So, I've decided to start writing a blog. Not for any specific purpose, just because I feel that an outlet for my thoughts is exactly what I need. I thought for a while about where to start, and figured that right now was probably the best point.
As many of you know (you should if you're reading this) I am returning to camp. That is not to say I'm not going into the Army, I'm just putting it off until September (more on this later). I love camp, it is my heaven, spending day after day in the sunny Berkshire mountains, and my job there is great, I get to solve problems and play, win-win in my eyes. I get asked about responsibility a lot, and whether or not I like it. I'll be honest, I thrive on it. Some people are better with their backs to the wall, and some are better when no-one asks them to do anything, I firmly fit into the former. So anyway, back to camp. It's just around the corner really, as of today I make it 120 days until the start of pre-camp, or to put it a better way, 2880 hours. Not a long time really. I see a lot of people are going back too, which makes things a lot easier, explaining jobs to people is much easier the second time round, and people understand what is expected of them.
I got a missed call this morning from the AOSB (Army officers selection board) and an email followed shortly after, offering me a place on a main board coming up soon. I have applied for one in mid february, and am just waiting to hear back from them. It's nice to have a focus date though. I workout all the time, but now I have a specific date in mind, I can focus on that and make sure I am in good enough shape for it. I also now know that I have a certain amount of time to get my general knowledge and current affairs back in order, as well as knowledge about the army. The main board is a 4 day affair, it consists of mental, physical and social tests all designed to put you under pressure and see how you cope. They aren't looking for the finished product, but someone who has the makings to be what they need. I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't nervous, but its those good nerves, the ones that make you want to do things, the ones that trigger the good thoughts in your head. There's a certain euphoric feeling to these nerves, They tell me I'm not good enough yet, but it helps me focus, and it helps me get into my own head.
Hrmm, what's next? Lacrosse. It's been a mixed season really, coupled with out of this world performances and really bad ones. Were currently 7-6 and 4th in the Northern Division 2, which is really pretty good when you consider that we got promoted last season, and everyone thought we'd be going straight back down. It looks like I'm going to be forfeiting my place on the 1st team from now on though, theyre safe in the 2nd division, and the captain wants to build a cohesive defensive unit for next year, and with me not being around, I cant be mad about it.
I'm currently teaching swimming for a job, at 2 different companies, and when I say different, I really mean it. One of them is the company I've worked at for many years, Its old fashioned stand on the side and yell at kids style teaching and for a long time, I really thought that was the only way to teach, until I started my new job. The new company I work for have centres all over the country, teaching from the butlins to private pools, and it's all in the water teaching, starting from as young as 2 years old. The class of the children are completely different too, my original job is teaching middle class kids, the kind you get in every day schools, whereas my new job looks at kids who are, well lets say above middle class. They're all very smart, and somewhat spoilt, never in my life have I had kids say 'no' to me so much.
'Lets go for a swim on our backs'
'No'
'How about our fronts then'
'No'
'Well how about you just stay here and float whilst the others swim'
'No'
It really is that bad sometimes, but I guess I need to break into the social dynamic a bit more, and teach these kids that people don't really get to say No to me, especially when theyre 3. Saying that, I really love the job. There was a point, when I got back from America last summer, that I really wasnt enjoying teaching, but now with this new job and a change of scenery twice a week, it has invigourated my love for it.
Anyway, It's been a long first post. I promise my future ones will be shorter.
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