Yesterday I learned how to whistle using an acorn cap! I also received my new slippers in the mail. They're so super comfy! They'll be perfect for cold wet mornings.

This week I was on shower detail. My partner Shaneccia showed me the basic steps, but I was able to find another way. The girls seem surprised that I'll get down on my hands and knees to clean. It's a bit rushed in the morning since I can't change right into my khakis before detail, but I haven't been late yet!

I also got a voice mail from my recruiter, Ms. Collins. It made me feel extra special to hear her cheering me on, knowing that she's definitely in my corner, and I need to make a point to touch base with her.

Today I received the wire components that not only make my phone hands free, but can help me use it as an MP3 player! So much easier to share my music with friends now! I wish I knew who sent it though, there wasn't any note of who... A big thanks and I love you, anyway!!

Yesterday was a holiday on campus. I was approached and asked if I'd like to write an anime article for the campus newspaper! I'm working on it whenever the computers aren't occupied - it'd be easier if I had a working flashdrive and my laptop... My deadline is 2:55 on Thursday. Wish me luck!

Today was my first payday. I'm extra-thankful for the $5 now, Grandma - as a new student, my paycheck is the lowest it can possibly be at barely $20, after deductions for my initial allowances. Two more weeks = more cash though, so it's all good. This weekend is a Wal*Mart trip, so every penny is going first into new tennis shoes, and then any necessities I may find I need by week's end.

TGIF! It's been a long boring week, as I predicted, but not without its moments. My CPP brother Mikhail and I read through more of 'Brisingr' together - he loves to listen to me read aloud. My CPP brother Awan has been a little pestering this week, but Rade (yet another CPP brother, & the first one I met) looks after me. I've watched movies about Nazis & the end of the world, & also about self-esteem & drugs.

My friends were a little surprised & disappointed that I wouldn't be going on the movie trip this afternoon, but I really just wanna chill for now. I'll probably go to the rec center & make dreamcatchers for a while. Next week they're supposed to do lanyards, which would be great for my locker keychain. Life is thankfully more busy here than I expected it to be, & I've made several fast friends more quickly than I expected. All of it keeps my mind off the fact that I'm in a strange place, roughly 1,000 miles from home... If I stop to think about it, I miss everyone & everything, but that's as far as I let it go.

Yesterday I got a card from Grandma, wishing me lots of good luck & love. I love you too, Grandma! (Thanks for the extra $5, I'll put it toward my new tennis shoes when I get them!)

The pain from my packtest for the fireteam is finally almost gone, I'll soon be starting on the field training, and I've started working on my positives for my student evaluation (ESP). New students came in late Monday, and I've made quick friends with almost all the girls who have arrived. Meanwhile, one of my dormmates has begun packing; she's finished her program, and will be sorely missed. My new friend Boone seems to be on track for graduation in the next few weeks as well, which is sad: we'd only begun to get to know each other. But I have his email, and we're sure to keep in touch!

I know I gushed about Alex's roses before, but I have to gush again! They're blooming more beautifully every day, and I plan to use the aging petals as a potpourri - perhaps I'll make it as a special craft for someone. It's been so nice to have my lion blanket on my bed, and my purple satin pillowcase on my pillow. (The fluffy pillows are surprisingly nice here, but the plastic mattresses are older and losing their spring. ) My scarf has kept me extra warm these past few days, and goes well with my uniform.

Today is laundry day. I'll take my things after we have headcount. But first, a nap. Zzz...

CPP Phase: School again?

Happy Valentine's Day!

And so begins a boring part of my acclimation to campus life. The next two weeks are set in a classroom environment, dealing with computer and interpersonal skills. ... Didn't I do this back in high school? It was hard for me to stay awake today; I finished the bookwork quickly and the videos we watched had that droning tone to them. On the upside, I got notice that sometime near Friday, I'll head out for field training!! Beyond that notice, they told me to keep my ears open. I'm super excited!

Everyone is both complimenting me on Saturday night, & teasing me about making friends w/ Daniel Boone. There have been more than a few comments about us being a couple. It's a bit infantile, but I can't deny that he's fun to hang with. Too bad he'll be leaving for advanced training soon.

After headcount, I received 2 packages. The first held my much missed blanket, & a few other wishlist items. So many thanks go out to my family for all the love! ( The calendar is beautiful!)

My second package: roses from Alex!! I was giddy the entire time I was putting them in their vase! In other news, a new roster of students showed up, & there are a few new girls! I'm excited to meet them!

Tonight was the Valentine's Dance. Initially I had no intention of going, but my dormmates convinced me otherwise. The music was a hiphop mix mostly, but it was still fun. I got several compliments over the night, and danced on nearly every slowdance with two close admirers. Near the end of the nigh, though, my legs started to cramp, from my morning pack test. I'm glad to be in my warm bed now, and I hope to relax a good deal tomorrow :)

A wishlist...

