Basic Training Update

Hello, everyone.

Sam here. I'm sorry I haven't been posting a lot more; I've only gotten two letters from Allegra since she left for Basic. Here's an update of what I've heard from her so far:

• She wishes the workouts were harder and more exciting.
• She has found her Battle Buddy, who will be going to the same AIT where Allegra will get her Medic training.
• At some point, she sustained some kind of injury, the nature of which I can't seem to remember. (I will ask her in my next letter, since I somehow managed to end up in Canada without the letters I thought I had carefully packed in my backpack.) Whatever it was, it sounded like something to watch out for and take care of but not something too awful. I think it was an infected blister and she has to get new boots, but I'm not 100% positive...
• She really didn't like the gas chamber during the first phase of training.
• She didn't know she had a fear of heights until she repelled down a wall that was (I think) 70 feet high.
• An all-girls barracks is apparently FULL of dramatic people fresh out of high school, which Allegra can't stand. (I don't blame her for this one at all.)
• She misses everyone from home, friends and family, and wants more letters!
• Here is the address you can send them to:
• PFC Ramirez, Allegra 
• C1-31 FA 3rd Plt. 
• 6007 Rothwell St. 
• Ft. Sill, OK 73503 

If you do send her a letter, please be sure to fill it with encouragement and love. I know she'll appreciate it!

Honestly, I think she's actually pretty happy there. Once she goes off to her Medic training, I think she'll be even happier. (Less drama from younger girls fresh out of high school, more stuff to learn.)

I'm really excited for her! I hope y'all are, too.

If you have any questions you would like for me to include in my next couple of letters to her, please let me know!

Cheers,
Sam

Off to Basic

Howdy!

This is Allegra's friend Sam. We've been friends since we could crawl (even though I'm pretty sure neither of us really remembers the details of those days). Before she decided to join the Army, Allegra called me and asked what I thought about the military and what I would think if she decided to join one of the branches. I told her I thought that would be an amazing and exciting thing for her to do, and that I thought the life would suit her well. Her dad went to West Point and was in the military for some time, and I knew when she told me she wanted to follow in his footsteps that that was the right choice for her. I told her I thought it was the piece of the puzzle she had been so frustrated to not know for so long.

We chatted for a few days about how we had both had a serious interest in joining the military for a long time. Though I am currently driven to finish music school and trying to figure out next steps in my professional life as a musician, until she enlisted Allegra had been working to become a nurse and was beginning to feel miserable because she felt some element was still missing. So when she told me becoming a Combat Medic was something she wanted to do, I supported her 100% in pursuing that dream.

Now the day has come when my friend is going somewhere I cannot. Basic Training starts for her at Fort Sill today, and because her path is now so decidedly separate from my own I cannot be her Partner in Crime anymore. I can't be there to watch her transformation from civilian to soldier. I can't be there after Basic is over, to watch her back or to remind her when she's feeling down of all the people back home who love her. I can't help her heal the wounded or carry the bodies of the fallen off the battlefield. All I can do is support her from my dorm room in Nashville, and hope like all the rest of you who are reading this blog that she is successful and happy learning what her future will hold.

That future starts today.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and send her some good energy and some good snail mail in the days ahead. Those things will keep her going even longer than the food and water she will consume to keep her body healthy; your support and love from afar will give her the spiritual strength to continue when others would be defeated. I know that for the next few years I will be telling her in every way I can that she will always be my friend, that I love and support her no matter what, and that I'm excited for her to be pursuing her dreams.

Thank you, PFC Ramirez, for your service to this country. Hooah!

Over and out.

-Sam

5 days

oh
my
goodness
!!

5DAYS!

It's right around the corner, i can see the starting line. it's right there. I can see it. This new adventure i am about to embark on is starting. Really starting, in 5 days. I know that the night before i ship out, i will probably not sleep. at all. I will be so incredibly nervous and excited, that i won't be able to sleep. This is so crazy, that we are finally hitting the destination. 

You know, i have to say. I am really lucky. i have an amazing support system of amazing family, friends, and old co workers. I also feel so lucky that at the young age of 22 almost 23 all of my dreams are finally coming true. After putting off the army for so long, i've finally achieved it. And then i will get my nursing degree soon after that. Then...well. A couple other dreams of mine came true over the last few months as well. 

There is so much that i want to talk about in this blog. I just don't know where to begin. So, instead i will just go on a rambling session. Which may i add, i am quite good at. 

I didn't think that the day would ever come that i would finally be at the single digits. we are right there. right there. The next 4 years are probably going to change my life. And everyone keeps saying that the experience will change a part of me and that i will come back a changed person. So, we shall see about that one. And on some level i hope that it doesnt change me too much. Because overall, i do like who i am as a person. Which i have to say, is pretty amazing that i can say that. A lot of people in todays society can't say that. 

And on another note. Even though i have been through a lot in my childhood, and had a bit of a rocky upbringing. My life has turned out pretty amazing. And i've turned into a decent person i would say. I don't smoke, i don't do drugs, i drink only occasionaly. Plus, i have amazing family and friends. What more could someone ask for?

Well, i think that is long enough of a ramble for today. 
Allegra

"make a wish and place it in your heart, anything you want, everything you want. do you have it? good. now believe it can come true. , you never know where the next miracle can come from. the next smile. the next wish come true. but if you believe that its right around the corner, and if you open your heart and mind to the possiblilty of it. to the certainity to it. you just might get the thing you’re wishing for . the world is full of magic you just have to believe in it. so make your wish. do you have it? good. now believe in it, with all your heart."

