OVER & DONE; WELL-DONE

6-7AUG08. WED-THURS. I can hardly believe it, I'm finally done!!!!! I'm writing this blog from the comforts of my home. Will be on Leave (PAID VACATION) until 22SEP08. WoW!!! Departed from Gulfpost MS bright and early this morning for New Orleans, LA. Of course I now had to hand in my Medical, Dental and Service Record. So, it was kinda a repeat of the last few days.....Again. Still, after it was all said and done, I'm finally home enjoying it all; TV, Icem A/C, and the love of my family and friends. What we do from here is anyone's guess. At the moment, Terri has me fixing some computer gripes. Like I can remember the computer configuration after 1.5 years. This, combined with several major network items changed. Still, I gotta finish my Travel Claim for the Navy. My heart-felt thanks goes out to all those folks who have helped along the way. Jeff, Tom, Moni, Janet, Pat, Don, Sharon, and way too many to mention. Thank you all and God Bless.

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

5AUG08. TUESDAY. Well, I believe I'm just about through with Medical and Dental. Tomorrow I will sit down with the Doctor for results of the Labs as well as a reveiw of all the paperwork. Also, this will be an opportunity to reveiw the "Personal" Records. The guys I'm doing this Demobilization Process with were Mobilized and went to Texas for 5-months. That was it. How would you like that deployment?? So, I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I only hope it's not the headlamp of an oncomming train. Will update soonest. Doug

GULFPORT MISSISIPPI

4AUG08. MONDAY. Well, here I am in Gulfport. Got here around 11:00AM. Filled out some medical forms and was told to come back tomorrow at 6:00AM for labwork and other medical stuff. The guy running the show said I should be out of here around Thursday or Friday. And, I might be entitled to "Respite Leave" above and beyond the week or so that I may get. Either way, it's all good. Will update when I can. Doug

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO??

1-3AUG07. FRIDAY - SUNDAY. Ryan and I managed to get out of Fayettville, North Carolina around 11:00AM. So, we were onlty able to make it to Atlanta before we decided to call it quits. We messed around in the Pool and cooled off from the journey on the Road. The "Plan" was to hit the road again around 8:00AM puttting us in Pensacola around noon. Well, I coldn't sleep worth a darn. Managed to wake up around 3:30AM and couldn't get back to sleep. I got to thinking, why not leave around 4:00AM. That's what we did....Got into Pensacola around 7-8:00AM. Had the remainder of Saturday for decompress a little and shift some vehicles around. Sunday we had a Family get-together at my Brother in-law's house. Had a blast grilling, swimming, and doing nothing.... Will drive to Gulfport on Monday to "De-mobilize." Sadly, I havent seen a dentist in a year and a half. Will get that out of the way as well as see the Doctor. So, in the end, I know there will be a lot of waiting, lines, and the general military "Hurry-up and Wait". Will update when I can. Doug

BUST

31JULY08. THURSDAY. Today was such a bust. But, we made the best of it. Tried to hit the Aquarium only to find it was 117 miles from the sign which advertised it. Of course the sign was 42 miles away from the hotel. We decided the cancel the drive. Instead, we decided to hit the Civil War “Tour”. Sadly, this consisted of a bunch of markers along the roadside. We canceled this trip and decided to hit the Lake instead. After driving back and changing clothes, we hit the lake. Thunderstorms popped-up about an hour after we arrived at the lake. You guessed it, the closed the lake. So, we decided to hit the hotel and pack for our trip tomorrow. That’s the latest from North Carolina. Doug and Ryan

CIVIL WAR TOUR

30JULY08. WENSDAY. Called work while enroute to a couple of Civil War Museums. The first place was the Averasboro Battlefield. Our initial impression was the not too good. However, once inside we were overwhelmed with the artifacts that was inside. And, upon exiting we bumped into an older gentleman who not only grew up in the area, but contributed many of the artifacts he found as growing up. These included Rifles, belt buckles, bullets, etc. As we were leaving, he gave Ryan a couple of pictures of the sites for “Show & Tell” (if he ever has one again). After this Battlefield and Museum, we went to Bentonville Battlefield. Boy this paled in comparison to the Averasboro Museum. Still, it was fun just the same. Well, just another day here until we leave….Finally. Will update when we Can. Doug & Ryan

