Was clicking through channels, and passed the Pentagon channel. (Hey, when it's a military owned cable network, you KNOW you're going to get the Pentagon channel!)
Anyway, at that very moment, they were starting a report from Kandahar. It was about how the coalition was helping pilgrims for the Hajj.
It was the first civilian use of the Kandahar airport (aka Kandahar Air Field) since the war began. It seemed unusual to see all the familiar sites...
Actually felt... "Homesick". Strange.
31 December 2005
Why? Freedom
Mary Ann sent me her first Hat Tip... Michelle Malkin has a nice article, certainly well worth the read.
Why Nary A Peep*
Two-Headed Coins. That was the title I was originally working with for this particular posts. Those who've been reading for awhile know how much I enjoy the fun of titling the posts.
I was looking at today (in particular, and the time of year in general) as the end of a really rotten year, and the opportunity for a new year to begin.
A side note - isn't it interesting how we always believe that changing the digits in the date can somehow adjust the course our lives are travelling?
Anyways, I'd been looking at 2005 as a truly bad year. The unit leaving, Thomas' difficult birth, My deployment beginning, My first experience being mortared, Missing My First Anniversary (with a really wonderful woman), Seeing a Ramp Ceremony, The War Hit Close to Home (please read this one), The very concept of experiencing my 2nd attack in my life (never saw my life like THIS), and there's always... a whole new storm.
You'll notice that that's quite a few links to posts... understandably, it's easy to call it a bad year.
But life is definitely a two-headed coin. Even when it's showing heads, there's still another way to look at it.
As my Dad pointed out, this year also gave me my son, the opportunity to have a wife to share an Anniversary with (even if apart), the chance to serve my country, the chance to be home at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the chance to come home at all.
So, maybe, in retrospect, 2005 wasn't that bad. 2006 is another year, or perhaps... Sunday is just the day after Saturday. But, either way, I truly can't complain.
Through this blog, and Soldiers' Angels, we've become linked to dozens of new friends we never knew we had.
2005 was a good year, after all. And of course, let's not forget this minor day.
* So why DID I use this for a title?
I was looking at today (in particular, and the time of year in general) as the end of a really rotten year, and the opportunity for a new year to begin.
A side note - isn't it interesting how we always believe that changing the digits in the date can somehow adjust the course our lives are travelling?
Anyways, I'd been looking at 2005 as a truly bad year. The unit leaving, Thomas' difficult birth, My deployment beginning, My first experience being mortared, Missing My First Anniversary (with a really wonderful woman), Seeing a Ramp Ceremony, The War Hit Close to Home (please read this one), The very concept of experiencing my 2nd attack in my life (never saw my life like THIS), and there's always... a whole new storm.
You'll notice that that's quite a few links to posts... understandably, it's easy to call it a bad year.
But life is definitely a two-headed coin. Even when it's showing heads, there's still another way to look at it.
As my Dad pointed out, this year also gave me my son, the opportunity to have a wife to share an Anniversary with (even if apart), the chance to serve my country, the chance to be home at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the chance to come home at all.
So, maybe, in retrospect, 2005 wasn't that bad. 2006 is another year, or perhaps... Sunday is just the day after Saturday. But, either way, I truly can't complain.
Through this blog, and Soldiers' Angels, we've become linked to dozens of new friends we never knew we had.
2005 was a good year, after all. And of course, let's not forget this minor day.
* So why DID I use this for a title?
Fonecall Re: Group (FRG)
Ok, so I really stretched on the title this time.
Anyway, received a phonecall from the FRG co-leader wanting to confirm that I no longer needed dinners delivered.
She was slightly surprised when I mentioned that the reason was because I was informed that the FRG had indicated to my command that they felt overburdened.
We had about a 20 minute phone call, and suffice it to say, it appears there's just the teensiest bit of miscommunication going on, or politics, or... who knows...
Not my teapot to have a tempest in.
Interesting, though. Wonder who's playing the next card?
I ended the call with, "The official message to the FRG is that Ellicia and I are extremely thankful for the help and support and appreciate all of the well-wishes from the group."
Life goes on.
Anyway, received a phonecall from the FRG co-leader wanting to confirm that I no longer needed dinners delivered.
She was slightly surprised when I mentioned that the reason was because I was informed that the FRG had indicated to my command that they felt overburdened.
We had about a 20 minute phone call, and suffice it to say, it appears there's just the teensiest bit of miscommunication going on, or politics, or... who knows...
Not my teapot to have a tempest in.
Interesting, though. Wonder who's playing the next card?
I ended the call with, "The official message to the FRG is that Ellicia and I are extremely thankful for the help and support and appreciate all of the well-wishes from the group."
Life goes on.
29 December 2005
He Ain't Dead Yet!
A special congratulations goes out to my Dad! He celebrated his 60th birthday a couple o' days ago.
And he truly celebrated! It's like I always remind people, and him, and the title of this post... one of the best things about a birthday is it means you're not dead yet! (I've always loved a particular Star Trek quote in reference to birthdays - "What's so wrong with not having died?")
It's a nice thing that he's gone and done. I've gauged many of my accomplishments of late towards precedents set by my father. He survived Basic Training (when it was REALLY tough), I can do it. He can endure the Army, I can do it. He can manage not to kill his child (a big thank you, by the way, Dad), I can... well, so far, I've managed that one. So, if he can reach 60, then by golly, I'm gonna do it.
And finally, as a special treat, there's a particular copy of a comedy routine (I think it's by George Carlin, but I can't be sure.
Since I'm not sure exactly to whom the copyright belongs, please know that this material was originally written by whomever originally wrote it... originally.
Here goes:
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?
If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five!
That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back.
You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. . . YEAS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED, we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70!
After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.
And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I was JUST 92."
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
And he truly celebrated! It's like I always remind people, and him, and the title of this post... one of the best things about a birthday is it means you're not dead yet! (I've always loved a particular Star Trek quote in reference to birthdays - "What's so wrong with not having died?")
It's a nice thing that he's gone and done. I've gauged many of my accomplishments of late towards precedents set by my father. He survived Basic Training (when it was REALLY tough), I can do it. He can endure the Army, I can do it. He can manage not to kill his child (a big thank you, by the way, Dad), I can... well, so far, I've managed that one. So, if he can reach 60, then by golly, I'm gonna do it.
And finally, as a special treat, there's a particular copy of a comedy routine (I think it's by George Carlin, but I can't be sure.
Since I'm not sure exactly to whom the copyright belongs, please know that this material was originally written by whomever originally wrote it... originally.
Here goes:
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?
If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five!
That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back.
You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16!
And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . . YOU BECOME 21. . . YEAS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk. He TURNED, we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 . . . and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70!
After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.
And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I was JUST 92."
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Followup Regarding Generosity (F.R.G.)
Thanks for the comment, Tom... sadly, I think that since the 1SG has been the one who suggested that I not accept nor solicit any help from the FRG (i.e., ANYone connected to the unit), I don't see it happening.
I am allowed to use one friend. She's a Soldier in the unit, but she's also a really good friend, and someone whom the kids love and adore. She's practically a member of the family (even spent Christmas with us). Anyway, we've worked out a deal with her supervisor where she can even come over and watch the kids even during duty hours.
However, of course... even any other friends who are connected to the unit are unusable for babysitting.
Checked with the base CDC (Child Development Center or Child Dumping Center) and there are easy to find spots for M and K, but of course, not T. Their slots are all full. So, I'll figure something out there... not sure what...
Probably going to work like this: Kids in school, and Soldier can watch T, as long as duty doesn't conflict. She is serving on the Quick Reaction Force, so in the event that the base is invaded, she'll need to drop T off with... someone. Going to try to find a back-up to my plan.
Sigh...
Think I'll be smart and try to find some babysitters on the economy. They aren't connected to the unit! Germans are working well for M, so why not? Besides, they'll be paid... Who can argue with that?
(Oh, and Tom... I think I'll pass on the WTF... good sentiment, but doesn't quite fit with the site...)
Passing 10,000 hits!!!
I am allowed to use one friend. She's a Soldier in the unit, but she's also a really good friend, and someone whom the kids love and adore. She's practically a member of the family (even spent Christmas with us). Anyway, we've worked out a deal with her supervisor where she can even come over and watch the kids even during duty hours.
However, of course... even any other friends who are connected to the unit are unusable for babysitting.
Checked with the base CDC (Child Development Center or Child Dumping Center) and there are easy to find spots for M and K, but of course, not T. Their slots are all full. So, I'll figure something out there... not sure what...
Probably going to work like this: Kids in school, and Soldier can watch T, as long as duty doesn't conflict. She is serving on the Quick Reaction Force, so in the event that the base is invaded, she'll need to drop T off with... someone. Going to try to find a back-up to my plan.
Sigh...
Think I'll be smart and try to find some babysitters on the economy. They aren't connected to the unit! Germans are working well for M, so why not? Besides, they'll be paid... Who can argue with that?
(Oh, and Tom... I think I'll pass on the WTF... good sentiment, but doesn't quite fit with the site...)
Passing 10,000 hits!!!
A Ray of Sunshine
Well, some good news...
AAFES, known for its consistent overcharging of gas prices (yes, yes, I know, they deny it), is lowering gas prices next month.
Currently, I pay $2.62 per gallon of gas. Next month, it'll be $2.43.
Some education: In Germany (and some other countries), AAFES sets gas prices monthly. It's said to be based to the Department of Energy's index of gas prices in the states, but... no one quite believes that is the whole truth. Anyway, I'll save that rant for another post.
Bottom line, it should get cheaper, which is great news... currently, I'm filling up about $50-$60 every two days... so, any drop in the price is going to be a welcome respite...
Nice ray of sunshine!!!
AAFES, known for its consistent overcharging of gas prices (yes, yes, I know, they deny it), is lowering gas prices next month.
Currently, I pay $2.62 per gallon of gas. Next month, it'll be $2.43.
Some education: In Germany (and some other countries), AAFES sets gas prices monthly. It's said to be based to the Department of Energy's index of gas prices in the states, but... no one quite believes that is the whole truth. Anyway, I'll save that rant for another post.
Bottom line, it should get cheaper, which is great news... currently, I'm filling up about $50-$60 every two days... so, any drop in the price is going to be a welcome respite...
Nice ray of sunshine!!!
Insert Title Here*
I'm not sure where to even start... I'm not so much frustrated as... well, I don't even know.
Had a sit-down chat with the First Sergeant this morning. It was kindly suggested that I back off of using the offers of help from the FRG. Someone complained.
Doesn't someone always complain?
It seems that as hard as I tried to make sure I spread things out and didn't use the same people over and over (even though that meant the kids were always with new people), someone felt "used" and "overworked" and "overburdened".
Not sure how, but it doesn't matter.
Someone complained.
A phone call was made.
And the kicker is I don't know who's still on the "We'd LOVE to Help" list. So, have to drop everyone.
No more dinner help, either (even though that was never the same person twice).
So, back to paying for childcare (when available, cause the spots just aren't open). Kids are still home on winter break...
Just incredibly frustrating.
What would it take for people to be GENUINELY honest and open? If you can't help, then don't offer. If you feel motivated to say something, then offer, "You're in our thoughts" or "That's a shame..." But, if you SAY "How can I help?" or "Can I watch the kids?", then please don't complain if I take you up on it.
The FRG offered to bring meals... apparently, someone is overburdened.
The FRG offered the childcare.
But, alas. I just have to move to my fall-back plan... paying for childcare and making do best I can. $12/hour/child. Grrrrrrrr. And of course, the ONE child not in school (once the schools are running again?)... Thomas. The one place that's full-up and can't take more kids? Infant-care.
Frustrating. Sad.
But, as I told 1SG, not unexpected. In all such situations, there's always the huge swell of sympathy, empathy, and "How can we help?"... and then, it dies down. And further, it eventually turns to resentment. It's a common cycle, and it can be seen in any long-term cycle of need - be it caring for a sick person, helping out a family struck by crisis (home burns down), or even on a larger scale, Hurricane Katrina Evacuees.
Anyway, getting ready to start writing the Thank You notes. So many people HAVE been genuinely wonderful... of course, anyone of them could have also made the phone call, but as a boss of mine once taught me (he said it like a mantra), "Believe in the good of the people."
Regroup... Restrategize... Re-plan... Rebudget... Life goes on.
* - I said Insert Title Here as there were quite a few possible ones, and none struck me as a good one. So, here for those who love titles are some of the contenders:
The Downward Wave
Inevitability is Inevitable
Frustration
A Small Community
It Takes Just One Call
(Do YOU have a suggested title?)
Had a sit-down chat with the First Sergeant this morning. It was kindly suggested that I back off of using the offers of help from the FRG. Someone complained.
Doesn't someone always complain?
It seems that as hard as I tried to make sure I spread things out and didn't use the same people over and over (even though that meant the kids were always with new people), someone felt "used" and "overworked" and "overburdened".
Not sure how, but it doesn't matter.
Someone complained.
A phone call was made.
And the kicker is I don't know who's still on the "We'd LOVE to Help" list. So, have to drop everyone.
No more dinner help, either (even though that was never the same person twice).
So, back to paying for childcare (when available, cause the spots just aren't open). Kids are still home on winter break...
Just incredibly frustrating.
What would it take for people to be GENUINELY honest and open? If you can't help, then don't offer. If you feel motivated to say something, then offer, "You're in our thoughts" or "That's a shame..." But, if you SAY "How can I help?" or "Can I watch the kids?", then please don't complain if I take you up on it.
The FRG offered to bring meals... apparently, someone is overburdened.
The FRG offered the childcare.
But, alas. I just have to move to my fall-back plan... paying for childcare and making do best I can. $12/hour/child. Grrrrrrrr. And of course, the ONE child not in school (once the schools are running again?)... Thomas. The one place that's full-up and can't take more kids? Infant-care.
Frustrating. Sad.
But, as I told 1SG, not unexpected. In all such situations, there's always the huge swell of sympathy, empathy, and "How can we help?"... and then, it dies down. And further, it eventually turns to resentment. It's a common cycle, and it can be seen in any long-term cycle of need - be it caring for a sick person, helping out a family struck by crisis (home burns down), or even on a larger scale, Hurricane Katrina Evacuees.
Anyway, getting ready to start writing the Thank You notes. So many people HAVE been genuinely wonderful... of course, anyone of them could have also made the phone call, but as a boss of mine once taught me (he said it like a mantra), "Believe in the good of the people."
Regroup... Restrategize... Re-plan... Rebudget... Life goes on.
* - I said Insert Title Here as there were quite a few possible ones, and none struck me as a good one. So, here for those who love titles are some of the contenders:
The Downward Wave
Inevitability is Inevitable
Frustration
A Small Community
It Takes Just One Call
(Do YOU have a suggested title?)
26 December 2005
They Came From the East
Ok, a hat tip here to CounterColumn. Mary Ann sent this to me. The picture is on there with the caption "They came from the East, three of them... bearing gifts."
Love it. Nice little twist.
(and yes, before anyone comments, I CAN count... There are four. Let it go...)
Cowards!
Something to keep in mind during the next time you're watching your favorite war shoot-em-up flick, or listening to some good ol-fashioned gansta rap...
It seems that a lot of celebrities (whom we're all sure "Support The Troops") are either too AFRAID or too Anti-War to go perform for the troops.
According to an article in UK's The Guardian, many of the stars who used to rally to the cause now shy away. Also, to be fair, hat tip to Robin Williams, Al Franken, and Henry Rollins, who, according to the article, have done shows while not supporting the war.
Some people talk... others are all talk.
It seems that a lot of celebrities (whom we're all sure "Support The Troops") are either too AFRAID or too Anti-War to go perform for the troops.
According to an article in UK's The Guardian, many of the stars who used to rally to the cause now shy away. Also, to be fair, hat tip to Robin Williams, Al Franken, and Henry Rollins, who, according to the article, have done shows while not supporting the war.
Some people talk... others are all talk.
24 December 2005
Christmas Achieved!
