TSV's Journal

Deutschland to American Homeland

2006-01-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we had fun! We enjoyed incredible scenery, snowboarding, sightseeing and schnitzel. We visited Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the bulk of the trip. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's best known ski area. It has hosted the Olympics, World Championships and, most years, a World Cup race. Garmisch is only 86km from Munich, easily accessible by car or train in less than 1½ hours. There are 53 lifts and 45 marked pistes across four different marked areas, including Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. We did not snowboard Zugspitze, but wish we had after taking the "little train that could" to enjoy the incredible view. Zugspitze is a snowboarder's paradise...ah, next time! After bundling up in our warmest of clothing to beat the 12F degree weather, Dan hit the Black Diamonds, while I stuck to Beginner/Intermediate slopes on the Alpspitz, Kreuzeck and Hausburg ski areas.

A few days were dedicated to touring Innsbruck, Neuschwanstein/Hohenschangau castles and Partnach Gorge ice caves. With 1.5 days to spare, we hurried to Munich to ensure we had the chance to take in its history. Despite not making the 3rd Reich tour, we did manage to jump on the "Munich at its best" tour, which included the BMW museum, Olympic Park and Nymphenburg castle. The night concluded with a little "um pa-pa" at Munich's most famous brew house, Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall.

We enjoyed ourselves immensely, despite coming home with colds. I suppose being in 12F degree weather, surrounded by constant smoke (WA is a non-smoking State), and being up for 24 hours on our return managed to catch up with us.

Zugspitze, here we come!

2006-01-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Some may say we just returned to the great USA, but we are taking the big bird across the pond to visit Germany for 10 days. There is a long, sad story about the ticket exchange with British Airways, but we did manage to get this trip out of the finagling. Yeah! We are meeting Tammy (Dan's sis) and Keith (Tam's hubby / Special Forces) in Garmisch.

Zugspitze, here we come! For those of you who recall Zermatt and my pathetic, hasty extraction back to Cervinia, let's pray my snowboard experience while in Germany ends on a better note!

spray-on tans suck

2005-07-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was because it worked so well the first time; I fell in love with spray-on tans. But, by the third time, the spray did not sit so well. Clumps of spray dried on my back, inner thighs, and around my ankles. I now look like a speckled alien on random spots of my body and am wanting the fake tan to just disintegrate. Not much of a fan of the spray-on tan at the moment.

First Class

2005-07-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

We arrived to the San Diego airport early, allowing two hours for security. We checked in, and, much to my surprise, Dan had paid for us to fly first class from San Diego to Nashville. I have never flown first class and was simply amazed (jumping up and down actually). Unknowingly, with recent events in London, the lines at the security checkpoints were insanely long, stretching across the breezeway into the long term parking. We showed our tickets to the TSA rep, who stated: "First class coming through." We were brought to the front of the security line, right next to Bill Murray. No way...Bill Murray, who wore a blue/white seersucker suit with a ragged polo and black Nike shoes. Who ever said that movie stars dressed nicely -- ha!

We had enough time for breakfast and Starbucks - phew! Just about the time we were to board, we were notified of a 1.5 hour delay due to storms in Texas. Great. The first leg of the flight went as smooth as silk, except for the shocking revelations in the books we had decided to read en route: Running with Scissors and Dress Your Family in Denim and Corduroy. I won't ruin the shocker for you, but...Let's just say, Dan left his book behind.

The landing into TX was amazingly smooth, considering the ominous clouds. Unfortunately, we were on the tarmac for over an hour waiting for a gate. Everybody was backed up. All flights were late. 40 planes sat ahead of us. The scene did not look promising; we thought we may need to spend the night at the Ft. Worth airport. Luckily, our second leg to Nashville was delayed by 4 hours, allowing us 40 minutes to grab some grub before jumping on the final flight. Around 11pm, we had arrived at Fort Campbell; Dan's family waiting with open arms to say "hi."

Tomorrow, we are caravaning to Pensacola for a family reunion. Wish us luck. Storm Dennis is expected to hit the panhandle on Sunday. Hurricane Party!!!

Deliver 'D' to Me!

2005-06-29T03:06:00.000-07:00

Dan is on his way back to the States! Wow...and I mean, WOW...I cannot wait until I see him!

spray me one more time

2005-06-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

When first considering the idea, I was not too keen on spraying on a tan inside a tanning booth. But, by golly, my Lord, having tried MYSTIC tan a couple times now, I am SOLD! I think I am falling in love.

As three pivoting jets go up and down your bare body with some sort of color solution, it does feel as if you are car getting a fresh coat of paint. The spray process lasts about 30 minutes, which includes applying a special cream to the parts you want to tan and another cream to the parts you don't (toes, fingers, palms, and heels) prior to entering the booth. After the final "flip" to "tan" the backside, a sweep of a towel to tidy off drippy areas (and getting redressed, of course) soon has you outside bearing the California look without the age spots, wrinkles, and dry skin. Within the day, all those trouble areas seem concealed with your newly acquired sun-touched skin.

What is there NOT to like about this incredible invention? Okay, I should be honest here. There are three things not to like:
1. We do not know the long term effects of inhaling this color solution. Like most things that remove the real and are new to the market, there are unknowns involved. I guess we'll find out if the solution aids in keeping us at less risk of cancer.
2. The spray-on solution does come off on your clothes the first day and only stays for a maximum of FIVE days. When comparing this to getting a tan at the beach, I would figure five days is about as long as a real tan stays. Well, at least for us Irish-skin types.
3. In a dream world, it would be nice to get a weekly level two spray tan. But, at the cost of $20/visit minimum, it's truly NOT the cheapest route to take. The best deal is to fork over the annual fee for unlimited "tans" = $400. The cost is a tad (cough, cough) steep.

Right now, I am all for it. Color me tan any day! No sand, no sweat, no swimsuit. Phfft...loving it!

Shamu, sunshine, and sensory overload

2005-06-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

Man, what a day!

It was too much to ignore...our craving for a donut. So, to reduce the guilt levels, Kaci and I walked to Vons, where donuts and Starbucks were in abundance. The sun shined nicely on our shoulders, as we savored every bite and sip sitting outside Vons.

It was the type of day one dreams of...no time schedule, nothing pressing to do. Ah. Nice.

The pace of the day continued, as Mom, Kaci, and I arrived to Sea World around 5pm. The sun beamed down as we sat one row outside the "soak zone" at the Dolphin and Whale show. We managed to get all the shows in before taking a break at the Shipwreck Cafe, where we indulged in chicken, hamburgers, and desserts.

The Shamu show and fireworks presentation finished the night in a bang!

Wow, can we do this tomorrow too?

Sunny San Diego

2005-06-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, one could not have ordered a better day. Relaxing and sunny from start to finish.

My sister and I went searching for a place we could try kickboxing. We found many places of interest but did not settle on a place yet. But, after four hours of walking around beautiful and hip La Jolla, we headed home to prep for a night at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the San Diego County Fair, one of this area's largest get-ups. It was a fun, memorable, low-key day!

Hope everyone is having a great start to the summer! Mine will be even better when the boys are back in town...first, Dad and, finally...Dan!

Another wallet, please

2005-05-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

So, what is the USA's infatuation with reward cards? You know, THOSE cards you simply MUST have to gain points, get the latest discount, or apply the unadvertised price. Yeah, we all know them...

I was trying to fill-up the gas-guzzling Trans Am and was not understanding why the credit card machine at the pump was not accepting my card. I went to the kiosk to ask the attendant for assistance. She immediately responded with: "Did you press 'NO' first?" Not certain as to why I had to enter 'NO,' she stated that the first question that is asked is if I was going to use my rewards card. She zipped out a spare rewards card from her frock pocket, swiped it and, lucky for me, helped me save 2 cents per gallon on my fill-up. Phew. I am glad that waste of time and the additional card saved me a whomping 15 cents. I guess it truly is a case of "every penny counts."

In the two weeks I have been back in the States, I have collected SEVEN reward cards. I am wondering who is really getting rewarded here. I need another wallet to hold these darn things...let alone remembering to use the card once I have it.

Taking shape

2005-05-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Although there are a lot of boxes in the garage at the moment, the new home is taking shape. Dan and I have many ideas of what the home will look in a few weeks to a few months from now. But, right now, the task at hand is finding a place for the many items I have not seen in 18 months.

Wish me luck as I enter phase #1 of the downstairs upgrade. Tomorrow, the carpet and vinyl flooring are being pulled out in preparation for laying slate tile and hardwoods. I am both anxious and eager. I just hope the finished project is close to what I have envisioned and is something Dan and I can appreciate for many years to come.

Before and after pics to be posted soon...well, once we have our own internet connection!

Home Sweet Home

2005-05-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have learned and yearned for a lot over the past handful of months. Having recently returned to the States, I am so glad I have had the privilege of being raised and living in the US. It is so sane and peaceful, in comparison to the other locations I have been over the last 18 months.

Happiness will be complete, once Dan returns home. A life once on hold is beginning to unfold!

Dreaming of home

2005-04-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

After recently being laid-off/terminated from my job while still residing in India studying for certification exams, the feeling of home and security seems so far away. I am just plain bummed and disappointed.

I yearn for the comfort and support of friends and family. I want to hug Jenn, Aims, Larry, my family, my dog, my sister-in-law, my husband...this list goes on and on! There are so many people I have missed. In planning doc appointments, lunch dates, etc., the anticipation is overwhelming at times.

I cannot wait to speak to everyone in person. The journey home begins on 25 April. Pray for safe travels!

Good-bye Goa!

2005-04-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of expletives and exhaustion. I will spare you the nitty-gritty. On the flip side, I am extremely happy the return flight to Delhi was uneventful.

I was so sad to leave Goa this morning. I enjoyed peace, quiet, serenity amongst palm trees, blue pool waters and rolling waves for 8 great days. I am so glad I took the time to visit Goa. I tended to stay near the hotel. Why leave to succumb myself to being bombarded by ice cream vendors or sarong sellers? [ View Goa Images ]

I received my fill of incessant badgering since my return to Delhi.

