Last night I talked with Britany for 45 minutes! It was so nice to have a good conversation with her and to get some insight as to what her typical day is like. I am so proud of her. She is proud of herself in many respects as well; pushing herself beyond her limits both physically and mentally with amazing results. Listening to her talk about her routine, I have these images of her going about these activities and I can't wait to see it in person when I go out there for Parent's Weekend.

I did ask her to email me word for word what she told me about her morning routine in paraticular because I want to read and re-read it; it is so unbelievable. She wakes up ON HER OWN at 5:45 each morning and by 6:30 is standing outside of her room in line with the other freshman for this morning ritual where they have to count down to breakfast by shouting out certain things. They are in a line from tallest to shortest with the tallest (her boyfriend) leading the countdown. I can't remember what all they say which is why I asked her to email me. But it is fascinating. Each night before going to bed, she has to go online (by using her AF issued laptop) to find out what is being served for breakfast because that is part of what they are announcing. They have to say what the dress attire for the day is "blues" etc. and that breakfast is ... and list what is being served.

She said for breakfast all 4,400 Cadets are present and they all get served at their tables. (That must be a sight to behold) Monday, Wednesday and Friday she said they have to parade to lunch. They all have to meet at a certain place, stand at attention, and wait to march in formation to their meal. Because there are 40 Squadrons and she is in 36, you can imagine how long it takes her to get to lunch. She said after standing at attention for so long, that some Cadets pass out because they forget to bend their knees. For lunch and dinner, they have the option of getting their meal in a "to-go" container and eating in their room. She doesn't speak highly of the food. :)

I asked her what was the toughest part and she responded it is when the Cadre "get in your face" yelling. She talked about having to run "double-time" everywhere (freshman cannot be seen walking the grounds at all) They are also not allowed to walk the same paths as the upper class men; they have to run along the outside of the main walkways. She told me that she does have a backpack but is not allowed to carry it on her back. She must carry it in her left hand and run double-time. She said that it is so heavy with books that it hurts her hand. Once, she said she was attempting to carry her bag across her forearm to give her hand a break when she was confronted by a Cadre who shouted at her "FEMALE! That is NOT a purse! Carry your bag correctly" She was mostly upset at being addressed as "FEMALE" lol.