21 Sep 2009 - Atlanta, GA
The biggest challenge this week is deciding what personal stuff to stuff into one Military style duffel bag of specific dimensions that includes clothes, personal items, toiletries, towels, and linens for 6 months and weighs less than 50 pounds.
The average temperatures in Iraq range from higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August to below freezing in January. This time of year the climate is dusty and HOT (80 - 90 plus degrees) but winter is coming. The temperature is cold in the winter. 90% of the precipitation falls between December and April up to 3 plus feet in some regions. It is cold, wet, and muddy during the rainy, winter seasons. I have to pack or buy summer and winter clothes that includes weather resistant, sturdy shoes/boots.
According to Military rules, contractors are allowed 2 duffel bags. The other bag, supplied by the military, includes the parts and pieces of body armor, helmet, mask, and first aid kit that weighs between 50 - 70 pounds. Oh…. by the way, I think I have to carry my person bag of 50 pounds, body armor bag of 60 pounds plus a carry-on backpack of 20 to 30 pounds. Fortunately, I do not have to carry it far.
When the packing was done, the duffel bag was stuffed with 50.5 pounds of stuff. In addition, I prepared two priority mail boxes for shipping when I have a military address - an APO (Army Post Office). I can buy sheets, towels and toiletries plus clothes at the PX (Post Exchange) on base.
I still do not know the military base in Iraq where I will be assigned.
The other challenge is to determine how I will communicate with family and friends. My 5 - 6 year old laptop computer is nearly worn out with frayed electrical wires, broken/bent plastic on the back, and internally does not perform very well. Cherri is not a computer user.
The solution was an iPod Touch for me and one for Cherri. What great technology! And a new PC! There will be wireless internet available but Verizon does not have cellular service. I may have to purchase a different cellular service. I will determine the best option after I arrive.
In the meantime, email, Skype, and Google Voice are available.
Cherri is now online and high tech!
Showing posts with label Getting Ready for Iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Getting Ready for Iraq. Show all posts
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Visiting Nick on the Guadalupe River
19 Sep 2009 - San Antonio
Working in Iowa while living in Georgia made it difficult to prepare for an extended period over seas especially in a combat zone. I took off a week early to prepare for the trip.
Before I left, I wanted to see Nick (my son). He lives in Austin. San Antonio was a good place to meet. I arrived in San Antonio after a two hour flight from Atlanta. We drove to Gruene Texas along side the Guadalupe River.
The Guadalupe River in the hill country of Texas is 230 miles long and dumps out in the San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The upper river is a smaller, faster stream with limestone banks and shaded by pecan and bald cypress trees. It is a popular destination for whitewater rafters, canoeists and kayakers. Conditions on the river can change rapidly.
German farmers became the first settlers of what is now known as Gruene in the mid 1840s. Ernst Gruene, a German immigrant, and his bride Antoinette, had reached the newly established city of New Braunfels in 1845. He decided to purchase land just down river and built the first home in Gruene. As the number one cash crop, his cotton business soon brought 20 to 30 families and the town of Gruene was born.
Today, Gruene is once again a thriving community, but for decades it was little more than a ghost town. The authentic, turn-of-the-century look and feel of Gruene has been preserved. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and many of the buildings have been awarded a Texas medallion from the Texas Historical Commission.
For the our weekend, the water level was up after heavy rains the week before. The rapids were fast and rocky as we maneuvered our sit-on-top kayaks down the river.
After about 4 hours and through the last set of rapids just before the take out point my kayak hit a rock and turned sideways. Sideways is the worst possible position dashing down the rapids. Boom! The side of the kayak hit another rock, the boat flipped. I tumbled out. I watched the kayak and life preserver jacket sped down river as I struggled in the current. I remembered to keep my feet down stream as my butt hit each and every rock.
At the bottom of the rapids I was treading water and watched as Nick ran them in fine form. Then he started after my boat and gear.
