PARENTING TIPS

30APR08. WEDNESDAY. Well, antoher day outta the way and a day closer to coming home. Was chatting with my lovely bride about raising our kids. Seems my son's 14th B-day is fast approaching and so is the Prom for my eldest daughter. Talk about extremes of the bell-curve. My other daughter is smack dab in the middle, with driver's education on the brain. After our talk, I received the following photos regarding sons. I wonder what she's trying to say??? Further, I can only imagine what the Prom photos will look like...

THE SAGA CONTINUES

8APR08. TUESDAY. Obviously with my pending Demobilization I’m getting a little excited. I keep checking the Navy Website for an update on my orders. Sadly, nothing new is on the Website. Oddly enough, I was chatting with several other folks who are leaving in and around the same timeframe as I and started comparing notes on Departure Data. Seems I’m the only one in the bunch without Demob Orders yet. Curious, I’ve sent an email to the appropriate folks who are currently “working the issue”. Typical Military. Whereas, I don’t anticipate any surprises, you just never know….. So, the epic Saga of Doug continues. Will update when I can. Doug

EMO

28APR08. MONDAY. Yeah, the phones are up….. I’m surprised at how emotionally dependant I’ve become to the phone. I can remember when I was at the various Outstations around the country, access to the phones was certainly not the norm. Therefore, a call home once or twice a week was the norm. However, with ready access to a nearby phone, I’ve almost come to expect a nightly call home to the family. And, I’ve come to incorporate waiting in line to use the phone as part of my nightly routine. The reason for this dependency is simple. Talking with the Family puts a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Lets me go bravely headfirst into the piles of paperwork in the Global War on Terrorism…. Changing the subject slightly, got a package from my bride containing Vitamins, Socks and…..all the boating and fishing magazines. Looks like I have some daydreaming to do. Or, my wife is simply punishing me with the magazines of ideal Florida weather, boats on the water and girl in bikinis… Thanks Honey. Well, I’m starting to ramble. Will update tomorrow. Doug

PHONES ARE DOWN

7APR08. Sunday. Well, I must say my Physical Training (PT) program is the best it’s ever been. And, why should that not be a surprise? With a Gym within 50 meters of my Hootch and little else to do during my “off shift” time. I can now see why the guys in Prison get so big working out. There’s little else to do. Wait, the guys in Prison have a Library, Cable TV, as well as College Courses from which to choose from. Well, at least I’m not in a tent….. Phone are down today, so calls to the States are a non-starter. Will update when I can. All my best. Doug

JOBS IN WASHINGTON DC

26APR08. Saturday. Well, I'm highly encouraged at the job opportunities in the DC area. However, having already lived there for several years. I'm not in such a hurry to return. Another typical day here. Lots of folks confused, had another pre-inspection to prepare for the inspection. So, lots of things are really, really clean. And, folks are hesitant to work for fear of messing up the place. Typical SNAFU situation. On a slightly different note, I'm attempting to get all my paperwork aligned for the next advancement cycle. Yep, have summoned the intestinal fortude to give it another try - from here..... I've already asked some folks in New Orleans to run some paperwork on my behalf. We'll see what happens.

I've cooled off enough to talk with the folks from our 401K plan. And, my wonderful bride and I are working together to minimize the damage. Still, it absolutely sucks being outta the picture. There is always an inherent delay in communicaitons and my ability to make any impacts (in a positive manner). Well, what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger. Will update when I can.
Doug

'Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country,' --Mayor Marion Barry, Washington , DC ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

THE JOYS OF DEPLOYMENT

24APR08. Thursday. Ahhhh, the joys of deployment. Who knew when I got out here that I'd be worried about getting a decent job upon my return home? And, to add insult to injury, there are also some hidden gems with my former company getting bought out. Didn't really know what they were until just yesterday. Checked my "former" 401K Retirement Plan. Guess what? It's been terminated. Yep, without notice, the our retirement plan has been terminated. Of course, I'm sure they sent an email out to all employees notifying them of this. Certianly I didn't find out til yesterday. And, of course when I called for informaition, the office was closed. So, the next opportunity in which to excell is to first understand this mess, determine the level of impact on our (former) retirement, and try to set a path to recover our losses. Hey, at least we still have our health....Great. I think I just jinxed that.... On the lighter side, by buddy Jim sent the attached picture. Did bring a chuckle or two. Doug

UWF

23 APR08. Wednesday. Yet another day goes by and the countdown til I return home continues. Received another card from a student in Dr DuPre's Leadership Class which was pretty darn touching. Thought I'd share.

