Day 224: Marcia's Birthday

Here's the card I made for Marcia's birthday (one of my coworkers). She turned the big 2-5! Birthdays are always crappy out here, but Vince and I tried to help a bit by baking a batch of chocolate cupcakes complete with creme cheese frosting. It was from a box, but after being here for over seven months now even boxed mix is a little bit of heaven.This picture was taken during the sun's peak on a big piece of concrete by a bunker. It's the best I could do. I actually made two other cards as well. (Can you believe it?!) I even had the Making Memories Slice sent out here. I love it! It came with one design card, but I couldn't resist ordering another one. I also ordered a couple of border punches and the Basic Grey Lemonade collection. I'm addicted to the 6x6 pads now. I really want the Eva pad along with the buttons and brads next. Mmm... my mouth is watering!

Happy Birthday... Lilly Belle!

Oh, I miss her so much! She's TWO today!

I'm Okay

I'll upload more pictures as soon as I can, but wanted to let you know I'm okay. P.S. Happy Father's Day! I love you, Dad!

Day 193: Range Day

Today we took a field trip on a couple of helicopters out to a firing range in the middle of nowhere...

Here's a picture of Vince all decked out as we waited for the birds to pick us up. We were supposed to be on the same flight. They didn't have the number of seats they originally planned to have, so we were split up.

The flight didn't take too long. Vince had the camera, so I didn't take pictures until we arrived. That's the military compound in the background. That means we're OUTSIDE the fence! Yes, I was a little nervous when they said, "Start marching!" and pointed toward the check point. I didn't think they were serious, but they were.

I didn't notice we were even at the range until we were nearly upon it since it wasn't the run-of-the-mill range I'm used to back home. They had fashioned pieces of plywood to wooden beams and placed them out some unmeasured distance from a small berm that we fired behind.

The worst part about this range was that there was neither shade nor bathroom in sight, though I think that piece of scrap is a porta potty remnant. Of course... the men had no problem turning their backs to the crowd and just whippin' it out. There were at least 25 kids out on the rocks getting closer and closer. We had to keep an eye out for them. I found it ironic that usually kids are warned about strangers, but in this case it was quite opposite. One of the Afghan military personnel eventually went out there with a stick, and they scattered. They weren't afraid of our guns, but they ran like the dickens when that guy waived a twig in the air!

This is Vince inspecting the backpack after he melted it a tad with the hot barrel of his rifle. We usually would have sandbags to prop up our weapon for the "supported" position, but as I said before... this place had nothin'. Finally, long after we'd been turned into human lobsters, the helicopters came back to pick us up. This time Vince and I were on the same helicopter seated directly across from each other. The scenery was amazing once again, and this time I captured some pictures to share with you. I only wish I could have taken you along. I've never seen such a heavenly place. Between the capped mountains lay rolling desserts cut only by wild winding rivers surrounded by the most beautiful and serene oasis. It's a place untouched by Walmarts & MTV. Herds of camels and goats checkered the landscape. Miles of Tuscan-esque rock walls separated perfectly rowed gardens of lush greenery. And not a single power line, smokestack, or cell phone tower was in sight.

Day 190: Lilly Dreams

I've been having a lot of dreams about Lilly Belle lately. I miss her madly! Since I can't take a picture of my dreams or of her I thought I'd share a Lilly pic that I haven't previously posted. P.S. I'm back-logging a ton of pictures here on my blog as fast as this cruddy internet will let me. I'm just thankful to be connected!

Guest Blogger: Vince

Happy Birthday my sweetest and dearest. Not a day goes by when I do not think of you and how empty my life would be if you were not there. Meeting and falling in love with you inspired my heart in such a way that can not be measured. It takes only a few seconds for me to say "I love you", but it will take me an entire lifetime to show you how much. All my love to you on your birthday and always. Vince This is the card I made you and a homemade cupcake we baked together to celebrate your special day.... well if we can call Afghanistan "homemade".

Day 171: Last Day

Well, today is my last day of being 24. I feel super duper strange turning 25 for some reason. I seems quietly momentus to me. Maybe I'll celebrate with a pizza or a nice nap. P.S. Happy birthday to Camryn and Brian!!! I love you guys!!!

Wow!

Okay, so that last post really got out of hand! I didn't know refering you to my sister's blog would cause such an eruption. We've had our tiffs before after all. I really was surprised that my sister posted all that mean stuff about me in the first place. My mother said the bashing was hurtful to her, so I decided to take the cool route and simply direct my blog readers over there. I'd just come to my room after work to settle in, but of course had to check my emails first. A TON of comments were left while I was away for those 12 hours. One particular "Anonymous" comment really set this whole story off. This "Anonymous" person laid out a ton of hurtful things from the past about my sister. When I said that my blog was open and honest, I meant that to mean MY life was open and honest. This isn't a bashing ground for the rest of my family. I love my sister and merely wanted to show you how she chose to express herself through her blog rather than speaking to me about it personally. I don't know what else to say. I am insulted by the throw back comments left by her and my BIL that were so clearly geared toward me though I said nothing vicious in my post about her in reply to the post she left about me. I mean, I would NEVER have capitalized an improper noun! Come on! My sister should know me better than that. If I had intended to write something badly I would not need to leave a comment, but rather would have included it in the main post. I am not afraid, but I do have a little more tact and class than THAT!

She's at it again...

Well, my sister once again decided to throw some punches my way via her blog. I wrote a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY long blog post a couple of days ago replying to it with an inclusion of the conversation that ensued prior to her eruption, but I left it in the drafts folder. I'm still undecided about publishing it though I did post a comment on her blog. She's said and done VERY painful things to me over the years, so in my fury I'd definitely say I aired out some stinky laundry. I've always appreciated the pure honesty of living a life through a blog. There's no editing who reads it. It's scary and freeing at the same time. I've never censored or deleted my comments (other than advertisements & spam). I even left up the comments on THIS post telling me to "Go to hell baby killer" shortly after I deployed. Click HERE to go on over to my sister's post. I'd like to know what you think.

Day 151: Red Bull

Vince tried his hand a snapping a daily photo for the blog. He always impresses me in new ways.

Day 140: Standard Issue

This just came in the mail and totally cracks me up! In case you can't read it from the picture, it says, "Standard Issue! Mandatory viewing for all "NEWBIES" in country!" The family that sent this to me is MOST awsome!!! I love you guys!!! xoxo

Day 139: I love this guy!

(My head looks really weird, but he's as studly as ever!)

Day 138: Locks of Love

Ever heard of Locks of Love? I've been participating for about 8 years now. I hope you'll check it out!

Day 137: Legal Services

Day 136: Polish

I can't wait to make my little piggys PINK! I only wish I was allowed to have pink finger nails too. They'd add a little bit of spunk to my daily Army garb, dontcha think?!

Day 135: Flower

Day 134: Handsome

Day 133: Chocolate Bunny

Look at the yummy cuteness I received in the mail...

