The past few weeks, the apartment below us has been undergoing major repairs. The noise is incessant from 0800 to 1700 except for lunch time. This is the third such rennovation project we have endured - the previous two times were on either side of our apartment. I am accused of not caring about this enough because I am at work when the repairs are going on. I really can't argue with the logic, but I do know this: I would much rather hear construction eight hours a day than I would bitching!
Anyway, I am working on a compensation plan from the apartment management... apparently I am not going about it quick enough. I already requested the apartment management install a dishwasher. Diep really wants one and has this insane belief that washing dishes will get easier with one. Apparently she has never had one, because you have to rinse the dishes before you put them in the washer. Personally, I really don't understand why they have caught on as well as they have. Not to mention the impossibility of getting the dishwashing detergent here in VN.
As it turns out, the management came back and essesntially said that they can do many things, but they cannot get us a dishwasher. So now I am in the negotiation process to get some other amenities to make life more bearable inspite of the construction noise. Diep and I got in this huge argument over it this morning. She has gotten into the habit of calling me stupid when I can't get something she wants. I can't say that the name calling is hurtful, because I don't think she really thinks I am stupid, but it certainly is annoying. I can just run through it in my head:
Diep: "You are stupid"
me: "Am not"
Diep: "Are too!"
me: "Am not."
Anyway, you get the picture. Especially since I take special care not to call her stupid. I have taken special care not to call her any names any more since it seems to just work the opposite effect that I want. Nevertheless, I do still need to work on the whole "raising my voice" thing. It is hard for me to keep my voice down because I get this distinct and certain feeling that she isn't listening if I say these things she doesn't want to hear in my normal voice. I say I am certain she doesn't hear me because when I say "I got it" or "I understand" or "There isn't anything I can do about that" she will repeat whatever complaint it was that she had. Over and over and over and over...
I do also get the feeling that we get in fights when she wants to go to Saigon. She just got back, but she mentioned the other day that she wants to go again. When I mentioned the Saigon trip this morning, it seemed a little convenient that the argument started not 30 minutes after that. The argument ended with her saying she was going to live in Saigon. Of course I know that "going to live in Saigon" means "going to live in Saigon until I get pissed off at my family and realize my husband is the only one that can stand me for more than two weeks at a time" at which points she is back in Hanoi.
These threats are worse in the school year, because I don't want her taking Megan with her. Megan does not need to miss school. Especially because of some stupid argument we had. Ooops, did I say STUPID?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Death and Running
A couple of days ago the elementary PE teacher at Megan's school died, either during or just after an afternoon run in the vicinity of the school. He was probably in his late 50's and from what I hear he smoked. Megan didn't even know who he was because she is in middle school now and had never had him as a teacher, so we didn't have to sit down and talk about it. Not that we would anyway, I think Megan is very well aware of the whole circle of life thing that goes on every day. Apparently, though, other kids aren't as well adjusted. I got a flurry of emails from the school stating there would be counseling and teacher's available to help the children process what happened to the teacher.
His death did get me to thinking, though. I run all the time and I would sure hate to die while running. I think it would be even worse if someone could blame it on some bad habit I have, like smoking or drinking. Fortunately, I don't have those things going against me. At least the smoking, and I don't drink enough for it to adversely affect my health. But I did take notice at the way Diep handled it; especially after she found out that the man smoked. It was a sort of, "Oh, well of course he would fall over dead in the middle of the road. He was a smoker!" I don't see it that way. I figure it could have happened to anyone whose heart just wasn't ready for that kind of stress.
I take precautions. I generally don't run in the afternoon. Too hot! Even in the morning during the summer I do a run / walk system where I will run for five or six minutes and walk for one or two. I feel like a sissy, but I find I can actually complete a course nearly as quickly as I can do it running straight through. I attribute it to running faster when I am running and the brisk walk during the minute break. I also have started the habit of running with water on every run now. I used to only take the water on runs over an hour, but now I think it is better to keep it with me all the time.
I do know this: If I do have a cardio / pulmonary issue on a run, I will not be able to depend on a Vietnamese to help me. As a matter of fact, talking to someone at the scene of the PE teacher incident, I found out there were only westerners trying to help him with chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth. There were security guards just standing around gawking... not even calling an ambulance. Knowing that is enough to teach me not to overdo it. If I feel too weak or if something feels quirky inside. I stop and take a break. It is just too scary thinking that my life would be in the hands of someone that didn't know anything about basic first aid.
I guess it is really a toss up. Is it better to exercise every day so you can deal with the stress of physical exertion, or is it better to not physically exert yourself. I mean, eating right and getting enough sleep would probably be enough to keep most people healthy for a good long life. For me, I like to exercise. I like the way I feel when I am running, biking, swimming, etc. Or at least the way I feel after I finish. If I keel over one day because of it, I hope people don't figure I had it coming for whatever reason. And, if I have a condition that means I am going one way or another, I would rather go running than sitting on my ass watching TV.
His death did get me to thinking, though. I run all the time and I would sure hate to die while running. I think it would be even worse if someone could blame it on some bad habit I have, like smoking or drinking. Fortunately, I don't have those things going against me. At least the smoking, and I don't drink enough for it to adversely affect my health. But I did take notice at the way Diep handled it; especially after she found out that the man smoked. It was a sort of, "Oh, well of course he would fall over dead in the middle of the road. He was a smoker!" I don't see it that way. I figure it could have happened to anyone whose heart just wasn't ready for that kind of stress.
I take precautions. I generally don't run in the afternoon. Too hot! Even in the morning during the summer I do a run / walk system where I will run for five or six minutes and walk for one or two. I feel like a sissy, but I find I can actually complete a course nearly as quickly as I can do it running straight through. I attribute it to running faster when I am running and the brisk walk during the minute break. I also have started the habit of running with water on every run now. I used to only take the water on runs over an hour, but now I think it is better to keep it with me all the time.
I do know this: If I do have a cardio / pulmonary issue on a run, I will not be able to depend on a Vietnamese to help me. As a matter of fact, talking to someone at the scene of the PE teacher incident, I found out there were only westerners trying to help him with chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth. There were security guards just standing around gawking... not even calling an ambulance. Knowing that is enough to teach me not to overdo it. If I feel too weak or if something feels quirky inside. I stop and take a break. It is just too scary thinking that my life would be in the hands of someone that didn't know anything about basic first aid.
I guess it is really a toss up. Is it better to exercise every day so you can deal with the stress of physical exertion, or is it better to not physically exert yourself. I mean, eating right and getting enough sleep would probably be enough to keep most people healthy for a good long life. For me, I like to exercise. I like the way I feel when I am running, biking, swimming, etc. Or at least the way I feel after I finish. If I keel over one day because of it, I hope people don't figure I had it coming for whatever reason. And, if I have a condition that means I am going one way or another, I would rather go running than sitting on my ass watching TV.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Vandalism
Yesterday, Diep called me at work to tell me that someone had cut the thread in the seat lining of our motorbike. We both know that someone in the compound did this because, firstly, the bike is only a few months old and it is impossible that the seat ripped from wear and tear; and secondly, because we just rode the bike the day before and there was no rip.
We live in a gated community with guards that are supposed to watch the grounds and our vehicles 24/7. It is unfortunate that this is the second incident of vandalism and that in both incidents my primary suspicions lie squarely on the security guards. I have seen them sitting on our bikes and moving the mirrors around and I know they get bored in the middle of the night. I haven't figured out what it is about Diep or myself that makes them want to vandalize our things, but it is getting old.
The first incident, someone took the oil cap off and placed tiny rocks into the crankcase. I know it happened in the compound because the bike was brand new and we didn't have a tag for it yet. We were waiting for the tag when I rode the bike inside the compound and noticed the noise. Fortunately, the bike was under warranty and the mechanics fixed it free of charge. I also notified the management of our apartment complex to let him know he had a problem with at least one of his security guards.
So here I am just a couple of months later with a rip in my bike seat. When I reported it, the customer care representative listened with concern and has since agreed to pay for repair, but the security manager who was present tried to say the rip could have come from anywhere. I shut him down quickly. I know for a fact that the tear happened inside our compound and I am fed up with these lame excuses and everyone's inability to take responsibility.
Yes, in retrospect I was a monster. I felt like an ugly American... and, in fact, I have often let things go in the past for fear of appearing like an ugly American. But, after thinking about it, I see arguments here all the time. Arguments by the Vietnamese with Vietnamese for transgressions far less important than my bike seat.
Diep was happy I stood up for us. I was happy that she was happy, but I would much rather people just stay off my bike when I park it in the parking area. Life would be so much simpler.
We live in a gated community with guards that are supposed to watch the grounds and our vehicles 24/7. It is unfortunate that this is the second incident of vandalism and that in both incidents my primary suspicions lie squarely on the security guards. I have seen them sitting on our bikes and moving the mirrors around and I know they get bored in the middle of the night. I haven't figured out what it is about Diep or myself that makes them want to vandalize our things, but it is getting old.
The first incident, someone took the oil cap off and placed tiny rocks into the crankcase. I know it happened in the compound because the bike was brand new and we didn't have a tag for it yet. We were waiting for the tag when I rode the bike inside the compound and noticed the noise. Fortunately, the bike was under warranty and the mechanics fixed it free of charge. I also notified the management of our apartment complex to let him know he had a problem with at least one of his security guards.
So here I am just a couple of months later with a rip in my bike seat. When I reported it, the customer care representative listened with concern and has since agreed to pay for repair, but the security manager who was present tried to say the rip could have come from anywhere. I shut him down quickly. I know for a fact that the tear happened inside our compound and I am fed up with these lame excuses and everyone's inability to take responsibility.
Yes, in retrospect I was a monster. I felt like an ugly American... and, in fact, I have often let things go in the past for fear of appearing like an ugly American. But, after thinking about it, I see arguments here all the time. Arguments by the Vietnamese with Vietnamese for transgressions far less important than my bike seat.
Diep was happy I stood up for us. I was happy that she was happy, but I would much rather people just stay off my bike when I park it in the parking area. Life would be so much simpler.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Diep Couldn't sleep...
Diep couldn't sleep last night. This is not unusual, she often can't sleep and it usually has something to do with me. When I am away for work in some faraway place she lies in bed wondering what I am doing, who I am with and what nonsense I am up to. This is clearly a dilusional mind. In fact, I rarely go out when I am out of town and even when I do, I make sure I am a good boy... whatever that means.
Regardless of Diep's previous insomnia episodes, last night was not my fault. Or at least I don't think it was. I was in bed and trying to get some sleep, but she was bumping around downstairs. When curiosity finally got the best of me, I got out of bed and stumbled down the stairs. She was opening and closing cabinets, pushing around kitchen appliances, and generally making a good racket.
Turns out, she was on a roach hunt. Roaches are ubiquitous in Vietnam, as in most other parts of the world. Even Mobile had a goodly number of wood roaches scurrying around the house at any given time when we lived there. These were cockroaches, though, and Diep hates them... hates all roaches. She blames it on the apartment complex for not properly spraying for pests, but I see it as somewhat unavoidable, especially given that we live so close to the big West Lake.
So, Raid in hand, Diep had at it until the better part of 11pm and, at some point unbeknownst to me, slipped into bed. She had promised to play tennis with me this morning but claimed a headache. This was no surprise given the amount of Raid she was spraying in an enclosed area.
She conducted cleanup operations this morning. Clearing the battlefield of half-dead and fully dead roaches. The battle is over, but the war still rages on.
Regardless of Diep's previous insomnia episodes, last night was not my fault. Or at least I don't think it was. I was in bed and trying to get some sleep, but she was bumping around downstairs. When curiosity finally got the best of me, I got out of bed and stumbled down the stairs. She was opening and closing cabinets, pushing around kitchen appliances, and generally making a good racket.
Turns out, she was on a roach hunt. Roaches are ubiquitous in Vietnam, as in most other parts of the world. Even Mobile had a goodly number of wood roaches scurrying around the house at any given time when we lived there. These were cockroaches, though, and Diep hates them... hates all roaches. She blames it on the apartment complex for not properly spraying for pests, but I see it as somewhat unavoidable, especially given that we live so close to the big West Lake.
So, Raid in hand, Diep had at it until the better part of 11pm and, at some point unbeknownst to me, slipped into bed. She had promised to play tennis with me this morning but claimed a headache. This was no surprise given the amount of Raid she was spraying in an enclosed area.
She conducted cleanup operations this morning. Clearing the battlefield of half-dead and fully dead roaches. The battle is over, but the war still rages on.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Back from my whirlwind tour
Yesterday I flew from Danang back to Hanoi. Diep was actually in Danang with me for a couple of days, but I was really busy there and didn't get to take full advantage of the "us" time. Diep went back to Saigon a half hour after I left for Hanoi and will come back to Hanoi with Megan tomorrow night. As selfish as it sounds, I really enjoy time with just me. Even when I go on trips, inevitably I am taking care of someone else and can't just stick to my own schedule.
