So hi everybody! It appears that yet again, I will be 'wintering' in the Middle East (like it's the Hamptons or something)...I arrived after a relatively smooth series of cargo and helicopter flights somewhere around 3 AM on Sunday morning. No sooner did I get on the airfield shuttlebus than I remembered one reason that I detest this place: Iraqis smell really, really bad. I mean, Danielle and I were in Africa last year, where they don't even know what deodorant is, let alone have the money to buy any, and the folks in Addis smelled somewhat civil. Not so over here. I think the whole country has a BO problem. Think of the worst BO you ever smelled, and then blow it at yourself with a hairdryer on high - there you have Iraq. Maybe add a little burning trash for flavor.
Anyhow, I'm living in what equates to 1/3 of a single-wide trailer in a crazy concrete bunker...and of all places, I seem to be among friends. For some reason, this iteration of the Iraq war has drawn to it all manner of old, bitter, burnt out vets with whom I am familiar, so we're all sort of conspiring to take over the place and bring everyone home. We'll see how it goes. Thus far, the idiots are winning the battle. The disturbing part is that the idiots are wearing the same uniform I am. Anything you guys hear from the news about things going well over here...don't believe it. It's just as much of a morass as last time I was here, and more complex politically. Like I said, there is no Dana, only Zool. (If you get that reference, you SO get points).
The food isn't bad, and I have a steady flow of bad coffee to keep me generally attentive and pessimistic, so I guess in that respect it's not too much different than any of my other trips. The hours aren't too nice (they created a job for me, so I have to work like 18-20 hour days to get myself up to speed...hope it slows down).
I miss home like crazy (and by home, I mean my wife...she's home to me); all of you are in my thoughts all the time. If you guys get the chance, stop and look at the trees change colors, and breathe in that crisp Maryland air for me. Thank you for your incessant prayers and kind words...your support means a great deal to us. I have decently regular access to email on yahoo, so hit me up if you get the chance! My response may be a little short, but I promise I'll make an effort.
More to follow! Love you guys!
-Rob
christmas time
13 years ago
9 comments:
Rob,
You have such a way with words - and descriptions......the hairdryer and odor was good one. A I too have been to some pretty poor places in Africa, and think I will pass on the attempt to recreate your olfactory challenge.
Just continue to be safe and know that we keep you in our prayers. Love Mom and Dad in VA
Stay safe, Rob. I couldn't imagine being in that awful place. You can bet nobody named Bush is over there in danger.
Is there anything good at all going on over there? Even tiny rays of hope? I hope. And I don't know about you guys, but I'd hate to be a soldier in Iraq, but I'd also hate to have the job of President. I mean really, he gets all the crap. I can't even begin to imagine the stress he's under trying to figure out solutions to all these problems in our country and world. We should pray for him...not dog him. I mean, I would find it hard to believe that he's not trying to do his best for us all. You try walking a day in his shoes, or a soldiers' for that matter. ~amy
Rob,
You are my constant thought and prayer. If there is no Dana and only Zool, remember NYC and the giant Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man.
All my love always,
Mom
I agree with Amy. Walk a day in any of their two shoes and then come back and complain about the country/state you live in. Americans have it the best out of anyone. If you don't like it then move to another country. To Rob and Danielle - stay strong and our prayers are with you both.
Savannah sometimes smells like rotten eggs (paper mill). But I think I'd take that compared to how Rob described Iraq!
Rob-stay safe, stay funny, and keep setting such a great example of what a husband should be like. You two are awesome!
Rob! It's so great to hear from you... I only wish you were writing from the comfort of the Poang. We miss you a lot over here! We are getting ready to move Danielle back into the house today! Something I KNOW she is looking forward to ;~) Look forward to more posts by you!
Our prayers are always with you!
Hi Rob and Danielle,
We have never met, but I have been reading your (Danielle's and your) posts on and off for several months. My name is Jackie Cross, I am Shaun Cross' mom. I am praying for you both. I pray - for your safety, for you both to be patient in situations that make you want to just scream, for you to trust in God even more than ever before and for you to be together soon. Jackie
P.S. Danielle, I agree with a comment from a previous post. Girl you need to write a book…I can honestly say, I have not read one of your posts without a chuckle. How are my children’s finances looking by the way…still working as their financial planner??
Hey Shaun's mom! (is that okay to call you?) I remember you! Thank you SO much for your prayers! Rob and I are convinced that that's what has been keeping us so happy during all of this Tom Foolery.
I'm glad you've been reading my blog! (And I'm serious about the book thing. I've started my research, so we'll see how it goes).
I haven't checked on the finances latley...although I should. In fact, now that you mention it, I will. People get pregnant and then that seems to be all I can talk about. :-) Congrats!
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