Modes of transportation are extremely limited where I’m currently working.
There are two vehicle to support about 30 people, we are required to sign the vehicle out for 30 minutes at a time.
Everything is so spread out, that you either have to speed or run the risk of being put on Management’s “Bad List” which bans you from signing out the vehicle for (1) day.
So I tend to walk everywhere that I need to go or bum a ride and let someone else deal with the “Stress” of signing out the vehicles….oh not to mention the thousand questions you must answer & the tongue lashing you receive when going to pick up the precious keys….Last time I checked I was grown woman…”Hello” in my best Madea voice.
As an alternative to walking most folks have bicycles, there are tires, rusted chains & just about any other part of a bike scattered throughout the workspace & surrounding areas.
I walked around the back of the building that I work in, and stumbled upon the place where the bicycles go to die….
The “Bicycle Graveyard”.
Each day I’m here I realize just how blessed I am. I have a husband who supports me and accepts me for the independent, assertive, aggressive & forceful woman that I am. I have two wonderful children that are full of charisma, and natural talents and intelligence.
I have amazing friends who continue to keep me motivated and driven (Tamicka, Laura, Chris, Janina & KiKi) towards success, “Love you Ladies”. I have a caring and loyal family, who I have learned that I can depend on in a time of need.
You never really miss what you have until you realize just how quickly things can be taken away. Thirty-Eight (38) people were killed yesterday, dead and gone of course this incident didn’t make the news, but it’s tragic all the same.
Jimmy said that my posts are “doom & gloom” and are progressively getting worse, but this is my reality all the same…I figured you all would enjoy seeing some of the colorful sunrises & sunsets…this this particular photo composite is dedicated to you Jimmy (love ya babe).
Alright friends and family I found the strength to break away from Mafia Wars for the moment. I’m seriously addicted in case you haven’t noticed.
This picture was taken last month, I went to the “Bazaar” to see if I could find some cool souvenirs for Kyla…I was HORRIFIED when I saw this ignorant depiction of an African women…notice how she’s just sitting with the “Pink Teddy Bears”, “Looney Tunes” & the “blond hair blue eyed dolls”. I think about how the “Ugandan Force Protection Guards” are treated around this place. Now these are the people that are placed out on the front line to “protect” our lovely bases & facilities people treat & talk to them like they are servants, less than….
I didn’t BUY a single thing and have not returned to that place, I told the Iraqi merchant that he need not sale this particular item, he pretended not to understand English “how convenient” .
I ask the question why is the African or those of African descent somehow always look upon as inferior.
Amazingly offensive distasteful products being sold right here on the United States Military Base…I wonder how the mothers of the Ugandan guard or the African American solider that were killed the other day would enjoy one of these little “toys”.
In this land of sand, mud and madness I was able to locate a braiding salon, can you BELIEVE that.
Well I must say that stumbling upon this hidden treasure has made my day, my week and my month. Just look at what a fabulous job they were able to perform with their magical fingers.
Now for those of you that know me well, you’re aware that I’m navigationally challenged, so I had to elicit help from people that have mastered the mud trail roads.
It’s been raining for the past two days so there is mud EVERYWHERE, but off in the distance I saw the trailer which contained the braiding salon, there I met this wonderful young lady by the name of “Free”. Free & Stormy what a pair of unique individuals we are.
I told her the kind of style I desired and she worked her magic. She even gave me a nice pair of hoop earrings to rock with my new look I tell you, I had a wonderful day all things considered. In the words of my lovely daughter Kyla…I’m Cute & Stylish.
I’m surprised by the Dirty – Grimy – Filthy conditions of the different Bases, I’m not sure if it’s because the bases are run and operated by the “Army” but it’s downright appalling. The pictures are just a small portion of the nastiness.
Smokers just tossing their butts to the ground, people throwing things from the moving vehicle….the list goes on and on….again I really believe that some of these people have been here entirely too long and have lost touch with reality.
I often thought at times why there were so many “Laws” and “Rules” established in the United States & around the world, I see now that without them the entire universe would be a chaotic, hectic, “Hot Mess”.
With so much death and destruction occurring yesterday, I’d figure I would focus my mind and thoughts of things of beauty.
The Coalition Forces have authorized some local merchants to sale items on base some of the items are very beautiful, full of vibrant colors; I think I’m going to spend a little time learning about their culture. Some of the handmade crafts are simply beautiful.
Beautiful is defined as having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind:
There are indeed some beautiful sights here amongst all the destruction.
This structure is in close proximity to my work location, and is my constant reminder to say daily prayer. I’m blessed each day that my eyes are afforded the opportunity to see the sights of the war zone.
It’s so weird to type those words because right on the other side of the cement “T-walls” (Pictures to come), this is someone’s home, where their family and friends have been killed by missiles, bombs, and gunfire. The media is so skewed, and does not paint an accurate portrait of the people….yes “PEOPLE” who call Baghdad Iraq their home.
I wish I possessed a journalism degree, so that I could shed some light and portray a precise account of the things that I get to witness.
All personnel are forbidden to enter any religious buildings, so there are sights that will go unseen. I’m not one who attends “Church” every Sunday, but I do believe that I have a healthy relationship with my God.
May God keep me safe in loving arms.
Each day I wake up, looking forward to what adventure the day may bring. The usual occurs in an unusual way.
Instead of heading towards my master bath room, I walk about a half of block to the nearest and cleanest restroom & showers, now by no means am I complaining about the walk, I’m truly grateful for this little treasure, the only alternative would be a “Port-a-Potty” & “bottled water”.
After I’m dressed and ready I walk a mile and a half to work….as I was walking this particular morning, I felt the urge to capture the “Path To Work” so I’m sharing with you, and beginning my “Photography Journal”
Enjoy.