Day 342 - New Year's Eve or Good Riddance 2009!!!

So I sit here, (still in Iraq) drinking from a bottle of Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. Some of you know a little story about such a sweet drink. For those that don't, I have decided to share it with you.

When I was much younger, my parent's tricked me not once but twice. If memory serves me I was 13. New Year's Eve came up and being that age I spent the evening with my parents. They brought out a bottle of champagne and offered me a glass. I was excited because alcohol was an adult thing and here they were letting me be an adult. Well so I thought. So one glass led to a second. Sadly by the second glass I began to act a bit squirley. (For the record, I don't remember this, I am recounting what my folks told me.) They got a kick out of me being this way but couldn't keep it under wraps for long. My dad brought out the empty bottle of Sparkling Grape Juice to show me. A bit betrayed, so much for getting to be an adult right...

So after they tell the rest of the family about me getting drunk off of non-alcoholic grape juice, I get to live with it the following year. My Grandpa still reminds me of it. So the year passes and once again I find myself with my folks on New Year's Eve. Wise to their tricks when they bring out the bottle of bubbly, I check it myself. This time I will not be fooled! Come on, I am a year older and wiser right? Wrong!?! My father was a tricky one. He had kept an empty bottle from when they got married earlier that month. He poured the non-alcoholic bubbly in the bottle and the replaced the cork. So once again I get a bit goofy. It doesn't take long for them to lose their composure and spill the beans. Great, two years in a row, I am drunk off of Non-Alcoholic grape juice!

I smile back on it all now. Not much choice, they never sent me to therapy! Just kidding, or am I...

So here I sit, alone on New Year's Eve. My thoughts fall to the past. Wishing the kid in me could be goofy off the non-alcoholic grape juice in front of me. Being in Iraq, we aren't allowed to drink. Don't get me it's not a bad thing. Alcohol was never important to me.

As you all know, 2009 was a HELL of a year. But heck, I survived. I also know I am better for it! 2010 will be an amazing year. The only thing holding me back is me now. Look out world, cause I am losing my grip. Actually I am letting go on purpose, I want to see what I can accomplish!

I am here till April 1st. There is a lot of possibilities after that. I'll let you know when I know what's next.

Until then, enjoy yourselves! Be safe, Live Life, and don't hold back, I wont be!

Day 256 - Pokes head out of hole

If anyone is left reading this blog I would be surprised.

Why keep doing I ask myself. To be honest, I am not really sure why. But I am so here it goes.

I just finished buying the largest amount of plane tickets in a single session I have ever heard of. Yup, vacation time. By God I have earned some fun! I am getting a month reprieve from Limbo. In 20 ish days I will be heading out. Where am I going you wonder.

Here is the list:
Limbo
Kuwait
Orlando
Las Vegas
LA
Brisbane Australia
LA
Tulsa
Orlando
Kuwait
Limbo

Ill be going two-thirds around the world and back. I would go the full circle but sadly it costs more than the bragging rights are worth. Maybe another day I will plan that trip.

So now that you know where I am going next, you are probably wondering what I have been up too. Tune in later (sooner than later) and I will catch everyone up.

Know that I am thinner, healthier, and focused on the future.

Miss you all!!!!

Day 205 - Lost in the Stars

This place has a few things I can honestly say I will miss in 5 months when I leave. First is the sunsets. When you have a flat horizon and no clouds it makes for a large sunset with a lit up sky. Everyday at sunset I look past the dirty concrete buildings and watch as it disappears over the horizon. The sky turning a purplish red or orange.

The second thing I will miss is the darkness. No not the brooding inner space within me, the darkness of the night here. Since I am literally in the middle of no where, there is very little light pollution. Even our little base has very few lights. Since lights make for easier targets we choose to use very few of them here. Heck when I walk outside and the moon is not out, I usually am willing to fumble my way back to my room than use a flashlight. The benefit besides safety is a beautiful sky! Stars, stars and more stars, I have never seen the milky way so defined. It's a huge cloud that splits the night sky. Another amazing thing about the night sky here is since it is so clear, you see several falling stars in a small amount of time. I saw three tonight in less than ten minutes. Anyone got a wish they need sent after a shooting star?

It's been busy here as I have pointed out. We are still in fluxx between Units and Branches of the military. One poor kid that just got here last week sat next to me tonight complaining he is already bored. With that attitude he will be hurting before this tour of duty is over. The last few days have been a little trying as we are not being given the support we should be getting from on high. I know we are almost there and once we get this under control things will calm down and go back to normal. Little Korean Village will go back to normal operation and the military can continue what ever they are doing here.

For me I refuse to get bored. I'll admit, I am in Limbo. Cant go back to my life before, don't want to either. The Past was fun but I have already been there, done that. Can't really go on to my new life just yet. To soon to look for the next job. To early to plan where I am going beyond a couple of ideas. So here I sit, well lay, on the roof of my building. My eyes tracking falling stars in IRAQ.

Day 188 - Glow Balls in the Night

Get your mind out of the gutter folks!!!

So what happens when you have a bunch of people, bored, and sitting in the dessert at night with a bunch of golf balls, clubs and chem lights. Yeah, the guy in the back laughing has already guessed it. You get a nighttime driving range. Imagine with me, I am walking over to where a friend hangs out at night. On the way there I pass within 100 feet of some shadows in the night, talking, laughing, and I see two glowy objects. Thinking to myself "What a bunch of weirdos." I walk over to the area where my friend would be to find it empty. Putting two and two together, the weirdos are mine. *Shoulders sink while head shakes* I go back and sure enough they are all out there taking turns driving glowy golf balls into the bleak darkness beyond. Of course I had to join in. What? I did say they were my weirdos.

I know its been a bit since I wrote anything. I am ok out here. Looking to the future. They have me busier than before. Also I'll admit, my time has been occupied by a new person in my life. I met a woman back in Orlando while dealing with the divorce. Lori has been a great addition to my life since. To be honest, she is filling some voids that were left by my ex. Obviously with me being over here we have a lot of time to learn about each other. We had a lot of fun while I was there and I hope to have more fun in the future.

I am planning a vacation in about three months. If all goes well I will be hanging out with my old friend Ryan down under. I have three months till then and I will have only two left when I return. That's right folks, I am on the end stretch. I have been here in this god forsaken desert for just over six months. Six more to go. Thanks for all the support and I cant wait to see everyone when I am done here.

Day 169 - New Beginings

So I am back in Iraq. Back to Camp Korean Village. Yet, it is different! After six days of zombiefying travel I am home. Yeah weird huh? I said it, Home. This sad, desolate, sandy, waste of a place on planet Earth is now the only home I have left! Don't get me wrong I am not complaining, just sharing the realization with everyone.



Since I landed it has been a busy time here at Camp KV. (I always feel I am writing home from Summer Camp when I say that!) The Marine base that I am on is converting to an Army one. What's that mean? Well, the Marines have some butt to kick in Afgan and the Army is better at cleaning up after them. So the color of uniforms goes from Brown camo to Green. For me, I actually have work to do. New Servers, new network, I am excited. I have worked more in the last week then I have in months. And we are just getting started!!!



Other things... Started working out. I have the best personal trainer anyone could want or fear, THE MARINE CORP! How do I describe, oh wait, OUCH! It will be worth it. Heck it already is, I was 228 before I went on vacation. I'm down to 214. I am eating better, running every other day and working on my upper body strength. Look out Hulk!!!



I updated my flickr account with some pictures from the trip. Some of the fun I had, some of friends old and new. Some of my new Tattoo!! I never thought I would go for a Star Wars Tattoo. With the advice, comments, and suggestions from tattoo artists and friends it all came together into a wonderful piece of Art. I am very pleased with how it turned out. Thanks Dave from Inkredible Ink. It took two hours. It says Never Tell Me The Odds.

I know people are worried about me. Divorce isn't the easiest thing to deal with in life. I will make it through this. I wont lie, there are moments that it affects me. Anyone that knows me understands I am emotional. I have a big heart and its been hurt. It's been hurt before, it healed then and it will now. I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't have moments of pain as I move on from this. Right now I have nothing but opportunity in front of me. Looking behind me is painful, but it wont always be. For now, time to run full steam ahead!

The world is changing as it always does. Choices we make determine who we are. Choices others make for us determine nothing. They cause our world to shift. They cannot make do anything more than we want to do. Life is a string of choices. I'm not worried about living with the choices of others, I only have to worry about the ones I make. I chose to Live Life and be happy. Life is to short to let the world drag you down.

