Up down Up down

Can you hear my knees creaking from all the times I walked up and down my stairs yesterday? Or perhaps you can hear my thighs screaming in burning pain?

You see, I decided that the best thing I could do with my limited time and resources was to take all the boxes my mom and I packed up two months ago and take them from the storage area in our upstairs and place them in the appropriate room downstairs. That was a good 50 trips up and down a very narrow 75-year-old stairwell.

By the time I crawled into bed last night, I was so sore I thought I might not be able to move this morning. A couple of Aleve and a few hours of rest and I seem to have recovered sufficiently.

Today I am unpacking all the kitchen boxes and photographing all my fiestaware. Good thing Jack Bauer cleared out his digital camera and changed the settings so I could have space for 800 pictures. I might use it all. Heh.

Also need to move stuff that I don't want the packers to touch out to the garage, which I am going to use as my off-limits area. Think that will work?

Time to finish sucking down this triple venti nonfat caramel macchiato and get to work. Catch you later.

Good News from Iraq: 16 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Successful Anbar Model Validates Security Approach in Iraq.

WASHINGTON — When security responsibility for Iraq’s Anbar province was turned over to the Iraqi government this month, it validated the security model that has been applied throughout the country, a Coalition spokesman said Sept. 11.

Successful coordination of a surge in U.S. forces, the emergence of the Awakening movement, and political movement by the Iraqi government resulted in the weakening of the al Qaida in Iraq terrorist network into a more containable scattering of individual cells, said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, director of strategic communications, Multi-National Force - Iraq.

Anbar province, Driscoll said, is “now kind of the model for how Iraqis have made the transition from really chasing al Qaida out of the cities and main areas and putting them on the run.”

The next steps in the process for Anbar residents involve embracing the political process and focusing on reconstruction and restoration of essential services, Driscoll said.

On Sept. 1, Iraqi civilian authorities assumed responsibility for security in Anbar through a transfer Coalition leaders call “provincial Iraqi control.” Anbar is the 11th of Iraq’s 18 provinces to gain that status, and the transfer is significant because Anbar is where the Sunni “Awakening” movement began when former insurgents turned against al Qaida in Iraq.

Read the rest here.

Call me Tina

So yesterday I took to the open road across this beautiful country heading toward the middle. It was a nice easy drive with few cars on the road. That is, until I got to northern Kentucky, when the winds picked up and up and up and up. At one rest stop, the power was out. I drove on to the next exit to take care of my business and all the power was on. I assumed the power outage at the rest stop was a fluke. And I kept on driving west.

My plan was to stop in Louisville for the night. Sarah, familiar with my route, suggested a hotel and everything. As I pulled off the highway, the street lights were not functioning. Not a good sign. The businesses were dark inside. Hmmm. I arrived at my destination early and tired. And they too were without power. The winds were light and hardly any rain had fallen during the drive. I had another four hours or so to reach Middleville.

I called Jack Bauer and my friend in Middleville to get a handle on what the weather was doing. "Like a monsoon," was the description of the rains that past through Middleville earlier in the day. But from the sounds of it, the rain was now to the north of my path. So I drove on. A little wind, a little rain, but nothing more.

I arrived in Middleville after dark and physically tired but safe. The house is intact. And I got to sleep in my very own soft cozy bed last night for the first time in two months.

So just like Tina Turner, Ike can't keep this woman down!

Oh, and I am able to mooch a wireless Internet connection off of some kind neighbor. Heh.

Now I am off to work unpacking boxes and starting an inventory of sorts and taking pictures.

Catch you later.

Good News from Iraq: 15 Sept. 2008

From MNF-I, Micro-Grants Revitalize Northern Baghdad Furniture Market.

BEIDHA’A — “At first, when we would come to the market, people just stared at us,” said Spc. Jose Perez, originally from Orlando, Fla., and now a driver with Team Steel’s Red Platoon, “and I think they just weren’t used to us being here.”

In late February 2008, Perez and his platoon conducted an initial reconnaissance of a furniture market, located on the southeast side of Beidha’a neighborhood in northern Baghdad, with the intent of determining its viability for future rehabilitation.

What they found was a disappointing level of unemployment, dirty streets and businesses that were rapidly failing.

A lack of technology in the furniture workshops was partly to blame as local businesses were attempting to produce high-quality furniture with only handsaws, planes and a few outmoded and frequently damaged power tools. The lack of electricity in the area prevented the store owners from effectively hiring employees, and the irregular timing of the power grid forced the businesses into intermittent and almost random operating hours.

Today, the market is a different sight. Micro-grants were issued by Coalition forces to a number of furniture production businesses along the area, and Team Steel’s Red Platoon spearheaded that effort with an eye toward developing an area that was capable of sustained economic progress. Thus far, it appears to be working.

Read the rest here.

Hitting the road

It's that time. Time to hit the road, head back to Middleville to finish getting the house packed up.

In some ways this PCS thing is a rite of passage, don't you think. I mean, if I can survive this, I will be on my way to become a fully indoctrinated Army wife. I'll be a member of the club.

And all the horrible, funny, and down-right scary moving stories won't be something for me to just read about.

Of course, I am going to have the most boring PCS ever. And that is just fine with me.

Gotta go pack the car.

Not sure what kind of Internet access I'll have this next week. So be sure to VOTE (for me, of course) for your favorite milblogs by midnight tonight. And be sure to check out some of the milspouse blogs in the right-hand column while I'm gone. I can't wait to hear the stories from the milblog conference in Las Vegas.

Good News from Iraq: 14 Sept. 2008

From MNF-I, Colonel Notes Reduced Attacks, Economic Gains in Iraqi Province.

WASHINGTON — The economy in Iraq's Salahuddin province has made significant gains over the past year due to the rise in agriculture and the improvement of Iraqi security forces, an Army colonel serving there said yesterday.

"What we've seen over the past year is a marked increase in security," Col. Michael McBride, commander of the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, told to bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference. "From this time last year to today, our attack levels are down approximately 75 percent."

McBride said the security continues to get better across the board, and he emphasized the notable improvements in Samarra, Beiji and in deposed dictator Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit.

"We've come to a point here now, with the security level as it is, where we are being able to now focus more on reconstruction than we were ... five or six months ago," McBride said.

Up to this point, the main focus always had been security. Now, the focus is shared equally among security, reconstruction and governance, the colonel said.

Read the rest here.

Get out the vote!

