It's My Last Day of Freedom!

Hey Everyone!

Today is Monday July 13th, 2009 at 2:32 PM. I wanted to take one last moment to thank everyone for all their love and support as I start the biggest journey of my life. All the I's are dotted, T's are crossed, and I've signed by the X. I've said everyone goodbye to almost everyone for the last time (I'm seeing my best friend one more time tonight, my mom is going to Kansas City with me, my dad is seeing me off in the morning, and I'm waiting from a call from Aunt Lynda). I won't say reality has hit me because it hit me a while ago but it royally stinks saying goodbyes. I'm not going cry and I don't think I ever will. I'm so ready for this and I can't believe its finally here! When I started this blog I hadn't even enlisted yet and its followed me through all the disappointments, hurdles, and struggles I've faced along the way. It's been 76 days since I enlisted on April 28th and I have two days left. I can't believe its gone by so fast. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm nervous and if I'm ready. My answer: ABSOLUTELY! I'm not nervous, that may change when I get on the bus headed to Ft Leonard wood but I am so ready. I've done everything I can do to prepare myself both mentally and physically and I know there is nothing else I can do. Basic Combat Training BRING IT ON!!!

Check back for updates!
Love You,
Heather

Lots and Lots of Updates!!!

WOW!! So much has happened and there is so much to update on since my last post. I’m finally getting around to it after hearing tons of nagging from my mom to update my blog and I’m running out of time so I figured now is as good a time as any.

First an update on my knee. It is completely and totally better!! Thank Goodness. I ended up taking almost two weeks off (let’s just say that I paid for that on Tuesday when I went running again, but more on that later). I obviously took time off while in Vegas (we left on a Monday, I hadn’t done PT since that Thursday and then didn’t do PT again until the next Tuesday after I had gotten back). I would have liked to have worked-out at least a little but the hotel/casino didn’t have a gym and that’s probably a good thing because I needed to rest. There may have been some minor pain and soreness after the run but nothing serious that stopped me. Every once in a while I will notice minor soreness but that is to be expected, it sure isn’t going stop me now!!!

