Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Day 66 - 31 October 2012

Happy Halloween!

So, got up a touch later than the last couple of days, but still not bad...0430. Went over the the terminal and chatted with Meagan for a couple of hours. Not really much to talk about. I was sad to hear that Meagan is backing out of dance class. Emma will apparently not listen to her or the teacher and continues to get close to the stairs. Meagan said she was embarrassed to have Emma there...and, that makes me feel bad. She told the teacher she would be back when I get home...I can't say I blame her, but I really wish she could go!

Went back to my room and caught a quick nap...woke up just in time to make it to work. I guess the chat with leadership that I wanted to have will have to wait!

Made it into work and we have a couple of sensors with issues. So, I got the required parts together and readied for shipping...I'm going to send them via helo! Quick, easy, and painless!

For lunch today, I had a monte cristo sandwich. Basically, it was ham, cheese, and what looked like thousand island dressing. It wasn't too bad. I coupled it with a salad. Still eating light and looking to drop a few more pounds.
Back at the office and just waiting until time to deliver my parts to the helo terminal...not much else going on, really. I have some comm issues, but I'm working with the guys out in the field to have them back up and running...we'll see.

Dinner was good. I had a grilled cheese and salad. I also had a helping of macaroni salad, so not too bad.

Headed back to the office and still not much happening, so I'm going to watch 3:10 to Yuma.

A pretty good movie! Not how I expected it to go/end, but was really good!

After work, I sent Meagan a text to see if she wanted to chat. So, I stayed up a little later to talk, but will get to sleep in for a bit in the morning. We didn't really chat about too much, but was good to talk for a bit about everything. The van estimate is for $1680 worth of damage...good thing our deductible is only $500. Still amazed that hitting a tree stump could do all of that...

Ok...headed off to bed. Night all...God bless!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Day 65 - 30 October 2012

Today's a BIG day! I am 1/3 of the way done! The moon was full last night, so only four more to go before I can look to being back with the family!

I was up and at 'em early again this morning...0415! I made it over to the terminal by 0500 to talk to Meagan and the kiddos. We were having a heck of a time getting the video to work. We tried Yahoo and MSN...both kept shutting off on us. So, I rebooted my computer and that seemed to help...until Meagan's battery died! We did get to chat for a while. She's driving a brand spankin' new KIA Sportage or Sorento...I'm not sure which one. It's a 2013 model with only 44 miles on it! Now...I'm hoping she's willing to part with it at the end of the week! ;) She also told me that cards came from Grandma, Joy, and Sheryl. We and the kids received some money...all I can really say is, thank you to them! It certainly does help us out...especially given the series of "breakdowns" over the last two months. And, I promise, I will NOT jinx Meagan again. You see, when the air conditioner went out in September, followed by the dryer this month, I joked with the guys here that the van would be next... :( So, I'm vowing to keep my mouth shut this time...

Came into work and everything is still quiet...I just have a few things to work on today. I have some phone calls to make, but otherwise will start studying today. I purchased the study software for my promotion test next year. I've always done well when I use it, and I want to be over the top this year! Now that my PME course is done, I'm focusing on that rocker!!!

Went to lunch with leadership again today. I had a "Vietnamese" sandwich. It was pretty much a thin pork chop with grilled onions on a hamburger bun. I topped it with a slice of swiss and coupled it with a salad. I haven't had desert in a while, so I had a bowl of pralines and cream with a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie...YUM! :) After yesterday's workout session, I think I owed myself a treat!

Back at work and still working on a couple of system issues...but, it's looking up! I'd like to get 100% very, very soon! Time will tell...I spent another 45 minutes studying, so I'm up to about an hour and 15 minutes for today. I'm almost done with chapter two. I'm just going to do a chapter at a time and then put it all together when I'm done. Then, depending on how that goes, I need to jump into my CDC volumes. Unfortunately, the company that makes the software doesn't have any current volumes for study guides...so, that will be reading only...ugh!

I'm a sucker for love...I sent Meagan flowers! ;) It will be a complete surprise! <3 She's been having a bad week and I was thinking about her, so what the heck, right?

Dinner was good. I had a salad and an Asian chicken wrap. It was basically chicken and cheese with a very little bit of cabbage. I wouldn't exactly classify it as Asian, but it was good!

Not much going on at work tonight. I've been working on a few small issues...but nothing big; so, that's good! Time to punch the clock and call it a night. Night all...God bless!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Day 64 - 29 October 2012

Well, I surprised Meagan this morning...I was up EARLY! :) I actually managed to crawl out of bed at 0400, take a shower, and was on by around 0500! She had just put the kids in bed, since she didn't think that I would be on that early. We talked for a couple of hours about the camping trip and the van. I'm glad she's having good luck with the insurance. This is our first go-around with Geico and, they certainly have been a great service thus far. Meagan will pick up a rental tomorrow.

