Another Day in Paradise

As I’ve said before, this blog isn’t political or operational; it’s personal. It’s more a diary of my deployment; things I want to share with my family and save for future memories. Well, yesterday was a rough day. Yet, as I was counting my miseries, I thought of Val, Emily, and Vance and it helped me get through the day. I just want to add it to the blog to share and record my feelings for my wonderful family. Hope you enjoy the thought.

“Sweetheart,

Well, the weather finally turned. It's been very cold and rainy for the past two days. The rain also effects aircraft flying in, so no mail today. They made an announcement this morning that people in the tents "should" be moving to the dorms "around" the first of January. If you're that unconfident or unsure about the timeline, it's not even worth making an announcement. I thought about buying Internet access from some civilian contractor that has some kind of personal deal set up, but I asked one of the colonels that used it recently and he said it wasn't worth it. The guy's charging $100 for the first month, then $75 per month after that, but the colonel said it very slow at certain times, namely between 9-11 p.m. which was primarily the time he needed, so he dropped the service. Of course, 9-11 p.m. is the exact and only time I could use the personal Internet. I don't want to spend $100 and still be frustrated when trying to contact you. I've tried to call several times today, but couldn't even get past the country code before it started beeping. I think the Army guys from Heidelberg know the code for making morale calls. I'm working my second tasker for these guys today. I should have it finished by tomorrow; 3 days early. After that, I'll feel comfortable enough to ask one of the Lt Col's for the code. Maybe a Heidelberg DSN will be more consistent. So to sum it up...no mail, no Internet, at least 6 more weeks in the tents, no gym, cold and rainy, and even my lower back is killing me today. (I must have slept on it wrong somehow; I was even thinking the other day, thankfully, how well I was sleeping on the firm mattress in the tents. I was trying to be positive and thankful and then I get lower back pain. I'm really starting to feel like I'm being tested.)

I'm not trying to whine or complain; just tell you how my day was. I'm just letting the conditions speak for themselves. At least work, other than being 14 hours long every day, is going okay. They haven't asked me to do anything too over my head. I've even continued to be a "great example" of the support they need in the security working group I'm in. But best of all, and the ray of sunshine, joy, and encouragement that I can always depend on, I know that I have a wonderful and loving wife and sweet and caring children at home that love me very much! Compared to having you guys in my life, the conditions here are just temporary annoyances that will be long faded memories years down the line when you and I and the kids will be able to tell fond, if trialed, stories of the time I had to go to Afghanistan. Faced with these minor (yet many) annoyances, it really helps to realize that I am so bless to have you and the kids. Thanks for being so wonderful and working so hard to always support me and the kids every day. I love you with all that I am!”

P.S. What a difference a day makes. It’s still cold, but it was sunny today. My back isn’t hurting. I finally got my third care package full of DVDs and snacks. Hopefully I'll be able to get a call through to Val! Don’t let the little annoyances get you down. It will get better. And remember to be thankful for the wonderful families you all have.