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Email #1

Greetings,
I finally made it to Baghdad a couple of days ago. In typical "Chris" fashion, and although I was calling along the way, no one knew I was coming. I sat at the airport for a couple of hours, and finally caught a ride in a convoy for 2 Colonels coming back from R&R. Once I arrived, the job I was apparently coming here for, vanished... I am now part of the J8 and will be the budget execution officer. Fortunately for me, Captain Poblete (Hanscom ESC) is here as well.

Living Conditions:
I am currently in temporary lodging until a permanent spot opens up. My room is about half the size of the last cubicle I was in before I left.

It has a bunk bed (yes, I could potentially have a roommate), a night stand and a metal locker at the opposite end of the room. The only bathrooms to speak of near my room are the port-a-potties that I share with the TCNs who live in my building. The showers are shared with the TCNs as well, but I have found a loophole around that experience (I don't shower... Just kidding). I take my stuff to the gym in the compound where I work and shower there every morning. It is a pretty nice facility and very close to where I work.

The dining facility is more that a guy could ask for given the situation. The food is great and there is no shortage when it comes to portions. I am excited for Wednesday night when it will be surf and turf night. I have been told by many people that I need to make sure Wednesday is not one of my 2 half days off per week, specifically because of the meal. They also have a dessert station that resembles what you would find at a Cheesecake Factory. I have not taken advantage of the desserts because, as most of you know, I am trying to turn my body back into a temple. I still have a long way to go in that area as the foundation of the temple is all soft and squishy.

Kara just got back from North Dakota on the 3rd, so I'm sure she is going to be feeling pretty lonely and depressed. She was actually looking forward to getting back home just to sleep in her own bed again, but was not looking forward to being alone.

I do not have access to everyone's email here, so if I got one wrong or missed someone (i.e.- Captain DeReus) please let me know so I can be sure to include them in the future.


I guess that is all for now.

Take Care,

Chris

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