After talking to Meagan, I was able to go back to the room and get about an hour nap before I had to get around. I had to get my laundry over to the tent today on the way into the office. With that chore completed, off to work I go!

Again, not much going on today. Just chilling at work and doing some odds and ends. Just a few emails and a phone call today, but nothing pressing.

I had a grilled cheese and a grilled ham and swiss for lunch, along with a salad and yogurt. I grabbed a peach, but it wasn't that pleasant. It was dry and not very sweet...not sure where it came from, but I have certainly had better peaches!

Leadership came over to check some locks and make sure there's room to store a few things. I asked if they needed help bringing stuff over, so I'm going to help do that...gets me out of the office for a bit.

After moving the stuff over, they asked me if I wanted to do the "Disney 3 at 3" with them. When I asked what it was, they said it was just a three-mile run. No problem, right? Well, after completing the run, the boss said, "Well, let's get over to the gym." I asked him if he was really going to the gym, to which he replied, "Yep! We have to do part two!" Part two? "Yeah...300 sit-ups!" Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled, but I obliged. You know, it was an AWESOME workout and I'm hoping to do it again on Wednesday!

Went back to the room to shower, then headed back to the office for dinner...still not much of anything going on...

Dinner was good! I had a salad with a roast beef and swiss sandwich. Real exciting, I know, but I'm trying to eat a bit healthier...

Back at work and still nothing going on...just listening to some music and knocking out more odds and ends...these are the days I dread. The slower they go, the slower my time here goes...I went over to the BX and saw Halloween cards. I guess I haven't been over there in a while, because I don't recall seeing them there before. I grabbed one for the kiddos. I know it will be late, but it's mail from Daddy! :)

Ok...time to head out. I'm beat from getting up so early and ready to hit the sack! Gotta get up early again tomorrow! Night all...God bless!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Day 63 - 28 October 2012

Well...I did NOT get up very early this morning...I woke up about 0830...guess my body needed some sleep. As such, I didn't get up in time to call Meagan this morning like I was hoping to. I really wanted to talk to her last night, but they were just getting ramped up with camp.

Good thing I bought airfare when I did! I was curious to see what it was now, so I looked at the site. Meagan and the kids' tickets would be $1,000 more now...WHEW! The price is now over $1,800!?!

Came into work for my normal shift as of late. The days are long, but I'm working on getting the office cleaned up, get rid of all of the trash, and prep to move in the near future. Not much going on...it's been pretty quiet. So, I've just been working on a few administrative things and rocking to some good ol' country music!

Went to lunch. The main line didn't look appealing to me, so I got some chicken tenders. I then went to the salad bar, got a small salad, and the sadwich bar for bread and cheese. I took some honey mustard dressing, put in on the bread, put chicken tenders and cheese on it, and grilled it in the panini grill. I turned some heads with my leadership...I think they like my ingenuity! ;)

Back to work and just chillin'...working on a few odds and ends...

Dinner was pretty good. I had an Afghan club for dinner...ham, turkey, bacon, and swiss. I was a little disappointed, as they usually have bananas foster french toast on Sunday nights. Oh well...the sandwich was AWESOME! :)

Watched Flyboys...GREAT movie! I did a little research and the main character, Blaine Rawings, was based on Frank Luke, Jr. whom Luke Air Force Base is named after...pretty darn cool!

Alright...time to punch the timeclock and call it a night...another early morning tomorrow! Night all and God bless!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Day 62 - 27 October 2012

So, I managed to get up at a decent time today...0545. I made it over to talk to Meagan. I thought it was odd that she wasn't on messenger waiting for me; then I discovered she had an accident at the camp site. Apparently, there was a tree stump she didn't see and hit it with the van. Luckily, nothing serious...she and the kids are fine. It sounds like our exhaust on the van needs repaired or replaced. I told her not to worry about it...that's why we have insurance and we can cover it. So, she's without the van for who knows how long. Our insurance covers a rental for $50/day, so she can get something for her and the kids to get around in.

Got into work for my second long shift...the guys are leaving today. It's a bit surreal...my family of two months is leaving. I'm ready for my own space in the office, but certainly not looking forward to being here alone.

Went up to lunch with the guys. I had a cheeseburger, fries, and baked beans. It was a pretty good lunch...and my cheeseburger for the week! ;)

After lunch, I came back to finish up some paperwork for my team. One of the guys was going to the BX, so I hitched a ride to get out of the office for a bit. Went and turned in the paperwork for the guys, so that should be squared away by the time they arrive...

Came back to the office and worked some more on my EPR, which is due to my supervisor by Monday. I already sent him one draft this morning, but there were a few things I wanted to rework. The guys bailed on me to go tie up loose ends. It's quiet in here again...

Headed out for dinner...figured I might be by myself, since I lost track of time. I ran into the guys on their way into dinner and we bumped into our leadership. We all had a nice convesation and leadership thanked them for the hard work. We had chicken cordon bleu for dinner. I complimented it with succotash, mixed vegetables, and three bean salad. It was a pretty good meal...I like the chicken cordon bleu here. I wish we had it more!

