we have no idea why he's wearing a backpack 

HAHA this is one of my squad leaders after he wiped out 

Sergeant Pulver fell 

this is tubing, I didn't do that either, maybe some of you are starting to think me unadventuresome 

this is outside my window, it's cold, but it looks nice 

Thanksgiving, everybody.

Thanksgiving.

Man I guess it's been a while and so much has happened that I can barely remember it all. But to stay in the moment I suppose I should talk about my Thankgiving adventures. I went down to Virginia to visit my dad and that side of my family. My squad leader was kind enough to offer me a spot in his truck to go down south so I rode with him and his wife and their two year old daughter, Isabel, who is fantastic. She was totally my riding buddy on the way down. I don't mind telling you that we hit it off. Thanksgiving!

So for at least a couple of days I got to spend a little time with my father. I love hanging out with my dad, not least of all because the chance comes along so seldom. So we played cards and I played video games with my younger brothers and sister and we ate turkey and went to one of my dad's high school's football games where my toes froze as I stood on top of the press box. Good times were had by all. I didn't see Harry Potter, much to my chagrin but that's the only bad thing that could be said about the weekend. THanksgiving!

So that's how things went in a nut shell. Pictures have been added for your enjoyment below.

John  

THis is John, I think he's pretty funny 

This is David, Abby, and John from left to right. My younger siblings. 

this is my little sister Abby 

here's me an my dad in front of the christmas tree while I have a really stupid look on my face. I'm not standing on a step or anything, he's really that short.  

Today's revelation

I found out that Girls in other parts of the world actually are attracted to military guys. By other parts of the world, I mean other than within a 50 mile radius of here. Research into this phenomenon continues.

Fix You

It's interesting, for lack of a more interesting word, what issues arise in one's mind after any random occurence during any given day. Let me first say, so as to keep this at least somewhat light, that I've always taken intense enjoyment from 'the random'. As a side note I suppose we may one day discover that what we saw as random and chaotic may have, in fact, been exactly what was always meant to happen. I digress.

The issue in my mind, after today's particular piece of serendipity, is that of contentment. Satisfaction, if you will. And of how far those two things seem, in my mind, from actual happiness. I suppose myself content at this time in my life. All my needs are being met. I have tons of job security, plenty of expendable income (which I save most of believe it or not), free food, free lodging, friends (albeit distant ones). So this is good. I would liken the word contentment to the word survival. I've got the basics, after all.

There is, and always has been, something very restless inside me that simply wants more. I think a part of me wants to be insanely happy but perhaps, for however long, I've just ignored that and contented myself with being content. Why? It's easier. Sad is so much easier than happy. Happy takes work. . . . and it's scary. Gives you that feeling like you have something to lose, like you're vulnerable. I've never been especially good with that.

So that's your confession for the night/ milennium. I'm not vulnerable enough for happy. Don't worry I'm not having any kind of even mild depression or anything so don't call anyone (unless you want to call me of course). OK, that's all. I like you guys.

After a long month in the field with virtually no time off we return home at the end of a 25 mile road march. Sort of a grand finale. Incidentally that's further than a lot of you might drive in a day or two. SO here I am, weight down from not lifting and not eating enough. I did more this last week between the hours of midnight and 8 than most people do all day. Sometimes I really like the army and below you can see some pictures to prove it. Sort of makes you want to talk to me more, right?

and here it is, hopefully there will be a better one soon to come 

and this ladies and gentlemen is what it's all about. THis is my surrogate family and the group of guys I trust my life to. I'm smack dab in the middle with the shot gun in one hand and a rifle in the other.  

so I'm not sure about the expression on my face but this is me and the other team leader in my squad after chow out in the field this last week 

the memorial angle 1 

the memorial again 

road trips: a lost art

Two great friends of mine, Lauren and Megan, came to visit me over Labor Day weekend. They drove like 11 hours to see me and were turned away from the first gate they tried to enter because an alleged explosive device had been delivered there. At this time Lauren and Megan are not suspected to have been involved in this incident but investigations are still in progress. Seriously though, I love them for coming up here to see me. YOu can see a few of the pictures from the weekend below.