Last night was fun. Lots of fun. I finally got all of my crap repacked (minus one set of ACUs, and a stuffed puppy) and we got headed towards the airport. It was Troy, Jenn, and I. Everything was going good, we were having fun laughing and joking while Troy drove, and then we realized he missed the exit. About the same time, a pretty serious dust storm blew in. (I was worried about my flight but could not let on.) Troy found a spot, turned around, and I continued to reassure Jenn that I was leaving. (part of me thinks she wishes I wasn't able to get out.) Well, as we were driving, we all continued talking, and then realized that Troy had again missed the exit. We again turned around and got the exit right this time, after some backing up and all of that. It was kind of funny, my last trip on the roads in Kuwait was a typical trip in Kuwait.
Got to the airport, and the dust storm was pretty danged bad. My duffel bag still has quite a bit of sand on it as does my suitcase. We got my crap offloaded, and I got checked in. Jenn bought me dinner at Fuddruckers. Dang, even in Kuwait I like a Fuddruckers burger. Well, we sat and talked, and Marty kept asking me when we were going to the gate. Marty and I arrived on the same day, were leaving on the same day, had our household goods picked up on the same day, and cleared housing on the same day. She sat 3 rows ahead of me, but when I went up to talk to her, she was OUTTTT! Course, I was out for about 7 hours of that flight myself.
At about 1715 EST, I had a nice alcoholic beverage. I had a Jim Beam and a coke. Granted, I forgot Jim was some nasty stuff. I enjoyed it though. I wanted a Bud Light really really really really badly. Unfortunately, they did not have Bud..They had Miller. I settled for a Miller Light later one, but had a danged good nap, watched parts of a couple of movies, and just thought about what it was going to be like to be home. It's kind of like having a lemon and a spoonful of sugar. Nice, but still a bit on the sour side. Hence, bittersweet.
Well, at about 6:15 AM EST this morning, I landed at Dulles just outside of DC. I got off the plane and cleared customs, got my bags etc...etc...etc...I walked out of customs, and it was actually a long walk to get past the partitions/dividers to get to the waiting area. As I passed the dividers, well, I heard this little voice say "THERE'S DADDY!!!!!" I picked up my pace a bit, and got around the divider area, and got towards the area where it was open, there were my three boys. They all three ran up to me and about knocked me flat. They hugged my neck, and I just held them close for what seemed liked about a nanosecond. I then gave Steph a hug, but something didn't feel right. There was emotion, but it was off. I dont' know what it was.
Got to the house about 8:10, and while the boys were getting ready for school, I ran to the Class 6. I got a 24 pack of Bud Light, a Diet Mountain Dew, and came back to the house. She took the boys to school while I drank a nice, ice cold Bud Light long neck, and then we went to Sam's Club and to the car dealership to get her tags. I had a nice juicy Sirloin Steak for lunch. Oh man, was it good. It was so juicy, so tasty. It was cooked, and then ate within 10 minutes of cooking. Granted, if I was back in the Desert, it would be Surf and Turf night, and I would eat shrimp or scallops, but this steak was OUTSTANDING on the grille.
Had a few neighbors come by, shake the hand, laugh about me drinking a beer (a few before noon EST), and just welcome me back for a few days. I don't know how much I'm going to get accomplished over the next two weeks before I leave, but I plan to keep myself busy. Thinking too much SUCKS, and I am good at it. Plus, better life through chemistry.
Well, being in the states, I do not think it has set in just yet. I am enjoying the boys, and am enjoying certain aspects, but there are things I miss about Kuwait already. If everything goes well, there will be a gathering of people in the front yard of Stephanie's house tonight. If not, oh well..Who needs other when you got my three boys?
Just thought I would let eveyone know I am stateside, I am alive, Stephanie has not shot me, and I am anebriated.
