Last week of pure training

So Thursday was a long day and emotional day for everyone in the raven unit. We started the day off at 300 oclock in the morning to the sound of groaning. I was having a dream about panguins when they just started making this groaning sound. Before I know it, our newest addition or the rookie to our dorm room, Corry pain AKA the pain train, was throwing up all over his bed. Victor and I tried to help him out with the assistance of Jay. After an hour and a half of that we finally got back to sleep. Just four hours later we are awake and ready for our long day at Minker hall for our diverstity training that was scheduled from 9 to 6. We had some really cool activities, but also the big activity that is just like one big intervention. Its called the privilege walk. It lasted like three hours, but the first part lasted only about ten minutes. The last two and ahalf hours was emotionally draining for everyone. Everyone sat in a circle and one by one shared the most deepest darkest secrets if they wanted to or something that has been on their chest for a very long time. I don’t think I will every experience anything ever like it again. Just cannot describe what it meant.. Just very pure. Afterwards, Beth and I went into the regional campus office building to pick up my new bank info, I was so excited. Anyways, it was my first pay check and very happy for it. Had a great dinner with the team, baked beans, cornbread, bbq chicken, stir fry, stringed beans and tofu. Anyways, tomorrow I have the pack test at 7. Hope I do well.

So I was all pumped this morning ready for the pack test. I was all into the jumping thing with head phones. By the time we got to the b15 building, we had about an hour to kill before my heat was sent to the firefighting briefing. After the briefing, we got ready for the race. Its three miles with a 45 pound pack on your back. You have to complete it in 45 minutes or less and you cannot run. So I was off and I started out good but I struggled to find a pace for my speed walk. About half way I finally got the rhythm going good. I finished with 38 minutes. So I guess I did pretty good. I was happy. Afterwards I took about an hour nap then just chilled with Jesse in the room. Later that night we met Victor and Mercedes at the wolves den to go get pizza at this authentic pizza place in town. DELICIOUS! Later that night I just chilled with Mark and Jessica till I was too tiired to even think. But it was a good day.

Sunday, The day of rest. I finally got the chance to sleep in past 8 for the first time. Around noonish Jesse, Victor and myself decide to take a stroll to the library. We met up with someone we knew and he told us it was closed. Instead we decided to get a snack at a local restaurant. I just had fries and whatever. A couple of rounds of shuffle board and pool helped pass the time before I had to be back for my team gathering. We saw a sick rock band play there, the two guitarists were awesome. Later my team went bowling somewhere in delaware. We had a good time, I played like crap though. We had pizza and decorated our team shirts. We then left withour new shirts and went to play apples to apples in the dinning area for about an hour then went to sleep. Gotta get up early for pt in the morning 5 am..

Monday, probably the most strange day this week. We did an hour of PT starting at six then Curtis and myself made a ton of scrambled eggs for breakfast. After breakfast we had class down at the theater for a bunch of different things. First was just a debriefing from the head of the regional staff, then corps life briefings. We then had a two hour break before we had to be back down their. We then listened to a lecture about drugs and alcohol for two hours. I thought this was pretty entertaining personally. Afterwards we had our roll fair for our permanent teams. Finally the selection for the firefighting was made. I personally thought I wouldn’t make it but guess what? I DID! I was in shock. Afterwards I felt really bad for the people that didn’t make it. I thought some people really really deserved a spot. Anyways after cleaning we had burritos for dinner. Then I played the game ten phases for three hours.

Tuesday was a different day. Much like everyday. Just very different. I had drivers training today! Yay! Its not like what you think. We basically went over the regulations with what Americorps has as rules. For an example, every driver must log in when they drive and log out. It was held in the badgers kitchen. Such a strange place for training. I think it was a good training to keep us entertained. It definitely wasn’t very boring. After the 9-4 training we went to Walmart. I have a feeling I had a good recovery since going their everyday in New Mexico. After Walmart we went to the YMCA in a nearby city. Rachael, John and myself went in the pool for the hour we were their. Just felt amazing. Took all the soreness away. Afterwards, when we got back, Curtis and myself scrambled to make a good dinner. We ended up making a great stir fry. Beth had us do a little bit of hunting to find out our minnie spike. At the end, we discovered we are going Denton Maryland. I’m more than excited for this. We will find out more about this tomorrow. All I know is we will be painting out houses for girl scout camps. Also Denton is in easern Maryland. Gotta get up at 5 for pt tomorrow goodnight!

