What's new pussycat?

Well, Dallan and I went to Colorado a few weeks ago just to visit and take a little time away from Provo...it gets old ya know. Anyways, our trip was fun, Sjanna( my sister, pronounced sha-nuh haha) and I went boarding up at Copper mountain and I gave her a little lesson and she did really good! I on the other hand didn't have the best day ever... Lets just say my face and the snow didn't get along so well... haha, k it wasn't that bad and not really my fault but, I did scrape my chin really well on the snow. Anyways, here's a pic of me and sjanna, wearing beanies made by me! Yep, i make hats and beanies now for a living... jk, for fun but I should make it a living somehow. If anyone's interested, I do sell them!

So working at Sundance isn't exactly going well anymore, the job is still great but business is slow... so It's time for me to start looking for a new job which I hate doing :( So while we were in CO, Sjanna and Jared took us out to eat at Ruth Chris's steak house, and it was very very good! Sjanna also made me start playing RAINBOW SIX and I am now a little addicted. In fact I stayed up late playing online last week and I could not sleep afterwards! I just kept dreaming about rainbow six and shooting people, but it was like i was just playing the game, so annoying! worst nights sleep ever.

Anyways, now we're back in Provo, DAllan is hoping to get a job with Microsoft in the gaming sounds design industry... hopefully it works out! hmm... well i apologize for not being the best blogger, I guess I'm just not meant to be one... so we'll let ya know how the job hunt goes

Sooooooo.... well I started my job as a snowboard instructor at Sundance in December, and I have to say, its been one of the most enjoyable jobs I've had. I mean seriously, who doesn't want to get paid to snowboard 3 or 4 days a week? I've been working on my 180s off jumps lately and am hoping to pull a 360 sometime here before the season end, cuz then I'll officially be a good snowboarder. WEll as Dallan said, we went to good old Disney world for christmas. It was warm and crowded of course, but still a good time. We ate breakfast at the 1900 Park Fare character dining restaurant and say Alice, Snow White, Tigger, Pooh, an the Mad Hatter, and since it was close to our anniversary (1 year) we got a free special anniversary cake from Disney. 

I later returned back to Florida in mid January to go to a special Disney fairy and princess audition. I wasn't too sure if I should go or not, and I'm not gonna lie,  I had major second thoughts, but in the end decided to go anyways... needless to say I, along with 526 other girls, did not receive a call back. yep, only less than 30 girls out of 556 were chosen, and I have to say that some were not pretty at all... strange how that works. oh well.

So since my rather embarrassing embarkment to the audition, its been back to snowboarding, the only thing that keeps me sane here in Utah winters. When I'm not working, going to movies seems to be the thing to do at our house... We recently saw the movie Taken with Liam Neisen, and I must say it was quite good and I enjoyed it. I recommend seeing it you haven't already. We also have seen the Uninvited which for its genre or movie was also pretty good. I don't know that I would see it again anytime soon, maybe in a few years? It's kinda one of those 6th sense type films that once you know the ending, the next time around wouldn't be as good. I am very excited for the next Transformers movie which recently released a preview, I even dreamt (dremt??? i dont know) about it last night! yep, me and dal were in some big city and the big transformers (even bigger in my dream) were destroying the city and we had to get out... oh yeah. haha. 

I suppose that about wraps up my update... I'm looking forward to moving out of Utah hopefully in teh near future, to where you might ask? well that remains a mystery. ADIOS!

Been awhile..

Well, it seems lately whenever I get on the computer I am compelled to look for jobs.. I am at this point not being picky. My freelance audio is doing ok, but it really is going in a direction that I would like to get away from (live sound) and just isn't providing us with the type of income that I would like to earn for my wife and I. That being said I really enjoyed this past year having it be the additional umph to the income the radio was giving me. (or visa versa) The way I see my skill set I could do well in anything sound design, quite honestly doing sound design for video games sounds like a complete blast, umm advertising, like the production side of an ad firm. Really anything at the Entry level I think I would be good at.. The one thing I know that I wouldn't be good at is being a surgeon. My hands shake a bit and I hear that can be a problem.. If anyone reading this knows of a jobby job.. I am to the point where my pride has left me.. (I hate this.. I like my pride.)
Don't worry though, even though I am amongst the millions looking for a job I still have a great life. I am amazed every day by the blessings that come my way. And I think something really good is just around the corner. How could it not right?? Everything else in my life is in order.. I have a great wife, a four legged kid, and a host of blessings..

With all this time on my hands I have made some valuable observations and would like to share them with you.