For the past couple of weeks, I've had a bit of a Sword of Damocles hanging over my head.
Christmas is a firm date on the calendar. No hiding it. No moving it. It is where it is.
Well, with the move, the week lost to the hospital (not a bad reason, just a fact), and then all the other appointments, etc... well, Christmas at our household was in jeopardy.
There just wasn't enough time. When to get a tree up? Buy presents? Decorate?
It wasn't happening. And as much as Ellicia and I could certainly forgive each other if there was no Christmas this year, the children would never understand. It would be retold countless times some twenty years from now in books and on Oprah's couch.
Sigh.
The days continued to march forward, and Christmas seemed more and more hopeless.
To add to it, in the immediate days leading up, there was another treatment for Ellicia, so that effectively not only took her out of the ballgame, but immobilized me as well... can't go anywhere if I'm staying to make sure she's ok (again, not complaining).
And then, a break. On Friday, 23 December, I got the tree up. A live tree and stand had been donated to us, and had been sitting on our balcony (still is, too), but AAFES, in all its wisdom, does not sell 110V lights. They sold plenty of 220V lights - just like I can buy at ANY OTHER STORE in Germany, but the 110V that I need in base housing? Can't find that... sigh. What's a tree with no lights?
We had an artificial tree (with lights pre-arranged), so up it went.
I begged a friend to come over for a few hours Friday afternoon so Ellicia and I could go shopping. She napped before, and had just enough strength to wander some aisles and we picked up a few things for the kids. Yippee!!!
And Saturday, Christmas Eve, the same friend blessedly took the kids out... as far as I can tell, they did a lot of driving and wandering, but for 6 sacred hours, we were alone. Presents were wrapped. Tree was decorated. Stockings were prepped (thanks to my Mum for some awesome stockings). We are set.
The house finally looks ready for Christmas. The kids will have it.
As for me, I'm a little sick, but nothing NyQuil can't take care of... and as for the stress, well, nothing a little NyQuil can't take care of... :)
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
(Merry Christmas)
Christmas is a firm date on the calendar. No hiding it. No moving it. It is where it is.
Well, with the move, the week lost to the hospital (not a bad reason, just a fact), and then all the other appointments, etc... well, Christmas at our household was in jeopardy.
There just wasn't enough time. When to get a tree up? Buy presents? Decorate?
It wasn't happening. And as much as Ellicia and I could certainly forgive each other if there was no Christmas this year, the children would never understand. It would be retold countless times some twenty years from now in books and on Oprah's couch.
Sigh.
The days continued to march forward, and Christmas seemed more and more hopeless.
To add to it, in the immediate days leading up, there was another treatment for Ellicia, so that effectively not only took her out of the ballgame, but immobilized me as well... can't go anywhere if I'm staying to make sure she's ok (again, not complaining).
And then, a break. On Friday, 23 December, I got the tree up. A live tree and stand had been donated to us, and had been sitting on our balcony (still is, too), but AAFES, in all its wisdom, does not sell 110V lights. They sold plenty of 220V lights - just like I can buy at ANY OTHER STORE in Germany, but the 110V that I need in base housing? Can't find that... sigh. What's a tree with no lights?
We had an artificial tree (with lights pre-arranged), so up it went.
I begged a friend to come over for a few hours Friday afternoon so Ellicia and I could go shopping. She napped before, and had just enough strength to wander some aisles and we picked up a few things for the kids. Yippee!!!
And Saturday, Christmas Eve, the same friend blessedly took the kids out... as far as I can tell, they did a lot of driving and wandering, but for 6 sacred hours, we were alone. Presents were wrapped. Tree was decorated. Stockings were prepped (thanks to my Mum for some awesome stockings). We are set.
The house finally looks ready for Christmas. The kids will have it.
As for me, I'm a little sick, but nothing NyQuil can't take care of... and as for the stress, well, nothing a little NyQuil can't take care of... :)
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
(Merry Christmas)
Chaplains, Redux
I recently wrote about the Navy Chaplain on a hunger strike in front of the White House.
While driving to another doc appointment, it occurred to me just how much fire he's playing with.
Overseas, we Americans pretty much get to listen to one source of American radio... Armed Forces Network.
AFN is a government-owned service. It's broadcasters are government employees. The whole thing is government... not a commercially originating part in there.
So what?
Well, it's possibly significant when AFN provides airtime to Chaplains - "Power Hour".
Or significant when the shows devote their time to Christmas music (no, not holiday music). While "Jingle Bells" could be argued as non-threatening to the ACLU, "Oh come, Emanuel" can most definitely not.
So, again... the Chaplain in question should realize that by drawing unnecessary attention to a cause that isn't really justified, he's throwing into jeopardy all the OTHER examples of religion supported by the government.
Just what IS the goal, here? To be able to say "Jesus" to a seaman who comes asking for help regarding a problem (religious or not), or to end up with a religiously sanitized military?
(Not that the Chaplain is reading the blog, but... just a thought.)
While driving to another doc appointment, it occurred to me just how much fire he's playing with.
Overseas, we Americans pretty much get to listen to one source of American radio... Armed Forces Network.
AFN is a government-owned service. It's broadcasters are government employees. The whole thing is government... not a commercially originating part in there.
So what?
Well, it's possibly significant when AFN provides airtime to Chaplains - "Power Hour".
Or significant when the shows devote their time to Christmas music (no, not holiday music). While "Jingle Bells" could be argued as non-threatening to the ACLU, "Oh come, Emanuel" can most definitely not.
So, again... the Chaplain in question should realize that by drawing unnecessary attention to a cause that isn't really justified, he's throwing into jeopardy all the OTHER examples of religion supported by the government.
Just what IS the goal, here? To be able to say "Jesus" to a seaman who comes asking for help regarding a problem (religious or not), or to end up with a religiously sanitized military?
(Not that the Chaplain is reading the blog, but... just a thought.)
C-17s in Largest Formation Ever
17 C-17's (nice number) flew in formation for the largest formation of C-17s ever. They can be seen flying over Charleston's beautiful new bridge (which I haven't seen yet) which is also impressive.
The 17 is quite a bird to fly on, as I've enjoyed a couple of times now...
During this flight, they practiced several of the 17's missions, including air drops, tactical landings, and refuelings.
Nice.
22 December 2005
Chaplains In The Military
This article in The Washington Times 21 December 2005 issue tries to raise concern over an issue that isn't there.
It seems there's a Navy Chaplain, LT Gordon Klingenschmitt, who's having a hunger strike in front of the White House. He's protesting that he's discouraged from praying in Jesus' name.
With due respect to the Chaplain, I believe he's misunderstood the balance between his duties as a Chaplain and his belief preferences.
Chaplains serve a unique role in the military. They exist to minister to all members of the service, irregardless of a Servicemember's choice of religion, or even choice of non-religion. Chaplains are schooled in the requirements of over 170 belief systems. Whatever their core, or originating faith, they're expected to serve all others. He may be Southern Baptist, for example, but he'll be expected to guide a Jewish Soldier through Hannukah, or a Muslim through Ramadan. Even a Wiccan through... well, I don't know enough about Wiccans to know their ministerial needs, but I'm informed that they are there.
Regulations don't prohibit a Chaplain mentioning "Jesus". It's just discouraged where the audience (say, for example, a mass formation) may be present. When a Chaplain leads a prayer for a Company preparing to deploy, she must remember her duty at that moment is to ALL of the Servicemembers present, not just the Christians in the crowd.
Chaplains are not at all restricted in how they may lead the services for their respective faiths.
Chaplains have difficult roles. They must cover such a wide religious landscape, AND even minister to those who have no religion at all. They provide counseling services, and are often a critical relief valve for those who serve. And most importantly, they do all of this in combat zones where they are un-armed.
Perhaps this Chaplain should realize that in a day and age where people are seeking to eliminate any tie between the church (particularly those wanting to say "Jesus", sir...) and state (as in "United States", i.e. issuer of a paycheck), perhaps it's not best to draw attention to a situation where we have government paid, trained, and endorsed preachers who quite often have captive audiences.
When shining a light, remember the light makes it easier for the enemy to find you, before you see them.
It seems there's a Navy Chaplain, LT Gordon Klingenschmitt, who's having a hunger strike in front of the White House. He's protesting that he's discouraged from praying in Jesus' name.
With due respect to the Chaplain, I believe he's misunderstood the balance between his duties as a Chaplain and his belief preferences.
Chaplains serve a unique role in the military. They exist to minister to all members of the service, irregardless of a Servicemember's choice of religion, or even choice of non-religion. Chaplains are schooled in the requirements of over 170 belief systems. Whatever their core, or originating faith, they're expected to serve all others. He may be Southern Baptist, for example, but he'll be expected to guide a Jewish Soldier through Hannukah, or a Muslim through Ramadan. Even a Wiccan through... well, I don't know enough about Wiccans to know their ministerial needs, but I'm informed that they are there.
Regulations don't prohibit a Chaplain mentioning "Jesus". It's just discouraged where the audience (say, for example, a mass formation) may be present. When a Chaplain leads a prayer for a Company preparing to deploy, she must remember her duty at that moment is to ALL of the Servicemembers present, not just the Christians in the crowd.
Chaplains are not at all restricted in how they may lead the services for their respective faiths.
Chaplains have difficult roles. They must cover such a wide religious landscape, AND even minister to those who have no religion at all. They provide counseling services, and are often a critical relief valve for those who serve. And most importantly, they do all of this in combat zones where they are un-armed.
Perhaps this Chaplain should realize that in a day and age where people are seeking to eliminate any tie between the church (particularly those wanting to say "Jesus", sir...) and state (as in "United States", i.e. issuer of a paycheck), perhaps it's not best to draw attention to a situation where we have government paid, trained, and endorsed preachers who quite often have captive audiences.
When shining a light, remember the light makes it easier for the enemy to find you, before you see them.
20 December 2005
Hair Today...
It finally reached that point... Ellicia's hair had fallen out to the point where... well, the description I can best use is that she was beginning to look as if she'd escaped from a nuclear accident.
So, with it now irritating her, we got the clippers out and... started shearing.
Of course, the clippers can only cut so close. So, finally, we added some shaving cream and then took a razor and removed the last traces...
She's as smooth as can be. And beautiful. Her smile lightens her face and shines from her eyes.
So, with it now irritating her, we got the clippers out and... started shearing.
Of course, the clippers can only cut so close. So, finally, we added some shaving cream and then took a razor and removed the last traces...
She's as smooth as can be. And beautiful. Her smile lightens her face and shines from her eyes.
19 December 2005
On A Lighter Note:
Just because I love Monty Python, I took this little quiz...
What Monty Python Character are you?
Running away? You yellow . . .
Take this quiz!
Quizilla |
Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
What Monty Python Character are you?
Running away? You yellow . . .
Take this quiz!
Quizilla |
Join
| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code
18 December 2005
Bear
Last week Ellicia received a special present from PJ. It's a beautiful, plus, PINK teddy bear.
It's been named Crabby Patty.
Crabby for the Zodiac sign of Cancer.
Patty just because Crabby by itself didn't seem right. And, so what if everyone thinks it's a Spongebob reference. It fits, because it comes back to Mr. Crabs!
Picture coming when technology is working again.
PJ - Ellicia LOVES it and it really lifted her spirits.
It's been named Crabby Patty.
Crabby for the Zodiac sign of Cancer.
Patty just because Crabby by itself didn't seem right. And, so what if everyone thinks it's a Spongebob reference. It fits, because it comes back to Mr. Crabs!
Picture coming when technology is working again.
PJ - Ellicia LOVES it and it really lifted her spirits.
200 Posts
What better way to note a landmark than with... another post?
As of now, there have been 200 posts by me. There have been SEVERAL hundred comments by all of you (not bad considering some of the challenging words used by the spam blocker).
There have been over 9,000 visits to this site in 9 months. Very flattering.
4 of you subscribe via RSS feeds.
Boosting my ego a bit, I'm up to #20 in the Top 100 of all Military blogs.
There has been an enormous outpouring of support, both pre-cancer (when I was just another Soldier supporting the Storm in Afghanistan) to now when I'm just a lucky guy who's helping his wife weather her storm.
So many of you have sent wonderful e-mails, real mail, and even packages (and some of you have been even supremely generous via PayPal.)
I continue to be amazed at the surefire generosity of those of you who support the troops. So many times, I was dismayed when some Joe would receive a package and be dismissive of its contents. While handling the mail, I often had the opportunity to note that while the contents of care packages may not have been of the highest monetary value (nor did it NEED to be), the amount spent on postage was perhaps best indicative of the support. For even when an Angel may send a box which may have only cost $5 at the local Wallyworld, it may have cost $15 to mail it. And for those of you who truly approach supporting the troops as an addictive hobby (you know who you are, and we LOVE you), I would see boxes with postage approaching $100.
There are those who counter-protest, those who visit injured troops, those who support families who've offered the supreme sacrifice, and those who write to a troop who's lonely and without a support network of his own.
It is, perhaps, in all of you that the truest nature of "Support Our Troops" is found. While likely never to be reported, there have surely been countless message drives, crafting sprees, rallies, and of course, racks and racks of cookies baked to remind us troops that what we see on TV is not reality and to not always believe what we read in the newspaper.
As I've said in other posts, I never foresaw what this blog would become, nor the apparent following it has gathered... I certainly never knew of the many wonderful people I would meet, even if not face to face. Agnieszka, Barb, Blackfive (I'm trying to get that form for you), CaliValleyGirl, Edward, GunnNutt, Holly Aho, Homefront Six, Household 6, Jen, Jenny, Mary Ann, Mary*Ann, NectarMaiden, Pat in NC, PJ, stormchaser, Tom Miller, Amy, Kayren, and of course, Anonymous.
Thank you... All.
As of now, there have been 200 posts by me. There have been SEVERAL hundred comments by all of you (not bad considering some of the challenging words used by the spam blocker).
There have been over 9,000 visits to this site in 9 months. Very flattering.
4 of you subscribe via RSS feeds.
Boosting my ego a bit, I'm up to #20 in the Top 100 of all Military blogs.
There has been an enormous outpouring of support, both pre-cancer (when I was just another Soldier supporting the Storm in Afghanistan) to now when I'm just a lucky guy who's helping his wife weather her storm.
So many of you have sent wonderful e-mails, real mail, and even packages (and some of you have been even supremely generous via PayPal.)
I continue to be amazed at the surefire generosity of those of you who support the troops. So many times, I was dismayed when some Joe would receive a package and be dismissive of its contents. While handling the mail, I often had the opportunity to note that while the contents of care packages may not have been of the highest monetary value (nor did it NEED to be), the amount spent on postage was perhaps best indicative of the support. For even when an Angel may send a box which may have only cost $5 at the local Wallyworld, it may have cost $15 to mail it. And for those of you who truly approach supporting the troops as an addictive hobby (you know who you are, and we LOVE you), I would see boxes with postage approaching $100.
There are those who counter-protest, those who visit injured troops, those who support families who've offered the supreme sacrifice, and those who write to a troop who's lonely and without a support network of his own.
It is, perhaps, in all of you that the truest nature of "Support Our Troops" is found. While likely never to be reported, there have surely been countless message drives, crafting sprees, rallies, and of course, racks and racks of cookies baked to remind us troops that what we see on TV is not reality and to not always believe what we read in the newspaper.
As I've said in other posts, I never foresaw what this blog would become, nor the apparent following it has gathered... I certainly never knew of the many wonderful people I would meet, even if not face to face. Agnieszka, Barb, Blackfive (I'm trying to get that form for you), CaliValleyGirl, Edward, GunnNutt, Holly Aho, Homefront Six, Household 6, Jen, Jenny, Mary Ann, Mary*Ann, NectarMaiden, Pat in NC, PJ, stormchaser, Tom Miller, Amy, Kayren, and of course, Anonymous.
Thank you... All.
New Normal
Well, life is slowly returning to normal.
We're back to the doctor visit routine...
Everyone's under one roof now...
T is pulling himself up and standing as long as he's holding on to something.
