Happy New Year! I rang in 2007 on the ward here in the wonderful, as I call it, "Land of Sand". I think the highlight of the evening had to be an Iraqi patient, in what we call THE FISH BOWL, urinating all over the floor in their room. Makes you wonder what goes through someone's mind when they do something like that. It's not like he had any loss of cognitive ability! He is able to speak...maybe even yell! "HEY I GOTTA PEE!" That would get someone's attention, don't you think? But, no...just go ahead and pull your pants down and relieve yourself all over the floor next to your bed...nice.
Luckily, this didn't happen at Ft Riley! There I would have to clean up the mess. Here we have host nationals do the janitorial work for us. That's a definite bonus.
Happy New Year! I cannot believe that it is already here...2007. Amazing how time flies when you are forced to be somewhere. Sarcasm, oh how I love you.
20061231
20061225
Merry Christmas! Oh how I wish I could be with my Chey right now...sharing our first Christmas TOGETHER! However, I have to do my duty here in the ever so grateful Middle East. I pray for a Silent Night...
I hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday, enjoy each others company, and don't take if for granted. I know I won't in the future...
I hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday, enjoy each others company, and don't take if for granted. I know I won't in the future...
20061219
Along Came Polly...an extremely funny movie. The opening scenes persuade me to day dream about St Lucia!
St Lucia is where I am taking Chey for our honeymoon next October. My heartrate quickens with thoughts of the crystal blue waters and many activities we will be able to partake. I have quite a few surprises in store for her...that she begs to know, but I won't break down and tell! How much fun would it be if she knew all the fun before it happened? It would still be a great time, but I want to relish in her emotional response.
I AM SO FLIPPIN EXCITED!!!
20061215
Is time travel possible? If it is...then all I want is to travel forward to April 2007! I almost...I say again...I almost regret taking my R&R so late in the game (8 months into deployment). Then, I remind myself that when I get BACK from R&R I only have 4 months left!!
Today is my friend Neil's birthday. I need to call him and wish him a Happy Birthday! How old is he? Is he 23? 24?
Speaking of birthdays -- mine is the 17th, I will be 31. Flippin' Yay. (NOTE: Excitement level is minimal). Pat and Dave are both December babies too! I think the 23rd and 26th? I have to put a question mark on that one because I have to ask for confirmation. I am 100% sure.
One more year come and gone....It's hard to believe that it has passed by so fast. I didn't even blink that long...
Today is my friend Neil's birthday. I need to call him and wish him a Happy Birthday! How old is he? Is he 23? 24?
Speaking of birthdays -- mine is the 17th, I will be 31. Flippin' Yay. (NOTE: Excitement level is minimal). Pat and Dave are both December babies too! I think the 23rd and 26th? I have to put a question mark on that one because I have to ask for confirmation. I am 100% sure.
One more year come and gone....It's hard to believe that it has passed by so fast. I didn't even blink that long...
20061211
Shenanigans!
I find myself compelled to write about my opinion on individuals in the military that use LESS than honorable ways to go home from this war. I see so many soldiers come through where I work in conditions ranging from minor to very serious. These men and women are deserving of a flight home to be cared for by hospitals near their homes, and to be close to their families.
My blood boils when I get patients that have NO external injuries, brag heartily about how they hate the Army and cannot wait to get home, and blatantly disrespect the hospital with their actions. Expounding on the scenario without breaking rules is impossible, but I just want to vent!
If you actually were injured in some way, shape, or form...at least ACT LIKE IT!
I find myself compelled to write about my opinion on individuals in the military that use LESS than honorable ways to go home from this war. I see so many soldiers come through where I work in conditions ranging from minor to very serious. These men and women are deserving of a flight home to be cared for by hospitals near their homes, and to be close to their families.
My blood boils when I get patients that have NO external injuries, brag heartily about how they hate the Army and cannot wait to get home, and blatantly disrespect the hospital with their actions. Expounding on the scenario without breaking rules is impossible, but I just want to vent!
If you actually were injured in some way, shape, or form...at least ACT LIKE IT!
20061210
Schedules...{sigh}...why do we have to have schedules?