After dinner, the guys came back to load their stuff up in the truck. I drove it over to their plane, helped them unload it, and wished them safe travels. One of the pilots wanted to go grab dinner, so I took him to the DFAC and back to the plane. When I got back, I wanted to get a picture with my "Air Force family" before they departed. So...here we are! :)

I took the truck back, parked it, turned the keys in, and started walking back to the shop. That's kinda when it hit me...I'm alone for a while...again. Just a really sucky feeling right now...

Sent Meagan some texts after work...sounds like Taylor is having an attitude right now. I was sure hoping they would have more fun at camp. I just told her to remind him that if he wants rewards, he needs to behave...

Alright, it's been a long couple of days. I am exhausted! Good night all...God bless!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Day 61 - 26 October 2012

Well, I turned my alarm off this morning...again! I woke up around 0630 and sent Meagan a message that I was up and getting around. We chatted for a bit and, for the first time since I've been gone, I was madder than all heck...

Apparently, one of the leaders decided to call Meagan out...in front of the ENTIRE Pack at last night's meeting. Meagan is the advancements chair and responsible for getting the awards for the boys. She has told the leaders before that she needs them to have their advancements in by Saturday. This way, there is no question about who got what in on time. That said, one of our leaders decided to update one of her boys' awards on Tuesday...after Meagan had printed out the listing...and our Cubmaster used that list last night for the awards. Needless to say, the one that was updated on Tuesday was not on Meagan's shopping list. So, in front of the ENTIRE Pack, this leader throws her under the bus. If I could wring that leader's neck from Afghanistan, I would. Who lacks common, mutual respect like that?!? I'll tell you what, I have lost any respect I have for that woman...and, I'm tempted to move us and Taylor to a new Pack next year... I was going to send an email, but Meagan said she didn't need me to help her out...I can't help it...that's just me. But, I will let her take care of it; and, I know she can.

Today is the first of many long days for me...10 to 12 hour shifts. I really get to set my own schedule, but I would not feel good about myself if I slacked off. We are usually open for 14 hours, but I'll suffice with 12 hour shifts...besides...it keeps me from sleeping all morning, right?

Went to lunch...alone today. I had a bbq beef pocket, buffalo chicken bites, corn, and a side salad. It was a pretty good lunch...and, I love the chicken bites! Sometimes we have ranch!

One of the guys stopped by to finish some stuff up and delivered a care package from my dearest mother-in-law! It was full of goodies and Halloween stuff. The guys LOVE the cereal mix...as do I!

Not much going on today, so I'm finishing up Inglorious Basterds...GREAT movie!

Dinner was good...of course, because it's STEAK day! :) I had steak and shrimp. The shrimp was ok and the steak was excellent. Topped it off with some cake and ice cream!

After dinner, and still NOTHING going on...so, I decided to watch Gran Torino to finish out the night.

Work is done, so I'm headed back to my room. I've gotta get some shut-eye so I can talk to Meagan tomorrow. I won't get to talk to her on Saturday night, since she's camping. :( That said, night all...God bless!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Day 60 - 25 October 2012

Up and around early as usual...although a little later than I usually am. I talked to Meagan and she told me of her adventurous day to the Scout shop...two trips! It's good to see her getting involved...even though I'm sure it felt like she had no choice.

After our chat, I headed off to take my last test for Course 14. I am just happy to be finishing it up so I can focus on my promotion testing. So, I'm hoping this is it.

Well, I did it! I scored an 87% on my last test, which means I am done! I certainly thought I would do much better than that, but 27 out of 31 is not horrible...at least in my opinion.

After my test, I headed over to the exchange for little bit. I picked up a flag for a friend. I plan on having it flown on an A-10, as we love to fly that simulator together. I thought it would be something cool and unique for him. I stopped by the office where I need to drop it off, but the new guy didn't have a clue on who I needed to talk to...so, I'll just have to check back. I went over to the shop to hang out for a bit before lunch. Not much going on this morning...

Lunch was good. I had a salad and sandwich. They had ham on the main line, so I cut up a piece and put it in my salad. It was pretty good!

After lunch, I went back to the room to relax for a bit before work...I know, grand happenings here, right?

Work was pretty uneventful tonight. I'm just prepping to be solo in a while. It's going to be strange to be here by myself, but that's the nature of my rotation here...adios to some and aloha to others!

Dinner was good tonight. I had to break the salad and sandwich thing. Don't get me wrong, the salad and sandwiches are good, but I was ready for a bigger meal. We had a Thanksgiving dinner of sorts tonight...turkey cutlet, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, and stuffing. It was all good...stuffing wasn't the greatest though.

Worked a little late tonight...thanks to a network outage. So, with that, I am off to bed. I need to try getting up early in the morning. Night all...God bless!