Howdy Ya'll,
It's time for disclosure. and I've got news for you. Before I spill the beans, allow me to preface this information. Almost a year has gone by for me in Iraq, and it has been a wild ride. KBR has been an interesting experience, to say the least, and I have learned many things about myself, others, and the world around me. With an experience like this under the belt, it would be safe to say that a man could go home happy with his travels and call it a day. Now here's the surprise...
I'll be coming home in two weeks, but not to stay. I will be returning to this dusty lid of a country with a new company by February. I have accepted an offer from Washington Group International. Now, I can't say that I will tackle a full year again, but I want to try for at least another 6 months at this place. There is much to do still in this country, and, of course, always more money to be made. I am fortunate to have such a strong and supportive wife holding the fort back home, because without her patience and encouragement, I would not have the ambition or drive to keep this momentum. I know that at times she wishes she weren't so strong and encouraging, and that I would just get my butt back home, but in the end, we are doing this for the both of us, and it will help us in the long run. There is still a pile of student loans to pay off, and the bills won't pay themselves. Okay, the bills pay themselves, but again only because I have an awesome wife at home who will take care of all those little necessities while I'm away.
That being said, it will be nice to get home for a couple of weeks and just relax. I am actually looking forward to chores and housework. I hope I can make myself as useful as possible while I'm there, although I think I will prove to be more like a new piece of furniture in the house that no one is used to having around. I may just get in the way, but I remain optimistic.
Following my little sabbatical away from gainful employment, I will be whisked away to the shining city of Boise, Idaho for outprocessing and some training. Following this, I will return here to Iraq for another fun filled adventure in new housing. Fortunately I will probably remain at the same camp, so I won't have to acclimate myself to a new PX or DFAC. There is only so much craziness that someone can tolerate!
And another plus comes with this job change! Along with my return home this month, WGI has agreed to let me stick to my original R&R plan of Spring Break with my darling spouse, so I will have just enough time to settle in before returning home for another break. After all that flying it will actually sound good to get back to work!
So, there you have it. One year down, and still more to go. It's a crazy career path for anyone, but I can see how some people make a life out of it. I don't think I will become one of those poor souls, but being an ex-pat is not such a bad life. You should try it!
-Pooh out.
