ExperiencePhillip

Merry Almost Christmas

2008-12-23T19:49:00.002+01:00

Look who came to visit! It's Flat Stanley. He came for a visit almost two years ago now, so it was nice to see him again. Thanks Robert!

And thanks to everyone in the family who sent the yummy box of goodies!! They were a big hit. I shared some of the stuff with people at work and they raved! Amy, Grandma's fudge and the pretzel things were the most popular. Although, I didn't take the fudge to work. I just shared it with friends in my room. It's too good to only have one or two pieces, so I kept it close:)

Thanks again! I miss you all and hopefully I'll see you all in February for a bit. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Merry Christmas! I'll be celebrating with friends and making some crock pot Lasagna!!!!! YUM!

Miss you all

Good Idea, Amy

2008-12-11T10:13:00.003+01:00

This is a fun photo of all of us at my parents' house in early November. It was an early Thanksgiving. Good Times!

I think the "best face award" goes to little Adrian in the front row. HOW CUTE!!!

Thanks for suggesting the post, Amy.

Inform Your Freedom

2008-11-30T10:21:00.012+01:00

The Big Day!

(you have to imagine lots of fanfare...maybe a band)

Okay, thanks for coming back to check out the new blog.

I've named the new blog "Inform Your Freedom". You can link to it below or click the title above.

Please Bookmark it and check it often.

Also, please spread the word about the blog to others. If you like it, why not email the link to some of your friends and see what they think about it?

I'm humbled that people take time to read what I've written whether you comment or not, but I'd love for there to lots of interaction on Inform Your Freedom.

If there's something related to the concept of the new blog that you would like to see addressed there, then don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks so much to all of you who have encouraged my writing!

Click here to Inform your Freedom

A New Blog, A New Focus

2008-11-28T14:46:00.004+01:00

We live in consequential times, times which demand thoughtful reflection on serious issues.

From time to time I have inserted some political thought into this blog...which I anticpate continuing on occasion. However, I have considered for some weeks creating a new blog which will focus entirely on matters of politics, the ideas of free people, US History, current events, and more.

Well, the new blog is nearly finished and already has one post! I want to add one more post before unveiling it, but the second post is partially written already so it won't be long.

On Sunday, November 30th, I will post again on this blog, announcing the new blog's name and providing the link.

I will continue to post here as well as the new blog. ExperiencePhillip will remain personal with the intent of keeping the readership relatively small, limited mostly to those people who know me personally. The new blog, however, will hopefully be for a wider audience. To that end, I will ask for your assistance on Sunday when I launch the new blog officially.

Lastly...

...I'd like to thank so many of you who have expressed to me very kind and encouraging words about my writing here. I have enjoyed it immensely and your encouragement has spurred me on to challenge myself even further. I hope you'll join me on the new blog as well...

...see you again here on Sunday!

Timeless...

2008-10-26T14:28:00.003+01:00

Beware of the wolves who come to the hen house offering bags of free chicken feed

run time: 10:06

"As your nominee, I pledge to restore to the federal government the capacity to do the people's work without dominating their lives. I pledge to you a government that will not only work well, but wisely; its ability to act tempered by prudence and its willingness to do good balanced by the knowledge that government is never more dangerous than when our desire to have it help us blinds us to its great power to harm us."
-Ronald Reagan, 1980 GOP Convention Address

run time: 46:08 (worth every second)

These speeches are timeless, not because of the man who delivered them, but because of the principles which they contain. Principles of freedom from government domination of individual lives, of the freedom to choose for ourselves the path which we deem best without having our government choose our path for us, and of the freedom to oppose any policy of our government which violates our individual liberties for the "good" of social causes.

Let us always remember, as the calls to look to Washington to solve our problems increase, that we are capable of managing our own lives and solving our own problems. Centralized government will talk and debate, but ultimately offer up only one solution for any given problem and then force the whole of the country to accept it. Why not let the citizens of the various States and local Communities solve those problems for ourselves which affect our everyday lives at home and work. Then let Washington deliberate disputes between the States and speak collectively for all the States to the world beyond.

The people of Illinois, California, Georgia, Texas, or any other State do not need the White House or Congress dictating to us matters of health, work, free speech, religion, or any other matter. One State, which runs its affairs well, should not be made to pay for another State which does not. Governments and government leaders must be subject to the natural consequences of failure for their policies. If they are not, what can temper their desire to engineer society based on their own agenda?

When the citizens of America fail to recognize our authority over our government, then America will cease to be. The name may stay the same, but the idea will be gone.

Every government is prone to expand its authority and further its domination of its subjects. However, we Americans are not the subjects of any government. Therein lies the essence of our founding. Our Government is Subject to Us!

The Beginning of the End for the Prohibition Movement

2008-10-26T00:21:00.004+02:00

It's fun to watch different campaigns and see what tactics and strategies they employ. Though, one has to wonder whatever became of the campaign strategist who came up with this one.

These fryin' pan-wielding opponents of fermentation might have been better served by playing up the school-marm angle rather than that of a sex symbol. Yikes...I don't know about all the other men on Earth, but if I were going to touch those lips there would HAVE to be alcohol involved.
If ever a focus group test were woefully neglected, I think it was here.

God bless progress...and a standard of living that doesn't drive our women to looking like this. Lol

A New Car Is Born

2008-09-29T10:07:00.006+02:00

In the words of Rob Petrie, "what's the use in having a new car if you can't have your best friends jealous of you?"

I think I agree. Haha. So in that spirit, I've decided to post some pics.

It's an amazing car (as I knew it would be). Germans may not be the most friendly people in the world, but they sure know how to build an awesome driving machine! Kudos to....

Bavarian Motor Works

BMW 328xi

#14

2008-08-09T15:36:00.005+02:00

Well, it's been forever since I've updated the blog...i know, I know. So, I thought I would give an update. This summer has been most notably marked so far by the fact that I have moved from Darmstadt to Wiesbaden...that's about a 40 minute drive. Well a new location means a new cell...I mean barracks room. That brings the number of moves I've made in the six years I've been in the Army to 14!!!!! All but one of those 14 places was a barracks room. Of the 9 barracks buildings and 13 rooms I've lived in, this one is tied for the worst with the "Brown water building" (BWB) where I first lived when I moved to Germany. The room itself is better than the one in the BWB because of one fact alone....it's big. The room in the BWB was a sliver of a living space and certainly was not big enough to hold my belongings long term.

