Out with the old...

It is going to be 2010 in about an hour. The past year has been interesting, and the upcoming year looks to be more of the same. Oh well, better to have a lot going on than nothing, eh? See you again in 2010!

Good to be home!

It is morning here, and outside it is cold and cloudy. I have just returned from the Post Office, having just mailed off the last of my Christmas/Holiday cards. Life is good! The snow has been compacted down by both warming temps and rain over the past few days, but now it is freezing up again - it will become a nice hard base for the next bout of snow that we should get in the future. Being from the Northeast, I believe that Christmas should have snow. I received a card the other day from my team Down Range, congratulating me on making O-1 - thanks guys!

Commissioned

Well, it finally happened! This is something that I have been working at since 12 September 2001 - I made the decision that morning to go back into service and to become a naval officer (doing whatever it is that we do). From the beginning there were a lot of obstacles (you have no idea what a roller coaster ride this has been). I was told dozens of times that this was never going to happen and to just give up - did I mention that I am persistent? Well, it is incredibly satisfying to be here now, and take it from me, it was worth all the hassles (you only truly appreciate the things you have to work and fight for...). There is a lot of work in the future (gotta go back to school and start training from scratch). There will be a lot of mistakes made, and I will have to learn a whole new way of doing things, but I am so happy, and I know that I made the right choice here. The picture up top was taken just before pinning on the gold bars of Ensign (nicknamed "butter bars"). I received my first salute shortly afterwards from a Petty officer First Class (and he got a shiny new 2009 silver dollar - as per tradition). Still not used to that. Wearing khaki in the Navy is a big deal, and I am definitely not used to that either! Yet, I can't wait to start this brand new chapter of my life - I am incredibly thankful for all of this...

The Time Has Come

Tomorrow is Pearl Harbor Day (07 December 2009) - and, ironically, it will also be the day that I get commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. I have joked that I hope that it won't be another day of infamy for the Navy, but all self-deprecating kidding aside, I am totally excited about tomorrow. This is the culmination of eight years of a lot of hard work and persistence; there were a whole lot of obstacles, and it looked like it wasn't going to happen more times than I can remember, but throughout it all there were a lot of folks out there who encouraged me to keep going at it. And it finally happened. Wow. Right now it feels like Christmas Eve - it won't really really sink in until after I take the oath of commissioning (at 1030 hours Central Time). Some special folks will be with me to pin on my butter bars, and I have a set of khakis all ready. A lot of things will change, but I will never forget where I came from - it is all about serving our Country, and taking care of our Sailors. I sincerely hope that I will be a capable and decent officer - in the meantime, I hope all of you can achieve your goals and dreams - think of it as my Christmas wish for you all!

Although it may rain Gold and Silver in a Foreign Land, and only Spears at home, it is better to be Home.

Happy Thanksgiving Day, Loyal Readers!! Indeed, it is good to be home - we had turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, roast potatoes, and home-made pecan pie - yumminess beyond compare! Here's hoping that you and your loved ones had a fine day, and may we all remember the things that we are truly thankful for.

Job, DONE.

My British Cockney friend in Japan liked to say "Job, done" whenever something was completed (usually something onerous). Today we finished the last of our out-processing from the Active Navy back to the Reserve side. I fly home tomorrow morning and have to report to the local NOSC (Naval Operational Support Center) to complete my transition as a Reservist once more. I will wear the ACUs one more time, and I can't wait to see you all when I return! I am still somewhat numb about the past six months - I really haven't thought about it since returning home. I am just trying to catch up on sleep, and thinking about the future. Maybe sometime I'll think about it, but not anytime soon.

ACUs

The Army Combat Uniform (ACU). It is a pixilated greyish/greenish/sandish-colored camouflaged uniform that actually is quite comfortable (everyone says that they feel like pajamas - albeit tactical pajamas). Covered with lots of pockets and Velcro, I have worn it continuously for the past six months. Pretty soon I will hang it up and return back to wearing Navy uniforms. Today, as I walked around Gulfport, I was the only Navy person wearing the ACU, and I felt kind of like a rock star (the ACU, among Navy folks, is a sign that you served with the Army and that you were out in the Sandbox). I can't say that I will miss having to wear it everyday, but it has served me well - thank you, ACU!

Demobilizing

Howdy all! Well, after one down-day (Veterans Day - awesome), we started our processing in earnest. Turns out our group is really just myself and a Navy Chief (E-7, Chief Petty Officer). The Chief is actually someone I know - he was assigned to my unit, but served at the home office in Florida (um... I guess I should use the military term - "headquarters"). Anyhow, we are moving along at a healthy clip, and we might be done by tomorrow, Friday the 13th (talk about ironic). There is the chance that we could be delayed until Monday, but it is looking like I could be out of here... tomorrow, or, more likely, Saturday (the logistics just work better).

Home!

I am back in the US - I arrived this evening after nearly an entire day on airplanes or in airports. It feels so great to see trees and clouds and rain - but it will feel even better to see you, my family and friends! I am exhausted and I badly need sleep - tomorrow is - fittingly enough - Veteran's Day, and I will start my demobilization. However, for now it is time for sleep!

Barriers (updated)

On top of the barriers listed in one of my earlier posts, we have a fourth type of mini-barrier, that we have dubbed the Rhode Island Barrier, due to its rather small size (it just seems to fit with the New Jersey/Texas/Alaska motif...). The RI Barrier is roughly two feet tall (60cm, for my Euro-centric friends out there), and approximately three feet wide (120cm). Although not very imposing (heck, we can push them over - and that is without using the Breadtruck!), they provide a sort-of-safety function by helping to delineate foot traffic paths and provide the heavy equipment (TCN Sandcrawlers, and big military people-squisher type vehicles) with some sort of guidelines to drive between (not that a house-sized container transporter or T-Rex-esque kind of heavy lifter is really going to notice if they accidentally color outside of the lines...). Anywho, the Rhode Island barriers valiantly do their collective best to limit the collateral damage around here. In the picture above, you can see Jersey Barriers on the left, and Texas Barriers on the right (and on the extreme righ, barely visble, are some Bremmer Barriers - big wire cages, with big bags inside filled with sand - designed like giant sandbags). I'll try to get a picture of our little friend, the RI Barrier, soon!

Greetings From An Undisclosed Location In Southwestern Asia!*

Howdy, Loyal Readers! Well, it is Wednesday, the 5th of November 2009, and I am still in the Sandbox. "Ushiku, what happened?" I hear you cry - no worries; seems that a few of our new people suffered some misfortune back home, and had to ship back immediately to take care of it (and our most heartfelt condolences to them and their familes). In the meantime, that left our shop critically undermanned, so we were asked to delay our homecoming for about six days. No problem - that is why we are paid the big bucks! Actually, it has been rather more difficult than I imagined - I guess, mentally, I had put a lot of cachet in today being the day to finally vamoose (its been fun, but this 24/7 rock-n-roll lifestyle can begin to wear on even the heartiest soul). I won't lie - it has been difficult to concentrate, and I can only think about next week and the flight home - which makes me feel terrible, like I am letting down the side, and that I should just gut it out and be the happy warrior (um, that is if a warrior is expected to hurl paper and staples at the enemy). Anyhow, today is hot (what else is new) and it feels like day 01 instead of day 180. We are getting crushed at work, and our new boss has promised to "Work you to death while I still have you". Crazy Awesome. Anyhow, it is only five more days, right?

