It was 4:30 am, and I suddenly jumped up from my bed with what I will describe as the urge to visit Mr. Commode. As in any emergency, I hurried to the facilities without giving any thought to my current living situation. Anyway…there I was, going about my business and then poof! The power went out. So, there I was, stuck in the stall…thinking that there was toilet water all over the floor and that I should not let anything fall; I decided to wait. While waiting I was thinking, “wow, what a way to start my birthday!” and almost instantly I broke out in the most solemn yet funny “happy birthday” song I have sang in my life. I could not help but to laugh and ask myself the question that has recently become a daily inquiry… “What the hell am I doing here and how did I get here?"I have to say that even though I miss my husband and my children incredibly, the rest of the day was not bad at all. I went to work and checked on the Iraqis and they are still doing—or not doing—the same thing. The still cannot answer any of my questions with a direct answer and they still think I can get them infinite amounts of office supplies, uniforms, and tools. I did not sit down to drink “chi” today though because I felt like since this is MY day, the only day I can call my own, I should not do things I do not want to do.
The Iraqis do not cease to amaze me neither does the naïve people that believe there has been a major cultural change in this country. I find it difficult to believe that notion after living amongst them for almost a year now. I am incredulous because I have watched an Iraqi officer show off a video of a woman being stoned by a group of people and then smile about it as if it was natural and good for her. I am skeptical because I learned of people that charged others to put in a “good word” for them along with an application to the Iraqi army—keep in mind you do not need to pay to join the army. I can go on and on but the list is truly remarkably long so I will filter them through several posts.
Overall, the day was pleasant even though there was no water for me to take a birthday shower and my dinner consisted on two grilled cheese sandwiches. The day could have been a lot worse and at least I had tons of family and friends remember my birthday and they wish me love, peace, and happiness. I wish the same to all of you that read this…peace…
