8 SEP 10 -- It's been a long time...

I know it's been a long while since I've written -- just got some free time to write again, but since this keyboard sticks, it might not be a very long blog.

As far as I can tell, Joel is doing well with his therapy. He's been doing the P90x workout program in his Vestibular therapy and he's been boxing at LA Boxing on his own -- that's motivation! He's investigating future career possibilities. I'm interested to find out what he discovers will suit him best. He's discussed photography, radio, or possibly something in the medical profession.

I'm still in southern Afghanistan. It's still hot, yet not too bad. I PT in the dust-filled air almost every day. We are all worried we'll die of some moon dust disease that won't be discovered until years after the war ends. We'll see about that.

I still love my job as the Engineer Operations Officer. It's great being involved with so many important Engineering missions throughout our area of operations. I also love the people I work with on all levels -- all have different personalities, but all are easy to work with as long as you pay attention to how they receive communication the best.

Outside of work I try my best to hang out with friends who are also stationed on my base. I make lunch dates and PT dates... it's nice to talk to people about something other than work, since we are stuck doing work for at least 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. A lot of those friends are at the end of their deployments, though, and are heading home. I have no doubt they will filled with more people I know from the past, though. Afghanistan is one big reunion.

I would send pictures, but I don't have any on this computer.

Some events that've occurred:
-Capt Sanchez's wife sent him a pinata for his b-day. We waited until 4 July to take a crack at it. It was a blast -- we had a lot of laughs, especially when Lt Vaught hit it so hard that he broke the stick. We used money behind our sunglass lenses to create a blindfold. Also on 4 July, we made fireworks by throwing chem lights in the air (the ones you bend to crack the chemicals open to create a glowing stick). I took some pics -- it actually looks like a little fire cracker.

-I went to Marjeh to watch a road mission. We went in the middle of the night and stood on the road for about 3 hours watching the grader and dump trucks do their thing. It was nice to get out and see more of the country. Marjah actually has a lot of trees, which is MUCH different from where I'm based. On the way, we passed by little villages. It's fun seeing little kids running around in their garb. Some little girls have very fancy dresses, which is seemingly out of place in the dirt-filled surroundings, stained bare feet, and wide-eyed looks. They are very cute when they aren't throwing rocks at our vehicles or trying to steal things off of them.

-I also convoyed to another base to visit one of my units, see a couple projects we've completed on the bast, and visit a couple friends. It is interesting seeing how others are living around the area of operations.

-I continue to sing at church -- what a RELEASE! I truly love it. Right now, the drummer, guitarist, and myself (3 of 3) all work in the same office. We practice once or twice a week before the church service. We all agree it is a great way to get our minds off work.

And in other news, one of my bridesmaids, Lindsay, is getting married! I'm thrilled to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, as well! It will be a blast! Congrats to Steve and Lindsay!

Alright, that's it for now! I'll send pics when I can.