Day 58

Hello Monday. It was strange yet again to wake up this morning while friends/family were still up on Sunday night. Nope...never going to get used to that. Just so strange. The only cool thing about it is at the other end of my day as they (you) all wake up. Back home today, I woke my family up with a phone call to wish them a great new week...and the last week of school. It's always great to talk to all of them. Today, too, is the day Tin Man is heading to an Apple Store for the first time..for HER. She recently tried to win a reading contest and read over 600% of the goal but the winner of a new iPod Touch was drawn instead of giving it to the winner. Her name wasn't drawn but Dorothy and I had already decided that if her name wasn't drawn, she earned it so today's the day. While I sleep tonight, Tin Man will be catered to at the Apple Store. I'm a fairly new Apple addict and would love to be there with her. Those Apple folks really know how to do it right. They don't let you just walk in a buy it and walk out. They make it an "experience." On my wish list? A new MacBook. :-)

Today at lunch, I was sitting with those out of our office and I realized while sitting there, it was a truly "joint" lunch! We had 4 officers...Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines. The Marine, of course, was all of our boss, the colonel (pronounced 'kernel'). I sat right across from him and guess what came up in conversation...running! It started with him asking how far I run. Eventually, that led to me telling him about the 100-milers and how the care package yesterday had two of those finisher awards in it. Turns out, he's an ultra-runner himself! He hasn't run a 100 yet but has done the JFK 50-Miler. His next goal is a 24 hour technical trail run near Quantico, VA. Great conversation from an O-2 Navy guy to a shaved head, O-6 U.S. Marine. Breaking common ground where we can just talk is a rarity so I greatly appreciated it. He's the first one to "understand" ultra-running. To everyone else, I'm just crazy.

Once 5:30pm rolled by, I headed on back and before heading to my room, went into the internet cafe where I could grab some WiFi. Why? Well, a good friend back home just sent me an iTunes card and I wanted to download some music for my running around the base. I downloaded Kenny Chesney's Greatest Hits, Vol 2. All great songs and ones that do nothing but remind me of Kansas and Dorothy. Two things that I prefer my thoughts focus on as much as possible. Afterwards, I laced up and headed on out for a perimeter run of the air field. The moon was shining bright at 22.4% full and growing. In the sky above, I can verify that F-16s, F-15s, a C-17, C-130, a few helicopters and one Navy Intruder were out on missions. That jet has a very unique sound that is easily identifiable without even seeing. I think the Intruder is the only Navy aircraft here. The fighter jets are all Air Force. After 8 miles, I called it a night and had dinner in my CHU...comprised of tuna and crackers (from a care package), some more bottled water, some banana chips (from another care package) and a few chocolate Goobers...just a few. (from yet another care package!) Today was definitely a low calorie day, especially with the run. I am sure I've lost between 5 and 10 pounds so far. The belt on my uniform tells the tale every time I get dressed.

Lastly, I got an e-mail recently saying that someone donated a "cup of joe" for me. At Green Beans Coffee (see logo at right), anyone can go to their website and buy a coffee drink for one of us. We write our e-mail down on a clipboard at the counter when we order there. Anyway, I got one and accepted it...and wrote back. When I did, I checked the box I was willing to participate in the "pen pal" program that allows the person donating to write back. I wrote a few paragraphs introducing myself and after my run, the following e-mail was in my inbox:

"I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your COJ.  I do this every Monday, send a Cup of Joe.  The notes back from all of you make it worth it even more.

First and foremost, thanks for all your service.  I would not have qualified for the service... at least I thought so when I was younger.  Who knows if I was accurate in my assumptions.  I never actively asked... I was asthmatic.  But, my sister was a cadet at the Air Force Academy, and many people from my extended family have all been members of the armed forces in various branches.  I feel like as you serve, I could do at least a little on my end to help; be it through words of support or even a simple cup of coffee. :-)

I see you are a runner.  I envy your ability.  I need to just bite the bullet and do it.  I am an athlete in many other ways, I just seem to see running as my nemesis.  :-)  I like to golf, play softball, bike, you name it... and of course, being from WI... you have to know football. :-)

You are from Ohio (The Buckeyes).  I see you are in the reserves.  You mentioned a  bit of what you do in the Naval Reserves. What is it you do outside of the Reserves?  Do you have a family back home?  I have only driven through Ohio, and I have a cousin who just graduated from Miami of Ohio.  However, that is about the extent of my experience with your state.

You entered the Navy in 1991?  I would suspect we may be of a similar generation?  I graduated High School in 1991.  After finishing college and graduate school, I am now on my 11th year as a High School Counselor.  I work with recruiters often, which aids in my desire to send my support.

Anyway... sorry to go on and on.  I am happy to correspond if you are so inclined.

Take Care,

xxxxxxx xxxxx

Pretty amazing, huh? A random act of kindness from a complete stranger. Absolutely made my day. And yes, I wrote her back. :-)

Goodnight, everyone.