The "new" room was filthy, absolutely filthy. I spent more than 4 hours cleaning the refrigerator alone! Yep....FOUR HOURS + !!!! The furniture needed to be replaced by something made in this century, the floor is hopeless, the walls were scuffed and dirty, and the windows (which had no curtains) were filmy from the smoke residue of the previous occupant.

So...what do you do when you get a lemon?

....you make lemonade!!!

Below is some before and after photographic evidence of the lemonade.

So that's it....SO MUCH BETTER!!! I bought the TV, the table, and the cushy chair specifically for this room.

Now, this room doesn't have a kitchen, which greatly limits my cooking options, but I'll survive:(

The next big thing I'll have to blog about will be when I get my new car:) I can't wait!!!!

I should get it sometime in late September!

BMW, baby.....BMW

2008-03-06T19:53:00.000+01:00

Keep her out of my chain-of-command

2008-02-22T17:55:00.004+01:00

If she becomes President, I won't be writing negative things about her...but she ain't in my chain-of-command yet!

I got to see most of the Democrat debate today when it was replayed on CNN. While most of what was said just generated a rolling of the eyes on my part, there was one particular thing that Sen. Clinton said that really made my blood boil.

When touting her economic ideas she said we have to get rid of the "wasteful tax cuts" that the Bush administration has put in place. To call tax cuts "wasteful" is very illustrative of Mrs. Clinton's ideology.

What makes me so mad is that this shows that she thinks our money is not our money. Well, I beg to differ with that! Every cent that the Federal Government has originates from the citizens of this country. Washington does not earn; it only spends. While Congress spends as much as it possibly can and spends more every year than that year before, one thing it cannot spend is a tax cut. A tax cut is the government NOT taking earnings from its citizens. This cannot be an expense. It is not taking what belongs to the citizens, not spending something that the government has already. Yet Senator Clinton's ideology is that all the money is the Government's and the Government has the right to do with it what it wants. It's about the "equitable distribution of wealth" (something else I find repugnant). She wants to TAKE the profits of companies and give that money to social programs and people who aren't earning their own money. This kind of arrogance makes me want to vomit! How dare she (or Obama for that matter) tell us that the money we earn is theirs to with as they please. this is why the federal government needs to be limited in its scope. It must retain the right to tax (and not abuse it) because there are legitimate functions it must fund...like a military:) The job of the Federal Government is to protect, not provide for its citizens. If it provides anything, it should only be the freedom for which so many have died. The best way it can do this for its citizens is be STAYING OUT OF OUR LIVES. God forbid the day ever come that a President of the United States of America tells the man on the street that he has to go see the doctor, or else! When did people start accepting the premise that this is a legitimate role of government? I reject it completely. I don't need anyone to tell me when or where to go to the doctor. (Different topic though)

I digress...

Additionally, I find it personally offensive that Senator Clinton would say that government has "wasted" something by not taking more of our money. Now, if she were to read this I'm sure she would say that she meant it's wasteful because it gives tax breaks to people who earn more than should or who earn too much or who earn more than they need. Well, I intend to be one of those people in not too many years and I reject the punishment of the successful for the rewarding of those who either earn less or are too lazy to earn at all. Do you doubt that there are those among us who do not earn, but are happy to take what's given to them by the government? Do you doubt that there are those who could work who don't? One reminder on that "if any man will not work, neither let him eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
When I'm running with my soldiers I tell them that if they want to run as fast as I am that they have to catch up to where I am because it won't help them run faster if I slow down so they can catch me. This plays into the theme at hand. If we want to help those who are financially lagging in our economy, we won't do it by holding back those who are earning more than they do. Taking 40% of what Peter earns and giving it to Paul doesn't mean that Paul is earning 40% more than he was before. At best, it's a theft of Peter to give a gift to Paul.

Now, lest this criticism of Mrs. Clinton be construed as support for Sen. Obama, let me dispel that notion right now. Senator Obama is just as liberal as Clinton, but this post was sparked by what she said specifically. There may be things to respond to in the future regarding Obama, but I'll leave it for another time.

...sigh
Is there a conservative leader anywhere in Washington?

Worth a thousand words...

2008-02-22T17:41:00.002+01:00

Why is this Staff Sergeant so happy?

Because He's starting a four-day weekend

Count 'em...FOUR

Four-day weekends ROCK!!!

The END

OH.. MY.. YUMNESS!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-18T12:10:00.003+01:00

Wow!

So, last week sometime I got an email from Amy with a recipe for crockpot lasagna. I was very excited to have a new thing to make in my c-pot (hehe..."c-pot" I crack myself up). I digress...

Well, I had no idea what my taste buds were in for. This morning I got up at 0600 (6am for you civilian types) and didn't have to be at work until 0900. I bought the stuff for the recipe yesterday, so I thought "what the hey, I'll do it today." (Haha...that rhymes) I got back to my room around 1200 which means the yumness had been baking in the c-pot (hehe) for 5 hours. The room smelled like an Itlalian restaurant...sans the garlic bread

I just finshed having the most awesome lunch I've had in a LONG time. Thanks, Amy, for hooking me up. You Rock!!!

Here's a little photographic evidence of my excursion into yumnessocity today...

Okay, so this experience has generated some serious points which need to be dealt out to their rightful recipients.

It took me a little while to crunch out the numbers, but I wanted to make sure they would be accurate (I'm not just making them up, you know). So here's how it played out:

1,000 pts to the lasagna itself for being so yummy
987 pts to Amy for giving me this recipe
986 pts to ME for making the lasagna....I was as shocked as you are that I even made the list. I'm humbled, really
853 pts to the c-pot for being so user-friendly
492 pts to ME for calling it "the c-pot" haha I'm speechless. Btw, c-pot could also be used for "chamber pot", but let me clarify that I did not cook lasagna (or anything else) in a chamber pot. I might also clarify that I don't even own a chamber pot. However, I imagine that if I ever needed a chamber pot that the crock pot would work....in a pinch...hehe "a pinch" hehe 200 more points to me for that one
234 pts to the Inventor of leftovers. I thought this one would score higher, but it must be due to the fact that most leftovers are disgusting. Honestly, I think the two things which drove this score as high as it is are: lasagna and the "mack-Daddy" of all leftovers...roast beef with potatos and gravy

DISCLAIMER
There were 3, 467 other points, but since there was no one else eligible who was involved in this experience I was forced to award them back to myself. It's a complicated rule system. I don't have time to explain it right now.

