Camp Lejeune, NC.

I have heard of the Calista effect, a theory that asserts that while evolution itself is a slow process, the actual changes occur quite fast. The military works this way. Nothing will happen for a long time, then suddenly there is a boatload of stuff to do. Petty Officer Morales got my pay turned on, and BM2 Hunt made a polite call to supply. An hour later saw me with two new sets of digital cammies, as well as a new set of boots. I asked to be sent back to San Antonio (where I plan to meet my Beautiful Bride), but that was not feasible. I asked to be routed through Atlanta. Travel called back later asking why I wanted to be sent through Atlanta on my way to Bahrain. Finally, I told them to ignore everything I said.

When I got to Charlotte, I jumped off the bus, made my own way to Atlanta, met my Beautiful Bride, then on to San Antonio. I had an interesting discussion with a Marine just back from Iraq on the flight to Charlotte. He patently ignored the universal air travel Do Not Disturb sign (book raised, intense I Am Reading Look), but it turned out to be worthwhile. He talked about his experiences, which I am sure was theraputic. He offered some great advice about going. He said that one’s experience is largely influenced by one’s attitude. He said that Iraq sucks. Being there is not fun.

He accepted that, and tried to make the most out of it. He worked with the Iraqis, who taught him some Arabic. He saw what he could, and learned what he could, and ended up having probably as good a time as he could have. He contrasted this against one of his buddies who was bound and determined to have a bad time, and he got exactly that. Each day was terrible for him. This is particularly good advice for me, given my predilection to dwell on the bad.

The Inner Marker Ranch
Kendalia, TX.

I love being home.