Enter the Wardrobe

Fare Thee Well

2006-09-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to tell my ever-dwindling (though beloved) readers goodbye. I just can't keep up with The Wardrobe any longer. I can be found for those of you who do choose to keep in touch can find me on MySpace. Bon Temps!

www.MySpace.com/HappyDavid

The Descent

2006-08-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

Just got back from seeing the Descent (available for a few more days in your local theaters).

What is it about scary movies? Movies that bring out such a sense of emotion that we try so hard to avoid in our daily lives. Maybe that's just the reason in itself. It's like bungee jumping I guess. I certainly love the feeling of hurtling toward the earth but am willing to gamble that I wouldn't be near as appreciative of it if I weren't tethered to a bazillion rubber bands strategically measured to prevent my face from smashing into terra firma.

I guess that's what it is. Well............. this is MY blog so right here... that's exactly what it is. Don't like my explanation? Get yer own damn blog.

Here's Something New

2006-07-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have finally, after much harassment succumbed to the ever insistence of a few friends to plant my flag on a parcel of MySpace. You may now witness first-hand my procrastination in yet another part of cyberspace! Knowing me as Mr. Happy I was upset to find that particular moniker had been taken. (Bastard!!!!)

So you can find me now at http://www.myspace.com/happydavid

Hope you all stop by and say hello, and if you too have a place to call your own send me a note and I can expand my ever shrinking circle.

Hope you are all well.

WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!

2006-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

How about THAT. I wrote two days in a row!!!

NO? I didn't?!!

Then maybe two weeks in a row!!

Barely?

Baby steps, baby steps. I don't want to blow out a hamstring.

The Raven?

2006-06-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a midnight dreary,
while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly napping,
suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

"'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door —
Only this, and nothing more."

Was it the Raven? NOPE!!! It was Candace, dear Candace again reminding me that I should be writing. "I sit therefore I blog" Jeee-ZUss! Did I actually write that!? Where is my mylanta?

Yes it HAS been a while, and YES I have got plenty of excuses, but NO none of them are even worth trying to use. I'll face it. I hate to sit and start writing, but I love to write. Such is my conflict.

Let's see, the new job is going wonderfully, I can really say I love my job. I have ascended to a whole different relationship in my profession. I have gone from being looked at as "just a nurse" by the surgeons I work with (or work FOR) to being the guy who teaches them new procedures and saves their asses when the sh*t hits the fan. I'm still on salary since I am new so I make about the same as I did working as a nurse and it is still worth it. The fact that when I go on commission in a month or two and my salary nearly doubles is just a huge bonus.

I had a surgery the other day that got bumped twice for emergencies. When the surgeon arrived and we finally got started, he apologized and thanked me profusely for waiting around for the case. I said, "Doctor. Just the other day I said to myself that I love my job. THIS does not change that fact."

I love my job. I do. I just hate to sit down and start writing (but I'm always glad that I did.)

I Sit, Therefore I Blog!

2006-03-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd try something a little new and blog off the cuff. I never really planned what I would write to any great extent (no outline, thesis statement or rough draft) but I think I've always in the past put too much time thinking of some message of great importance to blog about. (Except of course in "Tony Got Shot" or the one about Super Hero names.)

Today I blog as blogging is intended, or so I expect. Today I am doing a no no. I sit therefore I blog. I have nothing of particular interest to post, save the fact that I am waiting for what I hope to be an immanent job offer. (I sit waiting for this offer incidentally, at my current job.) Maybe you all would find that WRONG, especially my current employer - wasting precious bandwidth and crap like that. But this is one of those "too-good-to-pass-up" opportunities coupled with "something-I've-wanted-to-do-for-a-long-time". The problem arises when I remind myself, that I enjoy my job now!

Now truly I expect that I will still enjoy this new position nearly as much, but this is one of the first times I am seeking employment elsewhere when I'm not absolutely chomping at the bit to get out.

Okay time's up. Got to do what The Man pays me to do. Looking ever forward to the day that I get to be The Man. (which just so happens to be looming very, very close.) Keep you in the loop. Maybe next post will contain happy news. (I'll buy you all a drink.)

David

TONY GOT SHOT!!

2006-03-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, so early apologies to the West Coast (not that anyone in Cali is reading my blog) but Tony Soprano got shot tonight. Yeah of course he'll live but Junior is off to ....... can we say Assisted Living?

