1) A week trip to Oman doesn't count. Why? Because I spent the week doing Pipeline Security training. I also sat next to a guy who apparently didn't feel that a week of sitting in a hotel conference room required a shower. Or a change of shirts. By Thursday, I couldn't breathe. I, do, however, know all about the various tactics used by terrorists, extremist groups, tribal warlords, and just generally whack jobs in their efforts to attack oil/gas/water pipelines.
2) I know better than to volunteer for things. Especially, as we used to say in the army, those "opportunities to excel." Luckily for me, I've been voluntold for three or four extra curricular taskings at the office. Of the "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you variety," they could all be really great. But, they've also kept me at the office for much longer than I'd like. By the time I'm home, I don't even want to turn on my computer. Let alone write emails/blog updates.
3) Taking Kimberly (who's never been camping) plus two dogs (Athena and a dog we're watching while other people take vacations) on an overnight camping trip does not make for a restful few days. Actually, the time spent camping was fantastic. The prep work for it was not. We loaded up an entire car load of crap to spend less t
han 24 hours on the beach. I wanted a sleeping bag and some food. Instead, we had a tent, grill, table, chairs, sleeping bags, a cooler (to go along with the other two coolers the other two couples brought), and several miscellaneous plastic bags filled with changes of clothes Kimberly needed...er...wanted...to bring. Oh, and we brought a football (based on my general level of fitness...or lack thereof...you'll see that I needed the activity).Still, it was a very nice day on the beach, and an excellent way to spend Thanksgiving weekend away from home. Because, really, it's tough to complain when, on 26 November, it's 85 degrees, sunny, and I'm throwing the long ball towards Iran in the Arabian Gulf.
Come December 1st, I'll save off the handlebars cum "sideburns on my chin" look I've been sporting for Movember. And, Kimberly and I will be back in DC in less than 4 weeks. Until then, I'm just going to pull up my beach chair, work on a few extracurricular projects for work, and catch some rays. For those of you dealing with snow, wind, rain, or just a simple chilly fall day, I've kept an extra chair open for you.
Come on in. The water's just fine.
