10...9...1...

9 weeks ago, 10 weeks seemed like a long time.

Now it feels like 9 weeks ago was more like 9 minutes ago.

I depart 1 week from today.

I have a feeling that 1 week will be gone in 1 second.

Still so much to do...

Cleared

I got my medical clearance today. Basically it means they've deemed me healthy enough to go. I still have to submit a TB test but that won't be an issue.

25 days and counting...

I'll be in Winchester, VA from the 6th to the 10th. On the 10th I fly to Frankfurt, Germany. On the 11th I fly to Dubai. On the 12th I fly to Kabul. I believe I spend a few days there before finally settling in at my final destination.

In the mean time, here are a few pictures a colleague took on her way to a project site...

Bio Hazard

Bring on the OCD. For the next 30 days I can spread an incurable disease if I'm not careful. How fun! I have to sleep by myself, shower in a different bathroom, wash my clothes separately in hot water and wash my hands obsessively.

I can't touch any babies or people with compromised immune systems. I have to wear long sleeves (so glad summer is arriving) and make sure the dogs don't lick my arm.

1 in 175 people who get the vaccine develop a serious heart condition. Great, now I'm going to be nervous for 30 days and my heart will be racing. Which, coincidentally, is one symptom of this adverse reaction.

The scab that will eventually cover the pus-filled blister can carry the live virus for up to 6 years after it falls off. So basically I have to set up a bio hazard containment center in my separate bathroom for disposal of all bandages and scabs. Fun for the whole family!

All this for a virus that has been eradicated but is still in the possession of the US, Russia and anyone who bought or stole it from one of those two countries. Well, it's a good thing neither the US or Russia has ever sold, leaked or lost anything dangerous to society. Whew!

OUCH

Both my arms hurt and I'm a walking bio hazard for the next month.

What could be more fun than having to clean the shower EVERY time I use it, having to separate our laundry and wash mine in hot water, having to avoid touching anything with my left arm?

And I hope none of you ever have to get vaccinated for anthrax because that shit HURTS! Just in case you were wondering. And lovely of all lovely...there's 6 or 8 shots in the series so I have more to look forward to.

Total count to date: 24 sticks, pricks and pokes. Did I mention I HATE needles?

All I Need to Know

I just got some specific information about where I'll be going. Most importantly:

There is a laundry service,post office, barber shop, beauty shop / massage spa, and Medical Clinic.

I don't need to know anything else.

7 Weeks

I leave in 7 weeks. Oy vey.

I need to start making a list. Actually, I need a list of the lists I need to make.

• A list of things I need to pack.
• A list of things I need to ship.
• A list of things I still need to buy to either pack or ship.
• A list of things I need to take care of before I leave.
• A list of meals I need to cook and freeze for S so that she eats real food at least once in a while when I'm gone.
• A list of dog and cat supplies that we need to stock up on before I leave.

I'm sure there's more. 7 weeks sounds like a long time. I have a feeling it will be over before I'm finished making my lists!

New Tasker

New departure date: July 6.

If you do the math that means I'll be gone for S's birthday, Thanksgiving, our anniversary, my birthday, Christmas and New Year's.

But, I should be able to take me R&R to come home for L&H's wedding.

So, assuming the Wicked Witch doesn't interfere, I've got 9 weeks to get ready. Fortunately I've already got my paperwork done.

An Actual Update

I hope I don't jinx myself by posting this; but I just got word that a new tasker is being issued. Departure in early July. Will post details when I get them.

Things Happen for a Reason

I believe that. Not necessarily a pre-destined reason; but I believe things generally happen the way they should. It's just how we react that determines whether or not it works out for the best.

Civilians (perhaps just females, the details are unclear) were pulled from the PRTs because the remote areas where they are operating are becoming increasingly unsafe. So even though I was really looking forward to the work (okay, I'll admit it, I was pretty pissed when my tasker was canceled), I'm not unhappy that events unfolded as they did. Things will work out the way they're supposed to. I'm sure of that. And who knows, maybe there was a reason I was supposed to hang out here for a little while longer. You just never know.

I'm still waiting for a new tasker. But now I'm not upset on a minute-by-minute basis that it hasn't come down yet. As always, I will let you know when it does.

Holding Pattern

My tasker has been canceled. I'm working on getting a new one. It's frustrating. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE: I wish I had an update but I don't. For those who've been asking...I'm still waiting.