Thanks to everyone who nominated me into the top 5 in the milspouse category. I am really honored to be in the company of such fine blogs as ArmyWifeToddlerMom, SpouseBUZZ, Non-Essential Equipment, and My Crazy Amazing Military Life.

Click here to get started. You can vote for one blog in each category. Voting closes on Sunday evening. So you have plenty of time to read all the blogs and make an informed decision, right?

And I strongly encourage readers to check out the service branches to read "free speech from those who make it possible."

Happy reading and happy voting!

Good News from Iraq: 12 Sept 2008

From USA Today, Safer Iraq draws foreign investors. (h/t Sara Horn: Faith at the Front)

BAGHDAD — Iraq is poised to receive a flood of foreign investment, thanks to improved security. More than $74 billion in projects have been submitted for government approval in just the past five months, according to Iraq's state investment regulator.

The investors include companies from the U.S., Europe, and Gulf Arab states. Their proposals all involve sectors other than oil, including a $13 billion new port for the southern city of Basra, several hotels and thousands of housing units nationwide, says Ahmed Ridha, the chairman of Iraq's National Investment Commission.

The biggest project, submitted by investors from Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, calls for an entirely new city to be built just outside the holy Shiite city of Najaf at a cost of $38 billion.

Only one of the projects has broken ground, while most others are still awaiting government approval, which has been difficult to obtain. The scale of the proposals — which, combined, equal almost as much foreign investment as China receives in a year — has drawn skeptics who say the final amount spent will be much smaller.

Read the rest here.

Reflecting

I stayed up late last night doing some work. Maybe subconsciously I was hoping that I would just magically sleep through this day.

When I finally got my feet on the floor this morning, I wasn't sure why I was getting up. I don't feel so good: a combination of cold medicine and lack of water overnight has my head feeling like tight, hallowed-out coconut. But as is my routine, I got up and turned on Fox News. And it occurred to me that I really don't want to relive this day. Within minutes of listening to the sober news coverage, I was crying, just I was seven years ago.

I was thinking I might write about where I was seven years ago today. But where I was physically, driving between New Orleans and southern Illinois, is not particularly important. Where I was metaphorically, isolated from the rest of the world, is probably what had the greatest impact on me. And in many ways, it is where I remain today.

Jack Bauer and I were driving back from a long weekend trip with his parents in New Orleans. After a weekend of good eating, we got into the car and were on the road by 7 AM listening to CDs the whole way. We arrived in West Memphis, AR about lunch time. Jack had mentioned seeing flags in Mississippi and Tennessee flying at half-staff.

"I wonder if Dick Cheney died," he mumbled.

We pulled into a KFC/Taco Bell/gas station to get something to eat and stretch our legs and relieve our coffee-filled bladders. As I waited to place our order, a guy walked up to his friend working behind the counter.

"Gas has already gone up $.50," he said, shaking his head with a wry smirk.

Not normally one to talk to strangers, but flags at half staff and gas prices going up, piqued my interest.

"What's going on? Why is gas up?" I innocently asked.

I was stunned by his response. I thought he was joking with me at first, but I could see from the reaction of those around him that something serious had happened. I mean really, how could two of the largest buildings in the world be taking down with planes. It seemed like someone's imagination run amock.

Jack and I ate mostly in silence and disbelief. Someone helped us find a local radio station so we could hear about what was going on. As Jack drove, I sat in silence, tears unable to stop streaming down my cheeks. I knew what he was thinking about.

The best man at our wedding, a NJ National Guardsman, worked across the street from Ground Zero in the World Financial Center. Our thoughts turned to him and his family, a wife and two little girls. An MP, our friend was the type to run into danger. We didn't have any phone numbers for them with us. We'd have to get home first. The next day we learned that they were in Florida. On vacation. They were safe.

I didn't know any one who was killed that day. But my life has been forever altered. Seven years later, I sit in a hotel room alone typing to strangers. My husband is attending school. Just as he was seven years ago.

In the years since 2001, Jack was pulled out of the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) and placed in the Army Reserves. He has deployed to Iraq and stayed on for another tour. He has now returned to Active Duty Army.

The isolation along the way has been self-imposed, a comes from desire to find people who understand and live the lasting significance of that day. It took a while. You people were not easy for me to find.

And as I reflect on this day seven years ago, I keeping thinking that 9/11 was the day we as a country woke up. As I reflect on the last seven years, I keeping thinking that most of America has fallen back asleep, only reminded occasionally that things go bump in the night, but are easily fixed with a bit of parental magic. I hope, sincerely hope, that at least one day a year, most people remember that they were awake once and think about those who still are on their behaves.

No matter how much I wanted to sleep in this morning, I knew I couldn't sleep away this day. I am wide awake.


Fox News is running its ticker with just the names of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. When I started writing this post, they were on the C's. Now they are just getting to the M's. *sigh*

UPDATE 1209: Fox News is on the S's.

Good News from Iraq: 11 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Iraqi Businesses Show Resilience.

BALAD — It takes money to make money.

The Al Bayda center near Balad is a non-governmental organization that provides assistance in the form of micro-loans and education for small business owners in and around the once restive city of Balad.

The grants are part of a package approved in the last several weeks by the government of Iraq. Parts of Iraq’s plan to re-energize its economy, Iraqi Emergency Relief Funds allocate money from the national government’s surplus to local leaders at the provincial level. The funds are then made available to Iraqis wishing to start up small businesses.

The micro-loans can be the deciding factor in whether a business survives. Hawed Muhammad Ayid, a well digger from Muhatta, is a recipient of a micro-loan, and plans to keep his well digging equipment up to par with the money he is loaned.

Read the rest here.

This and that and something about ROADTRIP!!!

First, today is the last day to nominate your favorite milblog. Starting tomorrow, the top 5 in each category will be up for voting. Get started here. If you are new to the milblogging community, check out the branch rankings for to see the variety this community has to offer. (I can't state strongly enough how much this community means to me.)

Now that I have that out of the way, what has been going on with BW since the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day that pool closed? Well, I am glad you asked.

I started a project that is paying me actual money! That is very exciting. But that's all I'll say. Sorry for the tease. not. *snicker*snort*

I am beginning to freak out about the next step in this adventure. Soon I am heading back to Middleville to oversee the packers/movers. Our house has been sitting all dolled up, or rather all straightened and staged up, so it could be is showable condition to sell. No offers yet. But I need stuff when we get to our first duty station, so back to Middleville I go. Most of our stuff is in boxes in the finished attic. I am giving myself two days and unlimited amounts of coffee and diet coke to go through and document it all. I am taking Jack Bauer's camera to photograph some of the more valuable stuff. (Someday I will get my own digital camera. Someday.)