1.) People who pull there cell phones out during a movie should be hung on a pole and shot. I have been to a few movies lately and it is just like this convenient tool has made people dumb at movies.. It is inconsiderate. I mean you wouldn't take a flash light to the theatre with you and shine it in the eyes of the person behind you would you?? Now days the screens on the cell phones are just that... Flash lights.. keep them in your pocket.. if "silent" mode leaves you wondering who just texted you, turn the cell phone off.. please..
2.) When at said movie and guy in front is using phone consistently it is still not cool to throw a Pepsi bottle at guy with phone..
(Yeah... In the past month I have seen this happen..)
3.) When at said movie and guy in front is using phone consistently it is still not cool to yell obscenities at him.. (Yup.. seen this too..)
4.) If you are that guy, and your phone rings.. you better not answer it.. (seen this twice in the past month.)
5.) You may have a mature 10 year old.. but when it comes down to it.. unsupervised they are still just that.. a ten year old.. a movie theatre, mall, Wal-Mart, or other places turn into a jungle gym when they are unsupervised..
6.) These 10 year olds do not automatically have ADD.. They are just unsupervised 10 year olds..
7.) Not my job to supervise said 10 year old.
8.) Not really Global Warming when the Climatologists are saying we are in the Coldest year on record, and that we are more likely heading toward another Ice Age..
9.) I wish my grandpa were alive.. I really would like to hear him full of the "Obama-mania"..
10.) George W. Bush really didn't screw up the nation.. After 9-11 his mission as President became make this country feel safe again.. If he hadn't done that McCain would be president, because national safety would be an issue, and McCain was more prepared to deal with that than Obama.
11.) I think Obama will be an ok president, I didn't vote for him, but I support him.. I don't think he will be the miracle man that over half the nation thinks he'll be.
12.) My Dog has a good life.. Poop, Sleep, Eat, Sleep and repeat.. THATS THE KIND OF JOB I NEED TO FIND!!!
13.) I seemed to gain the Freshman 15 during the Freshman year of my marriage... hmmm.. gonna work on that..
14.) I think 26 is the year when you officially start getting old.. It is when joints start to hurt.. When all-nighters are a little harder to do.. It is the age that you really start fighting weight.. It is the age when your dog really becomes your best friend.. (3 and a half times doggy years and no more puppy problems.. we just chill.)
15.) I need a patio, rocking chair, and a diet pepsi to use because these observations really make me feel old..



Anyways... Life ultimately is good here.. Dana and I are happy.. We went to Florida over Christmas to visit her mom.. It was fun.. and 80 degrees.. I'll let her tell you about it.. I need to go beck to the job hunt..
I hope all is well with all of you my friends..
I'll write soon
~ D

My two cents

Well, Dallan did a good job with the rundown of the last month and a half or two, but I'd like to add a few my insights...

So it turns out I quit the job I was working at with the 4-H. It was easy and good pay but my boss was, shall we say, a bit unorganized and not the best work environment for me. So now I am going to snowboarding instructor auditions at Sundance this Saturday, so I'll either end up doing that or working the ticket both probably so I can get my free pass! Unless of course something else comes up. Dallan is looking for jobs too... hopefully we can find one in Colorado or somewhere fun and not 

expensive like California. I have also made and sold a wedding cake since last we talked. I think it truned out alright, but you be the judge.

As Dallan said, my sister Nicki is getting married in about 3 weeks and we've got some friends and family coming in town this weekend which should be fun. Dallan and I have plans to go to Florida for Christmas and we are going to Washington for Thanksgiving where Dallan and Sydney will be singing in a holiday benefit concert there. 

I suppose thats about all I had to say, so until next time... :)

Ok. So I am getting used to the blogging thing, I have spaced the past few weeks. There isn't much to write about but the past months has had some highlights so I will try not to bore you too much.
Well, for our birthdays Dana and I took a trip to Vegas with my sister and some friends.

It was a great trip. We saw Dana Carvey, ate at a fancy restaurant called the Red 8, the boys played some poker, the girls went clubbing, and then we had a breakfast buffet at the Hotel Paris. All and all it was a vacation that was well needed.

