Bombs, Mice and Stupitity OH My!!

Well, the bombs I cannot really talk about...I don't think. Lets just say that the other night, it was interesting here in Afghanistan in my area. I was almost asleep and then......and then.....all clear.


Now the mice, I can tell you all about, but you better not be too queasy when you read this. Two days ago it was all calm in the office and then a call came in. Some one needed to jump on a helicopter and head to another base to take the Battalion colors and US flag for a Fallen Hero ceremony. Well, the lucky one was me. I ran to my room and started emptying my backpack to take with me when...out of nowhere...well out of my bag...came a freaking mouse. I was pissed seeing that my bag was hanging on the wall on a nail. The guy in the next room said that it had to been there a long time. I know that I completely cleaned out my bag weeks prior so I know that it got in there while it was here. Well, I started dumping my bag out and out fell 6...thats right SIX...baby mice. I was even madder. So to say the least when I got back from that trip, I started cleaning and looking my room for more. None were to be found, until 3am when I heard one a box. I grabbed the box and shook it VERY hard and knocked the little bastard out. He went flying across the road. I hope he enjoyed his time in my room, because he won't be coming back any time soon.

That trip was a long one. I flew from here to three other bases that day. I got a lot of good pictures, some of which are up on Facebook. You should stop by and check them out. IF you are not on my list, ask and you will be approved.

Life here at Finley-Shields has not been too bad as long as I keep my head out of my ass. I keep messing up little things that keep snow balling into bigger things. It is also not that easy being the only guy in an office. I am having to learn alot and thankfully I have an NCO that is over me that is willing to help me and not just say "change your ways". It is challenging for us both, but I know that I will come out on top as long as I stay focused and dedicated.

As far as the rest of Finley-Shields, it is getting old. Thank God that I get off the FOB on a regular basis. The food is the same all the time so now it is getting to where I do not want to eat. That does not mean send me junk food from home, that is the last thing I need right now.

Well, it is Sat night and that means that I get to sleep in a little tomorrow. Boy am I glad too. I need it!!

I have also been lucky to have been found on Facebook by an old friend. I am very thankful for that and glad it happened.

Thank you to everyone for the great support and thanks to my parent, brother and Leslie for all that you are doing for me. Oh and I cannot forget Jay who will be here soon and Steven who is here, but on the other side of the country.

In hot as hell Afghanistan,
SGT John Strader