14 November 2006, Have I mentioned I hate math?? I'm working on my test that's due tonight, I have most of the problems completed, but I still have to type it into Word Equation Editor so I can show my work. This takes a little bit of time. I was being pulled in so many directions today, I'm having a hard time concentrating on just about anything. Other than that, all is well, and I'm doing fine. The PX is all geared up for Christmas, I guess we skip Thanksgiving this year. I never can remember if its the even or odd years we don't have it. Yes, the PX, where we (the soldiers in a combat zone) can get just what we've been looking for for Christmas.....like the wooden nut cracker soldiers in 12", 24", 36" and the ever popular 48". Hmmmm, I have to wonder who put this order in. There's also the wrapping paper, you know, because we can't send anything wrapped in the mail, because it has to be open and inspected before leaving the country.
I need to cut this short, because (x+2)(x-3) is waiting for me. Be safe and have a good day.

13 November 2006, ayhee, who's idea was it to take algebra during a war? I musta been out of mind, (for those of you who don't know me well, and wouldn't say I was before I took algebra). Things, are going ok though, I'm working on my 3rd test (online, so I have some leeway with it). Luckily, one of the new officers I have in my office is a Navy person and loves this math stuff. I'm of course doing my work, but it helps to have a someone who can look over it and make sure I'm in the right neighborhood. The Navy calls him a LT, but the Army would call him a CPT, so we will call him confusing, I mean LT P. I try to work on my homework and test while at work, don't we all? I mean, why would I want to do it on my own time? I could be blogging or playing Halo 2, (of course, anxiously awaiting Halo 3).
The last two people I have been waiting on to get back from leave arrived today. Let's all dance!! Glad you can't see me. It looks alot like Kevin James from that scene in "Hitch". Yeah, not pretty.
I was sending out an email just a little while ago, yes, I tried to get caught up on several people today, I usually start with one at a time, and after 3-5 of them, I realize I have to work in the morning and I start clumping some of them together, sorry about that. Anyway, in that email I was discussing how actually good I have it here on Camp Phoenix, and if I was downrange, it would be different. I mean, after a long day at war, I'm able to walk down to the PX area, shop for a new movie, maybe a CD, buy some chips (yeah, I don't need them, but they are marked down), then run up to the DQ or Green Bean and get a mocha latte. I can just see guys like Sarge Charlie during Vietnam or those from World War II, coming in from a patrol where they got shot at, and ordering a cappuccino. Just this blogging, the internet emails, the phone access I have, really, even during Desert Storm, troops still had to wait in line for an hour or more to just try to use a phone once a month to call home.
Today, was busy, but I was able to get several things done and set in motion more things for tomorrow. With CPT C back, I can put more effort into my lane of work, or maybe sleep in in the morning (yeah, won't happen, but I can dream till 0510 anyway). My only complaint right now, is I have found out that I need the weather stripping on my door replaced as when it rains, it drips down on the inside of my door. Not much else going on. Be safe and have a good day.

11 November 2006, Veteran's Day
In Flanders Fields By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

This poem became greatly associated with Armistice Day which was signed November 11, 1918. Whether you know it by Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or Veteran's Day, it is a day we celebrated the end of World War I, the war to end all wars. Well, as we have proven, that didn't happen. But it is this day that we stop and remember those who sacrificed of themselves so that the rest may attempt to live in peace. Although I can not, of course, give you the most accurate information, the last records I could verify showed 2839 American soldiers have died in Iraq and approximately 200 soldiers in Afghanistan. I do not consider their deaths lightly, or trivial, or wasted. For they gave their lives to help secure our freedom, and the freedom of the people in those countries. As long as there is evil in the world, men and women will heed to the calling of a higher purpose that I can not explain. As a police officer, I have seen death too many times. Each time, I wept inside for that loss of life. But the pride that swells up in me when I see my Flag of the United States of America, each time I see a veteran holding strong to the values establish by this country, I cannot contain those tears. We must stay strong in those beliefs. To you, the current soldiers of all nations standing against evil, to you, the veterans of past wars, Thank You.

http://www.legacy.com/Soldiers.asp

http://www.iwillsoaragain.com/

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/links.html
Be safe and have a good day.

10 November 2006, Happy Recognized Day Off for Veteran's Day!! Yeah, I know, it doesn't sound as cool that way, but I don't get either day off so it looks like I have to recognize both days. Friday here starts the weekend for Afghanistan so most of the camp does actually have it off. This morning turned out pretty busy for me, but fortunately nothing serious was going on. We finally got a good rain here this afternoon, after haze and clouds all morning. It could rain here everyday, and I wouldn't mind too much, at least for a while. We are still coming out of a drought that has lasted for quite a while.
I was asked what I thought about Mr. Rumsfield. I have a great deal of respect for him, and believe he deserves a lot more credit than what was depicted by the media. Yes, there were some problems over all, but again, arm chair quarterbacks can make those kind of calls all day long. It's not until you actually get out there and do it for real does it make a difference. I heard one legislator this last week make the comment, "If I had know it would have turned out like this, I wouldn't have supported it to start with" WHAT?? You mean someone told you a specific number of troops would die back then, and you said "OK, lets go for it" I mean, what knuckle-head would do that. It's called war for a reason. I've been asked to guest blog for another site, and I'm slowly coming up with my topic.
Mainly though, I would like to thank everyone out there who is a veteran, former military person, American, Aussie, British, French, Iraqi, and Afghan who has come forward to the call of their country, to the call of other countries and stood for freedom, justice, and what is right. Thank you for your service.
Be safe and have a good day.

09 November 2006, Can anyone tell me how to install a media player on this darn blog site? I can't get Utube to work for some reason that probably involves me, and just putting a simple audio player is apparently beyond my comprehension also. I can see me on Amazon now, "Blogging for Dummies, featuring Sgt Dub."
There are times I get worried about the news media. Of course, I've never been a big fan of them, I've seen them first hand twist something so far out of context that it's amazing I wasn't tarred and feathered a couple of times. With what might have been the biggest election story in several years, we had "breaking news" Brittany and K-Fed (up) are getting a divorce. The "other" big story was Faith Hill. I finally saw the reaction everyone is talking about, and I from what I saw, I would say it looked like a joke too. I've always like Faith, sheer class exhibited almost always. I have to wonder if the camera had followed her for a few more seconds, what we would have seen. But, then that wouldn't have been news. As far as Brittany and Kevin, the boy is screwed up in the head and is trying to make it on her name, good grief, what took her so long. But did either of these stories really need to be "breaking news". Anyway, today there were no big interruptions for Mr. Rumsfield. He had mentioned to me last week during our regular conference call that he was thinking about hanging it up, and enjoy some time in Florida. I told him I couldn't really blame him, what with the way the reporters go after him. I found Senator Hillary Clinton's remarks interesting. Let me see if I capture this right. Rumsfield resigns, President Bush announces this fact and then announces a replacement. Then Sen. Clinton says she thinks the President was smart for getting a replacement. What was he suppose to do? leave the job vacant? Glad your on top of the game.
We are seeing more clouds and cooler weather now. Of course, I still run around in shorts when I can. I haven't seen much wind blowing during the winter months and it will take a lot more for me to put on too much more clothing. I'm going to get started on my algebra homework tomorrow, (procrastinator) but I did make it to the gym today, getting about 1 hour total workout. I also had to look up camcorders on line for Mrs. Dub to go buy one today. Ms. Dub is giving a speech for the Veteran's Day assembly today and she wants to be able to capture it for me. Patriotism hits me hard and this will be something I will watch alone in my room.
Well, be safe and have a good day.

