Day 44

Still not used to waking up here and seeing people back home who still haven't gone to bed the night before. Gotta love the time difference. It'll get worse later this year when we fall back an hour in Kansas because here in Oz, there is no daylight savings time. I still look forward mid-afternoon when Dorothy tells me good morning. Daily contact, if even a two-word text, is super appreciated.

It was a pretty productive day today and started with the MOAC...Mother of all Coffees. 4 shots of espresso and their house blend coffee...in a 24oz cup. I kid you not...I broke out in a sweat after drinking that. Zing! Afterwards, I spent more time knocking on doors and asking lots of questions about the process used to order these "erector sets" from us. I picked up on a few things and am now on the hunt. I don't believe the proper vetting is being done and accountability measures are in place for some of our contractors here. More oversight is needed and I'm going to chase this to the ground. I enjoy all of it, I must admit. It's like unlocking door after door and learning something new each time which makes the picture on the puzzle all make sense. Tomorrow, much of what I did today should rise to the top and as always, more meetings to attend.

Monday is pizza day, too, at one of the dining facilities. Homemade dough the night before and awesome toppings today. Wow, I was impressed! Most food is far from impressive here but this pizza was awesome. I am trying to wrap my head around how these dining facilities operate. They have specials on different days of the week and aren't consistent among themselves. Luckily, those in my office have it down pat. For dinner, I stuck to hot mixed veggies, a salad, and a container of cranberry juice.

I did get out for 7 1/2 dusty miles tonight. So dang dusty. I feel I am finally getting my running legs back. I used to run 50-60 miles a week but over the past year, I've really fallen off the running-wagon and legs have fallen out of shape along with the rest of me. But, if I can continue this running regimen out here, I can get back on track. The dust is nauseating, though. One thing that did kick me out the door tonight was my Amphipod iPhone arm carrier showing up from Seattle, WA. It didn't shake, it didn't slip, and I was able to play my music through the iPhone speakers and could hear it loud and clear. It's forbidden to wear headphones and run here so this was awesome! Great run with Casting Crowns tonight! I was also able to use MapMyRun to track the run and mileage. You gotta love a phone that can use its internal GPS to do this stuff.

My first care package showed up today, too!!!  Surprisingly fast, too. It was mailed from Kansas back on May 16th so it only took one week to get here...much better than the 2 weeks told to me earlier. Lots of goodies inside including microwave popcorn. I could not wait to pop that tonight. I have been craving it so much! It was perfect, too...light butter and salt. So good to eat that just a few minutes ago. There were also lots of other things in there like Lifesavers Gummies which are currently screaming my name...I am very afraid of opening them because I lose my self control at the point. They are just way too good. Thanks to "J" and "M" for the package...so very appreciated! I'm thinking a few more are on the way from Kansas. :-)

Goodnight, everyone. (I'm opening the gummies...I just can't wait anymore.)