Had a great Goombah dinner with the Cuzn's and friends, complete with baked ziti, fresh mozzarella and sliced roma tomatoes, spiced olives, garlic bread, balsamic vinegar for dipping. Nice to re-invigorate that Sunday night tradition.

You know something? My life isn't nearly as exciting as when I was in the sandbox, and even now if something exciting does happen at work, I really can't tell you about it. (HIPPA -- patient privacy and all.)Hey Fuhgeddaboutit! I guess I'll have to start expounding on current events. Hey did I mention that Tony Soprano got shot!

Would you believe

2005-12-12T04:23:00.000-08:00

I am already contemplating a return to the Sandbox?!?!?!

It was just SOoooo much fun last time that I just have to go back. You with me!! Come on!! Yayyyyyyyyyy!

Again I find myself alone.......... Some friends!

Whatcha all been up to? Getting ready for Christmas?

I'm Tying Guys! Honest.

2005-11-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Just so much going on.....

I really do appreciate all of you, so much in fact that I'll extend an invite to those of you who are young, wild and not scared of a little drunken disorderly conduct.

Mardi Gras IS going to happen in 2006. It's just one of those things you've got to do before you go on to the ever after. (Especially since most of us can't afford Carnivale in Rio.)

I have a second floor balcony on the heart of Bourbon Street for Monday (Lundi Gras). There are a few slots left, and if you are interested I'll send you the info. First come, first serve.

David

I'm Back!

2005-10-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone sorry for the LONG break in posting. I started a new job this week and I'll be back on the blog track very soon. I hope I haven't lost all of my faithful. Say HI if you're still soming around.

David

Home SWEAT Home

2005-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yes I do realize that I wrote Sweat instead of sweet. But I thought it was hot in Iraq! It may have been 120 degrees at times in the shade there but the difference that 80% more humidity makes is HUGE.

I am home now back in Baton Rouge enjoying a little down-time before heading of to my first real vacation this side of diapers. One week in NJ and NYC will be awesome in early October. The best part about it is seeing my mother. If mom is not reading this, then that's the second best thing and actually it's spending my vaction with the new woman in my life. (You may have seen her comment as Mrs. Happy.) We'll post a picture of us in a couple of weeks from the Big Apple.

For those of who who asked that I keep blogging after my return from Iraq, I promise that I will try to keep it up as much as possible. I appreciate each of you and the support you have shown me. You are all blessings.

David

Winding Down

2005-09-21T00:17:00.000-07:00

Well I'm starting to get that feeling. I can't talk about specifics because the military does have a stance on blogs (no Personnel/Unit Movement info, and no death notice before next of kin is contacted properly) but I can say that my return home is fast approaching.

My latest manuscript has just been excepted for those of you reading about my trip in the American Journal of Nursing and there are plans for two more pieces.

Replacements are trickling in here and there and we're getting them up to speed on our jobs as we pass the torch to the next cycle to man the mosrt advanced facility in the area. We have become a trauma facility of unparalleled stature. There is one of the hottest trauma hospitals in the US in Los Angeles, California. It sees trauma enter it's doors on a daily basis. When you quantify all of the trauma surgery they do in two years it only equals our four month total.

The surgeons here are the tip of the knife so to speak in trauma surgery. Even in these dusty tents, with chronic shortages or breakdown of equipment and supplies they continue to write the new textbook of trauma surgery.

I am thrilled to have been a part of the experience here, but not as thrilled as I am to come home soon.

D.

Are you SUPER?

2005-09-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you were invincible? Ever thought you were more than you show on the outside? Well here's your chance to let the world know who your inner surehero is! Just type in you name and gender and KAAAAPOW!!! ZBLATTT! Your superhero profile comes up.

Mr. Happy's Superhero Profile

My Superhero Name is The Flaming Chimp

My Superpower is Tele-Nausea

My Weakness is Camel Dung

My Weapon is Your Water Bazooka

My Mode of Transportation is Motorcycle

What's your Superhero Name?

Sorry guys. I'm just tired.

2005-09-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

It’s been rough today. Lots of people coming and going, my own time winding down, and I’m starting to get anxious about going home. Katrina ripped through my state and even though Baton Rouge fared pretty well, letters from home report lines at all of the gas stations and shortages of bread, milk and other basic food items as refugees from New Orleans have packed the city to its limits.

