LIFE IS ALMOST SETTLING INTO A ROUTINE

We are still in the process of turnover between our Battalion and the previous one. Things are starting to get settled, as far as our work routine and life in general. There's really not much to the routine. I almost feel like a shipwrecked sailor on a island. There are few places to go or see on base (you don't go off base unless you're on a mission). There are few things to do. We typically work late hours, so other than a few hours of relaxation at night, that's about it. If I sound like I'm in a funk, that's probably about the size of it. On the other hand, I do appreciate this is war and again, it's about the mission. It's not built around my enjoyment.

I've had a cold the past few days. I'm really surprised I didn't get one earlier when we were on the field exercise or when we just arrived in Iraq. This too shall pass.

Last night, I finally broke down and got a haircut. I took the other Supply Officer to dinner at Pizza Hut as a way of saying thanks for helping me with the turnover. Afterwards we were passing the barber shop and I was debating on whether I was desperate enough to get a haircut there. I tried a few days ago but had to leave when I saw most of the guys getting all their hair cut off. They all talk about the convenience factor but I just can't bring myself to getting a buzz cut. I don't think it's vanity; I just can't stand the feeling of little to no hair. Loretta and the girls would argue my hair is already to short but there is a line in the sand for me. Well, anyways, somehow I had missed the fact that there was a beauty salon next door to the barber. My eyes lit up and I went in and asked if they cut men's hair. They said yes, for $5. Now Hassan may not be a Calvin (the guy who cuts my hair back home), but he did a pretty good job. He must have spent 20 minutes fussing with my hair, including a splash of Williams Electric Shave (like Aqua Velva) at the end. He even gave me a quick back and arm massage, which made me feel like putty. I must have really tense muscles these days.

Here's the funny part. As I'm getting my hair cut, 2 Marines walk in. I'm thinking it's odd that they would go to a beauty shop for a haircut since they usually have it cut high and tight. The first guy sits down in the chair, the girl pulls out what looks like a yard of dental floss, and does some fancy stuff with it on his eyebrows!! Then his buddy, who looks like a really tough guy, gets the same thing done. I was floored but figured it was the closest thing to R&R that they'll see for a year. Pretty wild.

I get depressed every time I walk into my hut. There is a fine layer of sand on everything, including clothing and electronics. I try to keep everything covered but it's about impossible. So I've decided to take the loft above my office for my room. It's much less dusty, has windows, and includes TV and DVD player. Originally my Supply Assistant, a LTJG, was going to take it but rank has its privileges. I think the previous JG told his Supply Officer that he would be better off separating his work space from living quarters. In hind site, it was a clever ploy to get the space for himself. So I'm hoping to take over the loft in another 3-5 days and start feeling better about my living conditions.

There are a number of off-road bicycles sitting outside the Supply Office. We think most are left over from previous Battalions. I will take my pick of the lot and start to use it to ride "downtown" to the gym and pool. That will help to break up the routine somewhat, although it won't match the road biking I used to do around Roswell. Some are locked up and no one has the key. The Seabee answer is to use the universal key, a bolt cutter.

Supply Officers are neither born nor bred in the Seabee community. Unlike CEC (Civil Engineering) Officers, we try not to spend much time in the community. It's a bit of a culture clash as to how they want to conduct business and how we are supposed to. The previous Supply Officer hates the Seabees (not personally) and can't wait to get back onto a ship. It's probably responsible for his 6 cigar a day nervous habit. I plan to limit my intake and make up for it in some other way. I have already butt heads with other Department Heads but am trying to keep it professional. Regardless, this will be a good Supply experience.

Well that's about it for now. It's hard to keep track of the days but I'm told we've been here for only a week and a half. I think I have a better idea when I count the number of shirts in the laundry bag. One day blends into the next.

Oh, it's Erica's 18th birthday today. It's hard to believe she's 18 or that we're getting that old that we have an 18 year old. Happy Birthday Erica.

Regards to all.