25 August 2006, well, it’s almost Friday again. See what I mean about them coming around so quickly, seems like only last week we had one. All is well here, the weather is sitting around 90 during the afternoon and it’s almost fall like after 1700 hrs. I’m adding some pictures to this one, nothing spectacular or anything.


Why am I smiling? Look at the menu.

This is the airport road that leads from the…uhm.. airport to Masoud Circle. This is by far the best road in Kabul, notice the nice asphalt road, the lane striping and even light poles on both sides. It doesn’t get any better here.

Masoud Circle, is a tribute to Masoud, to most of Afghanistan he was considered a hero that stood up against the Taliban, to some here, he was just another warlord. However you look at him, he was considered a threat to his enemies and was assassinated two days prior to 9/11.

Mrs. Dub said I needed to describe my days events more for everyone at home. Well, working in an office there's not much to report and what I can report, well, you don't need men in dark suits and sunglasses showing up at your home. However, with things moving into more of a flow now, I am working on getting out a little more. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Be safe and have a good day.

22 August 2006, Well, I'd like to say that the war has caused me not to write in the last 5 days, but that wouldn't go very far. Besides, have I ever lied to you that you are aware of? Ok, then we shall just settle for.....I just haven't been very productive. Anyway, here I am now, for those of you who have been waiting. Mrs. Dub sent me a joke, "Why did the banana cross the road?, Because the other banana split!"
Well, August 19th was Independence Day here in Afghanistan, if you recall, I mentioned they celebrate their independence from Great Britain just as we do, and so many other countries. This is their 87th year and most of it has been spent in war and turmoil. We had many threats for the weekend and fortunately for us and Kabul, none came to fruit.
Mrs. Dub wasn't to pleased with me the other day. I was teaching SFC J how to play Xbox Ghost Recon 2. I decided that while he was "training" at the range, I would call home. Mrs. Dub answered the phone, I said, " hello, hello" and then had J firing his machine gun on the game. Mrs. Dub didn't find any humor in the situation and I had to explain that if I was to get into an actual firefight, I probably wouldn't call home at that moment. The good news is I was out of arms reach from her. For guys who like living on the edge, I recommend this....to all others, don't try this at home.
I went downtown yesterday to ISAF headquarters, my first venture in that direction since hitting the ground here. I was able to see some improvements made, but a lot of it still looked the same. I'm putting together some pictures right now, so hopefully on the next blog I will have some for you. Well, be safe and have a good day.

17 August 2006, Well, this is supposedly the new and improved blog site. Blogger has decided to improve things and I decided to jump on board earlier than later. I'm looking around and trying to decide if I like it or not, what do you think?
Good news, no, sorry, I'm not coming home yet. I just meant it rained some this afternoon. I mean the temperatures aren't that bad here, but the country needs ran and it always looks better after a rain.
I believe Afghanistan has potential to be a decent country at some point. The problem is, do we wait another 15 -20 years for the younger generation to get there? I think we are doing a lot here but, at this point I see the population viewing it as a handout and not a helping hand. We need to begin now with making them take pride in themselves, their cities and their country. We need to make it their responsibility. Now, we are working that issue on many levels, but not at the level of the common person. I've decided that if I get invited to sit with President Karzai and other world leaders, I will explain my platform for rebuilding this country. I'm just waiting on that invitation.
Today has been a lot better than yesterday for me as I was ill for part of yesterday. I'm doing better today. Of course, I'm missing yet another day at the gym. This will almost be an entire week now without working out. Yuck. Wait a minute, did I just sound disappointed that I wasn't working out......well, I must say then, that I reached that point where I was starting to like it. Too bad it's gone now.....just kidding. I should be back there tomorrow....or is that what everyone says.
Well, I will have to make this one short, as I'm off for a secret mission....it involves bratwurst.

