Celebrating far from home

It's become the norm to celebrate my birthday in strange places, on the campaign trail, on various work-related trips, etc. But this is the first time I've celebrated my birthday in a foreign country. It was a rather interesting (but fun) day. =) It began with MCMAP training, then moved onto breakfast at the chow hall. I went back to my room and opened the package that a dear friend sent to me (she told me I could not open it until my birthday, so it has been sitting there for over a week - the suspense has been killing me!). Work began at 0830, as usual and the fun began. L thought it would be fun to decorate my work space with pictures of Orlando Bloom and Justin Timberlake. =P I got lots of e-cards and messages on Facebook from my family and friends back in the states (it's always nice to know you have not been forgotten!). L, K, and I went to the main-side chow hall for lunch so we could get ice cream (yummy!). The day continued with some shopping and a stop at the coffee shop for a mango smoothie. L told everyone we met or ran into that it was my birthday. I had Marines, guards, and random people wishing me a happy birthday (the guy at the chow hall responded by over-filling my bowl with ice cream =P). For the remainder of the day, people stopped in the office with well wishes. It was not like any birthday I've ever had before...It will definitely be a birthday that I will always remember. =)

On PFTs and Pride

Since I have been working with a bunch of Marines, I have done my best to assimilate and become part of the group. I don't chew, smoke, or swear, so I am at somewhat of a disadvantage. However, I do like physical activity and Marines are all about physical activity! =) They run just about every day (I join them about every other). They train in martial arts at 0530 on weekdays (I am there faithfully, kicking, punching, and ground-fighting with the best of them). And they have PFTs. Now, I have never had to do a PFT (physical fitness test) for anything in my life, but I figured I would give it a go (I mean, how bad could 100 crunches, a 70 second arm hang, and a 3 mile run be?!). The arm hang was first... I was down after 15 seconds (pitiful!). The crunches came next... 100, no problemo! Then the run... I have never come so close to throwing up after a run in all my life! It was all I could do to keep the pizza, salad, and stir-fry from lunch down (ok, so a HUGE lunch right before a PFT is not a brilliant idea... now I know. =P). After all of that, my total score was a 170 out of a possible 300. Now THAT is a major blow to the ego! =( I was only shooting for a 225... maybe that was my problem. I should have aimed higher. In any case, I will conquer that arm hang by the time I leave here! =P In the meantime, a dose of humility every once in a while can be a good thing.