Afghanistan again...

* Taken from a 27 Aug 08 email *

So, should I start with the easy stuff or hard stuff first...hm...guess I'll start with the hard stuff.

Since the last email I've been through 3 ramp ceremonies for 5 fallen soldiers. The ramp ceremonies are much harder than I expected physically. I actually had to be led away from the first when I almost fainted during the ceremony. On the upside, I got to meet some awesome people in the ambulance. I super hydrated and ate lots before the last two ceremonies. It's really difficult because we have to go back to work right afterwards, and it's hard to be cheerful and welcoming to customers when you've just attended a funeral. I've also weathered a couple of rocket attacks. The experience is a little unreal, but not nearly as upsetting as I had imagined.

I spent my first two weeks here working in the front of Tim Hortons pouring coffee, smiling and handing out donuts. Then I got selected (woot woot) to work in the bakery for four days. In the bakery I discovered that donuts lose a lot of their magic when you see how they're made, and that baking in a flak vest and helmet is even less fun than regular baking (though it does provide an awesome ab workout). After the bakery I got to work in the icecream shop for a week. Where the airconditioning was turned so high that although it was 57C outside I had to wear a sweater inside. This week I'm working in a retail store, selling phone cards and handing out pool cues. I went to the market a couple of weeks ago. It was a little overwhelming, with the venders trying to get your attention in every direction to buy their goods. Hopefully I'll be able to go again soon, and I'll be taking pictures this time, since it's such a unique experience.

I've managed to see a few big names since being here. Working in Tim's one day my boss noticed that Adrienne Clarkson was in line for some coffee. After telling her how to find the nearest port-a-pottie we all got to have our picture taken with her. I also spied a glimpse of Peter Mac (Defense Minister) and Jim F (Finance Minister). Didn't get a chance to talk to them though. Mosts importantly, I also got to see my dad for a few minutes a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure it was a little surreal for him seeing me here in a warzone, dressed to the nines, but it was a nice visit. I had originally planned to go home during my 3 week vacation, although after talking with a friend here, I've decided to take the opportunity to see the world. I'm still in the planning stages, but I'm getting really excited for my vacation.

It's funny the things that make days stand out here. Last Sunday we had peaches in the DFac (cafeteria). The week before I'd gone to a BBQ with BBQd chicken breast. A few days ago I had some awesome girl talk with a couple of friends, giggling late into the night. I also got a parcel last week - where the people in my building couldn't stop talking about how awesome my mom is for sending the stuff she did. The night before last I slept on the floor in the hall, since I'd dreamt there was a spider on my pillow - and no way in heck was I going to sleep in my bed after that.

I think that's about it. I'm sorry I'm not better at responding at emails - but sometimes I feel so far removed from 'real life' here, that I honestly don't know what to say. Some days it's also hard to find the energy to respond, altough I greedily check my email inboxes and the incoming mail.