Should be able to turn in old apartment on Monday.
E is nearly bald.
M is extending the Terrible Two's for another season as the Terrible Three's.
It's snowing!
Haven't quite gotten the new place ready to put up Christmas yet, but hope to have Christmas decorations up no later than Valentine's Day.
While setting stuff up, I made a dumb mistake in deleting my Internet configuration. Now have to get a new password from the German phone system. Expecting a delay of 1-2 weeks.
Tired.
Exhausted.
Want a vacation already! hahaha
Trying to keep money straight... reducing income due to my no longer being deployed (one of the TRUE benefits of being deployed is a lot of extra $$$ each month). Sadly, the Army is backdating it to the day I came home (which is to be expected, of course, since that's when I was no longer deployed) but hasn't started the paperwork till now. This should be nice and messy, per Army standards. Throw in all the extra driving and AAFES gas-gouging prices... and well, it's getting pricey. But, hanging in there... Is what savings are for.
Pretty proud of T... watching him pull-up on things. *I* was the first object he pulled up on. He was sitting in my lap, and I held my arm straight out. He reached up, grabbed it, and stood up. All by hisself!
He's also advancing to developing his speaking skills. While no orator, yet, he IS getting ready. We should get a first word sometime in the next few months.
K is now out of school for her Christmas break.
M is loving her kindergarten, which is a good thing, cause she's becoming quite the handful at home! Ah, to think I once spoke of wanting SIX...
Cats have been good... even the mad-peer (pronounced PEE-er)himself, Scanner, has not decided to christen the new place. We're all very thankful.
Enjoying the snow. Gives everything a nice look...
(To all who e-mail, I am TRYING to answer... since I deleted my net access, I only access when I grab the laptop and find someplace where I can leech... please bear with me.)
:)
We're back to the doctor visit routine...
Everyone's under one roof now...
T is pulling himself up and standing as long as he's holding on to something.
Should be able to turn in old apartment on Monday.
E is nearly bald.
M is extending the Terrible Two's for another season as the Terrible Three's.
It's snowing!
Haven't quite gotten the new place ready to put up Christmas yet, but hope to have Christmas decorations up no later than Valentine's Day.
While setting stuff up, I made a dumb mistake in deleting my Internet configuration. Now have to get a new password from the German phone system. Expecting a delay of 1-2 weeks.
Tired.
Exhausted.
Want a vacation already! hahaha
Trying to keep money straight... reducing income due to my no longer being deployed (one of the TRUE benefits of being deployed is a lot of extra $$$ each month). Sadly, the Army is backdating it to the day I came home (which is to be expected, of course, since that's when I was no longer deployed) but hasn't started the paperwork till now. This should be nice and messy, per Army standards. Throw in all the extra driving and AAFES gas-gouging prices... and well, it's getting pricey. But, hanging in there... Is what savings are for.
Pretty proud of T... watching him pull-up on things. *I* was the first object he pulled up on. He was sitting in my lap, and I held my arm straight out. He reached up, grabbed it, and stood up. All by hisself!
He's also advancing to developing his speaking skills. While no orator, yet, he IS getting ready. We should get a first word sometime in the next few months.
K is now out of school for her Christmas break.
M is loving her kindergarten, which is a good thing, cause she's becoming quite the handful at home! Ah, to think I once spoke of wanting SIX...
Cats have been good... even the mad-peer (pronounced PEE-er)himself, Scanner, has not decided to christen the new place. We're all very thankful.
Enjoying the snow. Gives everything a nice look...
(To all who e-mail, I am TRYING to answer... since I deleted my net access, I only access when I grab the laptop and find someplace where I can leech... please bear with me.)
:)
15 December 2005
She's Home
Ellicia is home.
I'll have more later. But, right now, just truly exhausted... And sleep is calling.
But, she is home.
It is so good to see her sitting in the apartment. :)
Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes... (but, let's not stop now!)
I'll have more later. But, right now, just truly exhausted... And sleep is calling.
But, she is home.
It is so good to see her sitting in the apartment. :)
Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes... (but, let's not stop now!)
I Get to Stay
Found out today that we'll get to stay in Germany just a bit longer. My request for an extension has been approved. We're now going to stay until early 2009! Yippee!
13 December 2005
Leggo My Ego
Maybe it's ego... ok, so it's definitely an ego thing. Anyway, we're currently ranked at #50 in the Top 100 Milblogs at www.milblogging.com.
How much higher can we go?
Well, to break into the Top 20, it looks like I need a total of 14 votes... So, let's get out there and VOTE (it's not just for Iraqis and Afghans!)...
Register with the site (nothing bad happens to your Inbox and you don't get signed up for a bunch of stuff (make sure to un-check the subscription box if you don't want a newsletter), and then add A Storm In Afghanistan to your favorites (not the favorites for your Internet Explorer - we know you already have us there!).
Once you're registered, find my blog in the Top 100. Then, click on A Storm In Afghanistan.
At the bottom of the profile is a button to Add to Favorites. Click on that button to VOTE for A Storm In Afghanistan!
And when done, you won't even have any stains on your fingers... well, unless you've been eating a jelly doughnut while typing.
Thank you.
Now, leggo my ego...
How much higher can we go?
Well, to break into the Top 20, it looks like I need a total of 14 votes... So, let's get out there and VOTE (it's not just for Iraqis and Afghans!)...
Register with the site (nothing bad happens to your Inbox and you don't get signed up for a bunch of stuff (make sure to un-check the subscription box if you don't want a newsletter), and then add A Storm In Afghanistan to your favorites (not the favorites for your Internet Explorer - we know you already have us there!).
Once you're registered, find my blog in the Top 100. Then, click on A Storm In Afghanistan.
At the bottom of the profile is a button to Add to Favorites. Click on that button to VOTE for A Storm In Afghanistan!And when done, you won't even have any stains on your fingers... well, unless you've been eating a jelly doughnut while typing.
Thank you.
Now, leggo my ego...
E Update
What a joy to walk in to her room today! She was sitting up, wearing glasses, and smiling.
Wow.
I took her a can of soup (Campbell's Healthy Meal Chicken Noodle)and she had about half.
I saw she'd even been reading a little.
What a joy...
And then, it all came back. The headaches, the nausea, and yes, even the chicken noodle soup. I had to leave minutes after she'd vomited because I was out of time (as it was, I was still late picking M up from school).
These weekday schedules are rough. I feel like I barely get any time to see E, and I KNOW she wants more. But with the drive taking an hour+ each direction (I've driven over 700 kilometers (um, about 437 miles) in the last four days just for visits), and the schedules of the kids, plus other appointments, and contractors for the apartments, and... and... and...
It's just tiring. And it pains me to see her face as I leave. I HATE this.
Lump is smaller. Good news. Hair is disappearing (noticing it in the lesser known spots right now... like arm, chin, toes, etc.).
I hope to bring her home soon.
Going to go to bed now. A bit depressed. I miss my wife. I miss my kids. And I'm not even deployed.
I don't know what else I can do for E... :( :( :(
Wow.
I took her a can of soup (Campbell's Healthy Meal Chicken Noodle)and she had about half.
I saw she'd even been reading a little.
What a joy...
And then, it all came back. The headaches, the nausea, and yes, even the chicken noodle soup. I had to leave minutes after she'd vomited because I was out of time (as it was, I was still late picking M up from school).
These weekday schedules are rough. I feel like I barely get any time to see E, and I KNOW she wants more. But with the drive taking an hour+ each direction (I've driven over 700 kilometers (um, about 437 miles) in the last four days just for visits), and the schedules of the kids, plus other appointments, and contractors for the apartments, and... and... and...
It's just tiring. And it pains me to see her face as I leave. I HATE this.
Lump is smaller. Good news. Hair is disappearing (noticing it in the lesser known spots right now... like arm, chin, toes, etc.).
I hope to bring her home soon.
Going to go to bed now. A bit depressed. I miss my wife. I miss my kids. And I'm not even deployed.
I don't know what else I can do for E... :( :( :(
12 December 2005
Notes of Thanks
PJ Degross (nice card)
Mary Ann (Box of Goodies)
FRG (Twice a week dinner deliveries)
The Butlers (Babysitters extraordinaire)
The Unit (Amazing... just amazing.)
Holly Aho (for the nice plugs on her blog)
All of you Praying (um... for the prayers, of course)
Ellicia (for being worth the drive)
Mary Ann (Box of Goodies)
FRG (Twice a week dinner deliveries)
The Butlers (Babysitters extraordinaire)
The Unit (Amazing... just amazing.)
Holly Aho (for the nice plugs on her blog)
All of you Praying (um... for the prayers, of course)
Ellicia (for being worth the drive)
And at home?
Tired. Strangely enough, after getting a full night's sleep. Feel a bit overwhelmed, and not just from the tasks stacking up, but...
Well-meaning individuals (this does NOT include anyone sending e-mails).
Any and all trips anywhere on post must now include extra time factored in for the inevitable, "How is she?" "What can we do?" "Need anything?" "Oh my God! She's the ONE???"
Between needing to continuously update (or "brief") the:
CO
1SG
Platoon Sergeant
FRG
Chaplain
Clinic Doc
Patient Liasion
(that's all on a daily basis)
There's also of course friends, family, newly discovered supporters, and of course, perfect strangers.
Levels of information include:
Full detail (usually available in blog format)
Short detail (She's better, she's worse, partly cloudy, etc.)
I don't know you from Adam (Oh, she's fine... we're just doing the best we can. Thanks for asking.)
It is interesting to be near the top of the base gossip food chain, and have no illicit activity to accompany it. No, my truck wasn't parked overnight at the wrong house. But, we ARE all the talk of the base. Just an interesting position to be in.
Still want to get Ellicia a T-shirt which reads: "Yes, I'm the one with the cancer." Think it'd be a hoot.
Smile!
Well-meaning individuals (this does NOT include anyone sending e-mails).
Any and all trips anywhere on post must now include extra time factored in for the inevitable, "How is she?" "What can we do?" "Need anything?" "Oh my God! She's the ONE???"
Between needing to continuously update (or "brief") the:
CO
1SG
Platoon Sergeant
FRG
Chaplain
Clinic Doc
Patient Liasion
(that's all on a daily basis)
There's also of course friends, family, newly discovered supporters, and of course, perfect strangers.
Levels of information include:
Full detail (usually available in blog format)
Short detail (She's better, she's worse, partly cloudy, etc.)
I don't know you from Adam (Oh, she's fine... we're just doing the best we can. Thanks for asking.)
It is interesting to be near the top of the base gossip food chain, and have no illicit activity to accompany it. No, my truck wasn't parked overnight at the wrong house. But, we ARE all the talk of the base. Just an interesting position to be in.
Still want to get Ellicia a T-shirt which reads: "Yes, I'm the one with the cancer." Think it'd be a hoot.
Smile!
Un-Masked!
Ellicia has improved.
Ok, ok, you wouldn't know this from talking to her. But, she has! Her White Blood Cell count is up to 1500 (a marked improvement from the dangerously low hundreds before). This means that we no longer need to be masked, gowned, gloved, and capped just to be in the same room with her. However, I am still taking those precautions as I have some sniffles, and don't wish to challenge her further.
Docs say that if she continues to improve, she may be home by Friday.
She still has nausea, dizziness, pains, and gets her nutrition via McIV bag, but... it's an improvement.
Today was such a short visit... felt horribly guilty. She has nothing to do (nor the desire to, really, but that's beside the point) and I felt SO horrible. But, the rest of the world was DEMANDING attention.
Talked to the doc today, with the patient liasion providing any needed translation assistance (none needed). Some vital questions answered include:
Can Ellicia Continue Her Chemo?
Yes. By all means.
What precautions need to be taken considering home includes 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 hubby, and approximately 8,654,283,512 germs?
During second week after chemo, Ellicia will wear a mask 24/7 for a solid week.
What else can we do to avoid future hospital visits?
We've learned that her body (the bone marrow) just cannot keep up with the chemo. Therefore, some boosting injections will be recommended prior to each treatment as a prophylactic.
Other news?
Lump is smaller. Perhaps that's good news in the lungs, as well?
Her first clump of hair passed through her fingers. She smiled.
Ok, ok, you wouldn't know this from talking to her. But, she has! Her White Blood Cell count is up to 1500 (a marked improvement from the dangerously low hundreds before). This means that we no longer need to be masked, gowned, gloved, and capped just to be in the same room with her. However, I am still taking those precautions as I have some sniffles, and don't wish to challenge her further.
Docs say that if she continues to improve, she may be home by Friday.
She still has nausea, dizziness, pains, and gets her nutrition via McIV bag, but... it's an improvement.
Today was such a short visit... felt horribly guilty. She has nothing to do (nor the desire to, really, but that's beside the point) and I felt SO horrible. But, the rest of the world was DEMANDING attention.
Talked to the doc today, with the patient liasion providing any needed translation assistance (none needed). Some vital questions answered include:
Can Ellicia Continue Her Chemo?
Yes. By all means.
What precautions need to be taken considering home includes 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 hubby, and approximately 8,654,283,512 germs?
During second week after chemo, Ellicia will wear a mask 24/7 for a solid week.
What else can we do to avoid future hospital visits?
We've learned that her body (the bone marrow) just cannot keep up with the chemo. Therefore, some boosting injections will be recommended prior to each treatment as a prophylactic.
Other news?
Lump is smaller. Perhaps that's good news in the lungs, as well?
Her first clump of hair passed through her fingers. She smiled.
Seen in the Base Clinic
While scheduling appointments this morning, I noticed someone at hung a sign with this on it:
"All wars are wars among thieves who are too cowardly to fight and who therefore induce the young manhood to do the fighting for them."
--Emma Goldman
(Who is Emma Goldman? She was an anarchist, amongst other bright spots on her resume.
Anyway, such a wonderful thing to see in our clinic. I hope I have some free time coming up to point it out.
I'm sure those in charge would like it removed before those in charge of them notice it and choose to remind them of the UCMJ implications of such statements which could easily be interpreted as implying that the Commander-in-Chief is a thief and coward.
Just started the day on such a bright note.
"All wars are wars among thieves who are too cowardly to fight and who therefore induce the young manhood to do the fighting for them."
--Emma Goldman
(Who is Emma Goldman? She was an anarchist, amongst other bright spots on her resume.
Anyway, such a wonderful thing to see in our clinic. I hope I have some free time coming up to point it out.
I'm sure those in charge would like it removed before those in charge of them notice it and choose to remind them of the UCMJ implications of such statements which could easily be interpreted as implying that the Commander-in-Chief is a thief and coward.
Just started the day on such a bright note.
Address
Well, judging by the comments, y'all would like an address.
So, here it is:
Ellicia Stanley
CMR 416 Box 1441
APO, AE 09140
(Now, for those of you who aren't fans, I refer you to USPS Guide to Mailing. You'll note that about 2/3's down, it lists prohibited items. So, no ammunition or explosive devices.
I'm sure that Ellicia will appreciate anything sent that cheers her up, and you all are sweet for thinking of her.
So, here it is:
Ellicia Stanley
CMR 416 Box 1441
APO, AE 09140
(Now, for those of you who aren't fans, I refer you to USPS Guide to Mailing. You'll note that about 2/3's down, it lists prohibited items. So, no ammunition or explosive devices.
I'm sure that Ellicia will appreciate anything sent that cheers her up, and you all are sweet for thinking of her.
11 December 2005
Day 2... or is it 3?
Spent yesterday with Ellicia at the hospital. It's difficult. Full isolation treatment - protective clothes, mask, gloves, cap...
She can't keep anything down, not for a lack of trying. Fever has subsided (good news?), but headache, nausea, and dizziness are still there. White Blood Cell count is still in the low hundreds (i.e. not really there at all).
She's tired, but lucid. Read her a card sent by PJ (from Web of Support). She liked it.
Hope to pick up kids tonight. Stayed up until 0600 last night working on house. HAVE to eliminate boxes, if just to make it safe for the kids to be there.