And I have to drive to Middleville by myself. It is a long-ass drive for one person to do in one day. At least going west from here I get the curvature of the earth to help and I go back into central time zone. Coming back? I'm not sure I want to think about that yet. I might be kind to myself and stop on the road.

But what am I complaining about? I've got a sweet new ride, XM radio, an assortment of books on CD, a cell phone. If only I could cruise the Internet while I drive, life would be almost perfect.

For the books on CD, I went to the local library and checked out Danielle Steel's Sisters, Dick Francis' Dead Heat, The Heidi Chronicles, April in Paris [note: I am in love with the idea of Paris, which is easy to be when you've never been], The Voice of the Poet: TS Eliot, and The Voice of the Poet: e.e. cummings. These last two are only an hour long. I got them to "broaden my horizons." I just hope they don't put me to sleep. The other stuff should be entertaining enough.

Any of you taken long road trips by yourself? What do you do to entertain yourself in the car?

Good News from Iraq: 10 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Basra Neighborhood Pleased with New Primary Healthcare Clinic.

BASRA — Thousands of residents in the al-Risala neighborhood in Basra no longer have to walk or drive up to 20 kilometers to get medical care for their families, since the Iraqi Ministry of Health opened a new Primary Healthcare Center here in July.

Dr. Alia Al-Hassan, the clinic administrator said, “We’re providing healthcare to about 300 patients daily, newborns to the elderly. This community, which has been neglected for a long time, is thrilled to have this new, modern medical facility.” She pointed out they currently have a staff of 40 personnel. “We hope to increase that number in the near future to offer additional medical services.”

Physician Assistant Hussein Na’ma said the new healthcare center features state-of-the-art equipment and for some patients “it’s the first time their families have had access to preventive medical services, as well as certain high tech services.”

James Hodges, Gulf Region Division construction representative, said, “It’s great to see their smiles of appreciation. They are very happy to finally have local access to comprehensive medical care.”

Gulf Region Division, which has built six other healthcare centers in Basra Province, has three additional ones under construction. “These projects are seen as a very positive thing, especially since they affect the lives of the people so directly,” Hodges said.

Offers of help

I learned a lesson yesterday.

Saturday at SpouseBUZZ Live my throat started getting itchy. By the end of the sessions, it was clear that I had some serious postnasal drip that was going to cause a more serious problem for my drive back to C-ville.

By the time I hugged everyone good-bye (and hopefully did not spread my germies to anyone), I my sinuses were beginning to rebel as well.

Having just listened to many of my favorite people talk about the importance of asking for help, I decided to do the same. Typically, if I were someone's guest on my way out of town, I might just have them point me in the direction of a drug store so I could stop as I left, and not bother that person any. But this time, I asked my hostess, Sightly Salty, to help me. She took me directly to the local CVS. I got my sudafed, throat lozenges, bottled water, and Coke Zero (in case the sudafed wasn't enough to keep me buzzed for the three-hour drive, surely, the caffeine would help).

I stayed in bed asleep most of Sunday with aches and sinus pressure like I'd rarely ever experienced. Jack Bauer took good care of me, running to the grocery store so I could have OJ and toast, and always asking me if there was something more I needed. When I needed more juice, I simply piped up. (Whined might be a more apt description if you asked Jack.)

Monday came, and while I was feeling a little better, I still could not shake the aches all over my body, despite dosing with Tylenol every four hours. But there was a pile of laundry that needed to be done, and that meant I had to venture out in the world.

One of the first people I ran into was a wife who was residing in the same hallway of the hotel as me and Jack. With my first words, anyone could tell I was sick. She is a very kind and generous woman, but I don't know her particularly well. We haven't spent much time together here in C-ville. She asked if I needed anything, and said she was going to the grocery store in a few minutes and asked if I needed anything. I thought to myself that I could really use some limes (I like to drink a lot of diet tonic and lime), but Jack would be back later and he could go to the store for such a silly (and rather expensive) request. Since I was set for medicine, OJ, and bread for toast, I declined her offer.

About an hour later, I ran into another wife and her two kids. I've been spending much more time with these three. She's probably the wife that I've become the closest to in the seven weeks we've been here, and someone I would likely keep in touch with after we go our separate ways in a few weeks. She too asked if I needed anything. And again, I declined.

Then she said, "Do you have any Emergen-C?"

I shook my head.

"Let me bring you some." And I accepted her help.

This all reminded me of asking for help during deployment. Like many people, I was not very good about asking for help. Obviously, I'm still not. I don't want people to think I am taking advantage of there generous nature.

After Jack left, my mother offered to come out and help me get things (i.e., our financial situation) set up so I could run them in a way that made sense to me. While that required me to swallow my pride, I knew I really needed the help. And it is pretty easy to accept help from my mom, she is such a wonderful woman.

A few months later, the weather warmed up and the grass in my front yard needed to be cut. Jack had always taken care of this, usually borrowing a neighbor's lawnmower or their kids. But, um, I never bothered to get to know my neighbors. One day, I heard my next-door neighbors' adult son (a lieutenant in the police department) mowing his parents' lawn. I raced outside and asked him if he would be able to help me out this one time. (I don't think I had said more than "hello" to him in the previous three years.) I offered to pay him or donate money to his favorite charity, anything to get him to help. He agreed to do it, suggesting I could help out with gas money. No problem. (His parents later refused.) But when he agreed, him seemed reluctant, and that affected me asking for more help, especially from people I don't know well.

While I am sure this may seem obvious to some people, I never really thought about until yesterday. I learned two things about help. First, I don't like to accept help from strangers. That would mean letting them in where they could see my vulnerability, and that, of course, would be bad. The second thing I learned was that when specific help is offered, it is much more likely to be accepted, just like the Emergen-C.

As I move on from C-ville to our first duty station, I need to make sure I meet my neighbors and make more friends. Not just so I can receive their help, but so I can help them in return. And when I know people better, the more specific help I can offer, and the more comfortable they will be in accepting it.

I sure hope I remember these lessons.

Good News from Iraq: 9 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Fallujah Paves Path for Commerce.

FALLUJAH — Coalition forces and the Fallujah City Council are overseeing a road construction project to better facilitate commercial truckers entering the city.

Civil Affairs Team 2, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, in direct support of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, and the FCC are three weeks into repaving the route through Entry Control Point 1A, a checkpoint on the outskirts of Fallujah designed to safeguard the commercial truck entrance into the city.