15 August 2006, Good Tuesday to everyone out there. Well, I'm still doing well here in Afghanistan. Yesterday, a French patrol in Kabul was hit by an explosive device on the road. Fortunately, the soldiers only received minor injuries. But, this does make me stop and think. Why would anyone need to target the French with such a device? I mean, wouldn't a stern letter work just as well? No, really, they are good soldiers and I do believe the media in France is more liberal than the people they tend to represent. Because we are moving into an election year for most parts of the U.S., I saw that the morning news had a report about emotional thinking and how warped some parties are about painting untrue pictures about politicians running for office. Hmmm, do I see a slant somewhere?
Speaking of slants, a question of great importance came up in the office the other day. On the keyboard, you have a / and a \. Now, I took typing way back in the early 80's, but I couldn't tell you any of the rules that applied back then, I remember the names elite and pica? I think? Anyway, in the new age of computers I have considered the / to be a forward-slash and the \ to be a back-slash. I've had three people disagree with me, one who had typing before me, but two that are barely of drinking age. Any input from the general public? Let me know.
The next blog will have a critique for "Blue Collar Comedy Tour, One For The Road" I've watched the first segment with Bill Engvall and I must say, it was funny. I'll give a complete revue later.
Mrs. Dub said I needed to start adding more pictures and less talk, hmmm, is that a hint? Well, can't promise less talk, but I will try to start adding more pictures. Well, be safe and have a good day.

12 August 2006, Well, you know how I've stated that my job here is comic relief. Ok, so here's todays story. LTC Y catches me at a meeting and tells me he has a mission for me. (This of course, is always a bad thing, because I know it means it's something he's not going to do himself). He tells me he wants to present an award to someone tomorrow and he has decided the award will be the movie "Brokeback Mountain". Now they sell this movie at the PX, why, I'm not sure, but they do. He doesn't want to go buy the movie himself and is telling me to do it instead. He gives me the $20 for the movie. I wait......it's almost 7pm here, we are working up a rain/dust storm, lightening....I figure....nows my chance. I head over to the PX....darn, some infantry guys looking at movies....I pick up a couple of different movies in the general area....waiting......ok, they left, I casually pick up the movie, palm it like a basketball, there, nobody should be able to make it out on first glance......it's a short line....waiting......(Now, everyone who knows me knows my mind works a little differently).....(so I begin thinking to myself)....waiting.....hmmmm....what would the worst thing to happen if I actually make it to the counter without anyone noticing......hmmmm....still thinking....Yes, that would be it, the cashier calling out, "I need a price check for the Sergeant....on Brokeback Mountain", .....yep......ok, I'm next at the counter.....almost over, just got to get the movie in the bag...then i'm home free.......WAIT!!, what are you doing????? Cashier then holds up the movie as he turns around to the other cashier.....NOOOOOOOOOO!!!(of course, I scream inside my head, it draws less attention.)(I had to learn that one the hard way too). It played out almost just like I had feared. My fortune carried me thru though, the cashier asks the other one in his native tongue of Pashto. Ok, it's in the bag and I'm outta here.
You won't be getting a critque on this movie, the seal won't be broken by me. And remember, they weren't cowboys, they were sheep herders. Well, be safe and have a good day.

11 August 2006, First, A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TONI D. Yes, folks, she is another year older, I'm not sure but I think this makes 37, or 38 for her. I know she looks younger than me, and isn't that what counts.
All is well, in Afghanistan today. We had a high of maybe 91, I got to play with power tools and wood, and I learned that I can't speak Navajo very well. I was told to stick with "HOW!!"
Yet another Friday marked off the calendar, Yeah!! We are still moving at a pretty good pace. We got some Air Force folks on post now, that with the Navy personnel we are gathering a pretty good force. Not sure what the Navy is doing, the nearest pond of good size is in Surobi, and I don't think they brought any boats. We asked one Air Force guy what he does for a job, he said he schedules pilot training, hmmmmm, not familiar with the Afghanistan Air Force yet, but I'm going to say he may be working on something else here. I remember last trip we were here, we had some guys flying around with government officials in those Russian helicopters and everytime they landed a mechanic would get off and start tinkering with the engine. Yeah, sign me up.
I get to sleep in tomorrow morning, yeah, don't have to be up till 0630, I will be very upset if I wake up at my usual time and lie there for two hours. Won't be a good day for anyone. Well, that's about all for now, be safe and have a good day.

