Ouch!

Before my deployment, I had to attend an Army-run Combat Skills Training course. I didn't find much of the training worthwhile and have yet to employ anything I learned there (this is probably a good thing). The training was mandatory because my deployment is a Joint Expeditionary Tasking, or JET; that is a tasking for other branches of military to fill in for shortfalls in the Army. I'm not a soldier, but I've now had some soldier training so I can grunt and hooah with the rest of them around here. Alright I did go to a Department of Defense school for Public Affairs technical training so my job really isn't so different than it would be if I were in an Air Force billet.

Now that the background is out of the way, my post is really about what happened at the end of training almost 2 months ago.

At the end of CST, New Jersey was hit with a big snow storm, though not quite the snowpocalypse the East coast is suffering from lately. This storm precluded our field exercise which would have been the summation of our training. But in good ol' Army fashion, we continued to get geared up and trudge through the snow and over ice to show that there really was a point for us having to be there until two days before Christmas.

It was on the return from one of these last outings that I found myself facedown on the ice. I was carrying my rifle in my right hand, unslung so as to not impale myself with it should I fall. And fall I did. I guess I thought more about making sure my rifle didn't crash to the ground as I maintained a hold on it as I fell, thus driving my knuckle into the ice.

I assure you it hurt, but I had to "soldier" on and finish up my training. I wasn't about to get sent home or delay my deployment reporting for a sore finger. I thought I may have just jammed it as I've done on many occasions to several different phalanges. The worst part was to be that I had to pack a couple of days later, and lug baggage around to various locales over the next couple of weeks. Did I mention it hurt? It didn't even show signs of improving aside from a little of the swelling subsiding.

It's been nearly two months since that incident and the pain wasn't really going away, especially on cold days when I feel like an arthritic old man. I decided to go to the small clinic here on camp to inquire if a jammed finger should be feeling better by now. The doc was suspicious, as I had been, that it was more than a jam. He sent me to another camp with an x-ray machine to have a pic. Turns out I have a chipped bone.

I have pictures of the x-rays to share with you:

See the little guy seceding from the union?

The only thing that can be done now is to work on rehabilitating. Instead of traveling back and forth to the other camp, I've opted to work it out myself (on the doctor's approval) -- I squeeze a stress ball. After only a couple of days, it feels like it's starting to improve.

Since this is such a long post, I won't continue to bore you with insignificant details of my trip to the other camp. Tune in later for my thoughts on what I've seen of Afghan life while here. I assure you it will be less whining about my poor health.

Broken, but now I have 207 bones, right?

Marty

I know when I'm not wanted

OK, so that isn't completely accurate. Since getting my deployment tasking in October, I was told I would be doing this PA mentoring business. Shortly upon arriving here at Camp Spann, I was informed there was some confusion as to whom I actually belong. The higher headquarters in Kabul (IJC, CSTC-A, NTM-A -- don't ask me what all those acronyms mean or what each organization does 'cause I honestly don't know) have been trying to stake their claims. Yes, it is nice to have everyone want you. Unfortunately, it isn't nearly as appealing as you would think; I now have to endure my most dreaded part of deployment -- transiting.

As much as I enjoy being part of this team here and meeting with the ANA PA shop regularly, it was welcome news to find I'll be heading to a different assignment in Kabul. I've been stuck here in limbo as to my actual job and can't really justify my being here while there is a civilian here for the very reason I came. In other words, I'm underemployed and bored.

And in other news, while I would encourage you to continue reading the referral blogs, I'll likely have to find more opportunities to post my own exploits. I hope you'll stay tuned.

Unless I can find another blog to mooch off of, I'll keep you posted.

Marty

Referral

I made it to my camp, Camp Mike Spann, and have been here for close to a week. It's a small, army-run camp, with an attached NATO camp, all within the confines of an Afghan National Army camp. I'm pretty sure you could lob one of the millions of rocks covering the ground from one side to the other if you had a stiff tailwind. I probably won't try it so as not to fail in my attempt and knock someone out with said rock when it doesn't clear the camp.

