The rumor started circulating around the main terminal. We made our way back to find that our flight was cancelled and the airline was putting us up for the night. We were sent to a couple of hotels about 15 minutes away. Washing stuff in the sink. Grabbed a sandwich, some chocolate, and a stick of deoderant at the Gas 'n Go across the street. Fortunately I already had my toothbrush in my backpack.
Internet is spotty (the front desk thinks we're all overloading the system). I'm not going to bother with pictures.
Good news: They have Sci Fi so I'll get to see the series finale of Stargate Atlantis.
We try again tomorrow morning. I suppose this could be worse (there are some folks here since last Saturday). And most all of us will be in the same situation tomorrow - dirty shirts (eeewwwww).
09 January 2009
Headlines: US troops in Iraq get to drink beer for Super Bowl
Fri Jan 9, 7:13 am ET
BAGHDAD – American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.
In what is sure to be a major morale boost, the top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. Raymond Odierno issued a waiver Wednesday paving the way for troops to participate in the popular American football tradition.
Super Bowl XLIII will kick off on Feb. 1 in Tampa, Florida, but it will be 2 a.m. in Baghdad when the live broadcast starts in Iraq. Troops will gather in dining halls on military bases nationwide to watch the game.
A copy of the waiver said the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Feb. 1-2 and service members can only have two, 12-ounce beers each.
Odierno also appeared to acknowledge the sensitivity of drinking alcohol in an Islamic country, particularly considering the game falls during a holy period for Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims.
The waiver orders commanders to "keep in mind all host nation laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption" and "to exercise discretion and good judgment in enforcing these guidelines and restrictions."
U.S. troops have been banned from drinking, possessing or selling alcoholic beverages under a general order that also bans them from possessing pornography and other activities. They can face a reduction in pay or rank or even a court-martial if they violate the rule.
The Washington Post reported that several service members said the only other time the ban was lifted was in 2005, for troops operating under the Baghdad command.
Drinking alcohol isn't illegal in Iraq but is banned under Islam, and extremists have frequently targeted liquor stores.
The exemption comes as the U.S. military faces stricter Iraqi oversight under a new security agreement that took effect on Jan. 1.
Violence has declined dramatically over the past year, and the Americans are involved in less combat, focusing more on their training and advisory roles.
BAGHDAD – American troops in Iraq will be allowed to drink beer without fear of court-martial for this year's Super Bowl — an exception to a strict military ban on drinking alcohol in combat zones.
In what is sure to be a major morale boost, the top U.S. commander in Iraq Gen. Raymond Odierno issued a waiver Wednesday paving the way for troops to participate in the popular American football tradition.
Super Bowl XLIII will kick off on Feb. 1 in Tampa, Florida, but it will be 2 a.m. in Baghdad when the live broadcast starts in Iraq. Troops will gather in dining halls on military bases nationwide to watch the game.
A copy of the waiver said the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Feb. 1-2 and service members can only have two, 12-ounce beers each.
Odierno also appeared to acknowledge the sensitivity of drinking alcohol in an Islamic country, particularly considering the game falls during a holy period for Iraq's majority Shiite Muslims.
The waiver orders commanders to "keep in mind all host nation laws and customs regarding alcohol consumption" and "to exercise discretion and good judgment in enforcing these guidelines and restrictions."
U.S. troops have been banned from drinking, possessing or selling alcoholic beverages under a general order that also bans them from possessing pornography and other activities. They can face a reduction in pay or rank or even a court-martial if they violate the rule.
The Washington Post reported that several service members said the only other time the ban was lifted was in 2005, for troops operating under the Baghdad command.
Drinking alcohol isn't illegal in Iraq but is banned under Islam, and extremists have frequently targeted liquor stores.
The exemption comes as the U.S. military faces stricter Iraqi oversight under a new security agreement that took effect on Jan. 1.
Violence has declined dramatically over the past year, and the Americans are involved in less combat, focusing more on their training and advisory roles.
08 January 2009
Start, Stop, Wait
Early call for the bus.
In line at the airport.
Check our bags, get our boarding pass.
And now we wait - because we don't have a plane this morning. Get food vouchers for the airport. New call time is for later tonight. I'm hanging out at the St Louis airport for 10 hours, in a restaurant, paying for internet in order to reach the blog and social networking, trying to not drink too much (going to the bathroom in ABUs is a PITA - I'm not used to buttons), and already missing comforts of home.
In line at the airport.
Check our bags, get our boarding pass.
