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

More Goodies!!!

Hey Everyone,

As some of you may know, I had yet to tell my daddy (Craig) about my joining the Army. My mom made me promise to do it by the end of the week. I was more nervous then I was when I was signing my contract; luckily my mom has told almost everyone for me so I didn't have to deal with the reactions except for this one. I thought he was going have a heart attack. The first thing out of his mouth was "YOU DID WHAT?!?!" He then went on to worry about me not finishing school (I will be going back to school the day I finish training); like his biggest fear was me not becoming a doctor (the Army is going give me a better chance to be a doctor then the civilian world would). He asked where I was going and I told him Ft Leonard Wood, he then thought it was in Texas I told him no Ft Sam Houston is in Texas which is where I will be going for medic training, he then thought it was in Oklahoma and I said that Ft Wiley was in Oklahoma, I finally told him again that Ft Leonard Wood was in Missouri about an hour and a half a way half way to St Louis!!! That conversation stressed me out so I went and painted the entire kitchen in a matter of a couple hours; I need to go and put a second/third coat on it today!

I'm having a surprise going away party as I have stated on Facebook and everyone is invited. Technically its not a surprise because my mom told me about it but I don't know any details; not when or where or anything else!!! Contact my mommy (Tammy) at (417)830-4970 or e-mail her at teejayweston@yahoo.com for details!!! Don't be surprised friends if you get a call from some random person, its probably my mom!!!

I'M GOING TO VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mom is booking all the details today, I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!! One last time to party it up before I start training (well other than the party). We're going from June 29th - July 2nd. Shopping, Shopping, Shopping, Sight Seeing, Shopping, Eating, Drinking, maybe Gambling, Shopping!!!!!! A girls best friend (even though I won't be able to buy anything due to the fact it won't fit me after training is over).

That's enough for now, write more later!
Heather

Happenings!!!

Hey..Again!!

I went running from noon to one this afternoon. It stinks, I hate it. I might be getting better but I still hate it with a passion!!! I went to Battlefield and back at Sequiota Park (its a little over a mile to Battlefield Road and then a mile back to the car). I won't lie I walked a little over half of it because I just didn't want to be out there running. I need to push myself but that is the department that I really struggle with. I did really well last week when I went running with Sergeant Carroll and he pushed me, which proves my hypothesis that I will do good in Basic because they are standing there pushing you to do it as well as your fellow soldiers! I know Sergeant Carroll would be very happy with me if I could pass the 2-2-2 PT test (2 mile run in 19 mins, 50 sit-ups in 2 mins, and 17 push-ups in 2 mins) on Thursday but I don't think it will happen! With the way things are going I'm confident that I might actually be able to pass the 2-2-2 on the 20th which is my deadline (YIKES)!!! If I can pass my 1-1-1 (1 mile run in 10:30, 3 push-ups in 1 min, and 17 sit-ups in 1 min) PT test on Thursday I will be content with myself for the first time!!!

The reality has finally settled in. I'm not scared and I'm not backing out or wanting to back out in fact I'm more excited than ever! For the last month since I enlisted it all felt like a dream, I had to pinch myself to make it a reality. Now I can actually picture myself accomplishing this dream and with flying colors!! I'm excited. Only 43 more days!!!

I'm in the process of getting everything ready. Making lists (packing lists, pictures to bring, addresses, etc). Practicing my hair; we have to keep it above the nap of our neck but below our eyebrows. They prefer buns well my hair doesn't do well on its own, and that is why God invented a thing called a Hair Donut (AKA: Sock Bun or Ballerina Bun; available at Sally's Beauty Salon). Put your hair in a pony-tail, put the donut around the pony-tail, fan hair over it until its covered, secure it with an elastic, and wrap the left over hair around the elastic pinning in place (or use another elastic like I do). I like it and it works well with my hair (which says a lot)!! I tested it while running today and it held up really really well. I still have to figure out what to do with my bangs because they don't want to do anything I want them to do but I have time!! I have a picture of it and I will post it later!

I guess I can't hate my father too much!! I needed an address for my Aunt Vickie and Uncle Dale because they are unlisted. I expected what I usually get...to take forever to get a response and a cold attitude. Well, it took a while to get a response but I found out it was because he had to e-mail her to get the address and phone number (pretty sad but funny). But he also mentioned he was proud of me and to keep up the good work and continue to make progress. He mentioned that he went to the gym for the first time in years on Thursday and is starting a plan called the "Get In-Shape With Heather Plan." I wouldn't go so far as to say that I have his support but I don't have his un-support. I'll keep talking and before I know it he will come around!!

