IRRITATION....

You know I like to check people's "status" and what not on Myspace and Facebook.  I mainly just look to see what people write about themselves.  Call me nosy...imposing...whatever, they write it about themselves for others to read.  So with the right to peruse whatever is posted, I also reserve the right to be critical if I so choose.  I am sure there are other people out there just like me!  

So, I get online today and see someone write that they are having their patch ceremony in Iraq and to quote them..."I am cool now".  Seriously, that sounds like you don't even care about what you do.  Why did you sign the dotted line to serve your country if you only care about yourself?  The wearing of that patch is significant whether you want to realize it or not.  That patch means that you saved people's lives, fought beside your brother/sister, endured hardships no one can imagine unless they have been there.  It honors all those before YOU that wore that patch.  I am completely disgusted with people that don't take pride in the fact that they wear the uniform.  It is an honor to serve in the military.  My father, my grandfathers, uncles, great uncles, etc. etc. all served.  Now it's my turn to hold MY head high and wear the uniform proudly, and to perform all my duties diligently.  Many don't understand my passion, which may portray itself as a stern sensibility.  But know that I am proud to be a member of the United States Army.  

The patch on my shoulder reminds me of a time in my life that allowed me to grow as a person.  It tested my faith.  It tested my marriage.  It tested my mental resolve on a daily basis.  It tested my emotional stability.  That patch is also a tombstone which allows me to remember CPT Ortiz, someone that mentored me into a better person.  Not only was she an outstanding leader, but someone I consider a friend.  The patch is a token of remembrance for the care I gave to fallen comrades in a our time of war.

AND FOR SOMEONE TO BELITTLE THAT PIECE OF THE UNIFORM IS DISGRACEFUL.  IT ANGERS ME TO THE POINT, I WOULD TO STAND IN FRONT OF THAT PERSON AND QUESTION AS TO WHY THEY THINK SO LITTLE OF SOMETHING SO SIGNIFICANT.

My patch...

Just ONE of my reasons.

Think hard about your reasons to put on that uniform.   

Another day, another...How much do I get again???

It's funny how time flies when you get older.  You forget that you aren't eighteen anymore, and that waking up in the morning is quite the laborious task.  Yet, still I force myself to putter around the house til late at night knowing that the morning comes all too quickly.

School is going well still.  I am on track to complete my final project in a timely fashion.  I can only hope it exceeds my own expectations.  If it meets the school's requirements...that's just a gold star.

Chey and I joined a fitness club that is close to where we live, so I don't have to stay after work to use a gym.  It also negates me having to make two different trips to a gym so she and I can both work out.  SO...win/win!!  Interestingly, since we are members at once branch...we can visit ANY of the branches.  That's a nice perk.  The people seem friendly there as well.  We'll see how it goes...

I love kissing Chey's tummy in the mornings before I leave for work.  I want the little one to know their daddy's voice before they even come out!  I can't wait til August...end of July...whenever they want to come out is fine by me!  Just show yourself in a healthy form...and know that we love you!

Til next time...

Clean air seems to breathe better...do you not agree?

It seems all too often in life we let people in...and push people out. For whatever reason(s), we think that the web of a relationship or a friendship should be unraveled. But what constitutes this decision to be made? What has happened that makes it so unbearable to have that person in your life anymore? Is it that serious? Is it that unforgivable?

Very recently I have resolved an issue between myself and an old friend of mine. I recall the reason(s) why I pushed her away. But, those reasons were not quantifiable to the action of releasing the reigns on our friendship. Inexcusable on my part...even unforgivable.

I wrote to this person and asked forgiveness. I know now that what I did was wrong. I should never have mistreated an innocent bystander to my self-tortures. Thankfully, she found it in her heart to look past the inequities, and resolve our differences. Ultimately, resuming our friendship where it left off. How can one be so kind? I am truly blessed to have someone like this in my life...

Thank you C. You are an inspiration.

So...March 2009.   How long have I been away from here?  Quite a bit it seems.  It seems there have been some changes occurring in my life that I must share.  I am no longer in homely Kansas.  My wife, Cheyenne, and I now reside in Silver Spring of the Maryland chapter.  We are expecting our first child in August, which they say will be the 22nd...but only the baby knows when they will truly want to emerge!  Am I excited to be a first time daddy?  How can ask that question and keep a straight face!?  I am ELATED to become a proud member of the parental clan.  I have waited for this moment for a while now.  Knowing that I get to share the experience with Cheyenne, even though my part in the birthing process is small, is monumental!

At this point Chey is 17 weeks as of yesterday, and the baby's heart is beating strong.  We will find out the sex in a few more weeks.  We can't wait so we can start to purchase the color coordinated clothes for him or her.  It's been exciting being able to buy the stroller, the pack-n-play, and other things already.  It makes it all the more real that this is truly happening.  COME ON AUGUST!  It can't get here fast enough.

I am currently in Dialysis school...as stated in my last note from Oct2007!  2008 was a busy year...I guess.  Either that or I just didn't feel like typing my thoughts.  It could have been the latter...I didn't feel like doing a lot of things.

Dialysis is going good though.  I am maintaining an 'A' average at this point, so CPT Ortiz can be proud!  One of my soldiers from Iraq, SGT Arruda, is my classmate.  She is also doing very well in class.  But she is my competition as well!  I hope she knows it won't be easy bringing me down!  :) 

We graduate in May...I will be stationed at the same hospital I am going to school at after I am done.  So we are looking to stay in the D.C. area for at least another 2-4 years.  After dialysis, I plan on applying for the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program.  This allows persons to pursue their Registered Nurse degree over a two year period.  So...we'll see how it all goes.

More to come...I promise.