Day 147 - Bell of the Ball

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps...you ROCK!

The USMC Security Detachment from the Embassy decided to hold a USMC Birthday Ball downtown.   So the boss and I got the opportunity to go...At $100 per plate, it was a little pricey and since I didn't really get a chance to eat, it was REALLY pricey!  Not where I wanted to spend $100 but it was a fun filled evening.

Once we went into the Ball Room, it was open seating.  Therefore, the boss and I decided to sit at a table together.  Shortly after we sat down, we were told we had seats at the head table.  So of course we got up and moved forward.  However, once we were seated it was determined we were ONE seat short a the head table.  You guessed it, I stepped aside and took one for the team.  

I think my the company at my table was more lively and FUN!     Just look at this group!  FUN for sure.

Day 145 - Fitness (YES)

Just to start off today's entry, I need to clarify on the weather we had yesterday.  It not only rained here (see the pictures on Day 144), but we had a Tornado within 5 miles of the location.  YES...you read that correctly...A TORNADO!  I took one picture that looked like a funnel cloud (sort of), but thought I was seeing things.  However, I have seen another picture of the funnel cloud and WEATHER showed the radar footage!  It was a TORNADO!


Now, on to other news...
Today was the DAY!  Yes, it finally arrived for me to put up or shut up.  I went to do my AOR PT Test this morning after being delayed for a week.  Was I ready...I'm not sure.  And then the bounce around of locations this morning 20 minutes before the test left me breathless and frazzled (just a little).  

I showed up at the appointed place about 30 minutes early.  When  no one else showed at 20 minutes prior, I began to wonder what was up....So of course, I pulled out the Crackberry for a look see.  Sure enough, there was an email telling me to go to the OTHER gym.  Since I didn't drive to my current location, I had to hoof it (run) to the new location.  With only minutes to spare, I showed up for the beginning process (weighing in).  

After the weigh in, we (me and the boss) then ran to the track for our mile and a half run.  So there I stood...already a little tired from running back and forth.  However, it didn't stop me from pounding out a good run!!!  Fast than last year, but not the best I have had.  However, I'm happy.

Then it was off to do push ups and sit ups...we did them at the same time and when I reached my stopping point, I stopped.  Little did I know, the boss was continuing and did more push ups than me!  rats...that's usually what I do to the young Airmen...however, sit ups was another story.  After being tricked on push ups, I help until time ran out to do more if needed. :)


Overall, it was a great test for both of us and now I'm good for another year.


Tomorrow morning....another 5K run.  Guess I'll take it easy on this run after today.  My calf hurts a little...I guess old men need to stretch a little more!



Things I know for sure:
- I love myMrsBlue
- I love my 'lilBlue
- Life has many uncertainties (future is uncertain)


Things I don't know:
- Where will I be next year at this time
- What the future holds
- When I will get to surf again

Birthday Meal

Tonight was the Wing Birthday meal.  It's some of the best eating we get at the Chowhall.  Lobster Lampora beef twice baked potatoes and cheese cake.

I sat with the CAOC staff tonight and joined an old friend from Patrick -- CopRepress.  It was a good evening...and fun.

CopRepress

Dinner Date Ware

Another dinner date Javiez

Cop Repress and ME :)

Day 144 (Day 30 without Caffeine) - Rainy days

Many would say that Rainy Days are the worst, but I would have to disagree (as long as I'm here).  The clouds moved in today after several forecasts that we would get rain and it finally RAINED!  I have the pictures to prove it...

Rain drops on the cement walkway

Lots of rain drops

Driving in the rain

Windshield wipers are ON --- so are the headlights :)  Safety 1st

However, I know MrsBlue loves big fluffy clouds (not fluffy me)...so today would have been a great day for her too!  So here are the big fluffy clouds pictures for your watching enjoyment.

Day 141 - Chiefs Running the Town

Today was FUN!  Hanging out with the group Chiefs and going downtown.  


We started off with stopping by the Islamic Museum and saw some interesting things from the Ottoman Empire.  However, the architecture of the building itself was probably the coolest thing.  As we arrived, we kind of tried to figure out what we were doing...

Here's the CREW (Vince, Stacy, Trenda, Dan and CMac)

It was fun and here is a cool picture of a horse and rider with their wartime garb.

Like I said, I really thought the architecture was pretty cool.  They had the following view which looked over the skyline.  It was kind of cool to see...

After the Museum, we made our way to the Gold Souq to get the necklaces and walk around...The Three Brothers were just showing up when we walked up...so we were the first customers of the afternoon.

The spices are AMAZING...As we walked around the souqs, the smells really filled the air...we then went into one of the stores....look at these spices.

They also sell some funny things.  Look at these chickies...all colored....INTERESTING!

 

We even stopped a local police officer to have our picture taken with him.  I know the stories he'll have when he gets home tonight.  Hey honey, you won't believe the day I had today...Some crazy Americans stopped and wanted to have a picture with me...those Tourist...their funny.

