Livin La Vida Caliente
05.04.06Well we have officially reached the triple digits over here…and it still rains…while the sun is still shinin’ n’ stuff. This place is so weird.
Anywho…I finally got a good chunk of time where I can sit down on here and slam out some more of my semi-somewhat-divine wisdom(of sorts).
Things are different. I don’t wanna call it apathy, just because of what that implies or leads to. I don’t wanna think of it that way. But I can’t help but have this attitude that says how sick of this place I am. You may have heard the phrase “nothing is what it seems”, but that never really meant much to me until I joined the military and even moreso when I deployed to Iraq.
I have neither been shot at or blown up yet(counting my blessings), but somehow there are others who find that fact demeaning. There’s a term in the Army that is slowly gaining a “taboo” meaning and has been one that most “old school” personnel in the ranks use to a fairly large degree. A “cherry” can be many things much like the word “Hooah” can have multiple meanings. For the most part, a “cherry” is someone new to the unit. Only after proving one’s worth through one way or another will they drop the ridiculous title and gain a decent amount of respect. I have come to my own decision as to what the true definition of the word is.
The use of the title “cherry”, is akin to berating someone to “better” yourself. It’s extremely similar to making someone else look bad to elevate your own social standing…or personal, whichever applies. This term pisses me off pretty bad and there are those who know it and continuously use it to get on that nerve. No big deal. I deal with it.
But the use of the word in general has gotten to the point where it has become some childish bullying tactic that the weak use to make themselves better than others because they have nothing else to offer except “time in service” or worse…”Hey I got blown up and you didn’t so I’m somehow better than you.” If that’s what it takes to lose the title…hell I might go get it tatooed on me. Some of the brain in the Army has really altered my opinion on edumacation. I canot wait to get out and get myself a little degree in something so as to further myself from such stupidities as childish titles that the under-class use to bolster their ego’s over others “not as fortunate” as them.
*PS - I have a funny little picture in relation to this post that I will put up when I can.
If there is one thing in Irak that I have decided to “do this” for…it’s the children. Granted it’s a two sided coin here, but there is a pretty large majority of the one’s that I like.
As you drive around Bag-dad, Irak, you see some of the most beautiful children ever. And one of the most beuatiful aspects I’ve noticed of the Iraki’s is they have some of the coolest eyes ever.*picture to be posted when available.
But as you drive around, especially through the ghettos, you notice that there is a kind of class system going on. There are three classes. There are the well mannered children, those who just watch you go by and wave to you. There are the beggars, who come running out to the curbside to call out for chocolate, or anything else you want to give them. And then there are the hostiles…the one’s who throw rocks or just give you the bird as you drive by.
Of course my favorite are the first class of children. The one’s who watch in awe as you drive by in your armored trucks and tanks and such…the one’s who hang out the windows of the passing vehicles to wave to you. These are the children that give me the reason I need to help these people. These children are the balance to the equation of corruption and death in this place. Just driving by and seeing them smile or simply wave is enough to make my day.
Of course the beggars and the hostiles never get much in the way of gratitude from me. I’ll tell the beggars to go away and the hostiles…well they usually get the bird in return but uh….that’s somethin’ else.
The other day at one of our stations that we are working at, there was a little girl(10) and her little brother(7 or 8 ) who came up to our trucks just to talk to us. Iraki kids learn basic english in their schools, so they come up and ask the standard “what’s yer name”, “Where do you live” kind of questions. Cutest kids in the world. I don’t understand anything they say in Arabic due to my complete lack of interest in delving too deeply into their language. I was the same way when I first got to Korea, but a couple Korean friends changed my mind. But then again…this language is quite different to anything I’ve ever ran into. Not to mention, German has been the only language I’ve ever been interested in. …I think I kinda drifted off topik here.
In short…it’s the beautiful children in Irak that give me reason to better this place…to secure a future for them. It’s the old regime that I’m not too fond of…the corruption still lingers here.
Enough of the heartfelt thoughts…lets get down to sitreps.
Well, my new driver and I get along rather well. He’s an Army brat who’s been moved all over the Eastern US and a little bit of Germany his whole life, so he claimed Alabama as his state since he lived ther the longest. We share a common taste in good music, so we get along rather well.
The weather is hot as hell…and rising. It still rains mildly here and there, and that’s when the weather suxxors cuz that’s when it gets muggy and humid. Overall it aint too bad as long as you keep yourself well hydrated.
Missions haven’t changed too much, still same ole, same ole. Standards have chaged a bit though. We now do the same thing…slightly differently. I guess it keeps it interesting…not really. Days have gotten longer which just keeps us treasuring that down-time as much as possible.
My Rest and Relaxation date is still up in the air. “TBD” as the Army would say. I’m finding that the best strategy is just how they told us it was gonna be…when I’m sitting on a C-130, headed for Kuwait or wherever…then I’ll believe them. Hope to see you all soon.
***this post is half a product of all my superiors asking me how my site’s going…I feel like a shmuck everytime I have to say “it’s been a while since I’ve posted.” I’m sorry everyone…having no computer is pretty hard on me. Trying to run a semi-decent, somewhat-read blog is not too easy without the help of one’s trusty laptop. Thanks for reading!***
Dag! If you don't get it then noone
Hey, it is just good to hear any and every post you do manage to get it. I look forward to em.
-[Medic]-
May 4th, 2006
nice to hear from you! take good care.
his-twin
May 4th, 2006
Great to hear from you! Glad you’re still seeing things that are uneventful, for the most part. And yes, the children are a great reason to be there. They are the ones who will carry on what we are trying to bring to thier parents.