Just before I left for my trip, my earplugs came in. I tried them out in Danang and they allow me to swim with little discomfort. My ears still ring a little more after I finish swimming than before I get in the pool, but I don't have the water that stays in the ear and that is good. Unfortunetely, I won't be able to get in a swimming groove before I go back to the US. I will have to start all over again when I get back to Hanoi. That is okay, I think as long as I don't let myself go as much as I did a few years ago, I can get back into shape fairly quick.
Since Megan didn't come to Dananag, I only got to see her briefly in Saigon at a cafe. She seemed fairly happy and I am sure she enjoyed Saigon more than sharing a room with Diep and I in Danang, but I sure do miss her.
I am really excited about going back to the States this time and I feel like we are pretty well set economically for this trip. I have a generous budget and think we can all have a great time without busting it!
Just before I left for my trip, my earplugs came in. I tried them out in Danang and they allow me to swim with little discomfort. My ears still ring a little more after I finish swimming than before I get in the pool, but I don't have the water that stays in the ear and that is good. Unfortunetely, I won't be able to get in a swimming groove before I go back to the US. I will have to start all over again when I get back to Hanoi. That is okay, I think as long as I don't let myself go as much as I did a few years ago, I can get back into shape fairly quick.
Since Megan didn't come to Dananag, I only got to see her briefly in Saigon at a cafe. She seemed fairly happy and I am sure she enjoyed Saigon more than sharing a room with Diep and I in Danang, but I sure do miss her.
I am really excited about going back to the States this time and I feel like we are pretty well set economically for this trip. I have a generous budget and think we can all have a great time without busting it!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Pretty Ho Hum Day
I didn't do much today... exactly as planned. I did a little laundry, worked out at the office, and went over my VBScript lesson. Of course, I did the obligatory television viewing and other what not around the house.
I did talk to Diep on the phone. Sounds like she had a much fuller day than mine, but she did not necessarily enjoy it more. I have been so exhausted from moving from one province to the other over the past few weeks that it was nice to just be at home, alone and unmolested. I have to go to work tomorrow, but I will return to my quiet sanctum once again. Things will get crazy again towards the end of the week, but I hope I will have regained a modicum of serenity between now and then.
I am still looking forward to my home leave. That is what keeps me going right now.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Gecko Poop...
Diep and Megan just left for Saigon a couple of hours ago. I am sure I will miss them, but for now I am calculating in my head how much time I can spend on things I like to do, like read and just kick around in the house all by myself.
Yesteday, Diep put out some sticky paper to catch - or more accurately, to kill - the geckos in the house. I really don't agree with the idea of killing geckos in the house, but I find it hard to argue with her because they just poop everywhere. So, anyway, the traps were out last night and she only got one silverfish. Apparently the geckos are onto her nefarious ways.
Diep is gone now and I was seriously considering putting the sticky paper away. The reason is twofold: 1) I don't like killing geckos, and 2) I don't like cleaning up dead geckos. As it is, I inadvertently did all by myself what Diep couldn't do with the paper... I killed a gecko. I actually still feel bad about it. I had left something upstairs and bounded up the stairs two at a time coming down with the full force of the ball of my foot ontop of the gecko. I literally squished the shit out of him. The worst part was that he was still alive when I inspected the mess... eyes and guts all popped out and still squirming around. If I were a selfish person I would say it wasn't my day. Of course, deep down I realize it just wasn't the geckos day.
Yesteday, Diep put out some sticky paper to catch - or more accurately, to kill - the geckos in the house. I really don't agree with the idea of killing geckos in the house, but I find it hard to argue with her because they just poop everywhere. So, anyway, the traps were out last night and she only got one silverfish. Apparently the geckos are onto her nefarious ways.
Diep is gone now and I was seriously considering putting the sticky paper away. The reason is twofold: 1) I don't like killing geckos, and 2) I don't like cleaning up dead geckos. As it is, I inadvertently did all by myself what Diep couldn't do with the paper... I killed a gecko. I actually still feel bad about it. I had left something upstairs and bounded up the stairs two at a time coming down with the full force of the ball of my foot ontop of the gecko. I literally squished the shit out of him. The worst part was that he was still alive when I inspected the mess... eyes and guts all popped out and still squirming around. If I were a selfish person I would say it wasn't my day. Of course, deep down I realize it just wasn't the geckos day.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Vietnam - Laos Border
Yesterday, I went on a site visit to a team trying to recover remains from a burial site very near the Vietnam - Laos border. It is a very remote site requiring a helicopter ride and then a 3 mile walk to get there. Actually we walked in and took what is known as a REO truck - a large bedded cargo truck built to haul large items out of very difficult to access places - back out.
The walk to the site was quick because we were worried about getting weathered in by an approaching front, but it wasn't so quick that I didn't realize a botanist would have a splendid day just exploring this area. There were beautiful, exotic plants everywhere. The weather was very comfortable with a nice overcast sky. In the mountains, as we were, the temps were considerably lower than the lower lands along the coast that were easily teetering on the 100 degree mark.
The visit was quick and my boss had a few discussions with guys on the team, but we were there long enough to experience the most irritating thing about the base camp that these guys were in. The leeches were very bad in this area. These land leeches will wait in the trees until they sense your body heat and drop from the overhanging leaves. If you don't notice them when they hit your skin, they will immediately make a small bite and inject you with a powerful anticoagulant that will keep you bleeding for hours, and sometimes days before it heals. Two landed on me, but only one managed to bite into me. In the end, he paid the price. The team leader handed me his knife and I used to to scrape him off my skin and cut him in half. They are remarkably resilient creatures and interminably hard to kill.
The REO truck back to the helicopter landing zone was infinitely harder than the walk in. We got banged around pretty good, and even with the blister that formed on my heel from the new boots I had, I would have walked back out if given the choice again.
Today we are driving from Quang Binh to Danang. About a 5 hour trip. We will travel along Hwy 1 through the Street Without Joy (a reference to the book written by Bernard Fall). Actually this who area is without joy. The norhern end of this route was literally bombed into the stone age and the people are just now recovering. Of course, the weather is so unliveably hot here in the summer I don't understand why people are here anyway.
The walk to the site was quick because we were worried about getting weathered in by an approaching front, but it wasn't so quick that I didn't realize a botanist would have a splendid day just exploring this area. There were beautiful, exotic plants everywhere. The weather was very comfortable with a nice overcast sky. In the mountains, as we were, the temps were considerably lower than the lower lands along the coast that were easily teetering on the 100 degree mark.
The visit was quick and my boss had a few discussions with guys on the team, but we were there long enough to experience the most irritating thing about the base camp that these guys were in. The leeches were very bad in this area. These land leeches will wait in the trees until they sense your body heat and drop from the overhanging leaves. If you don't notice them when they hit your skin, they will immediately make a small bite and inject you with a powerful anticoagulant that will keep you bleeding for hours, and sometimes days before it heals. Two landed on me, but only one managed to bite into me. In the end, he paid the price. The team leader handed me his knife and I used to to scrape him off my skin and cut him in half. They are remarkably resilient creatures and interminably hard to kill.
The REO truck back to the helicopter landing zone was infinitely harder than the walk in. We got banged around pretty good, and even with the blister that formed on my heel from the new boots I had, I would have walked back out if given the choice again.
Today we are driving from Quang Binh to Danang. About a 5 hour trip. We will travel along Hwy 1 through the Street Without Joy (a reference to the book written by Bernard Fall). Actually this who area is without joy. The norhern end of this route was literally bombed into the stone age and the people are just now recovering. Of course, the weather is so unliveably hot here in the summer I don't understand why people are here anyway.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Cold
I don't know what to really call it. It is really just watery eyes, runny nose and sniffles. It started yesterday morning, mildly enough with just a twinge of a sore throat. That went away, thank goodness, but the watery eyes and runny nose are driving me mad. I still remember Papaw Luke sitting out on our front stoop with a single strand of watery mucous hanging from the tip of his nose, and me wondering how that could be and him not know it, at all! Well, now I know. Actually, I can still feel the end of my nose and I think I could recognize the weight of a mucous strand hanging, but not as well as I used to. It was so bad yesterday, that I just let it drip for a while. It wasn't any more than water from my eyes, and no one was looking. I just got tired of sniffing and blowing my nose. I know, TMI.
I went to bed early last night and I feel considerably better now (I think I had a low grade fever last night, too!) But, today I have to leave for some work down in central Vietnam and the added physiological stress of flying may just kick me into stage two rather than going to dormancy. I can't not go on this trip, because there are too many details that only I know and I don't have time to write it down. I will just have to suffer. Of course, Diep thinks I am going to have a grand time away from the rigours of home life. If only she knew!
Unfortunately, this trip is going to take me through the weekend without a break and I have to keep it kickin' starting Monday next week. I really need this upcoming break!
I went to bed early last night and I feel considerably better now (I think I had a low grade fever last night, too!) But, today I have to leave for some work down in central Vietnam and the added physiological stress of flying may just kick me into stage two rather than going to dormancy. I can't not go on this trip, because there are too many details that only I know and I don't have time to write it down. I will just have to suffer. Of course, Diep thinks I am going to have a grand time away from the rigours of home life. If only she knew!
Unfortunately, this trip is going to take me through the weekend without a break and I have to keep it kickin' starting Monday next week. I really need this upcoming break!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Stormy Day...
The weather was so humid yesterday that it actually felt like a blanket compressing every inch of my being. So, one would think I would be relieved that we got some rain and a cool front come through early this morning. I actually have mixed emotions about it. I prefer the rain to fall in the afternoon, like it did in Mobile, because it gives me time to get a run in the morning. The run gives me time to wake up, clear my mind, and prepare for the rest of the day. I feel like something is missing when I don't get the run in. Of course, if I get five or six in a row, that one day off feels really good, too.
I have so much on my plate right now that it is hard to concentrate on any one thing. I have three TDY trips coming up pretty much back-to-back and then shortly after that I am going back to the U.S. on home leave. The home leave will be great, but it is complicated with Megan and Diep going down to Saigon for two weeks before we depart for the States. Just a whole lot of moving parts, plus the work trips I am taking are always changing... dates and participants just don't seem to get nailed down until two or three days before the trips. This is NOT my fault. Usually some bozo who thinks he is more important than he really is decides to make a change to his itinerary, which in turn changes everyone's schedule.
The worst work trips are the ones that include a very high-ranking U.S. participants. I can pretty much put a schedule together and coordinate it blindfolded, but add the pressure of having someone who can squash you like a bug professionally, and the stakes go up. I carry around a certain amount of "I don't care who you are" with me and that helps. I do my best to put these things together regardless of the participants and I sleep soundly at night knowing I couldn't have done anything better, given the circumstances.
I guess I better get gettin' on the work I have to do before the homeleave...
I have so much on my plate right now that it is hard to concentrate on any one thing. I have three TDY trips coming up pretty much back-to-back and then shortly after that I am going back to the U.S. on home leave. The home leave will be great, but it is complicated with Megan and Diep going down to Saigon for two weeks before we depart for the States. Just a whole lot of moving parts, plus the work trips I am taking are always changing... dates and participants just don't seem to get nailed down until two or three days before the trips. This is NOT my fault. Usually some bozo who thinks he is more important than he really is decides to make a change to his itinerary, which in turn changes everyone's schedule.
The worst work trips are the ones that include a very high-ranking U.S. participants. I can pretty much put a schedule together and coordinate it blindfolded, but add the pressure of having someone who can squash you like a bug professionally, and the stakes go up. I carry around a certain amount of "I don't care who you are" with me and that helps. I do my best to put these things together regardless of the participants and I sleep soundly at night knowing I couldn't have done anything better, given the circumstances.
I guess I better get gettin' on the work I have to do before the homeleave...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ugly part of the job...
So tonight I had to go out with the team we are visiting and enjoy dinner with them. Unfortunately, the cultural part of the dinner includes drinking moonshine with the Vietnamese team members. I just got back from the dinner and it isn't even 9:00pm yet and I just feel really like crap. I didn't drink that much, not really... I don't think. But it sure is sticking to my stomach right now. I just wish I didn't have to do it...
The visit, otherwise, was good. I went on an investigation today in which we visited an incident location that a small recon team got ambushed and three of the four guys got whacked. The fourth guy managed to make it back, and it was his statement that we were investigating. Unfortunately, it was way to general to get it down to a location we can dig... that is in my honest opinion only. If some additional information comes to light, the powers that be (should that be capitalized?) will have to re-assess.
I can't hardly keep my eyes open now. I guess I need sleep.... see you in the morning. Night Night.
The visit, otherwise, was good. I went on an investigation today in which we visited an incident location that a small recon team got ambushed and three of the four guys got whacked. The fourth guy managed to make it back, and it was his statement that we were investigating. Unfortunately, it was way to general to get it down to a location we can dig... that is in my honest opinion only. If some additional information comes to light, the powers that be (should that be capitalized?) will have to re-assess.
I can't hardly keep my eyes open now. I guess I need sleep.... see you in the morning. Night Night.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Job Seeking
I have been doing this job for some seven years now. I really owe this job a huge debt of grattitude because it literally saved me from lower income Mobile, AL. I have truly enjoyed most of the duties associated with this job and I could probably do it for the rest of my life. With that in mind, I am not sure what impulse I had that made me submit my resume for a job in Hawaii. Granted, the job in Hawaii is with the same organization and the head of the office that I applied to work in knows me well, but it is still something new... and seemingly unnecessary.
