Back, Jack
I am back on American soil. A simple flight from Kuwait City, Kuwait to Frankfurt, Germany, to Bangkor, Maine (US) to Fort Hood, Texas to Austin -- where I am currently hiding-out in the Admiral's Club at the airport until my flight. From here I go to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas to Wichita, Kansas, to Fort Riley, Kansas and then to my normal duty station a few days thereafter. Do not stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
It is weird to see so much greenery. It's very beautiful, but all I can think of is how much water it takes for all that flora to grow. I not only had a hot shower, but a Hollywood shower...which feels a little weird leaving the water running as I clean-up. I was tired, as the trip was long, but slept well...jet lag is not really a problem for me when I travel from East to West.
I feel uncomfortable. Small things, like using real cutlery instead of plasticware to eat.
I'm also getting tired of people coming-up to me and thanking me for my service. I know their intentions are good, but I don't know how I am suppossed to respond; "you're welcome" sounds a bit out of place. Worse, when people thank me for keeping America free...I want to tell them, "America is already free -- that's not the reason we're over there." Honestly, I'd rather be alone for a bit (with the exception of a person or two who I'd like to hang-out with). I don't want to be bothered. I feel rather sad, too, though I don't know why. :/
Time to go board my plane and continue the journey "home." Mayhap I'll have more later if I can get access to a computer. Until then...
It is weird to see so much greenery. It's very beautiful, but all I can think of is how much water it takes for all that flora to grow. I not only had a hot shower, but a Hollywood shower...which feels a little weird leaving the water running as I clean-up. I was tired, as the trip was long, but slept well...jet lag is not really a problem for me when I travel from East to West.
I feel uncomfortable. Small things, like using real cutlery instead of plasticware to eat.
I'm also getting tired of people coming-up to me and thanking me for my service. I know their intentions are good, but I don't know how I am suppossed to respond; "you're welcome" sounds a bit out of place. Worse, when people thank me for keeping America free...I want to tell them, "America is already free -- that's not the reason we're over there." Honestly, I'd rather be alone for a bit (with the exception of a person or two who I'd like to hang-out with). I don't want to be bothered. I feel rather sad, too, though I don't know why. :/
Time to go board my plane and continue the journey "home." Mayhap I'll have more later if I can get access to a computer. Until then...