Iraqi Skies

Howdy.

The nights are beautiful here. The sky is full of stars, with constellations in full view for even the most novice of star gazers. Cool air breezes through camp, interrupting the silence of the evening. Pedestrian traffic keeps to a minimum in the late evening, with only the occasional disruption of the comfortable quiet. I have enjoyed these Iraqi nights. At sundown, the haze of dust in the air illuminates to spread the extinguishing rays of sunset across the sky. Helicopters fly by with their meditative *thump, thump.*

I wonder through the dim at night as I make my way back to my tent from work, I leave off the flashlight and only briefly look down to check my steps. Deep breaths and many thoughts. Peaceful and without the concerns of my life back home. No politics, no deceptions, and no misunderstandings. In those moments it is just myself and God. As I finish this I prepare to venture out yet again into my thoughts.

It is a unique experience.

Misty

Howdy

Not many these days still appreciate the wonderful work of the "Chairman of the Board," Mr. Sinatra himself. I, personally could only hope to exude all the debonair sophistication of Frank Sinatra. I hope the you will all take the time to remember what a performer used to be as exemplified by Frank, Dean, Sammy, and others of their ilk. Now on to other things...

It is late here in Anaconda. Tonight is timesheet night, as well as the end of the month. I am up waiting on supervisors to roll into the office so I can verify their payroll codes, and sign off on their timesheets. It sounds simple, I know. But much to my dismay, more people than not seem to have problems with a simple timesheet. Oh well. This is a late nighter that we will probably have at the end of every month, and so be it. I'm sure you all would appreciate a deep and profound thought from me this evening, but unfortunately at this hour all I can provide is Pthlthlthl!

Good night Mr. Sinatra, and remember...you're nobody, till somebody loves you.

Never Thoughts And Otherwise

Howdy Y'all

Yesterday I did something I never thought I would ever get to say. I dropped off two coworkers at the flight deck to catch a blackhawk to Baghdad. Huh? Yeah, I know, me too. That is cool. It is weird for me, perhaps because of my complete and total civilian background. I have no military experience, nor previous life on base as family of military. It is all so foreign to me. I shop at a PX. I eat at the DFAC. I look out for MP when I'm driving. I watch and hear Apache, blackhawk, those big suckers, C5, C-130, and everything else go overhead everyday. Most everyone around me is armed, and those of us who aren't know where the bunkers are located, just in case. Let us also not forget the flack jacket and kevlar helmet I keep in my office, again, just in case. It is very different here from what I was acustomed. Not worse, mind you, just different.

Wow. I just had to contemplate all that.

Nations Building Nations

The world is a funny place. Societies clashing, governments warring, politicians laughing, and people trying to make sense of it all. We are here to make a great nation, build an ally, and with any luck make some money in the process. I have heard interesting perspectives from others for whom the freedoms of the US are a new experience. All hope had been lost here. And contrary to the ranting of those on the left who would have had us believe otherwise, the UN sanctions were leading this country on an accelerated economic downward spiral. In contrast, the current administration has the desire to pump billions of dollars into Iraq.

Now, I know the immediate response from you lefties out there is going to be, "Big Oil! Big Oil! Dick Cheney and the unelected President Bush are only after oil!" Geez, I can hear your whine in my head even now. How agitating. Nevertheless, there is a half truth to these claims. We are after oil. The RIO project (Reconstruct Iraqi Oil) is an endeavor contracted to Halliburton in order to get Iraq's oil production back on track and moving again. The oil here could make this country, and anyone with the where-with-all to be a part of it, a great deal of money.

Imagine if you will what would happen if this were a free country, functioning within organizations such as the WTO, signing billion dollar contracts with "big oil!" companies, bringing jobs to local Iraqis, and bringing billions in revenue into the country. This could be another Saudi Arabia, only without pretentious royalty or a scathing hatred for the US. Of course, as we know...any and all progress associated with big oil contracts is evil. Actually, that would be Eeev-ill. Marxist liberal dimwits. You communist, enviroterrorist, anticapitalist, baby killing, self absorbed, elitist, "only intentions matter" idiots are herewith no longer allowed to view my post.

Get a job, buy an SUV, thank the big tobacco for the tax dollars paying for your college education, and then maybe you can come back.

Pooh Out.

Late Nights and Good Times

Howdy Y'all. Well, much to tell, last night was a long one. As I said before, it was timesheet day, and Accounting keeps us busy. Along with that, we had a problem with our database so we spent 5 hours working into the wee hours of the morning fixing it. Good for my timesheet though!

Anyway, the good news is that I got my secondary monitor working properly so while we worked today, we popped in a DVD to have on in the background. Good times my friends...Good times. If only work was always like that.

Boy howdy it was cold last night! The heater was a pittance compared to the bitter cold. I was bundled up tight, but it was still a might bit chilly. The biggest challenge was surviving the run to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Anyway, not that bad really, but it will be nice to get into a hooch.

I could really go for a Freebird's burrito right about now....mmmm....but hey, that is only a year away, I guess I can wait.

Okay, I was going to leave you with a profound thought, but nothing comes to mind...blame sleep deprivation....so I will just leave you with a smile.

Pooh out.

Howdy Y'all,

It is a blustery day here in Anaconda. I woke up to high gusty winds that can really bite at you. It's actually not that cold, except for the wind. It made for an interesting night. The tent flapped heavily, but much to my relief didn't take off like an airfoil in a tornado. I was half expecting to wake up and see the stars. Oh wll, I guess they set these tents better than I might have. Now on to other issues....