I guess the first thing to point out is that just because you apply for a job doesn't mean you are going to get it. I am sure other people will apply for the same job and they may be equally or more qualified than me to get it, so I shouldn't be going about it like I have the job, yet... because I don't. Secondly, I have a huge list of reasons that I should be thinking about a new job:
1. Health - As an interpreter, my hearing is very important, and quite frankly an ear infection last year has left me with a ringing in my ear that makes it perceptibly harder to hear what someone is saying
2. Job Security - I have a job now, but this job won't last forever and I don't have any real sellable skills that I can put on paper. This new job will do that for me if I get it.
3. Family - Megan really wants to go to a US high school. I am not sure why, but I respect her right to enjoy her teenage years in America... if I can swing it.
4. Perception - Out of jealousy or just idle talking, there are those that may say I have been here too long. That may be bullshit because the chances are the person is saying it because I have an opposing opinion as to how to approach an issue. For the record I am usually right. Anyway, getting a stateside job would give me that time away to refocus and the possible option of returning in three years if I wanted.
5. The opportunity for more responsibility - My job here is what it is. Because of the nature of what I do here, I will never get more responsibility... there just isn't anywhere to grow. This new job has lots of room for expansion.
6. The opportunity to buy a house - I am not sure I could afford a house in Hawaii, but it would be a good time to buy with the market down like it is.
7. A time to enjoy everything that is America - America is a great place and as an American I have the right to enjoy it.
Of course, the biggest reason not to leave this job goes back to the old addage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If this doesn't pan out for the hundreds of reasons that it could go wrong, it ma be a while before I apply for another job again, because I do enjoy this job.
Call it God, or Kharma or Fate. I figure if God wants me to take this job he will open the door and let me walk in. What better reason than that.
I guess the first thing to point out is that just because you apply for a job doesn't mean you are going to get it. I am sure other people will apply for the same job and they may be equally or more qualified than me to get it, so I shouldn't be going about it like I have the job, yet... because I don't. Secondly, I have a huge list of reasons that I should be thinking about a new job:
1. Health - As an interpreter, my hearing is very important, and quite frankly an ear infection last year has left me with a ringing in my ear that makes it perceptibly harder to hear what someone is saying
2. Job Security - I have a job now, but this job won't last forever and I don't have any real sellable skills that I can put on paper. This new job will do that for me if I get it.
3. Family - Megan really wants to go to a US high school. I am not sure why, but I respect her right to enjoy her teenage years in America... if I can swing it.
4. Perception - Out of jealousy or just idle talking, there are those that may say I have been here too long. That may be bullshit because the chances are the person is saying it because I have an opposing opinion as to how to approach an issue. For the record I am usually right. Anyway, getting a stateside job would give me that time away to refocus and the possible option of returning in three years if I wanted.
5. The opportunity for more responsibility - My job here is what it is. Because of the nature of what I do here, I will never get more responsibility... there just isn't anywhere to grow. This new job has lots of room for expansion.
6. The opportunity to buy a house - I am not sure I could afford a house in Hawaii, but it would be a good time to buy with the market down like it is.
7. A time to enjoy everything that is America - America is a great place and as an American I have the right to enjoy it.
Of course, the biggest reason not to leave this job goes back to the old addage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If this doesn't pan out for the hundreds of reasons that it could go wrong, it ma be a while before I apply for another job again, because I do enjoy this job.
Call it God, or Kharma or Fate. I figure if God wants me to take this job he will open the door and let me walk in. What better reason than that.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Toothpaste
It seems like all of my life I have dealth with this issue. The tube of toothpaste is nearly empty... some would say completely empty, but every time I think it will be time to throw the tube away I am able to squeeze out just enough for another brushing. A tube of toothpaste is very similar to the gas needle in the car. When it is full, it feels full for a very long time, but at some point just after it drops from full, it falls rapidly towards the empty line. The difference is, the tube of toothpaste will stay at empty and continue to provide output ad infinitum. At least it seems that way.
So I am struggling with whether to throw this tube of toothpaste away or not. I really should, because I have a new tube under the sink just begging to be opened. But, I just can't seem to make myself throw it away. This morning, seemingly empty of any paste it STILL poured forth. I can't stand it. I ain't cheap! I can afford toothpaste for sure. I just can't make myself do it.
Something tells me I have talked myself into throwing the tube away tonight. I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt me. Having Euthanized my tube before it was due.
So I am struggling with whether to throw this tube of toothpaste away or not. I really should, because I have a new tube under the sink just begging to be opened. But, I just can't seem to make myself throw it away. This morning, seemingly empty of any paste it STILL poured forth. I can't stand it. I ain't cheap! I can afford toothpaste for sure. I just can't make myself do it.
Something tells me I have talked myself into throwing the tube away tonight. I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt me. Having Euthanized my tube before it was due.
Bag of Bones
I just finished reading a book by Stephen King titled Bag of Bones. The book was written ten years ago, but I happened to find it on a bulging shelf at the office about two weeks ago and I thought I would give it a read. I rarely read for enjoyment anymore because Diep doesn't like it when I get enthralled in a book and pretty much ignore everything else. She didn't have much of a choice in letting me finish this book because I started it when she was visiting her family in Saigon. Now that I am done, I think I will not try to start another book until I start my site visits to the teams soon to arrive here for the next search iteration.
I found the book fascinating, as I usually do with Stephen King books, because of the mystery and suspense related to spirits and ghosts. The great detail in which Stephen King writes also gave me another interesting aspect on how far we have come in technology in just 10 years... 10 years that just flew by for me. It was extremely well-written capturing details of everyday life including computers, TVs, VCRs, etc., and in the fascinating genre of ghost stories.
Unfortunately, the day after I finished the book I got news that a friend of mine died. He wasn't young, nor was he old, at the age of around 64. He told me just a few months ago of his plans to retire and buy a condo in Bangkok, Thailand. He had delayed his retirement a few months, apparently to save a few more dollars before he put in his papers, and before he got to retire he died on vacation still working out the details of the condo. I have to admit, though, when I kick the bucket, I hope I go like him. He fell asleep in the middle of a Thai massage and didn't wake up.
I have personally been looking at how long it will be before I can retire. My dad did it right by retiring around 50 and enjoying a huge amount of free time since then... at the age of 72. That won't happen for me. It ain't likely, anyway. I will probably end up like my friend. Dreaming of that day of retirement and free living, only to have it snatched out from under me just before it happens.
All things as they are, if I never do get to retire, at least I am doing something that keeps life interesting. I get to travel a lot and my tasks are diverse enough that I don't get bored out of my skull. The only thing is, this is a young man's job and I am not sure how much longer I can qualify under the category of "young man".
I found the book fascinating, as I usually do with Stephen King books, because of the mystery and suspense related to spirits and ghosts. The great detail in which Stephen King writes also gave me another interesting aspect on how far we have come in technology in just 10 years... 10 years that just flew by for me. It was extremely well-written capturing details of everyday life including computers, TVs, VCRs, etc., and in the fascinating genre of ghost stories.
Unfortunately, the day after I finished the book I got news that a friend of mine died. He wasn't young, nor was he old, at the age of around 64. He told me just a few months ago of his plans to retire and buy a condo in Bangkok, Thailand. He had delayed his retirement a few months, apparently to save a few more dollars before he put in his papers, and before he got to retire he died on vacation still working out the details of the condo. I have to admit, though, when I kick the bucket, I hope I go like him. He fell asleep in the middle of a Thai massage and didn't wake up.
I have personally been looking at how long it will be before I can retire. My dad did it right by retiring around 50 and enjoying a huge amount of free time since then... at the age of 72. That won't happen for me. It ain't likely, anyway. I will probably end up like my friend. Dreaming of that day of retirement and free living, only to have it snatched out from under me just before it happens.
All things as they are, if I never do get to retire, at least I am doing something that keeps life interesting. I get to travel a lot and my tasks are diverse enough that I don't get bored out of my skull. The only thing is, this is a young man's job and I am not sure how much longer I can qualify under the category of "young man".
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Water Boarding Nancy Pelosi
When I run on the treadmill, I usually watch one of the cable news channels. That means I usually end up yelling at the screen at some point during the run because someone has said something stupid, or incredibly hard to believe. Case in point: Nancy Pelosi claiming she wasn't briefed on water boarding. The way I see it, water boarding is torture, but not much worse than tickling someone until they can't breath or holding someone to your butt while you fart. It is bad, and you feel like you are dying (you have to smell my farts to understand my analogy here), but there is no permanent damage. Anyway, I know in my heart of hearts that old Nancy knew about the water boarding and that she could have stopped it if she really wanted to. Hell, I knew about the water boarding, how can she say she didn't know. Even if she wasn't briefed, there was enough rumour out there that she could have summoned someone to brief her in detail. My disatisfaction with her is that she won't tell the truth. Hey Nancy! Why don't you just say, "Yes, I knew about it. I was even briefed. At the time, I didn't agree with it but had to weigh the best interests of the country against this persons human rights. After further consideration, I now think it was wrong and it should be stopped." Honesty just goes down so much better. Especially when you don't have reasonable, plausible deniability.
Sorry about the tirade. I see so many things on the tube that infuriate me during my runs, but rarely do they stick after I finished my run and get home to the computer. For some reason, this one did.
Sorry about the tirade. I see so many things on the tube that infuriate me during my runs, but rarely do they stick after I finished my run and get home to the computer. For some reason, this one did.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The dead gecko
I was in the house two nights ago and just before I went to bed, I went to the front door and made sure it was locked. Our house has a wood floor with a small tiled area right in front of the door. As I was stepping off of the wood onto the tile, I felt a dry leathery strip under my foot. I checked it out quickly and didn't notice anything... and didn't think much of it because this is where everyone takes their shoes off before stepping into the house proper. The next morning, Diep was talking to the floor, or so I thought. She asked, "What happened to you?" and I saw she was talking to a dead gecko. The one I inadvertantly smooshed the night before.
For some reasons, I felt much worse about that than my practical mind tells me I should. Geckos in our house are plentiful and Diep hates them. Sure, they eat mosquitos in the house, but they also crap all over the place. Little balls of bug carcasses wrapped in gecko fecies! I know they can't help it, and it is partially our fault for not placing little inverted gecko toilets all over the walls and ceilings in the apartment, but nobody likes to see a gecko turd drop in their morning coffee, regardless.
Obviously the lizard outside of my office heard about the human brute who took out his gecko cousin. The lizard, commonly known as the fuck you lizard, gave me three good "fuck you"s the next day. Maybe he didn't really know, but it must be pretty cool to be a lizard that can belt out only two words that just happen to be "fuck you". I saw him one day on the roof of the adjacent building declaring his statement, when a cat went on the prowl... he almost became that cat's lunch. But so far, he has survived and I find it somewhat comforting that there is more than one creature in the vicinity of this building, namely me, who wants to belt out fuck you to the world every now and then.
For some reasons, I felt much worse about that than my practical mind tells me I should. Geckos in our house are plentiful and Diep hates them. Sure, they eat mosquitos in the house, but they also crap all over the place. Little balls of bug carcasses wrapped in gecko fecies! I know they can't help it, and it is partially our fault for not placing little inverted gecko toilets all over the walls and ceilings in the apartment, but nobody likes to see a gecko turd drop in their morning coffee, regardless.
Obviously the lizard outside of my office heard about the human brute who took out his gecko cousin. The lizard, commonly known as the fuck you lizard, gave me three good "fuck you"s the next day. Maybe he didn't really know, but it must be pretty cool to be a lizard that can belt out only two words that just happen to be "fuck you". I saw him one day on the roof of the adjacent building declaring his statement, when a cat went on the prowl... he almost became that cat's lunch. But so far, he has survived and I find it somewhat comforting that there is more than one creature in the vicinity of this building, namely me, who wants to belt out fuck you to the world every now and then.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Last day before the madness
Today is the last day at the office before everyone gets back and things just sort of go mad. I have enjoyed the past three days, and even the passport application process went much better than I ever could have imagined. Megan will have a new tourist passport in 7 - 10 days. Of course, while I was there I was told I need to start the process for our new diplomatic passports that are do to expire in about 6 months. If it ain't one thing, it is the other.
The weather here in Hanoi is really flaky right now. This morning it was really cloudy and muggy when I went running. Then, when I got in the vehicle to come to work it was clearing up and by the time I got to work it was sunny out. A couple of hours later it was raining pretty heavy, but it has since stopped and the sun is peaking out again. The humidity is horrible right now... I just can't do a thing with my hair, so I got a haircut today. As short as it is now, it pretty much only does one thing... stick up!
I am starting to think about summer break a lot now. Since I have to work up until around 1 July, but Megan gets out of school in the middle of June, I think I will send Diep and Megan to Saigon to chill for about two weeks. We will meet up in Hanoi to fly out to the U.S. I suppose I will go to Mobile right off the bat, but I was looking at some places of entertainment we might be interested in. As cheesy at it sounds, I am looking at Dollywood in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee. Megan loves adrenaline rides and there are a couple of roller coasters I bet she would love there. I also saw an Armed Forces Network clip on indoor skydiving at Pigeon Ford. I KNOW Megan would love that. The whole skydiving thing without actually having to jump out of an airplane... and being able to do it at the tender age of 13! All of this is still on the drafting boards. I may have to add some other segments to the trip. I wouldn't mind going to Austin again, or some other place in the general vicinity. I would truly love to go to Colorado, but I am not sure what I would do there. Still some time to think about this.
