Laos was not exactly an assignment for me since I was home, and I didn't depend on the American Community, and what was in itself a great thing. Afghanistan was our first post, and back in 1976, spouses were not allowed to work. Therefore, it was a lot of gatherings, shopping, book club meetings, thrift shop visits, traveling around the country (which was a good thing) , cooking sessions, and of course parties. Those parties that ended in the morning, and I remember having to carry my shoes home I danced all night. Then there were the "dreaded" luncheons. I was in one of those dreaded luncheons at my neighbor's home. The Ambassador and the Director’s wives were there. I was about 26 years old, young, hot-headed, and quite obnoxious, “the hoity-toity princess” with a very loose mouth, I might add. Now that I think about it, I was not sure why they invited me to begin with. I was not always a pleasant person. And...