So I'm really sorry I've fallen behind posting his letters... I've got a good 7-9 letters that haven't been posted... in all my excitement of Bailey graduating this week (Aka Friday!) I've been working on a plethora of things that had to get done before I leave tomorrow (Read: Presents for him, a scrapbook of all the letters he's sent me, finally finishing the photo album of the Disney World vacation, finishing the decorations for the apartment, getting my 6 hours of online classwork done BEFORE I leave, and of course: packing!)
But for a quick summary of how he is: He's doing great, he passed all his tests and exams and is good to go, he's lost 26 pounds since being there, but he's ready to taste Root Beer again and live in a world where 6 hours does not classify as "a good night's sleep."
I leave tomorrow, and I'll be back late Sunday night. Wish me luck!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Letter #29 (August 19, 2010, 2105 hrs)
I apologize for not writing you last night. We had inspections this morning, and spent the whole evening straightening up, and once "lights out" hit, they started night raids, so we had to be in bed and asleep right away. I wanted to write you so bad!
I'm just going to start off by telling you about yesterday. Yesterday was MCATS (gun range) and I really wanted to get "Marksman," which is 43 shots out of 50 hit. I was quite nervous, since I hadn't shot in years, but I was still quite confident in my ability.
So we had some classes yadda yadda yadda and we go to the range to take some practice shots to zero the rifle in, and even though my sights were slightly to the right, the guy over my group was quite impressed with my shots. Then we had to take shots with our gas masks on, which throws most everyone off, except for me.
So, long story short, I got marksman, and will get 3 badges as opposed to the usual 2.
After that, we just came back to work on our personal living area for 5 hours, and fell asleep around 2115-2130, and was promptly woken up at 0200 to go to Kitchen Patrol duty, and continued to work for17 hours straight. We were running back and forth, refilling plates, cups, silverware and trays after having just gotten them and cleaned them. It was a rather exciting day. We beat a squadron record for fastest time cleaning chow hall.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the highest-ranking officer in the air force, was supposed to come visit us, bu called it off last minute, and it was just a crazy day in general. My body is wrecked, I want to sleep for 18 hours straight. But we have P.T. tomorrow morning :(.
Apparently, one of our brothers had to go to CBRNE today with a different squadron, and they were all talking about our flight. Apparently we're the top flight in BMT right now!
It's really exciting, but it's still really hard down here. I miss you a bunch, and I daydream about you all the time. I talked to my wingmen all night about you, and it just made me look forward to seeing you even more. I got two those two pictures from your mom of us, and they made me so happy! I always pull out a picture of you to look at you whenever I'm at my security drawer, and I think one of the ones she sent me is a new favorite!
I just remembered! By the time you get this letter, you will be in your new apartment, and I will be at BEAST. So this will be one of my last letters to you for quite some time. I will write to you every chance I get, and will mail them the second I can. I need some sleep now, I'm sorry this letter is so short, I will make it up to you! Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
I'm just going to start off by telling you about yesterday. Yesterday was MCATS (gun range) and I really wanted to get "Marksman," which is 43 shots out of 50 hit. I was quite nervous, since I hadn't shot in years, but I was still quite confident in my ability.
So we had some classes yadda yadda yadda and we go to the range to take some practice shots to zero the rifle in, and even though my sights were slightly to the right, the guy over my group was quite impressed with my shots. Then we had to take shots with our gas masks on, which throws most everyone off, except for me.
So, long story short, I got marksman, and will get 3 badges as opposed to the usual 2.
After that, we just came back to work on our personal living area for 5 hours, and fell asleep around 2115-2130, and was promptly woken up at 0200 to go to Kitchen Patrol duty, and continued to work for17 hours straight. We were running back and forth, refilling plates, cups, silverware and trays after having just gotten them and cleaned them. It was a rather exciting day. We beat a squadron record for fastest time cleaning chow hall.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the highest-ranking officer in the air force, was supposed to come visit us, bu called it off last minute, and it was just a crazy day in general. My body is wrecked, I want to sleep for 18 hours straight. But we have P.T. tomorrow morning :(.
Apparently, one of our brothers had to go to CBRNE today with a different squadron, and they were all talking about our flight. Apparently we're the top flight in BMT right now!
It's really exciting, but it's still really hard down here. I miss you a bunch, and I daydream about you all the time. I talked to my wingmen all night about you, and it just made me look forward to seeing you even more. I got two those two pictures from your mom of us, and they made me so happy! I always pull out a picture of you to look at you whenever I'm at my security drawer, and I think one of the ones she sent me is a new favorite!