My only complaint of the moment is that I can't sleep in! In less than six weeks I will be stuck getting up at un-nice hours and before the sun even rises (4:30 am), all I want to be able to do now is to enjoy my sleep but NO!! The dogs have to go wild, my mom has to be loud, Don comes and mows then lawn, my phone rings, there is always something at 6, 7, 8, 9, and 1o AM. All I'm asking the world is to let me sleep until like 11:30 AM (that sounds like a good healthy time)!! I know I should get used to it but I don't really need to. I used to wake-up at 5:00 am when working at the hospital or nursing home and I probably function better the earlier the hour but for these last six weeks I want to be able to sleep-in!!!

For now I'm heading off to eat some chow! Later!
Heather

Personal Training Session!!!

UPDATE:
Hi!
Well, today is Wednesday and I got warned that I would be extremely sore today. It didn't happen!!! My abdominal muscles hurt when I try to do sit-ups or crunches but other than that I feel great. The tenderness in my shoulders from the bench press is gone. I have a cramp in my calf muscle that won't go away. But overall I feel great!
Heather

ORIGINAL:
Howdy!
So, yesterday I got the pleasure of having a session with a personal trainer at Fitness Together!! It was fun but it was hard!! I did a warm-up, bench press (I actually did decent which surprised me), chest flys (those things stink), boxing (really fun, actually really difficult, and a great stress reliever), two different ab exercises (ball tosses and leg extenders), jump ups (pull-ups but you jump to help yourself get up, really hard after a few minutes), and jumping jacks (they may have been fun and easy in school but after doing about a thousand of them they are so easy)!!
He warned me that I would be really sore tomorrow (which is now today) and even worse on Wednesday! I'm really not all that sore, my abs are tender, my shoulders have discomfort but I feel good!!!
Personal trainers are expensive and so I'm not going be able to afford them but at least now I know what I should be doing as far as exercise goes!!
All the guys there were great! The two I talked to the most were in the military or had been in the military. Dallas he is a 2LT in the Army getting ready to go to Officer Candidate School, he is a PT champion, and a track and cross country coach at MSU. Aaron the guy I trained with, was in the Navy until he got a medical discharge for an injury. He is humongous buff! It was good getting stories and advice for PT.
We'll see if I'm sore tomorrow but for now I feel great!!!
Heather

Second Future Soldier Meeting!

Hey Everyone,
Yesterday I had my second future soldier meeting and I had a blast! We played a couple rounds of Softball and had a picnic!!!
We met at the recruiting station and all had to have a one on one with the big dog to make sure there was nothing stopping us from being able to ship! After that we all carpooled over to Fastnight Park.
There were well over 50 people there, family and friends were invited but I'd say around 20 of us were future soldiers!!!
There were four teams of 10-12 players, I was on team 3 and we rocked (we only scored 5 while everyone else scored quite a bit higher)!!! I actually did really well and it only took me about 2 times to hit the ball (we stayed at bat until we hit it), I never made it to first base but I was proud of myself and so was my mom! She says I ran like a girl (which I am so I have an excuse) but Sergeant told me I did really good of going out there and sprinting)!!!
After we each played two rounds we went and had hamburgers and hot dogs. I was starving and the food was good!!!
After lunch we all got briefed on Basic and Reception Week. They mentioned to parents to write but stay on a positive note; if your house burns down, if you get sick and have to go to a hospital, or someone falls a breaks a bone don't tell us because there isn't one darn thing we can do about it. Now, if someone dies then they are suppose to contact the red cross and the red cross will take care of it (we can leave to go to the funeral). I've already warned my family not to die because if I leave then it postpones my graduation date!!! They told us the same thing; if we are homesick don't write home and tell our family about it, we can write our recruiter about how much we hate them but don't tell mommy and daddy, we also got told not to over exaggerate because what mommy and daddy know is what we tell them. We got warned to write our recruiters or there will be consequences, but there will also be consequences for writing them too (you can never win)!! We got told some words of advice and then got told to get out!!
It was fun and I always like socializing with other future soldiers because they are the few people that are doing and going through the same thing you are!!
Once again I got bragged about by one of the recruiters for getting airborne and medic; they are prized possessions in the Army and not very many people can get them. I'm lucky and I constantly get reminded about it!
I was on the news (KOLR 10) last night for about 2 seconds. Sergeant Combs (one of the recruiters that helped to talk me into going active) wanted them to come to give us some recognition.
I'm sunburned but it'll turn into a tan (I'm not looking forward to a farmers tan though).
I'll post more pictures once my computer decides to stop being retarded!!

