MOVING ON

Preteen - One school day, for some unknown reason, I had a pair of pliers in my pocket that seemed needed put-to-use. The relatively new student in front of me conveniently had his fingers holding on to his seat, but hanging over edge, so I clamped my pliers on a couple fingers such that, when he jumped up from much pain, screws to his desk came loose as he cried out. This young teacher felt some disciplinary action was needed, so reached into bottom drawer of her desk, pulling out a broad wooden paddle, requesting I bend over first desk where she had its occupant vacated. Being quite nervous, as most probably her first disciplinary act, swung paddle, it loosened in her hands, so edge hit a backbone instead of my behind. Really did not hurt, but fell to floor moaning, such that this beautiful young teacher, with flowing black hair, kneeled next to me hugging my shoulders with tears falling on my face. Meanwhile, I was smiling at boys back of room, who were laughing deliriously! One of these - Fred Linville - became my second school friend for life, spending nights on his family farm upon occasion. Shortly thereafter, this young teacher, like several others, requested transfers to another school. If I remember correctly, we ran through 5 teachers that year! Teenager - The next day, mid-morning at school, our principal came into our classroom naming three of us to come into his office. Upon arriving, we saw County Sheriff and his Deputy sitting there. The Sheriff held a yellow pad, whereupon he began reading. To our surprise, he stated exact time, who, where and when met evening before, with great-detail about what happened. In addition, however, indicated damages done and statements by those hearing resulting blasts. It turned out one bolt flew across dual tracks, plus parking lot of adjacent garage, entering through garage pull up door, then embedding into a battery charger at end of repair bay. Another bolt flew inwards, going through double cross plank doors of depot, lodging into doors on opposite side. Other bolts were not found, but I remember one flew just besides my head while standing on roof of depot! Additionally, players at pool hall, located 1½ miles away on main highway heard the blast. Our mouths were wide open, given thoroughness and exactness of Sherriff’s report, such that left an impression of good work by authorities. Fortunately, we got off with only a warning. Falling in Love - Falling in real love, not just puppy love, seems not as much fun as the latter. Puppy love has no concerns, having a feeling of newness and freedom. However, for some reason, real love brings concern about whereabouts of partner, what is she doing while apart, are her feelings really the same as yours, and other unforeseen worries. One now has real responsibilities to another not experienced before. In other words, some serious adjustments go along with elixir of being in love! 1st Foreign Assignment - Taking separate routes to London allowed myself to enjoy stopover in NYC seeing a Broadway production, then another in London. Interestingly, my seat on flight London>Benghazi was between my fellow faculty members, both Mormons. However, most fellow travelers were oil workers on break, being Welsh or Scots, drinking lots of Ale and Scotch Whiskey. Nearing Benghazi, one man came through aisle asking for help. It seems no booze allowed in Libya and their supply exceeded consumption, thus not wishing any booze to go to waste. So, I volunteered to assist to consternation of my Mormon seat mates. Just before landing we all held glasses high, shouting success finishing our last drop! Iran Assignment - Our dealers expanded to 8 throughout KSA, with farthest at Wadi Al-Dawasir about 725 km SW of Riyadh. A most interesting experience there, while invited to Dealer’s brother wedding, I was resting on sandy area during sun-down evening prayers after a long 10-hour drive, dozing off, awakening suddenly to a strange sensation. Opening my eyes looking up at half-dozen young boys dressed in cross belts holding daggers, but each holding long swords placed onto my chest. Suddenly my Dealer exited from mosque shouting: ‘Wagif! Wagif!’ meaning: ‘Stop, Stop’. Having never viewed someone not going to prayer, thus believing an infidel, these boys were prepared to thrust their swords into my chest! Saudi Arabia Assignment - Our dealers expanded to 8 throughout KSA, with farthest at Wadi Al-Dawasir about 725 km SW of Riyadh. A most interesting experience there, while invited to Dealer’s brother wedding, I was resting on sandy area during sun-down evening prayers after a long 10-hour drive, dozing off, awakening suddenly to a strange sensation. Opening my eyes looking up at half-dozen young boys dressed in cross belts holding daggers, but each holding long swords placed onto my chest. Suddenly my Dealer exited from mosque shouting: ‘Wagif! Wagif!’ meaning: ‘Stop, Stop’. Having never viewed someone not going to prayer, thus believing an infidel, these boys were prepared to thrust their swords into my chest! 2nd Gulf War - The 2nd Gulf War had started earlier in 2003 causing much consternation in KSA and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The USA Embassy in KSA had evacuated all non-essential personnel and their families. Sahara Towers now had enclosed security fencing, having National Guard Troops at all entrances, with everyone showing ID’s, then carried objects searched. In June I was interviewed and photographed as published in Time Magazine July 5, 2004 issue entitled: Life as a Target in a Besieged Kingdom. Copies available at any library or on-line. Interviews shown on Jazeera TV in ME Region. Last Love - Most other remembrances of wedding vague since my mind fully dwelling on my Bride’s and own happiness. I do remember my thumbs-up gesture when leaving ceremony after kissing my new Bride.