7 days!

Hey all, 

Oh mylanta! it's almost there. Crunch time! we are exactly one week away from when i ship off to basic training! So damn exciting, thrilling, nerve wracking, and a number of other things. 

This last week i am dedicated to spending with friends, family and other loved ones. I have to say, i must be pretty lucky if i'm having to schedule people in to spend time with them before i leave, right? I'm one lucky gal i must say. 

I have a lot of stuff to do this week. Sigh. Like selling my car. And transferring the title and all that jazz. it'll be a sad day. And packing up more stuff and all that good stuff. I'll be coming home for 2 weeks before i go to my first duty station. So, i should have some time to get that taken care of. 

What else can i ramble about? 

well, thats it for now. 
Allegra

"When I hear the call, there is nothing that will stop me from my mission.

I will fight to your position, risking life and limb, and destroying any enemy crazy enough to think he is going to get between me and my objective.

Once there, I will do everything and anything to get you out of harm's way. I will never stop until I've done so, no matter the risk.

I'm going to keep you alive. I'm going to stop the bleeding. I'm going to dress your wounds. I'm going to dull your pain. I'm going to get you home or I'm going to die trying.

When I hear the call, before God, before Mom, they call for me.

Because I will come every time.

I am an Army Medic."

8 days!

Oh my! tomorrow we are exactly one week away from the big day. I can't believe it's almost here. its exciting, thrilling, nerve wracking all at once. It feels like just yesterday it was 90 something days until i left. And now we are just a week away. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. 

I seriously feel so lucky. i have the most supportive, friends and family someone could ask for. And the best. 

I'm running out of things to say these days. I don't know what to say much anymore without rambling like an idiot. 

I'm going to miss you all like crazy. 

Well i no longer have to work, that's a good thing. And i am so glad to be done. So glad. I ran out of that place like a high schooler on graduation day. 

Thats it for now. 
Allegra

"The more things change, the more they stay the same. i’m not sure who the person was to say that, probably shakespeare or maybe sting. But at the moment its the sentence that best explains my tragic flaw. my inability to change. i dont think i’m alone in this. The more i get to know other people, the more i realize it’s everybody’s flaw. Staying exactly the same. For as long as possible. Standing perfectly still, it feels better somehow. And if you are suffering at least the pain is familiar. Because if you took that leap of faith, went outside the box, did something unexpected, who knows what other pain might be out there. Chances are it could be even worst. So you maintain the status quo. Choose the road already traveled and it doesn’t seem that bad. Not as far as flaws go. You’re not a drug addict, you’re not killing anyone except maybe yourself a little. When we finally do change, i don’t think it happens like an earthquake or an explosion where all of a sudden we’re this different person. I think it’s smaller than that. The type of thing people wouldn’t even notice unless they looked really close which thank god they never do. But you notice it. Inside you that change feels like a world of difference. And you hope that it is. That this is the person you get to be forever. That you’ll never have to change again."

15 Days.

15 days! 2 weeks and 1 day. Holy camoly! 

I am so excited, for what is to come. I mean yes, i will miss everyone in AZ like crazy. Along with my friends in family in other parts of the country. 

This is so wild. I can't believe March 18th is almost here. Only 2 odd weeks left as a civillian. In 15 days my transformation from Civillian to Soldier will begin. I know that this phase of my life will transform me in ways that i can't even imagine. I know that i will create all sorts of new friendships, i know that this will change my life. I've already created some friendships with some future soldiers. When i enlisted my recruiter set me up with a user ID for this Future Soldier website. So i've met people that i will be going to Basic Training with. And a lot of them i'll be going to my Advanced Training with as well. So, it makes it easier knowing that i will know some people going in. Ain't technology grand?

I really don't think that i will realize that i am actually leaving until i am in Oklahoma or even after Reception week is over. 

You should check this video out. Reagan shows us some inspiration. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuQ-3wxPCtM&list=PLuCr7fqyOHBt948tq7jN1fyU1EorBJizJ&index=7

Enjoy. 
Allegra

"But even in dying, our life story doesn't just end. Each of us leaves behind a legacy of memories in the minds of those who survive us. As we live each day, we are building this legacy, through our words, our actions, and the choices we make. Each of us began life completely dependent on others for our survival. Over the course of our lifespan, others come to depend on us. It is those people whose lives we have touched in some way, whether for good or for ill, who will remember us. In this sense, the final chapter of our lives will be written not by us, but by those whose life stories have intersected with our own."

18 days

Yesterday, i had posted a status on facebook about a political matter: 

"Okay, so one of my biggest pet peeves is when i talk to people who joined the army and they tell me they are scared they will get deployed, scared to use a gun, or scared they will get killed or hurt. For heavens sake, you joined the Military! You signed a contract to DEFEND your country. You did the Oath of Enlistment. If you just joined the military for the Educational Benefits, then you will not make it far in the Military;you will get eaten alive. At the end of the day your heart must be 200% in to defending your country, the constitution, and your fellow comrades. If you are one of these people please bail out now, and do us all a favor. Being in the Military we must all have each others backs. We all become family to one another. If we ened up fighting with one another i WILL have your back, in exchange i expect the same. I would risk my life to save yours. As the Warrior Ethos says, "I will always place the mission first, i will never quit, i will never leave a fallen comrade." I will stay true to those words. And i stay true to my word. I won't pussy out. Man up and do what you signed up to do. Defend our country and the people in it."

And i some people had some pretty insulting things to say about the Military in general. I had a friend a while back saying something along the lines that once you join the Military a lot of Civilians grow to hate you for what you are doing. I didn't believe him at first. But now i do. 

