AmeriGear

Well look at that, two posts in one day. Today, we got our uniforms. It was pretty exciting, let me tell ya. We got black and khaki BDU (battle dress uniform) pants, khaki BDU shorts, short- and long-sleeved T-shirts, short-and long-sleeved polos, a black belt with a buckle no one can figure out, a fisherman's cap, fleece vest, hoodie, work gloves (they actually had a size small!), bandanna, parka, and a horribly uncomfortable red backpack. Oh, and intimidating steel-toed work boots that apparently require special super-thick socks that I currently do not own.

*Begin rant*
Why does "unisex" clothing really mean "should only be worn by male figures"? And also, it's 2009. Not 1940. There are quite a few women in the military. Why can't BDUs be made in sizes other than small, medium, and large? Women have several different shapes and sizes. Why must women be forced to wear men's clothing when they want to serve their country?
*End rant*

So yeah, the uniform is not the most flattering thing. Well, really I only have a problem with the pants. And these lovely garments must be worn ALL THE TIME FOREVER when doing anything AmeriCorps-related (training, meetings, projects, etc.). But I guess it's not that bad. It's kind of nice not to have to think about what to wear. Just think about the weather and whether you want to wear short or long pants and sleeves, and you're set. I don't have any pictures yet, but I'll post them after I take them.

The uniform was really the only exciting part of today. There was also the setting-up of a direct-deposit system for our living allowance and the discussing of health care. Oh! And dinner! I'm sure you know how I'm a picky eater, and dinner tonight was the best meal yet. Turkey and mashed potatoes which were really quite good, with some pretty good cookies for dessert. Turkey and mashed potatoes is one of my favorite meals ever, so that was nice.

After dinner, a little group of us found a dollar store nearby. I didn't have room in my luggage for a pillow, so last night I had to use one of the ones they had available for us. I got the last one. It was the last one for good reason. So I got myself a (hopefully) better one. And...that's it for today. :)