NTE 545

Water Broke

2009-06-30T13:36:00.000+03:00

The water has broken and we are moving forward at a good rate.
Preparations being made in room for delivery.

View from the Window

2009-06-30T06:45:00.001+03:00

The view from our room. Not bad.

Hurry Up and Wait

2009-06-30T04:57:00.001+03:00

Looks like nothing is going to happen tonight. We are supposed to get a good sleep tonight and then GO time should be around 0700 tomorrow. Watching Quantum of Solace before Confessions of a Shopaholic...that will put me to sleep.

Hospital Room

2009-06-30T03:55:00.000+03:00

A view of the delivery room. Quite a bit nicer than the ones at the U.
Comes with a nice window view of the Wasatch Mountains and all you can
eat flavored ice.

At the Hospital

2009-06-30T01:51:00.001+03:00

We just checked into the hospital. Nervous laughter everywhere. What
next?

Ready. Set. Go!

2009-06-21T18:23:00.002+03:00

Just testing my settings so that everyone can keep up with what is happening with the little guy. When it is GO time I will be updating this blog with photos and text.

Nothing new at this point. Anticipation is killing me. Keep coming back for updates.

Changes

2009-04-26T00:15:00.001+03:00

Neighbors across the street have put their house up for sale. Anyone interested?

I am going to be a Dad

2009-02-16T00:19:00.000+03:00

Found out that Katie and I are expecting a boy. Any name suggestions?

WW&TCF

2008-11-06T19:12:00.002+03:00

Katie made some awesome costumes and we got dressed up for the night. We got a lot of people talking and pointing when we went out in public. It was fun, except for the orange paint.

I wasn't there. It must have been fun.

2008-10-14T02:14:00.000+03:00

Check this out!

2008-09-09T19:25:00.001+03:00

Most of you that read this blog (all 3 of you) will like this:

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700257429,00.html

We miss you Jackson!

2008-08-02T21:51:00.003+03:00

We miss Kassie and Jose, too. They left to Iowa this week to start a new chapter of their lives. We wish them the best as they adjust to the new environment.

As Katie and I moved 4 1/2 years ago, I often wondered, "What are we doing?" Now I look at it as one of the best experiences of my life. I would do it again, easily.

Make some wonderful friends and have a great time.

Katie to the Rescue

2008-08-02T18:01:00.002+03:00

I ran the car out of gas yesterday. I was driving to the gas station and it just quit. I was about 400 yards away, but the road was too busy for me to push it.

I called Katie and she delivered a 5 gallon can of gas.

Thanks sweetie.

The Summer of 6 Outfits

2008-08-01T05:10:00.001+03:00

Katie and I moved recently and almost all of our possessions are in
storage as we wait for the closing on the house we purchased. Because
space is limited where we are currently staying, I only brought a few
sets of clothes. So if you see me in the same outfit throughout the
summer, it is because I don't have any other clothes to wear.
Technically, with the clothes I have with me I could mix and match to
make 96 different outfits. Realistically, I only have about 6.

Happy Fourth

2008-07-05T06:57:00.001+03:00

Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain

2008-06-28T18:20:00.000+03:00

Katie and I took a scary ride up Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga on the incline, a 72% grade up the mountain. It really feels like you are going straight up the mountain. The view was wonderful on top of the mountain.

After riding the train down the mountain we found another local BBQ joint, this one called Sweeney's. Good food, again. Not sure we can do this much longer.

"World's Fastest Half Mile"

2008-06-28T12:10:00.000+03:00

We stopped in Bristol, VA for the night, but we were so exhausted we
didn't get out on the town. We crashed at the hotel and woke up the
next morning for the next leg of our trip to Huntsville, AL.

On the way we stopped a few miles down the road and looked around the
Bristol Motor Speedway. It was impressive. 165,000 people in those
seats during a race. I really think I need to see a NASCAR race at BMS
before I die. Not sure I would like sitting with all the fans, but
maybe I can arrange a luxury skybox suite.

Due South BBQ and Rainstorms

2008-06-27T19:45:00.000+03:00

Our first stop on the BBQ Journey across the U.S. was at the Due South
BBQ in Christiansburg, VA. We decided to stop there after missing the
exit for Roanoke. For some reason I thought Roanoke was on the
highway, but it wasn't. Next thing I know we are about 10 miles south
of the exit we should have taken. Considering our desire to stay on
schedule, we decided to find the next place to pull over and get some
lunch. Christiansburg it was and the Due South BBQ was about a mile
west of the highway.

