I was reminded of a commercial this morning. "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?" the boy asks the owl. The owl says, "One....Two....Three....." Crunch
After my run and heading to the shower only to find the electricity is off - hence, no water. How many bottles of water does it take to shower?! One...Two....Three! Of course, that's not washing my hair which would have added another five bottles. Shaving my head is looking better every time.
Another one: How many Iraqi men have I seen on one motorcycle (probably a 150)? One...Two...Three! Yes, only in Iraq! Which brings up a bitter sweet note; Bri found a buyer for my motorcycle. It finally has left military hands since the first owner was Burley and the second owner was Demos. On the To-Do-List when I get back: purchase a new bike and ride to Sturgis!
Bri also sold my 99 Maxima which means I have absolutely no wheels when I get home. Is he trying to tell me something?! He even mentioned he might sell my clothes but I think my daughter is already wearing them. I love how my stuff has been taken over. I'm glad I've become a minimalist while I've been here. I'm trying to see how few uniforms I can keep out and rotate through the laundry. All that stuff I got from the military is shoved under my bed.
The days are definitely warming up and I can especially notice the difference in the morning when I go for a run. It just isn't cool any more when I start out. Even the birds stand with their mouths open, I can't ever recall seeing a bird pant but that is what it looks like. Just like a dog.
From 40 Ways to Prepare for a Deployment:
#9. Leave a lawnmower running in your living room 24 hours a day for proper noise level.
Auge's How to Prepare for a Deployment:
#2. Create a rotating shift in the neighborhood to maintain the lawnmower with fuel. Berate the person who lets the lawnmower run out of gas during their shift. Work hours trying to get the thing running again.
I also wonder if I'm going to have some degree of hearing loss after this experience since the air conditioner in my room is right above my bed and it isn't the quietest model. There is constant noise all over this base from the helicopters, generators, air conditioners, other vehicles, British yelling at each other and the slamming of doors on our sleeping trailers.
I used to think Brian's snoring was bad but I would welcome such a night. I've been falling asleep with my IPod ear buds shoved in my ears. The big question, will I be able to fall asleep once I am at the cabin on Lake George after a year of noise? Only time will tell. I'll probably have to have the lawn mower running. Brian can take the night shift to ensure it doesn't run out of fuel! :)
April 27, 2009
April 25, 2009
Travel Agent
"Welcome to your vacation destination!" Yes, I was acting travel agent the past three nights. This could be another line of work for me in my future.
The first night was especially fun since the flight was originally scheduled to arrive at 2030 (8:30pm). I arrived at the terminal 30 minutes prior, crossing my fingers that the flight was on time. No such luck. The crew told me to wait a while for the plane to take off and then I would have an accurate time of arrival. I waited until 2200 (10 pm). New arrival time was scheduled for 0230 (2:30 am). I'm thinking I'll get a couple hours of sleep so back to my trailer I go. Up at 0145and back to the terminal. Once again, the flight is delayed until 0430. Now I'm irritated. What happened to the accurate time of arrival?!!! No sense in going back to lie down so I go to the internet cafe and Skype my parents and Lyndsey. Not a perfect session since they couldn't hear me so I had to type everything I wanted to say but it was great to see them. Back to the terminal I go to greet the flight. Finally, the plane shows up, I brief the Soldiers and drive them to their trailers. I'm thinking to myself that I'll lie down after the 0900 meeting. Then it hits me...I have class at 1000. Great!
Now this is the funny part. My class taught me about handling purchases from vendors and accounting for large sums of money. I haven't done this in my 16 years of marriage, why should I start now? I've never even filed my own taxes. Brian knows me so well that in his last letter to me, he outlined our financial future since he had a captive audience with his letter. My eyes glaze over when he starts talking about it at home.
To the class I go; dragging butt. At least the room was cold from the air conditioner otherwise I would have been sleeping for sure. The class was being held at the Corps of Engineers compound. Lucky for me, class ended at lunch time and I ran into one of the officers from the previous dinner. I asked if my two Soldiers and I could have lunch there. No problem and once again, I had a fantastic meal at the oasis on camp.
The terminal crew is so used to seeing me, the Lieutenant Colonel told me he would set up a desk for me. I asked for a wooden placard with my name on it since I've never had that before. So, between every flight not coming in on time, I've had very little sleep the last three nights. But today certainly brought a different emotion when I was at the terminal.
The Soldiers we are replacing are leaving as fast as we are coming in, however, I've gotten to know a few of them in the 3+ weeks I've been here. While I was at the terminal waiting for another flight to come in, there were a number of our counterparts leaving to include the Soldiers I've gotten to know. It reminded me of being in my first year of OCS and watching Class 41 graduate and thinking; I have another year of this?! And today, I was watching our counterparts leave and thinking; I have another 10 months of this?! How can I make this time go by quicker?
