Are you guys still there?


Before you ask where I have been, let me first apologize for waiting so long to update this page. I have been too busy. And I still am, but I know I need to at least drop a few lines.

Most importantly, I am fine. Still counting down the days until I can leave this war zone. It seems like activities have picked up around here. We are constantly on alert and people are getting hurt. We are going through the month of Ramadan right now, which is a holy month for people of the Islamic faith. Its also a time when we expect for the level of violence, which it has. I will be so glad when I can pack up and leave. I know you are asking, why not just leave now. Well like I told my wife, if I left now, what would I do. The job market in NC is horrible and I am trying to build something, so I am going to have to stick it out. Its really not that bad where I am at. As I have said before, I feel safe about 90% of the time. But Baghdad in general is chaotic.

Enough sad of the sad stuff.

What have I been doing since august? Well me have been going through a major inventory for the entire country, and of course because of my position, I have been a focal point for the Baghdad area. It was rough. But its over now.

As you can see I really don’t have much to talk about.

All I have been doing is working. Get up, come to work, go home, go to sleep. Everyday.

I celebrated my 31st birthday on Oct 4th. My coworkers went out and got me a cake and a couple of cards. It was really nice. I have to say that I work with some good people.

In the news.

Its election time back home, and before you ask, no, I didn’t vote. I wanted to, but I kept putting off requesting my absentee ballot. If I was home I would have voted for ********** ( this is not a political forum!!!). Its gonna be interesting to see how the world changes based on the outcome of the election. Everybody is watching out for voting irregularities. That whole Florida thing was a mess the last time. I doubt anything like that will happen again. Too many people are expecting it. I juts hope that everyone that wants to vote will have a chance to exercise their right.

The rainy season started today over here. I am basing that on the fact that it’s been raining all damn day long. Now I am waiting for some decent weather over here. 2 weeks ago it was like 1000 degrees outside, now its cold and rainy…and muddy. Man its so muddy over here, my boots look like something out of child’s diaper (ewwwww).


What else is going on…….really nothing


I will be home for Christmas. I really should be getting ready to come now. It has been almost 4 months since my last R&R, but I just have to be home with my family. When this R&R is over, I will only have about 2 ½ months left here. I was thinking about extending until May, but I don’t know now. I am ready to come home.

This is a short post. I am trying to get back into the swing of this. I hate it took me this long to update this thing. Thank you guys for hanging in there with me.

I have 144 days to go on my 12 month contract. Time is flying.

So in closing……

Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

How long were yall gonna let me go without updating this thing???

Its August 29, 2004, and I haven’t update this page in almost a month. August has been a busy month for me. We had a major audit around the middle of the month. We passed…….

I cant continue. I am a little upset right about now. One of my workers, Mark, was fired today. I didn’t fire him, but I did have to write him up twice, which is what I think was the final straw. This little guy was determined to get transferred to another department. I asked him several times what is so bad about working in our department. He would never tell me. I guess it was me, but I never bothered him. I did my work and he did his. We never had any problems.

I know for a fact that my coworkers didn’t like him. They said he was sneaky and greedy and untrustworthy. Well I guess I had blinders on because I didn’t see it.

He came in late on Friday. He was supposed to show up at 7am, but didn’t get in until 10am. When I asked him why he was late, his excuse was that he was in his room thinking about transferring. That pissed me off. So I had to document that. The other write up was because he was going around to different departments asking to be transferred. I explained to him that he cannot get transferred until he finishes his initial contract. No one can. But he persisted. He pissed off a lot of other managers, and I was the one getting an ass-chewing because of him. Well enough was enough. I gave him two counseling statements, one for being late, one for violation of department policies. I told him his work was fine but he has a job to do and he has to be here to do it. What I didn’t know is that he attempted to get one of the HR managers written up because she wouldn’t grant him a transfer.

DUMBASS

I feel bad. Not for him, because I told him on several occasions to chill out with his job hunting because he was doing it all wrong. I know people search for other jobs. Hell, I did it myself. But you have to have some type of secrecy about it. He was letting everybody know he wanted to be transferred. I feel bad for his family back in the Philippines. The reason why he was here. To support them. I know it will be hard to rebound from that.


Well, I am still moving up that ladder. My department has grown from 2 to 6. we are getting ready to move to another building where I will be getting an office. It feels funny being in charge. I used to always here in the military, “Rank has its Privileges.” Well rank also has its damn headaches. I sometime feel like I am the point of contact for this whole department. But with all the stress and headaches, my days are still flying by.

TODAY IN IRAQ

Things have calmed down in Najaf. That place was off the hook for as minute. Al Sadr is a complete idiot. This guys raises up his head every few months and starts talking shit. We slap the hell out of him and then he goes back down. Maybe this time he will chill for good, but it took the Grand Pubah of the Shiites to get him to calm down. So what does that say about the new government? I wonder how these January elections will turn out.

Let me tell you what happened the other night. I got a satellite in my room, so now I can watch the news and keep up with current events. Well all of a sudden…BOOOM…..what the hell?!?!?!

I get up and go out side. The sky is lit up with tracer bullets. It looked like WWIII. I quickly slapped on my helmet and vest. But my dumb ass stayed out side. So there I am on my doorstep with a tanktop tshirt, boxers, a 70lbs bullet-proof vest and a helmet. I must have looked like a fool. Then it hit me…no..not a bullet. I turned the tv to cnn.

IRAQI SOCCER TEAM WINS OLYMPIC MATCH


These fools are shooting up in the air. Well, what goes up must come down. I get back in the bed, vest, helmet, t-shirt and drawls. I eventually took it off. I am sure you are laughing, but you can kiss my assets. Those tin roof trailers aint gonna stop nothing but a warm breeze.

Speaking of warm breeze, it is still hot. 113 today. I finally figured out how to describe the temperature here. When you get a chance, take a hair dryer and put it on high heat. Then point it to your face. Pick up a hand full of dirt and throw it in your face. Close your eyes….WELCOME TO IRAQ.

I am going to post another picture on my webpage. This is a picture my team took about a week ago. 90% of the folk in the picture and the names of the folks not pictures, I trained. I have been busy. The itty-bitty guy next to me with the hat on, is the guy that got the dusty boot to butt today. I will miss him.

Well its 9pm. Time to go home. Yall hit me on the email please. I am getting lonely out here again.

THANKS FOR THE REMINDER, THERESA!!!

So take care of yourselves and each other.

In closing………

Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

I always try to open up with some type of clever saying, but I got a lot to post, so let’s get to it.

First of all I am back in Baghdad. Back in the heat. It is 113 out there now and its 930pm.

But you guys want to know about the time between this post and my last post, right??

Let’s start with

Monday July5th:

I get up that morning all packed and ready to go. I get to the terminal at about 9am. One bag contained my DVD’s (never leave home without them), my CD player, important papers and my Iraqi cell phone. In my other bag I had souvenirs (including two desert hats for my daughters with their names embroidered on them), my clothes, my palm pilot with all my folks contact info, my US cell phone, the chargers for both cell phones and my toiletry items. Now you may be asking yourself why am I giving you an itemized breakdown of the contents. I will get to that.

I get manifested on a particular military flight and was told the flight would be leaving in about 90min. I was also told to that I was only allowed 1 carry-on, so I had them place my bag with the clothes, etc on a pallet. I then go and sit in the devil’s asshole..i am sorry, I mean the un-air conditioned tent that already had about 200 soldiers sweating in there. I joined them. Eventually the devil pooted and there was nice breeze that floated around. Maybe somebody realized that it was 290 degrees in there and turned the air on.

The 90minute wait went way past 2hours, so I go back to the desk where I checked in out. Low and behold Glade 75 (my flight identifier) is having maintenance problems and they had no clue when they would be resolved. Here is a brief transcript of the conversation that took place afterwards:

Cool richcamp1973:
“If the plane is delayed, can we get on another plane since they all go to the same place?”

Terminal Employee:
“No sir. You cant change planes. We have you on this flight. When the plane is fixed we will let you know”

Cool richcamp1973:
“What if it never gets fixed? Do we just sit here and wait?”

Terminal Employee:
“They will eventually get it fixed and you will be on your way”

No-so-Cool richcamp1973:
“EVENTUALLY!?!?....whatever….what about my bag can I get that off the pallet in case I decide to walk to Kuwait?”

Terminal Employee:
“Your luggage is already in Kuwait”

Warm richcamp1973:
“!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?......What the hell do you mean my luggage is in Kuwait?

Terminal Employee:
“When Glade 75 got delayed due to maintenance, we put the pallet containing the luggage on the next available flight so it will be waiting for you when you get to Kuwait”

Heated richcamp1973:
“If you put my luggage on that flight, why couldn’t you put my ass on that same flight?

Terminal Employee:
“The flight was full”

After I choked the sh*t out of him (not really, but the situation warranted it), I went back to Rectum de Diablo.

Eventually (4hours later) they got us on a flight. As we are lining up to WALK to the airplane……BOOOM….BOOOM…sirens wailing…2 mortars hit near the airfield. I am not phased. I am just ready to go.

I get on the plane with about 60 of our troops. Well in case I haven’t mentioned it before, it is slightly warm here in Iraq. Well the plane didn’t move for 45min and there was NO type of air in that plane. Earlier, I referenced the temperature of the tent I was in being the equivalent to the devil’s asshole. Well if I had to give an analogy of the temperature on that plane, I would have to equate it to…sitting on the sun, wearing a wool sweater and corduroy pants and 6 pair of socks. I have never sweated that hard before. Now along with my sweat there is the sweat of the troops.