COOKING WITH STEAM

29JULY08. TUESDAY. Well, talked with the people at work and now I only have to call in daily. So, the intent is to mess around in the finest of fashion with Ryan until Friday. Afterwhich, I hope to hit the road putting us in Florida sometime Saturday. So, what have we don productive today? Not a darn thing. Went to the Lake (it’s closed until Thursday). Same deal with the Pool. Changed about mid-day and hit the movies with Ryan. We say the Get Smart Movie. After the movies we caught a ballgame from the local team. It was a truly enjoyable time. Oh, I almost forgot, we hit the Transportation Museum this morning as well. Kinda for a bit of North Carolina History. And, I bring Ryan kincking and screaming to each museum…Tomorrow, we’re gonna try to hit the Averasboro Battlefield Complex. Will let you know how it goes. Doug and Ryan.

LONG WEEKEND x2

28JULY08. MONDAY. The folks I’m working with gave me a good deal today. They let me “Call-in” as opposed to going into work physically. So, they gave me the day off. Ryan and I started to go to the lake (again) only to find it closed Mondays. Not easily dismayed, Ryan and I went to the Pool instead. Of course the pool was closed as well. So, we licked our wounds and saw the Movie Wall-E instead. Not too bad of a movie. After which we hit a restaurant and did some Putt-Putt – yes again. After we got to the hotel, a message was waiting for me on the phone. The folks called me from work to tell me I can take tomorrow off. So, Ryan and I will hit the Transportation Museum and go from there. Will update when I can. Doug and Ryan

LONG WEEKEND

27JULY08. SUNDAY. Well, another day gone by. Ryan and I went to the Smith Lake again. After arriving, we found the place was closed due to weather. The intermittent Thunderstorms were the primary factor in shutting the place down. So, we decided to go see the new Batman Movie instead. What a long movie…. 2 ½ hour long…..Certainly well worth the Six Dollar Tickets. The folks at work gave me tomorrow off. So, Ryan and I will try to hit the Lake again…If the weather cooperates. Will Update All when I can. Dug & Ryan

FUN IN THE SUN

26JULY08. SATURDAY. Ryan and I went to Smith Lake today. It was an opportunity to mess around in the water and escape the heat. Oddly, the weather was not too bad today. Skies were overcast with temperatures in the 70s. Not the near Hundred-Degree weather that we have had over the last week. I’m telling you it was nice to mess around with Ryan, wake-up late, and just do nothing important at all….. After we cooled down, we did some Putt Putt Golf Again….It was fun. Well, the Museum of Transportation we were to see tomorrow will be closed. So, we’ll have to wing it. Will update when I can. Doug & Ryan

CHUTE JUMP DONE & OVER

25JULY08. FRIDAY. Got up at 400AM, Briefed jumpers at 600AM and was done 3:00PM. We managed to Jump about 80 Jumpers this morning. What was nice, is I saw a bunch of friends in the crowd… Got Caught up and did some small talk during the wait for the Lift. After the jump, Ryan and I caught the movie Step Brothers. Pretty Funny. Initially, Ryan and I were planning on seeing the races. But, we found these races were only tuning runs; one of several scheduled this month. So, we passed on that idea. Now, we’re watching another Will Farrell movies (by coincidence). Tomorrow, we’re slated to go to a lake and get some Sun & Fun – with emphasis on both…. Well, that’s the latest. Will update when I can. Ryan & Doug

CHUTE JUMP PREP

24JULY08. THURSDAY. Today I got tapped to help with a Parachute Jump. Fortunately, I was able to wrap things up at about 300PM today. Tomorrow will be a long day. It’s to be the day a few folks jump. Still, managed to run around with Ryan a little. We hit the Bowling Land, Arcade, and attempted a movie. Still, I have a pretty early morning, so things will wind-down relatively early tonight. Out “Plan” is to hit a lake this weekend and beat the heat. Do some swimming, and getting some sun on this albino body I have. Noticed, I said we’d go to the Lake this weekend. I have the weekend off. Whooo Hooo. Will update when I can. Doug