And about the word refugee. REFUGEE n. (ref-U-gee) “One who flees in search of refuge” well the people fleeing New Orleans in search of refuge, don’t want to be called refugees. Most of them seem to think it is synonymous with the label “Illegal Alien”. So out of kindness to them, I will heretofore refer to them as the ones-who-flee-in-search-of-refuge.

The ones-who-flee-in-search-of-refuge, have had an interesting effect on the cities that they have descended upon. Many of them have decided that they are going to stay in Baton Rouge and other cities and make their new homes there. Now I hear that houses in Baton Rouge are being gobbled up at asking price as the ones-who-flee-in-search-of-refuge look to buy homes.

I would like to sell my home soon as well. But as prices continue to be inflated because of this new ones-who-flee-in-search-of-refuge home buying boom any profit from equity that I may have will probably just be lost in my next inflated purchase. Such is life.

Anyway, those who voted for Enter the Wardrobe, we did win the Best Dramatic Post for August. Thanks to all of you. My helmet now fits snuggly again as my head has re-swollen. Now, the entire blog has been nominated for Best Dramatic Blog. Thanks again.

I’ll try to have more interesting, post next time. Sorry guys but it’s my blog and I get to vent every now and then. Thanks for coming.

SHUT UP and say "Thanks"

2005-09-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been a few days since my last post, I’ve just been wrapped up in watching the hurricane disaster as the death roll rises and horrors continue to unfold. I received an email from one of the members of my unit in the Louisiana Air National Guard saying that she and the rest have finally returned to base after working for a week doing everything they could in the Superdome and Convention center.

I find it aggravating to hear all of the griping from the residents about how “nothing” was done for them or is being done for them when I read these emails to find that my comrades who are doing NOTHING BUT help them have also lost homes and businesses. A few of my unit’s members, have not even been to their own homes to see what damage they’ve sustained.

MRE, Meals Ready to Eat. These are the field rations privided to deployed troops around the world. They contain nearly a full days worth of calories and energy in just one. They are good enough to feed to the service members protecting our freedoms and fighting in the name of our nation. One woman on the news found nothing better to do but complain that the volunteers and rescuers can't even serve her a hot meal.

I'd like to say just two things. Each MRE is packaged with a heating unit with directions on how to use. And lastly, "SHUT UP and say "Thanks"

Matter of MY SAFETY

2005-08-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's not THAT critical.

Enter The Wardrobe has been nominated by one of my three fans (no it was NOT me or my mother -- Mom?) at the Order of Brilliant Bloggers. August post "Bad Day, Good Medicine" was nominated for Best Dramatic Post.

Well here's where it is a matter of safety. The circumference of my head has been slowly decreasing since my last publication and my helmet may not fit soon. If it falls off when we are gettting blowed up, I could be injured!

Here's what you can do to potentially save my life. Go here and post a comment, for "Bad Day, Good Medicine" to vote for my blog. Achieving this honor would assure adequate swelling of my head to ensure the safety of my gourd.

The site seems to just be getting up and running so now is the best time to overwhelm them and virtually STEAL the award! I'll be famous! I'll be loved by the masses! I'll... I'll.... OW! My head hurts.

Thanks for your help.

Mr. Happy

DONATE - Hometown Disaster

2005-08-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

https://www.redcross.org/donate/redir.asp?splashpagebutton Hurricane Katrina crashed into my home state this week causing still yet unknown amounts of damage and deaths. I live in Baton Rouge and my National Guard unit is based in New Orleans. They are in the Superdome doing what they can for the people of that devastated city. I am in Iraq and though I'd like to be home helping, I have a job to do here. I am actually rather fortunate because here in Iraq I have electricity, air conditioning and clean water. Friends and family at home do not.

I went online today and donated to the American Red Cross. They have an enormous job ahead of them, and they need the support. I encourage those of you who want to help to consider helping in this way. The family they help might be mine - a job that I can't do.
Click on the link below the DONATE button to help.

Thanks for all of your emails of concern and support.

D.

For Life or Limb

2005-08-28T00:19:00.000-07:00

I got some O.R. time yesterday. Primarily I have deployed in an administrative role. I decided when I volunteered that I would come and do whatever job they most needed me in. Well yesterday that was in the operating room. I’ve posted this picture mostly for my other operating room friends from home. For those of you who aren’t in the medical field, it’s not normal practice to have two surgeries going on at the same time four feet apart.