Well, that's it. I need to go for a run now before I have to go back to work for another four hours.

miss you all

Blogging Under Duress

2008-02-02T20:13:00.000+01:00

Boy, it's a good thing there's an ocean between me and some of the fans of this blog!!!!
For those of you who have read my bother and sister-in-law's blog, you know what I'm talking about.

So, here's a quick update on me...
I don't blog much because my life here is basically not very blog-worthy. By that I mean, it consists of lots of work (like working some 60 hours this week) and doing mundane things like laundry, shopping and eating. (Although, most of you know I get pretty excited about food, so maybe I should take that one off the list of mundane things.)

Hmmmm...think think think (in my best Winne the Pooh voice)

Well, two things come to mind (niether of them being a pot honey, by the way):

1. Today I started my Master's program. I had class all day today and tomorrow will be the same, plus four nights next week after work. This first class is an International Economics class. I really enjoyed today and am looking forward to the rest of it. The professor is great. The program is one in International Relations and I hope to have it finished in the summer of 2009. My goal is to have two Master's degrees by the time I'm fourty, so it will be nice to get this one done before I get out of the military and move into my next phase of life....whatever that turns out to be:)

2. I've really been enjoying work a lot lately. Mostly, I love training soldiers. I've got 5 soldiers who "belong to me" This means that if they screw up I get in trouble. On the flip side, if they succeed and are good soldiers, then I get some of the credit. Seems fair. Well, I've got the best soldiers in our Battalion, as far as I'm concerned. They make my life easy and I love working with them and teaching them how to be the best soldiers they can be. (As a side note, "be all you can be" is the best slogan the Army ever had. The powers that be should have kept it.)
It's great to be able to have a direct impact for good in the lives of other people and I love doing it every day. Also, our team has been able to do some good things at work lately and it's great to go to bed at night knowing that your day made a difference in the world.

So, the winner of the " who needs a stinkin' title contest" is...

...drum roll, please....

"Ah the Days of the missing Staff Sergeant" by Mark and Sonja

...who also get bonus points for guilting me into writing this blog.

Amy also gets bonus points for nudging me into Mark and Sonja's guilt trap with an email. haha Nice one, Sis.

The LOSER of the contest is "anonymus" who called me Sergeant Slacker!! Grrrrr!!!!!! Maybe "Blogger Slacker", but certainly NOT slacking in my Sergeantness!!!! I'm just making up words now.

The Ballad of the Bloody Foot will have to wait, I guess. I can't get this thing to let me upload the pictures I need to make the story worth it. It's not a long story, so don't be expecting too much.

Miss you all.

Title? I don't need no stinkin' title!!!

2007-11-19T15:00:00.000+01:00

Hhmmmmm....I'm not even sure how to start one of these anymore. Plus, now there's the fear factor of having to do it under the table, since Angela revoked my bloggers license. bummer....but, hey, I'm a rebel, so here goes...

Many of you know that I've been in Texas for the last several weeks for an Army course. There's not much to say about that. I just try to get out of those courses what I can. There were a few useful nuggets in this one, so not a total loss. Also, while I was there I was able to hang out with Jamie who was finishing up her course there at the same time. It was nice to catch up and even nicer when the orders for her next duty station changed from Ft. Hood, TX (aka Army Hell) to Baumholder, Germany which is less than two hours form me. YAY!!!!

Before my trip to Texas, I got to live it up in Italy with Ralph and Martha. Man, what a time!!! The Colosseum, the Forum, St. Peter's, the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, Michel Angelo's David, the Tunnel of Trash, Cinque Terre, a bloody foot, shopping in Milan, "three coins near a fountain" (hehe) ....ah, it doesn't get better than that. Thanks Fairfields for a great time....what memories we made, huh? I miss you guys.

Well, it's no secret that I love my family. I go home whenever I get the chance and I had that chance about a week and a half ago again. It was only four days, but it was such a good time! I felt like there were a lot of really special moments during those few days. Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder and I find that I enjoy even the smallest things more than ever now when I'm with all of them (you). My Mom and all the ladies in the family put together a GREAT early thanksgiving for me while I was home. (Mom, seriously, that was the best turkey you've ever made!) I got to spend time with just about everyone on Sunday...the house was p-a-c-k-e-d! It was great and I loved it. I even got to see my Uncle Paul, Aunt Marie, and Grandpa Hess!! I didn't think that I'd get to see them on this quick trip, so that was a real treat. I can't wait to come home for Christmas....just a few weeks. (details pending...haha)

Okay, so here's how things have gone since I left Texas. I had okay flights. Nothing too special, although I was impressed with terminal D at DFW. Very nice. Haha, oh yeah...if any of you have ever seen the show Will and Grace, the lead flight attendant on my long flight sounded EXACTLY like that shrimpy guy Beverly (played by Leslie Jordan) on that show. It was so funny. Every time he'd say something on the intercom, I'd start giggling. Finally toward the end of the flight, I couldn't contain myself anymore and asked the guy next to me if he knew that character from Will and Grace. He said yeah. So when I pointed out that the Flight Attendant sounded just like him, he started laughing too. Which was nice, cause no one likes to giggle alone.

"Thanks for Flying American Airlines"

So I got back to Germany, got my bags, no problems....yeah right. For starters, Cell 408 of cell block 4092 (aka my barracks) had no heat. Ugh....I loathe being cold. Then, I needed to go to the Commissary to get some food, since Mother Hubbard stole my cupboards and gave me hers. Well, after my four-hour nap, I went to start my car....nothing! No click, no Katharine Hepburn noises....nothing! So, needless to say, today hasn't gone as I envisioned it would go, but whatever. They may be greatly annoying, but these problems are really small, so I can take it. FYI, I have heat now...my core temperature is rising even as I type. And as far as the Senator, I think it's just his battery that's dead, so I'm getting that fixed tomorrow. Blah, blah, blah.

Well, that's all for me...for now. And by "now" I mean until the next time I blog. And by "the next time I blog" I mean....mwah hahahahahaha (you'll have to wait and see what I mean)

Oh yeah, I couldn't think of a title for this one, so feel free to make a suggestion....if you're up to the challenge. The winner (chosen by the editor) will receive the grand prize of an honorable mention in my next blog. It's a pretty big deal, I know.

Miss you all

worth every second...

2007-04-16T21:27:00.000+02:00

This program was highly enlightening. I recommend it to everyone. It's well worth the time.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4499562022478442170&q=global+warming+swindle

Strasbourg...finally!!