The weather here in Hanoi is really flaky right now. This morning it was really cloudy and muggy when I went running. Then, when I got in the vehicle to come to work it was clearing up and by the time I got to work it was sunny out. A couple of hours later it was raining pretty heavy, but it has since stopped and the sun is peaking out again. The humidity is horrible right now... I just can't do a thing with my hair, so I got a haircut today. As short as it is now, it pretty much only does one thing... stick up!
I am starting to think about summer break a lot now. Since I have to work up until around 1 July, but Megan gets out of school in the middle of June, I think I will send Diep and Megan to Saigon to chill for about two weeks. We will meet up in Hanoi to fly out to the U.S. I suppose I will go to Mobile right off the bat, but I was looking at some places of entertainment we might be interested in. As cheesy at it sounds, I am looking at Dollywood in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee. Megan loves adrenaline rides and there are a couple of roller coasters I bet she would love there. I also saw an Armed Forces Network clip on indoor skydiving at Pigeon Ford. I KNOW Megan would love that. The whole skydiving thing without actually having to jump out of an airplane... and being able to do it at the tender age of 13! All of this is still on the drafting boards. I may have to add some other segments to the trip. I wouldn't mind going to Austin again, or some other place in the general vicinity. I would truly love to go to Colorado, but I am not sure what I would do there. Still some time to think about this.
Monday, May 11, 2009
New Tourist Passport for Megan
Megan has to get a new tourist passport today. I have been putting this off for a long time, not because I was procrastinating - something I do quite often - but because Megan has to take the morning off and Diep has to go with us to the consular section to apply. I had a really bad experience at the consular section with a local national not too long ago and now I really don't like to go over there. I guess I should tell the story of what happened, but quite honestly it would just get my blood boiling again, and I really don't want that. Just suffice it to say, if the lady who gave me the hard time got fired over it, I wouldn't feel the least bit of remorse.
Anyway, I got out Megan's old passport because I may have to show the old one when applying for the new one. She was just shy of three years old and cute as a button. I like her just fine now, but it sure does bring back the memories remembering when we took the picture and made the initial application. Things were really up in the air then and we were headlong heading back to the U.S. I had to leave first and it was a few months before we finished the paperwork for them. I hope we aren't separated that long as a family ever again.
Well, I better be off. I want to get this over with.
Anyway, I got out Megan's old passport because I may have to show the old one when applying for the new one. She was just shy of three years old and cute as a button. I like her just fine now, but it sure does bring back the memories remembering when we took the picture and made the initial application. Things were really up in the air then and we were headlong heading back to the U.S. I had to leave first and it was a few months before we finished the paperwork for them. I hope we aren't separated that long as a family ever again.
Well, I better be off. I want to get this over with.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Best Mother's Day EVER!
The weekend went by rather fast, and quite honestly I can't say that I remember much, if anything, about Saturday. Sunday - Mother's Day - started out a rather lazy day. We went to eat lunch at the Thai Express, a Thai fast food restaurant in the center of Hanoi, and then stopped at Fanny's Ice Cream shop, finally we came home and sort of crashed. I went for a quick workout and ran another errand, but Diep and Megan just stayed at home and relaxed.
For dinner, Diep and I took two of Diep's Philippino women friends out to eat. This was for Diep and I was really just the money carrier. I stayed on my best behavior, purposefully saying little and putting great thought into what I actually did say, so as not to have anyone thing I was rude, crass, silly, or just plain stupid. I asked a lot of questions because I know people like to answer questions. It gives them an opportunity to talk about themselves... most people's favorite subject. I learned this fact a long time ago: Most people will walk away from a conversation thinking I am the greatest conversationalist in the world if I just ask a lot of questions and let the other person talk away. Anyway, Diep had a great evening and even went so far as to say it was her favorite Mother's Day ever! I didn't bother to tell her that leaving her daughter at home to eat pizza while she went out fine-dining sort of left out the "meaning" of the day. All being fair, we did spend the rest of a really good day with Megan. AND Megan did say she didn't want to go to dinner (who could blame her since no other kids would be there?) -- I am laughing on the inside as I write this.
So, now I am at work on Monday with only one other person working. Everyone else went to Danang to see in an advance team. Frankly, I wasn't needed for the work and I am not put out having to stay here to house sit the office.
For dinner, Diep and I took two of Diep's Philippino women friends out to eat. This was for Diep and I was really just the money carrier. I stayed on my best behavior, purposefully saying little and putting great thought into what I actually did say, so as not to have anyone thing I was rude, crass, silly, or just plain stupid. I asked a lot of questions because I know people like to answer questions. It gives them an opportunity to talk about themselves... most people's favorite subject. I learned this fact a long time ago: Most people will walk away from a conversation thinking I am the greatest conversationalist in the world if I just ask a lot of questions and let the other person talk away. Anyway, Diep had a great evening and even went so far as to say it was her favorite Mother's Day ever! I didn't bother to tell her that leaving her daughter at home to eat pizza while she went out fine-dining sort of left out the "meaning" of the day. All being fair, we did spend the rest of a really good day with Megan. AND Megan did say she didn't want to go to dinner (who could blame her since no other kids would be there?) -- I am laughing on the inside as I write this.
So, now I am at work on Monday with only one other person working. Everyone else went to Danang to see in an advance team. Frankly, I wasn't needed for the work and I am not put out having to stay here to house sit the office.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Diep is home
Diep returned yesterday and all was good with the world. She seems to have had a good time visiting her mother and siblings and contentment in her return. Of course, Megan and I missed her, but in another strange way didn't notice much that she was gone. Megan had several projects due this week for school and I was just exhausted from the things I was doing at work. We had our routine of coming home, Megan doing her homework and me taking timeout on the couch until later in the evening when some of our shows came on.
While Diep was gone I was able to start reading a little again. I started Bag of Bones written by Stephen King, but I wasn't able to finish it before she got back. Diep doesn't like me reading while she is around... I sort of get that, because reading is an individual activity. She would much rather me watch TV, no matter how mind-numbing the subject is on the tube.
I will have plenty of time in the near future to read. My schedule is pretty full with travel and being in some pretty boring provinces. TV on the road is often lacking, and it gives me good opportunity to read. Unfortunately, I sometimes get caught up doing dinner and a couple of beers with whoever it is I am traveling with, leaving precious little time to actually read.
While Diep was gone I was able to start reading a little again. I started Bag of Bones written by Stephen King, but I wasn't able to finish it before she got back. Diep doesn't like me reading while she is around... I sort of get that, because reading is an individual activity. She would much rather me watch TV, no matter how mind-numbing the subject is on the tube.
I will have plenty of time in the near future to read. My schedule is pretty full with travel and being in some pretty boring provinces. TV on the road is often lacking, and it gives me good opportunity to read. Unfortunately, I sometimes get caught up doing dinner and a couple of beers with whoever it is I am traveling with, leaving precious little time to actually read.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Third day without my Diep
Today is day 3 without Diep. Megan and I have been doing well enough, though I made the mistake of splitting days with her to do the dishes. I never have to do dishes when Diep is home.
The weather in Hanoi is getting warmer. Pretty soon it will be hot again and I won't feel like even going outside. Fortunately, I spend about a month out of every summer in the U.S. on vacation, managing to avoid the hotest month/months here in Hanoi.
Our operations will begin soon and it looks like I will be traveling a little more than I had been in the last field activities. Spending a goodly portion of time in the central provinces of Vietnam this time. The temps can get up into the 110s to 120s in some of these areas during the summer, but our teams are smart enough to stay out of the sun when they get that high. It shouldn't be too bad in the activity since it is not yet smack dab in the middle of summer.
It has been increasingly difficult for me to stay focused these past few weeks. Mostly because I worked my ass off in the last field activity and secondly because I know I will be in high gear again beginning in just a few days. I definitely need a break, but I really can't take it right now. I suppose I can wait until summer, but it sure feels like a long way off right now.
Megan seems pretty focused! I really don't know how she does it. She comes home after a full day of school and sits down to do her homework, sometimes for long periods of time. I know she is doing homework because she is sititng at her computer with the ADSL modem off. There really isn't mcuh else for her to do if she can't chat or surf the net. I hope she keeps it up. She is learning things that I don't think most seventh graders in the US are getting to yet. She can put together quality reports and power point presentations, and even collaborate with other students on mega-projects. I know computers and the internet makes it easier, but she doesn't cut and paste from online material. I am pretty sure of that. I have also seen some of her creative writing. She writes some pretty good fiction... stuff I definitely wouldn't expect from a grade schooler. Anyway, enough about her... this is my blog.
Feeling like lunch right now...
The weather in Hanoi is getting warmer. Pretty soon it will be hot again and I won't feel like even going outside. Fortunately, I spend about a month out of every summer in the U.S. on vacation, managing to avoid the hotest month/months here in Hanoi.
Our operations will begin soon and it looks like I will be traveling a little more than I had been in the last field activities. Spending a goodly portion of time in the central provinces of Vietnam this time. The temps can get up into the 110s to 120s in some of these areas during the summer, but our teams are smart enough to stay out of the sun when they get that high. It shouldn't be too bad in the activity since it is not yet smack dab in the middle of summer.
It has been increasingly difficult for me to stay focused these past few weeks. Mostly because I worked my ass off in the last field activity and secondly because I know I will be in high gear again beginning in just a few days. I definitely need a break, but I really can't take it right now. I suppose I can wait until summer, but it sure feels like a long way off right now.
Megan seems pretty focused! I really don't know how she does it. She comes home after a full day of school and sits down to do her homework, sometimes for long periods of time. I know she is doing homework because she is sititng at her computer with the ADSL modem off. There really isn't mcuh else for her to do if she can't chat or surf the net. I hope she keeps it up. She is learning things that I don't think most seventh graders in the US are getting to yet. She can put together quality reports and power point presentations, and even collaborate with other students on mega-projects. I know computers and the internet makes it easier, but she doesn't cut and paste from online material. I am pretty sure of that. I have also seen some of her creative writing. She writes some pretty good fiction... stuff I definitely wouldn't expect from a grade schooler. Anyway, enough about her... this is my blog.
Feeling like lunch right now...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Diep in Saigon
Today, Diep went to Saigon. She won't be back until Thursday, so Megan and I will have to take care of ourselves in the meantime.
Today Megan and I went to the movie together. We saw Know1ng with Nicholas Cage. It was definitely worth leaving the house for and I am glad we got the chance to see it. Megan and I tend to have a good time when we go out together because we enjoy a lot of the same things. Diep and I enjoy many of the same things as well, but they are different "same things" than Megan and I like, and that makes it hard for all three of us to enjoy anything together.
I was surprised that Megan agreed to walk a little after the movie. I took it easy on her, but we definitely walked a lot farther than she normally would... at least, without complaining.
This is the last day of my four day weekend. I am not that ready to go back to work, but I imagine I will survive.
Today Megan and I went to the movie together. We saw Know1ng with Nicholas Cage. It was definitely worth leaving the house for and I am glad we got the chance to see it. Megan and I tend to have a good time when we go out together because we enjoy a lot of the same things. Diep and I enjoy many of the same things as well, but they are different "same things" than Megan and I like, and that makes it hard for all three of us to enjoy anything together.
I was surprised that Megan agreed to walk a little after the movie. I took it easy on her, but we definitely walked a lot farther than she normally would... at least, without complaining.
This is the last day of my four day weekend. I am not that ready to go back to work, but I imagine I will survive.
Friday, May 1, 2009
I did it again
Well, I did it again. I attended a reenlistment ceremony and follow-on party and ended up drinking too much. I didn't really want to, and it wouldn't have been so, except for the shots of vodka that members of the office were pouring. I know this is my second mention of vodka in my posts in the last week, so you might bet the wrong impression that I like vodka. Nobody in their right mind likes vodka! Other than the shots of vodka I was drinking budweiser... cold budweiser, and it was good.
Anyway, because of my vodka shots, that were pretty much forced upon me, I am once again in recovery mode. Not as bad as it might sound here because, really, I am a light-weight. And proud of it! Also, the party started a little before 1300hrs and that gave me plenty of time to get home, get in bed, and begin my recovery. I enjoyed the day, though. I brought my ipod and played an awful lot of good tunes that I had forgotten I had.
So, today I will be taking it easy. I guess that is what Saturdays are for anyway!
Anyway, because of my vodka shots, that were pretty much forced upon me, I am once again in recovery mode. Not as bad as it might sound here because, really, I am a light-weight. And proud of it! Also, the party started a little before 1300hrs and that gave me plenty of time to get home, get in bed, and begin my recovery. I enjoyed the day, though. I brought my ipod and played an awful lot of good tunes that I had forgotten I had.
