a little different

As much as I'd like to say that things have changed so much over the past few months, since my last blog... well.  They haven't.  I'm still here in Afghanistan, wearing the same uniform every day, eating the same awful chow hall food, same job, same tent to go home to and same God-awful brown bun.  How I would love to tell you about all the new photo shoots I've had, posting up new pictures here and there.. or how James took me on this amazing date, where we hiked up this crazy mountain and then found the best secret place in the world to share a thermos of coffee!!  Or maybe I would tell you about a new, healthy dish I came up with, and surprised myself with how incredible it was!  Either way, it would make this blog so much more... colorful?  :)  But life wouldn't be life, without the "in betweens".  That undeniable amount of space in time, where absolutely nothing of note happens.  But I am convinced that the time is necessary, to help us appreciate those extraordinary moments that life also has to offer.  How could a person truly appreciate a really, juicy, hot-off-the-grill, INSANELY delicious steak, topped with grilled onions and a side of garlic mashed potatoes, if that's what they eat every day?  You know what I mean?  I would willingly eat the regular, bland meals, if it means that I get to devour and thoroughly enjoy a good steak once in a while.  Same thing with my time here.  Life as a soldier in Afghanistan isn't nearly as glamorous as Hollywood would love for American's to believe.  It's actually quite boring and unsatisfactory.  However, if it means that after our time here is done, that I can go home and appreciate the sheer ecstasy of a simple pedicure, or the joy of waking up next to my husband in the morning, then it's worth it.  It's worth the sacrifice of not having amazing adventures to share every day, through my stories and my photos.. my modern fashion sense, my super hot new hair cut, or a baby bump that looks better on no one but yours truly!  It's okay.  And in the meantime, I can be coming up with stories to tell my grandchildren one day.. about how soldier Grandma spent time in Afghanistan, fixing helicopters (and occasionally sneaking into them with Grandpa!) and how much I wanted to keep America safe, so that one day they too could have amazing stories to share... Totally worth it.