VEGAS! My mom and I haven’t had a vacation since we went to California’s Grand Assembly years ago so since I am getting ready to leave what better time to go on vacation. I got the option of choosing between Chicago or Vegas, the obvious choice was Vegas since I could easily go to Chicago whenever! The trip was a blast, it went by way to fast but at the same time I was so ready to come back home!! Day one: we flew to Vegas arrived early afternoon, we checked into our hotel/casino (Harrah’s). The room was extremely nice (it was an upgrade); there were pillow top mattresses, a huge flat screen TV, it had a safe so if you won BIG you could keep your winnings safe (Hahaha), it had a mini patio with enough room to stand, it even had a mini plasma TV in the bathroom. Room 1408 in the Mardi Gras Tower of Harrah’s Casino is amazing!!! I changed clothes (I don’t believe in dressing up when your just going sit on a plane for three hours) and mom freshened up and then we hit the town (which amazing enough was right out our casino/hotel doors (even though there were no doors)). We were both starving so we stopped at a gourmet Chinese restaurant called Ming’s Table. The food was delicious and I got my first drink while in Vegas … a very yummy and very strong Strawberry Daiquiri. After food we walked down to Caesar’s Palace. First stop Harry Winston; mom got to try on an $8,000.00 diamond ring but my topped it BIG time. I got to try on a $923,000.00 ring (14 carat yellow diamond center with two .62 carats on either side, that equals 15 carats)!!! I feel in love and my heart stopped for a minute, I think that made my trip, not very many people can say that they’ve tried on a million dollar diamond. Now only if I could find a man who could afford something like that. The guy was very nice (nicer than a lot of people at the cheap-o stores), the store was nothing like a jewelry store we have in Springfield (they have a small case of things and you tell them what you want to try on, they sit you at a little table, and bring the diamonds to you). The security guard made me laugh, the second the guy opened up the case and pulled out the diamond the doors were locked, he was blocking the doors so no one could enter or leave it was funny to watch. After Harry Winston we shopped the rest of the mall which had everything from Tiffany’s to Cartier, Louis Vuitton to Coach, and tons of other boutiques. I got my giant 10 shot, ½ yard long island iced tea all of which I finished myself (I think my mom was afraid that I was going die from alcohol poisoning, I didn’t but I did get completely and totally drunk and lucky me I woke up without a hangover). We watched the living fountain statue thing that freaked me out. Then we shopped some more, everything else just wasn’t quite as nice after trying on that million dollar ring. We walked down to the Paris and bought tickets for the Eiffel tower and then headed back to Harrah’s. Day two involved waking up late, eating breakfast at the hotel, then going back up to the room to get ready. We headed to the Venetian and shopped and shopped some more. We took a gondola ride; the driver was named Mario and was funny and we got to ride with a lesbian couple (they held hands but refrained from any PDA, thank goodness)! We shopped some more and shopped a little more. We stopped at an authentic Italian restaurant for lunch where I had Fillet Mignon spaghetti and meatballs (I think I prefer olive garden)! We went to the Mirage and saw the dolphin habitat and looked at the white tigers and lions. The dolphins were cute; I’ve never seen them before there was a little 9 month old baby. All the lions and tigers were asleep, it was way too hot and they were exhausted. They had a little 7 month old leopard that was adorable. After that we headed to the hotel, I wanted to go swimming but the pool was disgusting and mom was tired so we went up to the room; I uploaded pictures to facebook and relaxed and mom took a cat nap. After that we then headed down to the Bellagio shopped and shopped some more. We got to touch and look at a Hermes Birkin bag ($8,000.00 and that’s a small one). Then headed and shopped some more. We watched the fountains at Bellagio and then went back down to Paris and went up the Eiffel tower. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate heights (yes I know I’m airborne). I was literally shaking and visibly I was terrified! We were in line for a long long long time which just added to the anticipation and fear. Took the elevator up 438 feet in the air (that’s half of what the real Eiffel tower is) and I freaked the hell out. I managed to look out the window from the far wall (I refused to go to the window) so I got to see all the lights but I didn’t enjoy it. On the way down the elevator I kept my eyes open and watched the view as we made it down to the ground. It’s one of those things that now that’s its over and I know it was safe I wish I would have not been so scared and enjoyed it, but oh well. After the Eiffel tower we headed back to the hotel and called it a night. Day three started off with Starbucks for me and mom sleeping in and being lazy! We walked down to the fashion shop mall and shopped it all day long! They had a Nathan’s Hot dogs so we ate lunch there, I’ve had them before when I went to Coney Island in New York back in 2002 but mom was sick that day and stayed in the hotel so she finally got her Nathan’s hot dog. We then took a taxi to the sign and had our pictures taken, then headed back to Harrah’s. We walked back down to Paris to get a couple things and I got a huge Strawberry Daiquiri in an Eiffel tower cup (currently being used as a piggy bank; I was very disappointed when I didn’t get a buzz or better yet drunk off of it). We ate dinner at the Range steakhouse which was delicious!! Then went back out on the strip and watched the Siren’s of Treasure Island show, after that we headed back to the hotel. We wanted to see the Chippendale’s but they were dark. It was an early evening considering we had to get up at 5:00 AM to get to the airport and fly home. I was ready but at the same time I wasn’t. We woke up, I got Starbucks (I needed some help waking up), got our stuff together and headed down to check out. I hadn’t gambled any while in Vegas and I knew I couldn’t go home without gambling so I sat at a slot for five minutes and played the free five dollars I got from the hotel. Then it was time to fly home, I wasn’t panicking this time although I probably should have considering we had a very rough driving pilot unlike the flight to Vegas. I got home and took a multiple hour nap (the time change really messed with me)!!! All in all the trip was a blast it took several days to get used to the time change (they are two hours behind us), I know I’m probably leaving stuff out but this was the majority of the trip and if you couldn’t tell it was pretty much all shopping!

