Memorial Day

As you would probably expect, we receive operational reporting for attacks throughout Iraq. When I receive them, my eyes quickly scan the report to see if the attack is being considered effective or non-effective. Effective often means someone has been hurt. And if that is the case, my next scan is to find out who- Iraqi military, Iraqi civilians or US forces. Our casualty figures are low, but still, one always feels like one too many. When the attack affects US Forces, there is an acknowledgement among colleagues but also a seemingly concerted effort not to dwell on it too long. At the time of the initial report, those hurt are unnamed, but still, you know they likely serve among friends, and certainly have loved ones at home. If they are injured you hope the injuries are not too bad, and if they were killed, for me it is an almost automatic, involuntary shake of the head. And then, I just move on to the next e-mail. I imagine, and hope, this is a measure of self protection, best not think about it too much while in Iraq.

But for me, being here brings new meaning to Memorial Day. I am serving in a theatre where fellow service members have given their life for this operation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, is very humbling. I am grateful for the relative safety I feel here in Iraq but with this holiday upon us, I feel a renewed desire to reflect and honor those that have died while serving their country, past and present. I want the holiday to be marked by more than a long weekend, more than getting the kids ready for, and off to our sweet Grandview Parade. I hope it can mean more to them too, but I want to communicate this without instilling fear. I hope for an acknowledgment that people have served and sacrificed for causes greater than themselves; and that is something remarkable, worth remembering, on this special day each year.

When I left last July, I was really touched by all the offers of support from family, friends and neighbors. Early in my mobilization, I wrote about Noah's birthday, and all the efforts of others to make his day special in my absence. I am reminded of that this week, as Amelia's birthday is just around the corner. The school year ends just shy of June 5th so she was able to choose a day this week to bring a treat to share with the class. While home on R&R, Amelia and I brainstormed most of the details for her birthday, down to asking my good friend Lisa if she would mind baking cookies for Amelia's class. She was all over it, and on Wednesday of this week- Lisa, Amelia and Betsy baked a bundle of snickerdoodles. I heard the baking was fun, and the cookies delicious but for me the sweetest part is that it is another touching example of those stepping in to be there for me, and for my family while I am deployed. Thank you Lisa, thank you all!

All the best this Memorial Day.

Love,

Krista

Pictures: Amelia and Betsy, Snickerdoodles!, Amelia and Lisa, Noah atop a truck in Grandview's Memorial Day Parade

Big Ten!

Another busy week in Baghdad, this was a good one. I was pretty immersed in work but I still managed to get in all my workouts, and on Wednesday, I had a special visitor. My "Battle Buddy" from Ft. Jackson is stationed at Balad Air Base but a temporary assignment has brought him to nearby Victory Base for a few weeks. Lucky for me, Jason's work required a trip to the International Zone for a morning meeting, and the promise of an Embassy Burger was enough to get him to the NEC for the afternoon. He hung out in my office killing some time,and being the good sport he is, even helped out with a few tasks before we headed to dinner.

Our fellow classmate, and my running companion, Candace joined us for the "best burger in Iraq" and then we drove Jason to the rendezvous spot for his convoy back to Victory. A dust storm was rolling in but he made it back without incident. It was great to catch up and a fun break from the norm. And it is neat to think that next time I will see him will be on our way home. We will spend a few days trudging through the sand in Kuwait as we attend our mandatory warrior transition program. I am looking forward to seeing Jason and meeting up with other folks we went through training with.

Speaking of going home, today I hit my ten month mark. I celebrated by spring cleaning my CHU during my Sunday morning off. Packing to head home seems within reach and since I have accumulated quite a bit of stuff, a good, thorough review was in order. As people leave, items are kindly transferred, this is how most of my stuff was acquired. I made four piles: garbage, shred, Jen & Candace (now roommates), and a box to put in the bathroom with a "help yourself" sign. Extra toiletries, power strips, books, plug adapters...time for it all to go as I get closer to going myself! Even most of my extra furniture has been claimed by shipmates that will stay, but it will not move out until I do. The spring clean felt like another step in the right direction, another step towards home.

Love,

Krista

Pictures: Jason in warrior mode, Candace and Jason with dust storm rolling in.

Final Stretch

Another week down. This past one went fast, I am busy with a few projects so the days are flying by. But as fast as the time is moving, I am noticing a weariness that has started to accompany the passing weeks. Over ten months into my mobilization, I am definitely less patient, not with things like standing in line at the DFAC, but with people. My tolerance level seems to be dropping markedly. Recently, I recall someone saying how tired people look by the time they go- I don't think my energy level, or hopefully my appearance, reflects this but my attitude is starting to.

Really it has been a good year. Thinking about some of the things I have done- it has been such an amazing, once in a lifetime (should be) opportunity. Eye opening in some areas and reaffirming in others. A lot of time alone, spent reflecting where I come from, what I am doing, and where I am going in the future. If I saw things in black and white before, I am now seeing gray. At home there is not so much time to think and I am grateful for the mid-life reflection.

Adam and the kids have done so well, I am so proud, but I can hear the same weariness in his voice and words. Even with amazing support at home, single parenting is getting old. A year is a long time.

With all that said, I am going to work hard to embrace the last two months and make the most of it. Maybe writing the words down will be enough to snap out of this funk. I will let you know.

