On "Cream Cheese" and "Giggles"

or How Nicknames Stick

In the last month, I have acquired a number of nicknames. I wish I could say they came about due to my great skill and expertise - names like "gunfighter" or "fast-track" - but no, they have more to do with my weaknesses. =( One of the driving instructors commented on how much I laugh. I didn't say a whole lot during the driving classes because what was there to say? I did laugh a lot though, usually at my own mistakes or those of my classmates. Anyway, during the night vision driving, I was definitely more giggly than usual (I would like to blame it on lack of sleep). Well, the instuctor began calling me "Giggles," not just to me, but even over the radio so all the instructors could hear. The name caught on and I became "Giggles" during driving classes.

The following week, during linguist training, I greeted a man (role player), whom we were interrogating, with a "good morning, how are you?" Although he replied in another language, I knew he was not just wishing me a good morning, but when I asked our translator, she said "he says good morning too." After the class was over, and I was talking to the aforementioned role player and translator, I asked what was really said at that point. The guy seemed reluctant to answer, but the girl told me he said "good morning, cream cheese" (or what would be the equivalent of "hi, sweetie pie"). He tried to explain himself by telling me that that would have the response of any guy in his country if they saw a cute girl, then went on to say that they love blondes. This all took place in front of many of my male classmates, who found this quite amusing and continue to call me "Cream Cheese" (BTW, did I mention that the role player was a VERY good-looking, well-built man?!). The guys have gotten a LOT of milage out of that one! =)

The gas chamber

I have to admit, I expected it to be a LOT worse. I had to get over my claustrophobia and get the gas mask on my face, but once that was accomplished, the rest was quite simple. We walked into the rather small shed with the mask in place. Once in, the doors were closed and a gas capsul was opened over a flame. The instructor made us hold our breath, close our eyes and break the seal of the mask. After that we cleared and resealed our masks and were allowed to leave. The gas did make my eyes water a little and created somewhat of a burning sensation on any exposed skin, but overall, it was pretty easy (disappointingly so). I know the military guys have to actually take the mask off and talk, making the whole experience much worse. As much as I HATE pain and generally avoid it at all costs, I guess I just wanted to see what it is they go through (I don't know, maybe it's morbid curiosity). Anyway, that is the extent of my gas chamber experience. I'm sorry it was not more exciting.

How is this my life?!

In the last two weeks I have learned more about guns than I have ever cared to know (not that I haven't enjoyed the experience). Not only can I shoot them in just about any position, including flat on my back, shooting over my shoulder, I can also break them down, clean them, and put them back together. Every morning, I get to the range at 7:15, suit up into my "hero gear" (40+ lbs. worth!), and strap on a Sig at my side and an M-4 across my chest. Eye and ear protection are also worn, and a military-style helmet completes the look. Once geared up it is difficult to tell any of us apart, except for me, of course, with my wayward curls escaping from the helmet in all directions. =) I've been wearing a camo head band to lend some control to my crazy hair, which has earned me the name "GI Jane" from one of my fellow gunfighters. Another nickname I've recieved (this one disignated by an instructor) is Annie Oakley.

As the only student in this class with no prior firearms experience, I have managed to draw some attention to myself. The best (or worst) example of this was during our night qualifications (shooting in the dark) when I had to re-do the reload drill over and over (probably 10 times) while my classmates had to stand by and wait. On my last try, I did it in 6 seconds rather than the maximum 8 seconds and impressed those near enough to see. Another rather amusing mess-up was during another qualification. We were at the 50 yard line, lying on our bellies, aiming for a round steel plate. I fired the required two shots and heard the accompanying clink, clink, unfortunately, I was aiming at my neighbor's target, so I obviously missd my own. After focusing on my on target once more, I fired two more shots. This time I was right on! =)

While all of this is quite amusing (also the most physically demanding thing I've done in my life!), every day I think to myself, HOW IS THIS MY LIFE?! There are so many seperate decisions and occurances in life that lead us to the present, and I often wonder which of those things in particular, brought me to this point? If anyone had ever told me that this is what I would be doing, I would never have believed them, and yet, here I am.

I am off to church now... will try to update again soon.