A year in Afghanistan: Mandatory fun is more fun in Afghanistan...

In the Army we have what most people like to call "mandatory fun". It's usually some office event that in theory is supposed to be fun, and everyone is required to attend. Now when you are just living your everyday life, and have better things to do, these events are rarely ever fun, or something that you want to do in your spare time. Now, if you are deployed to Afghanistan and have nothing better to do, these events really aren't that bad.

Tonight we had the DJSA's (deputy Staff Judge Advocate) promotion celebration. It was at 2000 on a Saturday night. Back in the states, the mere timing of when the event was set to take place would automatically qualify it in the category as "mandatory fun". In Afghanistan it doesn't really matter what day it is, or even what time it is for that matter, every day is the same, so something that would fall into the "mandatory fun" category at home, can just be fun here. Like I said, anything that breaks up the monotony is always welcome.

There was pizza and cake. Everyone said that the pizza was delicious. I wouldn't know, as I showed incredible will power and I didn't eat any. I have lost 11 pounds so far, and I really didn't want to go backwards. Plus, I was saving the calories for the cake...

After pizza, we all played Cranium. I have played this game many times before, but all times included alcohol. I think that I am definitely better at this game when drinking. As if there was any doubt in your mind, my team won!

Here's some pictures from the night...