Yippee! My first care package arrived today...mmmmmm how I love the maple cookies! I'm sure they'll be gone before the weekend arrives. And of course a little reminder of just how fabulous a family I have...miss you guys!
Off to a section bar-b-que this evening followed by a briefing on our trip to Philly and then homework. We went and visited the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in DC last night (of course my camera died as we got off the bus)...got an escort by the Secret Service through afternoon DC traffic. Now that's the way to travel, maybe I will make a run for president after all;-)
Always sobering to attend funerals and visit memorials, although it does give one a renewed sense of purpose. Hard to believe so many officers are listed there when you only hear about the handful from your state. I hope to post some photos when I get them from people whose cameras actually worked.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
DC Photos
Here are just a couple of photos from our trip to DC this past weekend. The first one is the outside of the National Archives where all the big documents are: Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation, etc. But since you are not allowed to take photos inside, all you get to see is the outside.
This second photo is the group of us that make the trek. For you Maine-iacs, the guy in the middle is from Waterville and is writing a weekly column for the paper there talking about his experience at the academy.
Quite clearly this is us with the Washington Monument in the background. This was before we decided to trek to the WWII memorial with is on the far side of the monument, notice some of us are still smiling!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I'm Melting...
Good gravy! Could it be ANY hotter. 106 degrees today BEFORE the heat index. And of course we thought today would be a great day to wander around the mall in D.C. We were able to gain express entry into the National Archives Museum, ahead of about 4,000 boy scouts. Who knew it was boy scout jamboree week?
We then oozed our way past the Washington Monument and over to the WW II memorial. By that time we'd had enough of the heat and decided to quit for the day. It's currently cooled down to a brisk 101 and heading out to dinner OFF base and a quick trip to Target. Then, homework night.
We then oozed our way past the Washington Monument and over to the WW II memorial. By that time we'd had enough of the heat and decided to quit for the day. It's currently cooled down to a brisk 101 and heading out to dinner OFF base and a quick trip to Target. Then, homework night.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Week 2
So, it's been somewhat of a trying week thus far, even though it's only Tuesday. That is due mostly to the forensice sciences class that I'm taking and the fact that at times I'd much rather be at home where Viana got her first swimming pool this week.
The forensics class has dealt with a number of fairly gruesome cases (OJ Simpson as one) and others involving children as the victims. It is truly amazing what human beings can do to each other. We also looked at the Michael Jackson case, Chandra Levy and James Byrd to name just a few (OJ's guilty by the way!). Of course some of these hit closer to home now having a child of my very own, but still fascinating cases.
On the brighter side we at our physical training evaluation test today which consisted of a variety of measurements including height, weight, blood pressure, grip strength, body fat (12.9% woo-hoo!) push-ups, planks and a 1.5 mile timed run. I managed to finish the run in 9:27, first for my section, despite the ridiculous humidity. So the good news is I'm in pretty good shape still. Tomorrow starts the beginning of a series of fitness challenges all of which lead up to the famed 6-mile Yellow Brick Road obstacle course. Tomorrow's challenge is titled "You're not in Kansas anymore!" I'm not sure what that means, but it's only a 1.8 mile run so how hard could it possibly be...right?
Alexis' has been asked whether I'm enjoying myself here. Aside from missing the family terribly, yes, absolutely! The instruction is second to none, the "students" are great and incredibly diverse, and the fitness opportunity affords a nice break. It will be nice to get off base this weekend if possible, just for a change of pace. But yes, I have no doubt this will be a one of a kind experience when it's all said and done...I just wish it was in San Diego :-)
The forensics class has dealt with a number of fairly gruesome cases (OJ Simpson as one) and others involving children as the victims. It is truly amazing what human beings can do to each other. We also looked at the Michael Jackson case, Chandra Levy and James Byrd to name just a few (OJ's guilty by the way!). Of course some of these hit closer to home now having a child of my very own, but still fascinating cases.
On the brighter side we at our physical training evaluation test today which consisted of a variety of measurements including height, weight, blood pressure, grip strength, body fat (12.9% woo-hoo!) push-ups, planks and a 1.5 mile timed run. I managed to finish the run in 9:27, first for my section, despite the ridiculous humidity. So the good news is I'm in pretty good shape still. Tomorrow starts the beginning of a series of fitness challenges all of which lead up to the famed 6-mile Yellow Brick Road obstacle course. Tomorrow's challenge is titled "You're not in Kansas anymore!" I'm not sure what that means, but it's only a 1.8 mile run so how hard could it possibly be...right?
