august:
08th
KARLA's b-day
10th
JOHARA's b-day
11th
TANYA's b-day
13th
IRIS' b-day
20th
ERIKA's wedding
22nd
shipping appointment
23rd
farewell luncheon
25th
huntsville, al (depart)
dallas, tx (arrive)
28th
NICK's b-day
31st
MARILOU's b-day
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SUNDAY 21ST AUGUST 2005
12:38-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"For GOD didn't give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
-- 02 TIMOTHY 01 : 07
I spent pretty much all of yesterday afternoon reading. And a few minutes ago I put down my second TED dekker novel. "Obsessed" proved a bit darker than "Thr3e" but it was just as riveting. At times I felt it almost comical that I was so driven to finish the book. I kept taking breaks but then coming back to it and reading on. It was almost as if I was obsessed. I'll take a break from existing in the world of Dekker and begin reading "When God Writes Your Life Story." Non-fiction. But after I put that one (01) down I'll seek out more Dekker.
Well, I have a room to "unclutter" and set straight for tomorrow's packing appointment. Sure enough I have successfully procrastinated and now much do what could have been started on comfortably last week, this afternoon, evening, and night. So this will most likely be one (01) of the very last posts here for a while. Well, until I can get to another computer. I have yet to burn my files on CD but that will happen as soon as I upload this update. My first stop is Dallas to link up with REUBEN, and later Thursday evening, KARLA. I suspect I'll be able to use a computer at either of their places to update. All in all I could be using ten (10) different computers to update over the course of my leave; that includes the laptop I ordered to be sent to CHRIS' work address.
I planned on the laptop arriving sometime just before I was due in San Antonio, but apparently I didn't have the option for rush delivery and it will most likely arrive sometime in the middle of September. Of course that is no big deal, it only guarantees I'll have to head back to San Antonio to retrieve it and I'll be able to spend more time with my friends there before heading to Korea for two (02) years. It only sounds like a long time, but it will go by pretty quickly I imagine. On the other hand, two (02) years is a rather long time and it could drag by. In retrospect though most chunks of time seem as though they just flew by. When I tell people I'll be stationed there for two (02) years their eyes widen. It just does not seem that big of a deal for me. I suppose because I have been there before and done one (01) year, and I'm in the Army with just under four (04) years left in my contract, ... I have to be somewhere, why not the other side of the planet?
Well, it is time to get started. I'm getting just as annoyed with this short posts as much as many of you are. I suppose it is just a reflection of how things are happening nowadays: fast-paced and in bursts. Things will settle in a few months when I'm somewhere new and where I know I can settle for a couple of years. I'm on the down slope here and it has always been difficult for me to concentrate on a few things, much less focus on preparing to move on to another country. So forgive the short bursts of updates. Things will get rich and meaty in due time. But for now, i have to spring into action and get things in order. Because there is not room for error once things are packed tight and taken away. If I'm standing tomorrow night having neglected to pack something or neglected to leave something out in order to take with me to Texas, I'll be in trouble. So I have to preserve this focus for the organizing, and inventory, tomorrow's packing, and the last things I have to check off the list before my baby and I roll out of here Thursday morning.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST 2005
10:52-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"The GOD who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and Earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else."
-- Acts 14 : 24 & 25
"Welcome Home"
SHAUN groves
Take, me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking
Welcome to this heart of mine
I've buried under prideful vines
Grown to hide the mess I've made
Inside of me come decorate, Lord
And open up the creaking door
And walk upon the dusty floor
Scrape away the guilty stains
Until no sin or shame remain
Spread Your love upon the walls
And occupy the empty halls
Until the man I'm has faded
No more doors are barricaded
Come inside this heart of mine
It's not my own
Make it home
Come and take this heart and make it
All Your own, welcome home
Take a seat, pull up a chair
Forgive me for the disrepair
And the souvenirs from floor to ceiling
Gathered on my search for meaning
And every closet's filled with clutter
Messes yet to be discovered
I'm overwhelmed, I understand
I can't make this place all that You can
Come inside this heart of mine
It's not my own
Make it home
Come and take this heart and make it
All Your own, welcome home
I took the space that You placed in me
Redecorated in shades of greed
And I made sure every door stayed locked
Every window blocked, and still You knocked
Come inside this heart of mine
It's not my own
Make it home, make it home
Come and take this heart and make it
All Your own, welcome, welcome, welcome home
Take me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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FRIDAY 19TH AUGUST 2005
8:52-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
-- JOB 12 : 10
Okay, another week down. This was my last Friday here with the Command Group at Redstone Arsenal. I have had to let people know that I'm in fact leaving soon. Since I left for two (02) months to attend both phases of BNCOC everyone just kind of figured I was gone. Then I returned and have been back upstairs working with CSM Lunn as well as with my replacement. So yes, everyone is used to seeing me again so I have to remind some people that in a few days I'll be going away for a very long time and will report for duty in a foreign country. But for the most part everyone realizes my time here is winding down.
Well, I just have this weekend to prepare for the packers on Monday. I need to get everything out and sorted and more or less organized. The huge pile of clothes on the floor just is not going to cut it. Everything will be folded and stacked in piles for them to come and pack into boxes and haul off. And separate for all of that will be the stuffage I'll take with me to Texas for a month's vacation with friends and family. It should be a lot of fun. Hopefully my baby and I'll get down to south Texas in one (01) piece and I'll be able to stow her safely and soundly in storage before heading off on more overseas adventures.
CSM Lunn told SGT Croan to see about having a farewell luncheon for me Tuesday. I think it was more like SGT Croan letting CSM Lunn know that something should be done. I have not received my award so technically something of a ceremony has to be done before I leave, but I'd prefer just leaving without hoopla. I had my hoopla when I was promoted and reenlisted. Of course this is the real deal, I'm leaving and not just going to school for a couple of months. So okay, it is justified. And I do want to be presented with my award. I think SGT Croan is having a collage made for me too. I peeked at his notes in his desk and think I saw my name written next to "collage". Now I have to think of more things to say! Ha!
So it is finally coming to an end here at Redstone Arsenal. I'll soon be back on a team. Of course this time I'll be heading back to my fellow calibrators as a Staff Sergeant. It is hard to believe that I arrived here, a brand new Sergeant and will leave after having worn a rocker on my collar for approximately three (03) months.And to think the last time I was here at Redstone I had no intention of returning. In fact, the last time I was here I didn't intend to stay in the Army, much less do five (04) years and tack on an additional three (03) and ten (10) months. But life is funny that way I suppose. ... I know.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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THURSDAY 18TH AUGUST 2005
9:11-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
--Psalm 37 : 07
Somehow I was sidetracked yesterday and instead of going to LifeWay to buy a couple books, I just went to Sonic, bought food, and headed straight back to the room. So this evening I have returned with two (02) new books. One (01) by TED dekker ("Obsessed") and another, "When GOD Writes Your Love Story," by ERIC and LESLIE ludy. I'm excited to once again delve into the world (mind) of TED dekker. After reading "Thr3e" I'm now a fan. That is a good book for a first time reader of Dekker. I passed it on to SHITARRA since she is a DEAN koontz fan. I thought she might like it. She is the summer hire up here working across the hall with the General's staff. She leaves tomorrow bound for Florida to begin school again. Her concentration is something impressive. I forget what she said it was at the moment. But she loves mathematics and science. Why? I have no idea. So yes, I'm sure she is a smart girl. I do not think she will have a problem succeeding.
