We're in the middle of a transitory period as my unit takes over for the unit that has been here for the past year. We call it a "RIP" or relief in place. Another common Army term for this is "right-seat, left-seat ride". In other words, I'm in the "left seat" with my predecessor for a while as he drives, then I move over to the "right seat" to take the wheel. This is figurative, of course, since public affairs officers don't typically drive anything.
Basically, I'm learning what the other PAO did here over the past year, then he will step back and assist me as I attempt to take the reigns. It's how we ensure that the valuable lessons that were learned over the years are transferred to the next crew: what works and what doesn't, tactics, techniques, procedures, media personalities, organizational idiosyncrasies, where to get a good cup of coffee--you know, the important stuff.
The 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" from Hawaii has done an outstanding job here over the past year. My crew and I are learning everything we can from them before we fully take the reigns in a a few short days.
My personal life is still in a bit of transition as well. I still have not adjusted to the 8-hour time change from home. I've been gone a week, but I have yet to enjoy a full night's sleep. Last night was typical. I fell asleep around 11:00pm, only to awaken at 00:09am. I laid awake, frustrated and bored, until 4:00am. At that point I switched on my light and read a few articles in a magazine I brought with me. (Countryside Magazine. I was reading about some dude's homemade greenhouse. Tell me that's not sleep inducing!) At about 4:30 I tried to sleep again, and finally did until my alarm went off at 6:15.
It was one of those wake ups where your eyes feel cemented together and you have to wipe the drool from your cheek as you look down at the wet spot on your pillow. I looked in the mirror to see the deep lines created by my sheets embedded in my face. I was NOT ready for the day. I stumbled to the shower trailer convincing myself that tonight will be different. We'll see...
Hope tonight is better. by the way, "reigns" is "reins."
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading what you have to say about your day, life, etc. It helps us to feel closer to you knowing kind of what you are going through. I hope you get adjusted soon to your time difference. It always happens that you sleep the best before you need to wake up. I can just picture the "drool." Love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mom. I had a good night's sleep Saturday--slept the whole night. But last night I only slept for about 1 1/2 hours, but for different reasons. I had travel issues that I can tell you about later.
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