Don't work your Life

Everyone should be evaluated for their job type. I think that would make a career so much more satisfying. There is a theory that says there's people that "like stuff" and then there's people that "like people." Most of us fall in between these groups.
              STUFF__________________________/______________________________ PEOPLE

 The people that "like stuff" totally end up as accountant's, mechanics, and such. Total "people persons" end up as

doctor's and medics, etc. Everyone else falls between this. If you dislike your job or make others unhappy at your job, maybe you picked the wrong side. This is the mini lecture that we got today. I like people and I like to tinker. Those are that talents I claim. I like to macrame', crochet, I like to take things apart and put them back together. I like crafts and cooking. I like to read and hang out with my buddy's. And I found that I like to write.
Today, I watched the talents of others here. We just got an ex-marine corpsman/medic that weaves anything. He's making me a bracelet. Weaving sounds so much manlier than macrame'. That's what it looks like to me. But, I'm not going to say a word.

I want my marine woven bracelet.
Then there's a women who picks up stones from the ground here. There's no shortage of those. She actually has a tumbler to clean them. This takes weeks to perfect. She then takes them home when she goes on vacation, and her husband drills holes with his tiny drill bit so that she can use them as you would beads in macrame' or knitting. I have promised to teach her to crochet- far easier than knitting! Her crafts and stones are amazing!
I believe that it's the secret to keeping yourself together here. You must take "ME" time.The people that have outside interest just seem like they are doing a job and go home. They are happier, friendlier and have fun. They are fun to be with and calm. Their life does not revolve around 12 hour work days or missile attacks or dirty everything. Everything just rolls off of them. The ones that work, eat and go to bed are lacking. It gets monotonous and it shows. The complain, whine. Everything at home is a tragedy.
 Today we were in the bunkers and I took a good look around..instead of taking cover... oh well...it didn't hit anywhere close to me- and a couple of guys were talking about their hobbies. One rebuilds cars. No cars here, I thought. He makes his plans here based on the cars he bought when home. So, when he goes home for a couple of weeks, he knows the plan and gets them together quickly. He does his Internet searches, buys parts, draws it out...it was fascinating listening to him.

Another is clearing land and building a house. I've seen him at work pouring over his plans and lots of drawings.
 An adorable young man that is so adventurous goes kayak fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and scuba on the reefs of Hawaii and he longs for more adventure here. Being in Afghanistan is not adventurous enough? He bought a bike and tools around all over the city and shares the sites of the day. He plans his adventures well in advance and researches the area just like he's going tomorrow. He's fabulous!
 I hear from everyone," when I get home." Some people really have a goal and a life. Some do not. We have a new girl that mopes and whines about everything. I feel sorrow for her. They are pushing her to new heights and she thinks she's the only one that has ever suffered. She really believes everyone has gone down easy street here. I know that she will not last however hard we try to make her life easier and it almost seems like a waste of time. I can not believe that some think everything should be just like it is at home. We are in the middle of a war zone.
Another man just left, he couldn't cut it. He hated the missile attacks. He couldn't understand the computer programs that they use. He didn't understand the patient care that we do. He started out as fun and quickly circled the drain. You just never know. I don't know how I make it seem like Funsville, but you have to believe in God and tomorrow...or I do or I would scream! How is it again that people survive without faith?
The statistics is 1 out of 10 stay in country. There is isolation, being away from your family and friends, Missile attacks and it's not much fun being on some of the bases when the Taliban actually gets on base and they have ground attacks. Also, Afghanistan has the distinction of having the #1 most rabies in the world, so forget about pets. YIKES! It is a slightly different way of life...you work 12 hours and go to bed, to awake and do it again, 7 days a week. It is truly a Ground Hog's Day! But, life is what you make of it. I want my life to count for something. I enjoy living. I really enjoy this job and supporting our troops.

