i've been home from the field for a few days, and am just now feeling like my normal self. it isn't the deprivation of what i consider the basics of living (hygiene, non-processed food, my own pajamas) that was getting to me out there. i mean, that stuff sucks, but my bag of candy and canteen showers helped me cope. the mental stress of having absolutely every action dictated started to effect me. camp bullis is it's own little world. ten acres of insulation from the outside world. i have realized i have a problem with people telling what to do, which is a problem if you are in the army! maybe my rebelliousness is good, a little bit of my personality that rises up every once in awhile. yes, the smart comments coming from the 5th squad in the back of the platoon are coming from Agnor.
i'm about to head back out tomorrow morning (3 am), and am feeling a bit low about it. Only 4 more days, though, which is absolutely more do-able than the last run. we'll be focusing on setting up aid stations and rehearsing how the treatment process works in Iraq. these are things i may need to know in the future. psychologists are part of the teams who respond -- mostly for brain injuries and combat trauma.
i have a strategy for the week - no MRE's! they totally toxify your body! I'm bringing Luna bars as part of my new weight loss plan - the camp bullis diet. it's a combo of carrying around a growth of gear, sweating like a whore in church on easter (got that one from my good friend from Charleston, SC), doing PT/Combatives in the morning, and feeling nauseous from the stink of the port-a-potties.
I've posted some pics this time - don't laugh too hard at the sight of my new outfit! thanks for everyone's encouraging comments, i feel the support.
3 comments:
thanks for reminding us all that quietness, mattresses, and freedom are all to be cherished. have a good next few days, you can do it!
Hi Chrystal,
this link goes out to you and Charleen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMm_5ZTXYCk&feature=related
can't wait for your next post.
I know you have been camping it up. bet that first shower was another 4 seasons experience.
kw
Don't you know you're not supposed to look so happy? Where's the soldierist 'Grrrr, I'd like to bite your face off, shit happens and I don't give a f---'? What's with all the smiling? From what you told me, most of these girls got sunstroke and UTI's. . .
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