SD...

Yeah back in San Diego now. I've been back for about a month and loud noises still freak me out, but being able to hit a Starbucks once in a while makes up for it.

The new condo is looking good and almost done (pictures coming). The commute to work sucks but I'm not dodging bullets anymore (unless I go east a few blocks).

I'm getting fat! I haven't hit the gym since I've been back. I need to drag my ass back and soon.

The jeep is running well (after a $1200 repair).

So far I've seen about half of my friends. I need to make a better effort!

Went to a couple of beach parties, drank too much. Went to Seattle, spent too much (but it was awesome).

All in all life is good.

More to follow…

The Long Trip Home

Tonight I begin the 4 day, 8000 mile trip back to San Diego. I leave tonight, hopping a ride on a military convoy over route Irish, aka “The deadliest road in the World.” Then I get to spend the night in a tent. Tomorrow I’ll be spending my day waiting for a C-130 to fly down to Kuwait. Once in Kuwait I’ll visit some people I know and debrief with some corporate types. Two days later I start the 24 hour process of flying home. I can’t wait… I’ll see you all soon.

I’m out of here!

Final Days

So I've finally reached the end of my tour. I can't believe it. It is strange in a way, I've become so accustom to my routine here. The sights, sounds and smell of this place are ingrained in me. Don't get me wrong, it's time to go but there will be some things I'll miss. At the top of the list I will miss my "Knuckleheads." That is the affectionate name I use for the three guys who work for me. These guys are younger then me (they're 25) so they constantly referred to me as "The Old Man." This was usually followed up with a brief ass-kicking. I have come to regard these guys as my little brothers; pests who were born to bother me yet I can't help but care and look out for them.

I'm going to miss you guys

The "Knuckleheads"

Dan, Alan and Justin

Me and Dan

















Me and the boys

Good Luck John

One of the best people I know just moved back up to Northern California. San Diego will be a little less bright now. Fortunately (for me, not sure it is for him) I still intend to keep in touch with him. He put up with a lot of my shit and I'm lucky he still sees something in me.

John, I'm going to miss you.

Update...

I'm off to Mosul in a couple of days. I'll be there for about a week. After that it's smooth sailing here in Baghdad until I leave for good.

38 days and a wake up!!