MASS CASULTY DRILLS

28MAR07. Wednesday. Another day, Another Package. Thanks Terri. Got some a package from the family. And, I’m on the Leader Board for most packages. Needed to get some documents from Home sent here. Thank again Terri. Very Nice Day outside. And, I hear the Seabees back at work. Prior to departing work, we were notified of some kind of drill today. The rumor claims it will be a Mass Casulty Drill. With my luck, it will be well after I’m fast asleep. Only to be awoken by the Drill. Stumbling in the Dark (I mean, seeking shelter). And waiting a couple of hours until the all clear. We’ll see. Well, I’m going to watch a DVD and get some shut-eye. Doug

INTERNET KIOSKS

27MAR07. Tuesday. Boy another severe clear day. Starting to heat up around here. Actually saw some folks running around in shorts when I got off work today. Well, the DVs (Distinguished Visitors) have come and gone. From what I understand there was quite the entourage. Well over 50 people escorting the DVs. Luckily, the DVs came through during the Day Shift. Decided to take the day off from PT last night. Instead, used the time wisely to make some calls and use the internet. The lines for the phones and computers were not too bad. But, I always bring a book. Chatted with Terri and the family last night. Managed to catch her before she ran out the door. She certainly sounded very busy. Believe that’s the key. Staying busy. Know it does help me pass the time. Well, gonna kick back and get into the routine. Wish I had something exciting to relay. But, happily nothing exciting has happened. Hope it remains that way. Take care for now. Doug

DOGGONE

26MAR07. Monday. Another day at the office. Took the Shop Junker Van (yes the one with the steering wheel on the wrong side) and went to the Exchange. While enroute, I encountered a Traffic Jam. What was the cause of the Traffic Jam you ask? A Military Working Dog was playing with his Handlers. And, all of them were in the street. They were training the dog to go through some muddy ditches. And used a ball for enticement. Well, the ball took a bad bounce and ended in the street. So did the Dog, and handlers, and lots of bystanders watching the Dog getting the best of the Handlers. Too Funny. Got back only to find that some more Distinguished Visitors (read Generals) will come thru again. So moving the dust around is a high priority…Again. Well, I’m gonna watch a flick and crash. Love to all. Doug

FIRE DRILL

25MAR07. Sunday. Yet another beautiful day in the Neighborhood. Great weather to go to be to. Spent some of the night getting ready for yet another inspection. Just what we need. Well, at least I’m not painting rocks yet….And, to ensure we’re good fighting men and women, we had to read, know and understand what do in case of Fire. That’s 45 minutes of my life I’ll never recover. The Fire Brief really started to get silly when we were sending “Runners” (actual people) running around the base to notify different offices. Looking forward to the dry-run next week. On a slightly different note, I’m positioning myself for the next promotion. I’m unsure how effectively I can prepare from the Sandbox. Regardless, does keep my mind actively engaged (with something else other than work). That’s all for now. Doug

RACK CHECK

24MAR07. Saturday. Another beautiful day in the Sandbox. Temperatures are quickly soaring into the 70’s from a low of 30’s. Makes for an interesting day planning on the items to bring for a trip overnight. My helo trip was Cancelled last night. Whaa…wanted to see more of the country. I’m sure I’ll be scheduled on a later flight. Completed a successful test of the fitted bedsheet. Worked 4.0. Never once did I feel like I was getting choked with my own sheet. Was notified by my Skipper that another shipmate from my unit will be mobilized. I’ve been asked to give him a call and answer any questions. So, that’s my task over the next couple of days. Unfortunately, I’m running out of things to say. Will update again. Doug

