That didn't take long. And neither is the time they are giving me to leave.
They have decided to transfer me to Camp Warrior in Kirkuk. Not sure what to expect but hopefully it will be a little better than Speicher. People are really stressed out here and not because of the war or violence or anything like that. It's the politics of KBR. There are so many people here and it's a dog-eat-dog world on steroids. No one can give me a good description of the place so I feel like I will be going in there blind.
I leave in a couple of days....just enough time to pack my stuff and ship some things to Camp Warrior and pack my suitcases. I can send footlockers via mail which is actually U.S. Mail that is handled by the military. But that usually takes 7-10 days so I have to make sure I take enough clothes and supplies to last until that gets there. I have no idea what the living conditions are but I have heard that they have plenty available, instead of living in the dorm, two to a room.
Getting there is a pain since I have to fly to Baghdad and then wait a day and then fly to Kirkuk. It is similar to being in Austin and having to fly to Houston to get to San Antonio. And I'll have to carry all my stuff with me over more rocky terrain.......great.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Possible Transfer
So I've had heard that there is a strong possibility that I will be transferred to Kirkuk. It's a city northeast of Tikrit (where I am now). The base is smaller than Camp Speicher but not as small as some of the other camps I could go to. From what I understand, they need someone with computer experience to help them out.
I thought I would be sticking it out here at Speicher. There is a large sense of security knowing this place is so large. It may not go through, they are still trying to decide who will go since there are several cadidates. We'll see.
I thought I would be sticking it out here at Speicher. There is a large sense of security knowing this place is so large. It may not go through, they are still trying to decide who will go since there are several cadidates. We'll see.
Monday, September 24, 2007
12 hours a day, 7 days a week
I have to tell you that working these hours really takes some getting used to. I am fortunate that the DFAC is right next door; the Dining FACility, that is. Otherwise I would have to work a little longer to compensate for the time it would take to get to and from lunch and dinner.
Even the soldiers out here don't work these kind of hours. Depending on the mission, they sometimes work 8-10 hours a day, 6 days a week. I am surprised more people don't have a mental or emotional breakdown. It does happen though. I've heard some pretty bad stories of people losing perspective out here and getting a little wacky. They typically quit abruptly or are just sent home.
Finding the right amount of sleep is important because can set in easily. By the time you get off work, have dinner, walk back to your room, take a shower and get everything ready for the next day, it gets to be late quick. If you read or do something else to unwind you have to be careful that you're not still awake at midnight. It comes too fast, as does the morning.
So I've been trying to sleep at night, but it's a big adjustment without Nora. I'm used to having her right next to me and occasionally waking up with either Jon-Gabriel or Gaby somewhere on the bed as well.....either in between us or to the side. I miss them tremendously. I wonder if I can really do this. Can I be out here for a year? Can I be out here for 6 months? Only time will tell. I really hate missing out on the day-to-day happenings of my family.
Even the soldiers out here don't work these kind of hours. Depending on the mission, they sometimes work 8-10 hours a day, 6 days a week. I am surprised more people don't have a mental or emotional breakdown. It does happen though. I've heard some pretty bad stories of people losing perspective out here and getting a little wacky. They typically quit abruptly or are just sent home.
Finding the right amount of sleep is important because can set in easily. By the time you get off work, have dinner, walk back to your room, take a shower and get everything ready for the next day, it gets to be late quick. If you read or do something else to unwind you have to be careful that you're not still awake at midnight. It comes too fast, as does the morning.
So I've been trying to sleep at night, but it's a big adjustment without Nora. I'm used to having her right next to me and occasionally waking up with either Jon-Gabriel or Gaby somewhere on the bed as well.....either in between us or to the side. I miss them tremendously. I wonder if I can really do this. Can I be out here for a year? Can I be out here for 6 months? Only time will tell. I really hate missing out on the day-to-day happenings of my family.
Friday, September 21, 2007
MWR...It's a Job
Well I've been getting accustomed to preparing events, answering questions, signing out equipment and various other tasks. The job is mostly what you make of it. Because of my prowess with a computer, they have put me i charge of creating flyers, posters and signs about everything. This has met with a little resistance from some of the staff because they wanted to do more of that. I tried to quell some of that animosity but to each his own.
The soldiers seem grateful when you really put forth the effort to help or show concern and compassion. I have heard from the soldiers that many MWR employees really don't care about the job but only the paycheck. This is most unfortunate because you can tell that many of the people we cater to, really need a place to relax and get away from the work they do.
I've learned about the missions they go on, and many times they don't know until minutes before they leave so the security of the mission remains intact. They have a highly stressful job. I've talked to as many as I could to try and lend an ear. It's always good for them to vent or share their problems with someone instead of bottle them up.
The competitions and events we've had, like ping-pong, foosball, 8-ball, karaoke, video game tournaments really serve as a good distraction from their daily work.
The soldiers seem grateful when you really put forth the effort to help or show concern and compassion. I have heard from the soldiers that many MWR employees really don't care about the job but only the paycheck. This is most unfortunate because you can tell that many of the people we cater to, really need a place to relax and get away from the work they do.
