Day 2:

I suppose that the higher-ups at NASA decided that the most effective way to indoctrinate NASA's future managers is to, for two weeks, 1) put them out in some remote, almost-obsolete military base and isolate them from any semblance of civilization, 2) innudate them with information, and 3) force them to live, eat, study, socialize together so that, in misery, esprit de corp is fostered?

I am in Room 320 of Building F-5, a old, two-story, white-paint, Navy barrack remodeled to resemble a hotel. The room is small but the furnishing is comfortable with one glaring omission: no TV. Not that it matters because we're so far from any city for any radio or TV signal to get to us. I count myself lucky to have my own bathroom, because only a few years ago, attendees for this class actually shared bathroom. Another good thing: The gym is a 2-minutes walk away which is great because I can work out twice a day (cardio in the morning and weight in the afternoon).

Breakfast (with everyone) is at 7:30am in the cafeteria, also walking distance from the barrack. Class is held in an old military administrative building and starts at 8am. Lunch, with everyone, is 12 to 1. Afternoon classes run from 1-5. We get 1.5 hour of free time (workout for me) and then back together at 6:30 for dinner. The evening session starts at 7:30 and runs until 9pm. By this time, everyone is so over-loaded with information and all they want to do is head to the community lounge to drink, play pool, play ping-pong or just vegetate. I don't drink so I am left to knocking down some ginger ale or Gatorade...If you're not up to speed with the material presented during the day, then this is the time for tutoring sessions because there is a test at the end of the course...

Rumor has it that a Super Wal-mart is 15 miles up the road but other than that, there is nothing but scattered, small farm communities, anchored by antique churches. Can't wait 'til the weekend when we get to venture out and check out some wild ponies (don't laugh, it's a big deal around here?)