Heather

SORE!!!!!!!

UPDATE:
My knee is still sore and it still hurts when I run but after talking to Sergeant he said that it should go away with time! We will see!

UPDATE:
So, Google is my best friend on the face of the planet!! I have used it to find family member addresses so when I go to basic I can write people as well as used it for a 10 page paper that I had to write the last week of school. I love google! I googled: "My Knee Hurts When I Run." I found the answer to my problem just like I have with everything else! My self diagnosis states that chances are I have developed "Runners Knee." Nothing causes it it just happens with as much running as I have been doing after being inactive for a long time I have strained my knee. It isn't anything serious it just leads to soreness, I may be able to get over it in time or it may be with me the rest of my life. What the article said is that if you strengthen the inner thigh muscles then it will take the stress off the knee cap while running and the pain will subside. Bandages or wraps are out of the question considering they put pressure on the knee cap which is what is bothering me. Runners Knee is when the knee cap begins in rub against bone and wears down on the cartilage between it, it is caused because the way runners tend to land when taking strides. The knee doesn't move in the proper V movement like it should and causes wear and tear! There is at home exercises I can do with elastic bands and I'm going work on it and see if it improves for the mean time I have to learn to push through it!
Heather

ORIGINAL:
Howdy.

Who knew you could get so darn so from running?! My entire body is aching right now and screaming at me not to move. The more I more I work-out the tension and it feels better.

Yesterday was running as I previously mentioned and I did good. I ran in the proper form (head up, shoulders back, arms at 90 degree angle to the sides {like using ski poles}, bouncing off of left foot first with heel, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth). Who would have thought that running in proper form would cause so much PAIN?! I didn't. It did make it easier to run though.

I attempted to run a little bit today and I have a goal to make myself go back out later and run some more but my right knee is killing me!!! It was fine this morning but about the time I got up and started getting prepared it started aching, it has gotten worse and worse as the day has progressed. Yesterday while running I felt like it was going give out on me and I was going collapse but I worked through it. I don't know what happened or why but I'm going try and push through it! I just pray nothing serious is wrong!

What I did run I ran for farther than yesterday without stopping and I know I could have gone farther if I could have handled the pain (yes mom, I know I'm a baby!).

Everyday and every little thing counts and slowly but surely I am making progress. On Monday morning I have an appointment with a personal trainer, I doubt I will be able to talk my mom into hiring me them but they offer one free session and I'm taking it. I'm excited because the guy is a Second Lieutenant in the Army and is the PT Champion and leader so I am sure I will be getting my butt kicked!!! I'm looking forward to it and so is the trainer!

I'm gonna go, have a lot to do today!
Heather

One Month Anniversary

Howdy Everyone!
Well, today officially marks the one month anniversary since I enlisted into the United States Army. I'm still excited as ever. I feel as good as ever. And I'm ready to get this journey started!
I just got done with a run with my Sergeant and another fellow recruit. It went decent; I doubled my distance (I ran more than double but I doubled the distance I was able to run without stopping), I thought I was going to collapse at least one time that I know of, and I improved my form. My Sergeant pushed me and pushed me hard which I really needed and he also encouraged me and told me how well I did and how I was improving. It is still the darn lung capacity that kills me every time!!! We also did push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches (which I stink at {well other than crunches I could do crunches all day long}). I called my mom really frustrated with myself after I got to the car. Part of me is giving up hope in myself I only have 6 weeks left and I have a ton of work (I need to triple my distance and speed-up my speed; Sergeant told me that if I lengthen my strides than I will be able to run a lot longer I'm not exactly sure how I'm suppose to do that though). I'm not going give up, I'm going go to the park everyday and run run run! That way I can measure my distances and it is free (my free week pass to the gym ran out). I'm also going get my iPod back from Brandon so I have something to listen to, I'm going try to download the Army cadences because they set the pace you run at Basic and hopefully it'll help me out a little! I have a lot of work but I made a lot of progress in the one week I worked-out (I took the last week off which probably hindered me a little today) so I know I will be able to make much more progress!!!
On Saturday is my second Future Soldiers Meeting. It is our pre-ship cook-out (they have one about every 6-8 weeks for those getting ready to report for duty) and we will be playing baseball/softball! I suppose to bring my mom because they brief us on reception week and what to expect during basic, it'll be fun!
There isn't much else going on and I'm gonna run!
Heather

