FRIDAY NITE LITES

24MAY07. Friday. What a day! My buddy and I signed-up on Standby for the "Water Sports" event. Again, jumped on a Dhow, put-putted out to the anchor point and splashed around in the water. Only difference, Jets Skis, Bananna Boat Rides, and Water Skis. That was a blast. Un fortunately, with the number of folks, each had about 5 mins per ride. Still, it beats the heck outta work. Midway through, we sat for another BBQ. Then resumed the water sports. All was great until a heavy-set girl broke her ankle on the Jet Ski. Then all Stopped. Ambulance was dispatched, people running around speaking several languages, the army staff freaking out. Apparently, this was the first time somthing like this has occurred. Anyway, all the water events are cancelled as I understand it. Good thing my buddy and I managed to get that out of our system. Still, what a blast. Got back and did some laundry - finally.

Our trips were arranged by these folks. Althought the advertising looks great, in reality the trips were a little rough around the edges. Still, beats work. http://www.qia-qatar.com/

http://www.qit-qatar.com/

3-BEER LIMIT

24MAY07. Thursday. Showed-up for the 0800AM Dhow Trip. That was pretty fun. We drove with abandon to downtown Doha. Boarded the Dhow, and put-putted at 5knots to our destination. The boat anchored. We swam in the ocean for awhile. Had a Shish-kabob lunch. Then headed home. The boat was pretty astounding. All handmade. Took plenty of pictures. The Gulf was Pretty Salty. The Crew were pleasant and helpful. Like a big party-boat without beer. Returned to the base intime to shower and go to the Iranian Restaurant. Had some Lamb, chicken, and beef. Also, smoked one of those water-pipes called a hooka. I had grape tobacco, Tom had apple. That was different. Off to our 3-beers. They track the beers electroncially through your ID Card. So, we chugged them and headed off to bed. Oh, those beers were the best I've had since I've been here. Will update when I can. Doug

TOUCHDOWN & WARDROBES

23MAY07. Thursday. After our in initial debrief, we were given rack assignments for our tents. Our tent is Tent 8, open bay racks. So, it's me and about 50 other guys racked out in this tent. The funny thing, the tent is one of six, each full. And, all tents are pitched inside this great big warehouse. Inside it's nice and cool (with AC), washer & dryer, showers, etc. And, there's nothing we have to do for four whole days. Initially, I was concerned the travel delay was eating into our four days. However, we found the "Clock" did not start until we walked through the door here. Tom and I have "Signed-up" to do this Dhow (boat) trip and eat at a nice restaurant. We'll see how that goes. Oh, the dress code here is civilian attire for off-base venues. Of course, the majority of folks here have only uniforms. So, the mad dash to the Post Exchange begins. Of course, it's not uncommon to see someone wearing the same shirt as you. I counted 5 guys with the same shirt as I. Only counted 2 with the same shirt as Tom. Also, to lounge around, they are pretty strict. The shirt you can wear has to be pretty plain. So, lots of guys are wearing whatever the Post Exchange has that's inexpensive. Also, there's a donation closet. I found two t-shirts that promote the locomotive. Tom's shirt promotes Amtrack. Someone must have dumped lots of LSU shirts. Saw plenty of those shirts yesterday. Well, will keep you posted. Doug

THE TRIP FROM HELL

22May07. Tuesday. What an interesting time to say the least. Got to the Airport at 4:30AM to "Show-up". After roll-call, they dismissed us for another 3 1/2 hours. After that, we waited another 3hrs for a flight on a C-130. Made the hour-long trip south only to have the plane breakdown. Oh, as we approached the airfield, we hit an airpocket. Dropped the aircraft ~400ft of altitude. We literally became airborne for a long 20 sec count. One of the pallets became dislodged (we had to tie it back to the aircraft), one of the aircrewmen and passanger were ejected from their seats. Quite a Ride. Told my buddy this was the second time it has ever occurred to me. And, it was either due to turbulance of evasive maneuvers from a missle. My money was on the weather. After finally landing, we waited, and waited, and waited. The C-130 was hard broke and not going anywhere. Reagrdless, a C-17 Cargo Plane was slated to land within 2hrs. All 50 or so folks decided to get manifested on that aircraft. That place was quite late (by about 3hrs). It landed, we boarded and into the air we went. We successfully landed in Doha, Qatar about 3hrs later. Total Travel time 20hrs. Gotta love the military.....

