After some bumps in the road we are finally have our plans set for our trip to graduation. I have been a little worried because I don't really have a mode of transportation and I have been trying to get all the information I can so I know where I have to walk. I did have the reception center tell me there are buses, but I don't know where they start and stop. I sent in a email request to some department and they emailed me back that they couldn't give me any of that information because of base security... yet I called public affairs and they emailed me a map. So that helped but I don't know how in the heck I am going to get to the reception center which is clear on the other side of the base from my hotel. I have to be there at 7:30 AM too for orientation. That is where my biggest concern has been. I am going to lose and hour going to San Antonio, which will totally mess up my strict bedtime schedule. And then when I wake up it will feel even earlier than it usually does.... So I went to the temple yesterday to have the strength I need to be able to accomplish these tasks and be fully awake and alert and not drowsy and out of it. I am going to start a week in advance going to be an hour earlier and getting up an hour earlier... that's 5 AM kids... yuck. I felt comfort that I would be able to accomplish all of this and have a wonderful time with my husband. So that's the plan. Keep me in your prayers for added strength and courage and all will be well.
20 days to go!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 36: Finally a letter! It has been forever!
7/13/09
Meggers,
just read you letters. It's week 3. We spent 2 1/2 hours outside practicing for the parade on the 21st. That sucked. So we talked about everything that will happen that day. A lot of sun... But we'll look good. Just so you know how to find me I will be in flight 557. Out instructor is the tallest one out here, and I should be one of the tallest whitest trainees out there.
I have a rash down under from sweat... took a shower. We are going to be doing self aid buddy care all week. (basic life saving skills)
I have received 341's for Having an area in complete disarray, improperly filling out a form, (it was in sharpie) One for not opening a door for a TI and one for failing inspections. I was given demerits for dirty clothes when the TI found sand in my pants that I took to the dry cleaners... Oh and one for "not following instructions." (I was never given any instructions) 2 trainees almost went home today for not getting their areas cleaned up. There are those that get 341's pulled all the time and there are some that try to stay invisible and have none. I am too big and busy to not get noticed.
So we walk to church and then sit in a big multi-religious chapel and sweat until the second hour. After Sacrament they split into groups, one for blessings of comfort. One for zero week and one for Priesthood. Every week they recognize the graduates and have them give talks. They are usually short. The leadership is pretty old and you can tell there is a different twist or feeling coming from the local LDS people.. There really aren't many. When we get there trainees are doing everything. Including prelude music.... that usually sucks. They start playing music that isn't spiritual and we keep asking why no one will stop them and play normal stuff. Grrr....
Running in A-Lane sucked today. They just started sprinting for the first three laps and then a TI finally told them to slow down. We run in groups for 15 minutes and then a 10 minute free run and then 30 second sprints! You feel like you are going to die every time!
So it's going to be hard to push it and get honor-grad and marksman but I think I can do it... Hardest experience ever.
We get up at 4:45 every morning to do PT. We sleep in our PT clothes. We don't really slow down until after lunch.
Oh a kid from our brother flight got recycled back to zero week at lunch today. He didn't know any of his memory work. The section supervisor gave him plenty of chances to prove something and the kid couldn't tell him anything.
7/17/09
Just caught up with your letters. There is no time to read or write letters unless you are lazy and don't do your work and studies. Let me answer some questions. The TI's are completely random with rewards. They like to use the words, "if" and "maybe." Phone calls come when they say. I think we'll get one tomorrow. We have 58 trainees divided into two bays. Sharing eight stalls, eight sinks, four urinals, one big shower with 8 heads and a big day room... well big enough to squeeze us all in it. The bays are half bunk bed and half normal. They are single twin mattresses. I am 6'3" and there is one that stands at 6'4." The instructor is 6'7." There are a bunch of young and short guys... anyway the beds are made to exacting standards and we try to sleep in them so that we don't have to completely remake them. That sucks. I constantly wake up with numb toes or sore legs from the tightness of the sheets or shortness of the bed. Our usual schedule consists of:
Week Days:
0445 Wake up
0500 PT (run alternated with exercises)
0700 Breakfast
0730 Details
0830 Classroom instruction or drill practice
1130 Lunch
1230 Instruction or drill practice
1630 Dinner
1730 Airman's time/ Day's review
1830 Details/ Study/ Get everything ready for inspections
2100 Lights out
Sunday
0545 Wake up
0630 Breakfast
Church (we do laundry here)
1130 Lunch
Church (we do church at 1430)
1630 dinner
1830 Details
2100 Lights out
So that's what it's like... I guess. It changes a lot. Like yesterday we had KP duties and woke up at 0230 to go to work at 0330 in the kitchens. We worked clear to 1930 with breaks only to eat. we were sooo tired. Come week six we will spend a whole week "out in the field" at the BEAST.
I am probably the 4th oldest here. The oldest being 30 and the youngest 17.
There is a lot of foul language but it is easy to ignore when I am with two other Mormons. I have said my fare share of, "Damn its" though. :(
This is definitely harder than the MTC. Mentally, physically, emotionally it's all extreme. It's hard for me to imagine anyone going through all this. Even myself. It's pretty amazing though.
It's good to hear that...
Sigh.. I need to send this off
Loves,
Christaupherson
My plans are set. 23 days 'til Graduation!!
Meggers,
just read you letters. It's week 3. We spent 2 1/2 hours outside practicing for the parade on the 21st. That sucked. So we talked about everything that will happen that day. A lot of sun... But we'll look good. Just so you know how to find me I will be in flight 557. Out instructor is the tallest one out here, and I should be one of the tallest whitest trainees out there.