Somebody do me a favor...scratch that, everyone do me a favor! Go outside and smell a flower, fresh cut grass, or the perfume of a woman walking by! Now think of how life would be without those smells. The world has many treasures. Enjoy them, most are free.

The End or Really the Begining

So to start off I am sorry for not posting lately. Those that know me have either picked up on what has happened or have heard directly from me. If you haven't heard, I am getting a divorce.

June 9, 2009 Christina and I had a conversation on the phone while I was still in Iraq. By the end of this call it was clear that our relationship was over. No amount of waiting or help was going to take back what she said to me. I immediately left Iraq and headed back to the states. Since arriving I have moved my stuff out, secured my stuff in storage, and filed for divorce.

The papers were signed by Christina and I on Friday, June 25, 2009. In 20-30 days the judge will put his seal across it and it will be 100% done.

I know that many of you are shocked. Some know of the painful time I have had over the last year trying to keep my marriage from falling apart. The reality is that it takes two. Christina gave up long ago. When she gave up doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done. Many have asked questions of fidelity and what not. I have only this to say, nothing can be said to make this any less or more painful. It is over.

I ask this of everyone, leave me be about this. I am moving on with my life with my head held high! As much as I know people care about me and believe me, I can see and feel it. I do not need to relive this event over and over. Each person that asks just loops me through it again. Know that I did all I could, but my partner gave up. Nothing more needs to be said about it.

I do not wish ill will to Christina. She has to live with her choices, not me. I don't hate her, yet we will never be the friends we once were. Betrayal is to much for me to ever look back. I honored my vows as a husband, she cast them away when they no longer suited her needs.

What's next... Well to be honest, I am still thinking that through. At the moment I have 24 hours left in the states before I head back to Iraq and work.

I'll post later about the fun I had while I was here. Divorce or not, I am not wasting my vacation time.

Don't worry about me, I am back! Thank you to all that supported me in this tuff time. Without friends and family life truly is painful. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I believe things happen for a reason, and because of that I know there is something far greater for my life.

Time for a new adventure, a new chapter, but the same old me!

Day 138 - The day of change

Today I want to share with everyone something I wrote. Occasionally these random thoughts I have form something worth sharing:

- Prison -

Constantine wire isn't necessary to make a prison. Sometimes the prison you are in is in your mind.
We build up prison walls with our choices. Some made freely, some made because to do the right thing there is no choice.
This is not a cry for help for I locked myself away here with my choices. To be honorable, to do the right thing, to be the hero.
When you are the warden and the prisoner, how should you proceed? Free one self to feel better or keep yourself locked away till things are right once again?
I may not break rocks with my hands, but my mind swings a hammer all day, all night.
There are two keys to freedom today. One can only be given from love and desire. The other I hold, one that will save me from my self. Either key will open the door. Both require sacrifice, both require a choice.
Am I not just building the next wall of choices? The next prison? Each choice in life may or may not have a shackle tied to it. One to be carried till the end.
The end, now that's a whole nother matter...

Take from it what you will.

Today I start a journey back to the states. My time is not finished here in Iraq but I must attend to something. I should be around for 2 weeks before heading back. Shoot me an email if you want to see me while I am around. It might be awhile before I come back to Orlando again.

Chris

Day 128 - Old Dog Still Has A Few Tricks

So as I predicted, the Marines decided to include me in their frat games. I get a call that I am needed in the server room. My first thought was "This is it, one way in, NO way out." Funny thing is, they forgot! I get over to the office and everyone is there. I am on high guard because I know what they are planning to do. Half an hour goes by and nothing. Here I am thinking they are letting me relax then BAM they will get me.

In walks Chris Knight, one of my fellow ITT contractors. "Hey Chris, Happy Birthday man!" I flash a smile and nod at Chris in thanks. Then I see it, they had forgot! Everyone else just freezes and then looks right at me. You would have thought some CHUM had just got dropped in the water! I'll give them some credit they played it off well. The well wishes came from all over the office and then they went back to what they were doing.

About another 15 minutes have passed when the finally jump. I moved to the center of the room to watch two Marines play a football game on a computer. As I turn around to answer a question to Sgt K he reaches out to grab me. They always say moments like this happen in slow motion, I feel him grab me with his right hand but he kept his left out trying to grab. Instinct took over and I in turn grab his arm and twist. Next I pull him down and he loses his grip with his right. I slide up and wham, HEADLOCK. I follow this with pulling him down to the ground to keep it locked. The other Marines just stand their and laugh. Well for about a minute, then they jumped in. I was good for the first three. The fourth is Sgt Presswood, a rather large black man that has 50 pounds and some height on me. Once he latched on I knew it was futile. I relaxed so that they could do what they were going to do. Otherwise someone was going to get hurt. Probably me.

Now the last guy I saw this happen to got a boot in the Ass for each year of his life. I guess they decided to be nice and I got a single boot. They all let go and we helped each other up. Poor Cole got clocked pretty good on the way down but no major injuries. Fun times overall. I guess I am an honorary Marine or something, who knows. Granted I know I earned a bit ore respect. Maybe next time they will listen when I tell them I bounced for 5 years.

Sadly one didn't listen. The very next day Sgt K was feeling froggy and probably a little miffed about the headlock from the day before. So again he came at me. Once again he was sloppy and I put him in another headlock. This one had one arm around his neck and the other around the back of his knee and hooked on the first arm. Then I picked him up. It took all of two seconds for him to tap. I set him down and asked him if he forgot what happened last time. He shakes it off and not too soon after decided to wrestle one of the smaller guys in the room. Sadly, he got put on his back and almost choked out. Some people never learn.

The rest of my Birthday was pretty cool. I got a lot of bday wishes from people. Whether it was email, facebook, or through instant message I got the message that people remember and care. Thank you all!

I did get a cake. The same guy that reminded the Marines it was my birthday also used some favors with the mess hall and had them bake me a cake. I'll throw a picture up on flickr.

The rest of the week has been pretty normal. Tonight we had another successful movie night with may watchers. 12 Rounds with John Cena was the show. Not bad I have to say, very much a Die Hard with a Vengeance copy but not bad over all.



The trouble with real life is that there's no danger music.
- Jim Carrey from "The Cable Guy"

Day 120 - "32 and Counting" or "Thanks Mom"

So I take a moment to reflect...

I was told by my mom about the trials and tribulations she faced when she found out she was pregnant with me. Being 16 at the time had enough complications but she was also suffering from Lupus. Doctors told her that she had a 50% chance to live through the birth and I had 0%.

Anyone guess now why I love the phrase "Never Tell Me The Odds!" And all along you thought it was because it was said in Star Wars! Well... maybe that has a lot to do with it but it has more meaning than that.

I'm not trying to toss my mom under the spotlight for the accident that I am. I have to say thanks to her for having me against all odds. She faced some hard choices and went for it. I only hope that I can fill the shoes she has left me. (No high heel jokes either guys!!!)

This last year of my life has definitely been the hardest I have had yet. There has been a lot of hard choices that I have had to make. I am still waiting to see the outcome of those choices.

Who would have guessed that I would be in Iraq? Granted, you could say that about Florida, Alaska, etc. etc. I am adding Australia to the list soon. For a redneck from Oklahoma I don't mind to travel. That's probably my Grandad in me. He didn't settle down in one place till late in life. If it wasn't for the wife, who knows where I would be.

So I'll admit, part of me sits here and wonders what have I really accomplished. I know that some would say a lot. There are times when I feel like I haven't done anything at all. I guess it's safe to say that Christina isn't the only one hearing a biological clock.

The frat boys here call me old and are waiting to hold me down and boot me in the Ass in their twisted sense of tradition. I wouldn't say that I am in a big hurry to go hang out with them today. Granted they may be Marines but I am not afraid. With age comes wisdom or so they say. All I know is that I see how older people forget things.

It's weird the spot I am in. The future as always is wide open. What will I do next? I can honestly answer: "I don't know!" I have to wait a bit more to see the conclusion of this chapter. To say I want to be X when I grow up is strange at 32. Granted most that know me will say I will never grow up. My answer to that is that I will do my best to keep the kid at heart right where he is.

I will end my ramblings with this:

Don't let the odds scare you. The only people that beat the odds in life are the ones that went for it. The only odds I am sure of is that when you don't try its 100% against you. (I know Yoda would argue but he is in a Galaxy Far, Far, Away...)