The first night was especially fun since the flight was originally scheduled to arrive at 2030 (8:30pm). I arrived at the terminal 30 minutes prior, crossing my fingers that the flight was on time. No such luck. The crew told me to wait a while for the plane to take off and then I would have an accurate time of arrival. I waited until 2200 (10 pm). New arrival time was scheduled for 0230 (2:30 am). I'm thinking I'll get a couple hours of sleep so back to my trailer I go. Up at 0145and back to the terminal. Once again, the flight is delayed until 0430. Now I'm irritated. What happened to the accurate time of arrival?!!! No sense in going back to lie down so I go to the internet cafe and Skype my parents and Lyndsey. Not a perfect session since they couldn't hear me so I had to type everything I wanted to say but it was great to see them. Back to the terminal I go to greet the flight. Finally, the plane shows up, I brief the Soldiers and drive them to their trailers. I'm thinking to myself that I'll lie down after the 0900 meeting. Then it hits me...I have class at 1000. Great!
Now this is the funny part. My class taught me about handling purchases from vendors and accounting for large sums of money. I haven't done this in my 16 years of marriage, why should I start now? I've never even filed my own taxes. Brian knows me so well that in his last letter to me, he outlined our financial future since he had a captive audience with his letter. My eyes glaze over when he starts talking about it at home.
To the class I go; dragging butt. At least the room was cold from the air conditioner otherwise I would have been sleeping for sure. The class was being held at the Corps of Engineers compound. Lucky for me, class ended at lunch time and I ran into one of the officers from the previous dinner. I asked if my two Soldiers and I could have lunch there. No problem and once again, I had a fantastic meal at the oasis on camp.
The terminal crew is so used to seeing me, the Lieutenant Colonel told me he would set up a desk for me. I asked for a wooden placard with my name on it since I've never had that before. So, between every flight not coming in on time, I've had very little sleep the last three nights. But today certainly brought a different emotion when I was at the terminal.
The Soldiers we are replacing are leaving as fast as we are coming in, however, I've gotten to know a few of them in the 3+ weeks I've been here. While I was at the terminal waiting for another flight to come in, there were a number of our counterparts leaving to include the Soldiers I've gotten to know. It reminded me of being in my first year of OCS and watching Class 41 graduate and thinking; I have another year of this?! And today, I was watching our counterparts leave and thinking; I have another 10 months of this?! How can I make this time go by quicker?
April 21, 2009
Things That Go Boom!
Someone asked me today what I liked about being in Iraq. I looked at him and said, "Are you smoking crack? What can there possibly be that I like about this place?!" Then I thought for a bit and there isn't much I like about Iraq per se but the opportunity to get to know other Soldiers better has been great during this deployment. I've met some really nice and interesting people to include my roommate. I don't miss doing laundry. I'm afforded some time to complete some goals since I'm not doing laundry, cooking meals, running to the store and all the other things that go along with daily life. I've hardly watched any TV except for the 20 mins of Sky News during breakfast. This is definitely a good thing to not be parked in front of the TV. Oh, to put in a good word for this vacation destination, I have seen some of the most incredibly sunsets in my life.
I've decided I'm going to start my own rules on How to Prepare for a Deployment.
#1. If you arrive home and you find a package at your doorstep, immediately inform the authorities, notify all of the neighbors, get them out of bed (even if they were on night shift) and have them move away from the area. Wait for the bomb squad to blow up the mystery package. Sift through the debris and determine it was the item you had mail ordered from William's Sonoma.
We had some excitement on the Contingency Operating Base (COB) today. One of our Soldiers came running into the office and could barely speak. When he finally could, he said that an Iraqi had handed him and another Soldier a computer bag with a passport. The passport was expired. The Iraqi left so our guys put the bag down and that's how our young Soldier came to be in front of us; barely breathing.
The First Sergeant went to report the incident and I went with the Soldier. Once on site, we moved everyone back, far back and in moments, the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was on site. They cordoned off the area and after a long while they destroyed the said bag. It just so happened to be a Soldier's computer and he had departed today. He had survived the deployment but the computer died. Good lesson...never leave your stuff behind. It just might get blown up!
In all seriousness, we can't be too careful here. I'd rather we error on the side of being too cautious than have an incident we would never forget.
I've been busy working on acquiring different things for the company. One of the air conditioners in the tent doesn't work so I had to put in a work order request. There are a lot of AC issues all over camp so when I went to check on the status of the work order, I made sure to bring some chocolate along. Chocolate and a smile go a long way. We've been moved closer to the top of the list for getting it done. :) I've also learned to just ask for stuff even if it seems like no one would give up the item I want. Example: I'm looking for some shelving for the supply room. I was walking by one of the closed dining facilities and I saw all these great shelves. I tracked down one of the KBR guys and he's talking to his boss. It's looking favorable... I'll keep you posted. However it's getting too warm for chocolate! Maybe Gummy Bears will work!
Miss Dani Rae: The cookies have worked, too. Thanks to you and your troop and the families from Bairdstown, KY!
I've decided I'm going to start my own rules on How to Prepare for a Deployment.