I just remembered! By the time you get this letter, you will be in your new apartment, and I will be at BEAST. So this will be one of my last letters to you for quite some time. I will write to you every chance I get, and will mail them the second I can. I need some sleep now, I'm sorry this letter is so short, I will make it up to you! Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Letter #28 (August 17, 2010, 2105 hrs)
Lauren,
So, I'm just going to come right out and say it, I did not get a letter from you today, and I don't think I've ever been so miserable. But, I'm pretty sure it wasn't because you didn't write one. Our mail haul for the day was less than half of what it normally is, so I'm thinking that they didn't finish sorting our mail in time (When we talked on the phone, he said this was the case... the next day they got twice the amount they usually get, and my letters were in that batch) and even if it's just that you weren't able to get anything out in the mail to get here today, I'm aware that with your fall classes and work, you're incredibly busy, and I shouldn't think that you're just lying around with hours of free time, doing nothing. I was just bummed because I'vd gotten used to "Talking" to you every day, and it felt like we just didn't communicate at all today.
But please, don't see this as me pressuring you ot trying to make you feel obligated to write more. You're a big girl with a big girl job, and I know you're not always going to have time to write.
One a side note, do you remember that day that I found out my dates for Basic? You were at the Corporate Challenge with your company, and I drive up there, picked you up, where we went to Sonic, then to Cao Nguyen, then back to the parking lot at the trask meet to just relax and enjoy the Air conditioning (it was so hot outside!!). I absolutely loved that day, and somehow, from that day onwards, every moment with you just got even better. I guess it was because we both knew that the clock was ticking, and it was now only a matter of weeks before I began my Basic training.
I wish I could go back to that day, and relive all the fun things we did/movies we saw/parks we visited/restaurants we had dates at/surprise parties you threw for me, up to the point where I had to leave for Basic. I would start Basic training all over just to relive all the fun we crammed into those few weeks between me learning when I left, and when I left for basic. I just miss you so much!
Alright, I'll quit being sappy (again), and talk about today a bit. Today was CPR day, guess what we learned! They had great old school videos to walk you through, and it was 80s synth rock. Heck yes! We also learned how to set up our Temper (Temporary-something) tents, to prep for Beast week, and it really wasn't all that bad. We also took our individual and flight photos. I'm kind of bummed about our flight photo: we had to wear our dumb old BCGs, with our ABGs.
BUT! Out individual photos we got to take with or without our nice glasses (I went without, surprise surprise). It was rather entertaining, we got to wear our flight cap, dress jacket, blue shirt, tie, and nametag and U.S. pens, we we kept on our ABG pants (since they wouldn't show in the picture) and combat boots. Most of us had a hard time keeping a straight face. I can't wait to see how those turned out thought, I may have to buy a few of them.
So, tomorrow is a pretty big day. We have our CATM (M16 day) and I really want to make marksman, but it's been a while since I've shot, so we'll see.
So Monday is BEAST, so by the time you're getting this we may already be gone. I just want you to know that I love you, and I won't get bit by a black widow. I do apologize though, because I won't be able to write you while I'm out at Beast... we can get letters, but we won't be near a mailbox to send any. So if you don't hear from me for a few days, don't worry, nothing's happened to me. We're just stuck outside in the wonderful Texas weather for a few days straight.
But I do need to get some sleep now. Goodnight Lauren Jennings!
Bailey
So, I'm just going to come right out and say it, I did not get a letter from you today, and I don't think I've ever been so miserable. But, I'm pretty sure it wasn't because you didn't write one. Our mail haul for the day was less than half of what it normally is, so I'm thinking that they didn't finish sorting our mail in time (When we talked on the phone, he said this was the case... the next day they got twice the amount they usually get, and my letters were in that batch) and even if it's just that you weren't able to get anything out in the mail to get here today, I'm aware that with your fall classes and work, you're incredibly busy, and I shouldn't think that you're just lying around with hours of free time, doing nothing. I was just bummed because I'vd gotten used to "Talking" to you every day, and it felt like we just didn't communicate at all today.
But please, don't see this as me pressuring you ot trying to make you feel obligated to write more. You're a big girl with a big girl job, and I know you're not always going to have time to write.
One a side note, do you remember that day that I found out my dates for Basic? You were at the Corporate Challenge with your company, and I drive up there, picked you up, where we went to Sonic, then to Cao Nguyen, then back to the parking lot at the trask meet to just relax and enjoy the Air conditioning (it was so hot outside!!). I absolutely loved that day, and somehow, from that day onwards, every moment with you just got even better. I guess it was because we both knew that the clock was ticking, and it was now only a matter of weeks before I began my Basic training.