Today, Wednesday, We had PT this morning, It wasn’t as intense as the ones we had before so it wasn’t too bad. After PT we had a Conflict Resolution class till noon. It was somewhat interesting. Just picture peer counseling jammed into a three hour time period. We then had an hour break before we had our first mini spike briefing. We are going to Denton Maryland, Which is on the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay. Its kind of lower bay area. We will be staying at a lodge with several bedrooms and bathrooms. It will also have a full kitchen. We will be doing various jobs such as painting and pulling weeds. After the briefing we had a formal team meeting at B15. We just talked about team building fundamentals. Later on we had dinner and beth made some amazing veggie ravioly pasta. Later, Some of my friends and myself went to the wolves den just to use the wifi. It was a great feeling. We took the bay road there which has just been opened for the first time since the snow melted. Came back about an hour later and have to get up at five am again for pt on Thursday.

Thursday started off with the exact same PT session we had the day before except with the wolves. After PT we had 30 minutes to get ready to go to the heat center in Aberdeen for CPR and first aid training. I really liked all the training we did. I thought it was very useful. Afterwards I went and ran three miles then made it back just in time for dinner which was very awesome veggie meatloaf. Not exactly sure how it is possible but it was amazing. We then went to Bel Air to play laser tag against Wolf 5. We Didn’t win, just throwing it out there that we were outnumbered by 5 people. When we got back I chilled with some pepes in the dinning room and with Kareem and Diana in the Day room.

So on Friday I got to skip PT because I had to go to tool training in the morning at some place in the hills outside somewhere near the Pennsylvania border. I thought it was pretty cool. Most of the lecture was just safety common sense. After this we headed back to Perry Point and Shawn, Jon and myself just chilled at the Canine which is a restaurant on the other side of the hospital. We then headed over to b15 at regional headquarters and met the campus counselor for corps life class. I thought It was interesting on how it went. It sort of reminded me of Peer counseling. We did a couple of ice breakers. Afterwards, Curtis and myself took our road test with Beth. I felt reallly comfortable behind the wheel of an eleven passenger government van. Just was a little hard for feeling because I was in uniform with my steel toe road mate boots.. I passed with flying colors apparently. I then went for a quick three mile run then had BlTs with Jon and Steve. I cleaned shortly afterwards then played Phase ten with Danielle, RD, Victor, Mike and Ambrosia. I had to leave early because it was getting late and I had to sleep because I have fire fighting PT early in the morning.


Getting ready for the pack test. 45 pounds... 45 minutes and three miles. Thats the cut off.

Pack test briefing with Wildland Fire Fighter directors. Its a fancy conference room.


Some of my team mates. Left Beth, Curtis, Right Shawn and far right steve.


Me in my dorm. This is how I dress nowadays. Just kidding.


My roomate Victor with Jesse's sunglasses on.


I'll leave you with a picture of what we're doing as I published this post. Jesse eating the amazing Chesapeake Bay Sea food. Good stuff!

Americorps NCCC Perry Point, (Dances With Wolves)

So I’m here at Perry Point Maryland and it has been very busy. Well first of all when I arrived I just missed the shuttle to the campus. So I had to wait two hours for the next one. As soon as I got on the bus with all the other corps members everyone was talking to each other. No one hesitated. I probably met at least 50 different people in a span of three hours. We all ate at the fire station together the first night. It was kind of like an introduction of the program. Afterwards we just pretty much got settled in. I was assigned to a very large dorm room with three room mates. DJ, Victor and Jesse. DJ is from the Chicago suburbs, Victor is from Fenton MI and Jesse is from south Florida.