There are few amenities here, but that just means more time for me. I really want to work on studying Japanese and work on my photo editing (PhotoShop) skillz, cause we all know chicks dig guys with skillz. I've also set a goal of a six pack by my thirty-sixth b-day; I shall call it '6 by 36', and hopefully it doesn't end in me drinking a 6-pack on my 36th b-day instead. I probably should have started on that goal sooner, perhaps earlier in life.

As I said, the camp itself isn't too exciting, but my mission sounds promising. Having said that, I must say that we're at the whim of our Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police public affairs units' schedules. What that means so far is only a few hours each week of actual mentoring/advising work.

The good news is I don't have to go into every detail of my day-to-day because I have two high-speed Senior Non-Commissioned Officers who have blogs. You can find links to their blogs below on the right side. I even read them regularly to find out what I've been up to.

I'll try to take some exciting photos to share, but honestly the other two blogs have those covered too.

Marty

I'm back

From where you might ask. Well I suppose it's not a from where, but to where. I'm back in the AOR, or Area of Responsibility, i.e. combat zone. Coincidently, that's where I started this blog, albeit on another continent. This time I'm heading to Afghanistan. I'm sitting in Kyrgyzstan at the moment awaiting airlift, but shouldn't be here too long (that's what everyone who arrived here a week ago has said too).

My last deployment took me to an undisclosed location, hence not so much blogging from there (gotta lead by example, right?) I've also been keeping updates via Facebook (find me there if you want more frequent updates).

As I said, I'm back in the AOR. To my knowledge, I won't be at an undisclosed location, so I should be able to post some pics and a few updates of my adventure over the next six months. I Hope you follow along.

As always, sorry to leave you teetering on the edge of your seat for, I don't know, about a couple of years. Whoops! I said I'm sorry.

Back in action,

Marty

Mogul Mashers year-end party

Last night was our end-of-season party for the Misawa Mogul Mashers (ski and snowboard club). It was a good turnout to a less than stellar season of skiing (due to the economy and maybe global warming).

The club treasurer, secretary, president and I (vp) decided on the Oirase Brewery for the venue. I had been there one other time and enjoyed it (perhaps too much). It's another one of those seamingly popular pay-too-much, cook-your-own-food and leave-with-lots-of-grease-burns restraurants. Fortunately this ptm, cyof, and lwlogb restaurant also provides transportation there and back (about 40 minute trip) and all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages. Surprising how the grease stops burning (as much) after a couple of pitchers of microbrewed ale. The beer (even the soba beer) was good, the food was good (burns and all), and the cameraderie was good.

I'm looking forward to next season and trying out snowboarding more often and getting AX more comfortable on skis.

Grinding more powder than Colombia (credit to Scott S.),
Marty

Impaled

You know how your mom always told you not to run with something in your mouth or you'll fall and jam it through the roof of your mouth? Me either. My mom always suggested I take a steak knife and go play in the busy street. (I know you meant well, Mom.)

EW has had some instances of biting, however, nowhere near the trouble we had with AX. Fortunately, I don't think consuming flesh was his intent last night. We were all having a nice time reading books during EW's story time, except EW. The little guy wasn't really in the mood for reading and wanted to continue playing. He likes to stand on my chest and, with some assistance, jump up and down (it's not entirely as painful as it sounds). He wasn't ready to stop his game of "up down" when I was done assisting so I left my hands up to catch him if he slipped.

I then diverted my attention to AX as he was about to read a book for EW. (AX by the way is starting to read. This book in particular he has memorized so he reads it that way.) EW tried to stand up and resume his game and did indeed slip. As his face headed down with his mouth agape and laughing, I felt my fingernail click across his tooth and sink into the soft part of the roof of his mouth. (Sorry if that makes you a little squeamish; that's how I felt in the instant I knew what happened.). When he realized something wasn't right (probably from the look of surprise from me), he started crying. I opened his mouth and saw the blood running down the roof of his mouth and down his throat. I took him to the sink and attempted to apply pressure, but couldn't touch so far back without gagging him. We called the Urgent Care clinic and they told me to bring him in.