I wish I could go back to that day, and relive all the fun things we did/movies we saw/parks we visited/restaurants we had dates at/surprise parties you threw for me, up to the point where I had to leave for Basic. I would start Basic training all over just to relive all the fun we crammed into those few weeks between me learning when I left, and when I left for basic. I just miss you so much!
Alright, I'll quit being sappy (again), and talk about today a bit. Today was CPR day, guess what we learned! They had great old school videos to walk you through, and it was 80s synth rock. Heck yes! We also learned how to set up our Temper (Temporary-something) tents, to prep for Beast week, and it really wasn't all that bad. We also took our individual and flight photos. I'm kind of bummed about our flight photo: we had to wear our dumb old BCGs, with our ABGs.
BUT! Out individual photos we got to take with or without our nice glasses (I went without, surprise surprise). It was rather entertaining, we got to wear our flight cap, dress jacket, blue shirt, tie, and nametag and U.S. pens, we we kept on our ABG pants (since they wouldn't show in the picture) and combat boots. Most of us had a hard time keeping a straight face. I can't wait to see how those turned out thought, I may have to buy a few of them.
So, tomorrow is a pretty big day. We have our CATM (M16 day) and I really want to make marksman, but it's been a while since I've shot, so we'll see.
So Monday is BEAST, so by the time you're getting this we may already be gone. I just want you to know that I love you, and I won't get bit by a black widow. I do apologize though, because I won't be able to write you while I'm out at Beast... we can get letters, but we won't be near a mailbox to send any. So if you don't hear from me for a few days, don't worry, nothing's happened to me. We're just stuck outside in the wonderful Texas weather for a few days straight.
But I do need to get some sleep now. Goodnight Lauren Jennings!
Bailey
Letter #27 (August 16, 2010, 2120 hrs)
Lauren
Well, it's been another one of those nights/days. Way too long, and all I want to do is sleep.
P.T. went really well this morning, my sit-ups are finally coming back to me. Let's hope the push-ups follow! The reason my numbers have been so low isn't because of weakness, it's soreness, and a lack of fuel to burn. When it's been over 12 hours since we've eaten, and we have to do that much physical exercise, our bodies are quite weak. So that's my excuse for the evening!
Today really wasn't bad. 6 hours of classes with a good instructor, so I really can't complain. Pretty much once this week is over, we're there. Beast next week, 7th week is final evals for everything, and prepping for graduation, and 8th week is... well... GRADUATION!
We're so close! 3 weeks, 3 days. Just have to hold on.
So, I was thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you're absolutely right. I decided I want to pass on getting a laptop, because I have a lot of more important things that I want to save up for first! I have more things to talk to you about, but I have E.C. duty in about an hour, so it's time for a cat nap, then hopefully more writing then, but if not, then I love you, and goodnight!
Bailey
(Later, at 2255 hrs)
Alright, so I've got some time, Hello!
This letter is coming to you from the main hallway. I can't tell you just how much I hate E.C. shifts. 2 hours in the middle of the night when I need to be working on my area for an inspection. By the way, the reason my handwriting is super bad right now is that I'm standing and writing.
I should not be writing at all, but I don't care! I just want to write to you.
So, it's quite entertaining, the dorms hang over the ground pads, which are asphalt, and apparently, the asphalt feels extra-comfy. For the past few days, when we're down there, squirrels will come up on the asphalt and sprawl out on their stomachs and sleep. It is quite entertaining.
This place has sadly become all too familiar to me. It feels like home now, and I don't want to associate this place with home/comfort. I want to go home, I want to be at my house, I want to sleep in my bed, I want to eat my food, and most of all, I was want to be with you, to spend countless hours just hanging out around Norman with you, where entire weekends fly by in a matter of minutes because I'm having so much fun with you. But I know that staying here is what will make me stronger in the big picture, so I will tough out these last few weeks, just for you!T
here's so much that I want with my future. I want to have a fulfilling future, where I have a strong marriage and a strong family. For a random dream I have: I can't wait for the first Thanksgiving after I've been married, where both the families will be there, and it will be one giant, breathtaking moment of true unity and fellowship with everybody (I know all of this is very deep, but it's the middle of the night, this is the kinda conversations you end up with!) I don't want to be one of the all too-common couples today where people look at them and all they see is a disillusioned couples with short-term plans and money problems. Couples that, if they're lucky, MIGHT make it another 5 years. I want them to see my relationship/marriage and see that I've fought and struggled and sacrificed to make it the best it can possibly be, and I want to be able to be a lifelong example so show that happily married couples can, and do still exist, and for me to be an encouragement to others to try harder in their own relationships if they feel them starting to fail/not be what they could potentially be.
