Days 46 - 51

Nov 18 – 23. Well it’s been an interesting week. Virginia was a very good trip from a business perspective and we had a really good team on site. I don’t get to work in larger team environments much any more and it was a real nice change of pace.

I chatted with the Bean several times over the week. The work “fun factor” ebbs and flows with each day as might be expected in working under such conditions. Her small team has much to do and the acceptance that one will never be “caught up” is a foreign concept for someone with Kathy’s work ethic and shall we say “mild obsession” with getting things done. She took a little time on Saturday (Afghan time) to visit the local bazaar. Each week the locals set up a bazaar (or as we might call it, a flea market) to hawk their wares. Some of the folks there are pretty heavily into the locally hand crafted rugs/carpets and local semi-precious type stones. She finds it odd that she never sees women. All the booths are run by men – same for all the on-base workers. Most definitely a culture far different than ours.

I’m continuing with the Beanie “Logistics Support” mission - shipping boxes out each week. I guess the laundry is a bit of a challenge. She said it takes about 4 hours to get thru it. Then, of course that are the natural hazards associated with common area latrines, i.e., leaving stuff in the shower, the walk-away socks and underwear – just like back in the world. She been trying to make her container as comfy as possible though she readily admits there is probably no level of nest building that make it feel like home. Quite frankly, I’m okay with that. I sense she is settling into a routine and as she gains a better feel for the work environment; who gets things done and who doesn’t, as well as how to best work within the combat zone environment, things will get better.

If I don’t get another blog out before Thanksgiving, on behalf of the Bean & I, we wish a happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. One of the things we will both be grateful for this Thanksgiving is the support and kindness shown by all of you. It means a lot and please understand that it is not taken lightly or for granted.

Cheers

RC