I spent a good part of last night going through my regular routine. Meeting with my top guys. Throwing bones. Listening to music. My Soldiers like to call me Mr. Rodgers because when we get back to the barracks, they know I’m the first to throw on jeans and a polo. With the temperature dropping recently, I’ve been wearing hoodies. A lot. My favorite is that cashmere one I’ve had from the GAP and I get made fun of for it constantly. But when I wear it with my headphones, glasses and Dodgers hat…I look like I’m about 70 years old. Will add a pic on the edit…because even I had to laugh at it.
Things are starting to pick up again. At least for me. With a lot of guys out on the road and me pretty much grounded from any more missions to take care of the endless amounts of paperwork, I find myself buried in my office for hours at a time. I won’t lie, all my office is missing is a window with a view. Nice big desk. Nice comfy chair. Surround sound system. War is hell? Again, pictures on the edit.
Having something to look forward to (like my prolonged escape to New England) is a blessing and a curse. At the beginning of this deployment, I promised myself I wouldn’t count the days…but it is very difficult not to. Although, I suppose I would be counting them down anyways since Jon (the LT across the hall from me) has a “take-a-number” deli-style counter on his door that I am forced to stare at any time I have the door open. Back in April, I was not only way in over my head, but this deployment seemed like it was going to last forever. Now, we’re in a flow, we’re awaiting replacements and everyone is just trying to stay as busy as possible. It just boils down to everyone being excited to go home and sometimes emotions get the better of us. I have two goals in these last two months: Keep the drama low and prep the incoming guys as best as possible to give them the start they need to succeed over the next 10 months. I can’t thank the guy I replaced enough for the head start he gave me. I hope I get the opportunity to buy him a beer or seven when I visit northern California after this is all said and done.
Time to wrap it up and get back to the grind. Until tomorrow…
1. Q – Cartel
2. Heart of the City (Jay-Z)
3. Satellite (Guster)
4. Falling Down (Atreyu)
5. A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (This Providence)
Nothing wrong with being 70 years old. I have a feeling being that old is gonna rock. You get to sit in a rocking chair all day and do/say whatever the hell you want
Comment by Extremely Witty — January 18, 2010 @ 4:10 pm