Off to the Sandbox!!

OK, so Texas huh? Well it was really beautiful flying over the desert and into El Paso! I really miss the desert, it made my heart swell just getting to see it again. But then everything kinda went downhill. We got to our building and found utter chaos! There are more people going through at a time than are supposed to be. We didn't have enough beds or wall lockers. The buildings are very old, dirty and dusty, and freaking cold!! Every morning we have had formation at like 4 in the morning and every night we don't even get done with training till like 9pm and we still have all kinds of crap to do before we sleep. A couple nights we didn't get to bed till 12:30 then awake at 4am. It sucks. We eat MRE's (meals ready to eat) almost every day, get little sleep, and it's been really cold so I'm getting sick. Oh and on top of that!? We got a whole bunch of shots the other day and they suck!! I got the Anthrax shot which really hurts and the flu mist which is helping make me sick. Worse than all the rest is the smallpox shot. From what I understand, it will blister and pus and leave a nasty little scar. I am not happy about that at all. I'm not really digging the whole 2 week blister thing and scars are definitely not my bag baby! Oh well, it's all in the name of war, HOOAH!
So enough whining, wanna hear the good news??!!! I know where I'm going and I don't think it will be too bad.It actually sounds like I may have it pretty darn good considering. We spoke to our 1SG and really grilled him on what to expect. We are going to Baghdad. This is good and bad. Good because it's a well built up area, bad because I think that's where the trials are going on for Saddam so it might get a little crazy. On the plus side our unit has already been in country for a little while so if I stay for the duration of my unit's 12 months then I should be back in the states for Christmas next year! What a great welcome home, huh? All the family is already getting together so it'll seem like everyone's in town to welcome me home, I'll feel so special! Let's see, what else? I should get a two man trailer with another female, so no tent city, yay!! Well, maybe my first couple days, but after that I'll have a real trailer. Oh, we get satellite television so I get to watch cartoons and you know that makes me so happy! One day a week we should get a casual day and we get to just hang out and wear civilian clothes. Once a month we get a steak and lobster dinner. And the best part??? Drumroll please......I get a cell phone with free incoming calls!!! It's a New York phone number so anyone can call me after their nighttime cell phone minutes start and it's totally free!! They give us the cell phones to stay in touch with each other but he said we could give the # to family and friends. Omigosh, I am so freaking happy about that you have no idea! I am completely addicted to my cell phone and now I don't have to completely cut the umbilical cord! I don't get to surf the internet on the new one and I probably can't send or receive texts but I GET A CELL PHONE!!! Ok, I'm done bragging now. Also, I found out that sometimes I may get to escort the international media and I think that's pretty darn cool. Especially if I end up going to school for broadcast journalism. Maybe I'll make some good contacts?
Well folks, the next time I write anything I'll be in Iraq so wish me luck and keep me in your prayers please. I have been really busy this week and will probably stay really busy for the beginning of my time over there so please don't worry if you don't here from me for a little bit ok? Matter of fact, I just found out...well I can't say what I just found out or I'd have to kill you all (hehehe) so I'll just say just expect to hear from me for a while after tomorrow. Well, after that latest announcement I have to go upstairs and take care of stuff so I bid you all goodnight! I just got out of my last bit of training and it's 9:55pm and I probably should sleep sometime between now and 4am tomorrow huh? Love, hugs, and kisses!! You know which one you get.