Well now, let us see...I had an outstanding time in Detroit. Good conversation, great food, good company, incredible ...you get the point. The Detroit suburbs are much nicer than the 8-mile video would have you believe.

When I got back, I had to take the metro back to the Pentagon where I had left my jeep. I walked all the way through the building, and out to North Parking only to find out North Parking was blocked off. So I walked (with my luggage) back up to the building only to be told to head back down and someone would let me through, which they did. I got out to the parking lot only to find out my jeep was not there...so I walked around, found a cop, and asked. He said he was not sure, but he knew they had moved cars over the holiday weekend so the lot could be used for the celebrations downtown. I finally was able to track down someone who told me where my jeep was parked. I had to head back through the building and all the way to the furthest part of south parking to find it (particularly annoying since south parking is located near the metro entrance). Overall, I walked about 2 miles carrying my luggage and I was not too happy, but I thought that if the lot was used for WWII vets, then I really should not complain. The problem is that the lot was not used for the veterans. It was used for a motorcycle rally. Fuck motor cycle people. My jeep did not have to be towed so these morons could have a place to sit on there oversized vibrators and slap each other on the ass. OK enough bitching about that.

This week wasn't the greatest at work. Our new commander is forcing my civilian bosses to justify the people we have in our office and the job they do. Problem is that it really can't be done. I think my branch exist so some civilians can keep there jobs and say that they manage a group of people. Everything we do can be farmed out to other divisions with minimal impact on their mission. Being the NCOIC though I was called upon to come up with spreadsheets, and slide shows that show just how busy everyone is. It did have a plus side when the civilian bosses where briefing the commander and she had them tap dancing around every issue. She told them that what they were using as justification was crap, which is the same thing I told them last month, the month before that and every preceding month since I have been here. None of what goes on there actually effects my military career, so I don't know why I let it get to me...

It's been raining here most of the week. We had some sun Thursday, which I used to mow the lawn. My roomies are out of town right now.

Shanna and Aidan are due here Tuesday. I can't wait to see my little boy. Not sure how long they're staying. Shanna needs to get her passport renewed before they can try to catch a hop over to Germany. I'm also not sure how easy they will be able to hop without my being stationed overseas, but hopefully it will all go well.

I'm still flip-flopping on staying in or getting out. In a perfect world, I would get a guard or reserve position in Michigan and then get a job in Detroit or the surrounding area. That way I could keep my affiliation with the AF and eventually earn retirement benefits, and I could also have a real job and be near the one person in the world I seem to connect with best. Failing that, I do have an assignment to Korea already in the AF system. I have a lot of phone calls with Guard and Reserve recruiters to make in the next couple of weeks. I'm also not afraid to admit that the idea of getting out and getting a real job scares the hell out of me. Once I commit to the decision though I know I'll do what I need to, to be successful. One of my personality traits is that I like to see both sides of an issue or decision and prepare myself to accept each equally. In my gathering of information and opinions, some people see me as indecisive. I don't look at it that way. I can make decisions when they need to be made, but when I have time to gather the facts I will take the time and make the best decision for me.... OK, skipping train of thought again...I'm tired of hearing "It's only 8 more years"...you know what..8 years is not a fucking long weekend...think of everything that's happened to you in the last 8 years...been a long frggin time hasn't it? I'm not sure I'm ready to commit 8 years of my life based on a monetary figure. If I get out, invest well and take care of my money, and myself then I will have the type of retirement I want, with or without the AF money. That being said, it would help pay a mortgage...

I went and bought healthy low salt food. I think I had three items to choose from in the entire supermarket. I ended up with a lot of fruit, and some low salt granola bars. I may be able to survive on this diet if I eat more fruits etc, but still allow myself the cheeseburgers and pizza that are the staples of my diet. I'm also hoping to get over the shin splints so I can start running more regularly.

Not much going on tonight...I'm wide awake and bored. I watched the entire first season of Last Comic Standing today. Tomorrow I'm going to clean up the house (it's not really messy, just need basic maintenance) and then have to pick up Glenn at the airport.

OK I'm going to go find a movie to watch or play my guitar....

more later
Tim