Quick update.

Today is my off day from the dreaded QRF cage. I woke up early and went to the beach. Actually got to go swimming this time, and went out quite far. Snorkeling was amazing, saw stingrays and huge schools of fish. Caught some sun, no speedo this time.

Now for a quick story, about my obvious physical resemblance to Tobey Maguire. I've decided to add this in my blog, because, well, it's become a daily fixture in my life here. On a regular basis, certain individuals throughout the troop call me "Spidey," in tribute of me - allegedly - looking like Tobey Maguire. Confused? Me too. But I'll give background to the story to better communicate the reason.

You see, on the plane ride from Shannon, Ireland to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Air Transit Airlines (our chartered flight) showed Spiderman 3 for our viewing entertainment. I slept through it, I had seen it in theaters, and thus has no interest in seeing it again. However, when I got off the plane and boarded the bus that took us to South Camp, one Specialist called me Peter Parker, followed by two Sergeants who both, individually, called me Tobey. Confused, I ignored them and took to observing my new surrounds, as described in A Room With a View post. It wasn't until the late night dinner at the dining hall on South Camp that first night that I finally understood. I was sitting across from a Specialist who shifted his eyes from his food to my face, as he silently ate. Just before I was done, he stopped eating and asked me if I had watched Spiderman 3 while on the plane. I replied with an honest no, but told him I had seen it already. His second question was "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Tobey Maguire?" I was dumbfounded, indeed, but also curious. I, myself, see no personal resemblance to the 32 year old actor. Now, I really wish I had watched the movie again, so I could better understand what they were talking about. Sure, one person might be hugely mistaken on a matter of identity, but how can FOUR people all insist upon the same ridiculous assertion without conference? Who knows, but you can be the judge. This isn't the first time I've been mistaken for another person, or told I looked like some random celebrity.

In my early years of highschool, I occasionally was approached about my identity. It wasn't until later that I realized how common it was becoming. People asked me CONSTANTLY! Come to think of it, I started noticing shortly after I met Paige. After many people started regularly saying I look like various random celebrities or movie characters, I decided to make a list in the note section of my cell phone (which I unfortunately lost as a result of phone plan suspension for active duty deployment) with the names of all of my alien-proclaimed alter egos. In the early days of dating Paige we made the list jokingly after she told me I looked like someone she knew... but people never yield to comment on my characteristic similarities to famous people. Among the list is a young Vince Vaughn, Tobey Maguire, Sam from Lord of the Rings (Sean Astin) and my all-time favorite is when people ask "Peter or Bobby Brady?" Consensus says: Bobby (I take this as a compliment, maybe people will still think I look like the youngest Brady boy when I'm 70)! Also on the list is Clark Kent... maybe I'm just destined to be a super hero, or I have that nerdy, astute look. I have never claimed to look like anyone besides myself, but seemingly enough everyone thinks I resemble someone famous... it may have something to do with me always looking different in all of my pictures. I guess I just have a familiar face.

Our unit's armorer, the Specialist in charge of guarding our weapons while we're off duty, is consistent with upholding my "Spidey" nickname, so every time I draw or turn in my weapon I hear it. Unimportant, but still a routine part of my life these days, so why not share, right?

Today's picture is totally unrelated... camels under an electric suspension tower, in the vast nothingness of this countries land.

Update (1 July 2008): Today on my way to the dining hall for breakfast, a guy stopped me and asked where I went to basic training. I had seen the man before, but only as recent as this deployment. I told him I went to Knox, and he quickly asked when I was there, as though he knew me. I told him it was the summer of '06, and he looked at me with a confused look on his face. He told me I looked EXACTLY like a guy he attended Knox with... 9 years ago. I laughed, and told him I was in fourth grade then. He apologized and I continued on to breakfast.

I've come to the conclusion that I am a really ordinary, plain individual by appearance, which is why I look like everybody and nobody all at the same time. It's always fun, and definitely a great conversation starter! All for now, farewell.