Dog Days

It's that time where it is close to us coming home, but not really close enough.  It's hard not to think about it and get excited about it and yet we still have a couple of months and a few missions to go.  One thing that makes it a little more difficult is that they are still adding all sorts of new things for us to do.  With such little time left, does it really matter if we start putting drip pans under our trucks when we park them?

I have also had a hard time lately because I was put in another truck.  I was made the driver in SGT Bruno's truck.  He was my TC all through training, and we were eventually separated because of personal problems between us.  I'm not sure what my platoon sergeant was thinking when he put us back together again.  At first we thought it was going to be a temporary assignment until I got put in charge of my own truck, but that never happened and now the assignment has become permanent.  At first we were professional and made it work because it was only supposed to be for one or two trips.  Now it has broken down to our old animosity and things are getting difficult.  We just don't like each other.  He wants to prove that I am only a specialist and he is a sergeant so he shows me little respect and treats me like an peon.  He doesn't "have my back" and is looking to call me out in front of everyone for anything little I might do wrong.  For my part I am frustrated by the lack of respect and fight his attempts at putting me down any way I can.  Shouting is often the result.  I think he is a terrible TC and a terrible NCO (and I know he knows that).  I almost want him to fail; 1) so he gets fired and I get his job, and 2) because he is always telling me how HE is in charge and that my opinion as a subordinate is irrelevant.  Since he doesn't want my input I take a perverse pleasure in keeping it from him even if it means his failure.  He sure does bring out the worst in me!  

I give most people the benefit of the doubt.  Even if I don't like someone I try to respect them as human beings.  I'm a nice guy.  But I hate this man.  Simple as that.  It is a problem and a sin but it's the truth.  I haven't felt this way about anyone in a long time.  I keep hoping that I get taken out of the situation and put back in my old truck, but the truth is I need to deal with my feelings and try to work it out.  Good luck to me!

Other than that I am well.  I am exercising a lot and wearing myself out.  I am healthy and am getting a lot of practice at my drawing and am showing some improvement.  I am gaining the respect of those around me (partly because they see how I've been treated and how I am handling it).  I am excited about having another baby! (Julie is pregnant if you didn't already know.  I had fun on my leave!) And I can't wait to get home.