Sunday, August 17, 2008

a pink flamingo in the desert

haven't posted in a few days, although i have started several. i'm trying! by the time i get home from class, i want to a) take shower, b) eat, c) sleep (not necessarily in that order). in about 4 hours (2 am), i report for monday's adventures. we start field exercises (FTX) tomorrow, a training that is supposed to simulate a deployment environment (HA!). we'll be out at camp bullis for 12 days, then they allow us Labor Day weekend off, and we return to bullis for another week after that. i think it's mostly an exercise in deprivation, roughing it, having to do without showers, toilets, cell phones, and computers. the plan is to have us crawling through dirt, packing a rucksack ("ruck marching"), setting up camps and clinics for those of us who are medics, getting comfortable with weapons, and learning how to convoy.

the prospect is stressing me out! i just want to get it over with. i also know that although it won't be the most comfortable situation for me, the soldiers in Iraq and those who train for the field regularly, are roughing it WAAAAYYY more than we will be. this is nothing compared to the reality, it's just a taste. i've talked to a few people in my class who have been deployed as combat medics, and i think this FTX is almost an insult to their skills. the people (such as my roomie) who were enlisted before becoming an officer have experienced more training and hardship than OBCL has to offer, but somehow, that isn't easing my worries. 2 words: obstacle course... OK, here's another two --- brown recluse spiders (i know, that was three words...). i can deal with the whole "no shower" situation, i can live through the filthy sweaty messiness, but the physical challenges are the source of the freak out. climbing a wall? climbing up a rope with my arms alone? a PhD in psychology does not prepare one for this.... i've packed so much crap, i'd like to think i will be able to handle any unforseen unpleasantness (my feet rotting off, snake bites, chiggers, infection, dehydration, sunburn, what else could there possible be?). my ruck weighs a ton, i hope i can offload a bunch of stuff in the tent.

the heat has been incredible this week, which is a concern as well. if it's 100 degrees in san antonio, it's 110 at camp bullis. but i guess there are severe thunderstorms heading this way, and i'm not sure if that's better or worse. flash flooding or sunburn? tough call.... crawling through mud, or dust? hot & sweaty or damp and moldy? eww! i'm only bringing 2 uniforms, so be glad that you all don't have to be around me for the next 2 weeks! i've got a big bottle of febreeze, and will be using it liberally.

i must get whatever beauty sleep i can... i think it's gonna be a long monday. i'll be sure to take a ton of pictures, and post them when i get back... love you all!

4 comments:

Pratt said...

Hi ya Crystal,

Sounds like you are having some kind of fun !!!!
Sounds like you are going to be reading this out in the field and too late to take advantage of this. When Justin was in Iraq he had me send him baby wipes or wet naps to use when he was in a place he couldn't shower.
Take it one day at a time and don't look too far ahead or you will just drive yourself crazy. Get through today......... When Mark was in Korea he would get so depressed because he was looking at the "big picture" of being in Korea for a year. I told him to set shorter time frames and that seemed to help.
Have fun and stay girlie.

Teresa Pratt

Pratt said...

Chrystal,

Just a thought, how is the coffee in TX? I am sure it is strong but that cup of coffee you are drinking is not Starbucks. A Starbucks was built just down the street from us so next time I am drinking a latte I will think of you.

Teresa Pratt

Marie said...

I still can't believe that you are in such a foreign world...that of the army! May I reiterate my final toast and say that I admire your strength!!!

I am picturing you and can only hope that the negatively regarded recluse spider is nowhere near your person.

Love,
Casie

Tralalacy said...

Hey Crystal,
Not like our family camp outs, eh?
Kind of like going to the high lakes where there are no restrooms or showers. But you can do it. Grit your teeth, stay determined and keep a sense of humor.

We will keep you in our prayers.

Tracy