CCNA begins tomorrow. It is exciting to know that, after this class completes, I will be heading home...wow, HOME!!!!!! The thought is distracting!

Dog Delhi; Go to Goa

2005-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

After a week log trip through Jaipur, Agra, Rishikesh and Moussourie, there were certain facts we held to be true:

Piles of trash rest along every road and in between shanty shacks and are thrown from animal-drawn or motorized vehicles;
Droves of steaming cow-paddy homes/repositories butt up against mosquito/fly-ridden public toilets that lack water or sanitary resources;
In the morning hours, people in squatting position are scattered throughout the trees and alongside the roads to either pee or poo;
Children play amongst the debris and green contaminated waters;
Men stop at random to urinate alongside food vendors, open walkways, wherever convenient;
The dotted separated line on the road means nothing (buses dominate and will forge ahead despite people or animal being present); and,
Cows, monkeys, stray dogs and bulls co-habitat in the same areas where families live, eat, and drive.

There were simply some sights you wish you could ignore or remove from memory. And, there were others I hope never to forget: seeing the children smile at your kindness, breaking out in "Proud to be an American" in the car with Marisa, sitting around a campfire after a day of rafting on the Ganges river, seeing the Taj Mahal (although it smelled like sweaty feet) and enjoying the elephant ride and tour of Amber Fort. Together, our travels melt into a collage of colors, confusion, and colliding cultures of technology, religion, and tribal survival.

When Dan left this morning saying "Watch Goa be awesome," I could not imagine the statement could be true. That is until I arrived. Yes, one could say we would have missed experiencing 'true' India, if we have opted to escape to the resort town of Goa. But, after my solo candlelight 5 course (included) meal with evening entertainment and French red wine amidst perfectly harmonious humidity and breeze, I yearned for Dan's presence and to share the views and the ambience with Marisa and Derrick.

I suppose our earlier ventures make me appreciate this stop so much more.

Temple of the Monkeys

2005-03-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

On our 2nd day of playing tourists, we decided to take a hike to a hilltop temple commonly known as the Temple of the Monkeys. Our out-of-shape physiques struggled as we tredged up the hillside to the ornamental entrance of the temple, which was adorned by both monkeys and monkey food vendors.

As we progressed up the walkway, Dan proceeded to open one of the bags of popcorn-like monkey food but not before a monkey with a baby in tow grabbed it from his hands...quick and dashing like a Kung-Foo fighting scene. Soon, monkeys were surfacing out of nowhere and stampering down the walkway to get a part of the action.

On the open terrace, baby monkeys were playing on the playsets and swings and tossing themselves about on the grass. Some larger monkeys were sitting in a train-like fashion, tediously cleaning each other of God-only-knows-what. It was amazing to watch them interact with each other and with Dan, who was more daring than I in allowing them to drape from his side and eat from his palm and pocket. I fed one calm mid-size monkey, who gently separated my two far fingers to eat the morsels from the inner part of my palm. How cool!

Other visitors thought it sneaky to hide the monkey food. Not such a wise idea, since these seasoned monkeys would climb from toe to head in search of the goods. They would reach inside frocks, purses and jackets in order to find the stash.

All was going so well, until Dan got bitten. Yep, that's right! (sighing with a laugh) Just as we were about to leave the terrace to head down the hillside to town, a large monkey eyed Dan with his hands in his pockets, which still had some remaining monkey food. The monkey stood up tall to grab the initial bits from Dan's hands, but, when not satisfied, forcefully placed his monkey paw inside Dan's pocket to retrieve the rest. Startled, Dan moved forward and attempted to "shoo" the monkey away, but not before the monkey laid his chompers into his upper thigh. Ah, nice. See, now the trip is complete....

We spent time at the Tara Hospital (a shanty shack underneath the main street of town) to treat the wound. The doctor swears that no one has come down with rabies in his 30 years of working. So, after only 160 RS (or, $4), a tetanus shot, and an iodine cleaning, we were on our way.

We hope to post pics soon! HUGS!

we've decided to stay...

2005-03-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we converted to Hindu and have changed our names to Brajesh and Rama.

Ha, just kidding...

Honestly, we are hanging out, not doing much of anything but sleep, study, and eat. It will be nice to travel around India, after our classes complete.

We both have passed our 2nd exams and are planning to take another exam this week. Wish us luck! After this last exam, I will be MCAD certified. Whoa...about time!

on a high note...

2005-03-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

Yippee..Dan passed the first of his CCNP exams with a score somewhere in the 900s!! We both will be taking another exam next week!

on a low note...

2005-03-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Based on my symptoms, I believe I am experiencing some level of dysentery. It has kept me home, near a westernized toilet and plumbing. This place is kickin' my arse ... literally!

it's your birthday...early!

2005-03-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Kelly - I wish you all the happiness in the world on your birthday! Another year...and looking younger than I. Not fair :)! Have fun!

Yippee - I passed

2005-03-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen...I am jumping up and down. I am so excited I passed the first of my MCAD certification exams. I passed exam 70-229 (SQL Database Design) with a score of 931/1000. Let's hope the streak continues with the remaining exams. Cross all body parts!

All Eyes On Me...

2005-02-28T15:57:00.000-08:00

I have been spoiled by the benefits that come with having well educated & loving parents, being raised in the US, and having the mental & physical fortitude to provide for myself. Over the last couple years especially, I have appreciated these factors more and more. I have always felt pretty darn lucky and blessed.

India is an extremely impoverished country. One does not just see poverty in India; one smells, feels, and practically tastes poverty. The intense smell of defecation and urine, the taste of impurities and toxicity in the air, and the touch of many hands at your ankles begging for money...

Tourists are definitely eye-tagged; the locals' drastic efforts to grab your attention are a matter of their survival. One man vacated his vehicle to catch up to and follow us down the street as we headed toward a market, asking us incessantly for us to use his car. About half dozen train-spotter types followed and walked around us as we searched for our train platform, in hopes we would remove our grip from our bags so they could offer theirs as assistance. There is no wonder there is an estimated 400% increase for tourists on everything from bottled water to taking a taxi or city tour.

I write these thoughts as I watch a cockroach head towards Dan's sock-covered foot and sit awake in the first of two trains on the 10-hour journey to Shimla.

I share my sleeper cabin w/ three other passengers and a multitude of cockroaches. I cannot rest or feel comfortable and am humbled by Dan's acceptance and ability to sleep.

My eyes are wide open...

Flight 381

2005-02-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

Out of Iraq, into Kuwait, and onto India proved be an eye-opener. Not a lot of shut-eye. Finally catching the red-eye C-130 flight out of Iraq, feeling the softness of a pillow after finally arriving to the Kuwait, and eating amongst friends at the Crowne Plaza were just some of the fond memories of the last 24 hours. But, the flight to India...now, well, that 4 hour experience proved to be a memory of a whole other kind.

Upon entering the boarding area for our flight, the room was rather empty. Each face I could recall. One in particular made me feel uneasy. I really do not know why. And, then, as he moved to a different seat in the waiting area, I saw him pull out a bottle of what looked like Scotch from his duffle bag. I leaned to Dan to whisper this finding. Without a care, the man took a second chug from the bottle. I wondered how he could still have that bottle after passing through two pre-boarding bag screenings in a country where alcohol is prohibited. I watched him stumble down the aisle to his seat, escorted by two flight attendants. The flight attendant saw my curious eyes and mentioned the man was being deported. Welcome to Flight 381...

Out of nowhere, a mass of people with a median age of 60 wearing carbon-copy dishdashas and headpieces swarmed onto the plane. Within minutes, the calm, empty aisles were a chaotic traffic-jam of people. This "teeth-optional" group was grabbing seats, as they found them...The flight attendants were working overtime to place each person and their array of burlap sacks in their properly assigned seats. Soon, the group had their bags tucked away, sandals off, and bares toes squeezed between seats or resting on arm rests. Everyone was comfortable, and, after being delayed an hour, we were finally airborne.

I had started to busy myself completing some work tasks, when I felt I was being watched. I looked up to see two of the newly-arrived women, both seated diagonally of me and each with one functional eye, mesmerized in my direction. Oh, uh...I returned to working. Meanwhile, the flight attendant was pacing the aisles, randomly squirting a lemon-flavored Pine-Sol bottle toward the floor.

The plane took on a new smell, when the in-flight meal was served. Imagine lemon Pine-Sol mixed with chicken curry. Neither completely overwhelmed the other. Instead, they clashed violently.

Unintentionally, I caught myself watching the woman sitting diagonally of me, as she ate her food and the food of the adjacent woman feverously with her fingers. When she completed her meals, she individually unloaded the sugar, creamer, and salt packets into her mouth. Dan and I questioned if we should give her our meals. She was definitely much hungrier than we. She then grabbed the "hanger-made-necklace" from under her top and proceeded to use one its metal ends as a toothpick. Within seconds, she had spit out a corn-sized chunk into the center aisle, which landed on an unwoven headpiece lying in the aisle belonging to the man sitting in front of her. Suddenly, the man immediately across the aisle from me threw his trash onto the ground, at the same time the man sitting next to him used his "hanger-made-necklace" to clean and spit out multiple chunks of food from his teeth. The man with the unwoven headpiece was affixing the garment back on top of head...corn chunk somewhere inside one of its creases.

Food no longer seemed appetizing.

The landing was smooth; the exit a mess. Practically as soon as the wheels hit the ground, people were rearing to go. Overhead compartment doors were opened, as attendants firmly stated in three different languages that everyone was to remain seated. It seemed to work temporarily, but soon everyone was sardined in the aisles.

Much to my surprise, passport and custom lines went smoothly. Our baggage arrived intact. Our hotel driver was still there, despite the delay...sign in hand: Daniel Vaughn. Let's rock and roll...

We were submerged by three men immediately as we made it across the parking lot, each trying to grab one of our bags. I read about this...oh gosh, say "no," the book recommended. My 'No' fell on deaf ears. After Dan and I safeguarded and loaded our bags, each of the men tugged on Dan asking for money. The hotel driver shut the car doors. Off we went. Ah, at 5:30am, feeling my head on a pillow could not come fast enough. After whizzing down curvy unmarked roads, we made it to our hotel. The trip has just begun. So many more adventures to experience.