We finally made it to dinner at a little hole in the wall called the Istanbul.  Not sure I need to go back since it wasn't something I really liked.  However, there was plenty of food and it was OK.  I would rather have went to Al Bandar...with some Mint Lemonade.  However, not going to be picking when I get a chance to go along with the others.  Maybe next time, Al Bandar...here I come.

It's nice to be NORMAL for a little while by taking off the uniform.  If you didn't know any better, you would think I'm on vacation somewhere...well I'm NOT!

Day 140 - Great Week with Old Friends

I'm just finishing up a GREAT week with some GREAT friends.  

It all started off with my MENTOR, FRIEND and Wonderful Air Force Officer (TheColonel).  She was transitioning back to the world after a long and interesting year in the IZ.  In fact, I would say she has done just about everything a CommO can do...joint, tactical, fixed and now nation building!  What a way to finish off her career with working Country Level IT projects and infrastructure.  She is one amazing lady.  

TheColonel

even though she was here for a few day, I only got this ONE picture of her on the night she arrived.  It was a treat to see her and talk "shop" like we always do when we get together.  I only wish she was going to continue her service.  However, it's time!  She has paid her dues with MANY TDYs over the years and spending the last 3 years geographically separated from her hubby (Bob).  It's time to head back to the Springs and enjoy family time!  Good decision for her and the family, but the AF is losing a fine leader!  She had the leadership down back when she was a young CGO!  In fact, that's when we first met...and she has been "taking care of this Airman" ever since.  

All I can say is THANK YOU for everything you have done for the Air Force.  Thank you for all you have sacrificed.  Thank YOU for taking care of this Airman...you made a difference in my life!

Also, with the new month comes new promotions.  This one was very special since myBuddyBill finally pinned on those much deserved CMSGT stripes.  The best part for me was that he allowed me to Pin Him!  What a thrill for ME!!!! and a privilege.

Col Derry and MyBuddyBill

    

The promotees...2x CMSgt and 1x MSgt

MyBuddyBill always with a smile :)

Finally, the week ended with the monthly Promotion and Recognition ceremony.  WOW do these young Airmen make things happen.  We had several receive the new Hall of Fame award.  But the best part is hanging out with the Man (AFCENT Command Chief).  He's a great guy and I'll miss him when he leaves...He's really be great to hang out with and enjoy some time with since being here.  

Trying to be like MARK

The best thing about TheMan is that he's FUN to goof off with....

Day 124 - Candy Anyone?

Today we (the wing) had the opportunity to host a true American hero...Colonel Gail Halvorsen.  He was here on a trip from USAFE and came downrange to see our operation.  At 90 years young, this American really set the stage by talking about the Air Force Core Values -- Integrity, Excellence and Service.


We had lunch and heard some of the stories about what he had done during World War II.  How the people of Berlin, especially the childern, were so grateful for the candy he dropped from the sky.


One of the key points I remember is that he did not ask for permission to start this operation.  In fact, he knew this could get him a court martial if they ever found out.  Well they did!  But the big guy at the time, said what does it hurt...let him do it.

As leaders in today's Air Force, I find many who are paralyzed but fear of getting a court martial for their actions.  Instead of decisive leaders, we have "risk mitigators".  In fact, most aren't willing to accept risk because it is too costly to their careers.


Well....leaders, take the challenge and be willing to accept risk.  You will never have the 100% solution.  In fact, if you have 100% of the information to make a decision, then you are wave behind the power curve of leadership...I would call you a follower.  


Remember...Microsoft made Billions (yes that's with a B) from the 80% solution...can't we do MORE with LESS by making decisions NOW!


Here's some pictures of lunch with the Airmen and the Candy Bomber.

Day 114 - A Day of Looking for Surf

a little surf

Well it may not be big, but there is a little something coming on shore.  While it may not be able to ride, I think with the right winds, we could get something to ride.

Here are the TWO greatest people for going along for my adventure of looking for surf.  

CD...getting her feet wet

TJ before he got his feet wet

CD and TJ...thanks for letting me go search for water...

Here they are "cleaning up" by washing the sand off their feet

I also found a few seashells (or should I say Gulf Shells)?  They look really WHITE.  

gulf shells

Another shell

I also found myself "falling" into the water as I tried to wade out into the water.  As usual, I was carrying my camera and almost put it under the water.  CD and TJ laughed at me while I was sinking and trying to keep the camera above the water line...I managed but little help from those on the shore!!!

I just needed a closer look at the size of the wind swell.  Would it be enough is what I was thinking until the sand starting pulling me down...I thought I was going to sink.  Then I fell into the water and got a little wet.  It's a good thing I decided to take off my pants before wading in (no not nude or naked, I was thinking before I went to town that I need to wear my boardshorts for LUCK).  

Here's a few more pictures of us on the beach!!!!!!!!!
 

Surf

Could this be a crab hole....HLM watch out!!!

Getting proof I was there

TJ cleaning up

Getting rid of the sand b4 going into the ICON

What was I thinking coming to town with these TWO???

Day 113 - Chapel BBQ

Tonight, the Chapel put together a little BBQ...not bad food for sure!

Cooking it up for the group

Looking good...

We also sat around and talked...fun just getting away (sort of) from the daily grind.