Halfway there

Sorry it's been a while since we last posted, but it seems life just goes at a nonstop pace and doesn't slow down.  Anyway, I thought I'd update you all on how it's going so far in training.  Well... after eight (yes, eight) years of trying, I finally made it here:

FLETC

I'm attending the 11 1/2 week Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and last weekend marked the official halfway point through this particular block of training.  Academically, I'm doing fine, with an "A" average... but physically - well let's just say I'm not nearly as young as I used to be!!  The evening after our first PT session, I went to Target and got a big bottle of Advil... it's become my new best friend!  But as I told some of you before I left for this new job, the word "quit" is not a word in my vocabulary, so I'll make it through (of course, that doesn't mean the women in my life don't worry).  In all seriousness, I've learned a lot in a short amount of time and am really enjoying the experience!  It seems we have a boat load of practical exams and qualifications each week... last week we had three:  An emergency vehicle driving exam (got an 89), a written exam (got a 91), and our pistol qualification (got a perfect score of 300!!!).  The people I'm in training with in my class are good people and a blast to hang out with... and I'm close enough where I get to see my family every so often which is really nice.  

Last weekend, I had the wonderful privilege of hanging out with my two favorite ladies in Lake City, FL while Todd was away at Yellowstone with his grandparents.  

Having fun with Katelynn while we wait outside Ruby Tuesday

The three of us went tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.  Katelynn had a blast and Karen and I had a chance to relax (after warming up to the 72 degree water).  There isn't much else to do around the Lake City area, but it was great hanging out with "my girls."  Next weekend, I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with my sister and her family.  I've got to take advantage of the proximity to those I love since my next block of training has me West Virginia and DC for 3 months.

We're also very excited because we've received an offer on our house in Dallas.  The owner has financing already lined up, so they are pushing for a quick transaction.  If everything goes smoothly, we'll have less than a month between listing the house and the closing... AMAZING (especially in this real estate market)!  It'll be nice to not worry about a family in Florida, a house in Texas, and training all at the same time.  

Speaking of good news... while I was in Lake City, I got to share with Karen some great news I thought I'd share with you too... On Friday, the FY-13 Navy Reserve O-4 promotion list came out, and guess who was on it??? ME!!!!

Lieutenant Commander

The board met in April and made their selections, but the list has to get a bunch of approvals before being released.  (For those of you who don't know Navy ranks, it's the equivalent to a Major in the Army, Air Force, & Marine Corps)  I'm on the list for next fiscal year, but I probably won't be promoted until the summer of 2013.  It's still weird to think I'm going to be an O-4... I remember like it was yesterday when I was first commissioned back in 2003.  Time sure does fly!

Well... I hope all is well with you and yours.  If you have a moment, feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you're doing... we'd love to hear from you.