Lol, I'm sorry that I went on that rather weird rant. I just wanted you to know that I am truly wanting a promising future, and I have no desire to be a lifelong playboy or somebody that just dates whoever puts up with them. I plan on always keeping my standards high, which I hope that's what you want/do as well! You really have been the one girl that I feel like I've dreamed and prayed about for so many years, just having found you is nothing short of amazing.
Allright, enough of all that mush. Does any of this mushy goop bother you? If it does, I can cut it out, I just want you to know that the Bailey you started dating is still alive and datable... I'm not some empty jarhead that only knows how to follow orders or anything now.
So, tomorrow, we have to wake up at 0415 to get ready to eat breakfast and catch our bus. My E.C. shift ends at 0030, and I've not slept yet :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, but at least it's just CPR.
So, I think some time in either late December or January, I want to go back to IKEA. I want to find some cool furnishings for my apartment, and I'm sure you'd find some more stuff for your place as well. I'm also going to look into taking a few extra classes at OCCC (just for kicks) when I get back. Hopefully they'll have some classes open. Did you know that I actually earn college credit at Basic/Tech school? I get 16 hours from Basic, and I don't know how many from tech school.
The Air Force also has a really cool test-taking program. You go in, pick a college class, then they give you a study guide to well, study, then you take the 100 multiple choice question test, and if you pass, you get credit for that class. Is that not amazing??!
So, before I go, I figured out the reason my letter take a bit longer to mail out than yours do. Take this letter for example. Although I'm writing it on Monday, I can't place it in the mail box until after dinner on Tuesday (the next day, between 1630-1800), and mail doesn't get picked up until 1430, so it has to sit in the mailbox until Wednesday.
So there you go. Well, my shift is nearly over, and I want to write Dad real quick. Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Well, it's been another one of those nights/days. Way too long, and all I want to do is sleep.
P.T. went really well this morning, my sit-ups are finally coming back to me. Let's hope the push-ups follow! The reason my numbers have been so low isn't because of weakness, it's soreness, and a lack of fuel to burn. When it's been over 12 hours since we've eaten, and we have to do that much physical exercise, our bodies are quite weak. So that's my excuse for the evening!
Today really wasn't bad. 6 hours of classes with a good instructor, so I really can't complain. Pretty much once this week is over, we're there. Beast next week, 7th week is final evals for everything, and prepping for graduation, and 8th week is... well... GRADUATION!
We're so close! 3 weeks, 3 days. Just have to hold on.
So, I was thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you're absolutely right. I decided I want to pass on getting a laptop, because I have a lot of more important things that I want to save up for first! I have more things to talk to you about, but I have E.C. duty in about an hour, so it's time for a cat nap, then hopefully more writing then, but if not, then I love you, and goodnight!
Bailey
(Later, at 2255 hrs)
Alright, so I've got some time, Hello!
This letter is coming to you from the main hallway. I can't tell you just how much I hate E.C. shifts. 2 hours in the middle of the night when I need to be working on my area for an inspection. By the way, the reason my handwriting is super bad right now is that I'm standing and writing.
I should not be writing at all, but I don't care! I just want to write to you.
So, it's quite entertaining, the dorms hang over the ground pads, which are asphalt, and apparently, the asphalt feels extra-comfy. For the past few days, when we're down there, squirrels will come up on the asphalt and sprawl out on their stomachs and sleep. It is quite entertaining.
This place has sadly become all too familiar to me. It feels like home now, and I don't want to associate this place with home/comfort. I want to go home, I want to be at my house, I want to sleep in my bed, I want to eat my food, and most of all, I was want to be with you, to spend countless hours just hanging out around Norman with you, where entire weekends fly by in a matter of minutes because I'm having so much fun with you. But I know that staying here is what will make me stronger in the big picture, so I will tough out these last few weeks, just for you!T
here's so much that I want with my future. I want to have a fulfilling future, where I have a strong marriage and a strong family. For a random dream I have: I can't wait for the first Thanksgiving after I've been married, where both the families will be there, and it will be one giant, breathtaking moment of true unity and fellowship with everybody (I know all of this is very deep, but it's the middle of the night, this is the kinda conversations you end up with!) I don't want to be one of the all too-common couples today where people look at them and all they see is a disillusioned couples with short-term plans and money problems. Couples that, if they're lucky, MIGHT make it another 5 years. I want them to see my relationship/marriage and see that I've fought and struggled and sacrificed to make it the best it can possibly be, and I want to be able to be a lifelong example so show that happily married couples can, and do still exist, and for me to be an encouragement to others to try harder in their own relationships if they feel them starting to fail/not be what they could potentially be.
