Up Armour and life in a combat zone

I wanted to take this moment and tell you all a little bit about what my unit and the Army has been doing to protect us. I realized that this may be something you all don't hear about quite as much in the civilian world as we do in the military. Anyway, when we first got here, all of our vehicles were soft, that is to say, no armor of any kind and the doors were canvas. We also didn't have any gun trucks to mount our big guns on. Well, when we got to Iraq the first thing we did was start armouring our doors to provide us with some form of resistance against attacks. At first this was a temporary fix, using improvised items (Still very effective none the less), but we then started transitioning to the Army Issued Armour kits, which include doors, windows and side plating to give us the best possible defense against bad things that happen on the roads. We also recieved several gun trucks. That is just one example, there are many other things that have been revised, reworked, or redone to make us, the US forces out here, safer.
Being a student of History, I have read a good many books on the wars our country has been involved in, and I have read several first account stories of troops in WWII, and I am amazed at the struggle and the hardship that they had to face. It is amazing to see the progress that has been made and the way today's soldier has it soooooo much better off. I can not imagine having to run around with ALL of my gear on my back, living in a foxhole, or lying on the cold wet ground. I feel very lucky to be sitting in an office, relativly comfortable! Oh the things we take for granted these days. Just sit sometime and think about what life would be like with no TV, no Cells, no fast food, no cars. I for one don't ever want to think about life without my little baby car LOL:)
Oh, and for those who were curious, the Oakleys were mine, bought and paid for:) Our unit issues out the Wiley X's which make for wonderful goggles, but not so practical sunglasses:)

Broken sunglasses

I am a horrid klutz, prone to breaking things accidently. But this time I swear, it wasn't me LOL. My beloved Oakleys just snapped for no reason:( Bummer. Oh well, new excuse to do a little online browsing.
For those who are curious how I am able to keep this updated as often as I do, Internet cafes are all over the country, plus I am fortunate enough to be in a company that has to have computers capable of reaching the internet:) The internet is my best way of keeping in touch with friends and family, as phone time is rare, and snail mail, is just that. SLOW LOL. Not that I don't LOVE getting boxes from people I know, it just isn't an effective way of keeping in contact.
Lucy, email me:) I just posted my addy, and I would love to continue chatting over that with you.

Deployment #2

For those of you who were curious, this is deployment number 2 for me. I was in Kuwait during the war last year, returned in June 03, and was right back out the door 6 months later. I also have done a 1 year tour in Korea.
Yes, the food here is actually pretty damned good. It's NOT MRE's and for that we are glad, but for the most part, it isn't unreasonable. When I first got here, we were based out of Abu Ghraib (yes, THAT prison), and the food there was one step below inedible. But, it got better when a new company took over. It isn't a 5 star restaurant here, but, we aren't suffering, I tell you that:)
YES, I Really miss my heels. But to understand that, you have to know, I am 5'3". Short little thing. And while yes, my boots may be a sight more comfortable, I miss my heels:-D

Deployed Life as a Woman

The question was asked in one of the various comments that I have, and I am not to sure I am qualified to answer it fully. So I turned to one of my company mates who regularly goes out to different places with her team on her views. I forgot though, she is a lot like me in her attitude towards being deployed, in that it really doesn't matter one way or another, and she is also considered by many to be the female version of Stifler ROFL:-D Anyway, a few salient points: 1. The local nationals will stare, openly. Just their culture, plus we are American, Women, and in uniform, which is an unusual thing to them. It drives us a wee insane, but we learn to put up with it.
2. American men get doubly worse in their one liners, Ok I am (partially) joking on that one.
3. For the most part, it isn't much different then being in the states. Ok certain things are unavailable to us, but that is the same across the board. I think the one thing that gets most females I know is the loss of looks so to speak. One does get tired of wearing the same thing, or the same hairstyle day after day, and I know that some of the girls I know just long to feel pretty again, in their own clothing, with their own way of doing things. Hell, I feel the same way. I long for the feel of my outrageously high heels again LOL. But for now we do what we can in little ways, such as wearing makeup (Me and Sephora.com, hard to part ROFL), or perfume. And as ever, realize that this is what we signed up for, and occasionally sacrifices, however silly they may seem, must be made.

Waterloo, and inspiration

Waterloo came up in conversation last night with my best friend, as we were talking about our various interests, mine being a great love of history. To my shame I neither knew what year the battle of Waterloo took place (1815) nor whom the great general had been. Ok granted my view of Napoleon was that of a dictator so I didn't think of him militarily, but nor could I remember the British Duke that conquered him. (Wellington) So, I got myself trumped on Military History, but that's ok, I redeemed myself with my personal fav, King Henry the 8th and his 6 wives:-D I could practically write a thesis on him. (Ok slight exaggeration there hehehe) Currently though, I am reading a Jeff Shaara book, "Gone For Soldiers" about the Mexican American war 1846-1848. it is interesting reading, particularily to see a young Robert E Lee, and his influences.
On a new note, I (Yes little ole ME!) have inspired someone to start a blog of her own. Way cool!!!!!!!!!!!!! See Lucy5cents @ http://hornsoftheunicorn.blogspot.com A seriously cool name in my opinion, and I love the reference to Peanuts, one of my all time favourite comics.
My other favourite comic for those wondering is For Better For Worse. I have pratically grown up with that strip and it has always been fun to read and see what new mischeifs have been thought up. There have been times when it is almost as though they are describing my family, such as one strip I remember, when the younger sister April was writing Elizabeth about various things and ends with "The best part is, I can wear your clothes now" ROFL> As I now have 3 (Mommy, 2 sisters) other people in the family to steal my clothes (I steal theirs too Mwahahaha) I know the feeling:-D
Update on the office, I am now sitting in a fully AC office, with tables, and electricity, and lights. So now we have a workspace to work out of, with any luck, work will start coming our way:)

The Foot

Sidenote here, for all those who were wondering about the foot, referenced earlier: It's fine. Healed rapidly but boy did it hurt like all living hell. Still feeling a mite foolish for how it happened though.

Comments And Other Bloggers Like Me

It is Sunday here, and although it is my day off, I am sitting in my office more or less babysitting the workers putting finishing touches on our office. So I have had a good deal of time to go through my blog and read all of the comments. It is always interesting to see what other people think. For the record, while I am not in a college dorm room, I know it seems that way because I write of the frivolous things here, but yes, I am indeed in the big bad war zone LOL. Just in a more protected area then most I guess. But that same poster did have some very insightful questions, most of which I really can't answer fully. But I will try to answer as I can.