So yes, the book was impressive so I just had to do some research on him and get another book. I have read interviews and stuffage on Dekker and like him as an author. If I'd get my lazy butt in gear I'm sure I'd have some similar philosophies and methods as he would. And, naturally, as soon as I finished "Thr3e" I thought that if I could just write something like that, I'd be okay. Just one (01) good book. Of course one (01) would lead to the want to write another and another and another. And of course, I hope it would and that they would all be good. Ha! So I'll probably work on reading all TED dekker has written. I'm excited about his upcoming book ("Showdown") too.
ERIKA headed for the airport after we finished dinner at Friday's. She is off to meet up with her fiancée. He is working Army intelligence out of Washington D.C. We decided to go for some food after work since I'll not see her again before I leave for Texas next Thursday. Of course my transportation contact says I may have to fly out of Huntsville, Alabama instead of Texas. I may be able to get the ticket changed. But even if I have to fly out of Alabama it would not be that big of a deal and I'd plan to head up here a few days earlier so that I could hang out and visit FELICIA and ERIKA and the people in the Command Group. So if I have to leave out of Alabama, it would not be a bad thing.
So tomorrow is Friday and I'll have just a couple of days left to sort things out in my room and organize before the packers come on Monday to pack things up for shipment. My things should arrive in Korea about the end of September so I do not have to pack things thinking they will not be accessible when I arrive. That is a good thing. Technically I'm not suppose to pack certain things like uniforms, boots, etc. But I think I may pack two (02) uniforms anyway so I'll have less to load up in my baby to take to Texas. Of course there is always the option of mailing some stuffage. I know my address in Korea so that is a definite good thing. What I can not cram into bags and take with me I can mail from Texas ahead of me. I suppose getting things in order before they arrive (sometime on Monday) is not too huge of a task. I'm a little disappointed I'll not have my computer for two (02) whole days before I begin my drive to Texas. I suppose it is no big deal though, I can manage a couple of days.
I made a list of all the things I need to take care of before I head out early Thursday morning. It is pretty long but most things are easy. I'm sure though if I didn't make the list there would be plenty things I'd have overlooked, like turning in keys. Ha! I figure I can turn them in on Wednesday and spend a night at PINKY's place. I'll have everything out of my room by then and I may as well pack up my baby and head over there to sleep. That is about my only option since I'll not be able to turn my keys in Thursday morning around 1:00, before I leave. I have to remember to leave PINKY's key at her place before I leave too. She graduates from Officer Candidate School at the end of the month, returns to Redstone for a couple of weeks, is off to Officer Basic (somewhere else, I have forgotten), and then will report to her first duty station as an officer, Fort Hood, Texas.
No word on my bonus. It sure is a shame I have not received it yet. MSG Carlile is on the case though. I let him know I wasn't getting any straight answers and that someone was still not getting me what I was promised. He will not let me down. I know he will work the issue once I'm gone and the money will show up in my account sooner or later; hopefully it shows up sooner, like sometime next month. Too bad it is not earning any kind of interest.
Well all for now. I'm planning to get to bed soon so I can wake up and get to work earlier than I have been all week. SHEILA will not be in until just before lunch and SGT Croan will be out running CSM Lunn here and there. So I have to get in to cover the phones and such.
Night all.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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TUESDAY 16TH AUGUST 2005
10:22-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution. ... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I'll give you the crown of life."
--Revelation 02 : 10
I was planning to be in bed and asleep by now. It, obviously, didn't happen. For some reason after fetching my laundry, taking trash to the dumpsters out front, and calling CHRIS, I was drawn to my car. So I spoke to him a bit while beginning a drive which ended up taking me a few miles away from post for no particular reason whatsoever. I was speaking to MIKE as I drove back on post. He was letting me know his plans to apply for an English teaching (Yes, teaching Korean children English.) job in Korea are looking positive. So he may be heading to Seoul around the same time I am. I suppose I never thought that I'd be living in the same country as a high school classmate, ... a country which is not America I mean. He says it would be a year long stint. It looks like he is going to do it too, so I hope it works out well for him. I must say though it will be really strange to meet up with him in the "Land of the Morning Calm". Strange indeed.
Crawling into bed is seeming like a pretty good idea right about now. Too much on my mind anyway. Tonight I'd much rather just close my eyes and be done with another day.
Night.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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MONDAY 15TH AUGUST 2005
12:23-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"He who belongs to GOD hears what GOD says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to GOD."
-- JOHN 08 : 47
Up. I'm waiting for JANELLE to call. I called her earlier and she said she would call me back "later". I'm wondering if "later" is still later or if this is "later" and she has just forgotten to call me back. Well in a couple of hours I'll most likely tuck myself into bed, so after about 2:30 her calling is going to mean me waking up to answer the phone. I do not mind waking up to answer the phone though.
In fact I do not mind answering the phone no matter what, I just like the idea of my phone ringing and friends being on the other line. I'm going to miss that for the next couple of years. Well, I know some of my friends will go out of their way to buy phone cards to call me and keep in touch, but the majority will not, and therefore the phone will cease to be a tool for communicating with most of my friends, unless I call of course. But then that is the way it goes most of the time, I'm calling. So why should I expect to get a windfall of calls when I'm on the other side of the world? It is not like this will be my first time out of the country. Anyway, I do not think she will call. I think JANELLE simply forgot. No big deal though, I know she is leading a busy life with school and work, she needs her sleep. And as it is after 1:00 in the morning on the east coast, I'm hoping she is sleeping peacefully and has been for a couple of hours now.
I was going through my pages here spell checking. I think I finished all of them. I'm not completely sure though since I started from December of 2002 last time and started from this month this time. I'm not sure if I have met in the middle or not. I found myself in August of 2003 and decided to post it here. Yes, I know lately I have been posting a lot of flash backs. But I like to look back, mostly because this one (01) year here in Alabama was such a great experience for me as far as my military "career" goes and my life in general goes. And it is inspiring to look back and know that I had no idea how great this would be, much less had no idea it would even really happen.
Looking back allows me to confirm the fact that I have changed and am changing, I think for the better too. And of course it helps me confirm the fact that hard times must be endured and struggles are simply a part of life. So two (02) years ago I was just about to embark on my journey from Fort Drum, New York to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; a journey that would quickly change my ideas and opinions on some things and change the direction of my life in a very positive way:
FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST 2003
11:35-PM-(UTC/GMT -5 Hours)
So, I'm back from Friendlys. JAMES (SGT Lindly) and I were accompanied by a bit more people than usual: MAURICIO (SPC Santos) came along as well as DANIEL (SPC Hall), SHAMAL (SPC Mason) and CRAIG (PFC Hill). And for the first time I didn't get dessert. I know it almost seemed criminal. But my sandwich was good. Something about ordering a sandwich with "tomato" in the title and asking NICOLE to leave the tomato off felt somehow liberating. Ha! But of course it seems I can not have anything straight up right off of the menu. I have to have them hold this or change this, substitute that, or add extra this. Anyway, NICOLE mentioned reading my words about her from July. I could not tell if she had taken offense at it or not. Needless to say I hope the fact I stated she seemed a bit distressed each time I saw her didn't bother her. I could not tell. She mentioned it only twice and didn't expound upon it. But of course she was working and I'm sure sitting and having a conversation with a patron would be frowned upon just a little bit.
"NICOLE ...
... For the record, I didn't mean it in a bad way. You do your job wonderfully. If just seems as though your mind is elsewhere. Maybe you're just a thinker. That's cool. I'm a thinker too. So I hope you weren't irked by what I posted. But if you ever are, or have a comment you can always email."
So MAURICIO ordered a pink drink. JAMES quickly pointed out the fact everything he orders turns out to be pink and looking very girlie (i.e: the pink and purple scoops of ice cream he had ordered the last time the three (03) of us were there). When MAURICIO came back from smoking he noticed it too:
"Man, why am I always getting pink things. I don't mean too, it just happens though."