60 FLAVORS OF FUNK.. mmmmm tasty
That plane STUNK


Finally we take off…the decide to turn the air on and 60min later, I am finally out of Iraq. I get to Kuwait and I immediately call Derrick so he can come and get me away from these crazy folks before I become an insurgent. But as soon as I get off the phone, I realize I need to retrieve my luggage. Now I see the first of many dumb looks.

Have you ever been around a small child and tried to get them to laugh, and they look at you like you are retarded? My daughter amber does that to people a lot. Well that’s what happened every time I mentioned my bag to the entire country of Kuwait. No one had a clue about it. Without dwelling too hard on it, I spent the next 36 hours looking for my bag.

I finally hooked up with Derrick. He came and picked me up from Kuwait’s airport. Kuwait is not a big country. At all, but it felt good to ride around without fear of being sniped or ambushed. We finally went to sleep at about 2am

Tuesday

5am-up and at em.

Being without clothes, I had to borrow a few key items to maintain my level of cleanliness. So, it’s t-shirts and jeans for me. 30min later we are on the bus to go to his job.

I hate to talk about people’s shoes, especially since that is one of my weaker areas of the fashion world, but I saw a man with shoes that looked like chewed bubblegum every time he took a step. This man was actually walking on the sides of shoes. It was funny to see.

I also met two guys that worked for Derrick. Jack and Legi…I guess that how to spell their names. These guys are from India or somewhere like that, but check this out. They eat with their fingers. Not like how we eat pizza or fried chicken, these guys were eating rice and something that looked like stewed beef….WITH THEIR FINGERS!!!!

Oh god that looked gross. But they didn’t make a mess, other than the slobbery mess on their fingertips. I was actually impressed.

****SLEEP BREAK WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW******

OK..tomorrow turned in to 2 days, but I am back now…

I spent the majority of my day looking for my luggage. No one had a clue. It was like the thing vanished into thin air. I got those stupid looks all day long. I see now why there’s crime. I bet all those guys in jail lost their luggage at some point and when they go ask for help they get some person looking at them like it’s not their responsibility to find your luggage.

I was even told that I shouldn’t have put my luggage on the pallet.

NO SHIT

But how in the f*** is that going to help me now, you f***ing turd!?!?!?!

SOMEBODY GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!

I eventually calm down, accepted my losses and went to the barbershop and got “clean” for my trip home.

My plane rides across the seas were pretty uneventful. I almost got into an altercation on the plane from Kuwait though. This guy got pissed at me because I had my arm on the arm rest. Here is the conversation that took place:

Candidate-for-beat-down: “Sir, Can you stay on your side of the arm rest”….(the arm rest is all of about 3” wide)

Far-from-Cool richcamp1973: “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”

Candidate-for-beat-down: “I need space and you are on my side”

Future-inmate-Cool richcamp1973: “Dude, you better leave me alone before I slap you”

He obviously didn’t know about the day I had, but he almost got elected to the office of President of the Boot-in-Ass Club

I have never seen a grown man pout. He pouted for 5hours. I slept.

We land in Frankfurt and because I was still with Derrick for the next 4 hours, we decide to see a little bit of the city. That’s when I got my first drink. Bacardi and coke from a convenience store. It went straight to my head and for the first time, I smile.

Frankfurt is nice, but I saw something I had never seen before. These bums were on the street shooting up. Actual public drug use. What the f….

5 hours in Frankfurt and I am finally ready to travel to the Home of Brave. Now being over here in a foreign land, I am use to people of different cultures that don’t practice the Western custom of the deodorant arts. And I have grown quite accustomed to the pungent odors produced. But you wouldn’t expect that from Americans.

There was a young lady from Pennsylvania on her way home from Ghana seated next to me. Now this was a white chick and she spoke with no type of accent to indicate she was anything but American. But if I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, I would have thought I was sitting next to a warm cup of garbage juice….(thanks VI)

She smelled like Bin Laden Toe Cheese. Like Saddam probably smelt when they yanked his ass up out of that hole. Like….dammit… she smelled

The poor parents of that child probably choked when she ran up to them. Damn..

But I cant hate on her that much. She was the first person to welcome me home. And I will tell you, I don’t care how much trash people talk about this country, after spending time in a dangerous place where you KNOW people are trying to kill you, you will be thankful to touch down in a “safe” place.

The flight to Raleigh was short. I had never been that happy to land at that airport. I come down the escalator and all of sudden I hear a piercing scream and everybody in the waiting area (including me) jumped. My wife showed out!!! She came running up to me and holding Amber and Ashley was clinging to my leg. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cry. I missed those crazy ladies. Amber would not smile…AT ALL. She just kept looking at me like she was saying, “I know I recognize you, but I am not showing you any love just yet.” Eventually she warmed up to me, but I had to feed her greedy butt first.

I wanted my first meal back home to be exquisite…something fancy…so we go to……IHOP!!!!

Since I had to help my wife find the car, everything was closed once we left the airport , so waffles for everybody!!!

It felt good to sleep in my own bed, after sleeping on the hard hotel mattress in Houston, the cot that felt like plywood and my coworker’s bed that was shaped like the letter U. I slept like a baby. It also felt good not having to worry about mortars falling on your head also.

The next day, I went to MCI. The first person I saw was my old manager, who looked considerably smaller since the last time I saw her. I guess it must be the fact she is no longer pregnant!!! Everybody showed me a lot of love and it felt good being there. I realized how much I cared for you crazy folks up there. Every one was telling me about how they follow my page and I was grateful..and still grateful.

People also kept saying how much weight I have lost. I couldn’t tell, but based on how folks were going on and on about it, I must have been huge, but thanks for the compliments guys.

The next day was uneventful. The family went up to my wife’s job and I got pretty much the same response, but this was from people I didn’t know.

Saturday

Today was picture day..the very reason I was home. Our church was taking family photos for the directory, so we get all pretty to take pictures. My plan was to have a family photo, one of me and the wife, one of the girls and then individual photos of the kids separate. Well guess who cried the WHOLE time…You guessed it…AMBER!!!

She was fine in the family photo (other than the fact she wont smile….for anyone), but when it came time for her parents to sit her down for her photo… AAAAUUUGGGGHHH. I said the hell with it. So we just got the family ones. When the Olan Mills guy told us the price I nearly fell out my chair. $400.00…for damn pictures!!!! Now I am making a little bit more change now, but I am NOT about to spend that kind of money on pictures. I got him down to $150, and I was still mad about that. I am going back to JCPenny.

The next day was beach day. I wanted to leave for the beach around 3pm, but my wife is chronologically-challenged.

She is ALWAYS late. She was late for our first date.

For our first date, we agreed to meet at 8pm. 945 she shows up. The ONLY reason I was still at our pre-determined meeting place was that I couldn’t get in contact with any of the other ladies that had my interest at that time. But it turned out to be worth the wait. But it wasn’t the only time she had me wait. But that’s another blog.

7pm we finally get on the road. We had a nice time at the beach. I found out my children are afraid of the water, just like their father. I used to be terrified of water. Ashley made up her mind that she did not want to go back to the beach…ever

Let me see…what else happened down there…..

Played the lottery…I was trying to find any and everyway not to come back over here.

Oh..i made an observation while I was there.

LADIES….if you put on a bikini and you look down and you cant see the bottoms due to a large gut in the way, go back and get the one piece. Now I am in no way in perfect shape and I know some people are not ashamed of their bodies, but if you pick up a bathing suit that looks like two bandaids held together by dental floss and you look like you can ……

oh nevermind..wear what you want.

Those ladies at the beach sure did. I tried not to gag in their face. Leave something to the imagination..unless of course you are Janet, Beyonce, or Vivica

We leave the beach on Wednesday. And the rest of my days were pretty boring. Briefly hung out with some more MCI folks on Friday. Also went to see Fahrenheit 911. VERY GOOD. I am not political, but based on that movie, there is no way I would vote for Bush. I wont go into details, but I HIGHLY recommend it.

****SLEEP BREAK WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW

OK…tomorrow turned in to 3 days. As you can tell I back in to the swing of things back here. My posts get further apart. But anyway, back to my R&R

I pretty much rested on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, I cooked on the grill, drank, and watched the kids play. I also packed my bags. My, how time flies when you are home.

Monday, I get the kids ready for school and take a few pictures, drop some tears and wait. I was sad all day, and believe it or not, I was ready to go. I thought about “missing” my flight, but why prolong the inevitable? I knew I had to come back, there was no way around it. And I was starting to get used to being home. I know this may sound selfish, but I kinda liked the fact that people missed me. I guess that is form of caring, and it was no secret that folks were glad to see me home, but it was time for me get back over here. The quicker I get back the quicker this year will go by.

I get to airport and I had planned to call my mother and my wife to let them know I was leaving, but I get to the gate with about 20minutes left to board. I reach into my pocket to scrape up some change and all I pull out is foreign currency. My lovely wife took my change to put in her ash tray, so I couldn’t call.

I get on the plane and I am seated next to some of Clay Aiken’s fans. So the whole flight to philly I had to hear about how excited they were about Clay’s tour and how they cant wait to see him.

*DAMN*
Ruben won the competition but you never hear anything about him. Clay Clay Clay. Who cares?

I have a little longer layover in philly, so I call my grandmother (my dad is from philly and all my family on his side is still up there). She was worried about me and probably still is. So I had to put her mind at ease and let her know its not as bad as what you see on the tv.

I wish I could tell you about the flight to Germany, but I was knocked out. The movie they showed was Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. I was NOT about to sit up for that.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

As soon as I land in Germany, guess who I run into? DERRICK!!!

Now don’t go thinking that was some incredible coincidence. We planned it, so I wouldn’t have to sit in that airport for 7hours with nothing to do. We get back on the same train to see more of Frankfurt. It was COLD and Rainy there. Now cold was a sensation I am no longer familiar with, but it was pretty chilly there.

