Greetings from Afghanistan!

[Glasstapper]

How is everyone doing? I was thinking about you guys the other day when I saw a documentary on TV about Lake Malawi.

As for me, I'm ok. I have about 2 more months left here then I can go home. I also found out that I get to go live in Korea for a year. I have to be there by March, so at least I'll get a few months back home to prepare for it. You know the greatest part about living in Korea? I get to pick where I'm stationed aftwerwards! Well, I give the air force a list of places, and they pick one out of that list. I have England, Germany, Japan, and Guam on my list. I can't wait to find out which one it will be.

The situation here is a much better one than in Iraq, so you guys don't have to worry about me. We've had a couple of times where we had to go into the bunkers, but it was just for a little while. I was kind of scared at first because it was all new, but then I found out that the attack was really far away, and we were only in the bunker as a precaution. Other than that, though, you wouldn't believe how wonderful the weather is over here. Sometimes the wind is too strong and blows dust everywhere, but most of the time it's a nice cool breeze.

Well, that's what's been going on with me. I can't wait to hear about you guys. What's new?

[Rue]

Well now! You've been living a very adventuresome life! I don't think I've done much at all in comparison since you last posted.

Glad to hear the weather in Afghanistan is so nice...no mosquitoes I'm guessing...sandflies?

Have you considered starting an Aquarium Club for the locals while you're there? I'm sure the way to peace is to replace one obcession with another, wholesome obcession...;)

Post more often! I'd love to hear how things are going for you!

[Glasstapper]

well, there are mosquitos here, but not very many on base. Mostly there are ants and fleas. Lots of ants, actually. Great big black ants, tiny little red ants, some other kind of weird ant that's both black and red....they're everywhere. Only the all red ones bite, though. I stay clear of them.

I've tried talking about fish to a few people here, but it seems that most people just aren't interested or have only had maybe a betta or goldfish as a kid. If there are people here that are as passionate about the hobby as I am, I haven't found them yet. For the time being, I've just kept myself busy with aquatic documentaries. It hasn't stopped me from my research, though. The bad thing about the military is that it doesn't pay for me to set up a tank when I get back home because then I'll be moving to Korea soon after. I can't set one up in Korea either because I'll only be there for a year (I don't want to have to adopt my babies out again after they are only a year old!).

So it looks like I won't be able to have a tank again until about a year and a half from now, but that gives me plenty of time to save up for all the tanks that I want and do tons of research. One great thing about being here is that when I reenlist, I get a really huge bonus. I was just going to get out of the military and move back home, but that bonus money will come in handy when I decide to open my fish store one day. I'm one class away from my associate's degree, then my bachelor's in business shouldn't be too far behind. Once I get that, it'll be time to get out of the military and start my business (slow, of course). I'll first start with a service since it's minimal investment and you get to build a client list. I figure a lot of people want to have a beautiful fish tank in their home, but don't want to perform the research to keep them alive---that's where my houry fee will come in. :) I figure I can come to their home once a week and help them pick out compatible fish, tank sizes, tank cleaning, medication if necessary, and so on. I'll do all the work for them, but that's fine with me since I love doing it!

Anyway, I'm rambling, but that's my plan. After a few years of offering aquarium services, I should have enough money saved and made enough customers to support a small fish store. What do you think? Sounds like a good plan? :) I'm so excited about it and am constantly planning and researching on it.

[Rue]

Sounds like a plan! Start small...get experience...min. debt...and off you go.

Just as a bit of trivia...PetSmart has NO debt...I think that's pretty amazing...

Actually, I wasn't thinking about getting the military into aquariums...I was thinking about the Taliban...if we could get them all interested in something else than wreaking havoc...we'd be ahead of the game (okay, so it wasn't a funny joke...I have my on days and my off days...).

It does suck that you can't have a tank...or any pet for that matter...for so long...that would drive me nuts!

[Lady Hobbs]

Glasstapper!!!!! You can't believe how often I think of you and wondered how you are. I am so happy you took the time to let us all know about you. Sitting here there is nothing to do but think the worst so hearing you are out of harms way is a huge bonus and a weight from our shoulders.

I hope you get to go to the place you wish for the most. Just keep those men in line, girl.

It is just wonderful to finally hear from you. I wish you just the best!

[Incredulous_Ed]

Courtney! It's great to hear from you!

[Incredulous_Ed]

oh, if you haven'y checked this out already, it would really help you in your aquatic buissness, [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Hope it helps!

[crackatinny]

Great to hear from you, when I clicked on this thread, I did not look at the member, I thought it was a new member, what a surprise.

[sergo]

glad to know all is well over there in la la land. keep your head clear and eyes open and we'll see you when to get back to the rear. good luck :thumb:
may i suggest guam as your choice of duty stations. there's really nothing going on the pacific but surfing and sunning.

[RobbieG]

Glad to hear you are OK & safe. Good luck with the degree & business.