Remain calm and don’t make any sudden movements

The new crew has arrived and I could be in for a massive share of the workload. The new guy has been in less time than I have but has more inspection experience so he will be the senior inspector. I, on the other hand, outrank him and have much more experience in running [...]

This isn’t the Hilton

This place isn’t the Hilton, Sheraton, or Best Western. Think of it as a scattered Motel 6… that sublets your room to other people.

I wish were sleeping in tents. Really, I wish we had tents instead of containerized housing units. First and foremost, I could have some privacy as its fairly easy [...]

The desert resolution

Most people have New Years resolutions that are unobtainable. I don’t believe in changing something at the start of the new year; I believe on starting that change on a Monday or whatever day may fall next. I do believe in desert resolutions – when you’re in the desert you have plenty of time [...]

This is not the same country

For starters I’m not freezing to death. On average, its been about 20 degrees warmer throughout the entire day. Last time I was here we endured temps that hovered in the high teens and low twenties but now the nighttime low is in the 40s. This is simply too odd. I’ve got a bunch [...]

Electronic pushpins on a map

I’ve done a little bit of traveling in the past few days and I’ve got one more leg of the trip before its all over and I reach my final destination. Since I was here last, wifi has propogated across almost everywhere that I’ve been. If I’ve turned my laptop on and accessed my [...]

Leaving home

It’s that time once again. I’m set to get on a plane and travel half way across the planet away from everyone that I know and love.

I’m headed to Iraq for another 4 month stint in what should be a relatively easy trip. I’ve got my bags packed and this time my [...]

What a week

In Iraq I really only knew a few things to be true – I knew that it was going to be hot during the day and I also knew that it was going to be dark and noisy at night.

. When I finally left I rode out on dark and noisy military [...]

I’m so glad to be home

While I haven’t yet reached the west coast I have arrived in America and its quite nice to be back. I’m still rocking the same clothes that I’ve been wearing for the past 60 or so hours. Traveling via military channels seldom goes without a hitch and I had quite a few.

I was [...]

Things in Iraq that make me laugh

It is quite hard to find humor in my life here but there are a few things that make me laugh – daily – in Iraq. I took a few photos today of some things that make you laugh or just say huh? So, without any further delay, here they are.

admin edit – [...]

180 degrees

I’ve been having a difficult time dealing with other people during my last few weeks here. My behavior to their actions remains the same but I have been unable to contain my frustration lately. Yesterday I drug a 6500 pound trailer 200 yards – by myself. I probably could have pulled it a half [...]