I've learned about the missions they go on, and many times they don't know until minutes before they leave so the security of the mission remains intact. They have a highly stressful job. I've talked to as many as I could to try and lend an ear. It's always good for them to vent or share their problems with someone instead of bottle them up.
The competitions and events we've had, like ping-pong, foosball, 8-ball, karaoke, video game tournaments really serve as a good distraction from their daily work.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Camp Speicher
Well I have met several people in my first few days here. I got a tour of all the MWR facilities as well as a feel for the size of the base. It's huge. I didn't get to see all of it but we drove around alot. There are three big DFACs, 4 recreation centers, 3 weightrooms, 1 gynasium, 1 auditorium with stadium-style seating, a track, a softball field, and two soccer fields. And those are only the facilitieds that we manage. the military has additional facilities that they keep as well.
There are all kinds of walks of life. People from India, Pakistan, Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Mexico, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Monte Negro, Croatia, Ethipoia, Colombia, Tonga, Samoa, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Somolia, Turkey, Hungary, and others I don't remember. On the military side, I've seen Russian, British and Australian. And most people have guns! except of course KBR and the subcontract workers.
There are security forces out here from many different companies in addition to the military. Even engineering and construction firm personnel are armed. I t takes soem getting used to. No one is allowed into many of the facilities with loaded weapons. There are discharging areas before you enter the buildings to make sure weapons are cleared. They are usually, 55 gallon barrels with sand leaning at an angle with a hole in the top. Soldiers are required to carry their guns and ammunition at all times in case of an emergency... even when they are off-duty.
There are all kinds of different vehicles out here too. Of course you see regular pickups and SUVs, but the HUMVEE is everywhere along with big military trucks, tanks, and assorted special vehicles. The distanc efrom my room to the DFAC and MWR ia about a 10 minute walk. But don't be fooled. It's a walk in 100 degree heat, through rocks and sand liek dirt. There are no sidewalks and only the main roads are paved. The straight path form room to work is not a road but a path. There are very few trees so it's kinda like a rocky desert. The sand is not like Saudia Arabia desert sand. It's like a fine dirt. It gets everywhere.
There are all kinds of walks of life. People from India, Pakistan, Phillipines, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Mexico, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Monte Negro, Croatia, Ethipoia, Colombia, Tonga, Samoa, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Somolia, Turkey, Hungary, and others I don't remember. On the military side, I've seen Russian, British and Australian. And most people have guns! except of course KBR and the subcontract workers.
There are security forces out here from many different companies in addition to the military. Even engineering and construction firm personnel are armed. I t takes soem getting used to. No one is allowed into many of the facilities with loaded weapons. There are discharging areas before you enter the buildings to make sure weapons are cleared. They are usually, 55 gallon barrels with sand leaning at an angle with a hole in the top. Soldiers are required to carry their guns and ammunition at all times in case of an emergency... even when they are off-duty.
There are all kinds of different vehicles out here too. Of course you see regular pickups and SUVs, but the HUMVEE is everywhere along with big military trucks, tanks, and assorted special vehicles. The distanc efrom my room to the DFAC and MWR ia about a 10 minute walk. But don't be fooled. It's a walk in 100 degree heat, through rocks and sand liek dirt. There are no sidewalks and only the main roads are paved. The straight path form room to work is not a road but a path. There are very few trees so it's kinda like a rocky desert. The sand is not like Saudia Arabia desert sand. It's like a fine dirt. It gets everywhere.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Orientation and BOOM!
Today I attended an orientation for new hires and transfers into Camp Speicher. Some of it was informative but most was more of what we heard in Houston over and over. Some people were falling asleep while one of the sleep nazis went around tapping people to wake up.
During one of the presentations, we heard a distant boom and almost immediately the whole building rattled and shuttered. Everyone looked around and the presenter, at first paused for just a couple of seconds and proceeded with his presentation. I was bewildered with what happened. I didn't hear an explosion, just a muffled boom, but the fact that the whole building shook caused alarm, for me anyway. The presenter continued for another minute or two when he came to a stopping point. He then announced he was going to check on the situation.
He went to the rear of the class and into the lobby and office area. When he came back, he said that the camp was going to be under a Red Alert and shortly thereafter, several radios went off to announce for us to take cover in a bunker. We rushed but didn't run. Some people just moseyed along like nothing. No one knew what was going on but there was a lot of speculation. There were no further booms or anything else. There was lots of conversation on different radio channels and I was fortunate to be standing a couple of people away from someone who had a radio on the right channel.
The bunkers we were in were made of concrete. Picture a large square concrete pipe about 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide and about 20 feet long. Now picture the bottom part taken away. That's basically a type of bunker. The floor is the ground and the walls and ceiling are about 8-10 inches thick.
The class filled several bunkers. After about an hour and a half they announced the All Clear. Know one knew what happened, only that it was clear. Later, during our orientation, one of the head honchos addressed the situation...... there was a car bomb about 3 MILES away that sent shockwaves for miles. Apparently it was a large one somewhere in the city of Tikrit. Maybe we'll see something int the news.
