Snow makes life interesting

Snow arrived on Bagram on Wednesday, January 4. It began snowing after dark and by morning there were several inches on the ground.  Very quickly all the people tramping around turned the snow to slush and puddles. After a bit more snow early today, Friday, the slush is freezing into rather precarious black ice. I am more concerned about keeping my footing than I am about the cold. It's not unbearably cold, at least not right now.

I've taken advantage of a benefit available to mobilized reservists, and have fully funded my Savings Deposit Program. I've decided that it will be the basis for "Colleen's SUV fund." It's just hard to look cool in the minivans I've been driving since 1995, and I've decided that the only major purchase I want to make once I demobilize is an SUV.

In the month and a half since my arrival in Afghanistan, the small group I work with has undergone several personnel changes. People are always coming and going here, or passing through on their way elsewhere.

My desk is set back in a recess of our office, and I have the chance to observe group dynamics on an hourly basis.

It is fascinating.

Even making one position change -- someone departs after his/her relief has been here a few days for turnover -- creates an entirely new group. Divergent personalities could mean an introvert is replaced by an extrovert, or a neat freak replaces someone who wasn't overly concerned with clutter.

What makes it even more fascinating is the speed at which these changes happen, and how quickly a new "normal" settles on our office. Not a word is said about changes before or after they happen. They just happen. Having studied psychology and sociology in college, I'm attuned to this social interaction, the intricate dance of how total strangers become a working team.

And all the while, the mission continues to unfold and the work gets done.