Some of the edge has worn off

While it already feels like I've been here for a month - the truth is, it'll be a week tomorrow morning. I have to say - the first 24 - 48 hours were a bit of a shock. Those who know me know I love to research things on the 'net. Prior to taking this job, I did a lot of digging to see if this was something I should consider & could hack. I can honestly say almost nothing is like what I expected.

With that said - I'm with a great group of people. They didn't knock me or do any hazing like you might expect when a newbie arrives on the scene. Instead, they pretty much just said they understood - 'cuz they felt the same way when they made it into town. They've answered my questions & concerns as best they can - and I have to say - a lot of the edge I felt those first two days has worn off.

There's still plenty of concern & I have to keep mindful of my surroundings most of the time, but, I did something I thought I'd never do here: I went "out" to eat. Yep, joined a group of guys & went where the expats go. It was surreal to take a short walk from where we're living, enter a building - get frisked & walk through a metal detector - and then see this 5-star restaurant right before my eyes! There were only people in civilian clothes (some of whom wore their clothes quite well I might add <wink><wink>)eating & drinking - like they were in some trendy little place in NYC!

It was an oasis in the middle of a dessert. We took a nice sized table where we could relax (and even smoke at!), and enjoyed a nice peaceful dinner. The food was excellent - and the bill came to around $20 USD a piece (tip not included). At home, we surely would have paid twice that for a similar experience. I'm reluctant to give the name & location out - but if you're ever in Kabul - give me a shout & I'll be glad to share it with you.

Work is moving along pretty well. I'm pretty familiar with many of the systems that I'm working with, which is nice. The real challenge for me is adapting to the processes that are in place & knowing/remembering all the different acronyms. I fully understand that acronyms are the lifes blood of the military - I get that. Its just that where I'm at - there seems to be an extraordinary amount of acronyms in use - mainly due to the types of folks we're servicing. In time, it'll all become second nature to me I'm sure.

I could continue to type about all my sense's are soaking in - but I'm pretty beat, as usual & should wrap it up.I'll end on two notes:

1. The weather here is ridiculous. Back at home in Cleveland, we would occasionally have "4 season days" - where you experience a bit of all 4 seasons in one day. Here, that seems to be just a normal day. The switching between snow, sleet, and rain is annoying! I've seen two days where there were clear skies for a little while, which was nice; the mountains surrounding us are beautiful - from a distance of course ;)

2. I was hoping to be popping a pic of Bret Baier from Fox News & myself on here tonight - but, alas, he was no where to be found at the scheduled meet-n-greet/photo-op time/location. Things likely were out of his hands, but it would been kinda neat to meet a pseudo-celebrity from my favorite TV station. Especially after staying on the base after my shift, in the nasty raind/snow & getting soaked. Maybe next time, right?

PS: I kid when I complain on here. Believe me - I know damn well plenty of our men & women are in far shittier conditions than I am & at greater risk as well. Comparatively speaking - I've got it made in the shade where I'm at. I mean, look at that pic below! Can't deny that things are relative to ones present situation & circumstances though!