Day 113 - Revenge of "The Bradshaw"

So as you may know I play a lot of poker here. It passes the time, makes me think, and allows me to socialize. I have always been lucky so games of chance are fun for me. Occasionally I goof like anyone else.

A month or so back, we started teaching Weaver how to play poker. He learns quick and enjoys playing from time to time. Well, during his training he learned the hard way that a four card straight doesn't beat anything. Unfortunately some of the others felt they should call a four card straight a Weaver from that point on. Poor Weaver!

About a week later we are all playing and Weaver is right there with us. He has some good cards and goes all in. Myself, I thought I had a better hand and went all in as well to call. We laid down our cards and I say I win with my straight. The others at the table protest that I am missing a 5 card. In my head I had a straight so I argue. It went something like this, "No, No, No, Look, I have an Ace, 2, 3, fouuuuuu....... Well needless to say I lost to Weaver and inherited his 4 card straight. Now deemed "The Bradshaw." With humility I laughed got up and left.

Fast forward to current day. Most players have let me be about my mistake, only bringing it up when they have a four card straight. Two particulars can't let it be and bring it up every other word. Sgt K and Josh just have to bring it up constantly, even when we aren't playing. For the most part I can let it slide off but sometimes I am honestly ready to beat them with the chair they support their sorry asses with.

So here we are again and as the game progresses I again am reminded of my failure in cards. Luck would have it that I would find the ultimate way to shut them both up. I get another Ace and 3. On the flop a 2 and 4 appear. At this point I am actually chasing a straight, a legitimate one. I bet high, most drop out but not all. The next card comes out and it doesn't help me. Deciding a bluff is in order to keep up appearances I bet high again. All but two drop out. One is Sgt K. Josh has folded at this point and again brings up the 4 card straight failure of my past. The River comes and I have nothing but an Ace high card. Now, reality is that I have a Bradshaw as well because I have a four card straight. I finish with a Bluff and play off the comments being said. I go all in. To my surprise, so do Sgt K and Sgt George. We reveal our cards and I win. Using the cards that I have been made fun of for over a month, I take out two players and triple up. Not only that, I take out one of the two that can't shut up about it. As the night goes on, I get knocked out of the game, but my victory was already complete.

It has been three days since and two poker games. Not a peep about "The Bradshaw" has been made by Josh or Sgt K. Don't get me wrong it gets brought up. Just when its funny or appropriate. I love it when people get their dues.

In other news, I am planing a trip to the land down under. I spoke with Ryan today. A friend that I look forward to seeing again. He moved there a few years back and it will be a nice reunion to see him again. Now its just a matter of scheduling time off for Christina and I. Yes, she is joining me there!

Not much else to say today. Weaver is now gone on vacation. My little sidekick has gone. I mean that in jest, he is a good friend and a damn good alarm clock for food.

Remember Life isn't about the things you own, It's about experiences and the people you meet long the way.

Day 105 - Cleanup and Aftermath

So as I eluded in my last blog, some things broke recently that I had to fix. Thankfully life is back to normal here and I am back to waiting for it to all go to hell again. I figured out I'm a cross been the Matag man and EOD (Bomb Squad.) If i'm sitting around doing very little, it's not a bad thing. If I am running fast heading to or from the Sever Room, LOOK OUT!

Other things that have been fun. KBR is the company contracted to maintain the buildings, etc. You may have read in another post about their ability with electric work. So don't be surprised when I was scared to let them re-wire my buiding. I got notice I needed to move out temporarily along with the other people in my building. I moved into the room of a co worker that is out on vacation. In the begining I was told 3 days. So three days pass and I go over and see that they aren't done. Next I stop by their office and ask, "How much longer?" The reply I got made me think of the movie "The Money Pit." The guy looks right at me and says they need three more days. Holding back my frustration I ask, so what happened that you need to double the time you stated to begin with? His response was typical, "We actually have 4 days to do it via the contract so we still have time." Thinking to my self what an ass-bag for not answering the question, I tell them thanks and walk away. Well it took four days so I really shouldn't complain. I had an electrician from the Navy come by and double check their work. They did a good enough job. The light in my closet actually works now. The one task I asked of them and got confirmation that they would do it, didn't get done. You see, the light switch for my room is located in the hallway. So my light gets turned on when someone is looking for the hallway switch. I asked them and they said the would move it in the room for me. It is still in the hallway. Shiny new coverplate and switch too. Oh, well, I'll just make a sign. This button wakes a wookie, a very angry wookie! Turn on at your own risk!!!

Water. The basic thing we all need. I am reminded we are in a desert. In fact every time I go to the bathroom I get reminded. When we have a water shortage they lock the real bathrooms. Real, as in a trailer of real toilets and stalls. So you are left with porta-potties. Joy. Would't be so bad but these things don't come with lights. You can imagine how this complicates the process. How one can miss water. Enjoy it while you have it.

Day 99 - 99 Bottles, oh wait, they don't let us Drink!!!

I could use a good stiff drink right now.

So I know I have commented or complained that I don't do a lot of work around here. I think I am making up for that now. I can't go into a lot of specifics but I can say this. Someone else where broke my network. Call it friendly fire. Between me and one of the data Marines, we have been working day and night to get it fixed. When it is all over I might get some sleep. You don't need more than 3 hours a day right? I'm lucky if I am getting that.

Ninety-nine days! Almost one third of the way done. I can hardly believe it.

When I get back I have a funny story to tell who ever wants to hear it. Just ask me about Cutter.

Day 90 - All is almost quiet here at Camp KV

So I sat out by the main road in the camp tonight. Just sitting there in the dark, listening to the sounds, watching the stars twinkle. The constant hum of generators, the passing by of Marines going to and fro. Red, Blue, and White lights dancing from building to building. The air has the slight taste of sand. The temperature is almost perfect. A slight breeze of not cold, no hot, simple air. With very few lights in the camp there is little in the way of light pollution. The stars twinkle across the sky. It's peaceful. With the exception of the military vehicles parked nearby, you would almost forget that this is a war zone.

Where ever you are, take a moment to just look around. What does it sound like? Taste Like? Smell Like? When is the last time you looked around and just took it all in?

Day 89 - So much for free flowing water

Well, it was nice while it lasted. We had real showers for all of two weeks at best. Sad thing is that everyone obviously liked having normal showers, we kept running out of water. So back to the pressure washers.

Facebook has brought another friend from the past. Carrie Meyer. I have to say, it is great to catchup to friends. What they have been up to, what I have been up to.

Weather has been weird, it's cold here again. The days are nice. The nights I actually have to run the heater. Last week the weather couldn't make up its mind. Either rain or sandstorm. Real fun. Again, when these two mix, it rains mud.

So I had a little excitement here in Camp KV. I help one of the guys run an internet service here on base. Basically I help setup new users and troubleshoot problems when they come up. While running some new lines we found a few surprises. Between most of the buildings here are walls of dirt. The walls are contained in what's called a Hessco. It is nothing more than a wire grid box that is lined with felt and filled with dirt. The average size is about 4 feet across and 7 feet tall. They are a convenient spot to deposit trash, things you want to hide, or extra munitions you don't need. To channel cable between buildings we run the wire on top of these walls. So while Weave is running the cable on one set of Hesscos, he finds a small deposit of bullets. He stops to take a look and then stops. His eyes get real big and he starts backing away slowly. I ask what's up and he says real softly, "Grenade!' At this point we have to call EOD and they come out and gather up all the munitions. The Grenade ends up being a M203 shell used in a grenade launcher. Needless to say it was very exciting. The EOD guys helped us run the rest of the cable and found a few more items that should not be laying around. How any of this got where it was at is anyone's guess.

We have a country band coming to visit and play for us tomorrow. Should be fun. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Chris

Day 81 - Moved Again and Happy Easter!!!

So its been a busy week for me. I have been moved to a new room. The building I am in is a concrete structure. I have my own room and things are much quieter here. I posted pics up to my flickr account. I will post new ones once I unpack and get everything setup. Its larger than my last room and deals with the sandstorms a whole lot better.

Tonight was poker night. I won again. Things weren't looking good for me for 90 % of the night. But I showed everyone to not count me out. A few good hands and some well played bluffs landed me in the winning spot.