Do you and others have what you need to fight and win this war? Maybe, maybe not, I know that the Army as a whole is doing what it can to ensure our maximum safety, e.g. Armoured Humvees, vests, so on and so forth.
Heck are we winning or losing? Over all, I would say winning. Not all of Iraq is a bad place, not all Iraqi's are insurgents. Those are a minority, a very small minority although I know it does not seem as such. I have heard time and time again from the Iraqi people I do come into contact with that they are glad we are here, that things are getting better. Things just take time and patience.
Is it as rosy and Bush paints it? No, this place isn't rosy, but it certainly isn't a blistering firepit of hell either.
Is it as nasty as I think it it? No, not at all.
Do the Iraqis see the US as Occupier's or Liberators? Most, Liberators.
Even from my very sheltered standpoint I can see the good, and the bad. I was listening to the radio yesterday, listening to the Corps of Engineers describe working on a power plant here in Baghdad and then turning it over to the Iraqi's. They ensured that the plant was up and running, and providing power, and also ensured that the Iraqi's had the proper equipment and training to keep the plant functioning. Things like this show the good that we are doing here, we are improving things all over this country little by little. Do I like being here? No, not really. But it is what I signed up to do, and I will do so willingly.

On another topic, here are a few of the other Bloggers who have either posted to my Blog, or that I have found elsewhere and that I thought were neat. Take a few moments and check them out:
Seth over at http://silonius.blogspot.com is alot of fun to read, also is trying to raise money to buy a 2004 Lotus. Grand dreams:-D
Navy Doc, @ http://corpsmanup.blogspot.com is a Navy guy in the states, recently posted about enjoying a Keg, lucky guy.
Sean @ http://docinthebox.blogspot.com just went back to the states from here (Lucky him), his mom has a restaurant in AZ to sell, wish I could buy it. I miss AZ at times.
CPT Myers, http://frankmyers.blogspot.com I loved reading his posts about the Green Zone and the flights into BIAP.
Rosemary, http://mynewznideas.blogspot.com reminds me of my dearest Grandma, she is just as nice:)

For those of you reading this, I have just redone my settings and now all may comment, whether a registered Blogspot user or not, so feel free to click the link and type away. I want to know, what would you all like to know about here?

How well do people know me?

Of the 5 people I sent the quiz too, 3 have taken it, and the average score is 81%, so not too bad. But what really made me giggle, was that my dear, beloved mother, missed 2 questions, and scored 88%:-D Ok granted, she thought I was a perfect angel and that my favourite season was fall, so maybe she can be forgiven:-D Anyway, these little quizzes are causing some amusement amongst my group of friends, as I have been now quizzed by 2 of my oldest friends. Scored low on one (oops), and high on the other (He thinks I'm dumb). Tickle.com, an amusing place let me tell you.
Anyway, thus far, my day hasn't been bad, haven't really done anything other than type up a memo, (love typing memos). But I have to say, getting tired of the not doing anything bit. My whole goal, my whole purpose in life is to make a difference in other peoples lives. After all, that's what the US is doing here isn't it? Making a change for the better for these people? Yet here I am sitting quite comfortably in an office with a fan (No, no AC for me), Safe (Being a relative term around here), and with a good number of amenities (Showers, chow hall, PX). Yep, living the good life while deployed. And no, I am not exactly grateful. I'd much rather be out there, helping, assisting in any way that I could. I read the blogs, the stories, and the newspaper, there are people out there everyday, doing. And here I am, sitting. Blah isn't life good ROFL. Ok I swear, enough with the griping from me.
I have to say though, that I am remarkably blessed, lucky, however you would want to put it. I have a great family, a better then average relationship with my mother (My best friend in the whole wide world), friends who make everything just THAT much better to my day, and as ever, my perpetual life won't get me down attitude. I know you all can't really see that last online, but I swear, I try hard to make it so:)

Help

Ok, thought I knew alot about computers, apparently I don't LOL. I am trying to create one of those cool little sidebars that you all have on your blogs. I think I am missing something in my settings and not sure how to do this. I would very much like to link all my new blog buddies, but coming up short. Any guidance? Thanks:-D

Karaoke and green sock puppets

I go to karaoke night once a week at the local MWR facility, I call it my weekly therabpy session. Things can get quite funny there, especially last night when one gentlemen decided to put on a puppet show, singing "Rainbow Connection" with a green sock puppet. Gotta give him kudos for that, it was most original and hilarious.
My best friend came back from leave, and so now I have someone to talk to again. I am ecstatic about that, so few people around here are really worth talking to, (and others I would rather run from) So all in all, what started as a bad week is turning better by the day:-D

Commentary

HI everyone:-D I am not too sure how to respond to comments posted, so I thought I would just write a blog to all those of you who read this:) When I started this blog, I intended it to be another means for close family and friends to keep up with what I am doing. I get quite the kick out of knowing that other people outside that circle are reading too. First of all, Thanks for ALL the encouragment, it is so great. There are somedays I need it too@@.
Someone asked what I do: In short I work Force Protection issues, helping to keep troops safe. Not really all that complicated:-D Anyway, thanks for everything,
Elizabeth AKA SGT Lizzie

Day 0

This morning has been good thus far, I woke up in time for PT this morning bright and early, and got a good ride in. Then I had 2 hours to get ready and eat breatkfast before being at work. This morning's formation was rather funny for my company, as there were only 2 of us there. We looked kinda goofy.
It promises to be a busy fulfilling day and I look forward to it with glee:-D

One of those weeks

Where nothing wants to go right. Bleah. Monday I was late for work, Tuesday was just screwy, and I slept far too late this morning. Yesterday we had the adventure of trying to move a big generator around to put it where we wanted it. That Didn't happen LOL. I am not used to driving a big truck with something attached to the back, and my TC couldn'd ground guide a trailer to save his life. It just ended up with us dropping the generator and then getting someone else to move it today.I took a sleepipng pill last night, and that's the last time I will do it a night before I have to work. I slept until 0840 this morning, right through my 0630 alarm. Not good. Still got to work on time and now we are just waiting for the electrician to come wire our building so that we have power and thus will have AC! Yay.

I was busy!!!!!!!!!

