Many of you have written recently to see what, if anything I need and or want. To that I say that I just like mail...so I don’t care WHAT you send, as long as you send something. :~)

A military group beside our housing area had their MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) tents catch on fire earlier today and EVERYTHING is gone. We all used to go there to kick back, munch on some microwavable snacks, watch TV, play ping pong, work out, do some yoga, etc and it’s all gone now. If any of you are interested in donating anything you can think of ranging from board games, stationary (no stamps necessary since letter mail is free for us), toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, combs, brushes, toothbrush, toothpaste) crackers, jerky, candy, gum, licorice, potato chips, cookies, microwavable snacks, etc. then please feel free to mail it to me at:

My name
AFSBn-IRI, S-1
APO AE 09391

Other than that, I’m doing fine. Still working out almost every day and more recently I have taken up swimming again. Granted I’m only doing around 5 laps...but those 5 laps still kick my butt! There’s a couple of diving boards, a bunch of plastic chase lounges, music blaring, sun shining, SPF 45 and flip flops.

I’m still looking at buying a house but holy damn they’re expensive back home! I’m trying to keep it within a specific price range; but I’m finding that my taste exceeds my bank account. I have coworkers who have HUGE houses down south in TX, SC, GA or anywhere in-between ranging from the upper 100’s to lower 200’s for the same price that you’ll find a house back home for $800-100’s. Crazy ‘eh? If I knew some place that had a good economy, nice neighborhoods and potentially a job waiting for me—I might just change my mind and move some place sunny.

Speaking of sunny, I’ve noticed such a huge difference in everybody’s attitude when it’s a typical gorgeous day over here as opposed to when we’re having a dust storm or an overcast day—it’s like night and day. I wish I could find a place that has the beautiful, lush green trees, mountains and water with low house prices and some place where it’s sunny enough to get out and enjoy it. Yeah I know....no such place. :~)

Once again, for any of you who feel like contributing towards the MWR by helping out not only us, but the Soldiers as well—thank you. Anything you can imagine would be welcome. (one of our Majors walks around with his paddle and ball all the time if that gives you any indication as to some of the gifts they get around here)