First Post from IRAQ!

Hey EVERYONE!

Well, I'm sure you've all been waiting anxiously for my next post, so here it is:

We arrived in Iraq on the 4th of December, and it's taken exactly 3 weeks for me to finally get Internet in my hooch. (this is what we call the trailer rooms) After numerous escorted visits from a couple of Iraqi contractors trying to figure out why we couldn't get a satellite signal, and over $4,000 (between 12 of us) it turns out, all we had to do was raise the pallet it's attached to about 12 inches - concrete blocks worked great! Had we thought to try that a week ago, much stress could've been avoided.

Anyway... I want to start off and thank everyone who has sent care packages my way. They are greatly appreciated! The two things that keeps people happy over here, they are payday and mail call. Many people have asked me to post things that I need... to be honest - I don't need anything. The only thing I really needed was my dirtdevil from home - and Mom took care of that one! The dirt, dust and sand are just everywhere! Some of the most interesting things I've received include: Silly Puddy, lil green army men (why jenny?), a 'Vote for Pedro' hat, a couple of yo-yo's from a couple of yo-yo's :), beanie babies, and a whoopie cushion. (Don't ask... I'm clueless)

For those I haven't emailed - I currently live in a trailer - a 12' x 40' trailer, broken into 3 rooms - all of which have their own entrance and locking door. So I do have some quiet time away from everyone. It's weird - you love the people you work with, and then you love your friends... but has anyone worked with and hung out with those same people after work, everyday? Some tension builds... trust me!

I have went on a couple of missions outside the wire - which is the basecamp confines - and it's a whole different world out there! Lots of trash, debris, and people everywhere. Driving is a chore too - there are traffic laws - none of which get followed. We have a siren and always travel in groups, no traffic gets between us - we're like the law enforcement, they 'normally' just get out of our way. I mean, wouldn't you if a 50 caliber rifle is only 10-20' away from you? :)

The food here is pretty good. Although it repeats itself frequently. Phones are pretty accessible. But a payphone back to the states normally runs .50 - .75 cents per minute. So a 500 minute phone card will normally get me about an hour or so of actual talk time. Kinda pricey! But, ol' grandpa informed me of something called Skype (a voip service) seems to work pretty well, and calls anyone's computer for free. Just tried it tonight and love it! So, mom, jody and jen should probably try to get it. It's a lot better than yahoo voice.

We normally work 12 hour days. Starting about 7:30 and going till about 8 by the time we eat dinner and get back to the hooch. They are giving us tomorrow off - well, it is Christmas! But, there's a mandatory christmas party with all those friends & co-workers that end up being the same people, again! (for any of you reading this that I see daily - still love ya!)

I am getting caught up watching all three seasons of my favorite show, Nip / Tuck. It's awesome! Already watched the entire season of 2 and 1/2 men, great show. And I have quite a movie collection beginning.

Well, I've probably bored a bunch of you and entertained a few, so I'll close for now. The next post will be sooner than this one!

Merry Christmas to all of you! I'll be thinking of you!
Love, Jason