#1. If you arrive home and you find a package at your doorstep, immediately inform the authorities, notify all of the neighbors, get them out of bed (even if they were on night shift) and have them move away from the area. Wait for the bomb squad to blow up the mystery package. Sift through the debris and determine it was the item you had mail ordered from William's Sonoma.
We had some excitement on the Contingency Operating Base (COB) today. One of our Soldiers came running into the office and could barely speak. When he finally could, he said that an Iraqi had handed him and another Soldier a computer bag with a passport. The passport was expired. The Iraqi left so our guys put the bag down and that's how our young Soldier came to be in front of us; barely breathing.
The First Sergeant went to report the incident and I went with the Soldier. Once on site, we moved everyone back, far back and in moments, the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was on site. They cordoned off the area and after a long while they destroyed the said bag. It just so happened to be a Soldier's computer and he had departed today. He had survived the deployment but the computer died. Good lesson...never leave your stuff behind. It just might get blown up!
In all seriousness, we can't be too careful here. I'd rather we error on the side of being too cautious than have an incident we would never forget.
I've been busy working on acquiring different things for the company. One of the air conditioners in the tent doesn't work so I had to put in a work order request. There are a lot of AC issues all over camp so when I went to check on the status of the work order, I made sure to bring some chocolate along. Chocolate and a smile go a long way. We've been moved closer to the top of the list for getting it done. :) I've also learned to just ask for stuff even if it seems like no one would give up the item I want. Example: I'm looking for some shelving for the supply room. I was walking by one of the closed dining facilities and I saw all these great shelves. I tracked down one of the KBR guys and he's talking to his boss. It's looking favorable... I'll keep you posted. However it's getting too warm for chocolate! Maybe Gummy Bears will work!
Miss Dani Rae: The cookies have worked, too. Thanks to you and your troop and the families from Bairdstown, KY!
April 18, 2009
Lessons Learned
40 Ways to Prepare for a Deployment:
#4. Renovate your bathroom. Hang a green plastic sheet down from the middle of your bathtub and move the showerhead down to chest level. Keep four inches of soapy cold water on the floor. Stop cleaning the toilet and pee everywhere but in the toilet itself. Leave two to three sheets of toilet paper. Or for best effect, remove it altogether. For a more realistic deployed bathroom experience, stop using your bathroom and use a neighbor's. Choose a neighbor who lives at least a quarter mile away.
I haven't been using the coed latrines by our sleeping areas since they rarely look like they've been cleaned. I know the Porta Johns are cleaned every day so last night I went to use one and I didn't bring my flashlight. Not a big deal but I had some difficultly getting the door shut. I didn't realize this was going to be an issue until I tried to get out. The door wouldn't open....I couldn't believe I was stuck in a Porta John of all places. So I'm trying like hell to push this door open and I decide to give it my shoulder. A screw, from the other side to anchor the hand sanitizer, dug into my shoulder....OUCH! Of course, I had more colorful vocabulary at the time.
Remember when I wrote about men in the Army not being able to read or tell time.... yesterday morning my roommate totally blew that theory. We had just gotten back from a run and we normally go to breakfast first but she decided she wanted to shower first. She left for the shower trailer prior to me and when I rounded the corner, I saw her standing by the trailer. I knew without even having to ask that she had walked in on the guys. Too funny! I had a great laugh at her expense.
However, I had my own lesson to learn this week. The water in the latrines is non-potable water. Meaning, it's good enough to shower with but don't drink! So, I'm brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth and I drink a couple handfills....Oh No! I knew the minute I did it the grave mistake I had made. Sure enough, I had a bad gut for two days. Nothing to keep me in bed but it sure made for especially long days when I wasn't feeling well.
Good thing I started to feel better later in the week since the colonel from the TORCH party brought my roommate and I to a dinner at the Corps of Engineers. Their camp had it's own private entry way and as we were escorted back, I couldn't believe my eyes! They had built their area to look like someones back yard patio complete with plants. An oasis in this God-forsaken country! The dinner was phenominal and I was wondering how I could be allowed to eat every meal there. Or at least gaze upon the plants in the area. The Engineers had better post guards on their plants...I'm on a mission.
In fact, my roommate and I have decided to set up our own patio area. There's an abundance of scrape lumber and concrete laying around. Now all I need is a bag of peat moss and some seeds. Just wait, before long I'll have my garden and I can stare at the plants here!
#4. Renovate your bathroom. Hang a green plastic sheet down from the middle of your bathtub and move the showerhead down to chest level. Keep four inches of soapy cold water on the floor. Stop cleaning the toilet and pee everywhere but in the toilet itself. Leave two to three sheets of toilet paper. Or for best effect, remove it altogether. For a more realistic deployed bathroom experience, stop using your bathroom and use a neighbor's. Choose a neighbor who lives at least a quarter mile away.