That was the excitement for the month of October, oh.. another cd I worked on has now been released it's a guy called Allred the album is called "The Sound" I am really happy with the way the cd turned out.
So now we are on to November.. hmm.. Well I guess this would be an ok time to talk about the President Elect right?? After all it was a relevant happening in the month of November.. Personally I think I am going to run in 2012 here's why.. I think I am a like-able person. I am a moral person who has integrity. I make good decisions. I don't surround myself with terrorists. I also know that if you raise taxes on a business that one of two things is going to happen. Either a) They will raise the price of their service or goods. or b) They will fire a few employees. Add in a struggling economy that wont support high prices and boom you get option b. I also know that socializing medicine just doesn't make for the quality of medicine that we as Americans are used to.
You bored yet.. ok good.
I also found out in this month of November that it will be my last month on 1019 The End in the afternoon.. Yup it appears that option B has hit the Parker Show. I am actually ok with this though. I know that with every closed door comes more open ones right?
I got to host the Miss Wheelchair Utah over the weekend and man it was rewarding. I wouldn't have had this opportunity without the radio job and to see these women in their wheelchairs going about everyday achieving great things. This was a humbling experience and a lot of fun.
I am really looking forward to this week. A friend of mine and Dana's, Chris, is coming into town to visit and my Brother in Law, Jared, and Sister in Law, Sjanna, are coming into town. And we all are going to have a great time!!
OH YEAH.. My other sister in law, Nicki, is getting married and this is Sjanna and Jared's first time meeting the soon to be Brother in Law Cody.
SO MUCH GOING ON THIS WEEK AND NEXT.. WOO HOO!! I'll have more to write about!!

My Turn

Well, its Dana this time writing, not sure what all to say, but I guess I'll just summarize whats been going on this year. So like Dallan said, we went to Florida in April and had some fun there. We wore "newlywed" pins so people gave us fast passes all the time, and we were technically still newlyweds even though it wasn't our honeymoon, so don't judge us for it. jk. We were also given a surprise newlywed cake when we went to the character breakfast. 

In other news, I finished taking classes at BYU in the spring and had just one independent study left so I could graduate. As it turns out, I had 5 days left to finish the course and I failed the final!!! OOPS! Luckily they allow you one retake, so the pressure was on. Honestly I read over the book and got a B+ the next time around. So I graduated in August with a Bachelors Degree and then spent most all my time looking for jobs, going to interviews, and making cakes(my new found hobby). My family came out except for my mom and so did Dallan's, so to say the least, we ate a lot that week.

So i did get a job, just part-time though, with the 4H which will be nice when snowboarding season comes around! As for my cakes, well I'm getting pretty good at it I guess and Have been making business cards and contracts and everything so I can start my own business, the trick will be to get customers since I don't exactly have a bunch of money to put into advertising and marketing. So word of mouth will hopefully work out ok. Feel free to spread the word. 

Other than that not too much else. Dallan and I played the Newlywed game on the air for his show against parker, his wife, and another dating couple (who later became engaged live on the show). Turns out me and Dal freak people out with how well we know each other.  Welp, that about sums it up. I went on a little weekend retreat will some of the kids from 4H who will be our county ambassadors and we even went mini-golfing at LIberty Land!!! Heck ya!! haha, not really worth the drive for me on any other day, but it was close for the retreat. Ok, well Dal and I will update again after Vegas to let ya know how it went! OH! and my b-day is this coming thursday, so yay!

New Post Time... Hmm..

I have been told that I need to post more often. Truth is that I was waiting for my dear wife to post one so that you could all get her view of the past year. I am sure she will post soon.. Maybe I will let her tell you our stories after Vegas next week. Yup we are going to Vegas. This is a trip we take every year for our birthdays, and have had a lot of fun doing it. We own a timeshare that allows us the freedom to travel around. So.. I use that as an excuse to do so. We went to Florida last April and visited the Mouse with my Brother and Sister in Law (Jared and Sjanna).. Yeah my wife is a bit of a Disney fan you could say.. I suppose I could say that Mr. M. Mouse is what connected Dana and myself together about 3 years ago. Sydney and Dana both worked at Disney for a semester as characters. They then came back to school here and so on so forth.. I got married. And I look hefty in this picture.

Not a whole lot has happened since my last post to be honest. Dana found a job planning activities for the local 4H club. She seems to enjoy it.. What more could I ask for right.. She has also found a talent in cakes.. yeah.. who knew?? Is going to start making cakes on the side for birthdays, weddings, and other events.. Again.. she is creative, and enjoys it.. so who am I to get in the way.

um.. yeah.. so I don't have a whole lot more to say except that I am looking forward to winter for no other reason then I don't have to mow the lawn for a few months.. OH YEAH.. I just got my website up and am working on another project as well..
check out dbsoundinc.com and for those of you who liked the Acoustic Tuesdays stuff.. I am going to start the podcast up again, and have a website I am working on which will be at acoustictuesdays.com when I am finished with it.

