Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2025...The Rise and Fall of a Broken Empire

Steve Magee and Me During a Washington Sunset
The Team At Camp Muir: 10,500 ft

Dear Friends,

2025 Garry Oaks has officially disbanded. Luke deploys this weekend and I follow about a week later. We've actually already moved out of the house into Mark Lee's new place down the street. It is a temporary home for most of us given our upcoming schedule. We had our last meal together at McNamara's last week since Tim was leaving for 2 weeks vacation. It has been quite a ride here the last year, but I have to confess that it has been the best year of my life so far. It has been so rewarding and fueling to be around guys who share common interests and a common goal to tell others about Jesus. I hope that I can find a similar situation when I return in a year. It has been great.

In more recent news, I finally visited Mt. Rainier this last weekend with a few friends. We hiked from Paradise to Camp Muir which is the base camp for everyone going to the peak. It was cold, windy, and breathtaking. The ascent was a smoker, but the descent was a blast as we tumbled down the glacier snow as fast as we could. Who knew that you could ski with regular shoes? Anyway, this Thursday is my Brigade Ball which should be fun, and then Friday is my going away party with Luke. It will be another full weekend.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Recipe For Vacation...

Cousin Jeff, Sis-In-Law-To-Be Sara, Bro Chris, Mom, Me, Dad, Cousin Ingrid
The Crew Right Before One Of The Many Amazing Home Cooked Meals!

Me (Sporing My Hicksville T-Shirt), Cousin J9, and Her Husband Aaron

Dear Friends,

Let me give you all my recipe for a 2 week vacation:
- Start With 1 Part Sleeping in to 10am Every Day
- Sprinkle Some Kettle Bell Workouts and Protein Shakes
- Add About 2 Hours of Reading the Bible and Other Good Books
- Thrown In Some Visiting Friends and Family
- Stir Vigorously With Steak Dinners, Jet skis, and Pond Watching
- End With Being So Relaxed That You Forget to Put On Shoes While Leaving the House

This has been my perfect vacation right before my year long vacation. I used to think that vacations meant sight seeing and activities 24/7. I now know that my life has enough adventure during the normal days...I simply need time off. Thanks to everyone who had the ability to come and see me in Hicksville. You made the vacation. I'm sorry for those of you I missed. We'll try again in about 14 months. Also, I will be around until early September so there is still time to call me and catch up. Until then I will be out in Washington making last minute preparations. Hopefully it's not too crazy though. Until next time!