Would that we were all more content to make do with what we have and where we are, life might be a lot easier and less hazardous for most of us.

But people will go and put themselves in harm's way for no other reason than simple greed, or something even more foolish. I turned down going to Baghdad 3 times before finally accepting an assignment there. Greed was never a part of my decision to go, even though they threw a lot of money at me with each offer. I finally went because I knew it would make a good and lasting impression on my daughters, and because I genuinely believed I could make a difference in what was happening over there. Finances were a factor in my decision, but only insofar as placating my wife's expectations in having to do without me being handy. I can tell you this too, the vast majority of folks that went over there primarily because of the lure of money didn't last very long after their first experience with the mortars and rockets coming down. I'd say at least half of the folks that went over there while I was there quit within two to three weeks. Money is never a good reason to step into the mess, unless life has really lost it's value for you. There were some of those there too.

Actually, I am starting to realize that one of my weaknesses that employers are capitalizing on these days is that there is no one else to do what I do, so when they run out of options they come to me to solve their problems. They know that I won't let them fall down, so the trade off is I have had to be away from my family more than I care to. Sure, it raises my sense of worth, but it is getting increasingly difficult to come home to a house haunted by memories, and a cold empty bed every night. I do believe that I will have to decline their next request in lieu of reasignment somewhere my wife is willing to live, and preferably close enough to my girls and my hunting buddies to make life sweet once again.