I'll have more to write in a week or so when we get back from Vegas.. Till then be safe.

One Year Later.. (Dallan)

So.. I guess that I thought I would stop with the blogging thing after my trip to Iraq, but it seems I am really bad at keeping in touch.. It really makes sense to write things down once and a while, and while doing that why not keep people informed at the same time..

So lets see... hmm. I got back from Iraq where I really did have a once in a lifetime experience. (It's all the 2007 blog found here) And decided that it really was time to take the plunge.. Time to get married.. So I proposed to Dana around August 25, and quite honestly the rest of the year is a blur.. At some point I started working for 101.9 The End as an On Air Talent in the afternoons.

 At some point we had engagement pictures taken..




We got married on December 14th in Salt Lake and had our Honeymoon in the Caribbean, and might I add that if you are going to have a honeymoon, second honeymoon, or a vacation in the near future, cruises are awesome!! It is a 100% no worries vacation.. So after the holidays, Christmas with my parents and New Years with her dad we finally after 3 weeks got back to our home. Home felt so nice..

This year has been one of growth for the both of us and marriage has proven to be such a blessing in so many ways that I couldn't even begin to list.. Sometimes it is challenging I will admit.. But all of the time it is worth it!! We have a house that we are sort of remodeling one room at a time, UGH.. Just kidding it is very cool to step back and see the improvements while being able to say..."I did that".. haha... and we have a kid.. well not really a kid, but probably about the same.. plus 2 legs, hair all over the body, goes to the bathroom outside, and a wet nose... Of course I am talking about our dog Sadi. She is a Black Lab/Boxer mix and so much fun..

I still work as a freelance audio engineer and have so much fun producing, engineering, and mixing music, but another fun and exciting path has been started.. That is the addictive one of the On Air Personality.. I have never thought of myself as having an addictive personality but let me tell you.. Talking about music is so much fun.. I am the side-kick on the Parker Show afternoons from 3-7 on 101.9 The End.. We are like a morning show, but in the afternoon.. So much fun.. If you want to listen it streams online at 1019theend.com It isn't great pay yet, but I am learning a lot about radio, and think it could be a very good road for me to travel down. Eh.. We'll see I guess..

Anyways, I think that is the long story short version.. I am sure that Dana will post something here too, so I don't want to say everything.. (she just graduated with a degree in "travel and tourism" and is trying to find a job as an event planner, cake decorator, or something fun.. and Disney-ish..)

Anyways, I will try to update this frequently and hopefully you enjoy reading it.. if not.. hmm . oh well!!


~Dallan

One last post..

ok so it has become extremely addicting to post these, and I feel like I should give the jerks who have turned this into a spelling review on last stab at me when I am not hurried to post an email because of a 10 minute internet limit or something like that..
The rest of the trip went by really quick.. We did one last show in Bahrain and it was humid.. HUMID... The day after the show was a relax day for all of us, however we almost had to extend the tour another 4 days because another ship wanted us to come out and play... But.. travel arrangements could not be made due to thursday being the equivalent to saturday in the arab world..
Any ways I won't bore you talking about my plane flight and such, but what I will sum up the whole trip now...
AWESOME..
This trip was amazing, life changing, and fun..
I have yet to figure out how to put all of what I have seen, experienced, and felt into any sort of communication worthy form.. It was simply surreal... from getting off the bus in Djabuti and being surrounded by many little children just wanting food..To being surrounded by the great people of our Armed Forces for 25 days.. These guys are making amazing sacrifices every day they are there and they believe in their cause.. Rightfully so .. There is so much to this war that we never see on FOX or CNN.. And really the war effort, as cruel as it may seem at times is opening up experiences to countries that probably would still be led by horrible men were it not for us..
If any of the service men are reading this... THANK YOU... Thank you for the sacrifice you make to keep this an away game, so that my freedom is not challenged or threatened like the people over there..
Welp.. I am trying to figure out my sleep schedule now that I am on the otherside of the world, and it is time for a little breakfast to keep myself from getting tired mid-day..
love you all..
D

MIddle of the Gulf??

