begging

First off, thank you to everyone who has sent me a letter, card or package already. It definitely brightens my day to be reminded of all my loved ones at home. Mail time is usually the most exciting part of our day in training. I hope all the letters I have sent in reply or just have sent in general have reached you all. I just wanted to list a few items that would be useful (or just nice) for me to have if you are sending a package. I don’t need any of these things en masse right now, but I think that these will be things I will constantly want throughout my service:

-- magazines —it is extremely hard to keep up on current events here so even a month old magazine is a treat, real news and celebrity news are both welcome. And since print media is dead, if you are ever reading an interesting article online you could print it out and stick it with a letter.

--ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon)—battling many creatures and a lot of moisture in these parts so much of what I own goes in Ziplocs

--trail mix, raisins, other dried fruits, granola bars, and salsa would all be greatly appreciated food items (and the accompanying tortilla chips if you can figure out a way to keep them from getting too mangled in the mail)

--crystal light drink mixes

Thank you again to everyone who has sent me things already. I have been snacking on my birthday candy treats all week. And I and other trainees have been enjoying all the good books. If you are ever considering sending a book and are unsure if I have already read it, there is an application on my facebook page with everything I’ve read. (before coming here at least)