I have a rash down under from sweat... took a shower. We are going to be doing self aid buddy care all week. (basic life saving skills)
I have received 341's for Having an area in complete disarray, improperly filling out a form, (it was in sharpie) One for not opening a door for a TI and one for failing inspections. I was given demerits for dirty clothes when the TI found sand in my pants that I took to the dry cleaners... Oh and one for "not following instructions." (I was never given any instructions) 2 trainees almost went home today for not getting their areas cleaned up. There are those that get 341's pulled all the time and there are some that try to stay invisible and have none. I am too big and busy to not get noticed.
So we walk to church and then sit in a big multi-religious chapel and sweat until the second hour. After Sacrament they split into groups, one for blessings of comfort. One for zero week and one for Priesthood. Every week they recognize the graduates and have them give talks. They are usually short. The leadership is pretty old and you can tell there is a different twist or feeling coming from the local LDS people.. There really aren't many. When we get there trainees are doing everything. Including prelude music.... that usually sucks. They start playing music that isn't spiritual and we keep asking why no one will stop them and play normal stuff. Grrr....
Running in A-Lane sucked today. They just started sprinting for the first three laps and then a TI finally told them to slow down. We run in groups for 15 minutes and then a 10 minute free run and then 30 second sprints! You feel like you are going to die every time!
So it's going to be hard to push it and get honor-grad and marksman but I think I can do it... Hardest experience ever.
We get up at 4:45 every morning to do PT. We sleep in our PT clothes. We don't really slow down until after lunch.
Oh a kid from our brother flight got recycled back to zero week at lunch today. He didn't know any of his memory work. The section supervisor gave him plenty of chances to prove something and the kid couldn't tell him anything.
7/17/09
Just caught up with your letters. There is no time to read or write letters unless you are lazy and don't do your work and studies. Let me answer some questions. The TI's are completely random with rewards. They like to use the words, "if" and "maybe." Phone calls come when they say. I think we'll get one tomorrow. We have 58 trainees divided into two bays. Sharing eight stalls, eight sinks, four urinals, one big shower with 8 heads and a big day room... well big enough to squeeze us all in it. The bays are half bunk bed and half normal. They are single twin mattresses. I am 6'3" and there is one that stands at 6'4." The instructor is 6'7." There are a bunch of young and short guys... anyway the beds are made to exacting standards and we try to sleep in them so that we don't have to completely remake them. That sucks. I constantly wake up with numb toes or sore legs from the tightness of the sheets or shortness of the bed. Our usual schedule consists of:
Week Days:
0445 Wake up
0500 PT (run alternated with exercises)
0700 Breakfast
0730 Details
0830 Classroom instruction or drill practice
1130 Lunch
1230 Instruction or drill practice
1630 Dinner
1730 Airman's time/ Day's review
1830 Details/ Study/ Get everything ready for inspections
2100 Lights out
Sunday
0545 Wake up
0630 Breakfast
Church (we do laundry here)
1130 Lunch
Church (we do church at 1430)
1630 dinner
1830 Details
2100 Lights out
So that's what it's like... I guess. It changes a lot. Like yesterday we had KP duties and woke up at 0230 to go to work at 0330 in the kitchens. We worked clear to 1930 with breaks only to eat. we were sooo tired. Come week six we will spend a whole week "out in the field" at the BEAST.
I am probably the 4th oldest here. The oldest being 30 and the youngest 17.
There is a lot of foul language but it is easy to ignore when I am with two other Mormons. I have said my fare share of, "Damn its" though. :(
This is definitely harder than the MTC. Mentally, physically, emotionally it's all extreme. It's hard for me to imagine anyone going through all this. Even myself. It's pretty amazing though.
It's good to hear that...
Sigh.. I need to send this off
Loves,
Christaupherson
My plans are set. 23 days 'til Graduation!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Base Liberty means a phone call home!
Chris had told me in one of his previous letters that he might be able to call me today... so of course I am on break and in the bathroom when he calls... So I answer the phone and I wonder what Diana was thinking of me because she was in the bathroom too... oh well... this is important. Who cares what she thinks...
So I answer the phone and Chris told me he had 24 minutes to talk. So I have 5 minutes left of my break and I was like who cares. So I ended of taking a 29 minute break. It's ok my supervisors are nice. So he starts by telling me he was catching up on my letters. I asked him how many he had and he said 4. So I asked him how often he got mail and he said usually everyday but some days they are just too busy. He said he wishes he could write more but if you are doing what you should be doing there wont be much time to write letters. He said some guys mess around or will write letters at night, but he is doing what he is supposed to and if it were me I would want as much sleep time as possible. So I am not bitter.
I asked him if he received our family home evening packet and if he got made fun of for all the girly paper and colors and markers. He said no. The only time anyone sees his mail is if he gets a package and the TI will just open that for everyone to see. And if they receive a picture they are required to show that to the TI. So apparently he can have more than one picture so send him pictures if you want... just not anything that you don't want all 60 of them to see. And remember the TI made fun of his hair in our wedding photo.
I asked him if he liked my rambling letters and he said yes. Getting mail is definitely better than getting no mail.
In one of my recent letters I had told him about Lily trying to jump out the window at cars when we are driving, so he asked me if she really did that and I told him that she loses her window privileges when she does it so she is getting better. Then I asked him if he got the letter about her and my pills. He said yes and that he knew that was going to happen. I asked him why and he said because you have so many pill bottles on the counter... so I told him they were no longer there.
I asked him what church was like and he said they march for a half hour to the chapel and then they have sacrament meeting and the speakers are usually the trainees that graduated that week. After sacrament meeting they go to either relief society of priesthood or the new comers class. So the first week was with the missionaries and they sent me the email and the pictures and the second week they had interviews with the branch president.
