Week 2 (25 April-1 May, Days 2-6)

As I write this, as you may be able to tell by the time stamp, I have just received news that Osama bin Laden, is dead. We have the body, it hasn't been released yet as to how he died, but who the hell cares. Today is a great day for the United States, the US Military, and the world!

Now I'll update you on this past week, then I'll be all caught up!!!

Monday 25 April (Day 2)-
More inprocessing, and our first PT test. Overall the class did well, though there were more failures than there should have been. It was my second day as squad leader, and it went decently well. I got to spend some more time exploring Sierra Vista and admiring the mountains, not too much excitement.

Tuesday 26 April (Day 3)-
The first bit of drama as squad leader, there was a misunderstanding on the formation time and a couple of my squad members were pretty late. I spent most of the inprocessing (mostly medical) livid, but let go of it by the end of the day. I got half the day off because Active Duty soldiers had more to do that afternoon and Reserve and National Guard officers didn't need to be there, it was a great day to get more things done, lay out, and enjoy some reading...until the text messages started...one of the squad members that had been late double checked on the formation time and it turned into a bit of a discussion...while at first this inflamed my anger from the morning, it really helped us get together as a squad and understand each others concerns. It really was a positive discussion in the end, those two are now (and really always have been) extremely reliable and squared away, now we're all on the same page and I feel like a better leader because I was able to listen to their concerns and address them without getting too terribly defensive.

Wednesday 27 April (Day4)-
Wednesday! Halfway done with the week! Also day 5...only 79 more class days left! haha oh this may be a long school... Today at class was boring, that's honestly about all I can remember, probably just a bunch of classes...The best part was the afternoon!! Cynthia, Warrior Dog (nickname...) and I went to the big gym on post. Cynthia went to go swim, and WD and I went to go get in a kickboxing session. I've never really gotten any training in like that, and I gotta tell you, I loved the marks on my knuckles and shins that resulted. I'm hooked! Robert, I can see why that's your passion! To the uneducated observer it looks like you're just beating the hell out of a bag...but its about controlling your body so effectively that you are using your power in the most efficient way possible. Horseback riding offers much of the same elements, such as fine control and deliberate movements of your body. I can't wait til the next session, hopefully I'll add a hook to my new repertoire of jabs and straight rights. What a great day!

Thursday 28 April (Day 5)-
Another great day!! Well boring in the class sense...once again I don't remember much of what we did... I think we drew more equipment... oh well
After class Cynthia and I found a mountain to explore!!! Finally I get to get up to a higher elevation!!! We really didn't have any idea where we were going, so we just picked a road that we thought would take us kinda high, and we figured we'd work out in a parking lot of a trail or something. We didn't find a trail, we found a church! A Catholic Chapel to be exact, so we nicknamed the mountain "Cross Mountain." We hiked the Stations of the Cross, and ended behind a small prayer hut, a giant wooden cross stood in silhouette against a beautiful vista...it was a religious experience to say the least. I didn't have my camera, but I'll go back and take pictures soon, I promise!!

Friday 29 April (Day 6)-
At last, Friday!! Our first day of BRM...boring, but more fun than falling asleep in classes! EST was great, except that I didn't qualify because the laser was blocked during my first 20 shots...I have a witness that I would have qualified expert!! ;P Of course Engagement Skills Training doesn't count like actual qualifying will on Monday... That afternoon I got Cynthia to the Housing place so she could get her Townhouse... then I promptly passed out, boring night for me, but I hear it was exciting for everyone else, good for them is what I have to say!

Saturday 30 April-
Lazy, lazy, lazy day!! Luckily I got to catch up with my Mom and this guy I used to work for... I'll leave it at that... The highlight of my day was getting to check out Cynthia's place, do some laundry (Thanks Cynabun!!) and workout with her and WD! WD put together a workout for us that truly smoked my booty. I am forever grateful to have some new exercises in my bank now! Guess what I did after the workout? Yup, passed out! (I get a lot of sleep on the weekends)

Sunday 1 May-
Sleep, Church, back to bed, surprise breakfast with Cyn and WD...yeah they knocked on the door before I was dressed after I had told them that I'd meet them at the diner (btw, the diner is my new favorite place here, aside from Cross Mountain)...Kinda liked that they insisted on picking me up though :) Makes me feel a little loved. After that we did some more shopping, then some time at Walmart, then sushi and brownies for dinner with Cynthia while watching Red. Its been a good night...Especially since I've gotten to update my blog and Bin Laden is dead...I'll sleep well tonight :)