Ship Day MEPS Part 1

Hey y'all! I was just scrolling through, checking out my old posts when I saw the one I posted from Houston when I shipped out. Apparently, I said I was going to write about my MEPS experience that day. Well, now I'm going to try and remember it enough to do so. That day was a hard, crazy, jam-packed, emotional rollercoaster, so hang in there!

Alright, let's start out with that Monday, 5Nov12, when I was getting ready to head to my recruiter's office. My mom decided to come over about 6 am, and was helping me clean (of course that's what I was worried about). My husband went to work until about 11, then came home to take me to my recruiter's office at noon. It still didn't feel real at that point. Even when I told him bye. I wish I would've taken more time to tell him goodbye, since I didn't even have 5 minutes to at MEPS. Anyway, I wore some workout clothes there, since I planned on working out at the hotel gym. Then, I had a plastic bag I would put them in to give my husband to take home when I saw him at MEPS.

First thing we did when we got to Memphis was head to the MEPS. Not everyone will do this, though. My MEPS liked to have the shippers (if there were more than 5) come in the night before to go over paperwork to shorten the process, and have plenty of time to fix mistakes if applicable. I was there doing all of that for about 2-3 hours. Then we took a shuttle to the hotel to get ready for the night. Immediately, I went to the fitness room and set to work. I was in the same situation this time as last time with weight. So of course I hadn't eaten anything all day, and didn't plan to for the rest of the night. I spent as much time as possible on the phone with my husband, mom, sister, whoever. I think I may have Skyped my SIL this time, too. I went back and forth between my room, where I relaxed and talked on the phone, and the fitness room. Then we had a briefing around 2030ish, that was exactly like the first time.

After that, I spent a bit more time in the fitness room. Finally, I called it quits and went to my room for the evening. I actually lucked out and didn't have a roomie, woot! So, I made a sauna out of the bathroom and sat there for about 10-15 minutes before I gave up! Then, I Skyped DH one last time (and Ted was with him, of course!) and went to bed. I had my first alarm set for 0300, so that oh-so familiar foghorn went off and I was up! I decided to head down to the fitness room one last time (obsessive? Yes. I was trying to make sure I would ship!) then came back up and took a shower and got ready. I didn't bring my flat iron or blow dryer, since it seemed unnecessary. I really didn't care what my hair looked like! (I actually have several photos from that day…I may just post some for y'all to see how terrible I looked! Oh, I even have a before/after pic from the day I shipped, and the day I sepped.) Anyway, it was almost 0430 at this point, and I was packed and ready to go! I didn't want to leave my room just yet, so I called my mom. She's a bazillion (60) years old, and has all kinda of medical issues (including a million kinds/locations of arthritis) so she's up and down all night, and usually is up for the day between 0300-0400. So I called and told her how much I loved and appreciated her and couldn't wait to see her at the MEPS (her and DH came together). I ended the call and went to check out.

I was dressed in my jeans, plain black tee, and black fleece jacket with my Asics on. I was a hot mess. But, luckily I wasn't being judged (there) since everyone else (except the few Marines shipping) looked the same. Hooray for already falling into the military uniformity! Ha! So, after what seemed like for-ev-er waiting on the shuttle to the MEPS, it finally arrived and we set off. I still wasn't nervous or anything at this point -- mostly sad. I REALLY didn't want to leave DH, and I knew I was going to full on lose it when I saw my mom. The stories DH told me about their drive back home was heartbreaking. Anyway, MEPS stuff. Yeah. We got there at roughly 0600 (also, for future reference and to save you a good yelling, you pronounce it zero-six-hundred, not oh-six-hundred. I learned that the second night, and luckily the MTI I was talking to didn't scream. But, I heard plenty of trainees get reamed for it), and things started out just like the first time. We were kinda given priority over the DEPpers, since we had flight itineraries and such.

I think I'm going to break here, and start a new post for the rest. It'll probably (definitely) be super emotional, so have a tissue handy! Any time I think back to that day, I almost feel sick with sadness. I try very hard to just block it out. Which is why it's a little difficult to recall everything, since I've tried to wipe it from memory (at least the MEPS part -- I will never forget Zero Night, and I'm not sure how some people do!).