For now, we're good. (whew)
During one of the presentations, we heard a distant boom and almost immediately the whole building rattled and shuttered. Everyone looked around and the presenter, at first paused for just a couple of seconds and proceeded with his presentation. I was bewildered with what happened. I didn't hear an explosion, just a muffled boom, but the fact that the whole building shook caused alarm, for me anyway. The presenter continued for another minute or two when he came to a stopping point. He then announced he was going to check on the situation.
He went to the rear of the class and into the lobby and office area. When he came back, he said that the camp was going to be under a Red Alert and shortly thereafter, several radios went off to announce for us to take cover in a bunker. We rushed but didn't run. Some people just moseyed along like nothing. No one knew what was going on but there was a lot of speculation. There were no further booms or anything else. There was lots of conversation on different radio channels and I was fortunate to be standing a couple of people away from someone who had a radio on the right channel.
The bunkers we were in were made of concrete. Picture a large square concrete pipe about 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide and about 20 feet long. Now picture the bottom part taken away. That's basically a type of bunker. The floor is the ground and the walls and ceiling are about 8-10 inches thick.
The class filled several bunkers. After about an hour and a half they announced the All Clear. Know one knew what happened, only that it was clear. Later, during our orientation, one of the head honchos addressed the situation...... there was a car bomb about 3 MILES away that sent shockwaves for miles. Apparently it was a large one somewhere in the city of Tikrit. Maybe we'll see something int the news.
For now, we're good. (whew)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
First Day on the Job
So I slept well last night after the exhausting day. I met the shuttle to get to the Dining Facility (DFAC) for breakfast. They told me the MWR facility I was working at was right next door. How convenient!! So after I ate, I went to the Main Recreation Center and found Larry Selvey, the person in charge. He sat down and gave me a brief of the facility and what he expected. He seemed eager to fill me in once I told him my background in events, sports, recreation and graphic design. We hit it off fairly well.
The Main Rec consisted of the following
I used the day to get my bearings and figure out what I needed to do. I watched the front counter and helped direct soldiers to differenct areas and signed out movies, video games, and pool balls. Larry wants me to start events right away. He has some high expectations but that's what I'm here for. HA!
The Main Rec consisted of the following
- front desk for siging in, checking out equipment, signing up for phone or computer use.
- room for a library with lots of books, about 20'x30'
- an art room with some drafting tables that looked like they haven't been used in a while. Thre was soem stained-glass pieces all around.
- a multipurpose room that was divied into two TV viewing areas by some movable walls. There are some sofas and chairs here.
- another multipurpose room that was divided into separate areas. 1. Darts, TV/Movie area, 7 pool tables, 5 ping pong tables, a computer room with 12 stations, a phone and computer room with 18 stations.
I used the day to get my bearings and figure out what I needed to do. I watched the front counter and helped direct soldiers to differenct areas and signed out movies, video games, and pool balls. Larry wants me to start events right away. He has some high expectations but that's what I'm here for. HA!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Baghdad Airport, Destination Tikrit
So I finally made a flight out of Baghdad. Getting through the process was such a pain. Ready? Here we go..... First there is a roll call for all people and you are divided into groups by your destination. Then you have to get your card scanned, turn in your keys to your room, get your luggage to the luggage truck, meet again for a final briefing, find your bus, check in, get on the bus, then a long bus ride to the airport (over very bumpy roads), wait on the bus, get off the bus and find your luggage (which has been unloaded into rows on the pavement), get in line, walk through the lobby to the security check, go thru screening number one, collect your things, check your bags, bet the boarding pass, go thru screening number two, wait in the warm lobby for about 4 hours, get in line again, go thru screening number 3, get in line again, go downstairs to another shuttle, drive out to the tarmac, and board the plane.
It's exhausting just thinking about it again. We are like a herd of cows, moved from one place to another.
The plane is another story. It's a turbo prop plane and we entered through the back. It's a company that KBR has hired to charter flights in and out of Iraq. This plane is probably about 40 years old. It's Russian and the pilot and staff are from eastern Europe somewhere. There is a musty old smell and you can't even understand the safety briefing about seat belts and the plane. It can only hold about 32 people. We entered through the cargo hold. Once we were loaded the plane started up and MAN! it was loud. I'm glad I had my ipod with me. The snug fit drowned out the some of the noise.
The ride was bumpy but I expected this from the look of the plane. It's a two and half-hour trip. I tried to sleep but it was almost impossible. The landing was okay.
As we debarked, we got our luggage and I followed the 20 other people getting off at this location. There was no terminal or building. The airstrip is military so after we landed, the plane parks and we get off. It felt so unusual. There was a shuttle waiting for us so we threw our luggage into another truck adn rode to the next destination.
We drove a ways to the living area, which consisted of hundreds of cargo-like containers that were modified as living quarters called CHUs - Conainer Housing Units. It's surrounded by T-walls. 6 foot wide by 8-10 foot tall and 2 foot wide concrete walls that are arranged around almost all the structures. The T-walls contain collateral damage in case mortars or rockets land in the area.
