My wife pointed out that my last blog was probably not as clear or funny as I thought it was. Sorry about the confusion, let me explain. About a week ago, this email was sent from my brother (Ben) to my dad:
I'm sorry Amy is being so mean to you dad...She, along with my other siblings, don't understand what pressures you go through every day and how important every minute of your day truly is...But I do! I understand that you have 5 children who are ungrateful for all that you do and who don't appreciate you, Gordon Brest. I'm with ya dad...I care...I feel your pain...Even mom doesn't feel your pain like I do...You are super awesome and there is not another person on this planet like you...I believe in you dad...I think Chris sent you the wrong blog just to mess with you! I think I heard Katie and Amy talking about how funny of a joke it was...They're all against you dad...Even Corey and Elliott are in on it somehow! As for mom...She's the ring leader of it all...You can trust me dad...I'm on your side...If you need anything I will be there for you in a moment's notice...Just as I'm sure you would be for me...Have a great day!
Your loving, adoring, and admiring son,
Ben
So...I replied to this email (all of what I said was meant in a joking manner) through my blog. Like I said earlier, I apologize for any confusion or misunderstandings, everything written was somewhat of an inside joke (that apparantly not many people had the inside scoop on!). My bad
christopher
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My brother (opinion)
I just read an interesting email from one of my siblings to my Father. It seemed like a nice enough email (chock full of sincere concern for his "dad" and not much for anyone else), but it was really sort of hurtful. Honestly, if I didn't have a job and didn't really contribute to the military, I would be at "dad's" beckon call as well. Unfortunately, I am trying to work for the money Uncle Sam afforded me (as you will too one day, my friend!), so that one day I can be free of this (one sided) contract! By the way, this email was signed by Ben, but it really seems like something Corey would have written. HMMMMM Later
christopher
christopher
Friday, January 9, 2009
Welcome...
I suppose I should welcome you to my blog. I am not sure how to invite everyone I know to read this, so if you know anyone who would like to know what is going on, invite them to view this.
I started this blog on the third, and this appears to be only the second posting. (I tried to post one other time, but the internet timed out prior to the message posting, and I lost it all…) Oh well, what do you do? I will continue to post at least once a week about the events in my life, but I plan to write some things to appease my writing desires, most of which will be opinions of mine. (I guess what I am trying to say is: READER BEWARE!!!) Seriously, though, I know what it is like to get the emails that you don’t have time to read and just want to get caught up to speed on what is going on with someone, so this should give you that opportunity.
I went to the hospital today for an appointment with a doctor about my recurring knee problems (which seem to have gotten worse since my arrival in Kuwait). The doctor seems to think I have rheumatoid arthritis, but she had blood work sent out to be sure. I sort of hope not, but I guess it could be worse, right? Really, I guess they could be sucking fluid out of there or fixing ligaments/tendons/knee caps… I will know in about three weeks, pray for the best!
It has been a busy week for me. We have sent so many convoys out, we don’t have anything to spare. I can’t go into specifics, but I am amazed how much we have accomplished the last few days. It makes me proud to have the “employees” I do…
Exciting opportunities have arisen through the FBI now. Apparently, they are preparing to make one of the biggest hiring pushes they ever have, so I am taking some time to prepare my resume and update my account with their website. Hopefully I can get a seat in the level 1 testing when I get home (not that I am not happy with Wal-Mart, I am just trying to fulfill that little-boy-wants-to-save-the-world urge!)
I don’t have much else to write about, we have spent so much time working on trucks, there is not a lot of time for much else. If you all have any questions, I will be happy to answer what I can. Later,
christopher
I started this blog on the third, and this appears to be only the second posting. (I tried to post one other time, but the internet timed out prior to the message posting, and I lost it all…) Oh well, what do you do? I will continue to post at least once a week about the events in my life, but I plan to write some things to appease my writing desires, most of which will be opinions of mine. (I guess what I am trying to say is: READER BEWARE!!!) Seriously, though, I know what it is like to get the emails that you don’t have time to read and just want to get caught up to speed on what is going on with someone, so this should give you that opportunity.
