. I’m serious, leave the Tot Tots out of this.
PolarBearZ said...
Ahhh, I'm sure thats the spirit that makes Us strong! Hand out bullets and bombs like candy, but gods forbid you want a lightbulb or sheets - can you imagine what one could do with those?!
January 5, 2008 7:29 AM
No, ‘cause I can’t get ‘em. Thanks for bringing that up again. Thanks. One time my parents made me pet a dog that bit me in the eye. Want me to relive that pain too? You’re a jerk.
Jacob said...
You couldn't have said it better Bro. Having been a former member of the Liberty community (we called it East LA - shortened from East LSA) I can remember well the frustrations with the dick-heads at the mayor's cell. Hell, back when the terps lived down in the tents behind the DFAC I was consistently harassed for visiting and drinking chai with them to the point that CI was looking into my "illicit" activities. So much for the unquestionable loyalty of an officer with 14 years of devoted service to his country!!!
January 5, 2008 11:16 AM
You sound like a guy who’d try and wash his feet in the sinks here. Despite the 5 signs posted over the sinks and urinals ordering us not to “by order of the CSM.” No repect for authority. Where'd you get your commison, some 3 month camp where they handed it out to anyone who showed up?
Yeah, me too.
theweasel said...
Adam,
Imagine the safety issues with you changing your own lightbulb. That would have to be a pretty hefty ORM in order to allow you to do that. They probably wouldn't have been happy to see my Marines jerry rigging the power at my FOB to hard wire the toaster right into the wall wiring. Pretty shady.
January 7, 2008 5:53 PM
Why did they do that? The chow hall has plenty of toasters and pastries and ice cream and….oh wait. Marines. Yeah, You guys musta been made fun of for the luxury of having a toaster. Seriously though, mention the Choco Tot Tots again and I pull out the “How many Marine Intel guys does it take to turn on a printer….Yeah.
Nathan said...
Please tell me you didn't grow a mustache. I told all my guys daily how ridiculous their mustaches looked. As far as food goes, gotta love the hoobz baked in the backyard mud oven. This is Jeremy, but using Nate's account.
December 30, 2007 4:05 PM
See above threat. I'm serious. And use MAMs ONE MORE TIME...
Mom said...
I saw the mustache... you'll be getting a razor in your next care package!!
Love all the blog, but worry when a week goes by with no post... don't give your old mom even more grey hairs!
December 31, 2007 11:23 AM
It’s been 6 and a half days since my last post. Happy?
frank said...
What I'd really like to hear more about is how the Bears whipped the Packers... twice!
December 31, 2007 3:04 PM
Hmm….Connor is getting to the point where he can recognize words, so my post can’t say EXACTLY what I’d like, but let’s just settle on F-U.
btw funny article
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass_bd23dec23,0,7416102.column
Burke said...
OK Cheesehead, this is Mr. Viking, I think perhaps you may remember us. Connor has is huge man! We haven't met your daughter, but we will! You take care of yourself Adam! The kids look great, but put some purple on them once in awhile... Lets hope the Pack does a better job of reping the Norse Div than those Bears did last year.. Ann is back in KFOR and I am soon to follow. We will stay in touch. Burke n Ann
December 29, 2007 9:02 AM
Samantha likes the Vikings. Connor spent an hour explaining to her that she needs to like Arizona ‘cause that’s where she was born, and he like the Redskins because that’s where he was born. He also has sat down with her and repeatedly gone over EVERY team and it’s helmet. Samantha always waits for him to finish and then says “Good Job, Connor!”
PolarBearZ said...
If you weren't such a slacker, you could probably get those extra credits done while you are deployed!
December 22, 2007 8:11 AM
What’s your point? Seriously. You wasted time posting that? We all know that. Don’t waste my time again I know you’re at Captain’s Career Course and bored, but still….
Alexander said...
Well, I'm first, goddammit. This thing is a great idea for us saps who talk to you like once a decade! Dude, I didn't know Kelli and the kids were in CO... I just got back from there! (work)
I'll keep it short here, dude. It's great to see you're doing well... I'll definitely be checking back. Hope you have as good a holiday as you can out there... I miss you crazy Hoffmanns! Take care, man.
- Alex "La Machina" Santiago
December 21, 2007 11:37 AM
Alex, all I can say is that Darwin was wrong, we BOTH reproduced before he could weed us out! Score one for the recessive gene!