So we got into the Billeting Building where there is a conference room and had a short orientation about where we willbe sleeping and who to report to. Then we unloaded our luggage. I ended up in the dorm with is single story unit that has abomut 50 rooms. Each room houses two people. Very small. Two built-in twin beds, head to foot on the right and two small wardobe-like closets on the left. There is a small desk n the left on the far side of the wardrobe. there is already someone on the far side so I take the bed near the door. The mattress has a hinge so underneath is open to a little more storage. The room is like a sardine can. No TV, no fridge. Just beds, closets and a desk. Ugh! LOL!
Welcome to Iraq....
It's exhausting just thinking about it again. We are like a herd of cows, moved from one place to another.
The plane is another story. It's a turbo prop plane and we entered through the back. It's a company that KBR has hired to charter flights in and out of Iraq. This plane is probably about 40 years old. It's Russian and the pilot and staff are from eastern Europe somewhere. There is a musty old smell and you can't even understand the safety briefing about seat belts and the plane. It can only hold about 32 people. We entered through the cargo hold. Once we were loaded the plane started up and MAN! it was loud. I'm glad I had my ipod with me. The snug fit drowned out the some of the noise.
The ride was bumpy but I expected this from the look of the plane. It's a two and half-hour trip. I tried to sleep but it was almost impossible. The landing was okay.
As we debarked, we got our luggage and I followed the 20 other people getting off at this location. There was no terminal or building. The airstrip is military so after we landed, the plane parks and we get off. It felt so unusual. There was a shuttle waiting for us so we threw our luggage into another truck adn rode to the next destination.
We drove a ways to the living area, which consisted of hundreds of cargo-like containers that were modified as living quarters called CHUs - Conainer Housing Units. It's surrounded by T-walls. 6 foot wide by 8-10 foot tall and 2 foot wide concrete walls that are arranged around almost all the structures. The T-walls contain collateral damage in case mortars or rockets land in the area.
So we got into the Billeting Building where there is a conference room and had a short orientation about where we willbe sleeping and who to report to. Then we unloaded our luggage. I ended up in the dorm with is single story unit that has abomut 50 rooms. Each room houses two people. Very small. Two built-in twin beds, head to foot on the right and two small wardobe-like closets on the left. There is a small desk n the left on the far side of the wardrobe. there is already someone on the far side so I take the bed near the door. The mattress has a hinge so underneath is open to a little more storage. The room is like a sardine can. No TV, no fridge. Just beds, closets and a desk. Ugh! LOL!
Welcome to Iraq....
Sunday, September 9, 2007
DENIED!!
Well I almost flew out today. My name was on the list but the flight was overbooked. So 25 people were randomly selected to leave tomorrow. So now I ahve a whole day to do absolutley nothing. Sleeping won't help because then I will be up tonight and be tired tomorrow. So I've just been meeting people, watched a couple of movies, went to the PX and ate. I think I've gained about 20 pounds since I left Austin. That will have to change once I get situated. I've set some goals as far as fitness goes, so I hope I can accomplish them.
I really miss home. That's not to day I am homesick but I catch myself questioning why I am actually here. I firmly believe that this is going to benefit my family in the long run. I just have to put up with the short term and everything will be great after that. I pray that Nora will be able to take care of things at home. I relly have no doubt that she can....but life can throw some wicked curve balls, and I won't be within arms reach to help.
I think about growing old with Nora and how great life will be. I think about my kids and how successful I know they will become. I am already proud of them. Michael has really stepped up to help around the house. He is after all man-of-the-house right now. I have faith in him.
I can't wait to get to my base. Tomorrow is another day.
I really miss home. That's not to day I am homesick but I catch myself questioning why I am actually here. I firmly believe that this is going to benefit my family in the long run. I just have to put up with the short term and everything will be great after that. I pray that Nora will be able to take care of things at home. I relly have no doubt that she can....but life can throw some wicked curve balls, and I won't be within arms reach to help.
I think about growing old with Nora and how great life will be. I think about my kids and how successful I know they will become. I am already proud of them. Michael has really stepped up to help around the house. He is after all man-of-the-house right now. I have faith in him.
I can't wait to get to my base. Tomorrow is another day.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Arriving in Baghdad
So we waited at the Dubai airport. Our flight was delayed multiple times for a total of five hours. Some of our group were sleeping on the carpeted airport floor or in chairs. I tried but I just couldn't get comfortable enough and I definitely was not getting on the floor.
Finally the time arrived that we could board our plane. Took a shuttle out there. It was a 3 hour flight. The landing was bumpy and it was very hazy. We landed during a dust storm....not to be confused with a sand storm.
When we debarked onto the tarmac, I felt danger as I have never felt before. For one thing, the environment is completely foreign. Hot wind blew by. Plain clothes men with machine guns stood around looking out at the perimeter. Men in soldier uniforms (I assume Iraqi military) lay just beyond them also looking out at the perimeter. It was bizzare. The airport looked desolate. Only one baggage carousel was working. There may have been more, but we didn't see any. Our group was about 200. We had to follow a bunch of procedures before getting on our buses out of the airport. It was a somewhat terrifying experience. Hardly any words were spoken from the airplane to our destination. For security reasons, I won't divulge the details.
