Good evening,
I thought to myself during supper "Self you should post your Blog". Lately I have found myself talking to myself, thankfully not answering out loud. I'm sure those I'm with are thankful as well.
Last night we went to Ash Wednesday services, it wasn't bad. I'm sure most of us would have rather been at our own church back home. I guess the good news is that about 10 of the 30 guys in my section are Catholic. The better news is that we were all together to celebrate ash Wednesday. I'm not sure if it's Taboo or not to say what you gave up for lent. I'm going to tell you anyways, two of the three things I gave up are sex and beer. The other one is between me and the big guy. All kidding aside it was nice to be in church away from the madness of the office. I definitely need to start finding time in my schedule to attend regularly. The time during mass can be spent in quiet refection, remembering those we left behind, or the road ahead of us.
As far as cribbage goes the young pups were disciplined, last I checked they were back laying by their dishes. In fact the old dogs later went on to beat another cribbage want a be.
That is all for now,
Dave
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
24 Feb 09 - 23 Days done and counting
Good evening from Dave's world,
Today was like yesterday, the day before, and the day before that. The only exception is that I now have 8 classes to take online. One of the classes (Personnel recovery and Code of Conduct Training) has been transferred to a CD because it takes over two hours to finish. Lucky for me I will have a majority of the classes done tonight. I still miss home as much as my first day here. But I'm thinking that me and my wife are getting into the rhythm of being separated. I call her every night or chat with her on Skype. Understand it's not the same but it's the best I can do given my present situation. Believe me when I say there isn't a moment that goes by that I don't wish I was home.
I know that with the support of my family and friends, Susan and the kids will get through this. As for me I will make it home and cherish my time with my family and friends more than ever before.
My daughter Jacki posted in her blog recently that mail call was her favorite time of day. I have to agree with her that getting a letter or package is definitely a moral booster. I received a package today from my daughter Darcie with my valentines card and peanut butter hearts. It made me smile all the way back to my office. If your thinking of sending me a letter don't. I'm leaving here in the next 7-10 days for greener pastures (Desert). I will post my new address as soon as I am able.
As far as the cribbage scores go the old dogs and young dogs are still tied. Last night in order to break the cycle we played two cribbage want a Be's. (The young pups were tired) Not only did we skunk the want a Be's, we won the next two games. Talk about raising our self esteem. For those of you that know me I handled the win graciously (Happy dance), as for MAJ Howe he did the happy dance as well. His moves were a little bit of Shreik, and some from John Travolta in the movie Saturday night fever. Susan and Sheri, it might be a good idea to line us up with some dance lessons when we return.
That is all,
Dave
Today was like yesterday, the day before, and the day before that. The only exception is that I now have 8 classes to take online. One of the classes (Personnel recovery and Code of Conduct Training) has been transferred to a CD because it takes over two hours to finish. Lucky for me I will have a majority of the classes done tonight. I still miss home as much as my first day here. But I'm thinking that me and my wife are getting into the rhythm of being separated. I call her every night or chat with her on Skype. Understand it's not the same but it's the best I can do given my present situation. Believe me when I say there isn't a moment that goes by that I don't wish I was home.
I know that with the support of my family and friends, Susan and the kids will get through this. As for me I will make it home and cherish my time with my family and friends more than ever before.
My daughter Jacki posted in her blog recently that mail call was her favorite time of day. I have to agree with her that getting a letter or package is definitely a moral booster. I received a package today from my daughter Darcie with my valentines card and peanut butter hearts. It made me smile all the way back to my office. If your thinking of sending me a letter don't. I'm leaving here in the next 7-10 days for greener pastures (Desert). I will post my new address as soon as I am able.
As far as the cribbage scores go the old dogs and young dogs are still tied. Last night in order to break the cycle we played two cribbage want a Be's. (The young pups were tired) Not only did we skunk the want a Be's, we won the next two games. Talk about raising our self esteem. For those of you that know me I handled the win graciously (Happy dance), as for MAJ Howe he did the happy dance as well. His moves were a little bit of Shreik, and some from John Travolta in the movie Saturday night fever. Susan and Sheri, it might be a good idea to line us up with some dance lessons when we return.
