April 2
...serving up your daily dish.
The inimitable Montclair State student Katie Mancine, a regular on these pages, happened to mention in a comment the other night that her boyfriend Mark is over in Iraq - and that he actually reads Baristanet over there. Well, we thought, we'd get in the patriotic spirit and send a big shout out over to the war zone and say hi to Katie's man. Except he turns out to be a boy.
Mark is in Air Force Reserves, and Katie's known he'd be doing this tour of duty since she met him two years ago, but when we look at this picture all we can think is: get him home safe. He should be back in time to join us at Red Cheetah on April 29, if - that is - he's old enough to drink. Here's what Katie blogged on February 24, just a few days after Mark left.
If you haven't guessed why I am so lonely and updating so much these past few days, I will tell you: Mark is at Spring Break: Iraq until the beginning of April. For a while they were partying in Qatar but now he said it's full blown fun times in Iraq. It's only been about a week and I've already relearned how to feed myself, do the dishes, and have conversations in my head that are as fun as real life conversations with real people. I've even started to be the voice for the Mister. I'll say something to him or tell him a story and then I speak in a higher cartoony voice as him, replying to everything I say. He really knows how to listen. Sweet babies I am lonely. On a serious note, for those of you who pray, keep Mark in your prayers, it's not all fun and games down there as we'd like to think.
The Mister Katie refers to is the dog sleeping with Mark in the picture, and we're guessing that Mister must be going a little crazy with Mark gone too. Here's love and prayers for all three of them to be united, safe, real soon. And Mark - if you're out there - give us a holler, too.
April 2, 2006 in Major Dudes | Permalink
Let's end this insanity and bring our people home. Mark looks like he should be in a garage band with my son, not half a world away in the middle of a war. God help us (and keep him safe).
Posted by: g | Apr 2, 2006 7:50:35 AM
Katie,
I got Mark's back at Mass this morning. Here's hoping that our President wil say 'mission accomplished' and bring home the kids.
Posted by: Iceman | Apr 2, 2006 7:58:40 AM
what makes him a boy barista? i think a Man is one who lives up to his responsibilities. as mark is doing.
Posted by: cheeze | Apr 2, 2006 8:18:26 AM
"..it's not all fun and games..."
We know sweetie! Come home safely Mark!
Posted by: Black Irish | Apr 2, 2006 8:28:59 AM
Oh man rereading that post about him being gone has reminded me that I am definitely a crazy person. It's alright though.
Posted by: katie | Apr 2, 2006 9:31:05 AM
Katie - we all are keeping Mark in our thoughts.
Regardless if one agrees or disagrees on why we are there, we all agree that we want our men and woman who are serving to come home safely.
Posted by: Anne Prince | Apr 2, 2006 10:31:34 AM
I know that sweet face -- he's delivered me Tinga! Come home safe and soon Mark!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Liz | Apr 2, 2006 10:37:41 AM
I hope your guy returns safe & sound.
(I served during the Viet-Nam era.)
You're welcome anytime you want to come by w/ your Mister & say "Hi" feel free or pass some time.
Stay strong Katie :)
Posted by: JT | Apr 2, 2006 11:11:51 AM
Katie, he's soooo cute!
Please keep posting here -- not only do your posts provide an essential point of view that keeps the board lively, they are a witty pleasure to read in and of themselves.
Best thoughts, wishes and prayers for Mark's safe return.
Posted by: skipwtih | Apr 2, 2006 11:49:46 AM
Hey by the way, thanks for posting this Barista and thanks to everyone who replies with your best wishes. I sent him the link through email so he'll be able to read it all. Thanks again.
Posted by: katie | Apr 2, 2006 12:19:06 PM
Here's hoping he'll return safe and sound.
When he's back, he should write a column here to tell of his experiences.
Posted by: Right of Center™ | Apr 2, 2006 3:13:08 PM
He looks like Robbie Benson (anyone remeber him?)-boy, am I getting old.
Posted by: cstarling | Apr 2, 2006 8:17:40 PM
c,
wasn't he in a tear-jerker of a story about a figure skater who dies?
Posted by: Iceman | Apr 2, 2006 8:19:42 PM
Probably -he was in alot of seventies movies-Ode to Billy Joe came to mind right away---there was some other big basketball movie--he had quite a career then I think he had heart problems---he's probably in his fifties now-but he was some stud --way back when....
Posted by: cstarling | Apr 2, 2006 8:24:14 PM
make that Actor, Director, Writer, Miscellaneous Crew, Producer, Composer--his career was/is more extensive then I even imagined.
Posted by: cstarling | Apr 2, 2006 8:32:07 PM
I think the movie was "Ice Castles" about a blind ice skater...
Posted by: Theresa | Apr 2, 2006 8:36:52 PM
Yup, Ice Castles it was, before Mark and Katie were born.
Get home safe.
Posted by: talliewoo | Apr 2, 2006 9:24:11 PM