2007-03-11T12:08:00.000+01:00

I've been wanting to go to Strasbourg since the first time I was in France. It's a fairly large city located close to the German border. I had talked to lots of people who had been there, and there wasn't one person who gave it a bad review...au contraire!
I went with a couple people from work who haven't been out to see anything in Europe yet, so it was a new experience for all of us.
First of all, it's just nice to be away from German. Being surrounded by French all day was long overdue and completely wonderful...I LOVE IT! Secondly, the sights were unbelievable. Thirdly, the shopping was great, although I didn't buy too much. And, lastly, the pastries, croissants, and quiche we had for lunch really completed the French experience.
Oh yeah, the drive was great too. It's been raining for so long here in Germany (like since I got here) but the weather has finally broken, at least for a while. It's been a bright sunny weekend and the forecast for the rest of the week looks like more of the same...YAY!!!!!!! The other thing about the drive is that I love the Autobahns...I love them about 140-170 kph worth (that's about 85-105 mph) No worries, folks, any slower would be dangerous. Even going 105 mph, I still had people in BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis passing me like nobody's business. I didn't want to push my car too much more than I already was though...the senator's good, but like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, this senator has seen better days. Although like Sen. Kennedy, the car was fully gassed up . I digress...

Well, I hope you guys like the pictures!

I like street lamps...haha

It's so hard to take a decent picture in this light

I love the ceilings of the Cathedrals

Not all the French have forgotten. (Alsace is the region in which Strasbourg is located)

Lycée International (Fancy Shmancy international high school...beautiful building, though, right on the river!)

Abandoned Cathedral
Same Cathedral
Um...a street.

Miss you all...come visit sometime...I'll keep the senator warmed up for ya;)

2007-02-27T17:53:00.000+01:00

Hey Everyone. On Presidents' Day Weekend I got to go back to my favorite place outside of America: Barcelona! I spent four days with friends there...some of whom I hadn't seen in nearly 5 years. I've included the link to the Yahoo Photo album that I created for this trip. Enjoy

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/chicado77/album/576460762391475319

Paco, Gina, Eli, y Yani,
Mil Gracias por recibirme en vuestra casa con tanto amor. Me sentí totalmente en casa:)
Os hecho de menos a todos.
Adeu

Put away that GPS, folks

2007-01-14T13:53:00.000+01:00

Okay, class, let's start out with a couple questions today. Don't blurt out all the answers at once, just raise your hands...hehe

1. Who knows what a McDonald's looks like?
"all of you? Good!"
2. Who has ever been within a football field's distance of a McDonald's and not been able to spot it, even with nothing obstructing the view?
"no one? I wouldn't think so!"
3. Who would be so concerned about finding the exact center of the front door of the nearest Mcdonald's that they would count out the distance from where they are standing down to the centimeters?
"Anyone? Beuller?"

(then a small hand goes up in the back of the room)

"um...teacher, is it the Germans?"

THAT'S RIGHT!!!

Only the Germans would be thoughtful (neurotic, knit-picky, and dry-humored) enough to hold your hand through your final few steps to your local greasy burger joint.

Is this really necessary?

That's right....88.88 meters. (and, oh yeah, there's a giant clock too...in case you're running late)

Maybe it was directions to some secret, alley-only entrance McDonald's located in an obscure building on the other side of the tracks.

Hardly!

This is the main thoroughfare of Frankfurt's shopping district. But look how distacted all the people are! I bet none of them even noticed the TWO-STORY MCDONALD'S on the freakin' CORNER OF THESE TWO MAIN STREETS!!!!!
...that is, until they saw the 88.88m sign. Amazing!

Ah...Europe...silly Germans!

Have a good laugh, shake your heads in disbelief, mock it a little...whatever does it for you.
(I tried all three.)

Miss you all

Orange you glad I didn't wait another week to post?

2007-01-08T19:06:00.000+01:00

Hiya everybody!!! Boy, when I go more than 7 days without posting, the natives start to get restless. Well, fear not, good natives....here it is.

As I said in my last post, I spent New Year's Eve with my friend Jamie in Munich. It was a great trip to a new city. Below is a picture of the city hall at the Marienplatz in the old city of Munich.

I didn't take all that many pictures in Munich. It was rainy and not very good picture-taking conditions. Thankfully, though, it was clear on New Year's Eve and I was able to take some video of the craziness of the amateur fireworks. For all its laws a regulations, Europe apparently has no issues with Joe Shmoe (or Friedrich Shmoe, as the case may be) gathering with hundreds of his friends and shooting off whatever they want. It was total chaos...and it was a blast! Enjoy.

My Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TN2540URIA

Here's another video that I found on YouTube of the same event taken from across the Plaza from we were standing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCpRAiVXkzA

On Saturday, I went to really cool place. It's an old walled, midieval city called Rothenburg. It's about 2 1/2 hours from where I live, by car. I went with a couple friends from work and it was well worth the trip! I've posted a coulpe pictures here and included a link to the whole photo album on Yahoo.
The old city or Rothenburg is completely walled. It's georgeous!

Here's the rest of the pictures:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/chicado77/album/576460762383405044

Miss you all!

If only I could find that McDonald's! What?!? ...check back;)

The things one can do in the 21st century...

2006-12-31T11:11:00.000+01:00

This is Jamie and me on the train to Munich. And yes, I'm writing this blog on the train! You have to love modern technology. I took this picture just moments ago. There will be more pictures and another blog later in the week about the full trip.
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
I miss you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Midieval Christmas = A Cold Christmas

2006-12-26T17:05:00.000+01:00

A Merry Christmas at Auerbach Castle

The Highest Tower.

Some views from the very top of the tower

Pretty good spot to watch for the enemy coming, huh? If you look closely, you can see the house where I spent Christmas. The house where I spent Thanksgiving evening is also in this same valley/plain.
The Wall/Moat.

This must have been the main hall or something. It's in pretty bad shape now. There are some scaffoldings holding up parts of it.

For unto us...

