Well, if you haven't heard...Sean had to go to the emergency room on Tuesday. It wasn't something life threatening and he is ok. He just had a doctors appointment that day to discuss some symptoms he's been having. Throwing up for no apparent reason, feeling cold, teeth hurting. At first we attributed it to not eating enough at dinner, going to sleep on an empty stomach and it upsetting his stomach. Then, it seemed to happen quite a bit from sweet foods...so we thought that might have something to do with it. And finally, thought stress might be the culprit (he's always been easily stressed out).
Well, turns out these symptoms are a possible (but unlikely) link to a brain tumor. Yeah, that's pretty nuts. He has some appointments coming up to test his stomach first (seems they are looking for possible acid reflux disease or whatever). Then, he will be scheduled for a MRI. Due to his age, he'll be sedated and will have to spend the night (German hospitals require parents to stay in the same room as their child so I'll be there with him).
I'm not letting it bother me, maybe I'm just blocking my emotions. I won't let this get to me until I know for sure. Because honestly...when you say brain tumor you think death and I'm not prepared for that.
Prayer is always helpful, keep you posted.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Extra Duties
You know, in the military when you sign up for extra duties you usually have 1 of 2 things in mind. 1) This will look awesome on my fitness report (evaluation) or 2) I really enjoy this and am having fun. Well, I guess you could think both really.
Since I have arrived at AFRICOM I have volunteered for everything under the sun. Whether it be lifting tables and chairs to cooking burgers and dogs. Wanna know why? Because I hate my job. I really do. It's at a place where I can affect national policy....but, I don't care. You know what I like doing? I like lifting tables and chairs and getting dirty. I like cooking burgers and dogs. I like doing things where I don't have to use my brain. Do I occassionally get a kick out of something at work? Sure, but it's extremely rare. I love being in Germany but hate what I'm doing here. Don't get me wrong, I think AFRICOM is a great unit and it's missions on the continent are something I hope are achieved and help the people of Africa. I....just....don't....like....my.....job. It's a day filled with super excitement like the following: Decide what I want for lunch, check my email, drink some water, look at watch and hope lunch is soon, upload some files (actual work), look at FFB sites, check email, go to lunch and then repeat all that other bullcrap. Of course, there are some meetings in there somewhere but I'd rather not dwell on those....I want to stab my eyes out during every meeting.
Meetings at AFRICOM consist of a bunch of officers and/or civilians talking about something like they are actually interested in it. I can't stand the PC bullcrap and the absolute kiss ass attitude in a joint command like this. It eats away at me every day, thankfully I have Jesus Christ to fill my soul when it's emptied by utter nonsense.
Which brings me back to my original point (you forgot it, didn't you?). Extra duties. One of the many things I've volunteered for is Sports Council Representative. Basically, I manage all the sports for my unit. It's not a hard job, but it's not always a walk in the park either. Due to my passion and being outspoken...I've earned sort of a rep in this world. Because I ask people to do their damn job, they dislike me. Because I ask people for information on sports, they dislike me. Because I ask people to respond to my questions in a timely manner, they dislike me. Guess what, the Sergeant Major told me to keep trucking along. So, I must be doing something right. That something right is acting like a Marine. Anyone else would just roll over and die. Anyone else would just say it doesn't matter. Anyone else would say, "I'm not getting paid for this crap". Sorry, that's not me. I will fight, for the right....to party! Ok, sorry off subject. I will fight when I believe I've been wronged. These people (people that work for Morale, Welfare and Recreation) don't give a crap about anything other than themselves. They want to make a name for themselves, they want to earn bonuses, they want to be popular. I just ask for people to be fair. If you are going to answer one persons emails, answer mine. If you are going to allow a rule for one team, allow it for all teams.
I know a lot of this doesn't make sense to someone just reading it without knowing the background but I think you can get something out of it. I just needed to get it off my chest. Although, my whole command pretty much knows where I stand on things and it's not much of a secret....so, I guess I've gotten off my chest already.