Good night...at 6:30am!

things I will remember...

2005-02-21T01:17:00.000-08:00

In looking back on Iraq, things I will remember (in no specific order):

1. The sound and mental/physical reaction as a result of a mortar "thmpft," a rocket "whirr," and a car bomb "quake";
2. Sounds of pitter-patter on the aluminum trailer when we were blessed with rain and watching it drip through the circuit breaker;
3. The sadness I felt when stories were dispersed of people (both military and civilian) that had been wounded or killed;
4. The happiness I felt when the Iraqi elections concluded as a success;
5. Laughing and working with Nidhal, Haidar, Deldar, Danny, Sabah, Aqeel, and so many others at the Ministry of Defense-Iraq;
6. Providing the first FrontPage course for the Ministry of Defense-Iraq and seeing/feeling their desire to learn;
7. Loving the time with my hubby...and appreciating him more with every day, even though I was/am the source of most of his jokes;
8. Working as a part of a growing contract company that empowered each employee to perform their jobs;
9. Being able to meet LTG Petraeus and impress him with a web site that seemed to exceed the Command's expectations;
10. Learning more about my family through blogging;
11. Yearning for fresh fruit and vegetables and to run outside without a flak vest and helmet (good riddance DFAC!);
12. Absorbing and feeling humbled by the knowledge of co-workers and military counterparts;
13. Feeling financially comfortable and eager to pursue second careers;
14. The "boxed-in" feeling of cement barriers, walls, and barbed wire;
15. The hot water boiling from the tap...and other plumbing oddities;
16. The instant feeling of security (although false at times) and gratitude by hearing the sound of helicopter rotors, feeling the vibration of low-flying aircraft and having the presence of US soldiers at checkpoints;
17. The weirdness and unsettling feeling of complete silence;
18. Laying out by the pool in the summer, launching water "mortars," playing poker until 4am, buying and watching an uncountable amount of hodgy movies, and other "outside work" fun;
19. Anticipating the arrival of care packages and emails of support from my and Dan's family and friends; and,
20. How much I do and will continue to appreciate even the smallest things in life: a bright, colorful sunset, a safe arrival, the chance to drive a car, waking up to another day...

HUGS!

Happy VD!

2005-02-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

That's what Dan said when we woke blurried-eyed this morning. I laughed. I hope each and everyone of you have a nice Valentine's Day. While it may be a Hallmark holiday that seems to put a lot of pressure on men in relationships, it is actually a simple day to reflect and appreciate the one you're with.

I consider myself lucky!

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad & Kelly and Scott!

Happy Valentine's Day!

i am allergic to the gym

2005-02-05T03:15:00.000-08:00

Why is it, whenever I spend quality time at the gym, I get sick? I am again extremely achy, tired, and carrying a head that feels as if it wishes to explode. I must be allergic to the gym.

Ah...glad the 'Couve folks had a fun time out on the town on Friday night. Miss ya guys!!

What was lost...

2005-02-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

...is now found! Ring was found in the Q-Tip box in my cubby, of all places. Yeah! I am a happy camper now.

Hip-Hip-Hooray

2005-01-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

Two reasons I have thrilled today:
- The Iraqi voting process and democracy prevailed! While the work of new government to build a country for the Iraqi people is still ahead, this initial, very essential step was a success! God bless the Iraqis, as they move forward together. I think everyone watching and, more importantly, participating in the elections feels a sigh of relief and exuberance as the country showed its unity and determination!
- I slept like a babe last night. No night cap needed. Oddly, I woke to blankets and clothes scattered around our trailer. Who knows!

One reason I am not thrilled today:
Somehow, while the bed varmints were moving blankets and clothes around the trailer sometime during the night, my wedding band went missing. I am freakin' out! Tonight, I am going to tear that trailer apart.

flight or fight reactions

2005-01-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

Although FDR is credited, it was Henry David Thoreau who first said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Thoreau was a conscientious objector to violence; FDR was trying to calm a populace facing war. Both, however, warned against fear.

I found many articles on fear, war, and "flight or fight" reactions. Among the readings, I appreciated the below paragraph from KILLOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP, as it seemed somewhat appropriate to most recent events.

Time can be a valuable survival mechanism. When our ancestors first heard a lion’s roar they had to think, if even for a millisecond, “Oh, so THAT is a lion, I’d better run.” Subsequently the processing of that stimulus (i.e., the lion’s roar) would bypass the forebrain and essentially go straight from ears to their feet, saving milliseconds and enhancing their survival in the process. Indeed, not just the lion’s roar, but the lion's smell, the nature of the terrain, that spot in the jungle, and that time of day might also all be processed. Subsequently, individuals might not even know what has set them off, but something caused anxiety, made the hair stand up on the back of their necks, and caused them to slink away quietly. Soldiers in combat soon learn (if they are lucky to survive long enough) to react reflexively to the earliest hint of the sound of incoming artillery, and even to distinguish between kinds of artillery and the variety of responses required for survival, all without ever engaging the forebrain.

Another interesting writing of interest from MILITARY REVIEW:
A Historical Perspective

Warfare has always been a human endeavor. In his study of Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme, John Keegan notes, "What battles have in common is human: the behaviour of men struggling to reconcile their instinct for self-preservation, their sense of honour and the achievement of some aim over which other men are ready to kill them. The study of battle is therefore always a study of fear and usually of courage." (3) However, the study of fear has more often been the purview of physicians and historians than military professionals. Officer corps have traditionally focused on questions of tactics, doctrine, materiel, and logistics.

Fear, defined as a physical and emotional response to a perceived threat or danger, was an important element of French Military thinker Colonel Charles Ardant du Picq's classic work, Battle Studies: Ancient and Modern Battle, on battlefield psychology. (4) Du Picq describes how fear and hesitation could decay offensive spirit and how courage was a "temporary domination of will over instinct" that was imperative for victory. Similarly, World War I Royal Fusiliers medical officer Lord Moran (Charles McMoran Wilson) saw fear as a "response of the instinct of self-preservation to danger," while courage was a "moral quality--a cold choice between two alternatives.... Courage is willpower." (5)

I beckon you to read on.

Iraqi Election Blogs

2005-01-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Blogging is a fascinating trend, keeping a lot of us in touch and semi-anonymously being able to speak our minds. It is no surprise that there are many bloggers keeping in touch with the Iraqi Elections. I find their postings intriguing and informative:
1. http://www.blogsofwar.com/
2. http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/
3. http://iraqelect.com/index.php
4. http://iraqelectionwire.blogspot.com/
5. http://www.rogerlsimon.com/

I look forward to following today's election and pray for the safety of the voting Iraqis who are overcoming their fears to support this important step toward democracy. Their resilence and determination are admirable and will be what will make this country strong in the future.

embassy hit...

2005-01-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well, as you are now well aware, the Embassy was hit last night, with two casualities and half dozen or so injured. I wanted to let you know we are a-ok! Let’s just say that last night was one of the worst nights for sleep. In thinking on it, I reflect and am glad Scott never came out here. There was plenty of gunfire throughout the night. This morning, we heard that familiar howitzer whir that had us numb in our beds and our hearts pounding in our throats. Lucky for us, it was just a low flying aircraft at the right altitude that sent panic through us and many others. It was the talk of this morning’s commute.

Less than a month left…

Gas mask day

2005-01-28T21:32:00.000-08:00

Today's a "must bring gas mask to work" day. Thrilling. Sunday elections could not come fast enough.

Trailer Trash Party Pics

2005-01-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

Well, Dad, we did it! We tested the balloon launcher you sent. And, what success!?! Of course, success is being rated on us effectively launching our water balloon "mortars" at the enemy and simultaneously not getting in trouble by IZ security forces. Fun was had by all!

Just plugging right along

2005-01-24T04:12:00.000-08:00

With time in country dwindling, I have been distracted by events and have not been updating this blog site as often as I should. Along with finishing some fine tuning on web reporting features and getting applications installed/tested for remote administration, I am working on a few templates, in hopes to push out a new JTSI web site and external Ministry of Defense-Iraq web site.

For a good portion of the morning and afternoon, car bombs and mortars were heard about every five minutes off in the near distance. Like popcorn...okay, except a tad louder. My prayers and thoughts are with all the Iraqis who participate in their upcoming elections.

The pups are too cute for words. I am amazed how fast they have become house-broken. They waddle behind me like ducklings and promptly go 'tee-tee' on the pebbles. Their names: Phoenix (male pup's name) and Habibi (Arabic for "friend"/female pup's name). I want to take one home. In fact, the stray dogs that have become part of the MNSTC-I family have been superb dogs really.

I am so pumped about meeting up with Derrick and Marisa soon...oh, thinking sushi at the Crowne! It will be nice to have options again. I have to give credit to KBR's dining subcontractors, however. They do their best to stretch the menu out in 21-day rotations, but I am not going to miss potatoes (all variations) and "swedish" meatballs. Without a doubt, I know I will shed pounds after leaving this place...to be able to run outside and eat fruit again!

I watched half of the Falcons vs Eagles football game before finally falling asleep around midnight. I cried AGAIN at the singing of the U.S. National Anthem. I swear, I am proud to be an American! I will be a wreck on 4th of July, at this rate...bursting with patriotism and nationalism.

Off and running...checklist to tick off and complete! HUGS!!

In memory of...

2005-01-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

Dirt and Mudd have been euthanized by a KBR dog catcher. Very sad...

The fiesty creatures that brought many of us at the MNSTC-I compound such joy and laughter are now gone. They had wandered off to the Steele Dragon at lunch time, where they were considered stray dogs like many others. Despite the KBR rep knowing the COL at MNSTC-I had cared for these two dogs, they were killed.

A litter of seven pups were recently found outside the Adnan Palace. To our surprise, two of them were given to the COL and are now the source of many pictures and much distraction. No names yet for the little fur balls...

They are too cute, eh? I miss my dog.

things I have learned...

