Sunday 24th

Hi all,

Well today I was back working in the woods once again, which is fine by me. I've decided to start volunteering while I am waiting to start class (still no word when I actually will start class). Today I spent the better part of the morning working on deer blinds. I cut and flagged paths through the woods to the blinds, and put up some camouflage. Wednesday I am going to make sure that the blinds are level and secure. Later today Lisa and I are going over a friend of hers from work to look at their computer.

Well last weekend we went downtown for dinner and it was nice, we ended up sitting at the table where Secret Service sat while GW at dinner on a trip to Charleston back in '04. The food was pretty good but the appetizer was a little cold and the service was not up to par in my opinion. The day after that we went on our dinner cruise around Charleston Harbor, it was nice. Lisa is a light weight though a couple of drinks and she was feeling pretty good, but I think she had a good time hanging out with her friends.

Well I've gotta run hope you all have a nice week.

-Jason

Sept 14th 2006

Hi all,

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the decision that Lisa and I made leading to my enlistment in the United States Navy. These thoughts stem from, obviously the Fifth Anniversary of 9/11, and my first year in the service which is drawing near. I often find myself thinking of how I would react if I was on one of those planes, or a maybe a POW. I think of the plane that crashed in PA, and how those people must have felt, that they were not going to be a victim, they were going to take charge of the situation, it gives my chills. I think of POW's, that were held captive for years without their families having any idea if they are dead or alive, what impact would these or similar situations have on me. I'd like to think that I would act in a manor that is honorable to my family and country.

Looking back on my career so far I have to admit that I pictured myself further along in the process. One of the many reasons why I enlisted was I felt that I could offer more to my employer, which ironically is how I currently feel. I feel I could be doing more for my country. I look at my bunk mate from Boot Camp who just left Iraq, and to hear stories of attacks on bases, and generally how dangerous it is over there, I can't help to feel that I am wasting away here on hold. When I think about how "bad" I have it here, I quickly find myself thinking about the many armed forces member that don't have it so easy. Here my buddy is risking his life everyday, and I complain about picking up trash. He is half a world away from his family and I come home to my wife every night.

It comes down to my ability to be patient and to know that I will have my day to serve my country in a manner which hopefully I will feel fits. As I have said before the roots of my enlistment have elements of a selfish nature, about improvements that I can make to myself, but I am also very proud to be able to protect my country. I just hope that the pride I have for serving my country grows as the years of my enlistment countinue to increase.

Looking back on my brief Naval Career so far I'd have to say the jury is still out as to how long I will serve. Boot camp was a challenge but also had some fun elements, A school was interesting and the pace was challenging. Being on hold has pros and cons, pros I have a lot of time to spend with Lisa, cons I'm bored and feel that I am treated like a child sometimes (I must admit that other people make it difficult for anyone on hold to be treated in any manor other than that of a child). Looking forward to my future I hope that I will do well in the next phase of training and will have the honor and privilege to serve in a manor that would make any sailor proud.

-Jason

Sunday September 10th

Hi all,

Last night I had a couple of friends over from A school to watch the Texas-OSU game. It was a good time, it was nice seeing some of my old friends before they move to New York in October. Well today Lisa and I are going for a bike ride up to the free movies, where we will be watching X-men 3, hopefully it will be good. Other than that probably will make dinner and have a nice quiet evening.

Hope all is well

-Jason

hey guys, i found these quotes on-line...
the 2nd is my favorite =P!

I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
Rita Rudner

I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it.
Lyndon B. Johnson

More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse. ( ......ain't that the truth!)
Doug Larson

We are ok

The "Storm" for all intensive purposes missed us completely, no damage what so ever that I saw. I have duty tomorrow but I have Sunday and Monday off as does Lisa, so a nice little weekend for us, maybe we'll go for a picnic or something.

Everyone have a safe and happy labor day.

-Jason