It's hard to believe that a month has passed since the last time I posted anything...Crazy how time flies when you're NOT having fun! I can't say that it's ALL bad though. There are activities that I enjoy. I have been training with my friend Mike, practicing combatives. I have to admit---it is the most fun I have had while I have been here, and I definitely look forward to tuesdays and thursdays now! However, there are some draw backs. Bruises showing up that you have no idea HOW you got them, you just know WHERE you got them from! And then of course you get confronted by his wife for "beating him up", and I have to explain myself. It's all in good fun though. She understands what we do, and that we both know that we will have marks to show for it.
I keep pretty busy here. I think every day I am doing something active, now that I have mandatory physical training for my soldiers. Every mon, wed, and saturday we are out there running around our make shift track, and doing other exercises to maintain/improve our physical fitness! Gotta love the Army for that! So...if you have been paying attention, I have my mon, tues, wed, thur, and saturday occupied so far, right!? What do I do on Friday and Sunday?
Those are the days that I goto the gym and actually lift weights...sounds boring huh? 7 days a week...exercise! Who does that? Why would someone in their right mind WANT to do that?? Let me ask you...what ELSE is there to do here in Iraq!! Stare at my roommate that I can barely stand due to his disrespect of me! I don't think so. I will opt to venture to my room only to sleep or change clothes thank you.
Some people here say that my tour here is boring. That I should change the way I live, hang out with other people, and not always be alone. No one see what I really do. I don't think it is anyone's business but my own what I do here. My commander knows where I am on tuesday/thursdays...you know why? His name is Mike! :o) And my soldiers are with me on mon, wed, and sat...then I work out on fridays/sundays with SGT Donaldson. So I am never alone, I just don't advertise my activities. My "schedule" is structure. Without structure there is chaos...am I right? Maybe not so much chaos...but definitely uncertainty about what there is to do during a day.
It's hard to believe that a month has passed since the last time I posted anything...Crazy how time flies when you're NOT having fun! I can't say that it's ALL bad though. There are activities that I enjoy. I have been training with my friend Mike, practicing combatives. I have to admit---it is the most fun I have had while I have been here, and I definitely look forward to tuesdays and thursdays now! However, there are some draw backs. Bruises showing up that you have no idea HOW you got them, you just know WHERE you got them from! And then of course you get confronted by his wife for "beating him up", and I have to explain myself. It's all in good fun though. She understands what we do, and that we both know that we will have marks to show for it.
I keep pretty busy here. I think every day I am doing something active, now that I have mandatory physical training for my soldiers. Every mon, wed, and saturday we are out there running around our make shift track, and doing other exercises to maintain/improve our physical fitness! Gotta love the Army for that! So...if you have been paying attention, I have my mon, tues, wed, thur, and saturday occupied so far, right!? What do I do on Friday and Sunday?
Those are the days that I goto the gym and actually lift weights...sounds boring huh? 7 days a week...exercise! Who does that? Why would someone in their right mind WANT to do that?? Let me ask you...what ELSE is there to do here in Iraq!! Stare at my roommate that I can barely stand due to his disrespect of me! I don't think so. I will opt to venture to my room only to sleep or change clothes thank you.
Some people here say that my tour here is boring. That I should change the way I live, hang out with other people, and not always be alone. No one see what I really do. I don't think it is anyone's business but my own what I do here. My commander knows where I am on tuesday/thursdays...you know why? His name is Mike! :o) And my soldiers are with me on mon, wed, and sat...then I work out on fridays/sundays with SGT Donaldson. So I am never alone, I just don't advertise my activities. My "schedule" is structure. Without structure there is chaos...am I right? Maybe not so much chaos...but definitely uncertainty about what there is to do during a day.
20061118
It's time, yet again, to give an update to those who take time out of their day to read up on me. Not a whole lot has taken place since the Aussie encounter. I have been going through the proper channels to get accepted into a New York college known as Excelsior. They offer online courses to complete an Associates in Science of Nursing, and then a transition from Associates in Nursing (AN) to a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is what I need to become an officer in the military. I have my application in...it is supposed to take 2-3 weeks to be notified if I am accepted...((crossing my fingers!!))
One really interesting thing that has happened was Kelso, from KRXO (107.7 fm) in OKC, came to Ibn Sina last week and interviewed me. He also interviewed a few others from Oklahoma that are here. The station is supposed to air the interviews monday and tuesday of next week...if you want to listen.
