<p>There's a ton of new stuff re: R-Day on the USMA website, including a good map and an FAQ for R-DAY (where to park, bus schedules, etc.). Also a Parent's Almanac, etc.</p>
<p>My son got a haircut today in preparation for R-Day - haircut is probably an understatement. Good to see that he'll be able to save his pay by not having to buy shampoo. He's also loaded his backpack with two 25 pound weights and has been doing 5 mile hikes, with some altitude, every day this past week. I went for a run with him - I do 10 minute miles - and he was running in front of me backwards faster than I run forward. At mile 3 of the 4 mile run he asked if he could go ahead home - for every block I did, he did two. I now have incentive to do more training and run the West Point 10K in August.</p>
<p>"My son got a haircut today in preparation for R-Day"</p>
<p>At sls, my squad leader told us it wasn't a good idea to get a hair cut before r-day and that he even grew his hair out. He told us that it said not to cut your hair in the packet they give you. This could have changed though..</p>
<p>I tend to wonder WHY one would get their hair cut KNOWING that no matter what (unless you are totally bald) it will be shaved anyway. So my question is WHY did he get a hair cut?</p>
<p>I think he just wanted a headstart in getting used to it. And he probably also figured that there wouldn't be much for the Army barber to botch.</p>
<p>I got my haircut as well--don't want the Army barbers touching it! It's quite short now, but I like it. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, I pulled my hip flexor in a random game of football two days ago. I've gone to physical therapy every day, have been eating ibuprofen like candy, and icing. Can't run at all this week. </p>
<p>I think my favorite part of the FAQs was what "Beast Barracks" referred to. The answer: "An affectionate term for Cadet Basic Training." Affectionate?! AFFECTIONATE?! Hah!</p>
<p>You were playing...FOOTBALL...a week before R day? >< Try to take care of yourself before heading out - after all you've been through, you don't want to get disqualified by DODMERB on arrival.</p>
<p>I get nervous just watching my daughter walk out the door this week to shop! Everyone be carefull!!!!!
Daughter says her hair is just where she wants it now---when down it just goes to the bottom of her collar and it's still long enuf to pull into a quick bun.</p>
<p>What a coincidence! My son's hair is just where he wants it now too ---when down it just touches the bottom of his collar and it's still long enough to pull into a quick bun.</p>
<p>Just kidding ! Couldn't help myself.</p>
<p>Hope you have a great trip to West Point this weekend.</p>
<p>If you want to "hook up" with us on R-day ( or deliberately avoid us) we'll be the family wearing jeans and cowboy hats, struming country western tunes on the gee-tars strung over our shoulder. By the way, tossing a few coins in the guitar case would be most appreciated.</p>
<p>Ah yes, football the week before R-Day. And don't forget the two encounters with the dedicated members of the Birmingham City Police Force, as well as my very-near-death encounter with two fully load semi-automatic guns... That was an interesting night.</p>
<p>I'll be the guy with the Back to Back National Championship USC hat :)
although my wife tells me I had better have a couple of Black Knight buttons attached that day! Will look for you cowboys! Have a safe trip!</p>
<p>My goal for the first few months (besides surviving) is to still be able to fit into my favorite jeans. So I'm wearing them to R-Day--plus, as promised--flip flops. I'll change into the Oxfords during my 90 second goodbye.</p>
<p>Aspen, if you know any good songs on that guitar, I'll dance with your son.</p>
<p>I would imagine that gaining weight during Beast is highly unlikely. Hang tough, and make sure you are getting ENOUGH calories. You'll be burning them pretty fast! Good luck to you!</p>