The plan was to go to CRAIG's house and chill out. That didn't happen. After we all finished our meals we were too tired to continue the night. It was going on midnight anyway. So it was back to the barracks for the majority of the group.
Earlier in the day BRIAN (SPC Diongon) had invited us to go to dinner with him and his wife, KELLY. JAMES and I were going to go but stayed at the gym with SHAMAL and MAURICIO a bit longer than expected. I'm not a gym person. Again, I'm not a gym person. But JAMES and I want to start going. So I figured tagging along with SHAMAL, who frequently frequents (Ha!) the gym, would be a good way to begin a regular routine. It has to start somewhere and sometime after all. We immediately hit the bench. SHAMAL and MAURICIO more or less mirrored one (01) another's lifting of poundage while JAMES and I started with pretty much the same amount of weights. That made things better than having to take so much weight off all the time if it were say SHAMAL and myself. Firstly he outweighs me by quite a lot, can lift a good deal more than I'm able to, and he is a seasoned gym "goer". It was fun. I actually enjoyed making my biceps and chest and triceps tighten up. I received a pretty nice introductory workout.
Since the gym is by no means my home I had to get acquainted with everything. Ha! But it was cool. I need to be going frequently so that I can work to become as strong as I look. Yes, I look pretty strong but it is just because my body's muscles are extremely defined. And well, I'm not exactly a weakling either.
JAMES and I were talking while heading back from Friendlys. We figured working out on a normal basis would do us well. And that if we began to get fit and in shape we would also want to improve other aspects of our life. So a scheduled work out routine will do us both good and spur us to make a routine and organize other parts and aspects of our life. In my case I'm going to need to juggle two (02) courses for three (03) months, studying for a promotion board that's in the beginning of October, get PC (Production Control) in order, and keep my books fresh in my mind so when I'm ready to get those up and going I'll be able to. And a writing routine would not hurt either. But as it is said all too often, "there are never enough hours in the day." Of course I usually only sleep four (04) hours or less each night. I'm not exactly cheating myself out of wakeful time.
Tonight though I'm going to call it a night at about, ... well, about now. Night.
That gang is all broken up now: JAMES is in Italy and a Staff Sergeant now; MAURICIO has been out of the Army for a few months now (maybe a year, I forget); DANIEL is on his way out of the Army in a month or so; SHAMAL reclassed and is just about to finish his second AIT at Fort Belvoir, VA; CRAIG was discharged a couple of months ago; BRIAN, last I heard was back in Korea; and NICOLE, well, maybe she still lives in upstate New York and maybe not. Maybe she still visits here; maybe not.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST 2005
6:53-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life."
-- Proverbs 22 : 04
I just finished the novel I was reading. Fantastic. At first, a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't really into it, reading ten (10) or twelve (12) pages before tucking myself in the for night (or early morning). Today however I became totally engrossed in it and read for about four (04) hours. After about ten (10) plot twists I finally flipped the back cover, thoroughly satisfied, inspired, and surer than ever that I'll never be able to create anything half as good. Ha!
But I can not hang around to ponder and type. I have to get back on today's project so I have something to show CSM Lunn tomorrow. I have started and made some headway, but reading ate up a big chunk of my afternoon, so I have to double my efforts and concentration. At least is is not quite 8:00; and I have it underway so I'm looking good to finish it up before too long.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2005
9:52-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"I know that My Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I'll see GOD; I myself will see Him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"
-- JOB 19 : 25 - 27
Since I have put off working on the after action review binder from the Symposium held a month ago, I now have just tomorrow to put something together. Of course with SHEILA being out this week and lots to do I didn't have a lot of time to sit around and put it together during work. But okay, I did have time after work. But that was "after work". If I do not procrastinate further, I know I can knock it out in a day. I just have to keep the perfectionist in me at bay so that I'm not obsessing for an hour over which font and font size to use. Yes, it is possible. It should not be too difficult: a cover sheet, a place for the CSM's introduction, maybe an introduction from the General as well, a table of contents sheet, a sheet with the briefing and name of each briefer at the front of the after action review sheets corresponding to the briefing, etc.
That is about an afternoon worth of work. No biggie. I can not afford to be starting this project at say, 8:00 tomorrow night. It have been on the CSM's calendar now for a couple of days and he has not called me in to discuss it or see it, but obviously I'm not off the hook. I mean he would not just forget about it and let me know it is not going to happen. No. Besides, he writes out his schedule in the afternoon, he is the one (01) that included it in the mornings on Thursday and Friday. So come Monday, I suspect he will want to see some product, ... it was an item for Monday's schedule too.
Of course I could begin tonight, but I promised myself to spend some quality time with the novel I'm reading. And after all, I have to keep promises to myself. If I could not trust myself with keeping promises to me what would my relationship with me become, ... what would this world become? So yes, tonight, reading; tomorrow, working.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2005
8:27-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
Listening - "LOVE YOU THAT MUCH"-MaryMary Mary, Mary
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for He grants sleep to those He loves."
-- Psalm 127 : 01 & 02
Well ERIKA is getting married next weekend. Not the ERIKA who I headed to PF Chang's with last weekend (but she is engaged too and will marry next May); this ERIKA is a friend from high school. Anyway, supposedly I called her this morning around 3:00. She called back worried. Ha! Okay, okay, I did phone at 3:00. What can I say I was awake and bored; I needed someone to talk to. And she woke me up at 6:40 so I suppose she "got me back." But I answered. So I guess that about evens things out. She had a lot to say about her soon-to-be in-laws.
She said she will call again around lunchtime. I expect we will get a chance to go back and forth filling each other in on what has been going on and what will be going on in our respective lives. Of course since her life will change in a week, I'm sure I'll continue to get a nice ear full regarding the wedding. But I'm interested, ... fortunately, because I'm going to hear about things regardless. We have not talked in such a long time. And the weird thing is that she would always insist I was going to be the one (01) to fall off the edge of the Earth so to speak and just disappear. But each time we have spoken it has been because yours truly phoned. And that is pretty much the case with all of my friends, ... with the exception of CHRIS of course.
I watched The Notebook last night. It was good. And yes, I cried. But those two (02) facts could have been confirmed even before I put the disc in my computer. I was waiting for it to really bust wide open though and it never really did. It was a good story, but for some reason I just didn't totally feel it. I'm used to watching Asian fare these days and their love stories are just sagas. I enjoy a good love/life story like Dolls or To Live better than just about any of the same type America can produce.
But it was good, I enjoyed it and it is in my top one hundred (100), but definitely not in the top ten (10) or twenty-five (25), ... or even fifty (50) for that matter. But then, I have seen (and own) a pretty good amount of movies for a nice handful of countries. But it is worth seeing and worth owning. And RACHAEL mcadams does a superb job. The snippet of her screen test was a great treat too. I wish more DVDs had actor's screen tests on them. For the record I'm putting that request out there into the world. When I become a successful actor I'll make sure portions of my screen test are on the DVD releases.
Breakfast this morning consists of cheeseburgers courtesy of McDonald's and caffeine free Coca-Cola classic. It's the new "breakfast of champions".
I should really get my room in order so sorting through everything before my shipping appointment will not be a total pain next weekend. But as I have not picked up and organized in the year I have been here, I doubt I'll do much beyond just shifting the clutter from one (01) spot to another. Of course when 22 August rolls around, I'll need to have done something. So it is about time to get with the program. I do not really see the movers just picking everything up off the floor and stuffing it into boxes. I should probably start on inventory sheets and valuable items listings. BLAH. I loathe that about shipping things. But hey, it is free and I'll not have to do it for another two (02) years from Korea back to the States, so I can grin and bear it once again.