HOSPITAL CORNERS

23MAR07. Friday. Wow, what a Day. The day is simply wonderful. Not a Seabee in sight. Nice Spring Day. Did a spring-fresh batch of laundry last night. And, Received a couple of packages. The prized possession within; Family Pictures, New Running Shoes, and a Fitted Sheet. I haven’t been this giddy since high school. The sheet fits great. No more tossing and turning and fighting that darn sheet. Can’t wait to try it out in a couple of hours. Have hung the photos with care. They look awesome! Thanks. Really enjoy them. And, have already tested the new running shoes. They feel great. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to the soles of my feet. Oh, by the way. Was also informed that I will be going to an outstation via helo tomorrow. Should be a day-long trip there and back. Will try to take pics if able. That’s all for now. Will update when I can. Doug

INSPECTION

22MAR07. Thursday. Another day in the Sandbox….The view surrounding us is simply breathtaking. I talked with my sister Sharon last night. Was neat to hear from her. Haven’t spoken with her in some months. We have some Generals coming in. Thus, all the dust needs to be rearranged for their tour. Still, kinda funny to see folks trying desperately to sweep and clean the ever-persistent dust. Well, it is nice to witness a mini-dust storm – inside….Well, I’ll probably pop-in a movie and crash. If you are reading this blog, I wish the best from the Sandbox. Doug

BSA TROOP 400 RULES!!!

21MAR07. Wednesday. A BIG SHOUT OUT GOES TO TROOP 400!!!! Thanks goes to Meg for the coordination effort (which often goes overlooked). Got a great big package from Troop 400 yesterday. It was filled with Popcorn, Peanuts and Cashews. I mean it was FILLED!! There were about lots of Tins, Boxes, and Bubble Wrap. Troops really ate them up….This morning, there was 1 Open Box of Popcorn and 1 Can of Cashews left… The package was well received and eagerly devoured. Thanks for thinking of us Troop 400. Obviously, that was the highlight of Our night. Got to chat with Terri (the highlight of My night). Exchanged some chit chat. Was nice to get caught-up on some light topics of the household. After work, the day was simply gorgeous. I’m amazed at the Temperature differences between Night and Day. Jackets and Sweaters at Night. Sweating during the day. Well, Happy New Year from Southeast Asia. Today starts the New Year for this region….Which also means, Spring is here…..Well, I’m going to watch a movie and eat some cereal. Finally watched the last of the Band of Brothers yesterday – sequentially. Starting with Episode 1 thru 10. Instead of my method, Episode 9, the episode 3, then episode 5. It just didn’t make sense. Well gonna close for now and investigate the source of the ants along my Hootch wall. Take care. Doug

ARMY TRAINING SIR!

20MAR07 Tuesday. Today attended some Mandatory Training today. After my 12-HR Shift ended, found myself deep into the Law of Armed Conflict and Moral Disengagement. Two wonderful hours of slide presentations. I was on the edge of my Seat….With my head on the Seat in front. Boy, talk about dry, dry, dry stuff. Whew. Just finished up with that junk. Weather is getting hotter, Still need some warm clothes at night. But the differences in temperature are stark. My ass is kinda dragging today. So, I’ll probably keep this short and sweet. The Travel Claim Check from the Navy finally came in today. After only a month!!! Yeah, Terri can pay the travel expenses to get me here in the Sandbox….Finally. Saw the Seabees hard at work this morning. Looks like they’re making some Desks in the Hootch. Talked with my Navy Unit last night. Just wanted to get caught up on the Change of Command, who is back from deployment, and just general events. They are busy….Well, will kick back, watch Disk 9 of Band of Brothers and Crash. Doug

DARK & DREARY II

20MAR07. Monday. What a Weekend! Not. Last Night I crashed as soon as my head hit the pillow. Today, it’s raining harder. And, the Seabees have moved indoors. Thus, they are hard at work. Still, don’t believe it’s gonna be problem sleeping. Dad & Nanna sent some Water Sweetner. An entire box of it. That will go to some good use. The paper inside was from last week. Was kinda funny to read about the events from the Hometown front. The guys here are giving me a little grief. Seems I win the “Most Packages” Award. My reply, “That’s the way it should be” I’m Loved…Doug