I don't know what it is about older siblings, but AX felt the overwhelming need try to distress his little brother. He was pretending to cry; even though EW wasn't anymore. Then he was being overanxious about blood. I realize there was potential for a kid to get worked up about the trauma, but this was quite apparent that he was trying to get a rise out of his brother. Finally, he tried to work his way into going to the clinic with us. I know it seems like he was worried, but if you know AX at bedtime, you would know he was looking for a reason to not go to bed.

At almost the same time as I was phoning the clinic (and AX was doing his gig), the bleeding had slowed to a trickle so I didn't think he'd bleed out on the way. By the time we got his shoes on, the bleeding had stopped and I could clearly see the fingernail-shaped gouge.

After a short but apprehensive wait, he and I were able to see the doctor, who assured me that it was just a flesh wound and would heal quickly and without assistance.

EW seems past it all already and really hasn't even showed any discomfort while eating. He's a pretty tough kid.

And for the record, my Mom was very caring and would never send me out into a busy street carrying a sharp object ... It was a spoon and our street wasn't that busy.

Keeping the kids intact for another day,
Marty

Trip Pics - Tokyo

I'm losing sleep for this post. Here's so my wife will get off my back for posting without pictures:


The Spanish teacher's pet. El perro?



This is what women look like in their natural habitat, a jewelry store. This one specialized in pearls. Notice the male in the background with a bewildered and confused look.


Hey, rickshaw boy! Stop checking out girls and take me to the Sumo tournament.


We're HUGE in Japan ... or at least we would have been in the Edo Period.

Now for a little Sumo.

They already have wedgies, so they just have to battle for lunch money.


Part of the 360 degree view from Tokyo Tower.

This one's for you, Dave. Now will you come visit?

A glimpse of the Giant Panda. Ok it was a cow, but we pretended so the trip to the zoo didn't feel like a waste.

I can only surmise that this is what became of the dear, departed Giant Panda. Or maybe this is just a Hollywood stunt double. Skadoosh!

View from the ginormous Ferris Wheel.

Yeah, I did that. No, I didn't get the lousy t-shirt.

Finally, our ride home - the Shinkansen.

And of course ... the Tooth Fairy's pet.

Sorry for the delay in photos. I hope I didn't force anyone to use their imaginations.

Marty

Sumo in Tokyo

This post is about a week late, but since I'm sitting here listening to Vanessa sleep and waiting for a utility company in the states to open so I can call and cancel the service that I've not utilized since early August, I thought I'd supply a little fodder for you. (yes, that was a very long sentence. Don't make me do an entire post in one sentence because you felt you needed to point that out.)

Last weekend we loaded up the family and took the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Tokyo. The main purpose for the trip was to attend a Sumo Tournament. Secondarily, we went because, hey, we've never been on the Shinkansen, nor have we been to Tokyo. I suppose that's not entirely true cause we flew in to Tokyo on our way here, but we didn't really see much or get off the bus. And actually I've been on the Shinkansen once for a business trip to Sendai. So as I prattle on with half-truths, let's just say we've never done Tokyo nor all ridden the Shinkansen together.

The idea for the trip came from some of Vanessa's co-workers who have made an annual trip to Tokyo for the Basho (Sumo Tournament). They opened up the invitation, and after a brief discussion, decided to check it off our list. (That list is unofficial, but it does exist in our minds of the things we must do whilst we are exiled here). Needless to say, the Basho was pretty awesome, even if our seats were a bit lofty. Surprisingly, even the boys enjoyed it and seemed to remain captivated by the rotund gents smashing into each other and whose nether regions were covered only by a towel or mawashi (the size needed for those guys could easily be large enough for a family-sized beach towel. And now that I think about comparing a silken cloth that has been firmly set betwixt a 400 pound Japanese guy's sweaty cheeks, perhaps that wasn't the best analogy). I can only imagine that EW was thinking Santa Clause decided to ditch the red leisure suit for something a little less constricting. (See previous post)

In addition to the Basho, we also visited the Edo (that's Tokyo before it became the capital) Museum, and Tokyo Tower at night (great observation deck).