I washed my car yesterday at PINKY's. She called while I was doing it and left a voice message. She called again while I was out, on my way to Wal-Mart. As of now she is scheduled to go to Fort Hood as her first duty station as a 2nd LT in the United States Army. I'll definitely be picking her brain about how the transition goes from Enlisted to Officer. No, I'm not going to apply for Officer Candidate School. Well, I'm not seriously planning to at the moment anyway; I'm just in an exploratory phase and have a multitude of options; I'm just trying to feel different ideas out. But yeah the dream and the plan is to get out get some acting training/schooling and pursue acting for the stage and screen, ... and of course, become successful and "known". But who knows what could happen tomorrow.
Later.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST 2005
12:16-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
Listening - "ASLAN"-KENDALL payne Grown
"Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness."
-- Proverbs 14 : 22
"UNCLE SAM, ...
... Time to cough up some dough. You owe me thousands because as of a couple of months ago I began my second enlistment in our United States Army. And we had a deal; it is in my contract, ... I reenlist, you give me some bonus cash.
Now really, if I owed you some money you would take it immediately, all at once, and when it will be the most inconvenient for me. I know this because it has happened. So let's get square huh? How about you fork over the green you owe me and I can go about serving my country as happy as can be. I'll be checking for the transfer, as I have been for the past few weeks, often. Thanks."
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2005
6:33-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
Listening - "ROLLERCOASTER"-KENDALL payne Grown
"O righteous GOD, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure."
-- Psalm 07 : 09
I feel this evening gradually turning into an evening with a mad rush to Sonic for a snack and above all something to drink, namely a lemon-berry slushie. I still have not learned my lesson about having things to drink stocked here in the room. For the past week or so I have not bought anything (juices, Gatorade, even water) to stock my 'fridge with. I can not even explain how uncomfortable it is to wake up in the morning feeling just plain thirsty. I'll go out and by a drink to complement whatever I'm going to eat and once I have it, I just forget about heading to the PX or to Wal-Mart to buy any kind of beverages in bulk. Tonight may have to be a Wal-Mart run before I hit up Sonic. I really need to get a package of Gatorade or something in here for these occasions. I'm thirsty and have nothing to drink. There is no excuse for being in such a state.
Since Monday I have not had good mornings. It has been my intention to get into work at 7:00 but the best I have done is 7:30, this morning. Monday was nowhere close to 7:00. Ha! I'm in the habit now of hitting my snooze button at least four (04) or six (06) times before getting up in a rush trying to make it into work by 7:00, which has not happened yet. So from 5:40 in the morning to about 6:45 I'll hear my alarm go off, hit the snooze button, and doze off again. So I'm just dozing and waking, dozing and waking for about an hour in the mornings. It is not good stuffage.
I emailed Ms. Bone, who is handling my travel arrangements for Korea. It was hurried and done with a slight bit of panic in my heart. I was concerned because I have my shipping appointment for 22 August and have not received anything or any word from her regarding travel and ticketing. She asked that I called her and explained that she has received no word on flights to Korea in August. So it is not a specific thing concerning my arrangements, but a general "flight schedules have not been posted to Korea" kind of thing. So I feel a bit better. She assured me, of course, that I'll get to Korea and I should not worry about it and should put in for leave at the end of the month as planned. It all sounded good to me but she told me to keep in touch; given permission, I'll most definitely keep in touch. So I'm still good for 25 August as far as I know now. So I have two (02) more weekends here before I head to Texas for a nice long break. Breaks are good.
Things at work have been rather hectic. A lot of people are asking for a lot of information and I'm having to research and get right things and information to the right people. I can not wait until SHEILA gets back on Monday to reclaim her seat, and computer, and email account. I'll gladly relinquish it all. Ha! But it is nice to be back and be in the loop. SGT Croan have more than enough questions too to keep me occupied on all fronts. But it is nice to be so involved and once again, as I mentioned to be in the loop. Of course things are so like "normal" that I do not think people on the floor realize that I'll be heading out of here in just a couple of weeks. But sometimes it is nice to just kind of slip out the back door so to speak. I'll of course make my rounds and say my "see ya laters" to each and all, but getting back up here for a few weeks after being in BNCOC for two (02) months has been nice and I think is important to get back to normal and see everyone before leaving. Because it is, after all, time to leave, time to move on.
I am still genuinely disappointed I'll not be able to reclass to be a 97EL, interrogator/linguist. To most, at first word of me wanting to make such a change, it probably seemed a drastic decision. But you do not have to know me for very long to see how easily that occupational specialty would fit me. It would switch my branch from Ordnance to Military Intelligence, have me in Arizona for six (06) months and then off to California to the Army's language training institute to learn a language. Everything about it is something which would interest me. But it is not meant to be now is doubtful to be in the future since my occupational specialty is hurting for personnel of all ranks. I'm pretty sure a reclassification to 97EL would have been a good thing for me and just may have clinched a stint in the Army for the long haul since my language training could have lasted in upwards of sixty (60) weeks if I was to be trained in a more difficult language. But it is not going to happen, so that is not a blip on my immediate radar any longer.
More later, maybe. Now, I'm definitely off to Sonic. Definitely, Sonic.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2005
8:11-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is GOD; he is the faithful GOD, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands."
-- Deuteronomy 07 : 09
A year ago today I was up at Fort Drum, about to turn the corner to come here. It was eight (08) days before arriving here at Redstone Arsenal in a white Chevy Venture with MAURICIO. MARUICIO is out of the Army now, I have been here at Redstone working closely with the Post CSM for almost a year; a lot has changed. These days I'm training up SGT Croan as my replacement and looking to head to Texas at the end of the month for some much needed leave before reporting to Korea, in early October, for what I expect to be a two (02) year stint at Camp Humphreys.
I am now not only an NCO, but a Staff Sergeant at that and a couple of months ago tacked on an additional three (03) years and ten (10) months onto my enlistment. A lot has changed since being excited about heading to Redstone after a good two (02) years or so at Fort Drum. I never could have imagined just how great this opportunity would prove to be back then. I mean a year ago I was just psyched about not having to do a ruck march and being on my way out of Fort Drum before the cold months arrived.
It is fun to look back:
TUESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2004
6:47-PM-(UTC/GMT -5 Hours)
"When He came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed Him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, 'LORD, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said. 'Be clean!' Immediately he was cured of his leprosy."
-- MATTHEW 08 : 01 - 03
Tonight I'll work on my counseling course. I have twenty-one (21) days to wrap my essays and such up and get it all turned in so that my "in-progress" status will be replaced with a "complete" and a final grade. It will be a piece of cake once I get rolling. But I have not been gaining anything close to forward momentum so I have not had a good opportunity to round my edges on a down slope. I can do it though. Well, if I do not it will cost me some money, and now that I'm getting my money routed to savings accounts and not spending as much; ... let us just say that shelling out hundreds for a failed class is not in the money management plans.
First, I have to figure out how I'm going to have cold water ready for the ruck march tomorrow morning. I'll not be ruck marching due to the fact I'm preparing to turn in my gear on Thursday. I do not want to chance something tearing or getting really dirty of something of that nature, so I'm bowing out of that training exercise. And furthermore, I'll not be around to do the twenty (20) kilometer ruck march. That will not be a requirement for drivers at Redstone Arsenal.