[*When we refer to where we are based, we are supposed to only say that we are in "An Undisclosed Location In Southwest Asia".]

Seven Days and a Wake Up

Just got back from picking up one of our replacements at the Air Base - my buddy and I have a week left here, and will be flying out on the Rotator - an Air Force flight, that will be sure to be long and uncomfortable, but full of brightness, because it is bringing us home! We are so ready to head back - we are just running on fumes right now, trying to make a strong finish, and then leave this place with our heads held high (and tired as all get-go!).

Morale

When I first arrived at my unit, we were told by one of our officers that our job could be done by monkeys (probably untrained ones at that). As you can imagine, that just sent our morale soaring. We had this patch made up to show what we thought of that assessment. We began to refer to that particular officer as The Man In The Yellow Hat (with ourselves cast as Curious George). We don't display this patch, but we all carry it as a reminder of what that officer said - and as a proud statement that we and our simian brothers are doing all this "easy" work over here.

Patches

On my ACU (Army Combat Uniform) I wear the First Navy Jack patch, authorized for Navy personnel who serve in the CENTCOM AOR (Area Of Responsibility) and who wear the ACU. My unit patch SSI (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) is worn on the left sleeve to designate that I currently serve with the unit. I have served with this unit in a war zone, and have served the pre-requisite time, so, I am authorized to wear the SSI on the right sleeve, also, to signify such service. This is an unusual honor for naval personnel - this is because many of us have found ourselves embedded with Army units, and the regulations reflect the Army's way of doing things. When I return to the Navy, I won't wear the ACU or these patches, but right now they are a proud reminder of my service here. Oh, the Foo Fighter tab is just a morale patch; my section loves to listen to the Foo Fighters, and we had this tab made (it is roughly the size, shape and color of the Special Forces tab that many of our Army SF guys around here wear). Of course, we never wear it on duty!

27 Days and a Wake Up

Holy Dust-Storm, Batman! I woke up this morning and realized that my good friend (the other Ushiku) and I have slipped underneath the thirty-day mark - we are on that short terminal glide path to the end to this carnival. And it can't come a moment too soon; we have been working non-stop for months now (without a break). We have been fighting the good fight - tedious but important stuff - but it is finally time to start handing off the baton to the next group, and head home! I still am not able to believe that in less than four weeks we will be heading back - and that is a good thing, because we have to keep our head in the game and give 100% until the very last second because there are folks who rely on what we do (whatever it is that we do...). It has been a honor to work with a lot of the folks that I have met here - and it has given me hope that what we are doing in the CENTCOM AOR will still work out - it is a messy, dirty business, but take heart that a lot of talented, hardworking people are giving their all everyday. I know it sounds sappy and a lot like cheerleading, but that is what I have observed. Believe me, there is a lot that can be improved upon, and we have a long way to go, and we can still blow this thing if we don't decide to stick it out - but don't get discouraged by what you read or hear in the media - that is not the full story - and regardless of whether you agree with us being here or not, please know that there are a heck of a lot more reasons for us to be here than not. I don't usually get up on the saopbox here - please forgive me - but after seeing so much, I just wanted to express it.
For all of you - friends and family - you have been the best, and I appreciate all of your support! I look forward to coming home, and eventually to see you all.
One more thing - when I return home I will be commissioned as an Ensign (oooo, scary!) - and I would like to invite you all to come out and see this happen - it will be no big deal (just taking an oath), but it has been a long road to get here, and I would like the chance to share it with you all (there will be yummy eats and some nice libations, too!). Hope to hear from you all and to see you all soon!

Ramen-esque

Many thanks to Tall Asian Dude and SWFBJAA for sending a massive care package loaded to the gills with Ramen, Furikake and other treats from the Far East! And to boot, they included a plastic ramen bowl, hashi and a spoon (the joy!)!! Good Friends, I enjoyed my first bowl of ramen goodness last night, and it was heaven in noodle form. Some other friends have enquired as to whether the ramen arrived in one piece or not - well, let's just say that I am calling this batch "short noodle ramen" - but no worries! Busted-up ramen is better than no ramen by a long shot! Cheers!

Barriers

Here in the Sandbox we have the standard Jersey Barriers, just like the ones we have back home (usually strung together with massive heavy-gauge steel wires) to keep things separated and orderly. But the military, in the spirit of "Bigger-is-Better", also has what we call Texas Barriers and Alaska Barriers, too. These concrete monstrosities are a daily part of the landscape here (and pretty much everywhere else in the AOR). The Texas barriers have a flared-out foot at the base that we like to sit on (not sure if that was the original intention, or not, but they are convenient). The Alaska barriers, as you can imagine, are the biggest - they are extremely tall, and they are used to shield areas from view (like from those pesky and annoying forward observers or snipers). Our world is made up of fence lines, concrete, sandbags, pre-fabricated-whatevers, and a lot of wire. The sand, rock, dust and stones make for a bleak landscape - punctuated only by the occasional desert scrub, or some plastic bag blowing in the wind (for some reason, plastic bags are the tumble weeds of this place - I imagine each one has a story...). Today there were clouds in the sky - it was so unusual that we all didn't quite grasp it immediately - that is until there was an actual dimming of the sun (yes, there were that many clouds!) - then, there was a clap of thunder (it was incredibly humid today, and hot, which may have explained the appearance of the clouds), and a few people hit the deck because they thought that something had blown up. That was it, but that boom was like a thing from a past life, and I thought it was a promise of better things to come. This evening the clouds are gone (and the night sky looks clearer than it has in a long while). Usually we see only one star in the bleary night sky (actually, it might be a planet, but we like to quote Madagascar: "Oh look, the star is out..."), but tonight we can see a few stars in the sky. Ramadan should be ending soon - and the coming new moon will light up our desert landscape - but for now, it is nice to see the stars (even if we can only count them on one hand...).

Suck It Up, Drive On!