7-16-07
ok so the last few days I have been on the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, a Navy Ship based in San Diego.. This trip was so cool!! We were helo'd in on Monday and recieved a celebrity welcome (they had cameras, video, and hats made for us.. It was crazy.. We then got to our rooms, were showed around the ship, and then the band got to call the numbers for the weekly bingo.. Me, as the sound guy, got to ditch out on this and went to play poker with some of the pilots.. (I totally won!) Then it was bed time.
7-17-07
So I woke up way early to do one last load of laundry because I shorted my self on underware for the trip.. After doing this we took a tour of the entire ship.. We saw the Chapel,Briggs,Hangar,Amphibious Hangar,Navigation room, Captains Room, Weapons Room, okok.. it was pretty much the coolest tour ever. We then went ate lunch and set up.. Now on the ocean it was only 98 degrees... but... was also 80% humidity..
UGH.. Two soaked shirts later the show was over and it was time to go to bed..
One more performance, and two more days.. woo hoo..
Coach sounds pretty nice to me.. My own bed.. My own shower.. ahhhhhh.
love you all.

last but not least.

Welp.. It is the end of a Sunday here, and I fly out Thursday...
Now it is a 4 day event.. We are in Bahrain, and life is good.. We are staying in another hotel tonite and then will be out on a ship for a few days, returning on wednesday for one last show, and thursday we pack up and check out..
Today we took our last C-130 flight, and let me tell you..IT SUCKED.. We were placed on a C-130 headed for Djabuti, by way of Bahrain and Qatar.. I became apparent that the only reason the plane stopped in Kuwait was for us.. especially when all the Navy Men..(sea-men) hahaha.. were pissed at us because of the stop.
Well the Air Conditioner was Broken and on this flight there were about 40 of us.. The woman next to me fell asleep and then leaned on my arm.. with about all of her body weight.. And the guy behind me was pushing through his seat..
I WAS MISRABLE..
But now I have taken a nap and feel great..
Not much to report today, but all is well in the land of Hairdryers, Showers, and Plastic Bags..
Love you all, See you soon
~D

Day 5 Iraq/Kuwait

July 14
Ok, so I woke up this morning, and was regular.. opted for no shower because tonite.. I am in the hotel that I started in.. A good shower is what this boy wanted.. We were helicoptered back into Al Asad (Iraq) and then from there caught a C-130 here to Kuwait. I got to sit on the flight deck for the take off.. It was pretty cool.. You would never guess just how close you are to other planes during this time.. We landed and met up with Justin.. our babysitter.. we went and checked into the hotel, and then went to a mall for a bite of lunch.. This may sound a little weird but this hotel that I was so up about at the beginning of the tour feels weird now.. I don't know why.. I guess that after only 3 weeks I had gotten use to the inconvience of the Military.. Having to get out of your bed, having to leave your room, and walk 400 yards just to go the bathroom.. Walk a quarter mile and reach the Dining Facilities.. (DFAC) I feel a little out of place now in the hotel..And really spoiled..
Now and for the rest of the day I am just relaxing in the hotel..Tomorrow we leave for our last country on the tour.. Bahrain.. Only four days left.. I DID IT!!! WOO HOO!!

Iraq.. Day 4...ugh..

Ok.. so the GI Cocktail didn't work.. We woke up this morning I went and took a shower.. when I got into the shower I could not find that balance where it isn't cold.. But it also isn't straight from the sun.. As I am finding the correct blend, I get yelled at by a Navy guy.. "Hey we are on water concervation here" to which I yelled back.. "Yeah is it the cold water, cause I can't stop burning myself.."
to which he replied.. "beats no water" I left the arguement there.. but really if you can't even get under the water stream because it feels like a smelting pot of hot liquid is being poured over you, you may as well have no water.. you can't enjoy it.. anyways we then boarded a helicopter... a something 53... and flew off to Al Qaim (AL Kime) This is out there.. about 15 miles from Syria.. It is where USA troup medivacs are out of.. when we got there, while on the tour of the hospital, my problem came up and they gave me a dose of Milk of Magnesia (spelling?) Yeah.. just to keep the suspense down.. it didn't fix my growing problem.. While in the hospital I actually saw a Camel Spider.. They are mean looking.. and not really spiders.. they actually fall under the Scopion Family.. But if you haven't seen one I recomend checking it out.. It is wicked..
Anyways it was time to set up and we did so.. We met some Iraqi Soldiers (special forces) that the US is training to be the future good guys in Iraq. These guys were cool, we chatted for a bit, and after a few pictures it was time to go back to the bunk and change for the gig.. (for me.. time to go back to the doc..) OH.. the doc is from Aberdeen.. Doc Benett is his name and he graduated in 1988 from my alma matter.. CRAZY EH??!! anyways here is the conversation..
me "still not goin well doc"
doc "hmmm.. well, we aren't far from invasive procedures"
me "gulp."
doc "I have one other thing I guess we can try..."
(time passes)
doc "Take one of these in twelve hour incriments as needed.. DO NOT OVERDOSE"
me "ok... so um... how long should it be before I see results?
doc "You should be on Stand-by.."
me... "ok"
Now I didn't think that it would work.. but I am amazing now... whew..
Anyways we played the show, it went well.. visited with the people of the base..
Did a call in to 101.9 to give them an update..
and went to bed..

