Well, another day down

Today was an interesting day, to say the least. I have been having some issues with the BN XO. He treats us all like little children. He likes to micro manage every second of every ones day. I finally got fed up with it and blew up. I managed to control myself enough to not say anything wrong or disrespectful, but, I did later go to the Colonel and told him I was no longer enjoying my time here and am losing my motivation to work hard. I explained to him how I was feeling and why and he said he would take care of it. I also explained to him that I function best when left alone to my own devices. I explained to him that if he wants things done, just let me know what he wants done and step back so as to not get hurt as the tornado around me starts to form. He laughed and agreed with what I was saying. He has seen me in action and he did mention that I seemed to be losing a step here and there lately. Now he understands why. It seems that I am not the only one that has complained to him about the XO and his condescending attitude.

I was tasked with another project yesterday and I just finished it. I was tasked with building some picnic tables. I built 8 new picnic tables and fixed the 4 that were already there. The ones that were already there, are in bad shape, but, will do for now. Unfortunately, the wood is not treated and there is no way of getting any sealant for the wood so the sun and the rain just destroy white pine rather quickly. I am going to have to try to get some sort of wood sealant here from home before long. I was told that since it is considered hazardous material, it cannot be mailed and the military does not ship it either. I will think of something. Maybe I can bring it with me in checked baggage or something. Not sure yet.

The tables turned out great. I have received may complements from people that have seen them. Now everyone wants one for their area as well. I was just talking to some people and was wondering if I could maybe build some for sale and take the money and put it into the units MWR fund for when we get home. I have not yet gotten an answer as to whether or not it is legal. I do not want to go to jail or anything like that. I know I can get over $200 a table since it costs around $650 to get one built by the local contractor. I think we have spoiled the locals here with all the money that is being spread around, mostly because lumber is not cheap here. It is rather difficult to come by. Even on post it is now difficult to get. The lumber yard here is not empty. They have not received a lumber shipment in a long time. Usually they get a few truck loads a day.

I am really looking forward to getting to the states. If all goes well I will get to participate in a couple of Autocross events while I am home. That would really be great. It seems that my buddy has been kicking some butt with my car. He has consistantly placed 1st in his category every time he races. So I am looking forward to doing the same.