Doug,

First, I truely appreciate all the time you've devoted to protecting out country. I know you would much rather be back home watching your kids grabbing life by the horns. I am a current student of Dr dupre's Leadership class. We have been developing a program that promotes all of UWF's leadership potential. It has been a crazy semester to say the least. Maybe it will be in effect when you return home. Best wishes, stay safe. Sincerly, Michael

Wow. It's this type of encouragement which keeps me strong. More importantly, it's the feedback to let me know that I'm doing the right thing. Will certianly share when I can. Doug

THE PROM IS ALMOST HERE

22APR08. TUESDAY. Well, my eldest daughter is preparing for my worst nightmare - the Prom. She and my wife went to check out the Prom Dresses and ensure the alterations were on schedule prior to the Big Night. Perhaps it's a good thing I'm not home to watch my little girl transition into a beautiful woman. Cause, you know me. I'd be sitting on the Porch with the shotgun waiting for her date to pick her up for the Prom.....Ha. Ha. Ha. On a seperate note, I guess our son busted his arse Skateboarding...Again. Was able to skip school because of his injury. Luck stiff. And, our middle daughter has returned from a long weekend in Georgia with the Band. Boy, talk about an active lifestyle. Well, not much here. Still actively seeking employment (and all that entails). Will certainly update when I get a chance. Doug

LOCAL SHERIFF

21APRIL2008. MONDAY. My good buddy Jim sent the below image. Kinda made me chuckle a little. Thought I'd share it with you. Guess it was on the car for a week before someone noticed....

Too Funny. Well, down to about 90-days left until I return home. Then, I got to get a real job.... Have several irons in the fire. I'm sure something will shake loose. I just don't know what it could possibly be. Have a couple of leads at Eglin AFB that I'm looking at. Not a real fan of the hour-long commute, but gotta pay the bills. Pretty much the standard daily grind. Moving papers from the In-Box to the Out-Box. Running out of things to say. Therefore, I'll simply sign off until tomorrow. Doug

TYPICAL WEEKEND

20APR08. SUNDAY. Typical Weekend. Getting ready to cut the grass and watch a game later in the afternoon. Oh, someone just pinched me. I was only dreaming. Still, typical weekend to drudge through. Nothing really special to report, just another day ticked by. Weather is certianly getting a bit milder. Only need a jacket in the dead of night. Electricity is always iffy.... So, I woke sweaty wondering why the alarm failed to go off. It's always something... Well, nothing more to report of significance. Take Care Dug

THE END IS NEAR

19APR08. SATURDAY. Well, finally got a had date for my departure - 20JUL08. Whereas this was all via verbal channels, I can't wait to actually get my papers in hand to confirm. Just this little bit of information was a real punch in the arm. Gives me something to plan against..... Notionally, I'll fly into North Carolina, get a rental and drive the remainder. This seems to be the best method - given the amount of different bases I got to stop at to turn-in gear. Still, it will seem like a vacation to me. Well, not much else to relay. Just wanted to share the good news. Hope all is well. Doug

GRILLIN' TIME

18APR08. FRIDAY. The weekend is almost here and I can hardly wait….Lets see what’s on the schedule. Saturday morning, get up early and catch the early morning bite down by Gulf Breeze. Catch a few Speckled Trout and a couple of Reds. Home by 1PM in the afternoon. Get the Grill ready for a decent cookout…Serving Fish of course. Wash’em down with a couple of ice-cold Beers. Sunday get ready for Golf with the Boys. Hit the 18th hole for lunch and back home to mow the grass and relax…. Oh, wait. I can’t do those things just yet. But I can daydream can’t I? Back to reality. Still here. Nothing new to report. Will update when I can. Doug