Yay for me, I do so prefer being busy to doing absolutly nothing. I spent the afternoon working hard, and it made the time just fly by. Good thing too cause I woke up at 0800 this morning. I was supposed to have been out at the motor pool for maintainence at 0800. Oops. I made it out there by 0810 though:)
Nothing much else has been really going on here, I got and watched Will and Grace, Season 3. I love that show:)

10 Ways NOT to relieve the boredom

10. Mortars
9. Ok I can't think of 9-2 but I do know #1: DO NOT drop M4 carbine on foot. OUCH!! I just spent most of the afternoon bouncing between TMC's here and on Victory just so they could say, "no it isn't broken" Well Duh I knew that LOL. I only went to the TMC because the cut was deeper then I was capable to handle. Nothing to worry about though folks, yours truley is just a major klutz:) I will be fine. I just feel really dumb right now:-D
Nothing else much happening here, just trying not to be bored and lose my sanity, or what little sanity I have:)

Inhalers, and other silly things

Well, for the next few days, in an effort to clear up what ever is bothering me, I have to use an inhaler. According to the doctor, the main side affects are jitteriness and jumpiness. Yay, so no worse off then I usually am ROFL:) It tastes bad too bleah.
I got my box today from one of my orders:-D I had ordered some au natural soaps and lotions from a website called Susan's Soaps. They came so prettily wrapped that I felt like I was opening presents;) They all smelled soooo good:)
I am going out tonight, trying to alleviate the extreme funk that has settled over me recently. We shall see how this goes:)

Mediocre

"of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance." Apparently this describes me right now. What does it take for people to see that I really do want to be the best, that I do put myself out there. I am not the sort of person who is content to sit back and do nothing. I prefer to do something, anything. Just keep me busy doing something that has an effect on someone or something and I am happy. I try to improve myself, but it's hard when there is nothing around here to do!!

2 things I should never touch

My Tweezermans, and eyebrow wax. Thankfully, my eyebrows don't look TOO bad, but that's just me. Oops:) Ah the things we women do to ourselves in the name of beauty and vanity. I am not a vain woman by any terms, but I do take a certain pride in NOT having the infamous unibrow that is hereditary in my family. Hence the adventures last night LOL. They will grow in again, for now, they are just a wee bit on the skinny side.
There is nothing really new here, the threat levels have gone down again and thus we are allowed back outside without our party gear on:) Nice not having to carry around 40 extra pounds around.

Gossip, good or bad?

This, believe it or not, was a question given during a recent class. The question was given in reference to a scene in “Band Of Brothers” in which 3 or 4 enlisted men were standing around discussing a LT who was rumoured to have shot 20 German POW’s. The question being, was this sort of gossip good, or was it bad. One opinion put forth that while some gossip is bad, gossip of this sort is good, because it causes the soldiers to fear that LT. It is my belief, that gossip, no matter which kind, is always bad. In the scenario given, the soldiers feared the LT yes, but in that context were afraid of him. Why would anyone, looking to gain respect, want their soldiers afraid? To fear a person is one thing, but to be afraid is another matter. I should mention here though, that the word fear does have 2 meanings: 1. to be in reverential awe of, and 2. to be afraid of.
Today seems to be starting off alright, hopefully it stays that way. I recieved an email from a very good friend of mine who recently had the opportunity to go see the president in a rally, at which my friend was also recognized as being a soldier serving in Iraq. Pretty cool experience for him:) Life is interesting in the curve balls it throws us. Some good, some bad, but every now and again we can indeed hit the ball out of the ball park:)

Really great blogs

Ok, I had these 2 really great blogs typed up this afternoon, and what do you know they are on my flash disk in my room. Yeah, the blonde is coming out again:)
Nothing of any great import happened today, I managed FINALLY to get over to Brigade and say hi to my friends Joe and He knows who he is! Hi guys:-D That was cool. Also was really cool, one of my buddies that I haven't seen since May came walking up behind me while I was waiting to have my truck checked. We had a good conversation, while it lasted, but he had to run due to missions. I used to have a MILD crush on the guy, but no more he is just a really cool person to talk too:) So that was my day and its highlights. I just finished watching "Ella Enchanted". Cute. Ok, I admit it, I LOVE kids/teen movies. It's a weakness, but you gotta admit, most of them are better then the stuff put out for adults in my "age group"
Well, off for now. Love you ALL:) (Ok I am feeling a wee goofy tonight)

Days Off

So I got to sleep in, nice and long this morning after having been awoken at 06 because of an attack. Always nice. Then around lunch time, I took my shower and not more than 5 minutes after getting out, I got called into work for a few minutes. Oh well, I had planned on coming into the office eventually anyway, I just came in sooner:)
My sister turns 4 today, shocking how fast they grow! I remember coming home from basic and AIT to this little tiny 2 month old baby, then a year later returning from Korea, and scaring the little one because she didn't know who I was. We quickly bonded though, and now when you ask her who her favourite sister is, she says "Lizzie, and Becca, and Rachel, and Sarah, and Gracie, and Mummy" LOL. I miss my babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life since 01

3 years ago today, our lives changed immeasurably. For my bit of remembering, I am going to include the diary entry I wrote about a week after the events of 9-11.

18 September 2001
17:20
Where should I start? I think that if I eventually ever print this out I will enclose news clippings to save me the trouble and heartache about what happened to my beloved country last Tuesday. In short: We were hit and hit hard. 2 planes crashed into the World Trade Center in NYC, 1 into the Pentagon where Uncle Dean used to work and then one on it’s way to Washington crashed in PN. It is said that the passengers would not allow the terrorists to hurt the country further and sacrificed their lives in exchange for the lives of so many more whom might have been killed. The horror of it all was and still is unimaginable. So far we over here have not been harmed physically but for those of us with family and friends in NYC we were emotionally wrecked. I was a wreck for 4 days straight and I know my friend and coworker Adamo is hurting as he still has not heard from 2 of his friends who worked in the WTC. It is a very rough time for all and when it is all said and done there will be no smiles when we look back on where we were at 0900 on September 11, 2001. But as this country has always done we will survive. We have come together in our pain as no other time before and we will pick up the pieces of our shattered lives, shattered dreams and especially our shattered sense of security and we will go on.

Torture

My room mate and her significant other now have a new torture device. Ok, well maybe not intentionally, but as they are both stationed here on camp, they spend a good bit of time together and I seriously envy them! Lonliness is not something I battle continualy, but it is hard when I see the 2 of them happy together. Oh Woe is me.
Ok enough whining from me. I have been thinking all day on something deep, or witty for today's update, and.........nothing. We left work early today, so I went and soaked in some rays at the pool, and then hung out in my room the rest of the evening. I got bored, so I decided to come play online:)

Insanity is creeping up slowly

Ok, due to a lack of missions for my team, we are spending a lot of time doing nothing in our rooms! Aaaaaack. I have just about finished SG-1, Season 4, and I just got it 2/3 days ago!!!! Eeeek. Too much time to think on my hands. My usual companion is currently on leave, so I have been on my own for a little while. My room mate came home last night to break up my peace and quiet, but oh well. Yep, nothing really has changed around here. I have even pretty much stopped writing in my journal as I have nothing to write about! This is bad, this is really bad.

