I was a little lazy today... but I did do my laundry and worked on organizing my wall locker. I'm trying to condense space to store the stuff I have.
Language: Worked on my vocab for Monday's quiz.
Marathon: I ran about 7.5 mi today down the hill, along the beach, then up a different hill than last week. All in all, including head call and traffic lights, it took me 1:17:09. Fortunately, I didn't tie my shoes too tight this time so I didn't have to fiddle with them as my feet didn't go numb. My shins were protesting loudly during the first half of the run but, as always, if you push through the pain your body will comply. I ran in solitude and, once again, I got some good thinking into my run... and topped it off with a nice shower, which also helps me think.
Personal: Another day. I did have a few good thoughts that I need to put into action and I did have one really good conversation that helped me work some stuff out in my head. Basically... I may die tomorrow so I need to make sure I'm satisfied with what I've experienced and accomplished in my life. However, I never know when I will die so I need to train and live like I'm going to have a long life ahead of me. So... A full life with lots of experiences but also prepared for a long future?
24 February 2007
23 February 2007
Training Day 40
Thank God it's Friday. I can say that in my target language too.
Language: Long, slow day... The only really enjoyable part of the whole fiasco was lunch with my friends. Still, I did well when it came to using the language so I'm happy for that. My mind was pretty well fried so this evening was light.
Automotive: The guys at the autoport rock. The seat belt I need won't be coming in for a few days and they called to tell me so that I could pick up the car for the weekend if I wanted to. I did. Then they'll call me when the parts arrive. They did replace my headlight while I was there and even showed me how so I can do it on my own in the future. While I was there I also noticed that my two "new to me" tires from my repair job in December are bald. Now, I know what "new to me" is but I didn't expect "new to me" to mean "old and worthless." So now I need to add new tires to my repair list... Urgh. I still need to buy all my tools and pay for the last repair job.
Gaming: Okay, so there is no cohesion to why the levels in this game are where they are. To be honest, I don't really care. It's like they just took a bunch of cool concepts, made them cooler, and bundled them together with a few really sick weapons and immensely satisfying enemies. Today's bridge level was bizarre and I really enjoyed romping through the classic zombie-filled town with my stake gun... I do realize that gaming isn't training but it's fun and it is a part of my (nearly) daily life.
Personal: Another day goes by... It was a good day, for the most part. I got to spend some time with a couple of my good friends (which is a pretty strange concept for me in and of itself) and my package arrived today. I had some fun with that. Things are also moving towards the next phase (as there is no real conclusion to life) and that is always good. I don't even have to do anything besides be myself.
Language: Long, slow day... The only really enjoyable part of the whole fiasco was lunch with my friends. Still, I did well when it came to using the language so I'm happy for that. My mind was pretty well fried so this evening was light.
Automotive: The guys at the autoport rock. The seat belt I need won't be coming in for a few days and they called to tell me so that I could pick up the car for the weekend if I wanted to. I did. Then they'll call me when the parts arrive. They did replace my headlight while I was there and even showed me how so I can do it on my own in the future. While I was there I also noticed that my two "new to me" tires from my repair job in December are bald. Now, I know what "new to me" is but I didn't expect "new to me" to mean "old and worthless." So now I need to add new tires to my repair list... Urgh. I still need to buy all my tools and pay for the last repair job.
Gaming: Okay, so there is no cohesion to why the levels in this game are where they are. To be honest, I don't really care. It's like they just took a bunch of cool concepts, made them cooler, and bundled them together with a few really sick weapons and immensely satisfying enemies. Today's bridge level was bizarre and I really enjoyed romping through the classic zombie-filled town with my stake gun... I do realize that gaming isn't training but it's fun and it is a part of my (nearly) daily life.
Personal: Another day goes by... It was a good day, for the most part. I got to spend some time with a couple of my good friends (which is a pretty strange concept for me in and of itself) and my package arrived today. I had some fun with that. Things are also moving towards the next phase (as there is no real conclusion to life) and that is always good. I don't even have to do anything besides be myself.
22 February 2007
Training Day 39
One more day! One more day before the weekend!
Language: Today was my cooking day with my class. I was supposed to learn something about the target culture but I didn't... except I didn't learn anything about the culture except that they have higher ranks eat before the lower ranks. Here in the good ol' USA, we feed our lower ranks first. Anyways, out of it all, I think I derived the most satisfaction from cleaning. I enjoy doing work in my cammies and getting dirty. For homework tonight I had two writing assignments and I surprised myself with how much I am able to say in my target language. Then I pounded some more vocab and, as a result, am getting better at typing and spelling.
Automotive: I dropped off my vehicle today to have the front left wheel inspected, the headlight replaced and aimed, and the passenger seat belt replaced (properly). This is going to hurt but at least my car will be safe and now I have the means to maintain it.
Gaming: Okay... So, going to town on amputees and over-shocked madmen in a Satanic asylum is somewhat unsettling. Especially when I'm restricted to my over-sized weed whacker as a weapon. Then there was the bridge and that was just nuts.
