Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! It's been an exciting one for me, with many big events. I got married, got called to active duty and deployed, and was received into the Catholic church. (I finally have pictures up in the Iraq gallery.) I've made new friends, learned new points of view, and loved every God-given day! Not to say I wouldn't rather be home; I miss everything about home, and I'm looking forward to being there again. However, there are so many opportunities here, if one opens their eyes.

As for New Year's resolutions... Well, I resolve to make it back home, for starters. I don't think that one should be hard to fulfill! As much as the army likes having me here, they don't want to keep paying us silly Reservists full time. Also, I want to spend more time with my wife and my family. Once again, shouldn't be hard, as I'm spending no time with them currently.

There goes the C-RAM, sounding off for the new year! Let's hope it's a good one, shall we? I love you, everyone! Keep safe!

Christmas Time Again!

Hello again folks! We've had so many exciting events, it's hard to know where to begin. To start, we have a new soldier working with us, Spc. Bonita. She is a transplant from one of our subordinate units who had some personality conflicts with her own people. So far, she is a little fiery at moments, but overall very friendly and easy to work with. Also, one of our section was promoted; Sgt. Antonio is a brand new NCO, and filling his new role well, taking on a lot of new responsibilities. Beyond that, I've completed all of my RCIA classes for the church, and Fr. Hotel is going to welcome me into the church tomorrow at the Christmas Eve mass. I will be receiving my baptism, first communion, and confirmation in the Catholic church. While I wish my friends and family could be with me for this huge event, I've found that being out here in Iraq has given me an incredible opportunity to forget about most of my daily routine and focus on self-improvement. I'm trying to do that in many ways: spiritually, academically, and socially.

The Christmas season has been different than usual, to be sure. Being away from friends and family has been difficult. It's a different scenery and a different climate than I'm used to as well. But we have a few decorations around, and the care packages have been pouring in from friends and strangers alike. The Have a Heart/Adopt A Soldier organization has sent most of our unit packages! But I think what has helped this feel most like the Christmas season for me has been listening to Christmas music. I already mentioned the Mediæval Bæbes last month, and in addition, I've been listening to holiday music from Jewel, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, The Roches, The Choir of Kings College in Cambridge, and Sufjan Stevens.

I have new pictures in the Iraq picture gallery that shows us celebrating the season. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!