Coming soon...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Little More than a Month of Wednesdays
This is a selection of five really good Wednesdays:
Today is Wednesday the last day of 2008, the longest year of my life.
Happy New Year, 2009! I did not like your predecessor.
Next Wednesday, my replacement arrives from Alabama. I will train him for just over a week.
Two Wednesdays from now is my last day in the Media Operations Center. It will be a sweet farewell.
Four Wednesdays from now our unit will fly out of BIAP (Baghdad International Airport) to Kuwait.
Five Wednesdays from now our unit will arrive at Fort Custer, Augusta, Michigan.
Hump day is a good day.
Daughter and Father meet at Palace in Baghdad
People who have been here for a long time tell me they have seen many news stories of fathers and their sons meeting up in Iraq, but the father and daughter coming together over here is unique.
We had a great visit.
I couldn't be more proud of her.
Go Nanner!!
We had a great visit.
I couldn't be more proud of her.
Go Nanner!!
A Conversation with Violet
I was just in getting a bottle of water when I was sidetracked by a box of microwaveable mac and cheese. Who can pass that up? As my noodles were cooking, in walked Violet, one of our interpreters.
She asked if I was leaving soon to which I smiled and said, “Yes.”
She then started to tell me about how she grew up in Baghdad. “My father was born and raised in Baghdad, and so was I. Before my father, my family has a history of over two thousand years living in what is today the Babil province.”
I asked if she was Shia or Sunni.
She paused then said, “No, Christian. My people converted to Christianity a year before the crucifixion of Christ.”
“So you must be Caldonean.”
Again she smiled, paused with a look, and said, “No, Assyrian.”
Violet told me she spent most of her adult life living in California, first in San Francisco and later in Monterrey, teaching at the Defense Language School.
“Oh, Monterrey, what a beautiful city.”
She again gave me a smile and said, “Oh, how boring it is. People tell me, ‘Go to the beach,’ to which I say, ‘how many days can you watch boats go by: one, two, three.' I decided I must leave to preserve my sanity. You know, I have two sisters and a brother living here in Baghdad.”
“Violet, you must go see them while you are here.”
Again the look, “No, I may be fired from my job or I may be killed for having abandoned my country. I did call them each once. They know I am here, but I cannot go to see them and they are afraid to come to see me. My father ruined my life. He moved me away from this beautiful city when I was just a young woman in the 1980s. He was an older man who was very demanding – many parents do not consider the happiness of their children – my father did not consider mine. I was told to move with him to America and to take care of him.
Soon after I graduated from university, my father, he had a stroke. He had done me wrong and had ruined my life, but he was my father and there was no amount of money anyone could have given me to put him in a home. I cared for him for many more years before he died. Now, even though I can be in my city and live in the beautiful palace of Saddam [that] I used to drive past as a child – we never went in, we had no business there – I cannot live in my city or see my family. It makes me very sad. "
I suggested she should arrange a meeting in which she and her family meet in the center of the July 14 Bridge, the bridge between the Red and Green Zones. They could embrace, talk, and enjoy each other’s company for a few minutes.
She just gave me the smile one more time.
I hope Violet gets to see her family. It must be terrible to be so close, literally just across the Tigris, yet not able to see them.
She asked if I was leaving soon to which I smiled and said, “Yes.”
She then started to tell me about how she grew up in Baghdad. “My father was born and raised in Baghdad, and so was I. Before my father, my family has a history of over two thousand years living in what is today the Babil province.”
I asked if she was Shia or Sunni.
She paused then said, “No, Christian. My people converted to Christianity a year before the crucifixion of Christ.”
“So you must be Caldonean.”
Again she smiled, paused with a look, and said, “No, Assyrian.”
Violet told me she spent most of her adult life living in California, first in San Francisco and later in Monterrey, teaching at the Defense Language School.
“Oh, Monterrey, what a beautiful city.”
She again gave me a smile and said, “Oh, how boring it is. People tell me, ‘Go to the beach,’ to which I say, ‘how many days can you watch boats go by: one, two, three.' I decided I must leave to preserve my sanity. You know, I have two sisters and a brother living here in Baghdad.”
“Violet, you must go see them while you are here.”