08 November 2006, Congratulations to all the winners of the elections, whether I voted for you or not. May God guide you in all your decisions. I know Governor Brad Henry had a fantastic finish and I believe he will continue to work for what's best for Oklahoma. I haven't seen the other results for Oklahoma yet, but I should be spanning the Internet shortly after this post. I hope everyone did their part to vote.
Today was nice, I was able to slow my pace down and worked at getting several tasks completed. I was also able to get Lt M caught back on what was happening, or the lack of happening around here during his absence. When I left, things kicked into overdrive, apparently I can keep things under control. (That's the way I will write history).
I received another package from the South Yukon Church of Christ, and this time I managed to send an email back to them to say thanks. My actual writing letters skills are very lacking. I'm still behind from the last mission, and that was a couple of years ago. I'm lucky if I get emails out to my friends and family. That seems a task at times. I have been trying to be diligent about this blog as it hits the most people with one shot. As you have seen in the past, I can go days without writing, but I'm trying to get better about that. My only excuse is that I'm a guy. Do I really need to say more?
Finally, I got a good night's sleep. I took that Tylenol PM Mrs. Dub sent and went to bed at 2045 (8:45pm) and didn't get out of bed till 0615. Wow! Is that what sleep feels like, I like it!!
Part of my job here is working with some of the Afghans, or actually, having them work for me. Today I had to talk with one who missed several days at work. When I spoke with some of the other Afghans, I was told he was working off post, I told them I had heard differently. At this point, they suddenly remembered he was very ill in the hospital. What I had heard was that he had been in an automobile accident and hit someone who later died, and that he was in jail. His story today when I spoke with him was that he was in a "detainee house" which is were you sit until they decide if you are guilty or not, and then at the hospital for a few days. Apparently one or more of the other Afghans working for me had been signing him in for an unknown period of time before we found out about it, I informed several of them, (and they know this from the past) that if I caught them lying to me, they would be gone. Now, some of you are asking why I didn't know any sooner, but I have several working and my job is as a manager for them, and they go out with other patrols, units and sections to actually perform their work, so I do not get daily face time with them.
Well, be safe and have a good day.

07 November 2006, I voted, did you?
One of the comments left yesterday was about standing in line with a cup in your hand and having someone watch you take a urine test. Well, Sarge was today's winner. Yes, today I was that person watching soldiers pee in a bottle. You see, the Army hasn't changed that much at all. I was fortunate since I only had to be up 45 minutes earlier than normal. For most of our Company, it was several hours earlier, and the line was outside, and the temperature is finally feeling like fall-winter. It's certainly a job I can do without.
Great news for me. Last night, my airman got back from her pass and today my LT. got back from leave. Yes, there was much celebration in my little world. As usual I gave my LT. a fright by telling him he had been moved to another part of the office with a different job. I had even put a sign above the door to his office, which I have been using and remodeling. It had my name on it as the head of that office. I told him there had been some changes around since he left, which was extremely likely, he had a look of terror on his face as he realized what I was saying. Of course, being the nice guy that I am, I quickly broke the joke after a few moments. I have always enjoyed the immediate gratification of a good joke as opposed to letting it run its course. It will be a shame to give up the office though, and return to the main office.
I made it to the gym tonight, did 25 minutes on the elliptical trainer and then moved on to weights. A little while later, LTC Y told me to join them in a basketball game. Apparently fouling was legal as long as you didn't break skin or cause bleeding. We played 21 with 3 people. I actually made 6 points, "cookie for me" , survived to tell about it. It definitely was a cardio workout.
I'm back in my office tonight, finishing up a couple of things and then calling it a night. Well, be safe and have a good day.

06 November 2006, Blogging is still hard work. Mrs. Dub wants me to tell about my day to day activities. Here in lies the problem. She also doesn't want me outside the wire. This just leaves me working in the office, right now from 0530 to typically 1900-2000 hrs each night(7pm -8pm). Now granted, it's not strenuous or anything. It's mainly time consuming. Then there's the fact that my job requires me to keep many things to myself, for if I shared them, government men in black suits and sunglasses would be knocking on your door, this was one of the reasons I had to leave the country....I mean I was deployed with the Army. So that doesn't leave much for me to say other than what I ate at each meal, which, we are at 4 days in a row for chili for breakfast. I had these kinds of fits back home. I finally had a lunch outside my office today, which was the first meal I haven't eaten at my desk in about 5 days. I haven't been to the gym in two days. I still have one more meeting tonight, NCODP, which is just Non-Commissioned Officer training. It's designed to help me be a better leader of troops. One day they will give me troops to lead.
While my LT has been away on leave, I have taken over his office. Each day I change something else in it. Last night, I brought in a saw and a drill. hehehhahhhwhawhaaa. Yes, Power tools are fun for everyone. I even still have all ten digits on my hands. When we get everyone back I want to start on my room again. I've gain so much stuff in there now that it's time to reconstruct a little. I don't believe I have shared with you the fact that I had two tough boxes stolen while in transit from Pakistan to here. I had to do some reports to file claims for it, but I don't really know where I would have put them with the way my room is set up now. (but that's only a small consolation compared to what I'm missing.)
We are having another official weigh-in right after Thanksgiving. Hmmm, wonder who's idea that was. Anyway, I better get back on track with my workout, I'm shooting for making the tape and not having to suffer any consequences afterwards. There's no way I would make the weight requirement because the Army thinks I need to loose 60 more pounds, which I would definitely need one of those Hollywood trainers and nutritionists working with me full time for about 6 months, and that won't be happening. However, I am shooting for loosing 30-40 more pounds on my own and hopefully doing while I'm here.
Be safe and have a good day.

