WEEK IN REVIEW

Last week, I was basically working at the studio. Well, the time I spent there should have qualified as work. Being my last week in San Diego, I took practicing to heart and tried everything I could to perfect my skills. It's that same sort of stubborn determination that always gets me in trouble in life. I somehow got slated for 4 routines (Tango, Cha-Cha, Swing, Waltz) to perform in front of the judge (Nick Kosovich) on Sunday. The family and J came to watch the event. It's a rather big deal since I don't normally let other people come watch my events. I guess I'm starting to let loose a little.I got my critiques after going through the freestyles and routines. Oddly enough, the judge enjoyed our Swing routine the most. His impression was that we really loved swing. Immediately after saying that, J and I looked at each other and bursted out laughing. Too bad he didn't say that about the Cha-Cha or Waltz. J, J, and I definitely put way more effort into the Cha-Cha and Waltz. In any event, I thought that would be the last time I'd see both J's for a while.

Monday was activation day. I struggled with a few pre-deployment activities during the work day; I fell asleep at the desk every day. It was awesome. I couldn't resist going to the studio, so I went Monday and Friday. If anything, to get the last little bit out of me for a long time. It was a good choice. The Madder wanted me up in OC a few times before leaving. I took advantage and dropped both Giada and Mandy off in OC, leaving me without any mode of transportation.

It's an odd feeling - leaving everything behind to fend for itself. Crazy world I live in. North Carolina hasn't been a peach, either; 88 degree weather with full 100% humidity. To top it off, the GySgt has been prepping us by letting us acclimate to the weather. I haven't sweated so much in a very long time. It's pretty gross. Our first day of PT was spent running 4 miles total, split with calesthenics in between. 10 pull ups, 10 Tire flips, 9 pulls ups, 9 Tire flips, etc. Lovely stuff. I pulled something in my back and popped both knees. I'm gettin' old. I can feel it. But, my mind won't quit. Darned determination.

Semper Fi