Again the look, “No, I may be fired from my job or I may be killed for having abandoned my country. I did call them each once. They know I am here, but I cannot go to see them and they are afraid to come to see me. My father ruined my life. He moved me away from this beautiful city when I was just a young woman in the 1980s. He was an older man who was very demanding – many parents do not consider the happiness of their children – my father did not consider mine. I was told to move with him to America and to take care of him.
Soon after I graduated from university, my father, he had a stroke. He had done me wrong and had ruined my life, but he was my father and there was no amount of money anyone could have given me to put him in a home. I cared for him for many more years before he died. Now, even though I can be in my city and live in the beautiful palace of Saddam [that] I used to drive past as a child – we never went in, we had no business there – I cannot live in my city or see my family. It makes me very sad. "
I suggested she should arrange a meeting in which she and her family meet in the center of the July 14 Bridge, the bridge between the Red and Green Zones. They could embrace, talk, and enjoy each other’s company for a few minutes.
She just gave me the smile one more time.
I hope Violet gets to see her family. It must be terrible to be so close, literally just across the Tigris, yet not able to see them.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Nanner arrives in the IZ
Nanner flew up from down south to spend a few days with me here in Baghdad. She arrived after a nice flight on one of these birds.I must admit, I did not recognize her. She has on more gear than there is of her. Imagine, all that gear on and a smile from ear to ear. Now that is quite an accomplishment over here.
After putting her stuff in a hooch, we headed into the palace Green Beans for a cup of chai and a good conversation.
I took her to the al-Rasheed Hotel, noted for being the building where Wolf Blitzer reported live during the first gulf war. We werent there to see wolf, rather to visit this great carpet shop. It is incredible. Savannah really had no interest in a rug, but after 10 minutes in there she wanted 5. I will be shipping them home shortly.
She also wanted to play a round of golf at the world famous "Baghdad Country Club". Who was I to deny her. This way we could at least get some use out of all of those golf lessons she had years ago. I see she has mastered the technique for holding your club just right to look really cool. The glasses help too. I think the green needs a little water. We will have to speak to Saddam about that.
You know, you can't take a girl anywhere. One minute we are shopping in a tent for belly dancing outfits Doug has a keen interest in, and the next minute Savannah is hangout out with the Iraqi Army. In Iraq there is always a good deal of bartering. Savannah wanted this picture, the Iraqi guy wanted to boast to his buddies how he kissed an American girl. Deal. I just took the pictures and gasped.
And what would a trip to the IZ and Baghdad be without out the shot of the cross sabres parade ground with Iranian helmets for speed bumps. You look good nanner.
We had a great time.
More to follow.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Is it Christmas?
The past couple of days have been difficult here in Iraq. We had hoped for a peaceful holiday season especially after the Arabic Hajj had been the most peaceful in a long time. But it seems the insurgents are doing everything possilbe to ruin the holiday by killing Americans on Christmas.
Yesterday morning the first thing I noticed was the Peruvian guards were in 'full battle rattle', body armor, kevlar helmets, and weapons at the ready. We had not seen this posture since back in the fall. Yesterday when I reported in to work we learned that we would be operating under heightened security measures, of which the outcome is we are pretty restricted and when we do move we are armored up.
Today there are no Hadji busses running, we are in IED protected vehicles, and instead of the streets being patrolled by Iraqi security forces, our American boys and girls are spending their Christmas morning checking every vehicle that moves to ensure it is not laden with explosives.
Perhaps this will all be a revelation to me compared the the Christmas' I have come to know in America. Instead of caroling, and families getting together, we will have the experience of the early Christmas' in which you were in fear for your life. What does it feel like to be a hunted Christian, where if you slip up you will be the target? Ah, I remember, Christianity in its origin is a religion of the persecuted. And eventhough this holiday is rocognized as a holiday in Iraq, there will be no WWI-like Christmas truce this year.
Last night I was able to go to the ambassador's Christmas party for an hour. It was as all things in Iraq, rather surreal. The state department workers showed up in their suits and ties, with long trench coats, the women in their gowns. It was much like an affair of state. We, were there in our battle uniforms as were the Marines who guard the embassy. There was a distict difference. There was much great food, which we could have, and much refreshment, which we could not (you have to love GO1) So, no eggnog for us, even though the ambassador repeately invited us to have some.
He did make a few comments. "Christmas of 2007 was the beginning of hope in Iraq and Chrismas 2008 is the realization of that hope... A year ago we were faced with the greatest catastrophy of our generation, but because of your efforts we have turned Iraq into an example of what can be accomplished with hope and perseverence... There are few people in the world who can claim to witness the great events of history- you are the few who can say you contributed to those events".