Why would you honestly insult any Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airmen? They defend your freedom every day. Because of the Military we have all the freedoms that we have. While you are on your iphone, laptop and watching netflix, soldiers everywhere are risking their lives so that you can live yours. So please be respectful of the Military. They do a lot for all of us everyday. They don't get the chance to see their loved ones everyday like we do. They are away from them for months on end. And are lucky to even get a phone call. 

And i'm not saying all this to make everyone feel guilty. As a soldier we all know what we signed up for, we are willing to give it all up. Because we WANT to fight for our country. And most Veterans that i have ever talked to would do it again in a heart beat. There is a T-shirt i saw the other day that totally sums it up perfectly, "I wanted to serve, I volunteered to serve, I knew what i was doing" And then in the back it said, "i'd do it again". Almost every person who has ever served, would do it again in a heart beat. They knew what they were doing when they rose their right hand. And if they didn't, they were the type of person who felt they had no other option. 

i promise to anyone that i end up fighting side by side i WILL have your back, I would risk my life to save yours. Because we are soldiers and that is what we are meant to do. You are my brothers and sisters, we are family. I will never leave you behind. I joined the Army as a Combat Medic because i want to save my men. 

I know that this experience i am about to embark on will change my life. I can't wait for it to begin. 

Thank you for listening to my rampage,
Allegra

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

19 days.

hello friends, family, and everyone else who has been incredibly supportive. I cannot believe we are at 19 days! Incredible! I'm excited, nervous, thrilled and so many other descriptive words. I'm so thankful that i have such a great support system. I couldn't do this without ya'll supporting me. Well i could but you awesome people make it that much easier. I know this new adventure i am embarking on will change my life. For the better. I know that i will get a lot out of it besides just Medical Experience. 

So, since i've enlisted i've been a little obsessed with watching YouTube Videos on basic training and what my Medic training will be like. I gotta say, i cannot wait until i do my first IV. oh, and Wound care, i love wound care. 

I am back in full on training mode. My ankle is completely healed. It doesn't even hurt anymore. But, i'm not going to do anything to hurt it right now, so i'm avoiding doing stuff that would make it hurt again. But i can definitely tell i haven't been training for a while. Every single muscle in my body aches. haha! Thank you Rebecca Parent. 

Lets see, what other random crap can i talk about?

Oh! well yesterday. I saw this Video on YouTube. And it really inspired me. So, you should all watch it. It's amazing. Well i think so at least. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLOjIKt7wOk&list=PLuCr7fqyOHBt948tq7jN1fyU1EorBJizJ

Thank you all for all of your love, understanding and support. I love you all. 

-Allegra


"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frighten us. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconscioulsy give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

20 Days.

Hello all,

Sigh. Tomorrow will hit 19 days! i am so thrilled, nervous, excited, and scared all at the same time. This is the first time i will ever have left home. Like truly left home. I'm so excited. 

Its creeping on me fast, time is a ticking. And very quickly. I better get to it and get things done. I"ve gotten the most important things done, so thats the most important. 

I don't know if i told you all, but i got an Address book, and if you would like to get any letters from me, please message me or text me your address. I got most of my family and some friends. But not all. I won't know what my address will be until a couple weeks of being there. Because the first week we are there is called reception and we are on a different location on the army post than when we offically get into our Basic Training Battalion. So, be patient with me. 

I am pretty sure that my graduation will be on May 31st. Which is the day before my birthday. Which i find awesome. Why? Because what better birthday present can i ask for than to be done with Basic Training. I can't wait! 

I'm starting to get a little antsy, i'm ready to go already and get this new adventure of mine started. I am thrilled. Things are going so well lately that its kinda throwing me for a loop, something has to go of course. You know when things are going so well, it makes you kinda fishy about it? 

I only have to work 3 more shifts! I am super duper thrilled. I will probably run out of there like a high school graduate!Maybe not that far, but close to it. I have all of this week off, and then work March 4th, 5th and 8th. I can't wait. 

It's all coming at me pretty quickly. Like, i knew this was coming, but it almost felt like a dream. Now it's all really hitting me. This IS happening!! 

I was supposed to go to Texas yesterday to see my Grandma before i left. But certain circumstances, AKA Mother Nature made it so i couldn't go. That made me super dissapointed. I really wanted to see her before i left. I absolutely LOVE my grandma. She is such an amazing person in and out. When i was a kid i would go to Texas to spend with my family every summer. And i would spend a lot of time with her. We would get into a lot of trouble. ha! We had a lot of good times. I love her dearly. 

Well that is it for now. Love you all,
Allegra


"Let me tell you something you already know. The world aint all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and i don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanately. If you let it. You, me or nobody is gonna hit you as hard as life. But it aint about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now, if you know what your worth, then go out and get what your worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you aint where you wanna be because of him or her, or anybody. Cowards do that, and that aint you. You're better than that!"

25 days

25 days..

I cannot believe it.

I feel like such a sapp. the last month i've been super emotional, and thinking about everyone i am going to miss. Because i've realized there are a hell of a lot of people that i am going to miss. I could start to name people. But lets face it. it's a very long list and knowing my luck i would miss someone. 

Well the good news is that i only have to work 5 more shifts. 5! And after saturday only 3! You cannot believe how happy i am about that. And i know this is bad, but i've checked out. So badly. I told myself i wouldn't. But i did. It's pretty hard not to. 