HEAT INDEX OF 106 DEGREES

23JULY08. WEDNESDAY. The Rain and Gusting Wind came and went yesterday with minimal damage. We went through the local neighborhood and saw a couple of trees down. Today there were also some significant Thunderstorms in the afternoon. It’s almost funny because the Temps here are hovering at 101 degrees with the index at 106 degrees. The inclimate weather put the squash on the majority of activities we tried tonight. We tried to see the North Carolina Swampdogs (a local baseball team) only to find the Game was cancelled. We tried to play a game of Putt Putt Miniature Golf, only to find the place closed (after the rain). Lastly, we tried to watch the Zhone movie with Adam Sandler, only to find it was not playing (despite the advertisement in the paper). So, we went to the Hotel Room and watched the Deadliest Catch. Will update when I can. Doug and Ryan.

WEATHER WARNING

22JULY08. TUESDAY. Well, just got a call from Papa and Nana. They are headed for Pensacola, Florida tomorrow. I asked Ryan if he wanted to hitch a ride home with his grandparents. He respectfully declined. So, Ryan will continue to stay with me for a little while more. I got off work at about 3:00PM. After that, I picked-up Ryan and we toured the Cape Fear Museum and Poe House. Both of which were pretty neat. Also decided to watch the Incredible Hulk tonight. The Show starts at 7:30PM. Lastly, we were amazed at the National Storm Center warning of 59MPH Gusting Wind and Quarter-sized Hail. All are encouraged to seek shelter. Damage is expected in mobile homes. Too Funny. So, we’ll see what happens. Will update when I can. Doug & Ryan

HOT TIMES IN FAYETTEVILLE NC

21JULY08. MONDAY. JSOC let me off work at 1:30PM this afternoon. This gave me an excuse to Grab Ryan and watch a Movie. Actually, we were just trying to beat the heat. It was hot outside, I mean hot. After the Movie, Ryan and I went for 18holes of minature golf. The sun was finally going down. The minature golf place was pretty neat. Well, that puts us at the hotel at 8:00PM. Will update when I can. Doug

SIGHTS TO SEE

20JULY08. SUNDAY. Well, Ryan and I managed to really get around and see some of the sights here in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Hit the Special Opeations Museum, did some Lazer Tag, quickly ran in and out of the U-Facination kids exploritarium, saw the Hancock movie and topped it off with dinner at Hooters. We are going to try and get a ballgame in at the Statium on the 23rd. So, all in all, we're having a pretty fun day. Only missing the remainder of the family. Will update when I can. Doug

PARTIAL REUNION

18-19JUL08. FRIDAY-SATURDAY. Well, the past two days have gone by so quickly. As an update, Ryan (my son) was dropped off in North Carolina and is staying with me for these last few days. So, it's almost a mini-vacation for him and I...almost. The folks at work are good dealing me when they can and letting my go about mid-day or so. So, the Challenge for Ryan is to find stuff for us to do while here. Museums, Movies, etc are in work. Will certainly keep all in the loop as we progress. Doug

NEW CLASS

16JUL08. WEDNESDAY. Got to meet the new Class of of folks who are slated for the Sandbox shortly. Tomorrow will be some Range Time, where they will shoot their personal weapons. The current joke is the "I've dropped my weapon twice and cleaned it once". Ha, Ha, Ha. Papa (Don) is slated to leave for Norfolk, VA tomorrow morning. I've asked him to grab Ryan for the Trip and up and Drop him off here in North Carolina for some daddy & son time. I hope he doesn't get too bored while I'm playing Army.....Well, that's about the latest news. Will certainly update when I can. Doug