Have a great evening, and Aim High! I'll be back soon with Ship Day MEPS Part 2!

P.S.
I think I'm just going to have a whole post dedicated to my pictures, since I just saw how many I'd like to share!! =]

The 3-Day Diet -- Does It Work?

Hello all! I know it's been quite some time since I've updated. I apologize sincerely! I've had a lot going on, and FINALLY landed a job after 4 months of waiting! Then, sadly, my house was broken into, and the people who did so took all of our big electronics (including my laptop! So this is on my phone - hang in there!) and one of DH's guns. It sucks, most definitely, but we're not defeated!

Anyway, my post today is on the now-popular 3-Day Military Diet. I'm not sure how it got the title of a "military diet", since it actually came from the cardiac unit at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I think it's because military recruiters give it out to recruits just before heading to MEPS, since once you're operational, weight standards aren't really an issue. I do want state, though, this diet is NOT a long term solution. It's for people like us, who have a deadline for a weigh in they have to make. Following it any longer than one go-around may lead to some sort of complications. And, no matter who you are or your metabolism, you will gain the weight back. Maybe not all of it, but some. Also, make sure and consult with a physician before starting this, or if you experience any unusual behaviors or weird feelings while taking this. Nonetheless, this is the title it has been given, so we shall proceed.

I actually partook in this diet -- twice. Once before swearing into the DEP at MEPS, and then before shipping out to BMT. We all know I was struggling with my weight at those times, so my recruiter gave me a printout of this diet, and told me to have at it. Obviously, if it wasn't safe, he wouldn't have given it to me. But, this diet is VERY strict, and must be followed to the tee. On average, males who follow this diet lose about 7-10 lbs. while females lose on average 5-7 lbs. For me, the first time, I lost 7 lbs. and then 6 lbs. the second go around. The thing to remember is to STAY HYDRATED, with only water, between meals. You cannot substitute/vary any of these things, unless of course you have an allergy. Salt and pepper may be added in moderation, but no other seasonings. That includes mayo or what have you for the tuna. Personally, I like plain tuna. I'm also one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, so this diet didn't bother me at all. The only thing I had issues with trying to get down was the cantaloupe. It was terrible, but I ate it. I will say, however, that on a few of the things, I couldn't find. Like the string beans, for example. Instead, I think I ate green beans. I felt like that was an okay sub, since it was still a bean. And every time there was an option for 'greens' I ate broccoli. I'm slightly obsessed with it. I steam it and, normally, add some garlic salt. Alas, I didn't for this diet, but it was still yummy!

Okay. Enough of that, lets get to the food! I'm going to break it down into days, then meals.

*****DISCLAIMER: I am NOT responsible for any results of this diet, be it positive or negative. Participation in this diet is solely up to YOU, the reader, and the results fall on you, be it positive or negative.*****

DAY 1

Breakfast - Black coffee or unsweetened black tea (the normal, like Lipton), a half of a grapefruit, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

Lunch - half cup of tuna, 1 slice of whole toast or 1 slice cheese, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 2 slices of any meat (approx. 3 ounces) 1 cup of string beans, 1 cup of beets or carrots, 1 SMALL apple, 1 cup vanilla ice cream. (Yes, you read that correctly. But only ONE CUP!!)

DAY 2

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 1 boiled egg, 1 slice whole wheat toast, half of a banana.

Lunch - 1 cup cottage cheese or half cup of tuna, 3 saltine crackers.

Dinner - 2 hot dogs, 1 cup broccoli or cabbage, half cup of carrots or turnips, HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

DAY 3

Breakfast - coffee or tea, 3 saltine crackers, 1 slice cheddar cheese (2 ounces), 1 SMALL apple.

Lunch - 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 slice of whole wheat toast, coffee or tea.

Dinner - 1 cup tuna, 1 cup beets or carrots, 1 cup cauliflower or greens, 1 cup cantaloupe (eww), HALF cup of vanilla ice cream.