I am starting to get really sad about leaving. And on some sort of level i don't think that i have quite realized that i am actually leaving. Truth is i don't think i will realize it until i get off the plane in Lawton, Oklahoma. I know that i can do this, and i know that this will make me better, and i know for sure that when i do get my nursing degree, this will make me a better nurse. And i keep hearing that on some sort of level i will come back a different person. Which kinda scares me in a way. Because i do like who i am, so i hope i don't turn into someone i don't recognize. 

This new adventure is going to be exciting, scary, thrilling, new, and totally different from anything that i've ever embarked on before. So, we shall see where this will lead me. 

Like i said. There are a lot of people i am going to miss. But there is one person that i am going to miss more than anything. That is all i am going to say, and leave it at that. 

So, i am trying to spend time with as many people as possible before i leave, and oh my goodness i didn't realize how hard that was going to be. So please my friends, i want to see everyone before i leave. So, please make an effort if you wan't to go out before i leave. There are a lot of people i'm trying to see and i'm sorry if i don't make the first effort there are a lot of people i wanna see. 

I'll see you soon then,
Allegra

But even in dying, our life story doesn't just end. Each of us leaves behind a legacy of memories in the minds of those who survive us. As we live each day, we are building this legacy, through our words, our actions, and the choices we make. Each of us began life completely dependent on others for our survival. Over the course of our lifespan, others come to depend on us. It is those people whose lives we have touched in some way, whether for good or for ill, who will remember us. In this sense, the final chapter of our lives will be written not by us, but by those whose life stories have intersected with our own.

26 Days.

We are getting closer. Like less than a month! It's wild! I absolutely cannot wait for this new adventure that i am about to embark on. I am so thrilled, nervous, excited and at the same time i am absolutely freaking out. 

Yesterday at work. Was a rather hectic day. But i was reminded in a round about way, what life is all about and why i do what i do. We had this patient that i fell in love the minute i met her. Yesterday she was telling me her life story. She was married for 51 years until her late husband passed. Not too long after she met her current husband, who she has been with 6 months. She told me she has never been more in love, she's never been happier, and he treats her like a princess. As she tells me all this i couldn't help but cry in how much she loves this man. Not long after this i had gotten her up in a chair and took her out to the living room, she tells me to move her closer to her hubby so she can look at him and hold his hand. Later on in the day as i get her back into bed, her hubby was leaving the room, and she called him her one true love. Right before i left her room i told her that we see a lot of patients here but only certain ones do we keep in our hearts. And she is one of them. And we both started crying. This is why i do what i do. These are the moments i live for at work. So, live your life to fullest, do what you love, have fun, laugh lots and spend it with those you love. Because you never know when they will be taken away from you. And do what you wan't for you. Who cares what everyone else thinks. Life can surprise you sometimes. I don't care how old you are. 15, 29, 46, 78, or 100; There is someone out there for everyone. I know i am being rather sappy and sentimental. But this really affected me. The rest of the day, and today i thought about her and all of it. 

Well, moving on. Tomorrow marks 25 days. That is insane! i cannot wait! 

Love you all. 

Allegra 

"Find a partner Who encourages you to grow, who won't cling to you, who will let you go out into the world, and trust that you will come back."

29 Days!

We are in the 20's! Tomorrow we will officially be hitting the 20's! And as i am more thrilled than you can ever imagine.

Tomorrow it will be exactly 4 weeks until i leave. Time is finally flying by. 

the last week has truly been an emotional roller coaster for me. well, in reality the last 4 years have been. But most importantly the last week has been. But i wouldn't take it back for the world. A lot of laughter, and a lot of tears. And involving making adult decisions, even though i know its the best, i still wish i didn't have to. This paragraph is probably very confusing to those of you who don't know the entire story, and for that apologize.

Life can surprise you sometimes. It can be amazing. 

So, after all is said and done. And i get my GI bill. I figured out from a friend of mine, that with that and FASFA. I'll be able to just go to school, and not have to work. Which is a miracle. Because, that will make life so much easier. Because over the last 5 years, its been difiicult going to school with a job. I think that would work best for me. And go to Nursing school, PA, NP or Medical school. Which ever i figure out that i want to do. Which i know fir sure is in the medical field. But definitely not CNA. hah. I have done that for long enough. 

Sigh. 

Thank you all. 

i'll be seeing you,
Allegra


People think that a soul mate is your perfect fit and thats what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror the person that shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you will ever meet, because they will tear down your walls and smack you awake. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so out of control that you have to transform your life..

31 Days.

oh my goodness. 31 days. it's so bittersweet. I can't believe its coming so close. I absolutely cannot wait. But at the same time, i'm nervous and scared. Its pretty nerve wracking making a big change like this. i know it's going to be a good change.  And i need this in my life somehow. I need to pursue my dreams and goals. And this is one of the biggest ones. PLus it allows me to be able to pursue my biggest goal of all. To take care of people, in a really big way. 

I was at work last week and we had a patients family member wearing a Army hat with all sorts of pins on it. And i felt so proud, that in knew what most of the pins were. He was Airborne, Combat infantry, Calvary Scout, belonged to the 101st Airborne Division, Purple heart, and a Vietnam Veteran. among some other things as well. I was talking to him about how i was leaving for basic training, and he was absolutely thrilled for me. And when i told him that i was going to be a Combat Medic, he told me that When i get out i will want to become a doctor and not a nurse. So we shall see where that goes. 