And now we wait - because we don't have a plane this morning. Get food vouchers for the airport. New call time is for later tonight. I'm hanging out at the St Louis airport for 10 hours, in a restaurant, paying for internet in order to reach the blog and social networking, trying to not drink too much (going to the bathroom in ABUs is a PITA - I'm not used to buttons), and already missing comforts of home.
The Start of the Deployment
0430 - Wake up 1 minute before the alarm. Last time to check the suitcase before locking them up.
0530 - get to the airport and check in.
0800 - high fat breakfast, soy/nonfat mocha, and I'm ready to fly.
The 1-stop flight without changing planes turned into a stop, get off the plane, get on another aircraft kind of flight. So I can say I was in Dallas-Forth Worth.1630 - Finally in St. Louis. But 1 night may turn into 2 or 3. Just the way things work - hurry up and wait. Bring stuff to do and extra clothing (or be greatful that the hotel has a laundry). And be doubly happy they booked you into a little suite!
With free wifi internet!
Your stay here also includes a Happy Hour (3 drink maximum) with snacks (my dinner last night) and a breakfast buffet (not as good as GVR, but free).
06 January 2009
Birthday Party
Had a lovely fondue dinner, wonderful minibundt cakes, and rocking with Guitar Hero. Not bad for someone of my advanced years.
04 January 2009
Weekend at Green Valley Ranch Casino
We have a tradition for staying at GVR before/after these long separations. This time it was for my trip. And my birthday.
I wanted to play the big spender (some of the time). I splurged for something romantic our first night. Surprised my husband with the champagne & chocolate covered strawberries that were waiting in the room when we got back after playing poker for hours.
The next morning we had more champagne (while I made my hotel room reservations for my deployment - yes, I'm a wiz at multitasking!!!).
Before our fabtabulous dinner at Hanks (I twittered that the amazing Lobster Corn Chowder appetizer was almost better than sex) we went into the High Limit area. I always wanted to play the "high roller". They offered me a $50 BJ table so I played two handed through 3 shoes (6 decks of card in each shoe). Had 2 glasses of nice champagne and actually walked out $100 ahead! The highlight was the split 8's, with two more 8s and also a double down all on that same hand. Talk about nerve wracking. That was $250 riding on that one hand. Thank goodness for the dealer bust!
We spent a lot of time in the poker room. I did the morning tournaments; first out on Friday, made it to 4th on Saturday (could have easily gotten at least to third but I wanted to get to a movie with Ray & Jill). Overall a fun weekend without spending a huge amount. The only jackpot was Ray's Royal at The Boulevard during breakfast the first morning.
I wanted to play the big spender (some of the time). I splurged for something romantic our first night. Surprised my husband with the champagne & chocolate covered strawberries that were waiting in the room when we got back after playing poker for hours.
The next morning we had more champagne (while I made my hotel room reservations for my deployment - yes, I'm a wiz at multitasking!!!). Before our fabtabulous dinner at Hanks (I twittered that the amazing Lobster Corn Chowder appetizer was almost better than sex) we went into the High Limit area. I always wanted to play the "high roller". They offered me a $50 BJ table so I played two handed through 3 shoes (6 decks of card in each shoe). Had 2 glasses of nice champagne and actually walked out $100 ahead! The highlight was the split 8's, with two more 8s and also a double down all on that same hand. Talk about nerve wracking. That was $250 riding on that one hand. Thank goodness for the dealer bust!
We spent a lot of time in the poker room. I did the morning tournaments; first out on Friday, made it to 4th on Saturday (could have easily gotten at least to third but I wanted to get to a movie with Ray & Jill). Overall a fun weekend without spending a huge amount. The only jackpot was Ray's Royal at The Boulevard during breakfast the first morning.
01 January 2009
Headlines: Iraq takes control of Green Zone from US
Just posted by AP
BAGHDAD (AP)– The United States handed over control of the Green Zone and Saddam Hussein's presidential palace to Iraqi authorities on Thursday in a ceremonial move described by the country's prime minister as a restoration of Iraq's sovereignty.
Full story as posted by AP.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – U.S. forces in Iraq came under an Iraqi mandate on Thursday, an event the country's leader said had finally restored Iraq's sovereignty nearly six years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Here is the Reuter's version.
BAGHDAD (AP)– The United States handed over control of the Green Zone and Saddam Hussein's presidential palace to Iraqi authorities on Thursday in a ceremonial move described by the country's prime minister as a restoration of Iraq's sovereignty.
Full story as posted by AP.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – U.S. forces in Iraq came under an Iraqi mandate on Thursday, an event the country's leader said had finally restored Iraq's sovereignty nearly six years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Here is the Reuter's version.
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