Packing is nearing an end.

Well looks like I'm about 90% done packing! I managed to get my entire collection of worldly possessions stuffed into about 10 plastic tubs (of varying sizes).

I've been flattered a couple times this week by some of my friends - just keep in mind everyone! I'm not out the door...yet!

I've got a couple weeks to burn off. I'm pretty solid on personal entertainment gear for the next 14 months (so I think!), and I really just need to get my hands on a rockin' footlocker. So, I'm searching far and wide for a footlocker that fits my bill of specifications.

Once I winnow my selection down to a couple, I'll post what my final choice will be - might be good to note somewhere for future reference. You never know!

I'm working through a stack of books that I want to take, but judging by the amount of stuff I have in my must take list, I'll have to cut down on my book options. They just take up a lot of space.

I also have to get my duffle bags all packed up.

In other news, my car will be out of the shop this afternoon, which is great because the 3 garbage bags of clothes I'm planning to drop off at the Salvation Army have become a severe road block to my living room.

I've spent the last week running a large loop in Buckhead, sporting my ultra cool WileyX sun glasses.

They fit extremely well and I have almost no trouble with fogging and shifting when I'm moving up and down the hills near Lenox Square Mall.

Considering the "battle-rattle" I'll be wearing (LBE, K-Pot, Body Armor, etc) from time-to-time, I'm sure they'll retain a steady fastening to my skull.

They were a bit hefty in price, because I had to get perscription lenses but, I am still amazed by how well they get the job accomplished.

That's about it for now, the postings shall continue as I move ever closer to my next phase of mobilization.

Prep For a 14 Month Deployment

Big news is coming down the National Guard pike. I found out a week ago that I will be deploying to OIF (operation iraqi freedom) with my upper eschelon unit.

A lot of people have asked me how I feel about it and the only real way of describing my mentality is "detached". I'm more worried, at this point, with getting my things together and out the door than I am the whole "in country thing".

I spent a lot of time in the Middle East this past year. So culturally, I'm ready for it. Mentally, I'm prepared - the past 6 years I spent in the Guard were focused upon preparing for some type of warfare.

Sure it was mainly Vietnam-style patrols in the woods but, I know - or at least I believe I know - that I'm prepared for this upcoming deployment.

My mood is pretty resolute. I get irritable pretty swiftly but it's never for extended periods of time. I feel anxious to make this happen. Mostly because the sooner I'm out the door, the sooner I'll be home.

First Post!

I'm going to give this particular site a shot. I have a more 'professional' oriented blog on http://www.advogato.org but, I'd like to make this a 'personal' blog.

I'm going to try to make this blog oriented on my travels around the globe and happenings at and around my current residence in Atlanta, GA.