This Post is for You

(The person who this title is meant for knows it because I have been constantly bugged to post something!)

I'm on my last day of Spring Break. Where has all the time gone!?! I'm just about to head off to church at 0915 and I'm leaving at 1500. I have had an amazing break. I know I haven't written in a while, so I'll give you a brief overview of everything happening up until break...
The two weeks of school before break were what we call "Thayer weeks" - weeks filled with tests, quizzes, papers, and lots of stress. For example, I had about 3 WPRs, two HUGE papers, and more. I didn't even have it that bad, though. There were others who had it much worse. However, on top of my school work, I had my APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test). Now, in the army, you just have to pass this test. In West Point, they grade you on it. I was really nervous about this because my push-ups were horrible up until this point and I hadn't even done a sit-up in forever and all I did for running was what we did in practice (which was mostly sprints - not the kind of training you want for a two mile run). To say the least, I was quite anxious, as were most of my teammates. However, when it came to testing time, I managed to pump out 92 push-ups, 79 sit-ups, and a 13:59 two mile. Unfortunately, the two-mile is what kept me from getting a 322 (An A). You see, if you want to have a max score, you have to max everything. I maxed sit-ups by one, push-ups by a lot, and I didn't max the run, so, instead, my score ended up being a 286. I must say, though, that I was quite pleased after only expecting a 250ish score.
After those two intense weeks, we had PPW (Plebe Parent Weekend). It was actually a blast. All the upperclassmen left on Friday, and plebes had reign over campus. It actually kinda stunk because we lost 2 and a half days of spring leave, but we survived. It was good, though. My mom came up with her parents and we had a good time. They got to see my classrooms, Arvin (the best place at West Point), and my barracks. Saturday night we had our PPW Banquet. It was pretty sweet. One of my good friends, Courtney, even agreed to be my date for the night even after being sick the week leading up to the banquet (and still recovering at that time) and being exhausted from her sister's bridal shower earlier that day. I got to introduce her and my mom to many of my friends that they had heard about, but they can now put a name with a face. I had a really good time, but the best part was the next morning when we got to go home!!
Sunday, I don't really even remember. We dropped Courtney off, and I don't even remember the rest. I think I just relaxed and hung out with my family. I needed the recovery. Monday, I took my sister out of school early for a little shopping/movie date. It was a lot of fun going around with her when we both had some money to spend. It actually made it enjoyable, rather than the window shopping we usually do. I also got to hang out (till one in the morning) with one of my buddies from highschool. We took a late night golf-cart ride, hit up some cherry slushies, watched some movies - just like old times. Tuesday, I just hung out at home until we went to some family friends' house for dinner and some games. After that I headed over to my second favorite place to be while I'm home, the Swingle's house. I actually hit up there place three times this week. (for those who don't know, this is Courtney's family). We just hung out and caught up. Wednesday my mom and I went to Perkin's for breakfast (AMAZING!), and then headed out to knock out some more shopping. This was probably the best day of shopping ever; my mom and I went to pick up my long awaited handgun. I went to get a Walther P22 (yeah, James Bond getting a Walther), but I ended up getting a much better one for just a little more. I got a Browning Buckmark .22LR. I have been wanting a handgun for the longest time, especially with the pending ban. I'm stoked. Anyway, I'll touch more on that in just a second. Wednesday night my mom's brother and his daughter came up. We just hung out and had an incredible steak dinner. Thursday we went ice skating with him at the Ice Box (check out the video below). It was a lot of fun, my younger brother and cousin learned how to skate, and they both did an amazing job! (They were even using single-blades.) That night we played a little Mario Kart on the Wii, watched transformers, and crashed. He left early Friday morning, and all I was doing was anticipating going shooting with Mr. Swingle and Bryan later that day. I got to shoot my Buckmark, and I absolutely loved it. I'm still working on my consistency, but I guess its pretty accurate. I also got to shoot Mr. Swingle's .17. That is one amazing rifle. I'm actually checking one out right now. (Which my mom isn't too keen on.) But anyway, we shot for a while, and then headed into the warmth of the house and the smell of Tacos. We ate, hung out, and then watched "Enemy of the State." Saturday was a day spent with Isaac. He was at school 4 days this week, and he is usually only there for three, so I didn't get much time with him. So, all day Saturday I chilled with him. We built forts, shot Nerf guns, built a train track, played football, helped ride his bike, and tons more. It was awesome. That night, I headed over to the Swingle's house agian. Played some games (yeah, I know more Disney trivia than I thought), chekced out the stars, which were amazing last night, and talked for a long time.
It was a fantastic week, but I am somewhat ready to go back. I need to get back in shape after eating all of the food I ate this week. My buddy Standley and I plan on getting up at 0530 and working out pretty much every morning. He's already in great shape, and I'm trying to work on my cardio. Again, I had an awesome time, and I love being home. Sometimes I feel like I could definitely get used to it again. But I know that God is using me and is going to use me in ways that I don't understand.
One more thing I'd like to highlight. While I was talking to my friend this weekend, she said something that got me thinking. I really don't remember just what she said, it was more of the whole conversation. I basically started thinking about this past year. I have probably struggled more than I ever have before, and I have fallen way too many times. But I am learning so much about God's grace and mercy, and I believe that God is using this year, my first year away from the protection of my home, to strengthen the foundations of what I believe and to use my experiences (some that I am not incredibly proud of) to shape and mold me.
If you want to pray for me, here are a few things that I am struggling with/working on. Please pray that I can maintain a consistent quiet time. Please pray that I make Godly decisions so that my actions may portray Christ's love that my classmates may see a difference in my life. Please pray for my attitudes and motivation concerning my life as a West Point cadet as I try to see how God wants me to use this experience to be a witness for Him and to grow, instead of being cynical towards it (as it is so easy to get caught up in). Please pray that I guard my heart and mind from the many things that are constantly thrown at me.
Alright, so this time, I'll try to post a little earlier. I definitely don't want to get nagged again. This coming week will be interesting as I get back into the routine, but it'll be fine. I'll be home in three weeks again for Bryan & Katie's wedding (which will be amazing!).


It was my uncle's idea...

**"Stop telling God what He already knows! Somebody ask Him for something!"** ~ Ed Underwood