Well, it is Wednesday, and I still feel crappy, but the big doc at Medical was able to make a diagnosis ("You're phlegm is thick and green? Congratulations, it is gone from viral to bacterial."), so they put me on what they call a "Z-Pack" and it is supposed to kick the stuffing out of whatever I have. In the meantime, I went to work on Monday, and not a moment too soon, as we got crushed (more buried than usual), and they put me in another room, so as not to contaminate the rest of the crew (my boss even printed up a quarantine sign and put it on the door - how nice!). We worked long into the night, but I am happy to say that I was able to contribute and shoulder my share of the load (we got out of there sooner, because everybody was there - the lesson to be learned? We lose one person, and the show gets tougher for everybody else, so we all have to gut it out and perform). Right now I am coughing non-stop (hacking up gobs of the aforementioned green phlegm), but at least I don't feel like I am going to hurl every five seconds. Our boss is leaving this weekend - his tour is up, and he gets to be released - our new OIC arrived, and we have been working with him this week. No big impressions yet - we are all waiting for the turn over (nobody wants to step on the out-going boss's shoes). I imagine that there will be a lot of getting-to-know-you moments in the near-future, but right now everybody is just smiling and nodding and not saying much. I am glad that I came here - I'm glad that I did this job (even though it has been a total grind - and I mean that in every sense of the word), but I am getting totally burned out, and I cannot wait to finish this and get home. My buddy and I have put maximum effort into this job - but it is the kind of job that chews everyone up, and spits them out. We actually had a person from the rear tell us to our face that they love having us here to do this job because they can work us to death, without having to give us a break (evidently, if we were State-side, or further Forward, there would be buffers to limit the work load, but evidently that is not the case here). Awesome! There is nothing to look forward to except getting out of here - so, from now until November we just get up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. HooAh!

Because every day is a Monday

It is actually Monday. For the past few days I have been sick - no big deal, but it has made things just that more unpleasant. The good news is that our doc is really the best (lots of good meds). It started a few days ago - I was finishing work at three in the morning (after an epic day fighting the paperwork monster) when I suddenly got a sore throat and a headache you wouldn't believe (plus nausea). I gutted it out, but the next day it got worse, so I went to see doc, and he gave me some Tylenol and some throat lozenges. Later my throat became very painful, so he gave me a shot. Then the next day I developed a cough, so he gave me some antihistamines, and told me to come back on Monday if it didn't clear up. Well, all day at work on Sunday I was coughing and sneezing up a storm. Finally, my boss ordered me to report to doc Monday morning, and if I hadn't made a miraculous comeback, I was to stand-down and take quarters (which is a big deal, as our boss really doesn't casually order people to take time off). Our shop is small, but we do a lot of time-critical important stuff, and it is a seven-day-a-week operation. Losing one person, especially if it is a heavy op-tempo day, can be devastating. I really feel guilty, and I hope that when I see doc later this morning that he can hook me up so that I can get back to the shop. Right now I am feeling crappy, and I can't sleep because of the coughing. I know it could be worse, and I know that there are people everywhere who have it worse than me, but right now I just feel tired and worn out, and I wish I was healthier again. My buddy has been a real Troop my entire tour here - he has never complained, and has always been supportive. I don't want to leave him and our other people hanging. Come on antibodies, mount-up, and let's do this - Guns Up!

This is where it starts getting interesting...

Hmmm... a few days ago I was alerted to pack up and get ready to move out immediately. Yesterday, I was told to stand down - they are sending another person Forward instead (actually, they are sending a whole bunch of people forward, but that is immaterial...). Looks like I am going to be here for the duration. The good news is that "here" is safer (and slightly more comfortable). The bad news: the job Forward was really excellent (a chance to really do meaningful, good stuff). Oh well. Not today. I will suck it up, and drive on.

Ushiku, FORWARD!

Well, it has happened. This evening I received word that I will be sent Forward, further up into Theater. It looks like the serious Sandbox for me! And it looks like I will be doing the stuff that I was originally sent here to do. I really can't go into any specifics of where, or what, or even who (oooo... mysterious...), but be rest assured that your pal, Ushiku, is doing good things, and will continue to do the best he can (as a very small fish, in a very big pond) . More info, as I find out.

Robert M & Dirty Rush - Free

What the hell? For reasons that totally defy explanation we get a Polish music channel here. And after countless permutations I have become hooked on, what I assume to be, a Polish techno artist named Robert M. Wow. Somebody please tell me that they've heard of this guy (He's big outside of Eastern Europe, right? Somebody?). Evidently techno is still big in the former Eastern Bloc countries and Brazil. Groovy. Good lord, I have been here too long - and the funny thing is that everybody else here totally gets it - they understand the whole weird music dynamic - and they are all along for the ride. Drovitz.

Feeling the Love

Wow. Somewhere last week I hit the mental wall - just too tired and worn out. Too many hours, too much stress, and a lot of heat (brought on by BOB and the Command). Just a bad combination. Found myself one morning in the back of the Breadtruck rumbling off to work, and I couldn't speak, or move, or really think. Usually I am the morning person (much to the extreme annoyance of pretty much everyone in our shop), but at that point I was just useless. We got to work, and we started doing our thing and it was just on automatic. Today I am good. Compared to people Forward, we don't have it nearly as bad - I know that, and appreciate not having people dropping stuff on my head. Which brings us to our next subject: going Forward. Since I arrived here it has been a possibility that I could get pushed further up into Theater. I have accepted that, and in fact, on some level, I welcome the opportunity. Well, a few weeks ago I was tasked with driving a SF guy to catch a flight. We talked, he liked me, and said that if he ever needed someone to do whatever it is that we do, he might have a spot for me. Well, that SF guy called back and requested me, by name (which, in our community, is crazy-go-nuts special - especially when it concerns a nobody like me). That set off a huge explosion (figuratively), and my chain of command was wondering what-the-**** (my big boss had no problem - in fact he was impressed, but our middle boss is ticked-off, because he thinks that I somehow went off the reservation, and began, in his words, "Prospecting" - whatever that means...). Now I am in some sort of limbo - apparently, either I will actully get pushed Forward to The Stan, or, I will languish here until my time is up. I guess that was what was the catalyst that depressed me. One of my coping mechanisms is that I don't allow myself to think about the next day (never mind next week!). Each day blends into the next with really no change, and it is always a perpetual Monday - or, as we call it, Daily Vanilla. But a few days back I realized that I have been here doing this job for over two months, and that I was almost in the middle of this deployment - and instead of seeing my cup as half-full, I was just noticing that I was at the bottom of the cup, and that rim was so waaaay up there (how the hell was I supposed to clamber out of this cup?)... um, yeah, well, you kinda-sorta get the gist, right? Anyhow, right now, I would like to go Forward - if anything, to break this cycle, but also, because I could actually do something that would really matter, and maybe, in my small-person way, help to prosecute this war, and maybe even contribute to ending it (yeah, right - like that is going to happen - but that is how I feel, so let me go with it). Right now, I will continue to do the job, and that will have to suffice.

Regime Change

When you are an Individual Augmentee (IA), you go to your unit alone, and you leave your unit alone. Where I work, everyone is an IA, so everybody sort of drifts in and out according to their own orbital plan. In August we are losing a bunch of folks, which means that me and my buddy will pretty much be the senior people in our shop. By the time I start to understand this job, it will be time for me to leave - which brings us to our big news: I got my demob orders! Yup, yours truly will be cut out of here in November, so they will have approximately only about four more months to do with me as they will (go ahead, send me forward - I dare you...). My orders originally had me here for about a year, but I guess Big Navy decided that I had to get back to get commissioned (small fist pump). I am glad that I came out here - I wish that I could say that it was more fulfilling, but hey, I always knew I was a small cog in a big machine. My unit back in the States told me that it was best to be doing a job where they worked you like a dog and put you away wet (it helps to make the time go faster). They were right. Our schedule is hectic, and the days blur together into one big perpetual Monday. I have learned a lot - both professionally, and also as a leader. I am never going to be one of those folks with an amazing career - but I am, all-in-all, happy with my lot and experiences. Although, maybe next time we will get to do what was actually put in our orders.