Alexis' has been asked whether I'm enjoying myself here. Aside from missing the family terribly, yes, absolutely! The instruction is second to none, the "students" are great and incredibly diverse, and the fitness opportunity affords a nice break. It will be nice to get off base this weekend if possible, just for a change of pace. But yes, I have no doubt this will be a one of a kind experience when it's all said and done...I just wish it was in San Diego :-)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
First Weekend
Well, I figured it was about time to attach some photos to add to the ambiance of the whole academy experience. This first photo is of my running partner from this evening's run. Actually there are deer all over the base and most of them barely take notice when you run by. In fact, the other day I was running on the track and there were two deer literally munching away right next to the track!They wander throughout the facility just munching away. Rumor has it that they know that they are protected on the base which is why they don't scurry off. Makes for interesting scenery at least.
The second photo is Lunga Lake at sunset. This lake is right next to the academy and there is a four mile running route along the northern edge of the lake. We've been out there a number of times in the morning, and it's amazing how damp and humid it is. During the day it just gets hot and humid, but at least there is plenty of shade. No telling yet if one is allowed to swim in the lake.
This was the first weekend and a number of the local folk went home. Some others went out exploring some of the local sights. I went to Fredricksburg with two of my suitmates, but not to see any of the historic sights. One of our classes actually takes us on a behind the scenes tour, so we get to save some money there. Instead we used it as an excuse to escape the compound.
It was nice to relax a little bit, sleep in, and do some swimming and running. Oh yeah, I also managed to do a little work for my classes knocking out three writing assignments. I figure if I get ahead of some of my class work now, then I won't have to stress about them come finals time and I can enjoy the scenery while everyone else is locked in the library.
I got more very cute photos from home, my favorite was Viana playing with a bubble maker, too cute! And for those of you who haven't heard Viana has hit the big time, one of her photo shoots for a company called Infantino wound her on the cover of the package for one of their carry slings! Yea Viana. She now officially makes more money per hour than either of her parents! Not bad for 18-months.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
One Week Down...
...Nine to go!
Well, made it through week one with no major trauma, except for that hellacious thunder storm Wednesday night. For a while there we thought we were taking incoming artillery rounds from the Marines! I don't think I've ever experience thunder like that...for you Californians it sounded much like that earthquake we had a few weeks back!
Classes are looking good, very interesting topics and all of the instructors seem very good. The physical training has yet to start in earnest and it should be interesting. They have a flag warning system here to alert you as to how safe (or unsafe) it is to engage in outdoor activity. It goes from green on the safe side, to red "not recommended" to black "what are you nuts?!?" Thus far, of the six days this week, it's been either red or black every day.
A number of us have decided to exercise in the morning before it gets ridiculously hot. This morning I went for a nine mile run with a guy from Austin Texas and another from Los Angeles Harbor. By the time we got back I might as well have just stepped out of the shower I was that soaked!
We have our first official PT session on Tuesday with a weigh-in (yikes), body fat test, push ups, planks and timed 1.5 mile run. Should be intersting. In the meantime many people are exploring the pool and the blue brick challenge (swim 34 miles in 10-weeks). It's fairly entertaining watching some very large and imposing officers make their way across a swimming pool.
Missing the family a lot, although Alexis has been sending me photos of the giant beetles and record heat that apparently has moved into San Diego since I left (not may fault, I swear!). And of course photos of little miss Viana who just turned 18-months! Man time flies.
Heading back out to town this afternoon to try and buy some shorts. No one told us we were allowed to wear shorts on the weekends, so that along with water have been the hot sellers at the local Walmart. Hopefully will also be able to track down a camera so I can post some photos.
Well, made it through week one with no major trauma, except for that hellacious thunder storm Wednesday night. For a while there we thought we were taking incoming artillery rounds from the Marines! I don't think I've ever experience thunder like that...for you Californians it sounded much like that earthquake we had a few weeks back!
Classes are looking good, very interesting topics and all of the instructors seem very good. The physical training has yet to start in earnest and it should be interesting. They have a flag warning system here to alert you as to how safe (or unsafe) it is to engage in outdoor activity. It goes from green on the safe side, to red "not recommended" to black "what are you nuts?!?" Thus far, of the six days this week, it's been either red or black every day.
A number of us have decided to exercise in the morning before it gets ridiculously hot. This morning I went for a nine mile run with a guy from Austin Texas and another from Los Angeles Harbor. By the time we got back I might as well have just stepped out of the shower I was that soaked!
We have our first official PT session on Tuesday with a weigh-in (yikes), body fat test, push ups, planks and timed 1.5 mile run. Should be intersting. In the meantime many people are exploring the pool and the blue brick challenge (swim 34 miles in 10-weeks). It's fairly entertaining watching some very large and imposing officers make their way across a swimming pool.
Missing the family a lot, although Alexis has been sending me photos of the giant beetles and record heat that apparently has moved into San Diego since I left (not may fault, I swear!). And of course photos of little miss Viana who just turned 18-months! Man time flies.