Actually, my Recruiters boss was a Combat Medic. And went to Iraq and Afghanistan. And he told me that some of the stuff you get to do as a Medic is more than any Doctors get to do in the Hospitals in the Civilian world. So, i absolutely cannot wait. So, Maybe i will pursue Medical School, maybe i will pursue going to Nurse practitioner school, maybe i will pursue Physicians Assistant school, or maybe i will go to Nursing school. I'd be happy with any of those goals. Because at the end of the day, all i want to do is help and take care of people. That is what i've always wanted to do. So we shall see where this leads me after all is said and done.

i can't wait to see what the future holds for me. It still feels so surreal that i'm just 31 days from accomplishing one of them.Yesterday I actually got really emotional about leaving. I was thinking about all the people who i will miss and have changed my life, and who have had a profound affect on my life. And gosh, there are a heck of a lot of them. I'm going to miss everyone of them while i'm gone. 

I love you all, and thank you all for your support and understanding,
PFC Ramirez

But even in dying, our life story doesn't just end. Each of us leaves behind a legacy of memories in the minds of those who survive us. As we live each day, we are building this legacy, through our words, our actions, and the choices we make. Each of us began life completely dependent on others for our survival. Over the course of our lifespan, others come to depend on us. It is those people whose lives we have touched in some way, whether for good or for ill, who will remember us. In this sense, the final chapter of our lives will be written not by us, but by those whose life stories have intersected with our own

32 Days

Oh goodness. Today i will start back into training. Lets hope i don't die after 2 weeks off. Wish me luck. Time is really going by so quickly. I wasn't expecting it to go by so fast. I'm glad it is. But now its feeling kind of surreal. Like, is this really happening or am i just dreaming that it is? Stuff like that. I am so excited, but goodness. This is real. I don't think i realized how real it was until the last week or so. I would talk and talk about how excited i was and all that jazz. But it just recently hit me. I mean, i have been counting down the days since i Enlisted in December. But still it recently just hot me. 

There really are a lot of people that i will truly miss. I will miss my parents as this will be my first time away from home. like ever. I will miss my job, mainly the friendships i have created there. Not so much the place. ha ha. I will miss, my friends from the gym, i will miss my friends from my old jobs, high school, college, and everyone else in between. There a lot of people that i have crossed paths with over the last few years that have really changed my life. And i will be sad to leave them, but i know that this is the best thing for my future. This is going truly better myself. And give me a chance to pursue all my future dreams and goals. and to get my schooling completely paid for? Could i ask for anything better? 

I know I've said it once, and i will say it again. I have such an amazing support group. I don't think there is a single person who has not been supportive about my decision to join the army. and oh my goodness that has been amazing. I was so worried about what people would think or do when i decided to join the army. I love you all and thank you so much for your overwhelming support. 

I cannot wait to see what my future holds for me. This is the first time in a very long time that i am actually excited about my future and what it holds for me. And I'm not scared of whats going to happen with it, or even dreading the future. 

Arizona will always be home for me. So my Arizona friends and family, this is not goodbye. This is see you next time. I will be back. After i do my time, i will move back here. I love this state. And i love the people here. And don't you worry anytime that i get to come home i will. I get 30 days of leave a year. And i will take them. 

Cheers,
Allegra


the important thing is to not be bitter about life's disappointments. Learn to let go of the past and realize that every day won't be sunny. And when you find yourself lost in the darkness of despair, remember its only in the black of night that you see the stars; and those starts will lead you back home.

35 days.

hello all.

Oh goodness. Where to begin. 

The last few days. Have been the best days of my life. Thats all i will say. Read what you want into it. Think what you want. I am the happiest than i have ever been in a very long time. 

Time is ticking. it's going by way faster than i ever thought that it would be. It's a little overwhelming. I am still overtaken by excitement! i cannot wait for this new adventure of mine. Although i will miss quite a few people in Arizona. But i'll be back. I promise. This is home. And all of the people i have met, and gotten the opportunity to create all of these friendships with are so much more than just friends. In a way all of you are family. I love you all in one way or another. So thank you all for your friendship. It really has had a profound affect on my life one way or another. 

And on another side note, i really need to get an Adress book. I want just about everyones adresses, so that i can write you all while i am away in another world. 

I will never forget how you smelled that day, like your mom did your laundry and like you wanted me to want you and breathe you in until i got lightheaded and had to sit down and i will never forget the way you looked at me like you could sort through all the clutter in my head and i will never ever forget how your voice sounded soft and sudden and illuminated just like your eyes when you said i was different and that was the exact moment when i let myself feel you again. 

36 Days

I know over the last couple days i haven't been very consistent with my blogs. I'm sorry friends! Life has been rather hectic. 

On Thursday i reconnected with a very dear friend of mine. Felt so good to reconnect with them. We were really close for a long time, And just got in a big fight a couple years ago. And we hadn't talked since. But I decided to reach out, and I'm very glad i did. it was the best decision I've made in a while. So, it has been really nice to reconnect. And it feels like we never stopped talking. its fantastic. 

There is so much i want to say, i just don't know how to write it on paper. or i guess the computer. 

You know, I'm so happy about where my life is headed. I haven't been this happy about my future in a long time. I absolutely cannot wait. I mean when all is said and done and my army career is over, Arizona will always be my home. This is where my home is. My friends are here, the mountains are here, and the people that have changed my life in one way or another are here. Not to say that my friends and family at other places around the world haven't changed my life, because they have. But Arizona is home for me. This is where i belong. 

So, i will say this over and over again. But thank you all for being so supportive in my decision to join the Army. it means a lot to me. You all have a special place in my heart. So, Thank you. I love you all. 

