Happy Thanksgiving

I celebrated another first in Iraq this past week- my first day off! My boss said he did not want to see us in the office on Thanksgiving and I was happy to oblige. Anticipating a full day of rest, I celebrated by staying up late reading on Wednesday evening. Have to say though, I regretted the choice as I dragged a bit on Thursday.

Nonetheless, I pulled myself out of bed, took a shower and put on the only authorized alternative to my uniform- my Navy issued sweatsuit. This is a sweatsuit that would not look a bit out of place in a very outdated Runner's World- the thing screams 80's. So much so, that EVERYONE feels the need to comment on the look. It's bad, particularly the pants. Still, I put it on and ventured out of my CHU to a mini turf field where an organizational flag football game was rumored to be taking place. It just seemed like an appropriate activity to start my Thanksgiving Day off with. It was a slightly crisp, especially for Baghdad, day with beautiful blue skies. The game was very fun to watch. The crowd of bystanders was quite animated, so much so that it was another reminder that fun is relative here. It really does not take much to be quality entertaiment on the NEC. But, relative or not, I really did enjoy the game.

After the game, I stopped by what we call the "Grab and Go" and picked up a mini-sandwich to tide me over until the big Thanksgiving Meal. Although the Dining Facility (DFAC) was offering two seatings, my group had decided on the the start of the later seating at four pm. After a few hours spent relaxing alone, I met up my fellow diners just before four. I came prepared with a placemat sent from my Mother in Law, Sharon. It did a great job covering up my plastic tray and impressed my dinner companions. In addition to bringing my placemat, I also brought a very special surprise for my fellow diners. Amelia's whole class had written letters to "soldiers" on Veteran's Day and I passed them out at dinner. We enjoyed reading them, and were all touched by the effort her class went to.

With one small exception, instant mashed potatoes, dinner was fabulous. Our DFAC deservedly takes pride in their cooking and the ambience they provide. We lingered over the meal, reminding ourselves that it was a special meal and should not be rushed. Still, we were not home, and that was something that could not be made up for. There was some reminiscing around the table about where Thanksgiving would normally be spent, and for me that meant at Adam's Grandma Williams. I knew what I was missing, all the traditional dishes, particularly my Father-in-Law's mashed potatoes and a Williams' Family classic- chicken and noodles. The kids both raved about the chicken and noodles, and pumpkin pie when I caught up with them the next day. Even if I could not be home, there is comfort in hearing about the familiar, and I am so glad they enjoyed the holiday.

On Friday it was back to work, but rather than the normal paperwork, the day was spent moving. We have had lots of reorganization going on, for me that has included a new boss, and now, a new cubicle. Amazing how much one can amass in four months! It was a good chance to tidy, and with a lot of people pitching in, the day had a satisfying spring cleaning feel. Saturday is my normal half day but having spent Thursday off, I lingered at the office a bit later than usual for a Saturday afternoon. I spent a bit of early Saturday night enjoying the game "Catch Phrase" (I think...) with a few officers and then headed back to my CHU to follow a bit of the OSU-Michigan game before going to bed at half-time. I was delighted to wake up and see that OSU had finished the game strong. With Adam flying, Noah and Amelia had joined Lisa and the Jones Family for the game and an eventual sleepover. Lisa was kind enough to send me their pre-game O-H-I-O! which I am also sharing with you.

It is late, so I am going to say good night for now. Thanks to all for your special holiday wishes and prayers. I am thankful for each and every one.

Love,

Krista

Saying Goodbye

This week wrapped up on a bittersweet note. My coworker Terry climbed on the super reinforced bus, commonly referred to as the Rhino, this evening to begin his journey back home. Terry is one of three Navy guys to head home this week. I will miss all of them, they really helped me settle in, and over lunches,dinners and shared laughs at work- have become friends. So I am a bit sad but also happy for them as they return to their "normal" lives. And in fact, their return home means I am getting closer to mine. Hard to believe, but tomorrow I hit the 4 month mark; one-third of the way through my deployment!