Give me my Internet!!! 12/4/11

Once again no Internet. In a war zone... why should we think we're entitled? We are dependant on it for communication to our loved ones and oh yeah, for work. Today we are at a stand still- and I get to blog the old fashion way with pen and paper baby yeah! Because we have no connection to the outside world. Everyone is cleaning their work areas, reading, dancing to the oldies...fun times!
Now it could be the Taliban that blocked our signal. We blame the little shit that happens on them. Sort of like gremlins with poorly assembled missiles. Those silly towel heads were at it again last night causing a ruckus...so I hear. Lots of gunfire, missiles, some mortar, but who can tell who's who and doing what. Yesterday, there were many walking around with Santa suits and guns for the annual Christmas fun run. The big thing for the bonus round was that we did not have to get out of bed! No air raid, no bunkers thank God, because once again I slept through it. I tell my scaredy cat buddy, the good Lord did not put me here to blow me up. But now I have a second line that goes, he doesn't like it when people act stupid. So if I hear the ruckus going on I solemnly promise to shake my tail straight away to the bunkers.
Speaking of sleeping, I've been trying to stay at high alert. I sleep with my cell phone that doesn't work here for calls, but "Break on through"... (The Doors) will wake me up if it's right beside me. So, the other night I was sleeping like a baby when all of a sudden I felt a tiny movement in my bed. Knowing all about the famous Afghan kangaroo rats that are suppose to be very cute with their big button eyes and sit on their rear haunches like a kangaroo, I did what every other American girl would do...I jumped out of bed screaming! I tore my bed apart to find that my phone had gone to vibrate- WTH! Now I really want to find one of those jumping bastards- it's the principal, right?
My buddy Colt stayed up all night on Skype last night, after a 3 hour session with Okinawa. So, understandably he was very tired when he hit the sack. He sleeps in a room (like me) with people that come through for a day or two. We call it the transient room, you never know what you'll wake to- or I don't 'cause we all know that I sleep through anything. So he gets to his room and off goes his clothes to land on the top bunk- "pooped as all get out", (a Colt-ism). Then he remembers he left the "Bat phone" (emergency on call line that he is the keeper of- let's all shout AMEN to that...I would never wake up!). So he feels around the top bunk for his pants/ pocket looking for the "Bat" phone on that lumpy bed- which he finds right away to once again lay down on his own sack. Suddenly, the top bunk moves! The guy that was sleeping there had not said a word. It's a good thing that Colt didn't find his "Bat" Phone or this story would have turned out far differently.
Speaking of stupid people tricks, last week I happened to get a ride to go to the showers a mile away. Now I'd walk a mile for a shower. At this place- Yes I would! But you also have to walk back through the muckity muck and talcum sand, in the pitch darkness. I say, what's the point? I usually drag a buddy (never go alone anywhere here), to the abandoned Canadian women's shower. Why would I go to a place abandoned, but a short distance away, you might ask...because we are not suppose to- duh! The showers are a dump and pretty grimy and they left their garbage from their last month here (August), but I wear shower shoes and it is clean water with tons of chlorine to frizz my hair like all of the other showers, and it's got real shower heads- not those stupid wands that you have to negotiate with. So back to my ride to 1 mile shower...I took a nice leisurely 10 minute shower (we're only allowed 3 minutes being in the desert... water shortage you know), and I was feeling squeaky clean. Me and the buds were feeling refreshed and very mellow and PLOP! I fell face first into one of those damn dirt holes that were left over from the flood. I was covered in talcum sand from head to toe. I believe I may have ate some, (remember it contains 17% fecal matter- YUK!) I laid there for a minute or 3 angry and sore because there were rocks in the pit too. There were also many people milling about and truthfully I felt like the biggest pee brain in the world (not to over exaggerate the point). Beefy military guys walked by me saying," watch where you're going." Wise guy like, I said- "Yes sir!  Don't help me up or anything- I can do it." They said, OK and walked on by. They must have been from Romania.
Speaking of, I'm standing in line for chow. The lines are ridiculous and I'm almost to the front and these Romanian soldiers cut in line right in front of me. I was speechless! They immediately got served and walked away. You'd think that this would be no big deal, but it also happened to my buddy- same day, same time at the dessert line. This is war! No more nice girl to the Romanians. They're probably the ones who cut into the Internet!


 

                                               

Ark builders please apply 11/28/11 (late post)

We had our first official flood warning this weekend and what a bust! They had sand bags stacked and ditches dug. KBR (competitor company), is digging the ditches without a place to drain, so it's really a moat. I guess that's fair play since they lost the medical...most of the contracts here. I don't get it. They were suppose to be the bomb, absolute best company to work for. They are the construction team, their roads are pristine while ours and the others have huge craters and ruts that even the barricades have fallen in. hilarious!  We were tripping all over the place. Some more than others. I officially whooped my legs into the air and landed on my arse right after a shower, and I was the only one with a flashlight and it hadn't even started raining. Go figure.