PolarBearZ said...
In reference to your email: "Do, or Do not, there is no try!" - Yoda
December 21, 2007 1:26 PM
I think that was actually from Mall Rats, but I got ya.
Tschuss,
Adam
It was snowing.
Snowing.
SNOW.
First time it's snowed in Baghdad in over 40 years.
Ok, to motivate people to provide feedback, I have included all the comments posted with my replies. I know, some of you have emailed me directly, but that isn't enough for me to mock you publicly. On to the roasting...
mag said...
Hi Adam! I'm really loving your blog and feel that I should reciprocate. When you were in Kosovo I believe I kept you updated on Ally McBeal so just let me know which bad tv show you'd like recaps on this time.
As for your light bulb situation, I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere. How many 1st Lieutenants does it take to change a light bulb? None, they don't have the clearance.
(Sorry if this post shows up twice. I typed one and lost it somehow so had to type it again.)
January 11, 2008 7:46 AM
My dear. I have emailed tech support of this website to find out if the posted time is your or my local time. If it’s your local time, LT Graham and I came up with that joke hours before you. My lawyers will be contacting you. Even if you came up with it first (doubtful) our punchline is better: “It’s a trick question, it can’t be done without a work order and two KBR workers. As for TV shows I’m confused, you’re suggest Ally McBeal was “bad TV???” I’m very confused and might go see the Chaplain about this….Thanks, I didn’t need this. I don’t know how many times you expect me to say this, I know. I know. I shoulda picked you. Got it.
Alexander said...
Hey Meyer Lanskey ... We saw how effective a well-thrown chair is to get people moving in Hohenfels once. I suggest you try this tactic next time you need a bulb and/or linen. And about the liberating Cuba thing... when you do start that up, let me know... you know I'm down!
January 10, 2008 8:28 PM
Alex, the chair was thrown at an officer though..the analogy becomes scary for me at that point. The only thing I remember about that Hohenfels (was it that one? There were so many…) was the beer at 6:42 am…..Until the day I die, we will ALWAYS have that.
theweasel said...
Oh, and make sure on your next mission you pick up some Tiger Tails at one of the local markets. Stay away from Choco Tot Tot's though, they are horrendous.
January 7, 2008 5:55 PM
Tiger Tails? I’ll ask for them. Knock Choco Tot Tots one more time and see what happens. I’m serious, leave the Tot Tots out of this.
PolarBearZ said...
Ahhh, I'm sure thats the spirit that makes Us strong! Hand out bullets and bombs like candy, but gods forbid you want a lightbulb or sheets - can you imagine what one could do with those?!
January 5, 2008 7:29 AM
No, ‘cause I can’t get ‘em. Thanks for bringing that up again. Thanks. One time my parents made me pet a dog that bit me in the eye. Want me to relive that pain too? You’re a jerk.
Jacob said...
You couldn't have said it better Bro. Having been a former member of the Liberty community (we called it East LA - shortened from East LSA) I can remember well the frustrations with the dick-heads at the mayor's cell. Hell, back when the terps lived down in the tents behind the DFAC I was consistently harassed for visiting and drinking chai with them to the point that CI was looking into my "illicit" activities. So much for the unquestionable loyalty of an officer with 14 years of devoted service to his country!!!
January 5, 2008 11:16 AM
You sound like a guy who’d try and wash his feet in the sinks here. Despite the 5 signs posted over the sinks and urinals ordering us not to “by order of the CSM.” No repect for authority. Where'd you get your commison, some 3 month camp where they handed it out to anyone who showed up?
Yeah, me too.
theweasel said...
Adam,
Imagine the safety issues with you changing your own lightbulb. That would have to be a pretty hefty ORM in order to allow you to do that. They probably wouldn't have been happy to see my Marines jerry rigging the power at my FOB to hard wire the toaster right into the wall wiring. Pretty shady.
January 7, 2008 5:53 PM
Why did they do that? The chow hall has plenty of toasters and pastries and ice cream and….oh wait. Marines. Yeah, You guys musta been made fun of for the luxury of having a toaster. Seriously though, mention the Choco Tot Tots again and I pull out the “How many Marine Intel guys does it take to turn on a printer….Yeah.
Nathan said...