We had three comedians come through and do a show for us. I setup the microphone and sound system. I have a knack for having useful talents when needed. The guys were great and the Troops really enjoyed the show. The comedians were Scott Kennedy, Flip Schultz, and Mark Sweeney. Most of the jokes were situational to life as it is here. For Scott, this was his 28th time back to Iraq. These guys did a great job and go all over the place to support the Troops. If you see them come to a comedy show near you I recommend going. At minimum to thank them for giving a needed commodity to our Troops, a good laugh!

So the wife and I are going to plan a vacation this summer. So far Australia is on the top of the list. I'm looking forward to seeing her again. It is difficult as you may imagine to be apart like this. I know we can both function just fine apart but I miss her soft touch and loving smile.

I wanted to take a moment to say Rest in Peace to a man that has brought a lot of fun to my life over the years. Dave Arneson passed away last Friday. For those that don't know him he helped forge the game of Dungeons and Dragons. I spoke to him on different occasions, whether it was cons or just playing games at Sci-Fi City. He was a local to Orlando. My thoughts and Prayers go out to him and his family. My the Lord pick up some dice and role-play with you in heaven.

Speaking of the Lord, today is Easter. Normally I would be in a vegetative state at my In-laws house after eating Lasagna. If it would survive the trip I would ask a brick of it to be mailed here. I can't complain. The Chow Hall was decorated and the food was wonderful. Prime Rib with all the fixings. I got a chocolate bunny and some Easter candy. Life is good.

Well, enjoy your colored eggs and have a great day!

Chris

Day 72 - I Got a BOX!!!!

First off, Thanks Honey, I got the Box!!!

You have no idea how cool it is to get something in the mail. Most people hate getting mail, junk mail, bills, jury duty notices, you get the picture. Not here. You get mail here and you are very happy to get it. One, because it isn't a bill, or jury duty. Second, some one took the time to put together something for you! I'm uploading some new pics today and one is the contents of my box. New Sunglasses, some hard drives (loaded with movies and pictures!!!), shorts, comfy sandals (It was nice to put on something so familiar), Posters, and some needed hygiene stuffs. Around here you don't get mail delivered. You have to go check with the post office and see if the convoy brought them some mail. Sometimes, as I have in the past, you help sort the mail so you can get your stuff sooner. To be honest, I don't think I would complain about getting a bill out here, granted it would be over due since mail takes a bit of time to get here.

Been a busy week. Helping Weave with the commercial internet takes up a lot of free time right now. I need to ask for a raise I think.

Friday night was the first official Movie Night. I helped by setting up the sound system and projector. This should be a regular event. The first movie was Revolver.

Thursday I came in second in Poker. Fun night but long. We started at 7 pm and didn't finish till after midnight.

So some of you are wondering why I came out here. I'll give you a perfect example: So far in the two months I have been gone, we have paid off over $20,000 in bills. Christina shared that with me earlier this last week. I have to say, nothing I have gone through has been so bad. I look forward to when I return home without a mountain of debt waiting for me. The motorcycle will be paid off, the student loans, all of the credit cards! It's one thing to say your going to pay off your debts by doing something like this. It's an amazing feeling to actually be doing it. Granted I can't take all the credit, Christina is doing great things at home in this down economy. It seem like every time I chat with her, her job is giving her more responsibilities. She has definitely found her place in the world. In a time where jobs are scarce, we are both able to keep a good job and take care of our responsibilities. God has to be watching over us because we are truly blessed.

Well, Im going to go sort out the stuff in th box!!

Don't forget to check out the pictures I posted to my flickr account!

Goodnight all

Chris

Day 69 - Still doing it wrong!

I know that title covers a lot in my life. This time it pertains to the blog here. I have been so focused on telling everyone what is happening to me here that I forgot that there is a lot happening else where that affects me to!

First and foremost, Christina is doing wonderful at BT Professional Services. She continues to excel and impress the powers that be and they have promoted her. Of course with the economy being in such a wonderful state, she gets a title with no raise. I want the world to know how proud of her I am. She works hard everyday to impress her peers. It brings a challenge back to her life that was missing for so long. I know she is a better person because she can actually do what she is good at.

Another bit of joy that I want to share is that my Grandma and Grampa's dog, Padme just had puppies. Mom went to visit last Sunday and took some pictures. They barely have their eyes open. Tiny black schnauzers. If it wasn't for the Drug dogs they have here that I get to pet from time to time, I would miss my animals all the more. Don't get me wrong, I miss them but, it helps to see the ones here.

I will do my best to share outside things that are going on in my life. Life here at Camp KV is weird right now. We are in a bit of a flux. The new Camp Commandant is making some changes and I may end up moving again. The good news is that I may end up inside a real building instead of the wooden shell they use for housing. I'll keep you posted and post pics when I move.

Also we have some Comedians coming in. No one I have heard of but that just means I wont know all the jokes before they get here. I'll grab a flier and tell you the names later. Speaking of guests, we had another General here and I got to hear his speech to the troops. It's great to see the top level talking to the lowest. He had a lot of good things to say, when I get home ask and I might remember them.

I have found a new joy. Burnout Paradise!!!! This game received moderate reviews but is great in my book. It took awhile to download the extras but I got all the expansions available. There is even a set of toy cars to drive around. For those that don't know what it is, Burnout Paradise is the latest version of a game that yo can race cars, wreck cars, drive like a madman, etc. It is a blast. It relieves stress quick. I just don't advise anyone to drive afterward. Luckily for me I have no wheels here.

Most of my time this week has been working on the commercial internets for Weaver. Little slave driver. Not really, but I still give him a hard time. I don't mind, time is moving quick and that is a good thing.

So I'm down to 9 months and a vacation or two till I go home. The wife and I are working out the details for our time together on the first trip. I'll keep you all posted when we figure out where we are going.

Well, enough for now, time to wreck some cars.

Goodnight all,
Chris

Day 62 - Busy Around Here

So its been a busy few days. I have bee helping Weaver setup several commercial Internet satellite dishes around the base. He rents out bandwidth to people so they can have regular Internet. My fee for helping him is that I get Internet for free. I also got a semi-new computer out of the deal. Its a lot of work up front. We had to setup the network and put all the equipment in place. Now we are adding users.

Monday night we had the worst sand storm yet. It came at night but lasted till Wednesday morning. Monday night was so bad, it stirred up the dust in the wooden building I am in. Sand here is nick-named moon dust. It is a fine powder similar to flour. Well, it can set off a smoke alarm. In fact it set off all the smoke alarms in the hallway Monday night. Of course not all at once. I awoke to one going off at 130am. Another some later point of time. Finally the last one went off and I had enough. The other two I got up and shut them down. This last one I laid there for 10 minutes hoping someone else would take a turn. NOPE! So I made sure everyone else shared in my misery. I stomped down the hall (hollow wooden floor) snatched it off the wall and yanked the battery out. Then I tossed it to the ground and stomped back. Yeah, I know, childish, but I was sleep deprived and grumpy!

Tuesday night we had an impromptu Poker game since Chris Knight is going home for vacation. I won again! Seems my luck is kicking back in. I told Chris too bad, I know he had hopes of winning so he had some spending money for the trip.

Tonight I spent some time playing Halo 3 on legendary mode. Man that is a hard game! After that I had some server maintenance to do (YES! I actually had some work to do!!!) Late night but no major issues.

I'll upload a few more pictures later, one Marine got an Easter basket in the mail. I know Mom's are their own person but plastic eggs with stickers to decorate them. This ain't the Marine Corp I expected!?! He also received a chocolate bunny. Well I think it was supposed to be a bunny. It had melted and reformed to the shape of the bag that held it. Mail takes about 2 weeks to reach us here. I don't think it gets an air conditioned ride either!

Enough for now,

Chris

Day 59 - What a Day

Helped the new mail guys unload three Iso's of mail. It was hard work but what was difficult was keeping the brilliant minds of the military from making the task a lot harder than it needed to be. Had one Staff Sergent that was not pleased to be told a better way of doing things by some civilian. Oh well, he will get over it.

So much for a day of rest. I went from that to chow to the poker game. No big winning streak at this point. Time for bed.

G'night all!

Day 56 - Jackpot

Well tonight was our mid week game of Texas Hold'em. I pulled off a win with an Ace and 10 off suit. Very cool.

The rest of the day was busy with server work. Our racks are missing the rails for each server so I am having the Seabees make something that will work to space out the servers. Seabees are the Navy's answer to Mr Fix It.

Overall, it was a great day.

Hope your's is just as great!

