1.29.2005

Thanks for the comments, guys (comments with the pic below). I read that comment last night just before heading home and was not only stunned, but mystified. I racked my brain most of the night, in between being a little disturbed by the shooting going on and having just seen a lot of tracer rounds from my kitchen, wondering why someone would say something like that and then wimp out by just posting a comment instead of emailling me directly. Next time someone wants to accuse me of un-gentlemanly behavior, he should be a gentleman himself and let me know what it was he thinks I've done wrong directly, via email. Posting in like that, in that tone, was not only unprofessional, but dishonorable. Really, there are other things I've got to worry about over here than vague accusations. Well, enough about that. I shall make extra care I don't say anything dishonorable or unladylike anymore. Really, though, my grandmother reads this, so I'm fairly certain I've kept it clean.

On to other things... work is very serious and very busy lately. Today I did find time to eat lunch out on the balcony of the Palace (which I've never done before). We're on MREs now since the DFAC is closed. Eating MREs isn't bad. It's a little like opening a grab-bag - you never know what you're going to get, and there is a communal feeling to it as everyone trades around the peanut butter and brownies and tobasco sauces for something else they prefer. (Today I had the beef raviolis, which is generally a good bet.) It was so nice sitting out there, avoiding the pigeon droppings, overlooking the rest of Camp Slayer. In the distance I could see the squarish houses outside the wire, where the real world begins, and a colorful circus-tent-painted Mosque. I haven't had a lot of time or energy to write on this blog because I've been writing a lot at work, and my eyes get tired. I do occasionally check the comments, though, on my way home (like last night).

I am currently reading a book on Nepal. It's a collection of personal accounts and stories written by people who have traveled there, with a short tour-guide at the end of the book. Exactly what I'd like to get in to. I wonder how freelance writers manage to pay the bills and plan for things, though. Anyway, the stories are really fascinating. One was about just walking around the cities, and another about a guy with a bloody nose who later found out he had accidentally gotten a leech in his nose after drinking directly from a stream (won't find me doing that now). I've been reading the stories while loading music onto my computer -- I bought an iPod mini and it finally got here (I love it).

Well, I have to get back upstairs and get to work! I dunno.... is writing emails and blogging dishonorable and unladylike during working hours? ;-) Of course, here, working hours are ALL the time!

Oh, I listen to music while working, too. Is that bad? Today I've been particularly fond of Badly Drawn Boy and Franz Ferdinand. ;-) Everyone, take care! I am SO glad the Out-of-Country voting seems to be going well. Pray for all people manning the voting stations tomorrow! They'll need it.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, he just doesn't want you to know anything about his identity because he's a coward.
good luck with the elections!
-Jim

Anonymous said...

Maybe that jerk assumed that since you looked relaxed in the presence of the two men, you obviously have loose morals - and how dare you post evidence of yourself "draped all over the place." The pic looks to me like four friends enjoying some off-duty time. Nothing scandalous. Geesh. What a moron. You've definitely got more to worry about than some jerk and his assumptions of how a lady is supposed to present herself.

P.S. Be sure not to ever wear a short skirt or show any cleavage - cuz GOD KNOWS you're just ASKING to be raped...

Can't hold back my feminist rants sometimes.

Take care & stay safe,
Susan

Michael Hawn said...

Have a good election.
Be safe and God Bless

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear the DFAC is closed...no more looking forward to the fruit sculptures! I really looked foward to those while I was there and the Nepalise (sp?) guys were so sweet. It must be a little creepy with the base undergoing such changes. Have a safe "weekend"!
OS2 Pearson
former Camp Slayer shop-girl

Anonymous said...

I'm excited about the elections on Sunday. I hope they go smoothly and the resulting government is a stable one. I'll be checking the wires frequently tommorrow as I go about my day. You sound strong Amber. I think you'll do great next week in handling the elections and their consequences, ipod in tow. Nepal sounds exotic to me, principally because I dont have an image of it in my mind.

"Amber wondered who the mysterious blogger was as she stood in front of her kitchen window, watching the tracer fire fan out into the night sky. She tried to sort out who it could be but ruminating on the subject only amplified the ache welling up around the circumference of her eyes. Today had been especially hard and she would need her strength tommorrow for the elections..."

Sounds like a good scene for a novel. The contents of this document should not be construed as investment advice. Always see your doctor before starting an exercise program. If you need help, please hang up, and then dial an operator. All rights reserved. No warranties provided, expressly or implied, except where provided by law. Sorry, no CODs.

Chat with ya next blog,

-CE