Author: CongaltonFBINA275

Today is a slow lazy day. I was able to sleep in which was nice. The rain finally stopped and there is some sun but it is windy. I had lunch and now I’m off to the gym to get some cardio in before coming back and finishing up my last paper. Sometimes it is good to have days like today.

After the gym we went to the atrium and helped paint the challenge bricks. We made some progress but still have about 100 to do.

I am relieved this evening. After dinner I went to the Lincoln room and did some work. I completed my last paper and sent it off. I am officially done with all my papers. I just have three presentations to do. Feels good to be done.

I also rowed my last 5400 meters today to complete the rowing challenge. It was a productive day.

Woke up this morning to a cloudy rainy day. Missed breakfast because they were on the weekday schedule, 6am to 8am. The agents had to make up classes from our snow day. I wasn’t going to get up that early.

We are going to the White House today for a tour at 11am. I am looking forward to this tour. Luckily we got into the security tent before it started to rain. Security was a long process but it was worth the wait.

Went to Arlington National cemetery after lunch. We walked around in the cold and rain but still great nonetheless.

On the way out of town we swing by the Air Force Memorial. Small little memorial with a great view. The memorial overlooks the Washington monument and the pentagon.

Well today is Friday. Can’t believe another week has gone by. I am definitely enjoying my time here.

I had a full day of classes today. Physical training class was good. Courtney ran us through some advanced nutrition to consider for the first part and the last half was weaponless defense.

After lunch we had a great debrief of a traumatic incident that occurred in 2011. A Virginia state trooper shot an off duty officer who killed his wife. A pursuit ensued of the off duty officer in his take home police car. During the pursuit, the suspect shot a Virginia state trooper and got into another shootout with two other Virginia state troopers. We were fortunate to have one of the troopers that was in the pursuit and shot the suspect. Very much a critical incident with unique circumstances. Hearing her perspective about the incident and the aftermath was insightful.

We got off the base tonight and went to Alexandria for dinner. Had a great dinner at the Chart House then walked around for a bit.

The snow stopped during the night and we woke up to a mix of clouds and sun. We had physical training again and Courtney didn’t cut us any slack. Another day of pushing sand bags, weighted step ups, band work, burpees and cardio.

This was my walk back to my dorm. I didn’t want to change out of my pt clothes so I had to walk outside. We cannot walk inside with our pt clothes on during business hours.

For my last class of the day, my wellness class, we had a yoga instructor come in and give us an intro class. Seemed kind of corny at first but I actually enjoyed it. Much more difficult than I thought it would be but I did okay. She worked us for about an hour. The downward dog, reverse plank, planks, and the warrior stance. Yoga is being introduced to police departments as part of wellness. It is picking up momentum across the USA. it is good for mind and body.

After dinner, me and the crew went to the Lincoln room to do more work. We are working and listening to 80’s music thanks to Bill. He is reliving his college years as a bouncer at Crazy J’s.

I have a 10 page paper, a worksheet and three PowerPoint presentations to finish up and present next week. Once these are done I will have all of my course work completed and turned in. Then I will be able to relax a little. I needed a little snack to keep me going. My fitness instructor probably wouldn’t approve.

Code red today so the base is closed. We got some snow overnight. We still have our physical training challenge today but after that it’s library time.

The challenge today was the Winged Monkey Assault

Not a bad little work out for a snow day.

The other day Courtney gave us a class on Sleep Hygiene and the importance of sleep. I downloaded an app to track my sleep and the results are pretty amazing.

I think the lack of sleep on Tuesday made my sleep on Wednesday that much better. Technology is amazing.

Some of us were getting cabin fever so we went outside to the pavilion for some fresh air. It’s been great to meet so many great guys from all over the USA. West coast to east coast and everywhere in between.

I had physical training first thing today. It was tough getting up after a late night. Bill had a late flight and no ride back to the academy so Dave, Martin and I drove to get him. We got back around 0145 hours.

During second period we had a guest speaker. We had an FBI agent that spoke about the value of Meditation, Yoga, and Tai Chi. There is evidence that all of these are good for mind and body balance and law enforcement and military are starting to incorporate these disciplines into training. These disciplines can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and aid in reducing aches and pains.

We are anticipating a storm that is suppose to come in late tonight and bring snow. It would be nice to see some more snow before the academy is over. I’m sure that sentiment is not shared by everyone.

Presidents holiday today. I think I will use this day to finalize some of my assignments. I have two papers and a few presentations due this week. I have a good start on them so it shouldn’t be too bad.

Just finished my big paper that is due tomorrow. It was suppose to be 8 pages and the final was 14, because more is better. Right??

I’m ready to hit the gym for a little bit and get the blood flowing. Only have 10,000 meters left for the rowing challenge.

It seems like everyone is getting sick this week. There is a lot of sniffling and coughing going on. I have managed to avoid it the whole time I have been here. I have been taking airborne, drinking water, and using my elbow to open doors. I am hoping to ride this out unscathed.

This afternoon we are listening to a lecture on cyber security. Dr. Eric Cole from Secure Anchor. I feel like I’m listening to my buddy Linnie talking about how unsecured our information really is on our phones and computers.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

We had physical training second period today. Courtney stuck it to us with more lunges, air squats, resistance bands and the “Leg Cranker”. I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to walk tomorrow morning. Stairs are already giving me some issues but we made it through and. Won’t see her until next week. During our workout we had a low pass from a military helicopter.

Went to the cafeteria today for breakfast and lunch and they did a little decorating for Valentines.

This afternoon we are listening to Lt Brian Murphy from Wisconsin. He was shot 15 times at the Sikh Temple shooting in 2012 when a white supremest army veteran came in and started shooting. 6 were killed, 4 were wounded and many lives were saved.

We decided to go and do some work tonight before the weekend. We got a good couple hours in and then I think we had enough. Martin decided to disguise me with Snapchat while I was diligently working. I think it’s time for bed.

We woke up to clear skies with a slight breeze today. The temperature was about 40 so it wasn’t too bad. Today is Wednesday so that means a fitness challenge. Today we did the “Wicked Witch Hunt”.

This consisted of pushing sandbags for 5 minutes and then immediately taking off on a 2 mile run. This was no ordinary run. It incorporated stairs, lunges, pull ups, pushups and stair climbers.

After class we left the base and went to the Globe and Laurel for a little birthday dinner and cigars. The special was the 48 ounce tomahawk steak. I had to order that since I turned 48. Had a great evening with some great guys.