I had always wondered what conditions surrounded these events. I soon learned. I went back to the media operations center for several more hours. The first thing I learned when I got back was three soldiers had just died today, the frightening part of this for me was where they were killed and what they were in. It matched perfectly where my daughter is and what she does. Merry Christmas. Fortunately for me, I have access to information and was able to confirm it was not my family who would forever remember Christmas as the day their child was killed in Iraq, it would be others. What a miserable realization.
Just after midnight I called for transportation back to my sleeping quarters. My 'sleigh ride' was in an up-armored Chevy Suburban loaded with soldiers in full battle gear all singing "Deck the Halls" as we worked our way through checkpoints. The night sky was lit by a solitary star in the West. No shit. It hovered just over the horizon in the moonless sky. We rambled along bounding from speed bump to checkpoint, laughing, and joking, and singing songs, randomly flashing our 'security badges' to the machine gun toting security checkpoints all along the way... we shall not have our spirits dampened.
When I got back to my CHU I turned on my computer media player and the song that came on was "I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams". How true. I can see how these songs were so popular and have endured because of the WWII generation. There is a whole era who lived not only history, but also, loss, loneliness and postponed Christmas.
Yesterday morning the first thing I noticed was the Peruvian guards were in 'full battle rattle', body armor, kevlar helmets, and weapons at the ready. We had not seen this posture since back in the fall. Yesterday when I reported in to work we learned that we would be operating under heightened security measures, of which the outcome is we are pretty restricted and when we do move we are armored up.
Today there are no Hadji busses running, we are in IED protected vehicles, and instead of the streets being patrolled by Iraqi security forces, our American boys and girls are spending their Christmas morning checking every vehicle that moves to ensure it is not laden with explosives.
Perhaps this will all be a revelation to me compared the the Christmas' I have come to know in America. Instead of caroling, and families getting together, we will have the experience of the early Christmas' in which you were in fear for your life. What does it feel like to be a hunted Christian, where if you slip up you will be the target? Ah, I remember, Christianity in its origin is a religion of the persecuted. And eventhough this holiday is rocognized as a holiday in Iraq, there will be no WWI-like Christmas truce this year.
Last night I was able to go to the ambassador's Christmas party for an hour. It was as all things in Iraq, rather surreal. The state department workers showed up in their suits and ties, with long trench coats, the women in their gowns. It was much like an affair of state. We, were there in our battle uniforms as were the Marines who guard the embassy. There was a distict difference. There was much great food, which we could have, and much refreshment, which we could not (you have to love GO1) So, no eggnog for us, even though the ambassador repeately invited us to have some.
He did make a few comments. "Christmas of 2007 was the beginning of hope in Iraq and Chrismas 2008 is the realization of that hope... A year ago we were faced with the greatest catastrophy of our generation, but because of your efforts we have turned Iraq into an example of what can be accomplished with hope and perseverence... There are few people in the world who can claim to witness the great events of history- you are the few who can say you contributed to those events".
I had always wondered what conditions surrounded these events. I soon learned. I went back to the media operations center for several more hours. The first thing I learned when I got back was three soldiers had just died today, the frightening part of this for me was where they were killed and what they were in. It matched perfectly where my daughter is and what she does. Merry Christmas. Fortunately for me, I have access to information and was able to confirm it was not my family who would forever remember Christmas as the day their child was killed in Iraq, it would be others. What a miserable realization.
Just after midnight I called for transportation back to my sleeping quarters. My 'sleigh ride' was in an up-armored Chevy Suburban loaded with soldiers in full battle gear all singing "Deck the Halls" as we worked our way through checkpoints. The night sky was lit by a solitary star in the West. No shit. It hovered just over the horizon in the moonless sky. We rambled along bounding from speed bump to checkpoint, laughing, and joking, and singing songs, randomly flashing our 'security badges' to the machine gun toting security checkpoints all along the way... we shall not have our spirits dampened.
When I got back to my CHU I turned on my computer media player and the song that came on was "I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams". How true. I can see how these songs were so popular and have endured because of the WWII generation. There is a whole era who lived not only history, but also, loss, loneliness and postponed Christmas.
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's A Wonderful Life on CNN
It is just past midnight on December 22. My shift is just about over.
