Reminders of where you are

1. A training facility. Waking up to jinood (Iraqi soldiers) chanting/singing lyrical cadences as they do their morning run that is no faster than a walk. It is many times interesting to look across the street to the group doing Basic Army training. It is clear that the Army is better equipped and further along than the police.

2. A conflict zone. Wake-ups just before midnight because reportedly 3 contractors were kidnapped from my contractor's parent company, according to a call from the British embassy. 100% accountability to ensure that they weren't kidnapped from here. Worry for the 3 whoever they are- you know what happens if they are indeed kidnapped and not recovered. Orange jumpsuits and knives float into your consciousness from grainy web videos.