I was thinking that i was going to be able to get back to working out tomorrow. but I'm not sure if that's going to be happening. my ankle is better. But i just want to be sure..So please pray for me and my ankle. and if you don't pray send positive thought and energy its way. :)



Love is patient, Love is kind, Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, always protects,always trusts,always hopes, always preserves. 
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

39 days!

Hello All,

We have officially hit the 30's! i am thrilled! and my ankle today is feeling better than it has since this all happened last week! so that really made me happy when i woke up this morning! I can't tell you how excited i am about this new adventure i embarking on. 

I only work 2 more shifts before another week off work. So that very much makes me pretty happy. You know I'm very much trying to get myself not to mentally check out. But its starting to get hard not to. only 9 more shifts until i am done at work. So i am very happy about that. 

And thank you all for all of your support. It means a hell of a lot to me. And it makes everything so much easier for me. Because this is truly a BIG change for me. and it is kind of scary. This is my first time i will be leaving home. I've never been away from my Dad for more than a few weeks. So this will be a big change. And the fact that i have met some people that i will be doing my training with over the next several months really makes it a hell of a lot less scary. Because not knowing a single soul makes it kind of scary. 

And i believe i have my wish list all made up. Fort Lewis (Washington), Fort Bragg (North Carolina), and possibly Fort Carson (Colorado) or Fort Stewart (Georgia). I've been hearing really good things about Fort Carson. I also would love to be overseas. Like, Germany or Korea. But hey. We shall see. My wish list is not even guaranteed i will get those duty stations. Where the Army needs you is where you will go. 

Some other good news is that i got a new laptop with my Tax Refund and some money i had been saving up for one with. SO HAPPY! my other one was about ready to crash on me. I just need to get a bag for my new Laptop now. 

Thank you all for being such an awesome support system. I love you all. 

-Allegra


There comes a day when you realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on. 

40 Days.

Why hello friends and loved ones,

i know i havent blogged in several days. but i have had a lot going on. and been quite busy in a sense.

I was freaking out over the past week or so, because i thought i seriously messed up my ankle. LUCKILY i didnt i think it is just  a minor sprain or twist. I went and got an X-Ray. and nothing showed up. so thats a relief. and today it is the best its been since this happened. So i believe we are golden. Now i just need to work on my running form and hope that'll help.

But that is it for now.

-Allegra

48 days

hey all,

i know this is rather late. But I've been pretty busy today. 

well, i had some ankle pain today, I've been icing and rolling it out so I'm hoping it gets better in the morning. i don't think my body is used to all the running I've been doing lately. 

Well i had PT at the recruiters office today. i found out that i have the highest score on my PT test out of all the girls at the office. so i thought that was pretty awesome. 

I also turned in all my paperwork for promotion so i should officially be going in as a PFC (Private First Class)! 

well thats it for today.

-Allegra

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

49 Days

Hello All, 

Well we are in the 40's! YES! Which as you can tell makes me quite excited. I am actually getting quite far with the whole cleaning and organizing thing. Tomorrow my mission is to clean my car. And take some more stuff to Goodwill. 

I don't think I'm going to start packing up my stuff until sometime in February. I have enough boxes that is for sure. But I'm not sure if i will be able to come home before i go to my first duty station. So, i just want to get everything ready, so that my parents have to do as little as possible. 

I really don't have a whole lot to say today. But i am going to Texas for a few days to go see my Grandma and cousins, and Aunts. So that will be nice. And i have determined that i will be as good there as i was in New Mexico. I have to be. PLUS there is a CrossFit gym a couple miles from my cousins house. so i could run there and back every day. Kinda handy huh?

see you later,

-Allegra


If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus. And you must not stay there, you must go beyond them...

50 Days

Howdy all, 

So, as of tomorrow we will offically be in the 40's! YESSSSS! That means when i go back to work on Thursday we will just barely be a little over the one month mark of when i leave for basic training. Which i have to say is frickin awesome! because from what other future soldiers that i have talked to once you hit the one month mark the time FLYS by. So, as you can all tell i cannot wait. 

After basic training i was going to get a new laptop. But to be honest i do not know if my laptop will last that long. I believe it is ready to crash any day now. And i have some money saved up. so i think i might have to invest and get a new laptop pretty soon. probably before i leave for basic training. Great..

This next week i am going to work on making sure my bills are set up for Auto Pay while i am in Basic Training. That will be easy. But its pretty important that i get that taken care of. Since i will pretty much be in another world while in Basic training and wont have time to really make sure that is taken care of. 

So, i lost about 4-5 pounds while i was in New Mexico. I guess all that discipline on my healthy eating and working out while i was gone really helped. because now i only have 10 pounds to lose before i leave. thank goodness. So we are now in the home stretch. But i know how stubborn those last 5-10 pounds can be sometimes. I've been doing about 2 workouts a day. Going to CrossFit and then a 4-6 mile run afterwards. So, i might have to change some things up if these last few pounds prove to be really stubborn. On days that i work i haven't been running after i get home. So i might have to start doing that again to get things a moving a little quicker. We shall see. 

Well tomorrow or Tuesday i am going to drop off something to my Recruiter that will prove one step closer to getting promoted to E-3 before i leave. can you say awesome?! With my college credits, Army Physical Fitness Test, and my Future Soldiers Tests i will be promoted. So that is pretty damn awesome. That is an extra 400-500 bucks a month if I'm not mistaken. Saweet! 

So, every week i have been going to my recruiting station and doing PT(Physical Training), and i am one of 2 girls and most of the others are guys straight out of high school. So it kind of makes me feel old. haha. But a lot of them are not in decent shape like they should be. When we were doing the 2 mile Run one day i was passing these 6 foot guys. Kinda funny. haha! But, I'm hoping that me being in pretty decent shape will help me in Basic Training in the long run. So lets just wait and see on that one. 