Living the life less ordinary.

I am currently sitting outside in a place that everyone congregates at at night because it has WiFi, and they tend to have social activities (oh, and it is well lit). I was going to talk about what we do here, and about the folks I know, but, the OPSEC monster keeps taping me on the shoulder, and I feel like I really shouldn't. However, I will give you some impressions of the place, and the people. First off - I think that I have become acclimatized. The other night we got out of work at an ungodly hour, and when we stepped outside it felt somewhat cool (or, I should say, cooler). Now, actually, it probably wasn't all that much of a temperature change, but it was enough that it actually felt nice (relatively).
There is woman who has a mountain bike in my living area - I don't know who she is, or what she does, but I have begun calling her the Bike Ninja Girl. Bike Ninja Girl (hereafter to called BNG) probably got her bike like most of the other people who have bikes over here: handed down (I imagine that it is a fifth or sixth-generation-tour hand-me-down bike, judging by its well-weathered look). BNG wears the new Air Force tigerstripe camouflage uniform, a bike helmet (for safety), wrap-around sunglasses, and a keffiyeh wrapped entirely around her face and head so that all you see are the cool Terminator sunglasses. I have never seen BNG's face (kind of like Darth Vader, but without the rasping breath, or the Force-choking power...), but she is one of those people who I see everyday (tearing off to work, doing whatever BNG does...).
I drive the bread truck (Toyota Landcruiser) to work almost every morning, and I try to pick up folks waiting for the bus (which takes forever to do its route). I tell my passengers that I am trying to amass enough good karma to earn a good day, but in actuality, I do it because it is one of the few things that I can do to help people out in this place, and it gives me the warm-fuzzy feeling - which in this place is a good thing (it really is easy to get soul-crushed and get bitter - a lot of people succumb to that - I try to smile and pass on the good feelings, but heck, if you've been here for long enough, you can be excused for getting moody, I suppose...). You have to work at keeping your humanity - it is like working out, or reading - if you don't do it regularly, it gets rusty, and you forget how to care.
My buddy over here has the same name as me (we'll call him Ushiku II) - we refer to the breadtruck as our MRAP (Major-league Recreation Attack Party vehicle), and we are looking at outfitting the Toyota with magnetic flame stickers to put on the sides, battery-powered Christmas lights in the interior, and carpet in the interior (with lawn chairs, if we can scrounge them up). I have decided to secretly dub our truck Maru-Chan II.

Repetition is the enemy in this place, so we try to do things differently every week, but there is only so many ways that you can do the same set of things before you exhaust your choices.


Yesterday, I spoke with a guy who was pushing forward into Theater. We spoke about life at the pointy end, and in a way I envied him. The war is forward, and that is where I want to be. Call me Mr. Roberts (my shop calls me "stupid"), but that is how I feel.

The Brits and Aussies here are a force onto themselves - they live on the base, thus they have obey a lot of the Air Force's asinine rules - but they choose to ignore the most blatantly foolish (all the while claiming that they didn't understand - see, they are foreigners, right?). Brilliant. I spoke with an Australian C-130 pilot this morning, and we laughed about the place (like having to wear a reflector belt practically all the time). Secretly, we Americans all want to know where the Brits and Aussies hang out (rumor has it they have set up some sort of rogue desert public house). That is our next mission - to find this rumored El Dorado.

TCNs

TCNs - Third Country Nationals - is the name given to folks trucked-in from outside the "host nation" who provide ancillary services to the Coalition Forces. You see TCNs at the DFAC, doing construction, running the AAFES BX/PX - pretty much doing anything that the military doesn't have the manpower to do - the TCNs are there. Personally, I feel for the TCNs - they generally work hard, they are far from home and they are as ubiquitous as the dust that swirls around this place (it is easy to let them slip into the background - but I try to always try to say "hello" and "thank you" to them whenever I can). Most folks appreciate them, although there are a few who can be jerks (thankfully they are few and far between, but I'd like to smack those fools just the same). When you see TCNs outside, they tend to wrap themselves up in a lot of clothing to protect themselves from the sun. TCNs are from the third world, and they tend to be rather short - add sunglasses, and voila! - they look remarkably like Jawas (the Tatooine-esque environment of this place doesn't help in dispelling the image).). We have taken to calling the really huge construction vehicles "sand crawlers", and when you see one stop, and an improbably huge group of TCNs dismount, it just completes the whole Star Wars-imagery-thing. Thank you, TCNs, for all the work you do - I, for one, appreciate it (there are enough dirty jobs to go around in this place - believe me, we've got our share!).

物の哀れ

Just taking a moment to reflect on things.

My OIC refers to me as an "academic". I think he uses the term the same way as the Kommissar in Doctor Zhivago who dispargingly taunts the chained man (on the train bound for the Gulag) as an "intellectual".

I like to think that I am bringing to this job some thoughtfulness, maturity, insight and empathy - but then, as I am so often reminded, I was brought out here just to fill a slot (and they certainly don't need anyone with no damned empathy) and to just do the job - and then that is when I say: "Oh, I'm sorry - I'll shut up now, sir.".

That's one side. Then, there is the other side, where I am told that I was brought out here because I bring thoughtfulness, maturity, insight and empathy to the table.

Yes, there is a certain amount of ambiguity (not to mention bi-polarness) attached to this job.

The whole thing is very tedious, but what we do is important. I hold my tongue and observe the big picture.

And then there are times, such as now, that I just think.

"sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt"

But It Is A Dry Heat

The mornings have always been my favorite time of the day. One of the things that I find that I crave more and more are moments of quiet solitude (yeah, good luck trying to find that on a military base). Dust, concrete barriers, sandbags - these are the things that we see everywhere. I am sure there is a haiku in this picture, somewhere...

Bunker in morning
Forever smells of dust
Patiently waiting

Boots On Ground

Say hello to my Wellco X-Force desert boots: they may not look like much (kinda beat up and grungy right now), but these are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. Period. And, they were issued. Boots are one of those things that military people have a love/hate relationship with - we depend on them to protect our feet, and help us get from point A to Point B. Usually, military-issued boots are of the lowest common denominator, but somehow I got issued some SF-type stuff (evidently, they ran out of regular-guy boots in my size, and had to reach back into the special operator pile). Outstanding. I can only describe these Wellcos as like walking on clouds (with whipped cream inserts). Not a day goes by that I don't thank the gods of military footwear for these boots (especially when my friends tell me about their foot problems).

