7 MONTHS!!

Today is my 7 months in Iraq mark. I left Texas 8 months ago. 1 month of training in lovely Lousiana and then here to Iraq. I wish I could say the time has gone really fast but it hasn't really. The days are long but the weeks go quickly. <---strange thing to say, I know. The new place is bringing some new challenges. That will help past the time too. I stated the new place has nicer living areas. Can you believe I will actually have a flushing toilet? It is still outside of my room, kind of like outhouse living. I know this is not a big deal for most of you but it is a pretty big deal for me since I have been using a port-a-potty for the last 7 months. The showers are bigger and newer so that is nice and because there are not alot of people on this side of the FOB (forward operating base) the water is always hot. You have to get used to them shooting cannons. It shakes the ground like you wouldn't believe. The first time I heard them was about 2 months ago when I was here and the firing happened I thought I should grab my helmet and head to the bunker. The ground shook, things fell over in the building I was in like a mimi earthquake. The other people never moved. They explained what was going on..."outgoing fire." Since my stay this time, I have heard the cannons twice and I must admit the first day I was still a little shaken when I heard the first boom and felt the ground shake. Now it is easier to deal with having heard them several times. The key is to listen for the whistle. Incoming rounds make the whistle noise. Pics soon for you to get a good visual. For now, later. I gotta go find a good run route - treadmill running is so boring. Well, time to go shower and get my day started. Adios.