I have been without internet for about two or three weeks...I lose track of days here. But, it's nice to finally have it back up and running. I am able to talk and see my wife, Cheyenne again. That alone keeps me sane over here.
She is my rock.
20061105
Guard Duty....
Another wonderful aspect of the Army that, unfortunately, we all have to endure at one time or another while we are here in theater. It amazes me at how slow time passes when you have nothing to do but stare down a barren alleyway for 8 straight hours. Not even the casual conversation with my newly found foreign friends could drown out the resounding boom of the second hand on my watch...TIC...TOC...TIC...TOC....
It seemed an eternity
However, those fresh bonds formed from my extroverted handshake and simple conversation seemed to have a lasting impression. Australian infantryman...I never would have guessed in a million years that I would have ever talked to, let alone made friends with, ANY person from that side of the world. Our talks would range anywhere from rugby to our significant others and where we were planning on going for our R & R. Our Aussie counterparts would switch out personnel every hour on the hour. So, each new sentry reinforced the hours were passing, and our time was growing shorter for the day.
The final day of our duty had come, and I was actually begrudging the fact. I found myself actually wanting to stay out there...staring at the back of a STOP sign...hoping someone would keep driving, and force me to squeeze the trigger. The moment I those thoughts sneak into my head, the rational part of me begins to retort...
You're a nurse. You help people get well, not facilitate their demise. I had been listening to the adrenalized ranting of the Aussie's for an entire week, and it had started to take a hold of my inner warrior. I somewhat envied them for their line of work, and at the same time I revelled in the fact that I am where I am...in a hospital, somewhat safe. Safer than most places here anyway.
My thoughts, while gazing at the cold, grey concrete walls that bordered the entry point to our post, always drifted to Cheyenne. She is my rock. She is my best friend, my confidant. I have told her this time and time again. I hope she knows that what I say is truth, without faltering foundation. My wife...my love...my everything. She gets me through each day here in this place...whether she realizes it or not.
Another wonderful aspect of the Army that, unfortunately, we all have to endure at one time or another while we are here in theater. It amazes me at how slow time passes when you have nothing to do but stare down a barren alleyway for 8 straight hours. Not even the casual conversation with my newly found foreign friends could drown out the resounding boom of the second hand on my watch...TIC...TOC...TIC...TOC....
It seemed an eternity
However, those fresh bonds formed from my extroverted handshake and simple conversation seemed to have a lasting impression. Australian infantryman...I never would have guessed in a million years that I would have ever talked to, let alone made friends with, ANY person from that side of the world. Our talks would range anywhere from rugby to our significant others and where we were planning on going for our R & R. Our Aussie counterparts would switch out personnel every hour on the hour. So, each new sentry reinforced the hours were passing, and our time was growing shorter for the day.
The final day of our duty had come, and I was actually begrudging the fact. I found myself actually wanting to stay out there...staring at the back of a STOP sign...hoping someone would keep driving, and force me to squeeze the trigger. The moment I those thoughts sneak into my head, the rational part of me begins to retort...
You're a nurse. You help people get well, not facilitate their demise. I had been listening to the adrenalized ranting of the Aussie's for an entire week, and it had started to take a hold of my inner warrior. I somewhat envied them for their line of work, and at the same time I revelled in the fact that I am where I am...in a hospital, somewhat safe. Safer than most places here anyway.
My thoughts, while gazing at the cold, grey concrete walls that bordered the entry point to our post, always drifted to Cheyenne. She is my rock. She is my best friend, my confidant. I have told her this time and time again. I hope she knows that what I say is truth, without faltering foundation. My wife...my love...my everything. She gets me through each day here in this place...whether she realizes it or not.
20061001
Deployment...or just another duty station?
Well, I finally have my feet on the ground here in Iraq. However, upon exploring the MWR locations throughout our area, I have noticed that there is never a dull moment. They have coordinated all sorts of events, to include: karoake night, jiu jitsu classes, cardio kickboxing, Texas Hold'em tournies, you name it...they probably have it here. There are three large pools, a couple of volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, 6 gyms (that I have found), and the list goes on for physical activities.
At the Palace they have the best dining facility I think I have ever eaten at in the military. The other night I had King crab legs, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes, and for dessert---cheesecake! It was quite delicious. I was flabbergasted to say the least.