The next day we went to the Ueno Zoo. According to their website they have a giant panda, but according to the sign at the entrance said panda died almost a year ago ... c'mon update your site and stop misleading uninformed tourists ... I mean Vanessa was devastated and almost cried. We also stopped in at a really busy shopping area that had loads of vendors and people. I really didn't see anything that would create such a large crowd, but perhaps it's a place for people to go hang out when they're missing the crowded subway. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in Akihabara (the electronics district) and Ginza (the 5th Avenue of Tokyo). We didn't buy or need to buy anything, but now we can say we've been there.

On our final day, we ventured out to see the Tokyo Dome (I guess it's a baseball field), but we could really only see the outside of it (mostly uninspiring, but it was on the list of things to do in Tokyo). Across from the Dome was a shopping mall with some amusement rides. There was a roller coaster that circled around the roof, so I had to take a spin (alone of course). The first downhill was exhilarating, but that was about it, then it was over. We all rode the huge Ferris wheel and enjoyed a nice birds-eye view of the city (during the day this time). We then finished our morning with lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Vanessa and I have now eaten at BGSC in San Francisco, Honolulu, Minneapolis, and Tokyo. I know, you're jealous. Finally, we gathered up our things from the hotel and made our way back to the train and home.

If you made it through this lengthy summation, I feel obligated to inform you that AX finally lost his first tooth today. I'm probably more excited than he is, because now I don't have to check it for him daily and give him my opinion as to how near it is to detaching. And since the Tooth Fairy is asleep, I'm going to stand in and hook the little guy up. I don't know what the going rate for a first tooth is these days. I guess I'll see what I have in my pocket; he may get an inkpen and some lint.

Time to have some mooch's water turned off (honestly, the house was a steal. You'd think he'd have the decency to change the utilities over),

Marty

Gobble, Gobble, Ho, Ho

Thanksgiving came and went without much ado. We had a traditional dinner with a full bird but minimized fixings; leaving minimal leftovers and the need to relive that day for the next week. Vanessa put the ol' plastic tree up no later than the day after. She actually got our tree up before her Mom had hers up. Of course it helps being 13 hours ahead.

We were mostly finished with our holiday shopping before Black Friday. Fortunately, the Japanese don't suffer from the affliction that Americans seem to when it comes to a need to trample Walmart employees after a day of gluttony and thankfullness. Of course that could be due to the dearth of the ubiquitous retail giant here.

We've sent out our Christmas cards earlier than normal. We got all dressed up in kimonos because, well, we're in Japan. If you didn't get one, you probably haven't given us an updated mailing address. Try to rectify that by next year, will ya!

It's also time to use the threat of Santa not visiting to get the kids in order. While we don't make Santa a huge part of Christmas normally, we have found that Aiden has become more susceptible to the ruse. I know, we're mean parents.

We attended my office holiday party last night. It was held at the club and was open to the whole family. Santa was there and supplied the kiddies with candy canes and gifts (of course pre-provided by parents--what does he use all those elves for anyway if they're not making the presents anymore?).

You may notice a member of the family not present in the above photo. We tried many times, but Ethan didn't want anything to do with the guy with the unruly facial hair and a penchant for red.

As you can see, he would rather use his Jedi abilities to obtain a gift. When those didn't pan out, he ran over for his present and split again before the fat guy could stuff him into that red bag. Ultimately, Ethan did open up a line of communication and said bye; this was probably some innate behavior to get on the jolly fellow's good side before the 25th.

We are now looking forward to our definite white Christmas, and of course hearing from all of you.

Getting ready for the yuki,

Marty

How Bazaar

This week I celebrated my birthday (never you mind which one). It wasn't anything too exciting, but I was happy to spend time with my family.

We didn't really go anywhere this weekend either; still up to our ears in boxes. Actually, that's not entirely true. We've been working hard and are now down to our knees in boxes, but there's still all the stuff that belongs on the walls on the floor. At least we can navigate from room to room without obstruction. We even found a little room for some added furniture.

Twice each year, the Misawa Officers' Spouses Club hosts the Far East Bazaar. This weekend was the second of the year. We found lots of stuff we wanted, but we don't yet know what kind of space we have available so we mostly restrained ourselves from making impulse purchases. We did, however, find a couple of lamps we couldn't walk away from. They are actually from Hawaii, but that's kind of "Far East-ish." Right?

