Countdown Over - Step 2 - Dallas-Fort Worth

Yesterday was the day.....the tearful goodbye with family, the worries and concerns about whether they will be ok....the drive to the airport.....

Here I sit in a hotel in Fort Worth, TX - the intermediate step prior to leaving for Afghanistan. I'm working at the Program Management Office (PMO) for the LOGCAP IV - Afghanistan South Area of Responsibility (AOR). I work for CH2M HILL, a Global Project Delivery company, who is teamed with 2 other Global Companies (DynCor International, Agility Logistics) to deliver this contract to the US Military.

I arrived at the PMO yesterday late, so I was briefly introduced to a few folks, then I checked into my hotel to prepare for an early morning conference call with the project folks in Afghanistan (6:30am). I arose early, got showered, dressed and headed for the car for the short drive to the office. It's dark here at 6am. I didn't feel well, and it was very humid out, so I was sweating like the fat man I am, but also didn't feel quite right.

Sure enough - I get to the office, park in a relatively empty parking lot, step out of the car - and proceed to blow chunks all over the place. I'm sick. I mean I haven't done that in years - I'm really sick.

I clean myself up best as I can, then hurry in the building for the call. What a miserably long call that was for me, as I just felt awful. When the call was over - I was told we had another one in 20 minutes with alot more folks in a conference room. No way....I can't do it.

I talk to my boss - and let her know that I'm not doing well, and should go back to the hotel - which she's really good about. So I load up - head back out to the car, and the minute I get there - here it comes again......yea.......again.....in the parking lot.

What a freaking illustrious beginning to my assignment on this program. He shoots, he scores - he decorates the parking lot.....

Aye - yi - yi....

Here's to a better day tomorrow.

The Countdown Begins

Vail, CO

This is Karen's last chance to get away, enjoy herself and be "kid free" prior to my impending departure for Afghanistan. Karen is a wonderful woman, and is going to need all the blessings and help she can stand for the next year. She won't ask for it, so it's up to me to make sure things are arranged so that she gets it anyway. I feel bad - like a bad husband, and a bad father, but I'm not sure how else to conquer the challenges we have as a family. I love my wife.

It's beautiful here, peaceful - nothing better than Colorado in July and August. It's been the wettest July I can remember, and the mountains, valley's and prairies are as green you could hope for.

Last week I was able to see 5 of my 6 brothers as well as my mom and many cousins at the Arvin and Emma Mortensen family reunion in Alpine, AZ. Jonah and I had a road trip for the trip.