Day 132: Signs of Spring

Spring isn't as grand as it is back home, but I sure was plesantly surprised to see these purple trees erupt over night. They're BEAUTIFUL!

Day 131: Unforgettable

Debbie, I miss you so much! Thank you for this sweet little frame and everything else you do for me!!! HUGS!!!

Day 130: Staff Only

This is the sign on the front entrance of the hospital. You can only go in around the side. It must be like a secret entrance or something. It really doesn't make too much sense though I realize more and more how common of a thing that is in the little world that surrounds me here.

Day 129: Rose Garden

Vince spotted this rose garden hidden behind a concrete wall as we passed by on a bus. On our way back we decided to stop by and inspect it a bit further. It was over grown, but beautiful... especially in a place like this.

Day 128: Closed for Cleaning

It gets annoying sometimes to have to live in three different time zones. We're on central time ("home time"), local time, and zulu time. Zulu is a set time no matter where you are in the world. I really wish we were all on zulu time, so I wouldn't ever have to worry about time zones.

Day 127: Stamps

Vince bought these for me after we saw them in a little shop here on the FOB (forward operating base). They're stamps! The shop owner said they use them mostly in India to decorate fabrics. A lot of the goods around here come from India since this country isn't as big on production of such things. They're more into the re-selling of stuff it seems, but if I've learned correctly, Indian culture is quite big here since Afghanistan was actually apart of India a loooong time ago. Afghanistan seems to get pushed and pulled all sorts of ways if you look at it's history. Russia, Pakistan, Rome, England, India.... I'm no historian, but it does fascinate me. What do you know about Afghanistan history & culture? Let's share something with the class.... :-)

Day 126: Texas Street

This sign brought a little smile to my face. I'm a Texan if you didn't know. I couldn't get a good picture since I didn't want to stand in the street or the open sewer that runs alongside it, so I settled for my safe position on the sidewalk.

Day 125: Bag Tags

Day 124: MedEvac Bus

Day 123: Mail Room

Here's our little mail room. I work nights, so it's difficult to get my mail when they're only open during the hours that I'm trying to sleep. And here's a close up of the sign on the door...

Day 122: Flood Waters

Day 121: Legs

I took this picture while I was walking. No, those fuzzy things aren't mine. They belong to Vince, but mine do look pretty similar... What?! It's difficult to shave in those dark, tiny, planked showers! ;-)

Day 120: ICU

Our hospital here at Bagram has the most medical support and services in Afghanistan. We treat Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Seamen, Reservists, Guardsman, Contractors, Afghanis, and even troops from foreign countries that are also apart of NATO and ISAF.

Day 119: Through the Table

I don't know why I took a picture of my boots through the table, but I did...

Day 118: Stop

Day 117: Pucker Face

Oh, man! That was a sour pickle!!!

Day 116: Cool Guy

Yep, he's cooler than I am, but that's okay. I can live with it!

Day 115: FedEx

I couldn't get a good shot since this nutty truck was wedged in between some fancy schmancy limited edition SUVs that apparently were shipped via FedEx. They make me wonder who bought them and with who's money...

Day 114: No Smoking Sign

As I've mentioned before, I just like signs. They're especially interesting here.

Day 113: Enduring Faith Chapel

Day 112: Potty Instructions

This poster was on the outside of the porta-potty infront of the Korean hospital. I can't stop laughing!

Day 111: Korean Hospital

Day 110: Thank you, Jayne!

Jayne sure does know what melts my heart! Look what she made for me:

Day 109: Cards

I received a fabulous box of cards and other yummies from Debbie and Jayne today!!! You two are most fabulous!!! I'll be sure to put these out for the troops on behalf of Operation: Thank the Troops.

Day 108: I (heart) Chelsea

My cousin Chelsea is the sweetest girl I know! Look what I received in the mail... She got together with Bee and Bee's daughter to make a couple cards for me. They even sent some extra craft goodies so I could make some my self. I love you, Chelsea!!!

Day 107: Vespa

I've been saying that I want a Vespa for quite some time. This scooter isn't exactly a Vespa, but it just recharged my draw.

Day 106: Round Rock

Just because.

Day 105: Gas Station

This isn't your usual gas station.

Day 104: Air Force vs. Army

They live here... ...and if you'll recall... I live HERE.

Day 103: Ketchup

It almost looks normal, doesn't it?

Day 102: Hot Guy

He may be hot, but he seriously lacks in the personality department.

Day 101: Forklift Towing

We don't have tow trucks, but we do have forklifts!

Day 100: Behind the Wire

Well, I've been behind this wire for 100 days now. It's gone pretty quickly!

Day 99: PX

The PX (post exchange) is great back home. It's like a cheaper Walmart with name brand stuff, and we don't pay taxes on post either. The little shopettes here are dinky, but it's all we have. They sell some unusual stuff. Can you see anything unexpected on these shelves?

Day 98: Laundry Bags & Rockets

The laundry system here super sucks! It takes about a week to get my stuff back, so I'm always out of something. Grr! P.S. A rocket just landed not 75 yards from me! Freaky!!!

Day 97: Bunkers

These things are everywhere. I'm a tad jealous that the Airforce bunkers have benches and water bottles though. Those guys are so spoiled. ;-)

Day 96: DFac

They painted the inside of our dining facility (aka "D-fac") to look like a tropical scene. It really doesn't make me feel like I'm on vacation at all when I'm wearing ACUs, eating mystery meat, and have a rifle strapped to me.

Day 95: Malaria Pills

Doxycycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic that we take daily to prevent malaria. You must take it with a full glass of water and remain upright for about half an hour or ELSE! I've taken it a couple times just before bed and then spent the following day dry heaving. We also cannot donate blood for three years after taking this drug. It also can cause liver damage if taken over a long period of time (like a deployment!?), and increases sensitivity to light. It causes permanent yellowing of teeth and a whole list of other nutty things. On the plus side... it treats prostatitis, sinusitis, syphilis, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, acne, rosacea, escherichia coli, enterobacter aerogenes, lyme disease, folliculitis, shigella species, acinetobacter species, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, streptococcus pneumoniae, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections! LOL! (I really don't believe the acne one though, because I hadn't had a zit in ages until I started taking these barf tablets.)

Day 94: Guns

You can buy guns here, but the postal service won't allow you to ship them. So, why even sell them? I don't get it!

Day 93: Just Me

Day 92: Ugly Dolls

Oh, I forgot to show you the ugly dolls...

Day 91: Owl Love

I forgot about this little guy from the bazaar. I love him so much. I'm definitely going to make him mine next time.

Day 90: Thirst Quencher

Just another silly picture from yesterday's outting.