Happy Birthday Ms. Dub

04 November 2006, Happy Birthday to my daughter Ms. Dub. Yep, today she is 13 years old. I told her the only way she would make it to this age was if I got deployed, I guess she pulled some strings, cause this ain't Oklahoma. She is pretty....pretty smart and pretty funny. She has also taken an interest in learning Japanese. She is teaching herself with the use of the Internet. She has been writing short stories about a Japanese cartoon she watches and has published almost 20 chapters on Fanfiction.com
Her mother and I are pretty proud of everything she has accomplished so far to include making all A's in honors courses at school with only one B in one class. She got her good looks from her mother, and not for sure what she got from me, except grounded several times.


There's also a young boy in her life right now that sleeps much easier knowing I'm on the other side of the planet, and out of arms reach.
Well, I wish I was home with her right now. I love her very much, and her mother too. Be safe and have a good day.

03 November 2006, I guess it's just a political fever I must have. I'm gonna have to start off talking about politics again. This, of course, worries Mrs. Dub somewhat. Anytime we went somewhere that the topic of politics might come up, and some occasions where it shouldn't come up at all, she would pull me to the side before entering and say, "Promise me you will behave yourself tonight." Well, I've never had to be told twice, (in one night) but I've also never stooped to calling anyone "stuffed-suit mouthpiece" or "doughy", so I guess for all purposes, I have behaved myself. (And You can just imagine my wife, sitting at her computer now, shaking her head, while wondering where I'm going with this.)
Let's start with defining my categories. I could use Wikipedia, or Webster, but I just like keeping things simple, (it's always worked for me before). Democrats and Republicans are two separate groups based on ideology. I believe both share similar values, traits and goals. Liberals and Conservatives are two different ends of a spectrum. When I talk about issues, I don't discuss them as Dems or Repubs because that doesn't define anything, however, for this case, it is an issue between the two parties because both parties are rivaling for control of Congress. So, about Senator John Kerry during this last week. Yes, it was stupid, yes, it deserved to be called out. Yes, the Minnesota National Guard really put it in perspective. And yes, it should end now. But it can't because next week is the elections. Now to the Today show, which I saw this morning, but I guess aired Thursday back home. James Carville. Mr. Carville is certainly one of the most intelligent persons I would like to meet someday. He has that laid back down home southern flair that can be both appealing and annoying at the same time. He was on the television and was stating that this was a "no issue" issue. 1. My question is this, "If this isn't an issue for the American people then......why did they get you out here?" You see, Mr. Carville is one of the most powerful tools in the Democratic National Convention, and he doesn't come out for small potatoes. 2. The statement that Republicans are working this into an issue just before an election is correct. To be completely truthful. BUT, when did the Democrats learn about Rep. Mark Foley's inappropriate emails? Over a year ago? And why did the Democrats wait until the second week of October to release this if it was such a horrible thing? (and it was) Because they were interested in making it an issue for the upcoming elections. So stop crying foul all the time, you are doing the same thing, or at least make sure Sen Kerry goes first next time.
Ok, that's enough of that for tonight. I didn't get much sleep last night and I've been typing one thing or another on computers all day now. Luckily, things have continued to be quiet in Kabul and I didn't have a lot of distractions. I ate all three meals at my desk. For breakfast, and to show you just how much I'm tired of the food here, I had a bowl of chili. For lunch, I grabbed a mini pizza and a corn dog. Of course, "he who should not be named" (LTC Y) came by and ate my corn dog. For dinner, it's steak night, forgot about that, I had a baked potato with chili on it. Yeah, don't get to close to me tonight. Tomorrow is a big day and I'll get started on working it up for you. Be safe and have a good day.

02 November 2006, Well, I just came back from the gym. I didn't do a full workout, but I went. It's cloudy over here with the looks of rain. I hope so. The only bad part about a little bit of rain is that the smells here seem to intensify. Mrs. Dub can tell you about the smell of Afghanistan. Last time I was here I wanted to have a suit or two made. I, of course, being of sound mind, knew to ask her first. With an resounding NO, I was told that everything I had sent home so far had a horrific odor to it. Of course, after a couple of months here, we couldn't smell anything anymore. Staff Sergeant DX, (just a SPC then) had also advised me and "he who should not be named" that we might consider buying some men's body spray or cologne. I can speak for myself when I say that I showered everyday. But, showering wasn't enough and since then, I give a little hit of body spray, just so I don't have any unpleasant scents about me.

The Easy Button from Staples. I need one of these here in Afghanistan, and not for any reason you can think of unless you've been to one of my teaching lessons on anger. I've had several soldiers here who seem to get upset quite easily. I have had to set them down and explain that if they choose to wear an "easy button" on the front of their chest that is connected to their anger, people will undoubtedly come up and push it. It's much like the Easy button from Staples. If I had one sitting out on the corner of my desk, Every Single Person who walked by would push it. Why? Because I left it out in the open. That's the same with emotions. If you wear them where people can see them they will push that button. I have to tell my soldiers that they need to hide it. My suggestion has been that cool new calf pocket on the ACUs. Nobody would think to look there to find your anger button. Of course, I had one soldier who found it today, and for a brief moment in time.........well, that's when I decided to go to the gym.

Be safe and have a good day.

1 November 2006, it's good to be
forgotten. [Soap Box] Senator John
Kerry was giving one of his great speeches the other night and decided to make a FUBAR out of it. (Because this is a family oriented blog, I will not give you the definition to that acronym.) Sen. Kerry was addressing a group of college students and made the following statement, " You know education, if you make the most of it, and you study hard, and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." (USA Today). First, it's good to be in Afghanistan, the forgotten war, as it is referred to. Second, every single military officer has to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree to become an officer. I understand and have told you that I have been working on my bachelor's for 22 years now. It's not because I'm the dullest bulb in the socket, but because of financial considerations, family obligations, the occasional deployment. For Sen. Kerry to announce that it was intended to be an attack on President Bush and not the military soldiers is actually an attack on everyone. To be honest with you, I have not read Sen. Kerry's full remarks that night, but in the quote above, he does not mention President Bush, he only mentions the target audience which also comprises the make up of the military forces. So with that, let me help Sen. Kerry out, his remarks as edited by me. "You know education, if you make the most of it, and you study hard, and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. You can even serve your country." Thank you.
Now, for my day, it's been another wonderful day. The office is keeping me busy and I'm waiting for things to return to the point where I can just do two peoples job. I got my other box from Mrs. Dub and it's a 50/50 box. The first 50% is good for me snacks like Triscuit crackers in the cool flavors like Rosemary & Olive Oil, and it says it helps reduce the risk of heart disease. The other 50% is Betty Crocker Warm Delights microwavable mixes like Hot Fudge Brownie. These are just yummie for my tummie. So with an equal balance of nutrition, I should be fine....right?
(and so you know, I'm actually snacking on the Triscuits right now)
We are half way through this week and that's always good news. Be safe and have a good day.