Lol, I'm sorry that I went on that rather weird rant. I just wanted you to know that I am truly wanting a promising future, and I have no desire to be a lifelong playboy or somebody that just dates whoever puts up with them. I plan on always keeping my standards high, which I hope that's what you want/do as well! You really have been the one girl that I feel like I've dreamed and prayed about for so many years, just having found you is nothing short of amazing.
Allright, enough of all that mush. Does any of this mushy goop bother you? If it does, I can cut it out, I just want you to know that the Bailey you started dating is still alive and datable... I'm not some empty jarhead that only knows how to follow orders or anything now.
So, tomorrow, we have to wake up at 0415 to get ready to eat breakfast and catch our bus. My E.C. shift ends at 0030, and I've not slept yet :(. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, but at least it's just CPR.
So, I think some time in either late December or January, I want to go back to IKEA. I want to find some cool furnishings for my apartment, and I'm sure you'd find some more stuff for your place as well. I'm also going to look into taking a few extra classes at OCCC (just for kicks) when I get back. Hopefully they'll have some classes open. Did you know that I actually earn college credit at Basic/Tech school? I get 16 hours from Basic, and I don't know how many from tech school.
The Air Force also has a really cool test-taking program. You go in, pick a college class, then they give you a study guide to well, study, then you take the 100 multiple choice question test, and if you pass, you get credit for that class. Is that not amazing??!
So, before I go, I figured out the reason my letter take a bit longer to mail out than yours do. Take this letter for example. Although I'm writing it on Monday, I can't place it in the mail box until after dinner on Tuesday (the next day, between 1630-1800), and mail doesn't get picked up until 1430, so it has to sit in the mailbox until Wednesday.
So there you go. Well, my shift is nearly over, and I want to write Dad real quick. Goodnight Lauren!
Bailey
Letter #26 (August 15, 2010 2120 hrs)
Lauren,
Can I just say how amazing it was to hear your voice?? I miss you so muchm, it is just unbearable!
So, pretty good day today, the phone call just topped it all off. However, Sochia's phone call might have been better than mine. He has been married for two years, and has two kids, but his wife is a native to Mexico, and her studetn visa was taken away right after they got married, so they've been living in Juarez, Mexico for quite some time (it has the highest murder rate in the world). She applied for a green card just before he left, but they usually take about 1 1/2 years to approve.
Well, just this week, Sochia talked to our First sergeant and JAG, and when he called his wife tonight, she told him her green card got approved, and she can/will come over tomorrow! She will even be able to make his graduation! Needless to say, he was quite excited, and I am extremely happy for him as well.
So other than that amazing phone call today, the rest of the day was just Meh. We had a locker check to prepare us for our evaluations on Tuesday, and I didn't do so well, mainly on just a bunch of small things, things which I shouldn't have messed up on. Needless to say, I'll have to go over it with a fine-tooth comb tomorrow.
Also, I discovered today just how perverted the guys in my dorm can be. One bay was having a discussion about porn, while my area talked about sex positions. I just blocked all of it out, and became intently focused on clipping strings. But that's what I mean about how a lot of the guys here are still boys, having a lot more growing up to do before anybody except themselves would consider them men.
I apologize that this letter will skip around, I've just got a lot on my mind. Missing church today was quite awful. That is the one time that I feel most at peace. I think it's mostly because it remind me of you and Westside back home. You really were a huge inspiration why I don't mind waking up early on a Sunday to go to church. As a teenager, I jsut saw it as something that caused me to be awake early on a Sunday. But just going with you truly helped me learn to connect on a much deeper lever, rather than just going for the sake of showing face. And going to a good church, such as Westside, has really helped as well. But missing church today made me feel as if I had skipped out on a date with you, and that was just heart-wrenching.
I can't wait to come back and be able to go back to Westside with you again. I also want to go to the zoo again, and go to Six Flags soon. I just want to be with you. I also will enjoy being able to take nice long afternoon naps once all this basic training is done!
You mean the world to me Lauren, please don't ever think otherwise. But I should het some sleep now. Bye!
Bailey
P.S. Enclosed is my "Easy Pay" card. It was one of the first things they gave us. It's how I paid for my haircuts, running shoes, and necessities. I figured you might enjoy it as a little souvenir!