DARK AND DREARY

19MAR07. Monday. Well, thank goodness it’s raining. That coupled with Sunday will keep people inside. More importantly, the Seabees are not pounding away. My Butt is dragging. Hoping to get to bed early and grab some zzzzz’s. Wish I could relay that a lot of wonderful things are happening. But, I’d be lying. Wait, what’s that I hear? A Compressor? Yup. It’s not the Seabees tho, it’s a couple of guys Pressure-Washing the Hootch. Too Funny. This Hootch is slightly better than a Tent. God knows it leaks. Needs some Caulking and a Coat of Paint. Not a Pressure Washing. Too Funny….Pressure Washing in the Rain. Well, I’ll watch a DVD for a little then Toss-N-Turn to the Sounds of a Pressure Washer. Doug

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

18MAR07. Sunday. What a Beautiful Day. Sun's shining, bird’s singing, Seabees sawing. Tried to upload pictures on the blog last night to no avail. Will try again tonight. The Toiletry Package Terri sent went fast. Only thing left this morning were 2 cans of shaving cream. Although several folks gave me grief over the shampoo, razors, and lotion. It’s mostly gone. Thanks Terri & Company. Had a bunch of folks come back from the Outstations the other day. Only to be departing in the future. So, all things considered, I’m pretty lucky…..So Far!!! On a separate note, I’m finding my tempo, and as such, understanding what is Really, Really, Important from the stuff that is just needed in a hurry. Only took several weeks to figure out. Will update when I can. Band of Brothers Disk 2 awaits. Doug

GREEN BEER

17MAR07. Saturday. Someone just told me it’ St Patrick’s Day. Whee. Hope you guys have a wonderful day. Drink Green Beer!! Talked with a good friend in DC. Ended up chatting with him for about ½ Hour. Provided some good laughs and sage advice. Also provided some munchies for my colleagues. I was a little hesitant because I saw a bag of plain M&M’s still out there. Regardless, I set out the M&M’s with Peanuts, Reeses Pieces, Cashews, and Pistachios. They were all gone within 20min. The Plain M&Ms were still there (10 hours later). Hmmmm, this would be a good place to taste-test new junk food. Finally, at shift change, was advised that an Inspection is up and coming. So, we spent about an hour stacking Water, MRE’s, and the yukkie Trail Mix and Gator Aid on pallets. Boy, bet this will impress the generals. It’s a nice looking stack of junk. Well, I digress. I’m sitting here at the Hootch, not a Seabee in sight. (Thank Goodness)
Well, I’ll close for now. Will pop-in Band of Brothers (Disk 5). Take care. Doug

BASSMASTER CLASSIC

16MAR07. Friday. Kinda dingy and overcast outside. Hopefully, it will rain and interrupt our industrious Seabees. Probably not. Got a package from a Kenny, a good fishing buddy from New Orleans. Contained within were a few fishing mags. Thanks Kenny. Now I have something to read other than Cosmo, People, and LL Bean Catalogs – all dated material. Reminds me of the reading material in the doctor’s office. Did manage to get a picture uploaded last night. Unfortunately, the pictures of us getting flooded didn’t load. Got a buddy here who was diagnosed with pneumonia. Was wondering why he had a persistent cough – for 3 weeks straight. He finally went to medical and they diagnosed him. Sent him to bed for an additional 8+Hours of Sleep. Now that I think of it, believe I got a tickle in my throat……Only kidding. Feeling Fine. Dragging just a little. Will update tonight. Doug

PAYDAY

15MAR07. Thusday. Another beautiful day outside. Not a Seabee in sight. Power Tools remain – a telltale sign that they are not far. Well, since last night, the toiletries are down to 1 shave creams and 1 tube toothpaste. Talked with Terri and Ryan last night. Was nice to hear some familiar voices. Moreover, I also found that I am missing pictures of a Monster Truck Event that the family attended. Terri assured me she will resend when able. Moreover, after our talk last night, she gave me a Heads-up” that I’d be receiving some pictures from home. Further, I know my kids are enjoying Spring Break with trepidation. Ryan is bored; the girls are highly excited. On a separate note, I received a package of Jellybeans, Shower Curtains, and an Address Book. Always had my Cell Phone as my address book. Out Here, Cell Service is nonexistent for the Troops. Tried again last night to load pictures. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. Oh well, will give it the college try. Will update when I can. Doug

OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING, A GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL MORNING

14MAR07. Wednesday. It’s a gorgeous day outside. I can’t believe how pretty it is. Sun’s shining, bird’s singing, Seabees sawing. Tried to upload pictures on the blog last night to no avail. Will try again tonight. The Toiletry Package Terri sent went fast. Only thing left this morning were 2 cans of shaving cream. Although several folks gave me grief over the shampoo, razors, and lotion. It’s mostly gone. Thanks Terri & Company. Had a bunch of folks come back from the Outstations the other day. Only to be departing in the future. So, all things considered, I’m pretty lucky…..So Far!!! On a separate note, I’m finding my tempo, and as such, understanding what is Really, Really, Important from the stuff that is just needed in a hurry. Only took several weeks to figure out. Will update when I can. Band of Brothers Disk 2 awaits. Doug

ALKOHOLFREI

13MAR07. Tuesday. Well, the rain finally stopped. The sun is shining and the Seabees are back to work. Damn….Changed the routine a little today. Ate at the Chow Hall vice in the Hootch. What a mistake! The lines were unbelievably long. Once inside, it was like an International Cultural Festival. Troops from Spain, South Korea, British, Australians, and several nations were well represented. Just never really had the time to check it out. On the way out, I passed a Cold Display Case filled Beer. I closely inspect the German label (BitBurger Alkoholfrei). Hmmm. Non-alcoholic Beer. I took two. So, I’m sitting here, sipping fake beer, updating my blog. Cheers! Did manage to get a copy of the Band of Brothers DVD. Will begin to watch that series. Take Care for Now.
Doug

NOAH'S ARK....

12MAR07. Monday. Just watched a DVD called “Over the Hedge”. It’s one of those animated movies. Believe the kids would like if (provided they haven’t already seen it). Still raining…Keeping the Seabees away. Yeah. Can count on getting some sleep tonight. Moreover, rearranged my Hootch a little. Gives me 2 more cubic inches of space. Quite a bit when trying to change. Usually, some part of my anatomy is hanging in the Passageway when I chance. I almost choked on the sand and dust when I moved the bed and a couple of seabags. Created a mini-dust storm of sorts. Read a funny saying on the Restroom Wall. Rest assured, it’s not dirty. But, it does sum up the daily ritual. Went something like this; “The Highlights of my Day (1) Eat, (2) Gym, (3) Movie, and (4) Sleep” Someone has a sense of humor. Well, I’m going to sign off for now. Will update again tomorrow. Doug

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS

11MAR07. Sunday. As I sit here updating my Blog, it’s pouring outside, and I’m nice and warm inside. Had a little excitement last night tho. It started to Flood at Work. Needless to say, we spent a few hours filling Sandbags, moving mud around, and creating slit trenches to divert the water. All in a fruitless attempt to foil Mother Nature. At the end of the 12-Hr Shift, we were cold, wet, and miserable. Not now however. Did call the Seabees for some assistance, tools, etc. But, they’re off on Sundays. Translated = No Power Tools at Bedtime. Nice….. So, thought I’d share with you the highlight of my day. Whee… Will update again tomorrow. Doug

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

10MAR07. Saturday. What’s that Noise? Just the sound of aircraft in the distance. Not one hammer, saw, or Seebee in sight. They must be working on the Admiral’s Hootch at the moment. Not gonna miss that ruckus. But, I’m sure it will pick up again quickly. Maybe in a few minutes, hours, or days. Got up a little early to talk with the Navy folks in New Orleans. Wanted to clear-up a few things (especially since I’m not there). Did manage to have a decent chat with the Officer in Charge (OIC). Was quite taken aback by his commitment to ensure all my service-records are straight (in my absence). That assurance was quite refreshing. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see…..Well, happy Saturday. Hopefully each and everyone of you are enjoying the day to the fullest. Was reading an article from my Inshore Fisherman Magazine. My mind wandered a bit….Will update again. Doug