I asked him a question from my dad. My dad wanted to know if this or the MTC (missionary training center) was harder. In a previous letter he told me this was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. So I asked him if going to the MTC better prepared him for basic training. He said I think it is just because I am older. Most of these guys are straight out of high school.
I asked him if he had friends or if he stuck to himself. He said the atmosphere promotes team work so they are all pretty good friends except there are a few who are the odd man out.
I asked him more about his inspection when he got called a liar and he said there was more to the story which was sensitive information. He told me he kept a sock that he used for dusting and the TI went off about his sloppy sock. Poor Chris.
He told me he has been doing laundry for two days. I asked him if he volunteered for the position or if he was assigned the position. He said the TI asked for volunteers first and he volunteered because everyone had told him to do that. I had talked to his boss, Dan, and he told Chris that he should do Kitchen Duty. So I asked him about that and he said he did it for one day and it was just as bad. He told me he was the guy that got everyone's trays when they were done and it really sucked. I asked him what the best job was and he didn't really answer.
In a letter I had sent him I asked him what he wanted to do while we were there for his graduation. So he asked one of his friends in the background what we should see and he told him that we should go to the River Walk. He said we can go to Sea World if we want to as well.
He asked what else was going on and I told him his Dad was in Yellowstone and his Mom works hard. He said he wants pictures of all of them. So I am going to send him all the pictures in his wallet but feel free to send him some as well.
He then gave me an overview of what the next few weeks would be like. He said this upcoming week is Hell Week and they are going to be really busy. He said they are taking a lot of tests and one of them is to see if they can take apart their gun and put it back together. He said they also get fitted for their "blues" as well this week. The week after that they go to the obstacle course and the week after that they spend a lot of time working with their guns because week six is The BEAST, Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training. It is where they put everything they have learned about combat training into action. They simulate a war zone for more info go to
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcejoin/a/afbmtbeast.htm
It gives you all the details.
After that they told us we had one minute left and we said our goodbyes.
I was just surprised he got 24 minutes... lol. It was great!
So I answer the phone and Chris told me he had 24 minutes to talk. So I have 5 minutes left of my break and I was like who cares. So I ended of taking a 29 minute break. It's ok my supervisors are nice. So he starts by telling me he was catching up on my letters. I asked him how many he had and he said 4. So I asked him how often he got mail and he said usually everyday but some days they are just too busy. He said he wishes he could write more but if you are doing what you should be doing there wont be much time to write letters. He said some guys mess around or will write letters at night, but he is doing what he is supposed to and if it were me I would want as much sleep time as possible. So I am not bitter.
I asked him if he received our family home evening packet and if he got made fun of for all the girly paper and colors and markers. He said no. The only time anyone sees his mail is if he gets a package and the TI will just open that for everyone to see. And if they receive a picture they are required to show that to the TI. So apparently he can have more than one picture so send him pictures if you want... just not anything that you don't want all 60 of them to see. And remember the TI made fun of his hair in our wedding photo.
I asked him if he liked my rambling letters and he said yes. Getting mail is definitely better than getting no mail.
In one of my recent letters I had told him about Lily trying to jump out the window at cars when we are driving, so he asked me if she really did that and I told him that she loses her window privileges when she does it so she is getting better. Then I asked him if he got the letter about her and my pills. He said yes and that he knew that was going to happen. I asked him why and he said because you have so many pill bottles on the counter... so I told him they were no longer there.
I asked him what church was like and he said they march for a half hour to the chapel and then they have sacrament meeting and the speakers are usually the trainees that graduated that week. After sacrament meeting they go to either relief society of priesthood or the new comers class. So the first week was with the missionaries and they sent me the email and the pictures and the second week they had interviews with the branch president.
I asked him a question from my dad. My dad wanted to know if this or the MTC (missionary training center) was harder. In a previous letter he told me this was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. So I asked him if going to the MTC better prepared him for basic training. He said I think it is just because I am older. Most of these guys are straight out of high school.
I asked him if he had friends or if he stuck to himself. He said the atmosphere promotes team work so they are all pretty good friends except there are a few who are the odd man out.
I asked him more about his inspection when he got called a liar and he said there was more to the story which was sensitive information. He told me he kept a sock that he used for dusting and the TI went off about his sloppy sock. Poor Chris.
He told me he has been doing laundry for two days. I asked him if he volunteered for the position or if he was assigned the position. He said the TI asked for volunteers first and he volunteered because everyone had told him to do that. I had talked to his boss, Dan, and he told Chris that he should do Kitchen Duty. So I asked him about that and he said he did it for one day and it was just as bad. He told me he was the guy that got everyone's trays when they were done and it really sucked. I asked him what the best job was and he didn't really answer.
In a letter I had sent him I asked him what he wanted to do while we were there for his graduation. So he asked one of his friends in the background what we should see and he told him that we should go to the River Walk. He said we can go to Sea World if we want to as well.
He asked what else was going on and I told him his Dad was in Yellowstone and his Mom works hard. He said he wants pictures of all of them. So I am going to send him all the pictures in his wallet but feel free to send him some as well.
He then gave me an overview of what the next few weeks would be like. He said this upcoming week is Hell Week and they are going to be really busy. He said they are taking a lot of tests and one of them is to see if they can take apart their gun and put it back together. He said they also get fitted for their "blues" as well this week. The week after that they go to the obstacle course and the week after that they spend a lot of time working with their guns because week six is The BEAST, Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training. It is where they put everything they have learned about combat training into action. They simulate a war zone for more info go to
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcejoin/a/afbmtbeast.htm
It gives you all the details.
After that they told us we had one minute left and we said our goodbyes.
I was just surprised he got 24 minutes... lol. It was great!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Day 25
7/11/09
Hey Megan!