Next thing, Fourth of July. It was a lot like Memorial day for me, it really hit home that I was about to become a Soldier and reminds me why I wanted to join and why this is a dream of mine. People always ask and in all honest truth I want to serve my country, the benefits are great but I would have joined if I didn’t get paid for it. I got to see my brother, my father, my aunt and uncle, and grandma and grandpa Parrish for the last time before I leave for basic and it was good. Shot off some fireworks with Ben and answered a ton of questions from everyone else. I don’t think the holiday really hit me until Sunday when we were at church and they had the special service for the fourth.

The Sunday after Fourth of July (that would be July 5th) was also my SURPRISE going away party! Even though it turned out not to be a surprise (both Bre and my mom slipped details). I was surprised by how many people showed up, I didn’t know I had so many people that loved and supported me! It was fun and sad at the same time, having to say goodbye to people that have been in my life forever is never a fun thing to do. Thanks to everyone who showed up!!

Start of the week and the last full week of freedom! Got my transcripts and got them in the hands of Sergeant Carroll for my promotion (that makes me a Private Second Class). It was a miracle I got them so that proves to me this is what God's plan for me is. Then it was PT on both Tuesday and Thursday, my last week with my running buddies and none of them showed up. The run kicked my butt, after not having done PT for almost two weeks I needed to get in the groove of things. My sergeant helped by being tough, I ran 3 miles (which is the most I've ever ran). I felt very good after and ended up doing push-ups till muscle failure after (approximately 84). Push-Ups till muscle failure is one of the Sergeant's favorite things to do (it is also one of the Drill Sergeant's favorite things...this should be fun). This week has been filled with lots of hanging out with friends and saying goodbye’s but it’s been fun and I have a lot of good memories to take with me to basic and AIT and airborne training. I know I’m not saying goodbye forever but it stills stinks!

My visit to Ft Leonard wood. I really wanted to see base before I went to basic, to get rid of any unknowns and apprehensions. It just so happened to be that my friend Eric is home from Iraq and is stationed at Ft Leonard wood so Bre and I got a private tour and I partied it up one last time before I start basic. Going to base got me completely and totally pumped I cannot wait to go to basic, and that may seem crazy but I know I’m going kick some butt and its going be a cake walk!!!

PT test and last future soldier meeting. Today (Saturday) was my last future soldier meeting. I had to take my PT test and I passed (thank goodness I was worried about it). I also got my last promotion to make me a Private First Class (no more private fuzzy for me). After taking the PT test we headed and played some basketball, I’ve actually improved in sports since I enlisted in the Army, something I didn’t expect to have happen. I got punched in the shoulder and have a nice little bruise from it but I defended myself back so they didn’t win! For the first time in all the games we’ve played in future soldier’s my team won! YAY!!! Like usual after playing for 45 minutes or so we went back to the recruiting office and learned some new stuff. We did drill and ceremonies again (we did it a couple meetings ago). It would have been better if someone besides a Private was teaching us, he was stupid and didn’t know what he was doing either. Every time we messed up we had to do push-ups, I only had to do 10 (I have it down pretty good, thanks to the marching band years, and I wouldn’t have messed up if I could have understood the dude). After drill and ceremonies it was time to head home. The rest of my day has been filled with shopping (I still had to get everything off my list), seeing family for the last time and doing more PT (you can always make improvements). Tomorrow is Sunday and then Tuesday I become Army property.

