Two years on Kwajalein!

Where did all the time go? It seems like yesterday - and not two years ago - that I got off a plane into an island paradise in the middle of Bumfuck, Nowhere! It's the experience of a lifetime, and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

August 15th, 2011 (the 14th for you mainlanders on the other side of the date line) completes my initial two year employment contract with KRS; from this point forward I'm on 'rolling 90s'. As long as the company wants me, I'm here for the long run.

On the other hand, layoff notices were handed out on Friday. Budget cuts hit us pretty hard (18% more than the cuts last year), and my department wasn't spared. My coworker got his notice. I don't know how many got the chop; the 'coconut wireless' is rife with speculation. The transition to Huntsville apparently is on again; but when that will happen I have no idea. As long as we get enough notice and the relocation package is decent, I'll up and move when the time comes.

Got my acceptance letter to CAP National Staff College and completed all my travel arrangements. And I have a bunch of preparation reading to do before mid-October!

Sunday was a fun-filled day. In the afternoon I participated in a 'hash'. Before you, gentle reader, go off half-cocked, it isn't THAT illegal drug - it's a 'drinking club with a running/walking problem'! (Click on the link for more information.) While I didn't run, I manned one of the 'beer check stations'. The participants searched all over the island for the strategically placed beer stops, and none could continue until all had checked in. After all stations were located, the hash ended with the traditional circle ceremony. Good fun was had by all. (There used to be a Kwajalein Hash House Harrier chapter years ago, but it apparently died out; perhaps this hash might start up the tradition again!)

In the evening, the post had its steak dinner. For $20, ticket holders got a tasty steak (you grill it and season it to taste), baked potato and toppings, vegetable, dessert and a non-alcoholic drink.  As are most outside food events on Kwaj, the event sold out quickly. And now to get ready for the Mongolian BBQ event, being held on Labor Day weekend. (Yours truly gets to make the sauces again.)