Since I have arrived at AFRICOM I have volunteered for everything under the sun. Whether it be lifting tables and chairs to cooking burgers and dogs. Wanna know why? Because I hate my job. I really do. It's at a place where I can affect national policy....but, I don't care. You know what I like doing? I like lifting tables and chairs and getting dirty. I like cooking burgers and dogs. I like doing things where I don't have to use my brain. Do I occassionally get a kick out of something at work? Sure, but it's extremely rare. I love being in Germany but hate what I'm doing here. Don't get me wrong, I think AFRICOM is a great unit and it's missions on the continent are something I hope are achieved and help the people of Africa. I....just....don't....like....my.....job. It's a day filled with super excitement like the following: Decide what I want for lunch, check my email, drink some water, look at watch and hope lunch is soon, upload some files (actual work), look at FFB sites, check email, go to lunch and then repeat all that other bullcrap. Of course, there are some meetings in there somewhere but I'd rather not dwell on those....I want to stab my eyes out during every meeting.
Meetings at AFRICOM consist of a bunch of officers and/or civilians talking about something like they are actually interested in it. I can't stand the PC bullcrap and the absolute kiss ass attitude in a joint command like this. It eats away at me every day, thankfully I have Jesus Christ to fill my soul when it's emptied by utter nonsense.
Which brings me back to my original point (you forgot it, didn't you?). Extra duties. One of the many things I've volunteered for is Sports Council Representative. Basically, I manage all the sports for my unit. It's not a hard job, but it's not always a walk in the park either. Due to my passion and being outspoken...I've earned sort of a rep in this world. Because I ask people to do their damn job, they dislike me. Because I ask people for information on sports, they dislike me. Because I ask people to respond to my questions in a timely manner, they dislike me. Guess what, the Sergeant Major told me to keep trucking along. So, I must be doing something right. That something right is acting like a Marine. Anyone else would just roll over and die. Anyone else would just say it doesn't matter. Anyone else would say, "I'm not getting paid for this crap". Sorry, that's not me. I will fight, for the right....to party! Ok, sorry off subject. I will fight when I believe I've been wronged. These people (people that work for Morale, Welfare and Recreation) don't give a crap about anything other than themselves. They want to make a name for themselves, they want to earn bonuses, they want to be popular. I just ask for people to be fair. If you are going to answer one persons emails, answer mine. If you are going to allow a rule for one team, allow it for all teams.
I know a lot of this doesn't make sense to someone just reading it without knowing the background but I think you can get something out of it. I just needed to get it off my chest. Although, my whole command pretty much knows where I stand on things and it's not much of a secret....so, I guess I've gotten off my chest already.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Random Thoughts
Life has been a little calmer. But, I have finally started back at work and the newborn is still a newborn lol.
President-Elect Obama, first black President...it really is unbelievable and historic. No matter he is a democrat, he's still an American and he will be my Commander-in-Chief. I will give him a chance and will always follow his orders (unless he goes against God, but I don't see that happening...to the extent I'm thinking of). He has talked about doing away with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military. I think it's a huge mistake and I'll explain why. I'm not a hate mongering Christian bent on the destruction of all homosexuals. But, I will say that homosexuality is not natural, it's not a disease and it's you are not born with it. We are all born sinners and at a certain point in our lives, we become susceptible to a certain sin. Whether it be lying, swearing, homosexuality, adultery, etc. Homosexuals are not Godless people, they aren't forever damned to hell. They can be saved just as any of us can be, by the blood of Jesus Christ. He died for all. But, putting aside sin or not a sin...openly gay serivce members actually pose a threat to themselves and to the entire cohesion of a unit in the military. I guess if the gay community wants more soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines to die in combat then sure go ahead and protest about the don't ask, don't tell policy. There is a reason there isn't co-ed showers anywhere. There is a reason there aren't females allowed in infantry units (at least in the Marine Corps). It effects morale and cohesion of the unit. It would have a negative psychological impact on our military. And those of you out there that are in favor say "Well, I guess they better just learn to deal with it!". Oh, so now WE have to deal with it?! WE have to change because others live a life of sin? No, the world doesn't change for liars, for adulterers...and it shouldn't change for homosexuals. I hear the argument that being gay is like being black. That is the biggest crock I have ever heard, you CAN change how you behave sexually. You CAN'T change the color of your skin. If you somehow think you CAN'T change how you behave sexually then you are weak and haven't tried hard enough. Will you have setbacks? Yes. Will you get discouraged? Yes. Do you think those of us that do get saved stop lying on the stop? Or stop swearing? Or stop drinking alcohol? Not entirely. But, what you do get is the Holy Spirit inside of you. And then you start to say to yourself "Am I doing the right thing?" It's called a conscience, most of us do have it but to a saved person...that is the voice Holy Spirit telling you it's wrong and you shouldn't do it. I wish gay people the best in life and I hope they get all of the rights we have. But, I would hope they find Jesus and see the despicable ways of their life. Are we not all sinners? We are, I am, you are...don't force me to change my lifestyle because of your sins though.
