For those of you who have been following my entries on this blog site (yes, all 8 of you), you will be happy to see that I have returned from whirlwind R&R leave in the United States, and have been “reassimilated into the collective.”

The first week back was very difficult.   I couldn’t sleep at regular times, my dietary habits was all mixed up, and worst of all, I had been away during the 3 weeks of CPIC movement, so I felt out of the loop (I had been severed from the collective — I know just how Seven of Nine felt during that first episode).

It took some time, but I have begun to get back into the groove.  I found the best way was just to “thrust myself into the vortex”, or in other words, I forced myself to insert myself into conversations and work teams to let all know that I was back and ready to go. 

One thing that helped me through the rough spot was the delivery of several “care packages” from family and friends back in the United States.  I am not sure if this will help others who are returning, but if you have a loved one here, I would surprise them by sending a care package while they are still back in the United States on R&R leave with you….so they will arrive back (tired and bit disoriented) and see that everything is still right with the world. 

Luckily, when I left the weather was still cool, and I returned to the last gasps of spring.  However, today is probably the first of 120 days or more than will be at least 95 degrees or warmer (with many above 110…and some above 120).  I feel a little sorry for the 314th soldiers who are returning back to family in New England this summer.   The transition back from those cool days on the ocean will probably add an extra challenge that I luckily did not have to face.

I hope that all you blog visitors will resume your periodic stops by this site….and know that your comments are much appreciated (except for those spammers who keep trying to post ads for fake Rolex — or as they spell it “Rollex.”)

COMING UP IN A FUTURE BLOG — the 50/50 luau!