Day 89: Group Date

Well, let me introduce you to the little gang I like to hang out with here at Bagram. We have "Sergeant O'D.", "Dias", and "T". Dias and I have off on Fridays, and the boys work late shift, so we've decided that Fridays are our group date days. Today was the first one. We planned to start the day off around 11:3o, so we could go to the Dfac for lunch before hitting the bazaar (only open on Fridays), but we all seemed to get a late start. We went to Pizza Hut instead. Pizza Hut takes forever, so after placing our order we waited outside for a group to clear off a picnic bench.Yes! We scored a table. Of course, this means 'smoke break' for Dias. Blech! (We all give her a hard time about it.)I don't think he even knows what he's pondering.Pizza's here!...and in less than four minutes (as we're trained) it's gone.Time for goofy pictures...It's quite the walk to get to the bazaar...So, we waited for the bus instead.I see it! I see it!More goofy pictures...Some weird guy we met on the bus...We finally made it to the bazaar, and of course I wanted everything.This little elephant reminds me of my sister. Since I joined the military I've some how developed an elephant collection of my own. It must be a subconscious thing. I don't even know if she still likes them anymore.Dias... is that a whip? How cute. The dolls we bought from these guys were pretty ugly, but they had me convinced that they were made by Afghan women in a work program. We were only at the bazaar for a short time before it was closing (1500). The boys had to get ready for work anyhow, so we hoofed it back to Camp Albert and called it a day.

Day 88: 10 Million Strong...

We carry Flintstone vitamins in our aid station. I have a bottle in my room and one in my back pack too. I'm constanly passing them out to the other Soldiers. They're good for you! Tell your kids, "Sergeant Barefoot said so!" :-)

Day 87: Grape Juice

Yummy! Welch's grap juice came in the mail today! It's probably the only grape flavored thing I'll drink or eat. Grape & cherry flavors just remind me of cough medicine too much. I love real grapes, just not the artificial flavor stuff. Gag!

Day 86: Name Tapes

Oh, I received new patches and name tapes in my shipment yesterday too! I really needed more of these "Barefoot" ones. I find it funny that people are always trying to snatch them. I like my funny little name. It makes me happy, and I'm glad it makes other people smile too.

Day 85: New Boots

Yeah! My new boots came in. I tried to get some at the little PX, but I wear a tiny little size that they don't carry. We're authorized $110 every other month for three months to order new boots or socks or whatever else we need for our uniform while we're deployed, and thank goodness for that, because my old boots had a serious blow out.

Happy Birthday...MOM!

This one is from my combat medic graduation on 12 March 2004. This one was taken at Thanksgiving a couple years ago.

And the final picture I have of my mother was taken the last time I was out with my family back home in November. Sorry I only have three pictures of my mother. I didn't realize until now that the last time we took a picture of just the two of us was nearly five years ago! Sheesh!

Day 84: New Underoos!

I've been waiting for these underpants to get here for quite some time. When I went to the mail room I loudly exclaimed, "I have new underwear! It's the best day of my life!" I just couldn't help it.

Random Craving

I'm laying here in my bunk, and all I can think about are Fire Roasted Tomato Triscuits and extra sharp cheddar cheese! Seriously, I just can't sleep with cheese on the brain!

Day 83: Porta Potties

Two things I miss about home: 1. Indoor Plumbing, 2. Toilet Seats.

Day 82: Tactical Vehicles Only

I should have taken a picture of the golf cart next to this thing. It made me giggle!

Day 81: No Smoking

This picture makes me laugh. Do you see the "No Smoking" sign? Do you see nearly EVERY single person in the picture smoking?! Ha!

Day 80: Thank you, Debbie!

Lookie at what my BFF, Debbie, sent to me! It's a sweet little cupcake pin cushion complete with my signature ladybug. YEAH!!! Oh, and do you see that the dots are made from snaps??? CUTE! I love you, Debbie!!!

Day 79: Irish Spring

I started a new job today working at the brigade command center. I can't show you any pictures of it, but it looks like any typical movie setting of a command center with tons of computer screens, and some person listening to the radio, and some secret intel guy throwing out random bits of information. It's my job to monitor all medical evacuation, or "MedEvac", requests that come from all over the country. It's certainly not the job for anyone who stresses when multitasking. I monitor 14 different windows on my three computer screens. It was super overwhelming when I started, but now I've got the hang of it.

On another note... Samantha informed me that my Irish Spring is not for girls. It's totally boy soap, and I totally did not know!

Guest Blogger: Ella (My Sister)

"Goofy" Just a funny picture of Lilly. This was the original photo: This is the same photo just flipped around

Day 78: Injection Training

Once again we had some serious medical training at the aid station. We've been practicing our injection techniques. No one volunteered to be the dummy for this one, so instead we injected an onion ring with ketchup!

Then of course I had to eat it! Yum!

Quiz: What's Your Word?

I'm still having a difficult time uploading over here. The internet is SO unreliable. I've still been surfing other blogs when I can though. I found a few fun quizes that I thought I'd share with you. Post a link in the comments to your quiz results. I'd love to see what everyone else comes up with.

Your Word is "Peace"

You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway.

What's Your Word?

Oh, and Carla has blog candy! Check it out HERE!

Day 77: Card Wall

I love my card wall. There aren't too many cards outside of the mass I received when I first arrived here during Christmas time. We've all felt a little forgotten since then, so it's nice to have a display that reminds me that I'm not alone over here no matter how much I start to feel otherwise.

Day 76: German Chocolates & Weird Boys

Boys are so weird... This guy gives me chocolates and a cute little teddy bear for Valentine's day, but now he doesn't want to talk to me ever again! What's up with that? Ha!

Uploading

I'm still having a heck of a time getting pictures to load. I'm two weeks behind on getting them loaded. I'm still actively taking photos though. Today we had a training experiment in the aid station. We figured it'd be much better if we actually injected our food with condiments instead of dipping them. I have the whole thing in photos, so you won't miss out. I also documented the huge snowfall we just had during the past two days. There was so much that it even went over my boots. I went through half a dozen pairs of socks yesterday. It was quite annoying. Anyway, my sister, Ella, did blog about miss Lilly Belle today, so check that out by clicking HERE. She's fairly new at blogging, so send her a warm blogland hello! My cousin, Chelsea, also has a blog. You can visit her site HERE.

Day 75: Paper Roses

One of the Soldiers from another section got wind that I like to make paper roses from crepe paper, so he asked me to make a bouquet for a girl he likes here on the FOB. I totally forgot about it until last night, but I managed to squeeze out four in record time.

Day 74: Wattage Issues

It gets dark pretty early around here, or so it seems that way. I have to rely on my little lamps to get around in my room, but they're so dim that I need two. My room isn't even that big. I can reach my little arms all the way across and touch both sides at the same time. Perhaps I'm having wattage issues?

Day 73: Salsa Outtage

We're only allowed to buy one bag of chips at the PX per day, but salsa is unlimited. I bought two jars on Monday, and I'm already out! Sheesh!

Day 72: Girl Scout Cookies

Yeah! Mom sent some yummies in the mail. Ever since I was a Girl Scout myself I have absolutely loved Peanutbutter Patties! They haven't even changed the picture on the box since I sold them years ago.