R&R TIME

21MAY07. Monday. Couple of interesting things happened last night. First, the Boss made us go to work 1 hour early. After reporting, we were forced to watch the movie “Team America.” A movie with puppets. Still, it was a welcome change from the norm. During the movie, I was told to resubmit my R&R Paperwork. Apparently, the forms I was provided were the Army forms. I needed to submit the Navy forms. I forecasted the R&R to start tomorrow. I’ll bet it will be slipped til next month. But you never know. Oh, and to just brighten the day, we were treated to some rockets. Which meant a couple of hours talking in a dark, damp bunker. Getting ready to watch a DVD before I sleep. Will update again tonight. Take Care. Doug
Wait a minute, the door just opened. My buddy has just informed me we depart at 0400Z tomorrow morning. Gotta Pack. Will try to take lots of pics. Doug

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

20MAY07. Sunday. Just finished watching “Walking Tall.” A remake of the original with starring The Rock and Johnny Knoxville. The movie was okay. Passed an hour before I crash. Oh, before I forget, thanks for the Package of Goodies Dad. The Crystal Light really goes a long way here. In addition, I was an immediate friend for the Twizzler candies. They were much appreciated. Thinks I’ll savor the Butterfinger for a while. Getting settled in our new “Building”. Made courtesy of the Seabees. It has the only running toilet and shower. Took a shower after PT. It leaked into the downstairs. Made for several hours of hilarity as they tried to figure how much damage the leaky shower caused. Lesson learned, ensure the shower is properly caulked. Well, seems we can no longer take a shower until it’s fixed. Still a nice potty tho. Take Care Will update when I can. Doug

CICAIDA RYTHUM

19MAY07. Saturday. Another fun-filled day in a foreign country. Met up with a friend from Fort Jackson. Was kinda neat to recognize a familiar face from the Army Training. We shot the breeze for a few minutes to catch-up from where we last saw each other – many months ago. Just finished watching the movie Paycheck (with Mel Gibson). Was good for about a hour prior to bedtime. The daily cycle I am currently on is from 9:00PM til 9:00AM Greenwich Mean Time (or from 1:30AM til 1:30PM Local). So, I’m just getting to sleep at about 5:30PM locally. Talk about a messed-up sleeping cycle. The saving grace is the fact everyone I work with is on the same clock. So, not only am I messed-up, but about a couple of hundred of folks are as well. Well, I’m getting sleepy. Will update when I can. Doug

VITAMIN C

18MAY07. Friday. Success. Was finally able to get onto the Internet last night. Was able to update the Blog (finally). Moreover, was able to chat with Terri for sometime. Got caught up on Summer Vacation (and the kids schedules). Was also able to get through my dad. Managed to get a little caught up on the events from his perspective. Oh, before I forget. Thanks for the Bug Spray. Seems to have killed (or deterred) the ants from my bed. Gonna miss my bunkmates tho. On a different topic, the medical staff have supplied us with 1000cc of Vitamin C. Needless to say, it’s a little late. Still, it’s the thought that counts. Obviously, I’m anxiously awaiting the R&R to Qatar. Can’t wait to get out of here for a couple of days. If you’ve been reading this, you know the routing. Gonna sign off for now, will update again. Take care. Doug

MOVING DAY III

17MAY07. Thursday. Will the pain ever end???? Just when I believe we are done moving, another storage shed is found. Feels like a Garage Sale gone bad. But we are finished moving all the tables, folding chairs, MREs, Weapons, Ammo, body armor, etc. Also getting pretty acclimated to the weather extremes. From a Hi of 99 degrees to a low of 40 degrees. Not too bad, yet. Starting to see some pretty interesting bugs come out at night. Most notable are the Big Beetles. Reminds me a little of an Island in the Indian Ocean. Well, it’s late for me. Gonna Cool Down for a little. Then Crash. I’ll try to get to a machine if possible tonight. Take Care Doug

MOVING DAY II

16MAY07. Wednesday. Well, finished pretty much the last of the move. Only a few things left. Just prior had some local nationals cook us some food. Pretty tasty stuff. Almost like Fajitas. Luckily, we had the cookout prior to the move. So, we were stuffed (in addition to lifting chairs and tables). Just after we moved indoors, it started to pour. I don’t mean little drops either. So, in the end, we were very lucky. As a side note, lots of people are leaving and packing their gear on pallets (for the airlift back to North Carolina). So, I know they were caught in the open. Well, I’ll have my day soon. Take Care. Will try to upload tonight. Doug