We walked in and saw a menu with maters and taters, as well as the
expected pork, beef, and chicken. After getting some clarification on
the maters and taters, I ordered a pork sandwich and Katie ordered the
beef brisket sandwich. Great stuff, but I think we ate too much. Katie
enjoyed the pig painted on the mirror in the bathroom and the lady
working the counter was quite nice.

As we left another freak rainstorm began and we pulled off the highway
to wait it out. This was the second time that day we ended up on the
side of the road. We couldn't see anything and the windshield wipers
were useless.

What is a Shoe Box Full of Cash?

2008-06-27T18:27:00.000+03:00

When the attorney asked Katie and me how we wanted the funds from the
house sale to be received I suggested the above, as a joke.

The attorney went on and on about how that was a bad idea. The need to
hire an armed guard, the additional fees, and the difficulties of
having to secure the shoe box. Once I told her I was joking, we signed
the final papers and left the office.

We are officially homeless and unemployed. Doesn't feel that bad,
though.

Next stop: Bristol, VA (The Birthplace of Country Music)

Prolonged Goodbye to the Beltway

2008-06-27T10:29:00.000+03:00

So the last mile on the Beltway we were stuck in traffic. Should have
planned on it.

Cleaning out the house

2008-06-21T19:11:00.002+03:00

I went to the county household hazardous waste facility at the dump this morning. I had to go there to drop off 18 cans of paint that have been in our house for the past four years. When we moved in, there were two shelves full of old paint cans. I did not want to leave them to the new residents so I took them to the facility and tossed them. Not sure what they do with them, but there were a lot of people doing the same thing.

One more thing off the checklist.

Party Success

2008-06-15T16:54:00.002+03:00

The rain came and went and so did our friends. The party was great though we had to trim down the activities. Actually, there was no fishing, no tennis, and no kayak races. Our neighbors kids brought over their Wii and Guitar Hero, so there was some entertainment in the basement.
The evening was mostly about eating and conversation. Katie made some wonderful salads and the burgers and hot dogs were great. We need to do that again.

What Luck!

2008-06-14T23:44:00.002+03:00

Two hours before the start of our going away BBQ and this is the Doppler picture. Our house is right in the middle of this mess.

Hopefully it moves out quickly.

Passing Time

2008-06-12T17:00:00.001+03:00

Yesterday Katie and I went for a walk in the park near our house. The weather was much nicer than the past few days so we actually enjoyed walking around and looking at various things. The county employs naturists that work in the visitor's center of the park and one can ask them questions or just chat with them about the wildlife or fauna in the park.

My favorite thing to do is to come back from the park and ask them what animal was making this noise or that noise. I do my best impression of the noise and they usually follow it up with, "well if it sounded like this (insert random animal noise), then it was probably a (insert name of animal associated with random animal noise just made)."

Just to get a laugh you switch up the noise you heard and then you have two or three naturists making noises back to you to see if that was it. Can be pretty funny.

Katie is experimenting with her new camera so she took a photo of me at the park.

I miss my wife

2008-06-09T03:39:00.000+03:00

Awesome

2008-05-17T00:21:00.004+03:00

Check this out:

Looking to Upgrade?

2008-04-19T04:40:00.001+03:00

My youngest sister and her husband are moving from Utah to Iowa City this summer. They just put their condo up for sale and are looking for the right buyer to buy a great home.

Check it out. http://perfectcondo.blogspot.com/

MOABE

2008-04-17T20:52:00.002+03:00

Anyone want to check out the Mother Of All Blog Entries?

My wife did a wonderful job summarizing her trip. Check it out.

To the future

2008-04-12T09:11:00.000+03:00

I recently found out my sister-in-law secured a job as a teacher at a
newer elementary school in Utah County. Congratulations to her! Well
deserved.

Interesting Night

2008-04-08T01:59:00.001+03:00

Last night I learned some interesting things.

1. Iron Chef is more than just the one hour you see on the show. Apparently the chefs and their crews have some time to plan out their dishes. I thought the clock starts when the secret ingredient is revealed, that they just come up with all those dishes from their head.

2. OxyClean really works. Verified by three sources.

3. People in Florida have exotic animals as pets and it is just accepted as such by the other residents of the state. Maybe some of the plots on CSI Miami aren't too far fetched.

4. Ricky Schroeder really is LDS. From a brother of a friend that worked with him in scouts.

5. Snoop Dogg is not LDS.

6. Reverse psychology works on young kids.

7. Katie and I have some wonderful friends.

I am so excited

2008-03-14T22:49:00.000+03:00

I can't wait. Two months seems like forever.

