Can’t have a Crab Leg and Eat it Too

 

Interesting facts to share:  9 Countries Have Recorded Hottest-Ever Temps This Year 2010 from the Web Site:

Among two of them – Iraq.

1. Kuwait

The heat was the most intense in Kuwait, which recorded its hottest temperature in history on June 15 in Abdaly, according to the Kuwait Met office. The mercury hit 52.6°C (126.7°F). Kuwait's previous all-time hottest temperature was 51.9°C (125.4°F), on July 27,2007, at Abdaly.

2. Iraq - Iraq had its hottest day in history on June 14, 2010, when the mercury hit 52.0°C (125.6°F) in Basra.

Nice huh?

August 25, 2014

Well, it’s Monday night crabs again, a delight!!  I can get used to free snow crab legs every week.  All that walk and we blow it on crabs and a cheesecake..at least it’s incentive to work out.  I have two other regular ladies who like to come so we’ve been showing up for the walk and tomorrow is the Zumba class.  Fun..I’ll be leading it. 

One of the things I haven’t gotten used to living by myself is the fact that I’m still locking the bathroom, LOL!! I guess 39 years of habit is hard to break.  Well, it’s temporary anyways. I Iike living alone at least it’s only be ten days though.  Maybe I like the quiet but I do get to interact with people at work, I have my exercise group and as long as I still get to talk with my hubby, and daughter I’m good.

The CHU is great but not having wireless sucks.  I’m chained to the phone, I’m chained to my laptop desk.  Ughh..well, you can’t have a crab leg and eat it too…

August 27, 2014

Today marks my two-week period of being in beautiful, HOT and sunny dry Basrah.  Yes, stepping outside you feel the heat.  The heat is on..the Heat is on – on (yeah not the beat).  Speaking of beat, I had my first successful turnout of Zumba for about 10 ladies and a male, made it to the video class.  A good friend from the rec center found some beginner videos and put them on a thumb drive.  We did that and the ladies had a great sweat!  I think it will be a success J

I told Jason what I had for dinner today and he said “just like a cruise.”  Yeah really, you’re confined to a space and you got unlimited food..Well the hours are limited but you can always grab something from the “grab and go” or fridge.  I can Zumba all I want but that mid-section until I curb myself…really really curb myself, I ain't losting but 1 lb!!!  Last Friday I decided to try the pizza place around the corner..one of the few places that charge and mmm the pizza was good.  Had it for three lunches in a row.  Check it out:

 

Alyssa enjoyed her first week of school and as a matter of fact has made friends at after-care.  I told Jason whatever he does, he better ensures she goes to Marissa’s bday.  And he did..Proud of you, daddy!!  I saw pictures that Stephanie’s husband, Brian posted on Shutterfly and they were really great.  I esp liked pictures of Jason showing the girls how to bowl..Alyssa got to spend some time with Marissa and Stephanie, and daddy so it looks like she was happy.  I made a desktop plaque that I will put on my desk when I get to Baghdad.

 

 

Time for bed and meditation to help me sleepy..

Another World

A World where Money does not matter..Is this Star Wars of the Future??

 

 8/22/14

It’s my second weekend in Basrah and I’m discovering certain delights and well…the HEAT.  I just walked from the cafeteria to the gym/recreation building and in just 4 minutes I thought my ears would fall off me!  Yes, I’m melting here JJ  How can one live in such hot climates.  I guess some humans found a way but to deal with the harsh weather..That’s why women cover their heads.  It’s to keep their heads/ears shady not just for cultural reasons I suppose. 

I went to the PX (also known as the commissary) to get some sweets as I don’t always want to be smuggling desserts to-go..it seems awkward but now I have containers that I bought from that “As seen on TV containers with attached lids” that came in handy. See Jason, I’m not all impractical (LOL).  I’ve so far put in cookies and chocolates in there.  The CHU house I’m in is furnished with very little and since there is no kitchen, there are no utensils or storage containers.  I also got some Riesling wine to help me calm down before bedtime. Not to be an alcoholic but it really does help me get tired and stay asleep for the night.  Oh and being the oblivious person I am, I bought popcorn from the PX assuming it was salt. To my delight after popping the first one in my mouth, I knew it - sweet!!! It was a local brand too…In the states, the default popcorn is usually salt!! Another lesson learned..Look carefully before you buy!  I remember in France they always sell sweet popcorn at the movies. Hated it. I had to ask for the one w salt b/c they assume you would want the sweet one if you didn't say anything.  Avec sel si vous plait.  BTW, the French really don't popcorn at the theaters.

This week was rough not being able to chat with Alyssa until Saturday. I was up at least 2-3 times until midnight but because of after-care, she has been home late.  Poor Jason’s got a lot on his hands having to do duties while living in another house and working on renovations on our home.  I hope things will settle and I can keep in touch more with her.  It is important not only for me but for her, to stay in touch for a successful distance relationship.  As for Jason, I’m able to catch him most days, so it’s good to know the on-goings of Florida. 