So, today I will be taking it easy. I guess that is what Saturdays are for anyway!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Fall of Saigon
... Of course, no one here refers to it as the Fall of Saigon. The victors write the history books. Anyway, today commemorates 34 years since the South Vietnamese government capitulated to the North. The upside: I get the day off. I am off tomorrow also, because it is International Labor Day. Unfortunately, with a day off the family expects to go somewhere, and I really would rather relax.
I have the logic advantage when discussing this with Diep, because she is heading to Saigon on 3 May until 8 May. It is easy for me to just raise this as the reason we can't afford to do anything now.
So here I am, watching TV and relaxing. Get it while I can!
I have the logic advantage when discussing this with Diep, because she is heading to Saigon on 3 May until 8 May. It is easy for me to just raise this as the reason we can't afford to do anything now.
So here I am, watching TV and relaxing. Get it while I can!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
20 Year Anniversary of NSFC
NSFC is the acronym for Northern Service Flight Company. This company is a State-run enterprise owned by the SRV ministry of national defense and provides helicopter services to Det 2 for operational needs. On April 7, 2001, one of their helicopters carrying 7 Americans and 8 Vietnamese crashed in Quang Binh Province killing everyone aboard. I personally knew two of the Americans and one of the Vietnamese aboard. Other than that one flying incident, as tragic as it was, the company provides great support for a difficult mission. These guys are all first-class military pilots, many of whom have experience in jet fighters. Anyway, NSFC celebrated its 20 year anniversary of establishment yesterday and our commander was invited to enjoy the festivities. I also attended as his interpreter.
The event started with a cultural performance, followed with speeches ad nauseum, and finally ending in a lunch for all. The meal was okay, but it was more interesting to meet some of the other guests. Probably the most noteworthy for me was the 918th Air Training Regiment commander and his deputy. He wasn't really that interesting to talk to, but it was interesting to meet a Vietnamese regimental commander. The down side of all of this was the opening of the Vietnamese vodka before noon. I must have shared at least ten shots of vodka and had two beers with lunch. This is not something I am proud of, and it is definitely something I would never do of my own accord, but it is something that is hard to refuse when foreign officers are inviting you to join them in toast. By the end of lunch I was a little buzzed and I had the rest of the day to look forward to... back at work. I managed to finish the day out and get home without falling asleep. I even managed to be back to normal by dinner time. Fortunately, not every day here in Hanoi is like that.
The event started with a cultural performance, followed with speeches ad nauseum, and finally ending in a lunch for all. The meal was okay, but it was more interesting to meet some of the other guests. Probably the most noteworthy for me was the 918th Air Training Regiment commander and his deputy. He wasn't really that interesting to talk to, but it was interesting to meet a Vietnamese regimental commander. The down side of all of this was the opening of the Vietnamese vodka before noon. I must have shared at least ten shots of vodka and had two beers with lunch. This is not something I am proud of, and it is definitely something I would never do of my own accord, but it is something that is hard to refuse when foreign officers are inviting you to join them in toast. By the end of lunch I was a little buzzed and I had the rest of the day to look forward to... back at work. I managed to finish the day out and get home without falling asleep. I even managed to be back to normal by dinner time. Fortunately, not every day here in Hanoi is like that.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Well, Diep finally let me get ADSL in the house. Not sure how long that will last, because I remember last time we were buying a broadband line she really didn't like the monthly payments. Anyway, it is nice to have it for the time being.
It was an experience setting up the modem and wi-fi router. I was always afraid to work with the router without someone who knew what they were doing, but it looks like my fears were without foundation. I got it set up, but only set the password for the gateway. That means the wifi signal was out there for anyone to pick up that was within range. There is really only one occupied household within range, so I wasn't too worried about it. It ends up, the household (a French doctor at the international medical clinic) discovered my network fairly fast and tapped into it. I know someone was on it because I had turned off all of our computers and the little modem light for the wifi was flickering 100mph. Since my French neighbor has complained about the noise from my house on many occasions (Megan's room is immediately above his 3 boys' bedroom) I felt a certain satisfaction clicking off my modem knowing he just lost his internet connection. Later that evening, I secured the broadcast with a password.
Yesterday, we had a great day. Megan wanted a new cell phone and, after coaxing her mother for a while, got approval to get one. Diep didn't want her to get one because Megan has Diep's hand me down and Diep didn't think she needed a new one. My view was that it was Megan's birthday and she should get what she wants, within reason. Since the phone was less than the price tag I was willing to pay for her birthday present, she got the phone. Before getting the phone, we went to a Japanese restaurant that we had seen several times but had never gone in because it was right next to a Korean restaurant we liked. The food at the Japanese restaurant was definitely worth the stop and I imagine we will add it to the list of approved Hanoi restaurants we visit from time to time.
Today is the fourth day in a row I haven't run. Diep got up early so we went for a walk. I like walking with Diep but it doesn't do much for me physically. I have to start up a regular routine again!
It was an experience setting up the modem and wi-fi router. I was always afraid to work with the router without someone who knew what they were doing, but it looks like my fears were without foundation. I got it set up, but only set the password for the gateway. That means the wifi signal was out there for anyone to pick up that was within range. There is really only one occupied household within range, so I wasn't too worried about it. It ends up, the household (a French doctor at the international medical clinic) discovered my network fairly fast and tapped into it. I know someone was on it because I had turned off all of our computers and the little modem light for the wifi was flickering 100mph. Since my French neighbor has complained about the noise from my house on many occasions (Megan's room is immediately above his 3 boys' bedroom) I felt a certain satisfaction clicking off my modem knowing he just lost his internet connection. Later that evening, I secured the broadcast with a password.
Yesterday, we had a great day. Megan wanted a new cell phone and, after coaxing her mother for a while, got approval to get one. Diep didn't want her to get one because Megan has Diep's hand me down and Diep didn't think she needed a new one. My view was that it was Megan's birthday and she should get what she wants, within reason. Since the phone was less than the price tag I was willing to pay for her birthday present, she got the phone. Before getting the phone, we went to a Japanese restaurant that we had seen several times but had never gone in because it was right next to a Korean restaurant we liked. The food at the Japanese restaurant was definitely worth the stop and I imagine we will add it to the list of approved Hanoi restaurants we visit from time to time.
Today is the fourth day in a row I haven't run. Diep got up early so we went for a walk. I like walking with Diep but it doesn't do much for me physically. I have to start up a regular routine again!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Megan's Birthday!
As I mentioned yesterday, today is Megan's Birthday. Now a teenager, I no longer have a little girl and I would be best to remember that. Megan is probably more independent than I or any of my siblings, and even most everyone I knew when I was her age. She gets up in the morning on her own, makes her own breakfast, goes to school on the bus, comes home and does her homework immediately and gets ready for bed on her own. She has been doing this for the past few years. She washes dishes and, when forced, irons and folds clothes. The only thing she really needs us (her parents) for is to financially resource her activities. So, I need to treat her like the pre-adult that she is. I know it isn't about me, though. The power struggle will be with the stronger sex in the family, that is to say between her and her mother. I just hope there isn't any collateral damage (me).
Megan is having some friends over tonight, and I think even Diep is looking forward to it. I may stay at the office a little longer than usual today to give them more time in the house without me. We have a bar at the office, so I can hang out shoot pool and relax for a little while before going home.
I thought I was going to have a full weekend to recuperate but it looks like I might have to come in for a couple of hours on Saturday. I am working on getting out of it, but I won't know if my ruse worked until tomorrow. I hope for the best.
Megan is having some friends over tonight, and I think even Diep is looking forward to it. I may stay at the office a little longer than usual today to give them more time in the house without me. We have a bar at the office, so I can hang out shoot pool and relax for a little while before going home.
I thought I was going to have a full weekend to recuperate but it looks like I might have to come in for a couple of hours on Saturday. I am working on getting out of it, but I won't know if my ruse worked until tomorrow. I hope for the best.
One thing or another...
If it isn't one thing, then it is another. I am sitting here after lunch wanting to go to bed something awful, but I know I am just suffering a temporary bout of the after-lunch blues. I spent most of the morning working on gathering information related to my performance for the past six months to annotate in our performance packages that will be kept as part of the overall yearly rating scheme. It is pretty boring, and I am having a hard time keeping focused. As if the surge we have been going through for the past month and a half isn't enough, I am stuck trying to get this done in a day. The good news is tomorrow is Friday and all of this should be behind, or at the very worst, I will have residual tasks to take care of.
I talked to Dad this morning. He seemed happy to hear from me and I was equally happy to talk to him. Of course, everything seems to be going fine for him. I hope the only thing physically wrong with me by the time I hit his age of 72 (if, in fact, I do) is only foot spurs - or rather calcification on the heel. We talked a whole lot about practically nothing, but it was still all good. I really shouldn't have gone this month or so without calling him, but things were pretty tight here.
I neglected to mention in my recent past posts about my credit card being charged for online fee with an online company that I had never heard of. It is nuts, and I managed to sucessfully dispute the 20 dollar charge, but then I got another 50 dollar charge within the next week. The credit card company had let the first error go, but they made me change my credit card number the second time. I am not sure who got my number, but I suspect it happened after staying in the Bangkok Conrad Hotel. Of course, I have no proof, but I am pretty careful about where I use my card and it wasn't too long after my 5-star stay that the charge was posted. It is really frustrating, but it could be worse! Identity theft really scares me!
Megan turns 13 tomorrow. Dad sent her $25 so she has some spending money... of course, she always has spending money. If it was up to me, she would have a lot more, but Diep seems to have pretty strict standards on how much money Megan can carry around. At least she is never for real want of anything. Happy Birthday Megan!
I talked to Dad this morning. He seemed happy to hear from me and I was equally happy to talk to him. Of course, everything seems to be going fine for him. I hope the only thing physically wrong with me by the time I hit his age of 72 (if, in fact, I do) is only foot spurs - or rather calcification on the heel. We talked a whole lot about practically nothing, but it was still all good. I really shouldn't have gone this month or so without calling him, but things were pretty tight here.
I neglected to mention in my recent past posts about my credit card being charged for online fee with an online company that I had never heard of. It is nuts, and I managed to sucessfully dispute the 20 dollar charge, but then I got another 50 dollar charge within the next week. The credit card company had let the first error go, but they made me change my credit card number the second time. I am not sure who got my number, but I suspect it happened after staying in the Bangkok Conrad Hotel. Of course, I have no proof, but I am pretty careful about where I use my card and it wasn't too long after my 5-star stay that the charge was posted. It is really frustrating, but it could be worse! Identity theft really scares me!
Megan turns 13 tomorrow. Dad sent her $25 so she has some spending money... of course, she always has spending money. If it was up to me, she would have a lot more, but Diep seems to have pretty strict standards on how much money Megan can carry around. At least she is never for real want of anything. Happy Birthday Megan!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Busy Week
This will be a busy week... at least the first half. We have our Unit Commander here, a two-star admiral. She will be the principal in a meeting we have tomorrow. I will be her interpreter. There are a lot of potential issues that could lead into excited banter from both sides, which is never good for an interpreter. Wednesday is my shoot-for date. If I make it to Wednesday in one piece, I am gold for the rest of the month.
I put together the whole schedule from the admiral's arrival to departure, and so far things have gone relatively smooth. I hope this keeps up. It usually isn't the principal, but rather the entourage (who often believe they hold the same position in my heart as the principal) who causes great ass pain and consternation for me. As I said, the shoot-for date is Wednesday. If you don't see anything in the news about a USG employee going postal in Vietnam by then, figure I am doing fine!
I put together the whole schedule from the admiral's arrival to departure, and so far things have gone relatively smooth. I hope this keeps up. It usually isn't the principal, but rather the entourage (who often believe they hold the same position in my heart as the principal) who causes great ass pain and consternation for me. As I said, the shoot-for date is Wednesday. If you don't see anything in the news about a USG employee going postal in Vietnam by then, figure I am doing fine!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Emergencies
Sorry if my blog yesterday rambled on a bit. I was trying to finish my entry and things just started popping everywhere. One emergency after another and I was the "go to" guy for it all. These were work emergencies, so they weren't "real" emergencies as we know them, but rather the emergencies of people who think I live to see to their each and every whim. Anyway, I was torn between editing and publishing the blog and seeing to the so called emergencies. The emergencies won, as I just pushed the publish post button and let her ride.
Anyway, today is Sunday and I am back at work. I actually came in to do something very specific that had to do with "me". Unfortunately, I got called off track more than once and now find myself writing this blog before I see to "me". The specific task I have to do will take a couple of uninterrupted hours and the "uninterrupted" part of that is very hard to come by. Therefore, I thought I would get this out before burying my head into this task.
Diep went out with some Thai friends last night. I stayed home with Megan because I am not big on going out and dancing and drinking, or whatever. Diep likes to dance and I suppose I should be concerned that someone would want to dance with her and show her more attention than I would appreciate. I give her enough credit not to worry about that, though I wish she would reciprocate and let me take a night off every now and then with the fellas. We do, from time to time, go out with each other, but I am usually pretty wiped out after the week to stay up too late. Last week we went to a happy hour at a US Embassy compound and stayed until about 11:00pm or later. I didn't feel well for the better part of my Saturday and I ended up feeling very much like I threw my Saturday away because of it. Had it been up to me, I would have left around 9ish and I would have felt much better the day after for it.