Day 71: Sun Chairs

Well, the cold didn't last too long. It's practically "hot" today!

Day 70: Super Snow

We've had more snow here than I've ever seen in my life. It's beautiful! Although... I have fallen down a million times already. My bum is pretty sore!

Day 69: 20 Pounds

Yeah, I received my 20lb bear in the mail. That means I've lost 20lbs so far on this NutriSystem thing. It could also be the fact that I don't have to drive by all my favorite fast food places on my way to and from work either though! Ha!

Day 68: Stethoscope

I asked if we could order new stethoscopes for all the medics, and the boss said, "yes"! They just came in, and for some reason mine isn't black like the rest. It's a yummy rich crimson. It's not exactly the military black I was expecting, but it IS my favorite color!

Day 67: Loofah Love

I really love my loofah in all it's pink glory.

Day 66: Sweet Smells

I can't believe that the little PX had Victoria's Secret lotions and perfumes! Ah, I smell like a GIRL!

Day 65: MWR

MWR (Morale Welfare & Recreation) is the organization that provides all the entertainment here on base like the shows that come through, the computer & phone labs, movies, ping pong, pool, books, and on and on. It seems like the civilians here get to take advantage of these services more than we do, but at least we have SOMETHING! :-)

Day 64: Small Cup

This is the smallest "small" cup I have ever seen!

Day 63: Pizza Hut

I used to be a cheese pizza girl, but somewhere in high school I became a Canadian bacon & pineapple gal, and now suddenly I'm an everything minus onions and peppers person. I feel like I can measure my stages of life through my pizza consumption.

Back in Business

Okay, my computer is up and running again! It feels like it's been FOREVER since I've posted something. I have to back-post SO many pictures. My little digital camera is about to explode! Here we go...

Day 62: Disney Drive

Disney Drive is the road (or sidewalk for pedestrians) that takes you everywhere you need to go around here.

Day 61: Chuck Norris...

Chuck Norris jokes are everywhere around here. I'll be sure to capture all the ones I find. This one is clearly telling us that Chuck does not approve of littering. :-)

Day 60: Barriers

Barriers, barriers, and more barriers.

Day 59: Running Shoes

Walking on rocks all the time has really torn my shoes up. They don't have my size at the little PX store, so I'm forced to order them online now. I hate not being able to try them on first. I'm the same way with jeans. I have to put them on before I buy them.

Day 58: Spaghettio's

I haven't had Spaghettio's in FOREVER! I was so excited to see this in a care package that I just couldn't wait to eat it. One problem... I don't have a can opener!

Day 57: Big Truck

Day 56: Bus Stop

Day 55: Little Green Cone

I just thought this cone was cute, and I wanted to share this totally random little thing I just read because it made me really laugh out loud: "You are on the bus when you suddenly realize you need to fart. The music is really loud, so you time your farts with the beat. After a couple of songs you start to feel better as you approach your stop. As you are leaving the bus, people are really staring you down, and that's when you remember: you've been listening to your iPod."

Day 54: Ground Guide

Have you noticed that I like to take pictures of signs?

Day 53: Up-Armored

You can see the new barracks we're supposed to move into in the background. Indoor plumbing!

Day 52: Keep Out

I wish I could just have a regular ol' doorknob!

Day 51: Combat Patch

The intent behind the wear of the combat patch, also known as shoulder sleeve insignia, is to recognize Soldiers' participation in combat operations. Once Soldiers report to their first units, they wear their command's patch on their left sleeve. When deployed to a designated combat zone, Soldiers may also wear the patch of the unit for which they serve with on their right sleeve. Here's some history of the combat patch that I aquired from Wikipedia: The 81st Infantry Division "Wildcat" is generally agreed to have been first U.S. Army unit authorized an SSI. In 1918, during World War I, the 81st Division sailed for France after training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. On their left shoulder the men of the division wore an olive drab felt patch with the silhouette of a wildcat - after Wildcat Creek, a stream that flows through Fort Jackson. When men of the other fighting divisions challenged the right of 81st soldiers to wear the patch, General John J. Pershing ruled that the 81st could keep this distinctive insignia. He also suggested that other divisions adopt shoulder patches of their own. This patch was officially adopted by the U.S. Army on October 19, 1918. By World War II, all army groups, field armies, corps, and divisions, as well as all major Army commands, had unique SSI. These SSI would often be created with symbolism alluding to the unit's formation. Examples include the 82nd Airborne Division, which included an "AA" on its patch alluding to the "All-American" soldiers from every state that made it up, and the 29th Infantry Division, which included blue and grey to allude to soldiers that made it up being from states on both sides of the American Civil War. Most US formations had unique patches which varied greatly in size and makeup, with the exception of US Armored divisions, all of which adopted the same patch (a yellow, red and blue triangle with a symbol for Armor in the middle). Each division then included its number on the patch to denote it. A few of the divisions added their unit nickname onto the patches, but most did not. Subdued patches and insignia were introduced during the Vietnam War and were made mandatory for wear on the field uniform starting July 1, 1970. In the early 1980s, brigades began creating SSI. Today most separate brigades have their own SSI, but those brigades permanently attached to divisions do not. A handful of smaller units have SSI (including US Army Rangers and other special forces groups), but most units battalion level and smaller do not have SSI. I am assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, and now wear the Screaming Eagle combat patch!

Computer Crash

My computer crashed on me. This time the hard drive is a real gonner, so I ordered a new one. Mail takes forever to get here, but I should be back online in no time. I'm still taking tons of pictures all the time, so I'll be sure to catch up with my photo-a-day as well.

Day 50: Drink Up

At every corner you'll see slabs of water in little huts. I keep a stash in my room too. Most of us do.

Day 49: Connections

Now you can see why the internet is so crappy around here.

Day 48: Green Grass

This is the ONLY patch of grass that I've seen since I've been here.

Day 47: Construction

This is some construction tape that I saw around a new barracks building we're supposed to move into in the spring. They're working as fast as they can to build new stuff here all the time. It seems like there's construction going on every where you look.

Day 46: The Broom

This broom and dust pan sit in the hallway of our Bhut. It never fails that someone will trip over it in the middle of the night and wake everyone up.

Day 45: Delivery

You can order delivery from Pizza Hut which is open 24 hours. The only problem is we don't have phones in our B-huts...

Day 44: Dairy Queen

It's not the best ice cream since we can't get milk over here, and they only have Blizzards, smoothies, and sundaes with a limited variety of toppings. It's better than nothing though!

Day 103: Ketchup

It looks almost normal, doesn't it?

Day 43: Connexes

Connexes are the big containers we ship all of our stuff in. They're all over the place.

