On the flip side

The title of this post has a few different contexts.  First of all, I am done with Field Training! Its so nice to have it behind me.  I learned a ton, it was a good experience and I'm glad that now I can say I've done it, but I wouldn't want to do it again.  We learned a lot, including Self-Aid buddy care, Rifle training, Convoy procedures, how to search a vehicle/person, radio communication, land navigation, etc.  The first two weeks we were in Alabama, and the last 2 weeks we were in Mississippi.  While in Mississippi we had a Tornado form up over our camp and all the cadets had to run to the showers.  It was exciting.  We got to meet a few generals, and hear some pretty interesting briefings (as well as some not so interesting briefings).  On the 4th of July they let us go to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to a 4th of july party.  There were 369 Cadets, so we pretty much dominated the party.  It was held at a huge baptist church.  This thing was literally the size of a high school.  I think they did other stuff there too, but it was huge.  They had food (which was a nice change from eating MRE's) and a live band.  This was the first time in Air Force history that they have allowed anything like this to happen during boot camp, so it was great.  I met a lot of cool people, learned a lot, but as I said, I'm glad to be on the flip side and have it behind me.

Unfortunately the day I left was also the day My sister-in-law Annie got married, as well as my cousin Eric.  So I missed both of their weddings.  However, this kept Amanda pretty busy while I was gone, at least for the first week and a half.  She flew back to North Carolina to help with the reception out there, then stayed for another week and went to NYC with her sister and girl cousins for a shopping trip, then flew home.  Today she started her new job at Primary Children's Hospital.  We are really excited that she has a job, but also a job that she really wanted.  We will have benefits, etc.

The day I got home we went to Winger's for dinner then stayed the night at the Hilton in Salt Lake.  The next day was sunday and we went to church with my parents then had dinner with them.  Then later that night said Hi to a bunch of friends and headed back to provo.  Its been a task trying to get used to the altitude again.  It doesn't bother me until I start running.  The other day I decided to run up the mountain to the Y Mountain Trail Head.  From my house its only about a 4 mile round-trip run, but half of it was extremely steep.  By the time I got up to the trail head my heart was beating so hard I thought it was gonna jump out of my chest.  To add to it it was about 4 pm and very hot, so I was overheated.  I sat on the bathroom floor (cause that was the only shade on the mountain) and sipped my water until I cooled down.  On my way down the mountain I found a wallet in the middle of the road.  So I picked it up and returned it later that night.  When I knocked on the door (there was an address on the drivers license) this kids mom answered and when she found out I had the wallet got so excited.  She said they had been praying they would find it.  She wanted to give me a hug and said I was such a great guy and an answer to their prayers.  It was a great feeling to be on the flip side and be part of an answer to someone else's prayers.

Now Amanda and I are just working and preparing for our move next week.  We are moving on monday evening, then going to Balboa Island, CA with my family for a week.  This summer sure has gone by quickly.  Before camp that was all I could think about and it came quickly, then a huge chunk was dedicated to training, and now its almost time for school to start again.  I've gotta live it up while I still can.  Viva la summer.