That is all,
Dave
Monday, February 23, 2009
23 Feb 09 - Day 21 with out Mountain Dew
Good Morning from Ft Lewis WA,
I am now on day 22 of not drinking Mountain Dew. It was tough at first, but every day is better than the day before. I went from 2-3 pops a day to a diet Pepsi every other day at best. It was hard at first everywhere I looked there were Mountain Dew adds. On the radio commercials were being broad casted, my password contains Mountain Dew, so on and so on. I would find myself standing outside of the pop coolers with my hand on the glass thinking how good it would feel to drink a cold one. Thinking back on my decision to quit came easy. I keep telling myself that I have two goals on this deployment one was weight loss and the other was to get in better shape.
I have to admit the withdrawal from Mountain Dew was tough and it was a decision I made willingly. But the other things in my life I gave up were not voluntary. I gave up the right to hold my grand baby, kiss my wife, walk bare footed in the grass, and drink adult beverages. All those listed are a tip of the iceberg.
Again I'm not complaining, I made the choice to serve and I accept that. Just keep in mind that the things you take for granted are the things I miss the most. I have one trivial question for you concerning farts. Do you know why they smell? Answer: So deaf people can enjoy them too.
As far as the cribbage update goes the score now is 9 for the old dogs and 9 for the young pups. Between me and you the young pups were high fiveing it last night. But we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. In the end the tortoise (old dogs) won because he had the stamina to complete what was started. The hare (young pups) lost because of a false confidence. Hopefully tonight the young pups will be back laying by their water dishes.
Happy Birthday Pardo! He was called in front of formation given his birthday card and told to do one pushup per year. Some of us were smilling until the realization set in that if this was the standard we were screwed.
That is all,
Dave
I am now on day 22 of not drinking Mountain Dew. It was tough at first, but every day is better than the day before. I went from 2-3 pops a day to a diet Pepsi every other day at best. It was hard at first everywhere I looked there were Mountain Dew adds. On the radio commercials were being broad casted, my password contains Mountain Dew, so on and so on. I would find myself standing outside of the pop coolers with my hand on the glass thinking how good it would feel to drink a cold one. Thinking back on my decision to quit came easy. I keep telling myself that I have two goals on this deployment one was weight loss and the other was to get in better shape.
I have to admit the withdrawal from Mountain Dew was tough and it was a decision I made willingly. But the other things in my life I gave up were not voluntary. I gave up the right to hold my grand baby, kiss my wife, walk bare footed in the grass, and drink adult beverages. All those listed are a tip of the iceberg.
Again I'm not complaining, I made the choice to serve and I accept that. Just keep in mind that the things you take for granted are the things I miss the most. I have one trivial question for you concerning farts. Do you know why they smell? Answer: So deaf people can enjoy them too.
As far as the cribbage update goes the score now is 9 for the old dogs and 9 for the young pups. Between me and you the young pups were high fiveing it last night. But we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. In the end the tortoise (old dogs) won because he had the stamina to complete what was started. The hare (young pups) lost because of a false confidence. Hopefully tonight the young pups will be back laying by their water dishes.
Happy Birthday Pardo! He was called in front of formation given his birthday card and told to do one pushup per year. Some of us were smilling until the realization set in that if this was the standard we were screwed.
That is all,
Dave
Saturday, February 21, 2009
21 Feb 09 - Happy Birthday
Good Morning from Dave's world,
I just wanted to post my blog this morning and say Happy Birthday to my daughter Darcie. It's hard to believe my first born is 25 today. It seems like only yesterday that she called me Dad, and that I changed her diapers. I knew getting up this morning that I wouldn't be there for her today. But the reality of being a soldier is that there are more birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and family reunions that are missed because of Army training. Looking back over the 25 years of Darcie's life Ive tried to be there and I know she understands that this is what I do. She knows in her heart that I'm there with her. And that tonight when she is celebrating I will be there with her in spirit until at least 10:00. (I'm a grandpa now)
Darcie I'm proud of you and the woman that you have become. I'm glad that you have a mix of both mom and dad, (lucky for you) that you got the best of both. You have your mothers smile and some of your dads sense of humor (lucky for them). Keep up the great work and live your life to the fullest. You have used the tools in your tool box (referenced in an early post)and are better because of it.