The rainy season here starts about now and rumor has it that it can get pretty ugly. The water supposedly gets high enough to need waders for a month or two. Well, it flooded a few weeks back and many people lost everything. They got about 2-3 feet of water, so naturally people freak at the slightest cloud. The official warning went something like this... extreme rain and flooding expected this weekend. Get your gear in plastic bags and store high... Good idea, but where do they suppose we store things? There is a very limited amount of space afford to each individual. I actually have more room in my closet at home and here I have to share that space with my bed. So that's where I'm storing my rainy day snacks so do not have to trek to the chow hall for meals in the sludge. It did downpour a couple of times, but by the time I ran out it had all evaporated. It did get incredibly muddy and slippery at times. I trust it will come and I will be unprepared because there is no way to prepare for Afghanistan.

I did go to the nearest PX for rain boots - HA! Ha! I'm so funny! Of course they were out! They clean out of most things quickly. It's the size of Sam's Club, but it's the only store. Can we all say monopoly... well, it's their game and I'm just a contractor. I fortunately am toting my all season coat and it's better than nothing. Not that I'm complaining. Some of the FN's have their coats with garbage bags over them. Not that it's a bad idea, but I don't really see how that helps. Go ahead and wear a garbage bag for a minute. You heat up inside of there and sure enough the moisture gets in and quickly everything is wet inside too, but now you're just a sticky mess. Or maybe it's a sneaky plan used to smother the nearest towel head Taliban.

 It's late and I'm always goofy when it's late. So instead of writing letters to the President and my congressman...does anyone remember the Calderon episode when I thought it would be funny to send an email to the President of Mexico.. forget it ..long story, and apparently I was the only one amused and have agreed never to write him again...I safely write in my blog.

Thank God I'm writing this blog so in years to come when I'm bitching about rain, I can look back and be thankful for what I have!

Life at the Big House 11/29/11

Being a women in a male dominated society- I had heard all of these horror stories; rape, mutilation, hate crimes against us women contractors.... what a crock. It's not happening here. Or I might be on the precipice of old lady... The horror!
I was the Queen of never leave the house without your lipstick. Also, did I not have the best cleavage in town with the highest heels...well, I showed it the most anyway. It's sort of a relief not to primp anymore. I tried when I got here...no wait... it didn't even last through Dubai with all of the heat and talcum/sand. Well,  I love it that everyone likes me for who I am.

I have a huge benefit with my age. 1st, no one ever guesses. 2nd, the younger girls and guys just love telling me of their exploits. My own kids don't even do that. It's really fun to listen to them. 3, I can eat dessert! I lost a butt, but now I think I'm ready to take it back- Ha! I never thought I'd see this day, but I say embrace it!

Speaking of sweets, there is no Starbucks or McDonald's here. There is a coffee place called Green Beans- how ever did they get that name? It's run by Nepalese people that make their addition of coffee that you must acquire a taste for. It's something like stale and burnt all at once. YUK! It doesn't even taste as good as the real green beans in the DFAC. (hum, maybe they brew those) So I search out the USO contributors for the armed forces at most MWR's (entertainment centers with free internet, phones and TV's set to the latest sports), where they have flavor add ins, real cream and great coffee. Being a coffee junkie, I supply the creamer at the office or I don't get it. I had thought that I was the only one that drank coffee with creamer until I started buying it and like wa-laa, it's gone!

The one benefit that I don't get- no one gets, is the latrine called the green rocket. It's a nasty port-a potty that 500 people have been using for the past 3 days because our water has been turned off. I don't know if this was in anticipation of the flood or what. But I know there is water somewhere. It's horrible and I can not believe how fast it has filled up. The boys (and I say that loosely), have made it game to fill it up with their most disgusting waste...in a pile...so now you can gag from the visual that I've had to endure- so gross! I did finally get to experience the bottled water showers. One time would've done it...but no!!!! The Canadians left the country- hurray, because that means that we can sneak over to their deserted compound and use the showers- just a block away versus the mile walk as before. Their water is shut off too, but it beats pouring bottled water over yourself in the cold Afghan morn.

The Canadians really did pack up and take off. They're not much for stamina anyway...so go. They packed up everything. It's funny to see just rows upon rows of cement slabs where their bunks were. They left the shower conex , (it looks like the metal box on the back of a semi truck),  and they left the most fabulous wood covered deck, like 20 x 30. I took my supervisor past it and wondered aloud how we could transfer it the 4 blocks to our site. It would be great for our hang out area...geez, we have 3 broken desk chairs a very dirty bench that no one will sit on that holds our ashtray and 2 school room desks for 4 people that were made for elementary kids and the seats don't even swivel. Not that I'm complaining. I'll always have fond memories of that area right outside of our clinic.