2006-12-24T20:56:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! May God bless each of you this Christmas as you celebrate the birth of the Son. Remember, Christmas is not a self-contained event. It is not an end unto itself. From Isaiah's prophecy, to the announcement of the angels, to the words of Simeon in the temple courtyard, the coming of this baby, Jesus, was always viewed with His great future role as King of kings in view. We don't celebrate the birth of this baby, as though the world needed one more baby to be complete. We celebrate who this baby is and we place our hope in His deeds as a Man...as THE Man. Out of the body of the virgin, came the body of the Savior...a body which would be broken for us, would be pierced for us, would be raised for us...the body which, one great day, will take its seat on the eternal throne from which the King will rule all the earth as He now rules in our hearts and He will bring peace to all the earth just as He has brought peace to our souls. "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." To me, "merry Christmas" means "let your heart be happy and full of peace because your Savior has come." (it's a lot easier to say "merry Christmas" though).
Thank God! We have a Savior and His saving work is being finished in our hearts.

Merry Christmas! Your sins are forgiven and your Savior is alive!!!

Peace on Earth...may the Lord Jesus bring it with Him soon!

Blah Blah Blah

2006-12-20T12:33:00.000+01:00

Well, I'm writing today to say that I have nothing to write about...nothing good anyway. Actually, it's been a pretty bad week so far and on top of it, I'm sick again. The sickness is due, I'm sure, to the MANDATORY flu shot I had on friday. I mean, really, why give a perfectly healthy person a shot that 's guaranteed to make him sick, on the off chance that he might not get sick again later in the winter? I probably would not have gotten sick again anyway.
I could go on complaining, but who wants to read that? Anyway, the weekend should be better...hopefully. I don't have any plans except for Christmas Day, so I'm not sure what I'll be doing the rest of the weekend. Probably not too much unless I feel better. Christmas day I'll be at the home of some people from the Post Chapel where I've been attending. They graciously invited me a couple weeks ago, and I accepted.

Well, that's it for now.
Miss you all and I hope you all have a good rest of the week.

Nuremberg

2006-12-17T19:34:00.000+01:00

I wanted to try out a new city over the weekend. I chose Nuremberg...it was sort of a Nuremberg trial...haha. Nuremberg has the most famous/best Christmas market in Germany. The markets have lots of booths with things to buy and food to eat. I spent all my time (about 6 hours) in the old city of Nuremberg.

Here's a link to the yahoo folder with the other pictures in it. Enjoy. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/chicado77/album/576460762375971864

CLS Class: not for the squeamish

2006-12-13T18:05:00.000+01:00

This week, I'm in CLS class. CLS stands for Combat Life-Saver. It's four days of basic trauma treatment methods and techniques for use in a combat situation. Tourniquets, Bandages, Treatment for Shock, and the Grand-Daddy of 'em all: I.V. training. I.V. stands for Intravenous...or "inside the vain." Now, this is not my first CLS class, nor is it my first time receiving or giving an I.V. During my short history with CLS classes, I have developed a record of passing out 66.6% of the time when receiving the I.V. Before yesterday, I was at 50%. Below is a photographic record of my experience receiving my I.V. yesterday. I took along my camera with this blog in mind. I knew there was a good chance that things might get interesting. I also knew that if they did, you all would never forgive me for not having pictures to verify it. As a note of personal redemption, I'd like to let everyone know that I'm a CHAMP at giving an I.V. I'm just a sissy when it comes to getting one (not too redemptive I guess). It's odd too, because getting shots has no effect on me whatsoever. Not long ago I had about four in a matter of about one minute. No sweat. Haha you should have seen the sweat on the tile floor when I got up from it yesterday though.Okay...if you don't like the sight of blood (or needles) or don't want to see me getting pale, passing out, and passed out, then stop here. But come on folks...who wouldn't want to see this?!? Have a good laugh...we all did.
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Okay, I'm ready.

This is attempt #1 (left arm). This one didn't quite take.

OUCH! This is attempt #2 and it took.

This actually was one of the more painful I.V.s that I have received. My squad leader is the one administering it..she did a good job.

I'm smiling, not because I'm enjoying this, but because I was amused at what was going on inside my head. Like I said, this was a very painful "stick" and it was all I could do to control my tongue. I hear swearing all day long, every day and I usually do very well at not conforming to that kind of speech, but at that moment it was very hard to keep up the resistance. It just amused me how strong the urge was to swear (and there was one particular word on the very tip of my tongue). Maybe you had to be inside my head to appreciate that moment, but it did make me laugh. Nieces and Nephews, swearing is not good, but I'm sure your parents can explain to you that sometimes bad words that go in your ears all the time, sometimes come out of your mouth by accident. This time it didn't.

Still doing okay, but starting to feel kind of hot.

Uh oh, Did he just look at that blood? Not a good idea. Now I'm feeling very hot.

Where did all the color go in Phillip's face? Oh yeah, it followed the blood when it left his head to find a new home lower in his body. I think this photo might actually show the exact moment that I lost consciousness.

Continue on to the next posting for the continuation...

CLS Class continuation

2006-12-13T17:49:00.000+01:00

Continuation...

And heee's ooouuuutttttta there
That's gum in my mouth. It looks like my eyes are rolled back, but it's just the redeye effect in the photo.Look how white my hand is.

"easy..hold his head"

They said I was still chewing my gum when I was passed out...haha

Waking up...and seeing the humor in the situation.

Getting cleaned up and trying to get my color and hearing back. Your hearing goes fuzzy and tunneled when you pass out. Usually I notice that to happen before I pass out. I didn't notice it this time until I woke up...bummer.

All in a day's work

This is a good way to get people at work to remember who you are...haha Okay, maybe it's not the best way to be remembered though.

miss you all

Range Week

2006-12-08T14:47:00.000+01:00

This week I spent Monday through Thursday at the range. I was part of the range cadre. I wasn't looking forward to it, but it actually turned out to be a great week! I qualified on the M16A2 rifle on Monday as a "sharpshooter" with 36 hits out of 40. Then on Thursday, I qualified on the M9 pistol as "expert" with a score of 26 hits out of 30. The rifle range was on stationary, paper targets and the pistol range was on pop up targets. Like the name implies, they pop up. There are about 7-8 different target locations and they pop up in a random order. They vary in distance too. I was very happy with the opportunity to qualify on the pistol. It's usually only officers and MPs who get to do that. I had the opportunity since I was part of the cadre for that range.

Here are some pictures from the internet to help you visualize what went on:

The M-9 pistol The M-16A2 rifle
A soldier firing the M-16 at a qualification range. (no, it's not me, but this is what I did) Do you see the ejected cartridge flying through the air? Those puppies are HOT when they land on you. I've had them go down the collar of my uniform before. They give you a nice burn. This happens at the range a lot since the firing positions are so close to each other. The soldier to your right always has to watch out.

