Day 65

Late night blog post + Monday morning = a slug-like departure out of the bed and a greater need (if that's possible) for espresso. I don't regret missing the U2 tribute band last night, either, although I heard they were very good. Sure enough, though, Monday showed up and as folks back home were staying up to watch the Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat game, I was heading in, hoping to catch the last few seconds of the game...which I did. I was VERY happy to see the Mavericks...or as I like to call them, the "Mavaliers," win their first NBA title ever.

Mondays are a bit slow because I'm at work when my East Coast counterparts are going to bed on Sunday night. I pretty much have to wait until my afternoon...late...in order to talk to them or communicate with them. However, I did my best to fill their inboxes with plenty of work so they wouldn't get bored one bit. It was still a productive day where I stayed inside. I didn't even go to lunch. Why? I blame my dad and his homemade beef jerky. I had one vacuum-sealed pack of beef jerky (didn't share, either) and some organic trail mix from another buddy of mine. Oh yea...water...lots of water.

As the day drew on and quittin' time was around the corner, the guys from upstairs finally came down and were ready to head outside. Today was the day that I had been looking forward to for 64 days. Back home, a friend asked me if I'd carry his father's flag all the way to Oz and fly it. His father, a former private in the U.S. Marine Corps, had always wanted to serve in a war zone but was medically unable to. He passed away this past year and this flag was presented to his son. So, my task was to safely take it to war, fly it, and return it home. So as of tonight, 2 out of the 3 tasks are complete. While it didn't fly long, myself and three Army soldiers ceremoniously unfolded it, hoisted it up the mast, let it fly FREE over Oz, brought it back down, and folded it as it should be. Now, it sits about 2 feet from my current position and will stay here until it's time to leave. I did have it recorded (I just know how surprised you are!) and it's on our favorite social network. To remain anonymous from the WORLD, it won't be posted here. To my friend: "I am thankful that you entrusted me to carry Old Glory across the world...and I was honored to fly it in the face of the enemy in honor of your father. Per your request when you gave it to me, I will hand deliver it to you as it was given to me. Until then, friend..."

Back in my room this evening, I really should've gone to eat. Instead, I jumped online and realized that my 30 days of internet had expired! NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Well, who really needs to eat OR run, anyhow?! It was 7:35pm and the internet booth about 1/2 mile away closed in 25 minutes. I was out the door in 15 seconds and on my way. I must say...a person should be clobbered upside the head back in the States if they paid $70 a month for slow internet. Out here? In the middle of nowhere? I didn't think I'd renew it about 3 weeks ago but I'm too hooked by the convenience. Sitting here right now in my room...online, could cease. Waking up and getting caught up on the normal 30 e-mails that come in while I sleep (your midday) while my espresso brews would not be possible. So yea...I'll pay it. I don't love it, but it's like crack, I guess....internet crack. I just gotta have it! While over there, I did do a bad thing, though. It was very bad for me and it was very good!!! Pizza Hut pan pizzas for under 6 bucks. Now if that doesn't taste like home, I don't know what does. I got a loaded veggie, deep dish, personal pan pizza which I ate as I walked along the dusty, pitch black road back to my compound where I live. It was soooooo good!!! I probably am in trouble for knowing how good it really is now. Oh well...it was worth it. That's pretty much the day, folks.

Goodnight, everyone.

Oh yes, an added bonus tonight. Marc Anthony did a FABULOUS job at the last NBA Finals game last night when he sung our National Anthem. You won't be disappointed...it is really, really good. Enjoy!!