February 17, 2007 6:15 am by Ray Moser.

42 years ago  today, I was brought into the world.   Who would have thought that I would end up at Bagram Air Field in the middle of a Global War on Terror?

As a quick update, the PX finally received an order of eight bicycles.  I bought the first one off the top of the palette.   I drove the unit van to the PX and delivered the bicycle to my BHUT.   A quick examination of the assembly guide showed that the allen wrenches are required.   I finally found a set and was able to put the bike together.  Last Wednesday, I took the bike out on an inaugural mission around the 8.2 mile perimeter road of the base.   I made the trip in about 45 minutes.  It was 25 degrees out.

Today, I will leave work a little early and go to the day spa for a 2 hour massage.   The rates are cheap ($20/hr) and the results are good.   When you get older, it pays to take care of your body.

I’ll eat dinner afterwards and make sure that I get one piece of cherry pie, my favorite.

Tomorrow, I start an industrial-strength diet and work-out regiment so I can get ready for my SFC board PT test.  

On another note, the base is conducting a direct-commission board in April.  I am thinking of submitting a packet for that.  But for sure, I am preparing my Warrant Officer package for the May Board.   Becoming a butter-bar at 42 is a difficult decision.   The army is screaming for warrants, so I am focusing more in that area.

As far as work is concerned, it is going fine.  We basically prepare paperwork and work on briefings for the command here.  It was gratifying to see that our work has the potential to reach all the way up to the National Security Council for briefing and review.  The Army is a huge conglomeration of gears in the big machine.  It’s nice to see that a few, seemingly unimportant gears, can have such a dramatic impact on operations.  

We have passed day 57 and spirits are still high.  I think that soon, we should start going on our R&R trips to QATAR.   The sooner, the better!

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February 4, 2007 3:01 am by Ray Moser.

Well, not really a nickel; after taxes, I probably receive less than 50 cents on the dollar. 

I thought I would provide an all-encompassing update for the general masses.    I received my bicycle helmet and light from home, so now I am ready to buy my bicycle.  I spoke to my local contact here and they expect the new shipment in within the next few weeks, or any day. 

Jen, thanks for my birthday box.  I now have the widest selection of body lotions on the entire Air Base!   The birthday card is hanging on the wall in my room.  The programmable whoopie cushion will be used stealthily.   Thanks again!

The last few days have been a blur.  I was trying to figure out why.  I started the malaria medication and as a result, I went into dehydration mode.   Saturday I rested and drank lots of fluids to fix this up.   I spent yesterday watching movies and drinking lots of water and OJ.   I also took some more pictures.

Interestingly enough, I was able to resurrect access to my corporate computer and gain access to our systems back home.   It was delightful to receive emails from some of my workmates.  

Work is going well and I have started to do some programming on Microsoft Office, Access and Powerpoint using VBA for the Army.  It’s part of an automation/efficiency concept that I came up with.   

I can’t remember if I reported this, but we finally received all of our goods from the Army.  I’m unpacked and well stocked.

That’s all for now! 

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February 4, 2007 2:52 am by Ray Moser.

Well, it’s Sunday, February 4th and it’s my brother Rob’s birthday.   It’s also Superbowl Sunday, but not really.  We have to wait another 12-15 hours for that.  

Happy birthday Rob!

You’re probably wondering why I’m posting for Rob and not my brother Dave or daughter.  Simple, I didn’t send him a birthday card.  Sorry Rob.

Anyway, happy birthday to you!

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