So I was able to talk to a very old friend of mine. We went to the same junior high school. So I have not seen or heard from her in over eight (08) years. Of course, I tracked her down using the internet. I had originally become as close to her as a website she had put up sometime over a year ago and put her screen name on my America Online Instant Messenger (AIM) buddy list. She "showed up" a couple of days ago and I left a message. Today however, she responded and we talked briefly. It was nice to talk to her but, of course, I didn't even know where to begin concerning catching up. I told her I was in upstate New York and have been in the Army for a about fifty (50) months now. But I had to run, so I made sure she knew my email address and gave her the address to my website. So I'm hoping she will stop by here once or twice and get the gist of what has been going on in my life in the past couple of years. I think by reading my month's posts one (01) can get a pretty good idea of where I have been, am going, and am in my life. I mean I do, but then again I know all the back stories and such. So yeah, I'm pretty hyped about getting in contact with APRIL again.
Well, it is time to try and contact DREW or CRAIG so I can get a ride to water. I suppose I'll just buy some at the shopette and get it there in the morning. I think we have a water jug somewhere at the shop. So yeah, I'll call Hill to see if he can get me by there to buy a few jugs of water and ice. That should work. Ah yes, a plan. Well, I'm off to put that plan in action and then do some eArmyU coursework. I should have some real fun doing this stuffage. Indeed.
More later.
"JOHARA ...
... Happy birthday!"
It does not seem as though I have been here for a year, but Fort Drum seems a very distant memory. I suppose that is just evidence of just how anxious I was to leave and get on with bigger and better things. Well, I can confidently say that early on here at Redstone I was able to more than quench that anxiousness.
And now I'm moving on once again. I trust though that things to come will not be all to easy for me. I need a challenges and changes, but I do need these steps to be increasingly more difficult so that I can continue to grow in character. So far so good. And with that simple phrase I say a lot more than simply
"I am able to smile contently."
A lot more indeed!
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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THURSDAY 04TH AUGUST 2005
5:56-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
-- Romans 12 : 12
"JANELLE ...
... I miss you. I know you are schooling and working very hard. Do not do too much though, you need time to kick back and relax from time to time. Do hang in and hold on though. You are doing so well for yourself JANELLE and when you feel discouraged please just step back for a beat and take a broader look at everything you have achieve thus far and everything you are striving to succeed. You have traveled a long, long way from Kansas (not literally of course) JANELLE! I'm so very proud of you.
Call me sometime so we can talk. I have been looking forward to hearing from you to find out what is going on and what decisions you have made concerning what we last talked about. Continue to challenge yourself and reach for your goals. As always you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, ... and always my friend. Love ya'. "
Now it is to the shower with me.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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TUESDAY 09TH AUGUST 2005
11:37-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."
-- JERIMIAH 17 : 07
So today I found the perfect occupational specialty in which to reclass into: 97EL, interrogator/linguist. It would switch my branch from Ordnance to Military Intelligence, have me in Arizona for six (06) months and then off to California to the Army's language training institute to learn a language. Everything about it is something which would interest me. The Army would teach me a language.
And there is no better place to get specified training like that than the Army for one (01) because it is narrowed down, specific and as quick as possible. That would be sweet. Of course I'd take a language aptitude test to determine which level of languages I'd be able to grasp the best. The first level includes languages such as French and Spanish, the fourth level, languages such as Korean, Arabic, and Mandarin. Of course if I score high enough to be put in the fourth level, I'd most likely be learning Arabic since the Army needs Soldiers proficient in the language for obvious reasons.
I can not make the switch though since my in/out call is no/no. Basically it means that the occupational specialty I hold now, 35H, is hurting for Soldiers. So I'm not allowed to jump ship to another occupational specialty. And I'm further denied, since I'm already a Staff Sergeant. If I were a Sergeant I think I might be able to swing it. So I may have been able to do it a few months ago if I had been looking to do so. But a buddy of mine just introduced the notion to me today. He is going to reclass. His occupational specialty has always been over strength. Plus, he already knows another language. So yeah, I'm a bit disappointed. But hey, I'm moving on and carrying on with the plan I had. I'd love to reclass, but I do have good things going for me and a path to follow in the coming years.
Tired. Sleep. Short, but I'm struggling to keep my eyelids open.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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MONDAY 08TH AUGUST 2005
8:41-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You."
-- Psalm 09 : 09 & 10
"I Am"
NICHOLE noredeman
Pencil marks on a wall
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again,
When I was weak unable to speak,
Still I could call You by name,
And I said "Elbow Healer, Superhero,
Come if You can," and You said "I am."
Only sixteen, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at ten PM
You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I'd never love again
When I was weak, unable to speak,
Still I could call You by name,
And I said "Heart-ache Healer, Secret-keeper,
Be my Best Friend" and You said "I am."
You saw me wear white, by a pale candlelight,
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
Too much it might seem when it is two AM
And when I'm weak, unable to speak,
Still I'll call You by name.
"Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-Maker,
Hold on to my hand," and You said "I am."
The winds of change,
And circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar,
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer.
And life had begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne.
And who can say when, but they'll dance again,
When I'm free and finally headed home.
I will be weak, unable to speak,
Still I'll call You by name
"Creator, Maker, Life-Sustainer,
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King, Beginning and
The End, I Am, yes, I Am."
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SUNDAY 07TH AUGUST 2005
8:08-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"I thank GOD every time I remember you."
-- PHILEMON 01 : 03
Well, I just realized that it is almost September which means it is almost time for Huntsville, Alabama to put on one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States. Big Spring Jam XIII will of course be held in Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville. This year's dates are the 23rd to the 25th of September. So yes, it looks like I'll be missing it this year. And I'll be missing a great lineup too. I almost want to tentatively plan a drive up here to see TERRI clark, Journey, Boyz II Men, CHRIS rice, Jars of Clay, Third Day, GINNY owens, MATTHEW west, and Thousand Foot Krutch perform. Those are just the artists I'm really interested in and is withholding the mention of numerous other acts on five (05) different stages.
This means also my one (01) year anniversary is creeping up on me. Yes, in eleven (11) days I'll have been here in Alabama for a whole year. It surely does not seem like an entire year has gone by. But I suppose when I really think about it, a lot has happened, and it does. I mean after all BNCOC was two (02) months long, I took a nice long vacation in December, ... so yes, I suppose a year has gone by. And just about the time I'll celebrate that year I'll be leaving to move on to another year somewhere else. I still hope to be out of here (Texas bound) at the end of the month. I can not really be sure of when I'll be able to shove off though until I get my shipping appointment. Only after I get my appointment can I request leave. But so far nothing unforeseen has popped up to keep me from taking care of the things I need to do before I leave.
I am just now moving about. I napped the entire day. Well, it wasn't one (01) long nap, but I wasn't up for more than an hour at a time throughout the day. My bed just seemed the best place to be. I wonder if Subway is still open. I have a good mind to hunt for an open Subway. There are about six (06) in the area but I have my favorite one (01), so I'll hit up that one (01) first. I'm really curious though as I have not had any "real" food to eat all day. I should have taken the leftovers from PF Chang's yesterday. ERIKA offered them to me but since they were all hers and her cousins for the most part I declined. But right now some lo mein and spicy chicken would really hit the spot.
Well, it is time to get presentable and head out for food. Really though, if I didn't have an insanely great metabolism my eating habits would turn me into a very large person very quickly.
"Someone call me tonight."
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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SATURDAY 06TH AUGUST 2005
7:50-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble."
-- Psalm 41 : 01
I have returned from Birmingham, Alabama, and a visit to PF Chang's. ERIKA's cousin wanted to come along so before we headed down to Birmingham, we headed a block over to pick her up. I thought we were on our way but then we had to find a Redstone Credit Union that was open. I think we hit two (02) before we finally found one (01) open for business on a Saturday. No biggie, I wasn't driving so I just mellowed out in the passenger's seat. I forget what time we actually arrived at The Summit Birmingham, but since I arrived at ERIKA's house just before 2:00, we must have arrived around 3:30 or 4:00 considering we drove around a bit looking for a Credit Union and ERIKA wasn't exactly paying attention to her cousin's driving directions once we hit Birmingham.