Visit With Dad and Parrish Family

Hey Everyone,
I must say that the visit with my father, step-mother, brother, grandparents, and aunt went as bad as I expected! I didn't get their support (which I knew going into it), I didn't even want to go and see them but like my mom said it would be the last time before I start training. They questioned me on everything (which is expected most people don't know anything about the military), they thought I was stupid for going Army instead of the other branches and for joining at the time that I have, they didn't believe me when I told them that I had been working out and getting both physically and mentally in shape, they couldn't understand why I wanted to join, and they mentioned on more than one occasion and worded in several different ways that they weren't sure I could do it!
Well...I must say they are wrong!!!! They are coming up on July 4th and my mom thinks I should go to show them how buffed up I will be (I will have already taken the test and passed with flying colors) we will see what happens when it gets closer to that date!
Its sad when I can get more support, prayers, and blessings from close family friends and strangers than I can from my own family members!
I've been bad and haven't worked out the last 4 days and I only have 49 days until I report for duty so I'm going go hit the gym!
Heather

Memorial Day

So, today was my first unofficial Memorial Day. I'm not calling it my official because well I haven't done anything yet. Its crazy to think though because this time next year I will have just finished my training and be posted somewhere. I wonder where!

It wasn't the best Memorial Day ever but oh well! We (Grandma, Mom, and Me) went to the National Veteran's Cemetery to watch the services. It looked like it was going rain but we went ahead and went. About 10:30 am it started pouring, we waited it out hoping it would stop and it didn't until a little after 11:00 am when the services began. By that time we were already soaked!!! We watched the march of flags, the prayer, and the national anthem and my mom decided she was ready to go (we were both wet and cold; grandma went and sat in the car before the real rain pour began). We got a few good pictures and I got to see the fun and important stuff.

We dropped off grandma and then headed home. Mom took a nap and I went and took a shower to get warm and dry.

Later that night we had a catered BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

That's about it for my first memorial day (unofficial or not). Here's a few pictures!

Heather

Getting Ready!

Hey Everyone,

Everyday it gets closer and closer to ship day, and everyday I'm making more progress towards getting everything ready for ship day! I actually talked to my recruiter today to ask if there was anyway of going early, I knew the answer but it never hurts to ask! I'm anxious and ready to get this show on the road. It really all seems surreal still; mean I watch videos of basic, medic training, and airborne training, I've read stories, and I know what to expect but I just can't picture myself living the dream!!!

Any who, back on topic! I'm getting ready to post pictures of my MEPS hotel room and from the Branson Air Show as I have previously said.

I'm trying to get everyone's addresses. If you want letters from me then I need to know where you live! I have all of the immediate family members addresses but I need friends addresses! The sooner I get them the better! You can e-mail it to me at: heather.parrish@us.army.mil

Heather

Background Check Interview

Hey Everyone,

I forgot to post about this previously. I had an interview with a background check investigator on Monday morning to further investigate my background (I'm innocent).

Of course I got freaked out when I got the phone call on Saturday morning at a very ungodly hour but I wasn't able to talk to my Sergeant due to the fact that he was doing an adventure race (he ran 20 miles and biked 20 miles and I must brag that he finished in 11 hours and 30 minutes and in the top 15). He called me later (I sent him a text message immediately after the phone call, its pretty awesome being able to text your Sergeant) and told me not to worry that everything would be fine. They pick random people to talk to, and for some mean reason I got chosen.

I went on Monday morning. I got to the station early to talk to my Sergeant (I needed to check-in with him but he wasn't there) and the guy got there really early too. The appointment was suppose to be at 10:00am but I was done with the interview (that lasted approximately 30 minutes) at 9:48am. The guy was very very mean and intimidating considering that's his job working for the FBI. He didn't believe anything that I said, questioned everything, and double checked my answers. I'm innocent and have never been in trouble but the Army wanted to triple check I guess.