“[The previous route] became a deterrent for people bringing all the commerce into the city,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Colling, team chief, Civil Affairs Team 2, who is responsible for the reconstruction project assessment and tracking its progress.

Colling said the new road is a straight shot, improved from the old route that was winding, torn up with potholes and filled with bumps and debris. Improving the road’s structural integrity also prevents insurgents from using it as a means of attacking local nationals.

Read the rest here.

Award Season

As I said at SpouseBUZZ Live this past Saturday, this community of milbloggers saved my sanity through my deployment. When there was no local support system for me in Middleville, I found people who understood online.

Now is time for payback. The last Milblog Conference was held in DC in May 2007. This year, they waited and are combining it with Blog World Expo in Las Vegas, which will begin in just a few days. Recognizing the diversity and contributions of the milblogs, Milblogging.com is holding it's third annual award contest.

This is essentially a two-part process. The nomination phase is under way. The top 5 blogs in each category will then be up for a second round of voting. Due to the upcoming BWE, the whole process is short. So get busy nominating today and voting starting Thursday!

Here's a little more information.

Nomination and Voting Overview

1. A military blog can be nominated ONLY once by the same registered user. However, a user can nominate as many military blogs as they wish.

All nominations must be submitted online through Milblogging.com by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008.

2. The top five nominees in each branch category will be announced on Thursday, September 11th, 2008 and those nominees will move into the Voting Phase beginning September 11th, 2008.

3. Nominees may be military blogs that belong to the following branch categories in the Milblogging.com database:

U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Military (Parent)
U.S. Military (Spouse)
U.S. Military (Veteran)
U.S. Military (Supporter)
U.S. Navy

Just remember, in this nomination phase, you can nominate for as many blogs as you like, and the five with the most nominations will be up for a final voting starting Thursday. Get started here.

And you can see the current standings here.

Good News from Iraq: 8 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Soldiers discover munitions caches in eastern Diyala.

EASTERN DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq – Soldiers from the 5th Engineer Battalion discovered two caches while conducting clearing operations on a construction site for a patrol base in eastern Diyala Sept. 4.

At approximately 9:p.m., Soldiers serving with the 55th Engineer Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, found two munitions caches in Eastern Diyala, while clearing a building that will house Soldiers at the new combat out post.

The caches contained four 62 mm and 40 mm mortar rounds and five 62 mm mortar mechanical fuses.

Illing

I had so much fun yesterday I made myself sick. If any of you come down with a horrible cold thingy, just blame me. As for me, I blaming the two Slightly Salty paws, who are the next two cutest and well-behaved doggies in the world, after mine of course. I suppose I could blame TS Hanna, but the paws are much cuter and slightly less destructive. (I could go on for hours about these dogs, but I'll let there mommy do that instead.)

The SpouseBUZZ Live event was great. Slightly Salty gives her review here. Here are the links to Liveblogging Panel 1 and Panel 2.

Here are the links of the blogs of some of the great women I met up with yesterday. (And if I forgot someone, just remember I am typing in a fog.)
SpouseBUZZ
Sarah
ArmyWifeToddlerMom
Wife Unit
Guard Wife
Slightly Salty
Susan (AKA Pot & Kettle)
Laura
LAW (I even met Mr. LAW!!!)

For more military spouse blogs, check out the "Milspouse" listing in the right-side column or check out the Milblogging.com listing.

Live but not actually liveblogging

I'm live in Norfolk at the SpouseBUZZ Live event. Holy cow!

Already metup with AWTM, Sarah, Andi, Guard Wife, Joan D'Arc, Wife Unit, AFW, LAW, Susan (Pot& Kettle), and Slightly Salty.

Hurricane Hanna be damned! As a bunch of milspouses, we won't let a little rain and wind get in our way. We've dealt with much worse during deployment.

Since I'm not good at listening and typing, I've got to go! See you later.

Off to SpouseBUZZ Live

I'm off to the Norfolk area later today to see some of my favorite imaginary friends, including meeting some for the first time, and to meet completely new people too. But one thing we'll all have in common is that we are milspouse sisters.

Now, I will say that I am not really a naturally outgoing person. I do it in these circumstances because I know it is good for me and it is what I actually want. But that doesn't not mean it is easy or comfortable for me. So it is all an act. Well, at least at first.

Here's my MO. I meet someone for the first time in person, I am reserved at first. Some people might describe it as being standoffish. (I'm working on that.) I don't why I do this. Some self-protection I suppose. Chances are if you are a talker, I will just let you talk. I promise I warm up after a while, and the next thing you'll know I am a regular Chatty Cathy. You'll know I am really comfortable when I start dropping f-bombs or start snorting when I laugh.

And for those who will be there and haven't met me before, you will recognize me by my butterfly necklace. If I don't recognize you, please come introduce yourself to me. I promise I won't bite. (Everyone knows butterflies don't bite!) See you soon!

Good News from Iraq: 5 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, New Maysan Surgical Hospital taking shape (Amarah).

AMARAH, Iraq–A new $12.7 million surgical hospital in Maysan Province is under construction.

“This project will provide the only state-of-the-art modern surgical hospital in Maysan and is viewed by the Minister of Health as the single most important development here,” said Iraqi Engineer Ali Abdul with the Gulf Region Division who is overseeing the work.

The 100-bed hospital is located in Amarah, Maysan’s provincial capitol. “Maysan’s governor recently visited the work site and was very happy with the construction quality,” said Ali.

The 62,500-sq.-meter hospital will include four operating rooms, a delivery room, an emergency room, a pharmacy and various labs. The facility will house clinics for Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics-Gynecology, Dental and Nuclear Medicine.

“This new facility will improve medical care for 250,000 residents living in Amarah,” Ali noted. “It will serve as a teaching hospital for students attending Maysan University’s Medical College. I am very proud to be involved with this effort.”

Currently the construction crew consists of 65 local Iraqi laborers with that force expected to increase as progress continues.

Construction on the new hospital, located in north Amarah, is scheduled to be completed in August 2009. It will include a residence building providing housing for 16 physicians.

“We’re overseeing several other projects improving essential services here and this is my favorite,” said Ali, a lifelong resident of Amarah. “Other projects we’re managing include the renovation of the Amarah landfill with a new bio-medical waste incinerator, and 25 kilometers of new road between Amarah and Maymona creating a 4-lane highway there.”

Horror of horrors

They closed the hotel pool already.

So what if Labor Day has passed. It is still summer!

Yesterday's high? 91.

Today's expected high? 93.

