posted by tommie on Jun 30
Well here goes the explanation… For those of you who don’t know, not sure if I posted about it or not, my platoon standard for the pt test is a 250 or higher; what normally is passing for an NCO (non-commisioned officer) except it applies to everyone. On my last pt test my score was about a 228, this time it came up to a 234 or so; however, I know I can do better and I’m still not up to par of where I should be. What really suffered was my push-ups, I only got 50, while my run and sit-ups improved (in comparison to my last pt test). My run still isn’t at where it was when I left Arizona though so I’m feeling down on that…
The only other update I can think of is that once again I have decided it is beyond my ability to stand my legs being all hairy. Enough is enough and with this heat it is a killer to walk from work to the barracks, much less do any actual work, during any time of the day outside. Any and every little thing I can do to minimize that while maintaining physical fitness is on my to do list. I have a letter of some sort in the mailroom but haven’t had time to go pick it up yet, maybe I’ll have it tomorrow.
Much love and with exhaustion, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 27
So there I was trying to get some sleep after a long day of work when suddenly somebody is shining a light in my face saying I have to go back to work. That’s what happened night before last; however, it did turn out to be a better situation then I had originally thought. Once at work I was told to go get some chow and be back in an hour, at that point I was kind of hungry so I said sure why not.
After coming back I went inside and was told to go stand by the wall in the back of the room. Boy was I surprised when Col. Dewhurst came in and gave a service coin to me along with four other people. Basically it just shows appreciation for performing at the measure of excellence. (Considering I’ve only been in a year and: already have PFC, combat division combat patch (10th MTN), in the line up for a combat action badge, and recognized for good work I don’t think my military career is doing too badly.) Later on I’ll try and get pics of it up so you all can see what it looks like.
My new squadmate that does pt with me and I have decided that we have found a good workout program and both are dedicated to achieving the 300 on the APFT (army physical fitness test) This workout consists of following a workout that came with these “Perfect Pushup” things that he has (every other day variations of numbers and styles of pushups) and focusing on the run/abs on the offday.
In addition to that I’ve decided that I will be going on a diet as I do not like the way my body currently looks, and apparently doing alot of pt isn’t working by itself. Of all people I’ve always been the one to disagree with dieting; however, in this case I thought that I would give it a chance since everything else has already been given a fair chance. If it doesn’t work then I’ll go back to my regular eating patterns.
During the last few days I have also recieved some packages from my Soldiers’ Angels Caroline and Tracy; because of that I’ve decided to add a few things to my About Me page to answer some of their questions and maybe give my readers a better view of who I am and my tastes in various areas. if you’re interested then go ahead and check it out. While on the topic I would like to thank both of you very much for participating in a program like Soldiers’ Angels, people like you make it alot easier for many of us over here in deployment.
I know there’s something that I’m missing, but I can’t really be sure and this post is already long. Maybe I’ll think of it later and be write it down so I don’t forget. I would like to apologize for it being so long since my last post. This shift change along with a few other issues have kept my real busy and distracted.
With love and apologies, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 22
So after my first day on the opposite shift I’ve decided that Iraq is a creepy place in the mornings when everyone is asleep… The only time I’ve ever really been out at that time was while doing pt so I guess that I didn’t notice it; however, today while at work I definitely noticed the difference. Hopefully I will be able to adjust myself to the change relatively soon.
I also found out today that my new shift is going to be changing rooms once all the details are taken care of so I will also have to be moving all my stuff to the new room. The thought of sharing a room with just one or two other guys, instead of five other guys, sounds very nice but I know it’ll be a hassle to move all my crap.
Today my package from soldier’s angels came in, was real nice to actually see my name on the mail roster for once. So I guess the day wasn’t too bad in general. But alas, it’s already getting well on into the day and I have to adjust myself to the new rest cycle. Soon I’ll have some new writing up but for now I need to try and rest for those who care about me…
Tired of alot of different things, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 21
For those of you who didn’t know or are just now joining my blog, about a week or two ago I managed to pull a tendon in my ankle. The local doctor told me that it would be best to take it easy for a while and get some rest; however, me being the Roberts that I am decided to go running on it anyways at the expense of causing myself alot of pain…
Well after that I decided to go ahead and listen to the good doctor and finally went running again tonight. While my body could tell it had been a while since I’ve been out running, especially out here in Iraqi weather, my ankle was relatively well behaved. Although I didn’t quite get my normal running time I did manage to pull my two mile time back down to right at 14 minutes which is alot faster then right after I managed to pull the muscle.
In addition to that I have also added an entirely new section added to my more adult reading material. The reason I decided to put it on it’s own little section is for my mothers sake: the last tiem I posted something as a regular post she didn’t like the idea of some people just pulling up the page and it being there. For those of you that are interested I hope you like the things I put up, but feel free to comment in the regular blog either way (or drop me a comment via msngr)
Alas, my mind is busy with thoughts and there isn’t enough time in the day to gather them all completely. But while it’s on my mind I thought I’d go ahead and say that here in the next couple of days I’m supposed to be changing over shifts so all my activity will basically be swapped out by adding or subtracting twelve hours. Not too big a deal, but it may make contacting some people a bit more difficult.
With a heavy heart but carried by the wings of love, Tommie Roberts (a.ka. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 19
So there I was just sitting around when inspiration hit me on a possible tattoo idea; and no, nobody has kidnapped me and replaced with some crazy person: I was already like that! Despite what I have generally thought about putting ink to the skin the more I have thought about it over the past year or so the more I have though I might decide to go through with it. So without further adu.