I'm tired... This week has been hard. Tomorrow we start third week. These guys are so young it sucks. I am trying to be patient but it is hard. Things got shaken up and we are all in different beds. Everyone disliked that and the new leaders in our flight are just as immature as everyone else. This week is known as "Hell Week," because everyone is going to start to snap and get in each other's faces. Fun.
We had our first official inspection yesterday and I actually got caught lying to and instructor!
He asked me if I used the spare razors in the back of my drawer and the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "No." He found hair on one and chewed me out for being a liar. I was really disappointed in myself. I couldn't believe that happened. :( We did our second evaluation for PT on Thursday and I clocked in at 11:40 on my run. I need to push harder. I need to make 9:30 by week seven. I know I can do it. It just wont be fun. At all. I'm sure I am losing weight. We eat a lot and drink a lot, but we also move a lot. I guess that our flight has a good chance of making PT excellence. More than 40 of us are running in the fastest lane during PT. We are all getting overconfident and it's just a matter of time until everything crashes down. There isn't much I can do to prevent it. There is too much ego here.
My drill is getting better. My legs just take a little extra time to get everything down so I practice that when I can. It is going to look really cool when we march on graduation day.
This is definitely the hardest experience of my life. I don't recommend it to those who are between the ages of 17-20. It's like a bad day everyday.. My pulse is at 66 btm. That is the lowest it has been my whole time here! When I was running the other day it was at 170 bpm.
So our TI is Staff Sergeant Dancer. He is like 6'7" and weighs about 200 lbs. He is always wired and sometimes he'll show up to the dorm with Mountain Dew or a Monster. He is actually a lot cooler than most. I think we all really look up to him and respect him because he seems more human than some TIs.
I really want a snack right now.
So I think I am currently back under the radar and am not sure if I want to stay under the radar for long. I don't really see myself as a leader. I am more of the advising type..... sigh, we'll see what happens.
There were four Mormons in our flight and from the sound of it, that is some kind of record. Well one of us was sent off to the 319th because his eyes kept blanking out... he should have never come here. What a waste of time. So the three of us that are left are all next to each other. We are all married and we tend to perform better than most of the other trainees. Probably because we are older. People ask the funniest questions and since we didn't have name tapes to start we were called "The Mormons" and it has stuck.
I enjoy your letters. It is cool that I get one every time he passes out mail. I wish I could write more. There is a rumor that we might get Base Liberty next weekend.... we'll see how that goes. If so then I'll probably be calling again.
You are still in my prayers! (of course) Thank you for giving me strength!
Love,
Christaupher!
7/12/09
Meggie,
It's a Sunday and I am sweating. I spent all morning doing laundry. Sigh. Laundry sucks. We did towels, underwear and t-shirts.
I slept pretty good last night. We pretty much eat, stand in line and go to church on Sundays. The rest of our time goes to folding clothes and studying.
Church starts at 14:30 and it is half and hour march to the chapel. We only go for two hours and we are back just in time for dinner. I think you will find our church services interesting if you come.
I get paid on the 1st and the 15th and I guess all special pays are split between the two. Make sure you let me know how much we are getting paid so I can fix any errors.
A TI told me to march out to the patio and tell all the trainees that is was closed because of the heat. That was fun. All these older trainees looked at me like, "Who are you?" I yelled at them again. Then they heard the TI behind me and they scattered like rats.
Well I'm off to church....
Hey Megan!
I'm tired... This week has been hard. Tomorrow we start third week. These guys are so young it sucks. I am trying to be patient but it is hard. Things got shaken up and we are all in different beds. Everyone disliked that and the new leaders in our flight are just as immature as everyone else. This week is known as "Hell Week," because everyone is going to start to snap and get in each other's faces. Fun.
We had our first official inspection yesterday and I actually got caught lying to and instructor!
He asked me if I used the spare razors in the back of my drawer and the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "No." He found hair on one and chewed me out for being a liar. I was really disappointed in myself. I couldn't believe that happened. :( We did our second evaluation for PT on Thursday and I clocked in at 11:40 on my run. I need to push harder. I need to make 9:30 by week seven. I know I can do it. It just wont be fun. At all. I'm sure I am losing weight. We eat a lot and drink a lot, but we also move a lot. I guess that our flight has a good chance of making PT excellence. More than 40 of us are running in the fastest lane during PT. We are all getting overconfident and it's just a matter of time until everything crashes down. There isn't much I can do to prevent it. There is too much ego here.
My drill is getting better. My legs just take a little extra time to get everything down so I practice that when I can. It is going to look really cool when we march on graduation day.
This is definitely the hardest experience of my life. I don't recommend it to those who are between the ages of 17-20. It's like a bad day everyday.. My pulse is at 66 btm. That is the lowest it has been my whole time here! When I was running the other day it was at 170 bpm.
So our TI is Staff Sergeant Dancer. He is like 6'7" and weighs about 200 lbs. He is always wired and sometimes he'll show up to the dorm with Mountain Dew or a Monster. He is actually a lot cooler than most. I think we all really look up to him and respect him because he seems more human than some TIs.
I really want a snack right now.
So I think I am currently back under the radar and am not sure if I want to stay under the radar for long. I don't really see myself as a leader. I am more of the advising type..... sigh, we'll see what happens.
There were four Mormons in our flight and from the sound of it, that is some kind of record. Well one of us was sent off to the 319th because his eyes kept blanking out... he should have never come here. What a waste of time. So the three of us that are left are all next to each other. We are all married and we tend to perform better than most of the other trainees. Probably because we are older. People ask the funniest questions and since we didn't have name tapes to start we were called "The Mormons" and it has stuck.