Nothing much happened after that. I get on the plane to fly to Kuwait and I am back in the land of heat. It was 103 when we landed..at 830pm!!! And I felt like I was home.

They took us to Camp Doha, which is a big military post in Kuwait. Now after the wonderful accommodations I had become used to while home, they put us up in a damn warehouse!!! With steel bunkbeds!!! I was so miserable. The dining facility was horrible and we had to pay for the food (Which is not the norm..we eat for free).

I was READY to get to Baghdad.

I stayed in Kuwait for 2 days. I finally flew out of that sh*t hole on Thursday. So where do you think they flew us next….give up?

DUBAI.

Now for those of you new to my page you don’t know this but when I left from Houston, we flew to Dubai. Now I have heard that Dubai is the Manhattan of the middle east. I didn’t get to see any of it while I was there the first time, so I am thinking that I would get to see it.

NOPE
We had to leave the hotel at 4am.

THE HOTEL

This was the most luxurious hotel I have EVER stayed in. It was call the Al Bustana or something like that, but this place was nice. Marble floors, a lady playing a grand piano in the lobby, waterfalls out front. It was incredible, but I only got to stay there about 10 hours. The next morning we get on the plane for Baghdad and I am SOOOOO ready to get back. Have you ever heard of anyone aching to get to Iraq? Well I was. I was ready to get to my room and my bed and relax. The landing was the same.

Circle…circle….circle…land

I got some pretty cool pics while circling, but I cant post those (Security and all that)

I finally get to my room and its just like I left it and I kick my shoes off and go to sleep…


Well that was my R&R. It only took me 5 days to document it. So what has been going on since I have been back? Nothing.

Work work work

I appreciate all of you guys that are still reading. I will keep writing. I hated to leave but yall need me here. To report what is really going on. You need a guy on the front lines, giving you the scoop. A guy with his nose in the dirt, going that extra mile to deliver that story. A guy willing to sacrifice life and limb to inform you about the real Iraq. Well that guy aint me!!!. I am back here at my little office job. Mortars are still going off and those same idiots are trying to hit us.

But I will continue to provide commentary on the situation over here and let you guys know what I can.

I would like to know who’s still reading, so, if you don’t mind, drop me a quick comment with your name (first is fine) and spread the word around to your people.

Anyways…be good to yourself and each other

Let me see if I still remember how to do this


In closing (back in the sand again)……….

Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

LAST POST IN IRAQ

I just wanted to drop a quick update. I leave out in the morning. I want to thank yall who have hung in here with me on these first 4 months of my trip. I got 8 more to go on my journey. So much has happened, so much more to come. In these first four months, i have seen a lot of violence, had a lot of fun and laughs. I have been thrusted into a supervisor role with little experience in my field, but i stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun.

And you have been there supporting me.

Thanks

I hope i can see and hug each of you by the end of this week. My plan is to be at MCI on thursday, so make sure all of you are there. For those family and friends not at MCI, hit me at the crib or email me at rcnbc@nc.rr.com

Thats all for now.

Time to go to bed

IN CLOSING........(from Baghdad!!!!)

Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

Here we are again…

Yall.. I have almost completed the first leg of my race. My first R&R, and boy has it been an interesting journey. I have 4 days left in Iraq. Leaving on Monday. Coming to the house. seeing my family and friends. Drinking. Basic necessities of Rest and Relaxation.

So, what can I talk about this time?

Imagine my, along with a lot of other people’s surprise, when they handed the government over to the Iraqis 2 days early. We have been in our PPE (personal protective equipment – helmets and vest) for the past 3 days. This shit is heavy!!! Imagine walking around, in the desert, triple digit temperatures, with two 25lbs plates attached to your shoulder, covering your chest and your back. Did I mention how hot it is? The plates are about 12” wide and 18” long. That’s about the size of a manila folder. If you have access to one, place one on your stomach. Doesn’t cover much area does it. It works out perfectly if you have a chest 12” wide. How many people do you know with a 12” chest. I think my youngest daughter, Amber has one. She is 1, so it wouldn’t work for my oldest daughter who is 3. Sorry, Ash.

I got off on a tangent again. Let me get back to what I was saying. The Iraqi government is now in charge. So where does that leave me and KBR and the military? Right the hell where we are now. The Iraqi government is not going to let us go anywhere. This place will go into civil war. At least with us, they have a common enemy. The American Infidels!!! It trips me out to read Aljazeera’s website (which I think everyone should – very informative), they always refer to us as the occupation forces, which we are, but I think it may be an insult, in some sort of veiled way. I like aljazeera though. They give an alternative view to CNN. So I read both websites about the same story and I get 2 different points of view. One thing I haven’t understood is why they hate us so much. We took Saddam’s boot off their throats and now they want to chop the foot off that in the boot. I don’t get it.

So, today, we got hit. Now normally I don’t talk to you guys about that, but since the shit is all over the news, I guess it would be ok. Click HERE or HERE . That’s how my morning started. Smoke was everywhere. Now how close was I to the actual location? Less than a mile, but that’s only part of the story. Insurgents are trying to climb the wall. We hear small arms fire all the time now. Where is the logic? If I am mad at someone, and the only thing I can get my hands on to fight is a hand full skin and they have f**king tanks (Several), why continue to fight? Give up, get a job and start (or maintain) a family.

Idiots.

Let me go back to PPE. KBR ensures all employees have this. But we have several thousand subcontractors from the Phillipines here with us. They have nothing, because the company they work for, Prime Projects International, refuses to purchase them. So picture 800 workers walking around you with a Kevlar helmet and bullet proof vest and the only thing you have for protection a broom…or a mop, or something. Those guys have nothing. Here we are sitting up here in full battle gear and the PPI employees have nothing. That would bother me. But on the other hand, compared to the average salary in the Phillipines, they are making about 12 times their salary, at about $650/month. That is a poor country. Mark is from the Phillipines, and I have to look at him with nothing on. But then I also realize that they were informed of the dangers of this area, and they volunteered to come. We are all taking on some form of risk. As one of my coworkers says, “everyman for himself, God for us all”

I am out of stuff to talk about.

I cant promise you guys that I will post again before leaving. I may post some while I am home, that if I can get my computer fixed. My brother-in-law has f**ked it up, so I have to put on my technician’s hat when I get home. If I feel like it, I will post. But really, the people that read, I will see you when I get home.

Well I am through. I will see you guys in a few days. Pray for a safe flight for me.


In closing…..

Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

Do you ever wonder what makes a man leave his family, wife, 2 beautiful kids, nice house, and a decent paying job to travel across the globe to land where he could be killed in the blink of an eye?

Money.

Money is the root of all evil. Or so they say, but money makes the world go around. Not people, not love. Money.

Money is the reason for everything. Why do you work? So you can afford to buy things that you want. What can you get in this world that doesn’t revolve around money? Nothing but I quick trip to the grave.

So that’s why I am here. For money,and the longer I stay, the more I make. But I am not obsessed with money. I just want to make enough so that I can climb out of the financial slump that all of us go through at some time or another.

So why am I saying all this? Shit if I know. I feel bad for not writing in such a long while. I need to add some type of commentary to this page. I also need to drum up business. I don’t think my loyal fans are still behind me on this page. I need to hear from yall. I need to know that yall are still reading. I need to know that yall are sticking with me through this..I need…I need..I NEED A DAMN DRINK!!!!!

I AM COMING HOME ! ! ! ! ! ! !

What is the happiest you have ever been? Well multiply that by about 40. That’s how excited I am about my first Rest and Relaxation trip. I am leaving this war zone in 16days. That is 384 hours; 23,040 minutes. And by the time I finish this post it will be 23, 020 minutes.

Ok here’s the deal. My last official working day is July 3rd . I am off on July 4th.. (Independence day….freedom…liberty…you get the idea). Then I fly down to Kuwait on the 5th. I will get to hang out with my boy Derrick. 2days in Kuwait, and then ….*insert your favorite airplane sound here*

RDU here I come.

But we can talk about that later.

Today in Iraq….

Car bombings…car bombings…car bombings.

Ok, let me see if I understand things. First we come over here and kick the shit out of the Republican guard. They scatter. They gather up some outdated (but effective) left over weapons. They continuously try to hit something inside the gate. They are successful about 3% of the time. Well not even that good. Maybe 0.3%. So they decide that harming the US troops isn’t enough, so they target us. Government Contractors. They constantly attack the convoys. And now, they resort to killing innocent civilians. Where is the logic? I cant kill the American infidels so I will destroy Fatima, and Mustafa and their store to show the American People our strength.

What the f***

It seems to me if you go out and get a job, leave the bombs alone, that you may be able to benefit in what is going on over here. The ONLY thing preventing this country from being prosperous are those damn insurgents. The only things you hear about are bombing and mortars and death. Take that out of the picture and CNN will have to go back to reporting on the presidential race. This is probably a beautiful country to tour, but we cant go anywhere because somebody out there wants to kill me. Damn. But it wont last for ever. Once things calm down, and security is tightened, this place will grow. Just like Kuwait. The Kuwaiti dinar is worth over 3 times the US dollar. The Iraqu Dinar will get there also.

Ok enough about that.

Let me look at my check list and see what I need to discuss.

First thing. There was some one named Elizabeth who left some nice comments for me on my last post, but I would like an email address so I can correspond. So hit me up at richcamp1973@hotmail.com

June 30 is coming. We are going to be on lockdown. For those of you that don’t know, June 30th is the day we give power back to the Iraqis. Some think that all hell will break loose on that day. They are opening up this road in front of our camp. They got thick concrete wall surrounding us now. They will probably try to find someway to scale the wall. Oh well.

What else?