2005-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Things I have learned (and sometimes wish I hadn't):

Men spit...often! It is not your normal saliva spatter, but instead spit with sickening green clumps. One morning, I swear I counted 20 saliva clumps as I walked to the pickup location, which is only a quarter mile walk at best. Heck, maybe it is a new nursery rhyme in the making...out with Green Eggs n' Ham and in with Green Spit n' Snot.
Anything that can be a trash can is. Cement ridges around trees, empty water bottle boxes, cement bunkers, you-name-it...if it stored something or could store something, it will be automatically converted into trash can in the future. Cultural habit or visitor disrespect?

More to be added soon...

it's raining mortars

2005-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Well, as expected, pre-election tactics are in play. The insurgents are working their "magic" and scaring/killing everyone into postponing the elections. So, if the elections are postponed, when exactly would they be re-scheduled? Oh, suddenly, in 6 months to a year, insurgents will acquiesce. Oh, who is kidding who here?

Finally...2005!

2005-01-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are...in 2005, finally! Oh, I cannot tell you how excited I get whenever I look at my desktop clock! So many adventures to look forward to! I simply cannot contain my excitement! Woo-hoo!

New Year's Eve came and went rather uneventfully - phew. KBR/MWR did their best to put together a decent event in the Palace - a dance floor, flashing lights, and finger foods. It was comical to watch groups of local hires shaking their leg to the music but refraining from all out enjoying themselves. Outside there was plenty of celebratory fire and mortars to keep everyone inside, dabbling in pizza bits and chicken wings and dancing to "Like a Virgin" and other hilarious "oldies." Oh dear...too funny! Around 1am, we returned to our trailers. I was zonked. It was way past my bedtime. So sad.

Recommend this read:
Explosions, gunfire and other clatter are the soundtrack for life in Baghdad. Thanks, Dad. Very insightful and truthful collection of thoughts.

Well, work built up over the last couple days. I have plenty to keep me "entertained" today. I wish everyone a great day! HUGS!

Happy 2005, Folks!

2004-12-30T02:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2005!

Auld Lang Syne - English Lyrics
(Abbreviated/adapted from the traditional song)

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten, of old long ago.

Chorus
For old, long ago, my dear,
For old, long ago
We'll drink together yet
For old, long ago.

And surely you'll have your glass!
And surely I'll have mine!
And we'll drink to friendship,
For old, long ago.
-Chorus-

Nothing special planned here, outside of relaxing on our normal day off tomorrow. So, we hope everyone at home has a grand time enjoying the company of others and cheering in the new year. Wear your helmets; celebratory gunfire expected...oh wait, that's us. Be careful, nonetheless! HUGS!

Christmas is all in the heart

2004-12-23T03:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is all in the heart, that's where the feeling starts,
And like a fire inside, it touches every part,
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart,
And even if no white snow falls, that's okay because
The joy can still be found, wherever you are,
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart.

Written by Steven Curtis Chapman

silent night no longer

2004-12-22T21:56:00.000-08:00

A couple mortars shook the night last night. I grabbed my robe, flak vest, and helmet and headed to the bunker. I was just about to step in the shower. It is odd...and cold standing in only a robe and flak outside with other people.

I must've been tired from a week of working out that I slept like a babe last night.

I am saddened by the Mosul incident. It is hard at times not to be apprehensive about befriending Iraqi coworkers. I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated working alongside the Iraqis at the Ministry of Defense. I have had nothing but great experiences. In a few rare political discussions I have had with Iraqi coworkers, many are grateful for our presence here and hope life in their country will only improve in time. But, as I sat this morning eating breakfast near the entrance line of the Palace DFAC, I realized how vulnerable and trusting we all are. But, we have to be...trusting, that is. Faith that we are being guarded (spiritually and physically), while remaining aware of our surroundings.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Iraq, but especially the families at Ft. Lewis being notified of their lost loved ones.

sigh...why?

2004-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, it is confirmed. I am definitely a noise-sensitive person, but not just any noise --- only repetitive noise. Repetitive noises throw me over the top. Continual seed spitting, pen tapping, systematic gum-popping/chewing...oh my goodness! To tune out the external noises, I blare my headset. There are times the noises are so distracting that I find it hard to concentrate. I get upset with myself that these petty noises aggravate me so much. But, outside of going deaf, replicating the noises, or leaving the area temporarily, I don't know what else to do.

I am blaming it on tight quarters and an anxious existence, since being in Iraq. Who knows?! But, good grief...

The Society of Auditory Intervention has some ideas. Guess I should purchase some magnesium supplements.

Merry Christmas...Ho-Ho-Ho...Happy Hanukkah...Happy Ramadan

2004-12-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

I love the United States. I love being an American, a Christian, a female, a meat-lover. I love being able to speak my mind, even if no else agrees.

There are many things I have come to value more over the years. At the top of the list are: God, family, and friends. These sources of support have carried me through many a sad or troubling moment, by easing my worries, providing a hug/smile/laugh, and simply being there.

If you have the chance, read the below editorials. I enjoyed their perspective, especially the Star Tribune article.
STOWE REPORTER
STAR TRIBUNE [Use basicreader/readme as login]

United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

So, instead of arguing about the reason for the season, rooting out the shorthand use of XMAS or taking political correctness once again too far, let's respect each other's differences and support the very rights we are fighting to exist in other countries...
F R E E D O M!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

warm and fuzzies

2004-12-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

Today is just nice, warm inside and out. It is a crisp, clear, high-50s degree day. My Dad surprised me with a call from TN! Holy cow! What a great way to start a day! Then, with only Dan and me in our work trailer (everyone is either out or stateside), he turned on some instrumental Christmas music. Nothing like hearing Silent Night in jazz style to flood one's thoughts with holiday happiness. Peaceful...reminiscent...appreciative.

Thanks, everyone! We rec'd some incredible items over the last few days: hand-designed pocket mirror, USB flash drive, 90s Trivial Pursuit, sweaters, undies (oh, needed those!), and food/home goodies. Thank you, thank you!

HUGS!

Lest we forget!

2004-12-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

Twice this month, I have turned on the "tube" with it tuning into the History Channel. It seems the History Channel is remembering some of the lives lost in the September 11 terrorist attack on the towers. Within 15 minutes of once again seeing the towers fall to the ground and hearing of the lives directly affected by the horrible tragedy, I sit in tears in my trailer. It confirms why the United States took the steps it did 28 days after the attack in Afghanistan and later in Iraq.

Don't forget that day! It changed and continues to change so many lives in so many indescribable ways!

Hack (or trick) exposed

2004-12-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

I rec'd an email from Blogger Support:

Hi there! Your blog should actually be safe and sound in its usual location. However, the person running the Abundant Bible site has registered several misspellings of the blogspot.com domain, such as blogpsot.com, blogpot.com, etc. So a slight typo in a blog address may take you to this site. It's just a low trick to get more hits to his site. If you double-check and correct the address, you should be able to view your blog normally. I'm sorry about the inconvenience.

Sure enough, after reviewing my snapshot, I had typed in tarashay.blogpsot.com!

well, good morning hackers!

2004-12-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

This morning, I went straight to my blog site to check my current postings - only to find that blogger.com was hacked by some group that did a redirect of all their blogger pages to some religious page. I checked Dad's blog site and Larry's blog site to confirm that my pages were not explicitly targeted. Nope. Blogger as a whole! Within 15 minutes though, it was fixed. Possibly some buffer overrun vunerability left unpatched...who knows. Hopefully, the Blogger server "gods" have fixed this so future exploits do not occur.

Anyway, life forges ahead in Iraq. Just more of the same...
1. Three large car bombs yesterday near Gate 2 of the IZ, with other periodic undeterminable "ba-booms."
2. The MoI proposal was submitted...and we wait. If MoI does not come through, I hope we can use the NetMatrix CMS product sometime in the future. The Canadian-based company has been more than helpful and superb in trying to meet our short-term requirements.
3. I had my first one-on-one Arabic lesson yesterday with one of the translators at the MoD. He brought in his son's first grade activity book to help me with the basics. Even though we only had 30 minutes, I learned a lot in the compressed time.
4. Getting to the gym has been progressively harder with the colder temperatures. Not that it seemed any easier in warmer temperatures...it boils down to me being downright lazy after work.
5. A majority of the Ministry of Defense employees are going on hiatus, after a memo was released to employees providing them with a PAID 45-day absence from work. It is an effort to reduce life loss by terrorist attacks expected prior to the elections. I do find it odd though...who is footing this PAID vacation -and- would the CIA close their doors in a similar situation? Anywho...

Well, best get some work done! HUGS!

brrr, chilly!

2004-12-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

It has been NIPPY here. The mornings have been those kind where your nose runs down that little chute in between your lips, but you don’t realize it until someone does the “you have snot” wipe across their face. Yes, it is chilly. I have never been so happy with two recent gifts of a jean jacket and a green sweater and a purchase from JCrew, which included a nice scarf and wooly gloves. Saving the day!

We are moving through DVD series to DVD series. We completed Season 1 of The Pledge, Seasons 1-5 of Sopranos, Seasons 1-4 of CSI Las Vegas, Seasons 1-2 of CSI Miami, Season 1 of Dead Like Me, Seasons 1-3 of Oz (Dan only), and Season 1 of Stargate (Dan only). Now, we are watching Season 1 of Resurrection Boulevard. Good grief. I have never watched so much TV, boxed in DVD form or otherwise. Oh, how about the 4 cases of hodgy and legit movies?! It is ugly. I need a life.

Which brings me to the end of February!! Our visa applications and passports are somewhere between here and San Francisco. We are crossing all body parts, hoping everything is returned to us intact and in time for our desired departure for India! Since Dan will now be returning to Iraq to complete his contract after the initial certification boot camp, we are trying to schedule a week-long adventure through India and Nepal before his return. I plan to stay in India to complete a second boot camp before flying into San Diego. I am fluttering inside with excitement. YEAH!!!

yuletide yappings

2004-12-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas joy has come early this year. Santa's C-130s are arriving in the nick of time to bring some pre-holiday cheer. The last two days, Dan and I have had so much fun opening boxes, as they straggle in. We are bearers of new workout socks, sleepwear, Christmas decorations, and beauty products. Last night, I decorated our trailer with the Christmas items received from Caroline/Shane in my new "Blow Pop" sleep set. The sleepwear arrived from Bare Necessities addressed to my Dad. Everyone in the office was curious...

