Well, it was my 28th b-day yesterday but it was basically the same kind of day we are used to out here. A few people said happy birthday, Sims got me some cookies from the chowhall and one of Amy's packages arrived. Not really much difference between 25-29 except for 50 pounds or so. Found out about a week ago that I am a few lbs. over my max weight of 181lbs. I have gotten a little stronger w/ weight lifting and I am hoping I can get a nice bench w/ some dumbbells when I get back. I don't much like lifting but I think I can at least try. I do still need to start running but I haven't decided how I am going to fit it in my schedule. Since we have been going to lift during work lately I might be able to make myself get up and run before work.
I really miss the kids and hate that I have to be out here for the entire summer. I was really looking forward to camping w/ the family. I guess I can hope that the weather stays good enough for us to go when I get back. Sean and Ryan really need to get some outside time. The three things I want to do is teach (or get lessons) them how to swim, how to ride bikes and get them out camping for a couple nights. I think I'd also like to get Sean into Karate or at the very least get him a baseball glove and we can practice catching in the backyard. He needs to get into something besides video games. I think we'd be good staring w/ a tennis ball or racket ball. I just need to find a decent glove and break that sucker in. Seems so long when I think we only have 3 months left, sounds better saying 90 days actually. I will say again, I think this deployment has been the most difficult for me. I don't feel like I am working as hard and quality of life is much better. But, w/ the kids older, such a short time to get ready for the deployment and not feeling the camraderie I usually feel when deployed...it has made it a "different" deployment.
It really is ridiculous over here compared to the first time. Where, for two weeks, we lived in a landfill and the bugs were absolutely crazy. We had to either sleep in vehicles or w/ blankets over our heads in 100-120 degree weather. For awhile I didn't even change my socks because we couldn't take our boots off when we slept. I have to just sit back and laugh when I hear people complain about their A/C breaking. When we first came over we wore MOPP suits w/ helmet, flak, full combat load of rounds and weapon all the time. We had no internet, TV, A/C, hot chow (unless you count cooking MREs), etc. There was even a time when they started rationing water because of a shortage. BTW, the place w/ the landfill was called An Nasariyah (where Jessica Lynch was abducted while we were there). I wish I could remember the next town we went to but I believe it was called Numiniyah. Once in Numiniyah, we took a "field trip" to the city of Babylon and toured the museum. I forgot to mention that I received my Combat Action Ribbon (CAR) while in Nasariyah. I was on guard duty, when something exploded on the street about 100-150 yards away. The rest of the Marines ran to the barrier (berm) just in case suppressing fire was needed. It was pretty intense but I was actually laughing because we finally got to do something that Marines join for.
Anyway, thought I'd add some of my thoughts from previous deployments since I didn't have a journal then. I guess I might have some letters I sent Amy that could help w/ recollections but not sure how many, if any, we kept. This journal thing has been a great idea.
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