4 Day Weekend...And a New Roommate

Dear Friends,

This week was an easy one. We had 2 ceremonies which ate up most of our time on Monday & Thursday, and Friday marked the first day of a 4 day weekend in honor of Labor Day. I also have exciting news in that I have a new roommate, Luke. He is a Kiowa helicopter pilot who just got back to Ft. Lewis after a 4 month deployment. We've already gotten to spend some time hanging out, and I think I'll enjoy living with him.

Saturday I finally got to travel to Seattle and spend some time with some friends from Wheaton who were now working there. We toured a good portion of the city but here are the day's highlights; we chatted and watched "free-style" walkers at Gas Works Park, we visited the giant troll under Freemont's bridge, and we saw the center of the universe street sign. At the end of the night we were invited into a wedding party. We didn't know the bride or groom, but apparently they didn't care. Seattle people were strangely friendly. These highlights would make a lot more sense if I had pictures, but unfortunately I left my camera at a friends house. I'll post them when I get them. Until then!

The Big Dance...I Guess It's a "Ball" Technically

Me and Some of the New LT's (Haynes, Taylor, Lee, & Me)

Dear Friends,

This week has been one to remember. I started off on Monday working 36 hrs straight without sleep due to pulling extra "staff duty". The rest of the weekdays flew bye as work and friends kept me going non-stop. This Friday was also eventful since it was the first time that I ever went to a casino. The games themselves were a blast not to mention the characters who sat down at the tables with us. I ended up loosing to the casino, but my friend won over $500. Needless to say, he bought dinner. I can't say that I'll be back anytime soon, but it was a ton of fun.

Saturday night was my first official military ball. It is called the Manchu Ball (after our Regimental mascot which happens to be a 5-toed Chinese Dragon called the Manchu). I enjoyed myself but look forward to not having to go to one again anytime soon. Tomorrow is early morning time in the Word, chapel, ultimate frisbee, Bible study, and then off to start another week. Laters!

By the way...my roommate Jamie loves Halo 3. Here's a picture of him playing. He claims to be, and I quote, "Awesome!"

First Week...

The Roommates right before I went to Mortar Leader's and Eric & Isaac deployed...

Eric, Me, Isaac, Jamie, & Steve

Dear Friends,

I had a vision of what my first week as a platoon leader would be. I'd show up, report to my commander, and then meet my platoon sergeant (PSG). After that my PSG would introduce me to my platoon who would be doing some sweet live fire exercise. At the end of the day I'd stand in front of my platoon and give an introductory speech. The rest of the week would be a storm of initial counselings, training plans, and other baptisms by fire.

Me Camping Spring 2007

The reality of the situation is that my first week as a PL was anything but ideal. I barely even met my platoon because the other PL is still around, and I've been tasked out to do other stuff. It's been good, but I am learning quickly that my present situation is anything but typical. My entire unit is resetting and rebuilding. It will be a slow build-up but a good one since it allows me to really shape the platoon and direct it where I want it to go. My PSG, however, is very good which will make this process even easier. I'll keep you all posted.

Tim and I at the Drive In...

Sprains and Boats

Dear Friends,

This last week was our last week of half-days. I should meet my platoon tomorrow and get right to work...whatever that may be. I haven't been too active this week, however, because I sprained my ankle last week playing soccer. I can now walk on it fine, but running will have to wait a little bit longer. In other news, some friends and I spent Friday at American Lake water-skiing and tubing. The first pic is of Charlie and Wes. They live 3 doors down from me. Tim and I are in the next pic. Tim should be moving into Charlie's house sometime in September.

So anyway, being out on the water is always a good time...even if it is chilly. I continue to remember just how lucky I am. My main prayer concerns are just to get healthy and to get to work. The Bible Study is also quickly growing. We're actually having trouble being able to follow up with all the new guys coming out...but I guess that's ultimately a good thing. Did I mention that Washington is awesome?