Please tell me you didn't grow a mustache. I told all my guys daily how ridiculous their mustaches looked. As far as food goes, gotta love the hoobz baked in the backyard mud oven. This is Jeremy, but using Nate's account.
December 30, 2007 4:05 PM
See above threat. I'm serious. And use MAMs ONE MORE TIME...
Mom said...
I saw the mustache... you'll be getting a razor in your next care package!!
Love all the blog, but worry when a week goes by with no post... don't give your old mom even more grey hairs!
December 31, 2007 11:23 AM
It’s been 6 and a half days since my last post. Happy?
frank said...
What I'd really like to hear more about is how the Bears whipped the Packers... twice!
December 31, 2007 3:04 PM
Hmm….Connor is getting to the point where he can recognize words, so my post can’t say EXACTLY what I’d like, but let’s just settle on F-U.
btw funny article
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass_bd23dec23,0,7416102.column
Burke said...
OK Cheesehead, this is Mr. Viking, I think perhaps you may remember us. Connor has is huge man! We haven't met your daughter, but we will! You take care of yourself Adam! The kids look great, but put some purple on them once in awhile... Lets hope the Pack does a better job of reping the Norse Div than those Bears did last year.. Ann is back in KFOR and I am soon to follow. We will stay in touch. Burke n Ann
December 29, 2007 9:02 AM
Samantha likes the Vikings. Connor spent an hour explaining to her that she needs to like Arizona ‘cause that’s where she was born, and he like the Redskins because that’s where he was born. He also has sat down with her and repeatedly gone over EVERY team and it’s helmet. Samantha always waits for him to finish and then says “Good Job, Connor!”
PolarBearZ said...
If you weren't such a slacker, you could probably get those extra credits done while you are deployed!
December 22, 2007 8:11 AM
What’s your point? Seriously. You wasted time posting that? We all know that. Don’t waste my time again I know you’re at Captain’s Career Course and bored, but still….
Alexander said...
Well, I'm first, goddammit. This thing is a great idea for us saps who talk to you like once a decade! Dude, I didn't know Kelli and the kids were in CO... I just got back from there! (work)
I'll keep it short here, dude. It's great to see you're doing well... I'll definitely be checking back. Hope you have as good a holiday as you can out there... I miss you crazy Hoffmanns! Take care, man.
- Alex "La Machina" Santiago
December 21, 2007 11:37 AM
Alex, all I can say is that Darwin was wrong, we BOTH reproduced before he could weed us out! Score one for the recessive gene!
PolarBearZ said...
In reference to your email: "Do, or Do not, there is no try!" - Yoda
December 21, 2007 1:26 PM
I think that was actually from Mall Rats, but I got ya.
Tschuss,
Adam
Saturday, January 5, 2008
I Hate Us (Part I)
“I Hate Us.”
-CPT Adam Rivette
Those three words are the greatest testament to the love/hate relationship I have with the Army. I’ll tell you the background some other time, but let me first explain why it’s true right now.
I am typing this in the dark. I have no light on my side of the room. My light bulb burned out a couple days ago while I was on QRF. Since QRF takes me away from the Camp for 24 hours, I didn’t notice it until several hours ago. I went to the Mayor’s Cell to get a new one. The Mayor’s Cell is where the day to day running of the Camp is conducted. The theory is it allows the commander’s to focus on warfighting while someone else manages the rooms, linen, trash, etc…
I went into the Mayor’s Cell and asked for a new light bulb. “You’ll need to fill out a work order, you’re not allowed to change your own light bulb.” Notice the lack of “sir”? Yup, they are WAY more important and too busy for that. ANYWAYS, a work order? For a light bulb? I said I would do that if they could admit it was ridiculous. They wouldn’t. It made sense to them because “people were putting the wrong light bulbs in and blowing the circuits.” Did you hear the “sir” that time? Me neither. ANYWAYS, maybe if you GAVE them the light bulbs they wouldn’t put the wrong ones in? ANYWAYS, I lashed back the only way I know. Sarcasm. I took three paragraphs to explain precisely what I needed done. Change the light bulb. Hey, it said be specific. I was almost ready to be done when I noticed the note “Draw Sketch on back.” Not a Problem. I drew as concise and detailed sketch as I could manage, labeling everything from the beds, the lockers, the desks, my roommate’s light bulb (labeled as “works, don’t fix”) down to the “misc. boxes” on top of the lockers. For the Arlo Guthrie fans out there, it had “circles and arrows drawn on it to be used as evidence against me.” I didn’t want to risk it not being up to standards, so I asked the highest ranking worker in there to confirm what I needed done was clear. He was confused. “I’ve never seen anyone draw a sketch before, I don’t think you need it.” After discussing it with him for a few minutes he finally got it and said “sir, I can’t turn this in.” Why couldn’t he turn it in…because it was insulting to them. Yeah. He really didn’t get it.