Day 42: Traffic

Day 41: Obama Headlines

The news paper that I picked up in the chow hall today was quite interesting. You hear so much about Bush and Obama on civilian TV and in newspapers all over the place, but I've wondered for a while now how the Soldiers feel. I mean, he's our Commander in Chief, so this REALLY affects us. Here are a few of the tidbits I pulled from Army Times today: 1. The majority of Soldiers feel that Bush has our best interests at heart and NOT Obama. 2. Only 34% of those polled actually approve of Obama's calls to withdraw troops from Iraq in 16 months. 3. Only 12% of troops polled are opposed to increasing Afghanistan troops by more than 12,ooo. 4. Six out of ten active-duty service members say they are uncertain or pessimistic when asked how they feel about Obama as Commander in Chief. 5. African-Americans make up the majority of Army service members. I certainly wasn't expecting the outcome of these polls, but I honestly say I pretty much agree with most everything I read. I think a lot of Soldiers fear a CinC that has no war or military experience. Will he really be able to lead without ever being a follower? I hope so. No matter what, though, he'll be my boss in one week. I'll follow any order, and do it without blinking. That's just what we do. He's in my prayers just like everyone else back home.

Day 40: Hand Sanitizer

The biggest scare over here is getting sick from one of the many diseases that can be in the water or food or air all around us. We wash or sanitize our hands at least a dozen times a day here. They won't even let you into the chow hall without stopping by the hand washing station first. It's certainly not a bad thing, but my skin is so dry and cracked now.

Day 39: The Appeal

Mom sent me this book. I've never read any of this guy's stuff, but out here I'd probably read anything. I'm still on the first chapter, but I think I'll actually finish this one.

Day 38: Medical Training

As a medic, I constantly have to work on my skills with tough training!

Day 37: Icicles

After just two days of snow it's all slowly melting away. It was beautiful while it lasted, but we had so many slips and falls. Even I ended up doing the splits down the steps in front of the aid station. My hip is still a bit sore.

Oh, and since everyone is leaving such nice comments about my father, I thought I'd share this picture of us with you...

Day 36: Speed Limit

I took this picture in the parking lot over at the hospital when I went to get the second shot in the three part series of Gardasil. You can see the building in the "MILITARY HOSPITAL" sign on the building in the background. I normally give and recieve shots in the clinic that I work in, but we didn't have this one on stock. The military now offers it to all female Soldiers under the age of 25, so I'm just under the wire. I think it's amazing that we have a vaccination to prevent cancer. It's a pretty expensive vaccination (about $375 for the series), so I'm glad that I can get it for free. The benefits for this far exceed the risks, but after hearing all the side effects from any medication advertised on TV I can see why someone wouldn't ever want a pill or shot again. I mean I just heard one the other day that had a side effect of increased gambling. What? I just see some big casino owner in Vegas as the funder for the research and development of that medication. If you have any questions about it feel free to ask. I'm pretty well versed on immunizations since it's part of my job over here. I'm one of those nerds that reads all the package inserts and publications that come out on the CDC and FDA websites.

Day 35: Copics

I ordered some Copics a week or so ago, and they've finally made it here. I've already started sketching and doodling. My head is overflowing with ideas. I forgot to get a 6" ruler, some sketch paper and a gum eraser though. I'll just improvise until I can get my family to send the rest of my sketch materials.

Day 34: Snow Day

Well, it's here! The snow has been falling all over the place. It's really beautiful. It's not really sticking too much since it's a little too warm, but there's more in the forecast for tomorrow. I feel a snowman wearing a helmet and reflective belt coming on...

Day 33: Rocks

Rocks! It's pretty much the only surface we walk on here. My ankles are constantly rolling, and I've fallen down a million times already. I'm super clumsy even without the uneven surface.

Day 32: New Year

Hello, New Year! It sure doesn't seem like it's supposed to be 2009. I'll be turning the big 2-5 this year. It's weird to think about it. I had so many ideas on where my life would be at this point. I was supposed to be married with a kid, one on the way, a fabulous career, and a minivan in the garage. None of those plans involved me being all the way on the other side of the globe wearing combat boots and carrying a loaded rifle every day. The Army was never apart of my goals growing up. It didn't hit me unil I was in my last year of high school. I already had scholarships and my acceptance letter to college framed on the wall. Then I saw the president on TV saying we had a shortage of troops. I knew if I raised my hand then someone else wouldn't have to. A mother, a father, a wife, a husband, or even a sister. My sister. Do you remember the draft scare? I just knew that if enough of us joined voluntarily then I would save the people I cared about most from being forced into it. I couldn't sit and wait to see if I was unlucky enough to have my own sister drafted and sent to war while I stayed home. It was then that I knew I'd be here. I've been in the military for over five years now. It seemed like I'd never deploy. At first I was afraid to, but then I became angry that I hadn't had my turn to join my battle buddies in deployment. Five years of being in non-deployable units wore on me. I felt like a bum Soldier. My friends were ripped away from their lives, friends, and families to muck around the Middle East for months. Some of them went two and three times while I still sat at home. I hated it. When I finally transfered away from the Air Assault School I asked for a deploying unit before my brain had a chance to even think of breathing. It was my chance. Less than six weeks after leaving that prison I was on a plane headed for Afghanistan. I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. The Army's pull on me has finally been released. I feel like I can go home justified that I've done my part. I didn't really know why I kept reenlisting until now. This is what I was waiting for. I think I'll finally be able to let the Army go. I can be normal again without feeling guilty or obligated or afraid. I thought for a long time that I'd retire from the Army, but I don't see myself fufilling my personal goals if I do that. My service will be complete. My dues will have been paid. And I can go back to being me.

Internet Issues

As you probably know already, the internet here just bites. It's hit and miss. I have several draft posts from the past few days that need to go up, but I just can't get the pictures to upload. Rest assured that I am still taking a photo a day. Some days I can get online and some days I just can't. I seem to have more and more trouble lately. It doesn't help that the weather is getting worse now that we're entering snow season. You see, our internet service is satellite. Bad weather = Bad connection. They also shut down the internet when something bad happens. They can't have everyone blabbing to the world that a something really bad has happened before they can notify the Soldier's family. It'd be horrible to find out on the news or internet that your loved one passed away. It's just another security measure we take here. Oh, and before I forget... I wanted to say that I do my best to answer all of the comments that are left on my blog or sent to my email. Sometimes I really really want to send a thank-you, but there just isn't any way for me to contact you if you haven't left your information for me to return the conversation. I get paranoid when someone leaves a sweet note, and I can't return the kindness that they'll think I'm ignoring them. I suppose I should be more worried about combat things, huh? I have to talk myself out of being ridiculous. It's not working though. I'm still paranoid! So, "THANK YOU!" to all of you who leave comments, and even to those of you who just read or look at pictures without saying a thing. Thank you for listening to me and supporting me. There have been a few down times that I've gone through openly here on my blog that you blogging buddies have helped me to handle perhaps without even knowing. I hope you know who you are. You're a blessing in my life, and I am forever thankful.

Day 31: New Year Celebration

I didn't take this picture, but I am somewhere in the crowd. It was our unit BBQ in celebration of the new year. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, and even steaks. Yummy!