I got my own room now. I was staying with this Hispanic guy, but now I got my own crib. And when I first moved in..it was filthy. Man it was gross. I had to do some serious cleaning. No sheets. Cold water. And one electrical outlet. ONE!!!! What the hell. I need about 3-4. I bought a tv..21” screen for $145. Had to get that. But I don’t have anything to put it on other than itty bitty dresser they put in the room. That dresser is about the size of 3 lunch boxes. And my ghetto-ass puts a big tv on top of it and since I only have one electrical outlet, the tv sits about 3feet in front me. Maybe I will take a picture of it and post it. I had to buy a rug cause I aint one for walking around on a cold floor. I guess I am spoiled. But the rug only covers less than half the room. So I need about 3 more.

But I am not complaining. I like my privacy. I can walk around butt-naked with one sock on and nobody can say a damn word to me.

Man I cant wait to come home. I can get a drink. I get to see my wife and kids (amber can say da-da now. It sounds so cute)

My only dilemma now is what do with my time. Certain things are obvious. But what else. MCI…. I will be there on the 8th..PROMISE. Feel free to have another potluck. Camille, get the crew together, cause we going out. But not to Bahama Breeze..Yall tend to get booted quite frequently from there.

What else can I talk about?

Nothing..i am going to bed. Actually I am going to go clean up my room, take some pics so I can post them tomorrow (don’t hold me to that do..may take a few days)…and I will probably watch Rocky II. I watched the first one last night and this morning. I purchased all 5 Rocky movies for $5. that’s a dollar each. Gotta love the bootlegs.

Well its 10pm, I am sleepy and Balboa is calling me

So take care of yourselves and each other. I will post at least once more before the big day.

If you are reading this, tell EVERYBODY you know to read also. Maybe when this is all said and done, I will be able to make a movie about this.

As always……


Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! CHECK THE PICS BELOW
http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

Time is on my side…yes it is…..

Tick tock tick tock….time is flying by

Ok..today is June 7, 2004, I am about 1month away from that big plane ride to crib.

Let me tell you about a reality check. Things have been very quiet around here lately. When I say quiet, I mean no violence in or out. Well that all came to a halt. I was sitting here at my desk this morning, when suddenly, I heard it. BOOOOOM, really low sound but the building shook. I knew it wasn’t outgoing fire. Then about 5min after that, same thing again. 2 mortars hit about 100yrds from me. I went out side and saw the dust clouds in the air. Nothing was hit, but they got damn close. About an hour later, same thing again. So this place is still not stable and they are still trying to take me out of the picture. But I wont let em. I got to get home to my babies.

Airline prices are ridiculous, its going to cost me about $1500-$2000 to come home.. I need to walk. But I don’t care if it was $20,000, I am coming home. The company contributes $850 to the cost, but that aint much.

I have to apologize to my loyal readers out there, I went on a rant on my lst post about MCI. That had nothing to do with me being over here. I was upset, and I took my frustration out on my page. Wont let it happen again. By the way, I am glad you guys that weren’t affected still are employed, but if you were unfortunate and got laid off, and you want to eat sand, sleep on cots, and dodge mortars, give me a shout. I may be able to get you a job at the beach (minus the water)

Ok…when I get home I don’t want to hear anybody bitching about the temperature. Yall do not know what hot is. Man it was so hot today. Its still hot. And its 9:30pm. Its probably still over 100…we got up to 115 today. Have you ever been so hot that you cant open your eyes…so hot that your hair burns. Man it is sooooo hot…

I think you get the picture.

I long time ago I gave you guys an investment idea..Iraqi Dinars. Let me explain the deal about the dinars. That is the unit of currency here and right now 1 dinar can probably buy about half of a broken peanut shell, so people are buying them up like crazy. I got a little bit. People are hoping that it will get up to the value it was before the first gulf war which is 3x the US dollar. So you take a small risk with hopes of increasing your money exponentially. So like I said, check it out. There are different sites out there were you can buy online.

Now what does that have to do with me being over here? Well I’ll tell you. Me and boy Derrick (Thanks for the hookup bro!!!) are not staying over here if it gets up to where it once was. I came over here to make money and I do it the quick way then I am out. They can have all this heat and sand and f-ing flies and heat and camel spider and heat and mortars and heat…and did I mention the heat? It is SOOOOOO hot…. damn!!!
Now what has been going over here. Well they are trying to get ready for the big turn over on June 30th. Power shifting back to the Iraqis. I know shit is going flare up once that happens…we will probably be in our helmets and vest constantly.

People are still getting hurt right here at my camp. A couple of soldiers got hurt yesterday. A damn mortar hit a shower unit and they were in. DAMN…everybody in this world has the same basic goals, a better life for either themselves or their family. We all just want to do our job and get back home safely. I really don’t understand what could piss somebody off so much that they have to try to take a life. And yall its not like what you saw on CNN. Fighting like that does happen anymore. Its just these insurgents that feel like they can disrupt things by shooting shit over the walls at us. Or placing IED’s (improvised explosive device) on the street or in roadkill…yes ROADKILL…People are still getting hurt…I saw and heard small arms fire a couple of night ago. Are camp is right across the street from a village. I have been right next to it, seen Iraqis standing on rooftops. I should take pictures of them, but you don’t go up and kick a bull in the nuts if you aint got nothing to fight him with except a couple pecan brown fist. So I keep my head down and drive about 90mph away from them. We have Iraqis working here on base. I wave at all of them. I am trying to let them know that I appreciate them not coming over here to blow me up.

What else can I talk about, besides me coming home?

*whistling*

Oh yeah….I am constantly upgrading my musical entertainment. I have reached the spot I want to be. I found a link to WBLS out of NYC and I listen to them all day. I am so happy because now I wont be behind in the music when I get home. That was a big concern for me. When I was in the AirForce, stationed in North Dakota, I was clueless to the music scene for minute. North Dakota didn’t really cater to the “urban” music listener. So now I can keep up.

Did I mention how hot it is?

Well its late, and I am sleepy. Yall don’t forget to leave me comments. I do check them and check out the counter at the bottom…don’t let the # fool you I started the count at 1973, but I am still happy with the count. Tell your family and friends to check it out also. I will be taking more pictures to add to the other page also. I am going to get some pics of the blown up shit around here. Its everywhere.

Well that’s all for now..Yall try to stay cool..i cant

In closing…..



Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM

Bow wow wow, yippee yo yippee yay.. Iraqi Ricky's in the hizzouse!!!

I hope yall are doing well. I am in an usually good mood this evening. As you have probably noticed, I am trying to update you guys a little more regular.

So why am I in a good mood? Hell if I know, maybe because of the sandstorm that just blew through and I got to taste the land of Iraq for the 7,654th time. Maybe because I just got an email from my boy Fuzzy telling me that he would have an ice cold 40oz of St. Ides waiting for me when I get home? Keep it cold for me dude, cause it wont be long.!!!

Quick shout out to my cousin CHunter..I got your msg cuz..Keep reading. I am home in July. We will hook up.

Not too much to talk about this go-round. My employee Mark got into a physical confrontation with another employee from the Phillipines. So I had to deal with that the past couple of days. I don’t even know what to else to say about that, other than somebody is going home a little early.

This has been a normal week, except for the incoming rounds I heard when coming from dinner this evening. All of that stuff is just becoming a blur. I am used to it now, I don’t even think about it that much anymore. BOOM BOOM BOOM…I wonder what got hit? Nothing? F-ing idiots..and then I move on with my day.

SPECIAL CONGRATS GOES TO THE SCOTT FAMILY. JScott finally squeezed out that pretty little girl. For those of you that haven’t seen the pics, little Kayla is beautiful. Cant wait to see her.

Speaking of my former co-workers at MCI , I keep hearing about more layoffs. What the hell?? I thought all that was over with. For 4 years they have been cutting jobs and ruining lives. When is enough going to be enough. You got these corporate a-holes that are looking at a spreadsheet, saying where they can trim operational cost. If they fired a couple of those bastards making about 500,000/yr, think about how many jobs that would save. MCI…you are destroying the faith of the people that have stuck with you through the difficult times. They don’t feel appreciated, they feel abused and f-ed over. I know that business needs come first, but you cant keep destroying people’s lives like this. Enough is enough. So if I have ruffled some feathers by my remarks, then that’s just too bad. Normally I would keep my remarks to myself, but I know its something that needs to be said. The CEO is probably still giving speeches about “YES WE CAN and YES WE DID” No the hell you didn’t. Its still the same. I aint there but I here whats going on and not from one or two people. From A LOT OF PEOPLE. Find another way to climb out of the hole. And these comments will probably not be read by the people that need to see them, like Directors, VP’s etc, but I had to vent. Yall are upsetting my friends and its pissing me off.

OK..I am off my soap box…


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Damn I don’t have anything else to say!!!

So in clo…..wait…One quick thing..Yall check out my pics on http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973 and when you finish reading this post drop me a comment…even if all you say is go to hell, go eat some more sand or whatever. Give me pointers, give me a shout out.

I am on my way to play one of my coworkers in chess. Neither one of us have played in years so I am sure it will be interesting…

Take care of yourselves and each other

NOW

In closing…..



Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM

Hey yall,

Man, am I sleepy. I have been playing around with different things on this page and I stumbled across an article about how to get a book deal with your blog. Now the thought crossed my mind a few times about more than family and friends reading this, but if you ask me, this thing is boring. I cant write about what I REALLY see. I cant talk about what I REALLY do, so I have to write about the news and eating sand and the heat.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not in the trenches with bullets and bombs flying over head. Its is pretty safe here {insert massive explosion here}, but seriously, I sleep like a baby every night. The way I do it and the way I am able to maintain peace of mind here is by telling myself, “ You could die or get hurt anywhere.” Now being in Iraq is definitely not North Carolina. Nothing like it at all. But the things you guys see on TV, I don’t see. Car bombs outside of hotels and suicide bombers…Not here. Now the ambush on the fuel convoy that got my coworkers killed and captured, that was VERY close to me. Meaning within a mile or two. I saw the smoke and flames and it was not pretty. But I push that to the back of mind. I am here for the betterment (if that’s a word) of myself and my family. I cant lose focus of that.

