I've always kept a journal ever since I was a kid. Whether "Dear Diary" records, field notebook scribblings, PalmPilot entries, mini travellogues, or my now 180 page running Work Journal, I've always felt the need to capture my thoughts either because I want to refer back to them, or probably because I don't trust my own memory. Kept on different formats, these scraps of memories are scattered everywhere and I've always wanted one place to combine photos, thoughts, articles, and obviously a blog has been the answer. The kick in the pants to do something though, was having a reason to do so.
This deployment to Iraq was that trigger. Not only did I think it would be something I'd like to look back at (I kept a journal when I was last deployed 8 years ago in Kosovo), it would really make it easier to stay in touch with everyone and hear from them. I'm not a Facebook kind of guy, but this wouldn't be very hard to do.
So, I did a little research on the web, asked around, and it seemed that Blogger and WordPress were the two best free options out there. Because I've heard that WordPress occasionally gets censored by our friends in China, I decided to go with Blogger (since Google has made its peace with the powers that be).
Choosing a name was unexpectedly tough. I wanted something that would represent what I was facing right now with this deployment, but would also provide a theme to characterize my path going forward.
Great creation, Louie! I'm glad that you kept up with the diary habit these years. I like the title which nicely commemoates a new chapter of your life and it will annotate your experience and of course a nice feed for me. It will be valuable!
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