Running Again :)

So, I have decided there are both pros and cons of moving to on-base lodging this past week. First, the cons: I miss Lakenheath Village and having the culture of England right outside my door. It may be a small village, but every day I was there I walked around and found something new. I miss my beautiful unique room in the historic hotel. I miss Steve and Trudy and Paul and chatting with them every time I walk through the lobby. BUT... soon I will be in my beautiful house in a market town full of culture, and my hotel friends have said I can stop by and talk to them anytime. :)

So on to the pros of being on base: I am actually learning my way around the base. I walk pretty much everywhere except to work (on the other side of the flight line), so that gives me more time to read signs and notice where buildings are. I have also started making use of the gym, track, and running trail. The weather this week has been just perfect, mid-60s in the evenings with gorgeous sunsets, I almost felt guilty the one time I used an elliptical inside. The run Tuesday was kind of rough (not running for 3 weeks will do that to you, I guess), but tonight I did 4 miles and felt like I could go on forever. I love that feeling, and it will only get better as I run more and get back in running shape. I was so excited to find that Runner's World (my favorite magazine) has a whole web site dedicated to their UK community, and it has tons of race listings! Can't wait to pick one out. :)

The last couple days were fairly productive. I am done with all my inprocessing except for a couple random appointments later this month. I have met everyone in my weather flight and today I even went with the briefer to the wing staff meeting, to see what I will be doing in the future. A little intimidating in such a big fancy room with a lot of rank in flight suits walking around, but the briefing itself was fairly quick and painless, I'm sure I won't have any problem now that I know what to expect. I also succeeded in bringing my cell phone back to life with a UK sim card, so I can use it over here without paying an arm and a leg. My new number is a UK number, so most of you will never use it, but let me know if you want it. When I move into my house, I plan on getting Vonage with a US number, so you can call me on that. :) (Sorry for all the smiley faces, running put me in a good mood...)

Tomorrow I get to go on the newcomers' bus tour to Bury St Edmunds, a supposedly scenic town to the SE of the base. I am very much looking forward to this, and it will give me more picture opportunities! Then there is a Sq gathering in the afternoon after I get back, and OCF meeting in the evening. I like having plans. :) I have not decided where to go on Saturday, however. It is going to be a gorgeous day and I refuse to waste it, so I am currently thinking of visiting Ely, a village that is supposed to have the most impressive cathedral in this part of the country. I also saw a few signs while driving around last week for Weeting Castle, which I suspect is just ruins, but still would be cool to go look at. Of course, pictures will be posted of whatever I see! :)