The next morning we all had breakfast at the hall. It was good, we had hash browns, eggs and bacon. We then found out our temporary pods. Which was confusing because our new team leader was not there. We figured everything out then I we started the orientation called “in processing”. Very much like the “hurry up and wait four hours” thing. A lot of paper work and getting fitted for uniforms. After the long day we had dinner back at the hall for one final time. Same thing as the night before, still amazing. So at nightfall, Victor and myself took a trip to the village to go to the wolves den, didn’t realize it was like a mile away. The houses were pretty cool. I was wondering what it would be like to live their for a night. Little did I know I was about to the next night…


DANCES WITH WOLVES
Morning number two day three, Maryland is in the midst of receiving 36 inches of snow. We unofficially called it a snow day. We still did some things, we covered some small stuff that day but had the rest off. We started our first meals together. As a pod, we eat together. So ten people cook and eat breakfast and dinner together generally. So anyways, my roomates Jesse, Victor and myself decide to take a trip to the wolves den in the snow storm. The wolves den is basically the wolves units getaway area and computer lab. We chilled their for a long while. Right before we were about to leave we were told we can’t return to the dorms because the weather was just way too bad and the winds were blowing up to 50 mph. We had to stay with one of the wolves units houses. The difference between what I was used to is that the wolves live in houses when we ravens and badgers live in dorms. I thought this would be quite the experience. I stayed with some people who were pretty cool. We ate dinner then went a crossed the street to play apples to apples. I so happen to know someone from Saginaw MI that lives their so it was interesting. We played what felt like four hours. Then we watched fight club, we tried to finish it but it was already one in the morning and I had to get up early and head back to the dorms. So I danced with the wolves for a night.

In the morning, Thursday, I made it back in time to shower and eat breakfast. Then we ravens had a meeting together, it was good. We went over basic rules. Then as our team we took a little stroll to target in Bell Air. I didn’t get much but a water bottle and a hat. After that, we went to pandara to use the wifi. Pretty chill day it was.

On Friday we had to get up early and head to Omega in Delaware. Physicals… So excited! Not! We were there for about five hours. It was broken down into several sections. The hernia exam, urine exam, hearing test, vision test and the two injections. TB test and the Tetanus shot. I thought it was actually kind of fun because it reminded me of Armageddon when they all went for their shots. That’s kind of how the atmosphere was here.

On Saturday we had our orientation meeting from 9 am to 4 pm. It was pretty much just over the basics and covered everything for the fire fighting program. Really a long day for all that. We also finally got fitted for our road-mate boots too. Mine just fit just right. It was actually pretty funny that night because everyone was so anxious to break them in, everyone wore them with civilian clothing.

On Sunday we finally had an opportunity to receive some ISP hours. ISP hours are hours that you must complete on your own time. So almost everyone had a chance to go and so the advantage was taken. We all shoveled side walks out of four feet of snow in Perryville. We did that all morning and just chilled in the afternoon. Oh yeah, I forgot, it was valentines day.

Monday was a national federal government holiday, so we had the day off for the most part. We just had a short meeting for the units then we had to see our TB results. Everything went fine. Then a bunch of people and myself went to the movies that afternoon. Some saw Avitar, some saw Valentines day, some saw The Olympians and myself and a few others went to see the movie Wolfman. It was a disappointment in my book.

On Tuesday we had a briefing with the American Red Cross. A very looonng meeting! It was from 830 to 430 in the afternoon. Afterwards we had a potluck for our unit. For the next day we are getting our new permanent teams.