Camels

Howdy folks! Just a quick jot: saw some camels grazing on some desert scrub the other day - amazing! Definitely didn't expect it (especially since it was near an-honest-to-goodness oasis, too). What next? A flying carpet? Too cool.

The One-Week Mark

Wow, one week already! Sometimes it feels like the clock is moving, and other times the realization that I have from six months to one year here can be a little daunting. Right now I am taking it one day at a time (sometimes just one hour at a time...).

We are getting ready to make the big move from "Camp A" to "Location B" around the second week of June (which puts us in the two-week mark - another milestone - Hooray!). The prep for our move, plus our regular scheduled work, is making for looooong days. Not to sound like a broken record (lol). Otherwise, I'm good to go! Hope you are all well!

Tired.

Sometimes you work hard, come back home, and you feel like you accomplished something. Tonight it feels like when you have been running for a awhile and you come to the base of that hill that you usually power up and over, but today you can't find the reserves, and it is a grind to just get half-way up (and your legs are cramping, and you got that god-awful stitch in your side - not to mention that you are sucking air like a beached goldfish...). Um, yeah, something like that. Anyhow, we put in some long hours this week - the heat hasn't helped - and we just got ripped by our OIC about the level of output we are producing. Crap, I just got here, and it feels like I'm behind. I have been getting to bed by midnight and getting up at 0400 (don't ask me how one stays genki on four-hours sleep). Aside from that, everything else is peachy! Actually, I'm certain that things will work out alright, but it is this transition that bites - we lost a slew of experienced people, and know our command is panicking that we new folks aren't seamlessly picking up the harness and pulling with our full weight. The job is incredibly tedious, but I'm trying to put a happy face on it (while looking for the EJECT button incase this place implodes). Aside from the running analogy, I actually went running this morning. Due to OPSEC, I really can't tell you much about the camp, or the route I run, or pretty much anything that might possibly raise the blood pressure of a security manager. Um... that is about it - gotta get back to work!

Dust in my Sky

Hey there! I arrived in Qatar last Friday night - first impressions of the place? Hot (about 120 Degrees Fahrenheit, with temps projected to head up to 130+ as the summer progresses), Dusty (the sky is permanently brownish - the Sun often gets blotted out by sandstorms), Windy (if I don't secure my hat, it goes for a nice 100 foot trip) and Sandy (imagine the beach, but the tide is way, waaaaaay out...). The sand drifts like snow across the street - there must be a haiku in there somewhere, right? They issued me Army ACU uniforms (they stand up better to the environmental conditions here). There is very little to show that I am a Sailor - I have a little rank tab on the front of my uniform with an embroidered PO1 insignia (that stops people dead in their tracks constantly with a "what-the-hell-is-that?" look), and a U.S. NAVY tag over my left pocket. I wear a floppy sun hat, and G.I. issue sun glasses that would make Jackie-O proud. You rarely sweat, but you are losing a ton of water constantly (that is why there are stockpiles of bottled water everywhere, roasting in the sun - and we get little packets of Crystal Lite lemonade powder to help break up the monotany of drinking so much water). Mmmmm, nothing like sun-baked H2O - yum! They are talking about moving me further forward: possibly to Iraq, or maybe Afghanistan. Right now, I am trying to acclimatize myself, get up to speed on my job, and keep on smiling. We are living in CONEX containers, and they are air conditioned, so life is not bad at all. As we say here: "Living the dream!".

Ready. Steady. Go!

Got my orders and flight info. I fly out of Tampa this evening, head up to D.C. and board a direct flight to Qatar. I should get in tomorrow night (local time) around 9-ish. Wow, it will be a long flight! They tell me that stepping off the plane will be a shock - it is supposed to feel like a hair dryer on the SUPER HOT-setting blowing in your face. Fun. My stuff is pretty much all packed, but I still have to change out of my desert uniform into civies before I go to the airport. Hmmm... no one should notice that I am military... aside from my haircut, and my two green bags...

Detouring

Okay, another delay, but this time it makes sense: they are having me go through the mandatory Petty Officer First Class indoctrination training before I go so that I will be all official, and allowing me to pin-on my first class crows before I leave for Theater. It takes two days, which means that I will be flying out immediately after finishing class tomorrow. It is sort of surreal to have been promoted to PO1; my focus (for most of my brief naval career) has been on getting my commission, so this was like frosting on the cake. All my friends in the Navy are really happy for me (making First is a big deal), but many of them don't know that I was selected for Ensign - they think that I am taking this promotion in stride. All I can say is that I am really happy, but on the same note, I realize that this promotion means added responsibility and higher expectations when I finally get into Theater. I will do my best to meet or exceed those expectations. Meanwhile, back to class!

Moving Forward

Howdy! Well, it looks like the time is drawing near for movement forward. Despite the best efforts of the paperwork monster, my command in Theater has raised a mighty ruckus - so loud, in fact, that even the people in the insulated room where I have been imprisoned in, couldn't ignore it. For the past 12 days I have literally been a ghost - with no official status I haven't existed. I couldn't contribute, except in the most basic ways (Need something thrown out? Check. You have two-years worth of boxes that you need sorted and stacked? I'm your man!). So, aside from using up valuable oxygen, my footprint has been very small (so much so that most of the people in the building where I hang out just assumed I was a new piece of furniture, or an especially clever fork-lift truck). But no longer! I was just tapped on the shoulder and told to prepare for movement - this is it! Deep breaths. I am all packed (heck, I have been on 15-minute alert since I got here...). So, either I will fly out tonight, or tomorrow at the latest, but finally I am going to Theater. To paraphrase Churchill: this isn't the end, but it is the end of the beginning. Wish me luck!

Sunday-ness

Wow. Just enjoying this Sunday - pretty much my last Sunday, State-side, for quite a while. I didn't think I would have this opportunity, so I have spent it constructively: reading, washing an immense load of laundry and writing. Not much happening, and not much to do, but it is nice, nonetheless. I got some text messages from some friends who have already gone forward - lots of sand and dust; not a lot of happy folks, but they are safe and that is what counts. I feel guilty being here. I get to sleep in a nice bed, and I have a shower. My friends do not have those things. I know it sounds stupid, but I will feel better when I am sharing the hardships with everyone - honestly, I do not belong here (I am in limbo). As soon as I get forward, I will have a purpose, and I will feel like I am contributing to something.

Tampa-stan

Tampa-stan. That is what the people, who will be staying here permanently, call this place. As far as deployments go, Tampa is pretty nice. Some of the SeaBees will be based here, and they are getting a well-deserved good deal. As for myself, I am looking forward to going forward - there really isn't any place for me here. The guy I am replacing shot me an email wondering where I was at. Good question - I have sometimes wondered myself if anybody really knows where I am.

