At the end of a long (but fruitful) day, I offer you the following random bits o’ Iraq:

1. This weekend I borrowed SFC Langer’s legendary vacuum in attempt to thoroughly clean my canister. Unfortunately, the 500 watt transformer I own was not quite up to snuff, and sometime during the process, it started to emit some fine smoke. I did not notice this (just thought that funny burnt popcorn smell was coming from the vacuum, and “normal”) until it got pretty smoky in the room, and then I quickly switched everything off and ventilated the place. Now, my entire living area smells like toasted electronics. The smoke seems to have gotten everything. I Febrezed the living daylights out of every item in the room, but it is still a transistor meltdown in here.
2. I received an e-mail from my Georgia Bishop today, letting me know that I have been released as Elders Quorum President of the Martinez Georgia Ward. Good thing, too, since I was probably going to miss the Presidency meeting this week (again).
3. I jogged, ran, biked, walked, and ellipticalled today. Plus, I lifted weights for an hour. In other words, I have “disposable time” for the first time in my life since about summer vacation, fifth grade. At this rate, I may have time to find those pecs after all.
4. There were rumors floating around that the mess hall had some real (as opposed to powdered) eggs, so I made a rare breakfast appearance today. Indeed, there were actual, factual, bona fide eggs, and I had a couple, over easy, with some bacon, and a bowl of Special K with berries. Best meal I have had in Al Asad, hands down.
5. The dust level has declined precipitously, and so has the heat. Very strange, as a few days ago all was brown and boiling. I’ll take what I can get…
6. As I am about to lay down to sleep, I can’t help but wonder: is unannounced Iraq visitor Condeleeza Rice sleeping in a “can” tonight? If so, does her trailer sport the lovely fragrance eau de burnt transformer?
7. The Red Sox have already won their game today, third in a row against the Rangers. Woo-hoo!
8. 132 days to go…

Later, skaters.