I was just in the DFAC. The pancake guy now notices when i come in for midnight breakfast and always puts me on two pancakes before I can even ask him to. It makes him smile to know he knows me. What a great thing a fresly cooked pancake is...
Here in the Media Operations Center we are dealing with the developing events in Iraq and the media who hunger for details and statements. As always we are surrounded with monitors that are showing the reporting of the networks from around the world. CNN is reporting on the escelation of the war in Afghanistan while BBC is reporting on the Iraqi parliament voting to allow the United Kingdom to remain in Iraq.
Because it is almost Chrismas, we have devoted one of the screens, (the biggest one) to watch Frank Capra's 'It's a Wonderful Life'. What would Christmas be without this film. Was there Christmas before George Bailey challenged the 'richest and meanest man in the county'?
It is a stark comparison - rockets in the Gaza strip on one screen while George and Mary sing 'Buffalo Gals' on the other. Bert and Ernie are serenading the newlyweds in the rain is in direct juxtaposition to Sky News reporting on an Iraqi man giving the 'kiss of death' by walking up to a checkpoint, hugging a guard and setting off his suicide vest. 
As a child I always hoped that when Potter was defeated at the end of the film by the community coming together, that the world was rid of evil. I guess this is just childish optimism. But that is the offer of the film - the optimism that we can live a 'wonderful life'.
I wonder which is the best moment in the film? As a teenager I always thought it was when George and Mary walked down the street before they fell in love and he made the offer to 'lasso the moon'. Now if every guy could come up with a line like that...
A little later in life I enjoyed the moment when George was planning his great voyage to see the world. Optimism, hope, adventure, these are the things that make life worth living. Do you have a suit case this big?
Even later in life I realized the challenges George faced, everything comes crashing down and it seems the whole world has turned against you, even those you trust the most. How do you redeem yourself? Hope once again prevails.
Which leads me to my favorite moment...When George finds Zu Zu's petals in his pocket. What a moment. That is really the moment that life is all about. When everything is lost but you don't care because you have those who love you. Who needs anything more?
Excuse me, this essay is interrupted by a phone call wanting to know about a developing incident in the Middle East.
CNN reports: Coalition forces have found 2.2 tons of marijuana in a local high school school. What statement would you like to make. "This is an attack on the future of all of Afghanistan", U.S. military spokesman. What else can you say. What hope is there for a country that has nothing? But then, how different are they truly from our nation?
Sadly, now the movie is over. Everyone has come to George and Mary's house. The deeds of a lifetime have paid off in this single moment. The world is a wonderful place.
It is just days before Christmas and given the choice I would make every screen in the room have a classic Christmas film playing. Not the modern ones, they are too ugly. It has to be a classic: 'White Christmas' or maybe 'Holiday Inn'. Unfortunately, our classic Christmas movie viewing time is over and we must return to the interrupted broadcast of Al-Jazeera.
I wonder what visions of hope they will broadcast tonight?
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sponsored by Smarties
When you work 14-15 hour shifts you do a lot of snacking. It seems that we are always trying something new. One of our 'care packages' a few months ago had some Smarties in it and they immediately became our favorite.
Now let me say the thing that most people over here miss in the summer months is chocolate. You simply cannot ship it in without it becoming a liquid. One August day last summer I found a rare Hershey bar at the Post Exchange. I thought, here is an unusual treat, so instead of eating it all, I took just one bite. I then stuck it in the cargo pocket of my uniform so it could be enjoyed back in my hooch while watching a movie. This was a mistake.
I headed directly back to my room which is about a 10 minute walk. The temperature outside was 135 degrees. No, you cannot possibly comprehend how hot that is. I thought I could before I got here, but it defies all expectation. At any rate, when I arrived at my room I reached in my pocket to get out the candy bar only to realize my hand was immersed in liquid chocolate. My camera was also in that pocket, now also chocolate coated. This was not good. Not only was it coated, but every little plug in was filled. This was a bad day. After hours of licking the camera was as good as new, and I had enjoyed the chocolate if a completely different way than I thought I would. (just kidding, but I had to throw that in there)
Sorry, I digress.
As I have established, chocolate anything is rare, so we had to go to something more solid. Thus the fascination with Smarties.
