Fun with Photoshop

Hey guys and gals, It's about that time again - time to update the BLOG! Well, the time here is really going fast as I look back and see that we left on September 12th, and it's almost April now! About 10 more days till we reach that magical half way point! After that, it 'should' be all downhill, and planning to leave here should start in a few months.

Days have actually started being shorter, and the dictatorship work environment is more relaxed and people aren't stressing out as much. We started playing sand volleyball on Saturday afternoons, that's a good time. The sand is a lot more like dirt and rocks with traces of sand, but hell, what should we expect from a desert-like environment? The sand here isn't like sand back home, when it get's wet and drys, it compacts with the dirt. So, if everyone sends a box of sand to us, that would be great! Jody - next time you go to the beach and you're building sand castles, fill up your little red bucket and send it to me, ok? :)

This morning I went to the pool on the neighboring base with a couple of guys to start on that 'desert-tan'. We were only there for 2 hours, and the sun didn't feel that strong, so I said, agh heck with the lotion. Bad idea. Good thing it was only for a couple hours or I'd be crispy! The pool was pretty nice, only 4 chairs and they were junk and it was dead there. So, we were the only 3 people there and had the pool all to ourselves to act like kids and splash around and throw a football around.

I've been taking a class on Adobe Photoshop from a book I bought. I've always wanted to learn how to use it to enhance and modify pictures. So, the picture you see is my first one. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Well, I'll close for now! Miss you all!
Jason

March Madness...

Hey Everyone! Well, to keep the trend going, I'm writing a new post the week that March Madness begins... another sporting event! The picture to the left, or above, where-ever it ended up, is a nice one that I came across on a computer over here. I wish I could take credit for it, but I haven't gotten to fly around in a chopper yet! This overlooks the famous crossed-swords and the enormous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Things here are going pretty well. The project workload is finally leveling off after a few late nighters and some hard work! We've reached the point now that we are developing processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the units that will be replacing us. This should help them out quite a bit with the transfer of authority once that time arrives. Wish we could have had something like this coming in!

We actually had our first design make it through completion of construction. It wasn't a huge project and iroically none of our engineers worked on the design, but none the less - it was our first "start to finish" project. Now that most of the inherited construction projects are almost complete, our drafters and designers get to start seeing the products of their hard work.

I want to thank everyone that have sent cards and packages. They are greatly appreciated! The guys really enjoy the military tips of the day postcards that the South Venice Christian church sends as well! It's a good feeling to know that people care and support all of us over here. Here's a quick story relating to one of the tips of the day I received: About a month ago, one of my soldiers was approached by the Platoon Sergeant and was asked "Do you have anything to do?". He told us later, that his brain was telling him, 'say anything but no, say anything but no' but after about 3 full seconds of delay, he responded with "no"... (needless to say he was pissed at himself for saying that). So, the other day, one of the "tip of the day" postcards stated: "Never tell the platoon sergeant that you don't have anything to do." I gave it to him to hang on to so he'll never make that mistake again!

Now for my sports predictions - The Final Four - Iowa / Kansas / UConn / Ohio State (of course I have them in the final four!) And as much as I'd love to say they will win it all, I don't think they will get by UConn, nor will anyone else... UConn will win it all. I'm really hoping the Big Ten dominates the tourney and ends up with Indiana and Illinois in the final four, but, I doubt that happens! Either way - Go Bucks!!!

Jody - Hang in there and don't get frustrated, things will work out, I promise! I'm sorry I've put you in this situation, but it's almost half over! :)
Mom - I appreciate all of the help you're giving me with issues back home, I really appreciate it!

I miss all of you! Take care, and have one for me! Boy I miss those Red Bull and Vodkas!