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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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?
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?
Monday, April 20, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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
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
Saturday, April 4, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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
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
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