Heading back out to town this afternoon to try and buy some shorts. No one told us we were allowed to wear shorts on the weekends, so that along with water have been the hot sellers at the local Walmart. Hopefully will also be able to track down a camera so I can post some photos.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Quantico-Day One
First day of classes done, no complaints. It's amazing how many people have been out of school for so long and are stressing about term papers and research papers. I've got one class left to see how much work I really get to do.
Hit the pool tonight for a (not so easy) 2 miles. That makes a grand total of 3. Hard to believe one person is already at 5-1/2, yikes! Won't have PT until Thursday morning so until then its back out onto the trails tomorrow morning.
Getting to know a few more folks: A fish and game warden from Georgia, a Lt from Colorado State, and numerous (count that NUMEROUS) folks from the south...y'all. If I don't come home speaking with a southern drawl it'll be a miracle. Off to bed, hopefully will add a few photos tomorrow.
Hit the pool tonight for a (not so easy) 2 miles. That makes a grand total of 3. Hard to believe one person is already at 5-1/2, yikes! Won't have PT until Thursday morning so until then its back out onto the trails tomorrow morning.
Getting to know a few more folks: A fish and game warden from Georgia, a Lt from Colorado State, and numerous (count that NUMEROUS) folks from the south...y'all. If I don't come home speaking with a southern drawl it'll be a miracle. Off to bed, hopefully will add a few photos tomorrow.
Arrival at Quantico
Hello all. As many of you know I (Lamine) am attending a 10-week training course at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, and for those of you who care to follow along I will attempt to provide some updates.
I have wanted to attend this course almost since I started my career, just figures that I finally get the opportunity now that Viana has joined our family:-( So being away for that long will be tough (send happy thoughts Alexis' way). A quick shout-out to super-birth-instructor Alexis for helping our friend Susan through the birth of her first child, a little girl who arrived this past weekend! Great job Susan!
Anyway, after arriving Saturday following a delayed flight I've spent the past few days settling in and getting used to dorm life. I feel like I'm back in college again with one roommate and two other suitemates sharing one bathroom...yippee! Monday was a painful admin day, but today has been better with the start of classes. My classes are a mix of undergraduate and graduate level classes that are accredited through the University of Virginia and include a mix of dealing with the media, leadership, organizational change, forensic science and more media relations (I'm the public information officer for my department).
Those of you who live on the east coast already know this, but it's awful humid back here! So far the temperature has cooperated, only getting up to 96 on Sunday. Hopefully that will hold since we also have a LOT of physical training to do. Fortunately I've found a bunch of other crazies who like to run and I'm trying to convince people to get in the pool as well. We have two physical challenges: one is the famed Yellow Brick Road which is a 6-mile obstacle course (the same one that Jodie Foster ran in Silence of the Lambs) and the second is the less well known Blue Brick Challenge which is to swim 34 miles over the course of the 10 weeks. So far I've gone one mile!
If anyone has any good suggestions for what to do on the weekends I would love some ideas, because although we are planning some trips back and forth I will still have to spend some weekends here and would prefer not to be trapped in the dorms.
That's all for now, hopefully more updates to follow. Best wishes to everyone.
I have wanted to attend this course almost since I started my career, just figures that I finally get the opportunity now that Viana has joined our family:-( So being away for that long will be tough (send happy thoughts Alexis' way). A quick shout-out to super-birth-instructor Alexis for helping our friend Susan through the birth of her first child, a little girl who arrived this past weekend! Great job Susan!
Anyway, after arriving Saturday following a delayed flight I've spent the past few days settling in and getting used to dorm life. I feel like I'm back in college again with one roommate and two other suitemates sharing one bathroom...yippee! Monday was a painful admin day, but today has been better with the start of classes. My classes are a mix of undergraduate and graduate level classes that are accredited through the University of Virginia and include a mix of dealing with the media, leadership, organizational change, forensic science and more media relations (I'm the public information officer for my department).
Those of you who live on the east coast already know this, but it's awful humid back here! So far the temperature has cooperated, only getting up to 96 on Sunday. Hopefully that will hold since we also have a LOT of physical training to do. Fortunately I've found a bunch of other crazies who like to run and I'm trying to convince people to get in the pool as well. We have two physical challenges: one is the famed Yellow Brick Road which is a 6-mile obstacle course (the same one that Jodie Foster ran in Silence of the Lambs) and the second is the less well known Blue Brick Challenge which is to swim 34 miles over the course of the 10 weeks. So far I've gone one mile!
If anyone has any good suggestions for what to do on the weekends I would love some ideas, because although we are planning some trips back and forth I will still have to spend some weekends here and would prefer not to be trapped in the dorms.
That's all for now, hopefully more updates to follow. Best wishes to everyone.
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