They Build and They Fight

Hmmm... well, it seems that someone forgot to tell someone that I was supposed to be heading overseas. I am currently in a holding pattern here in Florida - believe me, there are far worse places to find oneself waiting (and I can think of one that begins with "I" and another that starts with "A"). Anywho, they are busy re-writing my orders and making flight arrangements - all I have to do is show up, hand over some paperwork, and then (hopefully), by Wednesday, I should be on my way. Some good news: My BOG (Boots On Ground) clock has begun ticking, because my old orders had me reporting to Tampa. I'm not entirely sure what I am going to do this weekend. Luckily, I have the Seabees to hang with. I don't know if I mentioned the SeaBees before - here's some back-story: during our three-week training at Fort Jackson, some of the Sailors in my Platoon were SeaBees. What are SeaBees? They are from the Navy Construction Battalions (The "C" and the "B" being transliterated into "SeaBee" - because, according to their motto: "We Build, And We Fight"). These guys are crazy: they have only two switch positions - "ON" and "STANDBY" (there is no "OFF" button). They are super-motivated, highly-skilled and funny as hell. They cracked-wise the entire three weeks, and were the best Soldiers (albeit, Sailors) bar-none. The Navy loves these guys - everybody cuts them slack, because they know that if you need an entire facility built in 24 hours, and it happens to be held by the bad guys, the SeaBees will go in, kick ass, take names, build everything you need from scratch, then hold it until relieved. I am not exagerating. These guys are the real deal. Thank freakin' God that we have people like this. Crazy? Yes - they march, singing the "Fighting Seabee Song" - their favoritie movie? Why "The Fighting Seabees" with John Wayne, of course. These guys have deployed around the world - they love what they do, and they don't take themselves (or anyone else, for that matter) very seriously, but they love being SeaBees. Crazy Awesome! So, anyhow, the SeaBees came down to Tampa with me, and now we are facing a weekend together - it might not pretty, but it certainly will not be boring. When I have to deploy, I am going to bring a couple of SeaBees in my seabag as insurance.

Let Confusion Reign!

Holy Crap. Howdy, howdy, howdy, Dear Readers. Well, I flew into Tampa last night, and right now I am in the lobby of Hotel X (OPSEC: Learn it. Live it. Love it.) waiting for someone to figure out what to do with me. Evidently, there was some confusion - they wanted to ship me directly to Theater last night, but the orders never got modified. Now it is a classic case of CYA. All I know is that I am not supposed to be here, but heck, it is Tampa! Either I will fly out tonight, or Sunday, or maybe Monday... er... well, I will be flying out sometime in the near future. It is never a good thing in the military that when you show up to a destination and they ask you "Are you supposed to be here?". I just follow the itinerary, get on the flight that the ticket says, and pick up my gear. Oh, I got promoted a few days ago - not the BIG promotion (the commission) - I got Petty Officer First Class - I can wear the rank, but I don't start getting paid for it until September. None of my uniforms have been modified with the new rank, and I certainly don't feel any different, but it is nice to get recognized. When I get back from the Sandbox, I will get commissioned - in the meantime, I am just a higher grade of Petty Officer (petty, but not inconsequential). If I get tagged to fly out tonight, it will be a while before I can update my blog. Please be patient (I know, I know - I haven't been the most diligent blogger, but I got legit reasons! Really, honest...). It looks like there might be the possibility that when I get into Theater, I will be pushed even further up. If that is the case, then definitely it will be a while before I get a chance to put finger to keyboard. The past month has been hectic, but interesting - the next six months should prove to be even more hectic, and maybe even rewarding. In any event, if you have the chance (and the inclination) pass on a little word to whatever diety (or dieties) that you might profess to believe in - I could certainly use any divine intervention (as could my friends and Shipmates...). Ushiku out!

Welcome to the Suck

Suck is such a great word. It can be used as a back-handed consolation ("Wow, it sucks to be you."), or you can you it as an interjection ("This freakin' sucks!"). Or, in this case, it can be used as the subject of your entire existence. In the military, we refer to really choice situations as The Suck - and right now Fort Jackson has hit that peak moment of particular suckiness. It has been raining, off-and-on, all week - really heavy showers, punctuated by intense moments of thunder and lightning. Then the clouds pass, and the sun comes on with a vengeance - in the upper 90s - with oh-so-wonderful humidity that you can see. Wearing full IBA (Interceptor Body Armor), with all the extras, in those conditions brings new meaning to heat. IBA is hot - IBA is heavy - IBA might save your life in the Sandbox, but it could also give you heat stroke. We are running around in the sun/rain/combination-of-the-two from before sun-up to just before sun-down. Awesome. "We train as we fight" is the motto of our cadre - next time some smart-ass reporter from the LA Times or some other newspaper tries to tell you that your troops overseas aren't earning their pay, don't believe it. We qualified on weapons this week - yesterday was awesome - we fired the whole enchilada (SAW, Ma Deuce, and the M240B - HOOAH!!). The day before that we fired our M16s - I sucked (ah, another usage of that great word!) - for some reason, my sight picture changed when I wore my IBA (no duh), causing my accuracy to suffer in the prone position. I was freakin' Audie Murphy in the kneeling unsupported (supposedly, the toughest position of the three standard Army firing positions) - I was knocking them down 10 for 10 every time! But in the prone - I sucked, big time. I was the last shooter, and I stayed out there until the Drill Sergeant and I figured out my aim point from the 150m target on out. It was embarrassing - I am currently the laughing stock of the company (I became "That guy" - "Oh boy, don't let Ushiku go out with you, man - that guy sucks!). I am probably going to be the example during the next cycle of BRM. I have taken the ribbing with a smile, but inside I am pissed (not in the British sense, because we can't even look at alcohol). I have doubled my efforts to excell - I am doubly serious, and I am going to do my best not to be last in anything (hmmm... maybe that was the lesson I was supposed to gather from this...). On the other hand, I have tried to be cheerful and positive every day - but finally, the negativity and the churlishness of my regular-Navy counterparts has rubbed off on me, and right now, I really don't care to be in contact with any of these people - maybe tomorrow I will feel better, but right now... the can all go to hell (figuratively, of course). Welcome to the Suck.

Locked and Loaded

Howdy folks! Well, it is Week 2 at sunny (and humid) Fort Jackson, South Carolina. We got issued a ton of stuff, to include a rifle (M16A2) and enough body armor to flatten a gorilla (How much? Oh... about forty or fifty pounds-worth...). Training is coming at us fast and furiously. This week we are going to the range to fire weapons (you name it, and we will probably be putting it on target). So, we are a large group of Sailors, being trained by the Army, wearing mostly Army gear, and doing an Army mission. Wow. It doesn't get any more surreal than this, believe me. Next week we wrap up our training, then we all break up and head off to our individual assignments (that is why they call us Individual Augmentees...). I miss my family and friends, but we are so busy that I usually can only get misty-eyed in the few minutes before conking out in my bunk (oh, the barracks is an open-bay, World War 2 building where me and fifty of my newest bestest friends live in wide-open splendor). Did I mention the Drill Sergeants? Yup, Round Browns (I never thought I would ever - EVER - be in a training environment again with Army Drill Sergeants). Luckily, they aren't in full DS-mode, but occasionally they slip, and then they start referring to us as "Soldiers" (there is one who really doesn't appear to like the Navy, but who cares?). The funny thing is that most of the Navy folks are NCOs and Officers, so the Drills have to be careful (on the other hand, we are all in "Student" staus, so we have to follow the DS commands - no matter what our rank might be). If all goes well, I will finish training next week, and fly to Florida on the 15th to report to my parent command. There I will learn when and how I will head to Theater. That is when my "Boots on Ground" counter starts (while in training, we are in Limbo - whatever our time for mobilization says, that clock doesn't start clicking until we finish all our in-processing and training). The sooner we get this Army-stuff finished, the sooner we can start our jobs, and eventually get home! Hoo Ah!!