10 August 2006, My biggest problem right now is the fact that when I get off work, I have to wait for SFC J to get off work 2 hours later before we go to the gym. Well, let me tell you, I get comfortable in my chair, in my room, and after playing a little x-box and checking my email, I'm usually ready for a nap, not the gym. I don't blame him, I would much rather come in 2 hours later than I do and then it wouldn't be an issue. But, we know how much I love to get up at 0438 in the morning. wheee. I have often said that I didn't mind it if the sun was already up, and that's true, enough. However, the sun has been staying in bed later than me and I find I'm up before it by a few minutes now. Not so good. The Army doesn't think I should change my time to match the sun's so it's still 0438.
My cousin has officially challenged me to a weight lose contest. Knowing how competitive she is, I'm not putting any money on it. However, it will be good for both of us, and even though she says I look older, ......well, ok, we won't argue with that, I do. My First Sergeant started working out with us too, and he asked me at what point would coming to the gym be fun, I had to tell him I didn't know because I hadn't found that point yet. I imagine it will come when the da*# scales says something besides,"Get off me!!"
I made an "A" in my first class here and am now enrolled in Intro to Algebra and International Political Terrorism. I changed my major to Political Science this term and for some reason the school feels I need almost 3 semesters of math just to take a Statistics course. I thought if I ran for office some day, I would just watch the T.V. like everyone else to see if I won. The good news for me is that my daughter starts algebra this year too, so I can just call home if I need some help with my homework. This almost feels like one of Jeff Foxworthy's redneck jokes, "If you walk you kid to school because you're in the same grade, you might be a redneck."
Speaking of which, I watched Larry the Cable Guy, Health Inspector the other night and Mrs. Dub thinks I should give a critic of it on this site. Well, guys, if you were planning to watch this with a date, don't make it your first date. As the producer said, "Larry didn't have to stretch very far to play this role." Over all, I liked it, it had suspense, comedy, love, and a lot of bodily function humor. Megyn Price played the love interest, and if I'm correct her family is from Oklahoma. Gotta love that. It certainly met my criteria for a good flick.
Be safe and have a good day.

08 August 2006, I thought exercise was suppose to give me energy? We are working out at least 5 days a week now, usually for at a minimum of 1 hour, doing aerobic training and then weights. I am still at 245 lbs for now. I have be changing my shape a little so I am not complaining..... yet. Of course, I'm sitting here feeling the results of today's workout and thinking about how much this might hurt tomorrow morning. I can say that so far I haven't overdone it yet enough to be hurting any more than a little soreness so I'm doing that right. We are planning a PT test for around the 15th, why, I don't have any idea. I liked the excuse that I was in a war zone and didn't need to do a PT test.
It's all good though. After I finish this blog and talk with my beautiful wife, I'm going to watch "Larry the Cable Guy, Health Inspector". Yeah, it's time for some culture. I figure I can learn a lot from an important piece of film like this. I just hope it is as good as Nacho Libre. Talk about your future classics.
The end of August is coming up and the hints I'm getting indicate that war is no excuse for missing Mrs. Dub's birthday. Let's see, something from the bazaar?......maybe the PX?.....oh, I guess I do have the internet available to me.
Well I guess it's time to close another session, be safe and have a good day.

