Leaving soon

It is now only a few days until I leave for Kabul, then two days there then two days in Dubai and then DC. I'm ambivalent about it as in some ways, I feel like I have just really settled in and feel comfortable with what I am doing. But on the other hand, the lure of indoor plumbing is hard to resist.

I feel like I should print out the Saint Francis prayer for Mike. I think he probably feels that he already does what it suggests, but I detect a vibrant thread of anger and resentment underneath the overly amiable exterior. As I told Alex, the folks here are dysfunctional enough to be interesting, but not so messed up as to be psycho.

Watching again Sherlock - the modern day British take on Sherlock Holmes. He is kinetic and hyper and bored and childish but also very sharp and when engaged, a whirlwind but an attractive one at that.

In the spirit of the day, I am downloading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to watch probably when I'm in Kabul (as it is taking a long time to load). It is a rental, so the only thing is that when I start watching it, I have to watch the whole thing within 24 hours. It is a strange condition but oh well. The joys of Apple.

Given the wind and dryness, I can't really tell when I have washed my hair so just wash it on Fridays (today) and Mondays. The conditioner that Rachel kindly bequeathed to me helps somewhat. And tonight is steak and lobster night. I was thinking I can get some steak and then cut it in half and save it for tomorrow. Ideally I shouldn't eat anything more at all today as I have spent most of the day sitting but as lunch was at 11:30, I probably will succumb to eating something.

Today has been quite hot due to no wind. I haven't minded - I did work out and then showered and then grabbed lunch but aside from periodic strolls to the loo I haven't really been outside. Instead have studied Arabic some, watched cricket a bit, read a bit, and am now watching Sherlock. But tomorrow may be rather hectic, at least the first hour or so (7-8) until everyone for the visit is gone, so no naps today and will go to sleep early (9ish). Last night was a Mad Men screening - l love Dan's chairs and it is so nice to just lounge in it. I apparently am "one of the boys" which is, for a man, the highest possible accolade.

My roommate is leaving in a couple of days. I will be sad to see her go as she is a very intelligent, diligent, hardworking, and energetic woman. I admire her passion and her specificity.