Degrees of Normalcy
September 18th, 2007 by rsm
Perhaps by this weekend when things settle down a bit, I’ll be able to start describing some of the fun I had while away. Right now I only leave little nuggets.
But the days since coming back have been a combination of many things as I try to readjust to my world which is now forever changed. I do not have to return to work just yet as my “hand off” is not yet completed to my home unit. Tonight I went through the last of the paperwork and issued gear I have and put much of it away as needed. I can see another day this week will be spent further de-cluttering my cabin. I have way too much stuff. I’m also going to have to buy a few more ceiling-height bookshelves right away. I’m even turning off my phones later in the evening as I do need a break from the steady stream of calls by the time the moon has risen.
But the days have been amazing. Fall is coming to the mountains in a magnificent fog settling down in our souls. The quiet of the cabin seems so much more quiet. The scents of the woods so much stronger. I listen to music at a much lower volume. The comfy leather chair has become more insistent in its demand for napping patrons though I have resisted well, thanks to the discipline of being forbidden to sleep except between 2100 and 0430 hrs for the last couple of months.
I’ve not been able to thank everyone for all the support I received. Seriously, the amount of letters and cards took up so much space that there was no more room in my personal drawer in my wall locker. I ended up mailing 3 large padded envelopes full of letters home while still retaining a number of others. I handed off the leftover stamps to my battle buddies as they were continuing on to their advanced training while I was the only one allowed to leave to go home in the whole company.
I was truly blessed.
But, yes, in case you were wondering, some things had to be initiated. Last night was my first dinner at home.
Chicken Chevre… like a chicken parmesean, only I also stuffed and smeared the chicken breasts with goat cheese, and added a lot more balsamic vinegar and hearty burgundy reduction to the tomato sauce.
It was a little bit better than the chow hall, I would say.
Yeah, it takes a while to move out of the “strictly regimented” and into “normal life”. Actually the guys going on with their AIT will have it somewhat easier – as the discipline continues, but at a lower level, allowing time for decompression. You went from completely regimented to completely free in the space of a day – messes with the mind it does.
Give it a little time and you’ll readjust.
Now, can you come cook dinner for me??? LOL.
It was a little bit better than the chow hall, I would say.
I suspect that’s the understatement of the century.
I would imagine *much* better than the chow hall. Sounds wonderful…
*feeling slightly guilty for not having acquired your address so as to send you letters of support*
also, the food sounds delish! just a tad jealous, here at college…
[[and, to be technical, i'm not in Year 2 of college anymore, uncle]]
Your place sounds so beautiful. What a peaceful place to find yourself all over again.
If you cooked it RSM, the chow hall has no comparison.
I was wondering when you were going to start cooking. You freaked me out a little when you asked for a plain old sandwich a few days ago. It was so NOT you.
….Recipie?