Thursday, December 29, 2005

New Year's Resolutions

New Year Resolutions... Yes I know this is a tired old cliché but we all do it so here are some of mine for the New Year. I'm not sure why I am posting this list except that maybe by posting it I'll be more likely to follow through with these. If there's one thing I can count on it's being reminded of this list when I'm slacking...
  1. Make it out of Iraq safe and sound, in one piece with all of my original body parts intact so that I can bore all of you in person rather then through this Blog site.
  2. Be a better brother. What I mean is I'd like to be more present in my brother and sister's lives. The older I get the more I realize they are really cool people and how important family is.
  3. Be a better Uncle to my 3 favorite nephews and my favorite niece. I need to make a greater effort to show them "Uncle Mike" is proud of them and that I think they're great kids.
  4. Be a better friend. I need to see my friends more often then I do. It seems like I'm always making an excuse to opt out of a night out with my buds.
  5. Seek to be as honest as possible all of the time. I believe this serves us more then any other approach. Even if the truth hurts a bit.
  6. Get my stupid back left molar crowned once and for all. Stupid molar...
  7. Give a little more to charity then I do now, especially give my time if I can find a way to do it. I am keenly aware that I spend more time complaining about the way things are then I do helping to fix things. Maybe I should put my body where my mouth is.
  8. Speaking of my body... I want to get in better shape. God knows there's plenty of room for improvement.
  9. Learn to play the guitar (the first 9 times I started don't count)
  10. Eat healthier and better food; ok, that can include better coffee and better beer.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Happy Holidays

I know I'm going to miss some people but here it goes...
To all my friends and family, have a great Holiday!

Matt
Mom
Brian
Kelly
Rick
Richard
Kerri
Matthew
Jason
Sam
Michelle
Lilly
Jeff
Brandon
Tania
Bryan
Les
Tony
Darius
Dave
Fat Kitty
Charley
Tom(x2)
Jay
Joel
Andy
Steve (x2)
Alan
Rob
Todd
Mike
Ryan
John
David
Jeff
Lonnie
Jeremy
Ben
Wes
Dustin
Carlos
and Dad (I miss you)

Monday, December 12, 2005

Random Funny Pics 1

Does it get any cooler then my Iraqi friend here?

No shit!


Some Polish friends

Random Funny Pics 2

Always a favorite - Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo

Fast Food in Iraq. One of the guys who works for me took this last year but it's still there.


Why wouldn't it surprise me...


A new friend...

More Pictures - Life on the Road 1

This building was used by Sadam's elite guards before the war.


Flying out of Baghdad



Leaving Baghdad


Iraqi Police "outpost"

Driving through Al Kut