Cat Keys / Jamie

Day 92, 6thVocational Training Day------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I really do have a lot to write about but I've been replying to emails all evening, it's getting late, and it's very cold in the study and I'm not very comfortable so I'll keep it short and sweet. Today, HER went to a Caterpillar (a.k.a. Cat) parts and sales store and all the students got a chance to see all the different variety of equipment that we don't have on base. I was able to name all of them and I was pretty proud of myself because I couldn't have done it a few weeks ago. I also learned the difference between a backhoe, bulldozer, and a front loader (I thought a bulldozer and a front loader were the same thing, oops) Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed with all the things I don't know, but I'm learning.

I also got my own pair of Cat keys today, I'm pretty excited. I got a Cat key and a master switch key. The master switch I think basically turns on all your electricity to your machine, and the Cat key is what you need to start your engine. One isn't good without the other. A Cat and a master switch key will work on any Caterpillar machinery, I haven't come across one or heard of one that it won't work on. All the locks are default. I could go to any construction site, jump in a piece of equipment, and have drive away using these keys (not that I would try even if I could somehow get away).

Anyway, Job Corps doesn't supply keys and I had to buy them myself but I couldn't think of the next time I would get the opportunity so I took it. Only $5.13. Yes, that's five dollars and thirteen sense, I was surprised too. :) I feel pretty independent and I had a pretty good day.


I've been trying to keep Jamie focused on his studies because he's always trying to skip school and go to the dorms or trade. He has a hard time in Highschool. He says he can't focus and it gives him headaches. I've been trying to do some research on it but I can't find anything, any possible brain or chemical dysfunctions, that would cause that. So I decided maybe he's just the typical young adult that hates school. All they ever do is sit at a computer all day and answer multiple choice questions anyway. All of it, besides math, is reading and comprehension. Jamie doesn't like to work inside or read because it requires sitting still. So I've been trying to motivate him as much as I can and know how. I figure it's the least I could do since he invited me to Thanksgiving and he's been a really good friend to me.

I've learned a lot about him. We have a lot of the same interests as far as redneck sports and activities go. But our personalities are pretty opposite. I enjoy curling up and reading a book and he can't sit still for a minute. I like to research things before I jump into them, and he likes going straight ahead. Of course, I don't mind doing any of that either. In fact, being and Aries, I LOVE adventure. But at Job Corps I have to be a little cautious. I really like spending time with him. His company is comforting and reminds me a lot of the friends back home and the life I used to have. I feel a little less strange to this place. I'm really glad we're friends.