Here I Am

Well I made it to my new location. It's a little small but the living conditions are probably the best in Afghanistan (from what I hear). The internet/phone access is extremely limited but I'll do my best. We're not working yet but the wait shouldn't be nearly as long as at the last base. Hope everyone is well. I'll write again in a few days.

Don’t Get Too Cozy

Just as I’m starting to get settled it’s time to move again. Within the week I’ll be moving downrange to one of the smaller bases. The good news is that we have been promised that this will be the final move. Also, the living facilities are supposedly much better than here (indoor plumbing n’ such). The bad news is I lose my job here. I have no idea what the Army will employ me as out there. So, for now, hold all of the mail until I get my new address. Don’t worry anything that I have not yet received will be forwarded to me.

He's 2 Today

What’s the Food Like?

Of course there are no fancy restaurants to choose from but we do have a Subway, Orange Julius, Dairy Queen, and some pizza place that I’ve never heard of before. None of these places have the same state-side flavors but they’ll do. The Chow Hall isn’t too bad. They offer a wide variety for all three meals and they do a really good job of trying to please all taste buds. Since I’ve been here they’ve had Mongolian BBQ, Bulgogi, Brisket, Yaki Soba, Mexican, etc… Every Friday they serve Surf n’ Turf and Baskin Robbins ice cream. It gives me something to look forward to each week. I have yet to try any of the local dishes but that is only because I have not had the opportunity but I do look forward to trying something new. All in all we are well fed but I’m still looking forward to a nice juicy Outback steak when I get home.

Privacy at Last

I moved into a hut yesterday afternoon. I now have my own little room to call my own for the next few months. I haven’t taken many photos since I’ve been here, mostly because I’ve been working everyday, all day. I will try to get some out soon though.
I enrolled in a writing class this week. They don’t offer many classes here but I do intend to take full advantage of whatever I can get while I’m here.
As for care packages…I don’t really need anything yet but if you would like to send me something, there are organizations here that are looking for clothing donations for children. So if you have anything you would like to donate that would be perfect.
Not much else is going on but I’ll keep on posting to at least let you know that I’m doing alright.

To Stay or Not to Stay?

As of today it looks as though I will be calling my current location home for the next 6 months but that could change at a moments notice. I volunteered for a job assisting the webmaster and the base help desk which is a higher level of the same job that I do back home. I'm excited, not only because I have something to do from 8-8 daily, but I'm going to learn a lot here that will better my AF career. I'm still sour about the living conditions (pictured below) but I just need to suck it up for a few more weeks until a hut becomes available. I will eventually have my own cubicle with some room to unpack. I had to say goodbye to some of my new friends this morning. They are going down range to different locations and I may or may not get to see them again before we leave here. Please keep them in your prayers as some of them are going to some not so safe locations.

Hurry Up…And…Wait

My title seems to be the motto around here. I have been in country for more than 10 days now and it has become apparent to me and my Air Force mates that the Army wasn't ready for us. Not only do we not know where we are going (my current location is only temporary) most of us still have no clue what our jobs are going to be. Now for the million dollar question: Why in the hell did I have to rush like mad to move out of my apartment, say goodbye, and out-process only to get here and do absolutely nothing? Now don't get me wrong…I'm not bitching because I'm deployed and I'm bitter about my short notice, I'm bitching because I have no job here. Other than board games, movies, and food, there is NOTHING to do here. We have nightly meetings where we are told by our group leaders: "you're going down range in 2 weeks...2 months...you might be permanent here...oh wait you're leaving in 2 days...never mind...just standby...blah blah blah". I am actually very excited about getting to work and doing a kick-ass job. Employ me PLEASE. Up until a couple of days ago I have been able to remain positive and eager but my motivation level is starting to decline as well as the moral of our entire group.

What Has Jen Been Up To?