Day 93

Flight 93...September 11, 2001. That's the only thing front and center in my mind tonight when I say Day 93. Not too far from my home in "Kansas" is the spot where Flight 93 went down but not before the famous phrase "Let's Roll!" May they, the victims at the Pentagon, and the victims of the World Trade Center never be forgotten. I just realized, too, that I'll be here on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Ironic, I'd say since if it wasn't for that attack, I wouldn't be here.

This day started out normal but quickly turned different. About 1/2 hour before our intended carpool time, I got a call saying we need to leave immediately...one of our peeps is at the hospital's ER and we need to pick them up. I laced up my boots and got downstairs quick. Upon entering the hospital, it was basically a maze with no really helpful signs. On the way to the ER, I passed a lady sleeping in her chair in the hallway. I paid no attention. Once I got to the ER, they told me our employee was checked out at 5am...2 1/2 hours ago. Turns out, that lady in the hallway is the civilian employee of our agency that had a pretty rough ride in from Kuwait. My location isn't her final destination but instead of continuing on, she chose the path of throwing up inside of her jacket and getting an IV for the night. So by the time I got her, she was a complete wreck...looked like it, and smelled like it. She still felt horrible. I got her to our office and arranged a room for her for the day and night and got her over there as quick as I could. Man, she looked bad. Once I got back to the office, I finally got to work and the rest of the day was a typical Monday as the East Coast is still asleep. One cool thing was that I got to head into the Special Forces area of the base to have dinner...only because I know someone who knows someone who works there. No other way behind that gate! Inside this compound, the food was far, far better and the folks inside here look like....well, the tough guys who hunt down and get the bad guys. I know I stood out like a sore thumb. It was cool, nonetheless. Other than that today, it was business as usual and also planned some future travel to "Theme Park #1 and #2" that I traveled to before. Of course, I can't say when but it's coming up. This trip will be my opportunity to reach out to the northern part of the country and help them build their "erector sets" that I've been working with them on. The north compared to the east is in its infancy stage and continue to build and grow. It should be a great trip.

Back in the room tonight around 8pm, I booked a vacation for Dorothy and I in the summer of 2012...a cruise to Bermuda. This has got to be one of the most simplistic cruises ever. Most have several ports of call but not this one. The departure port is within driving distance...saves a bunch on airfare...and it has one port...Bermuda. We spend nearly 3 days there but still get over 2 days of cruising. Dorothy would be perfectly happy if she lives right on the beach itself so pink sand beaches for a few days is right up her alley. Far into the future but that's OK. I also found out tonight that I made the initial cut for the two jobs I applied for back in "Kansas." They are both promotions and just because I'm deployed doesn't mean I can't apply for things...in fact, a senior supervisor encouraged me to do so. So that was great news! Now, they'll look at each one that was screened and passed through, speak to supervisors, and make a decision. Wouldn't that be great if I got promoted while in Oz?! Yea..that would be great! Well...that's about it for Day 93. Less than a week to the big 100!

Goodnight, everyone.