Test(icles)

Haha. I just said testicles... like testis. Anyways, 2 down 1 to go. Organic Chemistry tomorrow and I'm done (for this week. I actually have 2 more next week which still really sucks). Anyways, goodnight blogosphere.

I'm Dead Meat

These past two weeks have gone by innocently enough, lulling me into a false sense of security. Sure I've had homework every night and a lab report here and there, but I haven't had any GR's (graded reviews). And now it hits me like a cement truck. BAM. 3 GR's this next week, all on the same day, and 2 more the week after. I guess you could call this USAFA's equivalent to mid-terms. It's going to be tough, maybe even impossible. This got me thinking though. How crazy is it that I'm almost half way through my semester and you kids at SOU, UO, OSU are just starting your school years. Crazy stuff.

I've been slacking lately and haven't been down to the gym nearly enough. That's going to change. I need the gym and the gym needs me. Its a symbiotic relationship. I've lost like 10 pounds sick the school year began which is sick. I'm pretty sure it was mostly muscle too. Luckily that didn't stop me from getting my best score yet on the Physical Fitness Test a week ago. I got:

15 pull-ups (I beat my personal best from last semester by 4)
7'4 long jump
95 sit ups (easily maxed)
52 push-ups (this is by far the worst I've done on this event since basic)
1:52 600-meter run

Tonight I'm sitting CQ. The graveyard shift if you will. I don't get off till 0130, which really screws up my sleep cycle. I'm trying to get some good studying done the rest of the night.

Choosing a Major is Tough

I was originally going to major in biochemistry. Now I'm not so sure. At a school like USAFA, majoring in such a technical, demanding subject like that requires either

A) a person incredibly experienced with that particular field. Basically a natural. A genius if you will
B) a person who wants to work their ass off to try and understand what is to most a foreign language. To do this you will end up sacrificing any free time and every weekend studying.

I am neither of those. I also don't find chemistry that interesting. My goal now is to continue on the pre-med track, but find another major for all other classes. I have less than a month to decide, but here are the ones I am considering.

1) Management (we have one of the most respected undergraduate management programs in the US)
2) Behavioral Sciences and Leadership
3) Biology
4) Economics

Wish me luck. Any suggestions, let me know.

Writing for myself.

(the road of life)

I haven't been blogging much lately. I have had much more important things to do with my time.

I won't be blogging as much as I'd like to be. I will write in my own personal journal- a Sebastian Valmont like move.

I like reading what I write for myself more than I like what I write for myself and others. I don't like that I don't have very many pictures on my blog. Pictures are pretty.

That is all.

Remembering 9/11

I woke up this morning at 5:45, 15 minutes earlier than usual. For some reason the Cadet Wing was having a morning formation (all 4000+ cadets gather to salute the flag as it is raised for the day). I had no idea why. I scurried out to my squadron's form up, sized into the formation and stood there wondering- Why are we out here? Not until I saw the flag raise did I realize that today was September 11th.

It's hard to believe that 5 years have passed. Half a decade since those terrible acts were carried out on American soil. I can remember that morning like it was yesterday. It was the fourth day of my freshman year at South, and I was supposed to bring in a share and tell item for World Studies with Mr. Schnoreberg. I woke up and saw the TV on, looking in terror as they recounted the events that had occured earlier in the morning. I watched right until the last moment before I left for class, forgetting that item for show and tell. Class went on as scheduled, but everything felt different. The world had changed. It didn't feel as safe anymore.

A year later in Clem's class I remember debating whether or not to invade Afghanistan/Iraq. Looking back I feel quite the fool. I didn't argue for the invasion, but I felt that if we did invade it would be quick- in and out type stuff. Four years later and we are still there. Sure, "The War" supposedly lasted a couple of months. Sure we defeated the Taliban, and Sadaam is no longer the head of Iraq, but this war is definitely not over.

Today, say a prayer for those who lost a loved one in those attacks 5 years ago. Say a prayer for those people risking their lives in Iraq not for their own freedom but for others(doesn't seem like something I'd really want to do). Heck, say a prayer for anyone, anywhere that you think might need it, because I guarantee it will be a better world if you do.

Athletics!

So two days ago I ran the Air Force Aerobic Fitness Test. 1.5 miles of running in 9:15. I was pleasantly surprised considering I haven't run in several months and haven't followed any sort of detailed workout plan in even longer. My goal for next semester is to run it in 8:30. That would beat my person best (8:57) and exempt me from taking the test the next time around. Next week is the Physical Fitness Test which I'm not looking forward to. Pull-Ups, Standing Long Jump, Sit Ups, Push Ups, and a 600 yard sprint to cap it off. Should be fun.

Flyboy!

14 Flights later I'm officially a flyboy. This is a sick picture of me rolling into a "steep turn". Its not quite as exciting as dating Stephanie, but I do my best.

Parent's Weekend

I had a wonderful time this weekend. So much fun with the family. It was good to have my parents here for some classes on Friday. Late Friday afternoon was spent relaxing, eating and finally watching Little Miss Sunshine which was an amazing movie. Saturday we headed up to Denver to shop at some outlet stores and Buffalo Exchange. Deal of the day had to be a Billabong button down or a pair of Paper Denim jeans. The majority of the rest of the weekend was spent in heavenly bliss at the Broadmoor. Good times. It's always nice to see my family and the dog, even if it is just for a short time. Pictures to come...