PF Chang's China Bistro was a big hit as I knew it would be. We arrived just before the dinner crowd and started our meal with lettuce wraps and wonton soup. I quickly realized I wasn't dining with seasoned eaters. As I was plowing through Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, brown rice, and shrimp lo mein, they were just nibbling the entrees they had selected. It wasn't pretty.
As we were eating a woman at the table behind ours tapped me on the arm. She asked what I was eating and what we had ordered. Obviously they were first timers. So I pointed to the items on her menu. I think when their food finally arrived it was pretty much our layout. Of course chocolate cake was in order. I had been wanting their Great Wall of Chocolate since I suggested we head down to Birmingham to eat a week or so ago. I ordered one (01) for myself and ERIKA and her cousin ordered one (01) to share. I instantly began to make fun of them, knowing they would not do much damage to the dessert. And our server SCARLETT made it clear that I'd not be able to finish the dessert, coming by just once to let me know I was "off to a good start". I think after that early comment she realized, each time she passed again, that she wasn't witnessing an attempt to eat the dessert. I ordered it because I fully intended to eat the entire piece of cake. I wasn't afraid to hit the dance floor, I had been to quite a few dances before. ERIKA motioned to my half eaten cake and to the cake she was sharing so that her cousin saw that I was definitely more serious about the dessert than either of them were. But they did well. I was surprised they had eaten as much as they did. SCARLETT had nothing else to say about my ability to eat. And she came by several times after I had cleaned the plate of cake, sauce, and berries.
The women behind us had a few choice comments however. And I'm pretty sure the couple, who had our desserts brought to them by mistake, a table away were looking on the whole time. They almost screamed when they thought they had to polish off a slice of the Great Wall, apiece.
So yes, if you take me to PF Chang's China Bistro I'll be your friend forever, or maybe just until I have eaten the last bite of my chocolate cake. Close enough though eh?
We ended up heading for Huntsville after dinner. There could have been some major shopping damage done if we had stayed. The Summit is a shopping center and then some. And with designer this and designer that and name brand this and name brand that, everything hinted at being eight (08) times more than it was worth. And of course that translates into liking something so much that you almost justify the price which sometimes leads into walking away with said item after paying said price. Maybe if I have thousands to spend I'd roll up into one (01) of those stores and buy a new wardrobe; which does sound appealing, I'm just "not there yet."
And with food in my tummy it is time to take a nap. I suppose it will just bleed into a night's sleep, but laying down for a bit of shut eye is in order.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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FRIDAY 05TH AUGUST 2005
10:57-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
-- MICAH 06 : 08
And sure enough, I just woke up from a nap. Yes, contrary to what might have been assumed I came back here (to my room) from the Boss Night with intentions to go straight to sleep and within a half hour was making those intentions reality. Naps are not all that bad ladies and gentlemen.
I do not receive any real email. All the email I receive are spam ads, most of which have viruses attached to them. Most of them do not actually appear in my inbox but are deleted compliments of the automatic filters and filters I have created myself. So it is a pain to see message come in which are all spam. Sometimes I wish I'd get a real email from someone with news and experiences to share with me instead of just a brief hello every six (06) months or so from a friend I'll have to wait six (06) more months to hear from. But yeah, I'm just whining. I'll get over it. And then, I'll whine some more, and get over it again.
I do not expect to be awake very long, maybe until 1:37 or so. Yes, it sounds as if I'm staying up really late but remember, I just awoke from a very nice three (03) and a half hour nap. Remember above, "naps are not all that bad, ..." So I'm pretty well rested at the moment. And as I do not have any email to read nothing is going to keep me awake and at the computer long.
I should get to sleep if I intend of meeting up with ERIKA tomorrow afternoon. Besides heading to Birmingham to eat at PF Chang's I'm not sure what else we will be down there doing. She mentioned the mall the other day but when I spoke with her earlier she said she didn't want to go. I guess we may catch a movie. Of course knowing ERIKA, she will probably change her mind and we will end up heading to the mall once we realize we really have no plan besides where to eat. It should be fun though to just get away. And ERIKA always has something to talk about so we will probably not run short on conversation, well, she will not anyway. Ha! Since she is driving I may just nod off on the way there. And for the record this is nothing in the way of a date, just a couple of friends getting together on a Saturday. No rumors please.
Well, MOJA is online now so I'll be talking with her for an hour or so before I again turn the lights out and crawl into bed.
Until next time I suppose.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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FRIDAY 05TH AUGUST 2005
6:46-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
Listening - "I KNOW YOU'RE THERE"-MATTHEW west History
"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being."
-- Proverbs 20 : 27
Boss Night at the Officer's Club turned out to be going pretty well before I slipped out. I stuck around for an hour and a half ate a little and hung out with ADAM (SGT Croan) a bit. But I was tired and the week was catching up with me so after my banana split I made my way to the exit. And well, my arm was being pulled and CSM Lunn was pointing at me to get up and join the dance competition. So yes, it was definitely time to disappear. It was a good turn out though. ADAM was concerning since he had not sold a lot of tickets but I told him that no matter how many people actually showed up, it would be fun and a good time for everyone who did. And it was I think. Everyone looked as though they were enjoying the fun and fellowship.
SHEILA married today. It was a small private little ceremony. CSM Lunn and FELICIA went but I stayed back to hold down things are the office with SGT Croan. I asked her the when and where yesterday and she got really quiet. I knew she didn't want a whole bunch of people around. And she will be back on 15 August so I can congratulate her properly then. Of course she will probably call in a couple of times, even though she is not supposed to since she is on leave and honeymooning with her new husband. I have not known her to be out an entire week so this should be very good for her, especially considering the circumstances. I think CSM Lunn heads somewhere next week too so it will just be SGT Croan and me left to handle the business of the CSM's Office.
I have my counseling appointment on Tuesday. I'll get the low-down on what I may ship to Korea and such. I do not really need it since I have been down this road before but it is mandatory and so, because I want to get there in early October, I'm definitely going to go through those motions. I hope to set up a shipping appointment for 22 August and then begin leave on 25 August. I'm not sure how easy it will work out but for now, that is the plan. I still need ticketing out of the United States too. So I hope to have all that scheduled and worked out next week. If I get those things worked out I'm home free, that is all I need: my goods packed and shipped off; my plane tickets from Los Angeles, California to Seoul, Korea; and my leave form approved and signed. Then I can load up my car and be on my way to Texas. It looks like I'll head to Dallas to visit KARLA. I do not like taking that interstate (ten (10) I believe) from Birmingham, Alabama into Dallas, Texas. It is not as scenic as the drive along interstate twenty (20) from Birmingham, Alabama, further south into Houston, Texas. (I may have those interstates mixed up; twenty (20) may go into Dallas, Texas and ten (10) may go into Houston, Texas.) But KRISTINE is not sure how packed her schedule will be yet. I do not want to show up and then have her be too busy to hang out and visit. So Dallas, Texas it is, at least for now.
I will be heading down to Birmingham, Alabama with ERIKA on Saturday. She had mentioned there was a PF Chang's down there once and I want to go down there to eat. She mentioned going to the mall too. So we may do that. She is the daughter of one of the ladies I work with. She works in the building with the public relations section and happens to have been born on the same day as I was, 30 October, ... just two (02) years before. So we figured since I'm leaving soon and we do not usually do to much, we would head down there to eat and maybe head to the mall or the theater. I told her I'd buy her dinner if she would drive. So yes, I can nod off on the way there. So it is not a "date" or anything. Just a plan to mix up our normally lack-luster weekends. Anyway she is happily engaged and totally into planning for her wedding next year. Before I headed to BNCOC she was carrying around wedding books and magazines everywhere. She is a sweetheart.