I haven't been using the coed latrines by our sleeping areas since they rarely look like they've been cleaned. I know the Porta Johns are cleaned every day so last night I went to use one and I didn't bring my flashlight. Not a big deal but I had some difficultly getting the door shut. I didn't realize this was going to be an issue until I tried to get out. The door wouldn't open....I couldn't believe I was stuck in a Porta John of all places. So I'm trying like hell to push this door open and I decide to give it my shoulder. A screw, from the other side to anchor the hand sanitizer, dug into my shoulder....OUCH! Of course, I had more colorful vocabulary at the time.
Remember when I wrote about men in the Army not being able to read or tell time.... yesterday morning my roommate totally blew that theory. We had just gotten back from a run and we normally go to breakfast first but she decided she wanted to shower first. She left for the shower trailer prior to me and when I rounded the corner, I saw her standing by the trailer. I knew without even having to ask that she had walked in on the guys. Too funny! I had a great laugh at her expense.
However, I had my own lesson to learn this week. The water in the latrines is non-potable water. Meaning, it's good enough to shower with but don't drink! So, I'm brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth and I drink a couple handfills....Oh No! I knew the minute I did it the grave mistake I had made. Sure enough, I had a bad gut for two days. Nothing to keep me in bed but it sure made for especially long days when I wasn't feeling well.
Good thing I started to feel better later in the week since the colonel from the TORCH party brought my roommate and I to a dinner at the Corps of Engineers. Their camp had it's own private entry way and as we were escorted back, I couldn't believe my eyes! They had built their area to look like someones back yard patio complete with plants. An oasis in this God-forsaken country! The dinner was phenominal and I was wondering how I could be allowed to eat every meal there. Or at least gaze upon the plants in the area. The Engineers had better post guards on their plants...I'm on a mission.
In fact, my roommate and I have decided to set up our own patio area. There's an abundance of scrape lumber and concrete laying around. Now all I need is a bag of peat moss and some seeds. Just wait, before long I'll have my garden and I can stare at the plants here!
April 12, 2009
It's A Blessing To Be Alive!
I would have to say this is, by far, the most different Easter that I have ever celebrated.
Easter has always been my most favorite holiday. Most importantly because of what it means to me as a Christian. But, I also like the colored eggs, the Easter baskets, the chocolate bunnies and the Easter egg hunt with the kids. At our home, it's always been a time to celebrate with family and friends. I love the chaos when everyone arrives and we spend the afternoon eating the wonderful dishes everyone shares.
Like I said, this Easter was different. No going to church with Grandma Dart, no straw hat, no big meal to cook for visiting family and friends. And to really dampen my spirit, no spring thaw or the budding of new plants in my garden. I miss the color green. The other day, I found what I believe is the only plant growing in the ground on this camp. I just might dig it up and bring it to my living area!
Following some meetings in the morning, I attended a church service at the dining facility. The camp has yet to build a chapel but there are plans to build one in the near future. I was surprised at the absence of attendees. There were multiple services throughout the day and they were held at different locations but I would have expected a packed room. For selfish reasons, I was glad it wasn't full since the room was stifling hot as it was, already.
The pastor began, "It's a blessing to be alive!" Yes, it is, I thought. This place is not without danger. Most of the time I'm more afraid of getting run over by one of the Iraqis or British drivers. But, there is always in the back of my mind that I could experience more than I bargained for on this trip.
It was hard not comparing this service to all others that I have attended. I was in a room with my weapon at my feet, sweat dripping down my back and when we sang, there were no instruments. Just try carrying a tune of a song you have never sung before. Got to love it! However, the pastor provided a wonderful sermon which reminded me that the location just didn't matter. The message is everything.
After the service I decided to stay for lunch and I sat with a couple British Soldiers. From my perspective, they talk really fast and I had to ask them repeatedly to ask me again their question. They were amazed that I would be here for at least 10 months and that this was my first deployment. They had both been deployed 3-4 times but their deployments were only six months.
I went to the Post Exchange (PX) to purchase some chocolate. None. Not a single bit of chocolate to be found. All other types of candy to be had but not anything I was looking for so I left empty-handed.
Later, that evening, I actually got to Skype Brian, Lyndsey and my parents. This was the first time that the video and voice worked for both sides. It was great seeing everyone. It's been especially hard not having the communication ability that we have had at other locations prior to Iraq. What a wonderful blessing that I had comms with my family especially on Easter!
Easter has always been my most favorite holiday. Most importantly because of what it means to me as a Christian. But, I also like the colored eggs, the Easter baskets, the chocolate bunnies and the Easter egg hunt with the kids. At our home, it's always been a time to celebrate with family and friends. I love the chaos when everyone arrives and we spend the afternoon eating the wonderful dishes everyone shares.
Like I said, this Easter was different. No going to church with Grandma Dart, no straw hat, no big meal to cook for visiting family and friends. And to really dampen my spirit, no spring thaw or the budding of new plants in my garden. I miss the color green. The other day, I found what I believe is the only plant growing in the ground on this camp. I just might dig it up and bring it to my living area!