Weather forecast expect temps in the mid-80s for another week.

I am sad. This means summer is coming to an end.

And this means PCSing is coming up. And that makes me whiney. (I don't wanna! I don't wanna!)

Good thing SpouseBUZZ Live is this weekend. And I am going to meet some wonderful people and reconnect with some of my other imaginary friends.

Good News from Iraq: 4 Sept. 2008

From MNF-I, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions caches in Baghdad.

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized munitions while conducting operations to increase security Sept. 3 and 4.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. Sept. 3, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B found a cache northwest of Baghdad. The munitions seized included six pounds of unidentified bulk explosives, a DSHKA gun mount, two DSHKA heavy machine guns, a rifle stock, two rifle barrels and an anti-aircraft gun mount.

While on patrol Sept. 4, Soldiers serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, attached to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B found a 155 mm round, a 120 mm round and two Italian manufactured anti-tank mines in the East Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 a.m.

Some encouragement needed

I recently came across a new-to-me blog. Tucker & Swiss.

Tucker is a soon-to-be Army wife. She is facing a PCS, a deployment, and a wedding on her horizon. That's in addition to the normal life stuff that gets to us. And her Swiss isn't with her at the moment.

So as you can imagine (having probably lived through some of these things), that it is a little tough for Tucker right about now. And we could all use an encouraging word when it is tough and we are trying to hard to keep our heads up high.

Here is the link to her blog. Please go say, "Hi!"

Oh, and despite her description that she is "decidedly NOT a writer," she does an excellent job of it.

Good News from Iraq: 3 Sept 2008

From MNF-I, Bridge opens near Najaf.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The vice president of Iraq, members of the Iraqi ministry and the governor of Najaf province attended the opening of the North Kufa Bridge near Najaf Aug. 28. The bridge allows traffic to bypass the congested market area in downtown Kufa. It is expected the bridge will allow businesses in the area to grow and provide additional entry points for people visiting the religious sites. “This bridge shows the commitment by the Government of Iraq to build projects in poorer areas that were ignored by the former regime of Saddam,” said Adil Abd al-Mahdi, Iraq’s vice president. “Projects like this bridge will help generate economic improvement in areas like Kufa. This bridge, the Imam Ali Bridge, is built near many important holy sites. Close to here is the Imam Ali Shrine and the Kufa Mosque. This bridge is a great addition to the area.” Funding for the bridge was made possible through U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division Project Partnership Agreement grants. An Iraqi contractor completed the bridge construction. “This has been accomplished by Kufa, working with funds provided through a U.S. grant, and working with the Najaf Province government and the minister of housing and construction,” said Col. George Wright, with USACE Gulf Region Division. “This bridge is a success and shows cooperation between not only the U.S. government, but cooperation between several levels of the Government of Iraq.”

Margaritaville AAR

It would have been nice if I had wasted the last three days in Margaritaville. But alas, I have mostly just been avoiding writing.

We did go to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Saturday night. It was an eye-opening experience. I figured we would show up early and find a nice patch of lawn to hang out on. By my thinking 45 minutes pre-show would be plenty early. With that in mind, Jack and I enjoyed a rather quick drive through the countryside, enjoying the beauty of this state. We had no trouble finding the venue, but as we pulled up the parking lot was overflowing. I have never witnessed such a sea of cars parked in a somewhat organized fashion. It was like a used car lot on steroids, lots and lots of steroids.

As we pulled in we had a good 50 minutes before the show started. By the time we were directed to our parking spot we had 30 minutes to showtime. It took us 15 minutes to walk to the venue gates. But what a walk it was. We enter another universe. Grass skirts, coconut bras, flower shirts, abound. And those were just the men. Bikini tops, leis, and drinks with umbrellas. As we walked I was very self-conscious as to my chosen attire: blue jeans and a red short sleeve blouse, and um, hiking shoes and socks. While I did see a few other people with jeans that went all the way to the ground like mine, we were definitely few and far between. Jack smartly wore shorts. (I don't do shorts.) I bet I was the only person wearing socks, though.

We swam through the crowds and cleared the gate with about five minutes to go before show time. Now we had to climb about 100 steps to reach the grass. Good thing I have been walking the doggies all over the grounds in C-ville and up the 87 steps to Jack's school. After passing the biggest whiner in America ("OMG! These steps are killer! Where is the escalator?!?" the whiner exclaimed repeatedly to his 10-year-old obese daughter who was managing up the steps quite well), we arrived at the top and now a sea of people. The lawn area was filled. And any hope of the possibility of a chair rental quickly left the pavilion. We ventured off to the side to find a restroom only to see that they were located at the bottom of another set of stairs.

And so down we went. Pottied, I turned my attention to the merchandise. All along this journey in C-ville, we have collected souvenirs of the places we've visited. And this Jimmy Buffett experience was no different. I was kinda hoping they would have beach towels, which first of all would fit in perfect with the theme of Jimmy Buffett, but it would also be perfect for me to use by the pool while I am here and would be much more likely to get used in the future than a t-shirt. We were in luck and it was $5 cheaper than any t-shirt. Now we had something to sit on. So back up the steps we went.

While I was standing in line for the towel trying to assure Jack that the coconut-bra'd, grass-skirted drunk guy standing behind me was in fact NOT hitting on me, Mr. Buffett and the Coral Reefers took the stage.

We found a scrap of grass big enough for the two of us off to the side so we could make a quick escape if needed. And we settled in for a bit more of people watching with fun music. Especially since we couldn't see the stage or the huge HUGE screens because everyone was standing, dancing, smoking, drinking, and otherwise cavorting, and we were sitting and watching.

It didn't take too long to really start to focus on the marketing of this all. As we made our way through the parking lot, we passed at least two dozen stretch limos and more luxury SUVs and cars than I recall seeing at a BMW sale lot. Then as I sat looking at a mostly middle-aged, cigar-smoking crowd that probably work as lawyers and accountants in DC during the week, I though about how the simple idea of escaping the day-to-day duldrums was an insane money maker. This wasn't just a concert. It is a whole life style. But one that for the most of us, we can only fully experience when a concert is within reach, and be reminded of any time we turn on our iPod. This Jimmy Buffett, an average musical talent, is a marketing genius! (Now I just need to get me some of that marketing talent.)

After about an hour and a half of observing the marketing marvel, we decided to head out. (We did not know how long the concert was likely to go and definitely did not want to sit in the traffic of the lot for an hour getting out and then driving for 90 minutes.) As we walked down the steps and back toward the parking lot, I overheard a woman telling her date that the evening wasn't just about going to the concert; it was mostly about the tailgating. And that made incredible sense. I bet some of these people had been there all day long drinking and frolicking.