Ok.. so Iraq DAY 3 is HERE

I realize I forgot to put this one on the last post.. here it is..

7-12-07 Iraq.
Welp.. I woke up this morning with really bad stomache pain.. got up took a shower and figured that I would just tough it out, get through the day, and by then it would be better.. We went and saw the prowler (a radar jet), and the FA-18 (a supersonic fighter jet..) By lunch time the pain was enough to stop me and make me breathe through it.. (Pain comes in spurts about 5 minutes apart)(NOT PREGNANT!!)
Well I went to the Medical center (base from MA)and got it checked out by the Urologist.. Got a CAT scan.. (using my tax dollars.) and found out that my bowels are full enough that they are pushing the bladder around, causing the cramping.. Well they gave me the G.I. Cocktail as they call it, and as I sit and write this I sort of feel like a time bomb waiting to explode.. Not sure when or where.. but I hear it is magical fireworks..
We also play a show tonite so if anything exciting happens I will be sure to write and tell you about it..
anyways.. love you all..
~D

Iraq (Day 2 and Day 3)

7-11-07 Ramadi, Iraq
Well today was a great day.. We woke up, showered (if that is what you call it) and then went out and about. We got to take a tour/sit in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and then it was lunch time.. After lunch we went to the place where the show was to be held to set up and soundcheck. The building was recently damaged in a car bombing incident.. (Just the concussion from one mom.. don't worry) We would have probably been better off playing in a very large cave.. seriously.. I haven't felt the best the past few days, I will write more in Day three about that.. So we soundchecked and then played the show shortly there after.. When the show was done we finally got to eat and while we were an man from the Army came up and talked to us.. He has been here for over a year, searching for mines.. He came up and told us that his day was going terrible and he was way down, he was missing his wife and kids and has seen a lot of people in his crew get hurt, and just hearing music made him feel a little bit better about the day.. THAT IS WHY I CAME.. I know that I am not actually playing the music.. But I am playing a role in a much bigger picture, and what I am doing for only 25 days these guys do for 120 days (Air Force), 6 months (Marines), and up to 18 months for the Army.. If all I have to do is run sound.. Man.. that is an easy way to make someones day a little brighter.. After that we packed up and were Helicoptered (at night..)((Mom... You cannot see the helicopters at night, unless they are about 200 yards away))back to Al Asad where we will play on Day 3 in Iraq..

~D

Iraq (Day one)

7-10-07 Flight to Iraq
Ok, so if you are at all worried about me being here.. don't read beyond this..
GULP..
Our flight left out of U.A.E. at noon directly for Al Asad in Iraq.. This was a Marine KC-130 J.. (Kerosene/Cargo 130 J type..see I am learning)
I GOT TO FLY IT!! The pilot invited us up one by one and explained the HUD, and then let us take control of the plane for 10 minutes or so.. It is really touchy and responds well.. Then we had to put on our vests as we flew over Iraq.. We did a Combat Landing into Al Asad.. Quite frankly I was ready for worse.. And I think I have had worse landings flying Southwest, but hey it was like a rollercoaster at times.. When we got into Al Asad we got to meet the crews of the Harrier, and the A-10 (war hog) and take a tour of the plane.. the A-10 is a machine gun with wheels.. 30 millimeter rounds.. huge bullets.. We then got fitted for Kevlar and Helmets and got onto a Heavily Armored, Heavily Armed (two 50 cal machine guns) Helicopter and were flown into Ramadi.. Check your maps folks.. I am in a suburb of Baghdad..
Crazy eh.. well I am into day two of Iraq and all is well..
Hope you are all doing well.
catch ya soon..