Megan's birthday is next weekend. She will be 13 and I guess she plans on having a couple of her friends over to spend the night. She will probably go shopping with them the following day. Sounds a lot easier than having to throw a party for her.
Other than that, everything is pretty normal. The day is nice out here in Hanoi. A truly rare occurance. Too bad I am stuck inside for the duration.
Anyway, today is Sunday and I am back at work. I actually came in to do something very specific that had to do with "me". Unfortunately, I got called off track more than once and now find myself writing this blog before I see to "me". The specific task I have to do will take a couple of uninterrupted hours and the "uninterrupted" part of that is very hard to come by. Therefore, I thought I would get this out before burying my head into this task.
Diep went out with some Thai friends last night. I stayed home with Megan because I am not big on going out and dancing and drinking, or whatever. Diep likes to dance and I suppose I should be concerned that someone would want to dance with her and show her more attention than I would appreciate. I give her enough credit not to worry about that, though I wish she would reciprocate and let me take a night off every now and then with the fellas. We do, from time to time, go out with each other, but I am usually pretty wiped out after the week to stay up too late. Last week we went to a happy hour at a US Embassy compound and stayed until about 11:00pm or later. I didn't feel well for the better part of my Saturday and I ended up feeling very much like I threw my Saturday away because of it. Had it been up to me, I would have left around 9ish and I would have felt much better the day after for it.
Megan's birthday is next weekend. She will be 13 and I guess she plans on having a couple of her friends over to spend the night. She will probably go shopping with them the following day. Sounds a lot easier than having to throw a party for her.
Other than that, everything is pretty normal. The day is nice out here in Hanoi. A truly rare occurance. Too bad I am stuck inside for the duration.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Working on Saturday...
I suppose I can come to work to get some much needed tasks completed, but that doesn't mean that I will complete the much needed tasks. These days, the internet is much too fun to just let go. I have spent the better part of the last hour just checking email, reading facebook, updating my blog. It is a good thing I decided to come in an hour earlier than I felt I really needed to.
I haven't had internet at the house for the better part of two weeks now... ever since IBM left the apartment directly below ours. For some reason, IBM didn't feel it necessary to secure their wi-fi signal so I was just pulling from theirs. I didn't feel particularly criminal since they left it on all the time and I usually only used it during off work hours. Early in the morning and after all of the IBM staff had left for the day. I am sad to see them go! Now I have to pay for my internet and getting it set up is not as easy as I thought it would be. The money doesn't bother me so much.
Other than that, not much going on in my life. Nothing new anyway. I spend a good portion of my time thinking about ways to lose weight, or at least control what I have on. I guess we continue to grow throughout our lives. One or two pounds a year on average which doesn't seem like much until you have a bad year or two that five or ten pounds go on, and when those one or two pounds over the course of 20 years goes on. So now, at the age of 43 I feel the creep is really taking its toll. About four years ago, I put my foot down - my heavy foot of 215 pounds - and decided to lose the extra weight. Mostly because I saw a picture of me in a magazine during a military repatriation ceremony. I looked pretty blobbish. So, after about one year I was down to around 170ish. It felt good, but the running I was doing took a toll on my knees. I cut down on the running and started to gain a little each year and now I am close to 200 again. Soon I will begin the whole process again... except I am four years older than the last time I tried to do this. In my defense, I won't be starting over because I still run from 3 - 5 miles at least every other day. I also started Pilates. I know that sounds like a very feminine program, but in fact Joseph Pilates created the program as a general fitness program for men and women. The exercises aren't incredibly difficult in and of themselves (at least up to the intermediate level) but the series of exercises gives a good workout. I started the program once before and was impressed with the initial results, but being out of town a lot made it hard for me to make it stick. I started again last week and I will add on a couple of exercises each week until I reach a certain point to have a good 30 minute abs program. Even if it doesn't help me lose weight, I think it will help me strengthen my core and enjoy the benefits of better posture and generally good physical fitness.
I haven't had internet at the house for the better part of two weeks now... ever since IBM left the apartment directly below ours. For some reason, IBM didn't feel it necessary to secure their wi-fi signal so I was just pulling from theirs. I didn't feel particularly criminal since they left it on all the time and I usually only used it during off work hours. Early in the morning and after all of the IBM staff had left for the day. I am sad to see them go! Now I have to pay for my internet and getting it set up is not as easy as I thought it would be. The money doesn't bother me so much.
Other than that, not much going on in my life. Nothing new anyway. I spend a good portion of my time thinking about ways to lose weight, or at least control what I have on. I guess we continue to grow throughout our lives. One or two pounds a year on average which doesn't seem like much until you have a bad year or two that five or ten pounds go on, and when those one or two pounds over the course of 20 years goes on. So now, at the age of 43 I feel the creep is really taking its toll. About four years ago, I put my foot down - my heavy foot of 215 pounds - and decided to lose the extra weight. Mostly because I saw a picture of me in a magazine during a military repatriation ceremony. I looked pretty blobbish. So, after about one year I was down to around 170ish. It felt good, but the running I was doing took a toll on my knees. I cut down on the running and started to gain a little each year and now I am close to 200 again. Soon I will begin the whole process again... except I am four years older than the last time I tried to do this. In my defense, I won't be starting over because I still run from 3 - 5 miles at least every other day. I also started Pilates. I know that sounds like a very feminine program, but in fact Joseph Pilates created the program as a general fitness program for men and women. The exercises aren't incredibly difficult in and of themselves (at least up to the intermediate level) but the series of exercises gives a good workout. I started the program once before and was impressed with the initial results, but being out of town a lot made it hard for me to make it stick. I started again last week and I will add on a couple of exercises each week until I reach a certain point to have a good 30 minute abs program. Even if it doesn't help me lose weight, I think it will help me strengthen my core and enjoy the benefits of better posture and generally good physical fitness.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Swimming again...
The weather is getting warmer here in Hanoi. When I say "warmer" I actually mean hot. I finished a fairly short run (a little shorter than five miles) and I was drenched when I got back to the house. For what it is worth, I was using Joe Galloway's method of running for five minutes and walking for one. This sounds like it would make running easier, and in a way it does, but I definitely feel more taxed at the end of the run using this method. I think it is the stopping and starting aspect, plus it allows me to run faster for the five minutes that I am running than I would for a prolonged run without stopping.
Anyway, with the weather getting hot, humid and soffocating, I have started swimming again. Cautiously, mind you, as I suffered a severe ear infection just a little over a year ago (or was it two years ago) and I am pretty convinced it was from swimming in the apartment pool. I have to dry my ears immediately after the swim and "jump" out all of the water that gathers inside. I went so long without swimming and really missed it. Now that I have started back a little, I want to make sure I do not do anything to jeapardize my hearing, or my ability to swim.
I was chatting with my sister this morning and mentioned my thoughts about leaving Hanoi in the next year or two. I had initially planned to stay in Hanoi at least until Megan graduated high school here, but now I am thinking about returning to the U.S., maybe Hawaii, for her to enjoy high school in America. It would also give me an opportunity to progress in my career and expand my possibilities outside of interpreting. This is just talk right now, but I think I can swing it. The biggest thing will be negotiating a high enough salary to survive in Hawaii. And, of course, there is a huge possibility Diep will have to get a job. Of course, I think she would like that in Hawaii. With any change, there are huge risks to a family, relationships and comfort, but there are also great possibilities. I think I need to draft out a plan of action and take it from there.
I blurted out my site address to Sis, so it is likely I will have one reader of this blog in the near future. As I was telling her, my blog can be pretty boring because I can't say what I really feel sometimes for fear of what people will think of me, or hurting someone's feelings.
Why can't I just be happy and have good thoughts?!
Anyway, with the weather getting hot, humid and soffocating, I have started swimming again. Cautiously, mind you, as I suffered a severe ear infection just a little over a year ago (or was it two years ago) and I am pretty convinced it was from swimming in the apartment pool. I have to dry my ears immediately after the swim and "jump" out all of the water that gathers inside. I went so long without swimming and really missed it. Now that I have started back a little, I want to make sure I do not do anything to jeapardize my hearing, or my ability to swim.
I was chatting with my sister this morning and mentioned my thoughts about leaving Hanoi in the next year or two. I had initially planned to stay in Hanoi at least until Megan graduated high school here, but now I am thinking about returning to the U.S., maybe Hawaii, for her to enjoy high school in America. It would also give me an opportunity to progress in my career and expand my possibilities outside of interpreting. This is just talk right now, but I think I can swing it. The biggest thing will be negotiating a high enough salary to survive in Hawaii. And, of course, there is a huge possibility Diep will have to get a job. Of course, I think she would like that in Hawaii. With any change, there are huge risks to a family, relationships and comfort, but there are also great possibilities. I think I need to draft out a plan of action and take it from there.
I blurted out my site address to Sis, so it is likely I will have one reader of this blog in the near future. As I was telling her, my blog can be pretty boring because I can't say what I really feel sometimes for fear of what people will think of me, or hurting someone's feelings.
Why can't I just be happy and have good thoughts?!
Tech Talks next week
So I am sitting here at work on the computer, and taking a little time to update this blog. I want to say the last week has been crazy but I can't really remember too much of it as it was quite a blur. I have been spending most of my time at work hashing out our schedule for next week. We have a major meeting with our host nation counterparts and there are lots of ancillary related events going on.
These things keep me pretty busy, but because of the quasi-sensitive nature of what I want to talk about, I always find myself typing me into a hole... then I have to delete what I wrote and try to talk around it. It leaves me with text somewhat less than interesting. I guess the most sensitive part about what I write is the stupidity of others with regards to what is going on. Poorly thought-out emails, duplication of effort, and no evidence of thought in so many things that go on here. The sad part is that some of these people don't even get the less-than-subtle hint that there are much smarter ways to get things done. I have, from time to time, done some things that lack forethough, but I must admit that when someone else brings it to my attention, I try extra hard not to make the same stupid mistake again. At least not in front of the person that pointed it out to me. I wish these people would take the hint. I am fortunate in the fact that the people I work with here in this office - in this physical space in Hanoi - are generally a smart crowd.
The home life is okay right now. It was much better before last night. Megan got caught on the computer too long and Diep was all over her. The worst part is I walked in Megan's room five minutes before Diep did and told her to get off the computer so her mom wouldn't give her hell. She said she would so I left. I wish I had stuck around and forced her because in that five minutes between the time I left and the time her mom came in, the computer was still on. That meant I had to hear all the complaining for the next 30 minutes or more. Now I am forced to take the computer out of her bedroom for the next week. I feel worst about it because Megan didn't do what I asked her to do. I try to keep it simple for her so she doesn't get confused with the difference between being told what to do because it is in her best interest and being told what to do to prove who is in charge. I can be a real SOB so I don't need to prove who is in charge... that leaves me reminding her to do things to keep her and myself out of trouble... because anything Megan does wrong it is always her fault and my fault. Or rather, my faulty genes.
This could be a glimpse into the future teenage years of Megan Newell. She turns 13 on 24 April.
These things keep me pretty busy, but because of the quasi-sensitive nature of what I want to talk about, I always find myself typing me into a hole... then I have to delete what I wrote and try to talk around it. It leaves me with text somewhat less than interesting. I guess the most sensitive part about what I write is the stupidity of others with regards to what is going on. Poorly thought-out emails, duplication of effort, and no evidence of thought in so many things that go on here. The sad part is that some of these people don't even get the less-than-subtle hint that there are much smarter ways to get things done. I have, from time to time, done some things that lack forethough, but I must admit that when someone else brings it to my attention, I try extra hard not to make the same stupid mistake again. At least not in front of the person that pointed it out to me. I wish these people would take the hint. I am fortunate in the fact that the people I work with here in this office - in this physical space in Hanoi - are generally a smart crowd.
The home life is okay right now. It was much better before last night. Megan got caught on the computer too long and Diep was all over her. The worst part is I walked in Megan's room five minutes before Diep did and told her to get off the computer so her mom wouldn't give her hell. She said she would so I left. I wish I had stuck around and forced her because in that five minutes between the time I left and the time her mom came in, the computer was still on. That meant I had to hear all the complaining for the next 30 minutes or more. Now I am forced to take the computer out of her bedroom for the next week. I feel worst about it because Megan didn't do what I asked her to do. I try to keep it simple for her so she doesn't get confused with the difference between being told what to do because it is in her best interest and being told what to do to prove who is in charge. I can be a real SOB so I don't need to prove who is in charge... that leaves me reminding her to do things to keep her and myself out of trouble... because anything Megan does wrong it is always her fault and my fault. Or rather, my faulty genes.
This could be a glimpse into the future teenage years of Megan Newell. She turns 13 on 24 April.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Heading to Danang
The teams are leaving out of Danang on Saturday and the entire office is moving down in support of getting our guys out of country. I am looking forward to that because this has been a very long month. I will be in Danang from 1 - 5 April staying at the Furama Resort. Not a bad way to live I suppose, but I would really rather not go.
Since I am going no matter what, I will try to get some good running and maybe even some swimming in while there. The weather is infinitely better there than it is here... at least the dust and other pollutants aren't in the quantity that they are here in Hanoi.