ANOTHER DAY IN PARIDISE

9MAR07. Friday. Well, here I am again. In my Hootch. Listening to the sound of Construction next door. Patiently committing myself to write down a few events of my remarkable life each day. Last night or yesterday (still trying to figure that one out), it took a very long time to get to sleep. With the sound of Construction, Jets, Controlled Detonations, etc., as white noise. But, I obviously did, because I overslept! Was startled awake by my Alarm Clock (and Watch). I promptly (thought it was a dream) turned them off and drifted off to sleep. Woke again about 30mins later. Panicked, dressed, and went to work. Not one soul missed me. Haven’t done that Stunt in Years…Did manage to talk with Terri and the kids last night. It was nice to hear their voices. Well, I’ll sign off now. Will watch some flick called “Date Movie” – Unrated. Then crash (hopefully). Doug

HALLOWEEN…ALMOST

8MAR07. Thursday. Yet another long, action-packed day. Wish I was allowed to elaborate. Still, did get some packages of Toiletries, Caps, and Munchies. Brought a Bag of Cashews, M&Ms, as well as Tootsie Rolls to work. The gang devoured them within 20mins. The munchies didn’t last long….Thanks. One of my buddies collects stamps. Thus, all my package stamps go to him. He pointed out some neat ones, Holographic Plane, Cartoon Characters, etc. Really collecting the Crosswords. I try to complete them when I can. Kinda nice to stick in your pocket, and play when times are slow. I’m trying in earnest to keep up with the Email and Blog to ensure communication. Hopefully, the communications will remain available for the time to come. Well, the Navy’s finest Seabees are at work again. Think they’re building a Condo next door. Gonna grab some cereal, watch a flick, and crash. My Best Wishes and Love to all. Doug

THIS OLD HOUSE – WITH BOB VILLA

7MAR07. Wednesday. What a Long Day….Err., Night. Did some much-needed laundry last night. Said goodbye to some guys who are leaving tomorrow. Lucky Stiffs. Came home to the sound of Hammers, Prybars, and Power Drills. Oh, there goes some Tin Roofing. Think that’s the sound of Plywood being ripped-up. Wait, Wait., that’s the sound of Screws sounding home. God Bless the Seabees. They are converting a Hootch into Offices or something. Unfortunately, it’s the Hootch next door. Well, can’t think of much to say. Will probably watch a flick and wind-down. Then the Sandman cometh. Will update when I can. Terri, I Love You. Squeeze the Kids for me. Doug

HOOTCHES AND GARDENS

6MAR07. Tuesday. What a Day. Got a couple of Packages of Munchies in. Just now going through them. Boy, what a load. Pretzels, Candy, Beef Jerky, and some Shaving Cream. I’m in Heaven. And, I can tell several Hootch Mates are Jealous. Winding Down as I write. Munching on some Cashews. Getting ready to watch a flick and crash. Broke down and went to the PX for some Tupperwater-type shelves. Actually, believe their Dollar-General Specials, but they do the job. Was able to sort my junk out (kinda). In reality, the three boxes made my little hole-in-the-wall cramped. Now, I have some breathing space. Funny thing happened on the way to the BX. Decided to grab the Van. Jumped into the Drivers-side. Only to look like an Idiot. The Van was made in Europe, and thus, the Driver’s Side is on the Right. Looked pretty silly. Regardless, got out, ran around to the Correct Driver’s Side and Jumped in. BX didn’t open for another 25 min. Took the van out for a Cruise on Base. Pretty Big Base. Haven’t driven in quite some time. Only clipped one Jingle Truck Mirror…..Really. Still had some fun. Well, that’s the highlight of my day. Will update when I can. Doug