Last Day of Djabuti, All of U.A.E., Travel to Iraq..(Long one)

Ok so.. The U.A.E. was filtered internet so I couldn't get on, but I kept notes, and a lot has happened so this one could be a novella..
So.. here we go..
7-6-07 Last day of Djabuti, travel to U.A.E.
Welp.. I woke up this morning feeling good went to the bathroom and when I got back the tent was still pitch black so I couldn't get dressed. So I decided "when in Rome" I laid down with the idea of going to sleep.. I felt something on my leg.. as a guy we have leg hair and sometimes they get twisted and untwist.. this is what this felt like so I gave it a brush.. 5 seconds later.. my upper leg.. UPPER UPPER leg was on fire.. stinging like crazy.. I jumped out of bed and ran to the shower and began to check myself.. sure enough 3 bite marks.. all of them on the leg, one of them close enough to important man stuff that man stuff was in the radius of sting.. Worried about my boys I went up to the infermary and talked to a nurse.. She gave me benedryl and said.."bug bites sting worse here.." ok.. now I would like to point out that if this were on my lower leg I probablly would have ridden it out and not worried about it.. But.. it was my future children we were messin with.. Anyways all still here.. stang all day though.. I feel better now.
Anyways we went to lunch and then caught our C-130 which was a little more comfy to Qatar.. When we got into Qatar we had problems.. I HAVE NOW OFFICALLY BEEN DEPORTED FROM A COUNTRY!!!! WOOHOO.. Our orders from the milatary said nothing about our trip being routed through Qatar and the government requires that all passangers go through customs.. So the military's solution to this so that we didn't go to prison.. Fill out the deportation papers and deport us to U.A.E., they are supposed to deport us back to Djabuti, but Qatar has no clue where our planes go..
So I have been Deported..
We finally arrived in U.A.E. at 3a.m.
This is a posh base.. It has all cement, a pool, a nice stage, a nice dining hall, and laundry facilities..

7-7-07 U.A.E. (Day one)
Conditions here are about as hotel like as the military gets I think..
We woke up, showered, and then went to meet the General. General Wells is a nice man, the only man in the air force who was selected from flight school to fly the F-16.. the first version F-16.. He told us alot about the support they provide from this base and all the great things they do, and the cool stuff we would get to see..
On this base they have the U2, the Global Hawk, KC-10, KC-170, C-130, and the one plane that has the satelite spinny thing on the top.. The rest of the day was pretty much normal for me now on tour.. We set up, sound checked and played two shows, one at 8pm, and one at 1am for the swing shift crew who never gets to see shows.. It was the least we could do.

7-8-07 U.A.E. (Day two)
TODAY I WASN'T THE FIRST ONE UP!!??? But I was number two.. I woke up and had lunch on the Flight Line! We got to have the Airforce Backlot tour. Got to see all the planes up close and personal.. This was so cool.. We found out what all the letters mean in front of the plane number, and such.. man I have a cool gig!! When we got back I went to church and then we went into AbuDahbi.. Before going we were briefed on customs and culturs in the city.. First the band members had to remove their earrings..(oh do I have funny stories), second, when in the city do not show the soles of your shoes because you are telling people that they are below dirt, They talk close (no hula hoop) accept that.. The city was cool, we ate at this restaraunt that served real arabic food and it was delicious.. On the way home we were talking to the Major about his thoughts on the war he put it simply.. he said "For those who think we shouldn't be here tell them this.. We are over here in the Middle East simply to keep terrorism an away game"
I think that was a good one.. I liked it..

7-9-07
Well I woke up and did my laundry.. The guys.. Still not up.. Big Suprise eh? Our flight was canceled today.. not much to say.. I am almost done reading my book..Watched a Vollyball match between the Firemen and the Police.. It was crazy! Like the pro's.. that is about it..

Camp Lemonier (Djabouti Day 3)

Ok.. today was amazing, humbling, and exhausting..
I am so blessed to be raised in America by a hecka cool ma and pa..There are so many little things I have the oppertunity to take advantage of in life... My blessings are many..We woke up this morning and headed into down town Djabouti.. ok.. there is poor, and there is poverty, and then this.. Grown men wearing flip flops that could fit my sister, women and children walking around this dirty town barefoot, and worst of all children begging the minute you step off of the bus for something to eat, or a drink of your water...lots of them... People shouldn't have to live like that.. And the worst thing of all with the children is you can't give the water, or the food to them because they will get completely beaten up for it by someone older.. All of us wished we could have planned ahead and grabbed a couple cases of water..
It is like back in Washington when you throw bread to one seagull and all of a sudden you have 50 coming at you.. It is just heart breaking, but at the same time it forces the realization of all the oppertunities that I have been given right down to the fact that I have never had no option but to starve.. Man.. It was a lot to take in..
Well we went shopping downtown.. these guys are hustlers.. big time.. They quote a price that is insane and you barter with them back and forth until you get the price you want to pay for the item.. its so easy. We also went to a 7 star hotel.. YEAH IN A COUNTRY THIS POOR A 7 STAR HOTEL EXISTS!!
Well we came back to Camp Lemonier and played the show, nothing too eventful else happened..ooohh.. Remember the sound guy I talked to when I first came into town, who well.. Expected less.. Yeah.. he asked me about what I was doing with my drum mic's to get them sounding so good.. (stretch, yahn, ruffle chest..) He told me that before we got there my reputation through the company had already gotten to him..
(Anal SoundGuy who is really good...) woohoo!!
AND IT RAINED!! ok so for only like 5 minutes which means that the mosquitoes are going to be out full force tonite.. but it rained in Djabuti..Mosquitoes stay away..
So tomorrow is a travel day and I am not sure about the acomidations at the next base.. but U.A.E. is where we are headed..On a C-130... Life is great.. I can't complain..
Love you all.
~D

