Sorry about the long update time guys.
So, it's been a while since the last update. Here goes:
I spent most of a week at a base on the other side of Kabul. My job out there was to rip apart 24 laptops and figure out what was wrong and then fix as many as I could. So, after the first two days, I had 16 of them working and 8 that needed parts that I didn't have access to. The guy I was helping out was US Navy. His solution was to sign for a wad of Afghani (the local currency) and grab 4 ANA (Afghan National Army) shooters and go shopping in downtown Kabul. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. Picture it if you will: Three foreigners in full body armor with rifles and sidearms, accompanied by two Local Nationals in BDUs and carrying AK-47S's, strolling down the street and going shopping in what amounted to Saturday Market. More than a little surreal, I tell you.
So anyway, after spending a not-insignificant amount on hardware and software, I returned to my lab and managed to get another 5 computers up and running in a 18-hour marathon tech session. Not sure how long they will work for, but they will work for at least a few weeks. I ended up using the last three for spare parts. Plus, I used a soldering iron and didn't even burn myself! I think that may be a first! Apparently, I am getting some sort of letter of commendation from the navy, but more importantly, my commander has told me to put together a "go-bag" for any future computer work that I need to do. Which is outstanding.
I got one of the ACU pattern medic bags, and have ordered a tool kit, cat-5 cable crimper, cable tester, cordless screwdriver / drill, 1000 ft of cat-5 and a bunch of connectors and miscellanious parts. I still need to order a multimeter and some other little toys. By the time I am through, the bag is going to weigh close to 80 pounds, but it should be enough to see me through just about any concieveable situation. Yay!
I have started playing airsoft Sundays and Wednesdays with a bunch of guys here. It's pretty cool. We spend an hour or two plinking away at each other. Nowhere near as competitive as PACT, of course. The other guys are slowing upgrading to real AEGs, which is nice. It means I feel better about schooling them. I'm thinking about putting together a real monster of a gun, but not sure if that is such a good idea out here. I still have 9 months left, though, so I might do it one of these days. Something burly enough to handle a systema 170 spring. Could be fun.
Anyways, I am back to working dayshift for the next little bit. Occaisionally playing WoW, but it is a pretty infrequent thing. I've been getting outside the wire more often, which is a wonderful thing. I am trying to arrange visits to all of the FOBs out forward to do network stuff. Mostly so I can see more of the country. Being cooped up in one spot for the whole year is just incredibly boring. Sadly, when I get bored, I start misbehaving, so it is in my best interest to get out and see the country. *^_^*
More later, but I miss you guys. I will probably be home in late March for leave.
I spent most of a week at a base on the other side of Kabul. My job out there was to rip apart 24 laptops and figure out what was wrong and then fix as many as I could. So, after the first two days, I had 16 of them working and 8 that needed parts that I didn't have access to. The guy I was helping out was US Navy. His solution was to sign for a wad of Afghani (the local currency) and grab 4 ANA (Afghan National Army) shooters and go shopping in downtown Kabul. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. Picture it if you will: Three foreigners in full body armor with rifles and sidearms, accompanied by two Local Nationals in BDUs and carrying AK-47S's, strolling down the street and going shopping in what amounted to Saturday Market. More than a little surreal, I tell you.
So anyway, after spending a not-insignificant amount on hardware and software, I returned to my lab and managed to get another 5 computers up and running in a 18-hour marathon tech session. Not sure how long they will work for, but they will work for at least a few weeks. I ended up using the last three for spare parts. Plus, I used a soldering iron and didn't even burn myself! I think that may be a first! Apparently, I am getting some sort of letter of commendation from the navy, but more importantly, my commander has told me to put together a "go-bag" for any future computer work that I need to do. Which is outstanding.
I got one of the ACU pattern medic bags, and have ordered a tool kit, cat-5 cable crimper, cable tester, cordless screwdriver / drill, 1000 ft of cat-5 and a bunch of connectors and miscellanious parts. I still need to order a multimeter and some other little toys. By the time I am through, the bag is going to weigh close to 80 pounds, but it should be enough to see me through just about any concieveable situation. Yay!
I have started playing airsoft Sundays and Wednesdays with a bunch of guys here. It's pretty cool. We spend an hour or two plinking away at each other. Nowhere near as competitive as PACT, of course. The other guys are slowing upgrading to real AEGs, which is nice. It means I feel better about schooling them. I'm thinking about putting together a real monster of a gun, but not sure if that is such a good idea out here. I still have 9 months left, though, so I might do it one of these days. Something burly enough to handle a systema 170 spring. Could be fun.
Anyways, I am back to working dayshift for the next little bit. Occaisionally playing WoW, but it is a pretty infrequent thing. I've been getting outside the wire more often, which is a wonderful thing. I am trying to arrange visits to all of the FOBs out forward to do network stuff. Mostly so I can see more of the country. Being cooped up in one spot for the whole year is just incredibly boring. Sadly, when I get bored, I start misbehaving, so it is in my best interest to get out and see the country. *^_^*
More later, but I miss you guys. I will probably be home in late March for leave.