Distances

Whether you be 6619 miles, 6317 miles, or even 10 clicks apart, you know that no matter what, you are always in your loved ones hearts, and they in yours. Despite the distances between you physically, in mind and heart, you are not so far apart. At least that's what I think. I know that no matter where I am in the world, those I love and those who love me are never very far from a thought of me, nor are they ever far from mind. Well, enough depth from me tonight, I got the 4th season of Stargate SG-1 in the mail yesterday, and back to my addiction I go:-D

Ponderings

I spent the morning tromping around one of the damaged palaces here, and despite the damage you could still see the beauty that would have been had they completed it. It was an interesting contrast, between beauty and damage. Had alot of fun though:)
I watched an episode of CSI last night and something said struck me. It was an episode in which several airline passengers had killed another, believing themselves in danger. It came up that the man was suffering from an illness, that had someone just taken the time to ask, might have figured out. The point was made that while it took 5 to kill the man, it would have only taken 1 to save him. How true is this in everyday life? Oft times it only takes one person to make a difference, to effect a change.
I was being picked on earlier, because occasionally, due to a vivid imagination, I do sleep with a light on in my room. Sillyness I know, but I remarked that everyone is afraid of something, and if they are not, they are fools.

Big Booms!!!!!

Holy freakin A!!!!!! They discovered some UXO (Live rounds) in our backyard, so now they are blowing them up! One just went off and sheesh, I about came off of my seat it startled me so. Lots of fun really though. Explosions are coooool

Melancholy

Main Entry: melancholy
Function: adjective
1 a : suggestive or expressive of melancholy "sang in a melancholy voice"
b : causing or tending to cause sadness or depression of mind or spirit : a melancholy thought
2 a : depressed in spirits
Yep, that pretty much describes me right now. Don't know why, just feel like sing the blues today. Probably has more to do with the lack of sleep last night, and as soon as my blood gets flowing I will be back up and into a more cheery mood.
This morning promises to be productive, Yay. And then who knows:) Tomorrow is a day off, and as of yet I am not slated for a thing so I will get to sleep in. Sleeeeeeeeeep Such a nice thing:)

Days gone by

We have but a few more months in this woeful country, and it seems as though time couldn't drag by any slower for me these days. Especially since we really aren't particularily busy. In my former job, there was always something for me to do, something to keep me busy, often times late into the nights. But I was forever and always stressed. These days I have a lot less stress, but more time to be bored. I am not a fan of being bored. I'd much rather have my hands deep in something, but is it worth the stress? Which would I prefer? I don't know really.
I ran into someone yesterday from the group of persons to whom I am not speaking, and he noted that I hadn't been around. Being slighty bitchy, I remarked that I thought that he would have been overjoyed. When he turned around he seemed to be shocked to hear such a tone from me. I had to smile though, to take the sting away. As much as I really wish I were able to be a cold hearted bitch somedays, I guess it is just not in my personality to do so. Bummer:)

A Mite Sulky

I was a bit on the blue side today, as my best friend here left to go on leave. Of course I am happy for him, but I am feeling a wee selfish, as damnit, who am I going to talk to nowL J. It hasn’t been a bad day otherwise, we did manage finally to get lines into our office so we have access and do not have to wait for computers to be free elsewhere. I went out tonight, rarity of all rarities, to karaoke night. I had planned on singing one song, just for the fun of it, and so spent all day practicing, only to get there tonight and find that they didn’t have the song. Bummer, so I just substituted. Still had fun tonight, and was out much later than I should be. For shame. Eventually I suppose I will be able to get to sleep at a reasonable hour, but for now, well, I shall just have to subsist on the sleep I do get and just pray that I do not pass out in the middle of the after noon LOL.

FINALLY

Well, I finally have my mother on the line. ALWAYS a nice thing:) There are few things in this world I love better than that:)

Interesting Correlations

I was at the top of a fairly high hill today, looking down over the city and the outlying countryside today, and I was struck by how beautiful it really seems. But as I walked down the hill, I again saw what we see on a daily basis, the destruction, the dirt, and the misery in which we live our daily lives. It also seems to be that way in the hierarchy of life. Those that are above seem only to see the beauty, whereas those of us on the bottom see things as they truly are. Do those higher up forget from whence they came? Or do they choose to block it from mind? It reminds me of a anecdote I once saw about how stupid things become reality. It starts on the lower level, with the lowest saying it is shit, and continues up the chain, with each retelling though it gains a little more dignity, so by the time it reaches the top, it seems to be the best thing in the world. So they make it policy. It was amusing but oh so true in this life.

Too darned EARLY

Was up until well after midnight last night, though NOT by choice. About 1930 we got a call to run a quick mission to the camp next door and pick up some personnel returning from leave. We headed out around 2000, and got to the place rather quickly where we waited, and waited, and waited some more. We made calls to figure out what was going on, and around 2230 they assured us that they were on their way. Around 2300, they figured out that they WERE'NT coming to where we were, but that they had no idea where they were. By the time they figured it out, it was midnight already! Oh well.
Was up around 0715 this morning, and I did NOT want to drag myself out of bed. I am entirely TOO tired!

Thoughts on life

To all who are now concerned as I tend to be a little voicferous at times, I am sorry. It is not my intention to upset you with my writings, as they are just an expression of how I feel at one particular point in time. This has become my venting point. If you have any thoughts though, on what I may write, please feel free to email me:) I always love getting emails.
Today has been a great day. After a brief spat of work this morning that needed to be done, I got to spend the ENTIRE day, lollygaggin around. It is a wonderful thing to do, but I don't recommend it frequently. Oddly enough, rather than being well rested, I am more tired. Too much sleep perhaps and not enough exercise:) Not a bother though, as I will sleep well tonight before another productive day at work begins anew tomorrow.

Another simple pleasure

Taking an hour in the mornings to get ready for work. Mind you I can be dressed and out the door in about 15 flat, but it is so nice to take my time. I like to indulge in a cup of tea, or a cappucino, while listening to music and getting dressed. It's fun. I also like to spend time occasionally on doing my hair into a new style, and putting on makeup, something I rarely do around here. (just not really worth it.) But, it is always nice, to walk out the door, take a quick peek in the mirror and just think 'Damn I look good today"

Good Morning!

Bright and awake, and yeah right. I hate dragging myself out of bed before the sun rises! But here I am, waiting for my company to return from their run. Ordinarily I would have been out riding my bike, but the 1SG wished to run this morning, so I am looking after the CP. Not a bad gig LOL:)
Life hasn't been all that bad, despite what you may think after my last posting. I was just furious, and it still gets me a bit steamed to think about it. But when all is said and done, I will still be the same respectful person that I always am. I have a slight mental block that doesn't allow me to be disrespectful of a person, to their face at least LOL. Something about not like trouble?! Hehehe. Of no matter. It's Saturday and tomorrow I shall be off all day, and get to play lounge lizard in my room.
I watched American Wedding finally last night. It was histarically funny, and off the wall. Dear g-d when and if I ever get married, I do not want a disaster as that. I realize that it was a movie and therefore imagined, but you never know what could happen.
Well, off I go to face another day in hell. Soon I will be home!