Thanks, everyone!

a typical trailer night

2004-12-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

People have asked, "So, what do you do after work?" Well, last night, I caught myself chuckling, thinking how one acclimates to their environment. It was a typical night in the Vaughn trailer. The nightly poker game was cut short, after some players "bought" the table. We opted to bypass the workout, feeling tired from staying up past midnight the night before. Dan resorted to lying on the bed to watch the football game, in his workout shorts and more noticeable stinky feet. I was outside in my pjs, sweeping the mini rugs of debris while the flurry of helicopters and aircraft buzzed overhead. My breath swirled through the chilly air. The deteriorating sand bags in front of our trailer started to seep sand clumps to the ground, as the aircraft stirred wind through the area. The rest of the night was spent showering, reading and watching a couple shows from the Season 1 DVD series of Dead Like Me. It was a good, quiet night.

crisp, clear, and quiet...so far

2004-12-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

This morning, I am a tad feisty. It could be because we stayed up watching a very poorly played Army/Navy football game (if you are an Army fan, that is). We left at half time (1:00am), with it being 26-8 Navy.

This morning, the MNSTC-I bus was full of people, wrapped in military winter garb. A brisk 30 degrees this morning!! We cuddled into the cramped bus, as 70s/80s music blared over the speakers. Then, it happened - "It's Raining Men" started to play. Okay, one cannot simply sit in their seat and not start to jiggle to that tune. Well, maybe it is a "chic" thing - a "girls, let's go out" song. While Dan looked at me as if I needed sedatives, I knew I would have company if Jenn, Aims, or my sister Kaci were around. Oh yes, they would join in with me. No doubt.

My arm is now healing from a recent flu shot. Yep, the entire compound was able to receive the shot this year. It did leave a heavy welt in my upper shoulder. Amazingly more sore than I remembered. I feel lucky, since there are many in the States wishing they could receive one of these sought-out shots. I have been sick three times since I have been in Iraq (5 months). So, I too welcomed this announcement and ran to the opportunity.

Dan and I are boosting our workout plan, so we can trim the fat more effectively. Let's just say, the food, especially the recent influx of desserts, is not low in fat. We are working out an hour 5-6 nights/week. Last night, I biked for 30 minutes and ran for 30 minutes; I am sure feeling it today. No pain, no gain.

The Iraq situation is troubling, as car bombs mark each day with additional deaths. Now, it seems that car bombs are stretching beyond targeting the Iraqi/Coalition forces, as yesterday's Mosul car bombing additionally targeted Kurd militiamen. As the media questioned last night, is there a civil war on the brink? What happened to tolerance and patience? I pray things improve, as I am sure many others desire as well. The road to "success" seems too long to measure. Yesterday's mid-morning car bombs had everyone in this trailer scrambling for the door, low-crawling it to safety. The trailer shook from the simultaneously car bombs that occurred at a nearby entrance point. I have never felt the power, the "oompfh" from a car bomb before -- and thank goodness.

Well, better get to work. I am a tad behind on revamping the Iraq's Ministry of Defense intranet site. LOVE YA and HUGS!

been here before

2004-12-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, I do not recall how many times I have been to this very spot in my blog and, due to being pulled by 100 different To-Dos or mental distractions, have never completed an entry. So, here I am, determined to post something now.

The holiday spirit (or at least holiday temps) is in the air. Sweaters have been pulled out of the suitcases, which have been accumulating dust underneath our beds for the last five months. Since I am still trying to overcome a cold, I have even wrapped a wool scarf around my neck, tucked into my flak vest. It is the new look, ya' know. I think it is even too cold for the insurgents to reign their nightly havoc. Hopefully, I have not let out the imps.

We are excited about plans to visit India next year, which will have us living in Shimla and New Delhi for approximately three months before returning home. More info on this to come, once dates and visa information are solidified. [thanks, larry]

Pedro, our buddy from Vancouver, is heading back to the States in a handful of days. It will be odd not seeing his mug across the desk from mine every morning. But, the opportunity for him to return to a position he loved is one that cannot be lost. I mean, I just can't imagine why anyone would want to leave Iraq, especially after today's multiple impacts. Simply surprises the heck out of me. smile

It has been fun shopping online for Christmas. I never thought I would take so much pleasure from the whole experience. The items I am buying for friends and family are generating memories of times I have spent with them and smiles knowing they will smile by the surprise.

Well, best return to work. HUGS!

Just a quickie

2004-11-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I posted. I just wanted to let you know all is well. Dan and I are plugging along, despite upset stomachs from the recent local Thanksgiving food. Promise to write more later...HUGS!

phew, done.

2004-11-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, with the resume on my web site finally, I am officially on the market...the job market, that is.

Welcome back!

2004-11-20T22:44:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to have my Iraqi co-workers back to the MoD, safe and sound. Work load is returning, as the intranet site was announced to the MoD employees just recently. In addition, it looks as if a subset of the MNSTC-I extranet will be available in Arabic as well (1 December).

I have proposed a plan to the Sr. VP of Business Development of JTSI, Ward, to allow me to remotely support the MNSTC-I intranet, extranet, offsite location, and the MoD intranet, when/if I decide to leave. Knowing that it is difficult to find replacements, it would ease any transition and maintain a good level of service for both customers. A win-win situation for everyone involved.

Dan and I are once again looking at attending a MCSE boot camp in the Himalayan mountains. The courses are half the price of stateside equivalent courses, with the same course offerings and exam guarantees. Hey, why not, right??? We are seeing if the US Embassy here is suited to provide visas for other countries.

exciting, really...

2004-11-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have been asked by two separate groups to build their web sites: group gathering donations and care packages for soldiers and a small business out of Hawaii. Cool, eh?

three strikes, you're out!

2004-11-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thinking that last night would be a repeat of the two nights before, Dan and I stayed a little longer at work, having dinner by Chinese take-out before we retreated to the Palace theatre to watch the normally scheduled 8pm movie. Last night, the movie - American Outlaws (mmm...). And, we were right -- 7:30pm timeframe, two more mortars and small arms fire. The rumor is that a few insurgents attempted to swim across the Tigris to traverse the 9 foot cement walls. Their goal was unsuccessful. God bless the Marines and the NATO patrol!

Which brings me to the issue of the Marine being accused of a war crime. Read all the stories before you accuse him of wrongdoing. I am of the perspective that this war a far cry from a typical war and the media should not always be tagging along. This not mean I wish to excuse those who REALLY do wrong (i.e, prison scandals) or to prevent them getting caught on camera. But, do remember that insurgents wrap dead bodies with explosives and use themselves/passerbys/children as human bombs. I respect the Marines, doing a job many us hope never to perform and supporting a cause (right or wrong) with dedication.

Lastly, I have updated the ole resume and am beginning to throw it out to the masses. I am concentrating on GA, CA, FL, WA, and AZ. We'll see what transpires. I thank my family for the support they have provided. In short, they rock!

i am really trying

2004-11-15T22:07:00.000-08:00

I am really trying to stay through to the end of my contract, but, if there is another one of those CLOSE calls like last night, then I am "outtie." I will catch the next C-130 out of this God forsaken sandbox. I keep saying, "Another one of those and I am gone." That comment was never stated so seriously as it was last night. I felt the fear throughout my body, as we were only feet from where debris kicked up from the mortar. Dan had JUST finished his shower and was wiggling into some shorts on the floor before we jetted to the bunker.

Dan opted to sleep in the trailer, but I just couldn't. I packed a blanket and a pillow and high-tailed it to the Palace, where I temporarily found solace in the basement theatre. Unfortunately, I was booted an hour later by a KBR chic with an attitude (who wanted the theatre all to herself and her current beau for the night). "Ah, it's against policy for you to sleep in here." Yeah, sure, whatever, as she locked the theatre as I exited.

Back to the trailer I went. I slept on the floor, under the far side of the bed facing the sandbagged part of the trailer, with my kevlar as a blanket and my helmet guarding my head.

I woke this morning with a gnarly knot in the middle of my back and wrinkles sprawling across my face. Good Lord. What a night. sigh

Dan and I made a pact...I get to make the call when we call it quits. (Of course, I don't know if I feel a sense of relief or additional pressure by having this "power.") It is certain, though...I love that man.

welcome to mortarville

2004-11-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

Last night, it seemed the "evil doers" had our living area tagged. At 7pm, three mortars arrived, just as Dan and I were arriving to our trailer after dinner. We did an "about face" at our front door, running to the closest bunker and me simultaneously throwing my water bottle into the air. Nice. Small arms fire heard in the distance. I wondered if Keith (bro-in-law) was out there...sigh.

Then, while we were working out at the gym an hour later, our heart rates increased when our workouts were disrupted by 4 more incoming mortars. Everyone continued working out with the first mortar but, by the 4th mortar, everyone had done the mad dash to the closest bunker, just in time to witness the 4th mortar hitting somewhere off in the distance. The last mortar landed outside our exterior wall, close to where we sleep. Not cool.

Nice break from the norm

2004-11-13T03:43:00.000-08:00

I am quite productive today. Since most of the MoD folks are on holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan, I have been able to concentrate on other network web sites which I have left unattended. I feel "caught up" finally.

Now, while listening to The Gladiator DVD, I am off to improve the banner on the MNSTC-I web site.

All heck will break loose on the 20th, when everyone returns to full staff. I am thoroughly enjoying the break in the rain and the normal crazy schedule.

Hope everyone is having a good day! HUGS!

ramblings

2004-11-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

Mental ramblings of the moment, as I listen to the Diana Krall Live in Paris CD (you'll love the remakes of Fly Me To The Moon and Just The Way You Are) ...