There is a sign at the PX that says something like "There is no need to preserve my body, I want to slide into heaven yelling what a ride". If you want the actual quote let me know but I'm sure you get the intent.
Happy birthday Darcie, enjoy your day!
That is all,
Dad
I just wanted to post my blog this morning and say Happy Birthday to my daughter Darcie. It's hard to believe my first born is 25 today. It seems like only yesterday that she called me Dad, and that I changed her diapers. I knew getting up this morning that I wouldn't be there for her today. But the reality of being a soldier is that there are more birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and family reunions that are missed because of Army training. Looking back over the 25 years of Darcie's life Ive tried to be there and I know she understands that this is what I do. She knows in her heart that I'm there with her. And that tonight when she is celebrating I will be there with her in spirit until at least 10:00. (I'm a grandpa now)
Darcie I'm proud of you and the woman that you have become. I'm glad that you have a mix of both mom and dad, (lucky for you) that you got the best of both. You have your mothers smile and some of your dads sense of humor (lucky for them). Keep up the great work and live your life to the fullest. You have used the tools in your tool box (referenced in an early post)and are better because of it.
There is a sign at the PX that says something like "There is no need to preserve my body, I want to slide into heaven yelling what a ride". If you want the actual quote let me know but I'm sure you get the intent.
Happy birthday Darcie, enjoy your day!
That is all,
Dad
Friday, February 20, 2009
20 Feb 09 - Flash back
Good morning from Dave's world. Another day in paradise I just wanted to share some pictures with you. I had a flash back yesterday all the way to Jun of 1980. I left a plane in Ft Leonard Wood Missouri and boarded my first ever cattle car. As you can imagine farm animal noises were made as we (young recruits) were taken to our home for 8 weeks. The cattle car doors opened we were thrust into the open arms of basic training.
Little did I know that 29 years later I would be reunited with my first ever army transportation. I was awed at first that this magnificent machine would have aged so well. I said to myself "Self you haven't aged either". Lucky for me this exchange of words was done inside my head not out loud. The doors of the cattle car opened yesterday and welcomed me back to a time where life was simpler. 
It didn't take long for me to remember the suspension system or should I say the lack of. We left the garrison (Army term for black top) to go to our field sanitation course training. After being bounced around I realized that nothing changed, and I didn't really miss the good old cattle car of days gone by. Did I mention that there were still farm noises but without the crackle of puberty?Our cribbage tournament was put on hold last night due to Army Training. Most of my group were involved in vehicle roll over training. Lucky for me I was able to accomplish this task back in October while I was out here. I'm sure the young pups were thankful for the brief reprieve.
To my family and friends reading this I thank you. Please keep my soldiers in your thoughts and prayers.
That is All
Dave
Monday, February 16, 2009
16 Feb 09 - Presidents Day
Good Evening from Ft Lewis, WA, The pictures on the left are from my trip to Seattle last weekend. It's obvious that the presidents plan to put the American people back to work is right on track. I'm just kidding, the people here in Seattle are nice. The weather here makes it seem like home. On a clear day you can see Mt Rainer. I'll have to post some pictures of the mountains in my upcoming Blog entries.
It's now day 15 for me here in Ft Lewis. The day to day routines are making it seem like ground hogs day here. The civilians in the mess halls are very kind. They seem to go the extra mile to make us feel at home. Granted the mess halls seat about 40 people tops, so you have to eat and move on. But while your there they seem to make the place lively. One of the cooks who is a retired Army guy says "good morning friend, would you like an omelet" to every fourth soldier. I know it's a small thing but you smile when you here him say it.I would love to say it's getting easier but I dread going forward to Iraq where I won't have the luxury of calling home when I want. It's made it tolerable being able to text a message to the kids or to call home when I need to. We are using Skype and that might fill the void while I'm gone. Nothing compares to hearing and seeing the family back home.
I would love to give you an update on our cribbage tournament. It appears the stress of long hours and the deployment are taking it's toll. The old dogs are getting a little tired and the pups have pulled off a three game winning streak. Don't worry though the score is still old dogs 9 and the young pups 6.
