Snapshots

My PRT included both a Vietnam veteran and a former Vietnam refugee in our leadership ranks. They fought like an old married couple. Imagine Billy Bob Thorton and Jackie Chan arguing about military operations.

I said goodbye to the world's oldest Afghan yesterday. He's cranky and demanding and thinks out loud. He gave me a hug and wished blessings on me and my family. He made me miss my late grandmother.

Got chewed out by an officer with temper issues this morning. I walked away while he was still yelling - I'm too old for this crap.

Smoked a deliciously fat cigar this evening under a perfect summer sky with my replacement. We talked leadership, the military-industrial complex, and maintaining your personal dignity in the face of rampant profiteering. He's a good man, and I wish him much safety and success.

Developed an unsurprising addiction to food porn these days, staying up late at night flipping through a stack of Bon Appetit magazines I found abandoned in the goodie pile. After evenings of long workouts and sensible dinners, I salivate as I flip through money shot close-ups of juicy, rare meat and chocolate creations dripping dark, gorgeous sauce. I threw away my stack of Army issue Maxims, but I mailed the Bon Appetits home.

Had an argument with the Governor about the appropriate way to manage and oversee US-funded projects, and won.

Excited as I am to come home, can't shake the feeling of bittersweetness as this chapter winds down. (Not over yet)