We found ourselves going through a bag of Smarties every couple of days. Maintaining the supply became a challenge. So we decided to contact the Smarties company, specifically the Vice President of marketing. We simply let him know that we here at the Media Operations Center live off of Smarties, that their product is having an impact on morale over here. He responded with a case of the candy. And not only did the case have the traditional Smarties, but also experimental kinds like tropical fruit, and super sour. Smarties heaven!
We here at the press desk are now content. We have our case of Smarties - we are munching away like little squirrels. In addition to that the weather has cooled to the point I can put a Hershey bar in my pocked without it becoming liquid. My camera is safe.
Now let me say the thing that most people over here miss in the summer months is chocolate. You simply cannot ship it in without it becoming a liquid. One August day last summer I found a rare Hershey bar at the Post Exchange. I thought, here is an unusual treat, so instead of eating it all, I took just one bite. I then stuck it in the cargo pocket of my uniform so it could be enjoyed back in my hooch while watching a movie. This was a mistake.
I headed directly back to my room which is about a 10 minute walk. The temperature outside was 135 degrees. No, you cannot possibly comprehend how hot that is. I thought I could before I got here, but it defies all expectation. At any rate, when I arrived at my room I reached in my pocket to get out the candy bar only to realize my hand was immersed in liquid chocolate. My camera was also in that pocket, now also chocolate coated. This was not good. Not only was it coated, but every little plug in was filled. This was a bad day. After hours of licking the camera was as good as new, and I had enjoyed the chocolate if a completely different way than I thought I would. (just kidding, but I had to throw that in there)
Sorry, I digress.
As I have established, chocolate anything is rare, so we had to go to something more solid. Thus the fascination with Smarties.
We found ourselves going through a bag of Smarties every couple of days. Maintaining the supply became a challenge. So we decided to contact the Smarties company, specifically the Vice President of marketing. We simply let him know that we here at the Media Operations Center live off of Smarties, that their product is having an impact on morale over here. He responded with a case of the candy. And not only did the case have the traditional Smarties, but also experimental kinds like tropical fruit, and super sour. Smarties heaven!
We here at the press desk are now content. We have our case of Smarties - we are munching away like little squirrels. In addition to that the weather has cooled to the point I can put a Hershey bar in my pocked without it becoming liquid. My camera is safe.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Final 5k at the Iraq Presidential Palace
Two days ago I got the flier. Presidential Palace - Final 5K. I thought, this is a must.
I have run a few of the 5k races held here in the International Zone if for no other reason than it seems absolutely the most absurd thing that can be done in the primary target in the middle of a war zone. Perhaps it is American bravado, or simply foolishness.
Maybe it is just me, but it strikes me as so 'downtown America'. Of course the scenery is very different, instead of streets lined with swaying oak trees we have roads boardered by 14ft T-wall barriers topped with razor wire, and this morning, because it was so damn cold, instead of the volunteers handing out water they were handing out hot chocolate. This by the way was a great idea.
The most unusual scene was the spectators. The Peruvian guards who guard the compound were huddled around their burn barrels trying to keep warm. There we were in shorts and t-shirts running the 3.1 mile course while at every checkpoint they stood bundled in winter coats, hats, and balakavas struggling to keep warm. They just looked at us like we were crazy.
This is the last run because the newly signed security agreement hands the International Zone back to the Iraqi Government on Jan 1. So instead of the IZ being what has commonly been called the "Green Zone", it will immediately transform into a "red zone".
Though, I suppose a road race in the red zone may produce some record times.
I think for the "Innauguration 5K", I will hand out hot chocolate.
I have run a few of the 5k races held here in the International Zone if for no other reason than it seems absolutely the most absurd thing that can be done in the primary target in the middle of a war zone. Perhaps it is American bravado, or simply foolishness.
Maybe it is just me, but it strikes me as so 'downtown America'. Of course the scenery is very different, instead of streets lined with swaying oak trees we have roads boardered by 14ft T-wall barriers topped with razor wire, and this morning, because it was so damn cold, instead of the volunteers handing out water they were handing out hot chocolate. This by the way was a great idea.
The most unusual scene was the spectators. The Peruvian guards who guard the compound were huddled around their burn barrels trying to keep warm. There we were in shorts and t-shirts running the 3.1 mile course while at every checkpoint they stood bundled in winter coats, hats, and balakavas struggling to keep warm. They just looked at us like we were crazy.
