Motivation

Today was just another day. Wake up early, get dressed, eat breakfast, jump in the trucks, take pictures, get back, upload pictures, sleep. I managed to throw a wrench in the machine today.

Last night while I was working out, I managed to pull something in my upper back. I don't know what I exactly did, but it hurts like crazy. I may have pinched a nerve or something. Not sure. Anyways, it hurt enough that I was unable to sleep the majority of the night, and when I woke up, I could barely get out of bed. The first thing I did was hobble to my shelf and pop a few 500mg tylenol. There was no way I was going to be able to go on a mission feeling like this!

I decided I was still going to try and go, so I got dressed, ate breakfast, brushed my teeth, and grab my gear. It wasn't until I was in the truck and driving out the back gate that the tylenol began to kick in a little. "Finally," I thought to myself. I was considering staying back and going to sick call, but I am glad I didn't. I think I manage to capture a few good photos from the day.

As I sit here in my room writing this, all I can think of is that this is probably how an old man feels. My back is killing me.

Anyways, here are the photos. I hope you like them.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- Afghan children watch from their front door as members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul pass by during a visit to a village in Qalat District, Zabul Province, July 21, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- An village elder participates in a shura with members of the Zabul Provincial Government and Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul in a village in Qalat District, Zabul Province, July 21, 2010. A shura is a traditional meeting where tribal elders discuss major issues and make the best decisions for their tribe. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I have a few problems with Afghanistan. My latest gripe is the lack of motivation. Every child expects candy, or a pen. They'll even ask for your camera! It doesn't stop with the children. The elders of the village we met with didn't want a well dug or anything like that. They just wanted money. It is like that everywhere. They do not want to earn anything. They expect a blank check from their government, from the foreigners, from whoever will give it to them. It is like welfare in the States times 1,000. I don't know if all of Afghanistan is this way (I'm assuming it is), but Zabul is this way. Very annoying.

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clarence Washington, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul security forces squad leader, walks up a small ridge while providing security during a shura a village in Qalat District, Zabul Province, July 21, 2010. A shura is a traditional meeting where tribal elders discuss major issues and make the best decisions for their tribe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- A young Afghan boy practices writing his name on his hand to show a U.S. soldier from Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul in a village in Qalat District, Zabul Province, July 21, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

QALAT CITY, Afghanistan -- U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Patrick Neilson III, Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul security forces squad leader, stands on a wall to get a better view of the area while providing security during a shura in a village in Qalat District, Zabul Province, July 21, 2010. PRT Zabul supports and facilitates the legitimacy of the Afghan national and local governments through regional reconstruction, security and stability of the province. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nathanael Callon/Released)

I wanted to show a little different variety of photos this time. It is so easy to get cool shots of the SecFor guys. There is nothing more cool than guys in camouflage, gear and decked out weapons. Blame it on Hollywood, video games or G.I. Joe from your childhood, but it still makes you think to yourself "sweet". At least it does for me.