Can I just say how amazing it was to hear your voice?? I miss you so muchm, it is just unbearable!
So, pretty good day today, the phone call just topped it all off. However, Sochia's phone call might have been better than mine. He has been married for two years, and has two kids, but his wife is a native to Mexico, and her studetn visa was taken away right after they got married, so they've been living in Juarez, Mexico for quite some time (it has the highest murder rate in the world). She applied for a green card just before he left, but they usually take about 1 1/2 years to approve.
Well, just this week, Sochia talked to our First sergeant and JAG, and when he called his wife tonight, she told him her green card got approved, and she can/will come over tomorrow! She will even be able to make his graduation! Needless to say, he was quite excited, and I am extremely happy for him as well.
So other than that amazing phone call today, the rest of the day was just Meh. We had a locker check to prepare us for our evaluations on Tuesday, and I didn't do so well, mainly on just a bunch of small things, things which I shouldn't have messed up on. Needless to say, I'll have to go over it with a fine-tooth comb tomorrow.
Also, I discovered today just how perverted the guys in my dorm can be. One bay was having a discussion about porn, while my area talked about sex positions. I just blocked all of it out, and became intently focused on clipping strings. But that's what I mean about how a lot of the guys here are still boys, having a lot more growing up to do before anybody except themselves would consider them men.
I apologize that this letter will skip around, I've just got a lot on my mind. Missing church today was quite awful. That is the one time that I feel most at peace. I think it's mostly because it remind me of you and Westside back home. You really were a huge inspiration why I don't mind waking up early on a Sunday to go to church. As a teenager, I jsut saw it as something that caused me to be awake early on a Sunday. But just going with you truly helped me learn to connect on a much deeper lever, rather than just going for the sake of showing face. And going to a good church, such as Westside, has really helped as well. But missing church today made me feel as if I had skipped out on a date with you, and that was just heart-wrenching.
I can't wait to come back and be able to go back to Westside with you again. I also want to go to the zoo again, and go to Six Flags soon. I just want to be with you. I also will enjoy being able to take nice long afternoon naps once all this basic training is done!
You mean the world to me Lauren, please don't ever think otherwise. But I should het some sleep now. Bye!
Bailey
P.S. Enclosed is my "Easy Pay" card. It was one of the first things they gave us. It's how I paid for my haircuts, running shoes, and necessities. I figured you might enjoy it as a little souvenir!
Letter #25 (August 14, 2010 2215 hrs)
Lauren,
Hello! I've missed you! I hope you've had as relaxing as day as I have. I'll start by telling you alllll about it.
First, at P.T. it was a run day, and as we were lining up in our lanes (lanes are assigned based on your 1.5 mile run. "A" lane is passing, "B" lane is under the requirement by 2 minutes or less, "C" is behind by 2-4 minutes, and "D..." well, D is bad. )
Our whole flight is in the A lane. Some of the 4th week flights are bragging about how all but 4 or 5 of their team is in the A lane, and Ssgt Ramirez is talking to the other T.Is, and we heard him say "Wow... A Lane is filling up quite fast... oh wait! That's because all of my flight is in it. Better luck next time guys!" and other stuff like that. It felt so good to hear him say that about us, and not referring to us as idiots, clowns, or anything else that's not very nice.
When we got back to the dorm, he pushed us, but not like he has before. Now it's more of just making sure we stay motivated and continue to do as good as we're doing currently. I guess this is the ncier side of him that I've heard so much about. He actually attended a squadron picnic around 0900, and only recently returned. We really have had a pretty relaxing day, yet it was still very productive.
Each of Ssgt. Ramirez's exceptional flights gets to leave their mark in some way, mostly just by painting a mural on a wall or something. Today, we started ours! We're painting the Air Force Symbol on the floor. It feels so graet to be able to do that, and know that some day, someone like me at Basic will see what we've done, and be motivated to push himself way more than he ever thought possible.
So, although I love my wingmen here like brothers, some of them have really begun to get on my nerves. Sadly, the only other trainee in this flight that attends the Church of Christ with me is one of those annoying ones. He is more than willing to call anyone out on their mistakes, but if you say anything he doesn't like, or you ask him something someone else has already asked, he let you know that he will "Kick your *** is you don't stop!" It makes me depressed that he goes to the same church as me. He is also A) Sick right now, B) Insists on not covering his mouth when he coughs, and C) turned around in his bed so that he's facing me. Hmmm, maybe that how I got sick.