Personal: So. This is it, I think. The home stretch. The worst part is that there is really nothing i can do but wait (not so) patiently. I mean, I try but the activity in my mind is inversely proportional to the activity of my body. The best part is that at least something is happening and this can start to approach a conclusion. I think I'm going to take a load off this weekend...
Language: Today was my cooking day with my class. I was supposed to learn something about the target culture but I didn't... except I didn't learn anything about the culture except that they have higher ranks eat before the lower ranks. Here in the good ol' USA, we feed our lower ranks first. Anyways, out of it all, I think I derived the most satisfaction from cleaning. I enjoy doing work in my cammies and getting dirty. For homework tonight I had two writing assignments and I surprised myself with how much I am able to say in my target language. Then I pounded some more vocab and, as a result, am getting better at typing and spelling.
Automotive: I dropped off my vehicle today to have the front left wheel inspected, the headlight replaced and aimed, and the passenger seat belt replaced (properly). This is going to hurt but at least my car will be safe and now I have the means to maintain it.
Gaming: Okay... So, going to town on amputees and over-shocked madmen in a Satanic asylum is somewhat unsettling. Especially when I'm restricted to my over-sized weed whacker as a weapon. Then there was the bridge and that was just nuts.
Personal: So. This is it, I think. The home stretch. The worst part is that there is really nothing i can do but wait (not so) patiently. I mean, I try but the activity in my mind is inversely proportional to the activity of my body. The best part is that at least something is happening and this can start to approach a conclusion. I think I'm going to take a load off this weekend...
21 February 2007
Training Day 38
Language: Argh... Class... The teachers today were less than ideal. Fortunately, homework was nonexistent as tomorrow is our cooking day. Instead, I worked on my vocabulary more. I quickly reviewed chapters 01-03 and really pounded in chapter 28. I worked my way up from language to English, to writing the English out, to English to language, then writing the language out. It's really helping me work on my pronunciation and spelling to have to write the words out. I also ran into my old MLI while running today and we talked briefly. He seemed ready to tear my head off (and tried a few times) before but now that I'm not sucking in class he seems to be cool with me.
Marathon: Today I did four 1/4 mile repeats... That sucked. So then I ran down to my school house and started running up and down stairs. At the beset of my MLI I picked the tallest flight of stairs in the building and ran up and down those four times consecutively. It's amazing how ascending six or so inches can burn if done repeatedly.
Combat: Finalizing the schedule... I'm thinking Mon/Fri for an hour.
Personal: Things are going to get rough over the next few days... But it's for the best. I also lost my temper today, which was less than ideal so I felt a little ill with myself afterwards. However, when I finally called a certain someone on his rampant BS (keeping my temper in check but spelling it out in no uncertain terms how I did not appreciate it), I felt pretty good. I really can't abide cowards or snakes. If you have something to say to me at least say it to my face and, when you do, make sure you plan on following through.
Marathon: Today I did four 1/4 mile repeats... That sucked. So then I ran down to my school house and started running up and down stairs. At the beset of my MLI I picked the tallest flight of stairs in the building and ran up and down those four times consecutively. It's amazing how ascending six or so inches can burn if done repeatedly.
Combat: Finalizing the schedule... I'm thinking Mon/Fri for an hour.
Personal: Things are going to get rough over the next few days... But it's for the best. I also lost my temper today, which was less than ideal so I felt a little ill with myself afterwards. However, when I finally called a certain someone on his rampant BS (keeping my temper in check but spelling it out in no uncertain terms how I did not appreciate it), I felt pretty good. I really can't abide cowards or snakes. If you have something to say to me at least say it to my face and, when you do, make sure you plan on following through.
20 February 2007
Training Day 37
Rest day! Thank goodness... my legs have been complaining ever since that run.
Language: Class was slow today but not terrible... Then I came back and pounded the vocab. I really like my Before You Know It! program and, having upgraded, I can now tweak the lists so that they are more thorough. Now, if only I could get a native speaker to make recordings for me... Maybe some pictures for some flash cards too. Anyways, I pounded the new vocab for tomorrow really hard. Then I reviewed some old vocab too.
Combat: I'm trying to figure out the scheduling for all my training partners... Ugh.
Personal: I did some writing today. It was a good release. I also called the IRS. Not so much of a release but at least I'll get more money coming down the pipeline soon.
Language: Class was slow today but not terrible... Then I came back and pounded the vocab. I really like my Before You Know It! program and, having upgraded, I can now tweak the lists so that they are more thorough. Now, if only I could get a native speaker to make recordings for me... Maybe some pictures for some flash cards too. Anyways, I pounded the new vocab for tomorrow really hard. Then I reviewed some old vocab too.
Combat: I'm trying to figure out the scheduling for all my training partners... Ugh.
Personal: I did some writing today. It was a good release. I also called the IRS. Not so much of a release but at least I'll get more money coming down the pipeline soon.
19 February 2007
Training Day 36
And so my long weekend draws to a close... I didn't get quite as much done as I had hoped (as always) but I still enjoyed a fun and productive weekend.
Language: I completed three exercises from my homework today and pounded in the vocab for two chapters. I've also upgraded my version of Before You Know It! so that I can make my own lists and more.