31 October 2006, Happy Halloween. I really didn't have much to say today, but I did have this last cartoon to use before Halloween was over. I've had another productive day, this time work related. Yeah, that doesn't happen very often and I don't want anyone getting use to it. The weather has been great, in the 50's in the mornings and 75ish in the afternoon. I haven't made it to the gym tonight yet and I'm wondering if I will.
Next week is the elections. I'm ready. Polls are misleading as usually those doing the polling have an agenda and the results will normally fall into the realm they were looking for. If this could be applied to things you have lost, it would be of great value. You know, you lost your keys and begin searching for them, then you find the remote you couldn't find last night. You look for your favorite shirt and find your baseball glove. Poll takers are usually favoring one opinion over another and will seek out those results that support them. Once the elections are over, we can say at that time, "hey, this is what the people were thinking." We will find out soon enough.

My new boss has had a stressful time as you can see by his picture. Cpt M is working in a new office and decided to try and give up tobacco at the same time. Luckily he has had his coffee this morning and is in a good mood.

I just received two boxes in the mail, one from Mrs. Dub and one from my aunt Max and Uncle Ron. Goodies, goodies, goodies. I at least got to have something different for dinner tonight. Mrs. Dub found Hamburger Helper in single serving sizes and they are microwavable. Tonight was Cheesy Beef Taco. My aunt and uncle sent a box with an assortment of goodies, but it looks like I'll have to keep it to myself, as I don't think there's enough to share, mean aren't I. Well, enough for tonight, be safe and have a good day.

30 October 2006, Only one more day till Halloween, and I still don’t have a decent costume. I guess if I go out trick or treating, I’ll dress up as a soldier. It’s always a favorite, of course a cowboy would be more fun. I don’t need the extra candy though.
I won’t be going to the gym today since I have to give a briefing. It does look like I will be able to go on Tuesday though.
I mentioned a couple of days ago that LTC Y didn’t read the blog. Guess what? The Army is on another, “check your soldiers’ blogs to ensure they are not giving
away vital information” kick, so the Colonel asked who was writing. I raised my hand and then later printed off a copy of it to give to him. I told him to skip over the part about sticking it to the man. He told me not to mention his name again.

ROYAL DECREE

Verily I sayeth, from hence day forward,
LTC Y shall be referred to as
“He who should not be named”

Of course, “He who should not be named” should know better than that. I have a hard time following directions. And then there’s that whole hard of hearing thing I like to use.
Now, would that mean that as long as I didn’t mention “He who should not be named” I could use his picture on my blog instead? Well, I won’t push that issue very far I might be… uhmmm, ping pong challenged, but I’m smart enough to figure out where to cease fire.
The quiet spell continues here in Kabul, it’s been just over a week now since the last attack. This is more like I remembered from the first trip; however, we are all leaning towards the edge now waiting for something to happen.
I’m trying to be a little more productive today, not necessarily work related, but productive, so I pushed out some emails today. I still have to knock out the last 8 problems of my algebra homework that I thought was due last week but wasn’t due till tonight. Does anyone doubt my procrastination now? Really, it’s pretty bad.
My afternoon was lost in 3 hours of meetings. I'm numb from the shoulders up. Most would say that about me without the issue of meetings. Not much else to report tonight. Be safe and have a good day.

27 October 2006, It's Friday, YEAH! Of course, it's just another day here in Afghanistan. Our last deployment we fell into Ground Hog Day at about month 5. It seemed like it would never end. Then, it hit me. (Of course, lots of things hit me, but this was the solution!) All I had to do was get Andie MacDowell to fall for me, then all this would end. Of course, where was I gonna find Andie in Afghanistan? So we continue.... Then one day I was at the chow hall (they prefer DFAC or dining facility). I looked at the TV and they were showing the movie Ground Hog Day with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. I say to the guy next to me, "Wow, they are showing us our movie" he looks at me and says, "yeah, it's Ground Hog Day." Oh, well, that would explain it. Well, it's not quite that bad during this trip, but we are still in the early stages.
I made it to the gym for a second time this week. Long hours have pretty much wiped any energy I might have had out of me, so the motivation has been tougher. LTC Y told me to go with him, and of course, we had to pass by the ping pong table to get there, so, you guessed it, we played ping pong first. Now, we played a couple of days ago and it was then that I learned he had been practicing more. If you remember, I said I was able to score double digits on him in all three games, and he took that as a sign that he needed to hone his skill a little more. You know, you can only beat up on the uhmmm, ping pong challenged kid so many times before he starts getting better. Anyway, he is back on top and I only managed a high of 9 points in any of the three games. As he is feeling pretty good about himself now, we head to the gym. Now, he wants to play basketball. (Yes Sir, anything you want sir). Did I mention he was a basketball star back in day. Yeah, it wasn't pretty either, good thing he only has one good arm. After 45 minutes of inhumane torture ( can I use that term in a war zone?) I went to lift weights. I weighed in tonight at 239 lbs, so with that I went to the chow hall (DFAC) and celebrated with a Baskins Robbins ice cream sundae.
Lastly tonight, I would like to welcome some new readers that have now put me coast to coast in the blogging world. Thank you Charlie and Empress Bee, a retired couple living it up in Florida. Charlie is also a veteran and my sincere thanks goes out to them both. Rock and Douglas V Gibbs are on the west coast in California. Next.......world domination. I never had the intent to be read other than those back home, but it's nice to meet new people and build the support. Thank you to everyone, love ya.
Be safe and have a good day.

