An Upbeat Soldier

Josh called last night and was quite chatty and upbeat, which is always wonderful to hear. They got a new Humvee to train with and he was telling me about all of the things that he benefits from. For his turret, he gets a joystick to maneuver his positioning, which is a lot easier than the manual rotations that he had to do before. He also has a larger seat to sit on - kind of like a seat for a swing, so you can imagine how big the old one was. Each of the doors weigh 680 pounds and the whole truck weighs 10,000. He talked non-stop about this for awhile. He has mastered the art of the drop down for getting back into the truck as well. They only have this truck for a couple of weeks while they train, but will have trucks like this when they get to Afghanistan.

Of course, Josh's comical side is really starting to show through. One of the sgt.s told him the other day that he never knew he was such a comedian. He seems to be making everyone laugh, which is good for all, including Josh. And he always seems to say something that "floors" everyone else.

All of his packages and treats/ goodies that people send are allowing him to maintain his weight. He has been sharing everything and commented on the items that other people like that he does always get to enjoy. He has learned to love some of the things that he used to like, just because he knows that he is the only one who eats them (i.e. more for him!).

The weather has been really warm down there for the most part. They had some bad weather from last week's ice/snow storm that went up the coast, but that it didn't stop the training.

He spends his "spare" time watching his new favorite show -- Lost. He discovered it around Christmas and had downloaded Season 1 and most of Season 2 to his iPod. I sent him the full Season 2 and Season 3 for Valentine's Day. At the beginning of this month, the show began it's fourth season. I know that Josh wishes he could watch it. He is certainly hooked on the show.

One of the other guys in the platoon purchased a television receiver of sorts for his computer. He is able to pick up some of the local channels, including FOX. Any guesses on what they were actually watching one night? ... American Idol!

He is looking forward to March 1, with another month complete.