No More Miss Nice Girl?

Is that what it is going to take for people to take me seriously? Am I going to have to lock myself up into a shell, in order to gain the perception that I am competent? To gain respect? Am I so bad that persons must be warned to stay away from me? The latest and greatest amusement in the world of “who is she sleeping with now” is the rumour that I am trying to entice a young 19 y/o to my bed! This BOY is younger than my younger brother, and is someone that I have always been nice to, but that’s it. Apparently my friendliness on more than one occasion has been mistaken for overt flirtation. So it begs the question, should I no longer be a pleasant person, should I no longer be a friend? All it seems to have brought me is pain and hurt. These are people I have done everything within my power to help. Where others would deride, I would defend; where others would ignore, I would try to help. What has it brought me but further derision. What does it take? Frustration builds to a new level every time I hear of these matters. I don’t know just how much more I can take before I do shut down.

Bored

Stress free = bored:) Not neccesarily a bad thing, but I am the sort of person who enjoys being busy. Not to mention it also makes the time fly by faster.

Grrrrrrrrr

I hate my stupid alarm clock! I was up late last night and couldn't sleep, so apparently when I did go to sleep, I slept so deeply that I slept right through my alarm clock and missed PT. I hate it when I do that. My TL was cool about it though, and hopefully the day goes better from here:)

Nonsensical items

Item 1. Noticed while running around post taking the long way back after chow this evening: A BBQ grill built from what appears to be an old bomb. Almost ran myself off the road doing a double take at that one.
Item 2.Life in this unit. If it gets any worse I swear I will go outside at midnight and scream at the top of my lungs.
Item 3. I had more but I forgot while I was out doing my laundry.
Doing my own laundry is a necessity around here. The last time I sent my laundry to the KBR facility, I ended up with a ruined $30 Bra! I indulge so infrequently in expensive lingerie, that I prefer to keep it nice looking. So these days I have taken to doing my own wash, about twice a wee. Actually provides me with something to keep me occupied for an hour or 2 rather then die of boredom. Thanks be to Mummy who taught me to cook, clean, and wash my own blue jeans (Or DCU's as the case may be):-D

Let's go fly a kite

Winds around here are usually pretty strong, but apparently not strong enough to send up the little pocket kite I got while home on leave. It reminded me of a time abut 2 years ago, preparing for our first deployment over here. It was a lazy Saturday morning, and the marjority of my company was out at the warehouse trying to get things done. We had a lull in that time, and I went to my car and pulled my kite out of the trunk and started to attempt to fly it. Soon there were others joining in and before long we had it soaring in the parking lot. It caused a good deal of amusement in what was otherwise an aggravating day. My 1SG then said that no one should ever tell me to go fly a kite, as chances were good that I would. There is nothing more stress relieving sometimes then the simple things in life. Simple things that ordinarily seem silly, or dumb often have the power to make us forget where we are and what we are doing. And for those few moments of forgetfulness, life is good again.

Blase

Life is pretty good right now. Relaxed, stress free. busy, but still pretty good.:-D
So far, we have accomplished much in setting up, now for the getting into work pahse. Should be interesting.

Lazy mornings

Today is my usual day off, and for the first time in weeks I have not had to worry about waking up and going into the office to do my reports:-D Such a nice thing!
Shopping for school uniforms for my sisters. Always a fun thing, as I typically have to guess at sizes for these brats:) If they'd stop growing for a few seconds we would be doing good ROFL. Sheesh, I remember when I could pick the older ones up, and nowadays, they are taller than me!

Fun in the sun!

After a full days work, my TL released us early. We were very productive today outside, resulting in my arms now being covered in various little scratches. Quite alright though, just a sign of hard work.
As I have been working rather hard physically these last few days, I went to the pool this afternoon to relax and cool off. While I did cool off, I did not relax. A few friends were there and feeling frisky, as I couldn't stay on a raft to save my life. No sooner would I get on, then I would be promptly dumped back into the water. Laughter abounded, as well of shreiks (sue me if that isn't spelled right) of I'm going to get you! I did have the chance once again to prove my prowess in the water while swimming, when someone challenged me. He told me that I couldn't keep up with him! Excuse me, I didn't spend the summers of my childhood in the pool for nothing. He hehehe. Due to a lengthened armstroke, he did win, but NOT by much at all:-D All in all, I spent more time at the pool then I ever have, and had more fun then ever before. Between getting dunked, and dunking others, it was fun, and I am now very relaxed. As I have tomorrow off, I think I will spend the day in my room, watching dvd's. Or, better yet, reading a good romance;) Nothing like curling up with a cup of tea, or cappucino, and a good book, with good music in the background.

Worth

I have to admit that sometimes I wonder if what I do is worth anything. I wonder if anything I do matters, if it makes a difference. But that is neither here nor there for now.
I was up before the sunrise this morning for PT as usual, went out for a 6 mile bike ride. I am now in pain, but it is good pain. I am now sitting here, drinking coffee (A rarity for me), and preparing to face another day. Today I expect to be outside most of the day, cleaning up the outside of the building I have spent the last 2 days cleaning the inside of. In the last few days, I have put in more physical labour than I have done in a long time. Admitedly, it isn't very hard on the body to sit at a computer and type all day. Mentally I would go insane, but physically I was fine LOL:-D

paint splatters

I spent yesterday painting my new office with white paint, so as to help hide the graffiti that the previous occupants left behind. What I don't understand it why people feel the need to doodle things on the walls. For example, one bit of "poetry" left behind: "Grown men don't have emotions, that's why they are grown men" to which I turned and looked at my team mate and replied that grown men also don't doodle on walls. He thought that was funny. It is dumb and for the most part rather inane as you really have to wonder at their IQ level. Anyway, I naturally made a thorough mess of myself, as is my wont to do, and by the time we quit for the day, I was whiter than white. I looked as though most of the paint was on me rather than on the walls. Of course, I had a blast doing so.
These last few days have been extrodinarily stress free, it's been really nice.

New jobs

I spent the morning in the company of my new team, working, and getting to know each other. It was a good morning. So far, all is well.
I am sitting over lunch, hoping to see a good friend, before I have to go back to work. Hopefully I am able to see them.
This place gets more and more insane by the day.