I Love This Game

2008-02-13T21:49:00.002+03:00

brought to you by TravelPod, the Web's Original Travel Blog ( Part of the TripAdvisor Media Network )

Check this out

2008-01-24T04:54:00.001+03:00

Isn't This Cool

2007-12-22T08:00:00.000+03:00

Not many people enjoy long flights across the country. 4 1/2 hours is
a lot easier than the old days of driving a wagon or pushing a handcart.

Making it easier for me is new technologies. Sitting in my seat (38E)
I am watching the replay of the 1984 Holiday Bowl on ESPN Classic.

Advice

2007-12-22T07:58:00.000+03:00

If you are ever at TGI Friday's in Washington Reagan National Airport, don't order the Southwest Salad.

Complete sham.

Great Night Out

2007-12-09T05:25:00.001+03:00

We were able to play host to some family members the past few days. No
trip out this way could be complete without a trip to Katie's favorite
restaurant.

Thursday Night Tennis Lights

2007-11-09T17:53:00.001+03:00

A friend and I played tennis last night (I got beat, again) in the
cold and under the lights at the local courts adjacent to the
community recreation center.

Due to the recent time change, it starts to get dark at what seems to
be 4:30 p.m. and by the time any normal people get out of work, it is
really dark. Being able to drive up the street and play on one of
four lit tennis courts, with tight nets, is quite nice. I dressed for
the cold, but once I started chasing all of his shots (most of which
I couldn't return) it warmed up quite nice. Not at all a bad place/
time to play.

Back in the USA

2007-11-01T15:50:00.001+03:00

I am finally home. After a few days in Kuwait, a few hours in Hungary, we landed in NJ. The week at Fort Dix wasn't too bad as I visited Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and New York City. I saw Les Miserables for the first time on Broadway and ate some authentic NY pizza. I even learned a little about Texas Hold 'Em in Atlantic City. The homecoming in Utah was great and the week I was able to spend with my family was priceless.

Yesterday, Katie took me to Orlando. Nice place.

The Making of a Good Weekend

2007-09-30T07:56:00.001+03:00

BYU has won their second consecutive conference game and did it on the road, in spite of some ugly mistakes. I didn't watch the game, but was able to follow it through the updates on the net.

The Padres have a chance to wrap up the wild card with a win on Sunday. If they can get over that hurdle I like their chances over the Phillies or the Mets, even though one of them is going to be the NL East Champions.

Finally, the Chargers have an excellent chance to redeem themselves and show their fans they remember how to win with a game at Qualcomm against Kansas City. And the new executive officer is a Chiefs fan. After talking trash in email to my mother-in-law's co-worker about how the Chargers were going to dominate the Packers, I am looking forward a game in San Diego. It would be embarrassing if the Chargers don't back up my trash talking two weeks in a row.

Flat Stanley in Baghdad

2007-09-24T05:15:00.001+03:00

Over the past three weeks I had the privilege to carry Flat Stanley around and take pictures of him visiting this part of the world. A nephew sent him over in an envelope with a request for a some pictures for a school project. I believe each kid in the class made a Flat Stanley and sent them to a friend or relative with the same request. My nephew did a great job on the camouflage pattern. Flat Stanley fit in with the rest of the troops.

I took him around for a while, but couldn't find any good places to take a picture of him. Mostly concrete and parking lots with a lot of dust.

I found an opportunity though when a tour of one of Saddam's palaces was announced. We went on the tour and I took a picture of him from the roof. Good thing I had a water bottle and a rubber band handy. I almost lost him to the wind.

I am not the best photographer, but I tried. The tour was neat, but I found it to be factually inaccurate.

I sent him back a couple of days ago. I hope he made it.

Look what I am missing

2007-09-23T09:39:00.001+03:00

One is occasionally reminded of home yet a majority of the time there is enough to do that it doesn't become overwhelming. I was reading my sister's blog and she posted a few pictures of her son and his cousin.

My niece's father is a Green Bay Packer fan and my other brother-in-law is a Charger fan.

Stuff like this really makes you miss being home.

Though she looks cute, I am going to cheer with my nephew. Go Bolts!!!

Thanks Brother

2007-09-21T06:22:00.001+03:00

My computer science nerd brother helped me out with the blogging by showing me how to set up the email posts feature with my blog.

Didn't know you could do this. Now I do.

Some people miss out being an only child.

Nobody reading this blog

2007-09-20T07:58:00.001+03:00

I have had some difficulties in updating my blog as I don't have as much access to it as I have had in the past. The image is a screenshot of what I get at work when I type in the URL of my blog in the address bar of the internet browser. Otherwise, things are going well.

I brought my boots out of retirement as they were the only comfortable pair I had. Still doing well for me. I think I was a little quick to get rid of them. Before I left for R&R I sent them outside my trailer thinking one of the third country nationals that works here might come by and pick them up. At times I see them wearing worn out stuff that at one time was worn by some soldiers. Twenty days later I came back and they were still there. I was glad, too.