Two days ago I got linen (sheets, a pillowcase, and a comforter) for my bed. I bought my own awhile ago, but I realized if I got another set I could rotate them through the laundry and not miss a beat. ANYWAYS, I thought I’d be a nice guy and grab a set for my roommate as well….can you see where this is going? What do you think the outcome was? Yeah, I have a commission from the President of the United States. I am charged with THE LIVES of 30 men. I have the mission of taking them into places where people want to kill them, accomplishing the mission, and then bring them all back safe and sound. Everyday. I am signed for and personally responsible for tens of millions of dollars worth of equipment. I am trusted with grenades, missiles, and enough weapons to liberate Cuba. Twice. Now…am I trustworthy enough to sign for TWO sets of linen?
C’mon...
I can’t even change my own light bulb.
I Hate Us.
-adam
-CPT Adam Rivette
Those three words are the greatest testament to the love/hate relationship I have with the Army. I’ll tell you the background some other time, but let me first explain why it’s true right now.
I am typing this in the dark. I have no light on my side of the room. My light bulb burned out a couple days ago while I was on QRF. Since QRF takes me away from the Camp for 24 hours, I didn’t notice it until several hours ago. I went to the Mayor’s Cell to get a new one. The Mayor’s Cell is where the day to day running of the Camp is conducted. The theory is it allows the commander’s to focus on warfighting while someone else manages the rooms, linen, trash, etc…
I went into the Mayor’s Cell and asked for a new light bulb. “You’ll need to fill out a work order, you’re not allowed to change your own light bulb.” Notice the lack of “sir”? Yup, they are WAY more important and too busy for that. ANYWAYS, a work order? For a light bulb? I said I would do that if they could admit it was ridiculous. They wouldn’t. It made sense to them because “people were putting the wrong light bulbs in and blowing the circuits.” Did you hear the “sir” that time? Me neither. ANYWAYS, maybe if you GAVE them the light bulbs they wouldn’t put the wrong ones in? ANYWAYS, I lashed back the only way I know. Sarcasm. I took three paragraphs to explain precisely what I needed done. Change the light bulb. Hey, it said be specific. I was almost ready to be done when I noticed the note “Draw Sketch on back.” Not a Problem. I drew as concise and detailed sketch as I could manage, labeling everything from the beds, the lockers, the desks, my roommate’s light bulb (labeled as “works, don’t fix”) down to the “misc. boxes” on top of the lockers. For the Arlo Guthrie fans out there, it had “circles and arrows drawn on it to be used as evidence against me.” I didn’t want to risk it not being up to standards, so I asked the highest ranking worker in there to confirm what I needed done was clear. He was confused. “I’ve never seen anyone draw a sketch before, I don’t think you need it.” After discussing it with him for a few minutes he finally got it and said “sir, I can’t turn this in.” Why couldn’t he turn it in…because it was insulting to them. Yeah. He really didn’t get it.
Two days ago I got linen (sheets, a pillowcase, and a comforter) for my bed. I bought my own awhile ago, but I realized if I got another set I could rotate them through the laundry and not miss a beat. ANYWAYS, I thought I’d be a nice guy and grab a set for my roommate as well….can you see where this is going? What do you think the outcome was? Yeah, I have a commission from the President of the United States. I am charged with THE LIVES of 30 men. I have the mission of taking them into places where people want to kill them, accomplishing the mission, and then bring them all back safe and sound. Everyday. I am signed for and personally responsible for tens of millions of dollars worth of equipment. I am trusted with grenades, missiles, and enough weapons to liberate Cuba. Twice. Now…am I trustworthy enough to sign for TWO sets of linen?
C’mon...
I can’t even change my own light bulb.
I Hate Us.
-adam
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