Drinking alcohol. It seems to me that many evangelical independent baptists are against even a little bit of alcohol. But, I disagree with this. I belive the Bible talks about drunkards and drunkenness as being sins. But, I have yet to find anything about drinking alcohol at all. Small amounts of alcohol with dinner seems harmless and not a sin to me. Now, I understand that some people would just not want to have the temptation there and totally ban it from their house/body so as not to get drunk. I think having alcohol in the house and NOT getting drunk is actually a good test. But, it's definitely something that could be argued until you're blue in the face.
President-Elect Obama, first black President...it really is unbelievable and historic. No matter he is a democrat, he's still an American and he will be my Commander-in-Chief. I will give him a chance and will always follow his orders (unless he goes against God, but I don't see that happening...to the extent I'm thinking of). He has talked about doing away with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military. I think it's a huge mistake and I'll explain why. I'm not a hate mongering Christian bent on the destruction of all homosexuals. But, I will say that homosexuality is not natural, it's not a disease and it's you are not born with it. We are all born sinners and at a certain point in our lives, we become susceptible to a certain sin. Whether it be lying, swearing, homosexuality, adultery, etc. Homosexuals are not Godless people, they aren't forever damned to hell. They can be saved just as any of us can be, by the blood of Jesus Christ. He died for all. But, putting aside sin or not a sin...openly gay serivce members actually pose a threat to themselves and to the entire cohesion of a unit in the military. I guess if the gay community wants more soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines to die in combat then sure go ahead and protest about the don't ask, don't tell policy. There is a reason there isn't co-ed showers anywhere. There is a reason there aren't females allowed in infantry units (at least in the Marine Corps). It effects morale and cohesion of the unit. It would have a negative psychological impact on our military. And those of you out there that are in favor say "Well, I guess they better just learn to deal with it!". Oh, so now WE have to deal with it?! WE have to change because others live a life of sin? No, the world doesn't change for liars, for adulterers...and it shouldn't change for homosexuals. I hear the argument that being gay is like being black. That is the biggest crock I have ever heard, you CAN change how you behave sexually. You CAN'T change the color of your skin. If you somehow think you CAN'T change how you behave sexually then you are weak and haven't tried hard enough. Will you have setbacks? Yes. Will you get discouraged? Yes. Do you think those of us that do get saved stop lying on the stop? Or stop swearing? Or stop drinking alcohol? Not entirely. But, what you do get is the Holy Spirit inside of you. And then you start to say to yourself "Am I doing the right thing?" It's called a conscience, most of us do have it but to a saved person...that is the voice Holy Spirit telling you it's wrong and you shouldn't do it. I wish gay people the best in life and I hope they get all of the rights we have. But, I would hope they find Jesus and see the despicable ways of their life. Are we not all sinners? We are, I am, you are...don't force me to change my lifestyle because of your sins though.