THE MOVERS ARE HERE

15MAY07. Tuesday. Got the word last night to move into a newly made facility. Courtesy of the Navy Seabees. Needless to say, it was a cluster. However, did manage to contribute several hours (after the traditional 12) to move stuff. Found a small hiding hole to put my working documents. I knew it had to be a good spot, because I found all kinds of extra staples, nails, and clamps. Somewhere dark and uninviting….The place is huge on its own, however, they have all of us cramped into a single room. That won’t last long. Well, I’ll update everyone with the progress. Oh, before I forget. Thanks to Kristen for the lovely note. I really appreciated the letter. Touches the Heart. Take Care for now. Doug

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

14MAY07. Monday. Well, Sunday was a blur. Reported to work. They demanded I return to the Hootch and get some Rest! Guess I musta looked like crap. Well, that’s what I felt like. Hit the Rack and slept for 6hrs. Got Up, then crashed again for another 8hrs. Guess the Crud finally found me. So, I’m on the rebound. Finally feel like a human again. Did manage to call Terri last night. Talked with her for a while. Sounded like they had a decent time at her brother’s house. Pool, Fun in the Sun, against the backdrop of a Pool and Cookout. Man, those are the days. Was able to update the Blog last night as well. Finally. Well, you know the routine. Will lay back, watch a flick, then crash. Doug

POSTAL

12MAY07. Saturday. Finally got over to the Post Office and mailed a Package to Ryan. Found a neat T-shirt that might fit him. It was simply too small for me. Also mailed my “Package” (for Advancement) to a friend to review. What a long and drawn-out process. Usually, the package would have taken about 5days or so. This one took a month or two (with my work schedule). Still haven’t heard anything about the R&R Pass. I think I’m almost over this darn bug. Feeling the after effect, runny nose, sneezing, etc. Hopefully, it’s gone by now. Will try to get the blog updated tonight. Well, I’m going to kick back, watch a flick, take some vitamins and crash early again. Will write again soon. Doug

SICK BAY II

11MAY07. Friday. Again felt a little puny. A Bug is definitely running its course at work. For me, it felt like a bad cold that just lingers. Countdown til R&R is still on. Haven’t heard any change to the travel plans yet. Do know that it can change drastically overnight. Regardless, it will be a change for the better. Don’t want to build my self up too much. But, according to the Brief, there’s supposed to be some neat things to do and see. Me, I just want to sip one of my three beers in an Air Conditioned Room. Simple things. Speaking of simple things, the temps here are really soaring. They quickly get very hot in the day, followed by strong breezes in the afternoon, then gets kinda cool. My Buddy is now working days. And, is sporting the Shorts & T-Shirt Look. I’m certainly permitted to match his attire, yet it’s just a little too cool. Well, I’m going to pump-up the intake of Vitamins, catch a flick, then crash. Will update when I can. Doug

SICK BAY

10MAY07. Thursday. Got into work feeling a little weak. Muscles ached and was developing the initial stages of a sore throat. Got to work, only to find 3 people are out for the next two days. One guy is I the hospital. The other was found on the deck of the showers in a fetal position. Needless to say, something is going around. And, is hitting just about everyone. Luckily, I feel okay now (12 hours later). However, did have a couple of hot flashes. Knock on wood. Nothing yet. Will take it easy today and crash a little early again. In hindsight, that explains why I felt a little puny yesterday. Well, same old routine, Will watch a movie then crash. Watched a cheap western yesterday. Wonder what I’ll pick today. Will update as I can. Doug

KIDS – GOTTA LUV EM

9MAY07. Wednesday. Got a wonderful package from ANT Sharon yesterday. Thanks Aunt Sharon. Included within were some Sheriff Dept T-Shirts and some drawings from our nephew’s class. One really caught my eye, by Jennifer, age 8. Some excerpts are as follows: My family is my mom, dad, brother and me! I’m good at school And I like to play soccer, but not a lot…..I have a friend Amanda. Sometimes we play school over her house. She has a bigger brother that can sometimes be annoying.” Good Work Jennifer. Thanks Little Trevor. I really enjoyed the letters. Some really made me laugh so much, I had tears. Thanks for all your love and concerns. Sounds like Little Nephew Trevor’s class is really rooting for us. Well, back to the grind. All my Love. Doug

