Day 25 - 20 September 2012

Well, I managed to wake up around 0515 this morning. I sent Meagan a text to let her know I was up, but it would be a while. I needed to find a spot with a good signal. Not only that, but the restroom is quite a hike from my tent. I managed to get on around 0545 and we talked for about 20-30 minutes. Emma was already in bed and Taylor gave me the "Well, we did this, that, and that's it!" talk. I told him what I did and he was done! I spoke to Meagan for a little bit, but neither of us really had much news, other than her concern about Emma's arm. She likes to harrass the cat and, well, sometimes he gets her back. This time he got her good enough that we think she may have an infection in her arm. So, Meagan is going to try getting her into the doctor tomorrow (their time).

I went back to sleep around 0630, set my alarm for 0900, and finally awoke about 1015. I packed all of my stuff up, as I am hoping to get back tonight. However, it depends on whether or not I can continue troubleshooting. We'll see...another night won't kill me.

Got into the office and no errors yet. The system has been up about 18 hours without the error, so I'm scratching my head. I did talk to the comm guys about the network issue and one of them helped me out. We used a line checker and determined there was an issue where the cable comes into their switch. He replaced the connector and, bada bing, we are able to get to the outside world! I did a soft reboot of the server, which threw a couple of errors on the laptop, so I did a full hard reboot and we now have data flowing. It's not what I came to troubleshoot, but that unknown issue is resolved!

The WRM

Ok, I simply couldn't resist taking a picture of this. Back at "home" we have a regular bathroom in the dorms. Here, there are port-a-johns everywhere and a row of showers and latrines. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to the WRM. What does WRM stand for? I have no idea. I'm thinking, maybe, waste recovery module; but, I don't know for certain. These platforms have toilets on them. You step up, sit down, and pull the curtain shut. And, no, the curtain doesn't do much justice. On one side, there are sinks; a urinal trough on the other. All of this in the comfort of a tent, which just happens to be warmer than mine!

Went to lunch and had Bombay chicken, rice, and a couple of rolls. It was actually pretty good! I thought about desert, but the place was pretty busy, so I didn't want to loiter too long. They don't have much seating in it...

I headed back into the office and still no error. We did confirm data is still flowing to the outside world, so that is AWESOME! :) I headed over to the MWR to check email, Facebook, see if the VA has paid me yet, and pay the university. No VA payment, so good thing my bonus hit yesterday. At least I can keep them off of my back now!

Went back into the office and discovered a different error on the server. Hmmm...seems like the more I work on this thing, the more I find wrong with it. I called back to my office and am staying here until the original error returns...may be a few days, who knows?!?

I got pretty bored just watching this thing run, so I decided to go for a hike...5-6 miles, to be exact. I hiked from the office here to the PX looking for flags to fly on my way back. The only thing they have is the miniature flags on a stick...so, I will have to check back in my neck of the woods. Perhaps I can get them flown on the next trip. They guys told me I could take the gator, but after just hanging around for a couple of days, I needed the fresh air and exercise. Walking along, it was kind of crazy to think I'm in Afghanistan. If it wasn't for all of the tents, helicopters, and vehicles, I'd swear I was in the foothills of the Rockies, somewhere in Colorado. Again, just astonished at the fact this place is in the middle of a war...

Back from the PX and headed to the office. System still running like a champ, so will continue to monitor it. Staying another night...or three...to see if we can get the error again. I'm really not sure why it's running so smooth now, but it is!

Went to grab dinner. I had beef brisket, rice, and carrots, washed down with a V8 and a chocolate milk. I didn't realize it was soy milk until I opened it, but it was quite tasty! So far, in 25 days away from home, I don't think I've had a horrible meal yet. There are usually some choices, but always one that will suffice!

My Tent Accommodations

Came back to the tent after dinner. I see that Meagan is at the doctor with Emma. I'm so glad she was able to get an appointment on the same day. It seems like NAS Jax does well to take care of dependents, but perform a mediocre job when it comes to the active duty. I still think it is the difference between the branch clinic and the hospital. Hoping it's nothing serious with Emma!

Meagan had mentioned a few days ago that she wanted to comment on a post, but couldn't. I did some digging and found the setting for comments. So, if you want to leave comments, feel free! I have it set now so that anyone can comment, but I will moderate the to keep the riffraff out!

I forgot to mention yesterday that I received my third free cup of coffee from the Green Beans Cup of Joe program. The girl who sent it is preparing to graduate and attend Army OCS. I wished her the best of luck with both and thanked her for the coffee! It's a great program, from a recipient's point of view. Just a small way for those who support us to give us a little comfort!

I am Iron Man!

I saw this pic on the computer and forgot I had taken it. Taylor picked this out for me to send in one of my care packages. It's an Iron Man usb drive. The base has a slider that slides out and you plug it into the computer. I can't use it over here really, since we're not allowed to use them, but he keeps a watch over me in my room! I have him on my wall locker, ready to zap anything that comes near my bed!

Was good to hear that Emma had no infection and that she was a big girl for Mommy! I hope that she learns soon that the cat isn't going to put up with the harassment; it's not the first time! I told her she should take her for ice cream or some other treat. She said they were headed to McDonald's, so that should suffice!

Went back into the office and everything is still running like a champ. I've told the guys to keep notes overnight if anything happens so I can check it out in the morning. I'm not sure how many days I'll be here, but they're wanting me to stay until we get an error. That could be, well, days...

Had a nice little chat with an old friend on Facebook. It's a good feeling to know friends and family are keeping me in their thoughts. I sure do miss being home, so any interaction of any sort is great! Perhaps that is why I get up so early every morning...to see my three special people! Speaking of which, I'm going to try getting up in the morning to talk to Meagan, at least. That said, it's off to bed. Night all...God bless!