Century Mark

I made it to triple digits! Today was the 100th day of my deployment. (Yes, I know the web counter doesn't show quite that high, but I'm ignoring time zone changes as I celebrated making the century mark.) The unfortunate thing about such an achievement is that I look forward and still see almost 300 days to go. Ugh. Oh, well, at least the first 100 didn't drag on for too long. In honor of the occasion, and in recognition of the fact that there is, in fact, a David Letterman Drive on base (over on the Air Force side), I'll post a list of the top ten reasons it's good to be over here in Iraq. 10. Free movies. 9. Free gas for your vehicle (if you are lucky enough to get one). 8. It's practically impossible to get hit by a car when you're walking (because you weren't lucky enough to get one) because everyone else is limited to 15 mph. 7. All the Baskin Robbins ice cream you can eat. (Although only 4 of the legendary 31 flavors are available each day.) 6. Steak, Shrimp, Lobster, and King Crab legs twice a week (if you alternate DFACs). 5. Free bottled water. (All the purified Tigris River water you can drink!) 4. An unlimited supply of Coca Cola (and associated brands), Lays potato chips (and associated brands), and just about any other snack or breakfast product made by Kellogg. 3. Low chance of catching diseases from other people because handwashing is almost a religious ritual before each meal. At gunpoint. 2. Never having to do the dishes. They just throw all the plastic into the huge burn pile. And the number one reason it's good to be in Iraq... 1. It makes you really appreciate all the things you take for granted at home. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.