(Took a peek at Ellicia's email account, see if anything important in there... her ex sent a blustery e-mail about how Kira had missed a webcam appointment and that she, meaning Ellicia, had better have a good excuse! Hmm, I sure hope we can think of one.)
I'm about to be off to the hospital again. Slept for 4 hours last night... well, 3 and a half, really. But, am semi-rested. Hoping to hear good news.
Thank you for all of well-wishes and support.
She can't keep anything down, not for a lack of trying. Fever has subsided (good news?), but headache, nausea, and dizziness are still there. White Blood Cell count is still in the low hundreds (i.e. not really there at all).
She's tired, but lucid. Read her a card sent by PJ (from Web of Support). She liked it.
Hope to pick up kids tonight. Stayed up until 0600 last night working on house. HAVE to eliminate boxes, if just to make it safe for the kids to be there.
(Took a peek at Ellicia's email account, see if anything important in there... her ex sent a blustery e-mail about how Kira had missed a webcam appointment and that she, meaning Ellicia, had better have a good excuse! Hmm, I sure hope we can think of one.)
I'm about to be off to the hospital again. Slept for 4 hours last night... well, 3 and a half, really. But, am semi-rested. Hoping to hear good news.
Thank you for all of well-wishes and support.
10 December 2005
Hospital
Ellicia is in the hospital. She is currently stable, but still fighting. Here’s the story:
Our moving began on Thursday. That afternoon, Ellicia went from up and about and busy to crashing and curling up on the sofa, very quickly. She stayed down except for trips to the bathroom to vomit.
I checked on her throughout the evening, and she just seemed a bit ill. Nothing serious.
When I finally went to bed (unpacking all night what I could), I touched her forehead, and immediately hopped right back out of bed. She was burning up. Thermometer said 103.7. Started pushing fluids, and called for an ambulance. [LONG story skipped here, I’ll save it for later.]
She went to the local hospital, and was admitted. They began giving her IV fluids, and tried to contain the fever. They placed her in isolation due to the fact that her white blood cell count (Immune System Gauge) was EXTREMELY low. No one allowed in without masks, disinfection, etc. She was allowed no drink, no food, no movement… everything through IV.
The doctor made the decision that she should be transferred as she needed more care than the local hospital could provide. She has been transferred to the University Hospital in Erlangen (about an hour – hour and a half – from here). Initially, they took her to the Intensive Care Unit of the Neurology department to check for meningitis. She was given CT scans, X-rays, spinal taps, plus much more, and placed into an isolation room (even MORE sterile and strict than previously). She doesn’t have any of the major problems.
She was then transferred to the Women’s clinic which handles gynecology. Yes, I know… that’s not an issue for us right now. However, in Germany, the gynecologists handle more than just “down there”. They also care for the breasts, and when applicable, breast cancer. These are the docs for her.
She has her own private room, sterilized, masks, etc. Guarding against future infection. When I left her last night, her fever was still dangerously high. I’m on my way to see her again.
She has not lost consciousness. She is stable. She is coherent. She is very weak. The doctors are concerned, but mostly want to get the fever down. Language is not a barrier here as all the docs speak fluent English.
Why did I leave her? Had to. Our children are staying with others, cats are in the old apartment – need food / water, and in our new apartment, almost everything we own is in boxes. I had to come back to at least get enough going to support the children for another day or so (clothes, diapers, baby food, etc.)
Our moving began on Thursday. That afternoon, Ellicia went from up and about and busy to crashing and curling up on the sofa, very quickly. She stayed down except for trips to the bathroom to vomit.
I checked on her throughout the evening, and she just seemed a bit ill. Nothing serious.
When I finally went to bed (unpacking all night what I could), I touched her forehead, and immediately hopped right back out of bed. She was burning up. Thermometer said 103.7. Started pushing fluids, and called for an ambulance. [LONG story skipped here, I’ll save it for later.]
She went to the local hospital, and was admitted. They began giving her IV fluids, and tried to contain the fever. They placed her in isolation due to the fact that her white blood cell count (Immune System Gauge) was EXTREMELY low. No one allowed in without masks, disinfection, etc. She was allowed no drink, no food, no movement… everything through IV.
The doctor made the decision that she should be transferred as she needed more care than the local hospital could provide. She has been transferred to the University Hospital in Erlangen (about an hour – hour and a half – from here). Initially, they took her to the Intensive Care Unit of the Neurology department to check for meningitis. She was given CT scans, X-rays, spinal taps, plus much more, and placed into an isolation room (even MORE sterile and strict than previously). She doesn’t have any of the major problems.
She was then transferred to the Women’s clinic which handles gynecology. Yes, I know… that’s not an issue for us right now. However, in Germany, the gynecologists handle more than just “down there”. They also care for the breasts, and when applicable, breast cancer. These are the docs for her.
She has her own private room, sterilized, masks, etc. Guarding against future infection. When I left her last night, her fever was still dangerously high. I’m on my way to see her again.
She has not lost consciousness. She is stable. She is coherent. She is very weak. The doctors are concerned, but mostly want to get the fever down. Language is not a barrier here as all the docs speak fluent English.
Why did I leave her? Had to. Our children are staying with others, cats are in the old apartment – need food / water, and in our new apartment, almost everything we own is in boxes. I had to come back to at least get enough going to support the children for another day or so (clothes, diapers, baby food, etc.)
07 December 2005
Loss of a Great Man
Carroll Campbell, former Governor of the State of South Carolina, died on the morning of 7 December 2005.
It is a loss, as he was widely recognized as both a popular and effective Governor.
I've always felt a connection to him, partly because of his success as a Governor, but mostly out of a touching gesture from him one year.
He and I attended the same high school,The McCallie School. I remember getting cards from him, and it certainly seemed special and made an impression at the time.
Gov. Campbell had been suffering from Alzheimer's for the past six years. A terrible disease, he was mercifully spared the final effects.
Go in peace, Governor... you are missed.
It is a loss, as he was widely recognized as both a popular and effective Governor.
I've always felt a connection to him, partly because of his success as a Governor, but mostly out of a touching gesture from him one year.
He and I attended the same high school,The McCallie School. I remember getting cards from him, and it certainly seemed special and made an impression at the time.
Gov. Campbell had been suffering from Alzheimer's for the past six years. A terrible disease, he was mercifully spared the final effects.
Go in peace, Governor... you are missed.
Remembering Our Vets - 2
With a hattip to Miss Birdlegs, I encourage ALL of you to listen and watch this music video of Before You Go.
It's not the best song in the world, but it is touching and sweet. Have your speakers on, if possible.
Thank you.
It's not the best song in the world, but it is touching and sweet. Have your speakers on, if possible.
Thank you.
7 December
Today is 7 December. Pearl Harbor Day. I hope you remember. As Americans, we tend to have tragically short memories, as evidenced by some already forgetting 11 September.
Let's pause to reflect and remember the other time in recent history (there are still survivors walking and talking amongst us) the US was viciously attacked. It was, until 11 September, the worst attack ever suffered by the US. On that day, over 2,100 American servicepersons died in the space of a few hours (can you imagine today's media back then? Decrying the loss of life and how we would need to appease the Japanese freedom fighters?).
Every US Navy ship pauses to remember when entering Pearl Harbor.
Perhaps, today, we can pause and remember, too.
06 December 2005
Support the Troops
Yesterday, Two Babes and a Brain broke a story that will warm you to your very core.As you know, Soldiers get wounded in war. If you're seriously wounded, you often end up at Landstuhl (in Germany). If you're gravely wounded, you'll be in Walter Reed.
Soldiers there get a lot of support. Yes, there are the protests held outside its gates, but people DO support the troops.
And here they report on the touching Get Well Card that was sent to a Soldier at Walter Reed.
What is WRONG with people? We have third grade teachers assigning writing anti-war letters as homework, people protesting Soldiers' funerals, and now this.
Makes me SICK.
Another One...
Yet another statement from John Kerry, who has supported troops as far back as Vietnam, has come out with more support of our troops. Apparently, even though troops are meticulously taught the Rules of Engagement (there being no such thing for the other side), and even though troops are engaged in combat and fighting a war, he accuses them of "...terrorizing kids and children...".
Nice.
I have more I'd like to write, but... in truth, such comments by people make me nauseuous.
04 December 2005
Soldier Gifts for Christmas
It's getting to be the time for the holidays... and yes, there's Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Ramadan (already passed), "Two Week Break from School", and "Excuse to go massively in debt to give presents no one wants".
But, most of us think of Christmas.
Many of you have been sending boxes upon boxes of wonderful treats, supplies, books, dvds, snacks, and other assorted goodies.
Don't know what to get for Christmas?
What DO you send to a Soldier downrange?
Or an injured one in Landstuhl or Walter Reed or elsewhere?
Well, check out this site (note: rare AAFES plug).
This gives the chance to send AAFES gift certificates to Soldiers all over the world, and if you have no specific Soldier in mind, you can gift to the Armed Forces Relief Societies or even the American Red Cross.
Soldiers can use these in PXs and BXs all over the globe. Soldiers families can use them as well. An excellent opportunity and something that will certainly be valued by the troops.
And something for families...
You can also give certificates for Commissaries. (Commissaries are the ubiquitous grocery store for troops and their families. Often, at overseas locations, these are the only place they have to get familiar foods at US prices.) The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is offering the chance to "Give the Gift of Groceries".
Another worthwhile program.
But, most of us think of Christmas.
Many of you have been sending boxes upon boxes of wonderful treats, supplies, books, dvds, snacks, and other assorted goodies.
Don't know what to get for Christmas?
What DO you send to a Soldier downrange?
Or an injured one in Landstuhl or Walter Reed or elsewhere?
Well, check out this site (note: rare AAFES plug).
This gives the chance to send AAFES gift certificates to Soldiers all over the world, and if you have no specific Soldier in mind, you can gift to the Armed Forces Relief Societies or even the American Red Cross.
Soldiers can use these in PXs and BXs all over the globe. Soldiers families can use them as well. An excellent opportunity and something that will certainly be valued by the troops.
And something for families...
You can also give certificates for Commissaries. (Commissaries are the ubiquitous grocery store for troops and their families. Often, at overseas locations, these are the only place they have to get familiar foods at US prices.) The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is offering the chance to "Give the Gift of Groceries".
Another worthwhile program.
8,000+
Wow.
We've topped 8,000 visits. Not bad for a blogger who's not even IN Afghanistan anymore!
I'm honored and humbled that you all take time out of your busy days to visit my lil' ol' corner of the world.
Thank you.
We've topped 8,000 visits. Not bad for a blogger who's not even IN Afghanistan anymore!
I'm honored and humbled that you all take time out of your busy days to visit my lil' ol' corner of the world.
Thank you.
Feeling Guilty
I have GOT to find a way to beat this.
Have been feeling very guilty and depressed lately. Now, before anyone psychoanalyzes me through e-mail, please don't...
Anyway, what's been getting me down is simple: I'm home, and the unit isn't. It feels a lot like I felt back in March when the unit deployed without me.
I'm getting the priviledge of spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family - easily the two hardest holidays to spend apart. I have celebrated one birthday I'd have missed and will get to do another. I will likely get to see Thomas pull himself up any moment now.
And it all feels... unearned. I feel tremendously guilty. They're not home yet (and don't think my antennae didn't twitch when I heard of two more Storm choppers down) and I am.
Lucky me.
Don't get me wrong, I AM happy to be here. My wife and kids ARE my mission now. Just feel really guilty. Should be there.
Have been feeling very guilty and depressed lately. Now, before anyone psychoanalyzes me through e-mail, please don't...
Anyway, what's been getting me down is simple: I'm home, and the unit isn't. It feels a lot like I felt back in March when the unit deployed without me.
I'm getting the priviledge of spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family - easily the two hardest holidays to spend apart. I have celebrated one birthday I'd have missed and will get to do another. I will likely get to see Thomas pull himself up any moment now.
And it all feels... unearned. I feel tremendously guilty. They're not home yet (and don't think my antennae didn't twitch when I heard of two more Storm choppers down) and I am.
Lucky me.
Don't get me wrong, I AM happy to be here. My wife and kids ARE my mission now. Just feel really guilty. Should be there.
30 November 2005
The Schedule Gets Full
Looking at my schedule, there is now an appointment on every (week)day for the next 10+ days. Doctor appointments, moving appointments, etc.
As for moving... In Theory, the movers will be packing us and unpacking us.
In Theory.
So, we're trying to pack, here and there... prune... throw out... not bring more in... this is going to be a challenge, because house is "lived-in" right up to the moment of moving and has to be "liveable" immediately upon un-packing.
Yay.
As for moving... In Theory, the movers will be packing us and unpacking us.
In Theory.
So, we're trying to pack, here and there... prune... throw out... not bring more in... this is going to be a challenge, because house is "lived-in" right up to the moment of moving and has to be "liveable" immediately upon un-packing.
Yay.
Update - Day 1 of Treatment
Today was our first chemo day.
It was also the day after her surgery implanting the fantastic IV device.
She was incredibly sore and hurt to move her arms. So, I dived right in and started with my new role. I felt so much like Mr. Mom...
And while I'm thinking about it - how about a medal of some sort for Army wives? (Or spouses as I do know some husbands who are the non-Army type.) They've earned it. If you are a spouse (with or without children, not sure if it matters, but definitely with home-age children), and you do X amount of time while spouse is continuously away (school, deployment, whatever), you get recognition. Ceremony and all. Why not? The military is starting (finally) to recognize that the Family is just as integral to its planning as the Soldier. Let's get everyone in a nice ceremonial formation, call the spouses up and give them the recognition they deserve (hint: provide free childcare for the event).
Anyway, today was chemo day. She got a double dose to start off with. Pre-chemo drugs, post-chemo drugs, 6 IV bags, and hours of injections... She's a trooper. She has been sacked out the whole day, severe migraines, tummy aches starting... but, she's holding up ok.
Received more info from the doc. Her (breast) cancer is stage T3. According to the American Cancer Society website about stages of breast cancer, that means her tumor is large. And it is. It's a 10 cm tumor. For the metrically challenged, that's 3.93 inches at its largest dimension. The thing is a solid rock. Ladies (and men with ladies who'll let them - hahaha), check your breast. Soft, squishy... (for men without willing ladies, imagine a wrist support on a mousepad). Now, for comparison, her breast has the consistency of a concrete block. It is solid rock.
Ellicia has been approaching this with a wonderful good humor and a great attitude. We ARE going to beat this.
It was also the day after her surgery implanting the fantastic IV device.
She was incredibly sore and hurt to move her arms. So, I dived right in and started with my new role. I felt so much like Mr. Mom...
And while I'm thinking about it - how about a medal of some sort for Army wives? (Or spouses as I do know some husbands who are the non-Army type.) They've earned it. If you are a spouse (with or without children, not sure if it matters, but definitely with home-age children), and you do X amount of time while spouse is continuously away (school, deployment, whatever), you get recognition. Ceremony and all. Why not? The military is starting (finally) to recognize that the Family is just as integral to its planning as the Soldier. Let's get everyone in a nice ceremonial formation, call the spouses up and give them the recognition they deserve (hint: provide free childcare for the event).
Anyway, today was chemo day. She got a double dose to start off with. Pre-chemo drugs, post-chemo drugs, 6 IV bags, and hours of injections... She's a trooper. She has been sacked out the whole day, severe migraines, tummy aches starting... but, she's holding up ok.
Received more info from the doc. Her (breast) cancer is stage T3. According to the American Cancer Society website about stages of breast cancer, that means her tumor is large. And it is. It's a 10 cm tumor. For the metrically challenged, that's 3.93 inches at its largest dimension. The thing is a solid rock. Ladies (and men with ladies who'll let them - hahaha), check your breast. Soft, squishy... (for men without willing ladies, imagine a wrist support on a mousepad). Now, for comparison, her breast has the consistency of a concrete block. It is solid rock.
Ellicia has been approaching this with a wonderful good humor and a great attitude. We ARE going to beat this.
29 November 2005
Highly Motivated
Our Housing move has been approved.
Big news?