Following some meetings in the morning, I attended a church service at the dining facility. The camp has yet to build a chapel but there are plans to build one in the near future. I was surprised at the absence of attendees. There were multiple services throughout the day and they were held at different locations but I would have expected a packed room. For selfish reasons, I was glad it wasn't full since the room was stifling hot as it was, already.
The pastor began, "It's a blessing to be alive!" Yes, it is, I thought. This place is not without danger. Most of the time I'm more afraid of getting run over by one of the Iraqis or British drivers. But, there is always in the back of my mind that I could experience more than I bargained for on this trip.
It was hard not comparing this service to all others that I have attended. I was in a room with my weapon at my feet, sweat dripping down my back and when we sang, there were no instruments. Just try carrying a tune of a song you have never sung before. Got to love it! However, the pastor provided a wonderful sermon which reminded me that the location just didn't matter. The message is everything.
After the service I decided to stay for lunch and I sat with a couple British Soldiers. From my perspective, they talk really fast and I had to ask them repeatedly to ask me again their question. They were amazed that I would be here for at least 10 months and that this was my first deployment. They had both been deployed 3-4 times but their deployments were only six months.
I went to the Post Exchange (PX) to purchase some chocolate. None. Not a single bit of chocolate to be found. All other types of candy to be had but not anything I was looking for so I left empty-handed.
Later, that evening, I actually got to Skype Brian, Lyndsey and my parents. This was the first time that the video and voice worked for both sides. It was great seeing everyone. It's been especially hard not having the communication ability that we have had at other locations prior to Iraq. What a wonderful blessing that I had comms with my family especially on Easter!
April 9, 2009
3 Stikes and I'm Out!
A few days ago, we were preparing for some of our Soldiers and their equipment to arrive. The flight was suppose to come in during the wee hours of the morning (about the same time Cooper's Bar on Hwy 3 in Eagan closes down on a weekend night). Unfortunately, being up at this time wasn't the same since I hadn't had any beer nor had I gotten to hang with my friends. So I got up, met some other Soldiers and we drove to flight ops.
Before going inside the building, I had to clear my weapon at the clearing barrel. I dropped the magazine, placed it on the sandbag and proceeded to clear my weapon. While I was doing this, the magazine fell to the ground and then a sandbag fell on top of my magazine. I went to pick up the sandbag and the entire contents of sand dumped onto my magazine....nice. STRIKE 1!
I proceeded to the control center and as I'm walking in the sergeant says to me, "Oh Ma'am, we were just going to call you. The flight is delayed and it won't be in until this afternoon." STRIKE 2!
I go back my room to try and sleep until 0515, however, I had my first cup of Starbucks coffee from the sergeant major when I thought I would be up for a while. Well, that cup of Starbucks obviously was stronger than what I was used to so sleep wasn't happening. I finally get up to take a shower. I had just gotten done putting conditioner in my hair and soaping myself up when I turned the water back on to rinse. "What the Hell?!!" The water is only coming out in a trickle less than the diameter of a straw. STRIKE 3! Just try to rinse your hair when it's as long as mine with a trickle. I'm beginning to think shaving my head would be a good option.
Even though I had a cool shower today, there were no issues with the pressure. I heard the guys didn't have any water when it was their turn in the shower trailer. Sucks to be them!
Which brings up another point. I didn't know we had let so many men into the Army that can't read or tell time. EVERY morning, some guy walks in when it's the female hours for showers. Hours are posted on the doors for both males and females. One of our own Soldiers was telling a story how he had gotten into the shower and someone else had gotten into the one next to him. Even after he was ready to leave, this same person was still in the shower even though the shower had been off for a long time. As he was leaving, she poked here head out and he realized his mistake. Of course, when he was telling the story, we were laughing till tears were coming out of our eyes. I'm just glad it wasn't me!
The European style of bathrooms is taking a bit to get used to as well. The stalls all have doors that run to the floor but it still is weird coming out to wash your hands and a guy is standing there brushing his teeth. The leadership actually taped off the urinals after a few days; I'm sure there was some male Soldier who couldn't read the sign that clearly states: Coed Latrine. Don't Use The Urinals!
My days have been busy with my first meeting starting at 0730 and my last one ending after 2000 (8pm). As part of the Torch party, we have been coordinating the arrival of the Soldiers and their equipment. The best way I can describe it: Go to a foreign country you have never been to and plan for a very large group of people to arrive. Coordinate transportation and lodging for everyone to include gift baskets (laundry bag in our case). Plan for each person to be carrying at least 4 very large suitcases and smaller bags as well. Plan transportation for any vehicles they decided to bring and multiple pallets of stuff. Give them a presentation about the sights in the area and any rules that apply. Do all of this without having a cell phone, limited vehicles and personnel. This is what it is like for me right now.
When I was at the airfield, I spoke to one of the forklift operators- He'll teach me to drive one. All I have to do is set the date! Can't wait...It's a home-run!
