Week Two at Baghdad

September 18, 2014

I am still finding my way around here; haven't found a niche yet other than a great abs class. I know the teacher because she works in my section and I met her at the Amman airport but still, no friends to hang out with.  My roommate is great, kind and doesn't mind helping with chores or sharing of foods.  We both work well together...but we haven't worked our way to best buddies yet.  But we vent to each other, so that's a start.  I told her about my frustration and she said something that made me smile...that's what matters :-)

Tomorrow is "Hail and Farewell" party.  It's for 3-4 going away including Senior Foreign Service IMO (similar to the head manage of a huge IT Specialist team) as he and his wife are retiring and for the newbies - me, another IMSer and some Techs.  It will be fun.  I made cakeballs but due to the fact that I haven't made them in a long while, they were too big and the candy melt is tooo thick. Oh well..At least I did it and I took my time doing it over the course of three days. 

Today, I was helping one of the offices out with a trouble ticket and when I asked him to lock the computer and log on again after changing his password he tells, "Wow you have no faith." :-)  That got me thinking..I can be a doubting Thomas.  Well benefit of the doubt, most users are technically challenged and often forget their passwords.  I was thinking that and he works in a security related area where he has to know these things.  #1 - know my audience.  #2 - Have faith.  OK while we are on the topic of faith, I feel that in this world, we have to appreciate things and believe there are good people out there.  I was at the commissary shop and they don't use coins, instead they give you these cute things that look like a round game board piece that my daughter would love.  Well, I was short 25 cents and the guy behind me says, here I have some.  Now that is what I call, an angel.  Friends, there are angels walking among us all the time..ready to open the door, ready to help when in need, just there *at* the right moment.  So "Bo have faith.  Angels are here."

Got settled in here are some pictures of my home.  Not quite homey yet but need to do some reorganizing to meet my lifestyle.  Where is my Jason when I need him :)  He is great and practical at organization.  His simplicity was inherited and he doesn't keep much.  The less you have, the less you gotta buy crap to organize it.  I think he dumped a lot of my stuff that I don't remember I own. Initially I was mad, but I guess memories can't take with you to the grave.  Pictures and photographs are for the living. 

I still think about my mom and how she had a caring heart but she never learned to let go of *anything.* It's a common trait or just a skill never taught.  No one is and will ever be alike as I said before in a blog, and people who have more in common have the best tendency to get along in the long term.  It's sad but opposites attract is a myth.

Anyway some photos of my quarters.  Definitely comfortable and nicer than the Basrah ones.  I have a couch, coffee table a TV and DVD player.  Also an Armoire.

September 20, 2014

Well the farewell party was a success and everyone raved at my cakeballs.  Well, if there's one dish I can actually..I try to practice every month, I try so I won't forget all the tips/tricks.  The Boss made a good speech and so did the Host/MC.  The food was great and I had a great time getting to know all the people in the different IT sections.  These get-togethers should definitely happen more.

Well counting the days until I get my vacation and see Jason and Alyssa.  She is getting smarter by the day, I'm glad daddy's taking good care of her and replacing my duties with taking her to game rooms and water parks.

'Til Next Time!

Destruction, tigers and bears, oh my!

Typhoon 

To see a typhoon in your dream indicates sudden unexpected changes occurring in your life. You may be experiencing some destructive and powerful emotions.

To dream that you are swept up in a typhoon suggests that both your mental and emotional forces are building up inside and making themselves known. You are being consumed by your emotions. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you are being pressured and pushed against your will toward something you do not want to do

Sometimes I like to start my blog with some morning thoughts.  I had both a typhoon and a lion in my dream, in one night.  So the www.dreammoods.com says to see a lion attacking you means you have some force is driving me to self-destruction.  On the other hand, though he did find me, he didn't harm me and I was able to run away and close the door in time.  So, the other part of the dream interpretation of seeing a lion is, "To see a lion in your dream symbolizes great strength, courage, aggression and power. You will overcome some of your emotional difficulties."

The dream about the Typhoon part..Well I woke up hearing noises so I go downstairs. I'm actually *in* Thailand with the relatives whom I am staying at, says that oh it's just a typhoon as I hear noises.  Oh??? Well I go back to my room where there is no windows (on top of the roof) b/c of the tropical weather, so essentially nothing is protecting me.  So "destructive emotions" it is :-)  Nuff said.

