I finally finished my PRT (Physical Readiness Test) that every service member of the Navy (Reserve and Active Duty) must complete twice a year. It consists of a timed 1.5 mile run (or the optional 450 meter swim that I opted for), 2 minutes of push-ups, and 2 mintues of sit-ups. They also weigh you in to make sure you are within weight standards. I have been training for this for the last month, and harder the last two weeks since I finished my P90X. Unfortunately, I forgot to "train for the test" and did not do push-ups and sit-ups before the swim in my practice sessions. So, I ended up being very disappointed with my time of 45 seconds slower in the swim than my slowest practice time in the last month! Oh well, I averaged out to "outstanding" which is still the highest category but my goal was to get that level in all the events, not just my average of all three. I think I will run in the Fall.
Since I was done with that, I figured I could start enjoying the "island life" again, though, and went diving with my buddy Jason. It was sunny, warm, the water was warm and the visibility was over 120 feet! Awesome! Some folks from the ER are planning a deep sea fishing charter trip soon and a dive trip to the Keramas, a nearby group of islands. Can't wait. I have also been trying to go out and experience some more of the "culinary delights" here and went to a great Thai restaurant last week and we are planning a trip to a "Noodle" restaurant this week. I have also been following "The Pacific" (very violent and realistic) and LOST (still managing to get weirder with every episode). I was able to watch the final episode of ER and it brought back lots of memories of the last 15 years as I truly "grew up" (in my ER career) with the show, as Carter was an intern when I was, too!
While I was busy saving lives and diving, I did miss Benjamin's first Prom:( He and his best friend AJ (looking like "Mutt and Jeff") are getting ready to board their bus (party bus???). Where are their dates, though?
In addition, I missed Ben and Morgan's Confirmation that same day. I did get some pictures sent to me, though, so I could "live vicariously." Also that day Morgan and Steph got to attend a quinceanera of one of her friends. They had a great time.
Benjamin visited UofA last week and had a great time. He and Steph are at NAU on a trip right now. He wore shorts and a t-shirt to the UofA visit and will probably be in his ski gear tomorrow at his NAU visit as it just snowed last week in Flagstaff! I figure that is good for him to experience NAU with snow to see if he likes it.
I have already been here for over 4 months, and will soon reach the halfway point. It is only another six weeks before Steph and the kids get to experience "Space-A" flying on military transports to come over to mainland Japan and visit. We plan on visiting Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, and the Navy base Atsugi where Steph's cousin's taught one summer! I can't wait.
Until the next blog..........
LCDR Butler
Sounds like you are having a great time, Brad! Congrats on your PRT, it sounds like you did outstanding!! :) I know you were bummed to miss Ben's prom and Ben and Morgan's confirmation. I amsure they are very excited to come visit Japan soon! We hiked Mount Fuji when we were in Atsugi. It was actually Anna's 21st bday and we hiked a few bottles of bubbly to the top with us and celebrated her bday at the top of Mt. Fujji! So very fun! :) We also visited Osaka, loved it!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to keep you and all service members in our prayers.
Kayren