Here it’s a little different. While we don’t choose to put two cases in the same room simultaneously on a regular basis, we have chosen as members of the military medical structure to do the most good for the most people. Sometimes in extreme cases with multiple wounded you just can’t wait for a room to be empty to start another surgery.

If there's a life or a limb to be saved you do what you can to save it. With a low infection rate that any hospital can be proud of, if it does happen there are medicines to treat that. If some one dies, there are no pills or potions, to make up for the hesitation.

Gotta' Love the Australians.

2005-08-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

It seems that I’ve nearly become one of the family to a group of Australians. I stumbled on to one of their blogs, and now I’ve got sisters and cousins and who knows who else stopping by to say, “G’day.”

There are also a handful of excellent nurses and other specialists here from Australia doing their part in taking care of the soldiers. We really couldn’t do it without the coalition. The medical field is just so short worldwide, that the non-US partners really help us preserve the lives of those we care for. Thanks to you and to the entire coalition.

Someday maybe I’ll even get to Australia.

Hi Em! Hi Holly! Hi Lisa! Oh and by the way, I’m putting in request for Lisa that I find a good soldier-boy to send to her for some nice R&R. Takers anyone?

LIFE Should be Precious

2005-08-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ali Nasir Jabur, 10, sits on the back of a truck loaded with the bodies of his family members, outside Tikrit hospital, north of Baghdad, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2005.

Ali's parents, two brothers and sister were killed when unknown gunmen wearing Iraqi security forces uniforms raided their home the previous night, while he was hidden under a blanket.

I just don't understand sometime the incredible lack of appreciation for LIFE itself.

An Iraqi insurgent drives up to a U.S. checkpoint and lobs a grenade at it. The U.S. shoots the insurgent, calls in a medevac and he is shipped to a coalition hospital where people are roused from sleep and they operate on him for hours trying to save his life.

This boy's father may have driven a truck that delivered water to a contractors worksite. He may be a police officer. He, and his entire familiy may have been killed for no reason at all.

Sometimes there is SO much we won't ever understand.

Nice Blog. Wanna buy Viagra?

2005-08-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

Even here spammers hath dared to tread!

Some friggin genius with nothing better to do with their unbridled intelligence developed the ability to leave SPAM advertising comments on blogs. Thus far I have been immune. BUT its only a matter of time.

So in an attempt to prevent this venomous influx, I have had to institute word verification (as seen in the picture) in order for you to leave a comment. All you need to do is re-type the letters you see in the box provided. (Computers can't read them.)

I am though, still allowing "anonymous" comments at this time. Sorry for the hassle. Thanks for commenting.

D.

Big Day for a Little Guy

2005-08-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

Well its about a month before my little boy's birthday. His mother and I prefer to keep his name out of my various publications and interviews, but those of you who know us, know him.

To be five again. To be faced with life-altering questions every day like, "Which shoes will I wear? Sandals or Spiderman?" or "Will I tell mommy that I hate lettuce today, even though I always eat it?" Five. The big five. Five years down and probably in his life, 120 to go.

Last week I had 15 or so odd people sing him happy birthday while I recorded it on my digital camera. Now I need to convert it to a CD or DVD and send it to his mom so he will be able to watch it on his birthday. Unfortunately I had such a hassle getting things coordinated to deploy, that I was unable to buy him a present before I left. I guess I need to send his mom some money and beg her to add something to her shopping list or maybe I can get online and get him something shipped. We'll see.

He's a good kid. No.... A great kid. I'd change a lot of choices in my life but none that would result in me not having him. He's non-negotiable.

Tragedy at Home

2005-08-20T01:05:00.000-07:00

It must be one of the greatest fears of a deployed service member to learn of a loved one’s passing from 8000 miles away. Today we had to coordinate the rapid departure of one of our own so she could be home for her father’s funeral. It’s a slow process, made much better by the dedication of the Red Cross who handles family emergencies for deployed military personnel and is the sole party the military authorizes and trusts to confirm a tragedy such as this.

Before she left there were tears and there were hugs. For a moment in this room all of the elements of a war were gone. In that instant, more than any other, everyone was family. There were well wishes and the familiar statements of support, “If you need anything…” just as if each person offering was right around the corner or just down the street.