Thanks K!

2007-08-16T12:17:00.000+03:00

The first seven was fun. Here is to the next seventy!

Not So Fast Indian Guy

2007-08-16T11:57:00.000+03:00

No kidding this was in yesterday's Middle Eastern version of Stars & Stripes, a free paper that is distributed to deployed troops:

Can't see it? Maybe you can in this one:

Started laughing again when I read that one.

What kind of scam are you running?

2007-08-13T13:40:00.000+03:00

OK...here is the situation. I am standing in line at an undisclosed location fully ready to spend some more money so that I can get a wireless internet connection and I can return to reading other people's blog posts from the comfort of my own bed. The way it works at this place is:

1) Enter a hot trailer that is manned by some guy from the Middle East selling cell phones and other accessories

2) Wait till Middle Eastern guy finishes writing contracts for the 5 kids standing in front of you

3) Wipe sweat off brow (repeat this as often as once every 30 seconds)

4) Ask the Middle Eastern guy if you can buy wireless access (really just a username and password on a lottery scratch off with a coin type card)

5) Listen to his sales pitch on why you would want to buy 30 days of access rather than 3 or 4 (his math is really good on this one)

6) Hand him your credit card and watch as he looks at you like you are retarded (CASH ONLY in this trailer, he says, even though you just saw each of the 5 kids before you purchase their new cell phones and SIM cards with a credit card)

7) Run over to the finance office and ask for a cash advance on your next paycheck so you have enough money to pay for the wireless access (This one was a little tough as it required my commander's signature and he wasn't around..."I will take care of you, Sir" said the female sergeant)

8) Run back to the hot trailer with a fist full of crisp Hamiltons and drop them on the counter only to have the Middle Eastern guy look at me like he had never seen me before (in his defense, it probably took me about 40 minutes to get the cash and get back to the hot trailer)

9) Before I could remind him why I was there, we were interrupted by a short soldier with a shaved head (not uncommon in these parts)

I kid you not, the exact conversation was exactly like this:

S: What are you doing? Running some kind of scam?!! (Holding his scratched off card in the air, his rifle at the low ready-unloaded)

MEG: What are you talking about sir? I don't know what you are talking about.

S: I buy this card yesterday, enter the username and password, and get about a minute of surfing before it drops off. The rest of the day I spent trying to get access. I went to five different locations (lists them off, one by one) and I couldn't get on the internet anywhere. I just want to know what kind of scam you are running here.

MEG: Sir, we do not run a scam here. I don't know what you are talking about.

At this point, I am starting to question my earlier decision to purchase the access. The soldier was quite upset and didn't seem to be getting anywhere with the MEG.

S: I paid for a day and got only one minute. I want to know what kind of scam you are running.

MEG: Sir, like I said earlier, we do not run a scam here. This is a legitimate business. We have customer service come out every day to the trailer at 1700 and you can meet with him. Bring your laptop by at 1700.

This is where I resisted laughing. This pitiful soldier was pressing this Middle Eastern guy about the $4 he had just spent on the wireless access the day prior. The soldier responded with this:

S: You listen to me. (PAUSE for dramatic effect) Before I joined the Army, I worked for Dell. (Another PAUSE) Customer Service. (Again, another PAUSE) I know computers. I work with computers in the Army. (Don't we all?) I don't need the help of YOUR customer service to fix this scam you are running.

MEG: Sir, we do not run a scam here. This is a real company. I don't think you worked for Dell Customer Service, because that is where I worked in India. I did not see you there.

The entire trailer busts up laughing and I realize that the MEG is really Indian (I should have known). He wasn't trying to be funny, though. He was dead serious when he said it.

MEG/Indian Guy: You come back at 1700 and we fix your computer. We will make it right.

S: OK. 1700? Right here? OK. I want 24 hours of access, though.

MEG/Indian Guy: OK. We make things right.

At this point I reach around the soldier and extend my hand with the necessary money for 30 days of wireless access. I figure the soldier had a Windows based system and that is what was giving him the headache.

MEG/Indian Guy: 30 days access. Here you go sir. (Handing me the card with the change)

I am just glad I have a MacBook.

Cajin Food in Baghdad

2007-06-30T13:09:00.000+03:00

I walked up to the main line in the dining facility last night and looked over the selections. Tuna casserole...no thanks, not sure how long they had been trying to get the troops to eat that. Next to that was a tray of steaming white rice. Sounds great. I enjoy eating rice with anything. The tray next to the rice was labeled CAJIN LINKS. It appeared to be full of thin, dark, hot dog looking things covered in sliced peppers.