For now, we're looking forward to the next bazaar. Of course, we have to keep our options open, cause we'll find a lot of stuff we won't be able to live without over the next few years.

Otanjoobi omedetoo gozaimasu (to me),
Marty

Boxes, Boxes, Bed, Bed

Our stuff was finally delivered Thursday. Ness and I (at this point just Ness, cause I'm typing this) are currently digging ourselves out of stacks of boxes. Some of the boxes are like Christmas presents; they're labeled but it's a big surprise when we actually open it up to see what's inside. Movers have a funny way of grabbing something left over from one room and squeezing it in with a completely random box of wares. They also like to use lots and lots of packing paper. I really shouldn't complain cause all that packing paper keeps my precious pencils, pens, straws, and silverware from getting broken.

Many of you have seen, or heard about the bed I made Aiden a few years ago (loft, complete with slide and "stone" wall). That colossal masterpiece (if I may say so) took up most of his former bedroom. Because we didn't know what kind of space we'd have here, we opted to leave it behind in storage and buy the boys a bunk bed from Ikea. I spent a couple of hours after our household goods delivery putting together their new bed . After two nights, it seems like it's going to work out. Ethan even slept on his big boy bed last night.

When we moved out of the temporary lodging on base to our home in town for the next three years, we borrowed furniture from the base (No, I'm not using "borrowed" liberally. They actually have a Furnishings Management Office that has lots of loaner stuff). These furnishings included large appliances, living room furnishings, dressers, and beds. We quickly discovered a sticking point with the beds.

We live in a Japanese-style home and things are a little more quaint than we're used too. For instance, I have to duck my head to get into the upstairs bathroom (I've only forgotten once!). The movers with the loaner furniture tried to move a queen size bed up the stairs and discovered our dilemma; it wasn't going to happen. Knowing we had our own queen size bed on a voyage across the ocean, we had to look for an alternative solution. We used the two twin beds that we originally borrowed for the boys and pushed them together, while Aiden was able to enjoy the queen size bed downstairs. Of course Ethan didn't sleep on the floor; we kept him hostage in a pack-n-play.

We shopped around some local furniture stores last week and found a couple of twin beds that, when pushed together, will make for some spacious snoozing (and a some nearly wall-to-wall furniture) for the next few years. They delivered and assembled the bed today and, although it's only 3 P.M. here, I'm ready to go try it out. Good bye unpacking, hello mid-afternoon nap!

O-yasumi nasai,
Marty

Won't you take me to Takko town

Last weekend we decided to take a trip to Takko town (pronounce TACO) for the annual Beef and Garlic Festival. Having lived in the SF Bay area of California, Ness and I have attended the sister-city garlic festival in Gilroy (not that I remember much of it besides the intense, yet delightful smell of garlic permeating the air).

Our trip down was uneventful, with the exception of this being our longest whole-family trip here to date. It was surprisingly quiet.

I purchased our lunch tickets the week before the trip, so we were assured a lunch of vegetables, garlic, and thinly sliced Takko beef. I think I forgot to read the small print, cause we soon discovered that we were afforded the opportunity to prepare our meal to our liking. We searched through the throngs of people for a grill, then hovered over a couple of folks until they "decided" they were finished eating and moved along. One of the volunteers prepared our grilling surface (I need to find one of those people for my grill), and we set to work cooking our lunch. The boys were eager to, um, help. I hesitate, cause we had a toddler meandering around a bunch of half-barrels full of fire, and a kindergartner who wanted to touch a bunch of raw food on the surface of said half-barrels of fire. We got through the hectic lunch prep and, at least Ness and I, enjoyed some wonderful food.



After fighting with Aiden to eat something, then ultimately surrendering, we ventured around the rest of the festivities. There wasn't a whole lot to do, but we did happen upon the Garlic Spitting contest. We enjoyed watching for a while, but Vanessa quickly goaded me into signing up. She's a good sport, so she didn't complain too much that I signed her up too. We ended up being the last two on the list; 79 and 80. There might have been more contestants, but it started raining; making the already cool mountain air even, colder. Fortunately, the rain let up just before it was our turn.


(can you see the clove of garlic?)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the picture above is the wife of the 3rd place world champion garlic spitter (11.678 meters). I plan to attend next year's festival to try to take 1st.