But we arrived unharmed, although we did see some burning vehicles in the distance and various other artifacts from the ravages the war has brought to this country. We had to go through a few processes once we got to our temporary holding center. This place is a hub for arriving in Irag and people leaving Iraq. Basically you have to wait for flights in and out of here. It's connected to several other camps, so we have acces to Dining Facilities, PX (like a Wal-mart), phone banks, rec centers and shops and food court that includes Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, Popeye's and a few others. Now don't let me mislead you. You have to walk quite a way to get to each of these locations. The PX and the food court are right next to each other, but the rest is a good long walk. There are shuttles but sometimes they are unreliable.
So I am sharing a room with four other guys. It's basically liek a mobile storage unit with windows and an air conditioner. Two bunk beds and a cot. Nothing else. I mean NOTHING. Community bathrooms and showers are a few building away. The showers are tiny.
But my first meal here was pretty good. The dining facility was excellent. Good food and lots of variety. But I hope I won't be here long. I don't have internet capability and the line for phones is long. Plus there isn't anything to do but sleep or watch a movie on a big screen TV. I will know in the morning if I get to fly out to my assigned base.
Finally the time arrived that we could board our plane. Took a shuttle out there. It was a 3 hour flight. The landing was bumpy and it was very hazy. We landed during a dust storm....not to be confused with a sand storm.
When we debarked onto the tarmac, I felt danger as I have never felt before. For one thing, the environment is completely foreign. Hot wind blew by. Plain clothes men with machine guns stood around looking out at the perimeter. Men in soldier uniforms (I assume Iraqi military) lay just beyond them also looking out at the perimeter. It was bizzare. The airport looked desolate. Only one baggage carousel was working. There may have been more, but we didn't see any. Our group was about 200. We had to follow a bunch of procedures before getting on our buses out of the airport. It was a somewhat terrifying experience. Hardly any words were spoken from the airplane to our destination. For security reasons, I won't divulge the details.
But we arrived unharmed, although we did see some burning vehicles in the distance and various other artifacts from the ravages the war has brought to this country. We had to go through a few processes once we got to our temporary holding center. This place is a hub for arriving in Irag and people leaving Iraq. Basically you have to wait for flights in and out of here. It's connected to several other camps, so we have acces to Dining Facilities, PX (like a Wal-mart), phone banks, rec centers and shops and food court that includes Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, Popeye's and a few others. Now don't let me mislead you. You have to walk quite a way to get to each of these locations. The PX and the food court are right next to each other, but the rest is a good long walk. There are shuttles but sometimes they are unreliable.
So I am sharing a room with four other guys. It's basically liek a mobile storage unit with windows and an air conditioner. Two bunk beds and a cot. Nothing else. I mean NOTHING. Community bathrooms and showers are a few building away. The showers are tiny.
But my first meal here was pretty good. The dining facility was excellent. Good food and lots of variety. But I hope I won't be here long. I don't have internet capability and the line for phones is long. Plus there isn't anything to do but sleep or watch a movie on a big screen TV. I will know in the morning if I get to fly out to my assigned base.
Friday, September 7, 2007
I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore
So my emotions wre running high a fwe hours ago. I will miss my wife, my kids, my mom, my dad, my brother and my friends. :-( I'm sure I will be able to talk and e-mail them but it won't be the same.......change of subject!.
Well, I zonked that first flight to London. We landed at the Gatwick International Airport. I guess they don't believe in air conditioners, walkways and manners. The airport is quite large but the ceilings are low, the smell is musty and the English are a rude bunch. We had to go through a security checkpoint again. Another line.
We boarded another plane. My seat was in the very last row of the plane. It was a row of three seats in the middle. As I approached, I noticed some bags on my seat and then discovered a small child travelling with his mom. As I looked down at the seat, the lady apologized for the bags and apologized again for me having to sit with a 2-year old next to me. She continued to say if I wanted to move seats, that she understood if I didn't want to sit next to them. There were some other seats on the plane, but further up and in the middle of people. I decided to stay. After all, Jon-Gabriel is only 3.
Well, my neighbor's name was Reef (as in the ocean). He was a sweet kid with blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Like my Jon-Jon, he loved buttons. We spent plenty of time playing and passing the time away. The flight attendants were also a big help. He actually made several tours of the plane with them.....................The whole process was sort of like therapy for me since I couldn't be with Michael, Annalisa, or Jon-Gabriel. Plus I liked helping these two out, on their way to see Reef's dad in Dubai. He just landed a three-year contract there. Of all things, he is in conference management (just like me for the last 8 years!).
When we landed I helped get them to the baggage claim and retrieve their luggage. I really didn't mind. I felt that if Nora needs help sometime, and I'm not there, someone will be there to help her out. Kinda like a karma.
