Neglect, neglect, neglect...this time Ive neglected my blog even longer! Every time I sit down to write I seem to get distracted or my mind is too tired. So now I force myself to sit here and type, its good for me and relaxing anyway.
So I have been here three months now and time has gone by fast but not fast at the same time. It is like ground hogs day here as every day is pretty much the same, trapped on this base wanting to have the opportunity to walk out but you wouldnt dare do it as what is on the other side is 10 times worse than here on KAF. I guess I am just not used to fighting for freedom but having limited freedom at the same time. I wouldnt want outside of the wire anyway, at least not on foot or by vehicle. We use helicopters to jump from FOB to FOB, the safest way to travel around these parts, even more safe than driving here on base.
So about a month ago the CO put out an email that we might leave in October due to funding and every one's morale went through the roof. After weeks of no official word and morale dropping like flies we finally got word that the request for extension got approved and we would be staying for the duration of our deployment. The hardest part about the whole thing was the rumors and not knowing so once everyone found out we were staying things got a lot better, a lot of disappointment but the suspense of not knowing is what seemed to get everyone upset and anxious. So it is business as usual here now; almost nightly rocket attacks, hot days, constant dust and filth. At least the water has been working lately and showers are not an issue here any longer.
They keep me busy here as lead electrician, assistant leading petty officer, 3M coordinator for the company. We had an awards nominations meeting the other day and my chief nominated me for a Navy Achievement Medal. It would be my first and it adds a point or two onto the advancement exams so I wont turn it down, that is if I get it.
yesterday a bunch of us went to the bazaar where they let the locals in to sell their goods consisting of rugs, throws, bad quality bootleg movies, Iraq and Afghan money, gems, and all kinds of useless souvenirs. I picked up a blue rock, a couple bracelets I bought off a 6 year old salesman and two Zippo lighters to send to friends and family. I think I only spent 25 bucks for all of it. Going there is almost as bad as walking onto a used car lot. Commander Garvin and I had fun talking down prices, almost down to nothing if you walk away.
Today is Sunday, our weekly day off. It gets boring, nothing much to do unless you want to go shop at the Post Exchange or walk laps around the board walk. My room mate and i were able to get a ride today to the PX but I failed to tell the driver how to avoid driving by the poo pond. I think I could taste what everyone had for dinner last week. There is no covering that smell and good thing we were not going to eat because it made me sick to my stomach. We drove a bit faster past it on the way back. I roamed around the PX with my hand basket not knowing what to buy, ended up with two Monster Coffee drinks, chips and salsa, packing tape and blank CDs. Yeah it was a big shopping day. Now its back in my room listening to my room mates computer as she plays the Family Guy. For some reason I am finding it extra funny tonight. Lots of laughs coming from room 8 tonight. My head is hurting today so may pound a few Motrin and step outside for some semi fresh air, sit and shoot the shit with friends and watch the fighter jets roar by fully loaded for combat. I just hope they dont push the launch button prematurely!!
I picked up clean laundry yesterday and its already covered in dust. It never ends but you tend to get used to it. I hear that when the rains come it is just lovely; 18 inches of standing water and mud. I hope our rooms are anchored in or I might just float to work. Im thinking of getting some water wings to keep my head above the water. We are in the Navy so we should at least know how to deal with a puddle or two.
So that is the cut down update. More to come and more frequent, this time I promise. Fouts...over and out!!