I enjoy your letters. It is cool that I get one every time he passes out mail. I wish I could write more. There is a rumor that we might get Base Liberty next weekend.... we'll see how that goes. If so then I'll probably be calling again.
You are still in my prayers! (of course) Thank you for giving me strength!
Love,
Christaupher!
7/12/09
Meggie,
It's a Sunday and I am sweating. I spent all morning doing laundry. Sigh. Laundry sucks. We did towels, underwear and t-shirts.
I slept pretty good last night. We pretty much eat, stand in line and go to church on Sundays. The rest of our time goes to folding clothes and studying.
Church starts at 14:30 and it is half and hour march to the chapel. We only go for two hours and we are back just in time for dinner. I think you will find our church services interesting if you come.
I get paid on the 1st and the 15th and I guess all special pays are split between the two. Make sure you let me know how much we are getting paid so I can fix any errors.
A TI told me to march out to the patio and tell all the trainees that is was closed because of the heat. That was fun. All these older trainees looked at me like, "Who are you?" I yelled at them again. Then they heard the TI behind me and they scattered like rats.
Well I'm off to church....
Monday, July 13, 2009
Day 21: Family Home Evening and a letter home
7/7/09
Meggie,
Unfortunately my ime to write is very limited but I'll write as much as I can. I received a letter from my father and a letter from the church commending me for my decision to join the Military. I will have to limit most of my communication to you and you will have to tell the family and friends.
When the TI hands out mail there is always some ridicule. Some people get 7-10 letters at a time so feel free to write as much as you want. I actually got laughed at for my hair in our wedding photo but I don't care. I am glad you sent it.
I am sorry things aren't running very smoothly but I am happy you are using your resources. I thought I registered Windows! Grrr.... Dan will get you up to date.
I burned 3300 calories in a 15 hour time period yesterday. We spent two hours in 80+ degrees rolling through sand and practicing weapons fighting. There was dirt everywhere. Have I mentioned that it is always hot and we are required to drink 8-12 canteens a day? People pass out everyday.
I have started to settle in. I am becoming more confident and am noticing that I pick up on things faster. A lot of trainees look up to me but I am trying to keep as low as possible. Most of our leaders have been replaced once or twice and I don't want that much pressure while I'm trying to memorize and practice everything. The TI knows my name but I think we are on good ground.
I am on Laundry Crew like everyone said I should do and it sucks... I hate you Justin!
Be strong. I know you can do what is required. You might need help but you can do it. Pull on the strength of our families and the members of the ward. Keep reading your scriptures and apply them. It is so cool to share the gospel here. They actually tell us to live from Sunday to Sunday here.
Got to go... Love you!
Loves!
Christopher W Clark
So I am horrible... I just made it so Chris will get a load of ridicule today. I had the activity for FHE tonight and we wrote Chris letters with all this colored paper and fancy scissors and markers. Lol. I feel bad for him but it is great all the same. He will love them and so will everyone else because they can make fun of him. It will be great! So everyone write him letters!! I want him to break the record for most letters received! I think that would be a great accomplishment for all of us!
Meggie,
Unfortunately my ime to write is very limited but I'll write as much as I can. I received a letter from my father and a letter from the church commending me for my decision to join the Military. I will have to limit most of my communication to you and you will have to tell the family and friends.
When the TI hands out mail there is always some ridicule. Some people get 7-10 letters at a time so feel free to write as much as you want. I actually got laughed at for my hair in our wedding photo but I don't care. I am glad you sent it.
I am sorry things aren't running very smoothly but I am happy you are using your resources. I thought I registered Windows! Grrr.... Dan will get you up to date.
I burned 3300 calories in a 15 hour time period yesterday. We spent two hours in 80+ degrees rolling through sand and practicing weapons fighting. There was dirt everywhere. Have I mentioned that it is always hot and we are required to drink 8-12 canteens a day? People pass out everyday.
I have started to settle in. I am becoming more confident and am noticing that I pick up on things faster. A lot of trainees look up to me but I am trying to keep as low as possible. Most of our leaders have been replaced once or twice and I don't want that much pressure while I'm trying to memorize and practice everything. The TI knows my name but I think we are on good ground.
I am on Laundry Crew like everyone said I should do and it sucks... I hate you Justin!
Be strong. I know you can do what is required. You might need help but you can do it. Pull on the strength of our families and the members of the ward. Keep reading your scriptures and apply them. It is so cool to share the gospel here. They actually tell us to live from Sunday to Sunday here.
Got to go... Love you!
Loves!
Christopher W Clark
So I am horrible... I just made it so Chris will get a load of ridicule today. I had the activity for FHE tonight and we wrote Chris letters with all this colored paper and fancy scissors and markers. Lol. I feel bad for him but it is great all the same. He will love them and so will everyone else because they can make fun of him. It will be great! So everyone write him letters!! I want him to break the record for most letters received! I think that would be a great accomplishment for all of us!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Life scare on the homefront....
