Embedded Architect

I have just begun a new assignment this week at Scott Air Force Base where I am embedded in the Facilities Management office. My chief project is the consolidation of the Army and Air Force transportation command components. Unlike my job in Kabul and in Texas, there won't be much to photograph for the sake of the blog. Suffice it to say, this is another unique professional experience in a very cool place. And yes, there are aspects of it that are secret. http://www.transcom.mil/

Another part of my job will be to look for opportunities at Scott in which my employer may obtain other contract work, particularly in engineering and quality control fields where I have little experience. So that might be considered a sort of marketing job. Overall, there will be little design in this assignment and a lot more planning and project management. I'm looking forward to it!

I'll travel to St. Louis every week from Liberty. Yes, I am newly wed, and yes, being away from my new family will suck, but unlike the other two jobs I've had this year, I shall be home with the wife and kids every weekend. The professional development and the mere opportunity to have a job during VERY hard times for architects, are both what will make this next year worth the sacrifices.

So long Texas

I returned home from Red River Army Depot for the final time (this season anyway) and was sad to leave my familiar country roads. I made the last trip without my GPS on at all, which I really don't need to get there and back, or do I? Well, I know the way, but as usual I missed a few route changes, like where you get on and off of 71 highway as it crosses and shares the road temporarily with highways like I-44 near Joplin MO and I-40 near Fort Smith AR. I like the GPS mostly because it tells me my elevation and it tells me exactly the minute when I'll arrive at my destination. I like to drive a little faster and watch the ETA get nearer than further. So, here are a few scenery shots from Arkansas, my favorite state, other than my home state of Missouri.

Accident Site and Other Scenery

Here is the view of my accident site from last month's bike wreck. I was down in Texas working for another two weeks and took a drive over there to recollect. I had bought a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant in Texarkana and delivered it to Brett, the man who rescued me and drove me to the hospital some 25 miles away. He didn't recognize me on his doorstep, as I had been barely dressed in my scanty hospital garb with tubes and bandages last time we met. While photographing, I met a neighbor who had seen Brett load me and my bike into his truck and take off with me. She sent me his driveway, which I could barely remember, but I knew I was there when I found it. Perhaps I'll be back soon and can develop a real friendship with him. He was truly the Good Samaritan that day.

Northeast Texas sprouts lots of lovely roadside wildflowers. Here is a shot from a highway offramp. The last photo I shot in the local cemetery where I took a walk one evening after a long day in dusty wharehouses. What a parallel to spend the day in dusty environs of stacked crates and old engines and then come to this tranquil and lovely place full of memories of the living and fresh flora.

Dubai Visits

I have finally taken the time to upload my photos from two visits to Dubai. Here they are for your enjoyment: http://picasaweb.google.com/mmundy.architect/DubaiVisits Feel free to ask any questions or request locations where I took these. I'll do my best to help.

tangle with a pitbull

This was not my best week ever, but it sure was exciting! Monday after work Troy ran our truck out of gas and we had to spend several hours waiting on security staff from the Army Depot to help us fetch gas in a 1-gallon water jug. The next day we went off-roading and got the truck really muddy, but we also loosened up a nail so the tire was nearly flat Wednesday morning. After a torrential rainstorm, Troy and replaced the tire without even getting our pants muddy. That evening, I decided to go for a bike ride... all was well till I ran into a pitbull dashing across the road. I flipped over my handelbars, broke two of my ribs and my lung collapsed 20%. A neighbor in a pickup picked me up and drove me to the nearest hospital 25 miles away in Texarkana. I spent 3 days there, recovering with much road rash after lots of x-rays, a cat-scan and some unwanted poking and prodding. All things considered, I'm very fortunate. My helmet protected my brain, my good looks are intact and I have no broken apendages! I was released today and should be home in Liberty Monday night.

My House

Ever wondered what my house looks like? It is pretty much as finished as we're gonna get it. I took these photos today. Looks pretty good for having been built in 1886.

Flinging Mud in Northern Arkansas

I've been back to Texas for the last two weeks and have two more ahead of me. There's little to do for fun down there but play golf, ride my bike and fling mud with the H3 that one of the guys rented. Attached are some photos from our red-neck excursions. Northern Arkansas is far more beautiful than I expected. Probably it will become a backpacking and float-tripping destination for my family in years to come. It begins only 3 hours to the state line due south of Kansas City on 71 highway.