Day 54 - Hakuna Matata

Just when I think the Marines I work with can't get any weirder, they take it to a whole new level. Today Coon decided to dress up like Batman. He wore a trash bag over the main part of his body. He used paper towels for the belt and for the mask. He even stapled paper to make ears. The funny thing is, everyone else helped him find things for his utility belt. Wow, is all I can say. Yes folks, it's a bit boring out here.

Today I wasn't bored. I actully had work to do. I started rebuilding some of the servers to optimize how they are setup. Typical government equipment, I had to borrow from another to get the main one working. The main thing is that it worked.

While walking into the chow hall I thought I heard someone say Hakuna Matata. Then on my way to sit down I heard it again. By the time I left the chow hall I was singing the song from the Lion King. Weaver was ready to strangle me. We have some Ugandas here on base and they kept saying it to each other tonight. I had to smile because "Hakuna Matata" and "Never Tell Me The Odds," have always been two of my mottos. I forgot that this last year. It's good to be back.

Take Care Everybody

Chris

PS, Check yourself, if you are not wearing green at the moment you ready this, pinch yourself for me. And for God's sake will someone kiss me, I'm Irish!!! Oh wait, that's right, Scottish...Never mind!

Day 51 - A Change

You know, for the longest time I wondered, how do you get past a problem. At what point are you heading out of the problem and back to normal? Is it possible to be stuck at a point so far from normal, that you may never get back? How do you know when things are back to normal?

I feel a weight lifting today. I was given a message, or at least a cloud lifted so that I could see something a little clearer. They say that history has a way of repeating itself unless we truly understand what was done wrong in the past. We can learn from the past if we open our eyes.

Sorry to be all cryptic folks. Just know that I feel a whole lot better about the future. I just had to look at my past and be willing to learn from it.

Goodnight all, I hope you sleep as sound as I will tonight.

Day 50 - Internet Issues

Wow, a few days of no internet can make a guy crazy. I have it it just is so slow nothing works and web pages time out. I'm working on the issue though.

Yesturday was a bit to exciting as well. I had to play mediator between one of my co workers and one of the other contractors out here. Lets just say there is only room for one bald guy in the odd couple. We had to split them up. Can't we all just get along?

Doing good otherwise. Catch you guys later.

Day 47 - Looking good for the brass

Today was almost uneventful. We had Two Colonels and a Master Sergent visit the office today. All Marines, but they forgave me for being prior Army. All the Marines I work with were a bit nervous. I am so glad I dont have to deal with that anymore.

Day 46 - Just another Monday

Spent the day helping Weaver take over the internet services for part of the base. He now has three satelite dishes and runs three seperate ISPs here. I am going to help him manage one of them.

Got to play some poker tonight. Didn't win but had fun.

Day 45 - Cleaning Day

So another simple day off. Cleaned things up in my room, Vacumed. Watched Hitman and Die Hard. Started playing Fallout 3.

I shaved my face clean today. Got a haircut. I told the guys I work with that if I heard another old man joke, I would shave and look younger than most of them. I always love doing this. People get use to how you look. They tend to freakout when you change like this. It's nothing new for anyone that knows me. Heck, I plan on growing it right back out. Maybe I'll go for a full beard. Who Knows?!?

Chris

Day 44 - Just another day

Nothing exciting today. Went to work then came back to my room and watched "The Ref" and "Die Hard 4.0"

Im getting my first Iraqi cold. Just a runny nose at this point. I'm taking vitamis and taking it easy. Hopefully it wont be much more than it already is.

Enjoy your weekend!

Chris

Day 43 - Poker again?

So today some of my co-workers got a hair up the tail to build a poker table for our Sunday night game. They did a gret job. It's big enough for 8 players to sit comfortably. Everyone can reach the center easily enough. They even found a thin blanket to give it a felt-like top. Of course when they finished we had to try it out. I didnt win tonight but it was fun.

Day 42 - I accept your challenge!

Tonight was Ellie's BBQ. Ellie is a local that lives and work on base with us. He has a BBQ from time to time. Tonight, I was challenged to a HoneyBun eating contest. One minute to eat a cold honeybun. I needed about 30 more seconds. Dean is a champ at this and beat me with time to spare. I have a new found respect for this kid. Well, not really but I tell him that to make him feel better. Great food and good fun.

Other things of interest I saw today, we have a crew of bomb sniffing/attack dogs on site with us. These very well trained dogs attack on command. Well it seems that a normal thing is for a marine to suit up and be the attackie. They actually request to be the "Dummy." I was offered and passed. Something about only having the jacket and the dogs can go for necks and legs help me decide on passing. I took a few pics and added them to flickr.

Still mourning the hard drive crash. Working on shipping in a replacement. Dont ask my opinion of Seagate at the moment.

Day 41 - System malfunction!!!

I don't know about my luck with computers. Today the only exciting thing to report is my 500 gig Media hard drive is toast! All my pictures I brought, TV and movie, all gone. The messed up thing is i unplugged it yesterday and left it still and unplugged for the day. so it's not shock or electrical damage. It just decided today to stop working. The worst part of it is that I bought it in January.

Joy.

Day 40 - I Got Mail!!!

So after I posted yesturday and sat back to watch Die Hard 1 on my computer, I made it about half way when the power to my Hutt went out. Upon going outside to investigate I see a bunch of people down by the post office. When I get there I see some of my fellow ITT guys helping the Marines sort mail. The whole, rain, sleet, snow, blah, blah thing doesnt apply here. Nor does being closed on Sunday. We have had a lot of sandstomrs lately and that can hold up the convoys. The mail is trucked in so if the convoy doesnt go neither does the mail. We get mail about every three days. This particular day we got three sets of mail or ruffly nine days of mail all at once. I took some pictures and then addd myself to the help. The nice thing was that I got a package today. The wife sent me some items I asked for and some she added herself.

I now have my xbox 360 so my evenings will pass by very quick now. Look out Sean, I'm gonna catch up on gamer points now! I got a couple of things of deoderant and such. Chritina included a bottle of Sunflowers because she know the effects it has on me. It's nice to be able to smell something that brings me home. I also got a Hard Drive with copies of my TV shows I am missing. That should keep me busy for a while.

I have added more photos to my flickr account. Some of them are of my new home. I moved in this weekend to my own room. Well its t least four walls and a door. Think a wooden motel 6. Its about the size of my old office and I have my own heat/cold control. I have power, internet, a tv, fridge, and microwave. All but the power i had to supply but at least its home. I have finally unpacked and can relax in a space I call my own. Its noisier than where I was but I can sleep with earplugs. The neighbor loves to play local music loud enough for all to hear, so I have introduced her to AC/DC at a sound level that says I will win if you want to challenge my tollerance for noise.

All in all, not a bad weekend or Monday for that matter. The guys I work with were nice enough to add a phone line to my room. I dont have a number that anyone outside of the military could call but I can call out without having to wait in line to use a phone that has a 30 min time limit. Of course this means the troops here can call anytime they need help but thats what I am here for.

Well, Goodnight all.

Day 39 - March 1st

So I should start with an apology. I haven't really been in the mood to write anything here. For that matter call or chat with many either. It's no ones fault, as you know I am an emotional person so dealing with being over here is weird at times. I miss everyone very much but there are times when the actions of some really make me want to shut off the rest of the world. Please don't assume my wife, she is the one I have still been talking to during this time away from the blog. I want to thank those of you that check in on this blog. It is nice to know that I am missed.

I said I would be honest with my feelings when I started this blog. I'm shocked with the way some people have decided to support me. When someone points out that God will forgive me if I divorce my wife, that through me for a loop. So much for "Till death do us part." My self isolation while here mainly comes from those of you out there that choose to tell me that I should leave my wife. Some think I came out here to make leaving her easier. Some think I will lose her because I came out here. Some are still worried that I was forced to come here and it will be the end of me. Is it so hard to ask for support in my choices? No one out there can possibly understand why I am still by my wife's side. Most of you see the pain I have been through and still go through because of the issues between me and my wife. Heck, there are times when I wonder why I am still here. Not here in Iraq either. By her side.

