The impact of change

Watching President Obama's inauguration earlier this week had a huge impact on me. Not only because of what he has promised his administration will bring - transparent government, strong foreign diplomacy, a focus on science and technology, and economic changes that are sorely needed - but also because as he spoke of Iraq I realized that a change in policy here means a change in my job here as well. As military units begin to leave the country, so will the site managers that support our linguists in the field and even the linguists themselves. I hope that the need for my services last as long as my desire to be here, but if I leave early for that reason it can't be all that bad right?

President Obama's portrait above, taken by White House photographer Pete Souza, was taken using the same camera that I just ordered for myself -- the Canon 5d Mark II. If its good enough for him, its good enough for me too.

Cats and dogs

It poured here yesterday. All night. It was probably the hardest I've seen it rain in quite some time -- probably harder than it rained in Barbados on my cruise. That's definitely saying alot when you're in the desert. From what I've heard its been quite dry out here and the Iraqis have been desperate for rain for their crops, so I'll take a day of poor weather to help folks out... even if it means I had to deal with poor satellite reception as a result for the Giants-Eagles game last night.

Back in action

Yesterday was my first day back at work here after a 16-day holiday and its surprisingly good to be back. Don't get me wrong -- I enjoyed being home and seeing everyone and I absolutely had a great time on my cruise and wish it could've lasted another week, but it wasn't easy being away from work when there is a lot to be done and money to be made. Plus, to be honest, life is a lot less stressful here than having to deal with real-world stresses like relationships, commuting, and figuring out what to do tonight. It's all kinda neatly wrapped up for me.

Anyway -- I'm back for a month and a half before I depart again for home for my sisters wedding... good times!