I still had my paddle in my hand as I looked up to see a bunch of diners standing at the balcony rail watching and pointing. I did not realize until then that I was their dinner entertainment. The restaurant owner built an outdoor dining area just above and overlooking the rapids. He must have known the sound the water would soothe his patrons and ever now and then provide unexpected but anticipated excitement has hapless Kayakers tumbled out and over the rocks as they are separated from their boats.
Working in Iowa while living in Georgia made it difficult to prepare for an extended period over seas especially in a combat zone. I took off a week early to prepare for the trip.
Before I left, I wanted to see Nick (my son). He lives in Austin. San Antonio was a good place to meet. I arrived in San Antonio after a two hour flight from Atlanta. We drove to Gruene Texas along side the Guadalupe River.
The Guadalupe River in the hill country of Texas is 230 miles long and dumps out in the San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The upper river is a smaller, faster stream with limestone banks and shaded by pecan and bald cypress trees. It is a popular destination for whitewater rafters, canoeists and kayakers. Conditions on the river can change rapidly.
German farmers became the first settlers of what is now known as Gruene in the mid 1840s. Ernst Gruene, a German immigrant, and his bride Antoinette, had reached the newly established city of New Braunfels in 1845. He decided to purchase land just down river and built the first home in Gruene. As the number one cash crop, his cotton business soon brought 20 to 30 families and the town of Gruene was born.
Today, Gruene is once again a thriving community, but for decades it was little more than a ghost town. The authentic, turn-of-the-century look and feel of Gruene has been preserved. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and many of the buildings have been awarded a Texas medallion from the Texas Historical Commission.
For the our weekend, the water level was up after heavy rains the week before. The rapids were fast and rocky as we maneuvered our sit-on-top kayaks down the river.
After about 4 hours and through the last set of rapids just before the take out point my kayak hit a rock and turned sideways. Sideways is the worst possible position dashing down the rapids. Boom! The side of the kayak hit another rock, the boat flipped. I tumbled out. I watched the kayak and life preserver jacket sped down river as I struggled in the current. I remembered to keep my feet down stream as my butt hit each and every rock.
At the bottom of the rapids I was treading water and watched as Nick ran them in fine form. Then he started after my boat and gear.
I still had my paddle in my hand as I looked up to see a bunch of diners standing at the balcony rail watching and pointing. I did not realize until then that I was their dinner entertainment. The restaurant owner built an outdoor dining area just above and overlooking the rapids. He must have known the sound the water would soothe his patrons and ever now and then provide unexpected but anticipated excitement has hapless Kayakers tumbled out and over the rocks as they are separated from their boats.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Last Days In Des Moines
Yesterday (9/16) I wrote on Facebook – “at 8pm I am walking out of the Hoover Bldg on the State of Iowa Capital Complex -- my last day. I have a customer meeting in the morning then on my way to Atlanta, Ft Benning, Kuwait and then to an assignment waiting in Iraq. Wow! What a detour on my journey of life."
Thanks so much for all the replies and best wishes.
One of my yoga teachers replied that “there is no detour...only the journey; thinking of you and many blessings. jai!” She is right, there are no detours; there are many twists and turns, curves and straight-aways on the journey but not detours.
Another Yogi friend replied “I will practice Tonglen the entire time you are away. Best wishes.”
According to wikipedia, Tonglen is Tibetan for 'giving and taking' (or, sending and taking), and it refers to a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism. In the practice, one visualizes taking onto oneself the suffering of others, and giving one's own happiness and success to others. The function of the practice is to: reduce selfish attachment; increase a sense of renunciation; create positive karma by giving and helping; develop loving-kindness and compassion.
Another friend wrote: "The journey is the best part. Remember to enjoy it!"
Others replied with:
“May God go with you, Jim... blessing your every endeavor... beautifying your horizons... and guarding your pathways... Best wishes always...”
“Take care and live it up!”
“I'm sure your detour will be memorable. Try to keep us apprised of what's going on! Good luck and God bless, Jim.”
“Please stay in touch and let us know how things are going. Safe journey and good luck.”
“Take care and safe journey to you. Life is such an adventure.”
What great replies from good friends!!!
This morning I finished packing 8 boxes for shipping by UPS, packed my bag, and walked out of my apartment in Sherman Hills for the last time.
