Everywhere it's shoulder to shoulder. 5+ people to a room, elbow to elbow at chow, always someone up your ass. It's a little aggravating. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it seems like it might be just past a chokepoint. More and more people here every day, crowding, jammed in a small space with no outlet, no privacy.

I enjoy my "me time", I'm covetous of it, and I've been getting a little ornery about it. Dinner table conversation always has that "military flavor". If I'm talking I'm not eating and if I eat faster I can get on the bus and hang out by myself for a little while. When you live with the same people you work with, work with the same people you eat with and eat with the same people you live with . . . well, you get the picture.

I know a big deal for us is isolation, so I have to make a distinction here – there's a difference between isolating yourself and needing space to collect your thoughts, or just relax without having to think about small talk. Geez there's so much small talk! I'm a say-what-you-have-to-say-and-shut-up type of guy. Meat and potatoes.

The problem is that it's so hard to come by and you have to make so much of an effort to ensure it, it's hard to adjust to NOT pulling away from people when you get home. That was a big deal for me last time I came home. I pulled away to the point of isolation then drank at the lonliness. There's a fine line to walk here. Like my sponsor says "moderation s key". Lol. Moderation. Yea, that comes easy!! **snickers**

Well, that's what I'm bringing to the table. My thoughts are kind of scattered, don't know if I'm making much sense to anybody, but that's where I am today.

Peace~

Kelsey