This energy drink that I've only seen in Iraq is really good. I like the taste way better than any I've tasted back in the States: "Wild Tiger." Forget about sleeping if you drink one of these. Energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster, etc., are staple methods for liquidation, if you you can get your hands on some. I know, I just used the word liquidation in a new way. But, this Wild Tiger is the bomb.
Barbara asked me about my Bucket List. Things I want to do when I get home. Well, I'm still thinking about things I want to be removed from, like far far away. No offense to any Iraqi friends.
1. Indirection Fire (IDF). This means mortars and rockets--RPGs and 107mm. I got to see all three in a personal way.
2. IEDs/EFP, especially the latter. That is the Iranian version of an IED. It explodes and shoots out 1 to 4 (array) molten copper (most effective) or steal slugs, that are larger than softball size.
3. This goes along with #1 and #2. Driving on Route Predators or Route Plutos, the deadliest roads in Baghdad.
4. The almost constant stench of burning garbage and ubiquitous sewage.
5. This really could be #1. The absence of my wife and kids. Yeah, that could be on the bucket list. But, the sense of loneliness and absence of Family is painful enough to say I'm ready to leave that feeling behind.
6. No longer shaving with a bottle of water, sometimes on the hood of a 1151 HMMWV.
7. No longer carrying around a tourniquet in my lower right pocket. It's just awkward to think about having to save your own limb or someone else's on a daily basis, as it's just one reminder of potential danger. Oh yeah, and so you don't bleed out too.
8. Crazy sleep schedule. We own the night.
9. Regular Army chow.
10. The heat. I'm ready for four seasons.
And, one more. 11. The multiple-times-a-day Muslim Call to Prayer.