07 August 2006, Good Monday Morning everyone. This next piece goes with the picture to the left. This came from LTC Y, and I thought this would be a good place for me to get it out to everyone else. The quote is "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.Thank them both."
Now, I'm not looking for anyone to come on here and says thanks, but remember it back home and say a prayer for us. I went to a meeting today with Coalition Forces here in Kabul and the LTC from Italy made this comment, "I came here with X number of soldiers and it's my intent to go home with X number of soldiers." This is one of the most important things I can do while serving over here.
Of course, my Monday is almost over, and that always rates a big smile. Today was, in every sense, a typical Monday. It started off at 0500 hrs, (yep, way to early for any Monday) I arrived at the office to find that my account for the computer had expired with no notice. Now, My guys that work on the computer have been run pretty raged, and I didn't want to be a bother that early in the morning. So, I waited until 0615 to make my call. (keep in mind, my first product of the day needs to be out by 0700) I make the call and I am told that my guys no longer have the ability to fix such things because higher has deemed they should be responsible for all types of repairs. I informed him that if he had told me that yesterday I would certainly have called higher at 0500 just to irritate them. Of course, me being one who likes to stir the pot when things are brewing, I began looking about the office for other technical problems that I could call higher for. I figure they want to save the world by themselves, I'll give them plenty to do. We will see how this turns out.
We have an 80% percent chance of thunderstorms today and tomorrow and the 1-180th Infantry Bn is in Choctaw Nation country. Let's see if we can get a rain dance going and let it pour. The southern part of Afghanistan has been seeing a lot of rain lately and flooding in some places. Not much else to report right now, so be safe and have a good day.

04 August 2006, Happy Friday to everyone out there. I am getting some good jokes sent to me but very few I can use on this blog site. Yesterday, I went out on my 3rd foot patrol outside the wire. Don't worry, I don't stray too far. I had to meet with a village elder named Mohammed Anwar. We sat down and had some tea, and talked about the things he needed from us and what we needed from him. After two hours of that, I went to the gym and worked out. Now I remember why I don't like to work out, IT HURTS my body. I'll manage and I'm still working out.
Today was bazaar day here at Camp Phoenix. This is when we allow a group of Local Nationals on base and they set up there shops of goods. I am not very good at the bartering portion of sales. There are some very nice things you can get if you like the crafts, of course, movies are always a big hit here. My friend, and local salesman, Ismail has a movie shop there too. He's the one I was saying is wanting to come back to Oklahoma to go to college and learn business. Well, I will have to have a talk with him about his distributor. The quality of the DVD's aren't nearly as good as they used to be.
Everything else is going pretty good around here. The weather isn't getting any hotter than 98 degess. I try to stay in the office as much as possible, but they feel I need the fresh air and exercise. I've found a barbarian looking helmet I wanted to buy, but the guy sold the last one he had. I will have to keep looking honey. Not much else to report today. Be safe and have a good day.

02 August 2006, Well, sorry it's been a couple of days since I last posted. I really don't have any good excuses and you probably aren't interested in hearing the bad ones. It's the start of a new month, yeah!!!! Everything with me is still going as good as can be expected. My biggest problem of late has been my air conditioner in my room. Yes, I know, and if that's my biggest problem in war, then I'm doing ok.
LTC Y and I went for a ping pong match yesterday. My job as a comic relief went into overtime. During a game the ping pong ball hit me in the forehead, due to lack of hair, it rolled over the top and off the back. Now this and the sight of me tracking it with my eyes was enough for the Colonel to just loose it. He was doubled over, laughing, crying, probably about to hurt himself at the sight. What he missed, was the fact that while I'm tracking the ball, I'm thinking to myself, "I can hit this thing when it comes down on the back side". Needless to say, I missed and we had to halt the game till we both gained our composure.
We are still hoping to get some type of news channel in our office to see what is going on in world. I get just little tid-bits while eating my meals in the DFAC. Of course, I can't hear what they are saying so I spend most of my time reading the lines at the bottom. We need real important stuff like, UN wanting us to pay taxes, Castro resigning, Israel-Lebanon, why TomKat won't show their baby in public.
I also need to get busy writing emails back to those of you who send them to me. I'm sorry I don't respond often or quick enough. I do enjoy them tremendously though so don't stop. Thanks for the prayers, the goodies, and support. Be safe and have a good day.