This is not my unit. Lisa, Trina and I volunteered and came as three outsiders to a Medical Group who has been together for years. There are other individuals here in our situation but overwhelmingly this is a family who has come together and most will go home together.

Some people might misunderstand the culture in the military. Not everyone is a cookie-cutter copy of Rambo; in fact most of us are not. It’s just a team like the one at your work with a slightly different job to do. Just think about it, pick up your office and everyone you work with, (except the fat guy in accounting) and just plop them down over here. That’s the diversity we’ve got here. A lot of people tell me, “I couldn’t do what you do.” You’d be surprised; chances are there already is someone here just like you (unless you’re the fat guy in accounting.)

Friends in Singapore

2005-08-19T01:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to invite friends who are looking for more than just my ramblings to read the illuminations of a fellow blogger in Singapore. http://mylifeinmono.blogspot.com/

My Life in Mono is a superbly written and entertaining blog. I can only aspire to the writer's command of prose, her loquaciousness and garrulity. (Oh quit wrinkling your foreheads they're all real words. Look em' up! -- I had to.)

The author also graciously referenced and linked my blog on her's as well in a Post called Different Perspective.

David

Catch 22

2005-08-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Not only the name of a book that I think I was suposed to read at some point in my education, but also a descriptor of the situation I found myself in today.

It has been a slow day. I am so bored I can feel my brain dribbling out of my ears. The catch 22 of course is the fact that slow is good. It means people haven't been gettting blowed up, and that's gotta count for something.

Here's a story about some other bored people that I read about today. A 19 year old from Wisconsin died when he fell from the roof of the SUV that he was car surfing on. Witnesses say he fell off shortly after they heard him say, "Is that all you got!"

It would have been better if he were to die here. At least there would have been the chance that he was standing in front of somebody else who had just a little more to offer the human race when the bullets started flying.

I'm sorry. I'm not really heartless, but there are a lot of people dying over here trying to do much more valiant things.

CARE PACKAGES

2005-08-17T01:22:00.000-07:00

Many people have asked about sending care packages, and I truly appreciate each offer. For those of you who are wondering but have not yet asked and had a response given, I offer you this.

We are very well taken care of. The packages are as much, if not more, appreciated for just the sentiment they carry than the goodies they deliver. But still just like offering a guest in our homes a drink or snack, it’s often we who feel better for having done so.

So? So what? Therefore for any of you who just want to do something to help out and at the same time do something that matters I offer you this.

Write a letter, but a different kind of letter. There are lots of groups out there writing letters to the anonymous service member that say “thanks”, “keep up the good work” and about a dozen other worn out clichés. What I would like you ask you to consider and pass on to your church groups and others is this:

I work in the largest Air Force Hospital in Iraq. Every few hours another chopper lands with wounded members from every branch of service. Many have lost their limbs or their eyesight. “Keep up the good work.” doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head does it?

I would ask for you and anyone else you can recruit to mail handwritten letters offering them hope, wishing them health and recovery. Acknowledging and thanking them for their sacrifices.

Honestly I need another letter telling me to keep my head down a lot less than a wounded soldier needs one helping them keep their spirits up.

Thanks for everything.

David

Letters can be mailed to:

Wounded Soldier
c/o David Hagstad
332 AEW/EMDG
APO AE 09315-9997

Bad Day & Good Medicine

2005-08-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a particularly difficult day. Obviously I can't share any specifics, but I can say that personally, I am fine.

The day started early for me. It was my first full day on the 7am to 7pm shift. I went round and round on the phone with another agency about a special patient that was being flown in for emergency treatment. After much difficulty, we had coordinated proper specialists to be on hand were finally ready to receive them.

The chopper landed and the intubated patient was brought into the E.R. A swarm of medical personnel crowded around this very unusual admission. His leg was splinted but that was the least of our worries -- he was breathing very shallow. There were many doctors and nurses on hand, but one particular specialist was obviously in charge.

The patient laid there, motionless, eyes closed with sand and dust paling his dark black hair. He seemed peaceful and resigned. He wore a wire muzzle to keep him from biting, but he was too weak to try or care. After about an hour he slowly slipped away. He was not the first military work dog to be injured or killed in the line of duty. He wasn't even the first one to come through our E.R. But on this morning, the loss of a German Sheppard, affected the staff no less than the loss of any other soldier.

