When in Rome... for the 2nd week. They shipped my buddies out to Vermont on Tuesday and I had the privilege of sleeping in Tuesday and moseying into the hangar mid morning. My plane was covered in frost just outside the huge rolling doors, undoubtedly the first frost since I have been here. The most content moment I have felt in a long time was pulling MY airplane into a warm empty hangar and having all the tools and cleaning supplies I could possibly need to perfect this awesome machine. I felt like Jacquelyn Cochran, WWII mother of the female frontier and most prestigious aviatrix I have had the privilege to learn about. I filled the tires, washed the windows and wiped down the entire skin of the plane while performing a thurough preflight. I dont even trust the best of mechanics. The tiniest knick in the wrong place could me disaster. lucky for me, this thing is one giant paint chip, but its mine, so im happy the inside looked as if someone decided to do a barrel roll with a full cup of coffee but it was easy enough to tidy up and when my favorite song by The Band Perry came on over head, I was ALLLLLLL smiles!

After the spark of cleaning her up died, now I was bored again, anxious to fly, and so it was done... with about 5 ground reboots and two in-air reboots. the stupid camera computer hates me! the first flight was a wash but the next day was a sheer success. I flew my first complete control field on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday consisted of me staring at my awesome wooden hotel walls, rerun after rerun of House, CSI and family guy played over and over on my TV, but chatting with my friends and family definitely cheered me up. I was ever so bold as to start my spanish lessons with Rosetta Stone, read my new Kindle and work out everyday.

This past week also marked the end of the most beautiful life I have ever known. Bob Koch passed away from cancer. He always called me Superstar and I always called him My #1 fan. he was my second father and my mothers very best friend. Thanks to him I was able to finish college and persue my dream of flying. I love you #1. I will always tip my winds to the sky for you.

I think the person I miss the most this week is my baby sister Brittany. I didnt get to go to one of her swim meets this season, but I know shes doing great. Im so proud of her for pursuing a career as a firefighter medic. Shes only a junior in high school and already taking credits for college. SHE is my next goal. I will get her through college even if it kills me. I love you sissy.

Tomorrow is a new day and I think its going to start picking up around here. another person joined me and the other straggling pilot they left behind tonight, her name is Kim and she is a real sweetheart. Weather pending, we will start three projects tomorrow in the area. My collegue from EMU will be passing by as well. Nate is gonna stop by for dinner! It will be super nice to see a familiar face. and now the fun starts!!

Im off to study the airspace and review the projects for tomorrow! keep your fingers crossed for some high clouds and calm winds. I love and miss you all!!

TTFN! tata for now! Love, Aubs.