This is the last run because the newly signed security agreement hands the International Zone back to the Iraqi Government on Jan 1. So instead of the IZ being what has commonly been called the "Green Zone", it will immediately transform into a "red zone".
Though, I suppose a road race in the red zone may produce some record times.
I think for the "Innauguration 5K", I will hand out hot chocolate.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
It is winter in Baghdad
We have experienced a 100 degree drop over the past three months here in Baghdad. Last night it dipped to 34 degrees. Freezing in the desert. It just isn't right. I could accept the oppressive heat that greeted you at the door with a whallop, but I just don't know about this.
Last night I got together with a couple of other guys from Michigan to enjoy some Iraqi Chai tea and a good hour of conversation. It was one of those situations where the talk was all about what has been going on over the past week, but by the end it was all about how cold it was. We finally resolved that when we gather next week, there will have to be shelter.
Last week we met on a patio area behine the embassy complex. We were freezing then too, so we found some pallets, busted them up and build a nice fire. I felt like I was in the back yard, except i didn't have a bag of marshmellows or a hot dog roasting on a stick. It was still nice.
The Peruvians who provide our security are really beginning to not enjoy themsleves in the cold. They are bundled up like they are getting ready to go skiing. The area they guard is lit up with burn barrels with them gathered around keeping warm.
I guess being from Michigan the cold should not impact me, but the drastic shift has caught me off guard. So when I got back to my hooch last night, I dug into my ruck sack and pulled out my snivvel gear. Today I am prepared with a full set of long underwear which we call a "ninja suit" because it is solid black and looks really cool when that is all you have on. I also dug out my long desert colored parka and liner. These things were all at the bottom of my belongings, because when I arrived I could not concive that I would ever need them.
It is all good though. It helps with the Christmas spirit. Singing 'Jingle Bells' on a hot day just doesn't work. It is a song best sung when your breath shows.
Last night I got together with a couple of other guys from Michigan to enjoy some Iraqi Chai tea and a good hour of conversation. It was one of those situations where the talk was all about what has been going on over the past week, but by the end it was all about how cold it was. We finally resolved that when we gather next week, there will have to be shelter.
Last week we met on a patio area behine the embassy complex. We were freezing then too, so we found some pallets, busted them up and build a nice fire. I felt like I was in the back yard, except i didn't have a bag of marshmellows or a hot dog roasting on a stick. It was still nice.
The Peruvians who provide our security are really beginning to not enjoy themsleves in the cold. They are bundled up like they are getting ready to go skiing. The area they guard is lit up with burn barrels with them gathered around keeping warm.
I guess being from Michigan the cold should not impact me, but the drastic shift has caught me off guard. So when I got back to my hooch last night, I dug into my ruck sack and pulled out my snivvel gear. Today I am prepared with a full set of long underwear which we call a "ninja suit" because it is solid black and looks really cool when that is all you have on. I also dug out my long desert colored parka and liner. These things were all at the bottom of my belongings, because when I arrived I could not concive that I would ever need them.
It is all good though. It helps with the Christmas spirit. Singing 'Jingle Bells' on a hot day just doesn't work. It is a song best sung when your breath shows.
Monday, December 1, 2008
American Grease
You know, life is good.
Our chow hall is still shut down because of the collapse that resulted from yesterday's hail storm. The nearest chow hall is down the road abit, but I still walked to it only to find there were Cedar Point likelines due to the influx of new diners.
So I decided to just come back to the MOC and pilfer the candy box. But just as I was gumming a chewy Life Saver, one of our Iraqi interpreters came in and handed me a bag containing a Whopper, a large order of fries, and a can of Coke. Hell yeah! I haven't had American grease in nearly a year.
I suppose this kind gesture by the Iraqi is in appreciation for our eliminating a totalitarian government.
Have a good day. Sorry the keys are getting greasy.
Our chow hall is still shut down because of the collapse that resulted from yesterday's hail storm. The nearest chow hall is down the road abit, but I still walked to it only to find there were Cedar Point likelines due to the influx of new diners.
So I decided to just come back to the MOC and pilfer the candy box. But just as I was gumming a chewy Life Saver, one of our Iraqi interpreters came in and handed me a bag containing a Whopper, a large order of fries, and a can of Coke. Hell yeah! I haven't had American grease in nearly a year.
I suppose this kind gesture by the Iraqi is in appreciation for our eliminating a totalitarian government.
Have a good day. Sorry the keys are getting greasy.
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