Last day, dissapointments, and silliness

Well, last night I spent in a meeting with the other NCO's of what is soon to be my old company. The complete foolishness that takes place is unreal somedays. Last nights meeting centered on area beautification. Excuse me, but last time I checked we WERE in a combat zone. Granted, we do NOT need to live in a trash heap, but this extreme is a wee ridiculous.
We also had an announcment about wine, and it's presence in our area. Our Chaplains Assistant had recieved a box of wine for religious purposes only, and there were originally 4 bottles, but now they are down to 1. There was much laughter and joking about praising g-d and other bad jokes. Good for a moment of levity in what was otherwise an incredibly LONG meeting.
I spent a few minutes today inprocessing with my new company, and I am very apprehensive about it. This is new to me, and my only hope is that I do not screw things up, as I am apt to do occasionally.
I was dissapointed this morning, due to operational reasons, a friend was unable to come to camp, and thus I was not able to spend time with them. Oh well, such is the way of life in war. For a bit of irony I quote a close friend and say "War is Hell"

Not that bad

Ok, I realize that most everything I end up writing on here is bad, but that honestly is when it is easiest. But lest you all get the wrong idea, life here isn't really that bad. I get frustrated, but there are things that make this place endurable. A decent chow hall, the pool (which I do frequent occasionally, armed with SPF 30), and a really nice gym. So you see, living conditions aren't that bad. I think what really gets me mostly is the stupidity that occurs.
Right now, I am goofing off in my office, flipping around online looking at websites and what not. I now have my house furnished, my new car all planned out, and hell, even a few other things that I can't list here for fear of embarresment:)

Life changing decisions

Why is it that these are always the hardest to make? When faced with doing, or saying something that could change the course of my life, why is it so hard to choose what is the right thing to do or say? I am pretty bad about making decisions to start with, hell, I have a hard time deciding where to eat for dinner when I do go out. So here I sit, trying to decided the course of my life, and naturally, I havn't a clue.

Blah

This is one of those days, that just drags itself out as long as possible, so as to increase the agony of the sheer boredom that accompanies it. My brain just stubbornly refuses to even think about coming up with something witty:)

Ramblings of an insane soul

I was outside just now talking to one of my good friends, and he really helped put things into perspective for me. When expressing my reservations concerning this upcoming move, one of them is that I will no longer be in a position to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and that is something I always strive for. Instead of being responsible for a certain number of people, I won’t have anyone directly. But instead, he says to think of it this way, instead of directly supporting the BN, I will be helping thousands of people indirectly.
As per normal with any conversation these days, talk turned to going home. One of the things I intend on doing when I return stateside is putting in my recruiter packet. This is something I have thought about doing for a couple of years, as it is something I really want to do. I want to go out there, and show these young kids what a difference the Army makes. When I came in 4 ½ years ago, I came in because I had the view of the Army as an honorable profession, as patriotic. College money WASN’T my first motivator, though I will admit, it is a nice side bonus. I grew up seeing my Great-Grandfather, my Grandfather and my Uncle in the Army. They were and are honorable men that I admire greatly. When I decided the Military was an option for me, I didn’t have to go into any other recruiting office save the Army’s. I knew what I wanted to be, and that was a soldier. Anything else, I didn’t have a clue about. After all, I was a rather naïve 19 year old. But in the time since then, I have never regretted my decision, though it has led me all over the world, first to Korea, then Kuwait, and now into war in Iraq. I have faced challenges, both personally and professionally, and I have grown. I am different then that 19-year-old brat that came in with starry eyes. I have changed, and for the better. I want to go out there, and show these kids just what the Army can do for them. That the Army can take them so many places, literally and figuratively.
My friend suggested I write down these thoughts and I laughed, because they sound inane, like drilled responses one would expect from someone who had swallowed the party line whole. But, as he pointed out, if it sounds stupid and silly, it must make sense, after all this is the Army where if it is illogical and silly, it must be logical and wise.

Foregone Conclusions

People have pissed me off to the extreme. I know that I am unusual, that I may be different. Bu damn it I work hard, and I wish people would see that, and would learn how to put things unrelated to professional duties, aside. It is just incredibly frustrating to continue to walk into this wall that I am. When can I stop fighting, when can I put down arms, because someone is willing to give me a break? People need to realize that what seems to be there isn't always there.

Yawn

This is one of those days where I will be surprised if I stay awake the whole day.

days dragged by

Some day's such as today, just drag by. I finished my work this morning, and there really isn't much else today this afternoon. Soon, I will go do my laundry, and then settle down for another evening of peace and quiet. Since my room mate switched to nights, it's quiet in there:)

Changes

For being someone for whom change (Whether it be a hair colour, hairstyle, or men;) is a middle name (Along with all of the other adjectives applied to me, laudatory and derogatory), I dislike major changes, such as the one I am about to make. I like the comfortable, the known. For all that I am adventurous, I like certain things to never change. Now a major thing, my job, is about to change, and I have to admit, I am scared. Will I be horrid at this new job, will I be able to learn it fast enough? Will I just totally suck!? Will I even fit in? These are people that I have known for the most part for over 2 years, but still, most of them I have never worked with before. But, I have reassurance that there will be someone there, someone looking over me and helping me along. And I always know that there are certain people in my life, though while not here, will be there for me to reassure me.

Sunrise and bats

Because I have now devoted myself to making sure I do PT early in the morning, I am now getting up in the early dawn hours and riding to the gym. This morning though, I noticed a bunch of little flying creatures. While ordinarily I do not mind little flying creatures, it does kinda bother me when they fly right next to my head LOL. I hate waking up any earlier than I absolutly have to, but PT these days is helping my sanity. It gets my blood flowing nice and early, and I am able to come into work with a better attitude:)
It was extrordinarily nice this morning however, I was able to take a shower in my own building without having to carry 20 pounds of gear a mile and a half away:-D Simple things, but boy do they make a difference. So I was able to be very lazy while getting ready this morning, and STILL get to work 45 minutes early:) There really isn't much right now that could spoil my good mood, well, at least until the bosses come in ROFL. Then it might be a different story. I know I shouldn't let it get to me, but sheesh, there is only so much torture one girl can stand:)
Well, here comes everyone else, time for me to be off.

Tearing ones hair out

Metaphorically speaking of course, but I do feel like doing that around here on a regular basis. There are days where it seems to be ok, and then there are days where I swear if one more person says my name, I will scream.
Thankfully there are anidotes to this feeling. Friends, Privacy in my room to watch my shows, etc. I work very hard to maintain a cheery feeling around this place, I just hope it's worth it. If there is one thing I WOULD like to be said about me (Rather than all the things that ARE said about me LOL) is that I would like it to be said that I cheer things up in an otherwise miserable place.