I had never seen a cajin link let alone eaten one. I even spent a few weeks in Louisiana assisting with the Hurricane Katrina/Rita cleanup. Why not? The worst that could come of it would be a night in the port-a-john. I took my chances and had the server put one on top of the rice in my tray.

It wasn't too bad. Actually complimented the rice, though is was much more spicy hot than I was expecting. I think I might eat another one if my other option is tuna casserole. Most of the contractors that serve the food are from India/Nepal/Bangladesh. I am not sure who makes the signs, but I am sure he meant Cajun.

Pair of Boots

2007-06-26T04:30:00.000+03:00

I finally tossed out my first pair of boots. They have served me well the past 10 months. I had been wearing them ever since I started wearing the Army Combat Uniform. I think I bought my first set in the summer of 2005. I would only wear them for about 20 hours a month. Starting with the mobilization, I was wearing them about 18 hours a day. I didn't really see any wear and tear until we got out this way. The dust is everywhere and it does a number on the boots, as well as the everything else. I joked around that this pair was headed straight to my presidential library. I think that joke gave one of the ambitious guys I work with an idea for a display at his presidential library (he is serious).

One of the most annoying things about army life was the whole idea of polishing your boots. That just drove me nuts. Again, as a part timer, I didn't have to wear the uniform every day, but when I would, I really didn't enjoy the whole part of shining the black boots. You show up to drill, go out in the field, and the next thing you know, those boots you just polished are dirty again. Never made sense to me. Didn't like doing it. I planned to have a couple of kids so that I could make them polish my boots as one of their chores. The Army changed that plan with the adoption of the desert boot full time. I really enjoy wearing the desert boot. I am still going to have kids. They can mow the lawn or take out the trash.

Reading

2007-06-12T08:37:00.000+03:00

I have read three fiction novels in the past 3 weeks. I didn't think I was going to read any more fiction. I used to read a ton as a kid and then less as an older kid. I got married and found out I really enjoy watching television. The internet is not bad too. If I have read anything lately, it always seemed to be non-fiction.

I was lying in bed trying to go to sleep. I was changing the channels on the television and stopped at The View. Rosie and the cute one (Elizabeth, i think) were yelling at each other. I put down the remote and was mezmerized for a few minutes watching this fight. It was unreal. When it was over, i thought to myself, "I just wasted about 15 minutes of my life." I don't think I can afford to do that again.

So I looked at my desk and saw that I had four books, all fiction. I picked up one and read it in three days. The second one took a bit longer and the third one I finished in six days. Good thing I was into this reading binge or I would have probably been watching the police car take Paris back to the courthouse.

Brain Freeze

2007-05-30T02:38:00.000+03:00

I didn't want the month of May to pass without an entry, so enjoy this one.

I was able to work a different shift for a couple of weeks this month and enjoyed it quite a bit. Personalities were completely different as were some of the issues. The most significant change I expereinced was the food. Unbelieveable selection. Almost anything one could want.

I wanted shakes...vanilla and strawberry. Sometimes I would have two or three per meal. They were good; not as good as the ones Jim and I used to make with the Mint Double Stuff Oreo cookies. Good enough for this place.

Uusally, walking out of the facility, I would stop by the ice cream bar and grab one for the road. After throwing out my trash and stacking my tray, I was out the door and into 110-117° outside. If you don't start on the shake, within minutes it is nothing more than warm liquid. Drink to fast and you will get brain freeze. It only hurts for about 7 minutes.

Mustache March

2007-04-15T03:48:00.000+03:00

Last month was known as "Mustache March" around here. I was encouraged by the sponsor to take part in the organization wide competition to grow a mustache beginning on the first day of the month with judging on the last day. I was reluctant at first as I have never grown a mustache before and can count on one hand the number of times I have had significant facial hair under my nose. Constant encouragement from the competition sponsor and peer pressure convinced me give it a try.

I got out to a quick start due to working the night shift and soon I was being harassed by soldiers advising me that my mustache was "out of regulation." They were right as I had never grown one and had little understanding of how specific the regulation is on the wear and appearance of the mustache. Here is the graphic of what the army shows is a mustache within regulation.

After two weeks I got the hang of it and was achieving modest results. I found out around this time that I had to represent the organization at a training event. On advice of the higher-ups and in attempt to get the respect of those I would soon be training, I shaved the mustache after 16 days. Before I did, though, I took a picture. Here is what it looked like. Katie said she didn't like it. Maybe I should grow it out when I get home.