On its own, no... but, that's not all.
The paperwork was started on Monday... yesterday. By this morning, it was approved. Normally, a process which would take between 2-5 weeks happened in about 24 hours. Went from my base up the chain of command, signed off by personnel at several different bases around Germany, and came back.
So, next week, we move. Pack everything up and move. 8 days from now. Blistering speed.
Or, as the Army says, the system is Highly Motivated.
Had a meeting at the unit today. Present were myself, the First Sergeant, Commander, and various other leaders. Spelled out, again, that I need only ask for whatever I need. Also, they felt that the moving in 8 days was not NEARLY fast enough!
Amazing.
Just amazing.
Tomorrow is start of chemo day - we'll be able to start using the new "Porto-cath" that was installedtoday. Neat device.
Big news?
On its own, no... but, that's not all.
The paperwork was started on Monday... yesterday. By this morning, it was approved. Normally, a process which would take between 2-5 weeks happened in about 24 hours. Went from my base up the chain of command, signed off by personnel at several different bases around Germany, and came back.
So, next week, we move. Pack everything up and move. 8 days from now. Blistering speed.
Or, as the Army says, the system is Highly Motivated.
Had a meeting at the unit today. Present were myself, the First Sergeant, Commander, and various other leaders. Spelled out, again, that I need only ask for whatever I need. Also, they felt that the moving in 8 days was not NEARLY fast enough!
Amazing.
Just amazing.
Tomorrow is start of chemo day - we'll be able to start using the new "Porto-cath" that was installedtoday. Neat device.
27 November 2005
"Thank you, Cancer"
This is a new phrase about the house.
Why?
Well, from time to time, there comes these moments... you know the ones, a special time with the kids, a shared laugh with your spouse... time that needs no words, really. Or even, something like Thanksgiving with the whole family.
And at times like that, lately, we look at each other, smile, and say... "Thank you, Cancer." For without the Cancer, I'd still be in Afghanistan (and so many still are)and would miss all of these moments.
Thank you, Cancer...
Why?
Well, from time to time, there comes these moments... you know the ones, a special time with the kids, a shared laugh with your spouse... time that needs no words, really. Or even, something like Thanksgiving with the whole family.
And at times like that, lately, we look at each other, smile, and say... "Thank you, Cancer." For without the Cancer, I'd still be in Afghanistan (and so many still are)and would miss all of these moments.
Thank you, Cancer...
Junior Enlisted but Center of Attention
This is going to take some getting used to. Those of you who've served, especially with low rank, will understand this.
It is going to take some time to get used to my phone ringing and Captains and Majors being on the other end of the line. Company commanders, clinic commanders, head nurses, battalion commanders... these are all people who are not in the habit of calling junior Soldiers. I certainly am not used to being on their call lists.
This is different...
It is going to take some time to get used to my phone ringing and Captains and Majors being on the other end of the line. Company commanders, clinic commanders, head nurses, battalion commanders... these are all people who are not in the habit of calling junior Soldiers. I certainly am not used to being on their call lists.
This is different...
Blog News
Ok, it seems the blog stays. I was worried it was no longer relevant, but... judging by the comments and personal e-mails, the blog is worth keeping. Not just for the family... and as a way for me to log what's going on in my life... but Y'ALL seem to like it (have you nothing else to do? :) )
In other interesting piece of news,Milblogging.com has my blog ranked number 2 for Afghanistan blogs. Very flattering. I would be remiss if I didn't encourage y'all to go vote (signup is required), but not just for mine... vote for anyone's blogs you like so others will find them, as well.
I'm going to try to do some touching up to the blog soon. Time permitting.
For those of you who use feeds (if I just lost you, skip on by), I've set up a feed through Feedburner. Tell your friends, convert your enemies...
Thank you, again, for all your support and interest. I am really amazed by the site counter for one, and for even ranking at all.
In other interesting piece of news,Milblogging.com has my blog ranked number 2 for Afghanistan blogs. Very flattering. I would be remiss if I didn't encourage y'all to go vote (signup is required), but not just for mine... vote for anyone's blogs you like so others will find them, as well.
I'm going to try to do some touching up to the blog soon. Time permitting.
For those of you who use feeds (if I just lost you, skip on by), I've set up a feed through Feedburner. Tell your friends, convert your enemies...
Thank you, again, for all your support and interest. I am really amazed by the site counter for one, and for even ranking at all.
26 November 2005
Drug Update
Ok, here are the drugs that are going to be involved initially...
Sounds like a fun cocktail.
The weekly drug will be Herceptin.
The three week drug cocktail will be:
Taxotere
Adriamycin
Cytoxan - cyclophosphamide
In addition, there will be other drugs (not specified) to counter the delightful effects of the primary drugs.
Yippee.
Sounds like a fun cocktail.
The weekly drug will be Herceptin.
The three week drug cocktail will be:
Taxotere
Adriamycin
Cytoxan - cyclophosphamide
In addition, there will be other drugs (not specified) to counter the delightful effects of the primary drugs.
Yippee.
25 November 2005
The Blog
What to do with this blog?
I originally started this blog as both my own diary and an easy way to communicate with the entire extended family in one fell swoop.
It has, obviously, become so much more than that - however, the original purposes are still there.
The idea was that this was for my duration of my time in Afghanistan. As it seems that that has come to an abrupt end... what now?
Should the blog continue? Perhaps a renaming?
I am welcoming and open to suggestions. Please.
I originally started this blog as both my own diary and an easy way to communicate with the entire extended family in one fell swoop.
It has, obviously, become so much more than that - however, the original purposes are still there.
The idea was that this was for my duration of my time in Afghanistan. As it seems that that has come to an abrupt end... what now?
Should the blog continue? Perhaps a renaming?
I am welcoming and open to suggestions. Please.
Level of Support
In case I didn't TRULY believe my unit supported me...
Today, while at the doctor, the Company Commander and his wife babysat our three kids.
That's support. (Though, I'm not used to calling the babysitter "Sir".)
Today, while at the doctor, the Company Commander and his wife babysat our three kids.
That's support. (Though, I'm not used to calling the babysitter "Sir".)
Treatment
Ok, here are the latest updates.
There is nothing in the bones. That is Good.
There IS cancer in the breast and lungs. That is Bad.
The tumor in the breast is the treatable kind. That is Good.
It's still going to take a lot of treatment to get the lung cancer out. That is Bad.
For the breast, we're treating with Herceptin - an antibiotic once every week.
For the rest, we're using what's called "T-A-C" treatment, once every three weeks.
Radiation may come later.
On Monday, we'll have a special shunt installed in her chest that will make injections easier instead of perforating every vein she has. Neat trick.
Wednesday, first treatment. Yippee.
There is nothing in the bones. That is Good.
There IS cancer in the breast and lungs. That is Bad.
The tumor in the breast is the treatable kind. That is Good.
It's still going to take a lot of treatment to get the lung cancer out. That is Bad.
For the breast, we're treating with Herceptin - an antibiotic once every week.
For the rest, we're using what's called "T-A-C" treatment, once every three weeks.
Radiation may come later.
On Monday, we'll have a special shunt installed in her chest that will make injections easier instead of perforating every vein she has. Neat trick.
Wednesday, first treatment. Yippee.
Travel... Not for a Bit.
Well, it looks like we won't be traveling for awhile. While it seems to be a good idea all around, the doc did bring up a good point.
We're going to want to see how well she reacts to the treatment then we send her to the states for a few days...
So, maybe after New Year's Day.
We're going to want to see how well she reacts to the treatment then we send her to the states for a few days...
So, maybe after New Year's Day.
24 November 2005
Happy Thanksgiving
To all of those of you still downrange...
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Missing being there. Wish I was there with y'all.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Missing being there. Wish I was there with y'all.
23 November 2005
Opinions?
Mulling the idea of bringing Ellicia to the states briefly... maybe just 4-5 days... just me and her. Chance to see people before the treatments get too rough, etc.
Opinions?
Opinions?
22 November 2005
The Swirl of the Whirlwind
Well, let's discuss the last couple of days...
First, the trip home. It was mixed with both a sense of speed and molasses. Speed as I had the military version of the "Golden Ticket". Priority 1, Emergency Leave. Translated: No one left Kandahar before I did. Wherever I went, I was first in line. Even had a personal escort through the system in Qatar. The downside? Germany is it's own version of "You can't get there from here."
Strangely enough, even after watching plane after plane after plane fly through Kandahar daily... I couldn't get out. I had several options. Option 1 was to go to Manas, Kyrghystan (I'm sure it's spelled wrong, but since this country has several different spellings, I'm either using one or adding another one.) If I went there, I'd have been stuck until 1 December. No go. Option 2 was to Ali Al Saleem Air Base (remember Camp Holding Pen?) in Kuwait. GREAT option. Could almost immediately get another flight. BUT - the C-130 was nearly full with reserved mission pax, leaving only 4 seats. Of course, I was first in line for those 4 seats, but if they added last minute cargo, I'd have been stuck.
Option 3 was for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This is the hub of the war. Sounds great, right? Well... turns out to be the best option, even though I faced a potentially long wait there.
Grabbed a C-17 to Qatar and off I go... 36 hours after receiving the Red Cross message (and this WAS the first flight offered I could get on.)
I landed in Qatar after an enjoyable C-17 flight - love the "Whale". It was full of cargo, but I staked out a seat and was comfy and happy and.... it was a C-17, so was pleased with life.
Anyway, landed and felt like I was at Middle-East Charleston. I counted no fewer than 7 Charleston C-17 tails, and several more from other bases... All packed tightly in. There was also another ramp for the tankers, some JSTARS, and every now and then, fighters were doing full-afterburner takeoffs... my tail was wagging.
They asked if anyone was on emergency leave, and... my hand shot up. I was culled from the herd, given a personal escort, and moved briskly through the in-process. Within 5 minutes, I was discussing my next flight (the others were still outside where they'd be for quite a bit longer).
The next military flight wasn't until 130 the next day (21 hours away), so... since I had a Golden Ticket, I was going to go check out the civilian side. Only had to wait a few hours until they opened, so wandered the base a bit until then.
With the Golden Ticket, the military will BUY me a ticket on civilian air to get me where I need to go... anywhere. Easy enough. I showed up for the opening of the office, and discovered it was already open (an hour early). I waited in line, and when I told them where I was headed, I was told that the next flight I could get would be the next morning. There WAS a flight earlier, but they'd already booked a team of 6 Spec-Ops guys (including a genuinely wonderful LTC who looked like he was sculpted from a GI Joe doll). The staff at the place tried to get the boss to understand I was Priority 1 Emergency Leave, but she wouldn't budge. I asked about other routings, but... her office had a policy of only booking a certain way.
Now, being slightly familiar with the workings of the travel system and having been given time to surf the net prior to flying from Afghanistan, I knew there were several different flights from Doha International to Germany (pick an airport - any airport). But, her office did have policies.
Well, the LTC (who'd been with me since KAF, and had seen I'd been on Emergency Leave) saw I was running into difficulties while his team had tickets. (This was fun to watch, and immensely helpful... I love watching people use their rank when not directed AT me.)
LTC: "Does this Soldier have a ticket?"
AF MSG: "No, we're all booked out."
LTC: "He's Emergency Leave..."
AF MSG: "Yes, but y'all took our last tickets."
LTC: "Then bump one of my guys."
AF MSG: "We can't, they're already booked."
LTC: "If HE doesn't fly, my team won't fly."
AF MSG: "Sir, your team has booked tickets. You can go ahead and fly."
LTC: "You don't understand, if that Soldier on Emergency Leave doesn't get a ticket, we will not fly and you can find us ANOTHER way."
AF MSG: "Let us check..."
(5 minutes go by)
AF MSG: "Well... if we route him through London, he can be in Germany tonight."
LTC: "That's what I'm talking about... book his ticket."
Me (outside a few minutes later): "Thank you, Sir... for everything."
So, I was booked on a Qatar Airways (the new darling of the military for civilian travel) to London and then Lufthansa to Frankfurt. I would get in late, but... still make it.
Qatar Airways is always pleasant to fly as they are quite luxurious, even in Economy class.
I walked into my home shortly after midnight, Monday morning, after approximately 45 hours of travel. Not bad.
Now what?
Well, I'm not on leave. The unit is helping me with a huge gift. I signed into the unit here immediately upon arrival meaning I'm not burning days of leave. Downside - I'm not on leave, and theoretically subject to formations, etc. However, since I live two floors above the 1SG and the unit is well aware of all that's going on... All I have to do is check in periodically, 1-2 times per day, and... I'm free to take care of business. Nice perk. Let's me save the leave for when I really need it.
Already, the whirlwind is blowing. Part of it is that everyone wants to help, and... we don't know what we need yet. Sort of like this: We KNOW that there's a Big, Bad Enemy out there. But we don't know what kind of enemy or how to fight it yet. We just know the battle is imminent.
Spoke with the base doc, and we're going to coordinate between the American and German systems, staying with the German primarilly for now (as the closest American hospital is four hours away). Doc is also going to get us a medical priority to move our housing so we won't be on the third floor anymore (once chemo starts, Ellicia will not be fond of stairs so much).
We have care givers lined up, in fact, in line waiting for the chance to watch the kids...
So, now we enter "Learning Week". We have two appointments this week where Ellicia will face a battery of tests as we try to recon just what kind of enemy we face.
Thank you, ALL, for your kind thoughts... and especially to my Angels, as my mission now changes to fight a new battle.
First, the trip home. It was mixed with both a sense of speed and molasses. Speed as I had the military version of the "Golden Ticket". Priority 1, Emergency Leave. Translated: No one left Kandahar before I did. Wherever I went, I was first in line. Even had a personal escort through the system in Qatar. The downside? Germany is it's own version of "You can't get there from here."
Strangely enough, even after watching plane after plane after plane fly through Kandahar daily... I couldn't get out. I had several options. Option 1 was to go to Manas, Kyrghystan (I'm sure it's spelled wrong, but since this country has several different spellings, I'm either using one or adding another one.) If I went there, I'd have been stuck until 1 December. No go. Option 2 was to Ali Al Saleem Air Base (remember Camp Holding Pen?) in Kuwait. GREAT option. Could almost immediately get another flight. BUT - the C-130 was nearly full with reserved mission pax, leaving only 4 seats. Of course, I was first in line for those 4 seats, but if they added last minute cargo, I'd have been stuck.
Option 3 was for Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This is the hub of the war. Sounds great, right? Well... turns out to be the best option, even though I faced a potentially long wait there.
Grabbed a C-17 to Qatar and off I go... 36 hours after receiving the Red Cross message (and this WAS the first flight offered I could get on.)
I landed in Qatar after an enjoyable C-17 flight - love the "Whale". It was full of cargo, but I staked out a seat and was comfy and happy and.... it was a C-17, so was pleased with life.
Anyway, landed and felt like I was at Middle-East Charleston. I counted no fewer than 7 Charleston C-17 tails, and several more from other bases... All packed tightly in. There was also another ramp for the tankers, some JSTARS, and every now and then, fighters were doing full-afterburner takeoffs... my tail was wagging.
They asked if anyone was on emergency leave, and... my hand shot up. I was culled from the herd, given a personal escort, and moved briskly through the in-process. Within 5 minutes, I was discussing my next flight (the others were still outside where they'd be for quite a bit longer).
The next military flight wasn't until 130 the next day (21 hours away), so... since I had a Golden Ticket, I was going to go check out the civilian side. Only had to wait a few hours until they opened, so wandered the base a bit until then.
With the Golden Ticket, the military will BUY me a ticket on civilian air to get me where I need to go... anywhere. Easy enough. I showed up for the opening of the office, and discovered it was already open (an hour early). I waited in line, and when I told them where I was headed, I was told that the next flight I could get would be the next morning. There WAS a flight earlier, but they'd already booked a team of 6 Spec-Ops guys (including a genuinely wonderful LTC who looked like he was sculpted from a GI Joe doll). The staff at the place tried to get the boss to understand I was Priority 1 Emergency Leave, but she wouldn't budge. I asked about other routings, but... her office had a policy of only booking a certain way.