Also in the Palace, they have a 20 computer internet cafe which is adjacent to an Espresso lounge!! Holy goodness, Batman! I thought I was in Iraq not at Starbucks! Craziness. In the basement there is a theater that shows movies all the time (recent releases too).
But...even with all these things to do...
The realities of war are always around us. Gunfire is heard in the distance, and of course in the hospital--we SEE the results of the goings on outside "the wire". And, unfortunately, it's not pretty.
I am thankful for the MWR and all they have done to make this place as close to "home" as possible for us though. They have done an outstanding job, and look forward to taking part in some Jiu Jitsu classes while I'm here!!! Thanks for reading...post again soon.
Well, I finally have my feet on the ground here in Iraq. However, upon exploring the MWR locations throughout our area, I have noticed that there is never a dull moment. They have coordinated all sorts of events, to include: karoake night, jiu jitsu classes, cardio kickboxing, Texas Hold'em tournies, you name it...they probably have it here. There are three large pools, a couple of volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, 6 gyms (that I have found), and the list goes on for physical activities.
At the Palace they have the best dining facility I think I have ever eaten at in the military. The other night I had King crab legs, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes, and for dessert---cheesecake! It was quite delicious. I was flabbergasted to say the least.
Also in the Palace, they have a 20 computer internet cafe which is adjacent to an Espresso lounge!! Holy goodness, Batman! I thought I was in Iraq not at Starbucks! Craziness. In the basement there is a theater that shows movies all the time (recent releases too).
But...even with all these things to do...
The realities of war are always around us. Gunfire is heard in the distance, and of course in the hospital--we SEE the results of the goings on outside "the wire". And, unfortunately, it's not pretty.
I am thankful for the MWR and all they have done to make this place as close to "home" as possible for us though. They have done an outstanding job, and look forward to taking part in some Jiu Jitsu classes while I'm here!!! Thanks for reading...post again soon.
20060819
Indifference for some...just cause for others
It has been voiced to me time and time again..."Aren't you scared to go to Iraq? Don't you worry about coming home?"
Of course I worry whether or not I am going to come home. I broke down and cried while I was waiting in line to generate my Last Will and Testament. My thoughts were racing...steadily increasing beats of my heart pounding seemingly through my chest..."Why do I have to think about this at this point in my life?"
Am I scared to goto Iraq? Yes and no. I am scared because of where I am going in the world...and I feel comfortable in the job that I am doing that I will return home without incident.
I have to reassure my soon-to-be wife over and over that we will have our chance at life TOGETHER! She doesn't seem like she believes me for whatever reason. I try to tell her that it isn't healthy to always think about the negative, and I think she is starting to see things my way. We will see if that holds true once I actually get over there.
Thanks for reading...I will post as often as I can.
It has been voiced to me time and time again..."Aren't you scared to go to Iraq? Don't you worry about coming home?"
Of course I worry whether or not I am going to come home. I broke down and cried while I was waiting in line to generate my Last Will and Testament. My thoughts were racing...steadily increasing beats of my heart pounding seemingly through my chest..."Why do I have to think about this at this point in my life?"
Am I scared to goto Iraq? Yes and no. I am scared because of where I am going in the world...and I feel comfortable in the job that I am doing that I will return home without incident.
I have to reassure my soon-to-be wife over and over that we will have our chance at life TOGETHER! She doesn't seem like she believes me for whatever reason. I try to tell her that it isn't healthy to always think about the negative, and I think she is starting to see things my way. We will see if that holds true once I actually get over there.
Thanks for reading...I will post as often as I can.
20060411
I wrote this poem..I don't know HOW many years ago..but I was reading some of the comments on my blog and Courtney helped me remember it. It made me think about the amazing leaps of faith we make in our life's journey...no matter how treacherous the terrain.
This is me a few years ago...
Ambivalent
Intrigue and curiosity facilitate my separation,
Enabling me to justify my ignorance without recourse.
I allow my heart to shadow a corrupt nation,
Taking hold of the wide and dispossessing the narrow course.
Intensifying focus erroneously hardens my heart.
Numbed character distorts eyesight true,
And mastered insensitivity plays its loathsome part.
Compassion abates; callousness augments in lieu.
Losing my soul to dark irreverent nothing,
Unknowingly giving in to every wicked desire.
Waking each morning with a longing for a new something,
Change that has its catalyst submerged in clay and mire.