NOTHER DAY, NOTHER DVD

7APR08. THURSDAY. Another day, another $3.15 per diem. Each day just seems to be running into the next. Which keeps one from counting down the days – at least openly. My buddy got me hooked on some HBO Series. And, I gotta admit, they seem to have the right “formula” for each series. Each day, just before I crash, I watch a half-hour episode. I’ve watched ROME, Deadwood, Carnivale, and a few others. All on my laptop computer. The laptop computer that was provide by my now defunct company. Now, I watching Nip Tuck a CBS? Show. It’s okay I guess. And, I’m almost done. I’ve got NCIS in the queue next. Also I’ve seen a couple of seasons of LOST running around. So, work, watching dated shows, and PT. Not much else going on. Killing the Terrorists one DVD at a Time….Will update when I can. Take Care. Doug

BAND

16APR08. WEDNESDAY. Rain has finally stopped. Leaving us with a bit of a breeze and some chill – in April…. Still, not bad weather to workout in or sleep. I’d much rather have it like this than 130 degrees. Where everything sticks together. The drudgery of office life continues. Reams and Reams of Paper, Gallons of Printer Ink, thousands of pens…. I’m just simply overwhelmed at the General & Administration overhead associated with modern warfare! Just got off the phone with the family. Unfortunately, the call was dropped mid-conversation. Still, what we had was a good exchange of family info. As I understand it, Shannon’s Band did an outstanding job at performing yesterday. Go Shannon!! Kristen is to be sending some family pictures from Christmas and Beth’s Birthday Party. I’m anxious to log on and see my bride in action….Ha. Ha. Ha. Well, SOSDD Here. Will update when I can. Doug

AIRLINE WINDOW CRACK - WARNING

14-15APR08. MONDAY-TUESDAY. Satellite was down yesterday. So, I was unable to update the blog. Well, school’s back in. I know the kids are pleased to return to the place of unbridled knowledge….Not! Still, a mind is a horrible thing to waste. Kristen is getting ready for Graduation. A most memorable time in everyone’s lifetime. I think her mom is also getting a little anxious for that day as well. Just wish I was there to be a part of it. Still, got dibs on the first Cap and Gown Pics. Kristen was sharing her woes about the price of gas. Especially, when filling her car. The nice thing about high gas prices, every time she fills her tank, she doubles the value of the car. Ha. Ha. Ha. Thought I’d throw in that little bit of humor. Weather is really yukky outside. Rainy for the most part. Still, makes for ideal sleeping weather. Well, others are waiting their turn at the computer. Take Care. Doug

Be aware when booking your next flight. This is scary for anyone who travels frequently by plane! Actual crack in a US Airways DC-9 window frame!
Fliers beware of the sub-standard maintenance on the airplanes that you fly on. This is an actual crack that was found in the window frame on a DC-9. I'll definitely think twice before flying USAir.

GROUNDHOG DAY

3APR08. SUNDAY. OOPs. I screwed up my days. Yesterday, I said it was Friday. It was really Saturday. My apologies. One day is much like the next…..Just got off the phone with my lovely bride. Whereas the telephones are supposedly working, I could only make out every 3rd word of so. Nevertheless, I continued to play along as if I actually understood what was going on. Sadly, I was busted and had to confess the after the length of an entire conversation, I was no better off than when we started. Still, just being able to get through and hear a familiar voice put a smile on my face.