I’ve been spending time learning some Zumba moves so I can soon do my own choreography to my fave music and teach. I watched YouTube on how to count beats, different dance styles and a clip on how to be an instructor, what to expect at the 1-day Certification class.  And here I am, supposed to be studying for my Microsoft Server 2008 Exam but found another passion.  I guess I’m just not enthused in the subject matter, LOL.  I have to tell myself this will be my SIP and for my next assignment.  For those who don't know SIP means Skills Incentive Pay on top of my salary.

Another plus here is that the water heater is right in my bathroom (at least I think so) so it takes nearly 10 seconds before the water gets warm..No need to adjust, the water temperature is just from outside 110 degrees hehe J Perfect for me.

Since I can’t take pictures here, so I'll go down memory lane and choose my favorite photo and post a story behind it.  Hope you enjoy them as part of my blogs.  With times on my hands, I should be writing 1-2 times a week. 

 

Alyssa has been animal lover since we lived on the streets of Plantation. Every time she saw a dog, she would run to it, asking to pet the dog. Now she's got one to play with when she goes over to her older friend, Mahnaz's house.  The parents are Jason's friends and they have two cats (one indoor) and a cute poodle name Benj.  The two get along well..Now if time can convince Jason to get Alyssa a furry friend, aka a cat, she might just be content :)  Here she is watching "All Dogs Go to Heaven 2" while Benj catches his nappy time. 

‘Til next time!

 

The Wind Blows where it Will

Week 2 - Basrah

 

8/13/14

I have to say, living in a dessert within a “sheltered city” is interesting to say the least.  You cannot say, “We’re fresh out of water.”  There’s plenty of water to go around and man, if this new habit of mines of drinking to stay hydrated kicks in, then my health problems (a quarter of it) will be cured!!  Drinking lots of water is the best thing you can do for your kidneys, not only to help with beautiful skin and yes…the digestive system without getting into specifics J 

Well, I have been reading this book and it has some good ideas.  Whose marriage is perfect out there? Very little…I’m practicing bits and pieces of things in there such as retreats together, talking (communication more) as communion as really you give to your spouse to be nurtured, as communion in the Catholic faith, feeds our soul.  So let’s pray that this will strengthen what Jason and I have.  

Today I’m undertaking a daunting task – building some Zumba moves (choreographed) to my playlist. I did not realize how hard it could be.  Following instructors or so much more easier..leading is another thing.  Well, with every new task, you can build and learn.

 August 20, 2014

I went to exercise with 3-4 ladies already from the consulate.  We did the “Walk” series which is OK, not intensive enough for me.  Then I’m going to lead Zumba first with the videos and then on my own (my beta test studentsJ )  Can’t wait to get my certification to teach it…so much fun.  Today was a good day.  Need more days like this…  After our exercise, the ladies and I went to chow hall.  It was a nice night.

When I think about this place, I think I am lucky to be saving money.  Meals are free, I don’t have to do the dishes, I have a free gym to go to..and free internet (at least for now).  Everything is 2-3 minutes walking distance.  I haven’t needed to pull out a Miche purse yet (hhehehe).  Not that I bought one to Iraq but really if I’m confined, I am very light-weight.  I’m enjoying it for now.  I guess as I said to someone before, I won’t suffer from cabin fever because I just don’t like to get “out” much.  Meaning, I’m not outdoorsy type, LOL.  But I miss my family!  Thank goodness for telephones and Skype.

Today, I’d like to commemorate and pray for those we loved..may their spirits go where they wish..in Heaven, happiness and eternity with the Lord.  Here is a picture of Uncle Pun (RIP Aug 7, 2014), Alyssa, Mom (RIP July 18, 2014), Me and Jason.  Auntie Tim (not pictured here..took the picture). 

Good night! And Good afternoon to those in the Eastern US Time....

Arrived at Post, finally!

Arrived Baghdad

 

 8/13/14

Well, the day has arrived..I am here now in Baghdad.  I’m at the airport and it feels like a sauna outside. It’s superhot, to the point of uncomfortable.  Have I been that way before?? I guess that’s why it’s called a dessert.  Wow…I know what feeling it is like to be cold, but the extreme end is also not great.  Thank goodness for air condition..what will we do without it? I land here at the embassy airport and I know I’m not in Kansas anymore.  I see firefighter planes and whatnot.. Not the typical scenery you get when you touch down at an airport!!  One of the pictures that amazed me while I was at the Amman airport was the mosaic picture of Petra.  Here it is:

You may have recalled that from the 3^rd Indiana Jones movie where they take his dad to get healing water and you saw one of the knights guarding the holy grail.  Well I also saw a documentary about the ingenuity that went into the construction of this magnificent building made inside of a mountain.  It was made over 3,000 years ago and back then, they didn’t have the technology of today but what was built is a wonder to say the least.