So that was my first Jimmy Buffett experience. And it was fun. But I imagine the real fun would be to come with some parrotheads and make it a day of laughing and pretending we lived in Margaritaville filled with coconut bras and grass skirts and little umbrellas in our drinks. And definitely without socks.

Good News from Iraq: 2 Sept 2008

From Sky News, Iraq Forces Take Control Of Anbar.

Iraqi forces have taken control of Anbar - once the most explosive battlefield in Iraq - from the US military.

A ceremony to transfer authority to local troops took place in Ramadi, the provincial capital, marking the handover of the 11th of Iraq's 18 provinces.

Anbar is the first Sunni province to be returned to Baghdad's Shi'ite-led government.

Police said tens of thousands of Iraqi and US troops were on alert across the vast desert area in western Iraq, home to some two million people.

Read the rest here.

Labor Day Weekend in Margaritaville, maybe

Jack Bauer has a four-day weekend. And we have no solid plans. He has classmates that are traveling all over the country. Our biggest plan might be traveling to the local movie theater.

Two days ago, Jack came home at lunch and asked if we wanted to go to a Jimmy Buffett concert. My response was, "Yes" and "More information, please." Location: here in C-ville. When: unknown. Cost: free. Sure, I was a little surprised to hear that Jimmy Buffett was coming to this small town, but heck, free tickets are hard to pass up to a local event.

Yesterday evening, Jack picked up the tickets. Upon examining them, I was surprised that there was no location, no city name mentioned. Just the name of the venue. Hmmm. After a couple of google searches, I popped over to Margaritaville to see about tour dates. And what do you know, no C-ville for Mr. Buffett this weekend. He is about 80 miles away. At least it is just up the road here.

So I start looking for seating chart of this venue. And I notice the tickets are lawn seating. Am I really up for a nearly two-hour drive to sit on the grass for 90 minutes only to drive two hours back to the hotel? Sure, I like Jimmy Buffett as much as the next person, but do I like him this much?

Has anyone been to a Jimmy Buffett concert before? What are your recommendations?

Good News from Iraq: 29 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, Pool Reopening Symbolizes Return to Normalcy in Northern Baghdad.

“One of the first patrols we went on was to go assess this pool,” said Army Capt. Clint Rusch, a Multinational Division Baghdad fire-support officer.

Rusch, who along with his unit began operations here in early February, described the scene at the compound. Putrid-smelling water filled the three pools. A concession stand was decrepit, and an outer wall was crumbling, he said.

After that initial patrol, Rusch conferred with Army Maj. Olaf Shibusawa, Steel Company’s civil affairs officer, and started hatching a plan of how to make changes there.

Major renovations included repairing the outer wall, remodeling shower rooms and refurbishing the concession stand. Once the other details were decided upon, a contract was awarded and work began in early March. But after hostilities flared up in Sadr City in late March, work was halted for five weeks.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 26 marked the official reopening of the complex, but its doors have been able to remain open for business during refurbishment, collecting about $2 per admission. The accompanying pool hall also remains open and is a popular hangout for residents.

“Our contractor didn’t want to drain the pool completely when kids are still using it, so he was able to set it up so the kids could swim while construction was going on. They were working 24 hours a day on the project,” Rusch said.

“The perfect end state would be that the project becomes self-sufficient – it doesn’t require any American influence to be able to continue,” Rusch said. “We want the community to have the ability to experience a part of childhood that every kid should have,” he said.

The muddy slide

It has been raining here for the last two days straight. And the temps have been in the mid-60s. All this gray weather reminds me of the Pacific Northwest I left nine years ago. I've even had to pull out my sweaters and set aside my bathing suit and sandals.

But yesterday I did not let the rain stop me from walking the doggies. On our way back, I foolishly walked straight up the steep path that just the day before had been dirt. Yeah, you can see where this is going. I got up close to the top and the doggies stopped to sniff something, so I stopped. And then the ground rebelled and my feet started to slide back down the hill. I tried to quicken my pace, seeing that Bear's paw were slipping too, but to no avail. And as if it were a slow-motion reel, I let out a yelp as I went down on all fours and continued to slide down the muddy red clay path. After a few feet, I came to a stop. Not hurt physically, all I could do was laugh. A few failed attempts to right myself mid-path, I then crawled off to the little bit of grassiness under a pine tree before I was able to stand up and assess the mud damage.

New white and red Adidas running shoes? Covered deep into the laces.

Black yoga pants? Covered from the knees down.

Dog leash? Completely covered, but at least I never let go of my precious babies.

Hands? Mud piled on so thick you'd think I was about to give myself a mud bath.

Military.com fleece cover-up that kept me warm during the walk? Untouched.

Getting in touch with nature? Priceless.

Good News from Iraq: 28 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, Soldiers Offer Microgrants, Security While Patrolling Streets of Sha’ab.

BAGHDAD — He sees a lot of potential in northern Baghdad.

During a routine patrol around the area, he points to several areas that need improvements – a park here, a new store sign there; even Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) checkpoints are on his radar for upgrading.

“(We’re) showing the people that we care about them, and we care about the future and trying to put money into the environment – treating them with dignity and respect – trying to get them out of their homes into a safe, secure environment so they feel comfortable with us,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Maynard. “Once we do that, they can start living normal lives.”

As the patrol drove around the Sha’ab neighborhood that surrounds Forward Operating Base Callahan, Maynard pointed to the areas that he sees room for improvement as well as those that have improved in his three weeks here.

In the eight months prior to arriving at FOB Callahan, Maynard and the other members of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were responsible for entry control points in Baghdad’s International Zone.

After an abbreviated relief-in-place of the counter improvised-rocket assisted mortar patrol mission from a 4th Inf. Div. Scout/Sniper Platoon, Maynard and his Soldiers hit the ground running – and with microgrant applications in hand.

In slightly more than three weeks, Maynard has processed nearly 30 applications, which he hopes will help to revitalize the small businesses off the heavily traveled roads here. Four previously submitted grants have been approved in that time, and shop owners were quick to put that money to use.

Read the rest here.

America Supports You Freedom Walk

Honor the victims of 9-11 and pay tribute to our veterans, past and present.

Walk with friends and family in the America Supports You (ASY) Freedom Walk.

The Grammy Award winning Oak Ridge Boys will perform at the close of this year's national walk.