I am now preparing to drive to Omaha, sell my car, and fly one-way to Atlanta. This weekend I am flying to San Antonio to visit my son Nick. We will spend the weekend on the Guadalupe River in the hills of south Texas.
My herbalist in Omaha called me today; she is shipping the herbs for a fall internal cleanse as the regular practice in Chinese medicine and to offset the potential negative impact of all the immunization shots I had to take. To keep my immune system strong I am taking Echinacea, Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and high doses of Vitamin C in powder form.
The biggest challenge next week is to pack 6 months of clothing, toiletries, towels and linens in a duffel bag that weighs 50 pounds or less. Also, I have to pack for the cold weather of winter.
All the best,
James
Thanks so much for all the replies and best wishes.
One of my yoga teachers replied that “there is no detour...only the journey; thinking of you and many blessings. jai!” She is right, there are no detours; there are many twists and turns, curves and straight-aways on the journey but not detours.
Another Yogi friend replied “I will practice Tonglen the entire time you are away. Best wishes.”
According to wikipedia, Tonglen is Tibetan for 'giving and taking' (or, sending and taking), and it refers to a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism. In the practice, one visualizes taking onto oneself the suffering of others, and giving one's own happiness and success to others. The function of the practice is to: reduce selfish attachment; increase a sense of renunciation; create positive karma by giving and helping; develop loving-kindness and compassion.
Another friend wrote: "The journey is the best part. Remember to enjoy it!"
Others replied with:
“May God go with you, Jim... blessing your every endeavor... beautifying your horizons... and guarding your pathways... Best wishes always...”
“Take care and live it up!”
“I'm sure your detour will be memorable. Try to keep us apprised of what's going on! Good luck and God bless, Jim.”
“Please stay in touch and let us know how things are going. Safe journey and good luck.”
“Take care and safe journey to you. Life is such an adventure.”
What great replies from good friends!!!
This morning I finished packing 8 boxes for shipping by UPS, packed my bag, and walked out of my apartment in Sherman Hills for the last time.
I am now preparing to drive to Omaha, sell my car, and fly one-way to Atlanta. This weekend I am flying to San Antonio to visit my son Nick. We will spend the weekend on the Guadalupe River in the hills of south Texas.
My herbalist in Omaha called me today; she is shipping the herbs for a fall internal cleanse as the regular practice in Chinese medicine and to offset the potential negative impact of all the immunization shots I had to take. To keep my immune system strong I am taking Echinacea, Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and high doses of Vitamin C in powder form.
The biggest challenge next week is to pack 6 months of clothing, toiletries, towels and linens in a duffel bag that weighs 50 pounds or less. Also, I have to pack for the cold weather of winter.
All the best,
James
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Email to Family Sep 2 2009
Hello, Hello!!
I am sending this email to all the family email addresses that I have. Most of you have heard by now that I accepted a position with a company that provides technical support in network operations, security, and communications to the military deployed through out the world.
My assignment will be in an regional network operations and security center (RNOSC) at a military base in Iraq. I have been working with the company for about 6 weeks, fully researched the position, the company, and living in Iraq. Last week I passed the medical clearance and today I received notice that I passed the security clearance.
I have given two weeks notice on my current assignment in Des Moines.
My last day in Des Moines will be Thursday 9/17. I will drive to Carmax in Omaha, sell the Jeep and fly to Atlanta on Fri 9/18. On Sat9/19 I will fly to Austin to see Nick and return to Atlanta on Sun 9/20.
During the week of 9/21 I will prepare to leave. On Friday 9/25 Cherri and Magy will drive me to Fort Benning in Columbus, GA for processing. In about a week I will fly to Kuwait for a week or two then on to my assignment in Iraq. I do not yet know the base where I will be stationed.
I am excited and nervous about the assignment. I am glad that I can be in a position to support the troops and the war on Terrorism.
The contract I accepted is for 12 months. I have 6 weeks vacation during the year so
I will be back in the states in about 5 - 6 months for a few weeks then return to Iraq for the second half of the year.