Day 30: Head Lamp

I've had this head lamp for a few years now. It's definitely a necessity for all sorts of things, but especially for night time porta potty trips.

Day 29: Shower Shoes

You'd better wear shower shoes if you don't wanna get foot funk!

Day 28: Falcon's Nest

This is the gazebo across from the aid station where people seem to have a lot of meetings. It's called the Falcon's Nest.

Day 27: Dry Eyes

I had laser eye surgery a month before we deployed. The doctor told me I'd have to use moistening drops for quite some time, but it's been especially bad since I've been out here. I woke up the other morning and I couldn't open my eyes at all. It was pretty painful and quite scary. I don't want that to happen again. I keep them by my bed now, so I'm sure to remember to moisten up before hitting the sack.

Day 26: Christmas Cookie

We didn't really have traditional Christmas cookies here, so I settled for leaving Santa a chocolate chip cookie. Oh, and in case you're wondering... he didn't get to take a bite. I ate it. Sorry, Santa.

Day 25: Head Wound

So, this pilot came in because he hit his head on a panel of the aircraft. He had a pretty good cut, so I washed it out, we put some funny juice in there, and then we put in the staples! Oh, Merry Christmas!

Day 24: Reflection

Fallen Comrade

We had a ceremony a few hours ago for a fallen comrade. It's the first one since I've been here. We heard the call over the radio to be out on the main thorough way in an hour. It was dark outside already, and it was cold. We all lined up along the road. Thousands of us. Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Seamen, foreign troops, civilians, and local nationals. We stood side by side for as far as I could see in each direction and waited for it to come. Twenty seven minutes passed by, and then I saw the lights from a police escort. In a perfect silent wave the troops snapped to attention and rendered a salute as the metal box covered neatly in an American flag crawled by. I thought of the Soldier's mother, wife, father, and children, and then I thought of my own. What a horrible Christmas eve to mourn the death of someone you just said goodbye to only days ago. As I walked back to the aid station I realized I won't come home quite the same as I left either. I'm different already. I don't know if it's good or bad yet, but I know I'm just not the same anymore.

Where Are You, Christmas?

I'm really relating to this song this year.

(Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this page to pause the music player before listening to videos.)

Day 23: Non Potable Water

We're not allowed to drink any water here unless it's bottled, and even then we're supposed to sniff it before anything else. This means the water we take showers in, wash our hands in, and use to brush our teeth is NOT for drinking. So... that leaves me wondering what exactly am I showering in?!

Day 22: Cheesy Poofs

These are so delicious. I've been begging for them from home for what seems like forever. I don't remember the last time other than today that I even wanted cheesy poofs, but since I've been here I've craved all sorts of foods. I'm really thinking about ordering a crock pot, so I can stir up some Velveeta and Ro-Tel tomatoes to serve on some Tostitos Scoops! My taste buds are watering just thinking about it. Chocolate is another hot commodity here. The little shop sells out before the PMS even hits. It's a nightmare. I'm a Coca-Cola and Twix or Reeses peanut butter cups kinda girl once a month, (thus me calling it "chocolate time"). I don't even like chocolate that much otherwise. I think I'm starting to share too much information... Anyway, I don't know how I ended up talking about monthly visitors when I started on cheesy poofs. Oh, well! It's supposed to be an honest and open blog after all, and now it really is.

Day 21: Tools

Well, all the furniture here is made out of 2x4s and plywood. We have to build it ourselves too, so often it's pretty shoddy. The bed that my room's previous tenant left was especially crappy. I didn't sleep on it for two weeks before it snapped and started bowing in the middle. I put a supply request through my chain of command so the wood shop would cut some lumber down for me and let me check out some tools, but that was over a week ago. I finally decided to go to the shop myself. All my pieces were cut on the spot. The guy even came to my room to build the bed. Sweet! I asked him to build it at my eye level, so I could put a desk and chair underneath while still being able to have head room on top. It worked out quite well. My room feels bigger already. I do have to climb on top of my tough box and then on top of my desk to get into bed, and I also managed to smack my knuckles pretty hard on the ceiling when I woke up this morning, but other than that I'd say the project is a success!

Day 20: Lilly Belle

This is another token from home that I was able to carry along with me. I packed it in my big tough box that shipped over here before I did. I used to have this picture sitting on my desk at work. Well, I guess since this place is my work now I can still say the same thing. I miss her so much!

Day 19: Reflective Belt

If you're caught during "hours of darkness" without a reflective belt on then you get arrested!

Day 18: Home Time

I always keep this clock in my room set to "home time". Both Fort Campbell, KY (my U.S. duty station) and Texas (where my family lives) are in the central time zone. I just have to add an hour and a half and switch the a.m. and p.m. really, but I like having this clock to remind me anyhow. There aren't many other reminders of home here, so I make do.

UpDATE: Chris

I'll get back to Photo-of-the-Day in a bit, but I wanted to catch you up on Chris. Remember him? Recap HERE then HERE. Anyway, he is history. I started noticing that he was sending secret text messages quite early on. At first I didn't think it was my business though the secrets, unanswered phone calls, and disappearing acts ate at me. One day he laughed out loud while reading a message. I asked what the joke was, and he quickly became offensive and totally freaked out on me. That's when I let my denial go. So many times I just believed him thinking I needed more faith. I believed it when he said he loved me, and that I was manifesting problems that didn't really exist. I just couldn't deny that gut feeling though. I didn't have proof, but this time I wasn't above finding out. I mean I didn't want to accuse someone of something so horrible, but at the same time I wasn't about to sit there and be naive to the whole thing. I had to nip it in the bud ASAP! I came home from leave early and went straight into my stake out. They did way more things that "just friends" aren't supposed to do. I told him soon after that I knew what was going on though he still denied it. (He also denied nude pictures of his ex, but that was a lie too! I'm sure she would be so proud of his nostalgic qualities.) He's a horrible liar. He does the usual eye avoidance, starts laughing, turns his body away, changes the topic, pretends he doesn't hear me, turns it around to accuse me... Did I mention he's stupid? So, get this... he just sent me an email a couple hours ago. (I'm laughing as I type this.) It goes something like this: "Laura, I love you with all my heart... My conscious cant take the guilt that I incur by not being able to be the boyfriend you're so deserving of." I'm sure he feels "guilty" now that he's deployed. I hope he has a long happy deployment with 'Palmala Handerson'. Despite all of that they're in my prayers, because God knows they surely need it.

Day 17: My Boots

I really need new boots. I've had these since they were issued to me about three or four years ago. I've been issued a couple pairs of new boots since then, but I wear a size 4-1/2 boot. They never have my size, so I end up with boots that are too big just so they can say they gave me some.