BTW, my mailing address is posted to the right!
Before going inside the building, I had to clear my weapon at the clearing barrel. I dropped the magazine, placed it on the sandbag and proceeded to clear my weapon. While I was doing this, the magazine fell to the ground and then a sandbag fell on top of my magazine. I went to pick up the sandbag and the entire contents of sand dumped onto my magazine....nice. STRIKE 1!
I proceeded to the control center and as I'm walking in the sergeant says to me, "Oh Ma'am, we were just going to call you. The flight is delayed and it won't be in until this afternoon." STRIKE 2!
I go back my room to try and sleep until 0515, however, I had my first cup of Starbucks coffee from the sergeant major when I thought I would be up for a while. Well, that cup of Starbucks obviously was stronger than what I was used to so sleep wasn't happening. I finally get up to take a shower. I had just gotten done putting conditioner in my hair and soaping myself up when I turned the water back on to rinse. "What the Hell?!!" The water is only coming out in a trickle less than the diameter of a straw. STRIKE 3! Just try to rinse your hair when it's as long as mine with a trickle. I'm beginning to think shaving my head would be a good option.
Even though I had a cool shower today, there were no issues with the pressure. I heard the guys didn't have any water when it was their turn in the shower trailer. Sucks to be them!
Which brings up another point. I didn't know we had let so many men into the Army that can't read or tell time. EVERY morning, some guy walks in when it's the female hours for showers. Hours are posted on the doors for both males and females. One of our own Soldiers was telling a story how he had gotten into the shower and someone else had gotten into the one next to him. Even after he was ready to leave, this same person was still in the shower even though the shower had been off for a long time. As he was leaving, she poked here head out and he realized his mistake. Of course, when he was telling the story, we were laughing till tears were coming out of our eyes. I'm just glad it wasn't me!
The European style of bathrooms is taking a bit to get used to as well. The stalls all have doors that run to the floor but it still is weird coming out to wash your hands and a guy is standing there brushing his teeth. The leadership actually taped off the urinals after a few days; I'm sure there was some male Soldier who couldn't read the sign that clearly states: Coed Latrine. Don't Use The Urinals!
My days have been busy with my first meeting starting at 0730 and my last one ending after 2000 (8pm). As part of the Torch party, we have been coordinating the arrival of the Soldiers and their equipment. The best way I can describe it: Go to a foreign country you have never been to and plan for a very large group of people to arrive. Coordinate transportation and lodging for everyone to include gift baskets (laundry bag in our case). Plan for each person to be carrying at least 4 very large suitcases and smaller bags as well. Plan transportation for any vehicles they decided to bring and multiple pallets of stuff. Give them a presentation about the sights in the area and any rules that apply. Do all of this without having a cell phone, limited vehicles and personnel. This is what it is like for me right now.
When I was at the airfield, I spoke to one of the forklift operators- He'll teach me to drive one. All I have to do is set the date! Can't wait...It's a home-run!
BTW, my mailing address is posted to the right!
April 5, 2009
Joie De Vivre - Joy of Life
I've been here for 5 days and it is certainly better since the day I arrived. We had another white day so I slept in until 0700, went for a run, practiced my guitar, wrote a few letters and read for a while.
While I was running, I was thinking about my professional and personal goals while I am here. When I was going to start Officer Candidate School to become an officer, I told everyone so I wouldn't quit the program even when it seemed like hell. So, I'm telling you my goals to ensure I finish them over this next year.
Professional Goals:
Goal #1. Do a good job in the job I'm in. Ensure I get the mission done safely and take care of Soldiers.
Goal #2. Learn how to drive and operate a fork lift! I have my Class B Commercial license from when I was a medical sales rep. I loved driving that big truck and since I've deployed, the fork lift operators are hard to come by and it looks like a great piece of equipment to operate.
Goal #3. Start Intermediate-Level Education (ILE). As a captain going into my 4th year of time in grade, I want to get a jump start on my military education. I already meet the requirements for promotion to major but my being prepared for the next rank has not always been the case as many of you know. No time like the present to get some of this knocked out.
Personal Goals:
Goal #1. Learn how to play the guitar well enough to play The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel. When I was a kid, my babysitter Jaren, would bring her guitar, play and sing songs. I distinctly remember her playing that song to me and it has always been a favorite since then. Lucky for me, the military band will be here and I can get additional lessons.
Goal #2. Write and illustrate a book of my childhood for my daughter. I have a lot of great memories of my childhood exploring in the woods and along the river. I grew up in Two Harbors, Minnesota, in the Waldo Stewart area located 8 miles from town. About 1/4 mile from our home was an abandoned farm house which was painted pink. So naturally, everyone in the area referred to it as "The Pink House". I remember being as young as 11 years old, packing a bag lunch and spending the entire day exploring that house and the surrounding area. My brother recently sent pictures and it isn't safe to walk in and the trees have all grown substantially higher but, I can still picture looking out over the field from the attic window and sitting on an old, pillow stuffed rocking chair.