This is a stationary paper target. It's similar to the one used for qualifying. The qualification target has ten different targets on it which vary in size to represent differing distances. This one is used to "zero" the weapon. That's where you adjust the rifle to the way you personally are aiming it. Everyone looks through the sights a little bit differently. This helps you "set your preferences" on your weapon. You have to fire 5 out of 6 consecutive rounds into the circle on the black part of the target.

This is an example of a pop-up target. Not all of them are this size, but most of them are. They range in distance from 50 meters to 300 meters on an M-16 range. The distances for the pistol range are, of course, much closer. No one can hit 300 meter targets with a pistol.

Well, I hope this gives you an idea of what I did.

Miss you all

DVD answers

2006-12-04T19:03:00.000+01:00

Okay, here are the answers. I'm going to put them in the comment section of this posting so that people don't see them until after they've taken the quiz, if they want. I'll put the grades in there too. Look for your names at the top of each comment posted by me to find your score.
I'm loving grading your quizes. you guys have some great answers! "Why, a couple of times I even laughed out loud...right out loud!" Who said that? Check out the answer to number 1.

Enjoy! I know I have.

“Let’s play a game!!!”

2006-12-03T19:01:00.000+01:00

Okay, why is the title in quotes? Because it’s a quote, silly. Ah, but from whom?

Question: What’s Phillip’s favorite TV show?
Answer: The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Easy question, right? Well. Let’s try something a little harder. There are a handful of other DVD aficionados out there who read this blog regularly. Some are family, some might as well be. So, let’s have a little quiz.
This is how it will work: There are ten lines below. You tell me who said the line and to whom and what the episode was in which it appeared. Sounds easy, huh? I warn you, this is not for beginners.

Rules:
Do your own work. No pairing up.
No referring to the tapes or DVDs.

Scoring:
There are 20 items, each worth 5 points. You get 5 points for identifying the episode and 5 points for identifying the person who delivered the line and to whom….don’t forget that part.

Here’s the grading system:

80-100....Honorary Cast Member
60-80......New Rochelle Resident
40-60......You’re no Eleanor Roosevelt
20-40......Dummy McGee
0-20........Bupkis

Good Luck!

#1 Why, once I shook so hard, I emulsified xylene and hexal alcohol! And you know they don’t mix.

#2 You look like you slept in a box of prunes.

#3 Well, if he lived in the city like any normal kid, he’d be attacked by a nice street gang.

#4 Yeah, I can run back here and blow my nose, I guess.

#5 You might find another Monroe Deifendorf.

#6 You know what’s wrong with bucket seats? Everybody’s got a different size bucket.

#7 Music’s the same, costumes are the same, after a while you forget they’re monkeys

#8 Can you double stitch? Can you make hoops? I’m the only one who ever made Peter Pan fly, without showing an inch of under garment.

#9 You are in charge of his mouth. If he opens it, stick a buttered roll in it.

#10 How can I have a romantic weekend when I know I’m a lousy kisser?

Extra Credit:
5 points each for a brief explanation of the following:

1. Dummy McGee
2. You’re no Eleanor Roosevelt
3. “Let’s play a game!!!”

I’ll give each of you your scores as a comment when you comment on the blog with your answers.

Oh yeah...this is HOT!

2006-12-03T15:46:00.000+01:00

Never, in all my living years, did I dream I'd have a car like this! A 1990 Opel Senator, four door, manual transmission. Total Chick Magnet! ...just maybe not chicks in my age group..haha.

The taller building in the background of the photo is my cell block...I mean, my barracks. I always get those two confused.

By the way, this is a temporary car. Hopefully temporary on my terms and not the car's. I want to get a new car, but I didn't want the payments yet, so I'm going to wait about a year or so. Maybe less maybe more. Just as soon as I can save up a decent down-payment.

Because Mom said so...

2006-11-27T12:00:00.000+01:00

Doesn’t everyone’s mother say “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all?” Well, that’s kind of how I felt last week. With the exception of Thanksgiving day, I wasn’t in a very good mood. I didn’t feel like spreading my sour attitude to anyone else..haha. So, therefore, no new postings. Now that I think back on it though, there were a couple of good things that happened last week.
I spent Thanksgiving day at Henry Kissenger’s house. Okay, he wasn’t there. In fact he hasn’t lived there in years, but he did once! A friend of mine, whom I knew form my time in California, invited my to go with him. The home belongs to his friend, an American who knows how to throw a big Thanksgiving bash. It was great. I ate until I felt sick…and isn’t that what it’s all about? Haha Okay maybe not, but I did eat until I felt sick. It was nice to have somewhere to be on the holiday. It really was a good time and there were some others there who I met previously since I’ve been here.
The day before, Wednesday, we had a mandatory “fun” day. (Notice the word fun is in quotes and not the word mandatory). The event left a lot to be desired, but I was able to reconnect with a couple other people whom I knew from DLI. It’s nice to see familiar faces. I felt a little less alone here.
The rest of the weekend was very low key and I mostly hung around here and did a lot of nothing. I think I needed that after the stressful days before. Yesterday, I went to the service at the post chapel again. The chaplain’s sermons are usually pretty basic (not deep), but the Lord really touched my heart through His word during the service. The scripture reading was from Luke 17 (about the ten lepers). I hadn’t read that in a long time and I was very moved by it.

Well, this week is starting off oddly. I went to PT this morning and they announced that we were having a urinalysis test. Whatever. So, no PT. After peeing in the cup, I went to look at a car to buy. Still haven’t bought one yet…hopefully this week sometime. Stay tuned for that one.

Not much else going on… Miss you all.

