Mother's Day

Another holiday in the desert and I was actually looking forward to this day. It was my first day off in three weeks. My roommate and I got up at 0600 and ran 4.5 miles. I would have liked to have slept in longer but it starts getting too hot out and I didn’t want to miss this particular breakfast.

I have a decent supply of Grapenuts and Starbucks coffee thanks to family and friends so I’ve been eating breakfast at the office.. For one, it saves me having to walk in the opposite direction from the office and secondly it saves my arm from having to salute 100 times just to get to the door on the DFAC. I can’t understand why the senior leadership hasn’t made the area a no-salute area. I’m sure their arms are ready to fall off, too. I like walking with my commander to meals so I don’t have to salute every lower enlisted Soldier and of course I rub it in while we’re walking!

Anyways, I was looking forward to this breakfast since I had homemade “Old Troll” maple syrup that Dad had made. So I broke from my traditional breakfast and had an omelet and French toast. It was the best! Thanks, Dad!

After breakfast, I made coffee in my French press. We just got our totes this past week so I finally have the remainder of my stuff. I was excited to pull out the French press, extra towels, T-shirts, art supplies, books, pictures of family and friends, guitar books and bedding. My roommate and I sat on our deck; drinking our coffee.

Our deck is made up of three pallets with plywood nailed to the top. It sits on the side of our trailer and I was able to acquire some camo netting to hang over our deck. We recently got chairs and a table so we’re livin’ large! Not quite the same as sitting on the deck at home and looking over the horse field but it’s better than nothing. I even received a pot with potting soil and seeds from the Jensens so my green thumb is at work here in Iraq..

After sitting and enjoying just the chance to relax, we walked to church. This is about one mile from our trailers so by the time we get there; we are always sticky and sweaty. Right away I notice Chaplain Chang is there. I was a bit disappointed (ok, I’m waiting for the lightning bolt) since he’s really hard to understand during his sermons. It reminds me of trying to take algebra in college from my Asian professor and not understanding the lesson at all. Probably why I failed….it couldn’t have been for my poor study habits. Lucky for me, there was a visiting Chaplain to deliver the sermon.

Following church, we went to the oasis for lunch. Once again, I wasn’t disappointed but I was still full from breakfast so I didn’t eat as much as I usually do when I visit the engineers. Our battalion commander had gotten invited to lunch, too. When he found out that I had been eating there frequently, he gave me a hard time for keeping it secret. All I had to do was my Sarah Palin imitation to have an open invitation to dine. Maybe he could work on imitating someone!

The rest of the day was uneventful. I sat on the deck some more, practiced my guitar and watched a movie with Keanu Reeves. When that was done, I tried Skyping the family at the internet café. I got through but it was a terrible connection. The frustration level was high with the stupid technology.

Over this day, I thought a lot about family and particularly my Mom and the wonderful support she has provided through the years and especially now. I thought about how much I miss my own daughter and how I wish I could hold her close, forever.

Mom: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for everything! Love you with all my heart!