It's not allll bad....

Seriously, it's not all bad here.  I have a unique job which allows me to travel quite a bit and see parts of this country that few Americans will ever see.  I surely never thought I would see some of these things...

Last week, I took a group of folks out to the Ziggurat of Ur.  It's over 4,000 years old and was built next to Abraham's house.  Yes, all you bible readers...that Abraham.  After we left, I thought:  "George Washington Slept Here" really doesn't have the same ring to it anymore. 

I picked up some of the bricks, all of which have words carved/stamped in to them and realized that they were probably the oldest man made thing I would ever come in contact with.  Amazing.  The stuff in the near distance is Abraham's house, or what's left of it.

This is me at the base of the Ziggurat...not the most flattering uniform, as if I needed any help with big hips.  Just in case though, my M9 is always handy on my belt to make those birthing hips look that much bigger!!

Switching gears to another bizarre encounter.  A couple of days ago, we got a nice "surprise" visit by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  I am pleased to tell you that the man could not have been nicer.  I had the opportunity to meet him, I stuck out my hand and said:  "Governor, thank you so much for coming to visit us."  He looked me straight in the eye and said "Vhat....I don't get a hug???"  He then promptly embraced me in a great big bear hug and we chatted for a minute or so.  He repeatedly thanked US for being here.  He gave a heartfelt speech in the Chow Hall and spent a lot of time with the troops.  He even went to the gym the next morning to work out with some of our guys.

Thankfully, an AP photographer was nearby during my time with him, so there is evidence!!

 

 

So, while I am apart from my family and friends...honestly, not every day is a bad day.