Because there were more exciting things to talk about on Monday (like my house), I did not mention the PTL class I went to that afternoon. (For non-AF, that means Physical Training Leader, the person who leads group workouts.) I was a PTL at Barksdale, so I only had to do an afternoon "refresher" course to be certified here. The class involved a 45-minute presentation by the base exercise physiologist (or whatever his title is), then a 45-minute workout led by him. Aerobically, this was not a challenging workout... we ran around the aerobics room for about 5 minutes to warm up. Calisthenics-wise... different story. Holy cow, this guy was crazy. Among other things, we did EIGHT sets of 20 body-weight squats. In front of a mirror to ensure you went down all the way every time. If this does not sound hard, just try... and only rest 10 seconds in between sets. Long story short, I have been ridiculously sore for two days and have not gone running, which irritates me. But I am sure I can start again tomorrow.
Today was a fun one at work. Yesterday, I conspired with the flight chief, MSgt Bianchi, to surprise Jose for his birthday today, which involved us going into work last night, blowing up almost 300 balloons, and stuffing Jose's office with them. It was fun, and the other flight members seemed to enjoy watching Jose's reaction this morning. He was surprised and I think he liked it. Then around lunchtime we had a farewell BBQ for an airman who is separating. After that, no one was really motivated to do more work, especially since some families had come in and there were little kids running around the building chasing Jose's balloons and popping them, screaming with delight. I got to sit and talk to MSgt Bianchi for a while, which was cool, I enjoyed getting to know him better and hearing stories about his experiences.
Next on my to-do list is to figure out travel plans for the next 2 or 3 weekends. Don't hate me for this, but it just so happens that we have three 3-day weekends in a row coming up. This Friday, 21 Aug, is a "Goal Day" for the wing, which means we met our goals for EPR/OPR timeliness, PT test pass rate, etc, for a certain period of time, so we get a day off. Next Friday, 28 Aug, is a family day because there is a British holiday on Monday the 31st (don't ask me why we don't have Monday off instead, I don't get it either). Then Monday, 7 Sep, is Labor Day. So, obviously, this provides many opportunities for travel and exploring.
These plans are complicated somewhat by base-related events already planned, such as OCF on Fridays at 6pm and Jose's flight BBQ this Saturday at 5pm. I'm not going to miss the flight BBQ, but I'm not ruling out missing an OCF meeting if I need a day for a full-day trip. I really, really, really want to go to Dover, for the castle and the cliffs, and that would require a full day. I want to go before the end of August, because on the web site it says that the tunnel tour only goes through August. I am leaning towards one of the Fridays, since it might be less crowded than a weekend. I also really want to go to London with Kathryn and Mark, but I am not sure if a trip will fit into their schedule soon. That would also be a full-day trip, and would have to be on a weekend for their schedules.
There is also the issue of a traveling buddy. There are pros and cons to having one, depending on where I go. I would not want to do London by myself, for example. However, for places more open, it is kind of nice to be able to wander around and explore and not worry about the other person possibly being bored. I am not sure anyone would have enjoyed following me through the meadow footpaths in Bury last weekend, but I loved it. Also, other than Kathryn and Mark, who I have known for years, I don't really know anyone well enough here to ask them to go somewhere with me, without worrying about whether they are just saying yes to be nice or if they really want to go. That is not meant to be a sad statement, just a fact that I have only been here for less than three weeks, you know? I'm sure as I build friendships, that will change, it is just early now.
So, plenty to consider, I will let you know tomorrow what I decide. (Those who have been here, I'd love to hear more suggestions for my next 3 weekends!)
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