So getting into Dubai was interesting. We flew in at 7:00pm. Culture shock. Arabs everywhere, but what else would I be expecting? You could definitely see the "Western" influence everywhere.....from billboards to some people wearing jeans and button-up shirts or a cross between robes and suits. Then there are the women who are covered head to toe, even there faces....all in black. It will freak you out, like from a scary movie.
Well we all grouped up and took a special shuttle to our hotel. Once there, we had a meeting. I was really hoping to be able to stay at least a day or two in Dubai to catch up with rest and sleep and the fact that when I flew, I lost almost a day.....from Central Standard Time to local UAE time.
NO.................SUCH..................LUCK. We will be leaving tomorrow morning and have to be in the hotel lobby at 6:00am. It's already 10:00pm and I just got to my room. I'll have to get up at 4:30am to shower, eat and get ready before reporting. But I was restless so I thought I would sit down and type for a few minutes.
So here I am in Dubai on the other side of the world. Looking out my window at the skyline. It looks like many other cities in the U.S. but also.....different. I mean most building names are in English and Arabic but it's something more than that. The way the city is built or something.
I feel like I am in the twilight zone. Well I gotta get to bed. More tomorrow. I'll be in Iraq tomorrow.
Well, I zonked that first flight to London. We landed at the Gatwick International Airport. I guess they don't believe in air conditioners, walkways and manners. The airport is quite large but the ceilings are low, the smell is musty and the English are a rude bunch. We had to go through a security checkpoint again. Another line.
We boarded another plane. My seat was in the very last row of the plane. It was a row of three seats in the middle. As I approached, I noticed some bags on my seat and then discovered a small child travelling with his mom. As I looked down at the seat, the lady apologized for the bags and apologized again for me having to sit with a 2-year old next to me. She continued to say if I wanted to move seats, that she understood if I didn't want to sit next to them. There were some other seats on the plane, but further up and in the middle of people. I decided to stay. After all, Jon-Gabriel is only 3.
Well, my neighbor's name was Reef (as in the ocean). He was a sweet kid with blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Like my Jon-Jon, he loved buttons. We spent plenty of time playing and passing the time away. The flight attendants were also a big help. He actually made several tours of the plane with them.....................The whole process was sort of like therapy for me since I couldn't be with Michael, Annalisa, or Jon-Gabriel. Plus I liked helping these two out, on their way to see Reef's dad in Dubai. He just landed a three-year contract there. Of all things, he is in conference management (just like me for the last 8 years!).
When we landed I helped get them to the baggage claim and retrieve their luggage. I really didn't mind. I felt that if Nora needs help sometime, and I'm not there, someone will be there to help her out. Kinda like a karma.
So getting into Dubai was interesting. We flew in at 7:00pm. Culture shock. Arabs everywhere, but what else would I be expecting? You could definitely see the "Western" influence everywhere.....from billboards to some people wearing jeans and button-up shirts or a cross between robes and suits. Then there are the women who are covered head to toe, even there faces....all in black. It will freak you out, like from a scary movie.
Well we all grouped up and took a special shuttle to our hotel. Once there, we had a meeting. I was really hoping to be able to stay at least a day or two in Dubai to catch up with rest and sleep and the fact that when I flew, I lost almost a day.....from Central Standard Time to local UAE time.
NO.................SUCH..................LUCK. We will be leaving tomorrow morning and have to be in the hotel lobby at 6:00am. It's already 10:00pm and I just got to my room. I'll have to get up at 4:30am to shower, eat and get ready before reporting. But I was restless so I thought I would sit down and type for a few minutes.
So here I am in Dubai on the other side of the world. Looking out my window at the skyline. It looks like many other cities in the U.S. but also.....different. I mean most building names are in English and Arabic but it's something more than that. The way the city is built or something.
I feel like I am in the twilight zone. Well I gotta get to bed. More tomorrow. I'll be in Iraq tomorrow.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Over the Atlantic
I am writing this blog entry on the plane from Houston to London. The past 6 hours have been pretty emotional. Nora and the kids came up from Houston. I got lucky and was able to get the hotel front desk to give me a room to myself so Nora and the kids stayed with me. We had a good time. But it seemed to go by so fast. Before I knew it, the morning came and I had to get to my morning meetings. I let the kids sleep in. Nora was going to to meet me later to say goodbye.
The morning meetings were pretty boring, going over our travel plans and itinerary. I was able to sneak away so Nora could pick me up for lunch before I had to be back to board the shuttle for the airpot. So we went to lunch at Whataburger and took lots of pictures. It was hard to contain myself but I don't think Nora or the kids knew how much this was affecting me.
So as I drove back, I found out that we could get our own ride to the airport, so i quickly yanked my stuff from the shuttle and hopped back in the Armada. I was ecstatic! This would be easier for Jon-Gabriel to understand.....that Daddy was getting on a plane, rather than just dropping me off.
We got to the airport and I just hung out with everyone........but of course I knew what was coming.......
And sure enough, we had Kleenex everywhere. That was tough, because we all knew (except for Jon-Gabriel) that we wouldn't see each other for 4 months.