So I'm going to have to start cutting this letter short, I've got E.C. from 0230-0430 tonight. But for good news: I've got lots of ideas on how to surprise you with presents/dates now, but I'm not telling you any! I just hope you'll enjoy them when I get back and can throw the surprises for you! Goodnight!
Bailey
Hello! I've missed you! I hope you've had as relaxing as day as I have. I'll start by telling you alllll about it.
First, at P.T. it was a run day, and as we were lining up in our lanes (lanes are assigned based on your 1.5 mile run. "A" lane is passing, "B" lane is under the requirement by 2 minutes or less, "C" is behind by 2-4 minutes, and "D..." well, D is bad. )
Our whole flight is in the A lane. Some of the 4th week flights are bragging about how all but 4 or 5 of their team is in the A lane, and Ssgt Ramirez is talking to the other T.Is, and we heard him say "Wow... A Lane is filling up quite fast... oh wait! That's because all of my flight is in it. Better luck next time guys!" and other stuff like that. It felt so good to hear him say that about us, and not referring to us as idiots, clowns, or anything else that's not very nice.
When we got back to the dorm, he pushed us, but not like he has before. Now it's more of just making sure we stay motivated and continue to do as good as we're doing currently. I guess this is the ncier side of him that I've heard so much about. He actually attended a squadron picnic around 0900, and only recently returned. We really have had a pretty relaxing day, yet it was still very productive.
Each of Ssgt. Ramirez's exceptional flights gets to leave their mark in some way, mostly just by painting a mural on a wall or something. Today, we started ours! We're painting the Air Force Symbol on the floor. It feels so graet to be able to do that, and know that some day, someone like me at Basic will see what we've done, and be motivated to push himself way more than he ever thought possible.
So, although I love my wingmen here like brothers, some of them have really begun to get on my nerves. Sadly, the only other trainee in this flight that attends the Church of Christ with me is one of those annoying ones. He is more than willing to call anyone out on their mistakes, but if you say anything he doesn't like, or you ask him something someone else has already asked, he let you know that he will "Kick your *** is you don't stop!" It makes me depressed that he goes to the same church as me. He is also A) Sick right now, B) Insists on not covering his mouth when he coughs, and C) turned around in his bed so that he's facing me. Hmmm, maybe that how I got sick.
So I'm going to have to start cutting this letter short, I've got E.C. from 0230-0430 tonight. But for good news: I've got lots of ideas on how to surprise you with presents/dates now, but I'm not telling you any! I just hope you'll enjoy them when I get back and can throw the surprises for you! Goodnight!
Bailey
Letter #24 (August 13, 2010 2150 hrs)
Lauren,
So, I was rather depressed yesterday, we had mail call, and no mail :(. BUT! Today at mail call, we got down to the last 6 letters, and I still had not gotten any mail, then BAM! 5 of the 6 letters were for Bailey, one from your mother, and 4 from you. They really did brighten my day, every time I read your letters, I get butterflies!
I'm sorry that your getting stressed about having to pay for school and classes this fall, but while you're down here visiting me, you are NOT allowed to spend any money, okay? Everything is on me (I really want to treat you to dinner/movies/theme parks/whatever we do, you definitely deserve it).
Kinda of a random, off-topic thought: I think on Friday/Saturday, when we go off base, I think I'm going to Best Buy and grabbing a gaming/school laptop for tech school. I'll need one for school anyway, so I figured "Hey, why not get one that plays games quite well while it's at it?" I think that I will also grab an Asus (just like yours). I hope that we will also be able to start doing Skype again once I'm at Tech school. (Yay for Skype Bingo!)
So how are you? Did you really have dinner with my mom? That makes me so happy that you get along with her (which I knew you would, but it's just nice to hear about it!) Do you happen to remember which of her friends it was that you ate dinner with? I would just like to know in case you did, but if not, oh well.
So, back to you being brokesies (In my defense, I'm not truly broke, I'm just going through one of those fun "why doesn't money fall off of trees" experiences like everybody does :-P). I wouldn't care if you were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, I would still take you as you are, no matter what your financial wealth/poverty will ever be. If it means I have to work hard manual labor everyday for the rest of my life to be with you, then so be it! As long as I'd get to talk and share my experience with you when I got off of work, then that is all I need.
So, now back to current events in Texas. I think I'm getting sick. Actually, I know I am. My throat's been killing me, and I've been coughing all day, but almost all of my flight has the sickness as well, so it's just another bonding experience for all of us.
