Day 32

105F...again. 82F, though, at 5:45am local time when I went for a run, my first run ever in the desert. It was strange...my clothes never even got sweaty through 6 miles due to the rock-bottom humidity. I felt totally parched, though. It was a great run followed by a pretty good breakfast.  Later on after lunch, I Skyped with a good friend who runs the morning program on a local radio station back in Kansas.  However, it wasn't the average Skype...I was on the air! That was pretty cool.  He had interviewed my family and me about my deployment before I left so this was like an update for his listeners. Afterwards, I said good morning to my girls and to Dorothy via video yet again. Technology is great!

I'm going to keep it simple for you today...today was the day of laziness. I reorganized and packed some of my gear, did my laundry, picked up a few necessities at the exchange (retail store terminology), and even tried to take a nap..unsuccessfully, by the way. Late afternoon, the Navy folks who are stationed here briefed everyone on our next travel itineraries. This is the time where the majority of the group who went through combat training together is split in multiple directions. Everyone has their unique mission and ultimate "Oz" as do I, and this is where we reach our final destination. So yea..I now know the future plans, timeline, etc. Better yet, the folks expecting me have let me know they'll be there waiting for me...I bet!! My immediate senior said that he's been working on a project for the past three weeks and "can't wait for me to get there" so he can turn it over to me. The way I see it...the busier I am and more production I am, the faster time will go and the sooner I'll be heading home to Kansas. Yea, it's only Day 32 but I missed home 31 days ago.

I did well in the food category today. Came in under my calorie goal. I'm loving that new iPhone app and website. Very easy to use and a great tool to track how I'm doing throughout the day. I may not be able to send texts and make calls out here, but that iPhone is still in contant use. It's been priceless in its ability to Skype and FaceTime. So much easier than lugging a computer around.

That's it, folks. Yep, the shortest post in 32 days!

Side note: sunsets and sunrises here are so blah...no color, no anything. I really miss the beautiful ones on a daily basis from back home in Kansas. I also miss the feeling of carpet between my toes. The little things, I suppose.

Goodnight, everyone.