The oft' blurred lines 'twixt living and dreaming

I'm not usually much of a dreamer, but maybe that is because I am not much of a sleeper. Lately, however, being as sick as I've been, I have become both. My dreams are very interesting though because they are just a better version of reality. My real life pretty much consists of running, working out in the gym, trying to get a better score on my PFT, and studying for the ASTB to get into flight school. In my dreams I take muliple PFTs per night and am able to complete the 70 second flexed arm hang with energy to spare; I am a super-star on the O-course; and last night, I was even a very talented fighter-pilot. The only problem with these dreams is that they are exhausting! When I wake up, I am tense and sore... definitely NOT ready to start a new day. At the same time, these dreams encourage me. I keep thinking that if I just keep up what I am doing in my current reality, maybe those things will become reality too. I know these are not the dreams of most girls, but I never was "most girls." And it's my dream.

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.