On rain, rivalries, and realizations

Just returned from another trip out and about Afghanistan - it's definitely getting cold out there! We had a pretty serious rain storm come through (as did most of the US it seems) and the temperature has plummeted since. On the plus side, the dust is down and the skies are beautifully clear. On the down side it's cold and wet and moon dust makes moon mud.

This is the lake that was just outside my hooch. Our office had a number of large puddles inside of it due to poor weatherproofing - also awesome.

I've gained another piece of valuable knowledge when it comes to traveling. This is my first trip receiving any sort of safety brief before we boarded - this time flying with the Canadians. The gentleman asked if anyone had not flown on a CH-47 Chinook before and a few people raised their hands. He then stated "If the helicopter crashes, get out and get very far away..." then pointed out that there were doors located fore and aft and the windows could be used as escape hatches as well, although they're only about 1' in diameter so I'm not sure how anyone can get out wearing the gear we have to wear. In any event - I thought that was an excellent safety brief and now know that, in the event of a crash (not "unscheduled landing" like the airlines call it), I should get out of the helicopter and far away - who knew.

While at my destination, I also had another observation of how this place has impacted me. It was night and very dark due to restrictions on light use after dark. I happened to look up and see a spot of light streaking across the sky with a bright tail. My instant thought was that it was an incoming rocket, and I tried to estimate where it might land and how long until impact. Only after it burned out and I never heard a boom did I realize that it was a shooting star. So much for child-like wonder and amazement...

But, before anyone thinks that I've lost all of my imagination and appreciation for the absurd and exciting - I have to provide some levity. The photo below is of the USFOR-A building. USFOR-A is the head of US Forces - Afghanistan, and is run by the Army. I have many a meeting in this building talking about all kinds of things. Now, the fact that it was built by Navy Seabees and is called the Marvin G. Shields building after the only Seabee Medal of Honor recipient is one thing. But the other night we took it to a whole new level!

I'm pretty sure they still haven't figured out how they're going to get us back, or even how to get it down...

I think that's all for now. A few people are out of my office and stuck at one of the FOBs, making me the highest ranking person in the office... this means more meetings and phone calls and responsibility and pressure, which all results in my being more tired tonight than usual. Two more months and a few days and I'll have a real bed with real blankets in a real building with real walls and so many other things - I am looking forward to it more than you could possibly know.