So when people ask me what exactly am I doing, I am very hesitant about telling because I don’t want to give out any information that may put me in harm. But I will say that my work is all over this city and I have a lot of responsibilities assigned to me. I had no clue what I was getting into when I told my boss I knew about computers. I should have kept my mouth shut. But I love it. Its stressful at times, but that makes the days turn in to weeks and weeks in to months. Friday will be 2months in-country and it honestly feels like I just left home yesterday. I was skeptical about leaving home, leaving my wife and my daughters and for yall that know me, you know how I am about my kids. But I am doing this for them. Hopefully they will appreciate it.

Now back to what I was saying. Turning this weblog into a book will probably never happen, unless I get blown up or something, then $$$$$!!!! My family will be taken care of then. Or I get captured and the Marines come in to rescue me like Jessica Lynch. Can you imagine the movie being made about my life. Who could play me??? It would have to be some one who is almost as handsome as me..like …Hell I don’t know. Dammit I will play myself!!!

I really don’t have much more to say. Another post of useless banter, but you guys reading are making me feel good. I have added a link where you can leave me comments. So be sure to do that.

Its 9:40 pm..time for me to call the wife and check on my chirren (children in ebonics…if ya didn’t know).

You guys take care of yourselves and each other and I will keep on typing away.

By the way, if yall know of any publishers or movie producers that are interested, tell them to hit me on the email. I MUST PLAY MYSELF IN THE MOVIE!!! And no network movie or TBS movie. I want blockbuster-type, Independence Day, E.T., or Star Wars type movie. Matter of fact, somebody tell Spielberg to hit me back!!!

Ok I’m trippin…cuz I’m sleepy.

In closing…..


Peace yall

RC

Dont forget to leave me a comment!!! I DO CHECK THEM
and check the photos at:

http://photos.yahoo.com/richcamp1973

Greetings and Blessings to all!!!

Before I get started with my latest rambling of life here in the sun, I need to give a couple of quick shout-out. First off , to an old coworker of mine, Holly, whom I have not talked to in awhile. She IM’ed me this morning. I appreciate you guys staying in touch with me. Nothing like hearing from folks back home. Second shout out goes out to my cousin Mr. Robert L. Anderson, Jr. He gave me a lot of compliments on my writing and this page and believe me guys, when you get compliments from an accomplished author, it really means a lot! Thanks cuz!! Oh by the way, for those of you who haven’t picked up his novel, Finding Salliq, go pick it up. you can check him out HERE, so yall go out and support him. That’s my peeps. Anyway, thanks for the words Bee, and I will TRY to update this page more often. I get more and more folks out there watching me. I am flattered.

Now on to business.

You guys will be pleased to know that I have FINALLY found a way to let you see what I am seeing over here. I have created an online album on yahoo where I can upload photos. So, AFTER checking out my cousin’s site, go see Iraq through mine eyes HERE

Today in Iraq…Hell, I don’t know. Man I work so hard, I have no time for news. I know the prison scandal is still all over the news. I wish the media would let that go. I commented on it last post, so no need to further rant and rave with my philosophy about crime. There was an explosion earlier this week that claimed the life of one the heads of the Governing Council. When I tell you I am in a warzone, its no joke. People are getting killed everyday. I wish I could say more about what I see and hear daily, but you know how internet traffic can be monitored and besides, I try not to think about that stuff and stay focused on what I am here to do, and that’s get paid!!! I am not all about money, but being here, you need something to make it worth while. OK that’s bullsnit…I am only here for the money. Why else would I stay in the middle of the desert with 100+ temps (and this is only May), explosions every other day (near and far from me), and lobster and skrimps for dinner. Oh did I mention that we get treated to nice meals from time to time. I cant lose any weight over here. We eat too good!!!

Speaking of eating this place is growing. Now we have not one but TWO BURGER KING’S. You can see the pictures of the first one on the other site. You can also check out the mini-menu of food that they serve. That’s it. But its reminds you of the horrible fast food you get at home. Yes, its horrible here too.

I have been under so much stress the past few weeks. We have been getting audited and due to my position, everything floats around me. I wish I could be out with the rest of the troops and not worry about all this crap. I know you guys are wondering, “What the hell is he doing over there?” I wish I could talk about it, not that its any big secret, but you really have to be careful what information you put out in a public forum such as this. For all I know Saddam’s nephew’s brother-in-law’s sister’s baby daddy could be reading this too. Then there’s my picture on CNN…MISSING CONTRACTOR FOUND WONDERING IN WESTERN IRAQ…HALF NAKED AND EATING SCORPIONS. WHEN ASKED HOW HE ESCAPED, HE REPLIED, “THANK YOU FOR CALLING MCI TECH SUPPORT, THIS RICHARD, HOW MAY I HELP YOU”.

I miss my folks at MCI. Yall keep your heads up. I know layoffs are coming. Remain positive, and remember, the desk next to me is empty…well not really… but let me know.

Have you ever been so down and tired and miserable that you don’t want to go to sleep because you know all the factors that caused it will be waiting for you in the morning? Well that’s what my week has been like, until last night. I got the best news from wife. Wanna know what it was? Amber has 3 new teeth!!! I was so happy to hear that. Really I was. I thought she would never get another tooth, but they are shooting out now. Ashley is still asking my mother why did she take her daddy away. That child has a great memory. I feel sorry for whoever she decides to marry, cuz she wont forget anything.

Well, I think I have written enough tonight. Time for me to go to bed and start this all over again. I think the countdown until R&R is in the 40-50 day range. I am waiting to hear back from HR on the ticket price. I am looking at about $1300-1400, which is not bad. 2weeks home then right back here to do it all over again. I cant believe I have almost 2months behind me. Time sure does fly when you are working your ass off.

I am closing off here. I need to add those links mentioned above. Yall keep reading and emailing me. If you guys want some sand, I may know a place where I can get some…right from inside my damn boots!!!

Take it easy..and in closing……

Peace yall

RC

NEW LOOK!!!!! WHOOP DEE DOO!!!


I tried to get my picture up here, but yall know what I look like.


Ok…I have been neglecting yall. I know. I apologize, but this should give you an idea of how busy I am over here. Things have been hectic….quiet but hectic. I am trying to think of what I can post. So much has happened

I think my last post was late April, since then I have picked up a trainee. I have been here a little over a month and I am already training.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Damn this is boring…let me take a break and collect my thoughts and try this again. I know you guys want meat and potatoes and I am giving you hot dogs and potato chips.

Break……


Well that was a long break…2days have passed. I really hate I have not been keeping up with this page, especially since you guys are taking time out of your schedule to read up on me. I always say I wont let it happen again, but after 2months of that, yall know I am full snit!!

So lets see what is going on. I am still surviving here in the Iraq. To be honest I have to remind myself that I am over here. I can see faint images of downtown from where I am but because I am confined to this base it really doesn’t hit me that I am just a short distance from people who would like nothing more than to rip out my innards and fry them up with fahva beans a nice cianti or how ever you spell it.

Today in Iraq: Sec of Defense Rumsfield came to Baghdad to see what is going on at the prison (which is close by…oops, did I say that?!?!) I am sure he probably drove past me, even though I didn’t know it. I went to get my Tahoe washed and no sooner than I left the “carwash” , we get a damn sandstorm!!!

I heard from some former coworkers that there was a beheading of an American due to the prison abuse scandal at the prison. These folks will use any and every reason to over react. Now I don’t know the specifics of the abuse, but it seems to me that the USA is one of the only countries that tries to follow the rules of war and international diplomacy, and when an isolated incident occurs, the whole world is in uproar. We don’t all think alike, we don’t all act the same, and there are some folks out there that feel like we are being soft when it comes to dealing with the insurgents. Then they take matters in their own hands. Well that is not a fair and accurate representation of the overall actions of the rest of the thousands of Americans here. Bring those few soldiers to justice and let’s move on. People break the law everyday. They are called criminals and they are everywhere. Get over it.

I am so ready to come home. My babies are growing up with out. My wife sent me some pictures and I see that they are no longer the same. I just hope they remember daddy in July.
I plan on getting drunk as soon as I get on the plane. We are denied alcohol, so I miss my Heineken. I will do my best to make up what I have done with out on my first day back on US soil.

I feel good about what I am doing. I may stay on an extra couple of months. Maybe leave this time next yeat, just to build up that much more.

For my MCI family reading this, there was an MCI trailer here all this week and last week, allowing the troops (and us too, I guess) to call home for free for mother’s day. I wanted to get a picture in front of it, but I kept putting it off. Like you guys care about me in front of an MCI sign anyway. I just thought it would be something to send you guys, but oh well.

Hmmmm what else….I must be a heavy sleeper. I was told there was some small arms fire last night, but the only thing I heard was the guy in my room snoring.

I have run out of things to talk about. All I really do is get up come to work, work all day and go home and go to sleep. Not much really to write about this time around, but I will supply more info next time and I wont let this much time go by before my next post….I know what you are thinking…I am thinking the same thing…it will be another 2weeks before I update.

Now let me see if I can remember how I close this off….. oh yeah…AS ALWAYS….

Peace yall

RC

Here we go again with my latest post from the sunny sands of Baghdad.

