Oklahoma Airman Blog: Me, Myself... And Everyone Else

Heather Bennett, News 9 Contributor
Oklahoma Airman Serving In Afghanistan

ENTRY #13:

Let's talk about "me" time or lack thereof.

The last two weeks have gone by pretty fast. Nothing too crazy has happened here. It's been a little of this and a little of that. I still haven't figured out what all that saying entails, but feel free to use your best interpretation of it.

We on the night shift finally got off base again, which was pretty exciting. Everything went smoothly. We did what we were tasked to do, and all made it back safely, so no worries there.

Six more paychecks and I'll be home!

I was asked where I go to just be by myself, and I sat there and thought, "Well, I'm never really by myself." That may be one of the hardest things to deal with here. I can't honestly say when the last time I was alone, not just left in the truck to watch my weapon while the others eat or when my roommate leaves to go to the gym. I'm talking about time to collect my thoughts, and to reflect and focus on me. I'm very rarely alone in my own room at any given time. At least one, if not more, of the roommates is here. It gets really old after a while.

I'm the last one of the night shift to get back at 10:00 a.m., and by that time the room already has the lights out because the other two are trying to sleep. I'm tired of sneaking around in the dark to put my gym cloths on, or to get my shower stuff. I have come to realize that my own personal space is something I took for granted back at home. We have those days where you get home and you're kind of excited that no one else is there. I miss that. I miss quiet.

There are a number of other things that I miss, like jamming out to Sugarland in my shower and singing as loud as I can, or watching a movie without head phones. "Land Before Time" just isn't as good with ear buds in. I'm still searching for my happy place to unwind, even if it's only ten minutes out of the week. I will keep you posted if it happens.

Heather

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