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