You can contact me on Facebook, Linkedin, by email and by Google voice. I will also have Skype. I may have a cell phone but not sure.
Please forward this email to any one in the family who was not addressed.
All my love,
I am sending this email to all the family email addresses that I have. Most of you have heard by now that I accepted a position with a company that provides technical support in network operations, security, and communications to the military deployed through out the world.
My assignment will be in an regional network operations and security center (RNOSC) at a military base in Iraq. I have been working with the company for about 6 weeks, fully researched the position, the company, and living in Iraq. Last week I passed the medical clearance and today I received notice that I passed the security clearance.
I have given two weeks notice on my current assignment in Des Moines.
My last day in Des Moines will be Thursday 9/17. I will drive to Carmax in Omaha, sell the Jeep and fly to Atlanta on Fri 9/18. On Sat9/19 I will fly to Austin to see Nick and return to Atlanta on Sun 9/20.
During the week of 9/21 I will prepare to leave. On Friday 9/25 Cherri and Magy will drive me to Fort Benning in Columbus, GA for processing. In about a week I will fly to Kuwait for a week or two then on to my assignment in Iraq. I do not yet know the base where I will be stationed.
I am excited and nervous about the assignment. I am glad that I can be in a position to support the troops and the war on Terrorism.
The contract I accepted is for 12 months. I have 6 weeks vacation during the year so
I will be back in the states in about 5 - 6 months for a few weeks then return to Iraq for the second half of the year.
You can contact me on Facebook, Linkedin, by email and by Google voice. I will also have Skype. I may have a cell phone but not sure.
Please forward this email to any one in the family who was not addressed.
All my love,
Aug/Sep 2009 Milestones/Itinerary
Aug 24 - accepted position in Iraq
Sep 2 - obtained Security Clearance
Sep 3 - gave two weeks resignation notice to QCI and State of Iowa
Sep 4/5/6 - flew to Atlanta for weekend then back Des Monies for work
Sep 12/13 - weekend in Des Moines, Shirley, Julies, Jan, Maryann visit
Sep 17 - last day in Des Moines; Drive to Omaha
Sep 18 - sell car; fly to Atlanta
Sep 19/20 - visit Austin; see Nick
Sep 21 - 24 - prepare to deployment to Iraq
Sep 25 Fri - drive to CRC at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA
Sep 26 - Oct 1 - Ft Benning CRC In-Processing; fitting of your TA-50 gear;Classes; Medical/Dental Screening
Oct 2 Fri - Begin flight to Kuwait
Sep 2 - obtained Security Clearance
Sep 3 - gave two weeks resignation notice to QCI and State of Iowa
Sep 4/5/6 - flew to Atlanta for weekend then back Des Monies for work
Sep 12/13 - weekend in Des Moines, Shirley, Julies, Jan, Maryann visit
Sep 17 - last day in Des Moines; Drive to Omaha
Sep 18 - sell car; fly to Atlanta
Sep 19/20 - visit Austin; see Nick
Sep 21 - 24 - prepare to deployment to Iraq
Sep 25 Fri - drive to CRC at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA
Sep 26 - Oct 1 - Ft Benning CRC In-Processing; fitting of your TA-50 gear;Classes; Medical/Dental Screening
Oct 2 Fri - Begin flight to Kuwait
The Time is Near
This weekend is that last Saturday and Sunday I will spend in Des Moines. I am leaving on Thursday 17 Sep. The weather is gorgeous - mid 70's, blue skies, bright Sun, just a few clouds. Gorgeous!!
I woke at 4:3o am thinking about my life changing journey to Iraq. Of course, working in Iraq will be a huge change from working/living in Des Moines and commuting to Omaha each weekend. Beginning in a few weeks I will be working/living somewhere in Iraq and commuting to Atlanta every few months. I know in my heart that living is Iraq for a while is the right thing for me at this juncture on the path of life. Where it leads I am unsure but there is reason.
As the time draws near for me to leave Iowa and begin my journey toward Iraq, I am beginning to feel a little trepidation and uneasiness. I think this slight nerviness caused me to awake so early.