Ship date and details. Tuesday morning at 0900 I report to my recruiting station and wait for the bus. The bus usually arrives around 1030. We drive to Kansas City, Missouri, arrive there around 1600 (4:00 PM). I’ll get checked in at MEPS and then get checked in at the hotel. My mom is driving up to Kansas City to see me when I leave, so I will probably escape for a little while but crash early. I have an early 0430 wake-up call, get up, eat breakfast, go to MEPS, have a mini physical (they make sure your not pregnant and make sure your height and weight are good to go). About the time I’m finishing up with that mom will probably be up and at the station, I will get sworn in a second time and then its playing the favorite Army game of hurry up and wait. At some point on Wednesday I will get on a plane from Kansas City to St Louis and from St Louis take a bus to Ft Leonard wood. That’s when the fun begins! I’m at reception battalion from July 15th – July 24th (the first day of basic training). Basic will then begin on July 24th (unless I get lucky and get to start early). Graduation date, if I calculated correctly, will be September 24th.

Last preparations. Time is running out, I have almost everyone’s address but if you want letters let me know your address. I would love to receive any letters of encouragement and support while in training, from what I hear they really do help (contact my mom for my address sometime after the 24th)! I promise to write when I have time! Everything is in order and I’m ready to go, all that’s left is saying the few last goodbyes! I’m pumped and excited for this journey in my life, my life's dream and goal that I’ve had forever is finally coming true!

Goodbye Blog. I will not have access to my blog while in training. I'm planning on having my mom post weekly updates as well as my bct address while I am gone. I will be keeping a daily journal of everything that is going on and I will copy all the entries into my blog when I finish basic and start AIT. I will be getting phone privileges after the initial period and will take pictures when I can and update Facebook when I can, so look forward to those Facebookers! I’ll miss everyone, keep me in your prayers, continue to give me love and support and I will see you soon!!!

Private First Class Heather

Knee Injury

UPDATE:
Howdy!
So...after lots of nagging from my friends I finally caved and went to see a Doctor about my knee. Its a good thing I did because there is a possibility that its worse than I originally thought!
As of right now all I have been diagnosed with is Patella Tendinitis/Sprain. I got put on Anti-Inflammatory medication and have been told to take it easy, wrap it, ice it, etc (basically everything that I have already been doing). Its been a week since I last injured it but I haven't babied it as much as I should have so he told me to give it another week to heal. The worse news and the news that has everyone freaked out is that I may have torn my Meniscus (cartilage in the knee). If I have done this then it requires surgery to fix it (laparoscopic). The doctor didn't do any x-rays or an MRI, he did everything by touch. He is worried that I might have torn my Meniscus because of the way my knee is moving, where the pain is located, and because of the symptoms of the pain and movement. He told me I definitely haven't broken or fractured anything because I can still walk..at least there's some good news. He told me that whatever damage is done is done and that it can't get any worse so he is allowing me to continue to train (everything but running; ex. biking, push-ups, sit-ups, and strengthening exercises) but he also told me to take it easy!!! He wouldn't give me the odds even though I pressured him for them but from the sounds of it it is a high possibility. So, in a week I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to have MRIs done and to see exactly what is going on. I'm glad my friends pressured me into going to see the doctor but I'm frustrated too because it looks like its turning out to be more than just a simple sprain.
Obviously I was in pretty much freak out mode after my visit. I was terrified of getting kicked out of the Army and the possibility of my career coming to a sudden stop due to training. I talked to my Sergeant, and got a bunch of good news. He's going continue to train with me (just no running for the next week). He said if worse comes to worse I will be recycled but not kicked out. He bragged about me to the other Sergeants, Recruiters, and Recruits and said how extremely proud of me he was for pushing through even when it hurt and when I wanted to give up. He had me talk to Mr. Boss to see what I should do (if I should go and see Army personnel). But most importantly he encouraged me; I was down and upset because I have made a ton of progress since I first started training a month ago and I was worried that I would lose some of my progress, he told me that we would continue to train and work on other area's of weakness for the week as well as build up my leg muscles so I don't injure myself again. He felt bad because I can't get a break, one thing after another keeps happening to me. He has pushed me (which I've needed) but I know its not his fault for my injury and I don't blame him. As I have said before and as I will continue to say I am not giving up on this dream; I will succeed, I will become a Soldier, and I will make it through this bump in the road.
Please pray that it is a simple sprain and not a Meniscus tear!!
Heather