Wednesday was a big day. The day of the last of pods and the awaken of the permanent teams. I was pretty sad but deep inside kind of anxious. First though we had a meeting for disaster relief shelter stuff for most of the day. Then we went bzck to the dorms and started to clean because congress was coming on Thursday. Around five oclock we had a ceremony at the fire hall for our team reveal. The way we did it was pretty creative. We had to take a name from the box and find that person and give it to them. Like wise with yourself. Once we have done that there was a song title on the corner of the paper. Mine was “let it be”. But as soon as your song came on , you move to the center of the floor and whoever went there too was on your team. I was pretty excited to see that Rachael and Curtis were on my team. After we got back we had pancakes for dinner then off to clean my room for congress tomorrow.

Yeah, So we Today we got up at 4:50 A.M to get our rooms ready for congress and up for P.T. at six. P.T. wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. It was alright, not too harsh, After P.T we had training in Aberdeen with the red cross for shelter disaster relief training. We did several simulations which had some very intense debates in them as well. My role was to be in charge of feeding the clients. I have learned that it is much harder than it seems and this is just a simulation! We were their from 9-4 pm. Afterwards we had to clean our day room or what we call the “ravens nest”. Then had dinner with my brand new team which Beth made us Curry. Was pretty good. Now I’m sitting here in the wolves den typing this with my buddy Victor.

So just for a recap on a lot of things, I’m having a blast. I love this style of life so far. Everyone is so close its ridiculous. The crazy thing is we only have known each other for a little over a week. So far the best way to describe it here would be like, its like college without the homework. I will miss my pod very much. Which included Jessica, Kareem, Kevin, Mark, Andria, Rachael, Curtis, Kenny, Lia and our TL Beth. We all grown so attached but as part of the training they want us to get flexible and used to change, so we swichted and got our permanent teams. Although they say it might change again. It wouldn’t surprise me. As far as meals go, we eat everything in our raven six refrigerator and cabinet. Each person automatically adds $4.50 for food towards the team. With ten people it adds up so we eat pretty good. So far I had meals such as stir fry, chicken alfrado, curry, tacos, spaghetti, lasagna and pancakes. Generally we have a bunch of kitchens and two teams share a kitchen. Mines awesome because we are right here in front of the dinning room so we get a lot of attention. Well, sorry about the wait I hope I get a chance to update sooner this time. I will leave you with some pictures that I have gathered over the last week or so.
Catch ya later!








Someone used to much soap!

The final push.

the blood being extracted from the center of my body and sent out to my extremities. Sorry about the delay, I’ve been pretty busy lately, I’m currently on a my flight from denver to baltimore to end the long process of the suspenseful anticipations. Wow, what a weekend, I did so much, I went to the market in bosque farms on on Saturday morning then I got fitted for my tux. After that, malled it up for a bit, then Molly’s, Amandas then finally jacksons for the fights. Sunday was mostly finalizing the last bits and putting all the puzzle pieces together. Oh forgot a minor detail, the superbowl. Which I may add I’m highly satisfied with the results.

At the market, learning the ropes of bargaining.

I booked it when I arrived in denver to catch this flight. Now its all so hard to bare to stand just to sit here and feel so mixed. I love it! Its all over, finally the process is all over. What a relief, Its safe to say we’re here. The end is finally here… The end? What am I talking about, This is only the beginning….

Preparing for the world episode 3 (The Walmart Invasion).

Sunrise, gaze second to last before I leave. Saturday, for tis no other like it. Walmart, forget I will never.

Alright, I'll cut the crap. I've been pretty busy the last couple of days. A lot of organizing and thinking. On Thursday I didn't really go anywhere except when I ran in the morning. I have improved my time to about 20 minutes for three miles. Also another dog followed me to the house. This time a little Shih Tzu. After I ran did a "practice Pack". Everything fits nice and easy, no problems whatsoever but the weight may possibly be an issue. My bag came out to be 50 pounds even. Thats the number that borders free and not free. So I will take some dense items and put them in my carry on. I then tested out my space bags, they work great if you put pressure on them. On Friday(yesterday)I took a trip to Walmart and got the last things I'll need for the expedition. Hopefully this will be the last time I will have to deal with Walmart for at least a week. If Sam Walton was so genius, Why couldn't he come up with a more creative name? I know he started out small and everything but still... All he did was take the first three letters of his last name and added "mart" at the end. If that was me it would be "Hagmart". Now doesn't that sound attractive? "Hey Billy, I'm going to Hagmart, need anything?" or "Need butter? Come on down to Hagmart! All butter is 50% off!" ... Yeah I think not. Anyways, back on track, so then I ran for the last time. I got hunted down this time by a jack rabbit. Yep, it was the size of a large toy dog. After I ran I did my last load of laundry. Later on Noah, Andrew and myself saw a movie. Now here I am.

