One month down, 11 to go!  I guess time does fly when you’re having fun.  Its not that time goes by fast here... it just goes by.  The month started off pretty quiet, but unfortunately the country has had a terrible couple of days. I haven't been here long enough to really gauge the progress.  It seems uneven, but generally positive (0.8 steps forward, 0.3 steps back).

So far, it’s been quite an education.  With one of my jobs, I've got a chance to be part of the team which supports infrastructure development including Power facilities, Oil Pipelines, and water treatment plants, etc. The Iraqis are running the show while we try to keep our safety nets in place.  Its quiet a scene to watch all the parts, players, and obstacles converge trying to get the cardiovascular system of a nation to function.  That is not even taking into account the “special” challenges that Iraq faces. In fact, it’s possible that the same issues that New Orleans is now facing (maintenance, production, material, politics, etc) pose a larger challenge in Iraq than those awful attention-seeking car bombers.

Thanks to everyone who's commented on the blog and written e-mails.  The notes are all great!  I find it takes me three to five days to write ONE email sometimes.... as I'll start it, get pulled off on something... start again five hours later..... get pulled into a meeting, etc.  So, sorry I don't write much, but I appreciate your thoughts.