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.