Well, I'm back. I'm in El Paso, Texas, and I've been here since the 9th, just sitting in my hotel room going out of my mind while awaiting final processing. We have to do this reverse-CRC/SRP thing (CRC is Conus Reconcilliation Center, I think, and I have no clue what SRP is). I turned all my gear in on the 10th, and all I was missing were my chem/bio overboots. I thought we didn't have to turn those in, so I gave them to Sabah during the muddy/rainy season in Baghdad. No biggie, as they were only $15. Well worth it to keep Sabah's little footsies dry. Of course, the boots were the cause of the two massive open flesh wounds on his shins, but that's another story.

Apparently, they are processing 4000 or so soldiers through medical for deployment, so our schedule was effected as we were placed on the far-back burner. So I've been twiddling my thumbs for a few days waiting for my chance to out process through medical. Again, no biggie, because I get paid until I get home, but MAN, am I bored. I am concerned for my psychological well being. Being this bored and alone after experiencing such the opposite for the past year in Iraq is really tough. I don't think I'm adjusting well. And the thing is, even when I finish here, I will have to go to Mexico and sit on my ass, alone, for another week ++. Dang. Dave is training in Memphis, so I won't see him until about the 29th. Waaaaaaaaa.

Well, today I checked out of the hotel and arrived on base at the appointed 0600 muster time, only to be informed that there was a huge mistake and show time isn't until 1100. I made my flight arrangements for 1500, so I hope I make my flight. The Army is so good at screwing up schedules. They are even better at it than the Marine Corps. Good thing I am so well-versed in hurry-up-and-wait. So, here I sit at Starbucks waiting for the hours to tick by. I need a nap. Just 3 hours 'til the new show time...woohooo!

Later I'll tell you about the hike I did yesterday morning.