My conex is a tiny 10 x 6 room that houses 4 women in two bunkbeds. It stinks because it's also where we store our dirty laundry and it is also downwind of the dreaded poo pond. The top bunks were made especially for basketball players with no rails to help you out. I had a top bunk for two nights and I made one of the girls push me up because my feet wouldn't reach so that I could push myself up. Hilarious! One of the girls got a up for a midnight jaunt to the latrine and hung herself by her dogtags. Thank God they broke. 

So that's life at KAF. Although there's much to do here and it's a big place, it is starting to feel like my own. 

Breaking barriers Blog, I got another one in-yeah!

One of my favorite friends here is from Pakistan. I'm a blurb-er- who would've guessed?? I so rudely said that I would've have guessed because he's so nice. He replied that my views were shaped by the media. Well, what am I to think when that's where Bin Laden was found? But my buddy Shumail or Shumie is incredible and peaceful and kind. He vacations in China and has invited me to visit his home if I should ever get to Islamabad. He tells me of his home and his family- really, only Americans share details. This is an honor and reserved for close friends. The rest of the world think we are nosey.

Speaking of, the other day I was walking out of the DFAC (chow hall), and one of the (Afghan) tray collectors said to me- Hello! How are you ma'am? OK- usually I wince with the ma'am thing...and I have been successful to not reply- piss off...but, I was unbelievably shocked! The rest of the world, or the non-Americans think that the our greetings as "how are you" are nosey and unacceptable. We do it without thinking- OK, so hence...But the dude had the biggest smile and I had to reply, "Hello back and how are you today?" He was so pleased with his reply, "Very well thank you."

Today, I have to share with you a story of an American soldier who came to KAF base to stay at the Wounded Soldier's Hospital. Now picture an eating hall where hundreds of people are in various forms of eating. Now see the wounded soldier with his bilateral crutches trying to limp to a table with his tray in the mists of harried diners. Unbelief to me that no one stopped what they were doing to help him. Yes...of course I did. And he did not want the help, but too bad. So, I went and got him drinks and dessert too! Thank every soldier that you see for their service that provides our freedom and maybe one day soon you too may be able to serve them in return.

Next, I've hung out with Bosnians. Croatians, Macedonians, Italians, only Brits speak of their home (maybe to make us jealous that we broke away?). None speak of their family's and it's culturally rude to say for example, " How's your family?" so, a few days ago one of the guys was very homesick and seeing me sitting alone on the smoking bench, always available for conversation, started off telling me about his 4 month old son and his 3 yr old son. The sacrifice of his being away broke my heart. Then he told me of South Lake in Bosnia and the beauty of the country. Another ran up to me later to tell me that so & so's Mom died 4 days ago and he had just gotten word of it. Americans have the Red Cross for such emergencies. I went to talk to the grief ridden person to offer comfort and to help get him home. We are so privileged that it never occurred to me that everyone doesn't have such resources.

Another time, I went for my morning smoke, ( Geeezzz, is that all I do is smoke? It's funny that I didn't start up again until I got here). An Indian guy who I knew a little and likes to practice his English on me struck up a conversation. Most Indians will not speak English, but can read it. He was telling me of the politics and conflict between India and China, (I had no idea...Americans have enough to deal with...OK I'm a little ignorant). China is also in a border dispute with Pakistan- WOW! Does China like anyone? The story goes that China is losing the war due to the Indian Gods who are helping the Indians fight. The Chinese never see the bullets coming and are getting smashed! He is very convincing in his story, but I am thrilled that he's going through the trouble of explaining everything to me and in English.

And lastly, the girls from the UK who were a blast! We drank near beer and with them it felt like the real thing. They spoke of their lives, and the pubs, and their jobs, and the pubs, and their boyfriends, and the pubs, and the pubs and the pubs. They were always laughing and they had just got stuck in camp for a week, but it felt like a lifetime. I was very sorry to see them leave.

OK, one more...One black American man walked up to me, in front of the co-worker that said I was too friendly, and said to me, "You are so nice. You'd walk a mile to put a smile on a sad face and I really appreciate that so far from home." Am I tooting my own horn? Not really. I have a great gift from the Lord and I will not throw it away no matter who cuts me down.

So, that's all I have for today. Miss ya all!