The stories of prisoners being handled under US courts seem to demote all the efforts of actually capturing them in the first place. Com'n!! All prisoners are appreciating the forgiving US court systems, feeling rather confident they will be released of their charges! Argh.
3 mortar impacts approximately 700 meters NE of Phoenix Base in the last hour. How many more days till June 2005 again?
When will I actually start losing weight?
What causes the post-30 female body to go to the crapper?
Great to have Mudd back. After some tiff-tiff with a smaller dog who took her place when she was getting treated for a bite wound, both dogs (Mudd and Dirt) visit for food and sleep regularly.
sigh...the holiday season is just around the bend. It will be so nice to be home for the 2005 holiday season. I am trying to imagine all the stateside stores being donned in Christmas decor. When watching the news, I see the chill in the air. Everyone is wearing their winter wear. Miss that. Who would have thought?!
Having a web site in multiple languages is a freakin' ton of work. Best get back to that.
Dan and I are planning to take some exams February timeframe, in Kuwait. Hopefully, we will be able to leave this crazy sand box for a slightly saner sand box at that time. Travel to BIAP is currently a NO-GO.

yo-yo

2004-11-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

Dan and I have been dabbling with the stock market for a couple months now. Each of us opened our own trade accounts and has picked individual stocks and funds to "bring home the money." Ah, but that is not happening. From what I can gauge, the market plays along a yin-yang theory. For every $100 I gain in one stock, I lose $100 in another. Incredible. Hopefully, in the long run, one or two of my picks will move me solidly into the green.

Dan looks at his stocks every day M-F, after 5:30pm our time. I can't bear it. Too yo-yo-ish.

We will putting our luck to the test with a new board game I rec'd from my old FL roomie, Krista Colby (thanks, Krista!). The game, Tripoley, is basically poker with a twist. We'll see if we are able to attract the die-hard poker players in playing this game. For some reason, I doubt we will succeed with doing this, but we'll try nonetheless.

Ugly day

2004-11-07T04:13:00.000-08:00

No surprise that Allawi has just declared martial law. Today has been BAD! Car bombs, rockets, and mortars galore.

I do not understand why there is a hold on fighting in Fallujah. Multinational troops are just waiting to get the A-OK from the interim government. To me, this is just allowing the insurgents to head to Baghdad to reign havoc and for other IAF captains to mysteriously disappear.

noah's ark

2004-11-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

For anyone who wondered, it does rain in the desert. Oh, and has it ever! Our storage container (aka, home) is under some water. The water is, of all places, seeping in through the circuit breaker inside our trailer. Nice. And, as we discovered this morning, the aisle between the conjoined trailer units is holding about 1/4 inch of water, with the steady drip right above Dan's tennis shoes sitting outside our door. Go figure. I was trying to keep the muddy sand from entering the trailer, just to have our shoes swimming in the hallway instead. Ah well.

Two positives: The heavy rain subdued the insurgents in these pre-election days and, despite the drip, I'd rather be trying to sleep in a metal trailer than in a 100-man tent or a humvee on patrol.

Too Close to Call

2004-11-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

The words seem to be phrase of the day: too close to call.

The election results are truly intriguing to watch. I am tuned into IPTV, with CNN and NBC rattling off their early and differing projections. The outcome seems to be down to Ohio and Florida at this point. But, with absentee ballots given an additional 10-day window, there still could be a twist or change to the outcome.

It is just too close to call. Wow...

soon enough

2004-11-02T02:21:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! Get out there and vote!!!

Well, I am eager to see how the elections evolve, dissolve, and determine who will be the next Prez of the US. Will Kerry win the popular vote, but not the electoral (to repeat the Bush/Gore voting disputes and hiccups)? Or, will Bush win the popular vote, but not the electoral (to repeat the Bush/Gore voting disputes and hiccups with an added twist)? Time will tell. We will know soon enough.

No matter who wins, he has a lot to prove to the US citizens, its allies AND its enemies.

A new month...

2004-10-31T21:02:00.000-08:00

There something about it being 1 November that excites me. There is nothing special or significant. Just a new month. Could it be that the election riff-raff may actually come to a close by the end of the month (kidding myself)? Or, maybe it is the feeling of family and warmth that comes with the month that hosts the Thanksgiving holiday? Or, maybe it is the fact it is one month nearer to the new year? Ah, probably a little of each.

Hallow's Eve was surprisingly uneventful. It was rumored that it would not be so calm and quiet. I am thankful. I slept like a babe, as the pitter-patter of rain tapped the metal storage container called "home." The sound reminded me of home-sweet-glorious-home, WA state. Unfortunately, when it rains in Iraq, the rain just flattens the sand into mud and moves the trash into ugly "soon-to-mold" heaps. Oh, can't wait till those scents rise to the surface. Mmmm, yum.

The Webmaster account received a random email this morning from some AOL email address. The message arrived with an attachment, saying:

I hope you find the attached article helpful. Iraq is an obvious trap, which benefits Iran and other nations which support the Jihad more than anyone else. You have been flying the flag of Halliburton. - Willard Payne, Night Watch Information Service, International Affairs

I simply had to respond:

Willard: I do not work for and do not promote Halliburton. I am proud of the work I do for the Iraqi government. I say, take your opinions to the voting polls, and stop spamming people who enjoy and are simply doing their jobs.

l feel satisfied. Here's to a new month and a new day!

Bad hair day

2004-10-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear, it is bad....worse than bad! I had to throw on my San Diego ballcap today, after poorly attempting to recover the rat's nest on top of my head. After stabilizing my heart after being awakened at 2:30am to a few loud ba-booms, I was eventually able to return to sleep. I must have fallen hard. I had the dangest time waking up at 6am. Around 6:30pm, complete frantic desperation set in.

I am completely "spent" today. Exhausted.

No sedans have blown up - so far and phew. Just the normal routine of "loud speaker" mufflings of mysterious packages, indirect fire (a.k.a mortars/rockets), and compound lockdowns. Fun times...

Surprised? No.

2004-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

News of possible VBIEDS in the GZ.

Scared? You bet.
Life is still low-key and quiet...so far.

Give me an apple and call me "Teach"

2004-10-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well, four days of teaching Introduction to FrontPage to twenty Ministry of Defense employees was both an exercise in patience and a positive experience. I never realized the amount of preparatory work that was required, and I never witnessed so much interest and enthusiasm! Thank God for the two lab translators/instructors! Phew.

Tomorrow, the students will take an exam before being handed their Certificate of Achievement awards. The results of the exam will, not only show how well they recall the in-class exercises, but will also grade my teaching ability. I am sure everyone will do just fine. Why, of course. :)

365 days...

2004-10-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

Today marks 365 days of working out of country. Well, to be legit, it is really 350 days after accounting for the two weeks taken to attend my brother's wedding in June. But, jump up and say "hip-hip-hooray" because my foreign earned income tax break officially kicked in. I know, I know...how exciting....

Happy 43rd!

2004-10-23T01:54:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to me, although Dan did attempt to age me by nine years. Ain't he just the cutest thing?! cough, cough.

He strolled toward me, singing "Happy Birthday" while balancing the two candles teetering on top of a piece of DFAC cake: one candle a "3" and the other a "4." Go figure, he reversed the numbers...funny man.

Dinner dribble...

2004-10-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

With the DFAC at the Palace getting busier by the week, finding two empty chairs together at dinner has not been an easy task. Dan and I have had the chance to share our dinner with a hodge-podge of people : newly-arrived Marines, a 1-star General, a group of Blackwater guys, a dynamic Army duo, and others. Let the conversations begin.

Mental snippets from some of those conversations:

20 year-old Marine thankful that an IED did not detonate in his tent but was more than eager to be a gunner in any convoy entering the "red" (rather than patrolling the walls around the Palace).

A Major General, with a very gentle and personable demeanor, struck conversation with Dan and me and seemed very inquisitive about our lifes. Some of you may have heard of him: http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7034. I thought it interesting that he opted to not involve the State Department person sitting to my right. Just an observation.

Three Blackwater guys who were a part of two different Blackwater security groups: Negroponte's group and the State Dept's group and told tales of their missions and their luck in escaping near death. The State Dept group lost 4 guys recently. The conversation seemed to cut short soon after that.

Army E-5 Richard, 23, was from Bisbee, AZ, and had two kids. Army E-6 Troy, 36, was from Louisana, had two kids, was divorced/remarried, and loved his house. Troy and Richard were our comic relief, as we talked about everything from the war to the best places to raise kids.

Ignorant American?

2004-10-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

Main Entry: ig·no·rant
Pronunciation: 'ig-n(&-)r&nt
Function: adjective
1 a : destitute of knowledge or education ; also : lacking knowledge or comprehension of the thing specified b : resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or intelligence
2 : UNAWARE, UNINFORMED- ig·no·rant·ly adverb- ig·no·rant·ness nounsynonyms IGNORANT, ILLITERATE, UNLETTERED, UNTUTORED, UNLEARNED mean not having knowledge. IGNORANT may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing . ILLITERATE applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write . UNLETTERED implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading . UNTUTORED may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization . UNLEARNED suggests ignorance of advanced subjects .

Let's be mindful that a person who does not side with another's political point-of-view is not necessarily ignorant. If anything, this election has motivated voters to be more informed on the issues that are or eventually will affect their lives. If each person in a discussion states his thoughts in a logical, intelligent fashion, then the person that is truly ignorant is the one dishing out the phrase "ignorant American" inappropriately. He/she simply has the inability to handle and hear differing opinions. The 1st Amendment must elude him/her. Now, that's ignorance.

Pre-Birthday Thoughts

2004-10-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

Memorable Moment: The computer training team at the MoD providing me with a "thank you" gift for providing the first FrontPage class, which will begin 23 October.

Uplifting Moment: The PAO sending me positive comments for going forward with the Video Clips page on the MNSTC-I internet site. LTG Petraeus used one of the videos in a presentation yesterday. A little kudos goes a long way.

Happy Moment: Re-reading the card my Dad sent and actually getting some mail today. Dan handed over some items from a "forsaken, must-not-see" box. A cute bear now sits on my desk. I also rec'd an adorable twinset from the girlfriend store and other girlie-girl items. How fun!