A Tale of Two Weekends

2006-11-19T23:32:00.000+01:00

This is the tale of two weekends. It is a tale of wonder and adventure, of disappointment and pain. It all started on a cloudy Saturday morning in the tucked away German city of Darmstadt. Awaking from his sleep, a young (cough, cough) soldier, named Phillip, began to plan his weekend. With only a few mundane tasks to weigh down his day, he finished them quickly and then set out for adventure. The city of Frankfurt awaited. It cried out to be explored. But how would the young (hehe) soldier get there? He had no car; in fact, at that time, he didn’t even have a valid driver’s license…not for this new land anyway. Ah, the train! What luck! The strassenbahn (streetcar) stop is only mere steps from his barracks (boo, hiss). The strassenbahn is cheap and goes right to the Hauptbahnhof (main train station). So, with digital camera and rain deterrent (umbrella) in hand, he set out for the Hauptbahnhof, arriving there in less than 20 minutes. It was at the Hauptbahnhof that the first obstacle presented itself. Without knowing how to speak German, how would Phillip buy his train ticket to Frankfurt? AHA!! There are automated ticket machines! A bullet dodged…except that the machines won’t accept a 20 euro bill. Rats! Well, he’ll have to try the ticket counter. Gulp!
As he walks up to the counter, the ticket agent, a thirty something woman, smiled and said something in German. Phillip took a deep breath and politely asked, “sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?) She made a face. He wasn’t sure, but it either meant “Yes, but I don’t want to” or “No.” The third possibility is that is meant “oh great, another stupid American!” Either way, it wasn’t good. Phillip thought an explanation was in order. “I don’t speak German.” A completely unnecessary statement. She rolled her eyes…just a little bit, but he saw it. Hhhmmmm… Phillip decided he better dig deep and try to reproduce the limited German he had learned in his one week in the new land. Um…Ich mochte ein fahrkarte zum Frankfurt? It wasn’t really a question, but that’s how it sounded. He wasn’t sure that he had said it right, but it must have at least been close enough. She smiled again and nodded that she understood he wanted a ticket to Frankfurt. Success! She gave him the ticket and gestured in the direction of the train platforms. He was off. The trains are almost always on time, so no problems there. Arriving in Frankfurt, Phillip lingered in the Hauptbahnhof only long enough to notice how much it resembled the one in Paris.

Like any good soldier, young Phillip had done his map recon, not wanting to get lost in the new city. Having planned on visiting an architectural museum on the south side of the Main river (pronounced “mine,”) he set out for the nearest bridge. The route was simple: cross the bridge and take the first left. Done. Arriving at the modest sized museum, he entered and approached the ticket counter. “Oh great!” Trying to avoid a repeat of the train station incident, he searched the board above the ticket agent’s head in a desperate attempt to locate the word for ticket, knowing this would be a different word than for a train ticket. AHA! Got it! “Um…ein Eintritt, bitte.” This small phrase got him the ticket (that and 6 euros). Just when things were getting simpler, the ticket agent started blabbering on and on in German for what seemed like minutes. She was pointing toward the entrance to the exhibit. He understood a few numbers that she said and that was about it. Um…”danke.” He had no idea what she said.
The museum was nice. Three floors full of photos, models and sketches of different architectural feats in Germany and elsewhere. Six euros well spent.
After that, it was off to the plaza with all the churches. It probably has a better name than that, but for Phillip, that one works just fine. Walking along the river, he arrived in about fifteen minutes, all the while warding off the rain with his folded up umbrella in hand. It’s almost like magic. The walk looked something like this…

The “Plaza with All the Churches” is just what you may have pictured an old German city would look like. It was quite breathtaking.

After the churches, Phillip decided to find Frankfurt’s franchise of his favorite clothing store, Zara. It wasn’t far. Along the way, Phillip found something akin to a farmer’s market in one of the plazas. There were fruit stands and food vendors all around. He couldn’t pass up the Bratwurst vendor. YUM! Fresh off the grill, it was piping hot and deeeee-licious. Two more euros well spent.
Zara was right around the corner. Nice, but nothing really begged to go home with him, so he left. After visiting a few more stores and stopping for something to drink, it was time go home (using that term loosely, folks). Back to the Hauptbahnhof it was. And wonder of wonders, there was a Starbucks in the food court!! He stopped by to grab a hot chocolate for the train ride (sorry Fairfields, but it’s just part of the story). Buying the ticket was a snap. He was off!
Phillip arrived back late enough to call it a full day, but early enough to get a good night’s sleep for Sunday. A young soldier has to get plenty of sleep. (Is the “young” part even plausible anymore?)
Sunday was low key: church at the post chapel, and lunch with some people he met there.
It was a good weekend. Phillip was excited to add a new chapter to his book of adventures the following weekend. Little did he know what awaited him.

This weekend can be summed up by closely examining the items on Phillip’s bed. No lengthy story or explanation needed. Perhaps you can even guess. Take a try. Can you sum up Phillip’s weekend in ten words or less?

Answers

2006-11-12T16:29:00.000+01:00

If you haven't played the game yet from my last posting and you'd like to take a stab at it, then don't read this one yet. Below are the answers to the picture game. Good job everyone! Some of you did better than others though. Some of you didn't even try, so that's not too hard to beat! Haha. Okay, cover your eyes if you haven't played yet...

***ANSWERS***

Fancy towel rack - My headboard

Uniform - under the lamp shade on the right side of the picture...just above the beret. It's sort of a greyish blob. Don't forget that the Army is wearing a new uniform now. That's why this one was so tough. Good try though!

The other featured item was the bag of Malted Milk Balls...I don't think anyone got this one. They are next to the computer in the picture.

Bonus Question #1
Okay, here's the deal. There was only ONE thing in the picture that made me want to retake it...at the time. Now, after reading some of your answers there are more things that bother me....thanks a lump!! Haha. The answer, however, was the folded-under corner of the sheet and blanket on the bed (Two points Angela, you were the first to get this one. Kudos to Tim and Janet too).

Bonus Question #2
I think Ralph came the closest on this one (just one point though, due to lack of specificity) The answer is clear trash bags..talk about class!

Again, good job everyone!

Here in the room...

2006-11-10T11:41:00.000+01:00

Well, it's not exactly "home sweet home," but it's a place to sleep and blog.

Here's what they gave me...although the pictures make it look a lot cleaner than it actually was. Believe me, it was disgusting!

Here's what I've done with place....not too much, but it's inhabitable now. The picture will not indicate the elbow grease required to live here. Wanna play a game? Scroll down.

Can you find...

- the fancy towel rack?
- my uniform (not just the beret)? This is a tough one
- the other featured item in this blog?

Bonus question #1
Can you tell me the one thing in this photo that made me almost decide to retake it?
...it's something that bugged me, in fact, I just fixed it.

Bonus quesiton #2
Can you tell me what the fancy curtains are? Haha

Look what I found in the Shoppette today!! Ft. Meade's shoppette didn't even have these!
Go Cambrai-Fritsch Kaserne! (that's the name of this place. "Kaserne" is German for "barracks") Pretty sweet, huh, Dad?

