week 3

three weeks down! this week was definitely the hump. started the week with more tests and classroom time. grades are still staying in the mid to high 90s. while there is a lot of material, it is just a matter of figuring out how to take the tests. it has been very necessary to read the chapters thourouly, but since beth is such a good studier, it has helped me to commit to immersing myself in the material. wednesday was the ladder tour. this was the day that i was dreading more than any other. we spent about two hours carrying various ladders around campus. they ranged from a 24 ft extension ladder up to the 50 ft bangor extension ladder. while we didnt lose anyone, there were a few who voiced their desire to be done with it all. but seeing how we have already lost close to half the class (we are currently down to 28), we refused to let them walk away. i would be lying if i said that the thought to quit never crossed my mind, but i was able to stick it out and was actually given some love by one of the captains for my efforts. friday was spent learning how to raise te various ladders, as well as getting to watch the class ahead of ours graduate. it was a nice end to the week, and we were all anticipating the weekend and a chance to rehab. now that the tour is behind me, the fear and trepidation that had accompanied the first three weeks is gone. i knew that if i could get through that, i would be able to handle the rest of the program. now i am able to focus on not only surviving, but actually excelling. while i do not anticipate that the remainder of the program will be easy, i have learned a bit more about my limits. i have also been challenged by one of the captains to assume a more aggresive leadership position. it is nice to know that the instuctors see qualities in me that they feel are leader worthy. pt has been continuing along, and we have all started to see a drastic change in our abilities. i am actaully looking forward to week 4. we will continue to work with the ladders, as well as move on to working with the hoses. a quarter of the way there. evryone needs to make sure they tune in this weekend to watch the gators beat up on the tigers. hopefully tebow will be ready to go. hope everyone is having a great week.