Hopeful Moment: Mud healing at one of the Green Zone hospitals. She is expected to fully recover and return to the compound in three more days. There are many treats waiting her return.

Relief Moment: Dan and I agreeing on returning home for good May 2005. It will be here before long. I will buy a 2005 calendar to begin the "x-off" countdown, once the new year rears its head.

Thankful Moment: Grateful for the memories I have collected over the past year.

No real plans for birthday celebrations tomorrow, except the joy of being able to sleep in on Friday (our off day). God willing, that is. Thursday nights tend to be rather loud. So, tonight, the "group" will gather at 8:30pm like the Thursdays before to play poker and drink some bubbly for hours and hours in the Palace. It is always a good time.

It's a keeper!

2004-10-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

It is a simple card with a few words. It means the world and has made my day. Thanks, Dad, for a very touching birthday card. I appreciate you and Mom so much...I feel the love and the prayers!

A lover or a fighter?

2004-10-17T03:11:00.000-07:00

Somehow a web discussion turned slightly political yesterday. After he stated he was a "lover, not a fighter," the MSG stated (unsurprisingly) he was a Kerry-supporter. His Iraq deployment is his first direct experience in a war-torn environment and is now looking forward to his retirement. I listened, eager to hear his perspective and possibly be enlightened by a differing view. However, after speaking with him, I saw visions of hippy gatherings and "Make Love, Not War" signs.

I gently argued that it is best this war be fought now and in the Middle East because, during my lifetime, I want to hold onto the seemingly saner and secure existence that comes with living in the States. Now, while that statement is fraught with its own controversy, I know I will land in the States next year exuberate and kissing the ground of the country I currently long for. I have to wonder if "the lovers, not fighters" of the U.S. would change their views if this war were exercised on US soil (one sustaining longer than 9/11 – no, I am not talking mental or emotional longevity).

What some people do not see is what has surfaced during this "conflict" is that these highly-motivated, desert-dwelling terrorist “cells” are collectively a variant of what transpired into World War II..."Hitlerism" all over again. This brotherhood's ultimate mission is Islamic domination. In order to accomplish this, they are and will continue to abhor anyone non-Islamic, killing those who do not fit within the Islamic mold - Jews, Christians, you name it. We need to take this seriously.

As written in "America's Secret War," this war can surely be labeled as Global War #4. I just hope and pray that the long process to militarily defeat al Qaeda/the Taliban will not win them more supporters and thus worsen the conflict. We simply MUST fight and, at least ideologically, win this war. We must.

Glad and proud to be a "fighter," Tara

Too close to home...

2004-10-14T03:09:00.000-07:00

Early speculation from the amount of smoke and flames is a car bomb exploded at the Green Zone Cafe and an IED exploded at the Baghdad Bazaar (Hodgy Mart) within the "Zone." There is significant loss of life, from what I am told. Surprisingly, CNN has only released a tiny news streamer mentioning these simultaneous explosions.

I am saddened, disturbed, and pissed. Sorry, folks, the negotiation tactic and the car search techniques are NOT effective.

The ability for the terrorists to break the "formidable" barrier of the "Zone" should be of no surprise. But, the fact they were successful in their mission means the al-Zarqawi bastards are smiling, the possibility of future, closer attacks are more real, and the US/UK administrations will be plagued with more negativity. It is events like these that reduce the significance of Iraq's successes, which are already lost in the breaking news...and, personally, make staying home after my February vacation more likely.

Taking my Dad's advice, I will "keep my head low and my butt covered in kevlar."

Making progress, I think

2004-10-14T01:15:00.000-07:00

I am about to breathe a sigh of relief. I think I might just make my 15 October 2004 deadline for the MoD intranet.

Tonight is poker night, where $50 (and for Dan, his buddy "Jack") provides hours of entertainment. We are off tomorrow, but I will likely be finishing up loose ends on the site. Dan and I are planning a movie or series marathon day. Maybe, just maybe Dan's package having The Office: Season Two or Dead Like Me: Season One will arrive. Doubt it, but we can always hope.

Hopefully tonight will be better than last Thursday's fireworks display and more like last night, where we only had one mortar at 10:30pm. Maybe that "money for weapons" program is working?! Or, is this deal anything like the "oil for food" program - wrought with corruption and will haunt us rather than help us?

Bye for now!

JTSI Crew

2004-10-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is the "happy-go-lucky" JTSI group sitting in front of the Parade grounds, which is marked by crossing swords. Each sword is held by a large hand, casted from Saddam, and has a cornucopia of bullet-marked Iranian helmets from the Iraq-Iran war.

2004-10-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

Creepy or Cuddly? Pick one... Meet Mud! Cuddly wins.

Random thoughts...

2004-10-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

Word of the day: hudna (thanks, Larry)

War thought of the day: While considered a good story, the US (with the help of a donation from the Los Angeles police department) provided the Iraqi Police Service with 10,000 glock pistols. Mmm, wonder how many will end up "getting lost?" The diochomty of the situation is interesting. While happy that weapons are being handed over, are we only supplying the terrorists with a new toy, in a roundabout way through the Iraqi Police Service? Mmmm....

Girlfriend quote of the day: I'm only as strong as the cocktails I drink, the hairspray I use, and the girlfriends I have.

Songs of the day: Thief and Judas Mon Coeur, on the Best of Belly CD

Annoyance of the day: The lack of paper products in this country, mostly when already on the toilet. Grief. Note to self: ALWAYS hunt down the last piece of TP before using the restroom!!

Online store of the day...heck, the month: bella-chic.com, a company owned by or who has hired a very personable person who simply took the time! Thanks, Bonnie! Check 'em out...the product line is simple, flirty, and cute!

Highlight of the day: Dan leaning over saying, "I am a lucky man."

Have a great day, folks!

Did you know?

2004-10-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

In effort to bridge the gap between what the media protrays and the positive steps being made in Iraq...

Did you know that the following Infrastructure Projects are happening right now in Samarra?
• Medical Supply Effort to Hospital
• Complete Refurbishment of 3 primary schools
• 3 Higher Education Projects (Academy of Science, College of Education, & Women’s Vocational Center)
• Samarra Main Medical Clinic Renovation Project
• Highway Patrol Station Renovation Project
• Well Digging Projects in Eastern Samarra
• Trash and Sanitation Projects
• Highway 1 Clean up Project
• Electrical Power Project for the Mukashifa Police Department
• Ambulance for the Aashaq Clinic
• AL Fadhael Clinic
• Future Projects to include: 3 Primary School Upgrade Projects; 1 Security Project for Electrical Substation; and a Water Distribution Project

Four Leg Limit!

2004-10-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

I arrived to work today, being welcomed in similar fashion --- Mud running alongside my bike as I finished the last strides to my work trailer. Even though she was in her normal state of "let's play," she had a bloody thumb-sized hole on her neck. A result from a food fight, I would presume. Needless to say, she is annoyed by the massive bandage that now covers her neck. She won't even accept a rawhide treat from me -- anyone, for that matter, despite her normally scratching the trailer door to retrieve one.

The compound did adopt another "pet" today, one I would definitely release back into nature: a scorpion. I will upload a pic of the creature soon. Oddly or appropriately (depending on your perspective), it has made home in a large container in the Helpdesk area.

It is confirmed. I'm not fond of anything that has more than 4 legs.

Yeah, sure...here we go again!

2004-10-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

In a week's time, Al Sadr and his loyalists have agreed to handover their weapons, as part of the most recent cease-fire deal. Mmm, I do believe we were here only a couple weeks ago?! And, exactly why is there a stipulation of waiting a week? Oh, DUH - HELLO! I get it! It is so he and his loyalists can use a large portion of their weapons over the coming week.

Trust me when I say it is just another "let's appease 'em" political act of "kindness." A regular "bang, boom, and bust their balls" circus act is more like it! So, the "Zone" will be hit hard this week...oh, no doubt. In a week, the media pawn will play upon Sadr's good intentions, as we witness the handover of some broken RPGs and some mortar rounds via our Al Jazeera and CNN friends.

Anyone would be fooling themselves to think this would be the end of the madness that exists across the Tigris. Just wait a few days after the hype has waned; it will be back to the normal nightly fireworks and daily car bombs.

Let the games begin!

Has to be quickie...

2004-10-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had a couple more mortars and a car bomb near the zone today...quite close actually. But, works calls. So, I need to make this a quickie to let you know we are well and plugging along. Hugs!

Marked UNCLASSIFIED

2004-10-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

I just received this memo shortly after my most recent entry. Everything is timing and pure luck.
From a US Embassy memo...
---------------------
On October 5, 2004 at approximately 1 pm, U.S. Embassy security personnel discovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Green Zone Café. A U.S. Military Explosive Ordnance Detachment safely disarmed the IED.

We strongly encourage you to take the following security precautions:

· Limit non-essential movement within the International Zone, especially at night.
· Travel in groups of two or more.
· Carry several means of communication.
· Avoid the Green Zone Café, the Chinese Restaurants, the Lone Star restaurant and Vendor Alley.
· Conduct physical fitness training within the Embassy compound perimeter.
· Notify office personnel or friends of your travel plans in the International Zone.
---------------------
Yep, we got the memo (a tribute to Office Space). So much for "nights out." Back to the routine: trailer-work-DFAC-work-trailer.

Out on the town!

2004-10-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! Another beautiful day in Baghdad. No loud noises or booms to rock our morning. All is well with the world...so far! But, hold onto your helmets because the day is early.

Dan and I went out to dinner the other night. I chuckle when thinking of this "date." Not much for people to do within the "Zone." With notices of always having a "battle buddy" and watching your surroundings even within the "Zone," evening walks and outside entertainment are nil-to-none.

On our bike ride home from work, Dan turned a cheek.

"Hey, want to go out to eat?"
"Ewww....out to eat! Which fine restaurant should we choose?"
"How about Chinese restaurant #1? They still have beer."
"Lez go. Sounds like a good night out."

