Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Iraq

I've finally arrived in Iraq. I got here at 4:30 this morning. It was quite a trip. I flew from Kuwait to Qatar to Balad on a C130. Not the most comfortable plane but after a few years in the military I've come to expect that comfort, or lack thereof, simply comes with the territory. It's pretty funny what I've become accustomed to after living like a nomad for a few weeks. I realized the other day that I haven't flushed a toilet in over two weeks. Think about it. What that means is for over two weeks I haven't had a nice, relaxing....well, you know. I've only used porto potties that are shared by thousands of soldiers. Gross. Beyond gross. But funny nonetheless. Too candid? My sincere apologies but I did tell you I would share the good and the bad about this deployment and now I guess I've ventured into toilet humor (yes, pun absolutely intended). Hey, it's no treat for me either. When I finally flushed today, I started to laugh. Perhaps the humor doesn't transfer very well here but to me, it's funny.

Thankfully, I'm moving on. I've met up with my team in Balad which consists of 8 soldiers from a reserve unit in California. The other 13 are in Baghdad at Camp Victory. I've worked with most of them before so it was nice to finally see some recognizable faces! After three weeks of traveling solo and having inner conversations, I really freaked myself out a few days ago when I actually verbalized part of my conversation! The trip to Balad couldn't come fast enough.

Luckily, they are giving me a few days to get comfortable and finish all of the administration stuff before I hit the ground running. It was VERY nice to have mail here waiting on me when I get here so THANK YOU Mom and Chuck, Gail, Mike and Jen, Mom Mom, Whitney, and Judy!!! It was like Christmas!! The only real negative thing so far is my BlackBerry doesn't work here like it did in Kuwait so I started to panic when I got here and realized there is no commercial cell phone use. I had no way to let Greg know I arrived, and arrived safely. It really bummed me out (see picture below). Greg calls that my Sad Fish Face. I admit it, I was sad. I really wanted to talk to him and I was feeling alone and helpless. But I'm fine now and before that, I was staying positive during my trip (see smiling picture below). Besides, I do have access to the Internet and the mail definitely cheered me up (see other smiling pic)! Enjoy the pics and I'll be in touch soon!

PS...if you want to email me you can at addiecollins@gmail.com!

Oh, and my name tag still says Collins because it takes a lot of paperwork to officially change your name in the Army....I start that tomorrow to become SSG ZINONE!! Yay!!



52 comments:

ancient one said...

Hey Addie,

So good to hear from you again. I check your site everyday, several times a day!!

Sorry about the fish face and the black berry! So glad you found mail when you got there.

Stay Strong. We love you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Auntie Addie! Your sad face made me laugh.
Miss you. Love you . Bye, Bye.
XOXO,
Bella
(Bella actually wanted to type ) AX cvx ,vc/xs;'
w'ww'lssllss;k3;2iosw3I'PW3W s
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Hey Addie. It is so nice to see that you are doing well, dispite the circumstances like the whole toilet situation. Mike, Bella and I think of you often. Bella enjoys your blog. I read her every entry and show her the pictures. She thinks you are quite a comedian...for the most part she laughs. We wish you the best and hope to hear from you again soon.
~Linzie

Linda Collins said...

Hey darlin~...very cute posting...love seeing the pics you give us...so much better with the words.
You are in my thoughts always at all times...must try to get some work done...love you so much!
Mom
Off to the wedding in two days!

Me said...

Ahhhhhhhh - watch out, watch out - the plane monster is gonna eat you.

Linda Collins said...

I tried to send an e mail and it wouldn't go to the gmail account...I don't think...but just in case wanted to tell you to use the lcollins@access.k12.wv.us address if you get a chance to write while we are at the wedding..I would hate to miss any messages from you...I can download to the Palm...your husband is weird...funny, wierd and one lucky guy to have you...but I also kind of like him...but don't let him know it...I will give your brother a huge hug from you and also the rest of the family...guess the song we are dancing to...Leonard Skynard's Simple Man...it is such a great choice and he did it himself..listen to it if you have a chance.. you will love it!
Got to go get your nannie now...we are out of here at 4:30 AM!
Love to you always and many many prayers.
Mom

Mary said...

Addie,

Very nice to meet you and I'm glad to know you arrived safely. I'll keep you and all other troops in my prayers. Be safe and God bless.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Hi Addie!
Just love reading your blog and seeing the photos. These accomodations certainly seem a lot better than those in Kuwait.
Take good care of yourself!
Judy

Anonymous said...

Addie,

Hope you have been able to get some rest. I look forward to your next blog posting.

Hugs,
Courtney

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