25 October 2006, Yeah, Eid is over and things can return to what we consider "normal" here in Kabul. It's amazing that a city of over 4 million people (estimated), can turn into what would be considered a ghost town. We are finally seeing cooling patterns in the weather and have seen a little bit of rain in the last couple of days. In fact, my section posted that there would be a 60% chance of showers today. Well, as you have heard LTC Y loves to find something to pick on me for.
Of course, me being, well me, I don't make it that hard for him or anyone else for that matter. Anyway, we had a briefing today and of course, there's my slide with the chance of rain. He's make a comment and I tell him I thought I saw it sprinkling before coming in. Well, ten minutes later, you can start to hear thunder overhead, 5 minutes later it's coming down hard enough that I have to tell him to speak up because I can't hear him over the rain. MAN DO I LOVE THAT!!
It's always good when you can stick it to the man. Luckily, I don't think he reads this blog.....
It is nice having both of my workers back, I'm able to move around a little bit more. Today, Eric from Camp Souter came over and I had two other visitors, both working for an American Company now, but one from Britain and the other from Australia. We had a good lunch, discussed various ways to conquer...um, I mean help Afghanistan. I usually let my LT handle the socializing around here, but since he is touring Europe right now, I'm obligated.
I send out a congrats to DX for making promotion to SSG back home, and still hoping the problem with Storm'in Norman's promotion gets fixed. I do miss drilling back home with my unit. Who talked me into this deployment? Oh, yeah, the needs of the Army.
We finally have a TV in our office now, so we are getting a little more news from back home. One report that comes to mind is that President Bush met with the generals in Iraq and has announced that we are revamping our slogan campaign there. Apparently, the ones we were using weren't effective enough and it's time for a change. As a soldier taking orders from him, here's one I like, "Knock off the crap or we'll give you both barrels." For those on the left side of the dial, I'm not talking about the oil, get off it. But, those are just my suggestions.
Well, as Mrs. Dub tells me, try to finish on a good note. I was scrambling around Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to finish up my algebra homework for Monday night, (yes, I can see that would make it late). So last night, I decide to give up trying to work the last few questions and just get it turned in. I log on and discover that it's not due till next Monday, jeez. So with that, here's my cartoon for my teacher. Be safe and have a good day.

23 October 2006, Its Monday evening here. Tonight is reported by some Muslims as the Night of Power. Tomorrow starts the 3 day celebration Eid ul Fitr, which ends Ramadan. We have people back home complaining about having to give a day off here and there during holidays, here in Afghanistan a holiday lasts anywhere from 3 days to a month. Try working that into your employees' schedule. For us, Halloween is next. There are actually people here decorating B-huts and offices in preparation for it. I'm not sure why, other than it gives a reminder of home. CPT G's family sent two big boxes of Halloween treats,masks and decorations to us and my soldiers have been playing it up. Halloween has to be Mrs. Dub's least favorite holiday. She's not even that excited about going trick or treating. Typically, we go to our church or another event where the atmosphere is nicer, safer and has a little bit of everything.

I just bought and am listening to George Strait's new CD It Just Comes Natural. As usual, it's pure Strait. I figure after I finish with it I'll send it home to my mother in law. She's a big Strait fan. It's been a week since I was in the gym. With part of the office down range and others on leave I just haven't wanted to go. I'm working a few more hours more than I have normally done on this deployment, which is by far much less than what I worked on the first one. I hope to start back tomorrow though and will put it back into high gear. Not much else to report on my end. It's almost time to call it a night. Be safe and have a good day.

19 October 2006, Well, what a day. The local police notified us that they had found or where looking for at least 3 explosive devices in Kabul. Two of the IEDs were basically outside our front gate. Well, we found an abandoned donkey cart just down the road from us and that set in motion the next 2 hours. From where we sat and watched the events unfold, it appeared the donkey cart was harmless, but the fact that there was no donkey and no owner, we couldn’t take that chance. We summoned for the bomb guys to come and clear the scene. Let’s just say they don’t advertise “30 minutes or it’s free”. When all was said and done, it was just a donkey cart. The owner felt it was appropriate to leave in the middle of the road.
I got my copy of the last book in A Series of Unfortunate Events, The End by Lemony Snicket. This is interesting as it was during my first trip here in Afghanistan that I learned of the series while watching the BBC during a slow Sunday afternoon at the office. If you have young ones at home or just enjoy reading it’s a good series to invest in. I was able to purchase the first 10 books through Amazon.com and with a twist of fate, have now bought the last book the same way. I imagine even Lemony Snicket would find that amusing.
My counterpart from the British came over today to chew the fat. I’m having a much better time understanding him than several others. Remember, I had to have a waiver for my hearing to come on this trip and with their accent (or is it mine?) I’ve had problems deciphering the English language.
I took off work early tonight thinking I might turn in earlier. I stayed up till 1 a.m. last night. Of course, here I am at 9:15 p.m. and still typing on this computer. As I have mentioned in the past, I am reading a lot of good blogs out there, by all kinds of interesting people. You can see some of my favorites in the sidebar. As you saw in my last blog, I mentioned that was my 50th blog written. For most out there, that doesn't really have any significance. I've seen some blogs that appear to have had a lot of work put into them only to see that after 3 or 4 blogs they stop. I guess it all depends on why you are blogging. For me, it's the easiest way to let everyone back home know I'm ok. I have seen where it can be habit forming, and if your blog is a success and everyone is reading it, well, then the pressure is on to perform. Give the monkey a quarter and he'll bang those cymbols even more, right? Well, as with everything else in life, too much of a good thing is bad for you. I will try to keep it under control. Be safe and have a good day.

50th Blog by Sgt Dub
17 October 2006, well, we have made it to our fiftieth blog posting since I deployed. If I had any more clue about fancy websites I would have had fireworks exploding in the background. I have read many good blogs out there and as you can see I’ve added some new ones in the sidebar. I’m hoping to add more to this site to make it even better in the future.
What I do have is this great picture of my dayshift crew with a NASCAR #16 flag, owner Jack Roush, driver Greg Biffle, crew chief Doug Richert and the whole Army National Guard crew signed the flag and had it sent to me. After taking the picture, it now hangs proudly in our office. One good day soon when we have a little bit of wind, I will fly it over the camp here in Afghanistan.
Several events have occurred here in Afghanistan. We had another IED attack here in Kabul yesterday, this one about two miles down the road from our camp. We are thankful he was recognized as being suspicious and the local police were able to react quickly and effectively in order to get people away. After the blast, only the bomber was killed and one child injured.

SFC J and me

Maj G and SFC J, both of whom I have mentioned several times, took off for other parts of Afghanistan to become part of the training mission with the Afghan Police. Once again my name had been mentioned to be a part of the team, but either I’m too valuable or too clumsy. I have many opinions about the police training here, but this is not the correct forum for that discussion. I certainly wish them the best of luck, and say a prayer for their safety. (I have, of course, told them that the area they are going to have less activity reported there than we do here in Kabul, and that they will probably just be sitting around playing checkers in a cave.)
I spent all day yesterday, (minus the bombing) on my algebra homework and after considerable trouble today, took my midterm exam. Let’s just say that after answering “Your Name” I started downhill. To be honest, I only got that one right because the Army makes me put it on my shirt. I feel really good about more than half of the questions presented so we will see. Professor, will there be a curve?
I haven’t seen much television lately, but between Kim Il Jong and the upcoming November elections, I’m sure I’m not missing much. When I was home last month, I was more interested in what new commercials were out. I finally got my ballot in the mail last week and got it sent off. We’ll see if I picked any winners.
Not much else to report here. Be safe and have a good day.

