If it goes around, it'll come around.

I think I used up all of my good archaeological karma back in New Mexico.  I should have known that I'd have to pay for all of that awesomeness.

Karma's revenge?  Luke Air Force Base.

In the last few weeks, I've found a total amount of artifacts equivalent to less than one bucket's worth of artifacts from my last project.  I've dug features that aren't actually features at all.  I've dealt with 40mph winds and accompanying dust storms, heavy rain and resulting mud, and daily temperature swings of 40 degrees.  I've become accustomed to the deafening roar of fighter jets all day, every day.  This project is testing my mental capacity to stay enthused about excavating-- and it's supposed to last for six months.  Maybe six months from now I'll find myself digging up Puebloan kivas and sandals again and then I can take it as a sign that I've paid sufficient penance.  [Seriously, how spoiled am I?  Sheesh.]

Valley Fever, here I come!

That being said, though the archaeology is daunting me at the moment, I am actually enjoying this project.  The crew is great, the pay is great, the accommodations are better than any I've had for prior fieldwork, and the schedule is actually pretty agreeable.  It sounds like the company plans to keep me around and move me up the ranks a bit, so really, I can't complain.  Things are good.

Sometimes, when the light is still low enough that you can ignore the fact that you're in Phoenix, 

this place is actually kind of pretty.