It's the Final Countdown!

Yoohoo! I'm still here! *blows dust off of blog* Sorry for the lack in updates. I know you all have been just hanging on the edge of your seat.

My first thought when I came back to the blog, was "19 DAYS!? 19 DAYS!". That's right. Less than 3 weeks until the Navy gives me back my sweet John. :) I apologize for the lack in updates. Before Thanksgiving break, the class earned their cellphones back. So, I've been busy emailing, texting, and talking to John. He's doing very well. Today, he had to get a broken tooth removed, so lucky for him, he had a pretty relaxed day.

Here's an update from the Officer Training Command Newport FB page.

OCS Class 04-13 (By Class Officer LT Montoya)

Class 04-13 completed their 9th week of OCS training at Officer Training Command Newport and has entered into their third and final phase of training. The third phase of training focuses on "applied leadership". This entails the candidates taking what they have learned during the first eight weeks and putting it to practical use by leading the junior OCS classes in their daily evolutions. Wednesday morning the class participated in "Victory Run." Unfortunately, the weather did not support an actual 'run' but the students carried out the ceremony. This OCS ceremony signifies the transition from Officer Candidate Phase to Candidate Officer Phase. The candidates from the class were recognized for their individual achievements in academics, military training, and physical fitness. Furthermore, the Regimental billets were announced identifying the candidate's roles and responsibilities over the next three weeks. Now as leaders of the regiment, class 04-13's performance will now be based on the successes and failures of the junior OCS classes. These next few weeks will be invaluable in preparing for their naval careers. Only 3 short weeks until grad week festivities!

They also got to open their Candi-O(Candidate Officer) care packages on Wed. A CANDIO (Candidate Officer) box is a care package box that friends and family send to there LO’s during week 8. It is tradition that on the Wednesday of week 9 when your LO’s become CANDIO’s they are given these care packages filled with goodies that they love to eat and anything they ask for that they may need. Typically all they really want is food though.

These boxes are decorated on the inside, in some Navy/ Personal fashion making it a fun and meaningful arts and crafts project for friends and family and an awesome surprise for the new CANDIO’s as they do not know what’s inside.

Here's photos of the boxes I mailed John. I sent 3.

Contents of box #1: Cliff bars, mike & ikes, his new phone, picture frames, Cheez-its, and The Ensign mag. Box #2: Starburst, Skittles, sour gummy worms, tootsie rolls, orange slices, oreos, and twizzlers. Box #3: Beef jerkey, peanuts, and a variety of chips.

It put a huge grin on his face, but it's sure a shame that he had to have dental work just a couple of days later. :-( He'll have to wait I suppose, but he sure loves his new phone. An HTC Aria if anyone's curious. He's also been able to send me some photos. Here's a couple of him and his roommate in their summer whites, and winter blue uniforms.

That's the updates for now. I will try to post more often, and also about other things besides OCS. haha