-All previous food items except for Pocky are welcome. The chocolate melts and binds all the sticks together.
-A living Bible. I think that's the term for it... A Bible written in modern text.
-My computer and hard drive. I've deemed my dormmates trustworthy and also deemed myself capable of locking up my stuff. Also, my new friend Boone has offered to repair my laptop for me :D
-Anything with a cherry blossom scent. My roommates love the air fresheners I brought, but it's hard to find. (I'm using a Glade scented oil plugin.)
-Anything with a cherry blossom motif. Stationary welcome. Bonus points if it's white instead of pink :D

Goodnight everyone!

My three shirts are soaked with my sweat.

I can still barely catch my breath.

My feet, shoulders, neck and back burns.

My right toe feels like a crushed grape.

My head is cloudy and light.

And even though I was the last in my group, I'm done. I've passed my pack test. I'm ready for field training as a firefighter.

... I'm going to take a nap.

Today I chose my three trades for the last time. Since I have a wait for the first two, I'll have to study Union Painting till the others open up. I also made a new friend - he reminds me of people back home, but especially of Zeke and Tomo, with their love for gaming, intelligence, and wit. (I miss you both, btw!) We spent the afternoon watching movies in the rec center, which I can count as hours toward my ESP review. ( Yes, that's a good thing! )

My pack test starts at 9 am tomorrow morning. The tennis shoes I've borrowed from the rec center are amazing! And tomorrow night is the VDay dance on campus. I kinda want to chill in the dorm, but some of the girls wanna take me to party with them. I'm a little nervous...

Time to get some sleep so I'll be fresh for the pack test. Goodnight everyone!

Yesterday I was supposed to go to Culinary for my next hands-on... Apparently the schedule was switched without our knowing, which made us late. The Computer Tech teacher was understanding, though. The class, despite the bookwork, seems pretty interesting; I may choose it as my second option for the sake of being able to fix my own computer.

Today I went into the culinary classroom. The day's activities consisted of peeling & cutting potatoes, scooping biscuit batter, & washing dishes. Despite the stiffness of my hand from peeling, I felt rather peaceful while doing these tasks; more than ever I want to study culinary arts! We were able to sample several tasty dishes as we worked, including chocolatey florentine cookies, a very cheesy risotto, & the mozzarella-garlic biscuits we helped to shape on the pans, & which will be served for dinner tonight :P

Tonight I completed all my class time and paperwork to be a forest wildfire fighter. All that's left is to pass the pack test and to field train. On paper, I am now a wildfire fighter!

Today was hands-on in Union Painting. A good bit of videos, and painting of course. Lunch was a Fat Tuesday Feast! Crawdad Etouffe, Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Gritcakes, Blackened Fish, and Bananas Foster for dessert! And yes, I got beads. :D

Today was also payday for the rest of the campus. My next payday is officially two weeks from now. Store runs are made on paydays, so I'm actually typing this from the bus to town.

Tonight was also my second fire class. I'm warier all the time of what I'm getting into, but I feel like I'm actually going to be doing something, instead of just sitting around and playing it safe. It's not quite the military, but I think it'd make my parents proud if I were able to make it through this training.

Today I attended my first fire team class. I'm excited and nervous for the pack test on Saturday, and I realize it's not gonna be a camping trip if we're called out - but I love the idea of the extra money!! $4000 for being out 2 weeks? I'm yours to command at the fireline Mr. Wilson!

I also received an invitation to the VDay dance! I didn't even know there was gonna be a dance! Awkward... I don't know if I'll accept yet, I never liked these awkward little dances... I mean, dressing up pretty and fancy for a prom is one thing, but from what they're telling me it's mostly just food and music for a half hour... Time better spent exchanging sweet I-Love-Yous with my valentine :)

And I received my very first care package, filled with lots of love and NOMs! (That's short for Nuggets Of Munching) There were also some adorable jewelry pieces and a word search - it's sure to help me earn my rec points!! The only let-down was that my Pocky was all melted and stuck together. Which was bad because I've gotten my dormmates addicted to it :( I'll have to buy it myself on store runs or get it shipped special somehow...

Yesterday was moving day in the dorm. Too many leaders were in the same rooms so they did some switching. I got caught up in it. So, after sleeping in and nearly waking up the whole dorm with an alarm clock that I didn't set, I spent the day moving from one room to the next. And just when I was getting cozy. At least it happened before my care packages arrived. :)

As I expected, my brown Japanese skull shirt is definitely taboo here. I'll be sending it home soon. And somewhere in the move, I misplaced my newly printed PineKnot ID! I couldn't imagine where it went, I turned both my new and my old room upside down searching for it... I have a surrogate for now. I just hope someone turns it in.

Today has been a lazy Superbowl Sunday. Snacks instead of meals mostly, but I'll be getting a good dinner soon. A big Happy Birthday to my sweetheart, Alex, and my dormmate, Tiffany! Sorry your big day got spoiled by the game you guys! I love you Teddy Bear! <3

Today at Job Corps, I took my TABE test. It's basically an opportunity to test out of the core education classes. As to how I did... Let's just say some of the other students were saying 'Tutor me. Please'.

I got my TB and STD/Drug results back. They didn't start screaming, so I guess I'm clear.