Goal #3. Run 1000 miles in Iraq. Now this will probably be the most difficult for me. I figure I have easily 300 days give or take a few weeks left. I will have to run at a minimum of 25 miles per week and I haven't been running that much since last summer when I was prepping for the Army 10-Miler. Five days before the race, I developed plantar fasciitis and I wanted to ensure my foot healed so I haven't ran much until I landed in Kuwait.
Over the last few days, I've realized that even if my surroundings aren't the greatest, I can make the most of this next year and bring joy to my own life. However, a little Starbucks and Grapenuts never hurt! :)
While I was running, I was thinking about my professional and personal goals while I am here. When I was going to start Officer Candidate School to become an officer, I told everyone so I wouldn't quit the program even when it seemed like hell. So, I'm telling you my goals to ensure I finish them over this next year.
Professional Goals:
Goal #1. Do a good job in the job I'm in. Ensure I get the mission done safely and take care of Soldiers.
Goal #2. Learn how to drive and operate a fork lift! I have my Class B Commercial license from when I was a medical sales rep. I loved driving that big truck and since I've deployed, the fork lift operators are hard to come by and it looks like a great piece of equipment to operate.
Goal #3. Start Intermediate-Level Education (ILE). As a captain going into my 4th year of time in grade, I want to get a jump start on my military education. I already meet the requirements for promotion to major but my being prepared for the next rank has not always been the case as many of you know. No time like the present to get some of this knocked out.
Personal Goals:
Goal #1. Learn how to play the guitar well enough to play The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel. When I was a kid, my babysitter Jaren, would bring her guitar, play and sing songs. I distinctly remember her playing that song to me and it has always been a favorite since then. Lucky for me, the military band will be here and I can get additional lessons.
Goal #2. Write and illustrate a book of my childhood for my daughter. I have a lot of great memories of my childhood exploring in the woods and along the river. I grew up in Two Harbors, Minnesota, in the Waldo Stewart area located 8 miles from town. About 1/4 mile from our home was an abandoned farm house which was painted pink. So naturally, everyone in the area referred to it as "The Pink House". I remember being as young as 11 years old, packing a bag lunch and spending the entire day exploring that house and the surrounding area. My brother recently sent pictures and it isn't safe to walk in and the trees have all grown substantially higher but, I can still picture looking out over the field from the attic window and sitting on an old, pillow stuffed rocking chair.
Goal #3. Run 1000 miles in Iraq. Now this will probably be the most difficult for me. I figure I have easily 300 days give or take a few weeks left. I will have to run at a minimum of 25 miles per week and I haven't been running that much since last summer when I was prepping for the Army 10-Miler. Five days before the race, I developed plantar fasciitis and I wanted to ensure my foot healed so I haven't ran much until I landed in Kuwait.
Over the last few days, I've realized that even if my surroundings aren't the greatest, I can make the most of this next year and bring joy to my own life. However, a little Starbucks and Grapenuts never hurt! :)
April 1, 2009
April Fool's Day...The Jokes On Me
I arrived in Iraq yesterday. What I couldn't add in my last post was I was suppose to fly out on Sunday morning. I packed most of my items the night before, got up at 0500 to shower, pack my sleeping bag and hygiene items and have breakfast. I should have known it wasn't going to be a good morning when the dining facility was out of cereal. So right off, my mood wasn't the greatest. I know some of you are thinking...cereal, but you have to understand, I have a little bit of the Rainman thing going on when it comes to breakfast. I even measure my Grapenuts.
Got back to the tent to wait for my ride. CPT Pietre pulls up and with a grin on his face says the flight is canceled due to weather. Right, nice joke buddy, after I packed all that stuff and dragged it to the other side of the tent. "No, I'm serious", he says with a grin on his face. It took him 2 more tries before he could convince me that he was telling the truth.
Dragged most of the stuff back to the cot that I hate and waited two days to try it again. Little did I know what I was in for at the new location.
Woke up yesterday morning and repeated the process only this time the dining facility had cereal. Good thing. Same driver but this time he's crabby so I'm giving him some grief. There are a few of us going but only Specialist (SPC) Heibel and I are staying for good. We arrive at the airfield and once the stuff is loaded on the aircraft, we receive a safety brief from the crew chief. I have always listened to safety briefings before but I noticed that I REALLY paid attention this time as the chief described what to do in different emergency scenarios.
We loaded the Black Hawk and waited. Along with my dog tags, I wear around my neck my cross and on that chain I have one pendant that says, Courage and another that says, Be Brave. As I was sitting there, I thought about what those words mean to me. I wasn't afraid to go into Iraq. Maybe I was just mentally tired already and just wanted to move on and this was another part of the journey. Get er done. For me, it's been hard leaving my family at home knowing they are moving on with their lives. My girl is growing up and I'm not a part of that, so this is where I need to have courage and be brave and trust that she will be just fine even if her mother isn't there to tuck her in or brush her hair or be there to comfort her.