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

13-15JULY08. SUNDAY-TUESDAY. Well, made it to Fort Bragg with little damage. We reported bright and early Monday morning. It felt wonderful to sleep in an AC Room with running water, and a bathroom not but a few feet away. So, that's the good news. The bad news, I will have to stay here until 1AUG08. They want me to help the new folks going who are deploying. Certainly not the best news, but heck. I'm stateside enjoying a cold beer as I type this. Only thing that's missing is the family. That is right around the corner....Just got back from Fort Jacksonville. I finally dumped off all that gear....Yeah. Well, I'll keep everyone posted on the latest developments. Doug

http://www.suburbanhotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=NC537

GERMANY STOP

12JUL08. SATURDAY. well, I made it to germany. Had an MRE. Was getting ready to provide details. Just got the word we're leaving now. See ya stateside. Doug

*Update* SATURDAY ~1300L Arrived at Fort Bragg without a hitch. I'm writing this from the comforts of my Hotel Room complete with A/C, TV and High Speed Internet. Plus a king size bed. We arrived at Fort Bragg at 0800 this morning. Got a rental and we were off. I'm sure Monday & Tuesday will be filled with administrative junk. Will certainly update as my schedule (what there is of it) changes. Doug

SEMPER GUMBY

11JUL08. FRIDAY. Well, I'm still pretty much living out of my backpack. Hit the laundry twice already just to ensure my stock of clothes are fresh. Goodness knows they will get funky enough. It's a pretty nice day here (so far) there is a nice cool breeze and the temps are quite managable. However, I know it's gonna heat up here in a few hours or so.... As I'm writing this blog, the guy next to me has two girls up on a video camera (one's topless), chatting (IM) with them both simultaneously. They can't see the guy, however the guy can see both of them. Apparently, he's having a pretty lengthy conversation with them both. What's funny is neither girl knows about the other. Too Funny.... Well, not much to add from here. Will update when I can. Doug

MAX FLEX

10JUL08. THURSDAY. Well, I'm living out of my backpack now. Still, hard at work tho with little let-up in sight. Trying my best at keeping my work/sleep cycle in tact. I know it will be messed-up enough when I go home. Isn't really a lot happening here. Did see a lot of friends from about 3-4 months ago. Was a nice little reunion of sorts. Lots of repeat offenders. Still was nice to socialize for a few minutes and get reaquanited. Well, will update when I can. Doug

NUF SAID

JUL08. WEDNESDAY. Time must be nearing soon. The folks that are leaving got some awards last night. We were invited to say a few words. I mentioned when I got here ~18mos ago, we were in the Bunkers about twice a week. I can’t recall the last time I had to go to a bunker. So, it there’s proof that we are making some tangible gains. This is my proof that we are doing some good things for the local populace. Will update when I can. Doug

PACKING LITE

8JUL08. TUESDAY. Well, I feel like I’m packing for a business trip with the new TSA Regulations. Trying to ensure the stuff I’m bringing home passes Customs and TSA. Weirder still, there is no TSA here, but some ill-informed soldier who goes through your junk to ensure your not bring home drugs or weapons. Of course they never find any illegal items such as drugs or weapons. What they do find are opened bottles of Vitamins, Toothpaste, Lotions, etc. All which must be turned over to the Amnesty Box (because the seal was broken). So, needless to say, I’m traveling very light. I’m sure I can get some shave cream at the local Walmart in anytown….. In the end, I welcome these little inconveniences. They are a touch of reality to ensure I’m headed in the right direction, namely home. Well, that’s it for the time being. Will update when I can. Doug

TIME-LATE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

7JUL08. MONDAY. So, today was chosen as the day have a BBQ in Celebration of the 4th of July. If you recall, we were promised some Hamburgers and Hotdogs only to find our “Order” was given to some other unit. Thus, our “order” was unavailable. Needless to say today was selected as a make-up day to recognize the 4th of July. Promised was a feast of Chicken, Steak, Hamburgers and Hotdogs. All topped-off with watching the Movie “Independence Day”. This is where expectation management plays a huge role. What was delivered were chicken patties, spare ribs, as well as the hotdogs and burgers. All the above were dry. And, I mean very, very dry. The Movie? Well, seems the movie “Independence Day” could not be found. So, we watched “Superbad” instead. Still, all in all, it was a great way to spend an hour or so. Now that those festivities are over, it’s back to work. Will update when I can. Doug

