Hello to all:

I have been MIA for about a month and for that I apologize. I once learned that "Excuses are monuments of nothingness that build bridges that lead to nowhere; those who use these tools of incompetence are master of nothing." Therefore, I will give none.

With that said, alot has happened during this last month: 181st JAOBC Blues Reception, PT, Criminal Course of Instruction, PT, Advocacy Week, and......PT.  The Blues Reception was a great experience, my fiancee' was able to fly in from Houston and spend about 5 days with me. While here, Aliya got to meet alot of my "battle buddies" (classmates) and professors.  I think it also gave her a taste of what the Army life/atmosphere is like (I say this because she is currently considering applying for a reserve commission as a family care physician in the Medical Corps). I'll keep you all posted about how this all turns out. Aliya and I also got to see Monticello and a little bit of the Virginian countryside.  I seriously recommend to future OBC students or Grad course students who haven't seen this part of the country to get out and explore, its beautiful out here! Hooah!  About 2-3 weeks ago we started the criminal law block of our instruction and I must say it was a 100 miles an hour! We hit the ground running but each of our professors found ways to keep us engaged in the subject matter. I also must add that our crim law professors are photoshop experts! (LOL)  On a sidenote, (I know this is random) I'm very proud that I have been faithfully observing lenten this year and although we dont have alot of outside time there is a chapel service conducted by the unit chaplain every tuesday so that has been very helpful.  Back to Crim law, after we finished the substantive part of our instruction we began "advocacy week."  Advocacy week was basically the courtroom side of Military Justice and we started off at.....yep, the only speed we know in the JAG Corps' 100 mph! We had a very interesting case that was based on an actual case and believe me it was "real relaxing" to say the least, Hooah!  Of course there is always PT, with an occasional ruck thrown in to keep things interesting. I must say that PT no longer feels like something I "have" to do before work, it totally feels like an essential part of the work day and thus feels natural.

For those who may wonder what the 181st JAOBC's PT schedule is like

Monday thru Friday we have PT (early morning style, I like to believe we wake up before the weather)

M (intermediate run), W (sprint/hill work), F (LONG RUN....HOOAH!)

T and TR mornings regular PT (no runs) and in the afternoon Extra PT (voluntary for some/mandatory for others)

The program is really working, we are all progressing (i.e. getting faster, more consistent, and stronger)

I have lost track of time but I think this is week 6 of my OBC and I am enjoying it, although I admit I am missing my family and friends.. nonetheless I believe that this JOB is the best I've ever had....I work out and go to work daily...healthy body, healthy mind...BIG ARMY's CALLING ME! HOOAH!