Monday, August 17, 2009

Runnin & Military

PT.
So running again today - by the ocean. It was beautiful. I'm not a huge fan of 0600, but it sure beats running in the heat of the day in Tampa. We did about 3 miles - and since we're running every day, its getting easier.
As we were approaching the end of the run, and right on the ocean, I heard some 'squawking' - looking up I saw a group of about 10 - 12 parrots of some sort sitting on the power line preening & just hanging out. How cool - to see parrots in the wild. Tampa is a cool city.
Something new, at least for me, is being deployed apart from Jory. We got engaged a week before I left for Tampa - and its been a tough 2 weeks. I miss her like crazy - and I thank God every day for Skype. We can talk and see each other, which is truly a blessing. Even better is when she gets to come visit. This is going to be a tough 8 months.

_________
Wes
wes.bass@gmail.com
www.FretlessBassist.com
www.InnerSiege.com
http://strangebass.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Training

Well, training has started.



I'm now in Tampa training with the JCSE (Joint Comm Support Element). Joint meaning we have troops from every branch of service, and being led by a LTCDR from the Navy (O-5) and an Army SGM (Sergeant Major). Not a bad group actually, and a very cool mission.



If you Google JCSE you'll see we fall under Joint Forces Command. We also have a great history - going back many years.



Tampa itself is, well, Florida. Hot and humid, and rainy at least once a day. When the rain stops its right back to sunny & hot.



Our day starts at 0530, when we leave the hotel (one of the amenities of being TDY). We hit base for formation at 0630, followed immediately by PT, which is usually a 2 mile run. We shower - which is really fruitless, cause you don't stop sweating. Then chow, and class from 0900 til 1830. Yes, that's 6:30pm. Back to the hotel, hopefully a phone call or Skype session, sleep and up again. At least we're only working 6 days a week. That Sunday break is taken advantage of!