Oscar

2007-03-31T00:01:00.000+03:00

One of the things I do quite often is think of names for my children yet to be born. I think Katie has picked out some of the most beautiful names for daughters and I have taken it upon myself to find a name or two for sons. The one below is currently a favorite:

OSCAR

Oscar is a male name used in a few Western European countries. In Irish legends, Oscar was the son of Oisín. This name was Gaelic means "deer lover". In Old English, the name also means "god spear".

I really like it. I even mentioned to Katie that we could name him Adam Oscar and then his initials would be AOK. I don't think she likes it much.

Another 20 Days

2007-03-30T03:41:00.000+03:00

Another 20 days pass and I haven't added any more posts to my blog. Occasionally I will think it is due to how quickly time passes over here. When you are at work around 90+ hours a week and you sleep or attempt to sleep during a majority of the remaining hours, time passes quickly. Then I remember that it feels as if I have been here forever and I have forever to go before I return home. Most likely I don't post many entries because my life here is somewhat boring and what I am prohibiting from telling you many of the fascinating stories that I do have. Either way, I am doing well. A friend just turned 29 and another friend and her husband announced they are expecting their third child in the fall. To both of them congratulations.

Toilets & Mirrors

2007-03-10T09:02:00.000+03:00

I have been to a few different countries during my time on this planet, but by no means would I consider myself a world traveler. That being said, one aspect of world travel that I feel I can talk about is the bathroom or restroom. I think I have used restrooms in 7 countries and Texas. That might not impress some of you that probably have visited more than that on a cruise to the Caribbean. Who cares...I do.

We were fortunate enough to get a mobile trailer with some toilets and sinks at our place of employment. For whatever reason (probably a financial one) the building I work in does not have running water or restroom facilities. Everything was done in the porta-johns outside the building. Not too bad right now, but when the temperature rises, I am told it is not pleasant sitting down in the porta-john when it is 130 degrees out. So, our leadership hooked us up with this trailer...3 stalls and a sink on the male side and 2 stalls and a sink on the women's side (another story on why I know that).

I think our friends from the defense contractor built out the trailer for us and some of them are not citizens of the US, a majority of them may not be more than 5 feet tall. Why is this important? When the average American male sits down on the toilet in this new trailer he doesn't have enough room and his knees bang up against the stall door. These stalls aren't built for most of us. I am just glad I am not as tall as some of the guys in the unit. None of us complain, though, as it beats the porta-johns any day.

The mirror was the same. Hanging right over the sink, perfect for someone standing no taller than 58 inches. It took about 5 weeks until someone moved it. I am not sure if it was one of the guys in the unit or one of the contractors that had to borrow a ladder.

Going on 20 Days

2007-03-10T03:04:00.000+03:00

It has been 20 days since I last posted an entry on my blog...that is pathetic.

I actually have a few in draft version (Toilets & Mirrors, Caveladies, The Unit & 24, and Oscar), I just need to finish them and then post them. I will do that soon. Just wanted to send this note to let everyone know I am ok.

Commute

2007-02-18T03:27:00.000+03:00

My daily commute used to be very painful. Most of the time it took 40-45 minutes. Now, I just have a few minute walk or bus ride. There are still complications, though. Two days ago it rained quite a bit. When I got off the bus I had to walk through the puddle to get to my trailer. Not too bad. I have a lot of socks.

Reminders of the Past

2007-02-18T02:55:00.000+03:00

When I returned to my trailer a few days ago I was reminded of a day about 8 1/2 years ago. It was the summer of 1998 and all of Brasil was racing to prepare itself for the opening match of the 1998 World Cup in France. As the defending champions, Brazil opened the tournament playing one of the teams in their pool, in this case, Scotland.

The rules of the mission were not as clear about the World Cup as they are with some other topics. With a new mission president (he had been there less than one month) and the excitement of an entire nation, I think some of the missionaries bended whatever guidance we were given. My companion and I decided to return to our apartment and spend the time catching up on letters home and some personal study.

As we walked to our apartment I continued to notice people outside their houses adjusting their satellite dishes. Most Brazilians have television and no programming is more important than a game of the Selecao. What was remarkable about seeing Brazilian men adusting their satellites became hilarious when I started to see some of the contraptions the men were using to mount their satellites to achieve the best signal. One in particular was a satellite dish mounted on four pieces of bamboo strapped together. It was rediculous to see how this guy had put together this contraption for his satellite dish. We smiled and gave him the thumbs up. Brazil won that night and I think the entire country was partying.