ORIGINAL:
Hey Everyone,

So by now everyone probably knows that I have injured my left knee. I don't exactly know when, where, or how I injured it but my guess is and my Sergeant's guess is on Tuesday of last week. We were going running and the asphalt was still damp and had debris on it from the rain. There was a stick laying on the track, I was paying attention to where I was running and what I was doing but I didn't expect anything to happen. I slipped on the stick, nothing happened: I didn't lose my balance or fall or twist anything and I just kept on running. We also did sprints, squats, and lunges (which me being a klutz usually ends up with me landing on my butt). So, I have no idea when or where I twisted my knee is could of been running or it could of been during the after run PT. Well, later that night I noticed my knee was beginning to hurt but I didn't think anything of it, my knees always hurt after running especially after running long distances. The next day when I went to run on my own it was extremely painful but I have learned to push through the pain, but on Thursday it was even worse. Thursday I ended up walking most of the trail instead of running, which I haven't done in a very very long time (well not that long but a while). Later Thursday night when I was looking at it and trying to figure out why it hurt so bad I noticed that it was slightly swollen, I just ignored it not thinking anything of it. It was still bothering me and the pain was getting increasingly worse; it started hurting not only when running but while walking or something as simple as moving my knee. Saturday was future soldiers and I wasn't going to let my knee stop me, well it decided it was going make me stop. We were playing soccer and I couldn't run, I couldn't do anything, but I just kept pushing through it (I only have 21 days left I'm not going get recycled, I'm going continue to fight this if it kills me) well my knee went out on me. I was on the ground, in extreme pain. I brought it up with my Sergeant and asked him what I needed to do, he said to rest it don't do any physical activity and take it easy until Tuesday. He mentioned that I need to be wrapping it, icing it, and taking ibuprofen. I started doing what he told me to, and it started to get better (after getting worse; it went through a phase where I couldn't do anything without it hurting like hell). Yesterday (Tuesday) was my next meeting/run and PT session with my recruiter. I thought about not showing up because I didn't want to mess my knee up anymore than I already had, but I had a burning desire to go running and I wasn't going let my knee or advice from anyone else stop me. I went and I ran, it hurt but it wasn't unbearable until about 1/2 way in. The hills on the trail is what bothered me so when there was a hill (not a bump but an actual hill) I would stop and walk and then continue to run and I did this the entire time. We only did 2 miles because of the heat advisory, and I didn't run my best but I couldn't because of my knee. My Sergeant was proud of me but was also worried that I was going to do something to my knee. He must not have been too worried because I heard him bragging and telling everyone that they needed to keep pushing because a month ago I couldn't run at all and now I am kicking their butts with a bummed out knee; it did make me feel pretty good. As usual after our run we do PT, on Tuesdays its a core work-out. It wasn't five minutes into it when I was on the verge of tears because my knee was killing me so bad, but I'm a fighter and I'm going to push through it! I iced the knee, re-wrapped it, and took some ibuprofen and was on my way it still hurt but I wasn't going let it stop me. This morning I woke-up with an extremely painful knee, I have it wrapped and I've been doing as I'm told as far as taking care of it. I've been told by several people to go see a doctor but I refuse, I honestly think that all I've done is twist it. I don't want to be recycled (put into a later unit), and I'm going continue to train and push myself until I die I'm strong and I can make it through this even if it kills me!!!

