So it's been more than a month since my last update so I figured it was time to fill you all in on what has been happening. Prepare for a long blog entry :) one of these days I'll figure out how to include pictures.
On October 21st I graduated from Navy Bootcamp. I'd have to say it was one of the most happy days in my life. Not only did I feel a huge sense of accomplishment for completing it, but I was estatic that I would soon be out of that AWEFUL place! Bootcamp for me was a terrible experience, but if you've been reading my previous blogs I'm sure you already realize that. I wont go into detail of my last days there because frankly I've already blocked most of it out of my head.
After graduation I was able to spend time with my awesome family. My Dad, Mom, sister Dede, Brother John, and Sister-in-law Ashley were able to make the long drive to Chicago to help me in celebrating this accomplishment. We went out for lunch/dinner and spent some time at their hotel room before they had to drop me back off on base. We only had a few hours together, but it meant the world to me. After two months of no communication (besides the occasional letter and two short phone calls) I couldn't help but break my military barring and smile during graduation. That was friday.
Saturday I had to be up at 0200 to get my stuff together so that we could be at the airport by 0300. Not really sure why we had to be at the airport so early when my flight didn't leave until 1900. Out of the 7 divisions that graduated on Friday, there were probably about 70ish Corpsman. Since we all were going to the same place we traveled together. We arrived in San Antonio late Saturday night and were taken directly to Fort Sam Houston. We got briefed for a few hours and finally around 2am we got our room keys. When I got up to my room I had to be quiet because my roommate (who had already been here for a week) was sleeping. I had to be up and ready down in the classroom by 0700, so I threw my stuff in the closet and went to bed. A few hours later, 0750 to be exact, I woke up. I looked at my watch and almost had a heart attack. An hour late on my first day!!! AHHHHHH!!!! My alarm didnt go off. I jumped into my uniform and raced downstairs just in time to catch my group returning from chow. Turned out not to be that big of a deal. I just missed breakfast.
The first week was spent getting briefed on policies and procedures of being at Ft. Sam Houston and at School. On Friday we were told which classes we would be put in. All of us reservists really lucked out. Since the we are getting paid active duty pay while we are in training, the government is trying to rush us through so they don't have to pay us active for very long. So I ended up getting put into a class that was starting the next Wednesday! Turns out that some people I came with wouldn't be starting class for more than a month after I start. I met my class on Friday right before we were let out. They seemed cool (and they are).
Monday and Tuesday were spent doing stupid stuff while we waited for our class to start. We marched around, got more briefs, etc. Wednesday we started classes and that's what I've been doing ever since. We have class Monday - Friday from 0800-1700. We get an hour halfway through so we can march to the galley for chow, but other than that we sit in a classroom all day. I'm actually enjoying class and learning a lot. I got my CPR certification the first day, and now we are working on our EMT course. Nursing etc will follow in the weeks ahead. I don't know what I'd do without 5 Hour Energy drinks! I live off those things!
Anyway, thats a short decription of what has been going on the last month. I'll try not to wait so long in between blog entries so I can be a little more detailed. I hope everyone is well :) I miss you all.
OH!!! By the way, I finally received my phone. My new number is 605-216-2200. Feel free to call or text. I'd love to hear from you all.