Things are still the same here. Its hot as hell…I am still working 12+ hours everyday. I know that sounds like a lot of hours but it really doesn’t feel like it. Thank God the days fly by over here. Working 7days a week, you lose track of the days. Like today, today is Friday, but I can’t tell because there is really no weekend to look forward to. I realize now that those two weekend days make the rest of the week drag on. All you do is look forward to 48hrs between your working days and by the time it arrives you are either too tired to really enjoy it or you do so much that it flies by. So I say all that to say this: Ask your boss, employer, or whomever signs your paycheck to allow you to work 12hours/day 7days a week…You will thank me for it.

YEAH RIGHT!!!!!

There is no way in HEEEEELLLLLL I would do this on the outside. The only reason why it doesn’t bother me over here is because, #1 There is no where to go if I was off and #2 Even if there was somewhere to go, why would I want to risk the chance of getting my ass shot up to get there. “Excuse me Mr. Iraqi man, I would like two tickets for….rat-tat-tat tat rat…..i’m dead”. So, I tell myself that instead me going to work I am going on with my day. I have a place to be at a certain time…every day…and I am getting PAID for it. Its not hard work…So…..

Boy….I sure did ramble on about nothing….let me get back on track

Today in Iraq…Your boy, al Sadr is holding his own down in Najaf, and things are getting uneasy in Fallujah.

I am going to try to put this whole situation into perspective for you guys..at least from what I see. Imagine you are out in your yard, cutting grass, raking leaves or whatever. You get stung by a bee. Now what you may not realize is that you could have stepped on that bee’s friend while walking around the yard.. Perhaps you walked by him in a threatening way. Or maybe you are in a place where he doesn’t want you. You didn’t mean any harm, but that damn bee doesn’t know that, so the only thing he can think of is to try to eliminate you with his single stinger. Doesn’t make much since, right? Well it does to that bee. You stomp, swap, or whatever you need to do to destroy that bee so that he will never sting you or anyone else again. Now you don’t kill every bee you see, because the others are not bothering you. They are just trying to go on with their bee-lives, making honey, and breeding. So you have “bee” careful in the justice you deal out to that one bee that tried to ruin your day. But regardless, you are going to get that yard looking beautiful and you hope the bees and ants and snails and slugs and spiders will appreciate what you are doing. And that is Military Strategy 101. thank you

What the hell am I talking about??? I don’t know. I should stop here because I obviously need to go see the medic. But I do have some other things to talk about.

I got my first gray hair today yall. It was on my forearm. I don’t see it anymore, but I know it was there.

You will never guess what I had for dinner this evening. Lobster tails!!! Yes!!! This is the third time I have had it while over here. Yesterday we had crab legs. I know what you are thinking. Did he go to Baghdad or Beverly hills?? Well I guess they splurge for us from time to time. The food was not that good. It was lobster tails in name only. It tasted like a old boot that someone farted in.

I got a ride now also. 2003 Chevy Tahoe…it is dirty as hell…why??? Cause I am in the desert, dummy!!

I finally graduated from my tent and I am now the proud resident of what we call containers. They are like small trailers. I have a roommate , and guess what I sleep on now? Still a cot!!! But my roommate bought an air mattress that he put on the cot. Have you ever tried to sleep on a giant balloon that was on top of two metal bars? I have to sleep perfectly still or that damn balloon will dump me on the floor. Boy I love Iraq..

On a much more serious note, I know all of you guys heard about the fuel convoy that was attacked a couple of weeks ago and they captured on of my fellow coworkers, Thomas Hammill. Well he is a fuel truck driver. A guy that sits right in front of me knows Thomas as well as the rest of the victims from that ambushed convoy. He showed me some pictures today of Thomas from earlier in the year. It really bothered me because he told me how Thomas was buying things to send home to his family. I hope nothing happens to me over here. I feel safer each day but you never know.

Well that’s about all I have for right now. I heard through the grapevine that my old mgr Theresa, had her baby..CONGRATS!!! JScott you are next.

I am going to try to come home around the first week of july rather than the end. I have a family function to attend so you guys may see me sooner than I thought. But anyways..keep reading…email me, you can even send stuff regular mail. I love pictures, so if you have any, send those…. And…as always…(say it with me)….

Peace yall

RC

OK…yall are putting the pressure on me. I am hearing from people that I don’t even know that are reading these updates. THANK YOU!!! I never anticipated reaching out to so many people. The real reason I started this was so that if anybody asked me after a year “what did you do” I could pull up this page and tell them (my memory is bad!!!) But now that my audience is growing, I have to pay more attention to this.

This week in Iraq, the fighting has calmed down (watch things pick-up just because I said that) We are negotiating with both the Sunnis (saddam’s boys) and the Shiites. Things got really fierce the minute I stepped off the plane. And just think, I thought they would be glad to see a country boy from North Carolina.

I just got through explaining this whole weblog thing to a family member (sorry bflakes..had to do it)..i realized that some of you may not understand how to read all of my post so…..

On the right side of the page, near the top you will see the word “archives”. If you click on the link that says 03/01/2004 – 03/31/2004 and scroll to the bottom of that page you will read my very post dated Friday March 6th 2004. Each newer post is above the previous post. I know its backward, but dammit, I didn’t create the website and since it was free I had to adjust and you will too!!!

So anyways, what else is going on??? I am tired of working nightshift. Last day will be Saturday night, and I am sooooo happy. Like I said previously, things tend to go BOOM in the night. F-that….they go BOOM all the damn time!!! But at least during the day I can look around and see other people jump like me. I have yet to soil myself from the excitement of Military Fire…had some close calls though (can you imagine how embarrassing that would be?!??! “excuse me sir..due to the excessively loud cannon just behind me, I need to go change”). Going back to dayshift is not all good..I have to return to my tent during sleepy time. I was enjoying sleeping in a bed shaped like the letter U….but I wont be in the tent long..maybe a few more days…The tent really isn’t that bad. I put a small twin-size mattress on the cot and almost feels like I am sleeping on….hmmm what did I say last time?? ..well like sleeping on bag of day old donuts (donut or doughnut??)…Krispy Kreme style..damn I miss Krispy Kreme. My wife would have a damn fit if we drove by and that damn “Hot Donut” light was on. I would give my left thumbnail for a bite of one right now. The food here is not that bad…It reminds me of K&S cafeteria food…3 days old!!! But their desserts are the bomb….maybe I shouldn’t use that word.

One quick investment tip….IRAQI DINARS….dont ask me about it....look it up

What else can I disuss…Oh yeah I am reachable now. I went out and bought a cell phone yesterday. It wasn’t cheap and no Sprint/Verizon type plans either…you buy prepaid minutes and that’s it. So if you want to call me, send me an email and I will forward you the number. But let me forewarn you now, if you call me, don’t expect a long conversation. “Hey….I am fine…see ya in August…bye”….those cards aren’t cheap!!!

I want to give a couple of shout-outs right now. First off to my boy VI…I was stressing about my music situation over here and he turned me on to www.cdzlimited.net Yall every artist that has recorded a song from the past 1000 years has an album posted for your listening pleasure. Check it out….I am loving it….thanks vic

I want to give a shout to a new friend….Nanna Peggatha. Your words meant a lot to me. I will continue to be your eyes and ears over here.

To JScott and Theresa…go ahead and push those babies out and send me some pics!!

Well that’s all for now…keep reading, keep emailing me, and watch for me on CNN…just kidding… We cant do interviews and they are no where near where I am…

So…in closing….and I really mean it…..

Peace yall

RC

Well here we go again for the latest installment.

First off, I am overwhelmed from the number of people who have let me know they are keeping up with this weblog. I am truly flattered. Thanks everybody

103 days until R&R!!! I am still counting down the days. I am so ready to come home and see everybody.

As all of you, I am sure, have been watching , Iraq has not been the safest place in the world in recent days. Folks in Fallujah tripped out on some private security guys. So we sent the Marines in and right now they are observing a cease fire. I hope it remains.

News more closer to home, several US contractors (with my company) have gone missing. Those shit heads attacked their convoy right outside my camp. Yes, I saw the flames. They filled the sky last week. I didn’t know what to think. I heard later that for some of the victims, it was their first run. It was sad. Talking with one the HR ladies, she told me that one of the truck drivers that did survive immediately out-processed. His friend and next door neighbor from back home was killed during the attack. So because of the insurgents we have a fuel shortage. Not sure how long it will last.

I think I mentioned in my last post about the 3 cannons (Howitzers) they have right outside my building. For those of you who have never heard one before, let me try to put it into perspective. Imaging you are sitting at your desk or walking along a sandy beach. All of sudden some one lets off the biggest firework ever made 3feet above your head…several times!!! I have had more sessions of sleep interrupted thanks to them. They are so loud, it shakes whatever structure you may be in..a trailer…a tent…your skin…it doesn’t matter…BOOOOOOM!!!!!! And you would think I would be used to it, but who could get used to something that loud???

I have put on my PPE on several occasions also. We have had several mortar attacks…almost daily, but those geniuses have no concept of aim. Almost all of their attacks land harmlessly in open fields. What they don’t realize is that as soon as they set those off, helicopters are sent to annihilate them…where is the logic???

So I have been broken into my environment very well. I am getting used to it now…

I am still working nights, almost finished though. There is one other guy who is in here with me, and he is asleep right now. I should slap him…DAMMIT WE ARE IN A WAR ZONE!!!!

Let me tell you how much I hate Yahoo music right now. Things are relaxed around here. More so than my other job. We can listen to music at our desk and “responsibly” surf the web during our day. Well I logged in to Launch which is Yahoo’s music service. Well they would begin to play a song then it would skip and then start over from the beginning. It would do that for the entire song. I tried to listen to a song by Twista……26min to get through it. To hell with that. MSN has the same service..much better.

Things back home are calm. The kids are doing well and so is the wife. I am missing all of them bad.