Twin size blanket and three hoodies in space bags.

So tomorrow I will try to post something. Hopefully I will have time. Just for the record, Baltimore just got like two feet of snow. This should be fun flying in. We're so close now I can almost smell it. Well see you at my next update.

Preparing for the world episode 2

We are now in the heart of preparation. Only 5 days left until departure. Things for me seem relaxed... It kind of worries me. Should I be this laid back? Or am I just so used to traveling around and packing that it just doesn't bother me anymore. I'm sure my blood will start pumping as the shadows of the clock creeps closer to showtime. I've gotten a lot done the last three days. I also did a lot of research about what I must do when I leave here and head to Denver.

First things first, I realize time is not stopping to give me a break as usual. Time is and will be working against me probably till I hop in that van and get shipped off to campus. I have been keeping up my running and slowly improving my time down. On Tuesday, I went shopping for clothing accessories. It is important for my packing strategies is to leave it in the packages. I do this because it will save me much needed space, its very hard to get things in packages the way they were before you opened them. So I figure why take them out if it will just waste space? So that is what I will be doing, packing 50% of unopened clothing products, such as, socks, undershirts, boxers and etc. Then today, Wednesday, I ran this morning in the rain, which felt amazing may I add. Shortly as I left the house this dog was running after me. I immediately thought "oh man! this isn't gonna end well". Then she was all happy and everything, She joined me for my 3 mile run. When I got back to the house, come to find out her name was Paige. There was a number on her tag and I went inside to grab the phone to call the number and she was gone. Shortly later Molly and I went to this place again, Walmart. The greatest place on this planet... NOT. It's just a matter of time before Walmart and Mcdonalds come together to run the country... Anyways, sorry for showing my affection for this store of beauty. Today I got some travel size stuff so I can pack light and use it for a while when I'm at campus. I will then buy the regular size stuff once I get into the belly of the beast. I also bought a laundry bag and some space bags. I hope they come in handy. Just for the record, the things we will be wearing the most, they will provide. The Americorps vintage T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, vest, coat, black cargo pants, khaki pants, shorts, white polo and steel toe boots. What on earth is a parka? I guess we get one of those too... oh and a rugby shirt? Some things I'm sure I would love to add to the prestigious Nick Hagerl wardrobe.

I have been looking at my flight itinerary lately as well. I noticed that I don't have very long layover in Denver. Once again, the clock will be working against me. I will have about 40 minutes to get to my next gate IF I land on time. That may seem a lot of time but from my past experiences, I know that is very short. I figure about 10-15 minutes from landing to get to the gate. Another 15 minutes to get off the plane(also depending on where your seat is). Then about an average of another 15 minutes to hunt down and reach your next gate. So its going to be a hustle for me. Even though they may have SOME tolerance for late people, I know my chances could be slim. If all goes well and I do make it on time, I know my bags will be running slow and most likely won't make it. So I'm going to pack two days worth of clothing in my carry-on. I think that is all I can do to help this situation. I may print out a map of the Denver airport as well. I must know exactly where every thing is when it comes to crunch time. Very little time can be wasted.

Well, that's all for now. Big couple days ahead, along with the weekend. Should be good. I will leave you with a photo of my suit case. I will probably leave a post on Friday or Saturday, Depends. See you then!

My new 31 inch suit case with some things I will pack as is.