So I like aged ten years today. I woke up at 7:22 and Lily woke up with me. So I got a bowl of cereal and then laid back in bed for what ended up being ten minutes. So Lily jumped on the bed and was chomping on something. So I sit up and discover she is chewing on the remnants of one of my pill bottles.... so I jump out of bed and start an inventory of all the drugs in my bathroom and of course my latest sleeping pill is gone... so I start searching the house to find the rest of the bottle and all the pills... but I couldn't find them... so I am freaking out that my dog just overdosed on Halcion and am waiting for her to fall asleep. So I called the pharmacy and they weren't open so then I tried the emergency number with Lily's veterinarian. He told me we needed to induce vomiting. So I said I have hydrogen peroxide and he starts telling me I need thirty ccs of it... so I was like... how much is that? So we talk about it and I am trying to figure out how to make her drink it... well I had no way so the vet tells me we could meet there but he would charge an $80 emergency visit fee... I was like I don't have $80...... So I start calling people to see if thy have a syringe and I called the closest family and then didn't have 0ne but they sent Trevor to the store to get one. So then I call my parents and they didn't have one either. So my dad told me that a dog will usually vomit on its own when it eats something bad... so I remembered a time when Molly got some stomach medicine and puked all night. So I thought that was probable so I went outside and started looking for puke. Well there was nothing outside and it had been 20-30 minutes and Lily was just normal. So I remembered she had puked under our bed before and I hadn't noticed so I start taking stuff out from under the bed and I found the rest of the bottle and all but one of the pills. So we are very lucky.... we could have had a major disaster this morning. So I am certain Chris was praying for us and that is why we're ok. Needless to say the remaining drugs are well out of reach.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Day 15: A phone call and letter home
Today was eventful. I sent the usual letter in the mail when I leave for work and then I went to work and then to the Doctor and then back to work. I always leave my phone concealed on my desk so I can feel it vibrate but people can't see it so I wont get in trouble because cell phones are a no no in my workplace. So at 4:50 my phone starts vibrating. I look at it and it is a number I don't know with an area code I didn't recognize so I am like.. It's gotta be Chris... but I am stuck on the phone talking to this dumb guy wanting to transfer $1800.00 out of his account. Who does that? Honestly... so I miss the call and I am sad and determined at the same time that I am going to finish with this dumb man and call the number back. So as soon as I am ending the call with this guy my phone starts vibrating again. So I lock my computer and run out into the hall and answered the phone.... I didn't recognize the voice. I figured it was Chris but he sounded so weird. So I asked who it was and he said Chris. So I said you sound so weird. And he said, "Well we are all a little sick around here." I asked him why and he said, "When you get 60 guys living in the same dorm sharing one bathroom everyone gets sick. We call it the crud." I asked him how he was and he said he was tired but good. He said things aren't as crazy around her like the last time I called you but they are still pretty crazy. So I asked him why I hadn't gotten a letter from him because I thought it was pretty unusual for me to get a phone call from him and not a letter. He said he had sent me one on Saturday so I should be getting one soon. And I got one in the mail today!! :D. But we were talking about letters and he told me he got the one with the picture of us from our wedding and then he got another one today that had the picture of our house with the flag and the dead grass.
I wanted him to see how Patriotic I was and also how mysterious it was that our grass just died. He said he didn't have a chance to read it yet but that his MTI made fun of him for it. Because over the week of the Holiday I couldn't send out his letters so they stacked up, because I write him everyday, so this enveloped had like 4 days worth of letters and I couldn't get the envelope to seal so I had to use the only tape in our house which happens to be a blue roll of painter's tape. So when his MTI saw that he asked him if I was painting the house and they all made fun of him. So I thought that was pretty funny and I had used the tape like that on two letters... so the blue tape is a no no. I guess I will just have to use more than one stamp instead of cramming it all in one envelope. He told me his letters might be a little random and disconnected because he writes whenever he has the chance and then sends it out whenever they send mail. I told him... oh so they will be like my letters. I usually write him a letter at work in between calls that I just write weird stuff. Like yesterday I wrote him two dorky poems. I think they will put a smile on his face though. Then we talked about finances and how stressed I had been and how we hoped I would be able to come to his graduation. He had also left me a message about the information he needs to get for everyone who wants to come to his graduation. So we talked about that. And I had so many questions to ask him that I just forgot while we were talking. He asked me how Lily was and I told him she had been moody with me because we were playing volleyball at my parents house with Marie and Tyler and the Buchanans and we couldn't keep her outside because she would chase the ball around. So when I took her home that evening and ever since she had been moody and wont sleep with me. She keeps trying to sleep under the bed so I drag her out and put her in her kennel. The poor thing. I had demonic calls today so I was 40 minutes late coming home from work and she was so sad. She has separation anxiety. So she is outside chewing on grass to help her feel less stressed. Which isn't good. She hasn't been eating her food either.... Maybe it is time I called the vet again. Poor thing. But then he asked me how I was and I said good. I had been so busy with Marie, Ty and Lucy here that I had been going back and forth from their house to my house and I said, "I don't know how you handled driving to and from SLC everyday. That must have really sucked." Then people started telling him how much time he had left. So he told me to listen to his message about his graduation and send out the letter with everyone who was coming so he could get them cleared to come on base for the graduation. And then we said goodbye. So we talked for about three minutes. But here are the letters he sent.
7/2/09
MEGGIE!
I guess I'll start by just letting you know that no one can send me anything but letters. The TI's go through everything!
It has been harder than I thought, a lot harder, but I know it is worth it. A lot of people don't have the advantage of knowing what they are doing this for. I know what job awaits me and that you will be there. When things are the hardest I try to remember why I am here.
The group started with 60 and we have lost 4 and gained 2. The 2 we gained were "recycled" from older flights because they received too many derogatory comments and 341's (Disciple forms.) Believe it or not, I had four pulled this week alone. They say that five will give you a "U" for the week of training and a "U" will disqualify you from getting Honor Grad. So everyone is constantly stressed.
It is one of the hottest summers on record down here and I will be here throughout the worst of it. It is usually around 100-107 degrees outside. We can't even march in that heat.
Out MTI is 6'7" 207 lbs and when we first got here he was like a demon from Heck!... Sometimes he still is.
Zero week was a whirl of screaming and running like chickens with heads cut off. They want us to absorb so much so fast!
Church was a long hard 30 minute march on Sunday and I cried when I thought about you. I miss you soo much. I cling to that last hug and kiss you gave to me at the airport and can't wait to hold you again.
