Matt & Lindsay's Spot

So it is raining(read: 5 min sprinkle) here today for first time in 2 months. I just walked outside and stood in it. I realized that I have probably forgotten so many normal things that I don't even miss them anymore. Just off the top of my head: trees, grass, not being assaulted by flies every day, driving unarmored vehicles, not carrying a weapon at all times, eating out, home cooking, donuts, quality toilet paper, drinking from the faucet, a time before the word roger was a universal response...

Speaking of home cooking, the terps invited me to come over for dinner last night. I had already eaten grilled cheese and tomato soup at the DFAC for dinner but I didn't want to turn down an invitation. They made some stewed okra dish with onions and tomatoes that was pretty good. There was also what they called a salad but we would call more of a salsa. It had fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and some seasoning. Of course there was the delicious flat bread that serves as a universal utensil here. After dinner we just sat around talking and drinking tea. The terps that don't get used a lot enjoy practicing their English so everyone had a good time.

I can feel a case of short-timers creeping up on me with leave right around the corner. I still need to figure out what I want to do while i'm home. Are the Travs playing while i'm home? That would be a nice night.

Meet CM1 Ross L. Toles and HN Marc A. Retmier. These two brothers of mine were killed in action during an attack in the Zurok District of Paktika. Please take time to pray for them, their families, the other injured, and the PRT.

Honor them with your prayers.

Yeah we have been bad bloggers lately. We do have good excuses though. Lindsay is busy chasing a scary smart toddler around and I'm busy defending freedom and democracy around the world.

So things have gotten pretty busy over here. I spend alot of time out on missions and when I'm back at the FOB my office work eats up a good 10-12 hours of the day. I really appreciate everyone that has been sending care packages and things to hand out for the kids. The students at CLS are in the lead by far. I usually get a packet of notes from them once a month plus they sent in nine boxes of paper, pens, and crayons for the PRT to pass out to children.

It is getting to that point in the deployment where people start getting on each other's nerves. Luckily it is also time for R&R to start. I have never been one to get annoyed easily and that has really helped me keep a good attitude. My contractors are the only people that can really get under my skin. If they aren't begging for money then they are coming up with excuses about why their work looks like crap or isn't finished. Being nice and stern (read mean) with them gives me a nice outlet for frustration. A few of them have told Azim that I am a very mean man which he gleefully translates for me. Azim is my interpreter for those that don't know. He is a great guy to work with and helps me out immensely. As the engineer terp he gets alot of on the job training with construction and contracting which can lead to a good job in the future when he is done being a terp.


I have also started going to the gym every day and running every three days. It just helps break up the monotony and makes carrying around 70lbs worth of armor/gear/weapons a bit easier. I don't really have any lifting goals but I do want to be able to run 13 miles at a 8:30 pace by the time I come home. There are plenty of guys my age that can run faster but things are a little different up here at 7500 feet.

I'll try and update more often from here on out.