Christina is the most precious thing in my life. Her smile is intoxicating. She is so strong willed and determined. After all my mother has gone through in life I never thought I would find another spirit so strong. It is amazing to see someone so strong feel that they are weak. The pain I am going through comes from the fear that I have lost her. Many times in the last year I have been selfish, focusing on that fear to the point I am demanding she not focus on herself and love me. The hardest part is understanding a problem and knowing their is very little I can do about it. Christina isn't hurting me, I am. My Father once said that "Love is the absence of Fear." My wife still loves me. She feels she is weak because of some failures in her life. Her fear of those failures has made her question everything in her life. She is on a quest now to find herself. The only thing I can do is support her on this quest. I have faith that she will be at my side when she completes this quest. There is one other thing I can do, ignore the fear I feel. Because that fear is the only thing that makes me question my love.

All I ask of anyone is that you support Christina on her quest. Give her love and help her realize that she is strong enough to do this. You may not appreciate what she appears to be doing but remember, hate will not help. I hate to quote Yoda on this but Hate, Fear, and Anger are paths to the dark side. Only Love will get us anywhere we want to be. In the end we are all family and friends, how we get there is very important. The ends never justify the means.

Sorry for the serious note but as I said, I want to be honest about what's going on in my life. For now, its Sunday and my day off! Time to watch the Die Hard Quadrilogy and have some Pumpkin Pie.

PS. Did I mention they have pumpkin pie at lunch and diner everyday? Don't worry Mom, it's not as good as yours. But it will due.

Day 24 - Gotta get clean somehow right?

Anyone have the case of the Mondays? It can get bad over here. We had a visitor today, cant say who but just know that he is quite a "Star" if you catch my drift. It was more of a walk through then a visit. The Marines had everything cleaned up and I have to say its funny to see Marines nervous. Luckily it was over quickly.

So I have to say, be happy to have the shower you have at home. Here we us Combat Showers. This is nothing more than a pressure hose with a high pressure end that fits in the palm of your hand, Then to use it you have to depress a but to on the side and hold it down. So in case our wondering, go out and turn you water hose on the high pressure setting and spray your more sensitive items with it. It's not pleasant at all. Oh did I mention there are 8 of these things lined up and as others use it the water gets cold? In the summer I may opt for a cold shower. After being away from my wife that long it will be a necessity! But for now, its cold out there, see my breath cold! So appreciate what you have. I for one miss free flowing water that i didn't have to get a hand cramp to use!

So when I got here I was so jet lagged I stopped working out. Today I restarted. It felt good to add something to my daily routine. Now I just need to start learning Latin.

Good Night all!

Chris

Day 23 - Another BBQ and a day of relaxation

So what does one do that is stuck in a small camp with nothing to do? Well, watch movies, hang out with co-workers, cleanup your area. That's about it. Toss in a computer game or two and there you have it. I spent the day doing exactly that. We have laundry service here so all you have to do is drop it off and pick it up later that day. You clean a fine layer of dust off of your stuff. This stuff truly does get everywhere. I may not be in my final room but I spent the day making what I have more comfortable. I wish I could say I slept in but when you get up between 4-6am everyday, you do it again on your day off.

So you may be wondering how someone all the way over here deals with Valentines Day? Simple, friends. I contacted Jim and asked him to run a delivery for me. I had him pickup a potted orchid and drop it off at the house. I had it all worked out, the wife would be gone for the day and when she got home I would director her to it. Alas, I miss calculated and my wife is House sitting for her parents in Titusville. So I had to settle to tell her about it. The roommate was able to bring it inside for her. Se was surprised, mainly because she feels its a commercial holiday that shouldn't exist. I know she feels this was, but hell, I love an excuse to do something for my wife. Granted she is right, don't wait for an over marketed day to tell the one you Love how you feel. Buy flowers because its Wednesday sometimes. Always let them know how much you love them. You never know when you will get to show it again.

Day 22 - You really call this work?

My work week is 6 days a week. Ten hours a day. I have the option of working 5, 12 hour days. I honestly don't because here I would not know what to do with two days off. Each day I check logs, make sure the servers are doing their job,and deal with any problems that come up. Sometimes my job can be very stressful and busy, other times it is slow and tedious. Today I find myself amused at my co-workers. They are working and doing their job, but it is much more relaxed. You can tell its about to be our day off.

Day 21 - BBQ

So here in canp KV here are ways to socialize. The main one is to throw a BBQ. Tonight I had the chance to go to the Seal's BBQ. Prime Rib, Crab legs, cake all hich tasted great. They had a nice bon fire going using pallets for firewood. It reminded me of my nights in Alaska when Brandan, Jim and I would snag a bunch of crates and meet some friends behind Flatop and have a bon fire of our own. There is something abot sitting around a raging fire that is very relaxing. Everyone telling their favorite stories. The smoke and embers flying up in the air. Tonight was fun. Oh and I witnessed a guy prove himself by eating a honeybun snack cake in less than a minute. Before you go, hey that's easy enough, the trick is that it was frozen. Yeah, frozen.

"Time to head to B-Ville"

Enjoy your weekend folks
Chris

Day 20 - Fiber!!! It's not just for breakfast anymore

Just another day. Granted it had some cool things I wanted to share with you all. First off, I got to sit in wit the Marines I work with as one of them taught a class on fiber. It was even hands on! We went over the basics, looked at the different cables the Marines use and then learned how to splice cable. I know, not that exciting for some of you, but I am a geek and this was cool. Plus, Dean (the guy teaching the class) is a Star Wars geek. Though, two things were brought up, one, I am the foremost expert on all things Star Wars. Second, I am the old man around here. With the exception of the Gunny Sergent, I am the old man on campus but at minimum of 2 years.

Tonight the sky was so clear. I haven't seen this many stars since i lived out in the country in Oklahoma. It is beautiful.

May Orion keep a watchful eye over us all.

Chris

Day 19 - Add Witty comment about the day here...

Today was the first normal day I have had in a while. Ge up get ready for work and have breakfast. Go to work and feel accomplished. Get done with work and work on a few things around my room. Enjoy some TV (pre recorded) and hit the sack at a descent hour. Not bad, I might finally be getting into the swing of things here.

Good night all
Chris

Day 18 - Sandstorm

Another day done. The guy I am replacing was planning on staying awhile for overlap, now he is ready to pack and go. It seems I already have the hang of things. Went spent the day building a server. I wish I could tell you its fun but it envolves large amounts of time waiting for the computer to ask you to hit next again. Gotta love it.

Today we had a sandstorm. I missed it coming in,I was told it looks like he scene in the Mummy when the storm sweeps up the plane. All I saw was the sky turn orange when I opened the door. It was very windy and hard to keep the sand out of your eyes and mouth. It wasn't to bad, I was able to walk to the mess hall and have lunch without any major issues.

I got to talk to the wife today. I am uplifted and can smile again. She mentioned that I was being upbeat on our calls and somber on my tone here. It's hard to say why, other than my emotions flow through the words I write. If I am down a bit when I write this, it shows. One could even say that maybe when on the phone I am putting on a strong act to keep people from worrying. Know this, there are times here where I laugh, joke, and play. There are times here where I cry, mope, and pout. It's not really any different than if I was at home. Life isn't horrible here, a bit boring but not horrible. I miss a lot of people and things about home. I am not suffering. Heck my laundry is even done for me. I just have to drop it off and pick it up. I get 3 solid meals a day if I choose. I have a simple job that allows me ample time to study and learn more about it. Most of all, I am able to support my family in a way that I couldn't do any other way right now.

Do not worry about me, be happy for me that I continue to have opportunity to live. The day that I cannot do that, worry.

Oh, Tony, the guy that I am replacing keeps trying to tell me it's going to snow here. What's that they say, "When Hell freezes over!"


Good Night All
Chris

Day 17 - First Day on the Job

Another day is finished. This one a bit more to do then the last few. I finally got to do some work. Nothing major to describe. Just a simple network full of servers for me to maintain. Another couple of days to work with the guy I am replacing.

A quick note about security. I have to be careful what I say here and in person. If I seem vague its for a good reason. The more specifics I say, the more anyone can read. Anyone being the bad guys. I know it sounds paranoid but its real. Better safe than sorry. If you want details, wait till I get back and buy me a beer.

On that not I have an address now. If you want to send me something, shoot me an email. I'll pass on the address and the rules then. There is a specific list of what cannot be sent to me. (No blow up dolls Jim!) There isn't anything I need and please don't feel obligated. But I know that there are some of you that have been asking.

On that note, I'm gonna get some sleep.

Good Night All

Day 16 - Another Lazy Day

Not much to say today. I sat in my temporary room most of it just playing on my computer. Tomorrow I start actually doing something productive. I also get to see how bad things are on my servers. It will be nice to have something to occupy my time with. These long days of nothing to do are getting to me. I miss my wife. She is in the forefront of my mind and I cant do much about it. I Love her. So with that, know that I do miss my friends, family, cats, dog, etc.

