Christmas Break was a welcome change of pace after last semester. It started with dropping Courtney off at the airport and saying "see you soon" to her, as we both knew that she would end up in Illinois after Christmas. I was happy to spend the night and the next morning with my Aunt Wyn and Uncle Steve before they departed for Montana to visit the largest portion of the McNamara clan. I spent the day fighting the crucible of AWS (Arctic Warfare School) North of Idaho City. [I was lucky to be asked along by SGT Steele] We fought uphill for nine hours against a Guard platoon and eventually made it to the top.
The next morning, I left for Illinois and my break REALLY began. We spent Christmas without Beckah and although it was still a fun holiday, we all felt her absence (it was quieter and all of the pets were called by their given names). Soon after Christmas, Courtney came from California and Beckah, Tony, Orry, and Zandy drove in from Montana. We spent the next week and a half with twelve people in the house. It was a tight squeeze, but we enjoyed being together.
Beth, Beckah, and Courtney and I left around the same time. Courtney and I met her father and brother in Salt Lake for a ski trip. We spent a week in Park City (where the Olympics were held) and enjoyed "The Canyons" (a huge ski-in/ski-out resort). I gave up snowboarding for a couple years, because I can't afford to seriously injure myself and lose military training opportunities. So, I decided to take on skis for a change. I learned quickly.
Courtney and I parted ways for another week and I went back home to be with my family. I probably watched at least 12 episodes of "House" that week. It was too cold (-40 and below) to go hunting (especially alone) and I knew that the next week was going to be ridiculously busy. I spent my time pirating DVD's for Jess, doing crossword puzzles with my mom, talking guns with Wayne, and talking about everything else with Bryan. Bryan and I went to see "Valkyrie" together and had a GREAT time. I'm really. really, really hoping that they can make a trip out to Idaho this spring.
This past week was a crazy beginning to a new lifestyle for me. I came back to find out that my DOD eye exam had been fouled up and that they needed a remedial before they could give me any pay. I've scheduled the exam for the 26th, but until the DOD (department of defense) gives word, I'm waiting on $600 for books, $5000 for school, and $500 pay. My schedule is definitely intense. I have 22 credits worth of classes crammed into Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I start my days at 0500 and have class/training (straight, no lunch break) until 1700. Friday through Monday, I'm either training or serving as a liaison for the re institutionalization of military marksmanship schools throughout the country. My days are long and my weeks are busy, but Courtney has been amazing as my support. She's definitely going to be the one to keep me going this semester.
Well, that's my update... I kinda forgot about this thing for a couple months...
