"Life's been good to me so far"

I know, I know, it looks like I am on vacation at Saddamland. And, I am thankful for the ammenities he has provided, though it was to the detriment of his entire nation.
This is where I do my morning physical training (PT) in a effort to work off all the great chow (food) that is graciously provided by the state department. We are well cared for.
But this is what makes this place so surreal. Just the other night I was sitting on the other side of the pool drinking a bottle of water (we consume several gallons a day) and eating a bag of popcorn while enjoy the beautiful nighttime sky and the cool breeze when the "take cover" alert sounded. Sitting by the pool is no place to endure 122mm rocket fire so it was time to end the relaxation and get into a bunker.
As I sat in the bunker waiting for the "all clear", I couln't help but think about the contrasts that are presented in this and I suppose in any war.
I am truly thankful for the assignment I have been given. As an English teacher there is probably no better assignment in Baghdad. It is just as so many war correspondents have reported in the past. War is a thing of great contrast. There is a definate mixture of the beautiful and the horrible, reality and the surreal, great kindness mixed with the worst hate possible.
I my short time here this has proven true. I can't help but wonder what the year will bring.