Well, thats it for now. 

-Allegra


If there is just one piece of advice i can give you, it's this- When there is something you really want, fight for it, don't ever give up. No matter how hopeless it seems. And when you've lost hope, ask yourself if in 10 years from now, you're gonna wish you gave it just one more shot. Because the best things in life, they don't come free. 

51 Days

Hi There, 

Well i got home from New Mexico about 4 hours ago and immediately crashed and took a 4 hour nap. I guess i was tired. 

I was planning on getting right to cleaning and organizing as soon as i get home. But well that didn't happen. I'll start in a little bit before dinner. 

And i have officially decided that after basic training, i am getting a new laptop. i love my Macbook and all but after 6 long years this thing is ready to crash pretty soon. I'll probably upgrade and get a Macbook Pro. But we shall see. 

Hopefully tomorrow i will get my room finished with the cleaning and all that way on Monday i can get my car all cleaned up. That way i can hopefully have Tuesday and Wednesday to hopefully relax before going back to work on Thursday. I just have so much crap, and its so hard to decide what I'm going to get rid of, what i want to keep and what i want sent to me when i get to my first duty station, and so on. I know that once i get to AIT i am allowed to have more stuff with me and there is some more flexibility as far as freedom goes. Plus we get weekends off and can go off base on the weekends if we choose to. So, my plan is to put a bag together of stuff that i want to have sent to me once i get to AIT. so that my dad can just send it off. instead of going through my stuff and picking stuff out and so on. Plus from what i hear I won't be coming home in between Basic Training and AIT. So I want to be sure and have everything all ready. 

Goodness me, it feels like i have so much to take care of. I know that i will get it taken care of in no time. But still, everything happened so fast. Honestly when i started the Application process for the Army i didn't think i would leave for Basic Training until Summer. But hey i lucked out. And i honestly would leave sooner for Basic Training if i could. It is kinda funny but i already pretty much have a bag packed for basic training. Kind of sad huh? What can i say i am VERY excited. I mean come on, I'm having dreams about Basic Training. One night i had a dream about meeting my Drill sergeants, and then another night i had a dream about doing push ups for my DS. It's official I'm a Weirdo. 

Well tomorrow morning i will get on the scale and see How i did while i was in New Mexico. So we shall see. Cross your fingers for me. I know i was very good while there. I didn't cheat on my meals, drank plenty of water, and worked out every day while i was there. But sometimes that scale can be so stubborn. I'm just really trying to lose those last 15 pounds. 

Well i think that is a long enough rant for today.

-Allegra

When they came for the jews, i remained silent for i was not a jew. when they came for the homosexuals, i remained silent for i was not a homosexual. when they came for the protestants, i remained silent for i was not a protestant. when they came for me, i cried out, but there was no one left to listen.

52 Days

Hello all, 


Well we are one day closer to shipping off to Basic Training, and i absolutely cannot wait. 

I go back home tomorrow, and then its back to business and getting everything cleaned up and all organized. I have been really good while on Vacation. I haven't cheated and i have worked out every day since being on vacation. Which usually when i am on vacation i cheat every chance i get. haha! So I've been doing very good. So we shall see when i get home if I've lost any more weight. These last 15 pounds are being very stubborn.

I don't go back to work for several days, and I'm already dreading going back to work. I am really going to have to talk myself into it. I kinda wish that i have more vacation time, i would take it in a heartbeat. Only 11 more shifts, only 11 more shifts, only 11 more shifts. Hopefully it is 11 good shifts. 

I think over the next week i am going to make my first duty station wish list. I kinda know certain places I'd like to get stationed, but i want to do some research before i make an official decision. Since I would really love to be a Medic that is attached to a Infantry Unit, i need to figure out where the biggest Infantry Units are. I know for sure Fort Bragg (North Carolina)is one. I just need to learn where some other of the biggest ones are. If i don't get attached to a Infantry Unit, Germany would be awesome, or really anywhere overseas. Walter Reed would also be pretty awesome. So we shall see. Typically you submit your wish list within the first couple of weeks that you are at Advanced Training. And i hear that usually you find out what you first duty station is going to be about a month before you graduate from Advanced Training. 

Okay, well i cannot think of anything else to rant about today.

-Allegra


As we strain to grasp the things we desire, the things we think will make our lives better: Money, popularity, fame, we ignore what truly matters the simple things like, friendship, family, love.The things we probably already had.

53 Days

Howdy, 

Almost to the 40's how exciting is that?! its really going by really fast. I am so excited. It feels just like yesterday that i raised my right arm and swore in into the United States Army. I hope that the next few weeks go by really fast. less than 2 months. that is crazy. 

I go home on Saturday and once i get home i will continue to finish cleaning and organizing my room. And get my car cleaned up as well. Then when i have 2 weeks off in February i will have time to relax and enjoy myself while i can. I am milking all this time while i can. Because once March 18th hits i will be busy as hell until September or October. So it is good i take advantage of this time. Plus it will be nice to see some family before i ship off. 

Nothing really super exciting about today. 

You know one thing that i will miss a ton is CrossFit. That place has changed my life. I have become so much more confident, and able to do so much more since i joined. And all of the Women there have truly had a pretty profound affect on my life. And i really will miss Ahwatukee CrossFit. 

I was actually driving to work the other day, and thinking about everyone i will miss and started tearing up. There really are a lot of people that i will miss. i wish i could name everyone. but thats a long list. But i truly am blessed with amazing friends and family. i couldn't be any luckier. 

