First off, let me say that I haven't been to Iraq. I'm also (most likely, anyway) not going. At least for a year. And probably not while I'm in the service. Maybe once I get out, if I get one of those lucrative mercenary translator jobs there. Remains to be seen. But I have friends over there, both soldier and mercenary translator types. So, I'm experiencing some empathy for their plight. I watch one of my fellow soldiers worry about her husband day in and day out. I read blogs of so...

Just wanted to drop a line in and say, "Happy Holidays," and check this out (a simple look into traditional Christmas festivities in Iraq): Link

There and back, 170+ miles each way, today. And all I'm doing is setting up the apartment, signing the lease. Ah, well. Looks like I might be outprocessing next week as well (on leave, probably), and moving my things after my report date. I need to see about PTDY.

Inspired by Nobody Special Link and this Link : mutafakha - booby-trap or booby-trapped; IED sayara mutafakha - booby-trapped car; VBIED; car bomb mutafajara - explosive (adjective) qoombilla - bomb abwa nasifa - explosive charge Hope this helps...