I know I promised you guys pictures, but with me working nights, there is nothing to photograph, but like I said earlier this wont be too much longer. I wish I could tell you guys more about what I do, but due to security issues I wont, but its a lot more than what I thought. I am going to have a Filipino guy working for me…My own servant….MARK, GO GET ME SOME COFFEE DAMMIT!!! Lol…but he is cool, cant really understand shit he says, but we will work on that. He is not working for me yet, cause I still don’t know anything, but I am getting there.

I got my first Iraqi haircut the other day. Nervous is not a strong enough word to describe my feeling. But he did a great job. Scarred up my neck though, but I was impressed. $3.00!!!!! Cant get that back home.


Well I think I have bored you guys enough with my rhetoric. Stay strong…be blessed and as always….

Peace yall

RC

Man I am sleepy...

Friday morning over here in Iraq...Early Friday morning....330am to be exact....It looks like I may be stuck on this midnight shift for about another week or so. I need to find someplace to play hide and sleep.

Things are heating up over here and from what I hear from coworkers who have been in country for awhile, its about time. ALL DAY THURSDAY was filled with blasts from howitzers. Those cannons are f-ing loud. At first I thought those shit-head were able to get one the mortars here at the job, but I looked around and saw everybody calm. I realized that was outgoing fire. There were several columns of black smoke seen yesterday. Maybe they will get the idea that we are here to help and they can benefit from our presence also.

I am still in a tent, but I no longer sleep there. Since I get off when everyone else is working, one of my coworkers has allowed me to use his room....A nice soft bed..hot showers and I don't have to hear the wind blowing every 6 seconds.

Homesickness is trying rear its ugly head. I was very close to calling it quits, but I realized that I HAVE to do this. I am tired of struggling to get by. And time is flying by here, so before I know it I will be home. I have about 109 days until R&R and I cant wait.

I have been promising folks back home pictures from over here but until I get off this late shift, it ant gonna happen. Not too many things to photograph in the pitch black darkness of Iraq.

Special shout to all of you keeping track of my journey. I am no prize winning author and I know these post may not be very interesting, but I feel like you guys are here with me, in some sort of weird way. So keep reminding me to post.

I found out my old coworker Aubrey is not employed with the company. He took a job with a cell phone store I think...Not sure why though. He may have not passed some of the test in Houston. Hopefully I can talk to him when I get home in august.

Not too much more to say at this time, since I work nights, I don't get to see that much, but I will stay on top of this blog..and in closing....

Peace yall

RC

After a LONG delay, I AM BACK!!!

Sorry for it taking me so long to post. To all of you keeping up with this site, thanks for reminding me to update.

Now where did we leave off:

HOUSTON
I left Houston last Sunday on KLM/Northwest Airlines. It was about 60 of us that left from KBR. Before we left the processing center we were issued a helmet and bullet-proof vest. That shit was heavy, not to mention the rest of bags. So we get checked in and have to wait another 3hours before flying out. This company believes in and firmly practices the military policy of "hurry up and wait". I called all my people back home to say good bye one last time.

Now this was a long flight...10hrs to Amsterdam...I couldn't really relax because my seat wouldn't recline because it was right in front of the bathroom. Try sleeping upright on an airplane...not very comfortable at all. Almost immediately the stewardesses came around offering beverages...HEINEKEN!!!! I was a happy..then they served us some warm meat that resembled chicken...then more liquor...they offered cognac as an after dinner cocktail... Now I am not one to turn down a free drink, so... *gulp*.....They showed a couple of movies and I wish I could tell you what they were but I was sleep

We land in Amsterdam and that's where half of us boarded the plane for Dubai and the rest went to a flight for Kuwait. The flight to Dubai was awesome. I don't know how many of you have ever been on a long flight, but they usually show a movie to make you feel like you are not in an airplane, but instead in a tiny theater. The only problem with that is, you don't get to choose which movie you see. Well not on this flight to Dubai. This was by far the best trip on an airplane I have ever taken. They had small TV's in all the headrest and you got to chose which movie you wanted to see!!! So I watched Matrix revolutions and flipped back and forth between Godfather III and Toy Story2 (don't ask)

We land in Dubai and wait in an infinite line for customs. Well once we get through, KBR representative is there telling us that they will be taking us to the hotel (finally some sleep!!!). Well I checked 2 pieces of luggage along with my bag of cinder blocks..I mean my PPE (personal protective equipment bag with my chemical suit and helmet and vest)...my luggage came off, but I never saw my PPE. The KBR rep said not to worry about it, we would get it later (????)

To make a long story short, I found out in the next 10min that I am not staying in Dubai, but will be leaving for Baghdad in 6hours!!!!

NO SLEEP!!!!!!

So 6hours and 2 red eyes later we get back on a white plane...I say white plane because that was the only distinguishing characteristic of the plane...NO LOGO...NO NAME...NO NOTHING....2hours to Baghdad...on Annoymous Air

Well the approach into Baghdad was interesting....we circled and circled the airport getting lower and lower....the plane finally touched down on the sides of wheels. I thought the damn thing was going to flip over...but we pulled to stop...

REALITY CHECK.....I get inside the EMPTY airport and the first thing I see is Iraqis STRAPPED!!!! Submachine guns everywhere. I am now in a war zone...

Well, I am now waiting for my luggage....everything comes off but my PPE. So tell one of the HR reps at airport, and they tell me not to worry about it (?!?!?!?!?!) what do you mean don't worry about it??!?!? Well I got some more a few days later but I was nervous until I got it.

My first week was interesting...met my co-workers, supervisor and my tent!!!! That's right...I am in a tent on a cot, but its not so bad. I got a mattress on it and its almost like sleeping on a lumpy bag of charcoal.

Saddam had some money yall...These palaces over here are unbelievable and I will be emailing pictures soon.

I will try not to let this much time go by before posting again...and as always....
Peace yall

RC

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!!!


I am out of here on Sunday. I really didn't expect to be leaving so soon, but I am glad to be going so that I can start this 12month tour. This week has been one of the most boring weeks of my life. I have done absolutely nothing the past few days. I did go to the mall today. I was going to go buy a digital camera and some Texas souvenirs for the kids. Something told me to check my bank account for making any purchases, so I did.

MCI does it again!!! Instead of then paying me via direct deposit as they have done since I started there in 2000, they decide to MAIL my final check to my house. I was pissed!!! Its a good thing I still have some funds left over from my insurance payoff from when my camry burnt up. That's what me and the family have been living from.

I am still getting the digital camera though. KBR is giving us $500 to travel with on Sunday, so I will just pick it up before I get on the plane. Its nothing fancy, but it is on sale for $99 and it comes with a bag so I am jumping on that.

I am here at the Hotel Wyndham using their computers again. I don't know if I told you guys this before but the hotel I am staying at (Airport Marriott) charges for using their computers....69cents per minute!!! F- THAT!!!! I will continue to catch the shuttle over here.

I need to do my laundry before leaving and pick up a few travel items. When I leave here on Sunday, I will be landing in AMSTERDAM!!!! Don't worry..I wont be participating in any of those activities that Amsterdam is famous for. Then from Amsterdam I will flying to a country called Dubai. Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates. After that, I don't know how I am getting to Iraq.

I emailed about 100 people today letting them know I was leaving so my email box should be full with well-wishers..I hope

I find myself watching a lot of CNN lately. I don't know what I am expecting to see..."IRAQI CITIZENS HIGHLY ANTICIPATING ARRIVAL OF RICHARD CAMPBELL"...yeah right. My middle name will be Lay Low the whole time I am there. I am thinking about crawling everywhere I go...you never know!!!

I think I am more nervous about flying than being in Iraq. I am just ready to get settled where ever I am going to be. I hope this year goes by fast. I still don't know what I am going to do with my funds when I get back. I am not too thrilled about going back to corporate america..they haven't been that friendly to a brother. I was fired from IBM for something I didn't do (I was accused of emailing pornographic pictures to coworkers..never did that, even though my boy sent me plenty and they fired him for that...guilt by association!!!) and MCI laid off over half of their employees during my tenure there. They are catching hell from it now, from what I hear.

I find myself not able to look at little children anymore. Anytime I see them in the mall or on TV, I have to turn away. I really miss my babies...So much that I am trying to force myself not to think about them. When I talk to Bridggette, all I want to hear is that they are doing fine. When she starts telling me how Ashley ask "where's daddy???" I lose it. But I will never leave them like this again.

Well I am going to close off here. My next post will probably be from a foreign land. At that time I will tell you guys about my flight and my living/working conditions.

So as always.....
Peace yall

RC

Nothing new to report today. Went to get my military ID this morning. I thought I would post before I went back to my room to go to sleep.

I slept all day yesterday too...I think I am sleeping too much. I mean I slept ALL DAY yesterday.

I guess this is what authors call writers block because I have NOTHING to say. So in closing....


Peace yall

RC

H-town is in the house!!!!!!!

Ok it has been almost a week since I last posted. That was the day I was leaving. Well lets start off with Sunday:

Sunday 3/14/04

This was a sad day in the Campbell home. I think I cried more than my girls. It was really rough leaving them. Both Ashley and Amber were sick with colds (both are better now). I had my mother take me to the airport. I left RDU at noon and got to Atlanta about an hour later... was there for another hour and then flew on the BUMPIEST ride of my life. I got kinda nervous. Even though I was in the Airforce, I have never been a fan of flying (I know that is kinda weird)

So I get to Houston around 330 and that's where the madness started. I was told by KBR (the company that's sponsoring this excursion) that when I get my bags to contact the Wyndham Hotel for transportation from the airport. Well, I called the hotel and they tell me that the shuttle has already left and to "go outside and wait" OUTSIDE WHERE?!?!?!?!?! So I go out the first door I see, and I am waiting out there with a young lady from Fayetteville, who is also here for the same company. She was following me, I guess because I "looked like" I knew where I was going. So we stood out there for about 15min and finally an airport employee asked us who we were waiting for and I told her we were waiting on the shuttle for the hotel. She tell us that we went out the wrong door!!!! and to back inside and go through the door for hotel transportation. ***DAMMIT!!!!***

We go through the door and we see the shuttle for the Wyndham Hotel, right as the driver was pulling off!!!! So we are out there screaming for him to stop, which he does. He gets out to the van and ask us for our names. He loads the girl's luggage and she gets on the van. I tell him my name and he tells me that due to over booking at the Wyndham, that I am not staying there but instead I am staying at the airport marriott. he tells me to just go to the Airport Marriott. I get upset then and ask him "how in the hell am I supposed to get there???" he tells me that there is a tram that goes between the terminals (Houston has a huge airport) and drops people off at the hotel.

