update time

The last time I posted was before the Superbowl? That can't be right. And yet, there it is... my last entry prior to today, predicting the Steelers would win. Man, what's happened to me over the last... what, month?! Oh, wait... only two weeks. Well, that's a little better I guess.

Okay, so let's review. (Let me get some more coffee first.)

After the big game, I called my best friend and congratulated him. He grew up in Pittsburgh before joining the Marines. We first met about 12 years ago and, for anyone who's not familiar with the military lifestyle, to be in touch with someone from that long ago in your career (much less actually getting together with them from time to time) means that you are friends for life pretty much. Anyway, he told me that he's heading out to the Sandbox (Iraq) and in fact he should be there by now. Good luck, Bro!

I got a chance to speak with the man who cuts my orders transferring me here, there, and anywhere in between to discuss how my wants and the "needs of the Corps" could best reach an agreement so that I get orders to a place I'm needed and everyone's happy. In the end, we agreed that I would stay with my current unit for our next deployment later this year and before I get back, I'm to officially request reassignment via my chain of command. I'm eligible for promotion (again) this year and whether or not I get selected will greatly impact my next move. See, the military is kinda funny that way... we'll promote you and then try to find you a job. From what I understand, the civilian sector will promote people to fill a specific job or vacancy. I think ours is a little backwards in that regard, but hey... what're you gonna do?

So, it looks like I'll be heading "over there" again later this year. Fortunately, the battalion is supposed to be going to Okinawa to further deploy from there. You've heard of the 2000 Marines and the 2 war ships that have arrived in the Phillipines to help with disaster relief? That's the stuff we'd be doing. Throw in some bi-lateral training with friendly nations in the Pacific Rim and that pretty well sums up our mission. Like I said, not too bad. In preparation for our deployment, we've been shuffling a lot of people around, including our command staff. As of last week we have a new boss and a new senior enlisted advisor. I'm also relocating my office this week. I'm being shuffled to the end of the hall... out of sight, out of mind maybe? At least I should be able to secure a better parking spot.

On top of all this... we're starting a capital campaign at church. You ever watch a movie or show during PBS' membership drive? Kinda along those lines... "We hope you're enjoying today's sermon on 'Living the Life God Wants for You' and we'll get back to it in just a moment, but first we'd like to offer you this handsome duffel bag which can be yours with your pledge..." Okay, it's not THAT bad, but you get the idea. The kick of it all is that it's actually a growing process for us. Are we listening to what God wants us to do? Are we doing what God wants us to do? If the answers are 'no' then we shouldn't be surprised that we're not being blessed. If the answers are 'yes' then we shouldn't be surprised by whatever wonderful things come out of this... both in the church as a whole and in our own lives individually. Shoudld be interesting.

Anyway, that's what's going on here. I realize it's not that fascinating. I appreciate those of you who continue to read these posts. If you're looking for stories from and about deployed service members, then pleas check back in July. If not, then I hope you had a wonderful President's Day and may you have a great week. Hard to believe there's still another whole week of Olympics to watch. My family is getting tired of it, but I love the winter games... especially the bobsled competition. What's your favorite Olympic sport?