So yes, I actually have plans for the weekend. Crazy, I know.
Time forserious nappage. Changing gears from BNCOC and entering the fray up at the office has taken a good deal out of me. So it is time to shower and crawl into bed.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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THURSDAY 04TH AUGUST 2005
5:56-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
-- Romans 12 : 12
"JANELLE ...
... I miss you. I know you are schooling and working very hard. Do not do too much though, you need time to kick back and relax from time to time. Do hang in and hold on though. You are doing so well for yourself JANELLE and when you feel discouraged please just step back for a beat and take a broader look at everything you have achieve thus far and everything you are striving to succeed. You have traveled a long, long way from Kansas (not literally of course) JANELLE! I'm so very proud of you.
Call me sometime so we can talk. I have been looking forward to hearing from you to find out what is going on and what decisions you have made concerning what we last talked about. Continue to challenge yourself and reach for your goals. As always you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, ... and always my friend. Love ya'. "
Now it is to the shower with me.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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WEDNESDAY 03RD AUGUST 2005
6:11-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"'The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!'"
-- MATTHEW 06 : 22 & 23
Apparently finance here sent my bonus paperwork to the Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS) as soon as they received it back in June. Well MSG Carlile and I rolled up into the finance office asking questions since I have not received one (01) cent of bonus money. So one (01) of the clerks here called Indianapolis to see about the hold up. Well after waiting for about twenty (20) minutes, we finally received an answer. It turned out DFAS received nothing on me. They urged finance here to submit it again. So now if I do not receive payment in seven (07) to ten (10) days I'm to again start asking questions.
I didn't really think too much about whether or not I had received my bonus since I was in BNCOC and concentrating on the course; and well, I wasn't completely sure how long it should take. MSG Carlile said I wasn't the only one (01) who was having to wait more than the usual thirty (30) days to receive a bonus payout. But now everything should be good. Of course if when the 12th rolls around and I do not have a few grand deposited into my account things will be just the opposite.
So CSM Lunn talked to me about BNCOC two (02) separate times. The second time was more of a sit down than the first though. I let him know what I thought of the course as a whole and then went on to say how much I enjoyed the five (05) day training exercise which included weapons familiarization, combatives, and urban operations. I told him that he should get down there and check things out sometime; I think I'm going to push (keep reminding him) to make that happen. So anyway he let me know that SGT Croan would be handling the smaller stuffage and that I'd be getting some bigger projects to take care of, which he immediately began giving me. I kept waiting for him to remember that I was planning to leave at the end of the month, ... as in leave here for good and head to Korea in October. And after he tasked me with a couple of assignments I let him know that I'd be heading to transportation to get a shipping appointment for my things and flight arrangements. I thought for sure he would say something to the effect of, "well I forgot, you will be leaving soon, you will not be able to get all of this accomplished before then," but he never uttered anything like that. Ha! No biggie though, I can take care of business. So I'm back in the swing of things for real. It feels good though. Really good.
So last month I discovered that SPC Lee would be headed to Korea. Yes, the SPC Lee I worked with at Fort Drum and deployed with back in 2003. Coincidently he had just been to a promotion board yesterday. So he is promotable and will most likely be picked up for Sergeant come October. He said he will most likely head to Camp Humphreys. So it looks like he is going to be on my team as a Sergeant. Hopefully we will not clash too much but since we do not exactly have the same work ethic, I'm pretty sure we will butt heads from time to time. But that is nothing I can not handle. From day one (01) I'm going to sit down with my people and let them know what is to be expected. I'll be getting on my initial counseling and my leadership philosophy as a whole this month and probably while I'm on leave too so that I'll be ready to do my initial counseling for my NCOs and Soldiers. Because it looks like I'll be running the show at Humphreys. I'm very interested to see how things pan out once the middle of October rolls around. Regardless though I'm a Staff Sergeant and will be in charge. Butt heads with me if you want, but we are going to get the job accomplished. Camp Humphreys in Korea. Well that is like a home to me. I helped bring that shop back to life and the team I was on when I first arrived there from training, ... we were top notch.
So I have my work cut out for me in more than a few ways. This next year should be quite crazy and full of surprises but I'm up to the challenges before me because I'm willing and ready to prepare for them and not neglect my responsibilities to my position.
And of course I'm looking forward to getting some fun in edgewise. If my team is doing good and can relax a bit I'll always push for a little downtime for my team. But all in all Camp Humphreys means lots of equipment to support and a whole lot of work. Just like old times.
Time to visit Sonic for a lemon-berry slushie.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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TUESDAY 02ND AUGUST 2005
11:17-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
-- Proverbs 13 : 06
I just finished speaking with CHRIS on the phone. He called around 9:30. I suppose the phone was what woke me from my sleep. Well, it had to be now that I think about it. All of a sudden I found myself traversing the floor between my bed and the iron board my pants were draped over to retrieve my phone from the pocket. I didn't even have the energy to empty my pockets before getting online for a brief moment, getting in and out of the shower, and slithering into bed to read, (for all of five (05) minutes) and quickly falling asleep. It was a busy day, what can I say.
After polishing off a pancake breakfast at the Cracker Barrel with FELICIA (she had catfish) I had just enough in me to drive back to post before settling in for a nice long nap. Why I'm up now I really have no idea. Okay, yes I do, I'm up to do exactly what I'm doing: Put a little something "out there" for you (whomever you are) to read. Submitted, not necessarily, for your approval. Again, what can I say, I get a kick out of the possibility of strangers half a world away being able to read what I have to say here in my own corner of my world and mind. And I just like the idea of months and months of my life having been chronicled if for no other reason and purpose than for me to look back at a month, a year, five (05) years from now. Well, enough of that.
I went into work today just before lunch time. I believe I parked and headed up into the Sparkman Center around 11:00. Yup, just before lunchtime. Coincidently I was just in tie to hit the ground running. Things didn't slow down a bit while I was away doing my BNCOC thing for a couple of months and the Command Group was still going a mile a minute. I linked up with FELICIA and CEVELYNE to help them with a retirement/change of charter ceremony which lasted well into the afternoon, ... the entire time I was more than pleased to be back in the swing of things but kicking myself for not having eaten before I headed to work.
So I just jumped right back into the swing of things today. Some things have changed around the office. For one (01) boss has a new aide de camp. They are going through some growing pains but I have heard that the boss thinks things will work out just fine in time. So that is good. SGT Croan is getting more and more settled in as my replacement. SGT Gola is trying to prepare to head to PLDC and have SGT Croan move over to drive for the Commanding General. A lot of family members of employees here are falling ill or dying. I know it is rough for them because I know them, these people (though not exactly my peers; I could be a son to most of them) are my friends. So it is rough for me to hear that someone they care about has taken a turn for the worst, because I care about them. But all in all, things are still running smoothly. No one (01) up there really gives themselves credit for just how valuable they are to the success of the team. But maybe that is how it should be sometimes. Sometimes being totally blind to self and only seeing the team is what really gets the job accomplished.
Everyone was so glad to see me and CSM Lunn greeted me with a hearty handshake and a big grin. It's nice to be back up at the office even if it is until the end of the month. I spoke with CSM Lunn about focusing on getting things done in order to leave. He loved the idea that I didn't have to go back to Fort Drum. So for at least three (03) weeks or so I'll be heading in to work. I'll be here and there and everywhere as much as I need to in order to get situated concerning taking leave and heading to Korea, but my place of duty will be back up on the fifth floor of the Sparkman Center, where I belong. Ha!