13 October 2006, Well as today is Friday the 13th I will make this post. For 99 % of the world Friday the 13th is considered bad luck. For whatever percent I represent Saturday the 14th has always given me problems. So just in case I fall of this side of the earth tomorrow you know you heard from me today. I've never considered Friday to be evil in any shape or form. I mean if we have to pick a bad luck day, let's make it Monday. Does anyone out there like Monday? I've often said if I was in charge of the weather it would rain on Mondays and be nice the rest of the week.
Overall, today for us here in Afghanistan went pretty good. We saw no attacks here and the weather was nice. I've been trying to work on my homework for algebra and I'm suppose to take a test at some point. (Probably Saturday the 14th) I've finished dinner and after this blog and a phone call to Mrs. Dub, I plan on watching a movie. I'll give you a critic on it afterwards.
It's hard to believe I've been here 4 months already (and gone for 8 months already), and yet it's hard to even remember what home was like. Only 7 1/2 more months if things go right, but then again, this is the Army. Well, enough rambling for now, be safe and have a good day.

10 October 2006, Well, another fantastic day in Afghanistan, as long as you weren't on that bus this morning. But besides that and the 20 year old kid who was stupid enough to say he wanted to hurt American soldiers, it was a fantastic day. I can't go into full details about the kid but suffice to say, after our talk with him, (and it appeared he might be a tad bit slow) we handed him over to his uncle.
I went to the gym afterwards and weighed in at 240 lbs. That actually took me by surprise. With that motivation, I did 40 minutes on the elliptical trainer and then did some weights. My motivation actually ran out about 5 minutes after I got off the trainer.
I watched two Bruce Willis movies over the last two nights. Lucky # Slevin and 16 Blocks. I found both movies to be very good. Lucky # Slevin also starred Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu. I found Lucy's character to be fun and energetic and the movie had the right number of twists to keep it running. 16 Blocks is a redemption movie about a police officer. Being a police officer myself, I fell we should never be in a position to need such redemption but that's the storyline for the movie. Mos Def had a great role.
I found another good blog site. http://webgamin.blogspot.com/search/label/Sandstone%20County%20Episodes The jest of it is stories about a police officer by the name of Officer Hidrent. (Now is it me or does that sound like a play on words for the fire dept?)
Mrs. Dub told me not to end my blogs with such depressing news so I had someone tell me a joke today that I shall add here. This comes from Rob, who like so many other smart people decided if they had to come back to Afghanistan again, do it as a civilian and really make the money. Rob is from the UK. Here's the joke. "Why did the boy throw the clock out of a moving car?" "He wanted to see time fly." Yeah.....he said he deleted the joke right after reading too. Be safe and have a good day.

08 October 2006, Good Sunday to everyone out there. Today was as nice a day in Afghanistan as you could have, more peace and quiet. LTC Y and I went and played ping pong today. He actually accused me of practicing because although he beat me as usual I was able to put up an impressive loss. I scored 11, 15, and 12 in the three games. I even was able to put some moves on that he was unable to counter. (hehehe). Afterwards I headed back over to the gym and did a light workout on upper body. Tomorrow it's back to the grindstone.
Things were certainly quiet on camp today as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Oregon all lost this weekend. Cpt C was quite upset and after I made a comment about OU's lost he asked if I wanted to be removed from the office. I looked at him and asked " Do you mean go back to my room and take a nap? sure." He suddenly realized that wasn't a good idea.
SGT Stormin Norman sent us a package a couple of days ago. I wanted to keep everything in it except the pink feathered boa. That was sent for my LT. However, I must admit it didn't look bad on me. I can say that looking at the fact that Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have all worn feathered boas.
Well, it looks like we won't be having another Dodgers- Yankees face off in the World Series as both teams were eliminated this weekend but with force. It has been a while since they faced each other in the series and it looks like it'll be a little while longer.
The news reported that 2 more journalists here in Afghanistan were killed by terrorists. I'm wondering at what point the media will wake up and realize that the terrorists groups are the bad guys and that associating with them, promoting their ideology, and supporting them with every chance is just plain wrong. I hope it's sooner than later, because when they finally get on board with the rest of the world, we will see a turn in the tide against such evil.
Well, I shall end this now, be safe and have a good day.

07 October 2006, Ok, for all those that have been snickering behind my back. I found this quiz for everyone to take, (or those who dare to accept the challenge).

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 8/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

For all those who are just here to read what's on my mind today, well, there's not much. It's been almost 4 days since the last attack here in Kabul, and we are enjoying the peace and quiet. The Afghanistan equivalent of the FBI stated they arrested almost 20 people in the last couple of days and broke up several cells. Good news if there is any accuracy to the story. Speaking of accuracy, I here that Al-Jazerra made the statement that one Afghan suicide bomber destroyed two tanks here in Kabul and killed 4 Coalition Force soldiers. Well, I see the mushrooms they are smoking work pretty well. For the record, I haven't seen any tanks rolling down the streets of Kabul since they celebrated their Independence Day and it went without any problems.

My workout partner has decided we needed to step it up a notch in our workouts. So for the last two days we have gone out on the track and walked with our armor on. This weighs roughly 25-35 lbs depending on what size you got. We have managed to do 2 miles each day. Then in the afternoon we are still doing our cardio and weights. Of course, the infantry guys are laughing at me, but they can. One patrol leader told me he has logged on 70 miles this month so far. I haven't driven that many miles this month.

I stepped out of Afghanistan yesterday and entered another place. We went downtown to one of the CF bases. Apparently they have been busy there. We walked behind one set of buildings and I noticed they had a paved road, tiled sidewalks, trees. We entered through a building and into a courtyard of sorts. There they had the inside walls built up to look like wooden buildings, grass, tiled sidewalks, benches and chairs. Over in one corner they had a large caged area with bunnies. Yeah, welcome to Europe. It did have a calming effect. After one hour I was transported back to Afghanistan and all of it's glory. I must admit that one road I'm familiar with from the last deployment was cleaned up. It was an improvement. Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Be safe and have a good day.

04 October 2006, Well, another fine day in.....ok, another day in Afghanistan. I've been since getting back. The last 3 days we have had a wind storm during the afternoons. The first day it was so thick visibility was cut down to about 10 feet, maybe. The great thing about dust storms here is that nothing is sealed really good, so even if your inside you won't miss out on it. I thought I would throw in a picture of one of my new flags here in Afghanistan. Go Cowboys! I'm hoping in a few days to add the pictures of my other new flag. It's the real prize. Stay tuned! We went out just before my

leave to one of the training

sites here in Kabul. I'm the one in the middle. It's not hard to find old military pieces here. I have pictures of bone yards just full of military armament. This makes for a good picture though.