Day 16: Mystery Meat

The food isn't really terrible considering I've been eating bachelor food for a few years now, but I really have no idea what animal this meat came from or even if it came from an animal at all! The D-fac (dining facility) serves the same food every week, so I'm already bored with the combat cuisine they serve here. I find myself less and less hungry all the time. I have a difficult time finding my way to the D-fac anyhow with my work schedule. I work from 1500-2300 in the clinic. That means I'm sleeping through breakfast. I have PT (physical training) at 1230, so that means I miss lunch too. We're allowed to leave the clinic to get dinner though, so I don't miss that meal. The D-fac is our neighbor, so it's not that big of a deal anyhow. They also serve midnight chow, but by the time I get off I usually fall asleep before the chow hall opens again. It's just an endless cycle. Ugh!

Day 15: Magic Tree (after)

Here it is:

Day 14: Arabic for Dummies

I received these two MP3 players when I departed from the terminal back at Ft Campbell. They had tons of books like this with little ear buds for us. I think it's pretty neat, and since I'm finally done reading the Twilight series I think it's time to start learning a new language.

Day 13: Magic Tree (before)

Sweet, sweet KC bought this little Magic Tree for me when we were at a book store a few weeks ago. I remember having one as a kid that my dad, sister and I put together, but I didn't know they still made them. It was a special treat then, and it still is. It only takes six hours for it to grow, so I'll post another pic of the full grown tree tomorrow. I wish it could grow some presents too!

Day 12: Combat Purfume

Ah, Febreze, I love you. It all started back in Basic Training... we're not supposed to wear things that are scented in order to help keep away the bugs and other creatures (like boys). Drill Sergeants would have a fit if they even saw cherry chap stick in your possession. People aren't as stringent on the rules like they are in training environments, but I guess I've just grown to think of Febreze more like combat perfume than air and fabric "refresher" or whatever the heck it's supposed to be. I'm not the only one. You'll find tons of this stuff in any military store you walk in to whether it's here or there. It's definitely a staple for military living.

Day 11: Simple Goodness

This doesn't really have anything specific to do with deployment. I just can't believe I scarfed down an entire box of Nilla wafers. In my defense, however, it was only a mini sized box! I'm still craving cheesy puffs though...

Day 10: B-Huts

There are tons of these "B-huts" all over the place. They're just little shacks with rooms divided by plywood. I'm not even sure what the "B" stands for, but I'm thinking along the lines of Bum-Hut or Bedraggled-Hut, because that's exactly what they are.

Day 9: Loaded

I signed for some new gear today.

Day 8: Aid Station

Well, this is the aid station where I work. To the far right, on the other side of those green sand bags you can see one end of the building I live in. Those are the same sandbags that I shot for my room with a view picture last week. I was standing up on the gazebo where people can eat lunch to take this pic. As you can tell we were having a little bit of rain, but it felt nice to have all the dust in the air settle for a little while. When I turned around I could even make out a tad bit of the Hindu Kush mountain range that surround us. It's part of the Himalayas. (Did you know that this is the place that Alexander the Great conquered in Fourth Century BC? Neat!) The picture doesn't do it justice. It's beautiful. My day didn't stay that great though. I finally pooped myself out from exhaustion. I haven't slept a full night since I left home over a week ago, and even that sleep was come and go. I've been telling everyone that I'm about to go into a coma at any second if I don't get some real sleep, but I just have to keep stickin' it out. I live in a plywood stall, so I can hear every noise that my seven hut-mates make. These aren't quiet girls by any means either. They slam and yell and stomp up and down the halls over and over. Their music is blaring, and they need to suck on a toilet bowl tablet with the language they use. I feel like I'm in a cheap frat house. People are constantly coming in and out and flipping the lights on and off. The big light is right over my bed too. I've tried all sorts of medication to just knock myself out for a while, but the most it's done was somewhere between three and four hours. I also have the crud. My nose is stuffy, and my throat is killing me. The doc sent me to my room to get some rest after giving me some super sleep pills, but as you can tell... I'm wide awake! I have to go see a sleep specialist tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it since he's also the combat stress psychiatrist. Psychiatrist! I don't want that on my record. No way! Remember, in the military, my ins and outs are more out than in. Being labeled crazy is not going to do me any favors.

Day 7: International Security Assistance Force

Factsheet: NATO took command and co-ordination of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in August 2003. ISAF is NATO's first mission outside the Euro-Atlantic area. ISAF operates in Afghanistan under a UN mandate and will continue to operate according to current and future UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. ISAF’s mission was initially limited to Kabul. Resolution 1510 passed by the UNSC on 13 October 2003 opened the way to a wider role for ISAF to support the Government of Afghanistan beyond Kabul.

What is the aim of the operation?

ISAF's role is to assist the Government of Afghanistan and the International Community in maintaining security within its area of operation. ISAF supports the Government of Afghanistan in expanding its authority to the rest of the country, and in providing a safe and secure environment conducive to free and fair elections, the spread of the rule of law, and the reconstruction of the country.

What does this mean in practice?

• ISAF conducts patrols throughout the 18 police districts in Kabul and its surrounding areas. Over a third of these patrols are carried out jointly with the Kabul City Police. There are also presence and patrol activities conducted within the Provincial Reconstruction Team areas of operation.
• ISAF coordinates Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects throughout its area of operations. The CIMIC objectives are to assist the Commander of ISAF in his effort to support the Government of Afghanistan in maintaining and expanding security throughout the country, to support stabilisation, reconstruction and nation-building activities, and to co-operate with the International Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The CIMIC teams work in close co-operation with the local population and authorities and assess the situation concerning education, health, water, sanitation and internally displaced persons and returnees. They also initiate and monitor projects funded by either national or international donors.
• On a political level, ISAF works closely with the Afghan authorities, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), UN agencies, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the US-led coalition (Operations Enduring Freedom - OEF). ISAF has Liaison Teams that coordinate issues directly with the Government of Afghanistan, with UNAMA and other international players.
• ISAF also supports the Government of Afghanistan in its security sector reform efforts.

How does NATO manage the ISAF mission?

The North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO's highest decision-making body, provides the political direction and co-ordination for the mission. The NAC works in close consultation with non-NATO nations taking part in ISAF and special meetings with these nations are held on a regular basis. Based on the political guidance provided by the NAC, strategic command and control is exercised by NATO's main military headquarters, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium, led by the to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The Joint Force Commander (JFC) based at the Joint Force Command in Brunssum (The Netherlands), is responsible at the operational level for manning, training, deploying and sustaining ISAF.

Day 6: Combat Parking

Day 5: Camel in a Dress

So, on Fridays we can go to the bazaar where the locals sell bits and trinkets. I saw this guy there with his camel that was wearing a dress. He charges $3 for a picture, $4 to pose with the camel, and $5 to "stand" on the camel! Look closely around the camel's neck and you'll see it even has an ID badge to get on base! I can't stop laughing!!!

Day 4: Coca-Cola

Yep, it's the real thing!

