OK, I joined the Army because I don't like dressing up (among the many, MANY other reasons). But now, they want us to get into our dress uniforms once a month and wear them all day. Another one of the pitfalls of losing weight--alterations. I'm wearing a smaller shirt than I did for my official photo in May and my jacket is getting looser in the bust (again).
Problems I'll need to get solved because October (for me) starts board season!.... What is this? In my job field, we have annual boards where we have to take a physical fitness test in the morning, then a written test on the aspects of our job in the afternoon. The next day, we get into the full Monkey Suit and appear before a panel of Command Sergeants Major where they ask us questions about everything from how to process a Soldier for reenlistment to current events. We're judged based on our appearance (how awesome we look in the uniform, as well as if the uniform is being worn correctly and if there is the right amount of space between the badges and the ribbons, that sort of thing), our military bearing (how we answer questions, project our confidence to the board, our ability to stay professional), and our knowledge. After that, the scores from all three events are added and a winner is announced.
Does this sound fun? Well, no. This will be the first time I've competed since I got into this particular job five years ago. And I may be doing this THREE times before Christmas! The installation that I'm assigned to has a board in 20 days. My immediate command has a board in November to determine who gets to go to the big command board in December. In the event I make it to the board in December and win, I will compete in the All-Army board hosted in Washington, DC that usually takes place in April.
I didn't make the promotion list that came out yesterday and I have one more shot. These are the things that set me apart from my peers and scream to the Army, "Notice me! I'm awesome and need to get promoted!" However, they are nerve wracking!
So, another reason to keep plugging on this Diet Bet: I need to get my physical fitness score high and look good in my uniform. Hope the stress of studying and getting ready doesn't have the opposite effect on my weight loss.
Have a great Friday everyone! Stay motivated!