TGIF

2APR08. FRIDAY. Well, TGIF! Only two more working days until Monday. Have a Beer on Me and think about what you’ll accomplish on the weekend. Whether it’s enjoying a round of golf, fishing with your buddies, camping with the scouts, watching the kids in the band, or just laying around the house. Enjoy (weather permitting of course). Not much to report here. Ground Hog Day…. Another notch on the handle. Trying my best at finding a job from afar. Doing my best at sending emails and posting resumes on the various job boards. I realize I’m still quite a few months from coming home. Still, not having a job to come home to is a little unsettling. But, that’s not gonna stop me from coming home at when I possibly can. I’ve asked for a hard date for my departure (called demob). Sadly, the feedback I get is something along the lines of “until we release you.” So, obviously that sort of answer is also unsettling. Still, I’m pretty sure that the July 2008 timeframe is valid. I just want to get something in writing (specifically Demobilization Orders). Well, I’m quickly running out of things to chat about. Will certainly update when I can. Oh, before I forget. Phones are out again. Therefore, I was unable to call home. Will certainly make up for it when I can. Doug

BOY SCOUTS - TIMELESS VALUES

11APR08. FRIDAY. Received two huge packages from Margaret P. and BSA Troop 400. The packages contained lots of cookies and candy for the guys. Thanks. The little touch of home really goes a long way. Also, got to hear how I must be creating an evil plot against those trying to loose weight by tempting them with the cookies. Thanks Guys. We really appreciate the effort that went into getting the boxes here. Also, the Troop put in a nice little “get home soon” Card. All in all, very nice and certainly and unexpected treat. Also received another note, I believe this is from a student in Dr DuPree’s Leadership Class at UWF. I’d like to share this with you. “People like you – passionate, honorable, serviceful – give me a sense of peace in both mind and heart. To be so motivated with last year’s leadership class when you technically did not know then, you inspired them to ccomplish a very difficult goal. Only amazing leaders can do that…..Natialia L.” Wow. Talk about a big shot in the arm. This one of a handful of card I’ve received while here. And, when things seem low. This is truly an inspirational uplift. So, I’ll shut up for now, and get back to work. Will certainly update when I can. Take Care for Now. Will update when I can. Doug

LAZY DAY

10APR08. THURSDAY. Well, today is my lazy day. I’ll actually sleep an additional hour instead of working out. Whooooohoooo. Nice day for sleeping in. Kinda cold and overcast. Working diligently on updating my resume. Hopefully, I’ll be able upload it on a couple of job boards. Kinda work it in autopilot mode while networking with the guys in the local area. Also working on some computer courses online. All these efforts to stay sharp while in the office…..Well, unfortunately there is not much else to relay. Will update when I can. Take Care. Doug

JUNIOR-COLLEGE BOUND!!

9APRIL08. WEDNESDAY. Today is a reality day for Kristen. She and her mom get to visited the Junior College and determine the Core Classes she will sign-up for. Obviously, there’s a little angst involved….for both Kristen and her mom. Hopefully, these next couple of years will allow her to get the fundamentals out of the way. Then, focus on her major. Whatever that is. Boy, oh boy. Some interesting times ahead. Changing the subject a little. Looks like the new Senior Staff will be taking over sometime soon. These guys change out every few months or so. Meanwhile, us poor Reservists are here for the long haul. Almost makes me cringe to think of who master-minded that Staffing Plan. Needless to say, the boss likes things very clean. So, guess what we did for the last couple of days??? Yup, Cleaned. Wonder if the Terrorists are subject to Inspections??? Well, in the interim. I’m working on keeping busy. Taking online courses, beefing-up the resume, etc. Anything to fill the boredom. Well, I do digress. Will certainly update when I can. Doug

HOOTERS

8APR08. TUESDAY. Finally getting settled into the new office…kinda. Seems I share a workspace with a few other folks. So, the little area that I have is cluttered with all kinds of junk. Just got my first one-way conversation with the boss today. Essentially telling me the type font to be used on the Power Point Presentation. What’s even more humorous is the conversation wasn’t about content, but size and type font used. So, like a duck, I just let the water roll off my back. What are they gonna do? Send me to the middle of nowhere for 18months???? Perhaps I’ll continue to intentionally use the wrong font. Will they send me home??? Ahh, my mind does wander. So, while continue to fight the Global War on Power Point, keep the home fires burning. See ya soon. Doug

