Days are already starting to run together. Thank goodness my watch has the day of the week and day on it, otherwise I don't realize. This place is rubbing on my nerves today for some reason. Maybe it's because I can't get on the internet long enough to even send an email, or maybe it's that we can't sweep the floors in our building because it sets the fire alarms off, or maybe it's because the mess hall has the worst coffee I've even had in my life.... idk. Today we came back to the barracks to find the police and fire truck parked outside because someone set off the fire alarm by sweeping too much dust up! And to top that off, it happened twice, same day. Oh well, another day here and something we can laugh about.

We did have an awesome day training though! The snow really picked up from the time we left this morning and arrived at the range. It really is pretty. Hopefully I can get some pictures uploaded soon. Snow angels, snowball fights.... serious cold-weather training!

I'm thinking of everyone at mountain camp in Jasper this weekend. I wish I was there. =*( I will be off the bike for a very long time.... grrrr! We try to go to the gym any chance we get. I love working out with the Soldiers... it's very motivating. It's a stress-reliever and a team-builder. I've been working on pull-ups and didn't realize how sore I was until I had to do some push-ups... yikes! Area for improvement - upper body strength! = )

Combatives… HOOOAHH!

Combatives was definitely one of our more exciting days here thus far... or what some of us like to refer to as ‘wrassling’. Yes, it was a painful day in the end and we’re all paid for it afterwards. Good Army training, HOOAH!

It’s been snowing almost everyday and supposed to continue. The winds are really strong and it’s snowing sideways! Thank goodness we got all sorts of cold weather gear. I think it's making me tougher... I swear! We got these puffy beige/sand-colored coats and pants and all sorts of other stuff. We even got these crazy looking hiking boots. It was like Christmas… snow and all. Btw, it’s snowing in Afghanistan now too. Eeeek!

This one's dedicated to LT....

I've been trying to upload a video of some rare footage of those defending our country, but it's not working. I have some crazy Soldiers... and I am not condoning this behavior, merely documenting it. The girls had a "Dance Off"! The Michael Jackson number was dedicated to me and was of course my favorite.

One finger for "LT"....

I got a wonderful surprise package yesterday from Trish & Tut! The other girls were excited about the parachute troopers and Charleston Chews. Lots of goodies in that box... yum! I finished off a box of the Chews myself. I skipped the chow hall to eat candy.... nice, priorities. Here's the new Army PT hat thanks to Trish & Tut....

Happy birthday to me!

I celebrated my birthday today with the opportunity to go to church service. It was great… I always feel so refreshed afterwards, and question why I don’t make more opportunities to go when I can. The Chaplain talked about how God gives us gifts and it’s our choice how we use them. Our situations or challenges aren’t about ‘us’, they’re just a piece of his grand scheme for us. So what we can do with our gifts and serve God? So I’m still trying to figure out what my ‘gift’ is, but I have faith that God is sending me on this journey with a grander mission for me. I’m already catching myself slack off… not talking to God daily and letting wordy durds slip out. Pray for me, my friends, pray that I stay focused. I want to lead by example and make a difference somehow, no matter how small. They say deployments do not build character, they reveal it. Thanks for listening on my b-day, that’s just what’s on my mind this morning. = ) Have a wonderful day!

(This picture is my bed when I got back from church. Funny thing is I had to give the sweet tarts back. Ha!!)

CPL Frost!

Someone had a picture of CPL Frost! As you can see, it's a shame he's no longer with us. You can't see it, but he had a USACAPOC patch on his left shoulder... U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations.

Okay, today was a treat and tomorrow hopefully will be too. We were in this really nice building with heat and coffee. I told some of the guys all that was doing was spoiling us before next week when we'll be laying out in the snow shooting all day. = ) I got to go to the gym for the first time today since I've been gone. Besides being really out of shape, I didn't know how to work the stinkin' equipment. I kept looking for the ones with pictures, which didn't always help. Ha! At least I knew how to use the treadmill. As most of you know, I don't like gyms. But I was excited to get to do something to work out. All I've done the past few weeks is EAT!

Until next time, bu-bye!

Traveling bites

Yesterday was an expectantly long day. Up at 0430! Oh and it's a beautiful place.... NOT! The barracks we're staying in are horrible. One bathroom and shower for all the females. Don't get me wrong, nothing is unexpected. I'm just saying! I didn't go to breakfast so I got to sleep in 'til 0630. I couldn't sleep all night because I could hear everything.... people talking, doors slamming, toilets flushing. Then we were in the classroom all day... I was fighting to stay awake! Could be worse, and it will be starting next week when we'll be outside all day. At least the cold will keep me awake!

We were waiting outside the chow hall and a couple of the girls couldn't resist playing in the snow. There's at least 12 inches of snow still and it's snowing again. Someone made an igloo outside our barracks, ha! There was a really cool Soldier snowman, but some idiot tackled it before I could take a picture. He got extra duty for that!

I haven't been able to get online until now, but just picked up a wireless signal in the lounge area. Also can't get cell reception except in a few spots... like outside across the street. I've only been gone 11 days now and it feels like at least a month. This may be a long year. ; ) I hope everyone is doing great!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Hope you all have a nice Valentine's Day with your honeys. = ) Missin' mine today!

Hasta luego!