So today was actually a fairly good day. We had upper body at P.T. and I realized that I'm still hurting in several places from the obstacle course yesterday, and I may have messed up my good knee just a bit. I'll just have to wait and see on that.
We have to take about 5 hours of classes today, and that was quite rough on us. I was head-bobbing my way through just the 2nd hour. The only really good way to wake up is to either drink some water, or stand up in the back of the class, which I hate to do.
So, a bit of sad news, midway through classes, Heckenbach got pulled out of class by our section supervisor, and by the time we got back to the dorm, he was walking out the door with his gear in hand, and was being recycled. We are now 41 of 48, we'll see where this ends.
I had to actually beat my face today for another trainee today because he was on a medical waiver. It's not nearly as bad when you're not the reason you/your flight messed up! We also got pulled into the dayroom this evening by Ssgt. Ramirez, and he told us that we've done a really good job this week despite some mistakes. It felt really great to hear that. We also joked around and laughed for about 20 minutes. It's always really nice to see his human side.
It was really nice to hear that my mom got my letter. She sent me another one this week, and I could tell that she hadn't gotten it yet. I was worried that it was lost.
Well, I suppose I should get some sleep: run day tomorrow! But, I will be thinking of those first few times I came over to your apartment, where you would make pamacakes for everybody that was over there (Your generosity really was one of the first things I noticed about you when I met you) Goonight!
Bailey
So, I was rather depressed yesterday, we had mail call, and no mail :(. BUT! Today at mail call, we got down to the last 6 letters, and I still had not gotten any mail, then BAM! 5 of the 6 letters were for Bailey, one from your mother, and 4 from you. They really did brighten my day, every time I read your letters, I get butterflies!
I'm sorry that your getting stressed about having to pay for school and classes this fall, but while you're down here visiting me, you are NOT allowed to spend any money, okay? Everything is on me (I really want to treat you to dinner/movies/theme parks/whatever we do, you definitely deserve it).
Kinda of a random, off-topic thought: I think on Friday/Saturday, when we go off base, I think I'm going to Best Buy and grabbing a gaming/school laptop for tech school. I'll need one for school anyway, so I figured "Hey, why not get one that plays games quite well while it's at it?" I think that I will also grab an Asus (just like yours). I hope that we will also be able to start doing Skype again once I'm at Tech school. (Yay for Skype Bingo!)
So how are you? Did you really have dinner with my mom? That makes me so happy that you get along with her (which I knew you would, but it's just nice to hear about it!) Do you happen to remember which of her friends it was that you ate dinner with? I would just like to know in case you did, but if not, oh well.
So, back to you being brokesies (In my defense, I'm not truly broke, I'm just going through one of those fun "why doesn't money fall off of trees" experiences like everybody does :-P). I wouldn't care if you were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, I would still take you as you are, no matter what your financial wealth/poverty will ever be. If it means I have to work hard manual labor everyday for the rest of my life to be with you, then so be it! As long as I'd get to talk and share my experience with you when I got off of work, then that is all I need.
So, now back to current events in Texas. I think I'm getting sick. Actually, I know I am. My throat's been killing me, and I've been coughing all day, but almost all of my flight has the sickness as well, so it's just another bonding experience for all of us.
So today was actually a fairly good day. We had upper body at P.T. and I realized that I'm still hurting in several places from the obstacle course yesterday, and I may have messed up my good knee just a bit. I'll just have to wait and see on that.
We have to take about 5 hours of classes today, and that was quite rough on us. I was head-bobbing my way through just the 2nd hour. The only really good way to wake up is to either drink some water, or stand up in the back of the class, which I hate to do.
So, a bit of sad news, midway through classes, Heckenbach got pulled out of class by our section supervisor, and by the time we got back to the dorm, he was walking out the door with his gear in hand, and was being recycled. We are now 41 of 48, we'll see where this ends.
I had to actually beat my face today for another trainee today because he was on a medical waiver. It's not nearly as bad when you're not the reason you/your flight messed up! We also got pulled into the dayroom this evening by Ssgt. Ramirez, and he told us that we've done a really good job this week despite some mistakes. It felt really great to hear that. We also joked around and laughed for about 20 minutes. It's always really nice to see his human side.
It was really nice to hear that my mom got my letter. She sent me another one this week, and I could tell that she hadn't gotten it yet. I was worried that it was lost.
Well, I suppose I should get some sleep: run day tomorrow! But, I will be thinking of those first few times I came over to your apartment, where you would make pamacakes for everybody that was over there (Your generosity really was one of the first things I noticed about you when I met you) Goonight!
Bailey
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)