Day 18: 13 FEB 08

Well today was definitely an up and down day. More up then down but unfortunately I lost my Penn State class ring. Let me reword that. I temporarily misplaced it. I have done this before. Like the time my chain that holds a Jesus nail, dog tags, and ring stayed at the local swimming pool for a week. Only after looking everywhere in the house did we call and find that they had found it when cleaning the pool. In today’s case I either left it in the bathroom or at work somewhere because I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer a lot. I posted a flyer in our areas so we shall see. I think I have a replacement agreement with Jostens and personal insurance beyond that. It would just be so much easier to get it back here in the next few days. They have a market on Fridays with local nationals selling things from Afghanistan. If I found it there I would pay for it at a reasonable price for the story and let’s say a finder’s fee. If that’s happens I think that will break my swimming pool record when it comes to losing things. I finished up a story on MRAPS today. I will produce it tomorrow and put a link to it in a few days. I also got a picture with a gift left here for us. I will make sure I am allowed to post it so you can see what I mean. Once I get faster internet, which I decided will happen tomorrow, I will try to upload my TV pieces directly to this blog. So after realizing I lost the ring I posted the flyers and then went to my inaugural Polish night. I have mentioned in the past the Polish camp is like right where I live. Well tonight 4 men, 1 woman and I had a language and culture exchange. 2 of the men spoke a little English while the female who is an officer spoke pretty good English. She provided material this week for me to use, but in the coming weeks I will be providing the materials. It was a real nice break from the normal stuff here. That language is a tough I will tell you. It makes English, French, Spanish, and even German for that matter seem easy. It is very similar to Russian. I will look forward to going there each Wednesday night. They even gave me some candy from Poland which I tried a piece of. I ate it and smiled but truly did not enjoy it. O well it’s the gesture that matters not the taste. After getting back here I checked my email to realize that apparently the whole Bo Bice world is now reading this blog. I appreciate this and just want to thank Bo and all of his fans. I mean people need to realize Bo was here 1 day while the rest of my blog will probably not include anything about him unless he starts emailing me or something. I plan on going to one of his concerts the next time I have a chance in the states. I will also buy his new CD. I did not mention I am a huge Lynyrd Skynyrd fan even though he played Sweet Home Alabama. I have been to like 6 Skynyrd Concerts. I try to remain humble and seamless when doing these pieces as it is important for him to spend time with the troops and not me. I know military broadcasters can get carried away, but that’s just not my style. I found a link that works and will post it at the end. I hope regardless of the topic people can enjoy this blog. Once I start getting off of base the stories and posts will get better. Anyway I need to get my taxes done this weekend along with some homework for my master’s class. I also need to find out about this money President Bush is supposed to be sending us. That will be a nice bonus if I get it. Everyone have a great Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Hug and kiss yours because it’s going to be another 5 + months before I get that chance. Anyway enjoy the Bo Bice piece here:

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show.php&id=35038