Because you asked for it...

I have had several people asking me how Spencer is doing. From now on I'm just going to guide them to this blog so they can read all about him. Sorry for those of you who get bored reading about Spencer's life. Trust me, it's a lot more exciting than mine at the moment. Below is a journal entry Spencer wrote about his first official week there, which was actually last week. If you want to see the video that shows what he did, watch this. You may notice that Spencer fits right in with his lovely glasses.


7.3.08-7.6.08

Okay, now it's kind of fun. Wake up Wed. yesterday. Rough! We were up at 4:30 doing push ups, up downs, 6 inches, etc. etc. They beat us for 2 hours straight! We did bear crawls back and forth, more push ups. Holding push up position = tough! Everyone was suffering. Some more than others. After that we tried to go to breakfast. He (the drill instructor) teaches us how to line up, walk, what to say. Every time someone screwed up, back in the grass for push ups, ab work, etc. Chow hall procedures were done over and over. People kept screwing up, so we repeat the 1-8 steps over and over and over. Well this pattern continued all day long. We were probably told to get in the grass 15+ times yesterday. Each time lasting from 5-12 minutes. My shoulders were hurting and abs are terribly sore today. But every time we entered the bathroom (the one place we can kind of talk) I was smiling and laughing. I tried to cheer people up and encourage them. But, to me, it really was fun. It was like practice. We also did several sprints. I liked that, finally get to work on speed. Zero mistakes for me yesterday. I'm sure they are coming. We also really got beat because someone fell asleep. Anyhow, I was pretty tired by the end of the night. I slept well.

Today was outpost. We got rid of our poopy suits and got khakis now. We had inspection. Basically everyone fails. The officers come in and drill you on the Big 5. Stupid me screwed up on one. I got Chain of Command and General Orders, but I screwed up on the 6th Code of Conduct. I kept combining it with the 1st. But my uniform was squared away. THen we packed all our stuff and headed to the kill zone for about 10+ minutes of pushups, ab work, run in place, etc. Then on to the sand pit for more. Then to the PT field for more. Then to the new kill zone for a lot more. We were all drenched in sweat.

At this moment let's talk about food. It really is pretty dang good. Pancakes were awesome this morning. Pasta the last few days have been incredible. Mashed potatoes too. Either they've started adding to the rice, pasta, and potatoes, or I no longer need salt. But it's all good. Veggies still suck with no seasoning or salt. Meat is up and down. Sometimes really, really good. Other times horrible. I guess for the next few years I'll have my dream of eating at a cafeteria.

We did more push ups etc. We worked on marching a good bit. We actually did pretty well with it. So not too many beatings. We had class elections tonight. Results to come.

My knee has been hurting. But I believe I can push through the 12 weeks. Then I'll get an MRI and figure out what's up. Free medical, what a blessing.

Black Saturday tomorrow b/c of the holiday. Back to back to back. Rough. Hopefully it won't be too bad. We'll see.

Well, it's been bad. We woke up at 4:30 and did a solid 1.5 hours worth of beatings. Welcome aboard is a tour of sand pits and the dorm. But every step we get beat with push ups, in-outs, and jog in place. To get to every point, we bear crawl there. We packed our pockets full of sand and unloaded them in the hall. We buried ourselves in sand as the DI hosed us w/ water. It was fun and tough. At the end we ran out and 3 other classes (150 people) were out there cheering and clapping. It felt so good. I almost cried. But I just kept smiling. Week 1 really is an accomplishment. Pretty cool.

Well fast forward to the end of the night. We were looking forward to the Newport fireworks show over the bridge. Instead the DI took us outside (I thought to watch them) and had us sit and face a wall for 40 minutes, sitting at attention. Madness I say.

Today we got beat again throughout. I started laughing during one of them. Not sure if that was wise. Well, we moved again at the end of the night. I am a genius. I did some shuffling and worked it so I'm with Schafer (LDS guy) and the 2 worst candidates are together. Priceless. Church tomorrow. No donuts :(

Church was worth it. After 4 weeks of no church, it really felt good. Fast and testimony meeting was good. No crazies. Sunday School was really good. Priesthood was okay. Most of the body was ODS or OCS guys and we were falling asleep throughout. Lunch was provided and it was awesome! Chicken stew w/ rice. It was the best I've ever had. Thick w/ potatoes, onions, carrots, and some kind of hint of cinnamon or something. Really good. Fruit salad was ridiculous. Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, grapes, and watermelon. Rolls and bread....Amazing!! Cold water and then BAM Snickers Ice Cream bars! I had 2 plus some PB cookies. Everyone is cool. It was spiritual and good food. A great break indeed.

I've been assigned as PT Body. Scheer is in better shape. He's amazing. But I got it. (By the way, he knew I was in pretty dang good shape, but his respect for me sky rocketed when he learned I was 30.) Hopefully I can mail this tomorrow. Not sure. No privileges yet.