When it was time for me to leave, I tried to make things light by pretending I was an airplane. Everyone laughed at me as I went through the line at security check, especially Annalisa and Jon-Gabriel. I had the whole thing goin' complete with sound effects and swirling around. Other people must have thought I was crazy but I really didn't care. This was for my family.
So I had more emotional situations when I talked to my mom, my dad, and my brother. I had to keep my sunglasses on to hide my red eyes and the tears. I still get choked up thinking about the last few hours before I left Houston..................
More later............
The morning meetings were pretty boring, going over our travel plans and itinerary. I was able to sneak away so Nora could pick me up for lunch before I had to be back to board the shuttle for the airpot. So we went to lunch at Whataburger and took lots of pictures. It was hard to contain myself but I don't think Nora or the kids knew how much this was affecting me.
So as I drove back, I found out that we could get our own ride to the airport, so i quickly yanked my stuff from the shuttle and hopped back in the Armada. I was ecstatic! This would be easier for Jon-Gabriel to understand.....that Daddy was getting on a plane, rather than just dropping me off.
We got to the airport and I just hung out with everyone........but of course I knew what was coming.......
And sure enough, we had Kleenex everywhere. That was tough, because we all knew (except for Jon-Gabriel) that we wouldn't see each other for 4 months.
When it was time for me to leave, I tried to make things light by pretending I was an airplane. Everyone laughed at me as I went through the line at security check, especially Annalisa and Jon-Gabriel. I had the whole thing goin' complete with sound effects and swirling around. Other people must have thought I was crazy but I really didn't care. This was for my family.
So I had more emotional situations when I talked to my mom, my dad, and my brother. I had to keep my sunglasses on to hide my red eyes and the tears. I still get choked up thinking about the last few hours before I left Houston..................
More later............
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Dubai Here I Come
Okay so today I went to the holdover meeting and they announced my name to fly out of Houston day after tomorrow. WHOA! I was NOT expecting that. I thought I would be in Houston at least a few more days twiddling my thumbs.
So Nora and the kids are going to head down here to Houston tomorrow after Annalisa gets out of school. They are going to see me off. I am going to try and get a solo room tomorrow. I just saw a lot of other people in the lobby ready to fly out so there must be more rooms available. If so, my family can stay with me here at my hotel the night before I leave.
I'm glad I didn't unpack too much. I just hope I can persuade the front desk staff to give me a room by myself.
I know I just left Austin, but I can't wait for my family to get here. Michael couldn't get out of work last minute, so I will miss seeing him again. :-(
I'm feeling restless and still exhausted from the weekend. I still have a few things to tend to before I leave so I will do that tomorrow while I wait for Nora. She is so good to me. Especially to drive all this way with the kids, by herself. She is definitely brave and very compassionate. And I love her.
So Nora and the kids are going to head down here to Houston tomorrow after Annalisa gets out of school. They are going to see me off. I am going to try and get a solo room tomorrow. I just saw a lot of other people in the lobby ready to fly out so there must be more rooms available. If so, my family can stay with me here at my hotel the night before I leave.
I'm glad I didn't unpack too much. I just hope I can persuade the front desk staff to give me a room by myself.
I know I just left Austin, but I can't wait for my family to get here. Michael couldn't get out of work last minute, so I will miss seeing him again. :-(
I'm feeling restless and still exhausted from the weekend. I still have a few things to tend to before I leave so I will do that tomorrow while I wait for Nora. She is so good to me. Especially to drive all this way with the kids, by herself. She is definitely brave and very compassionate. And I love her.
The 3AM Roommate
The last few days have been a blur....
Saturday evening when I got back to my rooom, there was a note that I had to switch to another hotel. My plans to go to Austin had to be altered. I had to stay the night in Houston so I could check out in the morning and scan in at the processing center before I left for Austin.
Sunday I left and the drive wasn;t as bad as I thought it would be. When I got to Austin, Nora and Annalisa gave me lots of hugs and kisses. Jon-Gabriel was trying to go down for nap. I poked my head in the room and all I heard was "Daddy your home!" So I laid down with him and he scooted as close as he could to me and put one little arm under my neck and they other on top of my chest. It felt so good to be home.
Annalisa read me a story she was writing and we talked about so many different things. She is my princess. I am so proud of her.
I got to see mom and dad and we went out to eat. I had to repack all my luggage because it was too heavy. So like a madmand I was shopping for more supplies and things. Nora helped me so much. I don't know what I would do without her. She keeps me focussed.
Monday I took the kids to Inflatable Wonderland and they had a blast. It was great because it wasn't very crowded. I got to take some great photos. I was able to give them a bath one more time and put them to bed. We read stories and we prayed and they fell asleep fast. I finished packing and spent some quality time with my honey. It was hard to find the strength to take my bags to the car and leave.
But Michael helped me and around 1AM I drove over to pick up my dad and he drove me to Houston. I slept the whole way. I checked into the hotel and they gave me a room with someone already in it. So I was a 3AM roommate. I tried to be as quiet as I could so I wouldn't freak him out. But I managed to shower and change and get back to dad in the lobby. We had breakfast at IHOP and then I was able to scan in at the processing center just in time. I took him to the airport, dropped off the car and then caught the shuttle to my hotel. Now I have to catch some sleep before my next holdover meeting later today. I doubt I am on the list. I have mixed thought on leaving right away.
