MASS CASULTY DRILLS

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

INTERNET KIOSKS

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

DOGGONE

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

FIRE DRILL

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

RACK CHECK

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

HOSPITAL CORNERS

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

INSPECTION

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

BSA TROOP 400 RULES!!!

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

ARMY TRAINING SIR!

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

DARK & DREARY II

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

DARK AND DREARY

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

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

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

GREEN BEER

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

BASSMASTER CLASSIC

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

PAYDAY

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