I got a call several hours later from Sergeant telling me that I passed and everything was fine, he told me that he got word for others that I did good. That calmed down my nerves knowing that it was done and over with!

I was told that it was the last surprise before I headed off to Basic but I don't believe them considering I've heard it before, and I go through ten days of processing before the first day of basic even begins!

Heather

Tested and Pushed

UPDATE:
I called Sarge and we set-up a meeting for a run tomorrow (Thursday) at 2:00pm. He said he marked it down on his calender so he wouldn't forget (he said that it completely slipped his mind that we were suppose to run. He was afraid that I was mad at him and would hate him forever, and I just laughed it off! He checked-up on my progress and he told me that I should work-out Monday-Friday alternating days for running and strength exercising and take weekends off. I told him I felt like I couldn't considering I only have 55 days until I ship for Basic and 30 days until I take the physical fitness test. I told him that my distances were getting lower and lower and that I was bored out of my mind, he told me that I can switch up running for anything else cardio. He told me that I was getting burned out and that I should just take a break for a day. Taking that break would involve doing nothing today and I'm 99.999% sure that that isn't going to happen!!! He made good points and I know I should listen to him but I'm having problems following his advice; I feel like I still have so far to go and hardly anytime but I also know I have made a ton on progress in the short 5 days that I have been working-out. I'll just see how I feel later this afternoon and take it from there!
Heather


UPDATE:
So, my Sergeant stood me up!!! We were suppose to meet at Sequiota Park at 1:30pm, I got there early as I always do and I waited until 2:00pm. When he didn't show I decided to head to the gym and get my daily work-out. He called me 45 minutes ago apologizing and asking if I went running and how my training was going, I missed the call since I was still at the gym.
I've gotten really really bored with running so my distances are slowly going lower and lower, I can run for a mile because I did it that first day at the gym I just don't have a running buddy or anything fun to do so I quit because I'm bored and tired. I ran for a little bit just like I always do and then weight lifted a little bit, but I switched it up and went swimming today. I'm getting ready to call Sarge back and see if we can reschedule and find out what his excuse was! I'm making progress and I still have a month until my Physical Fitness Assessment.
Heather

ORIGINAL:
After not doing so well last Thursday on my run with Sergeant we set a goal day of today to go out and test myself and push myself a little more.

I've gone to the gym daily; ran, did sprints, weight lifted, and of course push-ups and sit-ups. I've accomplished a lot in four very short days. To make more improvement and to really monitor my progress I need to go running. Sergeant Carroll is taking me out at 1:30pm on another 5K run he's bringing one of his other recruits and he's gonna push me. I'm really looking forward to it since I know I'm much more prepared and have been having problems staying motivated the last couple of days.

I'll let everyone know how I do!
Heather

Annoyed with Myself

UPDATE:
So I got a free week long membership to the Meyer Center and I took advantage of it today. When I get mad at myself I tend to get motivated just to prove myself wrong. I went and I worked-out for a little over an hour and I am currently paying the consequences as every muscle in my body is screaming at me!!! Now I just have to work through the pain and keep going because I made tremendous progress from yesterday!
Heather

ORIGINAL:
Hey Everyone,

I'm calling in the troops. I went training with my Sergeant yesterday and it didn't go as successful as I hoped it would! I have exactly eight weeks today until I report for duty and I have a long road of work ahead of me. I've gotten mad at myself for not succeeding and my motivation level has hit the floor. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going be able to accomplish what I need to accomplish in the short eight weeks I have.

I have a plan set in motion for what I need to accomplish and I'm going to do everything I can to keep myself on that plan but I also need your help! I have until Tuesday at 1:45pm to be able to run about two miles in 19:30, be able to do 17 push-ups, and 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes. I need your help to encourage me, push me, and keep me going!

Heather!

