So it's been an interesting month. As I get closer to executing the plan I orchestrated, more things come up to make sure it runs smoothly. I know that no matter what, no matter how much planning and preparation I do before it begins, there will still be things that are out of my control that will need to be dealt with when they arise. The A/C in our tent keeps going out so over the last few weeks I'd say nearly 10 days of those have been without the A/C working (today is another of those days). June/July are also the dustiest months of the year and the last 30 days has kept that streak going....we've had sand storm after sand storm, one of which lasted 2 days. I realized this deployment, and cannot remember if i mentioned it last time I was here, that the stars are not visible at night when you look up. There is so much dust/crap in the air, a perpetual haze, that the stars are completely blocked. To continue my current rant on the weather conditions here, we had a few days this week of premature humidity levels. So to add to the already 110*+ temps I had the pleasure of walking out of buildings/tents and into air that was heavy and thick. I remember it being humid during the 'winter' months out here last time but we got a sneak peek at what it'll be like in a few months. Can't wait.
I was able to drive about an hour from here to Ali Al Salem Airbase a few weeks ago when Kyle flew in to start his deployment. Took me a while to find him since no one at the terminal had a manifest nor knew when the flight was due to arrive. After spending a few hours waiting, I saw a group walking into the tent and he was one of them. We were able to hang out for most of the day, grabbed some food, hit up the USO/MWR and whatnot. It was good to see him and I expect to see him again in the near future after I move.
Yes, I am moving. Remember that plan I had designed? Well, I was tapped to execute it since I know everything there is to know about it. Thing is, I've learned that what I came up with was not what Big Army had wanted but a two star general bought off on my plan and stuck his neck out to get a three star general to go with it so now I'm suppose to go and make it work.....soooooo if all goes well, I'm a genius.....if I fail, I'm a scapegoat and Obama will be able to blame me for not meeting his timeline. Basically if I fail, I should just hitch a ride to nowhere....no pressure right? I have no doubt that with the individuals I will be working with and have working for me (roughly 120 Airmen and Soldiers that could flex up to just over 200) will be able to make it happen. I'll be gone for about two months, give or take, which I am looking forward to as it is currently 122* outside which is roughly 10* hotter than up north. I think I may have once made the comparison of a 'breeze' here being like someone taking a hair-dryer on its highest setting and blowing your face with it (toss in some sand too).....well lately, with the humidity it was more like that moment when you open an oven door and you get blasted with hot air....only continual....for 2 days....
Anyway, internet will be a little more sparse while I'm up north but I'll try my best to keep in touch and get another edition pumped out when I can! Hope all's well back home!
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| Finally, now the 'war' can end! |
I was able to drive about an hour from here to Ali Al Salem Airbase a few weeks ago when Kyle flew in to start his deployment. Took me a while to find him since no one at the terminal had a manifest nor knew when the flight was due to arrive. After spending a few hours waiting, I saw a group walking into the tent and he was one of them. We were able to hang out for most of the day, grabbed some food, hit up the USO/MWR and whatnot. It was good to see him and I expect to see him again in the near future after I move.
Yes, I am moving. Remember that plan I had designed? Well, I was tapped to execute it since I know everything there is to know about it. Thing is, I've learned that what I came up with was not what Big Army had wanted but a two star general bought off on my plan and stuck his neck out to get a three star general to go with it so now I'm suppose to go and make it work.....soooooo if all goes well, I'm a genius.....if I fail, I'm a scapegoat and Obama will be able to blame me for not meeting his timeline. Basically if I fail, I should just hitch a ride to nowhere....no pressure right? I have no doubt that with the individuals I will be working with and have working for me (roughly 120 Airmen and Soldiers that could flex up to just over 200) will be able to make it happen. I'll be gone for about two months, give or take, which I am looking forward to as it is currently 122* outside which is roughly 10* hotter than up north. I think I may have once made the comparison of a 'breeze' here being like someone taking a hair-dryer on its highest setting and blowing your face with it (toss in some sand too).....well lately, with the humidity it was more like that moment when you open an oven door and you get blasted with hot air....only continual....for 2 days....
Anyway, internet will be a little more sparse while I'm up north but I'll try my best to keep in touch and get another edition pumped out when I can! Hope all's well back home!