The America Supports You Freedom Walk starts at 9 a.m. at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery and will finish at the Pentagon South Parking lot.

Sign up to participate for the ASY National Walk here. Deadline is September 5 at 6 p.m.

Not in the D.C. area? Find a local walk near you here.

Bring your family. Invite your friends. Spread the word.

Good News from Iraq: 27 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, Conference Focuses on Future of ISF.

BAGHDAD — Leaders from Task Force Mountain, Multi-National Corps - Iraq and other units working with the Iraqi Security Forces met with Iraqi Army commanders for a one-day conference, Aug. 20.

"What we are trying to do is identify force generation needs. We are looking at the way ahead," said Capt. Steven Chadwick, an ISF coordinator with 10th Mountain Division.

The conference focused on manning, equipping and training the ISF to be a more effective and self-sustaining force.

"We already know where we are going to be in six months. We are looking two years-plus, trying to figure out what we see the IA looking like, what challenges we are going to encounter in getting to that end state," said Chadwick.

As insurgent attacks have slowed dramatically in the past ten months, new IA units have stood up at a rapid pace. The coalition troop surge gave the ISF a chance to accelerate their growth, said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick, commander of Multi-National Security Transition Corp - Iraq.

"The [IA] knows how to conduct operations," said Chadwick. "They know how to clear rooms; they know how to conduct a cordon and search. They do that all the time, and they are doing that on their own, like in [recent operations in] Amarah. They are conducting major combat operations, like up in Diyalah right now, with minimal coalition support."

Read the rest here.

Women's What Day???

For group PT this morning, Jack Bauer did a 5K run for what he told me was Women's Appreciation Day. He came back all hot and sweaty and told me to staying in bed, he part in appreciating me. He mentioned he got a water bottle that reads, "W.E.D. 2008" in bright red letters.

"I don't know what the 'E' is for," he said perplexed.

Still in bed an hour later, I mumble good-bye to Jack through sleeping lips. And there I remained for the next three hours, appreciating myself and getting some obviously needed rest. The doggies helped, too, with neither one wanting breakfast or to go out. Obviously, they were doing their part in appreciating me. (What wonderful doggies!)

About 45 minutes before Jack got back to the room for lunch, I wiggled my way out from between the still sleeping dogs and finally touched my feet to the floor. The dogs didn't move. (Are these the same dogs that used to make me get up at 7 AM on the weekends while Jack was deployed?) I enjoy the quiet time and appreciate that there is a day for appreciating me.

Jack opened the door and the dogs finally stirred. He gets them their kibble and I run out to get us lunch. While eating our tacos from Chipotle, Jack casually mentions that he is expecting an e-mail for Women's Equality Day. Well, that explains the "E."

"Equality Day?" I ask. "Wait, that means instead of me sleeping, I should have been out there running with you."

Then I looked it up. This is the day that commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

So while Jack is going to continue this as Women's Appreciation Day (he even did the lunch dishes), I am going to appreciate all those women who fought and suffered for us to have the right to vote in this upcoming presidential election.

Good News from Iraq: 26 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, INP confiscate weapons caches in southwestern Baghdad.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, working with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered two weapons caches Aug. 25 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.

At approximately 11:15 a.m., Iraqi National Police of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, captured 37 60 mm mortar rounds in the Furat community located in southwestern Rashid.

The INPs transported the ordnance to a combat outpost for transfer to Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division..

At approximately the same time, Iraqi citizens turned in two rocket propelled grenades and a 57 mm rocket to the NP headquarters in the Risalah community in the southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found a cache in the Saydiyah neighborhood at approximately 9:15 p.m. The cache consisted of two 60 mm mortar rounds, three soda-can roadside bombs, one rocket-propelled grenade round, two electrical blasting caps and two timers.

“The Iraqi Security Forces, working with Coalition forces in Baghdad, contributed immensely to the Rashid district’s decrease in the levels of violence,” said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “The Iraqi citizens consistently help both the ISF and Soldiers of the 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade in providing a safe and secure environment by furnishing tips on enemy activity and weapons caches.”

Happy Birthday, Mom

You are always generous with your love, patience, and time. Have a wonderful day at the beach.

Here are a few of your favorite things.

Good News from Iraq: 25 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, Members of Successful Security Program Take Steps to Join Police.

FORWARD OPERATION BASE WAR EAGLE — Members of the successful Sons of Iraq security program began the transition from neighborhood guardians to full fledged members of the Iraqi Security Forces at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Aug. 22.

The screening process took place at War Eagle where Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers facilitated the transition of Iraqi citizens to the Iraqi National Police by evaluating applicants and job packets for the would-be members.

The screening process consisted of the applicants taking a test to determine suitability, a physical fitness test, identification verification and medical screening.

“Once we assemble the packets they are sent through Iraqi channels to be vetted, if they are approved and deemed appropriate candidates, the applicants will receive a class date and will attend the Iraqi Police Academy for approximately four weeks,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, a squad leader with the 300th MPs.

After four weeks of training, the recruits will graduate and become members of the national police and be assigned a duty station in their home district.

“It’s good to see the local population wanting to step up and get involved, and it will help us get out of here faster for them to take the point,” said Staff Sgt. John Plossick, a squad leader with 4th Inf. Div.

For Miqdam Hasan Mihihsim, a member of the SOI from Shaab in the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, the reasons to become a national policeman are his family and his country.

“It’s an honorable job to serve our nation as an Iraqi, but the salary will also help me support my family and will guarantee my families future,” said Miqdam.

Today's Adventures

First up. Brunch with the class leader and his wife. Should be more of a good time, assuming they have recovered from Friday night.

Then it is off to the nearby national park with the doggies. I don't think the doggies have been to a national park yet. I am sure they have been looking forward to pooping and peeing in one for ages.

So just an average weekend of getting dressed up on Sunday morning and then changing for an afternoon of playing in the dirt.

Good News from Iraq: 24 Aug 2008

From MNF-I, 101st Soldiers unearth weapons caches in Salah ad Din.

SALAH AD DIN PROVINCE, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA), along with Iraqi Security Forces, discovered a series of major weapons caches in Salah ad Din province over the past several days.

Acting on tips from local citizens, soldiers found a bevy of serviceable weapons Northeast of Balad and Southwest of Samarra, which ranged from sniper’s rifles to highexplosive ordnance.

Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment were led to a weapons cache near Balad City on Aug. 19. The cache consisted of different sizes of mortar and artillery rounds, mines, rocket-propelled grenades and launchers, explosives and bomb making materials, a sniper rifle and anti-coalition propaganda. Three individuals were detained in connection with the sizable cache.