Remember to be drinking PLENTY of water, and ONLY water, between meals. Absolutely nothing else, including gum/mints. If a meal doesn't state to drink coffee or tea, drink water. And also remember the coffee or tea, for all meals it's included in, must be black/unsweetened. That includes lemon! Also, make sure you have whole wheat bread for toast, get the tuna in water, not oil, and regular tuna, not albacore. And for the coffee/tea, just drink the equivalent of a standard sized coffee mug. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE! The one and ONLY reason to do so, would be if you have an allergy. This is a chemical breakdown in your body, and any variations may cause in-effectiveness, or less than desirable results. If you just don't like something in this diet, don't do it. Simple as that.

If you already have a fitness routine in place, make sure and stick with it during this. Don't over-do it, though, and don't add any more to it. Some blogs I've seen have been recommending adding extra to work-outs, which is poor advice. Over-doing it could lead to serious health issues, since you're almost starving yourself on this (sad truth). Like distance for a run, or heavier weights. Just keep a normal routine in place for these 3 days. Fitness is a huge role in weight loss, especially cardio. So stick with it! But be aware of your body, and what it can/cannot handle. And again, check with a doctor if you feel odd, or injure yourself while on this diet. If you have any serious medical conditions that require dialysis or special medication (such as diabetes) I cannot recommend ENOUGH to speak with your doctor first. Print this out and give him/her the full menu and ask if it's okay, or if they can refer you to a dietician that can develop a meal plan specifically for you.

That's it so far on this post! If I remember anything important that was left out, I'll update! In the mean time, if you have ANY comments or questions, please ask! The main thing I want to stress is that while this diet worked quite well for me, it may not for you. If you're doubtful about it, ask a doctor, nutritionist, personal trainer, or whomever about it first. Every person is different in terms of metabolisms and overall health, body type, size, ability to process different things, etc. If you start feeling sick while on this diet, please stop immediately and seek medical attention. You don't want to injure yourself or fall ill before your ship date, and DEFINITELY don't want to ship that way. Also, let your recruiter know that you're on this diet, that way he or she can give you more feedback on it. Like I said, my recruiter gave this to me, but not all recruiters are the same, and might prefer you didn't do this. If that's the case, LISTEN to them. While you're certainly a "number" for them, you're still a person and they don't want you to harm yourself in any way. Your recruiter knows what's best, and if they don't, your doctor most definitely does!!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day!!

Officially Active Duty....Lackland Bound!

I've made it to Houston!

Today has been a ridiculously long day, and I'm ready for some sleep, however brief it may be! Flying has been an....adventure...for me.

I'm gonna have to sign off for now! I have a million calls to make still, before leaving out for San Antonio. I'm expecting to be there around 2200! Ughhh. I'll make sure and give several longgggg posts about my MEPS experience today, and the BMT process in general!

Talk to y'all in 8.5 weeks! Aim High, DEPpers!

It's Our Time

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

I'm currently sitting in my hotel room, waiting to head to a briefing, then come back and go to bed, then go to MEPS, then the airport, then to Lackland AFB! Haha. You get the picture.

Well, the last few days have been crazy! I've had 2 going away parties, one with my mom and family, the other with my in-laws. I got pretty emotional yesterday when I said goodbye to my in-laws. I've been a part of that family for almost 10 years. It's crazy. Knowing I wouldn't see my sweet, weirdo 18 month nephew for 4ish months almost killed me! I love that boy so much! It's hard saying goodbye, but it's for the better. In 24 hours, I'll either be arriving at Lackland, or well on my way. And then in 8 (hopefully short) weeks, I'll be an American Airman. Wow.

Also, this week my 11thers are graduating!!!!! Ahhhh!! I'm SO proud of them! Britt and Brandon: I can't believe it's already that time! I hope it goes by as fast for me, as it seemed to for y'all! Write me as much as possible, and let me know what jobs y'all ended up with!

