First Day

Happy New Year. Or, "Kul a'am wa antum bekhair." Rough equivalent. Another round of celebratory gunfire last night. Not something I suggest we start doing in Times Square. This morning I've heard four car bombs go off so far. I don't think they were 'celebratory.' I made a round of calls yesterday; got a few text messages. My favorite text-pal is Dr. Khowla, a Provincial Council member. She's the chair of the legal committee, and we've discussed the writing of the provincial charter. She sends me tips about council meetings. "NEW DPUTY. MOHAN." And holiday greetings. "SORRY TO BE LATE. happy Chrismac and happy nwyer." Last night I shot her a new year's greeting, and got a response. "THnks for YOr nice Feeling." I'll have to ask her how many clips she burned up in her AK-47 last night. Our little joke.