We'll see.
Saturday evening when I got back to my rooom, there was a note that I had to switch to another hotel. My plans to go to Austin had to be altered. I had to stay the night in Houston so I could check out in the morning and scan in at the processing center before I left for Austin.
Sunday I left and the drive wasn;t as bad as I thought it would be. When I got to Austin, Nora and Annalisa gave me lots of hugs and kisses. Jon-Gabriel was trying to go down for nap. I poked my head in the room and all I heard was "Daddy your home!" So I laid down with him and he scooted as close as he could to me and put one little arm under my neck and they other on top of my chest. It felt so good to be home.
Annalisa read me a story she was writing and we talked about so many different things. She is my princess. I am so proud of her.
I got to see mom and dad and we went out to eat. I had to repack all my luggage because it was too heavy. So like a madmand I was shopping for more supplies and things. Nora helped me so much. I don't know what I would do without her. She keeps me focussed.
Monday I took the kids to Inflatable Wonderland and they had a blast. It was great because it wasn't very crowded. I got to take some great photos. I was able to give them a bath one more time and put them to bed. We read stories and we prayed and they fell asleep fast. I finished packing and spent some quality time with my honey. It was hard to find the strength to take my bags to the car and leave.
But Michael helped me and around 1AM I drove over to pick up my dad and he drove me to Houston. I slept the whole way. I checked into the hotel and they gave me a room with someone already in it. So I was a 3AM roommate. I tried to be as quiet as I could so I wouldn't freak him out. But I managed to shower and change and get back to dad in the lobby. We had breakfast at IHOP and then I was able to scan in at the processing center just in time. I took him to the airport, dropped off the car and then caught the shuttle to my hotel. Now I have to catch some sleep before my next holdover meeting later today. I doubt I am on the list. I have mixed thought on leaving right away.
We'll see.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Banana Suit, CPR and a ROAD TRIP!
So yesterday was my first holdover meeting. A holdover meeting is when you find out when and if you fly to Iraq. I forgot to mention that there are some people that have been waiting here for weeks for their flight plans. Depending on who you are, where you are going (to which base) and who the supervisors are, you may not fly to Iraq right after you complete the orientation. Most people spend anywhere from 1-2 weeks waiting for a flight. In the meantime, they keep you at a hotel, provide meals and that's it. There isn't much else to do. They have these holdover meetings once a day in the evening except Sundays.
SO, during my first holdover meeting, they informed us that their would be no holdover meeting tonight (Sat) and there would be no staff on site on Monday b/c of Labor Day. All this means that I am going to rent a car and go back to Austin for about a day and a half. Why so short you ask? Because we have these ID badges which must be scanned at the processing center every 44 hours. It basically is taking your attendance. If you go past 44 hours, it kicks you out the system and you have to start the whole process again (OUCH!). So that's what I plan to do tonight. I am going to rent a car at the airport and drive to Austin.
So on a different note, we had NBC training today; which means we had to learn how to wear a gas mask and put on a bright yellow banana suit and then rubber gloves and boots. NBC stands for Nuclear Biological and Chemical. So if an attack is made we can survive under any of those circumstances. But it really was uncomfortable and hot and tedious since many of the FNs didn't "get it". So it took more time than it really should have.
I had CPR as well. That lady was a nut! The way she explained everything and she was just odd in her mannerisms and story-telling. The good part about the training is that we didn't have to place our lips on the dummy to practice giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, we just had to show the motion. Apparently some people contracted chicken pox going thru the CPR training and the gave it to many other people. We have been assured that the dummies had been thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
But at this point I am so happy to be going home that I don't care what we did today. I just can't wait to get home.
SO, during my first holdover meeting, they informed us that their would be no holdover meeting tonight (Sat) and there would be no staff on site on Monday b/c of Labor Day. All this means that I am going to rent a car and go back to Austin for about a day and a half. Why so short you ask? Because we have these ID badges which must be scanned at the processing center every 44 hours. It basically is taking your attendance. If you go past 44 hours, it kicks you out the system and you have to start the whole process again (OUCH!). So that's what I plan to do tonight. I am going to rent a car at the airport and drive to Austin.
So on a different note, we had NBC training today; which means we had to learn how to wear a gas mask and put on a bright yellow banana suit and then rubber gloves and boots. NBC stands for Nuclear Biological and Chemical. So if an attack is made we can survive under any of those circumstances. But it really was uncomfortable and hot and tedious since many of the FNs didn't "get it". So it took more time than it really should have.
I had CPR as well. That lady was a nut! The way she explained everything and she was just odd in her mannerisms and story-telling. The good part about the training is that we didn't have to place our lips on the dummy to practice giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, we just had to show the motion. Apparently some people contracted chicken pox going thru the CPR training and the gave it to many other people. We have been assured that the dummies had been thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
But at this point I am so happy to be going home that I don't care what we did today. I just can't wait to get home.
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