Day 131

Today started out pretty mild and relaxed. I was enjoying it because it would soon change. As lunchtime approached, the boss flew back in and we picked him up and headed to lunch. The rest of the day was cruising and plenty busy. The whole atmosphere in the office changes when everyone is there. It was certainly quiet and enjoyable for the majority of the week. Now it's go-time again. One thing I realized today was regarding that point paper that I wrote twice. It really looks like it shook things up Stateside. They have totally dismantled the program I wrote about that was totally broken and are implementing my recommendations and assembling a whole new team which appears on the surface, willing to listen us in the war zone. I'm pretty sure some heads rolled back there but it had to be done. I'm now involved more on the consulting side of things as they rebuild and transition. Pretty big compliment, I think! No one really says that to me but I drove it from the ground up and kept charging until something happened. No one else cared to take the lead and the initiative. I'm very curious to see where it all leads.

Around 6pm, we headed on back, along with my 2 care packages I received today. One was from a buddy back home who has sent multiple packages...more than anyone else. It had a lot of staples in it that I use often so it'll be put to great use along with some art from his daughter. The other one was from a running friend of mine back home. She made homemade zucchini bread and apricot oatmeal cranberry almond cookies!!! Dang, they are BOTH awesome and they both arrived still moist and yummy. Just perfect! Also, some Kashi cereal, Starbucks Iced VIA packets, and a few room air fresheners. (I actually requested those) For those of you who may be reading this and considering sending anything...I am all set on Iced VIA from Starbucks and popcorn. Don't need anymore. I certainly now have enough to get me HOME. I've really been blessed by many people!

Once I got back to my room, I quickly zipped out and grabbed some dinner to-go. Grilled chicken breast, mixed veggies, and some mashed potatoes. I headed on back, threw dinner in the fridge, and got ready to run. Just before heading out, my sister-in-law who is living in Germany, in wine country of all places, got me on Skype so we talked for awhile. That was the first time we talked since the Spring. It was great to see her again! Afterwards, I headed on out, neck gaiter on. It was windy tonight. I really wanted to run and I've been feeling better on the roads. I found out today that the Air Force Marathon which is held in southwest Ohio on September 17th has a deployed program where those who are deployed can register and be official entrants! Now I have a decision to make...run the marathon (it would be my 26th) or the 50K (31.2 miles) that I've been planning on for a long time. They are both on the same day. I'm in no shape to run 57 miles or I'd just do them back-to-back. Not sure what I'm going to do. I would really like to get my 26th marathon while in a war zone and be an official finisher. I ran that marathon back in 2007 in 3hrs, 44min. I'm in no shape to run sub-4 right now but can certainly run the distance. I have a decision to make.

The run was great! I ended up doing 10 miles instead of 8. I would've done more but it was already 10pm and I still needed to eat, shower, and blog. I felt really good after the run tonight. I've gotta keep this up...certainly can't hurt to shed some pounds for Dorothy, right?! Tomorrow, it should be a decent day. It'll be busy but that's a good thing. We'll also be making preps for Saturday...Hail and Farewell and my promotion to O-3!!! Navy Lieutenant! So with that, the book closes on Day 131.

Goodnight, everyone.