I can't believe it's here already. 12 days left until I leave for Al Asad, Iraq. I just spent the last 2 weeks in the Northeast to say goodbye to my friends and family. I got to hold my nephew Ryan for the first time and kiss my niece Kiera goodbye (pictured to the right). It was great seeing my sister Kelly and brother-in-law Mike in Virginia, and my best friend Jan flew in for the stay. Then it was off to Hershey, PA with my mom for 2 days of relaxation - chocolate style! In one day I had a tour of the chocolate factory (with samples of all their new chocolate), a chocolate massage, a chocolate bath in whipped cocoa (no joke) and a dinner in a fine dining restaurant where everything on the menu had chcolate infused in it somehow. It was pretty crazy. Then it was off to NYC with my friend Victor. I have to admit, I got a little silly on St. Patrick's Day - but then again, I am half Irish, so I'm entitled. But now it's back to business. I sold my car, am getting rid of the house I was renting, putting my stuff in storage and saying goodbye to Sheri (who has since moved out) and Josh (who is moving back to Utah). Other goodbyes are a little harder (you know who you are), but I want to take the opportunity to say that all of my friends have touched me in some special way in my life. I've grown so much as a person by having you all in my life. I've appreciated everyone's continued friendship and support. I'm glad I have this chance before leaving to tell everyone how much I care about them and how they've helped to make me the confident, responsible and mature man that I am today. You'll all be missed but thought of everyday (as I have a digital picture frame that I'm keeping on my desk with a picture from everyone on it!).
My forwarding address in Iraq is:
LT Robert J. Matyas II
HMH-362 Medical
UNIT 44160
FPO AP 96607-4160
I will also have my g-mail account: rjmatyas@gmail.com
I appreciate any and all mail that you send me. People have asked for good items to send, so heres a quick list of high yield items:
* a letter
* a picture
* moist towelettes/personal cleansing wipes (its really sandy over there!)
* inspirational books (and when I'm finished reading it, I'll pass it on)
* a DVD (any new release after April 4th)
* a CD
* a magazine (Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Men's Journal, Muscle & Fitness, Maxim, FHM, Stuff, a travel magazine, anything else)
* razors (Gillette Mach 3)
* listerine spray
* as far as food it's rough, remember the 130 degrees - but dried fruit will stay good, granola, things like that. I like protein bars but they might melt.
Honestly just hearing from you in a letter would bring a smile to my face. I appreciate everyone's kind words and support and I look forward to my next entry once I get over there, probably second week of April.
My cell phone will be disconnected as of April 7th, should you wish to call me before I leave. God Bless and I'll see everyone on the flipside of the planet!
