Day 2

Again, another early morning, but this time we made it to breakfast and with some stumbles I finally discovered how the breakfast ordeal worked. This time I sat with all girls, and realized now why I sat with men. These girls were mean and making fun of other girls as they walked by. I decided I was not going to be sucked into this group and excused myself to go on a walk. I didn't want to fill my new slate with the clique that feels superior by making others feel vulnerable.

We started our second day of orientation with 3 hours of lectures, very similar to the other day. I've heard from other CIA students orientation is the hardest part, and I really hope so because this is getting ridiculous. The information is important but I am exhausted emotionally, physically, and socially at the point and I need some down time.

We go to lunch for another fabulous meal and this time lunch was rather enjoyable. Not only did I have to bring up icebreakers at a medium but I was completely consumed by the conversation and couldn't get a word in edge wise. (Again, no familiar faces and all men). This group however was much older than all the previous groups. Before I had been sitting with about 4 boys my own age and one much older, and while I would speak to the boys my own age I would feel isolated in that I felt centuries old, and if I would speak to the lone older person I would feel centuries younger. This time I was surrounded by an entire table of a much older crowd and I felt like I found my niche. It was a good lunch.

We returned yet again for hours of lecture, one of which was a question and answer session with the President of the CIA and I thoroughly enjoyed that seminar. At the end of a painstakingly long orientation process we finally got our schedules and cooking supplies. I have beautiful new books that I cannot wait to read, a new complete knife set, whisks, thermometers, measuring spoons, pastry knives, and so much more. I completely ditched all my fear and felt like it was the first day of school. I compared my schedule to new found friends and organized my knife kit the exact way I wanted it. That night at dinner I sat with a mixed group with a few familiar faces and had a wonderful time. I think today I've met 3 solid friends. My schedule tomorrow doesn't start until 4 so I plan on sleeping in and doing what I want to do. So far, life's good