I'm happy a new week is beginning; I went to non-denominational service last night and the pastor said God loved David even though he sinned. Though he forgave him, David suffered consequences of losing 4 sons because he sinned.  I know there are certain things I need to overcome to become more spiritual. So I will continue to pray for that. Those reading, pray to the holy spirit...Christians or atheists, you know you pray because you see that prayer helps, nevertheless :-)  

I came to this post with little direction but I think I've accomplished more than I hoped. People who I run into seem friendly with smiles and want to know me.  Just as they are getting used to my faces, it's time to meet new territories.  I know at least I help the Zumba group get started.  Maybe I've given some good ideas to the contractor working in our section.  At the end of the day, if I helped someone in someway, I think I've done my job.

I skipped the cafeteria yesterday and had nutella sandwich and mandarin orange for dinner.  Quite the "cook" I am, eh?  Well, I figured with exercising 5 days a week, I should at least make an attempt to do better on my diet which is the important part.  

I started T25 CD, I heard about it from Cathy.  She said it's short and sweet and yes..the short part is great.  Sweet..yeah I guess so. I need better sneakers with all that jumping in the video my sole/arch of my feet hurts.  But I recruited a workout buddy so I'm on!!!  I figure life will never be done with what you "want to do." Someone else will finish it for you. Things will never be finished.  So you reached your goal and lost 20 lbs..guess what it's not done.  You need to maintain it so it's actually ongoing and you stay 120 lbs.  I think most things in life are ongoing and that's just what it is.  Achievement is good but the important part of the last healthy last habit is "sharpen the saw."

See you on the other side! :-)

September 12, 2014

Been in Baghdad now for a few days.  Settling in and getting back into the routine.  I gain 9 pounds it's not even funny.  I don't think I've ever weighed this much in my life.  The stress of mom, being away from Jason and Alyssa and not sleeping well as taken it's toll.  On the other hand, I am staying active, doing bible studies and exercising.  I just came back from a great ABS workout.  I think I will feel it tomorrow.  All my orders from Amazon came already..Kick Mbabane's butt with 2 weeks waiting.  Guess it all depends I maybe, but DPO are generally better.  Time to get back to the room and finish my laundry.

Laundry near dry and I'm thinking of sharing some of my last few thoughts..Dinner with bosses, a funny guy following me around to be my friend (hmm) and my sweet roommate.  She is nice and I'm glad we are together.  Hope things go well and we develop a great friendship. I think being honest and straightforward and communicative is best.  Grandpa always thought honesty is best policy, though not always the most diplomatic :-)

Here are some of my goodies I got.  

Gots-ta to go soon!

My Final TDY Week Woo Hoo!

 

 September 3, 2014

Mom's Birthday, she would have been 65. Well those Medicare cards are now in effect but what good are they?? I always thought in my mind that she would not make it to Medicare age just because she had so many health problems. Almost to the finish line but it was her time..
I have been hooked into Line. 

 

For those of you who do not know, it’s an app created by a Japanese company where you can text, post emojis and stickers..Love it!  This is my favorite one! J

 

Well besides keeping in touch with friends and families, I know most of you have known I froze my FB account..Nothing’s lost, just frozen J  Then I google my name and find, low and behold, my blog is searchable. Oh well who gives. No one reads it anyway, LOL ‘cause it’s too long. J  Maybe one day you’ll check my poem book if I ever start one.  I’ve been busy organizing my photos and putting them on Smug Mug – some are private, some are public without a link and some you can view it here http://thevillatravels.smugmug.com

It’s pictures within the last three years mostly.  I like the fact that it’s more organized than FlickR and I use FlickR more for recent photos, kinda’ like Facebook.  Lately though I’ve just been throwing random pictures on there.  Follow me on Flickr!  Ask for my handle, and I’ll send it your way.  I know those who are my faithful ones have already bookmarked it J

So I was playing with the gadgets on Windows 7 Desktop and now I can know the time difference without having to buy an expensive dual clock (uh-oh..to late daddy!! ;-)  Amazon has everything one can think of.

Today’s Weather.  Interesting DC and FL are just about the same. 
 

 

 I think Canada has it worse at 55 degrees. Brrrrrrr

 
Back to work lfie: Well it’s a bit stressful.  The boss I temporarily replaced wants us to work overtime every day.  I’m there 50 hours a week, plus this passed Labor Day holiday I had to come in for one thing.  One that door sign says, "Open" forget about it.. Rrrrrr!!   It’s been crazy three weeks here at work running the shop, opening doors/calls for all kinds of requests, and on top of that, we have a Satellite team install *and* an inventory due with no inventory staff on board.  This is going to be fun.  I know now..I don’t LIKE small posts.  Just give me one specialty, I am not a jack of all trades, nor am I a juggler.  Can’t wait to go to Baghdad where I will be a small fish, worker bee whatever you want to call it. I guess this extra money I’m making now will be for the new kitchen pantry and new bathrub spa in Alyssa’s room.

Well, time to get the laundry! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!!