As I may have emphasized previously, I have been sick. Last night I ventured over to the PX and purchased myself some drugs. Wonderful OTC cough and cold remedies...magic that they are. I feel much better as a result. Of course, as I say this, I can feel my throat dry up because of the wind. Comes with the job, I suppose. Anyway, I am beating this biological warfare with good old fashioned medicine cabinet arsenal. Just thought you might like to know.

Nothing else really....it is timesheet day, and I am learning all about coding for the 1400 some odd timesheets that come through here. I am taking it over next week. Fun! Oh well, so I'm a glorified data processor....who cares so long as they pay me.

Goodbye for now, time to go find myself a smackeral of something to eat!

Thoughts, philosophies and other Fancies

Howdy y'all, if you will bear with me, I am going to get philosophical....

We have found out that a global protest are in the works by various groups against Halliburton and other companies for their efforts here in Iraq. In response, please allow me to impart to you my observations in the short time I have been here.

When a handful of KBR employees arrived 6 months ago on this site, there was nothing more than a few tents an office trailer, and cold water. The living was rough, and the danger was high. Now, there is a virtual city within this base, with over 1400 KBR employees, along with 20,000 soldiers. Along with ex-patriots, this camp employs workers from all over the globe including the Philippines, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iran, most EU states, and many others probably. Everyone is here for opportunity, whether it be experience, financial gain, or the promise of future employment. Most have families to care for at home, while others have brought everything with them, even so much as the clothes on their back. And let us not forget the hundreds of local Iraqi nationals which are currently working on this base and making a life for themselves better than any offered under Saddam's regime. We are in a melting pot.

This is America. I am living in a microcosm, representing everything that is wonderful about our country. All people, of all races, and creeds, working and living together, while still retaining their individuality and unique cultural definitions. Most function within the parameters of our laws, while others strive to test the limits. Yes, risks are high here, as poor judgment and decision can lead to dismissal, reprimand, injury, even death. Precautions are in place to protect everyone, but with freedom, people have the choice to increase their risks. Granted, with great risk comes great reward. I for one, am not here out of a sense of global humanitarian ideal, rather I am here to make a better future for my wife and myself back at home. I do not fault anyone of their intentions in working here, and this is certainly not for everyone.

Bottom line, the mission is a simple one, to provide support services to our troops here, but the message given is much greater. Democracy is for everyone. Freedom is for everyone. Opportunity and success abound, and we are here to offer it on a silver platter to those who would take it. For those who would accuse us of profiting off of war, perhaps you are correct. It is the American way to find opportunity in the blackest of situations, but understand that we cannot succeed in profiting unless we bring everyone here with us. That means that in order to make money, this country, and these people must rise with us. We will rebuild, and restart. This will be a great country again one day, with all the essential freedoms of choice and opportunity which make America so great a nation.

Protest if you will. You are free to do so, and with any luck, the people here will soon learn that they are free to peaceably disagree with whomever and whatever they want as well. Until then, we will control and protect these people from their own unchosen naivete. You are welcome to come here and see for yourself what opportunities we offer this country, and perhaps you will make a little money for yourself as well.

God Bless America.

Howdy -

I'm getting sick. I should have known....they warned us. Just a chest cold. It adds to the fun. Last night we had a generator go off in Tent City (which is where I currently live, it is an area of tents in the KBR camp) and the heaters of course went down. I woke up freezing my butt off. Oh well, that wasn't so bad, but then we get to the office, and there is no water. Made for an interesting day. Anyway, I am off to bed, maybe I'll even check to see if the showers are warm. I might just take one today.

Alrighty y'all, you have yourselves a good day and I will see you in the postings tomorrow. By the way, if anyone is interested, just shoot me an email at ryan.nelson@halliburton.com

Later.

Howdy Y'all,

Thouht I would pop up an afternoon post. I hit one of the gyms today on base. Nice...had a chance to destress, and it is a nice break in the day from work. Fortunately I took a shower this morning, because from what I hear there is no water again. Wonderful, but I digress....things could be worse. The meals are hot and the a/c works, so I can't complain.

Anyway, I wish there was a way of posting pictures on the blog...maybe I will get a website going on some online server so that I can post pictures. Then I'll just have the link off of the blog. Yeah, sounds good. Be looking for that in the future.

What else can I tell y'all. Not much today. I have been here for a week now. I think that i will be able to handle to next 51.

Later.

Howdy everyone, it's hard to believe that it is already Thursday here. I actually got busy yesterday and completely forgot to start posting. Oh well. Anyway, things are going well around here, if not just down right boring. We haven't had any incoming or outgoing fire in at least a couple of days. It's a good thing I guess...Unless something is in the works. Oh well, it's just part of a days work.

A few of us went to a movie last night. Hit the Anaconda Movie Tent. (It's literally a tent, with a big screen) and watched Terminator. Yep, T-1. Down right good entertainment if you ask me. We probably could get in trouble in this country...pornography is illegal, and Linda Hamilton's boobs are probably the best thing some of these guys have seen in a while. And let's not forget the gratuitous butt shot of Arnold.

Alright...that is enough for now, but as the days progress, you will start to hear about the DFAC(dining facility), and MWR activities(fun stuff) and the excitement that is my tent living. Later.

Welcome to the new blog. I just wanted a forum with which to let everyone know what was going on with me in Iraq. I'd like to give everyone a day to day perspective of what it is like being a civilian contractor living in Iraq. I hope you enjoy the proceding entries as the days go by.