I go down in the "basement" where I am told by another airport employee that the tram is shut down due to maintenance!!! AAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! F- this....I am going back to Raleigh. I then go back upstairs and found an information desk. They told me there is another shuttle taking people to the hotel and go back outside and wait for it. Well guess which door I had to back through.... THE FIRST ONE I ORIGINALLY WENT THOUGH!!!! I was fuming at this point, but too tired to complain. I finally get checked in and I go to sleep.

Monday 3/15/04

Today is my first day of processing. I am awakened at 530am by my "friend" Derrick in Kuwait. He thought I had to be up early. I withheld my profanity and calmly explained that I don't start until noon...back to sleep.

The first few days were uneventful. Basic briefings about safety and being overseas in Iraq. The physical was interesting. 7 tubes of blood, half a cup of urine, x-rays, eye exam, hearing test, a pulmonary test (which was one of the hardest things ever...I had to put my mouth on this tube that was about as big as an empty toilet tissue roll and blow until my lungs exploded), and full physical at which a young girl placed her fingers on my sack and told me to cough!!! very uncomfortable. The whole medical process ended with 3 shots in the back of my arm (which left a nice bruise).

Wednesday 3/17/04

More training

Thursday 3/18/04

NBC training!!! No its not the TV NBC. NBC stands for Nuclear, Biological Chemical. We were trained to use chemical suits and wear gas masks. During the whole training, anytime the instructors yelled GAS GAS GAS, we had to slap those masks on, which, by the way, were a lot more comfortable than the mask in USAF.

At the end of the training, we had to be able to put the entire suit on in under 8min. I am thinking 8min is more than enough time for some shit-head to gas me and everyone around me. I did it in 4. Hoorah!!!

My partner, to "assist" me in putting my suit on, was Ronald Regan's grandpappy, or so it seemed. This guy was OLD and after getting our suits on, our partners had to tape up any exposed areas (where the suit meets the boots and gloves and where the hood comes over the head to the mask)...well I was nervous the entire time while taping his hood because I kept touching hearing aids...YES AIDS!!! in both ears!!

Later that evening we signed our contracts and began the waiting game. All the hard stuff was over and now we just wait to be notified of when we are leaving. I really could back home and wait, but I have shed enough tears!!!!

Friday 3/19/04

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

So now we are up to Saturday. I finally get to a PC so I can email my people and update this page. I am really excited about going to Iraq. There have been more bombings, but I am noticing that the assholes are no longer targeting the military, but instead they are going after Iraqis, trying to break their spirits. This cant last forever.

I really have no more to say so I am ending here. Don't know when I will be able to get back to update this page, maybe in a day or two. I have to go on Monday to get my military ID, so probably after I get finished with that. I am going shopping now for a bookbag and so DVD's....so in closing....

Peace yall

RC

Well this is it!!!! My last post before I get on the plane. I DO NOT WANT TO GO!!!! but I know this is the right thing for my family's future. I have been up for about an hour and I have already shed many tears. This is hard, but I have to keep telling myself that it is for my family.

Today in Iraq... 6 more soldiers died today. I am really not understanding the mentality of those folks. We are there to help, but they just see us as potential targets. I am going to do a lot of praying that God brings me back home safely and that my wife and kids stay strong and healthy, cause when I get back we are go to party like its 1999!!!!

It looks like I will be home around August, unless I get real homesick and try to get here sooner. I really want to try to stick it out for the 4months, so that they will pay for me to fly.

Well that's all I want to say. For those of you reading this, say a little prayer for me and family.

Peace yall

RC

Its Wednesday and I wanted To add a quick note. I found out yesterday that I am leaving Sunday 11:56am. Which means I probably should be at the airport Saturday night!

I went on Monday to get a few things off my check list. I had to get some steel-toe boots and a windup alarm clock, which I haven't used since I was about 12.

Latest Iraqi news: 2 US civilians and their Iraqi translator were killed by some shit head posing as an Iraqi policeman. Shit is getting real now. My level of nervousness went up a notch on that bit of info. But I am pressing on. It doesn't bother me that much, I am just ready to get over there so I can get back to my family.

Yesterday was Amber's 1st birthday.
*NOTE TO SELF* never give a baby ice cream and cake at 7pm unless you want them to stay up all night
Amber was off the hook last night and would not go to sleep at all. Her first tooth FINALLY broke through this week also.

For all of you who don't wear your seatbelts, let me tell you what happened to my wife. She got caught putting hers on in front of a cop and the asshole gave her a ticket anyway. Well, I went to go pay the ticket on Monday and I had to give those bastards at the courthouse $75!!! For a damn seatbelt ticket. Since when do you have to pay courtcost, if you don't go to court?!?!? Another ploy by our government to get over on the little guy.


Today, I need to get my taxes filed and finish getting my stuff for my checklist. I am trying to decide if I should get this cheap portable DVD player I saw in Walmart. 7" screen with a carrying case for $190. I would hate to buy it and then not have anywhere to plug it up.

I found out some of my male co-workers are planning a small going away party for me on Friday. That should be nice.

What else can I post today..........nothing..I hear Amber screaming so I guess I should go see what her problem is.

Til next time

Peace

RC

Well, its saturday and guess where I am.... Still at f***ing MCI!!!! Mgmnt here convinced me to come in and work today and tomorrow. Yeah I am nice guy....So anyways I am still no closer to Iraq today than I was yesterday. But the good thing about coming in today was that potluck carried over...A couple of my co-workers brought pizza for me and a bangin' chocolate chip cake (thanks beneice!!)

I need a to-do list so that Monday and Tuesday go smoothly. I plan on playing golf with my boy Ovambo on wednesday, who incidentally plans on making the trip to Iraq also... if I keep "recruiting" I will have everyone at mci there.

Yesterday, before I left I had to go around and tell EVERYBODY good bye... That sucked, but being the nice guy that I am I wanted to say bye to everyone. Hugging and shaking hands with people who I could go weeks with even speaking to. Not that I am stuck up, but I really don't get down with a lot a folks and I try to keep to myself. Besides every one I "buddy up to" gets laid off... MCI will lay you off in a heartbeat. And for NO reason too... Derrick got laid off because he wouldn't kiss the azz of mgmnt... He's off the hook, thats why we vibe so well

That fool sent me an email yesterday with his Kuwaiti cell phone #.. WRONG #..got some recording saying "in the name of god....blah blah..you have reached the wrong #"

I am sitting here at work with a belly full of greasy cheese pizza (no swine for me)...why is pizza so damn greasy...they should call it greasa

Today is my brother's Birthday and I need to call him..he goes to UNCG.. tell him I am leaving.. that will shock him...

My kids' birthday is this coming week too...Amber is on 9th and Ashley is on the 11th...I planned it perfectly!!! what a treat for their brithday...Daddy is leaving for 12months. I feel bad doing it, but its all for them...

I sitll don't know what I am going to do when I get back , but thats next year.

This post is boring....I will write later

Wassup yall. This weblog is here to document my 12month journey to Iraq. No, I will not be there serving the military. I have already done my time...via US AirForce...but I will be there as a government contractor. I begin this blog on my last day at MCI. Yeah...the same company all in the news for bankruptcy. But things are turning around for them and I wish all of them the best.

So anyways...I haven't done anything to get ready for this trip besides quit my job. I have to get my birth certificate and a 7 year driving record. And pack, and spend time with my wife and my daughters Ashley (3) and Amber (1). Boy I am going to miss them. I am going to miss everybody.

I heard about this job from my boy derrick who is already over in Kuwait (which is where I would rather go, and if I do, I will change the name of this blog). He is loving it in Kuwait and the loot is up there, which is why I am going...I should be able to put enough money aside so that when I get back, I can live a little better than I am now.

So, today at MCI my co-workers had a small pot-luck for me. And when I say small, I mean itty-bitty...Either times are tough, they forgot, or they just said "to the hell with his ass"...But its all good, I understand..I ducked-out on a few potlucks myself.

I really don't fell like doing shit today, but I work in a call center and people just wont leave me alone. I will probably end up hanging up on somebody before today is over with. I really want to cuss somebody out, but I aint trying to get fired...like it would really matter now anyway.

Lets see who I can give shouts out to from the Worldwide Technical Service Center...hmmm....they are all cool people....Don't know if I will let others read this, but if so..wassup yall!!!

Writing this is actually kinda cool...I never had a diary...those are for girls..or kept a journal..except for the one I had to do in high school...typical entries were " October 17.....Studied for Algebra test ".........I was never one for writing but I love to read.

I feel like I am rambling on...Lets get back on track....Today in Baghdad they are supposed to sign the Iraqi Constitution...but there was some hold up..I think them dudes was fighting over who gets to sign first...Look what being the first to sign did for John Hancock!!

Ok enough babbling for now...I am at the end of my "scheduled lunch" and I don't want to be late arriving back to my desk.

Peace yall

RC