Week 20

Sorry everyone, it has been too long. I just got caught up with everything and I went home twice (I think) since my last entry). So lets get this rolling.

Well our seniors graduated and that was bittersweet. It was great/motivating seeing them graduate, but it was terrible also because them graduating only meant that we had "hell week" the following week. And hell week started off cold.....27 degrees and snow! PT at 0445 was not fun, not at all. My body up to this point (week 17 was hell week) was already pretty beat up. By Wednesday, I was broken. My body was destroyed. Being that I am in C company, of course we got in trouble the most and were beat up on the most. Thursday, my left IT band around the outside of my left knee started acting up. I was in absolutely horrible pain. Friday was even worse; I had to run through the pain. I passed high speed driving on my 3rd attempt and because of this, I was advised by one of the officers to just "run through the pain" since I've made it this far and it would be a shame to go home after all this time, especially after passing high speed driving.

The very next week, we got oc sprayed (pepper spray)......without a doubt it was the most painful experience of my life! We get sprayed in the face, then we had to get down and pump out 20 pushups. Fastest pushpus I've ever done. Then, the person holding us walks over to get hosed off by a fire hose which was also horrible because you feel like you're getting water boarded. Then, as soon as I got out of line the burning continues and I got right back in line! The effects last about an hour (varies per person though) and its horrible. The spray will actually dry on your face and will re-activate during a "hot shower." So, that being said, if you ever get OC'd, DON'T TAKE A HOT SHOWER.

The next weekend, we got exposed to CS gas. There is a cadet with a gas mask in front of you; you are to put your hands on his/her shoulder and they guide you though the room where the gas grenades are exploded. Now, it takes about 30 seconds to walk though and I held my breath until I was about 5 ft from the end. I figured I should probably take a whiff of the gas just so that I know what it feels like....yeah no bueno. The gas closes your airways and makes you drool like a dog and your sinuses will clear out...completely. Snot will be pouring out of your face, it's really awesome (it's really not). However, the effects only lasted about 30 seconds on me so it wasn't too bad. I'd take CS gas 10 times before I would take oc again.

One week later, we got tased. You can volunteer to get shot with the taser or they'll hook up alligator clips to the taser, and hook the other end of them to you. Mine were hooked to my ankle and left shoulder so that I'd get full body lock up. You are tased for 5 seconds.....longest 5 seconds of my life!!! It was horrible, horrible pain. I swear I counted like 20 seconds! But not a peep came out of me, so I was proud of myself.

Lets see, what else....I think I've certified for everything I've needed to certify for physical methods of arrest. The only really big things left are scenarios and driving. I have my 4th component of driving this Sunday.

OH! We find out where we're getting assigned to probably by Wednesday. BUT, please don't ask where I'm going because even when I do find out, I'm not telling anyone. I'm not saying a word until I've passed everything and I know I'm graduating. So around week 24...I should know. :)

Anyway, that's all I have for now. Sorry for the long delay between blogs....I'll be more consistent. If y'all have any questions, please ask. Happy new year everyone!