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BUSY!!!

How busy are we here at Fort Dix? I'm making this entry on mu Blackberry, that's how busy we are. We had a long day of inprocessing and readiness checks yesterday, followed by training on the Army's MRAP family of mine resistant vehicles. This morning after a brief fire alarm (false) we are about to head to the issuing facilities to get a few bags full of new gear. The only lesson I could pass on to the students and readers back home is to learn to find the humor in every situation...it keeps you from getting too tightly wound. One more note: Fort Dix has been the best of the three mobilization stations that I have been through...will they keep it up?

The journey has officially begun. Just landed in Phillie, and now to Fort Dix. I have to meet up with the others to prepare for the rest of the unit to arrive here Saturday.

Lesson #2: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

It has always fascinated me the number of different ways there are for people to deal with change.

It really doesn't matter whether or not you are talking about school, or the Army, or life in general.  Change is certain.  Yet for some reason, we as human beings always seem so reluctant to accept that.  Yesterday, at the last minute, a minor change came to us from the good folks at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  Is that expected?  Sure it is.  Most Soldiers (yes kids, I capitalized Soldiers...I'm treating it like a proper noun) are used to that by now.  We have a saying in the 209th: "Semper Gumby."  It means "Always Flexible."  It speaks to our necessary ability to adapt and overcome changes.  One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my service, and one that I try and teach my students and my daughter, is that change is the only constant.  A person's ability to deal with change directly reflects on their ability to succeed in their life.  So kids (and fellow adults who are reading along) always remember that change is going to come, but it is how you deal with that change that makes you who you are!

Special thanks to Natalie Simms and John Druckenmiller, and all of the folks at hometownheadlines.com for the story they posted today.  You can read it here..

http://www.hometownheadlines.com/New_Site/buzz.html 

Spring Training is coming soon, and the Cubs are opening the regular season in Atlanta this year, but I don't think I'll be making that game.  ; )