At 6 am I was finishing my laundry at the Laundromat and called my sister Julie in Wichita. She is an early riser. My other sister Jan is driving Julie and my Mother (Shirley) from Wichita to Lawrence, KS to visit her son at KU and pick up her daughter Maryann for the trip to Des Moines.
I walked and walked from my apartment to Yoga in Park at Gray's Lake, to the bank, to the State Capital Complex to work a couple of hours and back to my apartment to get ready for my mom, two sisters and niece visit. I really appreciate them for coming.
Yoga in the Park led by Bridget and Stephanie was awesome. There were about 200 yogis attending and practicing. The difference between a good yoga teacher and a great yoga teacher is the great yoga teacher makes a personal connection to every student in class - a touch, an alignment, a gentle instruction. In an hour class, Bridget connected with all 200 students as she walked on the grass through the rows of yoga mats.
When I rolled out my mat and took off my sandals, my feet and my sandals were yellow. It liked like I had spilled Turmeric and walked barefoot through it. Wondering how that happened, I quickly wiped the sandals and my feet off in the grass. Teva announced that something in the grass, a fungus, produced a harmless yellow powder that sticks to shoes and feet.
My family arrived about 5pm. We toured around Sherman Hills where I have lived for the last 2 years, downtown Des Moines, the state capital campus, Gray's Lake and the Water Works Park. We enjoyed a great dinner and conversation outside on Court Ave. Many improvement have been completed in downtown Des Moines during the three years I have lived here - along the river the east village, Brenton Skating Plaza for ice skating, the pedestrian bridge and Court ave area and the park west of the new library.
On Sunday we meet for breakfast at the Drake Dinner. We hugged, kissed, and the left at 10 AM.
I am on my own this afternoon so I decided to start this blog.
I woke at 4:3o am thinking about my life changing journey to Iraq. Of course, working in Iraq will be a huge change from working/living in Des Moines and commuting to Omaha each weekend. Beginning in a few weeks I will be working/living somewhere in Iraq and commuting to Atlanta every few months. I know in my heart that living is Iraq for a while is the right thing for me at this juncture on the path of life. Where it leads I am unsure but there is reason.
As the time draws near for me to leave Iowa and begin my journey toward Iraq, I am beginning to feel a little trepidation and uneasiness. I think this slight nerviness caused me to awake so early.
At 6 am I was finishing my laundry at the Laundromat and called my sister Julie in Wichita. She is an early riser. My other sister Jan is driving Julie and my Mother (Shirley) from Wichita to Lawrence, KS to visit her son at KU and pick up her daughter Maryann for the trip to Des Moines.
I walked and walked from my apartment to Yoga in Park at Gray's Lake, to the bank, to the State Capital Complex to work a couple of hours and back to my apartment to get ready for my mom, two sisters and niece visit. I really appreciate them for coming.
Yoga in the Park led by Bridget and Stephanie was awesome. There were about 200 yogis attending and practicing. The difference between a good yoga teacher and a great yoga teacher is the great yoga teacher makes a personal connection to every student in class - a touch, an alignment, a gentle instruction. In an hour class, Bridget connected with all 200 students as she walked on the grass through the rows of yoga mats.
When I rolled out my mat and took off my sandals, my feet and my sandals were yellow. It liked like I had spilled Turmeric and walked barefoot through it. Wondering how that happened, I quickly wiped the sandals and my feet off in the grass. Teva announced that something in the grass, a fungus, produced a harmless yellow powder that sticks to shoes and feet.
My family arrived about 5pm. We toured around Sherman Hills where I have lived for the last 2 years, downtown Des Moines, the state capital campus, Gray's Lake and the Water Works Park. We enjoyed a great dinner and conversation outside on Court Ave. Many improvement have been completed in downtown Des Moines during the three years I have lived here - along the river the east village, Brenton Skating Plaza for ice skating, the pedestrian bridge and Court ave area and the park west of the new library.
On Sunday we meet for breakfast at the Drake Dinner. We hugged, kissed, and the left at 10 AM.
I am on my own this afternoon so I decided to start this blog.
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