GIDDY WITH EXCITEMENT

6JUL08. SUNDAY. As the “proposed” date(s) for departure near, I find myself getting more and more Giddy. And, in the process of trying to get through the Departure Checklist, I find my Government Travel Card (read Charge Card) does not work….Typical. Still, these little setbacks are what makes Deployment interesting and unique. The frequent meetings and long hours are going by quickly now. Obviously, my thoughts are centered at ensuring an expedient outbound transition. The intent is to minimize any delays in turning in equipment and/or gear. Another Hot Day here. Take Care. Giddy…

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE BUSY

5JUL08. SATURDAY. Staying busy certainly helps make the time go by quickly. With only about a week or so to go this keeps me very well distracted. Probably a good thing. Found out the guys tried to have a BBQ yesterday, only to find that the Burgers and Dogs that were promised us were given to somebody else. So, the “plan” is to have some sort of cookout at a later time. Well, it’s something to look forward to. Managed to get a call thru to the Wife and Kids tonight. Actually took the Terri away from yard work to chat for a little. Guess she was doing her best Breaking-in our “new” Lawn Mower. Oddly, all the young and strong kids are actively celebrating 4th of July festivities elsewhere. Hmmmm. Well, same old stuff here. Hot. Oppressive and very busy. Will update when I can. Doug

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

4JUL08. FRIDAY. The day our Nation was Born. Coincidently, it’s the day in which I was born as well. I can recall quite vividly the day I found out the Fireworks were not in celebration of my Birthday. I think it left me mentally scarred. Ha. Ha. Ha. Chatted with the family tonight to see what plans were in store for this Holiday Weekend. Found out the weather is quite icky and the forecast wasn’t going to change over the weekend. Thus, the “plans” are certainly going to be weather-dependant what ever they may be. My daughter Shannon has a birthday coming up on August 1st. Told her we’d celebrate our birthdays together, sharing the Party, Cake & Candles. Well, same old stuff here, only the A/C went out. So, temps are sweltering and getting hotter. Take Care for now. Will update when I can. Doug

INTERNET UP, PHONES DOWN

3JUL08. THURSDAY. Well, finally able to update the blog with the latest events. Also, I noticed that it’s almost our nation’s birthday tomorrow. Certainly, the nation will take time to recognize the sacrifices made by our forefathers accordingly. Here, in Afghanistan, we will probably have some cake. Well, the phones are down tonight. Hopefully the Internet will be up and available tonight. Still hot as ever here. We’re down to the short count now. Will update when I can. Doug

INTERNET UP, BLOG DOWN

2JUL08. WEDNESDAY. Surprises abound, whereas the net was up, the Blog was down. Was only able to check email. Still, only a minor inconvience. Not necessarily for me, but for the family and friends who check in on the Blog from Time to Time. Hopefully, the Blog will be working today. If not, will have plenty of data to post in a catch-up mode. Called the house tonight, was able to chat with Ryan for a few minutes. Ryan was developing a maze for an online Halo Competition. Terri was checking out the Bible Study Class. Shannon was online with MySpace, and Kristen was sleeping (at 7:00PM). I hope we don’t loose power any time soon. The kids wouldn’t know what to do with their time. Ha, Ha, Ha….. Will update again. Doug

*$&%@# INTERNET…..AGAIN

1JUL08. TUESDAY. This may come as a surprise, but the Internet was down again. Was able to check my email once. However, I’m still keeping up with a journal so this small interruption is service is only temporary. Well, I’m a single-digit midget now. Meaning, my time here is almost over and the countdown is in the single digits…. Today, the weather is slightly cooler. Kinda nice change over the oppressive heat. A few students from Dr DuPre’s Leadership Class sent some pretty inspirational cards. I’ve included them to share with you. I’m always in awe at the impact Dr DuPre’s class has on the students. I know they will look back at the Projects the undertook with pride and joy. Well, that’s about it for the time being. Will Update again when the Internet allows. Doug

