Christmas 08

Well Christmas was a fun day! I started the day off a little rough when I woke up an hour and a half late to work, and missed the Indian guys open there gifts. They were really happy for there new socks, jackets and underwear. Me and JG pitched in for the cash to get the gifts, and it was the other two employees that took credit for them, telling the guys, “Don’t worry about it guys, it’s nothing, enjoy your gifts.” A bit of a bummer and if I were here I would have called them out on it.

Christmas on a military base is an interesting event. Everyone is at work, but no one is actually working. The boss outright told us to not doing anything today and to just relax. The soldiers had a fun day as well; they were out having a little parade and parties all over the place. Santa hats where everywhere. The day was fun considering no one here was able to see there family, or friends back home.

The DFAC was dressed up nice as expected, however I think the Thanksgiving decorations were way better. It seems that DFAC 3 won the event, they go all out on Christmas and my DFAC, DFAC 4, concentrates more on Thanksgiving. In any case, I stuffed myself full of turkey, prime rib, chicken and all the fixings that go along. It was hard to stay awake at work after that.

After my long, lazy, bloated day at work, I went back to my hooch to destroy some wrapping paper. I set up my camera so that I could record my first Christmas away from home for my mother. I was very happy with what I got this year. I got a nice camera bag, clothes, underwear, neat flashlight, hat, and camera lenses. I loved everything! I the camera bag inspired me to buy a more professional camera. I may have to get one of the Cannon EOS Rebels or something. I would love to have a full blown professional one, and probably will get one after I leave here. I’d hate to have one of those here; I’d be scared to use it! I do love my camera, and now I can do a lot more with it and the new lenses. I can’t wait to lug it all to Peru to use there!

Id like to give a special thanks to the Beaudoins. They made me a DVD which really lifted my sprits. It had a photo slideshow comprised of pictures of the family the last few years. Even though I had my first, “what was I thinking” moment, it was nice to see the family, and reminisce about past gatherings. I really enjoyed it! Thank you!

Now I need to get ready for New Years, and then my birthday on the 8^th of January. I think I may have a little party here, buy some pizzas and sodas.

Thanks for all the gifts everyone! I really enjoyed them and they were that extra boost I needed to get though the holiday season!

Navy's hummve

Me and Deepak

Krishna

Veggies

My Uganda buddy, Alex

USO SHOW

They had a USO show here on base a few days ago, and it is exactly what I needed to cheer up a little. It was a really entertaining and I took lot of video and a few pictures that you’ll see below. I had never been to a show like this before and it was interesting.

They had three country stars, the Army band, some Dolphin cheerleaders, and one of my favorite comedians, Louis CK. The country music was fun for me just because the crowd loved it. They kept asking, “who loves country music?” and every time they did the crowd went wild. All and all it was a great show. I was also lucky enough to have my picture taken with Leeann Tweeden who has been on the cover of FHM, was named the hottest Hooters girl of all time and has been in Playboy. She is also one of the hosts of “The World’s Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox. Truthfully I didn’t really know who she was, but I do now! I also got to shake Louis CK’s hand after the show, which was pretty awesome since I love standup. I should have waited in line to do the meet and greet thing, but it was long and I’m not a solider; it would have felt kind of weird.

Tomorrow is Christmas, So Merry Christmas to all! I can’t wait to see how the DFAC is dressed up! I will have lots of pictures her as soon as I take them. I also can’t wait to open my Christmas presents. I will have to wait until Christmas night to open my gifts because I am working all Christmas day. Everyone told me to save that vacation day for some other time since no one does any real work on Christmas. They tell me it ends up being a day everyone comes into work and just hangs out, no real work gets done all day. And besides, if I didn’t come into work I wouldn’t see any of my friends on Christmas. We are also having a small Christmas party here in the office, which the safety department is setting up. KBR Environmental and the safety guys usually don’t hang out, but I hear they are going to give some of our SCW’s certificates for a good job.

Six Months

Well it is that time of year, not only the holiday season, but I am just about to my six month mark of being here. It sure hasn’t felt like half a year, but I guess that is a good thing. At the same time, it feels like I should have less then six months left. This does give me a chance to bank some money. Everything I need to pay off I have the money for right now. From here on out all the money goes into the bank for a rainy day or a house.

It has been an interesting six months; I have learned a lot of things. Not only about this career but about life in the military, life in Iraq, and life lessons in general. I’ve discovered how to get along with people I don’t agree with, and people who are simply ignorant of life outside of there town. I have also learned how to get a point across without hurting or belittling anyone’s feelings or ideals. I have become a better ‘people person’ while here. I had trouble going up to someone in a business setting and trying to get an idea across, especially since nine times out of ten it was someone who had at least 30 years of age or experience on me. I can now present myself with poise to an individual or a group without hesitation.

While here I have been introduced to other cultures and ways of life. I have worked with people of different languages and get points across even with that language barrier. (It ends up being a real life game of charades.)

I have educated myself on how to deal with stress, lots of stress (especially right now). I have also revealed to myself how to turn inward for help and come to a logical answer on my own without the help of other, but still have the wisdom to know help from others is a good thing to have at my disposal.

This job has also given me a glimpse to the future on what I may want to do for a living. I now know that the job I take up in the future needs to be one that tests my mind, and challenges me, otherwise I will not find it fulfilling.

WELL, besides all that sappy sentimental stuff up there, things here are going okay. I’m sure most people will not get this far after starting to read the above! I have been working day to day and am waiting on a box with my Christmas presents. I already have two trees, one for the office and one for the Hooch (I have two because they were both gifts). The sunsets seem to become more amazing every day; I have to admit I sometimes pull over into a field to watch them when I get a chance.

My garden doesn’t seem to like the really cold mornings, it seems to be slowly dying, it was pretty cool while it lasted. I am thinking about brining inside my room if I can get my hands on some grow lights and fine some room. The Indian guys have been inspired by my greenness and want to plant things, to bad it is to late in the season.

Well here are some new pictures, enjoy!!!!

Curry, Onions, eggs, red peppers. Eaten with rice and water.