Anyway. Tomorrow is going to be heart breaking. I have to tell my mom and husband goodbye. =[ Y'all already know how I feel about it. My hubby is my best friend in the entire world; not having him there with me is going to be torture. On top of that, I had to tell my children (cats) bye today! Poor Teddy Westside isn't going to know what to do! I already miss him bunches!

So my weight crept back on me these last few weeks. Boo. My max weight is 150, and the last several days, I've been a constant 143. But, my going away party yesterday killed it. I was almost 145 this morning! Eeeeekkkkk! I'm thinking I'm back down to 144, but hopefully less. I want to be at 142, which is what I weighed in at the first time to MEPS. But, if I get 143, I'll be happy! I haven't eaten alllllll day! And, it's 1930! I've been drinking water like nobody's business. Then, I'll have to have a repeat tomorrow of my first trip to MEPS: nothing. Not even water. I just got back from the hotel gym, where I ran for 20ish minutes. I'm about to head back down until our briefing at 2030, and possibly do the elliptical or bike. I've also done some push ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks in my room! Then, I'm going to make my own sauna in the bathroom when I get done. Hopefully I can sweat out some weight! Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I make it down to 143 at least tomorrow!

Well, I'm calling it quits tonight. I'll try and update tomorrow at the airport or something! It may just be a one-liner, but I'll get something out! Thanks so much for reading, and thinking of me as I go through this awesome journey! I can't wait to tell y'all what BMT was like, and soon Tech School! Have an AMAZING Air Force evening! <3

I've Got Chills...They're Multiplyin'

Wow. Just…wow. As of today, I only have 3 full days left at home with my loved ones. Crazy how time flies, huh? I'll be leaving for the hotel around noon Monday. It's just...weird. I officially broke down and cried my eyes out last night. Thinking about spending those 2 months away from my husband got to me. I know I'll hardly have time to think about it, but it still blows.

I'm officially all packed up and ready to go. Well, the only things I'm lacking in my bag are make up and my comb. I'll put those in there Sunday night or Monday morning. I only have to lose 3 more pounds by Tuesday, so I'm doing pretty well on that front. I definitely need to PT more, though. I don't think it's possible at this point to do it too much. Every little bit will help! Unless I get injured, of course. But I won't let that happen!

It's weird to think that my 4thers from the September group did their Airman's run this morning, and will officially be Airmen come tomorrow! Then, 3 days after I arrive, my besties and 11thers will be graduating! Time has flown since they went, so I'm hoping it'll be the same for me.

I'd have to say the thing I'm most nervous for is BEAST week. I'm excited about it, because it's going to be badass, but I'm not looking forward to waking up and there potentially be a snake cuddling me. I have a feeling I won't get much sleep that week. Haha!

I think that what I'm most looking forward to, aside from actually graduating, is the O-Course and getting my ABU's and Blues. Doing the O-Course is going to be a big challenge for me. Not like I can't handle it, but I want to see what I'm actually capable of.

I think I'm going to make a post about what I'll be doing each WOT, that way y'all can kinda keep up! For now, though, I'm signing off. I'm about to attempt and see how many push ups I can do in a row. This is what I call fun now.

Happy Day After Halloween! Haha! =]

Are You There, Sleep? It's Me, Starr.

So I've been laying in bed for several hours now, hoping to get to sleep early for once. However, my nonstop mind had other plans.

I just had my first huge freak out about leaving! Well, not so much leaving as actually being there and doing everything! I have no idea why or how it came on tonight, but it did.

I'm down to 6 days before my feet touch San Antonio soil. Wow. Do y'all remember when I first got my ship date?! It seriously just feels like 2 weeks ago. Most people feel like it was forever ago, but not me. I'm so anxious/nervous/excited/scared. I have taken my PT regiment way too easy lately. I know I'll end up regretting it, too. And on top of that, I need to lose about 5 pounds by Tuesday. Gahhhh.