*$&%@# INTERNET

30JUN08. MONDAY. Internet was down again….Seemingly an alarming trend is forming. One which I hopefully will not have to endure too much longer. Some of my buddies are leaving within the next few days. So, obviously a lot of goodbyes and addresses are being exchanged. Managed to call my wife Terri tonight. I guess she and Ryan went to a new church this morning. The Girls wimped-out claiming a lack of sleep. Certainly getting up early for Drivers Education and staying up late at night didn’t have anything to do with wanting to sleep in. Well, another day chipped away here. All my best. Doug

COUPLE OF WEEKS LEFT

29JUN08. SUNDAY. Internet was down again last night. So, I’m playing catch-up. Although I must admit, there ain’t much going on here. Just another working day until Monday. I can only keep saying that for a couple more weeks. Yeah!!!! Did manage to chat with the family to get a quick update on the current operating conditions. Managed to catch Terri preparing dinner for the kids (both our kids and their friends). Find the house jammed with the kids and their friends. Seems our house is the place to hang out. Well, that’s the latest and greatest. Doug

BOLLYWOOD

27JUN08-28JUN08. FRIDAY-SATURDAY. Internet was down last night, Thus, I was unable to update the Blog. At the moment I’ve got some Bollywood Dance Music (Like MTV) in the Background while attempting to get some work done. I must say, it’s pretty entertaining. Some of the Soap Operas are also pretty funny. Another couple of weekends and I’ll be stateside and I can’t wait. Chatted with Terri about my upcoming birthday on July 4th. Haven’t given it too much thought. Terri was thinking of marrying Shannon’s B-day and mine. Seems like a smart thing to do…Well, not much going except Laundry. Will finally get a little respite after the last few days of really getting slammed with work. The Change will be good. Well, gotta go. All my best. Doug

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

6JUN08. THURSDAY. Yet another Busy Night in the “Ghan.” It’s almost a mixed blessing, you work your tail off until exhaustion, then the day is over and time to collapse. What’s nice is the days (read nights) tend to blur together. Which in the end, makes the time fly. So, here I am another day gone, another closer to homecoming. Talked to Terri tonight, seems she is championing the use of my Truck. Similarly, Kristen is getting used to using the family van – this, despite the complaints. As homecoming nears, the prospect of enjoying some time off is genuinely appealing. However, without a job to return home to, I know any thoughts of enjoying some time off is short lived. At the moment, I’m a little preoccupied with the hunt for employment. This simple effort is complicated by the challenges of being in the “Ghan.” Which include: significant time differences, flaky internet/email access, and limited phone calls. Still the I endeavor to persevere. Well, again nother day gone by. Will update when I can. Doug

DOWN IN THE TEENS

25JUN08. WEDNESDAY. Was pretty busy tonight. Was able to get away for a few minutes to update the ole blog. Managed to catch Terri before things got hectic. Seems her projects are almost complete. That is, switching Car Tags from Kristen's Car to my Truck. Also managed to chat with our daughter Shannon and got caught-up a little on her activities. Seems like a pretty busy place in the hometown. My time remaining is down in the Teens, which if fine by me....Not much to report on here - just another day gone by. Doug

INTERNET FLAKY

23-24JUN08. MONDAY-TUESDAY. Internet has been down for the last few days. Therefore, I’ve been unable to update the Blog or check email. Chatted with Terri last night, seems Kristen’s car has blown a head-gasket. So, it’s out of commission for some time. The “plan” is to let Kristen operate the family van as a substitution for her car. Terri will take my truck out of storage and use this for her needs. Of course, this means disestablishing Kristen’s car from Insurance and re-establishing the Truck. In the end, the Truck will be operable upon my return. Speaking of my return home. The Strategy I’ve been toying with is “Hold the Line.” Which is to say, from a household perspective, keep what we currently have in place. This incorporates completing Tax Returns for the past year, keeping the existing home maintenance plan where it is (read no-improvements). This strategy will remain in-place even if I stay with the Navy for a few weeks (or months). The Strategy will change when I can land employment at a Company on par with HCI (or better). So, whereas the waters are murky at best. At least we have formulated a way-ahead….for now. Will update when I can. Doug