After a fattening meal at DFAC it’s now time to close my eyes and get some nappy.  I can’t believe how tired I am.  It could be the heat or the psychological effects of stress (losing luggage and uncertainties to be met with).

August 13, 2014

Well I have arrived safely at the consulate in Basrah.  Not pretty as a picture as what I would think but at least I know I can survive this temporarily.  I can understand how people here can go nuts.  For now I like my quiet time and maybe I’ll have time to exercise..Although the cafeteria has such tempting foods and desserts.  SKUNK.  I think you can be skinny or a hunk…one of those categories!!  I met my supervisor who is here for two days before I depart.  I guess I’ll be doing some work supervising while he’s gone.  Tomorrow will be discussion day, today is all about checking in and getting my stuff straightened out.  I met a couple of ladies who have showed me around the compound already.  It’s quite nice to have someone fill you in…They’ve got movie nights near the gym every day at 8 PM, they got some pool and games over there.  I went to the commissary and bought me another shirt to wear..I cannot believe how much we depend on clothes for living!!  I also got myself some nice red flowered flip-flops.  Here they are:

 

LOL, the next best thing to Paradise.  I guess I’ll spend my time studying for my Microsoft Certifications or at least in preparation for my next assignment.  With all this time, I can study, develop spiritually, not worry about cooking and just take care of me..I will focus on that.  For now I hope it stays nice and quiet here..No live action, please J
Well, my day is done.  5 pieces of laundry and 1.5 hours gone; what did my previous life consists of ??!! J

8/15/2014

Well, the weekend is here, Friday and I’m beyond joy that it starts now.  Their days off is Fri and Sat, good for me having just arrived Wednesday.  I can use an early start to the weekend.  I know I’m still jetlagged when I feel like sleeping at 8 PM just to wake up and realize it’s 2 AM in the morning only :P  Well, good news it won’t be much longer.  I usually get over jetlag by the 7^th day.  Maybe easier for me now that I just did this 2 months ago. 

OK, so they told me I got lucked out and go the “executive suite.” I have to say it is indeed!  Executive in that I have it all to myself, LOL.  Yes, no bunk beds or nothin’.  But I sure wish they didn’t use that terminology, because when I think executive suite, I think… Hmmmm, awesome spacious Penthouse type of room with your own jaccuzzi.  Let’s just say this is as “executive as it gets” when it comes to being in a danger post.  I’m definitely safe, or at least I think so.  We are sheltered from the rest of the world, which is why this blog will seem like a diary for me, the “sailor out to see.”  The space is definitely confining but I can’t complain, I got it all to myself.

Looking forward to my first Skype session with Alyssa…I’m making a list of things to do so I won’t get bored. I have no trouble, I keep myself busy.  I haven’t even turned on the TV that much only when I’m eating..I’ve eaten at the cafeteria quite a few times already.  The food is good but now I’m learning to get food “to go” because you can get carried away with the calories.  The gym is a bit of a walk but I’ll learn to go during the day.  Even in a “safe place” like here you get the night owl characters at the gym and no I don’t want that kind of attention before I head to my quarters.  I think walking group with the girls and the bike rides should be nice.  There’s prayer service Saturday and Tuesday study I will look forward to that!!

Til next week!!

Travel to the Middle East

August 10, 2014

 

 It’s that time to blog again when I get ready to travel and have those crazy dreams again.  Those who like to listen to my stories and rant…thank you!! It’s nice to be able to share my adventures with someone for free, LOL.  I’m now at DCA getting ready for trip to the middle east.  I go to Chicago then off to Amman.  Stay overnight at a very nice hotel. Off to Baghdad next morning.  Stay overnight there and then, off to Basrah so two nights of hotel stay, 3 days of fun travel.  Too much funny stuff going on the last few days.  From my crazy drive to pick up Alyssa in Binghampton, NY from my in-laws to sending a few last days with Jason and Alyssa in Virginia.  It has been a nice adventure to say the least.

To make it short, I dreamed of John the Baptist, an important person in Christian bible.  Why I dreamed of speaking to him was weird..I was trying to prove to Jason (a non-practicing Catholic) of believing in him by the miracles he performed.  Although it was Jesus that performed miracles.  I dreamed of being in control of airplanes as if I were one of the stewardess/copilots…I dreamed of going away lunches with my colleagues---- all that speaks of departure and new adventures.  I also had the most night of sleep (12 hours of sleep) having traveled 10+ hours by car in just two days.  

