1 Week till elections...

Things are getting a little tense around here, the election is one week away and the whole camp is preparing for it. The other day I went outside the wire to escort the Iraqi Police recruits to a site where they received training on weapons. We also were there to keep watch over the recruits in case any of them decided to do something stupid. These locals are getting a crash course on how to become police, most of them have been farmers or merchants and what not and now they are being taught how to shoot automatic weapons. To add to their list of knowledge to gain is Iraqi law, which I am sure has changed from the old regime. Training these locals all these things in a short amount of time is a priority for Iraq's stability, but the time allotted unfourtunately is not nearly enough. I am learning alot just by observing the things going on around me, it is surreal at times, and I have to step back into the world that I am used to sometimes. I find the easiest way to do this is when I read letters from home, and my magazines that I get sent to me. There is nothing out here and it can very easily get to a person if they are not concious about it and lose focus on the mission. I dont get much time to update my blog because things around here are very busy with this election comming up, so I anticipate that I will be able to list a few things that I need, but for now I am having to concentrate on a ton other stuff. I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday's, I forget that chirstmas is coming sometimes, that doesnt matter to me though. I just care that I am doing what I can do to ensure that my family and friends can have a safe holiday. Take care everyone, drink a few cups of eggnog for me, watch out for reindeer (especially on the way home from grandma's house).
P.S. DVD's are a very welcome relaxer when I get down time before I rack out (most anything except chick flicks and sappy movies - think guy!
Later everyone, I love you all!