Chomping on semi-warmed Kung Pao chicken, we debated if the food we were "savoring" was better than not eating DFAC food for a night. We sat, talking about stocks, plans for home, and people at work. I treasured the time more than Dan probably realizes.

Good times. :)

Slow...

2004-10-05T01:08:00.000-07:00

I am dragging today. Might have something to do with weather, although that is a weak argument. I usually never see much of the day, when it is sunny. So, when it is gray like a NW day, it really should not affect me much. Just dragging butt. NO excuses. Must concentrate...ugggh!

Hope everyone else is feeling a tad more productive than myself...

Hugs!

(But, good news, I heard from Lesley and Preston yesterday...it's been a long time! Their emails have me smiling.)

I felt that!

2004-10-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

The scent of fresh grounds filled the air. The coffee drip had started. All of us were filtering through our morning emails, slowly waking to the arrival of yet another work day. Soon people were bustling about. Some were filling their coffee mugs...when a BOOM was both heard and felt. The trailer shook. The coffee bookcase moved. I just stood there with my coffee mug in hand, in the middle of the trailer. A unified sigh filled the room.

After a moment…
"Ah guys...?"
"That had to have been a car bomb," says one.
"Yeah! That was way too loud for a mortar."
"Definitely NOT a mortar."
"Check Yahoo...CNN..."

Within minutes, streaming news feeds were confirming our verdict. Within a couple hours, two more were heard and felt. The "collateral" damage numbers were and still are climbing.

I will never understand the mindset of the drivers of those vehicles.
Did they wear their seatbelts as they prepared for their head-on collision with death?
Did they kiss their children good-bye just as they had done the day before?
How do they know that these actions are ordained, directed and approved by Allah?

Well, as Dan would say, “population control,” as callous and impersonal as that may sound. No matter, I would never sign up for that joy ride!

Hey, how about another topic...
Dan and I are missing a historical moment in Washington State. Mount St Helens is about to blow its head again. We figure it will be a small eruption in comparison to the May 1980 eruption. Dan recalls riding home on the school bus during the May 1980 eruption. And to think, we were planning to purchase a parcel of land on the East side of the mountain, overlooking Yale reservoir. Oh boy.

Iraq - A Resort Destination

2004-10-03T03:32:00.000-07:00

Right across the incredibly clean [ cough, cough ] Tigris river is Sadr City, or also known as the slums of Sadr City. Two days ago, we were notified of an outbreak of hepititas E and were asked not to eat at a couple of the local restaurants in the "Zone."

We are already using bottled water for everything except to shower. Is that safe? The other day I forgot a bottle of water when brushing my teeth. I simply "cleaned" my toothbrush with the tap water. I know what I am buying at AAFES on Friday. I guess we'll see if I feel a little achy 16-30 days from now. Joy, joy, joy...

Link: http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=43364&SelectRegion=Iraq_Crisis&SelectCountry=IRAQ

This is such a great place. The locals just love tourists. The food is just like home. Accommodations are a tad rustic, but there are nightly fireworks and regular air shows for your entertainment! Come and visit!! It is truly the next resort destination (small print: in 10 years or so).

Seeking Human-Sized Fly Swatter

2004-10-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

One thing that comes with cooler temperatures in Iraq is the increase in the amount of flies. The flies are not normal here. They stick on you, as if hanging out for a ride. Not just one annoying fly, but 5 or 6 at a time. They do not linger on your shoulder or your back, but instead they linger smack dab in the middle of your face, on your eyelid even. A sway of a hand or a thunk against your own face does not help. Oh no...they hang there, unbothered by this human-sized thumb or finger that happened to disrupt their stay.

I always wondered how the people in those "Donate" commercials did nothing to move the flies from their lips or foreheads. Now, I understand...

I am sick and freakin' tired of the flies. We will be wishing for the warmer temperatures before long! And, Fall has just begun!

We'll see what happens

2004-09-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

As we watched the finale of the Amazing Race last night, we got this crazy idea of submitting ourselves. "We can do this! We can!"

Dan is looking at its web site to locate the entry form. Hey, if we can live and work together in tight quarters day in and day out in Iraq for a year, I think we can handle a worldwide obstacle course.

Another wild idea that may or may not come to pass. We'll see what happens...who knows.

Got wheels?

2004-09-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Dan and I are now mobile. After beating the rush at AAFES, we are proud owners of cheap-o “his” and “her” Mongoose bicycles.

After missing buses due to continually changing bus schedules, we hit the road and the internet in search of some wheels. At first, Wallyworld (AKA: Wal-Mart) won us over with rechargeable scooters for under $100. But, with the terrain and debris in the "Zone," the scooter would not hold up. Dan wanted something with more speed and oomph.

We went to the hodgy market (AKA: Baghdad Bazaar). The bikes did not shift properly or did not come in Tara size. Back to the internet, we went. Shipping costs were a killer.

One day, Dan returned from lunch with a bike! Oh my, so excited...I could not wait to ride my bike home. Unfortunately, he had snatched the last one from under some slow-to-act soldiers. After a week, another shipment of bikes arrived. I grabbed one of the six available.

We now have "his" and "her" bikes and are able to get around this joint with relative speed. I beat the bus today, being able to skirt around traffic on the main thoroughfare. Of course, 7 incoming mortars in a row did add some push to my pedal. Ah, yes...the small things in life...

Off and running! Love ya!

tarashay.com facelift

2004-09-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to get my own web site up to standard, in between work projects. I am still working on my albums, business info, and resume. But, when and if you have the chance, check it out: http://www.tarashay.com. Promise to write more later. Work calls...actually, is breathing down my back.

Hugs!

2004-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004...

Much to my surprise!

2004-09-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was told that LTG Petraeus wished to see me. Mmmm, okay. If you are unaware of who he is, he wears 3 stars on his collar and is "the man in charge" of MNSTC-I.

Around noon yesterday, I walked into his office in my casual wears including flip-flops and a T-shirt. Of course, I was not warned of this request the day before. His aids flocked to his desk, one having a camera in hand. I did not realize that this was a photo opp. Oh no, I was not prepared for this.

LTG Petraeus presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation and an embroidered Iraqi flag having "Tara Vaughn, MNSTC-I Webmaster, Baghdad, Iraq." He stated he was grateful for a job well done and for presenting his Command on the internet in a professional manner. I was simply amazed and honored. On my departure, I think I said something stupid like, “This is so cool.”

Well, one would not think of getting an award for simply doing their job. But, in the military, awards and recognition are rather commonplace. And, well, they should be, considering the potential trials a serviceman endures during his military career. To be included in that as a contractor is truly a rarity.

I will be sure to add the certificate and flag to my shadow box creation of memoirs, when I return home.

Her name is Mud

2004-09-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

There are a handful of stray dogs (and a billion stray cats) in the Green Zone. Not many of them are approachable - raggedy scavengers that hang in packs looking for food of any kind. But, one puppy showed up a few weeks ago in the MNSTC-I compound. She had needy eyes and ran to anyone that accessed the open parking area, wanting attention. She had a thick layer of debris on her brown and black spotted coat. She is barely 6 months old, I would figure. Adorable still in her pitiful state.

She soon meandered to doorways to keep cool and to be closer to anyone carrying food. After a cook-out one night, she was given a large chewing bone, which she proceeded to attack and bury in one of the more maintained muddy areas. Her name is now Mud. She has been bathed and donned with a flea collar. She considers the MNSTC-I compound her home. And, we're glad. Many of us are grateful for her friendly, welcoming greeting every morning and every night.

It makes me miss my dog Spencer, but her presence does bring some normalcy and a feeling of home to this sand box.

Any PetCo donations are appreciated! :)

Help me understand...

2004-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

It is almost as if one...everyone has to apologize for the horrid acts being executed (no pun intended) by these insurgents. It makes me angry...drawing out the hate in me.

I could not fathom the horror, the emotional overload that these hostages and their families must be enduring. I pray and pray. I understand that we are not tested beyond what we can bear, but this would be the ultimate test. To lose anyone in my family or friendship circle to anything but natural causes would have me gasping and on my knees looking for understanding. I lost a friend of 10 years in an auto accident April 2001, and I am still reeling from that loss. I miss her.

Why??? Why do these kind of people exist?? Dear God...help me understand.

Just remember-
The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important.

Love you!

Another day in paradise...

2004-09-20T02:25:00.000-07:00

The birds are chirping. The sun is out. The temps are similiar to a nice Spring day. The palms are swaying in the breeze. I think I will go for a walk. You know, get out and enjoy the day.

A mortar fell.

I think I'll stay and admire the facade of the outdoors from inside my sandbagged trailer.

What four bottles of H2O can do...

2004-09-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

Small applause...yes again please. I actually got up this morning and went to the gym before work. Grant you, to some, this may be nothing to applaud. But, for those of you who are not morning types but you simply must fit in a workout, it is a huge achievement.

After working off some J-Lo at the gym, I returned to the trailer. Much to my surprise, I returned just as another trailer mate had finished using the restroom. Great! What timing! This never happens. I grabbed my stuff, thinking I may just make it to breakfast before the carpool time. Time to brusha-brusha the teethies.

"Mmm, this is interesting," I think. The water was not its normal pressure. Ah, no biggie. I undress and, while standing in my birthday suit and now violently turning the shower knobs, the last bit of water fell from the shower head to the shower floor.

"Oh, no...you have got to be kidding me!" After sweeping my towel around me, I bumped into my trailer mate as we both merged into the joining hallway. He looked at me, puzzled.

"There's no water," I said plainly.
"What? I just got out," he said in astonishment.
"I know! Crazy, huh? Poop...damn-it," I muttered, as I walked out of the trailer in my towel about to make friends with the persons living in the trailer next to ours.

After 10 minutes of checking nozzles behind our trailer and in the adjacent trailer, it was confirmed. The water had been shut-off...at 7am, of all times. Well, I knew I could NOT go to work with this serious sweat layer all day. It just was not going to happen. I grabbed four bottles of water and proceeded to take what sailors refer to as "a navy shower."

Well, I missed breakfast, and I think I still have soap down my butt crack. Hopefully, the water is back in service when I return home.

Have a great day! Love ya!