I got to do the bike share in DC with my brother.  We were supposed to do the Arlington loop but my brother got tired biking from Pershing before we even got there! I told him last take off from Reagan initially and he said that, “No, there’s a bike rental close to my apartment.”  After consulting with my biker friend, I thought that road from my apartment was perfect.  We realized later that, driving through the city was giving my brother stress so we’ll have to try again.  Oh well, it was fun and something new.  Having biked in Brussels on the streets, I think I conquered that fear.

Bike Share

I loved living in the Arlington/Ballston area for a few weeks.  The apartment was clean and close to the Metro (Madison Ballston) however it was like one big house.  The way it was built, it just wasn’t sound proof. You can hear people using the bathroom, walking above you, yada yada.  The BOQ remote support was helpful but rarely got back to you in the nick of time. I guess it’s a work-in-progress and I think I like it over the community at Oakwood.  Oakwood has been around forever, but it just wasn’t easily accessible to FSI or the mall, or the restaurants.  Having lived in Paris, I love being able to go everywhere by foot!  I love walking around..besides it’s more green then driving around.  I could walk to McDs/Pops/Thai Restaurant/Malls/FSI and last but not least, Zumba classes (both at mall) and by bus and the Catholid Church on Cathedral Lane.

I am now at Terminal 5 waiting for my departure to Amman, Jordan.  Looks like the hotel is a 5-star and nice spot to look at…Should be fun!  OK, the scary part is flying into and out of Bagdad as I head to Basrah Monday morning.

In the airplane

Here I am two hours away from my 1^st destination.  I see a baby in a carriage and it reminds me of Alyssa on her first trip from Brussels.  I had sooo wished I took her picture with her sleeping so peacefully.  I suppose now I missed a chance but here is what I got.  She was a young traveler (4 months old).  The hotel I’m staying at should be nice.. Tomorrow will be a rough day, going to rough territories.  First time in middle east so I hope it won’t be too much of a shock.  I already got some of the words we learned it’s been two months so need an Arabic refresher. 

Babies do Travel! 

Well, I have arrived in Amman and so far people are friendly and helpful.  However, my luggage is lost and who knows where it is… hope it is found and not in the hands of an evil L  Well I guess there is a first to everything…after traveling with State for 15 years, this IS the first.  I was a diplomat but I got to go through the security line…and just only waited 2 hours until everyone got their luggage and went home..go figure.

Well this is it for my blog..I’m done, tired and hungry!!  Thanks for reading :P

Heading back to DC for Funeral…and Training and Etc.

Getting On with Life 

June 22, 2014

The time is finally here.  Mom has been in a coma/veg state since April 24, when she suffered a cardiac arrest.  Mom had all sorts of health issues from diabetes/high blood pressure/to bipolar disorder.  This past year she has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was hospitalized a few times from lack of oxygen and trouble breathing.  She started dialysis back in December because of her kidney failing.  What took her life after brain injury ultimately was kidney failure as we discontinued dialysis since May 27^th.  She died July 18, 2014 way longer than anyone thought.  Thank goodness it happened before I left for Baghdad and of course after I left Swaziland.  I went to visit her in April and was thinking she would die within the three week time period I was there.  There is no rushing mom’s death.  We did not believe in euthanasia and she left no health directive.  It has been rough, to say the last.

 July 28, 2014

Back in DC for consultations..what fun.  Running into all these Washingtonians and shuttle drivers.  Man, I can never get enough (not).  I guess the best part about being here *again* is having more time to spend with family and friends.  Went for Dim Sum yesterday…yummm.  Then meeting up with my cousin who I haven’t seen in a while with his girlfriend.  Last but not least, being here for my brother to support him and to help him get over the lost of mom.  She is in a better place..I started subscribing to the Bereavement e-mails from the Rest Haven web site.  I am trying to get more people to post tributes but I guess it’s more if you are close family.  Either way I always want to get an impression of what people think of her..Most likely they’ll say she was a kind person.  She came across that way.  She did come across a few manic episodes when I was in Ottawa (Canada), but she had a good heart and soul.  I know they say to remember the good times, but it’s the bad times that also stick out..Such as the time I got mad at Alyssa for misbehaving, and yelled at her, and unintentionally trying to move away, Alyssa grabbed my hand (not to let me go) and accidently fell.  My mom cried at me, and speaking with tears, she said, “you are mean to us because you know we love you.”  She really is like me, sensitive and caring and did not want me to get angry, especially at my daughter.  She wanted me to be gentle.  But as much as I always gave her my troubles, she still forgave me.  BTW, yes that was in my speech.   

Everyone is welcome to share a memory -- please, do not feel obligated to send money or flowers, just post a memory or thoughts if you will on the tribute tab.  Just Be sure to check out photos and videos I've already posted as well.  Thank you, from the bottom of my <3. 

 http://www.rsthvn.com/obituaries/Kanya-Choonit/#!/