Love,

Krista

George Rossy

On Friday, our Commanding General took a moment at the end of a brief to remind all to remember Mother's Day and offered the "Moms" in theatre a special shout-out in advance of today's holiday. It was thoughtful recognition of our sacrifice, and that of our children at home. I once referred to this year as my "Mom Sabbatical," and while it is true that I have wholeheartedly embraced skipping dishes and laundry, it is also true that I really miss taking care of my family and sometimes can't shake the physical ache that comes with missing them.

But I have found ways to feed my soul by nurturing in, and from, Baghdad. Little things like making those Easter Baskets, bringing my cube mate Jill breakfast, hosting our girl movie night, or setting up the occasional "party" for my J9 family. All feels very appreciated and there was some really nice recognition for us Moms today. Lots of "Happy Mother's Day" from our male coworkers, a little gift waiting on Jill's and my chair from a kind gentleman that works down the hall, a card from a colleague's spouse and church and a candlelit dinner at the DFAC with a rose for each Mom. We will have to remember to be as sweet on Father's Day!

I am particularly grateful to have my colleague and friend Jill to share "Mom" stuff with. Being in earshot of each other's calls home, we can both give a pretty solid summary of each other's children's lives. Jill's girls are in college and her son will soon graduate from high school. Jill heads on R&R later this week and will be home for Brandon's graduation. We commiserate with each other on the fears that accompany not physically being home or a part of their daily lives. Jill's son has started to drive so her phone calls are peppered with reminders to wear seat belts, not to drive through water and of course, keep off the phone! My calls home in the morning too frequently end with "don't forget your helmet" and "watch out for cars." I have learned that it takes a leap of faith to mother from afar; I certainly now have a little more understanding and patience for my own Mom's concerns.

By coincidence, just this week, Jill and I were treated to watching a ruffled baby bird go from perched in his nest, to standing perilously at the edge, and then finally taking flight. We actually missed the flight part and arrived to work one morning to find his nest empty. It caused some anxiety around the office- well, anxiety in our office! But George Rossy, named by my State colleague Eric and Amelia, made his way back to the nest, putting our minds at ease. His Mom seems comfortable just stopping by for the occasional regurgitation. And to think, we were willing her back every time he stepped to the edge of that nest! We readily admitted that we could learn a little from our morning dove and his Mom, but it is easier said than done.

So let me end with a big "Happy Mother's Day" to my Mom Vicki, to Adam's Mom Sharon and to my fellow Moms at home taking it one day at a time. I am not suggesting anyone enjoy the dishes, but definitely enjoy the hugs!

Bye Bye Dave!

There is not a whole lot to report this week. It was busy early in the week but really slowed down by Friday. The Embassy had a three day weekend and have been off Friday through Sunday, so it has been pretty quiet for the past few days in our building. The timing was perfect with two big activities on Friday. One being the nuptials of William and Catherine and the other being an acoustic Toby Keith concert on the adjacent base.

Both were taking place about the same time so I had to choose which to attend. Although I was aware that the wedding was coming up- really I did not feel a sense of excitement until I woke on Friday morning. The weather was beautiful here, it felt like a perfect wedding day, so my mind was made up- I would "attend" the wedding. We have a bank of clocks in the office; with help from my friend Dave- we reset the clock to London time and labeled it the "Royal Wedding Clock." We are two hours ahead of England so it was easy to watch all the activities throughout the day. We put out a platter of English biscuits- ok, really Girl Scout Cookies, and enjoyed tea- iced tea from the Green Bean (our on-base coffee shop). Lots of improvising in Baghdad! We have a wall mounted tv that normally plays BBC on mute so that was easy; we turned off the mute and turned up the volume, we were ready for the big event. There was lots of eye rolling from the guys but it was pretty fun for a Friday at work, and even if they weren't into the wedding, they were into the cookies!

The Toby Keith acoustic set got great reviews and I couldn't help having a tinge of regret for choosing the wedding, particularly when I could have watched it all online after, but it was only a tinge and I did have a super day watching it all live. We get the occasional musician, but more often, it is NFL cheerleaders and comedians that stop by. In Baghdad, these MWR or USO sponsored events normally happen at the larger Victory Base but in this case, Toby Keith was kind enough to do a short set here in the International Zone and then a larger concert with his band Friday night on the big base. Country fans or not, everyone that went loved it and appreciated his enthusiasm.

On Saturday night, we had a planned social outing (pizza on base) for my Army colleague and friend, Dave. Dave has worked with the Treasury folks at the Embassy; he is a Comptroller for the Army and has been hard at work here figuring out all kinds of implications of the Iraqi budget. He has been part of a small Army contingent that always seemed to enjoy time at the Navy table during chow. Meal time is definitely our social time and as our numbers have dwindled- there really is not a "Navy" table anymore but we sit together a lot and he is always willing to chat, share a joke, and a smile. I will really miss him but am happy that he is heading home to his girlfriend Whitney, and his four kids.

As I get closer and closer to July, I am able to imagine me getting ready to go. It is a pretty nice feeling. But for now, I am keeping to my routine and taking it day by day. Still buoyed by the morning calls home, correspondence from friends, and grateful for the friendships here.

Love,

Krista

Pictures- Baghdad and Royal Wedding time, my friend and colleague Dave