One family's musings and quest towards a Fabulous life!

Friday, August 29, 2008

IRAQ UPDATE

Hello all,
Iraq is hot as usual, smells bad, and I have met the sand flea in full force, however none of this high tech weaponry has much effect on them. I am bouncing between two different bases right now, so as usual whether I'm in the states or in Iraq, the Army has given me multiple places to hang my hat.  I should have my new job soon, but I cant post what that is.  If you are that curious you can call kate, and she can fill you in.  Its not too exciting though.  

Anyway, I found out that I will be on leave sometime in March, so I'll be back in Texas then.  Other than that I'm just doing pretty much the same stuff every day, trying to stay out of trouble.  More to follow... Time for bed

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Maine Send-Off & Iraq Address



Above you'll find pictures from Brian's Maine send-off.  Again, a big thank you to Aunt Joan and Uncle Dave for meeting Brian with special maine goodies (lobster roll for lunch!) and snacks for the plane ride.  Brian certainly appreciated spending time with you both, and his fellow soldiers were jealous on the next leg of the trip (word is he wasn't sharing!).  

We also just received Brian's current address, I have included it below if anyone is interested in sending along a note or a package.  The address will probably change in a few months, but for now, to contact Brian:  THIS IS THE NEW ADDRESS.  1/9 Address will send stuff to the wrong place!  He can still get it, but its a little tricky.  Leave it up to the Army to switch units on him as soon as he gets there.

CPT Brian Murphy
HHC 4/1 CD
COB ADDER
APO AE 09331

The cheapest way to send anything is still to pick up the flat rate boxes at the U.S. Post Office.  They come in several sizes, with the largest 12"x12"x 5-1/2" for $10.95 (this is $2.00 cheaper than the domestic rate for the same size).  They have special Military boxes, but if none are available you should still pay the reduced price as you are mailing to an APO.  You will have to fill out an international customs form, I find that it is easier to pick up both of these in advance and fill it out/pack the flat rate box at home rather than at the post office.  

If you are looking for ideas of things to send, snacks and toiletry items (q-tips, baby wipes, sunscreen) are always appreciated.  Brian generally consumes anything caffeinated, twizzlers, starburts, gum, etc...  He will be in the vast desert expanse known as eastern Iraq, so there will be nowhere to buy anything.  If you have any old books laying around that will also help pass the time at night.

We hope that all is well with each of you!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

sand fleas and dust

hello all, brian here.  I'm in Talil Iraq (Check google maps for a better idea where that is), and enjoing lots of odd bug bites and microscopic dust, which is clinging to everything.  Its all and all not to bad here.  So far I havent settled into any role yet, but I'm awaiting that decision shortly.  Although once I do find out what I'm doing i'll email kate and she can tell you what the job is, as I'll be unable to put such information here.  Either way, i'm doing very well, and the environment is quite stress free (for me anyway).  Hope everyone is doing well.  I'll have some pictures up once I conquer a technical difficulty (i forgot the camera cable).  Adios.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Goodbye Fort Hood!



Brian and I
Brian with his rear detachment Commander, CPT Poole
Brian with the "hug lady".  Rumor is she has hugged every soldier departing to and returning from deployment out of Fort Hood, TX.  Brian was excited about hug # 3 :)





Brian waving Goodbye

Hi Everyone! I spoke to Brian this afternoon and he has made it safely to Kuwait.  He will be heading to the weapons range tomorrow morning to zero his rifle, then after completing a few other tasks and briefings he will make his way into Iraq.  I've added some pictures from Brian's Fort Hood Goodbye (approximately 0300 on Tuesday) above.  He officially departed at 0500, before heading to Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Bangor, Maine; Germany; then finally Kuwait. 

 A big thank you to Uncle Dave, Aunt Joan, and her dad for surprising Brian with their smiling faces, a fresh Maine lobster roll, and snacks for the plane during his layover in Bangor! Look for pictures from Maine in a few days, along with some photos of our home in Texas and our pets, Alli and Maggie (per special request!).  


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Outskie!!!

Hello everyone, I'm about to embark on my favorite journey...an all expenses paid government vacation to the middle east.  Now I've already been here once, and let me tell you it was just great.  Now I'm headed back to the Southern part of the country, and I'm going to look for a nice timeshare.  Once I get the address I will send it to Kate, and some others.  This way you can send lots of (COFFEE, baby wipes, candy) Liam will be responsible for all of my musical needs, because well, they dont listen that kinda stuff here. I'll hopefully be coming home around mid-March for my 15 day "Vacation."  By home I mean Texas.  Well thats it for now, gotta finish packing, out the door in three hours.