I feel like time is just dragging by now. In a week's time, I won't be in my own bed anymore. I won't get to cuddle my child (cat) or my husband. I won't be able to call my husband whenever I want. He's my best friend, and not being able to just pick up the phone to hear an encouraging word, or a simple "I love you" is going to be the worst. He's always gotten me through everything. He's my rock. Despite the problems we've encountered these last few months, he's always been there for me, and always will be. I don't think I'd be able to make it through this week, or BMT, without him. Those scarce phone calls are going to be my lifeline. If all I was ever allowed to say to him, and hear him say to me is "I love you", I would make it through. It would be enough.

Sorry for getting all mushy, but as my time at home draws to an end, I feel like my emotions are all over the place! I just have to remind myself, it's only 2 months of my entire life. And the result of it will be worth everything we have gone through.

Signing off for now! Hopefully I can get some rest! I'm planning on a nice, long PT session tomorrow! Good night, all!

Picking My Own Brain...A Collage Of Random Thoughts

Hey guys! Today officially marks exactly 2 weeks until I'm stepping off of that bus, onto Lackland AFB! Ahhhhhhhhh. I'm still super pumped, but the nerves have definitely set in.

I'm starting to miss my September shipper friends more and more!! I wish that they could be here for me to talk to about all of this! We were all really good at keeping each other distracted when we wanted to be, or getting serious and talking about how we're feeling, or what's going on in our lives. I've been in contact with them via mail, though! I haven't talked to my soulmate, Brittany, though. I never saw her address posted on her Facebook page, so that makes me sad. =[ I sure could use a good laugh, or even just a nice convo with her about anything. Which reminds me....PLL premieres tonight! I swore to her that I would watch it and fill her in on all the juicy details, but alas I cannot. I may just make an entire post dedicated to it, though, that way she can read all about it when she gets out of BMT!!

Anyway, I've had several "Oh Shit!" moments lately. From walking down the Christmas aisle at the store, to just looking at my oldest nephew, I realize how much I'm going to miss everything and everyone. My husband nearly gave me a heart attack yesterday when he informed me he was going to have to do the taxes alone this year. =\ Yeah. NO. I'm praying to have a relatively short Tech School that way I can get back before April 15 (coincidentally my oldest nephew's birthday =]) and file those taxes! My poor husband is having to take on a lot while I'll be gone. I've always handled the bills, and most of them are in my name. I'm the one that calls to get stuff taken care of when a company messes up our bill, or anything like that. I'm the one that pays our property taxes and has our vehicles assessed and then gets our tags renewed. I'm the one that goes grocery shopping and actually makes a list, a budget, and sticks to both. I do not fear that he won't be able to do it. I have complete faith in him. He can do it, without a doubt. But, I just feel like since he has to do everything by himself, he may become overwhelmed. It's a good thing he has his mom and my mom close by to help him with everything. I'm sure my recruiter could also provide him with a considerable amount of advice, since he's done it himself, and has put many married recruits through.

Now, I'm down to picking out jobs and bases. This is the one thing I've been procrastinating on. Which is ridiculous, I know. But, I keep saying, "Oh, I have plenty of time for that!" Well, two weeks away, and still nada. I've enlisted the help of my friend Lee, (see Interview with an Airman, part 2) to sort things out. He's researching a few jobs I wasn't sure of. Bless his heart.

Tomorrow, I get to go to one of the nearby colleges with my recruiter for a career fair! I'm rather excited about it. However, I'm not excited about my 0430 wake up call. I have to be at his office approx. 0630. Yikes! We have to get to the college (roughly an hour or so drive), set up our little booth, and be ready to go at 0800. Craziness. But, I'm happy to do it. I legit have the best recruiter out there, and he's helped me out so much through this process, that this is the least I could do. I plan on making him take a picture with me before I leave. Hahahahaha. That's another reason I'm hoping to have a rather short Tech School. His contract is up next year, and he expects to be gone from this area by July. I graduate BMT the beginning of January, and most of the jobs I'm looking at have a Tech School length of 1-2.5 months (just in class days, so we could probably say 3-4 months to be safe). That would put me arriving back home for RAP in May-ish. Fingers crossed!

Alright, time to call it to a close. Gotta get back to my research on jobs and bases that my husband wouldn't mind. =] Have a lovely Air Force day recruits!