NORMALCY

5APR07. Wednesday. Still a little windy out today. Trying to get back into the swing of things. Talked to Terri and the kids last night. Was definitely nice to talk to them for a change. The Internet has been down for the last couple of days as well. Will try my darndest to get this Blog published tonight. Did my laundry last night, to include sheets. Just like a fresh spring day. Looking forward to crashing here shortly. Will update when I can. Unfortunately, same ole thing. Doug

SANDSTORM

24APR07. Tuesday. Sandstorm is picking up outside. Wind is whipping the sand around pretty good. Almost like a blackout. Kinda spooky. Just finished after an hour long turnover. Wow. I’m pretty beat. Actually tho, feels kinda good to be back. Will probably eat some cereal, then watch a flick. Will probably crash early. Still dog tired. Doug. PS. Internet has been down last couple of days.

ROCKETMAN

21-23APR07. Saturday. Departed for parts south on a C130. Haven’t ridden in one for some time. About 45minutes later, reached our destination. Ran around setting some things up with our people there. Had about an hour sleep the night before. Just about the time we are getting situated, Rockets were inbound. Luckily, only a couple got in the compound. Nine Rockets in total. Finally went to sleep around 1230Z or 4:30L. Had been up for 46 hours. Needless to say, my butt was dragging. Got up after 9hours of sleep, and commenced my day. Again, the day ended Long and laborious. Got a call from my boss to get back north. Jumped onboard a CASA for the trip back. After my return, went right to work. Needless to say, close to quitting time, my co-workers made me go home. Slept for 15hours. A personal best. Did take some pics. Will try to upload.
All my best. Doug

OFFICIALLY SUMMER

20APR07. Friday. Packing for my trip south. Nothing like camp living. Fortunately, I’m just visiting…..Did receive two big boxes from JME Realty & Coulders Bank. My goodness. The Girl Scout Cookies went quickly. The bags of chapstick & beanie Babies were a hit by the girls mostly. However, a couple of guys stepped in and grabbed a package. Know we will have a lot left over. I’m coordinating with my buddy to see if we can spread some of the wealth to some local national kids. Will let you know. Moreover, I want to also check with the chaplain for his input for the best distribution. Will keep you posted.
Thanks. Doug
PS I only had four cookies.
PPS Will take some pictures of my little adventure over the next couple of days.

Doug

FIELD TRIP

19APR07. Thursday. Got word last night that I’ll be going South in a few days. Downside: Gotta Get up during the opposite shift and fly down. Upside: Will be able to get the heck outta here for a while. So, in the end, I can’t wait. Further, as I understand it. I’m the lucky recipient of several spears which I’ll catch. Can’t wait. Just got back from the gym. Will kick-back again. Have some cereal and try to watch Minority Report. Whhh. Another fun day in Paradise. Will chat when I get a chance. Doug

DEAD DOG TIRED

18APR07. Wednesday. Work is really getting busy. Hard to believe – even with 12-hour days (at a minimum). And, it’s going to get worse over the next couple of weeks. Can hardly wait. On the plus-side, I haven’t seen any ants crawling over my rack this morning. Did as Terri to include some bug spray with the next box. Internet went down today – scheduled maintenance. Thankfully….Not another Helo going down. Pretty nice day today (as I wind down to crash). Slight overcast – enough to block the sun. Some rain drops hitting the tin roof. Hmmmm. Reminds me of home. Well, I’m gonna get some cereal, watch a flick, and do it all over again. Doug

GOOD NEWS ALL-AROUND

17APR07. Tuesday. What a great day. It’s the simple pleasures that keep me happy. Talked with Terri at length last night. That really put a smile on my face. Changed into PT gear (with weapon) and trotted to the Post Office. Managed to get a package in the mail for Ryan. Also, sent a package to the Naval Personnel Office (to correct errors and omissions in my Service Jacket). Hopefully it will take. Got word the Summer Uniform is now effect. I’ll try to get a picture. Oh, talked with the Boss about my upcoming R&R. He did not have any drama with myself and my buddy going together. Our concern was not having enough help with both of us gone. He didn’t seem to care. Moreover, he stressed that going solo sucked. I concurred. So, if the stars align, then we’ll go to Qatar within the next month or so. Well, that’s the latest. Will update when I can. Doug

