Stupid internet...

I tried to blog a couple of days ago, but my internet was acting up. I meant to post about a friend of mine who recently lost a parent. This person (I've blogged about them before, but won't mention his/her name again) is having a tough time, not ust with the passing of a loved one, but by the negligence of the rest of the family. The obituary the family wrote up did not include this person, their mother, or their son. It really hurts me to see this person hurting, because they have always been a bright and shining beacon in my life. It's hard to be depressed around this person, because of his/her atitude about life. There's always music and sunshine, and now there are clouds. I pray for this person constantly, as they are one of my closest friends. I guess I'm writing this here, so they can read it, and know they are always cared for - and about. At least by this blogger.

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Vanessa opened up her blog again. She had some bad things happen to her, but she's spent a lot of time with God, and she's actually come out on top. Thanks to everyone who was looking out for her.



For those select few in her office reading (and you know who you are), please note the caption at the bottom of her blog. It was there before, but you chose to ignore it. Also note, that it is as legal as my header, and therefore cannot be used against her. I can't say any more, because ...well, you know why.




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They look like big, strong hands...don't they.
- Rock Man from The Neverending Story




I've been here 8 weeks now. How do I know that? Here are ten hints staring you in the face. Look closely.

The answer is below.

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I also know it's been 8 weeks, because of my workout routine. Every day I do pull ups. It all started when I was out on a "fresh air" break my second week here. We have a pull-up bar outside our hooch, and I told myself that for every "break" I took, I'd do a pull-up. Then, the next week I did two, then three, and so on. Now I'm up to seven, so that means I've been here eight weeks.

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And now the answer:
I usually pick and bite my fingernails (bad habit I know), but sinc eI've been here, they've been growing unfettered.

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ULI

siempre

Colon-Hyphen-Parenthesis

It's a great day.

I got to talk to my lovely wife today, and gt some really good news. Thank you for your prayers, for we know that it was God that stepped in and helped out. She got word today that her appeal went through. Not all of her punishment was revoked, but a portion of it was. Now she has a Holy Order to fulfill. She prayed about it, and if a certain thing happened, she would buy Bibles for the people her family helps in Honduras. Not just any Bible, but a solar-powered, Spanish speaking Bible (a huge portion of the population where they do their mission work cannot read, so these Bibles will actually speak the Word to them). Praise be to God, and all His glory!
Since she no longer has a blog, she has asked me to post. If you would like to help with providing some of these Bibles to the Hondurans, let her know through the communications you usually have with her.

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I have been getting scores of packages lately, and I feel very blessed. I have received things from friends and family - but also from complete strangers. I got a wonderfully written letter last week. Perhaps I will post it here in the coming days. The words this person wrote were utter prose. I almost feel bad receiving it, as I feel it should have gone to a Soldier or Marine on the front lines of this "War on ..."
I also got a box from a lady in Tampa, FL. IT was filled to the brim with VERY nice things. She sent a note along with it, saying it was her first CARE package. Oh, the things she sent...luxury items mostly, but a few necessities. I have written both of them back, thanking them for their love and appreciation for everything they have done for those of us over here. I hope that if they look up my name online (both sent packages directly to ME, rather than getting distro'ed through my unit), they will see this and know how much I appreciate them.
Vanessa is really to blame/thank for these, though. She signed me up on a list - nay - 20 lists to receive letters and CARE packages from organizations that support the troops.
I really urge you (if you're not already) to look up some of these organizations, and donate a little time, a letter, or a package to them. Getting something from a complete stranger would normally freak me out, but here, it's always welcome, and valued more than I can describe in words.

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Another thing I need to post on Vanessa's behalf, is that she needs boxes. Unfortunately, she has been going through the house; cleaning, packing, and donating a lot of her old stuff. Now she is low on boxes that she would normally use o send me things. So, if yo can send her some, I know she'd like it (she told me to say that she doesn't want people spending money to send them, but I know she needs them, and this is my direct link to many of the people I care about).

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Tonight was movie night at my Hooch. I, along with two other Airmen, and our two Marines, watched "Full Metal Jacket." It was funny to have all five of us watching, and quoting along with the film - a la Rocky Horror. It's just one of those flicks a bunch of guys - esp. military guys - can get together to watch, and it strengthens their resolve. I can't recommend it to everyone (esp. my Dad), but it's one of those films that really shows the progression we service members go through from our first days at boot camp, up to our final days in combat. We laughed, we watched in awe, and we became closers as brothers in arms...all because of a film.

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The show is going well, and I'm completely happy with what I'm doing. A few years ago, I'd say something like, "I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop," because back then, if something went right in my life, I was assured that something would go terribly wrong to make up for it. I don't feel that way anymore; partially, I'm sure, because I no longer feel the same as I did back then, but mostly, because I have a very strong, and loving support network. Thanks to all of you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Please join me in praying for everyone over here (OIF and OEF) that don't have it so nice as I believe I do. Some of our news gus are going into places that have been "red" for the past week. Also, for the people of this country, and ANY country that suffer from the effects of war, famine, pestilence, and (unneccessar) death. The effects of the four horsemen (not us Jason, Matin, or Matt) can be seen all around this area.

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That's it for this evening. Have a wonderful day/afternoon/night.





ULI