To those of you that are keeping me and my family in their prayers I thanks you.
That is all,
Dave
Saturday, February 14, 2009
14 Feb 09 - Valentines Day
Good morning and Happy Valentines Day from Ft Lewis Wa!
Today I woke up like most days reaching for my wife to snuggle with. Again I was disappointed and realized where I was. Since my last posting I have moved from my open bay hammock bed to a single room with the traditional bed with no give to it. My mattress could be on a table for all the support the springs give me. I know I shouldn't complain but everything you do in your day to day routine reminds you of how much you miss your past life. Yesterday my wife dropped off Doug Pardo for his flight here to Ft Lewis. She called me on her way home and I could tell that she had been crying.
I know what I have to do and where I'm going to be in less than a month. But I can't hug my wife and comfort her like I wanted to do. Instead I sent her a few texted messages and called her back. I tried to give her comfort but I'm sure I fell well short of my intent. It's hard going from what you used to do, to this is the best I can do given the circumstances. I know we have all let our spouses down before but you feel really useless when you know it's all you can do and it's not good enough.
I'm not on a pity trip here, it is what it is. I will get through this and return to my wife when this is over. I'm sure like most I will deal with the guilt of being gone, the guilt of having a life without her, and the guilt of not being there when she needs me most.
On a happier note I took my mental health test today and passed. The mental health test gives the Army a starting point before and then again after the deployment to check your mental health. The testing is used for traumatic brain injury or other war zone related brain illness. I have to admit it was touch and go for a while. Part of the test is remembering symbols for example if you picture a domino the symbol on top might be a & and the number it corresponds to would be a six. There are 10 domino's and 10 different symbols. You have to remember the association after they show you multiple symbols. Not every six they show has the same symbol as the key. So you left click if it's right and right click your mouse if it's wrong. Then there were math problem like 4 + 6 - 3 = , if your answer was less then 5 you left clicked and greater then 5 you right clicked. Long story short my head hurts and my eyes are sore.
Take some time to call your loved ones to say Hi, Happy Valentines Day and that you love them. I (we) will be OK Susan and I both know that our love for each other and the support of our family and friends will get us through this.
That is all,
Dave
Today I woke up like most days reaching for my wife to snuggle with. Again I was disappointed and realized where I was. Since my last posting I have moved from my open bay hammock bed to a single room with the traditional bed with no give to it. My mattress could be on a table for all the support the springs give me. I know I shouldn't complain but everything you do in your day to day routine reminds you of how much you miss your past life. Yesterday my wife dropped off Doug Pardo for his flight here to Ft Lewis. She called me on her way home and I could tell that she had been crying.
I know what I have to do and where I'm going to be in less than a month. But I can't hug my wife and comfort her like I wanted to do. Instead I sent her a few texted messages and called her back. I tried to give her comfort but I'm sure I fell well short of my intent. It's hard going from what you used to do, to this is the best I can do given the circumstances. I know we have all let our spouses down before but you feel really useless when you know it's all you can do and it's not good enough.
I'm not on a pity trip here, it is what it is. I will get through this and return to my wife when this is over. I'm sure like most I will deal with the guilt of being gone, the guilt of having a life without her, and the guilt of not being there when she needs me most.
On a happier note I took my mental health test today and passed. The mental health test gives the Army a starting point before and then again after the deployment to check your mental health. The testing is used for traumatic brain injury or other war zone related brain illness. I have to admit it was touch and go for a while. Part of the test is remembering symbols for example if you picture a domino the symbol on top might be a & and the number it corresponds to would be a six. There are 10 domino's and 10 different symbols. You have to remember the association after they show you multiple symbols. Not every six they show has the same symbol as the key. So you left click if it's right and right click your mouse if it's wrong. Then there were math problem like 4 + 6 - 3 = , if your answer was less then 5 you left clicked and greater then 5 you right clicked. Long story short my head hurts and my eyes are sore.
Take some time to call your loved ones to say Hi, Happy Valentines Day and that you love them. I (we) will be OK Susan and I both know that our love for each other and the support of our family and friends will get us through this.
That is all,
Dave
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