Now, being slightly familiar with the workings of the travel system and having been given time to surf the net prior to flying from Afghanistan, I knew there were several different flights from Doha International to Germany (pick an airport - any airport). But, her office did have policies.
Well, the LTC (who'd been with me since KAF, and had seen I'd been on Emergency Leave) saw I was running into difficulties while his team had tickets. (This was fun to watch, and immensely helpful... I love watching people use their rank when not directed AT me.)
LTC: "Does this Soldier have a ticket?"
AF MSG: "No, we're all booked out."
LTC: "He's Emergency Leave..."
AF MSG: "Yes, but y'all took our last tickets."
LTC: "Then bump one of my guys."
AF MSG: "We can't, they're already booked."
LTC: "If HE doesn't fly, my team won't fly."
AF MSG: "Sir, your team has booked tickets. You can go ahead and fly."
LTC: "You don't understand, if that Soldier on Emergency Leave doesn't get a ticket, we will not fly and you can find us ANOTHER way."
AF MSG: "Let us check..."
(5 minutes go by)
AF MSG: "Well... if we route him through London, he can be in Germany tonight."
LTC: "That's what I'm talking about... book his ticket."
Me (outside a few minutes later): "Thank you, Sir... for everything."
So, I was booked on a Qatar Airways (the new darling of the military for civilian travel) to London and then Lufthansa to Frankfurt. I would get in late, but... still make it.
Qatar Airways is always pleasant to fly as they are quite luxurious, even in Economy class.
I walked into my home shortly after midnight, Monday morning, after approximately 45 hours of travel. Not bad.
Now what?
Well, I'm not on leave. The unit is helping me with a huge gift. I signed into the unit here immediately upon arrival meaning I'm not burning days of leave. Downside - I'm not on leave, and theoretically subject to formations, etc. However, since I live two floors above the 1SG and the unit is well aware of all that's going on... All I have to do is check in periodically, 1-2 times per day, and... I'm free to take care of business. Nice perk. Let's me save the leave for when I really need it.
Already, the whirlwind is blowing. Part of it is that everyone wants to help, and... we don't know what we need yet. Sort of like this: We KNOW that there's a Big, Bad Enemy out there. But we don't know what kind of enemy or how to fight it yet. We just know the battle is imminent.
Spoke with the base doc, and we're going to coordinate between the American and German systems, staying with the German primarilly for now (as the closest American hospital is four hours away). Doc is also going to get us a medical priority to move our housing so we won't be on the third floor anymore (once chemo starts, Ellicia will not be fond of stairs so much).
We have care givers lined up, in fact, in line waiting for the chance to watch the kids...
So, now we enter "Learning Week". We have two appointments this week where Ellicia will face a battery of tests as we try to recon just what kind of enemy we face.
Thank you, ALL, for your kind thoughts... and especially to my Angels, as my mission now changes to fight a new battle.
19 November 2005
Not Just Another Sign in the Zodiac
It's cancer.
The test results came back Friday.
I'm scheduled for Emergency Leave to go home for 30 days and try to help her through this. The docs want to start chemotherapy immediately.
Part of their concern is to reduce the size of the lump before excising it; part is also the spots on both lungs that were found when conducting further tests.
I am impressed with the speed with which the unit moved. From the time the Red Cross message came to the time that I was cut loose was under two hours. I have emergency leave paperwork (which makes me Priority One to leave Kandahar), my release from the Task Force - thank you, LTC, and the Red Cross Message.
The rear seems to be swinging into gear for support, as well; especially considering that it will still be days before I am home.
More later...
The test results came back Friday.
I'm scheduled for Emergency Leave to go home for 30 days and try to help her through this. The docs want to start chemotherapy immediately.
Part of their concern is to reduce the size of the lump before excising it; part is also the spots on both lungs that were found when conducting further tests.
I am impressed with the speed with which the unit moved. From the time the Red Cross message came to the time that I was cut loose was under two hours. I have emergency leave paperwork (which makes me Priority One to leave Kandahar), my release from the Task Force - thank you, LTC, and the Red Cross Message.
The rear seems to be swinging into gear for support, as well; especially considering that it will still be days before I am home.
More later...
14 November 2005
The Situation Continues
Today was doctor day.
We've endured the weekend. And I do mean endure. Between our minds giving us every possible scenarion (none good), surfing the web for education, and Ellicia... God bless her... truly enduring. She's bandaged and stitched, so can't bathe... but has 3 young-uns including baby boy who's learning the fast way how to drink from a bottle... often spitting up. Could NOT get clean this weekend, poor dear.
We had girded ourselves for several possibilities... Even beginning wrap our minds around the propsect that Ellicia is going to lose a breast (remember, that's our best case).
This was to find out if there was a worse case.
Maybe there is? Maybe there isn't. Doc did say that he'd never seen anything like it. Also said the results were delayed until Friday (Riss' 3 year birthday... what timing.)
So, back to waiting.
We've endured the weekend. And I do mean endure. Between our minds giving us every possible scenarion (none good), surfing the web for education, and Ellicia... God bless her... truly enduring. She's bandaged and stitched, so can't bathe... but has 3 young-uns including baby boy who's learning the fast way how to drink from a bottle... often spitting up. Could NOT get clean this weekend, poor dear.
We had girded ourselves for several possibilities... Even beginning wrap our minds around the propsect that Ellicia is going to lose a breast (remember, that's our best case).
This was to find out if there was a worse case.
Maybe there is? Maybe there isn't. Doc did say that he'd never seen anything like it. Also said the results were delayed until Friday (Riss' 3 year birthday... what timing.)
So, back to waiting.
12 November 2005
The Situation
So. What's going on? What has us so disturbed?
Well, Ellicia and I have discussed it. This blog is, essentially, my diary. Additionally, it's an easy way to communicate with family. Factoring in that essentially both posts (home and Kandahar) know what's going on... there's no reason not to post.
For those with purient interests, there will be no pictures.
Background
It's our belief to breastfeed our kids, as long as we can. The same has been true with Thomas.
Thomas has been gulping down milk, but apparently not as much as Leesh was putting out. Anyway, four months ago, a lump showed up in the right breast.
It didn't go away, and Ellicia went to the base clinic. Thinking it's milk, Doc #1 tells her to soak in hot water and massage, and it'll clear up.
Fast forward a bit.
Lump is there and bigger.
Leesh goes to clinic again, Doc #2 (who has issues with Thomas even being at the appointment with Ellicia) gives same treatment.
Lump is now size of tennis ball, and she's in pain.
Treatment doesn't work.
When I get home on R&R, the lump is visibly deforming the breast and is a hard, solid mass.
After I leave, she sees clinic Doc #3. This doc, also unfamilliar with the concept that lump in breast = bad, said he didn't know what to do or seen anything like it. Referred her to a German doc.
German doc: She goes to the doc who delivered Thomas. Anyway, after yelling at Ellicia for breastfeeding Thomas still, he examined her and determined that she needed immediate surgery.
With this news in hand, I felt that we needed a second opinion.
My wife's health at stake, I figured screw the chain of command and protocols. I called the clinic hoping to get the XO (who acts as the patient representative). He's elsewhere. I got a nurse/officer. Went through the detailed history and how we were on month 4 of a tennis ball lump in my wife's breast and asked for a) a doc different from one we'd already seen and b) someone to take this seriously and examine or refer her to a specialist who would. Was given an appointment with the clinic commander for the next day (Tuesday, this week).
Tuesday
She goes in. Doc examines her and determines that yes, she needs surgery. Now. Well, can't just leave 3 kids abandoned. So, surgery scheduled for Thursday.
Thursday
Ellicia goes in for surgery. I'm losing my mind worrying about her.
Friday
I make contact with Ellicia. Doc had just been in.
.
.
.
.
It wasn't milk.
Doc said that he'd been expecting an abscess to flush out. Instead, she has a solid lump. It's "highly organized" and well connected to the tissues. Said that if he'd taken it out then, she'd have lost most of her breast. Did a biopsy.
Where We Are Now
Waiting for results on Monday.
Best case? It's benign. Still has to come out. Most of breast will need to be cut.
Worst case? You've seen the commercials.
My command is aware.... however, I've been appraised that unless it's immediately life-threatening, the Colonel will most likely not let me leave to go home.
So right now, we're just waiting for the results... so we know what we're facing.
I want to go home. Need to take care of my wife. She is such an angel. Actually told me that she understood how I felt and that what I was doing here was important. Sigh. Love her.
But she needs my help. She's got this minor detail... plus three young-uns demanding attention.
More when we know more.
Well, Ellicia and I have discussed it. This blog is, essentially, my diary. Additionally, it's an easy way to communicate with family. Factoring in that essentially both posts (home and Kandahar) know what's going on... there's no reason not to post.
For those with purient interests, there will be no pictures.
Background
It's our belief to breastfeed our kids, as long as we can. The same has been true with Thomas.
Thomas has been gulping down milk, but apparently not as much as Leesh was putting out. Anyway, four months ago, a lump showed up in the right breast.
It didn't go away, and Ellicia went to the base clinic. Thinking it's milk, Doc #1 tells her to soak in hot water and massage, and it'll clear up.
Fast forward a bit.
Lump is there and bigger.
Leesh goes to clinic again, Doc #2 (who has issues with Thomas even being at the appointment with Ellicia) gives same treatment.
Lump is now size of tennis ball, and she's in pain.
Treatment doesn't work.
When I get home on R&R, the lump is visibly deforming the breast and is a hard, solid mass.
After I leave, she sees clinic Doc #3. This doc, also unfamilliar with the concept that lump in breast = bad, said he didn't know what to do or seen anything like it. Referred her to a German doc.
German doc: She goes to the doc who delivered Thomas. Anyway, after yelling at Ellicia for breastfeeding Thomas still, he examined her and determined that she needed immediate surgery.
With this news in hand, I felt that we needed a second opinion.
My wife's health at stake, I figured screw the chain of command and protocols. I called the clinic hoping to get the XO (who acts as the patient representative). He's elsewhere. I got a nurse/officer. Went through the detailed history and how we were on month 4 of a tennis ball lump in my wife's breast and asked for a) a doc different from one we'd already seen and b) someone to take this seriously and examine or refer her to a specialist who would. Was given an appointment with the clinic commander for the next day (Tuesday, this week).
Tuesday
She goes in. Doc examines her and determines that yes, she needs surgery. Now. Well, can't just leave 3 kids abandoned. So, surgery scheduled for Thursday.
Thursday
Ellicia goes in for surgery. I'm losing my mind worrying about her.
Friday
I make contact with Ellicia. Doc had just been in.
.
.
.
.
It wasn't milk.
Doc said that he'd been expecting an abscess to flush out. Instead, she has a solid lump. It's "highly organized" and well connected to the tissues. Said that if he'd taken it out then, she'd have lost most of her breast. Did a biopsy.
Where We Are Now
Waiting for results on Monday.
Best case? It's benign. Still has to come out. Most of breast will need to be cut.
Worst case? You've seen the commercials.
My command is aware.... however, I've been appraised that unless it's immediately life-threatening, the Colonel will most likely not let me leave to go home.
So right now, we're just waiting for the results... so we know what we're facing.
I want to go home. Need to take care of my wife. She is such an angel. Actually told me that she understood how I felt and that what I was doing here was important. Sigh. Love her.
But she needs my help. She's got this minor detail... plus three young-uns demanding attention.
More when we know more.
Follow-Up to "What to Do"
Well, talked with re-enlistment... going to hold off on that. I'm bound to be deployed again before my six years are up, and if I wait, I can get more $$$. $8000 now, or... $22,000 later. Tax-free if I do it while deployed.
Still looking into officer options, though.
Still looking into officer options, though.
11 November 2005
09 November 2005
It Comes From Above
A startling development tonight...
There were unusual noises coming from the roof. A rapid, pitter-patter... too early for Santa's reindeer...
What might it be?
It could be...
Nah...
Couldn't be.
Could it?
Peeked outside.
It was!
It was raining.
Wow.
So, the rainy season has begun. I'm looking forward to cold mud now. Yay.
Oh, and shortly afterward, there was a rocket attack. LOUD. Shook the building. Very close. I'll find out soon.
There were unusual noises coming from the roof. A rapid, pitter-patter... too early for Santa's reindeer...
What might it be?
It could be...
Nah...
Couldn't be.
Could it?
Peeked outside.
It was!
It was raining.
Wow.
So, the rainy season has begun. I'm looking forward to cold mud now. Yay.
Oh, and shortly afterward, there was a rocket attack. LOUD. Shook the building. Very close. I'll find out soon.
Hospital - and Distance
Tomorrow, Ellicia has to go into the hospital. Supposedly, minor surgery, but... she'll have to be put under and stay a night or two.
The Army doesn't think it's serious (it's not "life-threatening"). The docs at the clinic won't even write a Red Cross message, much less sign or send one.
So.
Luckily, we know some kind souls willing to watch over three young-uns, including one who is about to go through unexpected and complete weaning.
Feel horrible for being unable to be there.
Can't help.
Can't hold hand.
Can't be there for when she comes out.
Sigh.
No way to contact her... have to wait until she contacts me.
(I guess the shoe's on the other foot, in a sense.)
This sucks.
(As they say in the shop, it's a big pile of suck.)
Hoping for the best... nervous, worried... guilty.
The Army doesn't think it's serious (it's not "life-threatening"). The docs at the clinic won't even write a Red Cross message, much less sign or send one.
So.
Luckily, we know some kind souls willing to watch over three young-uns, including one who is about to go through unexpected and complete weaning.
Feel horrible for being unable to be there.
Can't help.
Can't hold hand.
Can't be there for when she comes out.
Sigh.
No way to contact her... have to wait until she contacts me.
(I guess the shoe's on the other foot, in a sense.)
This sucks.
(As they say in the shop, it's a big pile of suck.)
Hoping for the best... nervous, worried... guilty.
What To Do?
Trying to decide... where do I go from here?
I like the military, even now which may be surprising (more 'bout that in a future post). I want to stay in it.
But, what route to take?
There are quite a few options.
I like the military, even now which may be surprising (more 'bout that in a future post). I want to stay in it.
But, what route to take?
There are quite a few options.
- Do nothing. Wait and see.
- Go Warrant Officer. Try to become a pilot (rotary-wing) for the Army. Year training. Relocate family (again). And could end up flying any kind of chopper anywhere in the army. Benefit: Officer. Flying.
- Go Commissioned. Possible, but... could end up in the Infantry or Armor. No thank you.
- Re-Enlist. I can even do this right now, though I have three more years left on my current contract. Do it now, and I'll get $8,000 tax-free right now... and commit through 2012.
- Green to Gold. Return to College, stay on Active Duty (still get paid and housing), but have to pay for tuition on my own. Strict entry requirements.
- Combine 4 & 2. Reenlist, take the money, and then go warrant. Laugh to the bank.
Thoughts?
Not Sure Where to Start
Bear with me... I've got quite a bit rattling around in the noggin and I'm trying to get it down...
05 November 2005
Steady As She Goes...
Ok, not in the Navy. And certainly not on a ship. But, if I were, then that's the thought.
Everything is just going super-smoothly... It's quiet. There's steady work.
With the First Sergeant on R&R, I've stepped up and moved into the Command Post fulltime, until his return. It's keeping me busy, as I assist the (Acting) First Sergeant in running the company.
Quite flattering. Not sure how it's going to affect my plans for skill development, however, as it will be another two full months of no aircraft work - and quite likely, I'll forget a good bit I worked so hard to learn.
It is getting chilly here. But warm and comfy during the day.
Settling back into the routine. Each day brings me closer... just one step closer to being home.
Everything is just going super-smoothly... It's quiet. There's steady work.
With the First Sergeant on R&R, I've stepped up and moved into the Command Post fulltime, until his return. It's keeping me busy, as I assist the (Acting) First Sergeant in running the company.
