Updating...

Well, I've been a bit busy the last couple days, but here's the rundown.

My last post was Tuesday the 1st. Since then I've completed my ROTC Orientation, visited the Crittendens with my parents, and relaxed at home for two days to grab a few more things and hang out with a few friends before I head off again to college.

ROTC Orientation went well. Day 1 consisted of some basic briefings, designed mainly to instill some of the necessary protocols in us cadets. Basically, I learned that every time I see another military member I'm supposed to greet them based on time of day, and that I'm going to be saying "Sir" a lot. Nothing too weird. Also on that day I took the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.) Four hours long, it wasn't too hard, but it certainly wasn't a walk in the park. It was like the ACT but tested quick thinking as well as regular knowledge. We ended Orientation for the day with some basic drilling on standing at attention, saluting, and the like.

Adding to the adventures of Wednesday, boredom led me to leave my room with a few guys from my hall. We'd reached the other end of central campus before meeting up with a guy who was also apparently from our hall who was heading to a frat party. I was bored, and figured such a party might be interesting provided I avoided the prodigious amounts of alcohol in the are. Luckily for me, the place I went to was not having a party and what I got instead was a tour of a 4-story mansion. Biggest frat house I've ever seen. Strongest scent of alcohol and stickiest floor I've ever experienced as well. Was an interesting experience though.

Thursday was similar to Wednesday, albeit I replaced the 4-hour test with several other information briefings and some team-building/leadership type activities. We drilled a bit more, then marched as a group to the Arboretum where, in a large field, we enjoyed yet more team-building activities designed to make us think a bit. It was pretty fun, and we marched back and finished out the day pretty simply.

Thursday night was much less exciting, the high point being me wandering the Cemetery near our dorm to pass the time. We got a bit lost.

Friday was... interesting. Getting up at 7:30, we went straight into a Warrior run. We ran, did some pushups and situps, ran, did a stair run that combined with leg exercises, and then ran some more. Maybe a mile and a half total. Good news is, it was fairly easy, though my legs were a bit tired. I filled out some paperwork after for my scholarship, then was officially sworn in to the Air Force. You may now call me "Cadet." It's my official title, and my pay grade is E-1. Yes, I'm getting paid. We ended the day meeting the Crittendens, and a few other friends of my parents. I might have enjoyed it more if I didn't sleep for small pieces of it several times throughout the night. I was pretty darn tired.

And thus, my first week at Michigan ended. I'll be heading up tomorrow to help Mike move in, and then classes will begin the day after.

HOO-A!