See you next time,
Allegra

Soldiers Creed:
I am an American Soldier
I am a warrior and a member of a team
I serve the people of the united states, and the live the army values
I Will always place the mission first
I will never accept defeat
I will never quit
I will never leave a fallen comrade
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and profficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself
I am an expert and a proffessional
I Stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States Of America in close combat
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life
I am an American Soldier.

54 days

Hi, 

Not much going on in my world today. Just getting more and more anxious to leave for basic training. I really wish i could leave sooner, but i will sit here and try and wait patiently. 

Over the last few weeks i have met a few other future soldiers that i will be going to basic training and my Advanced training with. So that is pretty cool to be able to know a few familiar faces when i get to Basic Training. Makes it a little less frightening. Because even though i am SO EXCITED. I'm a little nervous as well. This is going to be such a big change for me. In a good way. But this will be my first time away from home for more than 3 weeks. So it's kind of scary but exhilarating at the same time. 

And boy i cannot wait for my last day. Ever since i put in my notice and told them what my last day of work would be, i've kinda checked out. But hey i only have to work 11 more shifts. I have been using all of my vacation time before i leave. Which has been so nice. And i have to say, i've been off work for about a week now. and its been quite nice. And i really don't want to go back to work. But i dont go back until the 31st, and then off for another 3 days. so thats not so bad. and then i work 4 shifts and off for a week. then work another 4 shifts and off for another week. then work 3 shifts and off for good! so that really isnt too bad if you think about it. 

And i have to say even though i have been out of town the last couple days, i have been really good with working out and earing good. I am commited to losing those 15 last pounds before basic training. Thank you Dad for teaching me discipline. 

Well that is it for now,
Allegra


There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving...and thats your own self

55 days

Hello world,

55 days. 7 weeks and a few days. less than 2 months. 1320 hours. time is flying by. This morning after i went to Crossfit i went on a longish run. (6.5 miles), and while running realized how seriously blessed i am. I have an amazing support of family and friends. i couldn't be any luckier. I obviously have done something right in this lifetime. So, thank you. Really.  

back to that run i went on this morning, best run i have had in a long time. i was booking it too. i could have kept on going, but i was pretty limited on time, because I'm going to New Mexico today to see my Grandpa and his wife. But i hope they are having some nice weather this week. because i plan on running my heart out while i am there. 

I'm thinking that maybe things are working out for the better. I really cannot wait for this new adventure of mine to begin. i truly will miss all of my friends and family. But this is going to be such a great opportunity for me. And i get to do what i truly love to do. Help people. I cannot wait. And i promise that i will keep in touch as best as i can. 

I really don't have anything serious going on today. just a day full of traveling and so on. I believe that we are going to some sort of Military Museum tomorrow. And my grandparents have some pretty decent running trails around here, so i'll be able to keep up with that. Thank goodness. 

I hope you are all having a wonderful day. 

-Allegra

Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31

56 Days

Hello World, 

So far i would have to say that i am doing a pretty good job with this whole blogging thing. Although it is only day 2.Its a great idea. Because i know that while i am in basic training i will be writing my friends and family and all, but this way if i can only write some of you a couple of letters here and there. You all will still be kept updated thanks to my amazing friend Sam. And i could not have chosen anyone better. We have been friends since our highchair and diaper days. 

I leave for New Mexico tomorrow to go see my Grandpa and his Wife. It will be nice to get away for a few days. I will have to make sure and keep my self disciplined with working out and my nutrition while i am there. Because once i get off track sometimes it can be really difficult for me to get back on track. and i have 14 more pounds i want to lose before i leave for basic training. It will make basic training a lot easier on me that way. Thats what my dad says anyways, and i kinda have to agree with him. 

So, before i leave for basic training i have to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. I've already passed it but i want to max it out if at all possible. There is 2 minutes of pushups, 2 minutes of sit ups, and a 2 mile run. For my age group in order to completely max it out i need to do 46 pushups, 80 sit ups, and do my 2 mile run in 15:36. So far i have maxed out my pushups with 53, 60 sit ups, and my 2 mile run in 16:21. So i just really need to work on sit ups and my run. And i have some time so i am not too concerned about it. Especially considering i can already pass it with no problem. 

I never realized how much you have to do to prepare for Basic Training. I have all of these creeds i need to memorize. Well i don't NEED to but it will make the first couple of weeks at basic training a lot easier. And its one less thing to get yelled at for. I need to memorize the soldiers creed(already done), Army Values, Army General Orders, Phonetic Alphabet, Military Time(already done), and Army Ranks. Plus i also had to do these tests online, which i have already gotten done as well. I also meet with my recruiter 1-2 times a week and do PT(Physical Training), and make sure everything is in check. So i have been keeping busy that is for sure. 

Outside of the Army i have a lot of stuff to take care of as well. I'm selling my car, which thank goodness my Dad or My brother is buying it because it'll make thins a lot easier. I am also trying to get my room organized and decide what i will keep at home, what i want my dad to send to me when i get to my first duty station, what i will want when i get to my advanced training, and of course what i am taking to basic training. I've gotten rid of 9 bags of clothes, shoes and random crap. Today, i will probably go through my books and take the books i don't really want to changing hands. That'll help a lot to get things organized. I just have a lot to do. I'm not sure if i will be able to come home before i go to my first duty station so i want to make things as easy as possible on my dad and step mom. 

Phew, that was quite a long post. I hope you all are having a wonderful day. 

Army Values:
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless-Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage

For now,
Allegra