Day 3: A Room with a View

Day 2: "Al salaam a'alaykum"

In other words... "Good day!" from Afghanistan! My room is tiny, it's super dusty, I can't tell when I'm supposed to be sleepy or hungry, the water smells weird, my back hurts... and I love it! The mountains are beautiful, I'm surrounded by my brothers and sisters, I can eat hot dogs for every meal, I don't have to pay rent or taxes, I don't waste time on deciding what to wear, and I'm doing what I really love. I'm a SOLDIER! Hooah!!!

Day 1: "Hallo!"

Greetings from Germany! It´s a relief to know that those years of German lessons are finally paying off. So far, the trip really hasn´t been horrible at all. I haven´t seen the sunlight since I left though, and the rain seems to be following us around the globe. The food is crappy, and this keyboard is driving me nuts. The letters are in all sorts of weird places, so I can´t type as fast as I normally would. I think that bothers me more than anything. Hee!Hee! The clock on this computer says it´s 7:15 pm, though I know it´s around 12 am back home. We still have another leg of the trip, but then at least I should finally be able to sleep on a horizontal surface! Well, gotta get going again. I´ll keep you posted...

Day 0: I'm leaving on a jet plane...

Here's my last view of my parents as I stood in formation before boarding the buses...

Goodbye, everyone! I'll see you later...

Fork

Okay, so the movers left all my food. I mean, I can't store that sorta stuff for 15 months anyway, but couldn't they have left me ONE FORK! I just microwaved some yummy stuff and only to reach into the silverware drawer to find it empty. Doh!

Packers & Movers

Wow, the packers and movers just left. They arrived around 0745 this morning, and immediately engulfed my apartment with cardboard boxes in every space available. These aren't your ordinary movers. I didn't have to pack a thing. They do all the work for you. I had five people in my two bedroom apartment popping boxes into form, whipping tape guns over anything in reach, and slinging sheets of newspaper around every little trinket I've accumulated in my four years away from home. I woke up surrounded by all of my things in their normal places this morning only to go to bed hearing even my breath echo off the walls. It's so strange...

Guest Blogger: Camryn (My Cousin)

"LAURA"

Current mood: crushed

Category: Blogging

OMG, Laura you have no idea how hard the last week was for me. I will miss you so much you can't even believe. Don't forget that i love you and even though i don't show it i am so freakin' proud of you. I can't help but think of all the fun times we had together and do you remember how i always wanted to be just like you. I still do believe it or not. You are amazing and i love you for everything you are because even though you have been through tough times you still hold true to your values. I only wish that we could have spent more time together. i have to stop crying and typing cause i know you are starting to tear up too now. Well i will watch lullie belle (i so butchered that name) for you and give you updates and i promise she will get played with on Fridays at least. I can't wait til your 15 months are up. You better make it back to my graduation. Let me know if you need me to mail anything to you and if you need any hand warmers LOL. I can't even see what I am typing because i am crying so much. What a baby. Well i won't say goodbye because i know you don't like that so i guess it will be a see you later.

I love you and thanking for fighting for my freedom. Most of all thank you for being such a good role model for me. You proved to me that I can do anything. LOVE YOU LAURA!!!!

Currently listening : Greatest Hits By Jo Dee Messina

I'm a YouTube Addict

Don't forget...

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot has to be one of my favorite restaurants if not THE favorite. I'm lucky that I have one in both Nashville and Austin, so no matter which 'home' I happen to be at I can still indulge. There's nothing not to love about this place.

Here's my cousin (Camryn), my mother, and BIL (Robbie).

If there's a bar, Grandma's gonna find it.

Sheila and I with our Love Martinis.

Me, Sheila, Aunt Sandra, Ella (sister), and Camryn up on top.

I love fondue!

Mom, Robbie, and Ella.

Grandma and I fighting over a martini.

Grandma, Me, Sheila, Aunt Sandra, Uncle Duane, Camryn, Mom, Robbie, and Ella.

Camryn and I outside across the street from The Real World Austin house.I don't know what I'm doing with my leg or what the heck I'm looking at. Anyway, I had a great time. I can guarantee that I'll be making reservations again at both the Austin and Nashville locations upon my return in 2010, so if you're around feel free to join in on the party. Love Martinis on me!

Leave

I'm on leave in Texas! Woo-Hoo! I'll be back at Campbell on Sunday night though. I need to pack!

Vote!

It called to me...

Music is my one of my vices, so of course I can't go through this upcoming deployment without it, so I snatched up a new iPod Touch today. I stocked up on a couple iTunes cards too to get me started. This thing is pretty awesome. It doesn't just play songs. I can play games, read books, keep track of my calories and weight loss, check the weather, surf the net, browse photos, watch movies, and all sorts of stuff. I'm definitely taking it on the long plane ride over there with me. I have to carry everything on my back, so it just makes this little guy even sweeter. It's perfectly pocket sized. I can't wait to start downloading applications and tunes. I still need to get a good web cam if anyone has recommendations. I want to keep up with my blog as much as possible this next year. The good and the bad. It's my goal to really document this journey as best as I can. I think it's going to be a good thing as Martha says. I just have one stop back home in Texas to make before I'm really ready to leave. It's going to be difficult saying goodbye to everyone. I think that's the hardest part really.

Happy Halloween

It didn't dawn on me that today was Halloween until I went to the doctor's office this morning. I had to go for a follow up appointment, so there's nothing to worry about there. It certainly doesn't feel like Halloween usually does. I'm not sure what it's supposed to feel like, but however it's supposed to feel it just doesn't. No decorations. No costumes. No pumpkins. No candy. Lilly Belle and I do have matching skeleton tshirts that glow in the dark though. I bought them a few weeks ago when I was more in the mood. Time seems to really be zooming by lately. I find myself thinking about a lot of things I wouldn't normally, but I'm blaming it on the fact that I deploy in a month. I'm savoring so much of life right now. You know, little stuff. Stuff I won't have for a while. Mexican food. Manicures. A curling iron. High heels. Hugs. My first name. Lilly Belle. Christmas. Babies. Blue jeans. Warm from the oven cookies. Icy milk. My car. Baths. Make up. My birthday. My family. There's so much around me that I've never stopped to be thankful for. Stuff I didn't even think twice about. I have so many gifts to be thankful for, and so many things I am undeserving of. Too often I feel like I'm alone in my walk through life, and that God has turned his back on me. It's so easy to get lost in this world. I fight daily with that, but with one step back I can see clearly that I am never left to be alone. God is in every breath I take and in every beat of my heart. He's wrapped around me screaming he loves me, and all I have to do is listen. Sometimes that's the hardest part. I need to push away all the noise in my life and make a quiet place for Him. I need to let him guide me in the right direction instead of fighting it. I need to do the right thing no matter how difficult it is. I need to face my faults and weaknesses. I need to have faith that everything will turn out just right. And I need to keep pushing through the darkness and doubt. I will make it, and I will be okay.

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Scrappucino

Alrighty, it's on the calendar! Here's the information for my first class at Scrappucino:

Christmas Explosion Album