I wanted to let everyone know what was going on but now I'm going go take off and hang out with my best friend!
Heather

Fourth Future Soldier Meeting

Hey Everyone,

So Saturday was my fourth future soldier meeting! We played a little bit of soccer (my team lost like it usually does but in my opinion its not fair because the other team had all guys and several soccer players while my team had all the girls and some guys with no soccer players) and then went over rank structure (which was good because that's one area that I'm struggling with memorizing). After that we had question and answer from a soldier that just finished training. He had gone to Ft Leonard Wood which is awesome because that's where I'm going and since he just went its the most accurate advice. He mentioned that the worst part was 43rd Battalion (AKA: Reception Week); that doesn't help my nerves any because reception week is what I'm the most worried about. He said that they do shark attack (which is where Drill Sergeants line up and you have to fight past them, and are incredibly mean). He mentioned that the Drill Sergeants you have at during basic are better than the ones you have at reception. He said that everything is mental, which I have heard a million times. He said your three favorite phrases will become: Yes, Drill Sergeant; No, Drill Sergeant; and Right Away, Drill Sergeant. He also said that it will become some of your best memories so enjoy it for what its worth; I think that is probably my favorite words of advice because it is one thing that you only get to/have to do once in your life and you will make some of your life long friends during the nine week period.

I'm still not nervous, I'm worried about not being prepared since I twisted my knee but other than that I'm not nervous. I have one more meeting 4 days before I leave for basic and then I'm done. I will say I have made some amazing friends at future soldiers and I will miss them!
Heather

One Month Countdown! YAY

Hey Everyone,

Its official I have exactly one month until I leave for basic training. Its hard to believe it feels so close but so far away all at the same time!!! I've made lots of progress but still have lots to do, I am enjoying being out of the soreness phase it makes work-outs a lot more enjoyable. I think my body has finally adapted to all the work-outs and I feel really great instead of extremely sore to the point of not wanting to move! Running has become therapy for me, I like it a lot better when I have other people to run with it doesn't make it drag on for so long. As far as push-ups and sit-ups go they are still my worst enemy!!!

I'm so ready for this journey to begin and I know these last 31 days are going fly by! I have the Relay for Life in Republic this Friday (time to knock out another 5 mile run), then I have Grand Assembly, then I head to Vegas, and 2 weeks after I get back from Vegas its time for me to leave!

It feels like its been forever since I enlisted, the countdown was at 74 days the day I enlisted and now I'm at 31 its only been a little over a month but it seems like its been so much longer than that!

Tonight I'm going to dinner with my daddy. I broke the news to him last week but I haven't sat down and told him all the details and I think he's finally gotten over the shock and is ready to listen! I pray it goes well.

I'm taking the day off from running but I really need to do push-ups and sit-ups and probably my work-out DVD tonight! I've been bad and realized its been almost a week since I did my push-ups and sit-ups! Oops, time to make that up tonight! I'm so ready for Tuesday and my run with my Sergeant; I've made a lot of progress since our run on Thursday (those five miles I did on Friday night really proved to me my limits, I was successfully able to push myself, and my run yesterday went really well) I have no doubt in my mind that I will successfully be able to do our 4 mile run!!!

I'm go going and get some PT out of the way before tonight!
Heather

P.S. I hope to see everyone at my surprise party! Contact my mommy if you need the details!!!

I'm Making Progress!!

Well, after getting nagged by my mom I thought I would update everyone! There isn't much going on other than lots and lots of PT.