PREPARATIONS

8MAY07. Tuesday. Now for the good news. Just got news from my chain of command. Seems, the paperwork for R&R has been approved…. I’m going to Qatar for 4 whole days. Whee…It remains to be seen if my buddy and I will be going together, Hopefully so. I know the folks in control are working to get us manifested on the airplane. Thus, R&R will be sometime this month (I think). So, that’s the big news of the day. Did talk with my blushing bride last night. That really picked up my spirits. Sounds like the house and vehicles are breaking down. Or, we just have really old cars. Oh, before I forget, it has been getting really, really windy here. Kinda neat actually. Wish I had more to relay. I don’t. Will watch the remainder of 1941 (a movie) and crash a little early today. Love to all. Doug

KENTUCKY DERBY

6MAY07. Sunday. Finally got my day off last night. Unfortunately the Post Office was closed (Sunday). Still, prior to getting my half-day off, the Kentucky Derby was coming on. A Pool was started, for $5 bucks, I entered and Picked #7 – Street Sense. I won $100 bucks. Not a bad way to start the day….Brought my junk to the Tillman USO building. Not too impressive. Although it did provide some seating in front of a big screen tv, some cold water (and Hot coffee). Couldn’t get the wireless to work. So concentrated on working my advancement package. After a couple of hours, I was at a stand still. The featherweight boxing came on. Watched Oscar Delarosa loose. After which, went by the Exchange a picked up a couple of items. Worked then back to the Hootch. I plan on hitting the rack early (hopefully get more that 5hours sleep). That’s my plan. Will update the Blog tonight. Doug

USO - NOT

5MAY07. Saturday. Well, was not able to take my day off last night. Had a few things pop-up. Will try again tonight. Hopefully, I’ll be more successful. Again, I’ll go to the USO and try to finish writing my package for my next advancement. Just haven’t had the time nor resources to finish it up. And, believe me, I have been trying. Will also stop by the Post Office and mail a package. Will double check to ensure it’s open. I’m sitting pretty fat on munchies. I have been bringing in a little at a time. Well, I’m gonna go for the time being. I’ll certainly update when able. Take care for now. Doug

HOLD ON NOW

4MAY07. Friday. Tonight I get to take my ½ day off. I’m so excited. Looking to check out the USO, then get to the Post Office. That should take about 20 minutes. Then, I think I’ll wander around. Got a package from Terri yesterday. It contained a 120GB Hard Drive about the size of your hand. Now, I can swap movies with my buddies – something to look forward to. It isn’t much, but it is the highlight of my day. Also contained within were some goodies. Again, thinking of the General Store…Well, I’ll try to get on the Internet tonight from the USO. My best. Doug

HALF-DAY OFF

3MAY07. Thursday. What good news. I can take a half-day off. I’m almost beside myself. I just don’t know what to do. There is a building by the runway with Tillman USO center (in honor of Pat Tillman) written all over it. I might drop by there and see what’s available. Obviously, I’ll have to find a way to fit more events into my busy time off. I’ll let you know. Was able to get on the Internet last night and check email as well as update the blog. Internet is flaky at best. Couldn’t load pictures due to bandwidth restrictions. With the recent package deliveries in the last couple of days, looks like I own a general store. I tend to break out the munchies over time – so they are not consumed in one setting. The Girl Scout Cookies are a prime example; there were about 30 boxes. All were gone within 4-5 hours. I was pretty impressed. Well, I’m gonna watch one of the DVDs my sister sent. Thanks Sharon. I’ll ensure they are put to god use. Love you all. Doug

SO IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS

2MAY07. Wednesday. It must be Christmas. Got yet another package from Aunt Sharon. Thanks Aunt Sharon. Speaking of Ants…..Seems I’m sharing my rack with several of those critters. Unfortunately, they are getting more rack time than me. Sharon Sent some DVDs, Snacks, and Bug Spray. Might just start an enterprise killing ants in the hootch. Will certainly be employed for some time to come. I’m completely whipped. Long day. Have ½ hour til rack time. Oh, before I forget, have two great names which I hereby copyright and Trademark. Here’s my ideas. For a cool sounding band name, how about “The Dirty Mullahs.” Like ZZTop, complete with beards, sunglasses, and turbans. Okay, Okay. How about a Coffee Shop named “The Reason Bean” sounds cool huh? See, that’s what sleep depravation will do. Causes the mind to wander a bit. Well, Will try to update the Blog tonight. Doug