This brings me back to a couple of days ago and me arriving at my trailer. After spending a few thousand dollars to get a better, faster, more reliable internet connection, a few of the guys/girls in the unit recieved the satellite dish and other parts. We are as determined to get a better internet connection as the Brazilians were to see their beloved team play. The next step in the process involved setting it up and pointing the dish in the right direction. After attempting to mount the dish using a couple different methods, the group decided on mounting it to a modified 4X4. This is what I saw when I arrived at trailer. Though it wasn't bamboo, it reminded me a lot of that day in Brazil.

20 Something

2007-02-12T23:42:00.000+03:00

Happy Birthday Katie!

Dinner with the Lawyers

2007-02-12T20:02:00.000+03:00

I went to dinner with the attorneys last night. We went to one of the nicer dining facilities around this place. The food was the same at the other facilities, but the environment was incredibly nicer. I ate on real plates and used silverware for the first time since my arrival. The discussion was good, too.

Add 1 More to the Family: Take 2

2007-02-12T02:24:00.000+03:00

Katie called me earlier today and told me some great news. Her sister had her baby, a boy they named Koy. This was quite exciting, yet unexpected because the due date was in early March.

She told me everything went well and he was healthy and strong. Congratulations TJ and Rachel.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2007-02-10T08:43:00.001+03:00

My Grandpa turned 70 something on Friday. I called to wish him a happy birthday only to get the voicemail. Hopefully he was out with my Grandma celebrating. It is great to have you around, Grandpa. You are a great American.

Add 1 More to the Family

2007-02-10T03:01:00.000+03:00

It has been almost a week since my last entry. I would like to be more consistent, yet I continously finding myself wanting to write about things that I am not able to. Usually personalities at work or things associated with the conditions here. Some things are taboo and will get you in trouble and my blog shut down, so I just don't write about them. Otherwise, I think there is enough to write about.

It was an honor to become an uncle again this week. My youngest sister, Kassie, gave birth to her first child, a boy named Jackson. I like the name. This now makes 25 nephews and nieces with one more on the way. Just since being mobilized for active duty, I have missed 5 babies and will miss one more in March. Quite a few...and I think I remember all of their names. Congratulations Kassie & Jose.

A Chair from the Garbage

2007-02-05T20:17:00.000+03:00

I finally got my pad set up the way I want it. I am sure other things will come along during the next few months and adjustments will be made, but two months and a few days into the process and I am happy with the results.

While watching the SuperBowl last night I think I had a few too many Gatorades. I say this because I ended up going to the outhouse around five times during the night. Each time I went out I passed the garbage next to the road. Normally, this is nothing worth noting, yet last night there was three damaged office chairs sitting in the dirt next to the dumpsters. The second time I went out I casually examined the chairs and observed other than dirt and broken wheels, the chairs actually looked quite nice. The fourth time out, I decided to put two of the chairs in the vehicle with a plan to take them to my trailer later in the morning. I was sure I could fix at least one of them to be used with my desk in the trailer.

This morning, I drove the vehicle, with the chairs, to my trailer. After unloading them and putting them outside the doors, I quickly got to work on cleaning the most sturdy one. About 20 minutes later, I had a chair I felt I could take into the trailer. Sure enough, there was enough room behind the desk and the chair has found a home. I felt good, salvaging through the trash, saving a few dollars, and using equipment that was headed to the dump. Well, I don’t know where the trash actually goes, or if there is a process that exists where people screen the trash for salvageable items. Either way, I have one nice chair in my room (I sit in it as I type this blog entry) and another outside. I think I am going to sit in that one when I get done with my shift. Kind of like Alan Shore and Denny Crane on Boston Legal...without the cigars. Denny Crane.

Laker Girls and M&Ms

2007-02-05T05:31:00.000+03:00

A couple of weeks ago someone in the organization brought in a bunch of signed posters of dancers representing one of the teams from the NBA. They were distributed among the troops and soon they were plastered over the walls of the facility.

This started a wave of emails requesting signed posters from the cheerleaders or dance teams of our favorite teams. Professional teams, college teams, the requests were far ranging. Since my favorite college team doesn't really advertise the fact that they actually have cheerleaders or a dance team and the posters we received earlier were from from my favorite NBA team, I decided to request the LA Laker Girls, commonly known in the sports world as second to only the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

A simple email and a five day wait was all it took. On my wall is LA Laker Girl poster signed by the ladies. Too easy. Up next, the San Diego Charger Girls.

To cap the week off, Katie sent me a Valentine's package with a real sweet gift. She went to the M&M website and ordered me a package of personalized M&Ms. On one color there is a message "KATIE IS LOVESICK" and the other color, "ADAM IS MY CURE". It has been a good week.

Another Day

2007-01-31T05:14:00.000+03:00

Not much going on here. It seems like every day is the same, a lot of times I have no idea what day it is.

