21 and 22nd June

June 21
Today was the gas chamber... I was pretty excited about it until it happened. They marched us out to the gas chamber and gave us a briefing on what would happen. They told us to put our gas masks on and then we stood outside in the heat waiting to go in. Let me just say that gas masks aren't very comfortable and they make you sweat a whole lot. When it was finally my turn they took us in in a group of about 12 people. At first it wasn't that bad, my hands and neck were just burning a little. But after a second they made us to some jumping jacks and after that it felt like my skin was on fire. After that we had to grab the shoulder of the person in front of us and take off our masks. I tried to hold my breath at first but they made us recite the soldier's creed and as soon as I took my first breath it felt like my lungs were on fire. My eyes were burning and I couldn't do anything but cough. Without exaggeration there was a period of about 10 seconds I seriously thought I was going to die. Immediately after that I thought about pushing the drill sergeant by the door and getting out of there. I don't think I've ever gone through something so miserable. Once they finally opened the door I felt like I couldn't get out fast enough. Once I felt the fresh air it was a little better but I still couldn't breath very well. I had snot all over my face and my eyes were bright red and watering. I'm sure I looked good. Looking back on it it was a cool experience but it sucked and I never want to do it again. It was the worst. After everyone got done they two volunteers from each group to go back in and see who could last the longest. The two from our platoon won with almost 5 minutes so we get some kind of reward. But we don't know what it is yet. Hopefully I get to call you!
June 22
Happy birthday to me! I got your mom's card today. She said everyone was headed to Disneyland and for the life of me I can't remember if you decided to go or not. Either way I hope you're safe and happy. I'm so happy your cancer is gone! I know it was painful but I'm glad we got it taken care of. I'm pray8ing that the other places will be ok, too. It's a good thing you're tough. Ever since the gas chamber I've felt like I'm getting a cold. I hope it gets better soon. Today was a pretty mellow day until someone fell asleep during one of our classes and we got smoked hard for about 30 minutes. It's annoying when we all suffer for one person but at the same time there's no sense in getting mad about it because we all mess up. Oh by the way I did treat myself to an ice cream sandwich and the platoon sang happy birthday to me so it was kind of a party. Except we had to do pushups right after. I hope that makes you happy. Well babe, I need to get some sleep. I love you and miss you both tons!