Finally, we took off and I really got a chance to see the nothingness of this place. Miles, upon miles, upon miles of absolutely nothing except the occasional camel and tent. What do they see in this place?! Even though there was no line drawn in the sand, we knew when we had flown across the Kuwait/Iraq border when the gunner brought his weapon to the high ready position. Still nothing really to see other than power lines and a few more camels.
We landed and got picked up by a couple of the Soldiers who were on site already. After SPC Heibel and I got our rooms, we got a tour of the place. I'm not sure how long it had been raining but the roads and walkways were thick with clay/mud. The kind of stuff that sticks on your boots and multiplies with every step you take so by the time you get to your destination, you have a size 20 looking boot. What a pit! And the other really noticeable thing is all the concrete and HESCO barriers everywhere. I feel like a mouse in a maze without the treat. After spending the day touring and eating at the dining facilities, we were ready to call it a night. The one plus: I actually have a mattress so I slept the best I've slept since leaving Fort Lewis.
This morning, I got up at 0500 since we share the shower facilities with the men...no, not at the same time! Females use it from 0500-0600 and then again after 0800. I thought I would get a hot shower but that wasn't happening. No Starbucks, barely any Internet, they don't always have brewed coffee at the dining facility (usually it's instant coffee), no USO tent, no call center...this just can't be right. We shouldn't have to go backwards in the amenities. Where's an oasis when I need one? This is a bad joke. I think I should call it April Fool's Year. I do know, after a while, I'll mentally except my new surroundings and it really won't be that bad. I also know I shouldn't complain as others have had it WAY worse than me.
Well, at least the sun is shining today and the mud is drying up. :) Maybe, just maybe, I'll get a hot shower tomorrow!
Got back to the tent to wait for my ride. CPT Pietre pulls up and with a grin on his face says the flight is canceled due to weather. Right, nice joke buddy, after I packed all that stuff and dragged it to the other side of the tent. "No, I'm serious", he says with a grin on his face. It took him 2 more tries before he could convince me that he was telling the truth.
Dragged most of the stuff back to the cot that I hate and waited two days to try it again. Little did I know what I was in for at the new location.
Woke up yesterday morning and repeated the process only this time the dining facility had cereal. Good thing. Same driver but this time he's crabby so I'm giving him some grief. There are a few of us going but only Specialist (SPC) Heibel and I are staying for good. We arrive at the airfield and once the stuff is loaded on the aircraft, we receive a safety brief from the crew chief. I have always listened to safety briefings before but I noticed that I REALLY paid attention this time as the chief described what to do in different emergency scenarios.
We loaded the Black Hawk and waited. Along with my dog tags, I wear around my neck my cross and on that chain I have one pendant that says, Courage and another that says, Be Brave. As I was sitting there, I thought about what those words mean to me. I wasn't afraid to go into Iraq. Maybe I was just mentally tired already and just wanted to move on and this was another part of the journey. Get er done. For me, it's been hard leaving my family at home knowing they are moving on with their lives. My girl is growing up and I'm not a part of that, so this is where I need to have courage and be brave and trust that she will be just fine even if her mother isn't there to tuck her in or brush her hair or be there to comfort her.
Finally, we took off and I really got a chance to see the nothingness of this place. Miles, upon miles, upon miles of absolutely nothing except the occasional camel and tent. What do they see in this place?! Even though there was no line drawn in the sand, we knew when we had flown across the Kuwait/Iraq border when the gunner brought his weapon to the high ready position. Still nothing really to see other than power lines and a few more camels.
We landed and got picked up by a couple of the Soldiers who were on site already. After SPC Heibel and I got our rooms, we got a tour of the place. I'm not sure how long it had been raining but the roads and walkways were thick with clay/mud. The kind of stuff that sticks on your boots and multiplies with every step you take so by the time you get to your destination, you have a size 20 looking boot. What a pit! And the other really noticeable thing is all the concrete and HESCO barriers everywhere. I feel like a mouse in a maze without the treat. After spending the day touring and eating at the dining facilities, we were ready to call it a night. The one plus: I actually have a mattress so I slept the best I've slept since leaving Fort Lewis.
This morning, I got up at 0500 since we share the shower facilities with the men...no, not at the same time! Females use it from 0500-0600 and then again after 0800. I thought I would get a hot shower but that wasn't happening. No Starbucks, barely any Internet, they don't always have brewed coffee at the dining facility (usually it's instant coffee), no USO tent, no call center...this just can't be right. We shouldn't have to go backwards in the amenities. Where's an oasis when I need one? This is a bad joke. I think I should call it April Fool's Year. I do know, after a while, I'll mentally except my new surroundings and it really won't be that bad. I also know I shouldn't complain as others have had it WAY worse than me.
Well, at least the sun is shining today and the mud is drying up. :) Maybe, just maybe, I'll get a hot shower tomorrow!
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