Good night
Chris

Day 15 - Jet Lagggggg

So I am here now and the travel is finally taking its toll. My body doesn't know whether I should sleep, eat, or what. I woke up after 12 hours of sleep and I'm in limbo. Its just after midnight. So I spent the day meeting people, learning the layout of the land and adjusting to my environment. The previous Sys Admin has a bad reputation so I am listening to what not to do. Right now my focus is to fit into the team that I will work with. I still don't have a space to call my own yet. I may not know for a week or so. So much of this feels like limbo. After affects of the hurry up and wait.

I passed out around 8pm. Hopefully I can get my internal clock reset by Monday.

Day 14 - Artoo, Artoo it is You!!!

So I found R2-D2. My trusty Droid friend greeted me at Camp Al Asad. The post office had made R2 shaped mailboxes and low and behold I found one they hadn't pulled out of service. I took a picture of him. I'll post it up later. So as I mentioned yesturday I started my trip at 1600. At Al Asad, I had to wait till the early morning to catch a flight out to Camp KV (Korean Village.) Since I had to be there so early and didnt want to lug the body anywhere like a tent accross the camp, I decided to just stay up. So this morning I flew in a helicopter over to my final duty station. This was my first helicopter ride. It was a very smooth ride. I expected worse and even had a barf bag with me just in case. I was solid though, I guess hanging out with the Marines is tuffin me up. Maybe not.

So here I am. I was given the grand tour by the guy I am replacing. Both of us have been up for too many hours. So Monday we will meet and start my job over here. I am now back in the Wild West, or maybe the Wild East... I will talk more about the camp later, for now I am going to go rest up.

"You came in that thing, you're braver than I thought!"
- Princess Leia

Day 13 - Wait, how many times do I need to change Planes?

So I managed to get a flight out of Kuwait. So my trip started at 1600 (4pm) getting a seat on the plane. So You check in, wait for a bus, get on a plane, then head to the next base. So I get to Camp TQ and repeat process. Did I mention I am carrying around 200 pounds of gear on me. A body would be easier to carry. So I leave Camp TQ in the evening and head to Camp Al Asad.

The planes I flew on were C-130s. Nothing new since I flew on them back when I was in the Army. Loud, vibrating, but I had a book and kept myself occupied.

Day 12 - Time to Try and Fly

So we manifested to go to our final duty station today. For me it was show up for the one shot that left that day and not get selected. Maybe better luck tomorrow. The problem with where I am going is that it is so small and out of the way, they dont fly there often. Joy.

I spent most of today repacking gear and fighting with the piss poor internet I paid for.

Day 11 - Kuwait City

So we went on a field trip today. ITT has an office in town so we went there. Another long set of powerpoints, joy. It was nice to be in a real building again not just another tent. Granted they were just teasing us about the Hard Rock visit. We had a home cooked meal which consisted of Fried Fish dirty rice and a few other things I can't identify and plan to keep it that way. Best to just try it and not ask to many questions. The car ride to and fro was scarry. All Florida Drivers and Tourists at Disney know how to drive compared to here. Between that and the video's I have seen of IEDs, I havent been this scared since the last time my wife drove me somewhere. (Sorry Honey, I had to.)

Tomorrow we find out when we fly. I have a long trip ahead of me, mainly due to the hoping I will have to do. So time to pack up and hope I get a flight tomorrow. Who knows, I may be stuck here for a bit. At least there is McDonalds.

Good Night all,
Chris

Day 10 - Camp Leisure

So after spending a few days here I have to say that they take good care of the troops in a place where all you can do is wait for your ride. Good food, Movies, activities, it all helps keep you from getting bored.

Tomorrow we head over to ITT's office and meet the bosses. It will be a day of PowerPoint and HR jargon. If all goes well we will start flying on Wednesday. They call stations like where I am going the wild west operations. How fitting i guess.

So I have started to see what freedoms I will miss. First off is Privacy. There is none here. You share a tent with 15 other guys. Second is security, see my previous statement. You have to carry your laptop or lock it up. Real pain. So enjoy your freedoms. I miss them already.

Well, I get to head into Kuwait City tomorrow. If I get lucky we will stop by the Hard Rock.

Love you guys!!!
Chris

Day 9 - Superbowl Sunday, err Monday?!?

So today has been weird. I didnt go to sleep till about 630 am local time. Finally woke up around 3pm. Started out with a 2 mile run. The shower facilities aren't bad. The mess hall is great! I had Sweet potatoe pie for dessert! I current;y live in Tent City. Just rows and rows of tents. Th facilites are trailers. There are some stores and the resturants I mentioned yesterday. I picked up an access card for internet for a while I am here. Granted I have to be in the MWR building to us it.

So I will be here till Wednesday or Thursday and then fly out to Camp KV. Today was a day to relax and the rest of the week will be more hurry up and wait. There is a USO tent and they have xbox and big screens for watching movies. I tried the free 15 min moral call but didnt have much luck calling. I'll try again later.

Tonight at 2300 hours is the super bowl. Well for back home 1pm. I will be sitting here next to a screen but sadly we dont get the commercials. My favorite part. Some one have beer for me while watching and post a comment here if there is a commercial i should watch. I will have to download them later.

So Sunday winds down for me, good night and enjoy the game.

Day 8 - The Land of Sand

So after more hours than I can imagine on a flight, here I am. We left Friday mid day and headed for Maine. Next Stop was Germany. Finally we landed in Kuwait City, Kuwait. So then we get off a plane and get on a bus. Ali Al Saleem is the camp we are now at. I have never been so happy to see the Golden Arches. They have a bit of home here. After sorting out gear and assigned a tent in tent city, we headed out for food. There is a McDonalds, but I decided on Pizza Hut. So they tell me I will be here till Wednesday or Thursday and then head to Camp KV. Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday and we have nothing to do but relax. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and get an Internet access card. Catch me on IM if you can.

I'm here, I'm safe, and I love you all.

Chris

Day 7 - Time to go

"I'm leavin on a jet plane. I dont know when I'll be back again."

So we are about to get on board a plane and head to Kuwait. Joy, nothing says fun like a 15 hour flight.

I dont have long but I want to say something for anyone that knows me:

I want everyone to understand that it was my choice to head out on this adventure. I wasn't forced, tricked or played into taking this risk. I made a choice like any other. It is true that Christina and I have had a ruff year. I am not doing this because she made me. I brought this up back when a friend of mine, Greg McKaige, went to Iraq with the same company I am now. At the time I was working for the law firm and Christina was the one that talked me out of it. This was long before the troubles we have now surfaced. When the law fm let me go, I sought out Greg to get the information about ITT. When got what I needed I came to Christina with a plan to correct our fiancial mistakes. We have both been living past our means for quite some time now. Ye, Christina has a great job and I would be able to get a good job if I stayed. The choice I made had little o do with the problems between us, but had everything to do with the problems we were in together.

This is the best way to accomplish several things for myself and my family. Today I truely begin to be responisble. Something I have not been for awhile. It is very inconveinent that the wife and I are having problems. But timing in life is never what we want.

If you truely care for me, are my friend, or believe in me, continue to support me as you are. But please do not forget, Christina is in need of that support as well. She is my Wife reguardless of what is going on between us. I trust her with my life. We will survive this hard year we have just bee through and the year to come. I trust in my faith and our comitment to each other that we will get through this. Come on, has anyone really known me to take the easy road.

Remember this, the only one to blame for me going to Iraq is me. Tread carefully before you judge my wife for my actions. She may not always act as I wish, but I know she loves me. She may not show her fear, but I know its there. She needs your help. She will need our friends and family to help her through a year that I am not there to help her carry out life. Do me a favor, give her a hug for me each time you see her, it still wont be as much as I would but it wil help.

For those that are wondering, Christina and I will be continuing to see the councelor while I am gone. Today is the age of technology. It wont be easy but we will get past or problems and be stronger for it.

Sorry for the spelling and grammer, but i have to go jump on a plane before I get left behind.

