Welcome Back

The trip back to Ramadi was very hectic. I had all my gear packed in a big box with a little collapsible dolly cart to help me carry it around. It was very convenient, at first. I was the first in line to board the helicopter. I tried to roll my cart right up to ramp at the back of the helicopter when the wheels got stuck under the ramp. The crew chief helped me get it unstuck and onto the bird. When we arrived in Ramadi I pushed the box off the back of the bird and it popped open spilling my stuff onto the ground. I rushed to get everything back in the box and strapped down to the cart. As I was rolling away the box fell over and popped open again. Eventually I made it off the flight line with all my gear but missing a whole bunch of pride.

The Marines were there waiting to pick me up, which was nice. They took me back to where we work to check in. Upon arrival the first words I heard were “fix my S#&%!”. The equipment knew I was back and decided to start malfunctioning to mess with me. I tried calling the necessary people to get things working and all the numbers were busy. Then, one of my computer account passwords weren't working. I decided to take my gear back to my room. On the way there in the dark I rolled through a huge mud puddle. Welcome back to Ramadi.

Eventually I was able to get the system back up and running. It felt really good to fix something. I went to bed only to be woken up at 3am because another system had broke. Although TQ is a nicer place to live, I will take Ramadi any day of the week. The sense of accomplishment in getting something working is well worth the slightly poorer living conditions.

Yesterday we broke the 100 degree mark. I had no idea hot it actually was. I just knew that is was a little warmer than usual. I thought to myself that it must be finally getting into the upper 80's. Boy was I off. The high yesterday was 103 and the low was in the upper 80's. Now that I know how hot it really is I find myself being more conscious of it. I am sure the people who have lived through this heat for hundreds of years are a lot less concerned about it than I.

My skateboard was waiting for me when I got back. It has been fun messing around on the basketball court behind where we work. Now all I have to do scrounge enough wood to build a half pipe and I will be set.