Tomorrow morning I'll head to military personnel to check about my port call and to speak with MSG Carlile about the reenlistment bonus that I have not yet received. Yes, I need my bonus. And I'm pretty sure I'd not have missed a few grand being electronically credited to my account. So it is not like it slipped under my radar. Speaking of the money the military is supposed to get another across the board 03% raise this year. Goodie. I mean it is not exactly what most of us should be getting paid for what we do, but hey, it is a raise. Well okay, no, we should be getting more, but hey, for duty, honor, country, ... basically not exclusively for pay. It is more than a job, it is a lifestyle. But of course, more pay would help struggling military families.
Well tomorrow should be a busy day indeed. It is time I crawl back in bed and get some shut eye.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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MONDAY 01ST AUGUST 2005
11:22-PM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
-- Proverbs 28 : 01
I do my best to talk about what is going on in my world and try to make it sound a tenth as exciting as what she is doing. And she always goes straight for the "but you're serving your country and defending freedom," retort and I have no choice but to stop whining about how boring and uneventful and meaningless my life has been for the past few years. But really, for the past year or so I have been more than content doing what I'm doing because I know that I'm in fact making a difference in the lives of others. These days I'm happy and feel good about what I'm doing and have done. These days I do not feel as though I'm worse off than my friends or peers or, ... I feel okay with me. And I enjoy being me.
Yes, our conversations really do get that sappy. Ha! Sorry, I just had to give you a taste of what you may not be able to discern from just watching me, or even being around me from day to day. Although I doubt anyone who reads this has the distinct pleasure (Yes, pleasure!) or being around me on a daily basis, much less being around me in person at all. And if they (you) do, they (you) certainly are not going to make their (your) presence in my "tangible" life known.
Anyway, as I was going on and on about before: STEFFANEE has slipped in and out of my life from time to time for years now. Sometimes months will pass and I'll not hear from her. But she is one (01) of a group of friends who I know will always be doing well no matter what. She is a person who has seen just about every sort of hardship and persevered. Now she will claim that this person or that person has helped her through and she will get lost in saying how much of a positive impact I have had in her life. But all in all STEFFANEE has helped STEFFANEE through the thick and icky parts of life. She is truly a fighter and a class act, never forgetting the paths she took to get where she is now.
So I count myself lucky to know such a person and I count myself blessed to have such a friend, for nothing is ever off limits with her.
I don't know, I just thought I'd write a little bit about my friend. Well, not really about, just well, I don't know. She is my buddy, I love her, and that is that. And she is going to hate reading all of this about her so I'll stop. She works for a much more discrete and far reaching organization than I do at the moment.
I hope to drive away from here early in the morning on 25 August. I'll most likely be bound for Dallas to first visit with KARLA. I hope to visit with ALEX and PRECIOUS too while there. Hopefully I'll be able to reach them and work out some details concerning the when's and where's. I do not plan to stay long, maybe through the weekend and a day or so into the next week. Then I'll either be on my way to Waco or Houston. Of course Houston could come first; then Dallas, then Waco. That would be a more appropriate path, especially if I go low through Mississippi and Louisiana into Houston. But yeah, enough geography. The bottom line is that I hope to be Texas bound on that day, either Dallas or Houston depending on who wants to see me. Ha!
And guess who has plans for Christmas. I do. It is tentative at the moment of course but I'm planning to spend Christmas in the Philippines visiting friends there. So in the months to come I'll be working to coordinate that trip. It will probably be a two (02) week vacation to visit MOJA and will hopefully be the first of a few trips to visit friends in other places and to familiarize myself with the country. The best part of it is that I'll not be heading over there from the United States (airfare a lot) but from Korea (airfare not a lot) after I arrive in Korea in early October. I'll definitely keep things current here to update plans for that little holiday excursion.
Well, I should get some rest for the running around I know I'll have to do tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll find out the steps I have to take in order to successfully get my things (and myself) to Korea. Oh, I also need to contact my automobile insurance company and iron out some details. Translation: I'll not be paying full coverage on my baby since I'll be overseas for twenty-four (24) months.
STEFFANEE advises me to get on with it. I tried to play naive and ask her what she meant but she just laughed because she knows I know that she knows. So yes, it is high time I simply got on with it, with everything. Time to bring it all together I suppose. So here is to the end of the beginning and the beginning of everything to come; here is to "getting on with it."
Well, after I get some sleep that is. A little sleep.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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MONDAY 01ST AUGUST 2005
12:10-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from GOD."
-- 02 Corinthians 01 : 03 & 04
"Iliad"
Downhere
Illiad, tragedy, miseries all subtracted
A chosen one, I'm a Father's son
I'm the one You attracted
For this lame world
Where the blame grows
You died upon it to redeem it
I believe it
I receive it
So forever, You'll inhabit me
You wouldn't walk out on this tragedy
Never give up on Your Iliad
You suffered for the victory
Cause its always been Your labor of love
For this lame world
Where the blame grows
You died upon it to redeem it
I believe it
I receive it
So forever, You'll inhabit me
When the story of love began
From the starting until the end
The Hero wins
Come tomorrow, I'll know
But when everything unfolds
The Hero wins
For this lame world
Where the blame grows
You died upon it too redeem it
For this lame world
Where the blame grows
You died upon it, just to save it
I believe it
I receive it
So forever, You'll inhabit me
I believe it
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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MONDAY 01ST AUGUST 2005
12:02-AM-(UTC/GMT -6 Hours)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what GOD has done from beginning to end."
-- Ecclesiastes 03 : 11
Today begins the countdown to taking leave and ultimately to heading to Korea. Don't expect me to incorporate any kind of clichéd counter on the site or anything like that. The countdown is just for me this month in order to get everything in order so that I may drive away from here in the direction of friends and family. I have tentatively planned to take leave late in this month, being bound for Texas bright and early on 29 August.
I will be Dallas bound then so I'll have to work things out with people I know there so that I'll have a place to stay. There is no need to get a hotel room when you can freeload off of good friends. And anyway the pay off is time spent with yours truly so I don't know who in their right mind would pass that up. I'll most likely have complete strangers running out to the road to take me in.
Speaking of which, so far I plan to hit Dallas, Houston, Waco, San Antonio, and as many places in the Rio Grande Valley as necessary. So if you are in one (01) of these locales, or nearby, and want to catch a glimpse of me, let me know. And get me contact information.
First things first, I need to head over to transportation and make sure there are no bugs with getting an appointment to get my stuffage packed up and ready for shipment about twenty (20) days from now. That and get to travel and make sure they can cut me a ticket from my port call (which I still have no received from military personnel here) to Korea. I'm expecting a little bit of resistance and questioning since my orders were cut from Fort Drum and they have "Fort Drum" written on them and such. But military personnel up there said they would be fine. And I'm sure it should not be a major problem once I explain myself and my situation to them:
"... I have been here a year. I'm not stationed here but arrived on attachment orders. Fort Drum wanted to cut my orders but said I didn't need to return there in order to clear since I have my orders and all my possessions here with me, and turned in all of my gear, blah, blah, blah, ..."
So after this week I hope to have my goods appointment set, my ticket, my leave dates in black and white, and well, I suppose that would pretty much be all I need to officially take care of. The rest would be me stuffage such as getting my baby in the shop for a checkup, verifying my route, running my schedule past people I may visit, updating my enlisted records brief, getting my DA photo taken, and so on and so forth. Oh yes, I can tell this month is going to quickly turn into one (01) of those "why-am-I-sitting-around-there-is-something-I-should-be-taking-care-of-right-now" months.
So okay, let the festivities begin.
Peace be with you always. And may GOD continue to bless you.
Faith & Confidence
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