So here is my thought process behind it, if I actually keep this idea or something similar. The Outside (it will be even on both sides, this is only half of it) is like a tribal wing design: it shows the great strength and power of the spirit, along with the ability to soar above any obstacle. The wolf (top inside): represents the bond of family and loyalty to those you love. The cross (bottom inside): this would actually be a tribute to my ‘little’ brother (even though he’s taller then me) and is the same cross that he has on his back…
So there is my post for the day, feel free to comment or come up with some ideas to improve or alter the concept. Like I said, this is nothing more then the original draft and I’m confident to say that it will change several times before I get back to the states and even then it might change several more times before I actually get it inked (if I do get it inked).
Feeling distant and unwanted, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 17
Well the other night I officially did something really stupid: I spent all my energy on something that there is no way to tell if it will actually work, and in the process probably got a few people pissed at me or in the least some unwanted attention; however, I stand by my decisions on that subject and just pray that everything will turn out alright on it.
Otherwise my sleep pattern has started to decline once more. At a surprisingly rapid rate at that. I walk around in a daze half the time and can only manage to concentrate when absolutely vital. Went and worked on the elleptical (I think that’s how you spell it) the other night and it didn’t hurt nearly as bad as just running or getting on the treadmill, though I am worried it’ll shorten my stride when I decide to go back to the pavement.
Recently, today, I got ahold of an emulator and have enjoyed some of the classics like ‘Kirby’s Adventure,’ ‘Batlle Toads: Double Dragon,’ and ‘Super Mario Bros. 3′ Just reminds me of the “good old days” when there wasn’t so much to worry or care about. I’ve had a few ideas that might liven this blog up over the next week or two, and when I can’t find inspiration to write actually get something creative going on; however, that I’ll leave as a surprise on when/if I actually get it started up. Untill next time!
Exhausted and very much alive, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 14
The doctor told me specifically to take it easy for about a week and let my ankle heal up… So there I was, just about done with the first mile and my ankle just starts shooting pain. Me being the jack-*explicit* that I am decided to walk it off for a bit and start running again. The result was that my normally 12:30-13:00 minute two mile ended up turning into around a 30:00 three mile. (Yes, after the first two laps I decided to run yet another.) So now I’m sitting here and my ankle has gone numb, and I’m dreading going up the stairs to my room.
Maybe one day I’ll actually learn when to quit, but I suppose that’s most of the fun in life. Taking that little extra step; however, after tonight I think I’m going to take the doc up on what he said to prevent making this minor injury into something that could actually do some harm. Due to my current situation I’ll unfortunately be putting off making a ‘real’ post tonight and instead use this as filler. Love you guys and promise to actually put something readable up soon…
Love and determination, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 12
Hey guys, and happy friday the 13th. Normally I’m not really that, well maybe I am in some cases, superstitious (<-however you spell it) but today I’m going to make an exception. Everybody should try and be careful today just in case the old saying about days like today are true. As a general update I went to the doctor the other day and he said that I have managed to pull a tendon in my anke, probably from all the running, and that he suggests going easy on the work-outs.
So now I’m stuck in the Baghdad area and according to the doctor I’m not even supposed to go do some heavy running. What is up with that? But today I actually have some free time so I’m going to clock in early and actually try and get good, meaningful sleep. Sorry, I know you all were so looking forward to getting a good post but it simply isn’t possible tonight. Maybe tomorrow.
Love and affection, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 9
For those of you that didn’t know I have had trouble sleeping for the best part of three weeks now; however, you’ll be glad to know that during the last three days I have more than doubled my sleep for previously mentioned time-frame. I finally sat down and tried to figure out a way that I could actually get some decent rest and came to the conclusion that all it would take was an illusion. If I could fool my mind then my body would follow suit and soon rest would follow.
Hopefully soon I will have some more posts up concerning some thoughts that I’ve been having; however, I don’t have all of them (my thoughts) collected yet. I have been considering, once again, trying to start up on a story I have had in my head for years now that has never been completed on paper. Maybe if I keep a digital copy it will finally be finished. In addition to that a couple new story ideas have shown their heads so I may have a few new ‘pages’ up dedicated to these ideas instead of just making new ‘posts.’
In any case I just wanted to update everybody and say that I’m doing fine. Sorry I haven’t been able to post in so long, out internet lines have been down due to technical difficulties. Once I actually get enough time to organize out my thoughts I promise something more productive. Untill then just remember that I love you’ll and wish only the best for my friends and family back in the states…
Tired and filled with ideas, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)
posted by tommie on Jun 6
Regardelss of outside opinion this reflects how I feel and is the first, and only, draft of this piece. Feel free to comment if you like but I just thought that it would be a good explanation of how my mood’s been lately.
Always will I be by your side,
forever as your pup.
Although my heart wants so much more,
all of that will have to wait.
Your love is all that can set me free,
but binds me to this place.
Your face is truly beautiful,
yet it it haunts me as I rest.
Your lips embracing his
some ghostly dance of flame.
Your heart still beating wildly,
something never to be tame.
But forever by your side I’ll stay,
pressing on through sleet and rain.
Hopeful one day you’ll see past the pup,
to the man that for you I became.
Accepting yet hoping, Tommie Roberts (a.k.a. Pup)