I will be bringing lots of other work down with me. There is definitely no shortage of things to do. The hardest part will be keeping in the coordination loop with our counterparts here in Hanoi. When we get back, the Vietnamese will be on holiday for the Hung Kings Remembrance and our office will be ramping up for some martime talks. That is something else I will be doing: Brusing up on my Navy terminology!
Since I am going no matter what, I will try to get some good running and maybe even some swimming in while there. The weather is infinitely better there than it is here... at least the dust and other pollutants aren't in the quantity that they are here in Hanoi.
I will be bringing lots of other work down with me. There is definitely no shortage of things to do. The hardest part will be keeping in the coordination loop with our counterparts here in Hanoi. When we get back, the Vietnamese will be on holiday for the Hung Kings Remembrance and our office will be ramping up for some martime talks. That is something else I will be doing: Brusing up on my Navy terminology!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Diep and Megan Return
Diep and Megan got in a little after 8:00 last night. Megan was really tired and went upstairs right away. Diep wanted to chat a bit but managed to go to bad shortly after her return as well. Everyone slept in, which is an unusual thing around here... when I say slept in, I mean past 6:00am, but not much.
I guess we will go eat noodle soup this morning and enjoy the better weather we started getting yesterday. I will be off to Danang on Wednesday for five days, so I want to get some quality time in with the family.
Good to be back together again!
I guess we will go eat noodle soup this morning and enjoy the better weather we started getting yesterday. I will be off to Danang on Wednesday for five days, so I want to get some quality time in with the family.
Good to be back together again!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Weekend off??
It looks like I may get this weekend off. It has been a while, but if there is nothing too pressing, I will definitely take it. These past two weeks have been insane and I hope not to duplicate the tempo any time in the near future.
I still have a mandatory dinner hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission in honor of a visiting guest, but I think I can crawl through that, sleep in late and then get a work out later in the morning. I ran two mornings straight and I feel so much better than when I was out of town. I like the run, take in some orange juice, drink some fiber, shower, dress and get to work. It is invigorating!
Diep and Megan get back tomorrow night. I hope they had a good time! I missed them, but I am a little sad that I didn't get more "me" time while they were gone. Work stuff just got in the way!
Anyway, I am still stoked for the weekend. It will be a short week next week as I may be in Danang for the redeployment of the team starting on Wednesday. There is a small chance I will stay behind to get ready for an upcoming meeting in Hanoi... either way, it is fine with me.
I still have a mandatory dinner hosted by the Deputy Chief of Mission in honor of a visiting guest, but I think I can crawl through that, sleep in late and then get a work out later in the morning. I ran two mornings straight and I feel so much better than when I was out of town. I like the run, take in some orange juice, drink some fiber, shower, dress and get to work. It is invigorating!
Diep and Megan get back tomorrow night. I hope they had a good time! I missed them, but I am a little sad that I didn't get more "me" time while they were gone. Work stuff just got in the way!
Anyway, I am still stoked for the weekend. It will be a short week next week as I may be in Danang for the redeployment of the team starting on Wednesday. There is a small chance I will stay behind to get ready for an upcoming meeting in Hanoi... either way, it is fine with me.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Back in Hanoi
Okay, I am back in Hanoi again. It feels good to be back home, but I do not look forward to the two nights I spend at organized dinners tonight and tomorrow. Fortunately, Diep and Megan are still in Saigon, so I don't have to worry about Diep waiting for me to come home.
While I was in Saigon I tried to call Diep on her cell a few times when she was out and I was somewhere else. She rarely picked up her phone and it made me wonder why she even has a cell phone at all. I guess it could be just to make calls out. Anyway, it was so frustrating that I am trying not to call her at all for the remainder of her trip. I will just text message her and she can read the messages whenever she checks her phone. She gets spun through the ceiling when I don't answer my cell phone, which is very rarely, so you would think she would be a little more careful to answer when I call.
I have felt very tired for the past couple of days. It could be that I haven't had a full weekend for the entire month of March. I did have most of one weekend, but the other two I have pretty much worked straight through. Diep and Megan get back Saturday evening, and I don't see any reason to get up early on Saturday morning, so maybe I will try to sleep in. Yeah, that's the ticket!
While I was in Saigon I tried to call Diep on her cell a few times when she was out and I was somewhere else. She rarely picked up her phone and it made me wonder why she even has a cell phone at all. I guess it could be just to make calls out. Anyway, it was so frustrating that I am trying not to call her at all for the remainder of her trip. I will just text message her and she can read the messages whenever she checks her phone. She gets spun through the ceiling when I don't answer my cell phone, which is very rarely, so you would think she would be a little more careful to answer when I call.
I have felt very tired for the past couple of days. It could be that I haven't had a full weekend for the entire month of March. I did have most of one weekend, but the other two I have pretty much worked straight through. Diep and Megan get back Saturday evening, and I don't see any reason to get up early on Saturday morning, so maybe I will try to sleep in. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Basecamp
Yesterday, we went by Mi-17 to the recovery site in Gia Lai Province. Though the team had withdrawn the day prior, the platforms and some of the infrastructure was still intact. It was pretty elaborate. This site was probably the most interesting I had seen in respect of wildlife. I would have greatly enjoyed the 25 some odd days the team spent on that mountain. They had stories of snakes and a myriad of other creatures that they ran into on a regular basis. The locals who worked at the site were still there when we went up and it was obvious they had a great working relationship with the American team.
Today I go back to Hanoi. Apparently my long layover in Danang was made longer by Vietnam Airlines yesterday because they announced the flight will be delayed. The delays are a direct result of VN Airlines combining flights and changing schedules to gain efficiencies. I understand the need to get more bang for your buck by the airline, but it becomes very annoying when every flight you are scheduled to take is delayed within 24 - 36 hours. It gets to the point some times that I have to make my reservation for the day prior to whatever meeting I have because I am afraid the flight will be delayed and the meeting will have to be postponed or cancelled.
I thought I would have some me time when I get back to Hanoi, but both Thursday and Friday nights I have to attend a dinner for a visiting guest. I really would rather stay home and watch TV or read a book. Especially since Diep and Megan are in Saigon and this is the only time I really get to myslef... a most precious commodity, indeed.
Today I go back to Hanoi. Apparently my long layover in Danang was made longer by Vietnam Airlines yesterday because they announced the flight will be delayed. The delays are a direct result of VN Airlines combining flights and changing schedules to gain efficiencies. I understand the need to get more bang for your buck by the airline, but it becomes very annoying when every flight you are scheduled to take is delayed within 24 - 36 hours. It gets to the point some times that I have to make my reservation for the day prior to whatever meeting I have because I am afraid the flight will be delayed and the meeting will have to be postponed or cancelled.
I thought I would have some me time when I get back to Hanoi, but both Thursday and Friday nights I have to attend a dinner for a visiting guest. I really would rather stay home and watch TV or read a book. Especially since Diep and Megan are in Saigon and this is the only time I really get to myslef... a most precious commodity, indeed.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Departing for Saigon
Today I leave for Saigon. Unfortunately, it is an afternoon flight so I won't have all day to bum around in the big city. Diep and Megan are already there as I mentioned in my earlier post, so I am anxious to see them as well. I guess we can get something to eat at a nice restaurant while I am down there.
Things will get busy when I return on Tuesday, or Wednesday depending on the plan and whether it changes or not.
Things will get busy when I return on Tuesday, or Wednesday depending on the plan and whether it changes or not.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Diep and Megan to Saigon
Diep and Megan will leave for Saigon this morning. Diep was so excited she couldn't sleep well last night. Now she will be traveling and getting home without a good nights rest under her belt. I am just glad I won't be there for that fallout.
I will meet them both Sunday evening, because I am also heading down... the difference is I am working and they are not. I will be staying at the Sheraton, Saigon and hopefully I won't run into any snags with Diep staying with me for the two nights I am there.
On Tuesday morning I will fly to Pleiku, again, and try to get to the site we didn't get to the first time. It would be nice to get there and see what the team is doing there, but if we don't make it I won't be too broken up over it. We really have to get back to Hanoi by that time to receive our VIP from the U.S.
The weather in Hanoi is still pretty much sucking. I don't know how much longer it will be like this, but I will sure be glad when it changes. It is so humid that mold will grow on the walls and on your books if you don't keep the doors closed and AC on.
I found a charge on my credit card yesterday that I didn't recognize from an online game company. I don't play online games so I disputed the charge and was credited for the money that was charged. I asked the credit card company if I should get a new card issued and the lady responded that I should not. It appears the charge only happened once and she felt it could be a mistaken charge, and that there was no need to cancel the card and issue a new one. This online company has a few posts on it from google that indicate many people have been fraudulently charged for services they did not use. In fact, most of the posts were from people like me who had never even heard of them before the charge showed up. Hopefully this is the end of the fraud, but I will be watching my account closely from now on. This stuff really scares me, and makes my stomach uneasy.
Well, it is time to be off to greet the day...
I will meet them both Sunday evening, because I am also heading down... the difference is I am working and they are not. I will be staying at the Sheraton, Saigon and hopefully I won't run into any snags with Diep staying with me for the two nights I am there.
On Tuesday morning I will fly to Pleiku, again, and try to get to the site we didn't get to the first time. It would be nice to get there and see what the team is doing there, but if we don't make it I won't be too broken up over it. We really have to get back to Hanoi by that time to receive our VIP from the U.S.
The weather in Hanoi is still pretty much sucking. I don't know how much longer it will be like this, but I will sure be glad when it changes. It is so humid that mold will grow on the walls and on your books if you don't keep the doors closed and AC on.
I found a charge on my credit card yesterday that I didn't recognize from an online game company. I don't play online games so I disputed the charge and was credited for the money that was charged. I asked the credit card company if I should get a new card issued and the lady responded that I should not. It appears the charge only happened once and she felt it could be a mistaken charge, and that there was no need to cancel the card and issue a new one. This online company has a few posts on it from google that indicate many people have been fraudulently charged for services they did not use. In fact, most of the posts were from people like me who had never even heard of them before the charge showed up. Hopefully this is the end of the fraud, but I will be watching my account closely from now on. This stuff really scares me, and makes my stomach uneasy.
Well, it is time to be off to greet the day...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Megan comes home today
Megan has been gone since Tuesday and she is scheduled to return today (Friday). I am sure Diep missed her more than I did because I was gone for a couple of her away days myself. It will be good to see her again and I think she will be glad to be home; if for no other reason than we have TV and common consumer appliances at home as opposed to the very stoic existence she experienced in Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh Province.
The weather in Hanoi is warmer, but it is still in what seems like a perpetual overcast. Every day somewhat like the other. It is getting old. Where is the sun?
Despite the dreary weather, Diep and I went for a walk / run this morning. After every three inutes of walking, we would run for one minute. It is a basic technique to build up your strength and circulatory system to do longer periods of running and lesser periods of walking. It seems we never do enough days in a row to increase the running portion, but it is still something we can do in the morning. The exercise itself is well below my level of condition right now, but just moving around for 40 minutes before going to work gets the dopamine going and I do feel awake.
Next week is going to be busy! Not only next week, but even the week or two after that. I leave for Saigon on Sunday and return on Tuesday. On Wednesday we have a VIP arriving and she will stay until Friday. The following week I will be concentrating on reviewing maritime vocabulary as we have a big round of meeting that will go off soon after that. Then, the last part of the second week in April we have our round of technical discussions. The work up to that is pretty stressful because no one wants to screw up the schedule when a two-star admiral is in town. Before I know it we will be smack dab in the middle of summer.
The weather in Hanoi is warmer, but it is still in what seems like a perpetual overcast. Every day somewhat like the other. It is getting old. Where is the sun?
Despite the dreary weather, Diep and I went for a walk / run this morning. After every three inutes of walking, we would run for one minute. It is a basic technique to build up your strength and circulatory system to do longer periods of running and lesser periods of walking. It seems we never do enough days in a row to increase the running portion, but it is still something we can do in the morning. The exercise itself is well below my level of condition right now, but just moving around for 40 minutes before going to work gets the dopamine going and I do feel awake.
Next week is going to be busy! Not only next week, but even the week or two after that. I leave for Saigon on Sunday and return on Tuesday. On Wednesday we have a VIP arriving and she will stay until Friday. The following week I will be concentrating on reviewing maritime vocabulary as we have a big round of meeting that will go off soon after that. Then, the last part of the second week in April we have our round of technical discussions. The work up to that is pretty stressful because no one wants to screw up the schedule when a two-star admiral is in town. Before I know it we will be smack dab in the middle of summer.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Khe Sanh and Lang Vei
I just got back from Khe Sanh and Lang Vei. Both of these locations were important to the Marines and Army during the Vietnam War. Today, I found them to be hot and a long way from where I started out. Nevertheless, the duty day is now over for me and I am at the Airport in Phu Bai (just outside of Hue City) waiting for my flight to Hanoi. It looks like we got an automatic upgrade in the seating again, but I won't be sure until I get on the airplane since I don't know what airframe we are flying back on.
Diep is home alone right now, since Megan is in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province with her class. Diep doesn't seem to fair well by herself so I am glad she only has to sleep alone one night. I miss her anyway, and I am glad to be heading home. Megan should be back some time on Friday.