I love you, I pray for your strength as well as mine.
Chirstopher W Clark
P.S. I am sorry this was so short. We have so little time. I got your letter dated June 28th and a letter from Ty and Marie. I look forward to a picture :)
7/4/09
LOVE!
I hope you enjoyed fireworks and family today. We had our first wall locker and dorm inspections today and everyone failed! Everything in our dorm is inspectable from here out. I am on Laundry Crew and that is stressful at the moment. Everyone is crying about not getting clothes back or about how they are not clean enough. I just tell them that if they follow the instuctions they were given that everything will be fine.... bunch of whining teens.
Yeah we stink pretty good. I don't care. I am losing weight. The TI seems to think our Flight can get some fitness award. So I am doing exercises at night. I am gonna be ripped! We test again on Thursday. I will let you know how I am doing.
The guys cried again today when they lost a phone call we never knew we had. The TI's like to tell us stuff to get us motivated. :) Patience is very important for us older guys here. It's usually a mistake or error on the part of a younger trainee that creates discomfort for everyone.
I will need new garments.... the day I get off this base. So we graduate on the 21st! That is quicker than I anticipated. Unfortunately I will be stuck here until the 30th doing details and mentoring trainees. I want to get out as soon as possible!
Let me know what is going on at home or write me questions. One day I might get a call home but don't expect it. Keep me in the loop on finances. I really want you to be there when I graduate!
Well I have got to go. It's time to send mail..
I love you!
Christopher W Clark :)
So there you have it... I didn't even cry today. Which I think is an accomplishment..... but the day isn't over and waking up in the morning is the hardest. Peace out.
I wanted him to see how Patriotic I was and also how mysterious it was that our grass just died. He said he didn't have a chance to read it yet but that his MTI made fun of him for it. Because over the week of the Holiday I couldn't send out his letters so they stacked up, because I write him everyday, so this enveloped had like 4 days worth of letters and I couldn't get the envelope to seal so I had to use the only tape in our house which happens to be a blue roll of painter's tape. So when his MTI saw that he asked him if I was painting the house and they all made fun of him. So I thought that was pretty funny and I had used the tape like that on two letters... so the blue tape is a no no. I guess I will just have to use more than one stamp instead of cramming it all in one envelope. He told me his letters might be a little random and disconnected because he writes whenever he has the chance and then sends it out whenever they send mail. I told him... oh so they will be like my letters. I usually write him a letter at work in between calls that I just write weird stuff. Like yesterday I wrote him two dorky poems. I think they will put a smile on his face though. Then we talked about finances and how stressed I had been and how we hoped I would be able to come to his graduation. He had also left me a message about the information he needs to get for everyone who wants to come to his graduation. So we talked about that. And I had so many questions to ask him that I just forgot while we were talking. He asked me how Lily was and I told him she had been moody with me because we were playing volleyball at my parents house with Marie and Tyler and the Buchanans and we couldn't keep her outside because she would chase the ball around. So when I took her home that evening and ever since she had been moody and wont sleep with me. She keeps trying to sleep under the bed so I drag her out and put her in her kennel. The poor thing. I had demonic calls today so I was 40 minutes late coming home from work and she was so sad. She has separation anxiety. So she is outside chewing on grass to help her feel less stressed. Which isn't good. She hasn't been eating her food either.... Maybe it is time I called the vet again. Poor thing. But then he asked me how I was and I said good. I had been so busy with Marie, Ty and Lucy here that I had been going back and forth from their house to my house and I said, "I don't know how you handled driving to and from SLC everyday. That must have really sucked." Then people started telling him how much time he had left. So he told me to listen to his message about his graduation and send out the letter with everyone who was coming so he could get them cleared to come on base for the graduation. And then we said goodbye. So we talked for about three minutes. But here are the letters he sent.7/2/09
MEGGIE!
I guess I'll start by just letting you know that no one can send me anything but letters. The TI's go through everything!
It has been harder than I thought, a lot harder, but I know it is worth it. A lot of people don't have the advantage of knowing what they are doing this for. I know what job awaits me and that you will be there. When things are the hardest I try to remember why I am here.
The group started with 60 and we have lost 4 and gained 2. The 2 we gained were "recycled" from older flights because they received too many derogatory comments and 341's (Disciple forms.) Believe it or not, I had four pulled this week alone. They say that five will give you a "U" for the week of training and a "U" will disqualify you from getting Honor Grad. So everyone is constantly stressed.
It is one of the hottest summers on record down here and I will be here throughout the worst of it. It is usually around 100-107 degrees outside. We can't even march in that heat.
Out MTI is 6'7" 207 lbs and when we first got here he was like a demon from Heck!... Sometimes he still is.
Zero week was a whirl of screaming and running like chickens with heads cut off. They want us to absorb so much so fast!
Church was a long hard 30 minute march on Sunday and I cried when I thought about you. I miss you soo much. I cling to that last hug and kiss you gave to me at the airport and can't wait to hold you again.
I love you, I pray for your strength as well as mine.
Chirstopher W Clark
P.S. I am sorry this was so short. We have so little time. I got your letter dated June 28th and a letter from Ty and Marie. I look forward to a picture :)
7/4/09
LOVE!
I hope you enjoyed fireworks and family today. We had our first wall locker and dorm inspections today and everyone failed! Everything in our dorm is inspectable from here out. I am on Laundry Crew and that is stressful at the moment. Everyone is crying about not getting clothes back or about how they are not clean enough. I just tell them that if they follow the instuctions they were given that everything will be fine.... bunch of whining teens.