MEMORIES

1MAY07. Tuesday. Well I failed to upload the blog last night. Seems the Internet was acting flaky. I’ll try again tonight. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I received a Christmas Present from the Reserve Intel Area I work with. So, either the package is very early or very, very late. Regardless, It was well received and contained a lot of great stuff. Couple pairs of shower shoes, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, some munchies and a few dozen Homemade Cookies. THANKS! They were well received by all. Needless to say, I’m pretty much the hit around town. Lots of goodies from friends and family. Yeah, I make some weep and others envious. Anyway, the package did really lighten up the mood. Well, it’s pretty hot and gloomy. I’m exhausted. Will watch about 20min of the Alamo DVD, then crash. Love to All. Doug

BSA TROOP 400 RULES THE DAY!!!!

30APR07. Monday. Well, door is finally on with a cipher lock. No one has the combo. So, we are all forced to go through the back door. Too Funny. You simply cannot make this stuff up. My buddy and I submitted our paperwork for R&R – only to be shot down. Seems now they (the Army) cannot afford to loose two navy E-6’s at the same time. We are trying to petition the effort. Regardless, we are both going on R&R, just might have to go it alone. What Fun!! Will keep you posted. Work has been so busy, that I haven’t been able to get away to check email. Will try to do so tonight. Oh, before I forget, the me give A BIG SHOUT OUT TO TROOP 400. THEY RULE!!! Seems Troop 400 bought some Girl Scout Cookies for the specific purpose of sending them my way. Let me tell you, there were a lot of cookies. And, they went fast. I’ve never seen such a flurry of activity centered on cookies. Just like a taste of home. I think that’s why there are such a hit, they remind us a little of home. Also want to thank Meg B. for sending them my way. Thanks Meg. I sure do miss you guys. Tell all at Troop 400 I really miss camping. Also, thanks to Priscilla E. for thinking of me and the folks deployed. Well, I’m gonna snack on some mint wafers, and watch some Reno 911 episode. Take Care and Thanks for thinking of us. Doug

ON THE JOB TRAINING

29APR07. Sunday. The Seabees are working on the door to the Hootch. A big Plus….I had a pulley-system rigged-up to close the door automatically. Was working okay. Now, they have the door on half ass, it’s starting to rain. So, the door is on (without a handle). And now flaps in the wind. Great Job…Did get a great work-out in. Will go jump in the shower here shortly. Watch a flick, then crash. Miss you guys. Will update when I can. Love Me

DAY OFF

28APR07. Saturday. Took the day off from a workout. First one in quite a while. Spent the time waiting for a computer to check email. Finally got on the internet, and answered several emails. Also managed to get a haircut this morning. Was starting to get kinda shaggy. Got the quick check on the family. Seems they are very busy. Kids car is busted – costing 500 bucks to repair. Another kid is off to Band Trip, Fiesta Parade, and Six Flags. Busy Family. Good News. Finally talked the boss into letting everyone take a half day off (6hrs) – once a month. WhoooHoooo. Might lounge outside and get some sun. Hmmm.. Have a wonderful day. Doug

MEMORIES

27APR07. Friday. Somehow I skipped a day. Don’t know how. Regardless, had a wonderful night/day. Received several packages. One was marked “feminine supplies.” Needless to say, by the time I got to work, It had several handmade labels from my colleagues. Such as “Fragile, Tampons Inside” and ”Handle with Care” Needless to say, the boss was insistent that I remove the box from the general public. So, I gave it to a female co-worker to hide, distribute, etc. Still, the box got to where it needed to go. Also got some snacks and a family CD. A compilation of the things I dearly love and miss. Good Job Guys. Brought a tear to my eye. I contained scenes from Easter, the Back Porch (Yoohoo) new wicker furniture, and the kids acting wacky. What a much needed reprieve from the mundane boredom here. Thanks again. Gonna get into the routine and watch a flick. Till update when I can. Thanks for the CD. Love you all. Doug