Falling deeper into temptation's abyss,
My desire for change lessens each day; weakened want.
The life I have lived, to me, was ultimate bliss,
Which I bragged with every opportunity; fictitious flaunt.
Nothing compensates for my being having lack.
Emptiness abounds, leaving a gaping hole,
Which not one wicked satisfaction begins to pack.
Recognizing a war engages for my tormented soul.
This is me a few years ago...
Ambivalent
Intrigue and curiosity facilitate my separation,
Enabling me to justify my ignorance without recourse.
I allow my heart to shadow a corrupt nation,
Taking hold of the wide and dispossessing the narrow course.
Intensifying focus erroneously hardens my heart.
Numbed character distorts eyesight true,
And mastered insensitivity plays its loathsome part.
Compassion abates; callousness augments in lieu.
Losing my soul to dark irreverent nothing,
Unknowingly giving in to every wicked desire.
Waking each morning with a longing for a new something,
Change that has its catalyst submerged in clay and mire.
Falling deeper into temptation's abyss,
My desire for change lessens each day; weakened want.
The life I have lived, to me, was ultimate bliss,
Which I bragged with every opportunity; fictitious flaunt.
Nothing compensates for my being having lack.
Emptiness abounds, leaving a gaping hole,
Which not one wicked satisfaction begins to pack.
Recognizing a war engages for my tormented soul.
20060323
WOW! Sherrif Joe...you have held the spotlight long enough. What's it been...? 7 or 8 Months since we last met? I haven't kept track of the time I have lost, but I guess I should start letting everyone know what's going on in the life of James...
Recently accomplished tasks in the Army:
1.) I was promoted to Sergeant on 01Feb2006
2.) On 14Feb2006 I left for a leadership development course that is required to go for the next rank (Staff Sergeant)
3.) I graduated on the Commandant's List (Top 20% - 97.47 or higher) and I was also the recipient of the Commandant's Inspection Award**
**The Commandant, who is the individual that runs the school, inspects all the Sergeants in the class for their uniform, how well they organize their bed, locker, and surrounding areas, and also general military knowledge that pertains to being a leader. I was selected out of 298 individuals. I was pretty proud of that one!!
As far as Life's accomplishments:
1.) I will be an Uncle to a nephew in a few weeks. My brother and Amy will have their first child (a son, Landon Lewis Rutherford) near the end of April or early May. I am super-excited about that!
2.) I am still looking for a church home. I have visited a few in the surrounding area, but none are really speaking to me...or they are really creeping me out! I am not one to judge...I just don't enjoy the tongue-talking. That's just me...
3.) I have officially decided that the Army life is for me. I will be a lifer! I plan to reenlist in May2006. I know this is my calling. My mind has been played with as of late, but I know I shouldn't sway from this decision in my life.
Well, that is a little update...I mainly wanted to give Joe a break from being the only thing to read about on here. Hopefully now that I have internet I will be able to update more frequently. We'll see...
Recently accomplished tasks in the Army:
1.) I was promoted to Sergeant on 01Feb2006
2.) On 14Feb2006 I left for a leadership development course that is required to go for the next rank (Staff Sergeant)
3.) I graduated on the Commandant's List (Top 20% - 97.47 or higher) and I was also the recipient of the Commandant's Inspection Award**
**The Commandant, who is the individual that runs the school, inspects all the Sergeants in the class for their uniform, how well they organize their bed, locker, and surrounding areas, and also general military knowledge that pertains to being a leader. I was selected out of 298 individuals. I was pretty proud of that one!!
As far as Life's accomplishments:
1.) I will be an Uncle to a nephew in a few weeks. My brother and Amy will have their first child (a son, Landon Lewis Rutherford) near the end of April or early May. I am super-excited about that!
2.) I am still looking for a church home. I have visited a few in the surrounding area, but none are really speaking to me...or they are really creeping me out! I am not one to judge...I just don't enjoy the tongue-talking. That's just me...
3.) I have officially decided that the Army life is for me. I will be a lifer! I plan to reenlist in May2006. I know this is my calling. My mind has been played with as of late, but I know I shouldn't sway from this decision in my life.
Well, that is a little update...I mainly wanted to give Joe a break from being the only thing to read about on here. Hopefully now that I have internet I will be able to update more frequently. We'll see...
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