Greetings from Fort Jackson!

Howdy, howdy! I made it through the mobilization site in sunny Gulfport, MS, and now I am in sunnier South Carolina (actually, both places are blindingly bright and hot). Training with the Army begins tomorrow morning (early... really, really early). Ah... three weeks of fun with the Army - can't wait! Oops... the sarcasm filter wasn't turned on. Anyhow, I am trying to keep a positive attitude - I am a little anxious, but I attribute it mostly to that sort of nervousness that comes from being in a new situation. Heck, I'm already working on my farmer's tan, and who knows what sort of excitement they have planned for us? Later, alligators!

Last Post (for a while, at least...)

What can I say? It has been fun!

Tomorrow I ship out, and on Monday morning I begin my new life as a mobilized Individual Augmentee (IA).
Should be interesting. I have no idea when I will have the next opportunity to use a computer (never mind having the chance to post something). I will do my best, and I might actually try put in some pictures (don't get your hopes up too high, though, as Ushiku Person isn't the most technically-savy individual).

Stay tuned, cross your fingers, and hopefully I will be back on the air soon. Until then, thanks to all of my loyal readers (what, like all 3 or 4 of you, right?) - I greatly appreciate you stopping by!

Ushiku Out!

"You're crazy! - Crazy awesome!"

Smile and wave, boys!

It is T-minus eight days, and counting till the deployment. This past week was spent doing a lot of paperwork, getting medically cleared (man, my arms are all black-n-blue from the needles: blood work ad naseum, and vaccinations galore) and completing a lot of last minute details. I will get commissioned after I return from overseas. The days will probably start moving faster, and I am getting mentally focused on the up-coming mission. I hope that you have a happy and safe Easter!

Shock and Horror (but, with a happy ending!)

There was some good news, some bad news and some more good news the other evening. First, we got a chance to meet up with Tall Asian Dude and SWLBJAA (hooray)! But when we went to Chinatown - gasp! - Wing's Kitchen was closed (Argghhh!). The place is still there (the front part dark, but a diligent chef could be seen chopping something vigorously in the back kitchen), but the critical Chinese characters on the sign changed - meaning that the place was no longer our beloved Shanghai-style eatery, but a pale Cantonese copy (evidently, the place has gone through countless permutations - the English sign stays the same, so as to trick the foolish licensing board-people into thinking it is the same establishment - but the Chinese characters tell the true story of the culinary tectonics occurring behind the facade... um, did I just let the cat out of the bag?). Kind of like some sort of restaurant version of Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. However, luckily, there just happened to be another restaurant in Chinatown (go figure) - okay, that was incredibly facetious of me - let me rephrase: Tall Asian Dude and SWLBJAA both knew of a slightly-less awesome place - so we hopped over (after a suitable moment of mourning in the rain) and had a delightful meal. Now, usually I refrain from using words like "delightful" to describe meals (it makes me sound like a second-string New York Times food critic, and slightly unmanly), but the combination of yumminess, good conversation and atmosphere just made for a great all-around meal. Not to mention, have you ever had a hankering for a particular dish (I mean, you have the object perfectly visualized in your head, and you remember the last time you had it - and it was just freakin' awesome - in some Chinese restaurant in some corner of Tokyo a long, long time ago...), and you see something that sounds like it, and you order it - and it comes out - FAST (like they can only do in Chinatowns across the globe) - and there, sizzling in golden fried perfection is that fish dish you remembered, and the smell hits you, and you are transported back (while meanwhile your dinner companions are looking at the one tear streaming down your cheek, and they are starting to panic because it looks like maybe you are suffering from a stroke...). Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Well, that dish hit the table, and I knew we hit the culinary home run. Everything else: lotus root (with Chinese sausage), pea pod stems in garlic, dry fried pork chops, and real fried rice (not that greasy crap that we grew up on here in the suburbs of Boston) with dried scallops and egg - just amazing! It was beautiful, man. After dinner Tall Asian Dude and SWLBJAA then took me back to their new (um, well, relatively new...) digs in Waltham. We had some dark chocolate (with individual pieces from various cocoa-producing countries in Africa - good lord, talk about decadence... I mean, we're talking almost Roman Emperor-esque decadence here...), and then a absolutely amazing after-dinner concoction from Spain called 43 - an amber liqueur that tastes and smells of vanilla with a faint hint of orange. Whoa. Then, completely satiated - driven home to ponder how in the world I ever got lucky enough to have such fine friends as these. But don't let me stop there - let me also fete my good friend, Tim-san, and the amazing home-brewed beer and chili a few nights back! And my other friends and family who have taken time out of their hectic and busy lives to spend some quality time with me, and share a lot of laughs and quite a bit of excellent food. I am on the cusp of getting ready to fly back to Chicago tomorrow morning - This past week was perfect - PERFECT - in every way. Mobilization awaits, but I am heading out with a full and happy heart.

Somebody Pinch Me.

- Ouch - Thank you. Yes, I have been back in Massachusetts for about five days (give or take), and it has been pretty much awesome. Saw a bunch of people, got some delicious home-made chicken soup, and it looks like Tim-san, Tall Asian Dude and SWLBJAA were actually reading this blog (I look forward to seeing you all this week!). Aside from that, the weather has been excellent, and the locals have been friendly (why, even rush-hour traffic has been reasonably civilized). Today I bought a pair of 5.11 trousers (I say "trousers" because my Brit friends beat into me that "pants" means underwear, and I got tired of their snickering every time I mentioned that word). What are 5.11's? Pretty much indestructible leg-wear. They have a myriad of pockets, but they are ingeniously designed so you don't look like you are ready to assault your local Target. I guess they are popular with law enforcement-types, National Geographic action photographers, assorted adventurers and um... now, me. Many thanks to the super-nice store owner in Billerica: I will wear these in the Sandbox, and, yes, I will keep my head down. The mobilization clock is clicking down, but this past week has been a lot of fun - it has been the trip that I hoped for - it will also, hopefully, fill my memory box with enough good things for the coming year. Really, everyone, I have appreciated this, and I have enjoyed every second with you all.