Miss you all

Darmstadt

2006-11-09T16:07:00.000+01:00

DARMSTADT
(pronounced “darmshtat”)

Today I went out on the town with the people from my German orientation class. We mostly went to learn the public transit system of the city and how to take trains from Darmstadt to other cities and back without ending up in the wrong place…been there, done that! I once ended up in Toulouse, France when I was trying to go to Barcelona, Spain a few years ago. Eh…what’s a few hours more on the train, right? It’s all part of the adventure.

I had my first German meal today…it was great! Although, anything’s better than the Taco Bell and Burger King I’ve been eating here on base. Haha…I guess I don’t set the bar very high. Anyway, I had roast beef with potatoes and vegetables.

We also stopped by the old city castle which is situated on the city square, called the Luisenplatz.

You can also see one of the downtown streets where some of the shopping area is located.

I’m hoping to go to Frankfurt this weekend, so there will be more pictures on the way if that works out!

Love you all

Hammer Party

2006-11-06T21:26:00.000+01:00

My cell phone is now with God...actually, it was Nextel/Sprint. It's probably in cell-phone hell. I had hoped to get this posted earlier, but I was having some trouble with the video and audio not matching up. I still haven't resolved the problem, but I didn't want to wait any longer to post this.
Many of you have heard me talk about the "hammer party" I was planning for my cell phone, lo, these many months. Well, on the eve of my departure to Europe, I fulfilled my heart's long wish of smashing my cell phone into tiny pieces. I know each of you with a cell phone has had that same feeling from time to time. Mine was pretty constant actually. I was, however, able to control myself till the end.
So, in the presence of my family, I took my father's framing hammer and did my worst to the evil which had formerly been my cell phone. When the video ended, I continued the party, aided by my brother Tim. The large piece you see in the video which tried to make a cleavor escape from the horror being wrought upon it, was only temporarily relieved of its doom. Evil will not triumph and the sneaky little cell phone got it in the end...and everywhere else too. Enjoy!

VIDEO LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIdiB3XsPSg

P.S. The final words on the video which get cut off were "that felt good" ...and it did!

California Trip

2006-10-26T17:56:00.000+02:00

Last weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating my birthday in California with my Parents and some of my closest friends (who? ...keep reading). We visited a place called Big Sur...arguably the most beautiful place on our western coast! We also did some hiking near Ralph and Martha's house.
Who are Ralph and Martha? I knew some of you would be asking that question. Good thing for you, I already have an answer ready. Ralph and Martha are two very good friends who I met when I was living in California in 2002-2004 when I was at DLI. We met at Hollister Bible Church on one of my first visits there. It might have been the first actually...I'm not sure. Ralph and Martha (along with their grown kids Angela and Elias) adopted me into their family and made my time in California an experience that I will always cherish. They also made California a permanent part of my life...assuming that's where they will be:) They are two of the best examples of Christian lives that I have ever been privileged know. They have been a constant encouragement to me and I am grateful to call them my friends!

Included among the "we" of my trip out to California is another very close friend, Jaime.
Jaime is another Army friend. We met in Basic training and were stationed together in California and in Texas as well. She's one of the best Linguist that the Army has. I am proud to serve with her! We share SO MUCH in common as far as likes and dislikes too. She's one of my best friends and is a great encouragement to any endeavor I have ever taken. Thanks Jamie!

Thanks also to Janet and Gary who showed us their great hospitality! Thanks for the best birthday breakfast ever, and my first french toast birthday cake...haha

check out the pics in the "California" album:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/chicado77/my_photos

You'll see:

Jaime and I on the Monterey Peninsula at sunset...great picture, Mom!
Birthday Breakfast
Me with Dad and Mom at Big Sur
The hike up to Fairfield Falls...good job, Mom!!
Ralph and Martha at Fairfield Falls
Me inside Fairfield Cave
Some really big trees...that's their technical term
"Man conquers river"
"Man conquers giant tree stump"
And and strange encounter with a fish

Leaving Maryland and DC

2006-10-26T16:51:00.000+02:00

On October 16th, I left Maryland. I signed out of my unit and began two weeks of PCS (permanent change of station) leave. My Best freind, Todd, came out from Illinois to help me with the move. Thanks, Todd!!! You're the best!! I left behind two of my closest friends when I left MD, Dustin and Tonia Rose. ( I miss you guys!!) Dustin and I have been friends since we met in California in 2002, (and Tonia since they married in 2003). We were stationed together
there at DLI for a year and a half, in texas for about a day and a half (haha), and in Maryland for another year and a half. Besides being a great soldier and NCO, Dustin can be credited with turning me into a football fan!! Go Cowboys! (as long as they aren't playing the Bears) Tonia is one of the hardest working people I know and is a blast to hang out with. Good luck with the classes and the job! You guys gotta move to Germany!!
Most of you don't know my Army friends, so I wanted to introduce you to two of the best!!!!

Check out the pics:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/chicado77/

Click on the "Washington" album and you'll see:

Dustin and Tonia with me
Todd and I
The Lincoln Memorial (my favorite)
The WWII Memorial (my other favorite) with my favorite quote there
The Jefferson Memorial
Marine One - the President's Helocopter
The Capitol building
The Washington Memorial
The Courtyard outside of the Haulocost Musuem ( a must-see museum if you visit DC)
The White House

Watch out Germany, here I come

2006-10-26T16:45:00.000+02:00

On tuesday, I leave the United States to serve our great nation for three years in Germany. I will be living in Darmstadt, Germany. It's about 30 minutes south of Frankfurt, in the Hesse region. I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with all of you during my time there. I hope that this blog will make it easier for you to feel a part of my life while I'm away. I welcome whatever feedback you might have to the things I post as well.
I'm going to miss everyone a lot since the visits home will be fewer and farther between. However, I'm blessed to have this opportunity to experience Europe in a way that I probably otherwise would not have had. You all know that I LOVE to travel, so this is a great chance to see lots of new places!
Lastly, thanks for everyone's love and support over these past four years that I've been wearing our great country's uniform and serving in the tradition of the millions who have gone before me in the Defense of Liberty. America is, as President Lincoln said, the world's "last, best hope." If America does not take the lead in this worldwide struggle against extreme islamic totalitarianism, no other nation on earth will. The ultimate outcome of this struggle will not be determined by the strength of our military, but by the will of the people of our Great Union of States. Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Freedom will once again win the fight and spread her wings to fly into new lands. Those of you at home have as great a role to play in this fight as those of us in uniform (whether at home or abroad). Vote! Vote! Vote! After all, isn't that the reason for which so many in uniform have died in generations gone by? Love you all!