7 Dollars

7 Dollars...doesn't seem like much, but it was I paid for a haircut last week. Any female that does not live or work in a 3rd world country knows that a 7 dollar haircut is scary! In a bad, bad way. I swear the Romanian contractor hair lady was about to give me a mullet before I firmly said NO several times and she got a better English speaking woman to come over. This after waiting along with 20 other people, all men of course, in line as they quickly shaved, cut and moved on to the next. Much like an assembly line of sorts. All I will say is that though I paid 7 dollars, I will never have to pay that EVER again and it did get rid of my dead ends. No style, shape, etc...



The NA Beer for the Pool Party

Quite the experiences here in Kandahar. Some days I forget that I am here, in Afghanistan. It seems strange maybe, but its easy when I live in "college dorm" style room and work in a "real" brick hospital. I am quickly reminded when I step outside in the oven-like heat and head back to the hospital for a new trauma patient, most recently lots of amputations (or they just stick in my head a bit more). I have been reading many of my co-workers blogs and what they tell their families. Mine is much different and when I get home, my family can read theirs and maybe it will all be put into a better perspective of why I am most often optimistic and simply venting about the latest in leadership frustrations instead of the day to day.

On a more uplifting perspective, we had a pool party last week. This was a huge shocker for us as our Chain of Command (bosses) are EXTREMELY strict about what we can/can't do, wear, etc...So it was a HUGE morale booster for us all. As one of the MWR members, it was a great feeling to see so many smiles and hear so many laughs.


A new group arrived this past week, so the light seems to be getting more vivid for us all! We have now seen at least 2 groups of Dutch medical folk, as well as 3 Canadian groups rotate in and out, so its about time we get some fresh American blood that we know are lessening our load. With that, we are going to 5 trauma teams. Though I have worked with an amazing group on my team, I am super excited for a fresh start with one of the new ER doctors and new corpsman. Clean, fresh start! With this I will be the senior nurse, an excellent opportunity for leadership within a small group and I look forward to the challenges and education opportunity it brings.

I hope this note finds everyone back in the US doing well, in good health and humor. Lord knows I can use it! Ciao Ciao!