Sergeant Carroll, Me, and two other recruits ran on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday it was so muggy, that when it finally started to rain it felt great! We ran for 3 miles on Tuesday. I was going run on Wednesday with a girl that just finished training but she needed to postpone and take her truck to the shop and I never heard back from her. I failed to do anything on Wednesday but Thursday was another running session with Sergeant Carroll. We ran for 4 miles on Thursday. It was miserable outside!!! When we run we go in intervals; obviously he has us run as far as possible and then he pushes up even farther but when we get to the point where we need help he has us walk, jog, run, sprint, over and over and over again until we get to the end point! His strategies really work and help when running on my own. We didn't get to do push-ups or sit-ups on either day (Tuesday because it was raining and Thursday because Sergeant had a doctor's appointment); but did have us to squats, lunges, sprints, and run backwards (all things that hurt and make you extremely sore the next day), he also makes sure we stretch really really well after a run because it improves flexibility which is turn helps with running! Yesterday night was the Relay for Life in Nixa. I walked a mile with my mom but then I jogged 4 miles!! I usually have a pretty hard time pushing myself when I run by myself but I used the same strategy that Sergeant Carroll uses when we run together. I would run as far as possible without stopping and when I wanted to stop I would push myself to another point on the track when I needed to stop I would slow down slowly (its better on the body rather than just stopping and start walking) and walk 20 steps, then I would start jogging again until I wanted to stop and then push myself and make myself run farther and harder with sprints and then repeating the entire process. It got me through the entire 4 miles and after I was done I felt like I was going be sick which means I got a good work-out and means that I pushed myself. I need to work on my time but my running has improved a ton!!! Sit-Ups and Push-Ups are still my worst enemies. I can do sit-ups just not in proper form and push-ups well they still have a lot to be desired. I'm going continue to work on them daily! In the morning I do strength exercises for my core and upper body and then in the evening I do pyramids (Push-Ups and Sit-Ups starting at 50 and going down in number until I reach 0). I have two weeks to pass my next PT test and I will pass it if it kills me!!!

Yesterday afternoon I went to drop off my transcripts for one of my promotions. My recruiter wasn't there but Sergeant Combs was (who was one of the recruiters that helped talk me into going active duty rather then reserves). He was asking about all my future soldier training stuff and I said I was done I just needed to pass the PT test to get the promotion. He completely busted my bubble!!! The test you have to take to get the promotion is a 2-2-2 it isn't that hard and it is the test that you take to graduate basic. He told me that there are only a handful of people that can actually pass the test; well I've been struggling with PT because I wasn't in-shape when I enlisted but my recruiter has been working with me really hard. Sergeant Carroll who is absolutely amazing told me he would do his part but I needed to do my part and if I did then I would be able to pass the test! I want it and I will get it but it definitely made me frustrated!!

Other than working on PT and continuing to study up on all my orders, ranks, and other general military information nothing exciting has been happening!! I'll write more soon.

Heather

Third Future Soldier's Meeting

Howdy-Hi!!!

So, I just got back from my third meeting of future soldiers!! We had a PT test today, it wasn't suppose to be PT but that's what it turned out to be. I must say I am royally upset at myself right now!!! I failed my run by 45 seconds....45 FREAKING SECONDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just collapsed they yelled my time to me and I knew I didn't pass so I just dropped to the ground. Sergeant Carroll literally picked me up and made me walk another lap to cool down so I wouldn't cramp up. The track was like hell; worse then running at Sequiota it felt like you were running in sand and the wind was blowing against me. So I had factors going against me plus I could of sprinted the last of it but my shoe came untied and I was trying not to stop but trying not to trip over the damn thing either!!! I must say I'm proud of myself because I did finish before 5 other guys, and three or four weeks ago it would have taken me double the time to finish! (I did it in 11:15 and was suppose to be able to finish it in 10:30). My push-ups and sit-ups still need help but they are getting better! All the guys knew how frustrated I was and tried to cheer me up as well as the other recruits but it didn't help to much. We put a plan together; I'm going try to pass the test on Tuesday or Thursday when I go running (me and Sergeant Carroll are doubling our running dates) but he said I still have another three weeks before I have to pass the tests (three weeks to pass the one mile and two mile). I'm being really hard on myself as I always am, I need to think positive instead of negative but its easier said then done!!!!

After the horrible PT test we worked on drill and ceremony for 90 minutes. I got it down really quickly and its not that bad. It is boring but not hard. There is just a lot to remember!!!! Sergeant Carroll said I did really good; there were several people that weren't so lucky and a bunch that was just goofing off.

That's about it for now. Until Later.
Heather