Drinking alcohol. It seems to me that many evangelical independent baptists are against even a little bit of alcohol. But, I disagree with this. I belive the Bible talks about drunkards and drunkenness as being sins. But, I have yet to find anything about drinking alcohol at all. Small amounts of alcohol with dinner seems harmless and not a sin to me. Now, I understand that some people would just not want to have the temptation there and totally ban it from their house/body so as not to get drunk. I think having alcohol in the house and NOT getting drunk is actually a good test. But, it's definitely something that could be argued until you're blue in the face.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Well, it's now two days after my daughter (Elizabeth Rose) was born and it's still surreal. There is probably only one word to describe it, blessing. It is such a blessing that we have her now and honestly I'm so relieved Amy doesn't have to go through the pregnancy anymore. But, now the real fun begins...raising a daughter, it will be wonderful. It will be a whole new experience for me...all over again. Because, while this is my first daughter...I did play a small part raising my sisters. Twelve years older than Pam and fourteen older than Katie, I was more of a younger parent to them then a sibling (although we did have our sibling moments! lol).
Amy and Elizabeth will be coming home tomorrow and a new chapter in our lives will begin. It will be hard but I'm up for the challenge. I actually feel renewed now that the pregnancy is over, the last couple months have been hard (more so for Amy). The people at our Church brought dinner over tonight (I had already fixed dinner though) and they'll be bringing over dinner for the next five nights!! Man, they are great bunch...stick together through thick and thin. God has blessed us with so many things lately and I am humbled.
I'll close with some pictures I took at the hospital the last few days:
Amy and Elizabeth will be coming home tomorrow and a new chapter in our lives will begin. It will be hard but I'm up for the challenge. I actually feel renewed now that the pregnancy is over, the last couple months have been hard (more so for Amy). The people at our Church brought dinner over tonight (I had already fixed dinner though) and they'll be bringing over dinner for the next five nights!! Man, they are great bunch...stick together through thick and thin. God has blessed us with so many things lately and I am humbled.
I'll close with some pictures I took at the hospital the last few days:
Sunday, December 21, 2008
My First Blog Post
Well, decided I would start up a blog like Amy to share my thoughts and keep everyone updated. While, our blogs might follow a same pattern...I'm sure the perception will be different haha.
It's 0930 on 21 December and I've just dropped the boys off at the Needham's (family from Church) so they can bring them to Church. Amy has been up since 3 or 4 with contractions and she's really thinking this is FINALLY IT! It would really be a blessing because I am scheduled to go back to work tomorrow and I've been worried about the drive back home and then the drive to the hospital (timewise). And that is why I bought a GPS, just couldn't deal with the pressure of worrying how long it would take me to get to the hospital (and if I'd get lost!). We've also decided to go to the more modern hospital because we've heard much better things about it. Occasionally, they'll try and give Americans their own room and if not it's only 2 to a room, with a curtain. The other hospital usually would have 3 to a room and no curtains...crazy how European countries work sometimes.
God willing, it will happen today and then I'll be calling everyone and posting and emailing to try and get the word out.
Stay tuned...
It's 0930 on 21 December and I've just dropped the boys off at the Needham's (family from Church) so they can bring them to Church. Amy has been up since 3 or 4 with contractions and she's really thinking this is FINALLY IT! It would really be a blessing because I am scheduled to go back to work tomorrow and I've been worried about the drive back home and then the drive to the hospital (timewise). And that is why I bought a GPS, just couldn't deal with the pressure of worrying how long it would take me to get to the hospital (and if I'd get lost!). We've also decided to go to the more modern hospital because we've heard much better things about it. Occasionally, they'll try and give Americans their own room and if not it's only 2 to a room, with a curtain. The other hospital usually would have 3 to a room and no curtains...crazy how European countries work sometimes.
God willing, it will happen today and then I'll be calling everyone and posting and emailing to try and get the word out.
Stay tuned...
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