No matter how valiant the effort, no matter how competent the staff, no matter how limitless the resources, the naked truth is that we can't save them all. This fact repeated itself three more times in the next 24 hours, and none of those were dogs.

We do a lot of good here, I'm sure it's not always on the news but we treat, fix and save an awful lot of soldiers and civilians every day. I've shared this statement with some of you in emails, but I think it is appropriate here as well. A dear friend of mine wrote to me from Kandahar, Afghanistan where she is a doctor on a CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport Team). She related a story of a child she cared for who had been injured in an explosion. I could tell that her life was being enriched as much as the young boy. She signed off by simply saying, "It's good medicine here."

Guys it is good medicine. Regardless of whether we are treating an 18 year old Airman from your hometown or an Iraqi insurgent that took two bullets trying to blow up a checkpoint, we do what's needed for each of them. Some of you have heard me say, if I were to die here doing this, I will be happy in the fact that I have repaid some of the debt I owe for borrowing this life of mine for the past 35 years. It's true. We do good medicine here. Good medicine.

Question of the Week

2005-08-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Why Did you Kill Him / Her?

In 1978 Dan White, crawled through a back window to the mayor's office and shot him dead. He then walked purposefully to another person’s office and shot him dead. Dan spent five years in prison and was paroled because a forensic psychiatrist who was about to gain immortality as "Dr. Twinkie" claimed the excess carbohydrates in his sweets which he binged on when he was depressed caused him to lose control of himself and go berserk and commit acts he never would have done if his mental processes had been normal.

Now I’ve just heard on the news of a man trying to claim “Sleepwalking” as his defense for stabbing and strangling his girlfriend.

QofW: What’s the craziest defense you can think of?
Were you just tired of the pixies eating your underwear? Did a hamster crawling around in your bum whisper that everyone was the devil and needed to be slain?

Thanks for sharing!

How to USE the BLOG

2005-08-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

I say good morning because its about 3am here in Iraq on my day off. So where am I? That's right, sitting at my friggin desk! Well its either that or sitting in my hooch in the dark because my roommate works the dayshift and he's sleeping.

I begin the day shift Monday morning. Yup! In about 4 hours. I'm sure I'll look and feel my best having slept about two hours in the last 36.

There have been a couple of questions about how to reply and post to my blog. I guess if I had the foresight to try it out first, I could tell you for sure, but we'll just wing it shall we? As best as I can tell, you need to click on the word "comments" at the bottom of the particular item you wish to post to. Then just type to your heart's content. All together now shall we?

"WHERE ARE MY COMMENTS?"If you find yourself asking this, it may be because Internet Explorer may have cached this page so it loads faster. Just click on the REFRESH button (the green swirly arrows), and thar' she blows! Gimme and "R" AAARRRRrrrgggghhh!

Love and sand,

David

Greetings From Iraq

2005-08-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

If you’re here at my blog, then you are a friend or family member……..or both. This site is open to everyone and eventually all kinds of riff-raff will start showing up including heffalumps, woozles, and as Gene Wilder, the REAL Willie Wonka put it, Vermicious Knids.

I’ve started this blog because as you know I never fail in an opportunity to jump on the bandwagon, be a follower, a mindless head of cattle (no insult intended to any bovine who may be logged on to this website). NOT! You all know me better than that! We all know of course it’s because I am merely a shallow and self-centered, narcissistic, wind-bag who likes to hear myself talk and thinks everyone else does as well. So for your own safety, I must ask that each of you limit the time you choose to spend visiting my blog. For the sake of your vision and gray matter, don’t exceed the strict limit of 5 hours per day reading my B.S.

The content of the site will be driven by the happenings of the day. It will not be strictly about me. …………………. Sorry, I had to wait for the collective sigh to subside.

The blog heretofore known as The Wardrobe, will contain some of my daily exploits in the sandbox of Iraq, but may contain other treasures and topics such as: Politics, Imponderables, Babylonian Numeration, and Vermicious Knids, (honestly people if you don’t know what I’m talking about, rent the movie.)

I will try to be on at least every 24 hours. I’ll be looking for you. Feel free to remain anonymous, but I’d like to encourage each of you to say something each time you log on. That’s what makes a blog a blog. How do you say something you may ask? "Easy", he responded. Just click on the word "Comments" at the bottom of whichever message that you want to add your two cents to.

David
(Mr. Happy)