Ready or not, here I go!

Ten hours later, 690 miles later, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Alabama. The drive wasn't really all that bad. Having the mindset of a very long drive makes it not so bad, like flying to Australia. :) I had some nice phone conversations with people, some nice conversations with myself, some long monotone yells, some silence, and lots of singing.

On my way, I realized I'm starting an entirely new and different chapter of my life. As I said before, I've been in school foreverrrrrr. It's like I am finally starting in the real world. Although I guess you could argue the military isn't the 'real' real world. But still, it's something new, the culmination of my education up to this point. Yes, I really just want to look at eyes, but this is exciting too; eventually I'll be a Captain to my fullest ability as well as an optometrist.

I keep saying how weird this is. I mean, I went to school eight years to be an eye doctor, and now I am in Alabama getting ready for officer training. Seems like the furthest I could be from eye exams. It's the weird parts of life that keep it interesting though.

Taking the advice of the ever-wise Kim, I refreshed myself on a few Bible verses to keep me going when things get tough. My favorite is always Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That will be the verse I'm sure that will carry me through these tough days ahead. :)

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and especially all the prayers! (and the review of my armor, mom)

Off I go into the wild blue yonder. :)

Final days at home continued

I think I'm finally packed up. I feel like I have no idea what I was supposed to really bring/pack for training. Guess I'll figure that out when I get there. I don't know if I could ever really feel ready for this.

Today my parents, Heather and I went up to Frankfort, where we usually go during the summer. It was a foggy, slightly chilly day, but fun. I'm glad we were able to go up there as a family (minus Dustin and Carrie) one more time. I got to get stocked up on Gwen Frostic prints and walk out to the lighthouse again, as well as exploring Point Betsie.

It's my last night at home. Tomorrow I take off for the majority of my drive Alabama. At least I'll be in my new car, so that will be fun. If anyone ever feels like driving from Michigan to Texas, feel free to bring my cat!! Now it's time to get some sleep so I don't sleep while driving. :)

Final days at home

Well, the movers came Thursday this week. It was kind of fun to just sit and watch other people haul my stuff around. I watched them move my giant tote of photo albums, which there are a lot of them (not as much as my sister though...). I couldn't help but remember how many times I've dragged that thing around and finally I have someone else doing it. Kind of cool. I felt like I should have been helping, but instead I sat on a log and yawned, signed my name on the line when they were done.

The fact that they loaded my very small apartment sized collection of things onto a semi also made me smile. Fortunately, mom had kindly helped me spend a bunch of my money on a big bedroom set and a kitchen table. So at least there were some bigger furniture items to help fill the truck. I'm really looking forward to getting to base and being able to set up my apartment and unpack all my stuff. Some things I haven't seen for over a year (thanks to the frequent moving required during my clinical rotations), other things, like my new bed, I haven't even been able to use yet. It will be a little like Christmas, but hot... because it will be Texas, and June.

Today I finished packing and have most of the paperwork done that will be required the first few days at COT. I found some really helpful blogs about COT, as well as a facebook group, with loads of info. I kind of wish I would have found these sooner. Sounds like I could have packed a lot more than I did. I remember when my friend, Anne, was leaving for training when she started in the Air Force. Andrea and I were at her house, watching her pack the bare essentials into a duffle bag. So I did the same. Oh well, I'm sure anything I'll need I can get at the store on base.

I'm feeling a bit more excited about starting this adventure now that I kind of know what to expect. Still nervous and sad to leave my family and friends, but definitely more optimistic. :)

Getting Started

I graduated from optometry school in early May. I've spent my entire life (that I can remember) being in school, so it's weird to be done. I mean, what will I do with my free time without feeling guilty for not studying? I'm sure I'll find a variety of new things to fill my time. I haven't had any trouble so far.

At some point during school, I signed up for the Air Force. It was one of the those things (which I believe God had a strong hand in) that I just kept feeling prompted to do. So I started filling out papers, then interviewed, then next thing I knew I was in front of my class, and mom, being sworn in. While my family had reservations about this decision, I think they have accepted it now and support me.

Two years later, I'm done with school and preparing for COT (Commissioned Officer Training) in Alabama for 5 weeks. After which I'm heading to Texas (but I love the snow!!) where I will spend the next 1-3 years. I've also been running around getting together my application for my Texas optometry license, and all the papers needed for COT and various Air Force offices.

Whew, and I thought life would calm down a little with school and boards being done. But, eh, who wants a calm life. :)

Bring it on.