Medical: It's loosely related but today I put together the shopping list of things I need to approach my command with an idea for cooking in the barracks. I need one George Foreman grill, one rice cooker, and one CO2 BC fire extinguisher. Then I can start cooking healthy, tasty food in my barracks room and control my hypoglycemia. If the command shoots this proposal down, it's on to plan B: moving off base. Madness!
Gaming: Hee. Gib.
Personal: I had lunch with one of my friends today and then we ran errands. Well, I left her in a Borders while I ran a bunch of errands. Finally found a decent shoe rack! In addition, I finally dropped off my seven shirts and two jackets from my Christmas clothing splurge to be altered... Grand total: $156. Of course, as soon as I do that the girls are scheming to put me in casual clothes. They'll be ready on Friday. I also cleaned my room a bit and did other little things to help keep life moving along.
Language: I completed three exercises from my homework today and pounded in the vocab for two chapters. I've also upgraded my version of Before You Know It! so that I can make my own lists and more.
Medical: It's loosely related but today I put together the shopping list of things I need to approach my command with an idea for cooking in the barracks. I need one George Foreman grill, one rice cooker, and one CO2 BC fire extinguisher. Then I can start cooking healthy, tasty food in my barracks room and control my hypoglycemia. If the command shoots this proposal down, it's on to plan B: moving off base. Madness!
Gaming: Hee. Gib.
Personal: I had lunch with one of my friends today and then we ran errands. Well, I left her in a Borders while I ran a bunch of errands. Finally found a decent shoe rack! In addition, I finally dropped off my seven shirts and two jackets from my Christmas clothing splurge to be altered... Grand total: $156. Of course, as soon as I do that the girls are scheming to put me in casual clothes. They'll be ready on Friday. I also cleaned my room a bit and did other little things to help keep life moving along.
18 February 2007
Training Day 35
What a day! What a weekend! And I still have Monday off!
Marathon: Today I went for a little over a 10mi run on varied terrain that took me a grand total of 1:46:49 including time for a head call, fiddling with my shoe, traffic lights, and getting through gate security. I started on base (which is on a big hill), ran down to the ocean, ran along the beach for a bit, ran through the little strip of shops, then down a major street lined with shops to the base gate, then ran all the way back up to the peak of the hill on base, down the other side, then turned and took another route back up the hill, then down to my barracks after sprinting through the parking lot. I like how I managed an entire 10mi route without having to double-back anywhere.
This run was amazing. I ran the whole distance without taking any breaks except for the ones mentioned above. None of the walking breaks prescribed by the training program... I just pushed myself through everything. I pushed through the wind buffeting me, the sand and salt grazing my skin, the numbing cold, the pain in my legs... Even the cramp that kicked in during the last leg of the run. I just ran and ran and ran.
I've been relying too much on my training partner lately and had fallen into a slump with everything going on. Today, I found more strength than I thought I had. Then I used it pound my worries, cares, and doubts into the pavement. It was liberating.
Combat: Today I received permission to use the martial arts room in the fitness center for my MCMAP remedial and SCARS/PACT training. It has space, air conditioning, mats, and power outlets for the laptop/DVD player. Now I just need to decide upon a time for everyone to get together.
Gaming: I gibbed demons by hundreds today in Painkiller. Mmmm. Fun.
Personal: I picked the perfect time to get out of this slump and face the day. My friends called on me this evening and I was ready to answer. I'm feeling pretty good... Despite having to spend some of today picking up after my roommate, including washing his linen and making his rack, because he left the place a wreck when he went on leave.
Marathon: Today I went for a little over a 10mi run on varied terrain that took me a grand total of 1:46:49 including time for a head call, fiddling with my shoe, traffic lights, and getting through gate security. I started on base (which is on a big hill), ran down to the ocean, ran along the beach for a bit, ran through the little strip of shops, then down a major street lined with shops to the base gate, then ran all the way back up to the peak of the hill on base, down the other side, then turned and took another route back up the hill, then down to my barracks after sprinting through the parking lot. I like how I managed an entire 10mi route without having to double-back anywhere.
This run was amazing. I ran the whole distance without taking any breaks except for the ones mentioned above. None of the walking breaks prescribed by the training program... I just pushed myself through everything. I pushed through the wind buffeting me, the sand and salt grazing my skin, the numbing cold, the pain in my legs... Even the cramp that kicked in during the last leg of the run. I just ran and ran and ran.
I've been relying too much on my training partner lately and had fallen into a slump with everything going on. Today, I found more strength than I thought I had. Then I used it pound my worries, cares, and doubts into the pavement. It was liberating.
Combat: Today I received permission to use the martial arts room in the fitness center for my MCMAP remedial and SCARS/PACT training. It has space, air conditioning, mats, and power outlets for the laptop/DVD player. Now I just need to decide upon a time for everyone to get together.
Gaming: I gibbed demons by hundreds today in Painkiller. Mmmm. Fun.
Personal: I picked the perfect time to get out of this slump and face the day. My friends called on me this evening and I was ready to answer. I'm feeling pretty good... Despite having to spend some of today picking up after my roommate, including washing his linen and making his rack, because he left the place a wreck when he went on leave.
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