Happy 50th Birthday Dad!
In 2006 he was 48 and I was 24 and now for about 2 months he is 50 and I am 25. This is the last time I will be half of his age. The funny part is that when my Dad turned 26 (as I will in September) on July 8th 1984 I was almost 2 and now I have no kids yet. O well Robert Charles Joswiak will hopefully be born someday but not a soon day.
Being away for yet another one of my parents’ birthdays made me think back. I can map out where I have been since 2002 on each of their birthdays.
10 JAN 02: Just moved to PSU (Beaver Plaza on Beaver Avenue) I take that back. I believe I was home because just after getting to PSU I had to return for Mr. Gaydosz funeral and my Mom picked me up in Pittsburgh at the Greyhound terminal that night. I will also note that out of last respects to Mr. G, I had just gotten my hair cut a few days prior after going 1.5 years without getting it cut!
8 JUL 02: Cleberated my Dads birthday with he, my Mom, sister, and Russ Shellhammer in Fombell (Boy does that seem like worlds ago)
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10 JAN 03: We celebrated my Moms birthday at Atrias in Wexford along with my Dad, Sis, Bob and Gram, and Jimmy (Robin’s bf at the time) I left for PSU on a snowy night in my T Bird so I could make it back to watch the Steelers lose to the Titans on a BS field goal call the next night.
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8 JUL 03: I was living in California
10 JAN 04: I was at PSU (Beaver Hill)
8 JUL 04: Living in Pittsburgh
10 JAN 05: I believe I went out with my Mom in Pittsburgh somewhere since I was living in Carrick
8 JUL 05: Living with Michelle and her family in NJ.
10 JAN 06: Was at DINFOS (tech school) in Maryland.
8 JUL 06: Was back in NJ on leave for something very special!
10 JAN 07: Was in Germany.
8 JUL 07: Was in Germany.
10 JAN 08: Was back at Ft. Dix NJ for pre-deployment field training before this deployment
8 JUL 08: Here in Afghanistan typing this blog entry!
The point is while I do travel and see a ton of things, love my job, and have been culturally educated because of being away; it’s starting to wear on me as I miss my family and friends. The same applies to a much lesser extent in Germany.
So as I was typing this up I decided to incorporate a few pictures from yester year. I am reminded that while I do not think I look any older; 1. My hair line is not what it used to be 2. I miss my longer hair and being able to grow facial hair. If I do end up getting out of the military you may see a mountain man version of me as the barber and razor will be the last thing on my mind.
Well today was a run of the mill day. I did the morning show and then took our commander to the other side of the flight line along with our superintendent. I got these photos near the old Russian MIGs which I have referenced in past entries.
I slept like crap last night so I am hitting the hay early tonight. But time cannot go fast enough now. In a weird way I will miss doing my job here. This is truly what I signed up for and get paid to do. This job in Germany is luxury life as far as I am concerned. People keep asking when I am coming home to the east coast and I have no clue. I am toying with the idea of a European vacation or cruise but will not decide until I land in Deutschland.
Good night and as always thanks for reading.
5 comments:
Hope your dad has a very Happy Birthday!! I'll be joining him in the 50's in a few months.
Happy Birthday Robert Joswiak!
Linda (Michelle's MOM)
Hi Rob,
Not sure if you remember me. I remember you. Thanks for sharing your experiences in Afghanistan. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Thank you for all you are doing. Best of luck. Stay safe.
Best,
Bob Martin
Jozz,
Soak up your last days in Afghan, but please play it safe.
I enjoyed Pittsburgh last weekend. The people were friendly (I enjoyed the Pittsburghese), and it seemed like a clean, safe city. I toured Heinz Field, (saw Soul Asylum there) Fort Pitt, Station Square, and saw the regatta at the point. There were a few blighted areas but Scranton is #1 in that area. I saw you Mayor too. He seems to be doing a good job, unlike "Fast Eddie" in Harrisburg.
Take Care,
Sarge
Hey Rob you are not going to believe this but the girl that sits next to me (Joanna last name Tekulve) her father in law is Kent Tekulve ..played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and won the World Series when I was 18 yrs old in 1979. He is retired now enjoying golfing and baby sitting for her his grandchildren...he worked for the Pirates for many years after he retired. She gave me two tickets to go tommorrow to the Yankees game (sitting in the aircondition sits with all the fee bee stuff ) I know I thought I would not be able to go but Darryl is working it out so we can make it so I wondered if you need me to look for you on the media screen or do something for you because you mentioned to me you wanted me to go to this game for some reason...I will not be at my computer at home so please send me a text and tell me what you need me to do.
Love you bunches ...Miss you ...keep up the good work.
mom xoxoxoxoxxo
Hey homie...I thought you were going to quit writing here? lol Good to see you changed your mind. Everything is great here. It's good to be back!! Everything will go by fast and you'll be home before you know it.
I hope you keep writing here when you get home...
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