Only Two Months Away

UPDATE:
I'm back from running (even though I walked it). I'm not too sore right now but I expect to be in the morning. I didn't take my water bottle and I almost passed out on more than one occasion from getting dehydrated! We power walked a 5K, and probably ran about 1/4+ a mile. I can run, my legs are good, my back is fine, I just don't have the lung capacity to be able to keep running. He showed me a technique and told me what to do (hold my head up high, move arms like I'm skiing with ski poles, take deep breaths in through the nose and out though the mouth (until it hurts), do sprints, and run at a slow pace doing deep breathing). He is taking me running again on Tuesday as well as testing my push-ups and sit-ups, but he said if I work hard enough I'll be running that 5K within the week. I have a lot of homework to do but he made it easier on me (the technique for push-ups and sit-ups are easier than what I have been practicing). I have a good team behind me to push me along to the finish line (thanks to my mom, Eric, Sergeant Carroll, and Brandon (if I ask)). I have a goal to run a two mile in 10:30 by the time I do my PFA (physical fitness assessment) on June 20th; I can definitely use all the help and support I can get.
Heather

ORIGINAL:
Today starts the official two month countdown until I leave.

The nerves are finally settling in (thanks to Eric my friend who is currently serving in Iraq) but I'm still really excited. It feels like I leave tomorrow even though I don't.

My weekly check-in with my recruiter was yesterday and since I have yet to work-out he's taking me running at 1:45pm today. I'm excited to finally get started but I'm also nervous because I know I'm really out of shape. He told me he's going to be like Jillian on the Biggest Loser to get me motivated and make me work. I did modified push-ups and regular sit-ups last night. No problem with the sit-ups but I can't do any push-ups so I have a long road ahead of me (especially considering push-ups are the Army's favorite punishment and work-out).

Wish me luck,
Heather

Finally Done

Hey Everyone,

This week has been absolutely insane!! Between having finals, trying to finish my online future soldier training, and getting everything else taken care of before basic. I have been swamped and wouldn't be surprised if I went completely and utterly insane.

I have one more final tomorrow and then I'm done with school for approximately 41 weeks because of the Army. I finished my future soldier training and I have my second meeting this Saturday. I still need to get a gym, get a dr appointment, get things taken care of for Emmie (my puppy) before I leave for basic, and multiple other things.

The next BIG to-do item since I am almost done with future soldiers is to get my transcripts so that I can get promoted again. (Right now I'm a Private Fuzzie (Private Level 1), after future soldiers I will be a Private (Private Level 2), and once I get all my transcripts I will be a Private First Class).

I have more studying to do and I will write more after the weekend!
Heather

Air Show

Hey Everyone,

The brand new Branson airport is ready to fly starting tomorrow and for the big kick-off they had an air show with the Air Force and Army there. With me being in the Army I had to go, and it was a blast!!!

We were on a five mile stretch of highway for an hour trying to get to the airport. Isn't wasn't bad though because we were able to see the planes from the highway. We finally made it in the gate at 1:46pm and stayed until 2:59pm. It was only an hour but it was a blast!!!

The Air Force had the thunderbirds, they had stunt planes (where a man is standing on top of the plane {see picture}), they showed what they did when they were taking down enemies, they showed planes that had been hit by something as they free falled to the ground, they let off bombs {see picture}, and they had the big black planes that are stationed in Missouri that radars can't detect. The Air Force also had a lot of show planes, they did a lot but in my personal opinion (and I'm not biased at all) the Army was better.

The Army had the Golden Knights; there professional paratroopers that go to every state and have a show. It was soooooooo exciting because starting on February 8th, 2010 I get to do that! I might be scared but I'm more excited after watching their show. The one girl that was there was a Airborne Combat Medic, which is what I will be after I finish training so it was very exciting to get to talk with her for a few minutes (and I got my picture taken with which I plan on taking to Basic with me as inspiration {see picture}). They were really good and they had all done anywhere from 700-4000 jumps!!! The Army also had the virtual experience blow up there which I choose not to go through since I get to experience it for myself soon enough. (See pictures above and videos below of the Golden Knights).

The tickets were expensive but it was worth it!!! I will post pictures as soon as I can!

Heather

Fears

***WARNING*** This is going to be one of those blog entries that aren't happy but as I have previously stated this is a journal of mine to track everything that is going on in this process!!

Last night I was watching one of my favorite TV shows of all time, Greys Anatomy, and there was a lot of dying on the show last night. A truck load of kids got hit by a semi on their college graduation day and all but one of them died.

