Back in New York

I'm almost a week back in New York. It doesn't usually take me very long to adjust to a new time zone, but I still find myself waking up at 6 AM.

I think the Fed interview went well, though I always think that and don't get offers, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for now. They said they'd get back early this week.

The birthday party was a blast. Though I think a few people were scared away by the "pool" portion of the party. Those who did come for the pool really liked it and some have even talked about throwing their own. The Massoud hat party favors also went over well.

If I don't get the Fed job, I suppose I'll be heading back to Kabul. I don't know if I'll strike up another blog or not. But I want to thank everyone for reading the blog and offering your words of support and encouragement.

What's different about being back? I can walk around outside whenever I want unaccompanied and without looking over my shoulder. I don't have to worry about how clean is the food I'm eating. I know people. I do miss having someone do my laundry and cook for me. But maybe the best thing about being back is there aren't street kids...out of sight out of mind, right?

Our last day in Kabul, we stopped in to a place where street kids go for vocational and other training. In fact, we walked through a class of young kids learning the English alphabet. It was a very positive, inspirational scene and the organization running it is called Aschiana. Anyone who has been moved or interested in the plight of the Kabul street kids, you can go to the Aschiana web site (http://www.aschiana.com/) to read about their programs and offer support.

Thanks again everyone and hope to hear from you soon.