OVERCAST

16APR07 Monday. Well, it’s a cloudy and overcast day. Weather is warming up quickly. Tempo is keeping me busy at work. Makes the Long Days pass quickly – unlike a jail sentence…Just got back from working out. Simply didn’t have enough time to do it last night. Suspect it will be like that for a while. Have worked with a lot of neat folks here. Some are leaving as I write. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot to write about today. Wish I did. Oh, wait. Did find some a few ants running around my rack. Some excitement…Doug

OFFICIALLY SUMMER

13-15APR07. My apologies for not updating any sooner. Seems I goofed on last week on the Blog. Finally got it the opportunity to straighten it out last night. Just got an official memo from the Big Wigs. Seems it’s officially Summer. Got the Memo. Aunt Sharon sent me a package stocked with Magazines and Reece’s. Thanks again Aunt Sharon. Last few days were very long indeed. Same old thing. Will update again when I get a chance. Doug

RENO

12APR07. Thursday. Another Hot Day. Temperature Extremes are incredible. Got on the “List” for R&R”. Guy plugged me in for 16MAY07. Can’t wait to see how that develops. I asked about some information regarding what to bring, etc. No one is saying a word. So, it either sucks Baad. Or, it’s really, really, Good. Time will tell. On another note, got my hands on a ¼ can of bug spray. Coated the holes with a good dose of bug spray. Hopefully, that’ll stop a few of the Ants. Might have to hang a couple of “No Pest Strips”. Someone loaned me some Reno 911 DVDs. That show is pretty funny and provides a good 20-min laugh. Well, will post to the Blog tonight. Hope all is well. Doug

R&R

11APR07. Wednesday. What a Hot Day. Temps are quickly soaring. Freezing in the evening, sweating during the day. Got some decent news for a change. Seems I’m eligible for a 4-day R&R Pass mid-May. Not a lot of locations to select from. Either Qatar or Camp. Me thinks I’ll go to Qatar. Someone received a box of various chips. Almost forgot what a chip tastes like. Glad I wasn’t the only one with that remark. Please understand, this is not a plea to send chips. Simply haven’t had any in awhile. The Bugs are coming out in force. Big Flys are Buzzing by. Made Ace last night. Killed about 6-7 of them. They’re not hard to miss, big and slow. A few of the folks are really, really worried about the spiders. I’m not. I’m armed. Well, again. Going to watch a movie “Four Brothers”. Did watch SAWII – a scary flick the kids like. Kinda sucked. But ate some time until sleep. Bye for now. Will update when I can. Doug

BBQ

10APR07. Tuesday. What the way to end the day. We have a couple of people who are returning to the States today. As part of a going-away event, we had a BBQ. Some of the folks we work with got some lamb, chicken and beef. Stew, Rice, and Flat Bread. It was simply delicious. My taste buds came alive. Haven’t had anything so good in quite a while. That is the highlight of my day. No, week. Wait, what am I talking about, that’s been the best thing that’s happened to me since I’ve been here. Beat the hell out of cereal and fake milk. Well, gonna sit back and let the food digest before bedtime. Doug

POST OFFICE

9APR07. Monday. Another day of bliss. Went to the Post Office this morning. What a busy place. People mailing their trunks home. Saw an Army girl trying to send home some chairs. Yes, Chairs. She was discussing the dimensions with the Customs Guy. Or, rather, she was not understanding what the Customs Guy was telling her. Bottomline: She was definitely holding up the line. Oh, before I forget. Completed the biggest faux pax in a long, long, while. Went to the ATM Machine, (it was working), needed about 30 Bucks. Not the 50 Bucks the bank wants you to take. Selected the button for “Other Amount.” Got a WAD of Cash in return. With not deposit , envelopes, or features on the ATM……Can’t wait to tell Terri the details. Well, enjoying some cashews while writing this. Will probably watch some DVDs and do it all over again tomorrow. Doug