My favourite days

Have now become Tuesday and Wednesdays. Tuesdays because one friend comes here and I get to see him:-) and Wednesdays because I go see a friend. That holds me through the rest of the week:) I am feeling pretty good today, despite convoys and otherwise hating to drive a truck that is twice as big as I am. I enjoyed the company of good friends and got to actually slack off all day:) Always fun.
Oh, An update after last nights depressing blog: My friend and I have made up, and are friends once more. So, all in all, life is good.
"I feel good, shananananana, the way that I should, shananananana, I feel nice, like sugar and spice................." Ok, no more singing:)

Pain

I hurt someone today, and I am not too sure how to repair things. I have a bad habit of doing that, as those who read this can testify. What am I doing? It wasn't intentional in the least, though it never is, is it? For once, I have no rhyme or reason, no excuse. Nothing more than, I am sorry from the depths of my heart.
Hell just came back in the form of my other boss, to make my evening worse. I guess it's karmic revenge of a sort. I caused pain, so now pain shall be caused upon me.

Oh Happy Days

So I got to see my friend for only about an hour, but just spending an hour talking to him, in person as opposed to our usual emails, is enough to make me feel so much better for the rest of the day:-D Sometimes it's the simple things in life, such as the ability to sit down face to face and talk that we take for granted so much, that bring the greatest pleasure while deployed out here. In the words of someone near and dear to me: War is Hell.

Rare things

Good Mornings, a general feeling of well being. I dragged myself out of bed before the sun came up this morning to go to the gym, as I really need to start a fitness program. But I am proud of myself, for being as broke as I am, I ran 2 miles in 19:16. (For a little perspective, passing the PT test requires 2 miles in 19:56).
Also the knowledge that one of the few trusted friends I have in this forsaken place is coming to camp today helps. :-D
I also heard from one of my oldest friends that I haven't heard from in awhile. Despite the fact that we have a hard time keeping in touch, due to demands in both our lives, it is always an incredible day lifter to hear from him.
Well, as is apparent, there really isn't much going on upstairs right now, I am happy and contented, for the moment at least LOL:-D

Laughter and Music, The simple joys in life.

Occasionally a few things around this hellhole have the power to actually make me laugh out loud. Those are always nice to find, as all too often all it takes to cheer a person up is a good laugh. I know it works for me:-D
Music is another of those things that lifts and soothes ones soul in bad times. It is not unusual these days to see my little head bopping side to side to whatever song I am listening to on my Rio.

Clearing Barrels, Mascots, and other assorted items

When a young woman associates with a group of men, it is assumed, at least in my world, that she must be sleeping with some or all of them. Acting upon that assumption, people (Most of the time immature boys) then will contrive nicknames. See the above for a couple of examples. The difference between a bitch and a whore? The whore sleeps with everyone, The bitch sleeps with everyone but you. Conversations about sex run rampant in this place because we are all a wee bit frustrated, whether we admit to it or not. The thing is though, what is up with the double standard? Do you men not realize that women are just as bad? Men expect women to be demure, polite, when it comes to matters of sex, and when they meet one that is not afraid to discuss it, they become afraid of her. Out of their fear comes derision, to the point where they revile that one. I don't really care honestly, I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less. People don't understand why I have ceased to care about my reputation. The fact is, I could sit in my room and do nothing (Oh wait, I already do that), and I would still have a reputation as a runabout sue. I have learned that my very best friends are those that look beyond the reputation, that take the time to really know who I am, rather than who everyone thinks I am. People, as a general whole, are very shallow. They don't wish to take the time out to understand everyone, so they shuttle people into little cliches in their mind, and there they stay. They take what they see on the surface, and believe that to be the whole. Why do we do this? Is it because we are lazy?
Well, enough deep thinking from me, I'm hungry now, and the chow hall here actually has real food. Adios for now:-D

Ups, Downs, and In Between

Ok, Life hasn't been exactly pleasant lately for me, but it will get better. One can only hope that one's situation gets better rather than worse. As Mum says, One always needs to have hope, for without hope there is nothing. Ok so I probably twisted that about a bit (Sorry Mummy), but you get the idea. I know I have been kinda dreary, but don't worry, I'll pick up again soon.
Woke up entirely too early this morning, to do PT with my section. I HATE getting up early, but I feel better now for having done it. Hopefully I feel better all day, because it looks to be a LONG day.

Laundry, Databases, and abnormal living.

Well, after a week of trying to do so, I finally was able to do my laundry. I needed to badly to as I was down to my last few pairs of socks and T-shirts. Never a good thing. But first of course, as I never get a total day off to myself, I had to come into the office and get my various spreadsheets done and sent off to their respective persons. Thankfully that didn't take too much of my time and I was able to run away for a wee bit to do my laundry and then go to the pool. I only spent an hour at the pool, as I forgot my sun lotion and had to borrow some. Besides, the pool here is kinda boring, no one really does anything besides sit or hang from the sides. yaaaawn. I prefer to play and have fun. I went home, and then decided that I probably should make some attempt at cleaning my room. Not that it was horribly messy or anything, just that it needed straightening up. So after doing that, I cooked dinner (Mac and Cheese with Pork and Beans for those interested) and started watching Stargate. Of course, since I can't do that without interruptions, about mid way through the episode, my boss came in and told me that I needed to get to the office and send off a document, as apparently I am the only one capable of doing so. Just once, can I get through the day without someone screaming my name?! This place is enough to almost make one not care about anything! If it weren't for a few select persons I call friends, that I do occasionally get to see, as they are not on this post, I would go insane.

Sleepless nights and stressful days

Life continues on here, stupid as ever. Yesterday's remarkebly dumb thing was a discussion on whether or not the females were allowed to wear bathing suits at the swimming pool, as that would be civilian clothing and we are not authorized to wear civilians! I was sent to see the big man up top, who promptly yelled at me for not going through proper channels. When a solider can not ask am simple question about uniform policy, what have we come to? Is this person's head too big for their shoulders now?! It turned out alright though thankfully, because just once, common sense actually prevailed and we will be allowed our swimsuits.
But days like this lead to a night like I had last night, where I was unable to shut down on my own without chemical assistance (Which I broke down about midnight and took). And because I don't sleep, I get stressed during the day. It is a vicious cycle.
But, I am used to it, so I will survive. All I have to remember is that it is only a few more months before we return home and then I will have the solitude and peace that I crave.

Late nights

It is yet again a late night for me, after an even longer day when if it could have gotten any dumber it did! I had to be kicked out earlier to go eat. I get started on something, and I don't like to leave it. I despise leaving things unfinished.
Right now I really wish I could curl up in someones arms, and just be comforted by their very presence. It is a hard feeling to describe, the immense lonliness that I feel at times such as these, when I just want to be reminded that someone does care. Oh well, I suppose I shall survive, just as I always have.

Various degrees of stupidity

Just when I think things couldn't get any more inane, they do. I do believe that my unit has lost all common sense. It is incredibly frustrating to continually attempt things, and to hit my head on a wall everytime.