I went to the hospital today for an appointment with a doctor about my recurring knee problems (which seem to have gotten worse since my arrival in Kuwait). The doctor seems to think I have rheumatoid arthritis, but she had blood work sent out to be sure. I sort of hope not, but I guess it could be worse, right? Really, I guess they could be sucking fluid out of there or fixing ligaments/tendons/knee caps… I will know in about three weeks, pray for the best!
It has been a busy week for me. We have sent so many convoys out, we don’t have anything to spare. I can’t go into specifics, but I am amazed how much we have accomplished the last few days. It makes me proud to have the “employees” I do…
Exciting opportunities have arisen through the FBI now. Apparently, they are preparing to make one of the biggest hiring pushes they ever have, so I am taking some time to prepare my resume and update my account with their website. Hopefully I can get a seat in the level 1 testing when I get home (not that I am not happy with Wal-Mart, I am just trying to fulfill that little-boy-wants-to-save-the-world urge!)
I don’t have much else to write about, we have spent so much time working on trucks, there is not a lot of time for much else. If you all have any questions, I will be happy to answer what I can. Later,
christopher
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Saturday, 03 January, 2009
So, here we are, 2009. As most people do, I have deemed some things lacking and have resolved to change them through this upcoming year. One of these things being communication with friends and family. I am a little unsure how all of this blogging works, but I hope you find it somewhat entertaining and informative, (and I hope I get it all figured out as well...)
I have found my position of platoon sergeant to be considerably different than imagined. In the modern Army, most of the decisions made are dictated down from higher, which gives me little opportunity to make any decisions that affect my soldiers. Since platoon leadership is kept off the convoys (that decision was also handed down from above), I have busied my days passing messages from my superiors to my subordinates, and turning wrenches with the mechanics.
Most of my days begin at 0530 with a grueling physical fitness session. Although it is a healthy habit to get into, and it betters me in many ways, I find it difficult to be motivated about running around outside in shorts and a jacket when it is only in the 30's. My soldiers feel the same way. Two questions: 1. Can't the Army get physically fit when it is light outside?
2. Seriously, in the 30's, in Kuwait, doing PT, why are we not using one of the three gyms?
By 0830, I have already run three miles, showered, shaved (again), eaten another "home cooked" meal at the DEFAC, planned everyone's work day, and made my way to the motorpool for "work formation". This is about the extent of my leadership opportunities, as I have ultimate authority on who does what with the trucks each day.
After a couple of meetings, constant traffic through my office, and a couple of senseless formations, my day begins to wrap up around 1800. I will be offered a wonderful meal at the chow hall before I hole up in front of "The Office", "Scrubs", or my PS2 for the evening.
This is the life of the modern day soldier in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. There has been alot to get used to, alot of differences from the last deployment, and many surprises (both good and bad). I am learning alot for my return to the civilian management world, and I anxiously await my reunion with you all, especially Jessica, Monster and J.
More later...
I have found my position of platoon sergeant to be considerably different than imagined. In the modern Army, most of the decisions made are dictated down from higher, which gives me little opportunity to make any decisions that affect my soldiers. Since platoon leadership is kept off the convoys (that decision was also handed down from above), I have busied my days passing messages from my superiors to my subordinates, and turning wrenches with the mechanics.
Most of my days begin at 0530 with a grueling physical fitness session. Although it is a healthy habit to get into, and it betters me in many ways, I find it difficult to be motivated about running around outside in shorts and a jacket when it is only in the 30's. My soldiers feel the same way. Two questions: 1. Can't the Army get physically fit when it is light outside?
2. Seriously, in the 30's, in Kuwait, doing PT, why are we not using one of the three gyms?
By 0830, I have already run three miles, showered, shaved (again), eaten another "home cooked" meal at the DEFAC, planned everyone's work day, and made my way to the motorpool for "work formation". This is about the extent of my leadership opportunities, as I have ultimate authority on who does what with the trucks each day.
After a couple of meetings, constant traffic through my office, and a couple of senseless formations, my day begins to wrap up around 1800. I will be offered a wonderful meal at the chow hall before I hole up in front of "The Office", "Scrubs", or my PS2 for the evening.
This is the life of the modern day soldier in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. There has been alot to get used to, alot of differences from the last deployment, and many surprises (both good and bad). I am learning alot for my return to the civilian management world, and I anxiously await my reunion with you all, especially Jessica, Monster and J.
More later...
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