Camp Lemonier (Djabouti Day 2)

Two words..."Gold Bond".. It is pretty dang hot here.. and humid.. humid humid...
So I have been consistantly waking up before the band, and this day was like every other.. I woke up a good 4 hours before they did.. I think my body knows that if I shower that early I can enjoy about an hour before it starts to get sweaty hot.. At least here.. So far this is the hottest place.. I would say I have gone in order.. from the coolest feeling to the hottest..
Well.. I woke up at 6 this morning wide awake showered, ate breakfast, and then started to wash my clothes.. I then threw my clothes in the dryer, enter Rob and Alex, the first band members awake at ten thirty..After doing laundry we went to the DFAC to have some lunch.. So it is the Fourth of July.. and I am on a Marine/Navy Base.. (This base is featured in this months Esquire..(Angelina Jolie is on the Cover)and also in the first few minutes of Shooter... If you are interested in seeing where I am at check those out...
I am a little timid to say much about this base because there are people that people don't talk about here.. They don't exist..
We got to go to the Armory today and get a tour..I got a pic of me manning the .50 cal, and holding a saw.. pretty cool if you ask me.. those guns are heavy...
I also learned a lot about the Marines today too.. For instance in the marines there aren't any medics.. See... The Marines are a branch of the Navy, and the Navy provides the medics for the Marines.. They are called ducks..
Anyways we say some cool weapons in the Armory, and learned how are tax dollars are wasted, and used well..
Well we did that and then I was ready for a rest.. So I went back to the bunk and read my book a little.. (i overheated..)OH speaking of overheating.. I bought a pair of shoes for this trip.. I got them at Ross and didn't pay a whole lot for them.. but..the sole has melted a bit.. and now has re-hardened concave so it feels a little weird when I walk.. Anyways..I like bikes.
So then it was show time, we did the show, had to stop in the middle for taps..
but all and all it went well.. Tomorrow we are being taken into the capital of Djabuti!! and to a cheeta reservation.. pretty exciting eh??
welp.. time to sleep...

Djabouti (Day one)

Djabouti, pronounced "jah-boo-tee"... ok.. so set down your hair dryers.. jump into the hot hot hot shower, and put a plastic bag over your head... there is Djabouti.. You are now here with me..
To get to Djabouti we woke up at 7am for our Millitary Air Flight at 10am. We got to the airfield and got customs stuff wrapped up and then went and got some breakfast.. If you are wondering why we left so early.. read yesterdays blog.. Customs.. that is why.. Welp.. we boarded the C-130, the Air Force's Prop plane.. and were off.. Wanna know what this is like?? Catch a flight from New York to L.A. on a bad lawn chair turned sideways.. I will be honest though it wasn't as bad as I expected.. I have actually flown comercial that was more bumpy..
We got to Djabouti and de-planed got our gear and then headed off to the venue..
I got the "oppertunity" to spend a little time in a room with their sound guy while he told me about the gear available.. (oh dear)
Learned some facts about here though.. We are here primarily as P.R. helping dig wells, build buildings, basicly just to help.. This is because Somalia is about 18 miles South.. Remember Black Hawk Down.. ok well the idea is make good, show them that we aren't the white devil, and sooner or later Africa will understand that we aren't the bad guy, and will take some initative to help us flush out the bad guys.
like Qatar a small number of the population is actually....Djaboutians? Majority are refugees from the contries surrounding..
Anyways we set up our stuff tonite, and I get to do laundry tomorrow... YAY!!
I am feeling a little sick.. I am going to bed to try to sleep it off..
~D