Happy VD to you- Yippee! Today is Happy Valentine's Day! That's as close as we get for a get out of jail free card. Hugs for everybody, the occasion calls for it! Except for the no fraternation rule and no sex rule...um wait. Did I not hear that as long as the the contractors stay with contractors and not cross over to the military side there is no rule against sex. I said, WHAT? I need to see that in writing. But,since I've seen my share of the PID shuffle and Honeymoon cystitis, I think I will take a pass. Yuk! Everything here is out to kill you.
Take for example, the change in altitudes (Afghanistan has some of the highest mountains in the world with peaks to 24,580 ft). You can go from sea level to 6500 feet or more in one day and still be required to work. The company that I work for is nice and gives us a break to acclimate, but not so with others. Altitude sickness can cause dizziness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, sweats and any number of symptoms and even death. We suffer exertion toting our own loads including our armor, luggage, PC's, backpacks, blah, blah, (rememeber there are no bellhops, Princess). Plus, you get some pretty fantastic legs from all of the walking that is required going from one place to another when traveling and on base and it can be exausting for anyone. Factor in age, extreme weather, air travel, out of shape, smoke from the fire pit or trees and grass, when you haven't seen it in months, and you can see a truly life threatening condition happen before your very eyes. I don't know what some think coming here with their couch potato-ness. I know a guy who states he's old, but he's in much better shape than the kids, for sure. I keep waiting to see the old part in him as he skips up steps that leave me out of breath. He can walk briskly on ice and moves containers that normally takes two to move. If that's old, I can't wait to get there- except, I never have time to work out and I'm too lazy to get up in the middle of the night like my buddy's do, excuses, excuses. But I do walk!
The rocks that form our sidewalks and streets here are a huge workout! I thought this one guy that works outdoors was a little on the whiney side. He kept coming in for a foot problem...and by the way, "my feet are really paining me". So I gave him some anti-inflammatory and sent him on his way. Yesterday, I had to chase down some patients...about 40 of them, that continually forget about coming in for their scheduled shots. I think I will bring the vaccinations with me in the future... you can run, but you can't hide. (Imagine the visual of me going to the workplace and stabbing all noncompliant-ers in the butt with my needle, Ha! HA! No more excuses!!! Shots are usually given in the arm, except for bad patients...kidding! I can dream, can't I?) So yesterday I did my walk about camp looking in every nook and crevice for said people. I was out for hours walking on the many sized rocks and muck in my trustie snow boots. Sometimes the mud came midway up my calf and that stuff gets heavy! When I got back to the clinic, my feet hurt so bad and my jello legs took a pass from going to the gym for one day. Tired became a new word. Now I have found a new compassion for the Outsiders.
So as I soften up and become "nice girl" again...What am I saying? I'm always nice girl. I can't go anywhere without someone stopping me for a smile, a wave or a little conversation. (I like to call it PR boss). And I know that clients come to see me "the nice girl" and not because I give foot massages and back rubs. It's all in a day's work. (insert pat on back here). So do a little "NICE" today and have a Happy Valentines Day! Now go hug someone...
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