On another note, I finally got to church, or at least part of it. I showed up with a few minutes remaining in the service, but even those few minutes were great. The guys I work with had a bet going if I was going to make it to church. One might ask what is going on. The church services where I live begin while I am sleeping. I work the night shift so I sleep in the day. Our group leader offered to have a evening service, but I told him it is important for me to show up with the rest of the group and attend the regular service. It is worth waking up to attend.

Letters From Home

2007-01-26T05:56:00.000+03:00

I got a few letters this week from some great people. My oldest sister's boys wrote me some encouraging letters updating me on the latest events in their lives. It was good to hear from them.

I also got a package from some friends. They moved recently to the east coast and are adjusting to the changes. The pictures were great and the candy is already gone. I brought it in to work and it didn't last through one shift. It was Valentine's candy too.

I think I am going to be kicking myself for not taking more pictures. I need to send one of me, my gun, and my army truck to Kimball. Check your mom and dad's email inbox and you should see one soon.

Sister Russell

2007-01-19T02:33:00.000+03:00

I got some unfortunate news today. One of the few sisters I served with in Brazil passed away a couple of days ago from brain cancer. Mindy Russell was a great missionary. I was her district leader in Bauru for about two months and she and Sister da Silva always did a great job. I don't remember the last time we spoke. I think it was at one of the mission reunions we attended when Katie and I lived in Provo.

Frankly, I was shocked to hear of her passing. Seeing the picture of her with her children was emotional. My second mission president, President Hollist, passed away shortly after returning home from his service. I didn't get to know him too well, but, again, when I heard of his passing, I was deeply saddened.

I hope Sister Russell's husband and children are doing well at this time. I would like them to know that I, and others, are praying for them during this difficult time.

All Year For That?

2007-01-16T01:36:00.000+03:00

Yesterday was tough...actually it was today, but for most of you it was yesterday. The Chargers played a tough opponent and came up short. The way they lost was just terrible. They dominated the entire game even with all of the balls they were dropping. An article I found today sums it up the best listing the top 10 reasons they "blew it."

Maybe next year they will win a playoff game.

Jam Session

2007-01-13T04:58:00.000+03:00

We had a jam session today. Actually, the Colonel grabbed the Captain's guitar and started playing. I was chatting with Katie at the time and told her what was going on. She responded with a song request. When I mentioned that to the Colonel he asked what kind of music she liked. I didn't really know what to say so I asked Katie through the chat. She responded with Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl.

I told the Colonel and he immediately started playing the notes of the song on the guitar. Soon he was singing the words, and loud. I was impressed because he was good. I told Katie to call us so she could listen to the private concert. She didn't call in until after the song was over and he was about to start Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet.

The funny thing was that Katie, I believe, thought the Colonel playing was one she knew. He wasn't. I barely met him less than two months ago and Katie has yet to meet him. I don't believe I have even talked to her about him much. That said, the song was good and it was a fun escape from the monotony of the daily grind. The Colonel finished with two from The Beatles, Help Me and Get Back. Next time it is going to be a joint jam session with the Colonel and the Captain. That should be fun.

Back Up and Blogging

2007-01-12T05:10:00.000+03:00

After taking almost two months off, I am back up and blogging. What has changed, one might ask? Well, my internet connection in my KBR provided trailer is not that great. Most of the time I am lucky to even have an internet connection, and that is after the company (Mobile Island Technologies) takes $60.00 a month from me. When I do have a connection it is quite slow and often drops off. Recently, there have been multiple times where the connection has been intentionally "blacked out" by the contractor (on order of the base commander) due to the death of a soldier.

I am not bitter, though. The generous citizens of the United States have provided a decent internet connection for me at my place of work. No streaming media (video or audio), no cameras, but a reliable connection, nonetheless. It is here that I will keep you all updated on my time in Iraq.

The college football season ended with one of the most exciting games I have ever seen in my life. Two of the airmen I work with on an almost daily basis are big fans. Oklahoma was one of the schools that offered me admission last year. I remember Boise State beating up on BYU at 50-12 in Lavell Edwards stadium in 2003. For these reasons I should have been cheering for Oklahoma. I wasn't. There was just something appealing in cheering for the underdog, though I felt Boise State was going to win the game since it was announced they would be playing in it. I had my doubts about how well they would do against Adrian Petersen, but I always felt they were going to win the game. Did I bet money on it...no, but I did pick them to win the game in the office pool.

Watching Boise State let Oklahoma get back in the game and then take the lead with a little over a minute remaining was unbelievable. What was even more exciting was the hook and lateral Boise State pulled out to tie the game and then the Statue of Liberty to win it in OT.

We were jumping up and down having a great time. For a moment I forgot I was in Iraq.