This is just a picture of what Jalalabad Road looks like going east. It's suppose to be under construction by another country to get repaved. I'll add some more on the next post. Be safe and have a good day.

02 October 2006, You'd think I was in a war zone with all this chaos going on around here. Yet another attack here in Kabul today. This one was just down the road a couple of miles. Luckily, the suicide bombers are all that sharp and this guy ended up only killing himself. He could do it in the privacy of his own mud hut and then we wouldn't have to clean him off the pavement. Anyway, I'm safe and sound and all is well here at Camp Phoenix. I finished my algebra homework tonight and got it submitted. UGH!
I swear if mathematicians are really this anal about this stuff, it's hard to believe we got anything done. Take for example one problem that just bugged me more than fleas on a three legged dog. They have a board they want cut into two pieces. The board is 20 feet long. They want it cut to 6 ft and 14 ft. That's all you would have to say. But the mathematician says, Cut the board so that " 5 times the length of the shorter piece is 2 ft more than twice the length of the longer piece." UGH UGH
Ok, enough with math today. I had a mushroom burger from Burger King tonight. It was ok. The afghans working there really need to be sent off to a good fast food restaurant back home so they can get a good idea of how it's suppose to be. They are doing a decent job though so I won't criticize too much, and it still beat what was being served in the chow hall.
We had a sand storm this afternoon that brought visibility down to nothing. It's cleared out of the city now, but you can see the wall of dust surrounding us right before the sun went down. Not much else to report from here today. Be safe and a good day.

01 October 2007, Well, I finally went and looked at my test score for algebra. I got a 92. I have been working on my homework for several days now. I thought I would work all the problems in the exercises so I had a good grasp of the work, then after the first 60 problems I looked and each exercise (there are 6 in this chapter) had over 130 problems each. Well, I had to ditch that plan and started working the first 3 problems before one of my homework problems and the 3 after it so that I made sure I was doing the work correctly. I could have more fun with taking my algebra class back home. While writing a police report I could state that I spoke with 2 squared witnesses and located 3 cubed casings at the scene. I could refer to the unknown suspect as X. Here I'm just trying to figure out how two people of different weights can sit on a see-saw and make it balance. I thought if two people sat on a balanced board it was called a bench. A see-saw is designed to go up and down.
Well, this past month has been busy here in Kabul. Several attacks here earlier in the month after I left and then a big one downtown at one of the government offices. It's my opinion we should use every attack to publicize that the insurgents are attacking the people of Afghanistan and they may be next if they don't start helping us get rid of them. The media is more than willing to help out the terrorists with their cause.
I had an official weigh in yesterday at HQ. I weighed 242 lbs. I lost weight during my leave back home. You know what that means.....I deserve a cookie. cookie...cookie...
OK, so I will try to stay on the right path here. After a long grueling trip back to Afghanistan, and only two hours back on camp, I went to the gym and worked out. I missed Tuesday due to work and have made it every day since. So I am staying with it. Well, that's about it for now. I hope everyone has a good day and be safe.

28 September 2006, Well, another day has passed, tomorrow will be a week since I was back in Oklahoma. I took my first algebra test two days ago. Of course, I'm afraid to go check to see if the instructor has graded them yet. I have homework that's due on Monday and I haven't started it yet. I'm still working on recovering from the long trip. Anyway, I have some more pictures for everyone who cares.

The next two show one of the projects we tackled when I was home. I just wanted to do something special for the girls.

The last two pictures are of my family having dinner one night and my daughter and I at the State Fair in front of one of the Clydesdale horses from Express Personnel. I have great friends there, so a shout out to Dana, Tricia, Margaret and Ester.

I'm certainly ready to get back home. I guess some day. Anyway, be safe and have a good day.

27 September 2006, Home Sweet Home, although I’m back here in Afghanistan, I will have memories of my leave time home. On the plane ride back from Kuwait to Afghanistan I had a thought. Yes, yes, don't worry, I didn't hurt myself or others around me. However, I remember a time in my National Guard military career when I had to spend two weeks away from my family a year, now I just get two weeks with them. Where did I get mixed up?
Anyway, my time back home was splendid! Here are some pictures. As you might be able to see and for those I did go and visit, I stopped shaving after my third day home. The rebel inside came out.














Mrs. Dub and I at the Western Days
Parade in Mustang.

Miss Dub and I at school for camo day.















Working with my neighbors
tractor. Looking at a tractor at the State Fair.


This will do for today. I have some more pictures to add on tomorrows blog. Be safe and have a good day.

24 Sept 2006, Well, I'm not in Oklahoma anymore Toto. I'm back in Kuwait now waiting on a ride back to Afghanistan. Yeah. Right now, I'm in this MWR building using a computer. Let's say I haven't seen a room like this in the military before. You enter the building and it's kinda dark. It's painted purple and has those hanging beads everywhere. The lady working there is sitting in an old VW van shell inside the building and it's painted all flower power like. Another bus shell is in the building being used as a movie room. The rest of the room is covered with couches and pillows. The only thing missing is a guy in black with a microphone telling dark poetry.
Well, my time home was great!! Once I'm back at Phoenix I will post some pictures. I did very well in not overeating this time around. In fact, the scales show that I actually lost weight while being back home with the family. I only made a couple of stops to see people and spent most of the time with my family. I have the feeling I've been away too long since my wife keeps referring to Afghanistan as my home.
The trip back here was interesting to say the least. I flew to Dallas where half of the people who went on leave departed from. We met up and boarded our plane. As the plane began backing up from the terminal it died. We had to be pushed back up to the terminal and had to wait for someone to come jump start the plane. I actually heard the pilot trying to start it at one point and heard that noise when a car won't start and the battery dies... whoo-whooo-whoo---whoo---who--------wh. Yeah, I'm feeling good about this flight. Can I take a bus? So we get to Atlanta where we have change planes (YEAH). Well, they tell us we have to have this boarding pass (which is just a piece of laminated paper) or we can't board the plane. (Hmmm, ok). So they hand us the pass at the doorway that opens up to the tunnel that is connected to the plane. So I have to carry this pass from one doorway to the next doorway or I can't get on the plane??
Well, we finally make it and all is well. Well, that's about it for now. Once I'm back home I will post more with pictures. Be safe and have a good day.

