Well it was just over two months ago when i tossed the family on a plane with a few rushed kisses and went on home with my Hutch to pack for another one of these quasi-violent sightseeing trips to lovely Iraq. Thankfully our Grandma McCormick came out on top of the situation (as she always does) and is back on her feet resuming the norm. That means my beautiful little family is back home in absolutely wonderful Texas. From what i understand, their weather hasnt beem far off from mine which has been holding between 115-120 the last couple weeks. And you know what? Its not bad. Its really not. If you dont believe me i can provide you with the address to the local Army recruiter but id rather you take my word. Selfishly assuming you are anxiously wanting to ask what i have been doing, ill tell you.
Nothing.
Although we are all alone on a small base, the area is relatively quiet. Aside from occasionally throwing a few sutures into the hand of one of our cooks (those fellas get kind of crazy with their knives),excising a thrombosed hemorrhoid, treating for (lots and lots) of diarrhea and subsequently increasing the calcium hypoclorite (fancy words for chlorine...see not all soldiers are dummies!!) in the water....its pretty lame around here! Though between the patrolling in gear and lifting in the gym, we do get quite a few ortho injuries. Ive been studying up and doing the exams for backs, shoulders, ankles and knees. Now Barth and i can have a conversation and everyone will be impressed 'cause we use big doctor terms like subacromial impingement, prepatellar bursitis and spondylolisthesis.
I have to say i enjoy this quiet setting with a small group far more than life on a big FOB (forward operating base). Big bases have all the big brass and staying away from them usually means you can stay away from dumb policy letters that mandate the wear of some stupid unnecessary piece of equipment that would otherwise still be in the bottom of you duffel bag. Big bases also attract a lot more attention from the kinds of guys you dont want to attract attention from. Ive had enough of that stuff. I havent woken up once NOT ONCE from rockets or mortars this year. Not because i sleep more soundly but because no one seems interested in us. ...knocking on the desk....
We have it pretty good out here now but before we leave there will be about a month of no power, no sleep, no laundry, minimal water and MRE's all day everyday. Its like the beginning again. ...kind of fun. Its like a really long hunting trip. Except here the hunting goes both ways! Ooo Chels just got mad at me. Dont worry babe i got it...."Matthew Buxton that is NOT funny!!"
So theres nothing definite as far as when ill be out of here but the locals are getting pretty sick of us and so is the government. Theyre even calling us an occupying force and keeping us from defending ourselves. Well you know what you ungrateful brats?! Youre frickin welcome. Say hello to the Iranian death squads for me after we leave.
That was grim...lets move past it.
Thank you to everyone who helped out Chels and the kiddos while they were home. It came from just about everywhere and was very much appreciated. Especially for those of you who got my beautiful, hard working wife out of the house here and there. That girl is such a giver, she sometimes doesnt know when to take a break. For everyone who hung out with little man, im sure you were extensively educated in one of the many subjects he has mastered. For those of you lucky enough to spend time with our sweet Brayleigh Ann....youre welcome.
Im off to read up on injuries of the tibial collateral ligament involving the medial meniscus. Cool.
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