South of the city of Samarra, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 17th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, turned in a large cache consisting of 87 155 mm rounds and 30 68 mm rockets, along with explosives and other bomb-making materials.

Also on Aug. 19, Soldiers from the 1st Special Troops Battalion in ad Dwar were led to a cache site consisting of chemical suits, gloves, boots and masks. The cache also housed electronic materials used in the making of explosive detonation devices, along with over 885,000 Iraqi Dinar and $6,500 in U.S. currency.

“There is no doubt that the weapons found around the province in the last several days, were intended to be used in attacks against Iraqi and Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st Brigade Combat Team executive officer. “The people of Salah ad Din, are tired of the senseless bloodshed and are leading ISF and CF to more and more weapons caches in the region,” he said.

“Iraqis are seeing the Iraqi Security Forces as a more capable and professional force, leading people to put more faith in their ability to provide security from extremists who use fear, hatred, and violence to advance their cause,” said Hauerwas.

Reception AAR

Time for an after action review of yesterday's spouses luncheon and Blues Reception.

The luncheon is lovely. I meet some very nice ladies who came in for the yesterday's events. Food and conversation are good. One experienced wife suggests getting gel inserts for the dressy heels since we will be standing literally for hours.

The ladies in charge do an impromptu demonstration of the receiving line. The servicemember introduces himself and his wife to the adjutant, but does not shake his hand. The adjutant introduces the servicemember and wife to the general, who introduces his own wife. Now the demonstration had the general's wife introducing the servicemember and wife to the next party in the receiving line, and so on and so forth. No problem. They remind us that the receiving line is not the place for a lengthy conversation. I leave the luncheon confident I can handle the receiving line.

(On the way back to the hotel, I stop off at the grocery store for gel inserts. The store is incredibly busy for a Friday early afternoon. There is hardly any place to park, and the otherwise very nice C-ville drivers are now grouchy. The students are coming back fast and furious this weekend. School starts on Tuesday.)

Flash forward to the evening. After walking the doggies and hanging in the pool for an hour, I squeeze and jump and twist my way into my Spanx and reinjure my wrist hooking up the waistnipper. (Apparently, that dress-trying-on injury need more time to heal.) Hair coiffed, make-up set, I study my look in the full-length mirror. Something was missing so I grab some pearls, partially to cover the inadvertent necklace tanline that has been created over the last few weeks. Perfect. And we head out the door.

Then the fun begins. I sit down in the car and my breath catches. Ouch! The waistnipper starts digging into my fleshy ribs. As we make the short drive to the school, I grow increasingly concerned about us sitting through a long dinner. (Maybe a little pooch in the front of the dress would have gone completely unnoticed and I am wearing this crazy painful thing for nothing.) It seems we park as far away as possible from the door, so the gel cushions get an early test. And they completely fail. I grimace the whole way and wonder how I am going to stand for hours in these killer heels. Other thing I notice, the deep v-neck likes to become deeper and wider as I walk. I am not used to revealing this much cleavage. A tug on the left shoulder seems to help bring the material back together. A little. Oh boy, I should have put a safety pin in my clutch. This will make for an interesting evening if ol' lefty keeps trying to sneak out.

Luckily we are near the front of the line so I'm not in too much pain or too disrobed by the time I am shaking hands. I give a discreet, quick tug on the left shoulder of the dress before I turn to shake the general's hand. Of course, the receiving line doesn't actually happen the way the ladies lunching said it would. After the general's wife, I am on my own for introductions. Interesting though. The general is a talker and Jack Bauer gets held up in the line, but I just keep moving forward. It's not like I don't say anything other than "Hello, how do you do?" I just keep my chit-chat brief. Everyone is very gracious. At the very end of the line, there is a "girlfriend." I feel bad for her; no ring but still has to be in a receiving line, yikes.

All hands shook, I arrive at the end of the line and wait for Jack. Our photo is taken and then we are on to the rest of the reception up in the fifth floor hall, with each step becoming slower and more painful and me grumbling "I hate these shoes," all done with a smile, of course.

At the reception, some of the first people we chat with are Cool Wife and her husband. I have a small glass of punch in my left hand, which I am holding fairly close to my chest. Her husband points in that general direction and asks, "What's that?" I lean over to Cool Wife and ask if her husband is referring to my breasts or my drink.

I meet many of Jack's instructors, all seemingly very funny, or at least they think they are. For everyone being all dolled up, the evening is very relaxed. (Our law school had a big reception like this every year, and last night's event had the same feeling: a cool but dressy drinking-dining date.) We circulate about the room, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks, stopping at the tall bar tables long enough for me to get a sufficient break to shift some weight off of my feet if only for a few seconds. How could I have ever liked these shoes?

After the sun sets, we walk out on to the the balcony and enjoy the evening view and decidedly pleasant air and, ahhh, chairs. I give my feet a break but the waistnipper pokes back into my ribs. (I am really going to have to do something about this. The next fancy dress needs to be worn sans nipper.) Sitting down, the dress definitely wants to open wide in the front. I keep fidgeting with the left shoulder trying to discreetly wrangle ol' lefty back into a slightly more acceptable state of coverage. It is a losing battle.

With dinner reservations at 9 PM, we gather up the posse and turn to walk out when the general stops with one of our members, the class leader. First of all, what is the general still doing there? Second, why is he such a Chatty Cathy? And third, what's with the perfect timing of grabbing the class leader as we are heading out to our fancy dinner?

Dinner is at a local steakhouse with the class leader, his wife who flew in for the weekend, and Jack's platoon sergeant. Mrs. Class Leader is a riotous blend of southern graciousness, conservative politics, and beer. She and I hit it off perfectly. She even loves may snorty laugh. We talk so much over dinner, I can't even remember if the steak is good. Now the mashed potatoes are divine as is the creme brulee.

Dinner over, we get outside, and I can't stand it any longer: the shoes come off. By this time, the nipper, having been adjusted several times in the ladies' room, has folded itself over and is creating an unsightly pooch (hmmm, wasn't that the EXACT thing I was trying to hide with this hideous thing?)

Anyway, we get back to the hotel, change clothes, and meet up in the lobby for more gabbing. Mrs. Class Leader brings down some beers in her D&B tote. The news is on, covering the democratic VP pick. We talk and laugh (and I snort) until 1:30 AM. Neither Jack nor I can remember the last time we stayed up that late.

The night over, it was a successful evening. Especially since my left nipple never made an appearance.