JUST ANOTHER DAY

5MAR07. Monday. Just another day at the office. We’ll sitting here, reflecting on the evening shift. Pretty Quiet. Did, manage to call Terri and the Kids. Believed I surprised them at 8:00PM CST. Was a nice “pick-me-up”. Stopped by the Finance Office to check on my travel claim. Guy is still out. I can’t believe it. Submitted my Travel Claim over a week ago. Hopefully, I’m fretting over nothing. Still, it would be nice to check to ensure there were no issues or questions regarding my Travel Claim. What a way to run a war…Gonna finish-up with the Blog. Watch a Flick on the PC, then Crash. Will update when I can. Doug

WORKING ON THOSE NIGHT MOVES

4MAR07. Sunday. Think I’m going to love the Night Shift. Show up at 9:00PM Universal Time (1:30AM Local) work my tail off. Very few interruptions or distractions. Get off shift at 2:00PM. Wind-Down a Little - Getting ready to watch a flick on my laptop. (First time I’ve got to watch something since I’ve gotten here). Majority of Hootch-mates have already departed. Suspect several more will come and go. Nice to shower with only two other people. (It’s the simple things in life we miss). Will update when I get chance. Doug

FLEET WEEK

3MAR07. Saturday. Well, was able to sleep some yesterday. Still, trying to get accustomed to the new 12-hour shift. Saw the Sun Rising and was a little confused over time (remember we are on Universal Mean Time). So, we always have to add 4:30 hours. Still, got the word to report for the Indoctrination Brief (after two weeks). Timing. They covered the typical stuff, Bunkers, Dining Hours, etc. Was a buddy I recognized from New Orleans. He’s leaving Tues for an Outstation or (forward Operating base). Said our quick hellos, and compared notes on how messed up the Mobilization process is. Then left to get some much needed sleep…..Wonder how many people will come and go during my hibernation? We’ll see….

INSOMNIAC

2MAR07. Friday. Only Two More Working Days Until Monday. Took the day off from PT. Instead went to the PX to find some Headphones and get a Haircut. Well, at least the haircut was worth the walk. Did a Crossword at Breakfast. Got to work, only to find that I’ll be working Nights. So, I left to catch some ZZZ’s prior to reporting into work Tonight. So, that’s where I find myself. Alone in the Hootch, updating my Blog. Listening to the Aircraft taking, landing and flying overhead. Sound of Freedom, Sound of Comfort. Hoping I can crash. We’ll See. Already know it’s gonna take a week to adjust…again.
Doug

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY – ALMOST FORGOT AGAIN

1MAR07. Thursday. What a wonderful day. Worked-out, Did Laundry. And Got Two Big Boxes from home. I’m in Heaven. Got a Shower Curtain for a door, several throw rugs (to keep the dust down), some munchies, magazines, crossword puzzles, and pictures of the family. Boy, I was a Cheshire Cat the rest of the day. Hanging the Shower Curtain was a snap. However, had to “requisition” some tape to hang the family photos on the wall. Feels like I’m living in a college dorm. Found a nice letter from Terri. I guess our anniversary is fast approaching. Well, believe I’ll have to take a rain check on this one. Well, have a long day tomorrow. Thanks to all those that continue to contribute. The Packages, Photos, Knit Caps, etc are welcome reminders of home. Will update when I get another chance. Doug

SOMETIMES YA JUST GOTTA SHAKE YOUR HEAD

28FEB07. Wednesday. Today, they had a Ceremony for a Fallen Soldier. Although I was unable to attend, I understand it was quite good. Hope that’s the last. Upon the return of several shipmates, they said, Hey, do you remember Jane Doe? From Fort Jackson, South Carolina? You remember, she couldn’t hit the Target with her Weapon? And, she got a Black Eye from the Charging Handle on the M16! Yes, I exclaimed. I do remember. Guess what her job is? A Gunner for a Convoy……Too Funny. Hope I’m not on it. Doug