I actually relished in the spotlight with another Airman, who actually works down the hall from me and whom I shall forever refer to as Number Two. I'm not sure what that says about the Airforce.

That was the excitement of the festival. If you see me around, NO autographs!

Setting my sights on being Ichiban next year,
Marty

Ryusendo Caves

Shortly before we left San Antonio, we visited the Natural Bridge Caverns. Since then, Aiden has been asking about caves in Japan. I assured him we would find some, so I did. Monday (our Monday, not yours), Aiden was out of school, but Ness had to work. We left Ethan in daycare. It was a perfect opportunity for Aiden and I to have a father-son day. I took the two of us on a road trip about 150 Km south. We had some decent directions so it wasn't too hard to find. It just took what seemed like forever. But you know, it was ok because we didn't have the youngest boy screaming (his only efficient way of communicating at this point) in the backseat.

We stopped along the way for a second breakfast at McDonald's. Aiden needed ketchup for his hash brown, so I sent him to the counter. Keep in mind that we were quite a ways from the McD's near our house that sees Americans all the time and where they understand English rather well. Aiden asks me all the time how to say words in Japanese, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for him to use a word or two. I armed him with his vocab and away he went nervous, but rehearsing his line ... "kechapu o kudasai." Success! He was pretty proud of his accomplishment.


Aiden managed to stay awake all the way to the last 20 minutes of our trip to the caves. He was enjoying the wind on his hand but couldn't resist the call for a catnap.


The Caves were small, but had some interesting features (clear, deep water for one) that we hadn't seen in previous caves in both New Mexico and Texas. They were also quite damp and cold. Aiden was all to happy to get back outside where it was warmer and no possibility for a bat to come swooping down on him (not that that was likely).


After a lot of walking, Aiden wanted to enjoy some of the refreshing spring water from the caves. He is a bit of a germaphobe sometimes, so he refused to use the community cups provided.


Getting Aiden to eat Japanese food isn't going so well ... yet. We did find some ice cream to have for lunch. It wasn't the most nutritious of lunches, but hey, it was a special day.


Since we have GPS coordinates back to our house, we were able to take a faster route home using the handy-dandy Garmin. I knocked off about 30 Km and an hour from my return trip (partly because we didn't stop at McDonald's again). The map software we have is a little old and doesn't have all the finished roads, so I did have to navigate a little on my own. All in all, it was enjoyable, but I think we'll find something closer to home next time.

Living the adventure,
Marty

The Gersts in Nippon, er, Japan

You read that correctly, we're in Japan. After I returned from my deployment to the not so fabulous desert, we packed our bags and headed east (actually west, but to the Far East). We now reside in Misawa, Japan. My assignment here is supposed to last until August 2011, but as fickle as the Force is, we could leave here in a year or 10. It seems that every assignment I'm at the rules change. Of course I'll keep you posted on any changes.

I know what you're thinking, "Gerst, you're a slacker about keeping us posted." Well you're right, but you'll have to trust me on this one. We're a long way from home and we have a lot of people to keep in the loop. As was the original intent of this blog, this is the best way for us to update everyone with the same info.

As for what you've missed, well, you missed it. Let's stop living in the past, shall we. Let's start fresh (and any other cliches you can think of). And let's do that with the next update.

Hajimemashite,
Marty

Don't fall over

I know ...

I've been here, I just haven't been much about the blogging. There's lots of news, but I'm sure you've gotten it from other sources by now (CNN, Fox, President Bush). I have most certainly left you hanging.

Most of you know where I am, but if you don't, well, I can't tell you. Due to host nation sensitivities we can't say. Oh, everyone knows we're here, but our gracious hosts don't like to rub it in the faces of their Arabic brothers.

So quick update ... I'm here for another month, I haven't done anything nearly as exciting as my last deployment, I've been to a couple of places around the area that I'm sure I'll fill you in about later (I say that, but don't hold your breath), my kids are growing like weeds (the youngest like a fat weed, but I'm sure he'll grow more vertical soon enough), and we're all moving to Japan in August.

So there it is. More updates later.

