An early day...

I had a restless night, waking several times to check the time. I don't know why I do that. Maybe I half expect to see that I've overslept, or something.

I've been in the office since 5:15 am or so, and it's been quiet. The only excitement has been the sound of my typing, mostly translating from English to Russian (i.e., in the direction I am worst at).

Yesterday, I tried my hand at two translations into Russian and then watched as Maya - the youngest member of our team - proceeded to correct them. Although my second effort was better than my first, there was still "a lot of typin' goin' on."

So, I've left the documents in the inbox, and will let Victor review them (he should be in on the next bus, at 8:30). In the end, I can only improve in the translation-into-Russian department, however difficult it may be for me to do.

It's lightening in the east, and I'm awaiting word to go join Doug M. for a facility walkdown. I expect I'll also be interpreting at this morning's status meeting, and as the "on-call" interpreter for the day, I'll go back to the Fili after my shift ends at 12:30 pm and simply stand by in case I am needed.

Cheers...

Best-laid-plans dept.

I was supposed to finish my time in the office in the early afternoon, except that TPTB called a briefing for the U.S.-based interpreters to cover some essential information having to do with export control regulations. After the briefing, we all signed on the dotted line - to the effect that we had been briefed - and went on our way.

Before going back to the hotel, I picked up an assignment to translate an article published in a local newspaper about the head of the local operation here in Baikonur, who retired a colonel in the Space Forces some time ago and now manages things as a civilian. Ostensibly, it was an article devoted to noting the 60th birthday of the gentleman in question, and provided a lot of interesting biographical detail. However, it also took some time to translate the article, so in the end, my post-work period sort of got eaten up.

Talking about food, I am trying to stay away from the copious and tasty offerings in the dining hall. If I do not, I will balloon to heaven only knows what dimension. I have started to use only the small plates for my servings, and to avoid the abundant carbs offered, concentrating my consumption mostly to salads (cole slaw, cucumbers, tomatoes) and viands.

It has been a long day. The bed beckons.

Cheers...