The goodbyes here are made easier by the daily hellos to home. It is a constant that I look forward to and has helped me remain on solid footing here. Sometimes it is just a quick chat, and sometimes I can linger a bit, but both make me feel connected and I am grateful for that. Today I got to hear all about the Holiday Bazaar from Amelia as she jumped on the trampoline. Despite the vocal modulation, it was a super update. Noah filled me in on the Ohio State - Iowa game, I got a play by play of the winning drive. Of course, I was able to chat about the game too because that is the first thing I check on Sunday mornings. It is normally with relief that I see they won, and know that Noah and Adam (and the Buckeyes) had a good game day Saturday.

There is one thing I wanted to share this week that was out of the ordinary. I got to take a short drive to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument. I was among a small group that was able to accompany one of our Brigadier Generals on a tour. The tour was neat, I have included a picture of me standing inside the monument. It was dark and dusty inside (no power) but the flash does a pretty good job of getting me and the center of the monument. I wish I could have gotten better interior shots but since it was looted during the invasion, there is not too much to see. You can tell it was very impressive at one time. The top of the structure provides great views of the city. All that was nice but by far the highlight of the visit was a short "concert" by the Iraqi Defense Forces band. They played the Iraq National Anthem as well as a few traditional and original pieces, however I was most touched (goosebumps and all...) by their playing of our National Anthem to start the concert off. It was a very thoughtful gesture and provided another memorable moment to add to my collection.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to wish all a lovely holiday and meal; hopefully shared with family and friends. Our DFAC is decked out in autumnal colors and an abundance of decorations for the occasion. No doubt that we will be served a wonderful holiday meal. And although I will really miss sitting at the same table with those I love, I am so grateful for the love and support of so many from home, including strangers, throughout this experience. It is a bountiful life I am living, even in Iraq.

Love,

Krista

p.s. Also pictured is my friend Colin. He makes me laugh for many reasons, one of which is his ability to do a pretty awesome Napolean Dynamite impression. Colin will be around for a couple more months before I have to say goodbye.

Mail Call

There comes a point here where you are not the new guy, but the guy in the know. I think I have officially reached that point. A good indicator is when you are a identified as a sponsor, my first sponsee arrived this week and although she is not working in my department, it feels good to offer someone the same assistance and advice that was offered to me when I arrived. I also have the opportunity to help people at work. My cubicle is positioned at the end of a central hallway so not only do I fulfill my Aquagirl duties but also act as the defacto receptionist for our section. It is not a cubicle most people would desire but I like the challenge of the random question and connecting people. Now, regardless of the question, I can pretty confidently point anyone in the right direction. It sure beats the out of sorts feeling I had when I first arrived.

I have also settled into another role, I am not sure what to call it, but Navy Spirit Coordinator might come close. With the Army-Navy football game coming up, I worked with LT Cadle to round up as many Navy folks as possible to film a short video spirit spot on Tuesday. We will submit it for airing and cross our fingers that it gets played during the game. With awesome Navy Chiefs coordinating some of the transportation, we had a pretty strong showing from three bases in the International Zone. We did our shoot at the famous Cross Swords monument. Nearby there is even an anchor which we incorporated in the video and took the opportunity to get some pictures at. Acknowledging that fun is measured on a different scale here, I would say that our spirit outing was a good time and a great display of Navy camraderie.

I also want to share with you that I received a record nine boxes this week. My friend and coworker from our time in Stuttgart Germany, Chief Wendy Brooks, sent a box of primarily "Made in Virginia" items along with a big ole pack of Red Vines. Everything was shared but the Red Vines have inspired me to organize a movie night. They are safely tucked away for now. And then the following day I came back from lunch to find eight, yes eight, boxes stacked on my desk. Now retired, Major Greg Cramer and his wife Lea (Adam's cousin) sent SEVEN boxes filled with a wonderful,random assortment of items including a letter I will treasure. Greg spent a tour in Fallujah, Iraq during the most challenging of times, and it is clear that he and Lea knew exactly what would be a hit. A small group gathered and the boxes were opened one by one; we made piles, distributed and then fortified the community shelf with all the remaining items. So thank you Wendy, Greg and Lea for your kindness and overwhelming generousity!

