sejgirl

Monday, July 28, 2008

Bobcat



I got to drive a variation of one of these today. It was pretty fun. It felt like driving a standard transmission since it was really sensitive with the clutch. The thing turns on a dime.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

My Home For The Next Three Months



Honestly, I'm pretty happy with where I am staying. I have a private room and I am ten minutes from the beach (which I am taking advantage of until my course begins to consume all hours of my life).

Here is a photo tour:








Two closets



My Kitchenette


At least I have the basics...


Shower


I'm thinking there used to be two toilets here... why I don't know. I guess it would be useful during flu season...





I just realized tonight that I have a DVD player under my TV. I'm slow sometimes...

Monday, July 21, 2008

Soils and Drainage and Culverts. Oh My!

I'm in my second week of classes, and so far, so good. I aced my first test on soil stabilization and still have sand in my mouth from the practical application (tasting soil). Drainage has been really interesting. Now I know how to calculate a slope over a large portion of land, find the rainfall runoff, and build a culvert to handle the runoff.

Today, we got out somewhat early so I made a short trip to my favorite part of the base-the beach! Yup, believe it or not, there are some benefits to all this.

Slow Start

My course started last Wednesday with some physical training. Our class adviser ran us all over our training area to see projects that we would soon be working on. The class ran in columns of two around the campus at a pretty decent clip. I fell out of the run after about 2 miles. I tried to keep up as long as I could-until my breakfast hit the back of my throat.

At the end of the run, we got the usual speech. "If you can't lead from the front, you need to think about why you're wearing that uniform, or if you deserve to wear it..." Once we were released to hygiene, my class adviser called my over. I knew what was coming. He asked if I was hurt. I told him I had just recovered from a sinus infection, but really, I am just not a fast runner. He said he understands not everyone is fast and wanted to make sure I wasn't gaffing him off. I assured him I was not.

More than anything, it's embarrassing to fall out of a run. Your classmates lose respect for you and more devastating, those you are leading lose respect for you. I've worked hard the last three months (really, the past year) to become a faster runner. I've tried everything from sprints, to hill work, to long runs, to fartlek runs, to hiking. So, that brings me to my next step-a personal trainer. Personal trainers are free here and I live 2 blocks from the gym. It's going to be hard work, but it will be well worth it. I need to push myself to the limit, because I expect the same from those I will lead. I need to push myself to the limit, because someday, my life and the life of those I will lead may depend on it.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

School

I've arrived safely in NC last night. I got a call Friday afternoon from my unit saying I did not have to go to drill this weekend. What a relief! I drove 10 hours Friday and 13 hours Saturday. Not fun.

I start tomorrow and I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous when I go somewhere new. My orders are jacked and don't tell me where to report or when. Not to mention they say my school only lasts until 30 Sept when it's 30 Oct. Got to fix that before sending it the my employer, they might start to wonder where I am that last month.

I will find out where I am staying tomorrow and more details about what the next 3 months will hold. I'll update when I get a chance. I'm not sure when I will get Internet access.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Gracious Uncertainty

I was just about to vent about what I consider a pending disaster: My CO says I am coming to drill this weekend even though my orders give me three days travel for my 17 hour drive to NC. Now I have 24 hours to get there. Oh, but my orders aren't even cut yet so hopefully my civilian job doesn't need those any time soon for my records...I am getting over an awesome sinus infection and know I will be doing a fitness test as soon as I arrive. Plus, I called about housing in NC and was told I will have to live in the bachelor's quarters (aka. not with my husband) as long as they have room for me, which they do.

I've been stressing for weeks, then I see what message I've had posted on the right upper corner of my blog for ages (at least in FireFox).

Gracious Uncertainty ...To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation...


Oswald Chambers
My Utmost for His Highest


I have to remind myself that God is in control. I struggle with giving him all my fears and I stress over so many things that should be/are in His hands. I often overlook everything that has worked out for this next journey. I got to spend three weeks with Aaron recently, his surgery went well, my new interim is going to do a fantastic job, my employer is willing to keep me in my position when I return.

Why do I fear "Tomorrow?"

Monday, July 07, 2008

Sick

I've been sick since Friday with a sore throat, headache, and congestion. I went to work today and ran up a flight of stairs to talk to the dean. I thought I was going to die in her office because I could not catch my breath for anything. I wouldn't have gone to the doctor normally, but I start my formal school next week which will begin with a physical fitness test. It's embarrassing enough to be out of breath walking up a stairwell at work, failing a PFT would be mortifying.

Anyway, the doc thinks it's some sort of sinus infection and gave me a powerful antibiotic. My biggest issue is that my airway is swollen and I can't fill my lungs. Awesome...

Since I'm Sick...

I've decided to take some fabulous online personality tests for your reading enjoyment.

Not so sure this is me. Interior Designer? Chef? Riiiiiiight... Becks, Aaron, set them straight!





You Are An ISFJ



The Nurturer



You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.

A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.

In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.

You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.



In love, you express your emotions through actions.

Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!

At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.

You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut





Okay, if it wasn't for the redneck comment I would say my pizza says more about me than the results from my personality test above...




What Your Pizza Reveals





You consider pizza to be bread... very good bread. You fit in best in the Midwest part of the US.



You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.



You are dependable, loyal, and conservative with your choices.



You are a flavorful and bold person. You should consider traveling to Spain.



The stereotype that best fits you is redneck. Your friends secretly agree.