Yeah we stink pretty good. I don't care. I am losing weight. The TI seems to think our Flight can get some fitness award. So I am doing exercises at night. I am gonna be ripped! We test again on Thursday. I will let you know how I am doing.
The guys cried again today when they lost a phone call we never knew we had. The TI's like to tell us stuff to get us motivated. :) Patience is very important for us older guys here. It's usually a mistake or error on the part of a younger trainee that creates discomfort for everyone.
I will need new garments.... the day I get off this base. So we graduate on the 21st! That is quicker than I anticipated. Unfortunately I will be stuck here until the 30th doing details and mentoring trainees. I want to get out as soon as possible!
Let me know what is going on at home or write me questions. One day I might get a call home but don't expect it. Keep me in the loop on finances. I really want you to be there when I graduate!
Well I have got to go. It's time to send mail..
I love you!
Christopher W Clark :)
So there you have it... I didn't even cry today. Which I think is an accomplishment..... but the day isn't over and waking up in the morning is the hardest. Peace out.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
False Alarm
So I went out to the mailbox yesterday and guess what I found. An envelope addressed to me in Chris' handwriting so I got excited until I opened it. It was an invitation to his graduation and a brochure of travel in the area that would make a contribution to the Airforce if we chose their services. A good thing to have but I wanted a letter from him. So I guess they are still just letting them address the envelopes. It has been two weeks as of today so hopefully I will get something soon.
So with this addressed envelope I discovered that the missionaries that emailed me did not give me his full address. So hopefully our letters have been getting to him but here is the full address.
AB Clark, Christopher W
321 TRS/FLT 557 Dorm A-1
PSC #3
1320 Truemper ST, Unit 364063
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570
I updated it in the previous post as well. So write him some letters!!
So with this addressed envelope I discovered that the missionaries that emailed me did not give me his full address. So hopefully our letters have been getting to him but here is the full address.
AB Clark, Christopher W
321 TRS/FLT 557 Dorm A-1
PSC #3
1320 Truemper ST, Unit 364063
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570
I updated it in the previous post as well. So write him some letters!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Letter from the Seventy
I went outside in the rain to get the mail today and I had a letter from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, The Seventy. It reads as follows:
Dear Sister Clark:
We recently learned that Christopher has joined the military and is attending basic training at Lackland AFB, TX. We are pleased to inform you that he has been attending the Church services on base and are grateful for the spirit he brings to the meetings. President Collins is the Church leader at Lackland AFB and will do all he can to help strengthen Christopher's faith and testimony. We appreciate your support and know you join with us in asking that the Lord will guide and protect him during this time of uncertainty and turmoil in the world.
In these troubled times, it is heartwarming to see members courageously step forward to help preserve our freedom and way of life. You can be proud of the part you have played in supporting Christopher in this important decision. Military life can be very rewarding for both the service member and his family. We express gratitude oi you for your selfless service and sacrifices in his behalf.
We have a deep and abiding interest in the welfare of Church members everywhere and want to ensure the blessings of Church membership are available wherever Christopher and you are stationed. As military members move around, occasionally they are unable to find out where and when the Church meetings are held. Our Military Relations Division can assist you. In addition, many times they can assist in locating the name of an LDS group leader at a deployed location around the world, so Christopher can attend Church services while away from his family.
If you have any Questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Military Relations Division at (801) 240-2286 or e-mail them at PST-Military@ldschurch.org. We know that the Lord is mindful of you and Christopher and the challenges you will face together as he valiantly serves in the Military.
Sincerely,
Robert C Oaks
It just strengthens my testimony that Heavenly Father is indeed watching over everyone of us and gives us the support we need in this life. As terrible as the world can be there is the calming influence and support that the gospel and the Church bring to us. We are truely blessed to have such leadership in the church. I can't imagine what other family members are feeling without having heard anything about their family members. The missionaries contacted me and now the Seventy has contacted me. I can feel peace in knowing that he is being taken care of and watched over by multiple people in the Church. We are so blessed.
Dear Sister Clark:
We recently learned that Christopher has joined the military and is attending basic training at Lackland AFB, TX. We are pleased to inform you that he has been attending the Church services on base and are grateful for the spirit he brings to the meetings. President Collins is the Church leader at Lackland AFB and will do all he can to help strengthen Christopher's faith and testimony. We appreciate your support and know you join with us in asking that the Lord will guide and protect him during this time of uncertainty and turmoil in the world.
In these troubled times, it is heartwarming to see members courageously step forward to help preserve our freedom and way of life. You can be proud of the part you have played in supporting Christopher in this important decision. Military life can be very rewarding for both the service member and his family. We express gratitude oi you for your selfless service and sacrifices in his behalf.
We have a deep and abiding interest in the welfare of Church members everywhere and want to ensure the blessings of Church membership are available wherever Christopher and you are stationed. As military members move around, occasionally they are unable to find out where and when the Church meetings are held. Our Military Relations Division can assist you. In addition, many times they can assist in locating the name of an LDS group leader at a deployed location around the world, so Christopher can attend Church services while away from his family.
If you have any Questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Military Relations Division at (801) 240-2286 or e-mail them at PST-Military@ldschurch.org. We know that the Lord is mindful of you and Christopher and the challenges you will face together as he valiantly serves in the Military.
Sincerely,
Robert C Oaks
It just strengthens my testimony that Heavenly Father is indeed watching over everyone of us and gives us the support we need in this life. As terrible as the world can be there is the calming influence and support that the gospel and the Church bring to us. We are truely blessed to have such leadership in the church. I can't imagine what other family members are feeling without having heard anything about their family members. The missionaries contacted me and now the Seventy has contacted me. I can feel peace in knowing that he is being taken care of and watched over by multiple people in the Church. We are so blessed.
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