I Love you all!!!!
Chris

Day 6 part 2

So I am all packed and ready to go. Tomorrow starts at 0530. I have no idea how things will be at my next stop which is Kuwait. All I know is that I have a 14-15 hour trip ahead of me. Once I get on the plane tomorrow, I will be turning off my cell phone permanently. Ill get a new number when I return. If you want to get a hold of me just shoot me an email at cbradshaw007@hotmail.com. I may not have Internet access in Kuwait so don't be alarmed if I do not respond to email or post here for a few days. Enjoy the Superbowl and let me know what commercials to look up on the net. I found out the feed they send our way doesn't have commercials. I guess there is a benefit to being over here.

Again I want to thank all of my friends and family for your support. I know a lot of people think i am doing this for the money. It is part of it but I feel its the best thing i can do for my family right now. I can provide a little more than normal, give a bit more space than ever, and ease the burden on my family. Also I am taking advantage of this time to reset myself. Get rid of some bad habits, simplify my life and focus on what is important to me.

I Love you all. See you when I get back stateside!

Day 6 - A Day to Relax

So I know where I am being stationed, Marine Camp Korean Village. On Google its not listed but I found out its near Ar Rutbah. How near I have no idea. Below is a clip I found on a marine website:

Camp Korean Village / "Camp KV"
Camp Korean Village (also known as Camp KV) is located in a remote stretch of Iraq's western desert, close to the Syrian-Iraq border, and near the highway that connects Jordan with Baghdad. Ar Rutbah is the closest town to Camp Korean Village. Camp Korean Village is believed to be located at one of the H-3 facilities. Camp Korean Village got its name because it once housed Korean laborers who paved the Amman-Baghdad highway during Saddam Hussein's regime.

I'll post more later. For now I'm gong to a formation about the flight and then off to watch a movie and get in a non-mess hall meal.

Day 5 - Death by PowerPoint

Wow, what a long day. Twelve hours of PowerPoint classes. They ranged from First Aid to what an IED is. I have been involved with so many things that has taught me first aid, it was difficult to pay attention. I will say this, the military is improving things. The new pressure bandage was really neat in how it worked.

I cannot describe the IED class per our instructor. What I will say is this, each day I am reminded of how dangerous this undertaking will be. I wont lie to you, I am scared. I hope that I can follow my training and be ready for the situations that I will face while there. I am not worried about the day to day stuff but I am worried about the travel. Going from Kuwait to Iraq will be when am placed in danger. Also when I travel to go on vacation and finally when I go home I will be in harms way. The rest of the time believe I will be on a base with a big wall and lots of troops that want me to live to do my job. Each day in training I am reminded that the enemy wants to kill me to put fear in their fellow citizens. I have to keep that reality in my head each day I go through this.

Well, the longest day is over and I am a "Go" at this point. Tomorrow I don't have to wake up early. I don't have to do much more than pack. Friday I will be flying out and I don't figure I will have Internet access for a few days. So if you don't here from me don't panic. I will post as soon as I secure Internet access.

The slide show option in this blog isn't working so if you want to see my pictures head over to http://www.flickr.com/photos/34885138@N08/. Enjoy!

Tonight I don't have a quote, but I do have a story that I was remembering today. Sean Dearing is my best friend and we met while I was in training at Lockheed Martin. I fell asleep in class one day and Sean bounced a pen off my forehead. Needless to say when I get in a long boring class, I imagine Sean there with a handful of pens ready to launch.

Day 4 - Shots and Gear

Today was a very long day with a lot of waiting around. Sadly all we did was process through medical and get issued our gear. During medical I had the pleasure of getting 4 shots in one arm and small pox stabbed into the other. Take a look on Google about small pox, it isn't fun. I think some one plans days like today. "Hey I know, lets give them a bunch of shots and then have them lug around a bunch of heavy equipment." So with a sore arm I lay in my bunk.

The gear was neat, I immediately had to sit down and put it all together. First I assembled the gas mask. Next I worked on the Helmet. Lastly I assembled the TA-50 gear, otherwise known as a flak vest. Its big, bulky, and heavy but will protect me.

Well, playing with the blog site here I have added a few new features to my site and learned about the spell check (Thanks Tammy...Grammar Nazi!) So far the slide show isn't working but it is late and I need sleep. If you want head over to flickr.com and look me up there. I use the same user id so its easy.

Well tomorrow is called death by PowerPoint so I must get some sleep.

Day 3 - Van Wilder

So today I was given a new nickname. "Van Wilder" for those that haven't seen the movie, well its funny and worth seeing for some college laughs. I have made a few friends while in captivity, err.. I mean processing. Don and Earl are processing here as well and heading into Afghanistan and Iraq. Don started a conversation with me after spotting the Star Wars book I carried to fend off the boredom. Another friend brought to me from a galaxy far far away.

Did I mention the food here is great. Only one problem, large helpings. I use to need this much food when I was a soldier. Now, I just need to remember moderation.

Tomorrow I get suited up in the TA 50 gear. I will try to post some pictures up here to show off the new gear.

"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."
- Van Wilder

Day 2 - Patience will Prevail

So here we are on Sunday with another day of Processing. The day started early, I keep starting at 6am. I know, I shouldn't complain but I have fallen in the habit of sleeping in. We start early, spend a lot of time waiting, but they are processing over 500 people along with me.

I had to have patience on many fronts today. I was mistaken when I thought I would be leaving some problems behind. Today I was reminded that they will eventually creep back up no matter where I go. I don't care to detail to much but I will say this. Be careful in life insulting some one's integrity. Do it once and they can forgive, after that I personally don't care to much for you.

Well, another thing I can whine about, working out. I vowed to myself that I would work out while gone. So far so good. I planned to run a mile and do some weight lifting each day. So far I have been distracted by conversation each time I run and end up going miles. It feels good to accomplish but I sure walk funny right now. I know it will pass once I get into better shape.

"Sometimes we are forced to be patient. We still have the choice to be impatient but the consequences of those actions are far worse than the discomfort of patience."

Day 1 - Hurry up and Wait!

Well today was easier than yesterday. Typical Army stuff, lots of paperwork and PowerPoint classes on all the wonderful things we need to know to go.

I was able to work out tonight. Planning only to run a mile I got talking to some other people next to me and ran 3. It felt good to be able to do it.

Not much to say tonight other than my computer is a pain. Tomorrow will come early, 0600.

"We feel we must rush through life from one thing to the next. Most of the time we could have moved a little slower and accomplished so much more."

Day 0 - The First Step is the Hardest

Well, here I am. Today is the start of a new chapter of my life. When my wife dropped me off at the airport and drove away, I took the hardest step I will take during this adventure. The one that sends me to Iraq. The one that leaves behind my wife, cats, dog, family, friends, and gerbil. The same step that will clear the debts of my household. The very step that will give my wife the space she needs to figure out who she is and why we are together. The same step that sets me on a new path of self discovery.

Today a lot of people told me how brave I am and how proud they are. Last night when I was in a fetal position in bed I didn't feel very proud or brave. I won't lie to anyone. This scares me more than anything really has. Not because I am heading into a war torn country where I may get shot or blown up. I firmly believe when my time is up it wont matter where I am at. Only pray that your not flying with me as the pilot when my number is up. What scares me is that I am taking a chance. One that will either make or break my marriage.

Over the course of the next year I will delve more into whats going on in my head. I can't tell you whether its for your benefit or mine. Today is day ZERO of my One year term in Iraq. Amusingly it starts in Georgia. I will be here at Fort Benning for the next week and the ship out to Kuwait. From there I will head to whatever base they decide needs a techno geek like me.

Today I weigh 213 pounds. I am out of shape (I had to stop a lot to get my bags to the barracks,) My day was spent finishing cleaning out my office at home. Packing had to be finished so I could leave. The wife took me to the airport and held me so close. (It was great!) I took the Hardest Step I have ever taken. The one that moved me from the spot she left me at. Part of me wanted to have her swing back and get me. But alas, I didn't call and here I am. From there it was nothing more than a short flight, a few shuttle rides from Atlanta to Columbus to Fort Benning. I feel like I am back in Basic Training. If someone starts yelling while hitting a trash can to wake me up I will be back to 1995 yelling "Yes Drill Sergent!"

I am currently in a nice sized room with four bunks and matching wall lockers. Only two of us are here so there is some privacy thanks to the layout of the room. We shall see if it stays that way. I can hear the latrine and the washing machines. Sounds like I need to use earplugs tonight.

Today I was called by many friends and family. Thank you all for your support. Without all of you I would not be as strong as you give me credit for.

So here it is, my blog. Take it for what it is and will become. If you get bored, don't say I didn't warn you!

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
- Nelson Mandela