Another Week Down...

Some Locals Wondering What All The Army Guys Are Doing


An Iraqi Army Traffic Jam

Dear Friends,

I can't really say that the days have been going by fast...mainly because I currently have no concept of time. For those of you who have never experienced an extended period of time without weekends all I can say is this...the way our calendar is designed is a gift...I always loved weekends (and nights off) in the past, but now I have a new appreciation for them. I look forward to the 5 day work week when I get back. A positive result of the schedule here, though, is that you never break stride. There is no Monday "pump-up", Wednesday "hump", or other struggles of a broken up work schedule. We just keep on rolling...and that eats time up like a large day-eating-monster.

In other news...I am now dating a pre-school teacher...which I think is every man's dream in life...patient and able to teach children (especially big 26 year olds who are actually still big kids). I can now check that one off my list. But seriously...I miss Kate and you all in the states very much. It's crazy to think that I'll be back soon (how soon you ask? Hmmm...you'll have to ask the Pres on that one). My plans are numerous, but I believe I ultimately will be satisfied as soon as I take one breath of that good ole' Washington air. Ski season...you'll be here before I know it.

Some ask me what I do in IRock...deadlifting enormous amounts of weight is just one. I try to spend a minimum of 8 hours in the gym everyday...mostly focusing on chest, biceps, and abs...the most important muscle groups.

Ha! Actually this is from awhile ago...part of the Battalion Iron Man Competition. I think that the guy after me deadlifted 550 lbs...which is a lot more. I'm actually posting this message just to make sure no one sends anymore packages or letters. At this point there is a good chance that it would not find me in time since I'm kinda in transit. However, I would like to use this time to thank everyone who did support me this deployment through cards, pictures sent, letters, and packages. These things mean more to me than you will likely ever know. For now please take this as my most sincere "Thank You!"

Arrived...

Dear Friends,

I have arrived...although I can't announce where, I can let you know that it is one step closer to getting me back to the place like no place on earth...the United States! If you've never appreciated the spectacular weather and climate of the US, then just spend a few months in a desert. It gives much perspective. In other news, it is hot. I've heard of temperatures around 105, but this is the first I've ever seen 122...and it's only getting hotter. Thank God for A/C.

Also! I am now once again next to the best cafeteria I've ever been to in the world. Some may not get this excited over the food, but I go bananas...B-A-N-A-N-A-S. It is so good...fresh fruit, stir fry bar, omelets en la manana. I am spoiled by all of the delicacies right at my finger tips. The last time I was here was about 10 months ago. Oh how I have missed this place!

There is a lot more going on here than just good food. For instance, the BDG is still meeting nightly...although it is in transit currently. We're now reading through Acts and the early church. It is motivating to read about the courage and boldness of guys like Stephen, Phillip, and Peter. We have been learning a lot from them. Overall, I can't complain. I have plenty of work to make the days seem like they fly by, and my stomach is content...oh yeah, and I have A/C. Like I said...it's all good here. I'll write again soon.