"Embrace 'the suck'"

"Embrace 'the suck'" is the most often heard phrase so far. I don't want to imply that it has been horrible, but the mornings are very cold before the sun rises. Going to the range last week was fun, except for those cold, early mornings . . .

About those desert sunrises . . . they are absolutely incredible. And I was telling my mom this morning that I will take the cold weather over the rattle snakes any day. Seriously.

"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu

Today was great--I had email, skype, and phone conversations with the people I love! They may be far away physically, but they are with me in my heart always. Later, I saw the movie Black Swan with a friend in my class (very creepy movie).

When we return from the field, a few of us are going to go horseback riding in the desert (a two hour trail ride). We've tried to go twice unsuccessfully--this time we have reservations. I can't wait!


Life is good--Cheers!

One down . . .

I made it through the first week of BOLC--mostly uneventful. Thankfully, I don't have to retake the DLAB (I scored a 136 when I originally I took it). I am the class S6, so I'm busy already. I like being busy, but I'm definitely tired.

As expected, I'm the oldest person in my class, but it isn't awkward. The main difference between myself and the others is evident during PT. Although we are all adjusting to the elevation, I'm struggling more than the others with the run because of my recent bout with pneumonia. I was warned that it takes at least six months to fully recover from pneumonia, and I'm now realizing that this is true. Breathing here is painful for me . . . very painful. This is disappointing because I worked so hard on running, and was feeling strong and good about my run before I became ill.

On Friday, we were issued a stack of reading materials that measures about 15 inches high. Next week, we will begin to work on basic Soldier skills--the things we learned at the Direct Commission Course. We have to pass this phase of the course before moving on to the academic portion.

Right now, I'm focusing on today . . . tomorrow will take care of itself.

Thank you!

Update (7:26 PM): Last Sunday, I went to church alone . . . Today, I friend from class asked to join me, and we ran into another classmate at church . . . Life is good . . . God is good! I'm looking forward to the next four months!

Welcome 2011--a new chapter!

Most people begin a new year with a list of resolutions. I set goals that align with my personal strategic plan, and I reflect on the previous year. Looking back over 2010, I'm pleased with my accomplishments. It wasn't an easy year though--I can't count the number of times I said "you did WHAT?!" or something similar.  However, I can positively say that the number of times I said "I love you" was exponentially higher. Life has its ups and downs and requires forgiveness and understanding. And for the forgiveness, understanding, and love I've received--thank you.

So far, 2011 is looking good. I'm beginning the year at MI BOLC at Ft. Huachuca. It's hard to believe that I began this journey three years ago . . . I'm amazed at how quickly time flies.

With this new chapter in my life, I'm struggling with blog topics. So far, this blog has been . . . boring. I'm working on it, but there are many topics about which I cannot write. That's just the way it is. For the next four months, I plan to write about what it is like to be a woman and a Soldier . . . It's a little different for me because I'm beginning this journey at a later stage in life than most. There are advantages and disadvantages to this, and I'll do my best to share them.

So, from Ft. Huachuca, AZ . . . Happy New Year! Let's make it a great year!

Cheers!