New Home, New boss.

Well everyone, it is been about another month since I have last wrote. Things are good here, just really busy as everyone is dealing with the transition of the International Zone over to the Government of Iraq. We have moved from our old home at the Old Embassy to a new location as part of the transition process. The good news is I still have a bed and shower everyday and relatively good working conditions. We also have new boss. I will refrain from any comment on the oath of office out of respect for the office and the pressure of the moment. Needless to say as me and my office mate Leo stayed to watch the inauguration at the office, we were both proud Americans, and hopeful for the future of the country. More to follow on how that transition changes any of the transition we are doing out here.

I can honestly say it has gotten busier now that the holiday’s have past, and it has helped time pass much quicker out here. We have lots of renovation projects in the works, as we continue to move and consolidate various commands out here, and offers plenty of time to practice all the engineering and project management skills I have learned over the years in the Navy, and in the shipyard.

My office mate Leo and I have had a great time working together, we have a lot in common. He is in the Army … and I where Army clothes now ! Just kidding, he is actually a northern Cal kid, grew up in San Jose, joined the Army, became a Dallas cop, and is now a DEA agent. He is also a class of 1989 high school grad, so we have the same taste in cool 80's music, which by the way can now be classified classic rock! He is a re-activated Army guy who was called up out of the inactive ready reserve to support the mission here. I told him the other day that God really must have a mission for me with the Filipino people because he has placed so many in my life: from my roommate in college and best man at my wedding Noly, to my wife Abby, and now Leo! So we spend our days asking ourselves why his people love to sing Karaoke so much, why my people can’t really dance.

I will try and write more frequently to get you some Baghdad stories and what life is like here. If you have any request on what you would like to know or hear about , please send them , it will give me some good topics to write about (within limits of information security of course).

Well, hope everyone is having a happy new year, looking forward to seeing everyone back home soon enough.

Joe