Day 5 - 31 August 2012

Well, I'm still trying to get a flight, so we'll check again today. For breakfast, I had a mushroom, cheese, and onion omelette that I cut in half and made two English muffin sandwiches out of; very good! We went and looked at the schedule and I may be able to move out tonight. In the meantime, we're going to do some system inventories.

No luck on getting a flight out today, as none were taking passengers. So, we headed back to the tent to get some beers. We decided to try Carlsberg this time and it was pretty darn good. I had a Guinness before we went to the terminal, as I wanted to enjoy a great beverage before I can't for a while. I guess with no flights available, we decided to have more!

I was able to get my phone on the WiFi and video chat with Meagan and the kids! So great to see their faces and hear them talk. It's amazing how far technology has come. It makes being apart a little bit more bearable.

We'll try for a flight tomorrow...

Day 4 - 30 August 2012

We landed in Qatar around 1:00am local time. When I heard I was getting here so late/early, I was pretty stoked. I figured the heat would not be bad; boy, was I wrong! On approach, the pilot said the temperature was 93F. Yes, it was a sauna! Fortunately, I didn't have to sling bags this time.

We in-processed the base and customs, a 2 1/2 hour ordeal, before we were released to get on base. I finally got out of there around 3:45am local and was met by a good friend, Todd. He's a great guy with a great sense of humor, so it was good to have a friendly face to share a talk and laugh with. He made the rough day seem not so bad, given the circumstances. In fact, he allowed me to crash in his room versus the transient tent ordeal, so that was GREAT!

We headed over to the office for a bit, so I could eat a sandwich and call home. It sure was good to hear their voices, even if Emma just seemed to hold onto it and not talk too much. After that, we went back so I could change into some PT gear and waited until time for breakfast.

Breakfast wasn't too bad. I had some scrambled eggs and a biscuit with gravy. I'm certainly glad the eggs tasted better than they looked. They looked like a bad mashed potato muck up, but were actually very tasty! After breakfast, we headed back to the office. 

Todd offered to take me over to the dorms so I could take a nap, but we had a delivery to pick up, so I told him I would help with that first. I did a load of laundry and managed to get maybe a 45 minute to hour nap in. Still, better than nothing!

For lunch, I had some fried wings and jaegerschnitzel. It was pretty darn good! After lunch, I had to turn in some paperwork and then we headed back to the room to relax a bit before dinner.

Dinner was pretty good. I had some chicken and asparagus, if I remember right. We were waiting for some paperwork to get a flight out, so we'll try again tomorrow. After dinner, we went to the bar and enjoyed a Guinness and a "Frank" at the Fox Sports area; both GREAT beers!

Still hurting thinking about leaving my three special people behind, but coping the best I can...

Day 3 - 29 August 2012

Me in Germany!

Well, we made it to Germany, stopping for a couple of hours! I was able to go over to the lodging area and call Meagan using a phone card I received from the USO. I'm a bit upset with Verizon, because they said my phone would work in Germany, Ireland, Italy, and England; I checked all, since I didn't know where we might stop. However, I have NO service. So, thank you again to the USO! The 100-minute phone card came in VERY handy!

Over the Alps

We made our second stop in Italy. Wow, was the flight AMAZING! The Alps were absolutely gorgeous! When we arrived, they had free drinks and sandwiches for us, so that was nice. Something a little different than the airline food! I was able to get my phone on the WiFi network and send Meagan a few text messages until the phone opened up. It sure was great to hear her voice again! I haven't been able to talk to the kids yet, but hope to tonight when we make our final stop.
We loaded up and left Italy...next stop, Qatar.

Day 2 - 28 August 2012

Well, here I am on day two of my trip. I woke up a little earlier than anticipated, due to a call from Meagan. Was good to hear her voice! I woke up with quite a headache, most likely from all of the stress. I pretty much hung out at the hotel as long as I could, but had to check out by noon. I didn't have to be to the airport until 4:30pm, so I ended up hanging out in the USO all day.

The USO was GREAT! We were able to store our bags in a room and come and go throughout the day. I spent most of the day looking at Facebook and chatting with Meagan on my phone. Nothing really exciting until check-in.

While in line for check-in, a woman from the USO came through with information about the reading program they have. You get to pick out books for your kids, read them in front of a camera, and they send the books and DVD home to your kids. I picked out two books for Taylor and one BIG princess book for Emma. As I was filling out the paperwork, I couldn't help but tear up. The woman working the counter got a little teary-eyed as well. She told me, "Just stay strong and do what you need to do, but try not to cry. If you're crying in there, you know I'll be crying out here!" So, I went in the room, but it was very hard for the first few minutes to control my emotions. However, I was able to gather myself and read several chapters in one of Taylor's books and Beauty and the Beast out of Emma's book. It is reassuring to know that Meagan and the kids can see and hear me anytime they want!

I really can't say enough about the USO and the support they provide to we members of the military and our families. They had free apple juice, Sunny Delight, and several different snack items. The lounge had WiFi, a television showing the news, and a kids area for any families traveling with children of all ages. EXCELLENT support!

Shortly after I made my video, it was time to make my way to boarding and get on the plane bound for a far away land. Stress level: overload!

Day 1 - 27 August 2012

Today was a little rough, as I started my trip to the far away land of Afghanistan. It was rough to say goodbye to the three most important people in my life: Meagan, Taylor, and Emma. However, my nation has called upon me to support her cause, and I am grateful to do so; even at the emotional expenses we are about to pay.

I made it to my first stop rather easily. Once I arrived, I called and had the hotel shuttle come get me. The driver was a very nice man and offered to take me anywhere within a few miles of the hotel. However, given the circumstances, my travel was limited. After explaining this to him, he gave me a few places nearby to get some food. Once settled, I made my way across the street for an awesome NY Strip sandwich. It was amazing!

I talked with Meagan and the kids on the computer for a little bit. Meagan and I chatted off and on over Facebook as we watched a little bit of television. Then, it was off to bed for my first night of many away from home!