Carry on Soldier. And Thank you.
Mrs.AS
soldierswife
May 4th, 2006
YAY!! He Speaks! It is good to know that you are okay over there; Plus…. I cant wait to see pictures!!! but mostly that you are safe! Stay safe and I miss you!!
Jame
May 4th, 2006
HOwdy! Glad to hear from you again!!!!!:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen: Glad you are still relatively safe, un-shot at, un-blown up, etc! :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:
Hang in there!
Kat in GA
May 4th, 2006
I dunno…I’m kinda having trouble believing that you’re staying out of trouble
Package on the way…it’ll be mailed tomorrow so you should get it soon.
SK
May 4th, 2006
Once I start getting regular paychecks coming in (got a new job, starts monday - i will get paid twice a month which sux, I liked getting paid every week, LOL…but this is more money so its all good, LOL) I’ll try to get some goodies out to ya!
Kat in GA
May 5th, 2006
Great to hear from you!
Ya know, you could break those beggars by giving them something nasty, like licorice, maybe. But, then again, they might like that more than chocolate. Might be worth a try…
Pam
May 5th, 2006
I don’t know you, but I friends in Iraq and was doing some surfing and ran across your blog. I wanted to let you know that I am very proud AND thankful for everything that you are doing. It has to be tough and I cannot even imagine being in your shoes and know that thank you will never be enough. Stay strong!
Luv2Box
May 5th, 2006
Wish I had a laptop to send to you. Your gripes sound just like my son round about now. Glad you are still bored for the most part. Keep safe and be alert. We need more lerts.
Praying for ya.
stoicmom
May 5th, 2006
Web Reconnaissance for 05/08/2006
A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention.
The Thunder Run
May 8th, 2006
Hey there - glad to see your post and wanted to say hi and let you know that I keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I think a nice tattoo of a cherry would look great on a bicep or shoulderblade!
Take care, and post when you can!
Tab
May 10th, 2006
So glad you got the chance to post. Sorry I’m late checking in too. Yes to the children over there. Hopefully by the time they’re grown they’ll understand what freedom means and will value it even more. God bless, and wear that helmet!
Chevy Rose
May 11th, 2006
Just popping in to say howdy!
Letter went out to you friday may 12, telling you all about my new job, LOL. 
Hope you are well.
Kat in GA
May 13th, 2006
So, is SF on leave yet?
SK
May 15th, 2006
We expect him home at the end of this month, but things aren’t for sure. If so, he’ll be home just in time to see his neice being born.
That, and I can put him to work around our new house. There’s a porch to build and some wood flooring to lay down.
Chad
May 15th, 2006
dang….wood flooring. That’s high class dude.
erik
May 15th, 2006
Ya know Chad, all my sisters had me help them when they got houses….scraping wallpaper, plastering, painting. Always remember, someday he’s gonna buy his own house and exact repayment
I truly hope this one turns out just the way you guys want. Your first house is always something magical I think, especially with the new baby. And there’s nothing I love more than seeing big, tough guys being humbled by a little, tiny, baby girl:wink: Please keep us posted on Uncle SF!!
SK
May 16th, 2006
Haha. Nice, SK. But actually, this new house is part his too! We both went in on it, so he stands to make a good profit in the next couple years. But he needs to learn to be handy anyways. I even have an old popcorn ceiling that needs to be scraped. Thats the no fun part.
Chad
May 16th, 2006
ACK!!! Those popcorn ceilings are a mess to remove. Not the worst job but no fun at all…can you tell I’ve helped with that too? I did know that he was going in on the house, but ya never know if you’ll be ready to sell so soon. With the new fam and all:) No matter, you guys will have a blast even tho it is hard work. It’s one of those things that you can see such a difference, it makes it all worth it. Well…. that and a huge profit:lol:
SK
May 16th, 2006
Huge Profit!!! w00t! Thats what were hopin on. Market is expected to go up 15% this year. But we have another 3 years before SF is out of the army, and we plan to sell.
Chad
May 16th, 2006
Make sure you live in it for 2 years so you don’t eat it in taxes!!! Speaking from experience again:(
SK
May 16th, 2006
of course. capitol gains are insane. 25%…. those dirty govt dogs.
Chad
May 16th, 2006
popcorn ceilings are a huge pain in the arse to remove. mostly because its overhead, your arms get sore quick. although i once had to remove 30+ yr old wallpaper that was stuck directly onto the drywall; which meant as we removed wallpaper we were also removing the ’skin’ part of the drywall leaving some nice 1/8-1/4 inch holes/missing chunks to fill (hint: before you wallpaper, PRIME the wall if you ever want to get it off without replacing the drywall or filling many many many holes) the walls never did come out perfect and smooth BUT the hideous pink and orange flowers with stripes
were gone
liz
May 17th, 2006
hey man i am an infantry man serving in iraq rite now and i think you need to do some serching for the word “POG” and “LEG” because i think thats what you are
take care
grunt 101
May 18th, 2006
Psy Ops Group? Logistical Expediting Group?
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?
Chad
May 18th, 2006
ditto Chad
SK
May 18th, 2006
This replies a little late…but I dont get on here too often.
What this non-grammatical dirtbag is tryin to say is that I am a leg…which is odd. I don’t know how you would know anything about my jump status. And “POG”? Like those AAFES POG’s? Are you calling me cardboard currency? I don’t get it.
Sure Fire
May 25th, 2006