I am afraid if Greg saw our living and working conditions here on the Embassy Compound he would ask that it was all packed up and sent back. I am honored to serve here, but am humbled by those who have and continue to serve in locations far worse off, and far less safe. That, of course, includes Greg. And although I struggle with the sporadic violence that Iraqis face, it is clear that Iraq is a different place than in years past and benefitted from his service. Anyone that has been here in the past and returned, comments on the dramatic changes, changes for the better that indicate a developing economy and a return to normalicy. It is my hope that the government that was just announced this week will officially form in the next month and work for all of Iraq so they can improve upon what has started to develop after such sacrifice.

On a much lighter note, the ninth package... that was from Adam, Noah and Amelia; it included folders of schoolwork from the kids. I am a Mom that has always enjoyed seeing what comes home from school, so this was a great box. I loved going through their work and getting a chance to see what they are up to at school- really neat stuff that included two great report cards! That and two pairs of fuzzy socks from Adam to keep my feet warm at night.

Thanks for all the support from home. Despite my "decorator" instinct for having things in groupings of three, I appreciate those that validated my two goals mentioned in last week's post- I will gladly keep it at two for now. Take care.

Love,

Krista

p.s. Pictures include the record package day, Cross Swords monument at dusk, my coworkers and friends Vern, CDR Tom Barzee and LT Chris Cadle. Vern has honorary Navy status even though he is a faithful Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Tom was my first Division Chief and a great friend. Sadly for me, he leaves this coming week but I wish him safe travels and the best at home.

The Mom Sabbatical

Three months down! Although it is hard to see the scale of the sundae pictured, those three candles, each representing a month of my twelve month deployment, are sitting on top of twelve brownie chunks and six scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream. It was shared by Noah, Amelia, Willis, Mimi, Manny and Ross as the red box came out for the third celebration, this time at Buca di Beppo. Although it is just a picture, it is very rewarding for me to see the kids so happy.

When I started this mobilization, I felt proud of the steps I had taken to best prepare everyone, particularly the kids. There were practical things; I built the mother of all binders with critical numbers, special pockets for health cards and such, and any other "need to know" item I could think of. And there were the fun things, like daydreaming up the red box, but all done to ease the potential hardships that go with a parent's absence. As the weeks turned to months, my initial pride faded and it has been replaced- now it is Noah and Amelia that I am most proud of. I left with faith in their resilience but I am overwhelmed by their strength, loving support and good nature in a less than perfect situation. They, and of course Adam, and the support team at home, have made it so much easier for me, to take care of me, while here. THANK YOU!

I sometimes think of this as my "Mom Sabbatical" and I am determined to come home better than I left. Besides my measly one load a week, there is no laundry to do, no groceries to shop for, no meals to prepare, no dishes to wash and no house to clean! Kind of an all-inclusive resort, albeit with long working hours and occasional indirect fire. But to be a true sabbatical I need to fulfill some goals. At the risk of raising expectations, I am going to share a few publicly.

I am getting in shape, real shape. I make time for the gym and have been a regular at spin class. I have only missed one class since starting, at that was during my crazy "brief the CG" week. I am adding to my gym routine with some lifting but think I'm on the right track. It would be nice to join Adam on a run rather than just watch him run out the door- that is Goal One (G1). Goal Two (G2) is completing my Joint Professional Military Education, a painful but necessary distance learning course. I have been a bit of a slacker on this one but it is now or never. I don't like the idea of only two goals but I am at a loss for a substantial third at the moment. So G1 and G2 are out there for public consumption and comment. I will leave you waiting for a third, or you can help me out and make suggestions. All are welcome, and if not accepted, will at the very least be considered!

Love,

Krista