We toured a few of the trades today, which means the head instructors gave us a brief overview of the class. I already know what to expect from Culinary, but surprisingly I also find myself drawn to Urban Forestry. Weird, but I'll go with it... I have Monday to check out the rest of the trades, and then Tues - Thurs is dedicated to exploring each of my first three choices. In other words, working a day in each. Fun e.e;

Lastly, we got our official PineKnot IDs and our first payday! But my picture sucked :( And since the rest of the center doesn't get paid until this coming Tuesday, that means I have to wait longer for my next payday :(

The center is encouraging us to join some of the teams that make money so that we can earn a little extra - like, there's a fire team that goes out about three days every week, and it pays well, but the work's tough. There's a camping team that's easier, but pays less. Hmm, gotta weigh my options...

There's a centerwide talent contest for Black History Month. The subject matter has to concern someone from - you guessed it - black history. ... I wonder if I would get lynched or beaten up for singing Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit'...

And so the weekend is upon me. The girls have warned me that it gets pretty boring on center. I'm hoping for a chance to just chill in my room. I need to do my laundry at least before Sunday. Maybe I'll actually get a feel for how detail duty works before Monday strikes...

For some reason I've made instant fans out of the guys in my newbie group. ... Maybe it's because I'm one of the only two girls in it, and the other seems like she's... Well, I'll say it nicely: she's more boyish, and rather quiet. It's fun, and I can't say I don't like the attention. Still, I know the one who's just for me is back in Georgia. (I love you, Teddy Bear <3 )

Today was physical exams and immunizations for those without shot records. Lucky me, they got my file-no needles! :D So a regular checkup for me. Tomorrow is the TABE test - even though I already have my diploma, they have to be sure I can still strut my stuff in reading and math. If I don't score sufficiently, they'll put me in some education classes.

Math. God help me.

... Some more for my wishlist:

-Hangers. Wire ones are preferred.
-Jerky, regular flavor. They have none at the cantina that I see, and people eat it up around here :(
-Pocky, chocolate flavor. Found in the international foods at Wal*Mart. Same reason as above.
-A hanging closet storage. You know, Mom, that thing on the back of the closet door that we store things in. I just don't have enough shelving!

A current wishlist...

-A small notepad for my pocket. I don't need huge notebooks. Yet.
-A new sketchpad. I used it writing things that could have gone on the aforementioned notepad.
-House shoes or slippers. Something considerably warm and durable, since I have to walk from the dorm to the cafeteria for breakfast; they should hold up against constant gravel, and occasional wet & cold.
-Tennis shoes. I don't dare wear my business shoes to the gym.
-A nice warm scarf. I'm looking at you, Mom o.o
-Poptarts, in case I feel far too lazy to walk to breakfast, even with a pair of good house shoes or slippers. S'mores, Wildberry, Blueberry, and Cherry are preferred. If you send Fudge or any of the Sundae flavors, they will be given to charity, aka my dormmates.

Today I was stuck with needles and made to pee in a cup. Current results show I am not pregnant, and that the iron levels of my blood are normal. Drug test and STD test will be back on Friday.

It's started snowing today, and acted as if it were going to stick. I wanna play in the snow :)

Things I learned on my first day at Job Corps:

-There was little point in bringing my own coat. Although I'm allowedto wear it after training and on weekends, the one I was issued is very warm and quite functional, if not fashionably furry.
-I cannot wear men's boots comfortably at any size. Too bad that's all I'm issued.
-Bringing socks was also mostly unnecessary. They recommend the socks with the boots. They look and feel like Dad's...
-I even got a warm black toboggan and white work gloves and long johns. About the only thing they didn't issue me was a scarf.
-It was a good move bringing dorm snacks, in case of missing meals. I must remember to put more on my wishlist :D
-'Man who sit in chair with mouth open wait long time for roast duck to fly in mouth.' Interesting proverb.
-The head culinary instructor makes a KILLER mac&cheese! I need to get his recipe :D

Most of today was spent running from building to building, meeting this and that counselor. The combo of "dad socks" and heavy men's boots really bothered my legs and ankles after a while. I didn't even make it to lunch before I discovered I had misplaced my locker key. Luckily my new dormmate Tiffany had kept it safe for me. With all of the stuff going down, I haven't had a chance to miss home, but there have been several points during the day where my brain has screamed "Where am I and what am I doing!!" It's still very disconcerting, and I only hope I'll figure things out in the first month.

Things I have learned in traveling to Job Corps:

-Don't try to spot that moment when the plane takes off. You never will capture it perfectly.
-I get motion sickness from reading in a small plane. Same as in a car.
-Hartsfield-Jackson airport is huge. I mean big enough to require a small train to get you from one part of the airport to the other.
-Starbucks sells tasty coffee anywhere. Period.
-It's a real let down when you discover you can't text your boyfriend at 10,000 feet.
-Airport bookstores don't carry manga. I looked in three of the dozen available.

The planes felt cramped, and their interiors were kinda dingy. Not a good impression for Delta Airlines, but this wasn't exactly a luxury trip, so I shouldn't complain. It kinda balanced out with the actual flights - it's really the most magical feeling in the world. I realize that must sound sappy, but I've loved the idea of flight for so long. I want to always fly... *sigh*