EASTER SUNDAY

8APR07. Sunday. Received a couple of packages last night. Thanks Terri. Just in time. Got some munchies (haven’t had any in a while), some boating magazines (keeping the dream alive) (or a big tease), and some decent sandals for the shower adventure. Thanks Terri. Caught a little of the Masters Yesterday. Seems Tiger was something like 17, Applebe was 1st. Believe it’s the 3rd round. Enjoing some Cashews as I write. Haven’t had those or M&M’s for a while. Man, they taste goooood. Last night was a pretty laid back night. Was able to catch-up a little. Haven’t done that in a while. Actually feels good to be alittle ahead of the game. Just ate some Combo Snacks. Mmmmm. A taste sensation. Well, I’ll let you enjoy the rest of your Easter. Take care for now. Will update again. Doug PS Thanks Shirl for the Phone Cards. Doug

INSECTION COMPLETE II

7AMR07. Saturday. Actually a relatively slow day at work. Used the time wisely tho. Had to write a “Motivation Statement” for my next promotion. Well, needless to say, I’ve finished it and sent it off for review. Did manage to see a little of the Masters again. These guys make golf seem easy. Called my sister and chatted a little last night. Was finally able to get in touch with her. Unfortunately, I woke them up. They had just turned-in for the night. Well, I’m quickly running outta things to say. Will update when I get a chance. Doug

INSECTION COMPLETE

6AMR07. Friday. Well, the Inspection has come and gone. Guess we did all right. All the Army Guys are very happy with themselves. The inspection team comprised of about 10 people from different backgrounds. And, like most inspections they delved into their areas of expertise. Me and the Night Crew arrived for the Shift Change and were treated to a Debriefing. So, I guess it’s back to business as usual. Did catch a few minutes of the Masters at Augusta, GA. Not only admiring the Players, but the weather as well. Did go on an ATM run today. Success! One Machine was down, trekked to the machine, it was working. Only dispensed $50. So, I’m Rich…Managed to also get to the Post Office and finally mail the package to my sister. Mailing is another story. Gotta find, salvage, etc your own box. They inspect, then ship. Finding packaging is an adventure of its own. Well, wish I had more junq to relay. I don’t. Will watch another flick. Crash. Then do it all over again. Doug

INSPECTION TIME

5APR07. Thursday. Busy night. Didn’t have a chance to get to get out of the office all night. Did want to check the ATM Machine and get a Haircut. Didn’t happen. Just too busy. Tonight will be a bust as well. Army guys are here to do another Inspection…Does make me wonder how can ever get anything done. Well, I digress. Did bump into a buddy from my unit in New Orleans. Was kinda refreshing to chat with someone I know from my own unit. Wish I had something wonderful to report. Unfortunately, it’s the same thing day in, day out. Getting ready to settle back and watch a flick. Managed to watch all the good ones early. Yesterday it was Dodge Ball. Too Goofy. Also watched a chick flick (I’m desperate) Love Hurts. Movie certainly did. Well take care. Doug

FINE NAVY DAY

4APR07. Wednesday. Still have not been able to see where the epicenter of the Earthquake was. It’s been a very busy last couple of days. And, we have some General running around again (conducting a pre-inspection). Then, the Inspector General and Staff will come in and do their inspection. Gosh, the Army has a lot of inspections. Glad I didn’t join the Army…..Made several calls to the Navy Personnel Office in Millington, TN. Actually got through and talked with some people. Bottomline: My Service Record is missing some important papers. And, I found someone who can help fix it. This will help with any future promotion stuff. Getting eat a little, watch a DVD, the crash. Same Old Routine. Will update when I can. Doug