Mixed Messages (Another Rant)

Mixed Messages: One of those little things that makes me HOT. I really despise it when I am told to make something a high priority and complete it asap, and so I spend extra hours in the office to make it happen, and then to be told that oh, it can wait. Excuse me?!
Another one: We tell the soldiers that they will be getting mail 5 days a week vs 3 days a week. A morale booster. But no, when it is too "inconvienent","I'm not worried about it". Ooooook. So it isn't an easy thing to accomplish today. Wah. Life isn't easy and sometimes it is hard to make things happen, but in the end it is worth it, isn't it?
I put myself out there for people, let them know that if they need me, I am there, and people do take advantage of this. But I wonder sometimes, especially at those who come to me for assistance, yet who were not 5 minutes ago, trashing my name, what am I doing? I want to help, I do, but I find myself at wits end often times trying to do everything I can, yet running into slammed doors constantly. If I were to say, that's it, I quit, what would happen? Would I be less stressed, would that make me happier?

Mornings in the Office

In the office this morning, early as usual. I am a person of routine, I get up early, go through my morning ablutions, go eat, and usually am in the office between 0800-0820. This allows me to get into a work mindset before the crowd comes in. It is a comforting thing in a weird way, and if I don't have the chance to do so, the whole day gets thrown off.
This morning was a particularily good day, I opened my email to find a note from a friend, with a presentation attached to it that was very sweet! He definitly had a bit of time on his hands when he made it, and it made me smile:-D Always a nice way to start the day.
Living by a little lake is kinda nice at times. Although it is dirty, and if you get too close it smells, if you close your eyes and listen, you can hear the water lapping at the sides, and it is a soothing sound.

The Prison

Well, after a few hiccups and coughs this morning, we were off to the prison. As much as I despise where I am living now, I do remember why this place is just slightly better. For starters, I do so hate running around with 30 extra pounds of equipment on just to go eat chow! Anyway, no matter the differences, it all boils down to this: Iraq just plain sucks.
I did have a pretty good day though, as I had nothing major to do, so got to goof off all day with a couple of my buddies. We spent the day talking about anything and everything, but mostly military stuff. I realized just why I haven't had a serious relationship with a civilian in over 4 years now: I have nothing in common with them! I associate better with those that have a better understanding of my lifestyle.
Since I have been here, I met all kinds of people from all over, NG or reservist. Being in an active duty unit, often times the only people I know are active duty. But we are out here, we have a NG unit attached to us, and we worked next to a reservist unit while at the Prison. It is an interesting look at life in both the Army and Civilian, the balance between soldier and man/woman. They are often looked down upon for their choice of branches, but I don't see why they should be. Often times, the NG or reserve unit is just as good, if not better than the active duty unit. These men and women must give up careers, lives to be deployed. I do not say this to diminish the active duty soldier, but often times, we do not see just how great the sacrifice that is made by our counterpart in the NG/Reserves. Perhaps if we did, there would be a greater understanding, and a better ability to work together.
I was going somewhere, but my train of thought just jumped the tracks again! He He He. Long, HOT day. And of course it isn't over. We have a major event happening Sunday, and it has fallen to me to be prepared, so now that I have lost a day in working, I must make up for it tonight. Not really an issue, as I have no life anyway, but I did want to watch more Stargate.
You know, during the day, all these wonderful ramblings occur to me, but I have no means to jot them down, and I lose them. Oh well.
Well to all who read this, greetings, and GOODNIGHT.

Swimming, eating, and getting hit on

Being a female in Iraq is not really that fun, but occasionally there are funny points to it. Example: Myself and 2 other girls were sitting at dinner tonight, when we were engaged in conversation by 3 Brits sitting next to us. Forgive me, it was 2 Brits and a Scotsman. Either way, the conversation devolved rapidly, and soo we were all laughing at such things as why the US has the World Series (Baseball for those dorks out there), yet we are the only ones who play, or why we have Iced tea. To them, that is babaric. It simply isn't done. As we left, one of my compatriots and I were discussing the gentlemen. (I said "Goodnight Gentlemen" to which one responded "oh I am not that", so I asked him if he was an "arsehole" instead!) Anyway, she seemed rather insistent that they were hitting on me specifically, to which I pointed out that while they were doing considerable flirting, it was directed at us as a whole. It did make for an enjoyable dinner though, much different than my usual meals alone with my food and my bood.
Back to the first subject in my title. I went swimming today for the first time in a long time. The pool is a small one that sits by one of the lakes on post, and is 6ft deep, all the way across. Me being 5'4", this was a slight issue. I treaded (I have no idea what word to use here) water for quite sometime, dunking people right and left, and when my back was turned, being dunked myself. Of course, now I am going to hell, as one of the persons dunked was the Chaplain. Hey, he started it by threatening to pull me in:-D
While hanging out on the side looking around, I talked to one of the ISG civilians that was also there about the camp. There was an old Baath party building across the lake from where we were, and according to tale, there are still dead bodies in the theatre that was bombed last year during the war.
The camp is an interesting mish mash of interesting architecture. While some of the buildings are very plain, and functional, such as the buildings I work and live in, others are beautiful.
I think I am off to bed now. I am going to AG in the morning to provide administration support. Yay. (Yes, that was sarcasm:-)

Killing time

Somedays I have to wonder about people around here. I say things, I email things, but yet they don't listen. I am under the wire from above, and can't do anything because I haven't the information that I need!
Then, from below, I have to deal with people who somehow think that I am 3, not 23. And of course as a result of that assumption, they then feel the need to question every move I make. The last time I checked, I had earned the rank on my collar by being competant at what I do. Granted, this is not what I was trained to do, but I work hard and learn what I can. If I do not know something, I ask. It's as easy as that, I am not about to jump off of a cliff without first making sure that there is something to slow my fall.

The Beginning

Since this will actually be read by other people than myself, I am not sure how to proceed. Mummy kept my diary online, and I think I will do the same, save for certain parts of course. You guys can't know everything about me:-D
It is August 3rd and I am sitting in my new offices in Camp Deutsch, located in Camp Slayer, near BIAP in Iraq. Confusing enough? I know. This place isn't that awful, at least we don't have to wear gear walking all over the place, and I now have a bike to ride to chow and such. We even have a swimming pool on post that we can go to. Not that I will frequent it, it is still quite sunny out and I have no intention of burning. The building I work in smells of cat pee unfortunatly, but it has become the running joke, and to be quite honest, most of us who work here become accustomed to it during the day. The place where I live is quite crowded and infested with ants, but so long as we are careful with food we don't have a problem. As we have no showers nearby, we have to ride about 3/4 of a mile away to shower trailers. Hopefully soon we will have our own.
This place gets more and more frustrating though. I quit smoking finally, and I am thinking I should have waited! I have around 4 more months left here, and I am still steadily going insane.