Because of watching the show my mind started to go wild and I really started to think of death. Not the happiest thing to think about when lying in bed trying to go to sleep. I've always kind of had a fear of dying, I have so many dreams, wishes, and hopes for the future that I really want to accomplish and in the back of my mind I fear that I won't be able to accomplish all of them. Well the show really reinforced my fear - all these college graduates got killed before they got to accomplish their dreams and their future. What happens if I were to be deployed and be killed and was unable to accomplish the goals I have set my for life; or even scarier what if I was deployed and something happened where I had to kill someone else who because of me doesn't get to accomplish what they set out to do in life. How do I live with the fact that I may end up killing someone in war? I realize that its either kill or be killed but its still such a hard reality that really set in last night!

Had a Meeting with my Recruiter

I'm suppose to stop by my recruiters office at least once a week to let him know my progress on getting physically fit, how I'm feeling about my decision, and just talk.

I stopped by yesterday because I needed to and I wanted to drop off my certificates for the future soldier online training program.

The visit went really well we sat down and talked for at least an hour about everything from the Army to school to the wedding he attended and his wife. I really like my recruiter because he does take a personal interest in me!!

We talked a little about basic and I found out all the standards I have to pass (physically). He told me that I have a month to pass those standards (a month sooner than I really have to). I'm beginning to think that I may be in trouble in that department!! I want to talk my mom into letting me hire a personal trainer but I know she won't. So, instead I have to try and find a gym that will let me get a membership for two months (and let me tell you I have talked to a couple places and most places don't allow it)!! He said he would train with me but I need to train on my own a little too!!!

I'm not nervous about basic (at least not yet) I'm more nervous about the reception week prior to basic. I was the same way with MEPS, I'm anxious about everything that will be going on, whats about to happen, and its such a whirlwind that it kind of shocks you and freaks you out!!!

I'll continue to update!
Heather

How to Access Blog!!!

I have posted the link on my facebook page but for a shortcut and for those who aren't on facebook or didn't want to go through facebook every time to view the blog I wanted to post the link here!!

The link is: http://heatherwearscombatboots.blogspot.com

Also, if on the page you can add to favorites and never have to type the IP address again.

Or, at the very bottom of the page (right above the Soldiers Creed photo but after all the blogs) there is a spot where it says Subscribe to: Posts (Atom). If you click on it then it will automatically notify you of a new entry.

Sent Dreaded E-Mail

****UPDATE****
I was beginning to think that I wouldn't hear back from my dad, it took him a while to respond. He really didn't say anything but that it blew him away and that he never expected any of his kids to join the Army especially me. He said he had a ton of questions but didn't ask any of them. He said he encourages me to take all the benefits I can from the Army which is pretty much common sense. I didn't get his support but he didn't say anything about it. I guess we will have to wait and see!!!

So, after hearing tons of nagging from my mom I finally sent an e-mail to one of my dads!

I think his response is the one that I am worried the most about. I haven't always had the best relationship with my biological father and he has always been one of the first people to tell me his opinion and not be shy about telling me that he doesn't think I can do something!!!

One more thing checked off my checklist, one less person to tell, and one more surprised response waiting to happen!!!

We shall see what happens!

Heather

Marines Send Off

My mom called me this morning telling me that the Marines were having a send off this morning. Well, I decided to go. A soldier needs to support her troops even if they are rivals. Besides it was pretty cool watching it. I couldn't help but think that soon enough that could and probably will be me!!!

The turn out was smaller than they hoped but there was still a good number of people there. There were people from all branches, but mainly Marine vets and Marine family and friends.

I must say that I am pretty freakin' pissed off and kind of hurt right now though!!! Anyone who has been around the military or in the military knows that each of the branches have jokes on the others and there is friendly rivalry. I found this out for myself while in Kansas City for MEPS and today!!! Most of the jokes are harmless fun and we all laugh at them and throw them back. I had fun doing this at MEPS with the other branches and they did the same thing to me. Well...there was an Air Force Veteran there today I was standing right in front of him and I heard him talking so I turned around. Him and one of his old buddies were cracking jokes which is fine, but I couldn't help but look up at his hat and see a pin. A pin that is a block letter A (Army's logo) with an upside down flag and backwards flag on top of it!! That is taking it way too far I'm afraid to say; what that pin says, and I'm not making this up, is that the Army doesn't support our Country and we are disgracing it. I'm shocked that that came from a Veteran of all people!!!!!! Its insane, rude, and many other things especially at a Military rally!!!!!! In my opinion throwing one back at him he's just a giant butt force!!!!!!

Any who, I got to experience my first put down of the Army and not in a good way. I knew I was at risk for it but I didn't expect it to sting so bad!!!