What in Iraq has Erik been doing?

Erik continues to settle in at FOB Caldwell. He has been seeing patients and an occasional emergency such as sprains. There hasn’t been much complaining about the dining facility (dfac) food, so I am guessing he’s growing accustomed to it. He’s got a schedule of sorts with reading, his patient time, exercising, using the internet, etc. We are able to chat frequently via Skype, however my laptop needed to be sent for repairs rendering me without a webcam or microphone for 1-3 weeks. That is a serious bummer for me and the kids but we shall survive.

The initial requests have come out for care packages, of which I’ve sent one of three. In one of the packages is his acoustic guitar, which he cannot wait to get. Any of you who have “campfire song” suggestions should go ahead and email him or leave a list in the comments. It seems in each package he needs more of his medical library sent over, I am happy to do it but those books weigh a ton! I try to think of small odds and ends to send him to remind him of home, however I have been creatively challenged lately and keep drawing blanks. I wish I could send him a patch of grass as he keeps mentioning how brown every thing is. Erik said the sand is so fine that Kuwait imports sand to make concrete. Wes really would like some sand. I do believe he wants it for two reasons: to awe his friends with “war” sand and to feel closer to Erik.

For the most part, however, Erik seems a bit bored. Let’s not get me wrong here… being bored in a combat zone is always good but I suppose it is the things he took for granted he misses most, like my fine lawn and real beer in lieu of near beer. He’s been gone from up for 51 days now and it hardly seems possible it has been that long. I am so happy I have the kids and other things to keep busy, as it seems to make the time tick by quickly. One thing that does stun me a bit is that there are only 42 days to go before we take on another kid! This pregnancy has flown by. One frequent request from Erik is for pictures of my expanding rented out womb. I just have to insert here how amazing skin is that it can stretch so much!

As Erik asks for news, stories and updates from home I find myself asking him questions with the same amount of fervor… what’s it like? how young are the soldiers? are you feeling useful? I would love to ask the gritty questions and receive the uncensored answers but I understand fully and support the need for security. It’s still frustrating, I like a good story as often as possible. As I always say, I just like knowing things. Ok, so I am nosy. I can say it.

All in all, Erik’s doing well. It is hardest on him since he feels so out of the loop with our family. I think missing Wes’ football season has really taken a toll on the old boy. He does like to be involved as much as he can with sports. Then there is the impending arrival of Henry, Erik is a micromanager and is surely going to miss the opportunity to look at the beeping machines and supervising the birthing process. I am sure once he sees pictures and videos he’ll have advice to offer.

Drop him an email erik.manninen@us.army.mil or send a note to his address in the upper right of the blog.