Fell asleep to CNN last night. I don't recommend that, btw. Strange dreams.

So obviously I'm still here. I spoke to the Mob from the 1159th today [sorry, Mobilization Officer, who in this case is a SGT. And it's pronounced mobe]. The only thing he knew he had open were E-3/4 refueler slots. They might have a 93P spot [aviation operations spec] but he wasn't sure. That would be good experience, and I'd actually use that BS in Aviation Management for once in my life. When push comes to shove, though, it looks like I'll stay where I am for now.

I was interviewed by our Public Affairs office today. I hope that turns out okay. I'm good in writing but my off the cuff speaking abilities...well let's just say I get myself in trouble sometimes.

Back to the Washingont Post and CNN...

There's nothing quite like looking down at the caller id and seeing the name of your platoon sergeant in the little window to get the bp heading north. Turns out it's just a precautionary drill to check phone numbers...this time. I need to take a half day tomorrow and tie up some loose ends just in case. At the very least I need some good quality camping gear. I still haven't been issued a TA-50, which is the standard field equipment kit. Even if I had one I'd rather go buy a decent bedroll. I've had a few people tell me that the inflatable air mattresses as seen on TV! are excellent, but I don't want to hump one of those things around (plus it's hard to find an electrical outlet in the middle of the desert). I'd rather stick with the tried and true luddite stuff.

19 hours and counting...

The first casualty in the war on Iraq: my hair. It's short. Not high and tight mind you (what am I, a jarhead?) but still shorter than I've had it since my last det in 2000.

I'm glad and pleasantly surprised that we're not already tossing high explosives. You'd be amazed at the minutae it takes to get ready to deploy. Oh sure there's the big ticket items: work, bills, mortgage, daycare, etc. But then there's the other stuff. For instance do you know how tedious (not to mention depressing) it is to file a will? Then there's making sure everything you own is in both names. Banks are especially understanding about that (as if). That's before the military paperwork. And don't even try to figure out what to pack when the nearest 7-11 is 4,000 miles away. I'm still adding things to that list.