Quite flattering. Not sure how it's going to affect my plans for skill development, however, as it will be another two full months of no aircraft work - and quite likely, I'll forget a good bit I worked so hard to learn.
It is getting chilly here. But warm and comfy during the day.
Settling back into the routine. Each day brings me closer... just one step closer to being home.
Pictures from Kuwait
Here we go with some more pictures. I took these in Kuwait. The first one shows the Tent City that makes up the Holding Camp. Rows and rows of tents. Each holds about 14 personnel. They come and go, all the time... Like the tides, a constant ebb and flow of personnel moving through, supporting the war... and going Home.
One of the few niceties about the camp were the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The remaining photos are me trying to capture a sunset.
One of the few niceties about the camp were the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The remaining photos are me trying to capture a sunset.
30 October 2005
Halloween at Home
T's first Halloween... M and K are well into it.
As you can see in these pictures, they were cute as buttons and had a great, sugary time.
T even enjoyed a lollypop...
Happy Daddy.
As you can see in these pictures, they were cute as buttons and had a great, sugary time.
T even enjoyed a lollypop...
Happy Daddy.
Angels of Halloween
Awaiting me in the mail room, as every mail handler has made a point of telling me, were SEVEN boxes. Of these, 2 were from me - things I'd ordered. The other FIVE were from Angels. After opening, I COVERED my bed in Halloween candy.
This even included a very cute jack-o-lantern trick or treating bag, prefilled of course. And one of the nice mothers in the group even included a toothbrush and toothpaste, for after the candy.
All of the Angels out there... your dedication, thoughtfulness, and sheer enthusiasm is quite astounding and I, again, don't feel up to being the recipient of such generosity.
But...
The candy is here. Would be rude to mail it back. Just isn't done.
:)
So, maybe I'll nibble on just this one piece...
or look... Candy Corn!!!
Guess I could share... my mother would be proud if I shared. I'll take some into work...
But the Candy Corn stays...
Mine... mine!!!! hahahahaha
Seriously... thank you all... again.
This even included a very cute jack-o-lantern trick or treating bag, prefilled of course. And one of the nice mothers in the group even included a toothbrush and toothpaste, for after the candy.
All of the Angels out there... your dedication, thoughtfulness, and sheer enthusiasm is quite astounding and I, again, don't feel up to being the recipient of such generosity.
But...
The candy is here. Would be rude to mail it back. Just isn't done.
:)
So, maybe I'll nibble on just this one piece...
or look... Candy Corn!!!
Guess I could share... my mother would be proud if I shared. I'll take some into work...
But the Candy Corn stays...
Mine... mine!!!! hahahahaha
Seriously... thank you all... again.
Back in the Stan
Well, I made it back.
Apparently, from talking with the staff, they were quite determined to get the 120+ of us that were backed up waiting for Kandahar... out of there. The higher ups had started to get involved as we were holding the R&R for other Soldiers (10% rule - since it IS combat, units aren't allowed to have more than 10% of their strength on R&R). The Air Force, unable to provide C-17's due to other committments (the war, Pakistan, etc) provided two C-130s for the flight back.
Oh goody.
A C-130 flight from Kuwait to Afghanistan is approximately 5 1/2 hours. 5 1/2 hours in a small plane packed tightly with Soldiers. You sit on web seats, sideways. Two groups of two rows, facing each other running the length of the plane. Most often, your knees interlock with the opposite side. There are two good seats - the ones at each end. And a C-130 is a propeller craft, so... it flies lower, and bumpier. Never... never, ever complain about coach class.
They took us to the air base. We processed through, and then sat in giant holding tents (complete with cots, bottled water, and a wide MRE selection - that didn't bode well). We waited for a few hours, until we were herded back onto the buses for the drive to the planes. At which point, we sat on the buses for two more hours.
At this point, when they said it was time to board, people rushed. I saw the C-130, and held back... ("Wow, look at the stars...") Thus, I arranged to be near the end and scored a semi-comfortable seat.
We took off with a comfortable, vibrating drone from the 4 huge turboprops. Most of the 60 other folks crammed in couldn't move, and just tried to sleep as they were.
*I* was able to prop feet up, and after about 45 minutes, and 4 various contortionistic positions, found one that worked - 1 foot propped in one direction, 1 leg up in the other, bent 90 degrees, leaned over sideways. It was super comfy and I fell asleep.
I even sort of slept through our near-tactical landing. A tactical landing is unlike the one you're used to on GetMeThereCheap Airlines. Those are long, straight, and gentle. A tactical airline starts high directly over the airfield and then the pilot dives to the ground, corkscrewing, until he pulls out at the end and lands on the runway. If you're not careful, the MRE's can be given an out-of-body experience.
When they opened the ramp to the plane, I had the same thought as many others... (they thought aloud)... it was CHILLY. Apparently, in the month I was gone, Kandahar had left summer for deep fall. Brrrrr.
The Commander seemed happy to have me back. Sent me on a mission 2 minutes (literally, I checked my watch) after I checked back into the unit.
Somewhere, I must have passed 1SG as he went on leave. Since he's gone, I'm upstairs in my office full time - no birds. It'll probably mean it'll have been 2 months passed by the time I'm back to wrenches.
I still take it as a compliment, though, as I'm supporting the Acting 1SG as she tries to keep her head above water. Work had piled up and overall, she seemed happy I was back as well.
And thrilled and happy I am to be here, too.
In all seriousness, KAF isn't bad. From my R&R transit time, I was able to speak with quite a few Soldiers who are in places worse than mine doing jobs I don't want to do (or else, I'd have joined the Infantry). These guys are real heroes and deserve so much credit for what they do. I am impressed and in awe of them... and humbled.
Meanwhile, four and a half months to go.
Apparently, from talking with the staff, they were quite determined to get the 120+ of us that were backed up waiting for Kandahar... out of there. The higher ups had started to get involved as we were holding the R&R for other Soldiers (10% rule - since it IS combat, units aren't allowed to have more than 10% of their strength on R&R). The Air Force, unable to provide C-17's due to other committments (the war, Pakistan, etc) provided two C-130s for the flight back.
Oh goody.
A C-130 flight from Kuwait to Afghanistan is approximately 5 1/2 hours. 5 1/2 hours in a small plane packed tightly with Soldiers. You sit on web seats, sideways. Two groups of two rows, facing each other running the length of the plane. Most often, your knees interlock with the opposite side. There are two good seats - the ones at each end. And a C-130 is a propeller craft, so... it flies lower, and bumpier. Never... never, ever complain about coach class.
They took us to the air base. We processed through, and then sat in giant holding tents (complete with cots, bottled water, and a wide MRE selection - that didn't bode well). We waited for a few hours, until we were herded back onto the buses for the drive to the planes. At which point, we sat on the buses for two more hours.
At this point, when they said it was time to board, people rushed. I saw the C-130, and held back... ("Wow, look at the stars...") Thus, I arranged to be near the end and scored a semi-comfortable seat.
We took off with a comfortable, vibrating drone from the 4 huge turboprops. Most of the 60 other folks crammed in couldn't move, and just tried to sleep as they were.
*I* was able to prop feet up, and after about 45 minutes, and 4 various contortionistic positions, found one that worked - 1 foot propped in one direction, 1 leg up in the other, bent 90 degrees, leaned over sideways. It was super comfy and I fell asleep.
I even sort of slept through our near-tactical landing. A tactical landing is unlike the one you're used to on GetMeThereCheap Airlines. Those are long, straight, and gentle. A tactical airline starts high directly over the airfield and then the pilot dives to the ground, corkscrewing, until he pulls out at the end and lands on the runway. If you're not careful, the MRE's can be given an out-of-body experience.
When they opened the ramp to the plane, I had the same thought as many others... (they thought aloud)... it was CHILLY. Apparently, in the month I was gone, Kandahar had left summer for deep fall. Brrrrr.
The Commander seemed happy to have me back. Sent me on a mission 2 minutes (literally, I checked my watch) after I checked back into the unit.
Somewhere, I must have passed 1SG as he went on leave. Since he's gone, I'm upstairs in my office full time - no birds. It'll probably mean it'll have been 2 months passed by the time I'm back to wrenches.
I still take it as a compliment, though, as I'm supporting the Acting 1SG as she tries to keep her head above water. Work had piled up and overall, she seemed happy I was back as well.
And thrilled and happy I am to be here, too.
In all seriousness, KAF isn't bad. From my R&R transit time, I was able to speak with quite a few Soldiers who are in places worse than mine doing jobs I don't want to do (or else, I'd have joined the Infantry). These guys are real heroes and deserve so much credit for what they do. I am impressed and in awe of them... and humbled.
Meanwhile, four and a half months to go.
26 October 2005
This Just In...
We've been scheduled for a 2130 flight tonight (I knew buying that stuff would help.)
We'll see if we actually make it out...
More later.
We'll see if we actually make it out...
More later.
Hotel California
And so, Day 4... or 5... I'm not really sure.
Feel like a slug.
Sleep schedule is REALLY messed up. Sleep 2-3 hours here, 8 there. All times of day or night. Nothing to do.
Well, there is the Internet. But it's for the low, low AAFES price of $5 per hour. That's right, $5 per hour. AAFES "goes where we go" because they know they can fleece us blind. There are at least 30 machines in this Internet cafe, at least 75% in use 24 hours a day. That's an average of $2700 taken in per day, $81000 per month. There is NO way their internet service costs that much.
But we pay it. What else to do? Use phone cards to call someone? AT&T (and it's partner AAFES) have extremely low rates on the military calling cards - rates of 14 to 17 cents a minute are often found.
Let's see, what else to do?
Well, I walk a lot. I've done a few mind-numbing laps around the camp. That was fun.
Watched the sun go down.
Enjoyed the private airshow we get by being close to the airbase.
There's always chow. DFAC here is awesome... but, have to be careful... since I'm as active as a slug right now, I can quickly gain back what I lost (yes, LOST!!!) on leave.
So, we sit.
And sleep.
And show up to the formations, regularly scheduled at 0900 and 1700, and whenever else they'd like to see us.
I just bought shaving creme (I'm out, but have several full cans waiting for me at KAF - thought I'd have enough to make the trip... wrong.) and a towel for a shower. Going to scrounge up some laundry detergent. All of which means that now that I've spent $$$ on stuff I didn't want to buy, I'll get a flight before I can use it.
Cabin fever here.
Don't get me wrong... it's not bad here. (Relatively speaking...)
Although, they should tell people before testing their sirens. This camp is a stopover for people going to and returning from the combat zones. Perhaps a warning about the sirens going off would be appropriate? Heard them go off myself, first thought was, "Wonder where the bunkers are?" segueing into "There are none..." then to "Oh well, back to sleep - nothing can do about it." Heard later some people were fairly jumpy.
Anyway, that's the news...
Feel like a slug.
Sleep schedule is REALLY messed up. Sleep 2-3 hours here, 8 there. All times of day or night. Nothing to do.
Well, there is the Internet. But it's for the low, low AAFES price of $5 per hour. That's right, $5 per hour. AAFES "goes where we go" because they know they can fleece us blind. There are at least 30 machines in this Internet cafe, at least 75% in use 24 hours a day. That's an average of $2700 taken in per day, $81000 per month. There is NO way their internet service costs that much.
But we pay it. What else to do? Use phone cards to call someone? AT&T (and it's partner AAFES) have extremely low rates on the military calling cards - rates of 14 to 17 cents a minute are often found.
Let's see, what else to do?
Well, I walk a lot. I've done a few mind-numbing laps around the camp. That was fun.
Watched the sun go down.
Enjoyed the private airshow we get by being close to the airbase.
There's always chow. DFAC here is awesome... but, have to be careful... since I'm as active as a slug right now, I can quickly gain back what I lost (yes, LOST!!!) on leave.
So, we sit.
And sleep.
And show up to the formations, regularly scheduled at 0900 and 1700, and whenever else they'd like to see us.
I just bought shaving creme (I'm out, but have several full cans waiting for me at KAF - thought I'd have enough to make the trip... wrong.) and a towel for a shower. Going to scrounge up some laundry detergent. All of which means that now that I've spent $$$ on stuff I didn't want to buy, I'll get a flight before I can use it.
Cabin fever here.
Don't get me wrong... it's not bad here. (Relatively speaking...)
Although, they should tell people before testing their sirens. This camp is a stopover for people going to and returning from the combat zones. Perhaps a warning about the sirens going off would be appropriate? Heard them go off myself, first thought was, "Wonder where the bunkers are?" segueing into "There are none..." then to "Oh well, back to sleep - nothing can do about it." Heard later some people were fairly jumpy.
Anyway, that's the news...
24 October 2005
Still In Kuwait
We have several formations a day where we all shuffle to the big room, wait to find out who's flying and who's not. Since Kandahar is about the hardest to get to, we're starting to add up.
No one's really in a hurry. As much as we HATE staying here (Cannot describe the intensity of the boredom here), it's still better than there.
Besides, our clocks are running whether we're here or there... so... why rush. They'll get us back when they do...
So, till later...
No one's really in a hurry. As much as we HATE staying here (Cannot describe the intensity of the boredom here), it's still better than there.
Besides, our clocks are running whether we're here or there... so... why rush. They'll get us back when they do...
So, till later...
A Technical Note
Quite a few of you post wonderful comments and I'd love to be able to reply. But, since you post anonymously (and can't blame you - I'd do it, too), I can't.
So, a request.
IF you post anonymously and would like a response, then please e-mail me at this address. A short "Hi" and "I'm so-and-so who just commented" is all that's needed.
No e-mails will be given out.
Promise.
Please keep commenting, though... even anonymously.
So, a request.
IF you post anonymously and would like a response, then please e-mail me at this address. A short "Hi" and "I'm so-and-so who just commented" is all that's needed.
No e-mails will be given out.
Promise.
Please keep commenting, though... even anonymously.
22 October 2005
On The Way Back...
I'm now back in the Holding Pen in Kuwait. What a morose experience this has turned out to be.
Leaving the family in Frankfurt (again) was just about as horrible as it can get. M clinging tightly, T being sweet, and E doing her best to let me be the only one with tears in the eyes.
On the flight to Qatar, of the servicefolks I saw, none of us were talking.
When we arrived at Kuwait International Airport, we had a bit of a surreal experience. Here we are, proceeding back to the war(s), but first... we must clear customs. We're all just showing our military IDs (instead of everyone else using passports), and here is a large military contingent moving through, but first - we have to be screened. Ahhhh, the joys of flying commercially to the war.
We were herded together and told to wait for our buses. When they arrived, they guided us through the airport, and we were just being stared at. You could have led naked women on camels through the airport and seen the same reaction.
Long ride back to the base with the "covert" escorts. And the inprocessing begins. Soon, good-bye to the civvies, and back to the war.
Yippee.
Joy.
Just $!@$% fantastic.
Leaving the family in Frankfurt (again) was just about as horrible as it can get. M clinging tightly, T being sweet, and E doing her best to let me be the only one with tears in the eyes.
On the flight to Qatar, of the servicefolks I saw, none of us were talking.
When we arrived at Kuwait International Airport, we had a bit of a surreal experience. Here we are, proceeding back to the war(s), but first... we must clear customs. We're all just showing our military IDs (instead of everyone else using passports), and here is a large military contingent moving through, but first - we have to be screened. Ahhhh, the joys of flying commercially to the war.
We were herded together and told to wait for our buses. When they arrived, they guided us through the airport, and we were just being stared at. You could have led naked women on camels through the airport and seen the same reaction.
Long ride back to the base with the "covert" escorts. And the inprocessing begins. Soon, good-bye to the civvies, and back to the war.
Yippee.
Joy.
Just $!@$% fantastic.
21 October 2005
Just Like "Family Circus"
Sometimes, I get help when working on the blog. I thought I'd give y'all a sneak peek at one of my wonderful assistants. You can see him at work on the computer and also another just looking cute (Sorry ladies, he's Mommy's for a few more years).
Last Dinner
Not as morbid as the title. We went out to eat, as a family, to a real gasthof (restaurant) and overall, had a good time. Didn't have huge expectations - for example, wasn't really surprised when M didn't eat everything... so, no biggie.