RUMOR CONTROL

7APRIL2008. MONDAY. Well, I think I now know why I was sent to this other office. Seems the command has had some personality clashes with just about everyone that has rotated through that particular office. And, the person in charge of the office is pretty-well established. So, they can't replace that individual. Instead, they take the disposable reservist and throw them into the fray. So, in somebody's grand wisdom, I'm next.... Hmmm, reminds me of my turn in the barrel. I translate this into the next several months like serving a Prison Term. Or better yet, like rape in prison. Knowing the best thing to do is relax and enjoy it....... My mindset is to try to make the best of a crummy situation, do my job, and hopefully squeeze a little time to find a job back home. Oh, to add insult to injury, I just found out that my reserve command has been disestablished and relaigned with Fort Worth, TX. What does that mean? I don't know quite yet. Well, gotta search the classifieds. Take Care. Doug

SOGGY SATURDAY

5APR08. SATURDAY. The weather has turned cold and rainy here. Does however, make for great sleeping weather. Gathered a few more blankets and slept soundly…The fatigue didn’t hurt either. I’ve asked the guys back in the states to give me a better date for my return home. Hopefully, there aren’t any surprises. Or if there are any surprises, it’s that I’ll be home earlier. But you know how the military works….it doesn’t. Ha. Ha. Getting close to laundry day. But, I don’t want to spoil the anticipation of which day I’ll actually do laundry. My mindset is definitely on finding a job once I get home. So, I’ve been taking advantage of the office and updating my resume. Well, again. Not much really going on. SOSDD. Will Update when I can. Doug

GREAT NEWS - NOT!

4APRIL08. FRIDAY. Two More Days til MONDAY. Just received some awesome news. Was just notified that because someone else is screwing up, I'll be headed for their office as a replacement. Great News.... Another Office. Complete with it's own paperwork cycle. I just cant wait......To Get Home!!! Okay I'm Done Venting. On the upside, it's raining. Whatever grass is available really needs it in the desert.... And, the local nationals always need mud to build walls and houses. Well, not much going on again....

RUNNING WITH SCISSORS

3APRIL2008. THURSDAY. Wow What a Day!!! Okay, only kidding. Same ole stuff, different day. Only difference is it rained. Other than that??? Not much going on. Actually looking forward to doing laundry in a couple of days. What excitement. Jim sent another funny. Thought I'd share with my Wife and Family.

THOSE BORN 1920-1979

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day.

And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go- carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms...... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told i t would h appen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.

Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

TWILIGHT ZONE

2APRIL2008. Wednesday. Another day has slipped by. Caught Terri at Walmart....Again. Got caught-up with the daily intereactions at the homefront. All which makes me yearn to be there. Autos are failing, Phyl needs a little assistance, and the kid's actvities are a handful. My only concern is missing a paperwork deadline.... Or worse, a papercut. Dad sent me a box of Goodies. Thanks dad. My good buddy Jim sent me the following "Remember When" list. Thought it was somewhat amusing. So, instead of telling you about the weather here. I've presented something different. Enjoy.

The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1989.
They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.
The CD was introduced the year they were born.
They have always had an answering machine
They have always had cable.
They cannot fathom not having a remote control.
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.
They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", or "de plane, Boss, de plane."
They do not care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. even is.
McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Do you feel old yet? Pass this on to the other old fogies on your list. Notice the larger type, that's for those of you who have trouble reading... So have a nice day!!!!! It is good to have friends who know about these things and are still alive and kicking!!!!

APRIL FOOLS DAY

1APRIL2008. TUESDAY. April Fools Day. Another mark on the Jail Cell Wall. Another Inch closer to repatriation. Pretty Day today. Especially after yesterday's windy day. Kids not really enjoying their Spring Break. Today was filled with the Dentist Visit. Tomorrow is a Doctor Visit for some. Still, as part of the maintenance cycle, getting the kids (or auto) ready for School (the road trip). Actually took today off from the Gym and slept for an additional hour (that makes 6hours in a row). Gotta be a record here. Still, my body needed the rest. My leg muscles were screaming and aching. So, I listened to them and remained in the fetal position. Well, got to get back to the War on Paper. Will update when I can. Doug