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
Friday, February 22, 2008
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
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