EARTHQUAKE

3APR07. Tuesday. Well, the big news of the day. Had a big earthquake last night. Was actually kinda neat. Occurred while I was answering some email. I sure a nearby country did not fare as well. Was the topic of conversation for the remainder of the night. Talked with the wife and kids last night. Hadn’t heard their voices in some days. Was nice to hear them again. Got to get up several hours early to call DC tonight. My hope is to catch several Navy folks at their desks before the end of their Day. So, I’m signing off now. Will update when I can. Doug

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/04/04/2003355203

ADAM ANT

2APR07. Monday. Attempted to get money from the ATM(s) today. And, again both were broken. Shame, have a package I’m trying to send home. And, the Post Office only takes Cash. So, I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to get money from my account. On a different note, the temperature swings are really impressive. Last night it was freezing. Today its nice, warm and toasty. Back inside my Hootch, ready to watch a DVD. Lots of Ants crawling on my wall. Seems the rain forced them to seek new shelter. That dry shelter is my boarded-up window. I already know there is no bug spray around. Well, guess I’ll have some new friends. Tried to get call through last night and the night before. No success. Will try again tonight (hopefully). Well, I’m pretty burned out from the 15hr day. Good Night.

APRIL FOOLS DAY

1APR07. Sunday. Well, the rain brought some low temps last night. Have several friends leaving today on the ROTATOR Flight to Germany then, the States. They are gone for a much-deserved vacation. I can’t believe how quickly the time is going by. Although, it can’t go by quickly enough. Before I forget, the Seabees are pretty much complete with their task next door. However, they forgot to reinstall the back door. Funnier still, they installed a big bookshelf over the back doorway. So, from the inside, it looks fine. From the outside, it looks like a piece of furniture is in the doorway. And the plywood to enclose the doorway is leaning against the Hootch. Think their books will get wet??? Also, before I forget. We started to take the Malaria Pills. Started seeing big bugs flying around. Especially mosquitoes. Having some fun now…….Well, I’m going to kick back and watch some flicks. Doug

TOM ARNOLD

31MAR07. Saturday. Well, I guess the USO Stopped by with some Celebrities. My buddy saw Tom Arnold in the Chow Hall. Unfortunately, our work schedule precludes us from attending any functions. Attempted to get a package in the mail earlier this morning with no success. Seems the Post Office here only takes cash. And, both ATMs are down. So, will have to wait until the ATMs are working. Of course, the ATMs are on the opposite sides of the base to ensure the Locations are readily available by all. Too Funny. And, it rained hard last night. Continues to do so (sparingly). However, the mud holes and ditches created are HUGE… Well, getting ready to participate in an Army guys promotion ceremony. I’m gonna run for now. Will update when I can. Doug

LIGHT SHOW

30MAR07. Friday. Another day, another dollar. Last night a Thunder Cell moved through the area. And, lots of lightening was seen overhead – creating a wonderful light show. Sadly, that’s about the extent of my excitement. Did do some looking around for any details on our recent rocket attacks. I’ve seen nothing yet in the papers. So, with the lightening display (and subsequent flashes) set against the backdrop of the recent rocket attacks, made several folks jumpy. Myself included….Still life goes on. Well, I borrowed a DVD from a friend. Will watch The Davinci Code with Tom Hanks. Take Care for now. Doug

MASS CASULTY DRILLS II

29MAR07. Thursday. So, there I was last night. Sound asleep. Knowing full well that someone would wake me for the Mass Casualty Drill. Sure enough, three-hours into my slumber, Sirens Sound, and a guy runs through the Hootch waking the Mid-Shift Folks. So, I get up, don my Kevlar, get my weapons and head for work. Arrive there and stare at my colleagues for a couple of hours. Then back to the Hootch. Sleep for 2 additional hours, then off to work. A pretty insignificant drill. During our Shift Turnover, I was informed the “Drill” was actually a couple of rockets fired into the compound. So, we were responding to an actual real-world event. Too Funny. You just can’t make this stuff up. Well, that was the highlight of my evening. Hope yours was a little more restful. Take care and will update when I can. Doug

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006888614