Week in Atlanta

21 Sep 2009 - Atlanta, GA

The biggest challenge this week is deciding what personal stuff to stuff into one Military style duffel bag of specific dimensions that includes clothes, personal items, toiletries, towels, and linens for 6 months and weighs less than 50 pounds.

The average temperatures in Iraq range from higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August to below freezing in January. This time of year the climate is dusty and HOT (80 - 90 plus degrees) but winter is coming. The temperature is cold in the winter. 90% of the precipitation falls between December and April up to 3 plus feet in some regions. It is cold, wet, and muddy during the rainy, winter seasons. I have to pack or buy summer and winter clothes that includes weather resistant, sturdy shoes/boots.

According to Military rules, contractors are allowed 2 duffel bags. The other bag, supplied by the military, includes the parts and pieces of body armor, helmet, mask, and first aid kit that weighs between 50 - 70 pounds. Oh…. by the way, I think I have to carry my person bag of 50 pounds, body armor bag of 60 pounds plus a carry-on backpack of 20 to 30 pounds. Fortunately, I do not have to carry it far.

When the packing was done, the duffel bag was stuffed with 50.5 pounds of stuff. In addition, I prepared two priority mail boxes for shipping when I have a military address - an APO (Army Post Office). I can buy sheets, towels and toiletries plus clothes at the PX (Post Exchange) on base.

I still do not know the military base in Iraq where I will be assigned.

The other challenge is to determine how I will communicate with family and friends. My 5 - 6 year old laptop computer is nearly worn out with frayed electrical wires, broken/bent plastic on the back, and internally does not perform very well. Cherri is not a computer user.

The solution was an iPod Touch for me and one for Cherri. What great technology! And a new PC! There will be wireless internet available but Verizon does not have cellular service. I may have to purchase a different cellular service. I will determine the best option after I arrive.

In the meantime, email, Skype, and Google Voice are available.

Cherri is now online and high tech!