I will go back to work in Hanoi at the regular time even though I won't be in until around 2300hrs. The price I pay...
The good news is I can get a wifi signal here at the airport, so I will check my email and get my internet fix before I get home. Cheers!
Diep is home alone right now, since Megan is in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province with her class. Diep doesn't seem to fair well by herself so I am glad she only has to sleep alone one night. I miss her anyway, and I am glad to be heading home. Megan should be back some time on Friday.
I will go back to work in Hanoi at the regular time even though I won't be in until around 2300hrs. The price I pay...
The good news is I can get a wifi signal here at the airport, so I will check my email and get my internet fix before I get home. Cheers!
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Imperial City of Hue
The plan that we had when we departed Hanoi yesterday has changed dramatically. What was supposed to be a busy day of travel to Dong Ha and Khe Sanh has turned into a liesurely day here in Hue City. I have been to Hue too many times to count, so it isn't like a wonderful surprise, but the relax time is much appreciated.
I am not sure what the schedule is for the day, if in fact there is a schedule. I will just stay flexible and wait to see what happens since this isn't "my" trip. I am here as a "buddy" for the office deputy so I just facilitate when necessary. One of the simplest jobs I get.
The skies are gray and it looks like it has been raining outside. Reading my posts on FB it looks like it is raining everywhere. Not my problem. The weather here tends to clear up after night showers, and I trust it will do the same today.
We got in late last night. We waited a good 30 minutes for connecting passengers to board the plane which was a little annoying, but the upside was the ticketing agent gave us business class seats. On a flight to Hue, there is no real business class, but the seats are roomier. This is the second time in as many flights out of Hanoi that I have been given upgrades in seating. Good for me because my bosses were on both flights and it gives the appearance I have some influence around here. I suspect, however, my growing ass plays a big part in getting the bigger seats.
Like my boss points out, whenever we eat at a restaurant and I ask for a Coke, the question is always "Diet Coke?" He says the table staff are just looking after me because I don't seem to care about my weight myself. He is just kidding, of course, but I really don't know why I keep getting the Diet Coke pushed on me. I tend to not drink more than three cokes in a week, if that, but I have already had two this week and it is only Tuesday. I relax my eating rules when I travel, but maybe I should have a relook at that considering how much I travel around here.
Well, it is getting about that time to greet the day. Until next time...
I am not sure what the schedule is for the day, if in fact there is a schedule. I will just stay flexible and wait to see what happens since this isn't "my" trip. I am here as a "buddy" for the office deputy so I just facilitate when necessary. One of the simplest jobs I get.
The skies are gray and it looks like it has been raining outside. Reading my posts on FB it looks like it is raining everywhere. Not my problem. The weather here tends to clear up after night showers, and I trust it will do the same today.
We got in late last night. We waited a good 30 minutes for connecting passengers to board the plane which was a little annoying, but the upside was the ticketing agent gave us business class seats. On a flight to Hue, there is no real business class, but the seats are roomier. This is the second time in as many flights out of Hanoi that I have been given upgrades in seating. Good for me because my bosses were on both flights and it gives the appearance I have some influence around here. I suspect, however, my growing ass plays a big part in getting the bigger seats.
Like my boss points out, whenever we eat at a restaurant and I ask for a Coke, the question is always "Diet Coke?" He says the table staff are just looking after me because I don't seem to care about my weight myself. He is just kidding, of course, but I really don't know why I keep getting the Diet Coke pushed on me. I tend to not drink more than three cokes in a week, if that, but I have already had two this week and it is only Tuesday. I relax my eating rules when I travel, but maybe I should have a relook at that considering how much I travel around here.
Well, it is getting about that time to greet the day. Until next time...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Heading for Hue
I am heading to Hue this afternoon. The good news is the trip is only two nights, and the bad news is that I have to wait at the Hue Airport on Wednesday for some time before flying back to Hanoi. Waiting in the airport is one thing, the other is that those last flights of the day are often delayed, making for a very long return home.
Though I am flying to Hue, I am actually accompanying another member of the Det to Dong Ha, Quang Tri. He will link up with a group and visit historical sites important to him and his brother Marines. The sites are pretty well-known and are not associated with any unaccounted-for individuals so they are less important to me. It might be interesting, however, to see the perspective of these gentlemen at the site.
The weekend went well, though it was short. I had already worked through the weekend prior and this weekend I missed Saturday morning so I could be at work for a Video Telephone Conference. The VTC, as we call it, was a pretty good waste of time for reasons I don't want to get into here and it has actually left me with a big feeling of dread.
Diep was in a great mood this weekend and I did feeling very relaxed while I was home. I didn't get up early enough to run on either Saturday or Sunday, but I did get to the gym and hit the treadmill. I keep gaining wait, slowly, and now I am at a point that I will have to make a concerted weight-loss effort in the near future. I am eating well and exercising regularly, but the sendetary life my job lends makes it difficult to burn the calories I gain throughout the day.
Heres to the beginning of another busy week...
Though I am flying to Hue, I am actually accompanying another member of the Det to Dong Ha, Quang Tri. He will link up with a group and visit historical sites important to him and his brother Marines. The sites are pretty well-known and are not associated with any unaccounted-for individuals so they are less important to me. It might be interesting, however, to see the perspective of these gentlemen at the site.
The weekend went well, though it was short. I had already worked through the weekend prior and this weekend I missed Saturday morning so I could be at work for a Video Telephone Conference. The VTC, as we call it, was a pretty good waste of time for reasons I don't want to get into here and it has actually left me with a big feeling of dread.
Diep was in a great mood this weekend and I did feeling very relaxed while I was home. I didn't get up early enough to run on either Saturday or Sunday, but I did get to the gym and hit the treadmill. I keep gaining wait, slowly, and now I am at a point that I will have to make a concerted weight-loss effort in the near future. I am eating well and exercising regularly, but the sendetary life my job lends makes it difficult to burn the calories I gain throughout the day.
Heres to the beginning of another busy week...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Gia Lai and Binh Phuoc
I just got back four days in Pleiku and HCMC. I was traveling with two gentlemen from the VFW who were visiting Vietnam. We were scheduled to visit two site before the men returned home, but we only managed to get to one due to poor weather in the Western Highlands (Gia Lai Province). The trip was generally good, but I spent an awful lot of time sitting on my ass. We waited at the Pleiku Airport for several hours waiting to board a helicopter to fly out to the site in Gia Lai and the next day, on the way to Saigon, we waited at the airport for 5 1/2 hours due to a commercial flight delay. That second flight delay took some very premium time away from me in Saigon.
Pleiku was quaint, but not someplace I would want to stay for more than two days. There isn't much to see and the only reason I can think of to stay there would be to bicycle tour the surrounding area.
The four days of travel began on my Friday and ended yesterday (Tuesday) so it was really 5 days, I suppose. I lost my weekend in the mix and get right back to work today. It makes for long weeks doing this, but we often get the shaft when it comes to visiting groups.
Hopefully, this weekend will be somewhat free! Diep and I have plans to go to the American Club to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Hopefully there won't be any green beer.
Pleiku was quaint, but not someplace I would want to stay for more than two days. There isn't much to see and the only reason I can think of to stay there would be to bicycle tour the surrounding area.
The four days of travel began on my Friday and ended yesterday (Tuesday) so it was really 5 days, I suppose. I lost my weekend in the mix and get right back to work today. It makes for long weeks doing this, but we often get the shaft when it comes to visiting groups.
Hopefully, this weekend will be somewhat free! Diep and I have plans to go to the American Club to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Hopefully there won't be any green beer.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Pleiku
Two days ago I traveled to Pleiku from Hanoi via HCMC. The day was long and boring spending most of my time on a plane or in an airport waiting to get on a plane. Nevertheless, towards the end of the work day, I did end up at the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel in Pleiku. The hotel is fine, though probably not living up to its four star status they proudly display at the reception desk.
Yesterday, we were scheduled to go out to a recovery site with two gentlemen from the Veterans of Foreign Wars - both of them are Vietnam Veterans. We were prepared to leave the hotel at 0800hrs to be at the airport in time for a 0830hrs take off for the site just outside of An Khe Town. The weather at 0800hrs was not good and we were asked to just hang out at the hotel until 1000hrs at which time we went on out to the airfield to wait some more. By 1400hrs, the leadership called the ball, declaring the visibility at the site HLZ to be to low to land. We all headed back to the hotel... the site visit in Gia Lai cancelled.
Today, I sit in the lobby of the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel waiting to head to the airport for our commercial flight to Saigon. As luck would have it, the flight has been delayed and my 1100 departure has been moved to 1430... at least for the time being. The bad news is that I already checked out of the room before I got the word of delay. The good news is that I have a fully charged computer, ipod shuffle, and free wifi. So, I sit here, writing in my blog and messaging with my sister until I can leave this place.
The VFW guys have a second opportunity to conduct a site visit tomorrow in Binh Phuoc Province. The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is generally more stable at this time of year so I feel fairly certain they will make it. Otherwise this whole trip would have been an absolute waste of time. Of course I can't control the weather so, at least, it won't be something hanging over my head.
I am looking forward to a little time in Saigon. A good meal in a good restaurant and some warm, dry weather for a change. Hanoi has been geting old lately, I am getting tired of the drizzle and miserable weater typical of Hanoi for this time of year.... of course, there are those expatriates that swear by Hanoi. They just love it up there. Honestly I wouldn't even be there if it wasn't for the job!
Yesterday, we were scheduled to go out to a recovery site with two gentlemen from the Veterans of Foreign Wars - both of them are Vietnam Veterans. We were prepared to leave the hotel at 0800hrs to be at the airport in time for a 0830hrs take off for the site just outside of An Khe Town. The weather at 0800hrs was not good and we were asked to just hang out at the hotel until 1000hrs at which time we went on out to the airfield to wait some more. By 1400hrs, the leadership called the ball, declaring the visibility at the site HLZ to be to low to land. We all headed back to the hotel... the site visit in Gia Lai cancelled.
Today, I sit in the lobby of the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel waiting to head to the airport for our commercial flight to Saigon. As luck would have it, the flight has been delayed and my 1100 departure has been moved to 1430... at least for the time being. The bad news is that I already checked out of the room before I got the word of delay. The good news is that I have a fully charged computer, ipod shuffle, and free wifi. So, I sit here, writing in my blog and messaging with my sister until I can leave this place.
The VFW guys have a second opportunity to conduct a site visit tomorrow in Binh Phuoc Province. The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is generally more stable at this time of year so I feel fairly certain they will make it. Otherwise this whole trip would have been an absolute waste of time. Of course I can't control the weather so, at least, it won't be something hanging over my head.
I am looking forward to a little time in Saigon. A good meal in a good restaurant and some warm, dry weather for a change. Hanoi has been geting old lately, I am getting tired of the drizzle and miserable weater typical of Hanoi for this time of year.... of course, there are those expatriates that swear by Hanoi. They just love it up there. Honestly I wouldn't even be there if it wasn't for the job!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
At the office... Alone.
I am here at the office by my lonesome today. Everyone else is in Danang getting ready to head back to Hanoi this afternoon. Naturally, I would have been down there with everyone else, but I didn't really have a clearly defined reason for going and I figured I would be spending plenty of time away from the house once the Joint Field Activity gets going anyway.
It isn't like I don't have anything to do. I have plenty to do and I know how to manage my time. It was nice to have the weekend at home with no interruptions. The weather wasn't the greatest but there was plenty of time for relaxation. Diep and I did manage to get out on the motorbike for about an hour. She bought tickets for her and Megan to go to HCMC during the school Spring Break. After she got her tickets, we stopped by a local cafe and had some coffee. As I said, the weather wasn't great, but it was good for sitting in the shade and drinking hot coffee.
Things will start to get really busy starting tomorrow. I am preparing my spirit for that now. I am not sure how long it will be before I post another entry, but as I said I am giving this another shot and maybe I will keep with it.
It isn't like I don't have anything to do. I have plenty to do and I know how to manage my time. It was nice to have the weekend at home with no interruptions. The weather wasn't the greatest but there was plenty of time for relaxation. Diep and I did manage to get out on the motorbike for about an hour. She bought tickets for her and Megan to go to HCMC during the school Spring Break. After she got her tickets, we stopped by a local cafe and had some coffee. As I said, the weather wasn't great, but it was good for sitting in the shade and drinking hot coffee.
Things will start to get really busy starting tomorrow. I am preparing my spirit for that now. I am not sure how long it will be before I post another entry, but as I said I am giving this another shot and maybe I will keep with it.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Giving this a try again...
I guess the main reason I can't seem to get going on this is because I never really know who is reading my blog. If I could just let go and write what I want to, I think I would be doing much better. As it is, I have so many inhibitions I can't really get a flow going. Not to mention I seem to be jumping from blog to blog because I can't find one that is consistently reliable here in Vietnam. It seems I will be okay for a couple of months and then for no apparent reason, the ISP goes away... sometimes for a day and sometimes for a month, even once in a while for good. All that being said, I think I will give this a try again on blogger. Only time will tell whether I can stick with it or not.
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