07 Sept 2006, part 2 of Where in the World is Sgt Dub. At last report I was in Kuwait. This apparently stumped a lot of people back home. Good. Today's 3 clues are, #1; This state names it's airport after those who died in airplane accidents, #2; this state will be celebrating it's centennial of statehood next year, #3; I'm currently on a 5 acre lot just outside of town. Yep, I'm back in Oklahoma!! I decided to sneak in on the family and spend a little time at home on leave. Nobody, to include Mrs. Dub was the wiser. I landed yesterday in Dallas at 1100 hrs, made a mad dash to the American Airlines counter where they had an earlier flight leaving at 1155 hrs instead of waiting for my flight at 1515 hrs. Simple math shows you I would have been stuck in Dallas for 4 hours. Well, at 1130 I had a plane ticket and was checking in my bag, they wanted me to wait while they scanned it. (Let's keep in mind that the military has already seen to it that I couldn't have sneaked a quarter back without them knowing it) Well, they found something they couldn't identify and I had to unlock my bag. Now, it's 1134 when one of the security guys decides to come talk to me.
TSA: You coming or going?
Me: Just getting in from Afghanistan on leave to see my family.
TSA: What time does your flight leave?
Me: (Looking at my watch) 21 minutes
TSA #2 : We found this Algebra book, ????
Me: Yes, I've avoided it for 22 years now, but am taking a college course in Algebra
TSA: Well, they got your bag now, come with me.
With that, we bypassed the long line at the x-ray machine as he took me to the front of the line and I got through. Then it was a brisk walk through the terminal from one end to the other. I get to the gate, American Airlines then looks at my ticket, (I see my name flashing on the monitor behind her with a message of upgrade) I'm thinking maybe it was just the change of flight. Nope, the lady behind the gate counter mentions I'm at the back of the plane. I told her I had mentioned I would ride in baggage if they could get me on this flight. She says that won't work and upgrades me to 1st class. Thank you American Airlines.
Next, I get to OKC, rent a car, and drive to Mrs. Dub office. Yep, no one still knows I'm here. I arrive at the receptionist desk up front. She of course immediately recognizes me and asks how I'm doing. I tell her fine. She then stops and with a quizzical look on her face, asks, "What are you doing here?" I tell her I'm here to surprise my wife. Well, low and behold, Mrs. Dub is out to lunch. This starts in motion most of her office coming out to see me and phones calls being made to get her back to the office under some other guise. They tell me she's in the parking lot now, they have me sit around the corner at the security desk about midway in the hallway. Mrs. Dub comes in the front door. "You have a package here from Afghanistan" (Mrs. Dub in the background) "My present has finally arrived." She walks around the corner to see most of the staff standing around in the hallway and she looks over at me, freezes in her tracks with astonishment and then ran over to me. It was good. So now all of you know what the heck I have been up to this last week as I tried to make it back home. I have my cell with me so feel free to call, we don't have any big plans. I will be here for 2 weeks before returning back to the stan. Be safe and have a good day. I am.

04 Sept 2006, Where In The World Is Sgt Dub?? Well, if I remember how the game is played, I give you 3 clues. Clue #1 It's currently 125 degrees, dusty, and windy. Clue #2 I just had a Big Mac, fries and a sprite. Clue #3, Saddam Husein invaded this country back in 1990. Yep, that's right, I'm in Kuwait. Why, well, I can't tell you that.
All is well and I'm doing fine. On a different note, I went to the gym yesterday and weighed in at 245 lbs. Yeah!! A lost. I worked for an hour and a half, concentrating on aerobics, then a few weights. I had tuna for lunch again and finished off the evening with a chicken sandwich. Bagram wasn't much to write home about. Neither is Kuwait at first glance. I'll keep you updated on what's happening.
It's Labor Day back home, so I hope most everyone is enjoying a day off from work. I know Mrs. Dub and Ms. Dub are. Speaking of Ms. Dub, she seems to think I need to talk more about her. Well, as she starts helping me with my algebra homework, which starts today, I probably will. She's back in school now, for the summer she spent most of her time writing stories. The stories weren't that bad, mainly covering a cartoon show she watches. Her biggest problem and I blame my genes for it is her spelling. Lucky for me the computer has this thing called spell check. It saves my behind. Well, time to go for now. Be safe and have a good day.

03 Sept 2006, well, I'm still in Bagram. My plans were postponed by a bit, so I'm pretty much just sitting around. I had a lite breakfast, tuna for lunch and worked out at the gym for 1 1/2 hours. I'm keeping up with an hour of aerobics and the rest in weights. I did weigh in at 245 so good news there!! We had an official weigh-in for the Army, I weighed in that day at 249 lbs so by Army standards I'm only over by 65 lbs. Yeah, I think they need to reconsider their standards a little bit.
I'm making progress in my Algebra class, of course, it doesn't start till tomorrow, but I can access the web site now. So tomorrow will be the real test, homework assignments. Hopefully the class will go by smoothly and with torture involved.
Last night we watched "American Dreamz" at the MWR building. At best, it was an attempt of a spoof with a serious note. Right before that we watched part of a comedy set with Carlos Mecina. I agree with a lot of his humor, even though he used foul language and poked fun of most races.
We are looking at a 60% chance of thunderstorms today, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain. Like I mentioned Bagram is dusty, dirty, filthy, yuck. The temps are still in upper 80's - low 90's so no complaint there. The next couple of days will be hard pressed to put up a new posting, so bear with me. Not much else to report on this end. Be safe and have a good day.

02 Sept 2006, Well, I better type fast. I'm in Bagram right now. I'm on a computer that self destructs in 30 mins, and I only have 15 minutes left. Talk about pressure. What am I doing at Bagram Air Field? Well, I'm on a secret mission of course. For those of you who remember Bagram, well, it's bigger but still just as dirty. After seeing Manas Air Base, I really expected more out of Bagram.
This last week was long and rough. Some of you have heard already, thanks to LTC Y, and I will tell the rest of you now. This last week, I went to another camp for a meeting. Well, when you arrive on a camp you have to clear your weapon at the clearing barrel. To put it short, I had my head in my 4th point of contact and didn't remove my magazine prior to pulling the trigger. A "pop" and then a cloud of dust resulted. I do believe at least 3 British soldiers had to go change their pants. Well, of course, no one was hurt, just my pride and dignity. I had to spend time with our own clearing barrels for 3 days back at Phoenix for 3 hours each day. Some people found this fascinating and took pictures. These people are the ones who don't know me very well, and probably think this is the pinnacle of my mishaps. For all those back home, you know better.
On an update for my weight lose. Well, I'm still sitting at 247 lbs. We have increased our workouts to 2 hours a day with at least 5 days a week. I'm looking better and reshaping areas of my body, just not dropping any weight yet. Bagram has a decent gym so I'll be heading over there today. I'll try to update you on what's happening as I can. Be safe and have a good day.

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.