Back in Boston

Like any mammal, occasionally I have to return to my roots. I have been putting off heading back to the PRM for a variety of reasons (work, unemployment, work, etc.), but seeing that I might be heading into harm's way (oops, sorry harm, didn't see ya there...), I thought it might be good to recharge the batteries, see all the family and friends that I could pack in, and fly back to Bawstun for a week. So far, the Olde Towne hasn't disappointed - a beautiful flight with an awesome 360 degree panoramic view of the city (thanks, AA); magnificent weather (BOB - the Bright Orange Ball - aka "The Sun" - has been in a flawless sky); and a stream of family and friends have stopped by. But wait, there's more! Yes, hopefully, before the week is out, we will get the chance to see everyone - grab a bite at an authentic local watering hole - and just enjoy the little moments. Today, Sunday, was fantastic. If you are one of my good friends, and you are in the New England area, please save a moment on your busy social calender this week - I'd love to see you - grab a libation - get some pork-as-big-as-your-head in Chinatown (you listening Tim-san, Tall Asian Dude and SWLBJAA?). The Mobilization Clock clicks unremittingly forward, so there is a whole lot of living to be done this week!

What were they thinking... ?

Well... a long time ago (even before I went into the Reserves) I thought it might be a good idea to look into going for a commission. Heck, being a petty officer is nice, but let's face it - the job is definitely lower management (even the title says "inconsequential"). I won't bore you with the details, but let me just say that it was a trial of patience and persistence (it was Rudy-esque). Yesterday, after years of effort, I was informed that I got it. Wow. I mean, WOW. When I called my friends, many of them asked the same question: "This is a good thing, right?". Yes, Virginia, this is a very good thing. I am still in shock. Ensign Ushiku Person? Hmmm... unbelievable. The irony is, the night before I got the news I was having dinner with some friends - we watched Rudy (yeah, despite my best efforts, I still got that little something in my eye when he got accepted to Notre Dame, and later again when he got to play the last game of the season). I am, deep down inside, an idealist and an incorrigible optimist (despite my cynical and contrarian exterior). I worked very hard for this - it was difficult, and often I was disappointed (heck, I got crushed more times than I can remember). Sometimes I even began questioning the whole point and thought about chucking it all in. But like Sean Astin, I saw it through (Samwise, Rudy - this guy has played the characters who brought their A Game). So, if you have a dream, don't give up on it. I am living proof that they do come true (sometimes).

Hold on there, Cowboy - not so fast!

Meh. Wouldn't you know it: I started the job last week, and things were starting to look all sorts of peachy. Albeit, rural Mitchell, Indiana is not the most exciting place (you quickly begin to understand the reason why Gus Grissom was the hard-scrabble, two-fisted, cantankerous, but lovable astronaut that he was...), but I was working, and that was a nice feeling - then I got the call. Dear Reader, you remember waaaaaay back when, when I mentioned that I was in the reserves (defending the coasts of the Midwest) - seems that the Prez needs yours truly, and that I have been mobilized. Or, will be mobilized (more grammatically correct).

Okay, cool. That is why we get paid the big bucks. No problem. Just, I am not so sure what I am going to say to the new employer: "Um... hey, it has been great, uh, working here for like the past two weeks, but I have some good news and some bad news...". Oh well, guess we'll find out next week when the orders get generated. It should be hilarious (stay tuned for next week's episode: "Ushiku Person: Straight Out of Employment"). On the flip-side, if you thought my postings were sporadic, you are going to probably see a whole lot more of the same in the coming year (I call it my less-is-more-is-less plan).

But, don't cry for me Argentina - this is important stuff, and I will do my best, and I will try to post from time to time. Heck, I might even start a new blog dedicated to Ushiku's experiences in Sandbox A or Sandbox B.

As for the job - it has been interesting. It has been a long time since I did anything technical, but, much like riding a bike, soldering and using a voltmeter are relatively hard to forget. Or, to measure it practically: I haven't melted or blown anything up yet (and seeing that the stuff we work with pretty much costs more that I am making in a year, that's a good thing...).

Yes, Dear Readers, I am a poster child for the Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" - my life has been and continues to be interesting. I hope to keep you in the loop, but if not, and I am not so sure if that is not a strong possibility, then I will see you all on my return (triumphant or otherwise). Wish me luck - I'm going in. Ushiku out.

Stop the Presses!

Holy Granola! Well, people, it happened - Ushiku Person got offered a job... I'm still in shock. Usually when you get a letter from the company you've interviewed with it is the dreaded FOAD. However, as I opened it, joy and sunshine spilled out (along with the sound of trumpets - I think they were trumpets - or maybe they were Ricola Swiss Alpine horns...). And I said to myself "Self, this bodes well.". It must be the consequence of the Obama-effect we have heard so much about (ripples of employability spreading out in concentric rings from last Tuesday's epicenter). Much like the Genesis Effect from Wrath of Khan, except less cataclysmic, and in easy to share individual bite-size portions (Job? Why thanks -yum!). Um... yeah, anywho, I'm still a little punchy from the whole thing, but very happy. Of course, it means another move - this time to Indiana (I mean, why not, right? Might as well have the trifecta of the midwestern States - poor Indiana has, so far, just been the transit point between IL and KY). As for packing my stuff up again, I'm serious giving thought to blowing it all in place and starting fresh (anybody want some hangers?). After basking in the afterglow, I called a friend back in Massachusetts - to share the moment. However, as I spoke with him, it quickly became apparent that today was rapidly becoming one of my friend's less-than-favourite moments of 2009. The dreaded Bad Day. That's when Gore Vidal came to mind (paraphrased, of course):

"When a friend of mine succeeds, a little piece of me dies"

I debated sharing news of my good fortune, but then it occurred to me that my friend was, despite his difficulties, an honestly good soul - and he would be truly happy for me. And he was. Now, as I type this, I wish that, somehow, in deli-fashion, I could slice off some of the good things that happened to me, and give some to my friend (like so much extra-lean karmic pastrami). So, here's hoping that you had a good day.

Is it 2009 already?

Sheesh... I know, I know - I promised to be less tardy and more pro-active on this blog, but things have been... complicated. Here's hoping that you had a tolerable 2008, and may the New Year treat you better (despite its ominous beginning, economics-wise).

Indeed! What with the all the things happening out in the World today, it is a wonder that any of us finds the time to write in our blogs - but fear nought, Dear Reader, as Ushiku Person has plenty of self-absorbed rantings to entertain you by!

Where to begin... well, first off, I had a job interview yesterday, and it went fairly well. Since moving to the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area I have been furiously applying for work - to include pestering everybody I have ever met about possible employment opportunities (we'll call that "networking"). All that whinging might finally have paid off - I will hear by next Friday whether or not I got this job. The good news is that it actually sounds like fun, and it pays well - bad news, it means another move; this time down to Indiana. What is it? How does Lead Technician grab you? Me, a Technologist? These days, if you have what is kindly referred to as a "well-rounded" resume (that's HR-speak for some square-peg fool who doesn't fit neatly into a round hole), you are looked at with a great deal of suspicion (and sometimes a little envy). But where would Samuel Clemens have been if he had spent fifty years as a stock clerk? We would have been entreated to The Adventures of Mr. H. Finn: Insurance Adjustor.

"It is wiser to find out than suppose"

Cross your fingers, and let's hope for the best!