-Mom and I on a walk to the store-
where we were told that a pump on the plane was broken and we would know more in 20 min. This now being 1800. 45 min later they tell us that they are still working on it and we should be leaving in an hour. Mind you we were in full quarantine, we can't leave the busses and are being watched at all times because we have 2 weapons apiece. They finally realize that we can't stay that long in a crowded bus and herd us into an abandoned building that reminded me of an old mental ward. We each claimed our places in the large rooms and made ourselves comfortable on the floors. I was lucky enough to spot a power outlet and hurried towards that spot to make my claim. Once I had my computer plugged in I could watch one of the 6 movies that I put on computer before we left. So I watched Kung Fu Panda, and it was really funny. But I was getting tired of waiting there. Needless to say that at 0100 (1 am) the company flying us out made a Wendys run for everyone, something like 250 double cheeseburgers, 100 cokes, 100 sprites 100 waters and bags of chips later we were all fed. At that time they tell us that the plane is fixed, and we should be boarding soon. 0200 we load the plane and wait for another 50 minutes till it actually takes off. So at around 0300 we start flying out on our trip that was suppose to leave at 2100. So 6 hours of waiting in a mental ward is a good way to start this trip. 
The flight from there to Ireland was only a little over 6 hours, so no big deal. The flight attendants are nice as the DoD is their primary contractor. We are riding on an old DC10 (3 seats, 4 seats, 3 seats) and they were nice enough to give a buffer seat between every passenger. So I was sharing a 4 seat row with another guy, which makes it very comfortable. The stewardess' are obnoxious and crude and it makes for a very funny flight. I guess they can get away with not being PC because in the grand scheme of things, we aren't going to complain. Nothing too crude, just comments like calling us 'honey buns' and 'sweet cheeks' from older ladies, along with giving you hugs when you try to squeeze by them in the aisle. Fun stuff and with good humor, but definitely something that would get you fired if you tried it in a real airlines. So during my flight I basically leaned to my right and slept for 5 hours of this first leg. Apparently I missed 2 meals and 3 drink rotations but it was well worth it. Then we landed in Shannon Airport in Irelan
d, and it looks like a normal Oregon day outside. Gray sky and overcast but there is starting to be some breaks in the clouds where the sky is dead orange like a sunset. The approach gave us a good view of the rolling hills and segmented land segments. It was quite a sight. The worst part is being in Ireland and not being able to drink :( Guinness products everywhere, and no sampling allowed for us. Hopefully we get to stop by here on the way back and I can grab some fun for our liquor cabinet, but only time will tell. Thus far I am working on my flexibility and going with the flow. So we are now in Manass AFB Kyrzikstan (sp?) after our 28 hour adventure. Yep thats right, it took us 28 hours to get from Kansas to Manass. So I have no sense of time or day as I swear we saw at least 3 sunrises as we flew across. So after leaving Ireland (without any problems I might add) we were stopping in Romania to get fuel which turned into a big hassle. It was suppose to be a 45 min stop where everyone stayed on board while they gave us gas and then take off... I fell asleep on board after watching 1 1/2 movies (approx 3 hours) so I'm not really sure how long we were really there. Apparently they didn't have enough fuel on hand and had to run trucks back and forth from the fuel depot... like I said...big headache. From there we landed in Manass and have been doing simple in processing here. Signing forms, getting chemical warfare gear, checking out bedding for the night and writing emails :) We were there overnight, and I should actually be in Afghanistan on the 18th if all goes well. If all does not go well
I could really care less cause my clock has officially started. As of 1230 17 Dec 08 my clock started :) We supposedly have internet in our 'room' but I don't have any power outlets, nor do I have the appropriate power converter, so I am not going to worry about it for now. I will have to pick up a power strip and converter when I get to my base and get settled in, but for now we can use these library computers so it's all good. They have us staying in these barn like structures, cement floors, decent insulation, and about 250 bunk beds. Since this is the "transient dorm' it doesn't really matter. I slept like a rock last night on my rental bedding surrounded by 480 
I have to say that being a technological person like myself and enjoying being plugged into the grid 24 hours a day it is going to take some getting used to as to not have internet/email/weather/phone at my fingertips at a moments notice. But I will make do.
She looked at me like, "You've got to be kidding me!" and pranced around trying to buck them off...
Finally she gave up , played with her toys and we went for a long walk in the FREEZING COLD! 
Wearing her bandana....... How cute!
Pearl and I on a cold afternoon walk. 
We are sticking together until Kelly gets home. :o)
I'm Proud of you!
