Crazy things happen when people are tired. Some get grumpy, some get quiet. Soldiers, get goofy.We joke and harass and pick on each other. At some point, everyone is a target. its like a verbal game of "Hot Potato". Most everyone can dish it out. Some just can't seem to take it. They try and "sound" logical in their banter, but while they try and prove their point, my whole crew is laughing up a storm. Pranks abound. Chem Lights (chemical light sticks) grow wings and fly, alighting on the roofs and turrets of our other vehicles. Water bottles, while not as common, make for a bigger splash. My team leader, the other day, for example, channeled Jennifer Beals and "Flashdance". We were in the motorpool waiting for the mechanics to dispatch our vehicles and simple spraying of water became a full blown water fight. each person trying to up the ante on each other. A whole water bottle, then a bottle from the cooler, then a bottle filled with ice and water from the cooler, topped off with an ammo can of ice and water from the cooler. Needless to say it was entertaining to watch, kept everyone from over heating, and passed the time.
Generally the Iraqis tend to give our convoys a wide berth. However, the other night, one Iraqi was a tad too impatient. Ignoring the traffic that stopped so we could cross the road, AND the previous 2 Caimans that had already passed, he decided to make his move. In doing so, he took the Rhino ALLLLLL the way down the side of his BMW. He smashed his mirror, shattered drivers window, rear passenger window, rear sail window on the rear passenger door, and the whole rear window. It also looked like T-rex tore through the D-pillar sheetmetal. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed. Yet, after we took pictures of the damage, got driver's statement, etc, we got a call from the IA (Iraq Army) Checkpoint up the road asking why we killed someone? That guy told the IA that coalition troops shot and killed someone in his car. Unbelievable.
With the end of Ramadan, we encounter more people on our nightly patrols. More people waving, and more people glaring. many of the areas we go through are controlled by Al-Sadr. His followers do not like us. The kids wave and want candy, but the adults seem to just want us out. We're doing more patrols that start while the sun is up, so we get to see more of what our area looks like. All farm land. Not as hot, but clearly more humid sometimes. Night time sees much cooler temperatures though.
So now its September 10. Been away now for almost 2 months. That 2 months of talking to friends and family back home have seen a rollercoaster of emotions. From a total communications black out with my now-ex-girlfriend, to her breaking up with me, to being 100% ok with that and having a total weight lifted off my shoulder. Then i met someone who i click with. Never met before, but can talk to for hours. I can laugh about the most random things. I've heard it said "You will find something when and where you least expect it". Sounds like a fortune cookie. It also is true. When you stop trying to force life, and force your hand, and just live, that's when it seems like life turns around and rewards you. And so, for now, while i'm stuck in this shit-hole (sorry mom) of a country, with people who would like us better if we were dead, its nice to have that ray of sunshine that always wants to be there to talk to me, and i can talk about anything with and just laugh with. Family is one thing, but to have that ASIDE from family, that's when you've found something special. So to you, Lord, I truly thank you for the things and people you have blessed me with .
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