Can't we all get along? 11/26/11

        I really appreciate the thought of some of you sending me gifts, especially the Parkas- but, I do have yet have a home base and I won't get anything for months if sent. Thanks for the thought. It is very appreciated.
Memories are what occupies everyone's mind today. We have just been though Thanksgiving and thoughts of our family's and friends ... One old fart put on heavy metal music today, hoping that the coolness of it would fertilize his balding head and remove the paunch of his gut as it rolls over his belt. No, I don't like this fellow...read on. Old times, past times to remember and reflect. But across the street...
The servicemen- these days are the things of memories. "Thank you for serving: is my greeting to them all. There's a definite distinction between them and us contractors. Except with me. How fortunate I am!
Today, I went to lunch with the rest of my office, 5 of us in all. As every Mom knows when kids are in a group, no matter how big or small they must be in an even number because somebody will get left out. Today was my day. Unfortunately it's happened many times this week- wah, wah! Another story, another day. I have spent many meals this week with other friends due to the viciousness of one person. Today I was invited to accompany the work crew and then they sat at a table for four. I could have pulled a chair over and been in the in the way- inconveniencing everyone else. It was like it was planned . You just don't sit 5 at this table. I thought of being mean and doing it anyway, but I was being intentionally left out and it really hurt my feelings. (Visual here)...Most people dress in dull desert colors with the exception of us- medical. We stick out like a sore thumb or a supreme target for the Taliban in our bright ocean deep blue shirts that also come in fire engine red! So, there I am, pushed away, odd kid out and slowly I scan the room for a friend. I can do this. I'm better than them- sniff. I have lots of friends. I walk tentatively towards some Bosnians that do not speak English well but will be most welcoming, guaranteed! A soldier at the same table who I knew not at all was looking at my shame and whispering to his buddy's and as I approached, they stood and asked me to join them for lunch. My eyes teared up. It was great conversation and they knew me from saying hi and my thank yous to them - which they thought was kind. It was me who was very grateful. After lunch, the Bosnian guys were walking with us and people came up to me talking about the snub, and how wrong...blah, blah. It was big gossip that day. and when I was asked about it, I just said, there was no problem. I was just having lunch with my friends!                                       

It's messed up here - blog with a picture of the Poo Pond at sunset 11/25/11

Afghanistan weather is weird. It beats Michigan weather hands down. You wake to winter and it's freezing, and you spend the day till 3 pm peeling layers off until the high of 80 or somewhere around that. Then you're ready for a nice dip in a pool that's located in dreamland, because the only water around here is bottled. This is the very reason that I had to bring a little of every season in clothing. When I go to bed the tent is still hot and stuffy from the day, so someone has the air conditioning on. My big news was I finally got passed the remote control to the heater and air conditioner units. YEAH! Only the highest in seniority get to hold it and while I moved from FOB to FOB, I still had the highest seniority, once I returned back to Shangri La. I asked to move to the tent with all of my friends only to have all of the bitches...oops, my friends move to their own assigned private rooms. And they left me with the TCN's, (third country nationals) who don't or won't speak English. The temperature control units are located near the ceiling and only an amazon could reach it with a ladder, then they need to know how to work it. Mere mortals have no power to reach it, hence the remote. And I have it! YEAH! In Kenya, it must be 200 degrees year round because those little girls are freezing all of the time. They walk around with their 70's coats: warm, short, furry collars... ala Pat Benatar. I can be comfortable or I can be nice because I'm totally surrounded by Kenyans as my UK buddies have gone home as well. Then my good buddy in billeting (room assignments) had some mercy on me and gave me my own room too. Very big no, no for a passer by as me. Short are my success'.
The class system for every particular country is very visible here.. Top dogs are in top positions and the lowest do very low jobs: sort garbage, do laundry, pot washers, clean toilets. Jobs for which somebody has to do and I'm very grateful and always thank them for their duty to their task.
It's also amazing that everyone has to be able to read and write English to work here, but the lowly masses can't speak it. This is suppose to change this year if they want to keep their jobs, Amazing! It's more weeding of the haves and don't want. You'd think the hiring process would have identified these things that could get in the way. I have no problem with them. I just write it down and have them read. It works out just fine. Another thing is who do you think will do these crappy jobs for peanuts- not Americans. I was thinking of jumping ship and was offered a job doing something totally different. They told me the pay and I swore it was too low per year...so, No Thank You...Then the guy said, No, It's per month. I'm sending my resume tonight! Pray for me! The job is only available to Americans. I don't know what to say- WTH or thank you God or both. What a world that we live in.