K provided a huge laugh for the evening. She was being fussy and not wanting to eat her food. Amongst the many reasons for her not eating that she gave was the following: "My teeth are weak because I'm tired."
Not sure how her teeth were weakening so quickly, or how a nap might improve it, but we have been laughing about it since...
It seems reminiscient of Lewis Black's comedy routine about "If it weren't for my horse..."
Anyways, it was a GREAT steak and had good time with kids, brattiness and all. Love 'em. Leave for Frankfurt in a few hours to catch my plane.
Oh joy. Yippee.
K provided a huge laugh for the evening. She was being fussy and not wanting to eat her food. Amongst the many reasons for her not eating that she gave was the following: "My teeth are weak because I'm tired."
Not sure how her teeth were weakening so quickly, or how a nap might improve it, but we have been laughing about it since...
It seems reminiscient of Lewis Black's comedy routine about "If it weren't for my horse..."
Anyways, it was a GREAT steak and had good time with kids, brattiness and all. Love 'em. Leave for Frankfurt in a few hours to catch my plane.
Oh joy. Yippee.
20 October 2005
5,000?
Amazing... the counter is approaching 5,000. I am surprised... it's just a little diary of mine. Surprised to see so many visitors.
Thank you ALL for stopping by and for the comments (even those which disagree). It's a joy and a pleasure. I've made some nice friends through here, too...
Just amazing....
Thank you ALL for stopping by and for the comments (even those which disagree). It's a joy and a pleasure. I've made some nice friends through here, too...
Just amazing....
In All Fairness...
Alitalia delivered our lost bag today. Only 9 days after lost, and it disrupted a trip (since E had no clothes for the whole week and some of mine were in there, too...), not too horrible. We really didn't expect to see it again based on our experiences with the bureaucracy of Alitalia. We believed we'd witnessed a near perfect demonstration of "Runaround".
However, once they found the bag (in Milan, with "Air Italy"), they were quite determined to get it to me. I received no fewer than 3 phone calls within 24 hours, at all hours (how many airlines do YOU know call at 2245 about delivering your bag?).
So, our luggage is back. We, of course, still need to pursue the claims for the clothes we bought in Malta and for the damage to the stroller, but...
We're pleasantly surprised to have back that which we never expected to see again.
(I was so worried I'd forever lost my pair of highly polished black jackboots. hehehe)
However, once they found the bag (in Milan, with "Air Italy"), they were quite determined to get it to me. I received no fewer than 3 phone calls within 24 hours, at all hours (how many airlines do YOU know call at 2245 about delivering your bag?).
So, our luggage is back. We, of course, still need to pursue the claims for the clothes we bought in Malta and for the damage to the stroller, but...
We're pleasantly surprised to have back that which we never expected to see again.
(I was so worried I'd forever lost my pair of highly polished black jackboots. hehehe)
19 October 2005
An Anonymous Moonbat Writes In
Oooooooh, I received a special present in my inbox this morning. It appears that my blog (if moonbats are to be believed) is read in such far away places as... Malta! Delightful. And here I thought it was just a small diary of what goes on in my life.
Anyways, this particular moonbat posted a comment to my long post about the goings on in Malta. I suspect it wasn't the picture of Thomas that got it agitated so much as, and I'm going out on a limb here, the description of the "Million Maltese March".
To be fair to the moonbats, whom by seeing the protest attendance don't get too many people hearing their view, I'm going to bring the comment out for EVERYone to see (there's what... 6 or 7 of you reading this now?).
So, here now, from our beloved on location moonbat in Malta:
While you have been having a break with your family in Malta, you creep, I wonder how many Afghan families you and your fellow assassins have destroyed.
You do not achieve democracy by UNDEMOCRATIC means. Put that in your little mind and try to explain it to the little minds of Americans who think like you. Luckily, you are in a minority of fascists in uniform.
A MALTESE PEACE-LOVER
I would have been more than happy to respond intellectually with our intrepid moonbat, though judging by the "you creep", I'm not likely to get a positive response.
Anyway, I've never been called a fascist before and it is quite a new feeling. I almost feel like I should be wearing jackboots or such, and while I did transit Italy on my trip, I didn't have the opportunity to check in with the Mussolini society.
What is a fascist? Well, any good dictionary will tell you that it's one who supports fascisim. But the GREAT dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster Online, further define it as:
Main Entry: fas·cism
Pronunciation: 'fa-"shi-z&m also 'fa-"si-
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces
1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control- fas·cist /-shist also -sist/ noun or adjective, often capitalized
So, according to this, *I* support dictators, and severe economic and social regimentation. Darn my near-perfect voting record and support of capitalism. Forcible suppression of opposition would have meant I'd delete the comment.
I don't think fascism means what our moonbat thinks it means.
But, maybe I'm wrong. So, attention fellow little minds (especially those in uniform):
Support Fascism! Get out and vote. Vote often. Spend your money... Spread it around. And don't forget to share ideas. Long live Fascism.
Oh, and one last thing... it should be noted dear peace-lover in Malta that the most fervent, die-hard anti-war persons are... Soldiers. Soldiers hate war. Especially those who've been in it. No Soldier wishes to fight a war. We strive for peace. Keep that in mind, little or big.
Anyways, this particular moonbat posted a comment to my long post about the goings on in Malta. I suspect it wasn't the picture of Thomas that got it agitated so much as, and I'm going out on a limb here, the description of the "Million Maltese March".
To be fair to the moonbats, whom by seeing the protest attendance don't get too many people hearing their view, I'm going to bring the comment out for EVERYone to see (there's what... 6 or 7 of you reading this now?).
So, here now, from our beloved on location moonbat in Malta:
While you have been having a break with your family in Malta, you creep, I wonder how many Afghan families you and your fellow assassins have destroyed.
You do not achieve democracy by UNDEMOCRATIC means. Put that in your little mind and try to explain it to the little minds of Americans who think like you. Luckily, you are in a minority of fascists in uniform.
A MALTESE PEACE-LOVER
I would have been more than happy to respond intellectually with our intrepid moonbat, though judging by the "you creep", I'm not likely to get a positive response.
Anyway, I've never been called a fascist before and it is quite a new feeling. I almost feel like I should be wearing jackboots or such, and while I did transit Italy on my trip, I didn't have the opportunity to check in with the Mussolini society.
What is a fascist? Well, any good dictionary will tell you that it's one who supports fascisim. But the GREAT dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster Online, further define it as:
Main Entry: fas·cism
Pronunciation: 'fa-"shi-z&m also 'fa-"si-
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces
1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
So, according to this, *I* support dictators, and severe economic and social regimentation. Darn my near-perfect voting record and support of capitalism. Forcible suppression of opposition would have meant I'd delete the comment.
I don't think fascism means what our moonbat thinks it means.
But, maybe I'm wrong. So, attention fellow little minds (especially those in uniform):
Support Fascism! Get out and vote. Vote often. Spend your money... Spread it around. And don't forget to share ideas. Long live Fascism.
Oh, and one last thing... it should be noted dear peace-lover in Malta that the most fervent, die-hard anti-war persons are... Soldiers. Soldiers hate war. Especially those who've been in it. No Soldier wishes to fight a war. We strive for peace. Keep that in mind, little or big.
17 October 2005
Response to Protesters
Mary Ann sent me a nice picture to use as a response to the protesters. While I do agree everyone has a right to say what they believe (*I* don't live in Toledo...), it is a refreshing sentiment. 
Scenes From Malta
Well, we've had fun doing nothing, next to nothing, a little bit more than nothing, and every now and then... stretching our legs and doing just a bit of something.
Some have asked what there is to do in Malta. Good question. After a week here, I can tell you - we're not sure.
Malta's been around for thousands of years. Being that it's directly in the middle of the Med, has a large natural harbor, and is a large chunk of rock in the middle of the sea, it was destined to be stumbled upon by people in boats, as far back as the early Phoenicians (check your history books). There are even some old Roman ruins here.
Not to sound too blase, but... I guess part of the letdown (that is, if you're expecting exciting ruins) is that ruined stone looks like ruined stone. Whether destroyed Roman house, destroyed Moor house, or destroyed Medieval house... it looks like chunks of stone scattered around.
What about the Knights of Malta? As one might expect from their name, they've played a large role in the history of Malta. From what I can gather from the tours, though, Malta's history is rather thin, so a large part of thin is still thin. They ruled Malta, built it up, fortified it, and can still be found around... but aside from battles with Turks, no major news here.
On some tours, they'll point out all the fortifications. On other tours, they discuss all the times Malta's been conquered. Conclusion - Malta has built a lot of unsuccessful, yet impressive fortifications.
All that said, Malta is an impressive, sleepy town. Yes, yes, Malta is really many towns, but it really seems like one big town. Everything is tucked into corners and any available spot that can be found. The people are friendly. Crime seems minor. The newspaper carries such major stories as the new car fleet at Avis and McDonald's has a new menu.
We have had quite a bit of fun just wandering and meandering. We picked up a stack of brochures and tried a few of the tours -
educational, but not much to tour. Here are some pictures of us having some fun...
Some interesting experiences? Well, on one day, while wandering around the capital of Valleta, we learned that there was going to be a military tattoo. A tattoo is basically like a military music concert / marching demonstration. Ooooooh. Sadly, the tickets were sold out. However, we did just happen to be in the right place for a parade! Yippee!
Thomas has never seen a parade, and what little boy would not love to see a parade? What with the marching and the horns tooting and the drums... ooooh, people allowed to bang on things. It doesn't get any better than that. Thomas was absolutely entranced as the various groups came marching by on the way to the main city square for the tattoo. Each one represented some small group that was taking part. It was exciting... not just to watch them, but to watch Thomas positively lose his little boy mind while they went by.
Of a special devious pleasure for me, there was a protest set-up in a square just down the street from the square where the tattoo was. In the picture I've included, it is easy to see the large turnout for the protest. Ok, there were maybe 5 or 6, if you don't count the people actually setting up their protest area. All the goodies were there. There were signs for "Peace Not War", "All Different, All Equal" (not a math major), protests against McDonald's, Nike, Adidas, the usual exhortations for workers to unite... I was just soooo tempted to go and introduce myself and what I do for a living, but... that wouldn't have been prudent. Never know what the moonbats will do.
I'm all for protesting. It does have a very valid place in democratic dialogue. But, I'm just wondering what they were expecting to happen? Is someone going to call the President and say, "Sir... there are some protesters in Malta asking for Peace, not War," and the President says, "Well, ok then, call the generals!"
The McDonald's protest was set up across the street from a Burger King. No indication how Burger King felt about the protest. I wanted to go and buy Big Macs for everyone though.
They had a large stage set up so they could have their protest concert. It dawned on me that their noise was going to overplay the tattoo down the road. Perhaps another strategic mistake... I can envisage some happy audience members enjoying the tattoo show, and then upon hearing the protest music drift over and drown it out, kick themselves for finally realizing the evil doings of their lifestyle, shed their Nikes, and rush to join the protest. Maybe not.
It must be hard to be a protester. Workers Unite has been around for awhile, yet communism has failed, unions are declining. Nike and Adidas apparently (according to the moonbats) still use slave labor, and many people still wear such shoes. Birkenstocks, while comfy, are not yet used in the NBA. Maybe just one more protest.
As for "Peace Not War" (with the always ubiquitous Mercedes symbol)... if you never prepare for war, and are willing to commit war, you will not have peace. There will always be times where policy needs to be carried out via armed force - even when the policy is preventing others from exercising that force against you. While universal peace is certainly an ideal and a lofty one, it is an illusion. No? At how many peace protests these days do you see protesters throwing rocks and fists? These are the most basic weapons and if "peace" protesters are using them, can peace be far behind? What would a peace protest be like if the protesters had bigger weapons?
Some have asked what there is to do in Malta. Good question. After a week here, I can tell you - we're not sure.
Malta's been around for thousands of years. Being that it's directly in the middle of the Med, has a large natural harbor, and is a large chunk of rock in the middle of the sea, it was destined to be stumbled upon by people in boats, as far back as the early Phoenicians (check your history books). There are even some old Roman ruins here.
Not to sound too blase, but... I guess part of the letdown (that is, if you're expecting exciting ruins) is that ruined stone looks like ruined stone. Whether destroyed Roman house, destroyed Moor house, or destroyed Medieval house... it looks like chunks of stone scattered around.
What about the Knights of Malta? As one might expect from their name, they've played a large role in the history of Malta. From what I can gather from the tours, though, Malta's history is rather thin, so a large part of thin is still thin. They ruled Malta, built it up, fortified it, and can still be found around... but aside from battles with Turks, no major news here.
On some tours, they'll point out all the fortifications. On other tours, they discuss all the times Malta's been conquered. Conclusion - Malta has built a lot of unsuccessful, yet impressive fortifications.
All that said, Malta is an impressive, sleepy town. Yes, yes, Malta is really many towns, but it really seems like one big town. Everything is tucked into corners and any available spot that can be found. The people are friendly. Crime seems minor. The newspaper carries such major stories as the new car fleet at Avis and McDonald's has a new menu.
We have had quite a bit of fun just wandering and meandering. We picked up a stack of brochures and tried a few of the tours -
educational, but not much to tour. Here are some pictures of us having some fun...Some interesting experiences? Well, on one day, while wandering around the capital of Valleta, we learned that there was going to be a military tattoo. A tattoo is basically like a military music concert / marching demonstration. Ooooooh. Sadly, the tickets were sold out. However, we did just happen to be in the right place for a parade! Yippee!
Thomas has never seen a parade, and what little boy would not love to see a parade? What with the marching and the horns tooting and the drums... ooooh, people allowed to bang on things. It doesn't get any better than that. Thomas was absolutely entranced as the various groups came marching by on the way to the main city square for the tattoo. Each one represented some small group that was taking part. It was exciting... not just to watch them, but to watch Thomas positively lose his little boy mind while they went by.
Of a special devious pleasure for me, there was a protest set-up in a square just down the street from the square where the tattoo was. In the picture I've included, it is easy to see the large turnout for the protest. Ok, there were maybe 5 or 6, if you don't count the people actually setting up their protest area. All the goodies were there. There were signs for "Peace Not War", "All Different, All Equal" (not a math major), protests against McDonald's, Nike, Adidas, the usual exhortations for workers to unite... I was just soooo tempted to go and introduce myself and what I do for a living, but... that wouldn't have been prudent. Never know what the moonbats will do.
I'm all for protesting. It does have a very valid place in democratic dialogue. But, I'm just wondering what they were expecting to happen? Is someone going to call the President and say, "Sir... there are some protesters in Malta asking for Peace, not War," and the President says, "Well, ok then, call the generals!"
The McDonald's protest was set up across the street from a Burger King. No indication how Burger King felt about the protest. I wanted to go and buy Big Macs for everyone though.
They had a large stage set up so they could have their protest concert. It dawned on me that their noise was going to overplay the tattoo down the road. Perhaps another strategic mistake... I can envisage some happy audience members enjoying the tattoo show, and then upon hearing the protest music drift over and drown it out, kick themselves for finally realizing the evil doings of their lifestyle, shed their Nikes, and rush to join the protest. Maybe not.
It must be hard to be a protester. Workers Unite has been around for awhile, yet communism has failed, unions are declining. Nike and Adidas apparently (according to the moonbats) still use slave labor, and many people still wear such shoes. Birkenstocks, while comfy, are not yet used in the NBA. Maybe just one more protest.
As for "Peace Not War" (with the always ubiquitous Mercedes symbol)... if you never prepare for war, and are willing to commit war, you will not have peace. There will always be times where policy needs to be carried out via armed force - even when the policy is preventing others from exercising that force against you. While universal peace is certainly an ideal and a lofty one, it is an illusion. No? At how many peace protests these days do you see protesters throwing rocks and fists? These are the most basic weapons and if "peace" protesters are using them, can peace be far behind? What would a peace protest be like if the protesters had bigger weapons?
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