Day 145

September!!!!! WOO HOO!!!! It seemed like it would never get here. The day started with a reminder of home: I opened my door to leave and did not feel the normal hot sun...it was a cool breeze and light rain. For just a split second...a very, very tiny split second...I forgot I was in Afghanistan. Reality then hit and off to Day 145 I went.

Pretty busy day and started with watching my Cleveland Indians go into 16 innings and eventually win. It was a controversial win but still a win. I just need those Detroit Tigers to lose and lose often. Later in the afternoon, a Navy officer from another base needed help at the flight line so I grabbed an Army guy to assist and we went looking for him. We were down by the PAX Terminal (that's where we fly in and out of this base..basically, the terminal), I was driving, and we were circling around looking for this guy. I pulled over to make a phone call and while I'm dialing, I notice flashing lights in my rear view mirror. It was base security...behind me...with their lights on as if I was the one who was pulled over. I had already pulled over so I leaned out the window and motioned to myself to ask if it was I who was in trouble. Yep!! The young airman came up to my window and said: "Sir, do you realize you didn't even slow down back at that stop sign?" Uh..no? He asked for my driver's license and military ID. The ONE time I ever don't have my ID and it's now...I left it in my computer!!! ARGH!! Anyway, he does the typical walk back to the vehicle and eventually comes back with a pink ticket. But first, he has to ask what I am. He can see I'm in the Navy and an officer but he doesn't know his Navy ranks. An O-3 is a captain in the Air Force but a lieutenant in the Navy. I told him and he handed me the ticket. It's a non-monetary ticket (no penalty fee) but does have some on-base points. Now, I have to take my supervisor to the security office within 72 hours to sign for the ticket...supposedly, so leadership can be in the know when things happen. No biggie. As the airman left, he wished me a good day then unexpectedly saluted me. Geez...seriously? You just gave me a ticket! Anyway, I wished him a good day as well and returned the salute. He was a nice kid, after all. So, anyone else out there ever get a traffic ticket in Afghanistan!!! HA!!! That's one to remember!

Getting back to the office after we eventually found that lost Navy officer, I had a conference call with the new team that was assembled as a result of my point paper. They wanted to talk to me and try to understand how to best run the program. I talked nearly the entire time and I feel it was a productive call. They were very open to hearing my thoughts and reasons why they need to do different things. Once that call was done, I headed on out, caught a shuttle, and headed on back.

By now, it was approaching 7:30pm already and I was starving. BUT, it rained this morning and there was no wind. Yep..time to run. I quickly changed and headed on out with a brand, spanking new Mr. Moon and tunes courtesy of Kenny Chesney. After 10 miles, it was way past dinnertime so I enjoyed more care package food. All very good! Those mini-chocolate-chip muffins were especially good. Icing on the cake? No rocket attacks on my run. I'd say that's a successful run! All a matter of perspective, eh?

Goodnight, everyone.