How is this my life?!

In the last two weeks I have learned more about guns than I have ever cared to know (not that I haven't enjoyed the experience). Not only can I shoot them in just about any position, including flat on my back, shooting over my shoulder, I can also break them down, clean them, and put them back together. Every morning, I get to the range at 7:15, suit up into my "hero gear" (40+ lbs. worth!), and strap on a Sig at my side and an M-4 across my chest. Eye and ear protection are also worn, and a military-style helmet completes the look. Once geared up it is difficult to tell any of us apart, except for me, of course, with my wayward curls escaping from the helmet in all directions. =) I've been wearing a camo head band to lend some control to my crazy hair, which has earned me the name "GI Jane" from one of my fellow gunfighters. Another nickname I've recieved (this one disignated by an instructor) is Annie Oakley.

As the only student in this class with no prior firearms experience, I have managed to draw some attention to myself. The best (or worst) example of this was during our night qualifications (shooting in the dark) when I had to re-do the reload drill over and over (probably 10 times) while my classmates had to stand by and wait. On my last try, I did it in 6 seconds rather than the maximum 8 seconds and impressed those near enough to see. Another rather amusing mess-up was during another qualification. We were at the 50 yard line, lying on our bellies, aiming for a round steel plate. I fired the required two shots and heard the accompanying clink, clink, unfortunately, I was aiming at my neighbor's target, so I obviously missd my own. After focusing on my on target once more, I fired two more shots. This time I was right on! =)

While all of this is quite amusing (also the most physically demanding thing I've done in my life!), every day I think to myself, HOW IS THIS MY LIFE?! There are so many seperate decisions and occurances in life that lead us to the present, and I often wonder which of those things in particular, brought me to this point? If anyone had ever told me that this is what I would be doing, I would never have believed them, and yet, here I am.

I am off to church now... will try to update again soon.