Maybe much later,
Marty

I'm here ... Wherever here is

It was a long trip, but I finally made it here Wednesday afternoon. I'm getting settled into both my living situation (not horrendous) and my job (possibly fun -- we'll see). I'm currently hanging onto a ledge with my laptop at arms length trying to get a wi-fi signal so I can post this before my battery runs out.

There! Done!

I'll try to put something more informative together offline, then I can just post it when I finally get that elusive connection.

Hope everyone is doing well,
Marty

Slight delay; it's for real now

I was scheduled to leave early on the 6th, but turns out I had strep throat. I spent most of the Saturday before in the the emergency room waiting to be seen by a doctor. As luck would have it, I was placed on 48 hours quarters so I couldn't leave. This wasn't lucky for my gaining station as they're quite irate that I didn't show up.

I've spent the last week recovering and doing some of those things I didn't have a chance to do earlier; I still haven't finished them. It's too late now cause I'm at BWI airport waiting for my late night flight to the wonderful world of sand. Since my sponsorship on that end of my deployment has been quite lacking, I don't have a clue as to when I'll be able to contact anyone. Hopefully, I'll be once again engaged in regular updates of my blog, but as I don't know the finer details of my deployment, I can't make any promises. I know you'll all be on the edge of your seat waiting.

Dangling the carrot,

Marty

Time for Christmas, time for deploying

Season's greetings,

We're gearing up for an exciting holiday season. We will be celebrating Christmas, New Years, and Ethan's 1st b-day all in the span of a couple of weeks. We'll be visiting friends and family, then promptly return home to prepare for my deployment.

Uncle Sam's little, militant brother, Uncle Air Force, has given me my marching orders. At the beginning of the year, I'll be deploying once again. I'll tell you later where I land, but for now, know that I won't be in immediate danger.

Vanessa will once again be the lone parent in our household. This time around she'll have two boys in tow. I can't say enough how much I admire Vanessa's strength during these times. I know she has friends and family who will be able to lend her a hand or ear when she needs them, and I thank you.

I pray each of you will have a wonderful holiday season. I hope to see or hear from you before I depart. If not, you probably know how to contact me. I'll be in touch.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Marty

Tis the season ... for sick kids

Yep! I'm sitting at home for the rest of the day after receiving a call that AX had an involuntary protein spill at daycare. So I finished up what I was working on at work and made my way to pick him up. As I was approaching, I received yet another call from daycare informing me that EWG had a fever and would also need to be picked up. Oh, the joys of parenthood. By the way, I think they caught whatever is bothering them from their mother. Admit it Vanessa, I know it's all your fault! :)

I put the kids to bed and will await the fury of their illnesses when they waken. Until then ...

Take two of these and call me in the morning,

Dr. Dad


(Note to anyone in the know: my little trip to Ecuador has been nixed, so now I'll be headed to play in the sand.)

Early Turkey Day

I didn't post last week because at least half of my audience was here for Thanksgiving, or at least the weekend before the holiday. The boys had an awesome time with their grandparents and Auntie Megan and Aiden enjoyed spending time being a terror with his cousin. The women folk went out shopping on a daily basis, so V's dad and I managed to play a couple of rounds of golf. I'm sure V's shopping skills were honed, but I can't say the same for my golf skills. Nonetheless, I enjoyed getting out and playing.

Our company departed before TG, so our immediate family had a nice turkey dinner with a few fixins. Vanessa and Aiden even made a pumpkin pie (if it had been pecan I would have eaten too much of it all by myself, and I certainly don't need that). EWG even enjoyed a taste of his first Thanksgiving dinner. It was actually nice to not be so stuffed after the traditional turkey dinner.

Lately I've been really, really busy after work. I joined a band. Mostly I play the drums, but sometimes I pick up a guitar or vocals. We just usually play to our strengths depending on who shows up to be in the band. I guess I should mention that I'm talking about the video game Rockband ... sorry, I couldn't resist.

So last night I had one of those "in-the-weeds" dreams about playing the video game and slept horribly. Tonight, I've decided that I should do something else before immediately going to bed in order to assuage those kind of dreams. Hopefully updating my blog will do the trick.

Sweet Rock-n-Roll dreams,
Marty